Alice in the Land of Steam

Does Chapter 95 make you more proactive?
At the Musbeld Railway Station in Linville, Ronning Ravel changed out of his usual black tribune uniform and replaced it with a classic gentleman's outfit: a neatly ironed and comfortable morning coat, a simple, clean and stylish loose coat, a pair of black trousers and hard leather boots. The overall tone was cool, which matched his serious and meticulous expression perfectly.

Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, leaning on a dark and heavy walnut cane in his left hand and carrying a small brown suitcase in his right hand, he stood there straight, like a flagpole that could not be blown down by wind and haze. When anyone sees this middle-aged man who is about to travel far away, the first impression that comes to mind is inseparable from words such as "old-fashioned", "solemn" or "dignified".

In comparison, Lestrade standing next to him seemed much more inconspicuous. As usual, he was covered tightly in a long black windbreaker, with the turned-up collar almost covering half of his face. He was taciturn in front of strangers, with a gloomy and heavy temperament that made people dare not approach him.

Should this be considered an innate character or a habit developed during one’s career?

Ronning Laville had been thinking about similar questions since he met the man in front of him when he was receiving training at the association's headquarters ten years ago. At that time, he was not called Lestrade, but had another name.

The two became good friends during the training, and were later assigned to work in Linville together, continuing their friendship. Ronning was very happy to have such a friend who understood and supported him, because in the great cause they were engaged in, like-minded partners were always the rarest.

Unfortunately, starting today, they will have to be separated temporarily.

The wind blew through the dome of the station, bringing with it low calls. The cold moon in Linville City is a suitable season for parting.

"Although parting is not a happy time, I think I should say some congratulations to justify your feelings."

Lestrade said as he glanced in the direction of the train tracks. The black wall clock on the waiting room wall showed that there were still ten minutes until the scheduled arrival time. Therefore, he could have a few more words from his heart, which were also what he had always wanted to say: "Congratulations on getting one step closer to your ideal, Ronning."

He said with emotion: "You were not the best among the people who received the same training, but now you are at the forefront. But I think this is also natural, because you have a character that we don't have, that is, perseverance."

As the object of congratulations, Lang Ning was neither too happy nor too proud. He just shook his head slightly and said, "Rather than saying we are one step closer, it's better to say we have just taken the first step."

"His Majesty also invited you, Lestrade, but you chose to refuse."

"Perhaps there is another possibility?" Lestrade deliberately avoided his gaze: "Because I found a loophole in the rules? Since me, no one has done something similar, right?"

"That's because I know that my talents are limited and not enough to earn a place on the Scarlet Night Gate. I can only play my role in a city like this. If I leave the city, I will easily get lost. In this regard, I am obviously far inferior to you."

"People with limited talents cannot use this name." Lang Ning looked at his friend quietly, seeing through the disguise under his dark eyes: "When you called yourself 'Lestrade', you actually violated the rules, but the people in the Supreme Council chose to turn a blind eye. That's because they believe in your talents and think that you will take this position one day. It's just a matter of time."

"Looks like you should go."

"You are always so modest." Behind the collar of his windbreaker, Lestrade seemed to smile. His laughter was just like his personality, low and steady. "I think His Majesty Fei Er's respect for you is enough to prove your talent."

"..."

A few minutes later, the train arrived at the station. With a long and mournful whimper, thick black smoke drifted into the train station like volcanic ash. In the smoke, the shadow of a huge beast rushed over, and the wheels rubbed against the rails, making a sharp and piercing sound. There were also golden and red sparks splashing, lighting up people's eyes.

From his attitude, Lang Ning realized that he probably couldn't persuade this good friend to change his mind. He sighed silently in his heart, but there was no change on the surface. He naturally changed the subject and talked to him about other things.

In front of him was a dark green carriage that kept flying by, with almost no signs of slowing down. Lestrade retracted his gaze and said, "The Scarlet Night Gate is now docked in the territory of Metosh. If you hurry up, you may still make it. His Majesty Scarlet has specially reserved a seat for you, wanting to share the glory of defeating the Celestial Eater with you. You must not let him down."

“This is also my wish.”

Ronning replied softly. At this time, the train, which was whimpering and emitting thick smoke, finally slowed down and slowly stopped at the train station. The crowd immediately rushed into the carriage like a school of fish rushing into the open mouth of a whale. In the hustle and bustle, only Ronning remained calm and composed. He stretched out his hand to gently press the brim of his hat and said a farewell word to his friend: "Goodbye, Lestrade."

His friend also replied: "Goodbye, Ronning."

The serious middle-aged man walked slowly towards the surging crowd, leaning on a walnut cane and carrying his brown suitcase. When he was about to step into the carriage, he suddenly stopped and turned back to ask: "Actually, I have always wanted to ask you, why did you choose this name? Is it just because you like the novel so much?"

Lestrade was stunned for a moment, then a faint smile appeared on his face, which seemed to be a self-narration, and also a feeling: "Because he is a man without talent, far inferior to that brilliant detective. But at least, he is also working hard to protect his city."

"I see."

After getting the answer, Lang Ning nodded slightly, no longer lingered, turned around and left. In the blink of an eye, he blended into the ordinary world and disappeared without a trace.

Lestrade stood there, quietly watching the people around him pour into the carriage one by one, gradually filling it up. Are they also going to a distant place? To survive, or to pursue their ideals? One day in the future, will they suddenly realize that their life started from a train... These countless thoughts flashed through his mind, but for some reason they could not make him feel sentimental, and he always felt alienated from emotions.

Perhaps it was because he was not born to be a person who liked to travel far, and he just wanted to stay in the city he protected until he became a part of its ancient history.

The sobbing sound rang out again, reminding people that the train was about to depart. Lestrade, who sometimes daydreamed, came back to reality. With no intention of staying any longer, he turned around and walked against the flow of people, silently leaving the station.

When will we meet next time?
……

At the same time, in the distant city of Rostin, at 13 Sherrill Street, on the second floor of the Fairy Sleep Hotel.

After the pink-haired girl asked a bartender who wished to remain anonymous about Shaymi's room, she kept wandering outside her door, hesitating and conflicted.

Although Ling Ge had told her that both of them were right and that they would understand each other as long as they explained things clearly, she was still a little scared: What if Xie Mi was still angry? What if she refused to listen to her explanation? What if she... didn't want to see her at all?
In short, it is all kinds of psychological activities.

But running away would not solve any problem, so after struggling and hesitating for a few minutes, Metien made up his mind, mustered up the courage, and knocked on Shemi's door.

dong dong——

There was silence.

The pink-haired girl heard a slight sound of footsteps in her uneasiness, and then the door "clicked" and opened from the inside, and behind the door was Shemi's face. When she saw Metien, she was obviously stunned for a moment and did not react.

Well, at this time you should take the initiative to speak and seek communication.

Metien remembered his brother's instructions, opened his lips slightly, and was about to speak, when a flash of hesitation flashed across Shemi's eyes behind the door, but it was fleeting and soon turned into a firm look. She lowered her head and shouted with all her strength:

"I'm sorry, Metien!!!"

"Eh?"

　Give me some meow
　　
　
(End of this chapter)