Gun of Ashes

Finally, Lorenzo boarded the departing train under the watchful eyes of Oscar and Selyu. The whistle sounded melodious, steam billowed, accompanied by the clank of machinery as the heavy carriage was gradually dragged along until it galloped like a beast on the tracks.

Dust carried by the wind seeped through the window gaps, gently striking Lorenzo’s cheeks.

Lorenzo rarely felt so tranquil, gazing at the steel city receding into the distance, overwhelmed by emotions that were difficult to articulate.

How long had it been since he last left Old Dunling?

Unwittingly, this city had become Lorenzo’s fortress, but also his cage.

He hummed a familiar tune, enjoying this relatively pleasant moment as sunlight poured in. Lorenzo leaned against the case of a violin, his gray-blue eyes tinged with a hint of confusion, giving him a slight air of an artist at that moment.

Yet this melancholic youth did not last long. Lorenzo glanced around his compartment, a luxurious suite meant only for him, with seats so wide he could lie down to sleep. Nearby was a cabinet stocked with alcohol, and the clattering of glass cups echoed crisply due to the carriage’s vibrations.

This time Lorenzo had official backing, qualifying him as an Imperial Envoy, with privileges significantly enhanced as a result.

Lorenzo still recalled his first journey to Gaulunaro in search of Selyu, looking every bit like a vagabond, having to handle everything himself, even snatching the return ticket money from a passerby.

Thankfully, Selyu was quite short at the time, though still not very tall now. That time, Lorenzo learned of the train’s child fare policy.

Thanks to this rule, it saved a potential victim from being robbed by Lorenzo.

Casually grabbing a bottle of liquor, with a long journey still ahead to Reindona’s port, Lorenzo used his strong teeth to bite open the bottle and downed the drink in one hand.

This was indeed a carefree life, but just as it began, the compartment door was pushed open.

”Hey, Bola! Want a bottle?”

Lorenzo was not surprised by Bola’s arrival; Oscar and others had warned him beforehand. From Bola’s serious expression, it was clear the detailed work procedure was about to be introduced.

He was a meticulous individual, whose presence as a gang leader emanated authority. Arthur always groomed Bola as a successor, more reliable than the other unpredictable guys, Bola was forever the most trustworthy.

”Rather than these, let’s resolve these affairs before arriving at Reindona port... you might be quite busy.”

Bola didn’t bother to criticize Lorenzo’s casual demeanor; he knew it would be pointless, preferring to handle the tasks first.

”There have been some issues with this job, Lorenzo.”

”What issues.”

Lorenzo immediately stood up and asked, sensing something amiss.

Not sooner, nor later, but informing him only after he started his journey, Lorenzo stared at Bola, who returned the gaze unflinchingly, his expression saying ”I’m just a worker; this is none of my business.”

”You’re not the only one on this mission. The Viking nations strongly demanded to dispatch personnel to accompany you. They want to verify the action personally.”

Bola spoke slowly, and simultaneously, the door was pushed open again. A familiar Viking entered.

”Hello, Mr. Holmes.”

Hebdo smiled at Lorenzo, whose expression immediately turned grim.

”Acting alone and with a group are completely different concepts, Bola.”

Lorenzo possessed strong solo combat abilities, but only when there were no teammates requiring protection, otherwise he would slow down.

”Rest assured, I won’t interfere with your actions; I just need to confirm Ivar’s survival personally.”

”I believe the first part, but the second seems questionable, doesn’t it?”

Though he had drunk, the alcohol barely affected Lorenzo; he remained sober and rational.

From the alliance between Viking nations and Ingwig to the King of the Ice Sea’s relentless efforts to save Ivar, Lorenzo had long sensed something ominous. As the leader of the nations, Ragnar Rodbrock wouldn’t make such foolish decisions.

Unless... these were merely a façade, with an ulterior, undisclosed motive.

”You can completely ignore my presence; we don’t even need to act together.” Hebdo said.

Lorenzo did not answer but looked at Bola, unsure of the Purification Mechanism’s stance. They were probably not foolish enough to let these Vikings disrupt under their watch.

Bola understood Lorenzo’s intentions and said,

”No need to be wary of Hebdo, do not doubt his position before the job is completed.”

”You can think of me as an inspector. After all, this job involves too many people.” Hebdo timely explained.

This was Rodbrock family’s scandal, an embarrassment for the entire Viking nations, with their royal family members being kidnapped and threatened by enemies. More shamefully, instead of retaliation, they had to negotiate with Gaulunaro. If Lorenzo’s mission failed, this disgrace would deepen even further.