Gun of Ashes

From the moment Erin realized that Hebdo was also over here, her emotions were off, and every time she mentioned Ivar, Erin’s demeanor was a mirror image of his own.

Indeed, Lorenzo saw his own shadow in this and recalled a certain night when Selyu’s relentless questioning cornered him, while his responses were a cascade of nonsensical words.

Uttering those senseless words to ease the pressure within and avoid the problem that should have been faced long ago.

What exactly are you hiding, Erin?

Are you really as carefree as you seem, or is there a side beneath that facade that no one knows?

Erin responded with silence, unwilling to discuss these matters, and if possible, she would rather not think about them at all, wishing to completely forget all the terrible events.

”However, if we’re talking about self-deception, there’s actually some difference among us.”

Seeing that Erin no longer spoke, Lorenzo brought up another topic.

”Like the Moon.”

Mentioning Red Falcon, Erin slightly raised her head, with a rare hint of curiosity in her expression. She didn’t know what Lorenzo would say next.

”Only smart guys realize these are lies, and only smart guys are willing to deceive themselves... the Moon is different.”

Recalling Red Falcon’s ridiculous behavior, Lorenzo couldn’t help but laugh a little.

”He is utterly foolish, you know? Initially, he didn’t realize it was all a lie. He thought he had spent the most wonderful afternoon and believed he had met a kindred spirit. He returned at night to ask if you might fall for him, even though you might never meet again.

He rambled on for half a day with that stupid fish... though to be honest, the fish tasted quite good.”

Hearing this, Erin couldn’t help herself either, a slight curve forming at the corners of her mouth.

”Sounds pretty amusing, but judging by his current attitude, the Moon doesn’t seem to like me very much.”

”Of course, from his perspective, you toyed with his pure feelings. As gross as it sounds, that’s about the gist of it.”

Lorenzo spoke slowly.

”Ah... purity, emotion, belonging, those words really don’t suit us, like suddenly talking about love and hatred in a violent story.”

Erin’s voice paused for a moment, and then she continued.

”I am familiar with everything at Maruri port, and I know the Iron Law Bureau’s modus operandi. I will play a significant role and help you rescue Ivar. In return, Lorenzo, I need you to ensure my survival.”

”I can’t guarantee that, I don’t even know if we can bring Ivar out alive.”

Lorenzo thought about it and decided to bring it up to see Erin’s reaction.

”To be precise, Hebdo is responsible for rescuing Ivar. During the formal operation, I have other things to attend to.”

”Hebdo?”

Erin became tense again, all of which was caught by Lorenzo.

”But we can make a deal, Erin,”

Lorenzo suddenly said.

”I know you’re still hiding secrets. You, Hebdo, and Ivar, what else were you hiding before?”

The stern tone gradually softened.

”Tell me, Erin, tell me, and I can ensure your survival.”

Erin was stunned for a moment, then helplessly shook her head.

”Mr. Holmes, you seem like a deeply sinful villain.”

”Thank you for the compliment, so what’s your answer?”

Lorenzo took it as a point of pride rather than shame.

Erin thought again and shook her head.

”It’s a complicated secret,” she said with an intoxicating smile, ”torture me, and I might just spill everything.”

Lorenzo waved his hand, too lazy to pay further attention to this woman of many faces.

”No need, you’re not worth my ’anything goes’ methods.”

As he said this, his mind inexplicably conjured such a scene.

Erin walking down a sunlit street, holding several happy puppies, seriously contemplating this and finding it quite amusing.

Night fell back into calmness, with faint snores coming from the room next door, where Red Falcon lay splayed on the bed, his expression alternating between laughter and tears, dreaming strange dreams.

At the horizon, the brightly lit city loomed faintly.