Last Gun Alchemist

"It’s because I still consider your family to be close friends..."

Terenza lightly opened her designer fan and slowly waved it before herself.

"...that I generously gave you an easier path to repay the debt you owe me."

She spoke as though she were the victim.

As though she had been the one wronged.

"And now..."

She looked toward Gloria with a disappointed expression that felt completely fake.

"...you’re treating my kindness with nothing but ingratitude."

Lucy quietly narrowed her eyes.

Standing behind Ezra...

She couldn’t believe the shameless confidence with which the Baroness spoke.

The woman had openly manipulated four Baron Houses into an impossible debt.

Yet...

She walked into another family’s estate without the slightest hint of guilt.

Instead...

She behaved as though everything had happened naturally.

Almost as though House Miles should be thanking her.

How can someone twist the truth so easily...?

Lucy silently wondered.

Beside Blake...

Gwen felt exactly the same.

Her fingers quietly tightened together.

She had worked inside a noble household for years.

She knew nobles often hid their real thoughts behind polite smiles.

But...

Someone like Terenza...

Someone capable of smiling while calmly destroying another family...

Was something she had never witnessed before.

Across the pavilion...

Gloria Miles gritted her teeth.

The muscles around her jaw visibly tightened.

Several responses rushed through her mind.

Yet...

None of them could be spoken.

No matter how angry she became...

The legal documents still favored House Orvain.

That truth frustrated her even more.

The peaceful warmth that had filled the pavilion only moments ago completely disappeared.

It was replaced by an oppressive silence.

Anger.

Frustration.

Hatred.

Those emotions quietly spread through everyone present, well except for one person.

Blake sat stiffly.

His eyes nervously moved between both Baronesses.

He had attended formal noble gatherings before.

But...

Never one where the hostility between both sides felt this obvious.

"What’s wrong?"

Terenza tilted her head slightly.

"Have you suddenly become speechless?"

A pleased smirk slowly appeared behind her folding fan.

Seeing nobody answer...

She calmly decided to push even harder.

"It’s hardly my fault."

She shrugged lightly.

"Your husband was careless enough to sign an agreement capable of putting your family into this situation."

She sighed dramatically.

"Honestly..."

She slowly looked toward Baron Miles.

"You four Barons should be ashamed of yourselves. You couldn’t even take responsibility for your own foolish decisions."

Her eyes gradually became colder.

"Instead of complaining... you should simply repay what you owe."

She laughed softly.

"A group of useless..."

She deliberately paused.

"...weak men."

Every word landed heavily beneath the pavilion.

She intentionally dragged out the final sentence.

She wanted it to hurt.

And it did.

"Guards!!"

Gloria suddenly stood.

Her voice exploded throughout the gardens.

The guards of House Miles reacted instantly.

Years of disciplined training became visible.

One after another...

They smoothly raised their Repeater Sword Rifles.

The barrels immediately pointed toward Terenza.

The guards of House Orvain showed no hesitation either.

Almost simultaneously...

Their space bags flashed.

Their own rifles appeared within practiced hands.

The metallic clicks of mechanisms locking into place echoed one after another.

Within seconds...

Both groups stood facing each other.

Neither side blinked.

Neither side dared make the first move.

One careless action...

Would turn the peaceful pavilion into a battlefield.

"Are you serious?"

Terenza slowly narrowed her eyes.

She no longer smiled.

"You actually intend to threaten me?"

Her voice carried visible displeasure.

Gloria stepped forward.

The Baroness no longer cared about appearances.

"You dare stand inside my family’s estate..."

She glared directly into Terenza’s eyes.

"...and continue insulting us."

Her voice trembled with suppressed rage.

"And you honestly thought I wouldn’t react?"

She pointed toward the entrance.

"What exactly do you take House Miles for, Terenza?"

Not once did she retreat.

The two Baronesses silently stared at one another.

Neither willing to lower their gaze first.

Terenza eventually scoffed.

"Dear..."

She calmly closed her fan.

"You really should relax."

Before Gloria could answer...

"My dear."

Baron Miles quietly stood from his chair.

His calm voice naturally interrupted the confrontation.

He slowly adjusted his coat.

Unlike everyone else...

His breathing remained steady.

His expression remained composed.

He looked toward Terenza.

Then toward his guards.

"Lower your weapons."

