Chapter 249: We Should Get Percent’s
After the briefing regarding what the two of them would be doing inside the Research and Development Facility ended, Ezra and Vera wasted no time before getting to work.
The atmosphere inside the Ashcraft facility remained just as busy as ever.
Researchers moved from one workstation to another with neatly arranged documents tucked beneath their arms. Craftsmen inspected newly forged components while the rhythmic sounds of hammers striking metal echoed from deeper inside the enormous workshop. Steam escaped from copper pipes fixed across the ceiling, producing a steady hiss that blended together with the turning gears of countless machines.
No one remained idle.
Everyone had a responsibility.
Ezra quietly separated from Vera before heading toward the department he wanted to join first.
Rather than immediately involving himself with the production side of the firearms, he joined the Alchemy Circle Conversion Team.
He wanted to broaden his understanding of the field.
Although Ezra possessed considerable knowledge compared to ordinary Alchemists of his age, once he stood among the professionals inside the facility, he realized he was only around the Early Intermediate level in Alchemy Circle Conversion.
Still...
There was one thing that made everyone inside the department look at him differently.
Most of the researchers had graduated from famous academies or had spent years learning directly under experienced masters.
Ezra...Was completely self-taught.
When they learned that everything he knew had come from books, experimentation, and countless failures rather than proper teachers, even several veteran researchers couldn’t hide their surprise.
"You learned all of this yourself?"
One elderly researcher adjusted his glasses before asking again, unable to believe it.
"Yes."
Ezra answered plainly.
"I only had books."
Silence briefly spread around the room.
Several people exchanged glances.
One younger researcher scratched the back of his head before laughing awkwardly.
"I suddenly don’t feel very talented anymore."
The atmosphere eased with light laughter.
Not many thought Ezra was boasting, especially since his expression never changed.
That made his answer even more believable.
While Ezra immersed himself in studying what he could gain from the Alchemy Circle Conversion team...
Vera headed toward the Blacksmithing Team.
Unlike Ezra, her responsibility focused on supervising and assisting the craftsmen who were manually producing the easier mold-casting components required for both the Colt 1911 and the E-V 26MK.II.
She wore a pair of protective gloves before naturally joining their discussion as though she had been part of the workshop for years.
Despite being a Mainline Noble Lady...
None of the craftsmen treated her differently.
Likewise...
Vera herself showed no concern about noble status.
If a blueprint contained a mistake, she pointed it out immediately.
If a measurement looked inaccurate, she calmly corrected it.
Like that...
Days quietly passed.
Then another week followed.
The Research and Development Facility slowly settled into a routine that everyone became accustomed to.
Every morning, Ezra and Lucy would leave the Guest House together before separating at the crossroads.
Lucy headed toward her maid lessons.
Ezra entered the Ashcraft facility.
The days were busy enough that neither of them realized how quickly time flowed.
Soon...
The middle of the month arrived.
That evening, Ezra remained awake even after another exhausting day inside the facility.
Besides spending hours studying Alchemy Circle Conversion with the researchers, he had also joined another lengthy discussion concerning which metallic properties best suited the three-layer barrel design of the E-V 26MK.II.
Although the final structure had already been decided...
The craftsmen were still trying to determine which combination of materials could further improve its durability while keeping production practical.
Even Ezra found several of their ideas worth remembering.
At the same time...
Lucy wasn’t having an easier time either.
Her Maid lessons had gradually become more demanding.
Besides etiquette, cooking, cleaning, and proper servant conduct...
She had now begun practical combat lessons under a Combat Servant who was an Adept-Rank Alchemist.
Every lesson left her body aching.
By the time she returned to the Guest House each night, she often felt as though every muscle in her body had been squeezed dry.
Knock.
Knock.
She gently knocked before pushing the bedroom door open.
Ezra was already lying on his bed.
Both hands rested beneath his head as he quietly stared toward the ceiling above him.
The crystal lamp illuminated the room with a warm glow, making the peaceful silence even more noticeable.
"The time is already twelve in the morning."
