Last Gun Alchemist

Ezra quietly looked at Blake.

His father misunderstood what I meant...

Although...

That was exactly what I expected.

His expression remained blank as ever.

Nothing about it changed.

"Blake."

He calmly called.

"I have no intention of recruiting you into the Ashenlocke Family."

The words immediately caught everyone’s attention.

Blake blinked twice.

Gwen also looked at Ezra in surprise.

Even Lucy unconsciously tilted her head.

Ezra continued speaking.

"I plan to establish my own company in the future."

His voice remained flat, but unlike before, there was a trace of seriousness hidden beneath it.

"And... I need talented people like you."

He looked directly at Blake.

"People who can grow alongside me. Although, it may take years before that company truly stands on its own...but that is the path I have already decided to take."

Silence filled the workshop.

Only the faint sound of snow hitting the wooden roof could be heard.

Blake stared at Ezra.

His mouth slowly opened.

Lucy blinked once.

Even she hadn’t expected those words.

A company...

Master is planning to create his own company?

Although she had always believed Ezra was preparing for something enormous...

She had never imagined it would be this ambitious.

Starting a company wasn’t something people casually talked about.

Especially not in Britannia.

Every successful company possessed enormous influence.

Money alone wasn’t enough.

Connections.

Technology.

Political backing.

Skilled craftsmen.

Reliable merchants.

Every one of those things was needed before a company could even begin operating.

Lucy wasn’t knowledgeable about the business economy of the kingdom.

Neither was Blake.

Nor Gwen.

Yet...

Even they understood how difficult such a dream truly was.

Blake slowly swallowed.

"You’re..."

His eyes shone brighter than before.

"...going to create your own company?"

His voice carried obvious admiration.

"I..."

He couldn’t stop smiling.

"I never would’ve imagined something like that."

He laughed softly.

"As expected...of my idol."

The respect in his eyes became even stronger.

Lucy quietly looked at Blake.

He really worships Master huh...

She couldn’t help smiling.

Ezra remained completely unmoved.

"So..."

He calmly returned the conversation to its original purpose.

"About the contract?"

Blake didn’t hesitate.

"I’ll sign it."

His answer came immediately.

Without even thinking.

"Wait!"

Gwen suddenly stepped in the view of her young master.

"No."

She firmly shook her head.

"You can’t simply agree to something like that."

Her voice became much more serious.

She looked directly at Blake.

"Young Master...Don’t forget."

She pointed toward the blueprints spread across the worktable.

"This invention...is supposed to save the family."

She slowly turned toward Ezra.

"Mr. Ezra may have praised your talent. But..."

She inhaled deeply.

"That doesn’t mean we should immediately hand everything over."

Lucy frowned.

"Master already said he’ll help resolve his family’s situation."

She spoke confidently.

"So, there’s nothing to worry about."

Gwen immediately looked toward her.

"Resolve it?"

Her expression remained unconvinced.

"How?"

She folded both arms.

"Will your Master personally pay off Baron Wellston’s debt?"

Her question made Lucy pause.

Gwen continued before anyone could answer.

"I know he earned an incredible amount from the Phantom Rolls."

She looked toward Ezra.

"It was a historic amount. An inventor has probably never received that much before."

She acknowledged his achievements honestly.

"But...That money isn’t endless. Since you don’t even receive monthly profits from it."

She slowly shook her head.

"Nor does the Ashenlocke Family simply hand you unlimited funds."

She looked back toward Blake.

"This contract...is nothing more than a long-term investment. We don’t even know if his company will successfully exist one day."

She took another slow breath.

"There are simply too many unknowns. I can’t allow my Young Master to recklessly sign a contract filled with this many risks."

By the time she finished speaking...

Her breathing had become slightly uneven.

The workshop fell quiet.

"Gwen..."

Blake softly called.

He wanted to interrupt.

But...

Lucy stepped forward first.

"Gwen."

She frowned.

"What are you talking about?"

She looked genuinely confused.

