Karen sat by the waterbed, peeling a mandarin orange.
It was a sweet mandarin unique to the Mipos Archipelago. Biting into it released sweet, delicate threads like honey, with a texture reminiscent of candied sweet potatoes.
Best of all, it wasn't cloying in the slightest.
Sweetness brought joy, and as long as it wasn't overly rich, no one could resist its appeal.
Karen peeled and ate three in a row before picking up a handkerchief nearby to carefully wipe his hands.
"I thought you were going to peel one for me to try," Neo, lying in the waterbed, couldn't help but speak up when he saw Karen wiping his hands.
"The nutrient solution in the waterbed is rich and packed with trace elements. It's more than enough for your needs."
"If eating were merely about absorbing nutrients to survive, life would be far too dull."
Karen lightly patted his own chest and asked, "Then was having a hole blasted through here also for the sake of living?"
"Do you know how agonizing it is to be in debt? Besides, I absolutely had to redeem my car."
"You succeeded. Congratulations, Regiment Commander Neo, you're reunited with your beloved car."
"That car wasn't just about the cost of parts and array assembly—I sank a tremendous amount of personal favors into it. I could never assemble another one for the same number of point coupons. I'm still planning on using it for plenty of things; driving it lets me pass straight through most checkpoints. It's the guarantee of excitement in my future life."
"There are plenty of ways to earn point coupons. Earning them slowly would have cleared your debts eventually. You didn't have to go this far."
"That's because you don't possess the bloodline of a bloodthirsty aberrant demon. Once you have it and accidentally raise its rank higher and higher, taking a blade or a hole through the chest feels about the same as clipping a fingernail down to the quick."
Karen shook his head helplessly. What could he even say? This squadron leader was truly a man of his word—when he owed a debt, he literally bled to pay it back.
It was a good thing Karen had given that worm to Richard instead of the captain. If Neo had gotten it, he would probably be pulling out his own intestines to play cat's cradle whenever he was bored.
"I'm honestly terrified that one of these days you'll take things too far and play yourself out of existence."
"You're to blame for that, Karen."
"Me?"
"I used to be a little scared, but ever since I learned you can revive corpses, my last shred of hesitation vanished."
"The one resurrected isn't you."
"And is the me right now truly the real me?"
"Heh."
"Karen, I know you care about me. Don't worry, I'll slow down a bit next. I want to savor the relaxing aftertaste of being debt-free a little longer."
"Whatever makes you happy."
Just then, Mota walked in. Looking at Neo floating in the waterbed, he smiled. "It seems our Regiment Commander Neo is recovering quite well."
Submerged in the fluid, Neo floated on the surface and said, "No, Mr. Mota, my condition is terrible. To be frank, my demon bloodline is in danger of collapsing at any moment, ending my life. So, could we add an extra ten percent on top of the previously agreed price as my funeral subsidy?"
Although Mota hadn't known Neo for long, Neo had driven him half mad, which had in turn made him thoroughly familiar with Neo's character.
Thus, the solemn, barefoot bald young man replied, "Should misfortune befall Regiment Commander Neo, I recommend trying our Moon God Church's Moonlight Funeral. It is extraordinarily artistic and dreamlike—you will certainly be satisfied. Naturally, I will cover the expense out of my own pocket."
Neo said with deep emotion, "Oh, Mota, you truly are my dear friend. I'm certain no friend without a profound bond would ever offer to pay for someone's funeral expenses."
"Of course. It would be my honor to cover your funeral expenses."
"Regrettably, however, my body belongs to Order."
"Yes, naturally. I also believe that someone as outstanding as Regiment Commander Neo qualifies to enter the First Knight Order. I know a few friends from the Church of Order, and they all consider entering the First Knight Order after death to be the highest glory."
"I shall attain the glory of their glories."
Mota looked toward Karen, gestured at the waterbed, and asked, "I suggest once more that we add fresh blood into Regiment Commander Neo's nutrient bed. I believe it would be of immense help in stimulating his bloodthirsty aberrant demon bloodline and accelerating his recovery."
