"Have you read the Code of Order?"
"I have."
Ever since learning that the Light of Order and the Code of Order were not mythological tales but practical instructional texts, Karen had read through them thoroughly several times back on Mink Street.
"Can you recite the full text from memory?"
"Not yet, but I plan to memorize it diligently going forward."
The Code of Order was a very thick tome, like a dictionary. Merely reading it once took a long time, and memorizing it would be a massive undertaking. But if it was required for his future work and advancement, Karen was willing to invest the effort.
"Oh, there's no need to memorize all of it. We're not those pedants from the Church of Principles, after all."
"Hm?"
"We usually just browse through it. Hardly anyone actually memorizes it. Having a general impression is enough."
"Is that really alright?"
"Yeah. Sometimes when you cite 'Volume so-and-so, Chapter so-and-so of the Code of Order' and can't quite remember the details yourself, you just make something up on the spot."
"You can do that...?"
"As long as you've got the general idea. You can always check the book later to patch things up. If even we haven't memorized it, outsiders certainly haven't, and they won't be able to correct you anyway. You just need to be dead certain that their conduct violated the Code of Order. The Code of Order was originally created for other churches in the first place. It's a [constraint] jointly established between the Church of Order and the other churches."
"I understand, Captain. It was my oversight this time; next time, I'll shout the Code of Order right in their faces."
"Oh, this time wasn't your oversight." Neo pulled out a handgun and laid it down beside Karen's plate. "You fired on purpose to lure them into the woods."
"I was worried exposing my identity with the Church of Order might interfere with your operation, Captain."
"Mm, perhaps that was part of it, but I think it's more likely that you didn't want the way you killed them exposed to light."
"..." Karen remained silent.
No matter how good a concealment was, flaws would inevitably show in front of truly sharp minds. In fact, even if your cover was flawless, that very perfection might be the biggest tell in their eyes.
He didn't even need to listen to your explanations or analyze so-called evidence. A single glance gave him an instinct, like an experienced veteran police officer eyeing a thief—even before you had stolen anything, he could already sense that you were about to.
"Quite interesting," Neo said with a chuckle. "The first bullet likely pierced the car door and hit one of them, given the bloodstains on the ground. The next few shots were aimed at the windshield but were blocked by a spell. Even more amusing, you emptied your gun into that summoned creature. Didn't you know that was useless? You did. And then you threw the gun away, as if you were terrified they wouldn't chase after you."
Karen quietly continued cutting his chicken cutlet.
"Why that mindset?" Neo tapped his fingers lightly on the tabletop. "You seemed downright eager to fight them. Did you learn some new spells recently?"
Karen placed the cut pieces of chicken into his mouth one by one.
"No need to be nervous."
"Captain, I'm not nervous. I feel like I've... grown somewhat used to this."
"Do you know why my squad has never received a promotion?"
"I heard that Count mention it was because of your relationship with Miss Elisa, Captain..."
"That's one reason. There's another: my subordinates were either pulled out of the Whip of Order's dungeons, or I washed their identities clean, turning them from fugitives into members of the Whip of Order. Every single one of them has secrets. So, this squad of mine—from me, the captain, down to every single member—is dirty as hell."
Karen had just picked up his soda to take a sip, and hearing this, he nearly sprayed it across the table.
"I originally thought that someone chosen by Inquisitor Pavaro would be quite clean. I even wondered if you might become a second Inquisitor Pavaro. That way, your arrival could help improve the atmosphere in my squad. Everyone is pitch-black; it's a bit too monotonous."
Karen was now certain that Captain Neo hadn't chosen him as some casual plastic watchdog. Neo had truly taken Inquisitor Pavaro's standing into account, acting out of genuine respect for Pavaro himself—much like the ancient recommendation system, because Karen's identity had been endorsed by Pavaro.
So that hair... had that lady tied it back after unsealing the dossier?
For such a meticulously observant captain, it seemed only natural that his secretary would have that sort of obsessive eye for detail.
"Turns out I was mistaken. Still, it doesn't matter. It's practically become a tradition in my squad anyway."
Karen offered a polite, accommodating smile.
"For now, you remain an auxiliary member. The higher-ups keep a tight leash on my squad's official roster, because they know very well where I like to recruit."
"Understood, Captain."
"I won't pry into my squad members' secrets. However..." Neo pointed outside. "Since you're more capable than I anticipated, I might call you in for some missions down the line. Of course, go visit your relatives and see your girlfriend for now. Any mission will certainly wait until after you return to York City."
"No problem, Captain."
"In recent years, on one hand, corruption has set in within the church, and our control has begun slipping. On the other hand, the overall climate is shifting. I've heard that even the Light remnants have managed to receive guidance through damaged divine artifacts, even if they aren't true divine oracles.
"Naturally, there are other reasons I won't delve into.
