Last Gun Alchemist

"You can leave now, except for Ezra Ashenlocke."

Aldric said it calmly.

Veda, Starke, and the rest of the students who had been called forward gave slight bows before turning around and leaving the area. Their footsteps gradually mixed with the sound of conversations from the main hall as they returned to the other members of the Golden Circle.

Soon, only Ezra remained with the Third Prince and his close followers.

The atmosphere around them became noticeably quieter.

Ezra stood calmly, his glass of fruit wine still in one hand, while Aldric watched him for a few seconds as if deciding where to begin.

"Ezra Ashenlocke..."

The Third Prince finally spoke.

His golden eyes rested on Ezra with a curious look.

"What do you think about your Young Lord and the Drakes Mainline’s decision?"

He asked calmly.

Ezra didn’t need much time to think.

"If I look at it from their view..."

He replied without hesitation.

"Prince Charles is a respectable classmate. Many first-years like him, and he does have the makings of a leader, so I understand why they would choose him."

Ezra paused briefly.

His eyes shifted toward Charles, who had already left with the other students.

"Their decision also mainly comes from the fact that Prince Charles is a Prince."

His voice remained plain.

"But..."

Ezra lowered his glass slightly.

"From my own view, the representatives that will come from the other Factions will most likely be students who rank within the top fifteen spots of the Academy ranking."

He looked directly at Aldric.

"So, you are telling me Prince Charles will not rank amongst the top fifteen?"

A third-year male student standing close to Aldric asked.

He was one of Prince Aldric’s followers, and his expression had become more serious after hearing Ezra’s assessment.

"The possibility is high."

Ezra answered flatly.

There was no hesitation in his voice.

The third-year frowned slightly, but before he could respond, Aldric spoke.

"He’s right."

The Third Prince’s expression remained calm.

"That is what makes the decision to support him a bad one."

A female third-year follower of Aldric shook her head.

"If Charles doesn’t rank high enough, then even if he receives the support of the Golden Circle first-years, while the other Factions chooses representatives who are much stronger candidates..."

"Let’s forget about that for now."

Aldric raised one hand, stopping the conversation before it could continue.

His followers quieted.

"Ezra Ashenlocke."

Aldric looked back toward him.

"Although a lot of people from my side, and even people from your side, don’t like your careless decision not to sign a contract with a good company like The Eclipse, which ended up buying all the rights to your invention..."

He paused.

His gaze remained steady.

"I believe you did it for a reason."

Aldric pointed toward Ezra.

"I don’t know what that reason is, but if you ever need anything, remember the motto and goals of this Faction."

His expression became more serious.

"So, make connections, and reach back to me if you need any help."

Ezra listened quietly.

He understood what Aldric was offering.

It wasn’t simply an empty statement from a Prince.

Aldric was telling him that if Ezra needed support in the future, he could use the connections of the Golden Circle and, more importantly, reach directly toward one of its highest-ranking members.

A Prince at that.

Aldric then snapped his fingers.

Snap.

The female third-year standing to his right immediately stepped forward.

She carried a small notebook and a Paper Quill-pen in her hands.

She opened the notebook and held it toward Ezra.

"Write your contact."

She said.

Ezra accepted the notebook and glanced down at the other names already written across the pages.

There were several contacts listed there.

Every name belonging to first-years, the prince sees as promising.

Ezra didn’t ask questions.

He simply took the Paper Quill-pen and wrote down his contact information.

Once he finished, he handed the notebook back to the female third-year.

"Thank you."

Ezra said in a polite, plain tone.

He then gave Aldric a respectful bow.

"Your Highness."

After that, he turned around and left.

His footsteps carried him away from the small gathering as he returned toward the main hall where he had left Lucy and the others.

Aldric watched Ezra leave.

For a few moments, none of his followers spoke.

Then a male follower leaned closer to Aldric’s ear.

"Your Highness."

His voice dropped into a whisper.

"Do you think the Young Lord of Ash and Starke Drakes are aligning with Prince Charles?"

He asked.

Aldric remained calm.

"Starke is a Drakes."

He replied.

"And I’m very sure Drax would already be on his neck for joining a different Faction instead of the Iron Vanguard, which he is the Faction Head of. Not to even mention walking with an Ashenlocke."

