Gun of Ashes

”So, esteemed Duke Stuart, how much do you know about us?”

This is the main topic for today, leaning on his arm, Oscar looked at her with a half-smile.

Selyu shook her head and said.

”Isn’t introducing oneself your job?”

”Indeed.”

Oscar put away his smile and became serious.

”Do you know ’Ideal Country’?”

”Ideal Country? I’ve heard of it.”

Selyu was a bit puzzled, not knowing why Oscar brought this up.

She had heard Yawei mention these people, as the old steward of the Stuart family, he knew many secrets, such as things related to Oscar. When Selyu found out about this side of Oscar, she became very vigilant. It seemed their encounter on the train was deliberately arranged.

”Ideal Country, from the philosopher Plato’s work, is a book we highly recommend, and its content is something we greatly agree with.”

”I’ve read that book,” Selyu said. Reading was one of her only hobbies, with books from all over the world on her shelves, all collected by Yawei.

”What do you think of the country in the book?” Oscar asked.

Selyu thought for a moment and replied, ”A beautiful yet lifeless and unattainable utopia.”

The country in the book seemed beautiful but was completely petrified, without any room for change, like a pond of stagnant water.

”Indeed, from today’s perspective, it falls far short, but it has some excellent aspects still worthy of our reference.”

Oscar wasn’t surprised by Selyu’s answer; even he had similar views to some extent.

”Then what on earth are you trying to say? Surely you’re not here to discuss philosophy with me, are you?” Selyu asked.

”Of course not, philosophy doesn’t win a girl’s heart. We like the concept of the ’Ideal Country,’ but ultimately, it’s just a theory left in the book. Plato didn’t have the capability to realize it; he couldn’t create a country.”

Oscar said this very seriously and earnestly.

”But we can.”

Selyu’s expression changed slightly; she didn’t respond immediately. After a brief silence, she laughed.

”That’s treason.”

”That depends on your definition of ’country,’ doesn’t it? We have no territory to speak of,” Oscar wasn’t bothered by Selyu’s threat.

”So what are you here for today? To convince me to join your strange organization and establish this ideal country? It sounds more like the superiority club of wealthy and powerful people than a country,” Selyu said, ”Yawei mentioned you to me, you sounded mysterious and unwelcome.”

”There will always be biases; however, I hope you consider us seriously before making a decision. We look forward to welcoming you as a new member.”

As Oscar spoke, he took out a letter, its seal imprinted with a familiar symbol matching the necklace around Oscar’s neck, and pushed it towards Selyu.

”Me? I don’t quite understand what makes me worth recruiting,” Selyu did not take the letter but asked cautiously.

Since Lawrence started targeting her, Selyu held a faint hostility and vigilance towards these sudden visitors. Being a newly adult duchess, she seemed like a plump lamb to those with ill intentions.

”We aim to enlist anyone valuable, or invest, you might say. You’re like this, and Lorenzo was as well. Unfortunately, his ties with the Purification Mechanism were too deep, and we didn’t want any dealings with them, so we were compelled to give up.”

Oscar explained their criteria for selecting members.

”Lorenzo?”

Selyu didn’t expect someone like Lorenzo to catch their eye, and Oscar earnestly explained.

”You know Plato established three classes in ’Ideal Country,’ right?”

Selyu knew, and she quickly replied.

”Philosophical rulers, iron-blooded warriors, ignorant citizens.”

”Lorenzo is an excellent warrior, extremely excellent, his fearless battle spirit can be seen; he would be the kingdom’s strongest defender.”

Oscar didn’t hesitate to praise Lorenzo, continuing.

”If possible, I really hoped he could become a part of the country. As for you, you’re the youngest female duchess of Stuart, backed by countless family supporters. With age, you’ll become stronger; you’ll be an exceptional ruler. Your joining would accelerate the growth of our country significantly.”

Oscar shifted his tone, becoming more relaxed.

”We won’t force you; after all, this is an ideal country, everything comes from the members’ voluntary choice. Coercion here seems filthy, whether or not to join is your own consideration, and don’t rush to answer me, think it over carefully.”

Selyu was silent, then she looked at the letter, her gaze unconsciously met the eyes on the wax seal, it seemed to come alive, both observing each other thoroughly and seeing through each other’s soul.

”Moreover, there’s one more thing; your joining might save Lorenzo’s life.”

Oscar seemed to know the trajectory of the story, he said to Selyu.

”What do you mean?”

Hearing the girl’s voice, Oscar looked as if his cunning plan had succeeded, he explained.

”Don’t mind it, just a speculation. You should know this city is Old Dunling, it belongs to the Purification Mechanism, and the Purification Mechanism serves Queen Victoria.”

Oscar knew far too many things, he said to Selyu.

”Queen Victoria’s will is the one executed with utmost priority. When it conflicts with Lorenzo, do you think the Purification Mechanism will side with Lorenzo? And when the time comes, do you think Lorenzo can escape this city?”

”At that time, only we can help Lorenzo,” Oscar said.

”Are you using this to threaten me into joining?”

”Of course not, we never force anyone, I’m merely laying out the interests and stakes for you. You could be a safeguard, pulling Lorenzo up when he slips, and indeed giving him a little push into our camp wouldn’t be bad either.”

Although he said they’d give Lorenzo up, Oscar wouldn’t miss any chance if it arose. A likable person who was also such a capable fighter was rare.

”No... wait, does that mean you’re not subordinate to Queen Victoria either?”

”We are a republican parliamentary system, not a monarch’s dictatorship.”

Oscar stood up, smiling as he bade farewell to Selyu.

”I’ve said enough today. As for whether to join or not, please consider it carefully. Naturally, I hope you do join, because not long ago a great ruler rejected us, which saddened us greatly.”

”Who are your members?”

”That won’t do; the member list is confidential. Even if you join, you may not know everything.” Oscar decisively refused.

”Is that all? Aren’t you afraid I’ll reveal it?” Selyu asked.

”You won’t do that, and even though I’ve talked so much to you, this country remains elusive to you, doesn’t it?”

Oscar hadn’t shared any valuable information during the entire conversation; it all felt like he was persuading Selyu to invest, like a charlatan scheming for money.

”Wait, I have one last question.”

Selyu suddenly stopped Oscar, she looked at him and asked.

”You value Lorenzo’s strong martial prowess; you value our Stuart family’s resources and dominion. What about you?”

Selyu seemed to have found a key point; she queried.

”Why did you join? What can you contribute to this ideal country?”

Unexpectedly faced with such a question, Oscar smiled slightly and then said.

”Value, this term is variable, not merely political, resource, or martial value. It has different meanings in different contexts.”

Oscar explained quite seriously.

”My books are actually quite popular.”