Ezra slowly turned his head toward Lucy, his voice remaining as flat as ever.
Lucy smiled softly after seeing him still awake.
"Well..."
Ping!
Before she could continue...
The Starlix 11 lying beside Ezra suddenly glowed.
A notification echoed throughout the quiet room.
Lucy paused.
She watched Ezra lazily reach for the phone without showing the slightest curiosity.
Then...
Ping!
Another notification arrived.
Ping!
One more followed almost immediately.
Ezra unlocked the screen while calmly looking at the growing list of messages.
"You were about to say something."
He spoke without looking away from the screen.
"Yes..."
Lucy straightened her posture before smiling gently.
"Happy birthday, Master."
Her voice carried genuine happiness.
Ezra finally looked at her properly.
His expression remained unchanged, then he lowered his gaze toward the messages.
’Happy Birthday, Ezra.’
Jewel_of_Ash
’Did you think I wouldn’t know your birth month, idiot?’
Jewel_of_Ash
’Congratulations on finally becoming the same age as me.’
Jewel_of_Ash
Ezra narrowed his eyes ever so slightly.
The corner of the screen reflected inside his calm black pupils.
For several quiet seconds...
He simply stared at the messages.
Lucy remained standing near the door.
The silence gradually made her nervous.
So...
Today is my birthday.
Ezra lowered his eyes toward the date displayed on the top corner of the Starlix screen.
Only then did he realize he had completely forgotten about it himself.
"Thank you."
He answered plainly.
Lucy smiled even brighter.
"So..."
She clasped both hands together.
"What should we do today to celebrate? I’m sure there has to be somewhere interesting inside the Estate."
Her excitement couldn’t be hidden.
She had already begun thinking about several possibilities.
Ezra looked back toward her.
"Don’t you have Maid classes to attend?"
He asked in the same calm tone.
"Yes, I do."
Lucy nodded immediately.
"But this is more important."
She answered without hesitation.
"As your personal maid, I have to celebrate my Master’s birthday properly. I’m sure Head Maid Agata will understand."
She raised her clenched fist confidently as though she had already convinced herself.
"Not interested."
Ezra replied casually.
"Telling me is enough."
Lucy immediately shook her head.
"But you did much more for me during my missed birthday."
She refused to back down.
"I have to do the same."
Ezra quietly studied her determined face for several moments before finally speaking.
"We’re both busy."
He answered honestly.
"That’s the main reason."
He shifted slightly on the bed.
"Trust me. If I wasn’t this busy...I would’ve treated myself properly."
His tone remained plain.
Yet Lucy could tell...
He genuinely meant every word.
A small laugh escaped her lips.
"Is that so?"
She smiled before pointing toward him.
"Fine. When you return from work tomorrow, I’ll ask the chefs inside the Guest House to prepare something much better."
Her eyes sparkled with determination.
"I’ll even ask Head Maid Agata to recommend luxurious cuisines. I’m sure there’ll be something you won’t refuse."
"I know..."
Ezra narrowed his eyes slightly.
"...you know I don’t eat much. So those luxurious cuisines are obviously for you."
Lucy immediately placed a hand against her chest.
"What?"
She looked completely offended.
"Why would you think that?"
She tried maintaining an innocent face.
Unfortunately...
Her guilty eyes had already betrayed her.
"Go to sleep."
Ezra answered flatly.
Lucy puffed out her cheeks.
"You always bully me."
She turned around and slowly walked toward the door.
Just before leaving...
She leaned her head back inside through the half-open doorway.
Sticking out her tongue playfully, she smiled.
"I’ll still do it."
After saying that...
She quietly closed the door behind her.
Ezra didn’t respond.
Instead...
He lowered his attention back toward Vera’s messages.
He quietly typed.
’Thank you.’
Ezra_Ashenlocke
The moment he pressed send...
Three small dots immediately appeared on the screen.
She’s really quick to reply... huh.
Ezra quietly looked at the screen of his Starlix, the corners of his eyes remaining as calm as ever. Although his expression didn’t change, he couldn’t help thinking that Vera’s replies always arrived far faster than he expected.