The male follower nodded slightly.

"They are supporting him because of friendship and respect?"

"That is my belief."

Aldric answered casually.

"They don’t appear to be making any political moves. At least, not yet."

The female follower added her own thoughts.

"That was my main thought too, since I’ve noticed the three of them becoming close lately, even during club activities."

She paused.

"But could it be that Charles is already making his move toward that?"

The question caused Aldric’s expression to change slightly.

"No..."

He muttered.

His eyes moved toward the direction Charles had left.

Mother made all of us sign an Alchemy Blood Contract to keep quiet about that issue until we all finish our academic life. Only then can we begin acting.

And knowing him...

Charles would never disobey Mother.

So, it means he’s just making silent preparations, just like the rest of us.

A faint smile appeared on Aldric’s face.

He really wants to go against us, huh?

***

Ezra made his way back toward the place where he had left Lucy.

The mansion hall had become even livelier while he was away.

The music had returned to its earlier volume, and conversations filled almost every corner of the large room. Students from different years had gathered into their own groups, while servants continued moving between them with trays of drinks and food.

Ezra reached into his Space Bag and took out his Starlix 11, because he wanted to check the time.

He tapped the screen lightly.

The display appeared.

Before he could check the time properly, a notification appeared.

Ezra’s eyes moved toward it.

It was from Cyrus.

Curious.

Ezra tapped the notification.

The Starlix immediately opened his chat room with Cyrus.

A new message was waiting.

’I can’t believe I’m stuck with the most annoying set of ladies you will ever meet in the world.’

Flame_00

An image was attached beneath the message.

Ezra narrowed his eyes slightly as he opened the picture.

The image showed Cyrus standing in the middle of a group.

Sasha had one arm around him and held him close to her cheek, while Cyrus smiled calmly toward the camera and raised his index and middle fingers in a casual pose.

Selena stood behind them.

She waved lightly toward the camera with her usual elegant smile.

Vera was also standing behind Cyrus.

Her expression was plain as usual, but there was a faint smile on her face that looked almost like the professional smile of a model posing for a photograph.

Diane stood behind Vera, resting her head against her shoulder.

She was sleeping.

Even while asleep, Diane somehow managed to look peaceful and beautiful.

Ezra stared at the picture for a moment.

Then he decided to reply.

He tapped the message box.

’You seem to be enjoying yourself.’

Ezra_Ashenlocke

He clicked send.

The message was delivered.

It didn’t take long before Cyrus replied.

’Send yours.’

Flame_00

Another message immediately followed.

’Acting like you aren’t getting surrounded by peaceful ladies.’

Flame_00

Ezra stared at the messages plainly.

He didn’t care about sending a picture to prove anything to Cyrus.

Plus, he wasn’t a fan of taking pictures.

Still, before he could reply, Ezra finally reached the place where he had left Lucy, Nickolas, Tracy, Linda, and Cole.

He stopped.

There were already several students from different years waiting around them.

Most of them were girls.

The moment Ezra arrived, their attention shifted toward him.

Several stepped closer.

"Ezra Ashenlocke."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Are you engaged?"

"Is it true that you are only a Business partner to Lady Vera?"

"Can you please consider replying to the letter I sent to your mail."

Questions and conversations came from different directions.

Ezra answered the ones that actually required an answer while ignoring the ones that were simply repeated versions of questions he had already answered before.

Lucy remained nearby, watching the students surrounding her master.

Time slowly passed.

The gathering continued around them, and Ezra remained in conversation with different students for quite some time.

Then...

Vibration.

His Starlix vibrated.

Ezra glanced down.

Another notification appeared.

Then another.

And another.

Several messages had arrived in quick succession.

Ezra finally stepped away from the crowd so he could check them properly.

Lucy followed him immediately.

Ezra unlocked the Starlix.

The messages were from Cyrus.

’Send.’

Flame_00

Another appeared.

’Send.’

Flame_00

Then another.

’Send.’

Flame_00

And another.

’Send.’

Flame_00

Ezra narrowed his eyes.

He’s really persistent.

Before Ezra could switch off his Starlix 11 and place it back into his space bag, an arm suddenly dropped over his shoulder.

