Mr. Rat of the Steam World

Chapter 15 Bella the White Dog
There was a subtle fragrance inside the carriage. Lu Ran secretly took a few sniffs and found it to be a perfectly balanced, light scent that instantly lifted his spirits.

This was also the first time Lu Ran had seen Afra. She looked like a well-dressed noblewoman of about seventeen or eighteen, which was not much different from what Lu Ran had imagined.

As for Zell, he probably had no choice but to swallow his anger. After all, he had already paid the money, and if he turned against him, it would be a waste of his investment. Even if he had to pretend, he had to continue pretending, at least until he achieved his goal.

After all, Lu Ran definitely needs someone to take the blame, and this Ze'er, who is probably up to no good, is the obvious choice. It's definitely right to give him some trouble.

The ideal outcome would be for Afra to realize that it was Zell's revenge, and then feel even more guilty towards the innocent detective Sherlock.

As for Anthony, even if Lu Ran is caught by this guy next time, he will still have an excuse to say that his firm was burned down and he was forced to flee. Whether this guy believes it or not, at least he has a plausible reason. Many times, having a way out means that everyone can just say a few words and let the matter pass. It's a win-win situation.

Lu Ran leaned back contentedly against Afra's tulle skirt, her whole body enveloped in softness and floral fragrance, feeling indescribably comfortable.

He wasn't a reckless fool. At least he had observed Afra's behavior and demeanor first, and only decided to personally intervene after confirming that she didn't show any inexplicable expression after learning about the incident at the agency. On the contrary, if he had even the slightest feeling that something was wrong, Lu Ran would have retreated first and let the other rats scout ahead, and then find an opportunity to sneak in later.

Lu Ran, who can pretend even under great emotional turmoil, exists, but she certainly wouldn't be a girl her age.

Based on current observations, it's not bad.

Snapped!
With a crack of a whip, the carriage began to accelerate. After traveling for an unknown amount of time, a gentle breeze lifted the carriage curtain, revealing a vast expanse of empty farmland. The fields, still chilly in late winter, looked somewhat desolate. It was clear that this marked the beginning of the estate's territory.

Biden’s estate is located in the suburbs, and its surrounding facilities are separate from the city of Baker, including its own farms, ranches, orchards, and wine cellars.

"Little ones, we're almost there! Are you excited for your new home?"

Perhaps it was because Lu Ran's fur was the shiniest and fluffiest among the hamsters that he was especially loved by Afra. Lu Ran obediently tilted his head, blinked his eyes and acted cute, while responding with a gentle, not sharp, squeak, which made Afra giggle.

He didn't seem to mind this affected manner, but it almost made the specially selected elite mice below lose their composure.

As the carriage began to slow down, Lu Ran, who was comfortably lying down, was the first to react. He quickly jumped up, grabbed the carriage, climbed up, and peered out the window. Afra saw this and immediately grabbed Lu Ran by the scruff of his neck, holding him in her hand, and said with a smile.

"That's too dangerous, let me help you."

Lu Ran responded with two squeaking sounds, his eyes quickly scanning the surrounding environment.

After passing through a large area of ​​farmland, a row of tall trees served as a dividing line, separating the inner and outer areas of the manor. In the middle of the woods, there was a stone tower more than ten meters high for observation and lookout. It was unclear whether the carriage had a special mark or if there was no guard here, but we were able to pass through unimpeded.

The lawn in front of the manor is trimmed like green velvet, and there is a marble fountain in the center. The statue is of a woman whose identity is unknown. The water jets form a small rainbow in the sunlight. From here, the atmosphere of life gradually becomes richer.

As they passed a building, Lu Ran smelled the sweet aroma of cake. Noticing Lu Ran's trembling little ears, Afra smiled and introduced, "This is the bakery. I'll bring you here to eat next time."

Lu Ran responded with a squeaky voice, his excited expression delighting Afra.

"Can you understand what I'm saying?"

Lu Ran naturally wouldn't respond to this question.