Karen shook his head. "My apologies, but my regiment commander has no need for that."
Neo replied, "My apologies, but my current guardian has a germaphobe's fastidiousness."
"Captain Karen, may I speak with you in private?"
Neo spoke up, "Behind my back?"
"Not at all. We simply hope you can rest well. What I need to discuss with Captain Karen concerns your application to observe the war. There are a few precautions and special requirements I need to communicate with him."
"Can't I listen in?"
"Your current physical condition temporarily forbids you from going outside. I worry that hearing about it will only make you itch for action, so this is for your own good."
"Oh, fair point. Damn it, you shouldn't have brought it up at all—now I'm already itching!"
Karen stood up and said to Mota, "Shall we head outside?"
"Certainly, Mr. Karen."
From behind them in the waterbed, Neo shouted, "Karen, don't forget the billing! Every single item aside from mere observation must be tallied in point coupons!"
Karen and Mota exchanged a smile and walked out.
Once outside, they stepped onto the balcony.
"Please, have a seat."
"Thank you."
Karen and Mota sat down together. Alfred approached, served tea, and then pulled out a small notebook and an ink pen, ready to take notes.
Seeing this, Mota asked curiously, "Excuse me, what are you recording?"
Alfred smiled faintly. "Keeping accounts."
Mota offered a bitter smile and said helplessly to Karen, "Truth be told, Mr. Karen, I really don't believe you came all this way just for point coupons."
Neo had actually laid everything bare to Mota without holding back.
Mota had believed him at first, and the upper echelon of the Moon God Church had believed him as well. But after witnessing Diplomatic Priest Parson's attitude, their confidence had wavered.
Combined with all the preceding arrangements, their thoughts had begun sliding in an entirely different direction.
The qualifications and backgrounds of this squad's members were terrifyingly high. How could they possibly be here taking risks just to earn point coupons? This was clearly a tour to pad their resumes!
Moreover, Neo was older; at a glance, he was evidently the steady veteran picked to lead the gilded squad. The true leader of this tour—the prince of the squad—was undoubtedly this Captain Karen under him!
Last night, Mota had specially obtained Karen's dossier from the intelligence department. His family background appeared ordinary on paper.
Yet his personal record showed that an orphan had suppressed descendants of prominent families to become their leader. On top of that, his 'physical examination report' demonstrated an overwhelming, comprehensive excellence at the soul level.
This Captain Karen undoubtedly possessed the most formidable family background of all, as clearly reflected in the deferential attitude his squad members showed toward him.
Karen had no idea what Mota was thinking, though even if he did, he couldn't say the man was entirely wrong.
"It is like this, Mr. Karen. We anticipate launching an offensive against the Church of Samsara in the Wenluosi Archipelago the day after tomorrow."
Karen asked, "Pardon me, is that something I'm permitted to know?"
"Of course, no problem at all. Given the war preparations and the scale of mobilization, it's impossible to hide it from the spies that undoubtedly exist."
"Very well. Please continue."
"The Samsara Holy Ground on the Wenluosi Archipelago is the critical objective we must seize in the early phase of this war. Taking it will open the gateway for our continued push toward Samsara Valley. The Sea of the Great Dead, where Samsara Valley resides, will be right before us."
Karen felt a slight headache. He could read spellcraft manuals rapidly, but he knew little about warfare, and holy church wars bore no resemblance to the warfare of his previous life.
Still, he didn't press for details. In any case, he was only an observer—a spectator enjoying the show.
"During the expedition, the observation delegation will be stationed on the flagship. That is the safest position and offers the best vantage point. What do you think?"
Karen fell silent.
"Do you worry the flagship will become the primary target of Samsara's strikes? Please rest assured; the current Church of Samsara no longer possesses the strength to wage large-scale, symmetrical warfare."
Karen looked at Mota. He had only been slightly concerned before, but hearing Mota say that made him even more worried.
"Let's switch positions."
"Certainly, Captain Karen. Shall we place you on an escort frigate flanking the flagship?"
"That works."
