Gun of Ashes

Oscar brought over a chair and sat in front of the Queen. The room wasn’t small, but it was lit solely by candlelight, only a few scattered on the table, burning quietly. The glow was somewhat dim, unable to illuminate everything inside, with more areas shrouded in chaotic darkness.

The Queen nodded slightly, her expression cold and serious, as if something significant was about to happen.

”According to intelligence, Lorenzo and his group have completed their operation and are now on their way back to Ingwig.”

Oscar reported on his work, with Nordro’s gaze constantly fixed on the Maruri Port, always keeping an eye on how events were unfolding.

”Just as we designed, Ivar Rodbrock has already died in Maruri Port. His death will be the fuse, our righteous cause.

According to our previous agreement with Bjorn Rodbrock, in the near future, we will join forces with the Viking nations to wage war against Gaulunaro and its Rhine Alliance.”

At this point, Oscar’s voice wavered slightly. Though he always appeared nonchalant, saying such words made Oscar feel a wave of pressure.

This is war, a war driven by the interests and objectives of various parties. This time, it’s not just the words described in his books but a veritable slaughter, where many people will die, countless people will die.

”Pope Miguel is presumed dead or alive, but based on Lorenzo’s accounts, whether Miguel is alive or dead no longer matters. He confirmed that Lawrence remains alive, and in his words, the situation is very complicated. Upon returning, he decided to meet you personally.”

”Hmm… I understand.”

The Queen took a deep breath; the prospect of war placed no small burden on her as well.

”So what should we do next, Your Majesty?”

Oscar inquired.

”Proceed as we previously designed, stir up the situation, drag the entire world into a sea of war. This way, we can ensure that more people can stay alive.”

The Queen’s voice was unwavering.

”According to calculations, this war requires us to reduce the population of Western countries by at least thirty percent. Other nations’ Nation-Builders will receive our message after tonight and will secretly influence political trends in various ways until, in the end, everyone is dragged into this world war.”

Oscar started trembling slightly. Today… no, at some previously unknown council, countless lives had long been predestined to meet their end.

”What’s the matter, are you afraid?” the Queen questioned.

”Of course.”

Oscar didn’t pretend to be strong; he pinched his forehead hard, trying to smooth out the wrinkles that had formed.

”I am beyond afraid, Your Majesty. I am utterly terrified, and if I were any more cowardly, you would already be able to smell the stench of urine on me.”

Oscar mocked himself, but his face was devoid of any sign of amusement.

”Unlike the Radiant War with Protect Kingdom, this war is one we’ve initiated, a war that will engulf the entire Western world. Although it’s said to ensure more people survive, for the continuity of humanity…”

Oscar said this while looking at his own aged hands, hands that had once wielded a sword and a gun, and picked up a pen, but now were covered in blood.

”Even though we have our own reasons, just and righteous ones, the fear remains. I envision countless dead seeking revenge against me. Even if I survive the war, these ghosts will haunt me until death.”

The Queen was expressionless, having long prepared herself mentally. Such things couldn’t affect her mindset, but hearing this, the Queen couldn’t help but speak.

”Your words remind me of what Bjorn said to me when he left, or rather, words spoken to him by Ivar, and then passed on to me.”

”The words of the dead?”

Oscar half-joked, feeling sorry for the Ivar Rodbrock he had never met, thinking even in death, his demise had to be exploited.

”Yes… Ivar was someone weary of slaughter. A child like him was quite an anomaly among the Vikings, something even Bjorn couldn’t fathom until one day Ivar told him his reasoning.”

The Queen’s voice turned cold, and despite being indoors, the candlelight flickered inexplicably.

”He said that humanity is cursed, that the Heroic Spirit Hall exists neither after death nor before life.

This world, the one where countless people dwell, is the ’Heroic Spirit Hall.’ Countless are born, battle, then die, thus trapped in endless cycles, seeing no end.”

The atmosphere turned desolate, yet the Queen’s attitude shifted, becoming extremely stern.

”But someone has to undertake these deeds. If, to ensure the majority survive, some others must be sacrificed, if no one dares to take up the blade and strike down life, then let this task fall to me. I’m willing to bear this sin, as long as more people can stay alive.”

Oscar felt utterly exhausted, like he had fought a battle, and in just a few minutes, he seemed to age several years.

”So what will you do next? I mean with Lorenzo, he is a variable, and with his mind, I think our conspiracy to wage war has already been completely exposed in his view. Instead of saying he’s coming to meet you, it might be more accurate to say he’s coming to demand answers. If your response doesn’t satisfy him, he might just kill you with a strike.”

”Do you think he’d do that? Assassinate a Queen?”

The Queen found it hard to believe.

”Who knows? He is a variable, an intriguing individual capable of shaping the situation, yet the possessor of that power is a madman. Now, under our design, he has made mistakes, committed sins, and has unveiled the prelude to war…”

Oscar suffered a headache, continuing to speak.

”Maybe he won’t kill you first, but might come for me first, then bring my head to you, saying, ’That’s what happens if you’re not honest.’

”Anyway, his stance is one we still need to consider.”

”Then tell him everything, our goals, our past, the countless repetitions of slaughter and war.”

The Queen said directly.

”By then, Mr. Lorenzo Holmes will have few options. Maybe he’ll still kill me in rage, or maybe he’ll be persuaded to join this war celebration, or maybe he’ll collapse mentally, wasting away his life.”

”What do you think? Oscar.”

Oscar contemplated, with his understanding of Lorenzo, he wasn’t really sure what the final outcome would be, so he casually responded.

”Maybe he’ll kill you first, then join the war celebration, trying to stop it all but unable to persist under the tide of the era, finally leaving him to return as a ridiculous detective, lost and despondent.”

”But there might be other choices,” the Queen suddenly remarked.

”You… mean what?”

Oscar asked, sensing the Queen had something in mind.

”Another path, a new road that rescues us from this desperate cycle.”

The Queen had made up her mind. She said.

”If Mr. Holmes can be persuaded by me, if I don’t end up being killed by him, I’ll have him meet the Secret Keeper, let him see the world’s ’Truth.’ As you said, he is a variable, maybe he can find a better way after seeing the ’Truth’ to end all this.”

”Are you placing your hopes on him?”

”It’s just an investment, after all. If he fails, then the war continues. No one can stop all this.”

Oscar was silent, taking a deep breath, then stood up, and said to the Queen.

”After tonight, I’ll inform all the Nation-Builders that a new cycle has begun.”

The Queen struggled to her feet and extended a hand to Oscar.

”For our Ideal Country, Oscar Wilde.”

Oscar nodded, extending his hand as well, shaking hands with the Queen.

”For humanity’s Paradise and continuity.”