"Master already knows what he’s doing."

She replied with complete confidence.

"He always does."

But...

"Lucy."

Gwen interrupted.

Her serious expression never changed.

"Do you..."

She stared directly into Lucy’s eyes.

"...actually, know what your Master is planning?"

The question instantly silenced Lucy.

"You trust him this much..."

Gwen continued.

"...but do you really understand him?"

Lucy opened her mouth.

"...I..."

No words came out.

Because...

She knew Gwen wasn’t entirely wrong.

Even she didn’t fully understand Ezra.

In her mind he was the type to always walk several steps ahead of everyone else.

Every plan.

Every invention.

Every decision.

He quietly prepared everything long before anyone else even realized something was happening.

Even today...

She had only just learned he planned to establish his own company.

Something that enormous...

Yet he had never mentioned it to her.

Lucy lowered her eyes.

Even so...

She wasn’t angry.

Because after spending this much time with Ezra...

She had gradually understood something.

Her Master wasn’t hiding things because he didn’t trust her.

He simply didn’t believe there was a reason to explain every plan before the time to act arrived.

Whenever the proper moment came...

She was always involved.

Without exception.

She slowly raised her head again.

"You only think like this because...you’ve never truly seen him."

She looked at Gwen seriously.

"You watched him save Young Master Blake. You saw what he could do."

She took another step forward.

"So... Trust him again. Or at least trust me, your friend again."

Her voice remained gentle.

"I promise...You won’t regret it."

Gwen quietly looked back.

"...Lucy."

Her expression softened only slightly.

"I’m a servant of House Wellston."

She answered calmly.

"My responsibility is protecting Young Master Blake."

She gently pulled Blake behind her.

"If there’s even the slightest chance he could end up at a disadvantage...it’s my duty to stop it."

She slowly shook her head.

"So... Even if you’re my closest friend..."

She looked directly into Lucy’s eyes.

"...I can’t simply trust your words all the time."

Her voice became quieter.

"At the end of the day..."

She glanced toward Ezra muttering to herself.

"...he’s still a noble."

Lucy bit her lip.

She wanted to argue again.

Before she could...

"Relax."

Blake finally spoke.

He had remained silent throughout the argument.

Now...

He stepped beside Gwen.

"At least..."

He smiled gently.

"...listen to Lucy a little more."

"Young Master."

Gwen immediately frowned.

"Please be quiet."

She spoke almost like an older sister scolding a reckless younger brother.

"You’re already lucky I won’t report this conversation to Madam."

She looked toward Ezra again.

"I’ll pretend this discussion never happened."

She bowed politely.

"Please enjoy the rest of your stay... and then leave when you are ready."

Just as she turned...

"Miss Maid."

Ezra finally spoke.

Gwen stopped.

She slowly looked back.

Ezra had remained silent throughout the entire argument.

Not because he didn’t care.

But because none of what had been said affected the plan he had already prepared.

He calmly walked toward her.

Lucy quietly followed behind him.

"You reached your conclusion too quickly."

His tone remained calm.

"But...I understand why. You want to protect him."

Gwen raised an eyebrow.

"Hm?"

Ezra continued.

"Like you said...I have no intention of paying House Wellston’s debt."

He admitted it without hesitation.

"But...I do intend to solve the family’s problem. That..."

He looked directly into Gwen’s eyes.

"...is a fact."

He calmly walked past both Gwen and Blake.

His footsteps headed toward the workshop entrance.

"That’s why... We’re going to visit another Baron’s estate today."

He spoke as though the decision had already been made.

Gwen stared at his back.

"...Why?"

She couldn’t understand.

"What could we possibly gain from doing that?"

Even Blake looked completely confused.

Ezra didn’t answer.

He simply continued walking outside.

Lucy smiled.

"If you’re really that curious..."

She looked toward Gwen.

"...then come with us."

Her smile carried complete confidence.

"You’ll finally understand why I’m able to trust my Master this much."

With that...

She quickly hurried after Ezra.

