Gun of Ashes

The carriage stopped at the street corner not far from the Winchester Law Firm. It deliberately kept its distance, neither too far nor too close. The window was opened, revealing half a face, and in the ensuing darkness, Bola’s face appeared. He peered at the law firm, then shifted his gaze back.

”They all seem quite happy... I guess.”

Bola said somewhat uncertainly.

He would pass by the entrance of the law firm even when he had nothing to do, but unlike Eve, every time Bola passed by, it seemed a bit intentional. Despite all this time, he still found it incredible that someone like Lorenzo could live so ordinarily here.

Before Mrs. Van Rudd left, the room’s lighting wasn’t bright, probably only a few light spots in the living room. After Mrs. Van Rudd left, Lorenzo let himself go completely. With the eyesight of a Demon Hunter, he rarely turned on the lights, plunging the law firm into darkness.

Many passersby whispered about it, doubting if anyone still lived there, but today was different. The law firm was brightly lit, as if all the lights were turned on.

”So what’s with this sudden holiday?” Bola continued to ask.

With the structure of the Purification Mechanism, manpower was always lacking. Therefore, most of the time, members of the Purification Mechanism had no holiday to speak of. The only thing that could barely be considered a holiday was the recovery period after battling demons, during which everyone enjoyed rare peace in the hospital.

Honestly, the Purification Mechanism really counted as a black-hearted factory, and what’s worse, it was easy to get in but hard to get out.

Bola was puzzled by this sudden holiday. One or two days wasn’t long or short, but surprisingly, those few guys were given time off. The gathering place and the timing of this holiday made Bola feel suspicious.

The other person in the carriage didn’t reply. Arthur’s face was also hidden in the darkness. He looked outside the window, gazing at the law firm. After a long pause, he slowly spoke.

”Bola, we succeeded.”

”Succeeded in what?”

Bola didn’t understand Arthur’s words. He felt inexplicable, like a voyeur.

Arthur said nonchalantly.

”We successfully locked up the demon, even tightened the chains around its neck.”

...

”Finally... it’s over.”

Eve’s figure swayed, and after saying this, she seemed to have lost all her strength, kneeling powerlessly on the carpet.

Her mood was quite peculiar now. For a moment, she understood the hardship of laborers and felt deeply ashamed of her previous behavior of not making her bed in the morning.

Zooming out, one would find the living room sofa full of people. Everyone was exhausted from making the law firm suitable for human habitation.

Lorenzo was running back and forth in front of the others, as the beneficiary of today’s cleaning spree, serving tea and water, massaging the legs and waist of the hardworking people.

”Use some force... use some force! Haven’t you eaten?”

Red Falcon laid a leg over Lorenzo, issuing orders like a lord, and Lorenzo could only smile apologetically and continue kneading, even though he had the strength to snap Red Falcon’s leg.

”Don’t the other rooms need tidying up?”

Selyu wiped her sweat. After roughly discussing the itinerary with Lorenzo, she too joined in the cleaning. Although she didn’t do much heavy labor, it still made her sweat.

”No need for that.”

Lorenzo glanced at the inconspicuous door on the first floor. Beyond it was Mrs. Van Rudd’s room, and much like Hig’s room, after her departure, Lorenzo had dealt with it simply and then sealed the door, almost never opening it again. If Selyu hadn’t brought it up, he would have almost forgotten how big this house was.

”Does anyone need anything else?”

Lorenzo smiled like a waiter, moving around with a tray of plates that hadn’t been properly wiped.

Probably due to exhaustion, no one responded to him. Eve got up and sat with Selyu. Their smaller frames allowed them to fit on the sofa together, while the other seats were taken by Red Falcon and Heracles. Lorenzo had to bring a small stool, sitting on the side like a downtrodden servant.

”When is Bola coming?”

Red Falcon asked again. He remembered that Bola would be coming today, yet from morning till now, that guy was nowhere to be seen.

”He’ll probably be here at mealtime. He’s quite punctual for meals.”

Blue Jade walked out from the kitchen, wearing an apron with steam rising behind her. She was the only one among them who could cook.

”Then let’s not worry about him for now.”

Lorenzo glanced at Blue Jade. Today was not only the rebirth of the law firm from a pile of garbage, but also the first time since Mrs. Van Rudd left that someone cooked there.

To his shame, ever since living alone, Lorenzo’s diet had been consumed by various fast food takeouts, and the kitchen had turned into a place for reheating yesterday’s leftovers.

It seemed they were determined to see the celebration through to the end, as the group hadn’t left yet. After tidying up the room, they even started cooking, looking like they’d have a meal before leaving.

There were more living people in the law firm now, and the cold air had warmed considerably. Although Lorenzo initially felt a bit uncomfortable, he had gotten used to it.

Lorenzo looked around. He suddenly realized that this was probably the first time since moving in here that he had entertained so many people at home.