Last Gun Alchemist

Lucy let out a long sigh after finally hearing the reason they had been forced to cut their vacation short and return to the Main Family Estate.

”At least they could have waited until we finished our vacation.”

She folded her arms tightly across her chest.

The displeasure on her face was obvious.

”It was only two more days.”

Her shoulders dropped slightly.

Then she sighed again.

The Mini Steam Carriage continued moving through the estate roads before finally slowing down.

Soon...

The vehicle arrived before Elder Portia’s Mansion.

The moment Lucy looked outside the window; her eyes widened slightly.

Although Elder Fredricks’ mansion had been impressive, Portia’s residence was on an entirely different level.

The massive building carried the same black architectural style common among high-ranking Ashenlocke residences.

However, the scale was significantly larger.

The surrounding compound alone could rival some smaller noble estates.

Large stone pathways stretched through the grounds.

Servants moved back and forth in an orderly fashion.

Some carried gardening tools.

Others pushed carts filled with supplies.

The entire place was alive with activity.

What drew attention the most, however, was the garden.

The front courtyard looked less like a noble residence and more like a carefully maintained botanical park.

Flowers stretched across nearly every visible section of the grounds.

Rows of red and white roses bloomed beautifully beneath the afternoon sunlight.

Hydrangeas lined the garden borders.

Peonies and lilies filled entire sections of the courtyard.

Snowdrops added touches of white among the colorful arrangements.

Several wisteria vines climbed along portions of the manor walls, their hanging blossoms swaying gently whenever the wind passed through.

The air itself smelled pleasant.

Fresh and natural.

The scent of flowers mixed with the cool breeze.

For a moment, Lucy almost forgot they were still inside the Ashenlocke Estate.

The carriage came to a complete stop.

Immediately...

Two Guards of Ash stepped forward and opened the carriage doors.

”Welcome back, Head Maid Agata.”

The two guards bowed respectfully.

Unlike the treatment given to ordinary servants, genuine respect could be heard in their voices.

”Thank you.”

Agata smiled softly and waved a hand.

The surrounding servants and guards also lowered their heads slightly as a greeting.

Lucy blinked.

Even now, she still wasn’t used to seeing how much authority a Head Maid possessed within the Main Family.

Ezra stepped out first.

Lucy followed.

The Mini Steam Carriage departed shortly afterward, heading toward the garage area.

”Let’s go.”

Agata turned toward them.

”The Lady is waiting.”

Ezra gave a slight nod, then he followed behind her.

As they walked through the courtyard, his eyes moved calmly across the surroundings.

The gardeners.

The flowers.

The guards.

The security arrangements.

Even while appearing relaxed, he was unconsciously observing everything around him.

Soon, they reached the mansion entrance.

Two servants immediately opened the large double doors.

Agata led them inside.

The interior was just as impressive as the exterior.

Crystal lamps illuminated the hallways.

Paintings decorated the walls.

Several antique firearms were displayed inside glass cases.

The atmosphere felt elegant without appearing excessive.

Walking through several corridors, Agata eventually brought them to Elder Portia’s study.

Knock.

Knock.

She gently knocked on the door.

”Come in.”

Portia’s voice came from within.

Agata opened the door and stepped aside.

Her hand gestured toward Ezra and Lucy.

Ezra entered without hesitation.

Lucy followed closely behind a bit nervous with the authoritative atmosphere coming from the study.

Agata entered last before quietly closing the door.

”Welcome, Ezra.”

Portia spoke without looking up.

She remained focused on the documents spread across her desk.

Several open books rested nearby.

Additional volumes were stacked on smaller tables around the room.

The study itself resembled a private library.

Bookshelves stretched from floor to ceiling.

Rows upon rows of books filled the walls.

Compared to Ezra’s own study, this room was significantly larger.

”Good afternoon, Elder.”

Both Ezra and Lucy bowed respectfully.

Portia finally looked up.

Without saying anything, she pointed toward the chair in front of her desk.

Ezra immediately walked over and sat down.

Lucy moved behind him and assumed a proper maid stance, while Agata returned to her usual position behind Portia.

Silence followed and several minutes passed.

Portia continued reading.

Occasionally she made notes.

Occasionally she opened another book.

The scratching sound of her pen filled the room.

Ezra didn’t interrupt.

Not that he intended to.

He simply sat quietly.

Meanwhile, Lucy occasionally glanced around the room to occupy herself.

Finally...

After several more minutes...

Portia closed the document.

”Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

She placed the papers aside.

”It’s fine, Elder.”

Ezra replied plainly.

He genuinely wasn’t bothered by the wait.

Portia smiled slightly.

”I’m assuming Agata already explained why you were brought back without any warning.”

As she spoke, she handed the completed folder to Agata.

The Head Maid accepted it respectfully before walking toward a cabinet located beside one of the seating areas.

The cabinet itself was crafted from polished brown wood.

The quality was obvious.

