The Strongest Gun Magus: I Cast Bullet!-Chapter 87: Will You Join Me, Reynard?

The dance with Amelia was less romantic than Reynard had hoped. The entire time, he was torn between looking at the cut of her dress’s neckline and his own legs, which resulted in him seeing neither very well.

He would have definitely stepped on Amelia’s skirt if she hadn’t gracefully dodged away every time. Thankfully, this dance didn’t include a change of partners, just a lot of spinning and side-stepping in front of each other. No actual touching was involved, to Reynard’s disappointment.

"Not too terrible for a first time, Mister Faust," Amelia said after the dance ended and the orchestra went silent. She fanned herself with a palm. "Oh, but this place got stuffy from all the dancers. I need some fresh air. Let’s step out into the garden... I know a quiet place there."

Reynard nodded, taking the hint. He glanced around and saw that Marien was still where she had been at a dance ago—trying out the food.

’It would be great to join her,’ he thought, letting Amelia lead him.

The garden of the mayor’s mansion was the size of a small park. Although plenty of guests were already taking a breath of fresh air here, it didn’t feel crowded.

Amelia led Reynard through a narrow gravel walkway and then off the main road to a path partially covered in grass. Soon, she and Reynard stopped near a small pond.

Someone must’ve tended for it, but more rarely than they should have. Right now, it was full of tadpoles and algae. Nearby was a bench covered in leaves.

Amelia stopped near the pond and turned her enticing smile at Reynard.

"I think the mayor’s wife got disappointed in the idea of a pond. It’s not the best sight right now, but we won’t be disturbed here. At least until much later, when someone gets drunk and decides to engage in scandalous affairs here."

Reynard stopped a pace away from her, feeling suddenly nervous. He cleared his throat.

"Miss... Ah, I forgot your fake name. Can I just call you Amelia here?"

She chuckled, covering her mouth with a sleeve.

"Your earnestness is charming, did anyone tell you yet? I hope they did."

"Ah... Thank you... Damn, the thing I wanted to see you for! Here."

Reynard reached into the inner pockets of his robe and pulled out a leather holster. Only a polished wooden handle was sticking outside.

As Amelia watched with wide eyes, Reynard pulled the Hoard from its modest cover and showed the gun in all its bejeweled glory.

"My latest piece, a unique one. I named it Hoard. This revolver has enough punch to break a bone even of someone like you or me! Its only flaw is that the jewels need to be replaced after every six shots, same as ammunition. But I’m sure you know how similar artifacts work, since you gave me the Ring of Permafrost. Consider this... A Day of Freedom gift. By the way, it’s loaded."

Amelia carefully took the offered gun.

"This... such a compact but deadly weapon, both in magic and size—I didn’t feel it on your person until you showed it. I don’t have Earth Affinity, but I could still sense the Ring of Permafrost you wear. Even if it weren’t reloadable, it would still be precious. And this artifact is beautiful, too..."

She holstered the gun and stashed it in her purse. It fit, but barely. Then, she leveled an intense look at Reynard and bowed.

"I thank you deeply for such a generous gift. I wish I could do something of equal value to repay you right now. You have placed me in your debt, and just when I was about to ask you for something myself."

To Reynard’s shock, Amelia suddenly took his hand in his. He felt like his heart would break free from his chest at this moment.

"Very soon, it will be the time for the Children of the Frost to step into the light. The Orders of Winter and Snow will fall, but it will take a lot of fighting and bloodshed. Much more than was happening already. I will have to fight, and your gift will help me a lot... But will you fight on my side in full? Please, join us, the Children of the Frost. You have already made this possible, so help me make this victory real."

Reynard stared at Amelia as she leaned even closer to him.

’I have to leave this city, I have to leave this city, I must say no, I have to say no,’ was going on repeat in his head. Despite that, not a sound left his mouth.

Amelia continued with the same intensity:

"Don’t doubt—I will repay you in full for everything after the victory is ours! The wealth of this city, the power, the knowledge... Although you weren’t on this path with me for long, you did more for my success than you imagine. You deserve to be second only to me. I can make you the new city mayor if you want, or simply the most venerated elder of the new Order of Frost. And if Julia decides to join us, she won’t be forgotten, either!"

"But I don’t want to be a mayor. That’s, uh, responsibility and paperwork," was the best Reynard managed to choke out.

Amelia chuckled. Somehow, she was getting only closer the entire time. Reynard could feel her warm breath on her skin.

"You can have enough power to rule your own order or school. You and your can even conquer Valkenburg and regain your true name and the place you deserve... Reynard."

Reynard choked on air.

"You know that?!"

"I had a lot of time to study you and Marien Canseliet. Rumor has it that the Blue Bismuth School went into decline recently... But there are still bounties on your heads. Don’t worry, though—your secrets will stay secret with me."

Amelia gave Reynard a smile that could make a man drunk. Reynard sure felt this way.

Then, she leaned forward and kissed him.

As her soft lips leaned with Reynard’s, destroying the last remnants of his resolve, Amelia whispered:

"Will you join me, Reynard?"