"Then that matter is settled. The next item is that we will arrange an additional team to provide close protection. Please do not refuse—as you know, your safety is paramount to us."
"I agree. Anything else?"
"There is one final condition: we require a pledge from you."
"A pledge from me?"
"Yes. This is a specific requirement raised by Lord Gelingjia, our supreme commander for the Mipos front. He requests that before boarding the vessel, you swear an oath before the battle standard in his presence to obey his command throughout the upcoming campaign. Lord Gelingjia will properly arrange and protect you, but he does not wish for any force—or even a single individual—within his army to operate outside his chain of command. We tried to dissuade him, but the commander was adamant. I apologize."
"No need to apologize. I understand, and it is only reasonable. I agree."
"Then everything is settled. There is still more than a day before the battle commences. You may take your squad to enjoy the sights and stroll around. The Mipos Archipelago boasts beautiful scenery and simple, honest folk."
Karen cast his gaze downward from the balcony.
Following his gaze, Mota smiled. "Even with war on the horizon, this place remains as bustling and lively as ever."
Indeed. On the eve of war, they still had the leisure to indulge in noise and celebration.
Karen instinctively recalled the scene when he and Neo had secretly watched the Order Knight Order mobilize for war. That chilling solemnity and dead silence stood in extreme contrast to the festive atmosphere on this main island.
No matter how little Karen knew of military affairs, he could easily tell which side was far more professional.
Yet it was neither his place nor his desire to voice such thoughts.
At worst, their offensive would merely suffer a setback; it was impossible for the present Church of Samsara to...
Karen drew a deep breath, cutting off his wandering thoughts. Why bring bad luck on himself?
"I, along with the squad assigned to your security, will accompany you throughout."
"All right. Thank you."
"You are most welcome. It is a pleasure to spend time with you. Furthermore, before long—likely after this war concludes—I may travel to York City for an exchange and training program."
"When you arrive in Wien, remember to contact me. I'll treat you to a meal."
"I very much look forward to Wien cuisine."
"Oh, believe me, you will be sorely disappointed."
Mota scratched his head and chuckled. "I've only ever heard that every person from Wien loves having their national cuisine praised."
"That's because the dark night has blinded their eyes, keeping them from seeing the moonlight."
"Hahaha! You truly are an amusing man, Captain Karen."
"Let's leave it at that, then. I'll head back inside to rest."
"Of course, Captain Karen. Please make yourself at home."
After Karen left, Mota prepared to stand and depart as well, but Alfred stepped in to block his path.
"Mr. Mota, let us calculate the item fee for swearing an oath before the battle standard."
"Sir, you seem mistaken. That doesn't count as an item. It is merely the stubborn insistence of our commander, all to ensure the observation delegation can proceed to the front line. How could that be billed? Besides, it was your side that applied to observe the battle. We are doing our utmost to accommodate your request."
"In that case, we won't go observe. I think it would be best to stay far away from such a perilous place."
Mota frowned. "Can you make decisions for Captain Karen?"
"Pardon me, I hold no authority to make decisions on behalf of my young master, but I can fan the flames to make him abandon the idea."
"But your captain... your young master already agreed and left."
"That is because the young master did not wish to discuss coupons with you, lest it harm your rapport."
Mota: "..."
...
Returning to his bedroom, Karen found Pu'er enjoying afternoon tea.
"Little Karen, the Moon God Church's hospitality is truly lavish. These fruits and pastries are all remarkably expensive."
"It's fine. It's just that you've never been treated as a distinguished guest before; the Church of Order's standards for receiving VIPs are extraordinarily high as well."
"Oh, heavens, why must you wound both of us in a single breath? Claiming I've never been a VIP while hinting that you're only fit to serve them."
"Heh."
"Speaking of which, did you grow tired of that life of serving VIPs and decide to take this gamble?"
"I'm not so shallow. I merely realized that if my standing isn't high enough, I might die without ever knowing why."
"And once your standing is elevated after we return?"
"At least I'll die knowing why."
"My, what a thoroughly grounded answer."