Even Lucy could tell it was one of the expensive varieties commonly used among high-ranking nobles.

The glass panels reflected a faint green glow under the afternoon sunlight.

Agata placed her thumb against the lock.

Click.

The mechanism unlocked.

Inside were dozens of carefully organized files and folders.

After storing the document, she returned to her previous position.

”Yes.”

Ezra nodded lightly.

”She did.”

Portia folded her hands atop the desk.

”I hope you aren’t displeased about everything that happened.”

Her voice carried genuine concern.

Ezra shook his head.

”No.”

The answer was simple.

Portia seemed relieved.

”Good.”

She leaned back slightly.

”To be honest, I wanted to apologize personally.”

Her expression softened.

”That was why I instructed my people to bring you directly to me after your arrival.”

She paused.

”Unfortunately, a certain shameless old pervert decided to act first.”

The irritation immediately returned to her face.

Portia rubbed her forehead.

The more she thought about Fredricks, the more annoyed she became.

”Who would have expected someone of his age to behave like that?”

She clicked her tongue.

”Threatening a talented child over something so ridiculous and even trying to take a maid of a young noble.”

The Elder shook her head.

”It’s people like him that bring shame to the Ashenlocke name.”

For a moment, genuine disappointment appeared on her face, then she took a deep breath and calmed herself.

”Ah...”

She exhaled.

”Let’s move on.”

Her eyes settled on Ezra.

”Ezra.”

”Yes, Elder.”

”You and Vera will begin preparations immediately.”

Portia pointed toward him.

”The firearm innovation that Vera revealed that you made during the family meeting will be presented next week Monday.”

Lucy blinked.

Even hearing it a second time sounded sudden.

Portia continued.

”The presentation will be attended by all of us Elders, several high-ranking members of the Family, and representatives from various internal divisions.”

She smiled softly.

”I know the timing is sudden, but this was ultimately the compromise reached after the argument.”

Her gaze sharpened slightly.

”And honestly...I am very interested in seeing the firearm Vera praised that you made.”

Lucy couldn’t help becoming curious as well.

Portia leaned back again.

”A servant has already been assigned to guide you to your temporary residence.”

She nodded lightly.

”I look forward to your presentation.”

”Okay, Elder.”

Ezra bowed his head.

”That will be all.”

Portia glanced at Agata.

The Head Maid immediately understood.

”Please follow me.”

Soon, Ezra and Lucy bowed one final time before leaving the study.

Agata escorted them outside, handing them to the servant who was to led them to the Guest house of the Ashenlocke Estate.

Another Mini Steam Carriage transported them toward the guest section of the Estate.

The trip wasn’t long.

After arriving, they were shown their assigned rooms.

Their luggage had already been delivered.

During the time when Fredricks people took them away, Ezra and Lucy’s luggage had been left in the main gates of the Mansion, but now...

Everything had been neatly organized.

After freshening up and changing clothes, Lucy immediately made her way toward Ezra’s room.

The moment she entered...

She found Ezra seated at the small study desk.

His Starlix 11 rested in front of him.

He was already preparing to make a call.

”I still can’t believe they dragged us all the way back here for this.”

Lucy pouted.

”But couldn’t they have waited until you were actually ready?”

Despite complaining, her voice remained low.

She knew where they were.

The Main Family wasn’t a place where careless words could be spoken freely.

Ezra didn’t reply.

He simply activated his Starlix.

A golden holographic phone symbol appeared.

Concentric rings spread outward as the call connected.

Almost immediately...

”Inventor.”

Vera answered.

A rectangular holographic screen appeared above the device.

She sat inside her own study.

Just like always, her expression remained blank.

”You called.”

”Thanks for the save.”

Ezra spoke directly, still flat and simple.

Vera blinked once, then leaned slightly forward.

”I honestly didn’t expect a thank you.”

Her black eyes studied him.

Then they moved toward the room behind him.

”Where is your maid?”

She asked casually.

Though the faint amusement hidden beneath her voice was obvious.

”Good evening, Lady Vera.”

Lucy stepped into view and bowed politely.

”Ah.”

Vera looked at her.

”You really enjoyed the luxury life of being a BNC VIP.”

Her gaze narrowed slightly.

”Your skin is practically glowing.”

The sarcasm was delivered with complete seriousness.

Lucy immediately became embarrassed.

Meanwhile...

Ezra ignored the comment entirely.

”We should meet tomorrow.”

He went straight to the point.

”I assume you’ve already prepared the presentation materials. I’ll review them.”

”Hey... hey...”

Vera interrupted.

She rested her chin against her hand.

”Inventor. At least complain a little.”

Her tone became playful.

”Your lover is supposed to comfort you after the Family drags you back here.”

Lucy immediately froze.

Ezra slowly narrowed his eyes.

Vera’s expression remained completely blank.

Only the faint amusement hidden in her gaze betrayed her intentions.

After a brief silence...