Almost as if...
She had been waiting for his message.
’You’re really late at replying, huh.’
Jewel_of_Ash
Ezra had barely finished reading it when another message arrived.
’Idiot.’
Jewel_of_Ash
Then another one immediately followed.
’Big idiot.’
Jewel_of_Ash
Ezra silently watched the screen.
Just as he expected...
There was another notification.
’What do you want this lady to get you? You must answer. I’m not taking "no" for an answer... unless you want me to bring something on my own accord.’
Jewel_of_Ash
Ezra quietly read through every message with his usual blank black eyes.
He already knew Vera well enough.
If he ignored the last message...
She would undoubtedly come up with something unnecessarily elaborate.
Knowing her personality...
It would also be something extremely troublesome.
He sighed inwardly before slowly typing his reply.
’I will appreciate gold coins, Lady.’
Ezra_Ashenlocke
He calmly pressed the send button.
Almost immediately...
The familiar three dots appeared again.
She’s typing already.
Ezra waited patiently.
A second later...
The message appeared.
’Smooth idiot.’
Jewel_of_Ash
Before Ezra could reply...
One final message arrived.
’Good night... See you tomorrow, Ezra.’
Jewel_of_Ash
Ezra looked at the screen for another brief moment before typing his response.
’Good night.’
Ezra_Ashenlocke
He placed the Starlix beside his bed before reaching toward the crystal lamp.
The warm light inside the room gradually dimmed before disappearing altogether.
Darkness quietly settled over the room.
As Ezra lay back on the bed...
He couldn’t help recalling Vera’s final reply.
For some reason...
His instincts quietly warned him that something troublesome was waiting for him tomorrow.
He stared at the dark ceiling for another few seconds.
"..."
What exactly is she going to do tomorrow...?
He couldn’t guess.
Still...
Knowing Vera...
It definitely wouldn’t be something ordinary.
She’s definitely going to do something elaborate.
Ezra let out a quiet sigh before slowly closing his eyes.
Soon...
The room became completely silent.
Morning arrived.
Soft snow drifted from the gray winter sky, gently covering the Ashenlocke Estate with another fresh layer of white.
Cold air swept across the courtyards while servants hurried between different buildings carrying their morning responsibilities.
Like every other day...
Ezra and Lucy finished breakfast before separating to attend their respective duties.
Lucy headed toward her Maid lessons.
Ezra walked toward the Ashcraft Research and Development Facility.
The moment he stepped through the large entrance...
His uneasy feeling from the previous night immediately proved correct.
Outside the facility...
A Noble Steam Carriage had already stopped.
Standing beside it...
Was Vera.
She wore her usual composed expression while calmly waiting.
Behind her...
Two servants carefully carried two enormous gold coins that were almost half the height of an adult.
The polished surfaces reflected the morning sunlight, making them shine brilliantly despite the falling snow.
Several researchers stopped walking.
Craftsmen carrying blueprints also paused.
Even the guards standing near the entrance couldn’t stop themselves from looking over.
"Wow..."
"That’s a lot of gold coins"
"Yes... that’s a huge bag I’m seeing"
Quiet whispers spread through the entrance hall.
Everyone looked from the massive gold coins...
To Ezra...
Then back to Vera again.
The atmosphere immediately became awkward.
Ezra narrowed his eyes ever so slightly.
I knew something uncomfortable was going to happen...
He looked toward Vera.
She simply stood there with her hands folded behind her back.
Her face remained completely expressionless.
Only the faint satisfaction hidden deep within her eyes betrayed her intentions.
Without saying a single word...
She lightly pointed toward the two enormous coins.
"They’re yours."
Her tone remained perfectly calm.
"You said you wanted gold coins."
Several craftsmen blinked.
One elderly researcher adjusted his glasses.
"...He asked for gold coins from Lady Vera?"
Another researcher swallowed.
"And Lady Vera really brought them..."
"But why?"
"So, the rumors are true... Lady Vera and Ezra have something going on between them, right?"
"I want a big bag like that"
The atmosphere became even stranger.