Karen reached out and patted the bald head of Kevin, who had trotted over. He asked, "Want to go out for a stroll?"
"Of course, but didn't we hold back for fear of disturbing you? Don't you have other activities planned?"
"No more. Looks like that crossbow bolt Neo took wiped out all the remaining programs."
"Come on, let's go." Pu'er leaped straight onto Karen's shoulder, while Kevin fetched his leash in his jaws and presented it to Karen's hand.
"By the way, Karen, even though we won the gamble, is there a chance we'll be sidelined or purged once we return?" Pu'er asked with concern. "If I were a leader, I wouldn't like a subordinate taking matters into their own hands on my behalf."
"Don't you know that sometimes, as a leader, no matter how much an underling irks you, you have to pinch your nose and protect them anyway?"
"I wouldn't know. When I couldn't stand Bernard, I threw him onto an island to fend for himself. But the bastard didn't die, alas."
"And that's why you turned into a cat."
"Oh-ho-ho-ho! That was a personal attack on cats!"
"In any case, unless Foden falls from power one day or I leave the Whip of Order, nobody is going to target me over this."
"All right, that sets my mind at ease. Come, let's go have fun."
A carriage stood ready outside at their disposal. Karen requested one, and as it departed the palace grounds, a squad of guards fell in behind.
Karen didn't feel that having an escort ruined the fun. He was content to sit inside the carriage holding Pu'er, taking in the local sights and customs, occasionally telling the driver to stop so he could purchase snacks and trinkets.
"Hey, isn't that a carriage identical to ours?" Pu'er asked.
"It seems so. Driver, is that carriage from our group?"
"Yes, my lord. It was likely taken by the lords who went out to relax before you."
"What kind of establishment is that carriage parked in front of?"
The driver answered, "Replying to my lord: it is a massage parlor."
Pu'er curled her lip. "Sounds improper just hearing the name. And hearing that, Richard is guaranteed to be in that carriage ahead."
Karen hesitated. Regardless of whether it was Richard, he had no intention of disturbing them right now.
Just then, however, the guards stationed beside that carriage rushed frantically into the parlor.
"Did something happen?" Karen immediately hopped down from the carriage while cradling Pu'er.
Pu'er sighed helplessly. "That Richard is truly one of a kind. Getting assassinated while soliciting prostitutes."
The guards assigned to protect Karen went to investigate and soon returned with a man to report:
"My lord, your subordinate has been poisoned."
"Poisoned?"
Moments later, Karen saw Memphis carrying Richard out of the massage parlor.
Pu'er immediately changed her tune. "Oh, this must be a respectable massage parlor, then."
After all, she didn't believe Memphis would ever accompany Richard to a shady establishment.
"Captain!" Memphis spotted Karen as well and hurried over with Richard in his arms.
"What happened?" Karen asked.
"Here's what happened: they offer a massage treatment called worm therapy. It uses silkworm-like creatures that are harmless, docile, and don't bite. When they envelop you, they effectively relieve fatigue. Richard wanted to try it, so I accompanied him. Everything was fine at first, but before long, those exceptionally gentle worms suddenly grew agitated. They all swarmed and squeezed tightly onto his body. It took immense effort for me to pull him free, only to discover he was poisoned. The parlor staff claimed they've never encountered such a situation, so I had them fetch a church physician."
"Poisoned by massage worms?" Pu'er asked, puzzled. "I used to enjoy that kind of worm massage often in the past. They're completely safe."
With that, Pu'er leaped from Karen's arms onto Richard, using her claws to turn over Richard's collar. She discovered that Richard's skin was covered in a vast patch of red rashes.
"Oh, gross! Meow, my trypophobia is flaring up!"
Pu'er instantly leaped off Richard. A layer of sparks rippled over her body as she hit the ground. Shaking herself off, she climbed back onto Karen's shoulder.
"Richard isn't poisoned."
Karen asked, "If it isn't poison, then what is it?"
"He somehow sent those harmless worms into heat, and they've laid eggs all over him."
Chapter 449