Counterattack!

Although Director Karen, head of the investigation team, had not released any details or progress of the investigation to the public, his closing remarks were as explosive as they could possibly be. If yesterday's arrest of the six bishops in the auditorium could be seen as the local Whip of Order declaring war on the Regional Administrative Office, then Director Karen's words at today's press conference could be considered the sounding of the official charge. There was no probing, no reservation—what was laid bare was a fight to the death. The recent Naton case could still be viewed as a multi-party political game that, through tacit mutual understanding, sacrificed the Naton family in exchange for a new balance of power; moreover, that had involved only a single bishop. This time, targeting six bishops at once went beyond the realm of political maneuvering; it looked more like one faction launching a campaign of total annihilation against the other. Accompanied by the spokesman Director Karen coughing into his hand and then weakly leaving the stage supported by his subordinates, today's press conference came to an end. What followed was the explosive spread of this news. Other regions, including the Dinge Region, still had some breathing room; at least people there could gather over tea to discuss and analyze the political winds behind it and the actions they themselves needed to take. As for the Yorktown Region... it plunged directly into a state of semi-paralysis. Each of these six bishops was essentially in charge of a department. The personnel within those departments and the bishops' own factions were naturally thrown into utter bewilderment. Who could possibly carry on working normally? The remaining bishops and department heads were also deeply shaken. They even felt that they, too, would soon receive an investigation warrant from the Whip of Order and be dragged away alongside them. In short, the water that had already been bubbling steadily finally... boiled over after this press conference. ... Minister Bernie came down the hallway. When he reached the door of Karen's office, Philomena, who was sitting outside, stood up, raised her hand, and barred his way. A simple barrier would have been one thing, but Bernie noticed that her other hand was clutching a dagger. Bernie was nearly moved to angry laughter. "What, are you actually worried I'd make a move inside this building?" Philomena nodded. "Yes." Karen was the only person Philomena feared. As for anyone else, she might admit she couldn't beat them, but she truly harbored no dread. For instance, when facing Madame Tangli, she had been well aware that the old lady found her displeasing early on, and she understood that the old lady probably possessed the strength to cripple her with two slaps; yet even so, she had never chosen to deliberately act "meek and sensible" before her. In Alfred's words, among the two batches of "believers" he had recruited, the most devout in action had to be Philomena. Muri was more rational, Ventura was more emotional, but Philomena? When something happened, she truly charged straight in without a second word! *Creak...* The office door opened from within, and Alfred stood at the threshold. "Minister, please come in." Bernie walked in. Karen, who had already changed into clean clerical robes, sat behind the desk, leafing through investigation reports—chiefly the dossier on Bishop Yeder. "I came to treat your wound," Bernie offered as he walked toward Karen. "No need, Minister," Karen declined. "The injury isn't serious." "Yet you looked quite feeble on the podium. It would be better to have it checked." "I faked that." Karen smiled faintly. "A bit of theatrics." "Then the assassination was staged by you as well?" "Since you've already guessed it, why bother asking?" Karen shrugged. "The assassin was real, though, and he was captured alive. A mole from the Church of Night hidden within our church, genuine article. You don't need to interrogate him. Trust me, it won't add any burden to your workload." Karen's remarkably frank attitude left Bernie at a momentary loss. Of course, Bernie knew full well that such candor was built entirely on Karen not even bothering to pretend anymore. After taking a moment to recover, Bernie pulled out a chair and sat down opposite Karen. "Would you like something to drink?" Karen offered. "Is ice water fine?" "That's fine." Karen pointed toward the cabinet across the room. "The water is below, and the ice is on the counter." Bernie stood up, went over to the cabinet, poured two glasses of ice water, walked back, and placed one in front of Karen. "You're too kind. I was merely asking if you wanted some; I'm not thirsty." "What, afraid I poisoned the water?" "Yes." Karen nodded. "After all, you're capable of anything." "Those words ought to come from me! You've lost your mind twice now, Karen!" Karen shook his head. "Actually, only this once. Wasn't my conduct last time carried out strictly under your instructions? You can't pin the nonsense of the Second Office's director onto me, the director of the First Office. As a superior, you must be clear-cut in your rewards and punishments." "I am ordering you right now: stand down, and