Ezra quietly looked at the oversized coins before looking back at Vera.
She stared back without blinking.
Neither of them spoke.
For several seconds...
The two simply looked at one another.
Finally...
Ezra walked forward.
A faint forced smile appeared on his face.
It was almost impossible to notice.
"Thank you."
He calmly stored both giant gold coins inside his Space Bag.
The enormous objects disappeared instantly.
Many of the surrounding workers watched the entire exchange in complete silence.
None of them understood what was really going on.
Some thought it was a deal going on amongst the two.
Others wondered whether the two young inventors had made some strange agreement.
Only Vera quietly nodded to herself.
Mission accomplished.
She turned around as though nothing unusual had happened.
"Let’s get to work."
She spoke in her usual flat tone before walking into the facility.
Ezra silently followed.
The strange incident quickly became another topic of discussion among the workers.
Work peacefully resumed.
The Research and Development Facility gradually returned to its usual lively atmosphere.
The production of the two firearms resumed.
The craftsmen worked together with the researchers while Ezra and Vera assisted each department whenever their expertise was required.
As the days quietly passed...
Steady progress could be seen almost every single day.
The Colt 1911 gradually reached the production standard Elder Ivanhoe wanted.
The E-V 26MK.II also underwent its final series of inspections before entering the last stages of preparation.
Without anyone truly noticing...
Several more weeks quietly slipped by.
Soon...
The final week arrived.
That morning...
A distinguished group entered the Research and Development Facility.
Leading them...
Was the head of the Financial Corps.
Elder Gram.
Several senior aides from the Financial Department followed closely behind him, each carrying thick ledgers and financial reports.
Their purpose today was simple.
To evaluate the market value of both firearms before production officially began.
Only after determining their value could proper selling prices be established for merchants, distributors, business partners, and the various companies responsible for transporting Ashenlocke firearms throughout Britannia.
"The firearms have actually been completed for quite some time now."
Elder Ivanhoe spoke while walking beside Elder Gram.
The two elderly men stood behind the testing area, quietly watching a live performance demonstration of the Colt 1911 and the E-V 26MK.II.
Every shot echoed sharply throughout the training grounds.
Brass shell casings bounced across the stone floor.
Researchers quickly recorded every result while craftsmen carefully observed the condition of each firearm after repeated use.
"We were just playing around during the testing."
Ivanhoe smiled as he looked toward the training ground. The repeated tests had produced results that exceeded even some of his own expectations, and the satisfaction on his face was difficult to hide.
The Colt 1911 had performed almost flawlessly.
Even after countless rounds were fired during the durability and pressure tests, the firearm still maintained its stability.
"The Royal Family is going to be drooling over this Colt 1911."
Elder Gram replied with a relaxed expression.
His eyes remained fixed on the firearm lying neatly on the inspection table while another group of researchers recorded the latest testing results.
"But..."
He slowly turned his head toward Ivanhoe.
"I’m sure Ashcraft is already working on an improved version of this firearm."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
He knew Ivanhoe too well.
He would never stop after creating something successful.
The moment one invention was completed...
The next one had already entered development.
Ivanhoe chuckled.
"You know us well."
He folded his arms proudly.
"Trust Ashcraft. By next year...The Ashenlocke Family will release an even greater firearm than this."
His confidence wasn’t empty boasting.
Everyone standing there understood how terrifying the Research and Development Facility had become during the past month.
Almost every department had become livelier than before.
Ideas flowed continuously.
Researchers debated day and night.
Craftsmen tested one improvement after another.
The Colt 1911 had become more than just a successful invention.
It had opened everyone’s eyes.
"I certainly hope so."
Elder Gram smiled before turning his attention back toward the testing area.
Behind him...
Several members of the Financial Corps had already spread numerous documents across a portable table.
Some carefully examined the Colt 1911.
Others inspected the E-V 26MK.II.
Every component was measured.
Every material was recorded.
The amount of Black Steel...
The Silver Platinum used...
The labor required...
The production hours...
The Cognis consumption...