He calmly ordered.

No hesitation followed.

House Miles’ guards immediately obeyed.

One after another...

The rifle barrels gradually lowered.

Seeing that...

The guards of House Orvain also lowered their own weapons.

The dangerous atmosphere eased slightly.

Although...

Nobody relaxed completely.

"Terenza."

Baron Miles calmly looked toward her.

"What exactly brought you here today?"

His tone remained polite.

"It certainly wasn’t just to mock us."

He gave a small smile.

"You’re not that unemployed."

Silence.

The words landed far harder than anyone expected.

Even Lucy blinked.

That...

Actually sounded much sharper than shouting.

"Cough..."

Blake suddenly coughed loudly.

He quickly covered his mouth.

He had nearly laughed.

Beside him...

Gwen quietly grabbed his shoulder.

She wasn’t trying to comfort him.

She was stopping him from laughing outright.

Even Lucy couldn’t stop the faint smile appearing on her face.

Terenza’s eyes twitched.

"You..."

She folded both arms.

"...were insulting me just now."

She stared directly at Baron Miles.

"I know you were."

Baron Miles simply smiled.

He neither admitted nor denied it.

After several seconds...

Terenza sighed.

"...You’re right."

She admitted.

"I didn’t come here merely to mock you."

She turned her gaze away from Gloria.

Instead...

Her eyes settled upon Ezra.

"I actually came... to meet Ash’s young genius inventor."

She pointed directly at him.

Every pair of eyes immediately followed her gesture.

Ezra quietly looked back.

His blank black eyes remained completely unchanged as always.

Lucy felt slightly surprised.

How did she know Master was here?

She silently wondered.

Terenza carefully observed Ezra.

Then...

A warm smile gradually appeared.

"You look even more impressive in person."

She complimented him.

Ezra naturally stood.

He gave a polite bow.

"Greetings, Baroness."

His voice remained perfectly flat.

"Oh?"

Terenza smiled even wider.

"And you’re polite too."

She looked genuinely pleased.

"Ezra..."

She slowly unfolded her fan.

"You should visit House Orvain sometime. Our family would gladly welcome you properly. We’ll even prepare a reception worthy of someone with your talents."

She proudly continued.

"I’m sure you’ll enjoy a far more elegant experience than this."

Ezra quietly listened.

His expression never changed.

"I’ll definitely visit, Baroness."

He calmly replied.

Terenza blinked once.

A faint frown appeared.

Why does he sound so... rude?

She quietly thought.

Every sentence came out perfectly respectful.

Yet...

His tone remained unbelievably flat.

It almost felt as though he didn’t care who he was speaking to.

Unfortunately...

She couldn’t complain.

She already knew the Main Family had granted Ezra treatment equivalent to a Highline noble.

Offending him now...

Especially while her own reputation remained unstable...

Would only create unnecessary trouble.

Tsk...

She inwardly clicked her tongue.

How did a Lowline child gain this much influence simply by creating one invention?

Although...

After thinking carefully...

She couldn’t deny reality.

The Phantom Rolls truly had changed Britannia.

And recently...

Rumors inside the Main family claimed Ezra had also contributed to House Ashenlocke’s two newest firearms.

A child like this...

Is worth befriending.

Her thoughts immediately changed direction.

If my son becomes friends with him...

House Orvain would gain far more benefits than making another enemy.

The more she considered it...

The more attractive the idea became.

She quietly smiled to herself.

Only then did she carefully observe Ezra again.

His posture remained calm.

His movements carried discipline.

Even while sitting...

He naturally projected composure far beyond his age.

He’s actually...

For a brief moment...

An unexpected thought surfaced inside her mind.

She immediately pushed it aside.

"Very well."

She smiled gracefully.

"We’ll be waiting for your visit."

She lightly waved her folding fan.

Then...

She turned around.

After taking only two steps...

She suddenly stopped.

"Ah..."

Without looking back completely...

She slightly turned her head.

"Baron Miles."

Her voice remained calm.

"The deadline for your next repayment is approaching."

She casually reminded him.

Baron Miles simply looked back.

His expression never changed.

Seeing no reaction...

Terenza smiled again.

"If repayment becomes too difficult..."

She spoke almost playfully.

"...you could always offer your daughter as my son’s concubine."

Her smile became malicious.

"Gena is already old enough for marriage."