let this cool off! Do you realize that by doing this, the Regional Administrative Office will make a move immediately? Do you think the Head Bishop alone can suppress them?" "In truth, I don't care about their moves," Karen replied. "What I care about is when the personnel required for my investigation will finally be assembled. So far, only three Whip of Order squads have reported in response to my orders. That is nowhere near enough. I need at least thirty." "Not everyone is willing to lose their minds with you, Karen." "In half an hour, my deputy director will announce to the public that I'm unable to mobilize Whip of Order squads. I believe the reporters will be thrilled to cover it. A young Whip of Order director, devoutly loyal to the Code of Order, dares to challenge the bishops, gets assassinated for it, and then has his manpower restricted by his own superior during the investigation. How agonizing his struggle must be! It will look as if both factions are suppressing him, neither wanting this righteous young man to puncture the veneer of their agreeable tacit understanding." "The *Order Weekly* is not the *Yorktown Sun*! There aren't that many naive people in church circles. Don't try to apply secular tactics here—they won't get you anywhere. Karen, this world is not as simple as you think." "No, no, no. I've never doubted how complex the world is, but I still choose to be simple." "Is this your revenge?" Bernie asked. "Retaliation for what I arranged for you at the commendation ceremony?" "You wouldn't believe me, but I really am mostly following the Code of Order. Of course, that doesn't rule out the influence your actions that day had on my decision." Bishop Bernie stood up and glared at Karen. "Fine. I will arrange the manpower for you. In my name, and requesting the Regional Chief in his capacity as the Whip-Holder, I will mobilize all the Whip of Order squads in the Yorktown Region, as well as squads from neighboring regions, to report to you and take your orders." "Thank you for supporting my work, Minister." "I hope you achieve results soon. Otherwise, you won't be able to stage an assassination for every press conference in the coming days; you don't have enough moles to burn through." "Indeed, that's giving me quite a headache as well, Minister. Perhaps you could first provide me with the complete dossier on Bishop Yeder? I would be immensely grateful." "I already had the dossier sent to you." "Yet aside from some private moral failings regarding Bishop Yeder himself and his family, there is no useful information in it." "Then perhaps that indicates Bishop Yeder never had any major issues, and we wronged him?" "However, this investigation was launched in your name. If it fails to proceed smoothly, the one most affected will be you." "I am already prepared to be reprimanded, or even demoted and punished. Truly." "Don't be so pessimistic, Minister. As your outstanding subordinate, I won't let you end up in such a predicament. I promise." "Good. I look forward to it." Bernie turned and walked out. Vic stepped out from the inner room. Having overheard the entire conversation, he said, "Director, you've got him right where you want him." Karen shook his head. "No. He changed his strategy." "Changed his strategy?" "Although I don't know why his superiors ordered him to mess with me, after Neo flipped the table, his mission became very clear: extinguish this blaze in the Yorktown Region as fast as possible. "However, he can no longer smother the fire at its source, because I refused to cooperate, and because I just threw on another log. "Just watch. Next, he will put on an appearance of vigorously supporting my work, creating an illusion of momentum. "Because there is another way to put out a fire quickly: accelerate the burning. Once the firewood is consumed, the fire goes out on its own." Vic took on a pensive look and said with a sigh, "He reacted that fast?" "He was never a simple figure to begin with. Before the commendation ceremony, Neo and I were still discussing how to help him get promoted so we could rise alongside him, because we both felt he was an excellent superior—at the very least, one who wouldn't drag his feet or hold us back. "That's why I've racked my brains for an entire day and night, unable to figure out why he decided to target me." "I think we can set that question aside for now, Director." "Yes, you're right. We need to produce some concrete results first; otherwise, we really will run out of fuel. Have you contacted Leon?" "I contacted him last night, but when Leon asked his grandfather... the Head Bishop's reply was that he has nothing." Vic paused. "I suspect the Head Bishop might have changed his mind." "He wouldn't change his mind. I imagine there must be some other reason." "I suggest you find time to see the Head Bishop in person. At the very least, you need to obtain a case dossier on Bishop Yeder. After all, you can't repeat the exact same speech at the press conferences tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that." "It'll be useless. Do you believe me?" "I..." "Fine. Connect me to the Head Bishop's office right now." "Right away, Director." Vic picked up the receiver and dialed the Head Bishop's