Nothing escaped their attention.
Pens continuously moved across paper as calculations were made one after another.
These records would determine the official manufacturing cost.
Not long afterward...
Footsteps approached from behind.
"Greetings, Elders."
Ezra and Vera walked toward the group before politely bowing.
Elder Gram casually waved his hand.
"The two of you have done well."
A faint smile appeared again on his usually composed face.
Although it wasn’t particularly obvious...
The pride in his voice couldn’t be hidden.
"The Financial Corps is proud of both of you."
"Eh..."
Vera narrowed her dull eyes slightly.
"If you’re truly proud..."
She spoke in her usual calm tone.
"Increase my pay."
The surrounding researchers froze.
Several members of the Financial Corps blinked.
Only Ezra looked completely unsurprised.
That sounded exactly like something Vera would say.
Elder Gram’s smile twitched.
Before he could respond...
Ezra calmly added another sentence.
"Speaking of increasing pay..."
His voice remained casual.
"Shouldn’t we receive something for this work?"
He looked directly at Elder Gram.
"At least... some form of payment."
The entire area suddenly became much quieter.
Even Ivanhoe looked toward the two young inventors with interest.
Elder Gram frowned slightly.
"After the reward the Family Head already gave the two of you?"
His brows furrowed together.
Vera looked back at him without the slightest change in expression.
"I was ordered into seclusion, Elder."
Her tone remained completely flat.
"So technically...I haven’t really enjoyed that reward."
She folded her arms before continuing.
"Our reward should be a percentage of the production profits from these firearms."
She spoke as naturally as though she were discussing the weather.
The surrounding craftsmen almost choked.
Several researchers quietly looked at one another.
A percentage...
Of the production profits?
That wasn’t a small request.
Elder Gram immediately shook his head.
"What exactly do you intend to use that much money for?"
He spoke with a firmer voice.
"And what do you mean by percentage?"
He pointed toward the Colt 1911 resting on the inspection table.
"You two presented these firearms for the benefit of the family. So, every profit earned from them should further strengthen the Ashenlocke Family."
His tone gradually became more serious.
"You two should focus on preparing for the Royal Academy. Not on making money."
The slight pressure in his voice naturally spread across the room.
Ezra and Vera quietly looked back at him.
Neither argued.
Neither appeared intimidated.
They simply listened.
"Now... now..."
Ivanhoe stepped forward with a helpless smile before gently placing a hand on Elder Gram’s shoulder.
"Vera actually makes a reasonable point."
He chuckled.
"Although..."
He looked toward Vera.
"The Board would never approve a percentage-based agreement."
She nodded once.
"I already expected that."
Her expression remained unchanged.
Ivanhoe then shifted his attention toward Ezra.
"However...I quite like Ezra’s suggestion."
He smiled warmly.
"I’ll personally authorize a special reward."
He raised one finger.
"Ezra will receive twenty million gold coins."
Then he turned toward Vera.
"And Vera...You’ll receive fifteen million."
The words had barely left his mouth when Vera tilted her head.
"Why fifteen?"
She asked plainly.
The question came so naturally that several nearby craftsmen almost laughed.
Ivanhoe pointed directly at her.
"Because...We all know you don’t actually need the money."
He sighed before shaking his head.
"You’re literally listed as Britannia’s second-richest Mainline Young Noble Lady among all the Duke Families."
His voice carried a mixture of amusement and helplessness.
"So don’t try acting poor in front of me."
Ezra blinked once.
His expression remained as calm as always...
But inwardly...
He was genuinely surprised.
He had always known Vera came from immense wealth.
She never worried about expenses and she spent money without hesitation.
She was the one who bought the baking furnace for him as well as the Noble steam carriage he used for the creation of the Phantom Rolls
Even so...
He hadn’t expected her wealth to reach such an absurd level.
Second richest...
His eyes briefly moved toward Vera.
She simply folded her arms.
Her face remained almost bored, as though the title Elder Gram had just mentioned carried no importance whatsoever.
Money...
To her...
Seemed no more interesting than another ordinary number.