She lightly waved one final time before continuing toward the exit.

The moment she disappeared...

Gloria’s fists tightened violently.

Every vein on the back of her hands became visible.

Without saying another word...

She abruptly stormed out of the pavilion.

Her footsteps echoed loudly across the stone pathway.

Baron Miles quietly watched her leave.

He slowly released a tired sigh.

Everyone present could clearly see it.

He was furious.

Far angrier than he allowed himself to show.

Yet...

As the head of House Miles...

He couldn’t lose control.

Not now.

Turning back toward the guests...

He gave an apologetic smile.

"I’m sorry."

He politely lowered his head.

"...for allowing all of you to witness such an unpleasant scene."

"It’s alright, Baron."

Blake quickly replied.

Lucy and Gwen also nodded.

"Dad..."

Gena quietly looked toward her father.

"That woman really is a complete bitch. So... Please don’t blame yourself."

Baron Miles looked at his daughter.

A faint smile slowly returned.

"...Thank you."

He gently rubbed her head.

The warmth in his eyes briefly returned.

Before the burden quietly settled over them once more.

"Gena..."

Baron Miles gently called.

He looked at his daughter with a tired but warm smile.

"Please take good care of our guests."

He slowly adjusted his coat before letting out another quiet sigh.

"I need to go after your mother before she ends up punching a hole through one of the mansion walls."

A helpless smile appeared on his face.

"Judging by how angry she is... her temper has already reached its limit."

The image of his wife smashing a stone wall wasn’t even an exaggeration.

Everyone in the Household knew Gloria’s personality well enough.

When she truly lost her temper...

Very few people could calm her down.

"I should hurry."

He gave everyone one last nod before taking his leave.

His pace gradually became faster as he walked down the stone pathway in the same direction Gloria had stormed off.

The flower-covered pavilion quietly fell into silence once again.

"...That’s true."

Gena laughed awkwardly.

The laugh sounded forced.

Although she tried smiling...

The stiffness on her face remained.

Terenza’s sudden appearance had completely ruined the cheerful mood she had finally regained.

The anger still lingered deep inside her heart.

"Miss Gena..."

Gwen softly called.

She stepped slightly closer.

"Are you alright?"

She genuinely wanted to comfort her.

Seeing Gena moments ago...

And seeing her now...

The difference was obvious.

The cheerful daughter of House Miles had once again become weighed down by the problems surrounding her family.

Before Gena could answer...

"We should get moving."

Ezra quietly stood up.

His calm voice naturally drew everyone’s attention toward him.

His blank expression hadn’t changed.

He simply looked at everyone as though the next course of action had already been decided.

"...Moving?"

Blake blinked.

His head tilted slightly.

He hadn’t expected Ezra to suddenly leave.

Ezra calmly answered.

"Baroness Orvain just left."

He adjusted the black gloves covering his hands.

"Now... is the best opportunity to follow her."

His explanation remained short.

Yet...

Everyone immediately understood his intention.

If they delayed even a little longer...

They might lose the opportunity entirely.

"...That’s true."

Gena’s eyes immediately brightened again.

The gloomy expression on her face quickly faded.

A determined smile gradually appeared.

"That bitch..."

She clenched one fist.

"...actually arrived at the perfect time."

If Terenza hadn’t personally appeared today...

They would’ve needed to investigate House Orvain blindly.

Now...

Their target was already moving.

Without wasting another second...

She immediately began walking after Ezra.

Lucy had already fallen into step behind her Master.

Blake and Gwen quickly followed as well.

The group steadily left the pavilion and headed toward the estate’s front gate.

As they walked...

Gena suddenly turned toward Ezra.

"Should we use one of my House steam carriages?"

She pointed toward the large carriage garages visible in the distance.

"It’ll help us catch up much faster."

Ezra gave a small nod.

"We’ll use one."

His answer remained simple.

"We need to catch up before they leave farther."

"Okay."

Gena immediately nodded once.

Without another word...

She suddenly broke into a run.

Her footsteps echoed lightly across the stone pathway as she hurried toward one of the guard stations standing near the estate’s entrance.

The guards immediately straightened after seeing her approach.

She quickly explained the situation.

Only a few short sentences were exchanged.

The guard’s expression immediately became serious.

"Understood, Young Lady."

He saluted before immediately turning around.