”I’ll indulge you today.”

Ezra finally replied.

Vera smiled faintly.

A tiny victory.

”What happened after you revealed the gun invention?”

Ezra asked.

His curiosity was genuine, especially since something felt missing in the reason Agata gave him.

Vera immediately became more serious.

”That, Inventor, is because a certain Family seems to be looking for trouble with one of our Main Industrial Groups, the division responsible for the production and transportation of firearms to the Royal Family.”

She explained calmly.

Even while talking about something that could affect the interests of the Ashenlocke Family, her expression remained as blank as ever, as though she were discussing the weather instead of a conflict between powerful forces.

”It was discovered that they were planning to steal one of our major clients in Eldenford.”

She crossed one leg over the other while sitting in her chair.

”A Major client who has a close working relationship with members connected to the Royal Line.”

Lucy blinked after hearing that.

Her brows slowly knitted together.

She couldn’t understand what kind of Family would willingly provoke the Ashenlocke’s in a field they had dominated for generations.

The Ashenlocke Family wasn’t just another Duke House.

They were the backbone of Britannia’s firearm production.

Trying to challenge them directly was no different from challenging one of the kingdom’s most established industries.

”That Family you mentioned the first time we spoke in the library at the Trial Base, huh?”

Ezra glanced downward thoughtfully.

His fingers lightly tapped against the table.

Fragments of information quickly connected themselves inside his mind.

The timing.

The sudden rush from the Family.

The sudden presentation.

Everything seemed to point in one direction.

”They must be supported by another Duke Family.”

Ezra raised his eyes toward Vera’s holographic image.

”Otherwise, they wouldn’t have the confidence to openly compete against the Main Family.”

His voice remained flat.

However, the certainty behind his conclusion was obvious.

Lucy blinked again.

She hadn’t even thought that far ahead.

To her, it had simply sounded like a business dispute.

But after hearing Ezra’s explanation, she immediately realized how much deeper the situation might be.

No noble Family would willingly provoke the Ashenlocke’s unless they possessed support strong enough to protect them from the consequences.

For a moment, silence filled the room.

Then...

”Ping.”

Vera pointed at Ezra.

”Pong.”

She pointed again.

A faint smile appeared on her face.

It wasn’t the kind of smile most people would notice, since itt was small.

Almost invisible.

But compared to her usual blank expression, it was practically radiant.

”Have I ever told you how much I love your mind?”

She tilted her head slightly.

Her dark eyes remained fixed on him.

”If I haven’t...”

She paused.

”Then I’m telling you now.”

Her tone remained completely serious.

Lucy froze.

The atmosphere inside the room instantly became strange.

Ezra narrowed his eyes.

Vera’s face remained perfectly calm.

Not a trace of embarrassment.

Not a trace of awkwardness.

As though she had simply stated a normal fact.

Which somehow made the statement feel far more dangerous.

Lucy immediately looked between the two of them.

Then back again.

Her eyes widened slightly.

”Lady Vera...”

she called weakly.

Vera turned toward her.

”Yes?”

”Please don’t say things like that so casually.”

Lucy complained softly.

”It sounds completely different from what you mean.”

”Does it?”

Vera asked.

Her expression remained unchanged.

”I think I was very clear.”

Lucy nearly choked.

Meanwhile, Ezra simply stared at Vera.

His blank eyes met hers through the holographic screen.

Then...

”You should spend more time working on the presentation.”

He replied flatly.

”Your free time is clearly creating problems.”

For the first time, Vera’s faint smile widened slightly.

”Interesting.”

She rested her cheek on her palm.

”Instead of denying it, that’s the part you responded to.”

Lucy immediately covered her face.

Why does it feel like Lady Vera enjoys teasing Master so much?

And more importantly...

Why was she so good at it?

I can’t even do something like that.

Lucy pouted faintly.

The room fell into another brief silence before Vera finally returned to the main topic.

”Anyway.”

She leaned back into her chair.

”We’ll meet tomorrow and review everything. The presentation materials are already prepared, and I’ve also gathered information on the people who will be attending.”

Her tone became more professional.

”The people coming aren’t the type that can be impressed by flashy words alone.”

”I know.”

Ezra nodded.

”Good.”

Vera pointed at him again.

”Then don’t embarrass me, Inventor. After all, I already used your name as ammunition during the Family meeting.”

She paused briefly before adding...

”And if you perform well, I might even tell you another reason why I love your mind.”

Lucy immediately looked away.

She suddenly felt like she shouldn’t be listening anymore.

**************************************************************

Hi Guys...

Shameless Author here.

It has just come to me that i had made a very big mix-up with a rank in the path of Alchemy.

The Meister Rank should be the Four Star stage, but i ended up making it the Three Star stage when i had already written the Adept Rank as the Three Star stage.

I’m very sorry of this.

I will work on correcting this.

A big thank you to the reader that pointed this out, much appreciation, once again I’m sorry for this.