office. Someone picked up promptly on the other end—likely Leon. "Yes, the director wishes to speak with the Head Bishop. Alright, I'll hold." A moment later, Vic's brow furrowed. "Understood." Vic hung up the telephone and looked at Karen. "Director, Leon said his grandfather doesn't want to speak with you." "Just as I said." Karen wasn't surprised in the slightest. "Right now, I really can't fathom where the Head Bishop stands. Reason dictates..." "He is disappointed," Karen provided the answer in his heart. "The reason he dislikes the Whip of Order isn't because it stripped power from the Regional Administrative Office, but because he believes a swollen, unchecked Whip of Order will cause even greater instability, perhaps even harm. "Originally, he intended to place his trust in it once before he died, but then this happened. "So he is disappointed." Vic said, "If that's the case, I suspect the Head Bishop might not possess a complete list and evidentiary chain either. While he certainly had plenty of cause as Head Bishop to look into the dirt and reputations of the bishops under him, compiling a full chain of evidence is somewhat unrealistic. "Even if he brought out what he has now, it probably wouldn't achieve a genuine breakthrough or conviction—if we're relying solely on... us." "Vic, there are no outsiders here. You don't need to speak so subtly." "What I mean is, not every bishop's family is as... crude as the Naton family. Even if they committed crimes, they wouldn't do things like Vicolai did—consuming other believers in underground dens, murdering Inquisitor Pavaro to claim credit, and so on. Those were clues that could be seized upon through direct investigation. "One can only say the Naton family was too stupid—preposterously stupid. "Even if other bishops have committed crimes and their records aren't clean, they know how to put on trousers and spray perfume over the stench. Obtaining an unbroken chain of evidence against them would require simultaneous cooperation from multiple departments, even if the direction were clearly pointed out to us. "We may receive plenty of manpower, but official dispatches issued by our office will hardly elicit responses from other branches and departments—especially with both the minister and the regional chief being uncooperative." It was like a rural police station trying to investigate the financial crimes of a city tycoon: even if you turned the tycoon's country manor upside down, there wouldn't be a body buried in the garden waiting for you to find it. Even with hordes of personnel, they would be of little use in such a case. "One step at a time. At least we are doing something. "Make the arrangements. I'm going to interrogate Bishop Yeder in person right now. He's first on the list, the opening salute before the grand ceremony. He must be carrying some major scandal." "Yes, Director. I'll arrange it right away." ... The conditions in the interrogation room were quite decent. When Karen entered, Bishop Yeder was having lunch. Karen sat down across from him, with Vic sitting nearby, ready to take notes. Bishop Yeder took a few spoonfuls of soup, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and rested his hands away from the table, indicating he had finished his meal. Karen adjusted his posture, while Vic stood up and carried the tray outside. Inside the interrogation room, only Karen and Bishop Yeder remained. Karen remained silent for a long time. In the end, it was Yeder who spoke first. "Why are you so quiet?" Karen raised his right hand, covering his mouth with the back of it as he yawned. "I thought you'd come right out and say, 'Cat got your tongue? Weren't you sounding terribly righteous when you arrested me yesterday?'" "Heh." Yeder shook his head. "There's no point in saying such things." "You've learned of a few things, haven't you?" "Perhaps." Yeder raised his left hand. "Or maybe the scene back then was just too humiliating. My temper got out of hand, and my thinking became noticeably sluggish." "I'm very curious: which version of the news were you told?" "Does it matter?" Yeder sighed, a faint smile actually appearing at the corner of his lips. "All I know is that you're just as pitiful as I am." It seemed Bernie and the others had already contacted Bishop Yeder. This was the headquarters building, after all, and they were Karen's superiors. Passing word here was child's play for them. Moreover, if they had delivered a message, they certainly hadn't confined it to Yeder alone; the other five bishops "detained" here had likely received word as well. They might even be able to transmit their own messages outward, manipulating the departments under their control and directing their factional forces. "Bishop Yeder, have you ever considered one problem? No matter which direction this matter ultimately heads, an end must come eventually. "Perhaps some of my superiors said something to you, and perhaps you know their current thoughts don't align with what I intend to do. "Yet whether I succeed or fail, it cannot change one simple fact: you are bound to become a sacrificial pawn. My apologies—sacrificial pawn is hardly the accurate term. "You will certainly be condemned." "You don't need to preach to me, Karen. I know my situation very well, but I will not cooperate with you. Don't be so naive as to think analyzing my fate will coax me into confessing anything. "Even if my end is already sealed, at least I get to see a few people I despise meet a miserable end alongside me. "You... "I don't actually hate you that much, truly. "As for that office director who kicked me to the ground—Neo, was it?