Gun of Ashes

Corey spoke again, saying he was the most trusted person of Cornel’s grandfather, and he knew all the darkness of the Garel Royal Family.

”Your grandfather was known as the man closest to the Mad King. He held a banquet, summoned all branches of the Royal Family, and then poisoned everyone at the banquet. As a result, the Garel bloodline was left with only your branch. To quell his atrocities, your father personally executed him, beheading him in front of the people. The body was burned to ashes, and the ash thrown into the ocean. His name became taboo, regarded as Garel’s shame.”

”I know...”

Cornel’s body trembled slightly. These were memories he didn’t want to revisit, the greatest shadow of his childhood. He had witnessed his grandfather’s death firsthand, that blood-stained head flashing before his eyes.

”You know, Cornel, everyone has different thoughts. Some like sweet, some like spicy, some wish to live as people, while others are willing to be dogs.”

Corey extended a hand to hold Cornel’s chin, forcing him to look at him. Those were intimidating eyes, an unfathomable dullness beneath the dark sockets, as if the soul within them had long been traded to the Devil.

”Yes, what’s so bad about being a dog? Wearing a comical crown, dining on delicacies, wielding power, only barking when the master requires it. If the master calls for the Radiant War, then let’s start it. After all, it’s not like we’re the ones dying.

Ah, such a life is truly perfect. The only price to pay is to be on all fours, but... but after all, we are humans, right? We are all human, Cornel.”

Corey’s voice was calm. As the sun rose, the misty dampness also dissipated, yet Cornel felt no warmth. Instead, he felt as though he’d fallen deeper into an ice cellar, his limbs cold to the bone.

”This is a rare opportunity, Ingwig’s rise has drawn most of the attention away, the Evangelical Church has split internally, and the powerful Demon Hunting Order has become history. We have united with the Rhine Alliance, and the Orthodoxy is gradually counterattacking the Evangelical Church’s faith.”

Corey grasped Cornel’s throat. He couldn’t breathe, yet didn’t dare raise his hands to knock away the arm.

”Now your grandfather has killed off those in the Royal Family who wanted to be dogs. Your father brought new vigor to Gaulunaro, and you... you will lead this great war.”

”But isn’t the Orthodoxy just another religion? Replacing the Evangelical Church with it—how is that any different?”

Cornel was perplexed, struggling to raise his voice.

”At least, this time, the faith belongs to us, or rather, this time, the tool of manipulating faith is in our own hands.”

Corey released his hand, somewhat disappointed.

”Cornel, you are too kind. Such things are not a virtue.”

Corey gazed beyond the port. As the sun rose, the cold mist dissipated, a clattering noise arose as the entire port awoke.

Countless workers carried toolboxes towards the place they could see. It was ship after silent ship, produced at the end of the Radiant War, yet before they could be commissioned, the Radiant War ended. They were not dismantled, instead remaining here, like witnesses, witnessing the changes in Maruri Port.

The workers retrofitted these ships with new technology, allowing them to keep up with modern advancements. Who knows how long it took? Accompanied by rumbling sounds, steam turbines started working, and thick black smoke finally billowed from the chimneys.

”But don’t worry, you still have me, Cornel. I’m a terrible and ruthless person, so leave those disgraceful matters to me. I will fulfill your grandfather’s commission, and those things I still hope for.

Yes, don’t worry, leave it all to me. Regardless of how you judge me, whether as a traitor or a savior of the nation, it doesn’t matter.”

Corey looked at the warships, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

”Gaulunaro still has me, I, Corey Ferre.”