"There you are, Ezra."

Veda’s excited voice came from beside him.

"I was looking for you, and Nickolas pointed me here."

Veda grinned as he looked at Ezra.

Then his eyes dropped toward the Starlix screen.

He noticed the conversation with Cyrus.

Ezra didn’t react to his sudden appearance.

Veda read the messages for a moment.

Then a teasing smile appeared on his face.

"Come on."

He looked at Ezra.

"Let’s send him a picture. Isn’t that what he’s asking for?"

"No."

Ezra replied immediately.

He saw no reason to send Cyrus a picture simply because he had asked for one several times.

Veda waved his index finger.

"No to you, Sir..."

Before Ezra could react, Veda reached over and took the Starlix from his hand.

Lucy immediately moved closer.

Her eyes lit up with excitement.

"Nice move, Young Lord."

She said with a pleased smile.

Ezra glanced at her and raised an eyebrow.

He seemed to be asking what she was even doing.

Veda opened the camera application.

Snap.

The camera took the picture.

Veda and Lucy immediately leaned closer to look at the result.

Lucy studied the picture carefully.

"Hmm..."

She looked at Ezra.

"Master, you should have smiled."

She pointed at him accusingly.

Ezra narrowed his eyes on her.

Lucy immediately looked away.

"Even though you looked charming."

She added.

Her voice became quieter as she avoided his gaze.

"And send."

Veda tapped the send button.

The picture went straight to Cyrus.

It didn’t take long before a new image arrived.

Cyrus had sent another picture.

This time, it was a different side of their Faction’s mansion hall of him standing beside the same ladies, posing for the camera as if he had decided to answer their picture with one of his own.

Veda smiled.

"Hehe..."

He looked at the screen.

"Let’s take more."

His expression had become bright with excitement.

"Not fair!"

Nickolas pointed at Veda, after making his way out of the crowd to their side.

"I also want to take pictures with you guys."

Linda walked toward them with her arms folded.

"Shut up and join if you want to take a picture."

She said harshly.

Then her expression softened slightly as she looked toward the others.

"Let’s all take a picture together."

She said more gently.

"Yeah..."

Tracy joined them with a cheerful smile.

"Let the group take a picture."

The suggestion quickly turned into an actual gathering.

Nickolas moved closer.

Lucy stood beside Ezra.

Tracy and Linda joined them.

Veda positioned himself in front.

Cole and Tracy’s attendant also came over and stood with the group.

Even though the mansion remained crowded with hundreds of other students, the group gathered together as if they had temporarily forgotten about the rest of the party.

Veda lifted the Starlix.

Everyone began adjusting their positions.

Some straightened their clothes.

Others fixed their hair.

Lucy moved closer to Ezra.

"Master, smile."

She said, puffing out her cheeks slightly.

Ezra looked at her.

"No."

"Yes."

Lucy replied immediately.

Linda joined in.

"Yes, Ezra. Smile."

Tracy also spoke.

"Come on, Ezra."

Veda grinned while holding the Starlix higher.

"Give us a smile, Ezra."

Nickolas shrugged.

"Maybe it’s because he knows he would look ugly if he smiles. That’s why."

Ezra slowly looked toward Nickolas with his plain black eyes.

Nickolas immediately stopped smiling for a second.

Then he gave an awkward grin.

The others laughed.

Ezra looked at every one of them.

Lucy was still waiting.

Linda was still waiting.

Tracy was waiting.

Veda had the camera ready.

Nickolas was trying not to laugh.

Even Cole seemed to be holding back a smile.

They had all decided that getting Ezra to smile was somehow more important than the picture itself.

Ezra finally sighed.

"Fine."

He replied.

He only wanted them to stop talking.

"Yeah!"

Everyone cheered as if they had just won something important.

Veda immediately raised the Starlix higher.

"Alright, everyone. Smile!"

Everyone turned toward the camera.

For a brief moment, the group stood together.

Snap.

The picture was taken.

And just like that, the Golden Circle Welcome Party gained one more memory that would remain inside the Starlix of one very reluctant Ezra Ashenlocke.

That’s if he doesn’t decide to delete though.

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