Gwen remained standing where she was.

Her mind became even more confused than before.

Blake quietly laughed.

"You really went into protective mode."

He smiled warmly.

She looked at him helplessly.

"I had to."

Gwen said, puffing her cheeks.

Blake gently rubbed her head.

"Let’s follow them."

He looked toward the workshop door.

"This concerns my family. I can’t just let my idol handle everything alone."

Gwen narrowed her eyes.

"...You just want an excuse to spend more time with him."

Blake immediately looked away.

"W-What?"

His awkward expression completely gave him away.

Gwen sighed.

A long...

Tired sigh escaped her lips.

"Let’s go."

She finally said.

"I’m also curious...about what kind of person my friend’s Master really is."

Blake smiled even more brightly.

"I knew it."

He softly laughed.

"You care so much about Lucy that you are cautious of my idol."

Blake grinned with a soft teasing expression.

Gwen quietly looked away.

"...I do."

She answered honestly.

A faint blush slowly spread across the tips of her ears.

Without waiting any longer...

Blake happily grabbed her wrist.

"Come on!"

The two immediately hurried out of the workshop...

Chasing after Ezra and Lucy before they disappeared from sight.

After informing the Baroness that they would be heading out together...

The Lady of House Wellston immediately insisted that several family guards that remained employed to the family accompany them.

"I’ll feel much more at ease if a few guards follow behind."

She looked at Ezra with a gentle but worried expression.

"My son isn’t very experienced outside the estate."

Ezra calmly shook his head.

"There’s no need."

His voice remained as flat as always.

"I don’t need an escort."

The Baroness hesitated for a moment.

Her eyes naturally shifted toward Blake.

She was obviously reluctant.

After all...

Although Blake had survived yesterday’s incident, the memory still lingered vividly in her mind.

Seeing the concern in her eyes...

Ezra quietly added,

"I’m also an Alchemist."

His expression remained unchanged.

"So I’ll do my best to keep him safe."

Those simple words carried an unexpected sense of confidence.

The Baroness remained silent for several seconds.

Finally...

She sighed softly.

"I understand."

She gave a small nod.

"In that case...I’ll leave Blake in your care."

She smiled gently.

"Please return safely."

Ezra gave a small nod.

Lucy bowed respectfully.

"So will we, Madam."

Blake also straightened his posture.

"I’ll be careful, Mother."

Gwen lowered her head as well.

"I’ll make sure the Young Master remains safe."

The Baroness smiled at all four of them before watching them leave the mansion.

Not long afterward...

The four boarded a horse carriage waiting outside House Wellston.

Unlike the luxurious steam carriages used by wealthy noble families...

This one was an ordinary rented carriage.

Its wooden body gently creaked as the horses slowly pulled it onto the main road.

Ezra quietly sat beside the window.

His eyes calmly watched the scenery outside.

Blake, on the other hand...

Looked noticeably excited.

He had wanted to ask Ezra countless questions ever since they left the workshop.

Unfortunately...

Every time he opened his mouth...

Gwen quietly stared at him.

That single look was enough to make him obediently close it again.

Lucy secretly covered her mouth.

She found the entire situation strangely amusing.

The carriage steadily traveled through Velcryon’s busy streets.

The journey lasted several hours.

Outside...

The city remained as lively as ever.

Numerous steam carriages traveled across the broad stone roads.

Every now and then...

A few horse carriages could still be seen weaving through the traffic, carrying merchants or ordinary nobles who preferred the older means of transportation.

Rows of shops lined both sides of the streets.

Their colorful signboards hung proudly above their entrances.

Store owners enthusiastically greeted passing customers.

The smell of freshly baked bread drifted from nearby bakeries.

Blacksmith workshops rang with the steady rhythm of hammers striking hot metal.

Steam occasionally hissed from nearby factories, sending thin clouds into the cold sky.

Restaurant doors remained open.

Workers enjoying their lunch break gathered around polished wooden tables, laughing loudly while finishing bowls of hot stew before returning to work.