—I don't hate him all that much either. Even though he utterly humiliated me, thinking about it now, it's nothing. "The one I hate most right now is Wolflen. "I thought he and I were close, longtime confidants. Not long ago, I grieved over what happened to his family, and when I went to comfort him, I even wept with him. "Yet I truly never expected that on his deathbed, he would actually try to drag me down as his cushion! "No... "Not just me! "He intended to drag so many people from the Regional Administrative Office down to the grave with him! "As Head Bishop, he is no longer fit for the post." Karen countered, "Then what would qualify as a fit Head Bishop?" Yeder shook his head. "Don't lecture me on dogma, and don't lecture me on right and wrong. When you arrested me on that stage following your superior's orders, didn't you hate your superior?" "It's not the same. I have reason to hate, but you don't—because you know full well what you have done." "I haven't the foggiest. I'm waiting for you to tell me, hehe." Karen stood up. "What, leaving already? I thought you'd chat with me a bit longer." "I just feel there's little point in continuing." "Because you can't get anything out of me?" "No, because I've already gotten what I wanted." "Boring. In a place like this, there's no need to speak in riddles. Shouldn't the theme here be clemency for confession? We ought to be frank with each other." "Bishop, deep down, you still hold a sliver of hope, don't you?" "Hm?" "Even if you know full well what your ultimate end will be, you still harbor hope in your heart. You're still thinking of exonerating yourself, or at least reducing your sentence." "As long as a person lives another day, they must carry a little hope. Otherwise, only darkness and pain remain, and how dull would that be? Still, I'm very curious—what exactly did you get from me? After all, do you know, in my eyes you look just like a little child toyed with by adults." "Yes, I am." "Hm?" Yeder was rather surprised that Karen would admit it so readily. Karen sighed and smiled. "Then again, who isn't?" ... Karen walked out of the interrogation room, and Vic, who had been waiting by the door, quickly caught up. "Director, what should we do next?" Vic knew that Karen had failed to make a breakthrough with Bishop Yeder. "Back to the office first." "Yes, Director." Upon returning to the office, Karen gestured for Alfred to follow them inside as well. Once inside, Alfred and Vic stood before the desk, waiting to discuss the plan for their next move, but Karen pulled open his divine robes and began inspecting the chest wound that had already been treated. The wound had been tended to very well. It was nothing serious and would not even hinder him from taking action. Alfred and Vic exchanged a glance, then stepped toward Karen. "Vic, you'll continue overseeing the investigation." "Yes, Director," Vic replied, though this was hardly the instruction he had hoped to hear. "Alfred, you'll be responsible for observing and gathering intelligence on how the wind blows across the Yorktown Region, especially around the Regional Administrative Office." "Yes, Young Master." "Alright, go attend to your tasks." Vic asked in confusion, "Director, do you have no other orders for us?" "Oh, I almost forgot if you hadn't reminded me. The dry towels in the washroom inside have run out. Go bring me two more." "Right... Director." "I'm going to take a bath and sleep for a bit. I drank too late last night and didn't get enough rest. Unless something truly major happens, don't disturb me." "Yes, Young Master." Karen opened the door to the inner room, walked inside, and went to take a bath and sleep. Vic and Alfred walked out of the office. Baffled, Vic asked, "What on earth does this mean?" "Perhaps the young master already has his answer." "His answer is taking an empty folder up onto the stage and chanting slogans about how heinous those bishops are? Setting aside Bishop Yeder, who can be confirmed, the other five bishops were dragged into this indiscriminately when Director Neo flipped the table! Besides, based on yesterday's observations, I think they're all very clean, and the reputation reports we gathered on them are stellar. I'm really worried that if we keep targeting them, our director will end up in a corner with no way out." "Vic, you should have faith in the young master." "Mr. Alfred, do you think now is the time to be spouting slogans like that?" Alfred placed a hand on Vic's shoulder. "Perhaps it looks like a slogan to you, but to me, it is simply my trust in my young master." "In your eyes, does your young master never make a mistake?" "No, the young master makes mistakes, but he has never lacked the courage to correct them." "I'm asking about concrete plans, because shortly I'll have to interrogate those six bishops in