"In short, friction between our church and other factions will intensify in the coming period, because they no longer fear and respect the church as they once did. The higher-ups have clearly noticed this too, which is why transferring my squad to York City isn't just about filling the vacancy left by the Qihe case.
"The York City Region has many Whip of Order squads, but they've lived in comfort for too long. In my eyes, they're like a flock of ducks accustomed to splashing around in clear streams. In peaceful eras, the Whip of Order primarily oversees internal discipline, but in turbulent times, the Whip of Order exists to lash the outside world, making them see clearly what true Order really is.
"This is a great opportunity. My squad has been kept in the shadows for far too long, and we've finally been brought out into the open. I'm confident those little ducks won't stand a chance against us. Because we are a pack of real hounds."
"Yes, Captain!"
Karen feigned being deeply inspired and instantly filled with boundless confidence for the future!
Neo stood up. As he prepared to leave, he suddenly asked, "Were the white roses planted?"
"They'll be planted today. When you go see Miss Elisa tomorrow, Captain, you'll be able to smell their fragrance."
Karen had already instructed Alfred, who remained in York City, to take care of the matter today, along with delivering food to Old Saman, the cemetery caretaker. He trusted Alfred to carry out both tasks flawlessly.
Neo nodded and walked out of the diner, his figure soon vanishing outside.
Karen asked for a takeout container, packed up the untouched portions of food, rose, and stepped outside.
Marlo and Zema were still standing there in their police uniforms smoking, completely ignoring the 'No Smoking' sign posted by the nearby gas pumps.
Seeing Karen come out, Marlo asked with a grin, "Come on, let us guess: did the captain tell you the story about the little ducks and the hounds?"
"Uh..." Karen muttered.
Zema swayed slightly, pulled out a cigarette, and handed it to Karen, saying:
"The captain has two big habits. One is handing out plastic rings—I bet he custom-ordered a huge crate from some toy factory, because once when I accidentally snapped mine and went to him feeling terribly guilty, he scolded me for not taking care of it while handing me a whole small box of replacements.
"His other habit is constantly telling us, 'Oh, we're hounds, and they're all little ducks.' The other Whip of Order squads are little ducks, the higher-ups are ducks, other churches are ducks too—as if the whole world outside us is made of little ducks that can only quack."
Marlo pulled out a lighter and helped Karen light up. Karen didn't mention he was quitting; instead, he cupped his hand around the flame and lit the cigarette.
"Isn't he even funnier, though?" After lighting Karen's cigarette, Marlo mimicked in a high-pitched squeal: "'Oh my, officer, they tried to rob me! Hahahaha!'"
"Hahahahaha!" Zema doubled over with laughter.
Karen laughed along politely.
"Still, you'd better watch out. The others wolfed down their meal and rushed back to town escorting the prisoners, but Peige knows we've got a new member, and she's very interested in you."
"Interested in me?"
"Yeah, because the captain told her you're very handsome and said he recruited you just to help resolve her marriage prospects."
"Uh..."
"So, where are you headed next?" Zema asked.
"To my girlfriend's place."
"Your girlfriend lives in the countryside?"
"Yeah. Her family isn't very well-off."
"Oho! Peige is going to be furious. She even thanked the captain for this."
"It's fine. Peige should be used to it by now."
"No, she probably won't be this time. Our new member really is handsome—just a tiny bit behind me, maybe."
"Alright, off you go. See you next time."
"See you next time." Karen gave a slight bow, and both Marlo and Zema stepped aside respectfully.
Karen then climbed into the car and handed the takeout bag to Kevin and Purr in the back. "Have a bite first. There's still some distance to Allen Manor."
"Is that the Whip of Order squad you mentioned?"
"Yes."
"Quite an elite bunch. Those two dressed as cops—I suspect they might even be Inquisitor-level."
"Is it really that exaggerated?" Karen asked.
"I could tell from the spells they casually used when inspecting the car earlier. Besides, it's not actually that surprising. Realms, ranks, and actual combat power have always been a mess across all the major churches. By comparison, the family faith system is actually the best benchmark."
"I felt that too. When I killed those two from the Church of the Abyss, it felt... so easy."
"Well, duh! Sea God's Armor and Dark Moon Blade are advanced spells. They aren't in circulation outside at all. On top of that, you learned them above your level. Most importantly, you had the two of us making rubs and breaking down the steps for you. Otherwise, you'd have had to sit by the sea contemplating the tides or sit on a mountain peak admiring the moon."
"Thank you both."
"Don't mention it. You protected us too, didn't you?"
"Heh, protecting you feels pretty good."
*Alright, they definitely peeked at my notebook.*
...
By the time Karen drove to Allen Manor, dusk had fallen. His car was stopped by a squad of bodyguards at the manor's perimeter, but after word was sent, he was quickly waved through. Karen then saw Old Anderson standing with Mr. Mike at the manor gates to welcome him.
Before Karen could even step out, they got into their own car and led Karen inside, parking behind the manor.
"Young Master Karen, welcome back to rest at your manor," Old Anderson said with a bow.
