Gun of Ashes

Lorenzo fell into silence, as if it were predestined. Last night, as he worried, the delegation from Florence was slowly arriving. Regarding the Purification Mechanism, Lorenzo instinctively resisted it, fearing that he might become a bargaining chip in the transaction between the Purification Mechanism and the Evangelical Church.

He was well aware of what kind of person Arthur was. Excluding the factor of Eve, Arthur was an impeccable demon, coldly dictating the course of events. He represented not an individual, but an entire group. When Lorenzo’s interests no longer aligned with theirs, or when Lorenzo’s interests could no longer satisfy them, he would be easily discarded.

Lorenzo was unsure of the capabilities of the reformed Demon Hunting Order, but he knew that if his worst fear came true, the entire Old Dunling would become his enemy.

”Is the next thing also related to the mission?” Lorenzo thought of something and asked.

”Yes,” Yawei replied.

”I’m starting to take an interest in this matter,” Lorenzo said, gathering himself together. Initially, he wanted to brush it off with a random excuse, but now that this mysterious delegation was his focus, knowing that everything next was related, Lorenzo wasn’t in a rush to refuse anymore.

The carriage stopped at a place familiar to Lorenzo: the Stuart estate.

”Is the meeting here?” Lorenzo asked while anticipating the people he would meet next.

At the head of the long table sat Selyu, who seemed to have been waiting for quite some time.

”Good morning!” Lorenzo said as he took his seat. Since life returned to normal, he rarely disturbed Selyu. This was their first meeting since the Divine Birthday.

”It’s already noon,” Selyu said in a flat tone, just as usual.

Lorenzo had grown accustomed to her attitude, though he wondered if the upcoming guest could get used to it. Selyu’s indifference might give anyone meeting her for the first time the impression that they owed her millions.

”So what’s so mysterious about this? What’s the matter?” Lorenzo asked after sitting down.

Yawei and the servants had all left, leaving only Lorenzo and Selyu, along with the guest who was still on the way. Yawei had not revealed much on the road; he was just a butler and didn’t like to speak more than necessary.

”What else could it be but interests?” Selyu said expressionlessly.

”Are you worried about such things?”

Lorenzo glanced around the massive estate, which was just one of the many properties owned by the Stuart family. Selyu, as such a Duchess, didn’t seem like someone who would be concerned about such matters.

”I’m not like you. I represent the entire Stuart group. The group needs interests, not just one person having enough,” Selyu said. Having officially become the Duchess, she was no longer a mascot but instead actively involved in management and learning different knowledge.

”The Medici Clan sponsored many artists whose creations are valuable. The Holy Evangelical Pope Kingdom and Ingwig have never established long-term stable trade routes, so a large portion of these artworks has ended up in the gray market,”

Selyu’s tone suddenly lightened, and she rubbed her thumb and forefinger together forcefully.

”It’s all money! Money!”

”You want to get involved?” Lorenzo asked.

Selyu nodded and continued, ”The Stuart family’s influence is limited within Ingwig. For external influence over other countries, it is far less formidable than our guest. Therefore, we plan to collaborate with him and the mission for trade transactions soon. He also happens to need a detective for a case. To ensure a smooth deal, we have to bother you once more.”

”Will I get paid?” Lorenzo asked in a deliberately casual tone.

”Yes, and quite a lot. That guest is truly a man of immense wealth,” Selyu said with rare reverence in her eyes, which piqued Lorenzo’s curiosity.

”Who is he? Or who are they? Since we’re about to meet anyway, give me a heads-up,” Lorenzo said.

”Nordro Company,” Selyu replied.

”Nordro?” Lorenzo had an impression of the term but couldn’t quite recall it.

”The full name is Nordro Colony Trading Company. They were authorized by Queen Victoria to travel north from Ingwig, extending to the Delro Islands. Along the way, they trade with various colonies, though they’ve grown so substantially over the years that their trade range also covers Florence, among other places.

Due to their vast range of operations and conflicts of interest with the Vikings, they were allowed to have their private navy, which significantly ensures the safety of our trade,” Selyu introduced this somewhat unfamiliar yet also familiar organization.

”They don’t have much industry in Ingwig, mainly focusing abroad, so it’s normal that you’re unfamiliar,” she added.

”You’re planning to cooperate with them?”

”As one of the shareholders,” Selyu replied.

Lorenzo fell silent. After Selyu’s explanation, Lorenzo gradually recalled matters related to it: Nordro had almost monopolized foreign trade. Yet, thanks to it, the dominance over foreign colonies was stabilized, and the safety of trade routes was ensured.

A sudden sound interrupted their conversation as a carriage halted outside. With approaching footsteps, the mysterious guest arrived from afar.

The door was vigorously pushed open, and the person Lorenzo least expected appeared before his eyes.