rotation once again. I feel like I'm doing useless work." "Perhaps that is indeed the case." "What?" "Nothing. Just do your duty diligently." ... "Grandfather, are you really not taking our director's calls?" In the office, Leon asked his grandfather. Wolflen sat behind his desk with spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose, diligently reading a thick volume of Light of Order. Hearing his grandson's question, he turned a page and asked, "Did Karen call in person?" "No, it was Vic." "Heh." Wolflen chuckled, shaking his head. "In truth, there's nothing to discuss." "If talking over the phone isn't convenient, should I invite the director to come to the office? Or perhaps to our home?" "If you want to have a meal, drink tea, and chat with him, go ahead and invite him yourself. Just don't do it in my name." Leon didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Grandfather, are you joking?" "Enough. Don't disturb my reading. It's not easy to finally have some peace and quiet." "Grandfather, today it really is much quieter around here." After yesterday's events, the Head Bishop's office had been packed inside and out with other bishops and department heads. Passions had run high, with everyone hoping the Head Bishop would lead them in demanding an explanation from the Whip of Order. Yet today, it had abruptly calmed down. Leon had gone in and out of the office several times and had not seen a single visitor seeking an audience. Moreover, the entire Church Affairs Building was steeped in an anxious, eerie atmosphere, making him feel like an outsider. "That's very simple," Wolflen chuckled. "Because they know it was I who sold out Yeder, I who intended to cooperate with the Whip of Order, and I who pushed for and created this passive situation." "But how... how could they know?" "How could they not know? The Whip of Order is a sieve riddled with holes. I've always looked down on it, and this time, it has disappointed me even more." "Grandfather, I think our office must be very anxious right now. Vic told me the investigation has no leads whatsoever." "I saw the press conference. Didn't Karen speak with great righteous indignation?" "I think that was a helpless choice on the director's part to fan the flames even higher. If there continues to be no major progress on the case, the director will be left in a very awkward position." "Awkward?" Wolflen shook his head. "Why must you worry about another man's embarrassment?" "Because he is my director. Besides, Grandfather, you were the one who told me that I needed to genuinely integrate myself into that team, which is why I..." "No, no, no, Grandfather didn't mean that." Bishop Wolflen gently nudged the frame of his spectacles and glanced at his grandson. "What Grandfather means is that, compared to Karen, you're actually quite stupid." Leon said, "Grandfather, that is an established consensus between us. We don't need to reaffirm it at every turn, do we?" "Grandfather didn't want to reaffirm it; Grandfather just found it amusing." "Amusing?" "There's no need for you to empathize with him. Truly. You think he's in an awkward spot, but who knows—he might just be lying in bed taking an afternoon nap right now." ... The next day, because fusing with the Dark Moon Bone had vastly enhanced his physical constitution, and because the assassin's strike had barely wounded him to begin with, after ample rest Karen looked exceptionally healthy and radiant. Therefore, before attending the case press conference, he specifically had Ashley and Blanche apply makeup to make his complexion and lips appear paler. At the press conference, Karen used the same opening as the day before: "I apologize, but I am unable to disclose any specific details of the case here, nor can I take questions from those present." Immediately following that, his next statement went: "According to our investigation, these six bishops have led corrupt private lives and suffered a severe moral collapse, betraying the church's nurturing and trust in them!" The reporters below wore slight looks of disappointment. After the press conference, Karen returned to his office, where he received intelligence from Alfred: operations in many departments of the Regional Administrative Office had ground to a complete standstill. Unlike the previous dazed paralysis, this stoppage was clearly organized—a deliberate arrangement by the higher-ups. ... On the third day, Karen wore light makeup and attended the press conference. The same old opening: no disclosure of case details, no answering questions. The concluding statement was: "These six bishops have turned their backs on the church, turned their backs on their faith, and turned their backs on the great God of Order!" Some reporters in the audience didn't even bother opening their notebooks. Work at the Regional Administrative Office ground further to a halt, yet the Head Bishop did not appear to utter a single word. ... On the fourth day, Karen attended the press conference without makeup. The concluding statement was: "The actions of these six bishops are an utter desecration of the Code of Order and a smear upon the God of Order!" The reporters smiled wryly one after another. A strike began across the