Without wasting a second...

He sprinted toward one of the large carriage garages.

Moments later...

The heavy garage doors slowly opened.

A beautiful noble steam carriage bearing the crest of House Miles rolled out.

Its polished exterior reflected the afternoon sunlight while soft white steam escaped from the pressure vents beneath the chassis.

Another guard immediately opened the estate’s massive front gate.

The carriage smoothly drove through before stopping before Ezra and the others.

The door swung open.

Everyone climbed inside without delay.

The moment everyone settled...

He firmly pushed the accelerator forward.

Hiss...

Steam pressure surged through the engine.

The carriage smoothly accelerated before rapidly picking up speed.

Their pursuit had officially begun.

The streets outside House Miles remained lively.

Steam carriages continuously traveled through the city’s wide roads.

Horse carriages occasionally crossed intersections.

Pedestrians filled the sidewalks.

Despite the traffic...

The experienced guard skillfully guided the vehicle through opening gaps.

Inside the carriage...

Everyone quietly focused on the mission ahead.

After several minutes...

Gwen finally broke the silence.

She looked toward Ezra first.

Then toward Gena.

"Don’t you think..."

She spoke cautiously.

"...there’s a chance Baroness Orvain simply returns to her mansion today?"

She frowned thoughtfully.

"If that happens... wouldn’t all of this become meaningless?"

Her concern sounded reasonable.

After all...

Following someone only to watch them return home accomplished nothing.

"It’s called taking chances, Maid."

Gena calmly answered.

She remained seated with both arms folded.

Although her voice sounded confident...

Her impatience couldn’t be hidden.

She wanted this entire nightmare to end.

Not only for House Miles...

But also, for Mina Orvain.

Every time she remembered what Terenza had done to her friend...

The anger inside her heart only grew stronger.

She wanted a chance to crucify Terenza herself.

"If today doesn’t work..."

She continued.

"...then we’ll follow her tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that if necessary."

She didn’t care how long it took.

She only wanted results.

Blake quietly nodded.

"I agree."

He looked toward Ezra.

"If we don’t discover anything today... we’ll simply continue investigating."

He smiled slightly.

"Eventually... she’ll make a mistake."

After speaking...

He instinctively glanced toward Ezra.

He wanted to know whether his thinking matched Ezra’s.

Ezra remained silent.

His attention stayed outside the window.

Rows of buildings quietly passed by.

Busy pedestrians crossed intersections.

Steam drifted from nearby factories.

His blank black eyes calmly observed everything.

Lucy noticed Blake’s curious gaze.

She smiled faintly before speaking in Ezra’s place.

"Master already analyzed the situation."

She looked toward everyone inside the carriage.

"Baroness Orvain is almost certainly using the money for something hidden."

She calmly explained.

"So... We simply have to hope she eventually leads us to wherever that hidden operation is taking place."

Her confidence in Ezra never wavered.

The others quietly nodded.

The guard continued driving.

The steam carriage smoothly sped through several corners before turning into another broad avenue.

Whenever possible...

The driver cleverly chose shorter streets connecting to the city’s larger roads.

Every shortcut saved precious time.

Fortunately...

Terenza hadn’t left House Miles very long before them.

That small difference became their greatest advantage.

Eventually...

The guard exited another side street.

The carriage merged onto Velcryon’s main road.

Immediately...

His sharp eyes spotted a familiar noble steam carriage traveling several vehicles ahead.

The elegant crest decorating its rear panel immediately caught everyone’s attention.

"There."

Blake suddenly leaned forward.

He pointed through the front window.

"That’s House Orvain’s carriage."

Everyone followed his finger.

Even from a distance...

The Orvain family crest remained clearly visible.

The guard immediately eased off the accelerator.

The carriage gradually slowed.

He no longer attempted to catch up directly.

Instead...

He carefully allowed several ordinary steam carriages and horse carriages to remain between both vehicles.

Doing so naturally concealed House Miles’ carriage among the surrounding traffic.

More importantly...

The large Miles family crest decorating their own carriage wouldn’t easily be noticed by anyone riding inside House Orvain’s vehicle.

The guard continued maintaining a careful distance.

Never too close.

Never too far.

Just enough...

To quietly disappear among the endless flow of Velcryon’s busy afternoon traffic while keeping Baroness Orvain firmly within sight.