Gun of Ashes

Logically, someone so cold should easily draw others' attention, like the frosty chill, you immediately sense that eerie coldness. Yet, Selyu rarely attracts notice; at times, he's cold like a dead object.

"Do you wish to dance with me?"

Selyu raised his head to look at him, the corners of his mouth slightly lifted.

Lorenzo shook his head, then muttered.

"And the next day's newspaper headline would be some goddamn strange news?"

Honestly, sitting here all night isn't bad, at least it doesn't draw attention.

But just as Lorenzo was thankful, a voice arose, and another man hurriedly arrived from behind. He seemed prepared to greet Duke Salicardo, but as he passed by, he sharply detected Selyu's presence, then greeted him with surprise.

"Didn't expect you'd come today, I thought you'd refuse the invitation again."

The man smiled at Selyu, they seemed familiar, while Lorenzo seemed ignored, yet Lorenzo felt a sense of relief in being ignored. Although he hadn't done anything wrong… no, he hadn't done anything wrong essentially, but now he especially wanted to leave here.

"Hello, Duke Phoenix."

Selyu greeted with a smile.

As the only surviving lineage of the Stuart family, although lacking assets, it's not something a young girl could manage alone. Thus, initially, Duke Phoenix offered Selyu substantial help, leading to their familiarity.

"Why sit here? Everyone's waiting for you."

"I… truthfully, I'm not familiar with those people, a bit nervous."

Selyu replied, though that indifferent face showed no sign of nervousness.

To that, Duke Phoenix chuckled, not minding. He liked Selyu, not just because of her status and power. She was about the same age as his daughter, sometimes he viewed her like a child; of course, it might also be Selyu's lack of the usual duchess's dignity.

Speaking thus, Duke Phoenix glanced to the side, clearly indicating the man beside was Selyu's friend. Truthfully surprised by the future duchess's character, she rarely had friends.

Duke Phoenix skeptically observed; if a person of good nature, he wouldn't mind Selyu having more friends. But, if he were like those nobles seeking profit, he wouldn't hesitate to help handle them.

A familiar face came into view. Though this fellow wore a kind smile, dressed differently than before, that undeniable scent of a stray dog still triggered Duke Phoenix's instinctual warning.

Instinctively, he reached for his waist, only to find it empty—remembering it's a ball, he hadn't brought his gun. The man's voice, somewhat hoarse, reached out cordially to shake hands with Lorenzo.

"Long time no see, Mr. Holmes."

He said through gritted teeth.

"Ah yes, ah yes."

Lorenzo nodded vigorously, even though it hadn't been a week since their last meeting.

By now, it wasn't as simple as a new or old grievance. Duke Phoenix forcefully squeezed Lorenzo's hand—though with Demon Hunter's grip, he could easily counter—but Lorenzo bore it without resistance, not wanting to provoke this guy further.

"You two know each other?"

Selyu noticed with her magical eyes; the tone between them couldn't hide from her. Right away, she sensed the familiarity and some… old grudges?

This time, Selyu curiously observed Lorenzo. The suburban housewife from before had somewhat impacted her. It seemed unexpected he knew Duke Phoenix as well. Yet this detective appeared more peculiar than she thought.

"Of course, not only acquainted; we've dealings professionally."

Lorenzo answered with a smile, though his hand was reddened.

"But speaking of which, you're not a noble, why are you here?"

Duke Phoenix started regretting bringing Eve to the ball. After the Ende Town operation, Eve was confined, stuck in the manor learning etiquette and knowledge. Wherever she went, people followed. Eventually, even Duke Phoenix felt it overly protective, so decided she should meet peers at the ball. Yet, who'd expect this bastard Lorenzo here too.

"I'm her dance partner, so what?"

Still unable to hold back, Lorenzo smugly glanced at Duke Phoenix.

"You seem more charming than I imagined."

He said slowly, the smile filled with murderous intent.

"Not really, mingling in the circles means having some friends, right? After all, boyfriend, girlfriend, they're all friends, aren't they?"

Lorenzo began self-deprecatingly mocking.

Duke Phoenix finally let out a long breath, coldly staring at Lorenzo. He had proper tasks waiting; better finish then deal with this bastard.

"Hey, you're all here."

At that moment, Duke Salicardo noticed Duke Phoenix, greeting while approaching, naturally accompanied by several nobles.

Duke Phoenix's expression instantly shifted: from smile with hidden daggers to the look of a good buddy. That's face changing, even Lorenzo noticed. Whispering to Selyu.

"See, filthy adults."

This guy didn't try to hide; Duke Phoenix clearly heard but ignored him. Then Duke Salicardo, who approached, saw something curious.

"Didn't expect Duke Stuart here too; thought you'd not come as usual."

He said, astonished, looking at Selyu seated aside, soon inviting her. But judging by the girl's demeanor, he hardly expected her arrival.

"Can't reject endlessly, happy to see you, Duke Salicardo. Though I'm not a duchess yet, please address me so after I inherit."

Selyu stood, the frost melted almost, responding with ceremonial grace and smile. To Lorenzo, it was like a cold dead thing suddenly came alive.

It's over, Selyu starts becoming another boring adult.

Watching Selyu's graceful move and quick face change, Lorenzo felt a hint of helplessness. But barely pondering, Duke Salicardo's eyes shifted to him; Lorenzo first introduced.

"Lorenzo Holmes, a detective."

Duke Salicardo nodded without saying much, Lorenzo feeling ignored; naturally, he's neither significant compared to a duke.

The three major figures started idle chit-chat; Lorenzo sat aside like an irrelevant audience.

"Found it interesting?"

A familiar voice suddenly rang by, Watson lazily reclining on a nearby white chair, casually testing water temperature with her foot.

"Best prepare yourself; this brief joy soon ends."

She turned, smiling at Lorenzo.

"What do you mean?"

Lorenzo showed vigilance. The cheerful atmosphere vanished upon Watson's arrival.

This woman was like a ghost, appearing suddenly to mutter some cryptic words. Her presence alone demanded Lorenzo's attention given her status.

Seeing Lorenzo's satisfactory expression, Watson approached, then cupping his face, gazed into those grey-blue eyes.

"Haven't you noticed, Lorenzo?"

The terrifying cold seized Lorenzo's heart; not from Watson's words, but the unknown future unsettling his mind. Something was bound to happen; yet he hadn't sensed it.