Mr. Mike, seated in his wheelchair, lowered his head as well.
"Where is Mr. Bede?" Karen asked.
"He... he went out with a gentleman named Piaget. He told me it was at your instruction."
"Mm." Karen took the blame for his father-in-law.
"Mr. Mike, how is your condition now?"
"In response to Young Master, after the treatment you provided last time, I have now broken through to Tier Four in the family faith system and stabilized."
"Congratulations."
Mr. Mike had always been the most talented among the brothers. If a misstep hadn't occurred when trying to follow in the progenitor's footsteps, he would have reached Tier Four long ago. It was precisely because of this standout talent among the mediocre that Purr had been willing to expend effort treating him.
"It is all thanks to Young Master's blessing."
"I'll have to ask Mr. Mike to guide me in combat experience tomorrow."
"Er... of course, Young Master. It would be my honor."
"Oh, right, Mr. Anderson."
"At your command, Young Master."
"On Second Street in the commercial district around the Saint Torr Building in York City, there's a Lemar Pottery Studio. You can send someone to negotiate with the shopkeeper and supply him with raw materials."
"Understood. I will arrange someone to reach out immediately."
"Good, that's all."
"Young Master, there is one more matter. Because the Raphael family was destroyed..."
Speaking of this, the corners of Old Anderson's mouth twitched upward slightly. Nothing was more delightful than waking up to find your family's sworn enemies wiped out overnight.
"So, the Allen family has taken back several workshops. I took the liberty of not fighting to swallow all of them, letting a few go."
"Mm. When it comes to business matters, use your own judgment."
"Understood, Young Master."
"I'll head inside." Karen gestured toward the castle and walked in carrying the gift box.
"Father's choice back then was indeed correct," Mr. Mike remarked with feeling.
"Indeed," Old Anderson agreed with a nod.
Originally, Allen Manor had been reduced to bluffing and hiding the strength of its members to deceive the Raphael family, to the point that Bede, as patriarch, had been advertised as a powerhouse of the family faith system.
Now, the Raphael family was gone, and the younger generation of the Allen family—Boge, Judia, and his granddaughter Eunice—had all displayed astonishing talent. In another five or ten years, the family wouldn't have to worry much about core pillars. They had weathered this low tide.
"Meow."
At that moment, Purr hopped down from the car, riding on Kevin's back.
Seeing Purr in a hooded cape and bow tie, Old Anderson and Mr. Mike immediately bowed again in greeting.
Purr had no interest in acknowledging them, however, merely pointing a paw forward:
"Meow! Meow!" *(Stupid dog, kitchen!)*
"Woof!"
...
Heading up the stairs, Karen paused as he saw Boge running up from below.
At this age, after not seeing a boy for a short while, you could clearly tell he had grown taller.
"Young Master, you're back."
"Mm. Have you been doing well lately?"
"Very well. But I want to serve at Young Master's side."
"Your current task is to train diligently. When you reach Tier Three in the family faith system, you can come help me."
"Yes, Young Master! I'll work hard."
"Mm. Where is Judia?"
"She's been staying by the cemetery. She has a small cabin there and watches over Count Rekar's tomb every day. I take food and drink to her daily. Should I tell her to come see Young Master?"
"No need." Karen wasn't particularly interested in that little girl who loved boneless chicken feet.
Karen arrived before Eunice's bedroom, where several maidservants stood outside.
"You may all withdraw," Boge stepped forward and commanded.
"Yes."
"Yes."
The maidservants withdrew, and Boge left as well.
Karen pushed open the bedroom door and walked inside. Eunice lay sound asleep in bed, dressed in a black nightgown beneath a blanket.
She wore no makeup, yet her delicate features had no need for such embellishments.
Moreover, perhaps due to the steady awakening of her bloodline, an air of dignified grace now emanated from her.
Placing the gift on the desk, Karen sat down on the sofa nearby. He noticed a book lying on the coffee table—surprisingly, it was The Drowsy Years. Back at home in the study, Karen had merely flipped through it out of sheer boredom, but for Eunice, the book clearly struck a much deeper chord.
Then Karen spotted a basket under the coffee table containing an almost finished wallet, with only a few decorative clasps left to be attached.
The leather wallet was silvery-white and gray, made of an unidentifiable material, but it felt delightfully cool and smooth to the touch.
Opening it, he found a photograph of Eunice herself tucked inside.
Karen smiled.
He looked toward Eunice, still sound asleep. He didn't know whether he truly loved her, but every time he mentioned to others that he had a girlfriend and fiancée, the feeling was rather nice—because he was someone who feared loneliness.
After sitting for a while, Karen decided to finish reading the book he hadn't completed.
Picking up The Drowsy Years, he flipped it open and discovered a passage written on the flyleaf:
"I don't know if I love him, but I feel that having someone to miss during the few brief moments I have each day is, in itself, a form of happiness."
Chapter 166