Messengers hurried across the streets carrying bundles of letters.

Children chased one another between market stalls.

Merchants loudly bargained with customers.

The city breathed with life.

Even though snow still covered many rooftops...

Velcryon remained just as busy as always.

Throughout the journey...

Ezra quietly observed everything.

He wasn’t simply sightseeing.

He carefully studied the city’s layout.

The placement of businesses.

Transportation routes.

Industrial districts.

The movement of people.

Every detail quietly entered his mind.

Eventually...

The carriage gradually slowed.

Blake looked through the window.

"We’re here."

The carriage finally stopped before an enormous noble estate.

A magnificent iron gate stood proudly before them.

Behind it...

A vast mansion stretched into view.

Compared to House Wellston...

This estate looked far more prosperous.

The gardens were carefully maintained.

Marble fountains decorated the entrance.

Beautiful flower beds remained neatly arranged despite the cold weather.

Tall stone walls surrounded the entire property.

At the center stood an elegant mansion built from polished white stone.

Its architecture immediately displayed the wealth and influence of its owners.

This...

Was the residence of the most powerful Baron family in Velcryon.

The House of Miles.

The four stepped down from the carriage.

The moment they approached the main gate...

Several guards immediately crossed their weapons.

"Halt."

Their voices remained calm but firm.

Each guard held a Repeater Sword Rifle comfortably in one hand while the other rested near the weapon’s trigger assembly.

Their sharp eyes carefully observed the four visitors.

First Ezra.

Then Lucy.

Then Blake.

Finally, Gwen.

After making sure no immediate threat existed...

One of the guards stepped forward.

His posture remained respectful.

"Good afternoon."

He gave a slight bow.

"May I know your names...and the reason for your visit?"

The Guard asked in that manner because their appearance was sudden without any set appointment, and they didn’t wear anything that could identify them as High status Nobles, which they weren’t in the first place.

Before anyone answered...

Another guard quietly looked at Blake.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Hmm...They’re all young."

He glanced between Blake and Ezra.

"Maybe they’re friends of Young Lady Miles."

He spoke quietly enough that only the nearby guards could hear.

"It wouldn’t be strange. They’re accompanied by attendants too."

The other guard replied.

Blake stepped forward first.

He placed one hand over his chest in a proper noble greeting.

"My name is Blake Wellston."

He politely introduced himself.

The guards’ expressions changed slightly.

Blake continued.

"This is my maid."

He gently gestured toward Gwen.

"Gwen."

Gwen immediately stepped forward.

She gracefully lowered her head.

"Good afternoon, Sirs."

Her etiquette remained flawless.

The guards respectfully returned the greeting.

House Wellston...?

One guard quietly frowned.

Why would the heir of House Wellston come here?

Another guard silently exchanged glances with his companion.

Could it be...

Is he here because of the debt?

The thought naturally crossed several minds.

Even if no one openly discussed it...

The financial problems of House Wellston were already well known among Velcryon’s noble circles and also something the House Miles was very familiar with too.

Still...

None of the guards allowed their thoughts to appear on their faces.

"Welcome, Sir Blake."

The first guard politely bowed.

Only then did his attention shift toward the quiet young boy standing beside him.

"And you, Sir?"

The question had barely left his mouth.

Ezra calmly answered.

"Ezra Ashenlocke."

His voice remained flat.

Silence.

The guards froze.

For a brief moment...

Nobody spoke.

Then...

"E...!"

One guard’s pupils violently contracted.

"E-Ezra..."

Another guard immediately straightened his posture.

The first guard’s mouth slowly fell open.

"EZRA ASHENLOCKE?!"

The shout echoed across the entrance.

Every guard standing at the gate stared at the young boy before them in complete disbelief.

Their calm expressions completely disappeared.

None of them had expected the raising, young inventor of Britannia...

The child who had shaken the entire craftsmen world...

To suddenly appear standing right in front of House Miles’ front gate.