Gun of Ashes

Essentially, this is a court ball; rather than simply indulging in food and drink, making friends here is the real highlight. The true rulers of Old Dunling taste fine wines behind the curtains, while their offspring, the future masters of Old Dunling, mingle in the dance floor, meeting those who will rule alongside them in the future.

That is the real world of nobility, a threshold ordinary people cannot reach in a lifetime; even to hear of it is considered an honor.

Lorenzo breathed steadily, making an effort to keep his movements small. The evening suit was a size too small, and wearing it felt like being stuffed into a sack. Perhaps if Lorenzo exerted himself, he might tear it apart like a beast.

With the servants' dressing, he appeared years younger, his skin as white as mutton fat, his unruly hair neatly combed. For a moment while looking in the mirror, Lorenzo even thought he could pass as someone's lover.

Selyu stood beside him, holding his arm. But due to their height difference, they seemed like a father holding his daughter's hand, the only oddity being that this father appeared too young.

"You look like a penguin."

Selyu whispered, speaking to Lorenzo, yet staring straight ahead as if talking to herself.

The black suit overlaid with a white inner layer indeed matched a penguin's colors.

"Have you seen a penguin before?"

Lorenzo recalled the creature, a species discovered by seafarers at the world's southernmost end.

"I read about them in books."

"But I think you resemble an Adelie penguin more."

Selyu added.

"What's that?"

"A type of penguin with quite... indescribable behavior. They often struggle to discern dangers in water, so they kick a companion in first. If nothing happens, they all dive in; if it gets eaten by another creature, they scatter and find another spot."

A hint of gloom clouded Lorenzo's face.

Turning to look, Selyu's outfit appeared elegant or rather, bulky. The thick white dress bloomed like a white rose, but from Lorenzo's perspective, Selyu seemed embedded in a gigantic white cake, dragging it along with difficulty as she walked, a platter of precious metals balanced atop her head.

Thinking this, Lorenzo couldn't help but show a slight smile.

"Do you want to know what you look like to me?"

"Please be serious."

Yawei, trailing behind, said gravely. His displeasure was evident from the start and continued.

Lorenzo was their reluctant choice, but even so, Yawei remained uneasy. This old steward took the Stuart family's honor very seriously.

Lorenzo wanted to speak more, casting a glance at Yawei, then moved forward with Selyu.

This time, the ball was central in Old Dunling, even more so than the Inner City District where the nobility and wealthy residents lived, near a grand estate close to the royal area, and its host, Duke Salicardo, was the organizer of this ball.

Old Dunling conceals many secrets, such as the mysterious Purification Mechanism, the Mechanical Institute, and the Furnace Pillar – all inaccessible to commoners. Thus they are designated to an area of the same level as the Platinum Palace, known as the royal area, guarded militarily by the Royal Guard.

Near this estate, within the royal area, is the Furnace Pillar's surface facilities, to be precise.

The estate grounds were already filled with carriages and new automobiles. The cold winter night grew feverish with the feast, the air thick with the scent of vanilla, colors flashing everywhere the eye could see.

Men and women endeavored to display their allure; the flowing skirts like flowers blooming in the cold. This was a sea of flowers; diverse fragrances mingled, assailing Lorenzo's nostrils, making him nearly sneeze.

Surging scenes of prosperity lay all around; Lorenzo trembled slightly. It wasn't as if he had never seen such splendor; as a former Forbidden Guard of the Order, the Saint Nalos Cathedral he once guarded was not inferior.

The massive pipe organ clung to every corner of the walls like a metal creature, grand artworks etched on the domed ceiling, thousands of candles burning quietly amid holy silence, with only whispered prayers and hymns sung by the world.

Saint Nalos Cathedral is possibly the largest in the world, constructed over six centuries since the founding of Seven Hills before completion. Its vast interior feels like a labyrinth, with the remains of every pope stored underground.

In terms of grandeur, even Ingwig's supreme Platinum Palace pales in comparison, but Lorenzo wasn't looking to compare anything.

The same luxury at Saint Nalos Cathedral offered him endless sanctity and faith, sitting there as if his soul felt purified. Here, however, the opulence was tinged with power and wealth. Every person here held an important position and occupied high status.

"Feeling uncomfortable?"

Selyu softly inquired, sensing the change in Lorenzo.

"What discomfort?"

Lorenzo tried his best to reveal a friendly smile, then faced those unfamiliar to him.

"The feeling of a stray dog dragged into the spotlight...?"

Selyu pondered and spoke.

"Though your description is truly perplexing, it is indeed that feeling."