The carriage finally stopped in front of a three-story building made of gray stone, with a pointed roof covered with dark gray stone slabs. Four carved pillars stood under the porch, their shafts covered with ivy, but deliberately left space for the family crest, a pattern of crossed guns and cannons.

It seems that Earl Biden really likes this kind of firearm.

As soon as the carriage came to a stop in front of the porch, Afra impatiently lifted the curtain, gently cradling several curiously peering mice in her arms. Without waiting for the maid's help, she stepped down from the carriage herself.

"Tamara, find me a cage." Afra urged her maid as she ran, her satin skirt brushing against the stone steps with a soft tug, but she seemed completely unconcerned.

However, Lu Ran's attention was clearly not on this.

What is that, a cage?

Lu Ran was taken aback.

No, I want them to roam freely! How can I do anything if I cage them up?

Lu Ran rolled around in Afra's arms in protest, but out of the corner of his eye he suddenly caught sight of the maid named Tamara.

what.

Lu Ran fixed her gaze and examined him carefully. Although he was without smoky makeup and his temperament was somewhat different, his blond hair was still eye-catching.

Isn't that the blonde assassin? How did she end up working as a maid at Biden's ranch?
...A few minutes later.

Lu Ran leaned against the corner of the cage with a sullen expression, watching Afra busy preparing food for the hamsters. He helplessly beckoned to the hamsters beside him and whispered.

"Does it play dead? It starts trembling and panting. It returns to normal as soon as it leaves the cage, but becomes half-dead when it goes back in. Do you understand?"

"Understood x4".

When Afra came up with the cut fruit with great enthusiasm, she immediately saw the "corpses strewn everywhere" inside the cage.

"what!"

Afra was so frightened that she dropped the plate and frantically took out each mouse to check on them.

Something magic happened.

The mouse, which was half-dead a second ago, suddenly sat up straight and scurried around.

Afra paused for a moment, then snapped out of her panic and bent down to examine the mice.

"Don't you like being in cages?"

"Squeak!"

Looking at the energetic mice, Afra suddenly realized something and quickly took out paper and pen to start taking notes.

A gray squirrel that can understand human speech.

Gray mice that don't like cages.

These gray squirrels are much more interesting than I imagined.

While Afra was not paying attention to him, Lu Ran wandered around, looking around to observe the layout of the house.

The room was on the east side of the second floor of the main house. An oval stained glass window was inlaid in the oak door. A rattan rocking chair with a pale yellow velvet cushion was placed by the window. Next to it was a three-tiered walnut bookshelf with a set of books on the top shelf. A quick glance revealed texts on aristocratic etiquette and court swordsmanship.

"She also knows swordsmanship?" Lu Ran glanced suspiciously at the girl who was writing diligently. Her small frame didn't seem quite right for her.

"Wang!"

A sudden bark from a dog jolted him awake.

"A dog barking, is it the big white dog?"

Lu Ran wasn't sure if Earl Biden had any other dogs, but regardless of which one it was, for safety reasons, Lu Ran didn't intend to go out and check. It was best to have their first meeting under Afra's supervision, otherwise what if that weird dog was out of its mind and started biting him?

"Wang Wang!"

Lu Ran had no intention of going out, but the barking of the dog grew closer and closer, even carrying a hint of excitement.

The next moment, a large, muscular white dog with slightly curly fur came rushing over with its tongue lolling out. It didn't slow down at all when it pounced in. Lu Ran was so frightened that he thought the dog recognized him and scrambled to crawl under the nearest bed.

"This dog's gone mad...wait?"

"Bella, stop fooling around, I'm writing something, oh dear... hahaha, okay, okay, I'll brush your fur in a bit."

The white dog pounced on Afra, cuddling and rolling around, and the two looked exceptionally affectionate... It was all good, just a little different from what Lu Ran had expected.

Doesn't this guy recognize me?

What the hell?

That can't be right. Wasn't that the dog chasing me in my dream, or... was it just a dream?

All expectations turned into confusion in that instant.

(End of this chapter)