Regional Administrative Office. In the Church Affairs Building's teleportation hall, with the exception of maintaining a few special-grade teleportation arrays, most normal scheduled teleportation arrays were cancelled. Because the Head Bishop had still not shown his face, Bishop Dunke, second only to the Head Bishop in status and seniority among the bishops of the Regional Administrative Office, began lodging stern protests with the Whip of Order headquarters on the Head Bishop's behalf! ... On the fifth day. "These six bishops have lost their faith and broken their vows! Like Ankara, they should be thrown into the jaws of vicious beasts for true punishment!" The number of reporters in the audience had dropped by a third. Over at the Regional Administrative Office, Bishop Dunke personally led a delegation to the headquarters building and met with Regional Chief Harry. He offered suggestions and criticisms regarding the Whip of Order's current work style, and demanded the release of the six bishops detained under the guise of an investigation. ... On the sixth day. After Karen delivered another statement that merely swapped words without changing the meaning, only half of the original reporters remained below. A rumor began spreading through the Regional Administrative Office that this entire incident had been instigated by Head Bishop Wolflen, and that he had betrayed the region. And when such news could circulate among the rank and file, it meant the higher-ups had long since been informed. ... On the seventh day. Karen had his subordinates prepare breakfast for all the reporters who still attended the press conference. Over at the Regional Administrative Office, the vast majority of the bishops, including the six currently detained at the Whip of Order headquarters, jointly published a petition for the impeachment of Head Bishop Wolflen. ... On the eighth day. Ventura informed Karen that fewer breakfasts had been prepared today. At the Regional Administrative Office, the various suspended operations began to resume, signifying that the matter had reached an initial outcome. ... On the ninth day. Karen did not attend the press conference; Alfred took his place. Alfred invited the reporters who still persisted in attending to have breakfast in the headquarters cafeteria. Relevant departments in the Dinge Region issued a public response: citing Head Bishop Wolflen's failing health and inability to continue shouldering his workload, they appointed Dunke as Acting Head Bishop to share Wolflen's burden. Though Wolflen was not nominally suspended or retired, the groundwork was already being laid. Barring any surprises, Dunke would be the successor to replace Wolflen as the next Head Bishop of the Yorktown Region. ... On the tenth day. Alfred continued to attend the press conference on Karen's behalf. It was no longer held in the auditorium, but in a conference room, where everyone ate breakfast together. In his capacity as Acting Head Bishop, Dunke issued an official letter of protest to the Whip of Order, demanding that headquarters release the six detained bishops within a set time limit and make a public apology and self-criticism before the entire church. ... On the eleventh day. The press conference moved from the conference room to a small meeting room, where Alfred treated the reporters to wontons. Dunke, in the name of Acting Head Bishop, issued a second letter of protest. In addition to the original conditions, it demanded accountability for the personnel involved in dereliction of duty and abuse of power. ... "You've done very well. Though it took a bit of time, the higher-ups are very satisfied. Especially after receiving word that Wolflen wouldn't cooperate, you promptly adjusted your strategy and achieved even better results. This is excellent." "Thank you for your praise, sir. I was merely making up for my own mistake." Minister Bernie bowed toward the communication array before him. "It wasn't your fault. That esteemed lord passed down the word himself: this incident was not your fault. You originally executed it well, and your subsequent remediation was also handled nicely. Congratulations—through this matter, that lord has come to appreciate you even more. He even said in person that your plan was far better than the one he devised, and firmly seized the initiative." "Thank you for your recommendation and kind words, sir." "However, I must remind you of something. You were, after all, involved in this affair, so you will certainly be included when penalties are handed down. But do not worry. After six months to a year, once the dust settles, you can be promoted again. After all, that lord has taken note of you now. He wants to transfer you to the Dinge Region. Of course, you could also choose to serve as Regional Chief in another region." "I leave everything entirely to your arrangement, sir." "There is one thing I am curious about: does Wolflen have a complete list in his hands?" "The only one with relatively solid evidence is probably Yeder. As for the rest of the list, because he was angry over Karen's treatment during the commendation ceremony, he did not send us the subsequent list and evidence as required. "However, he most likely doesn't have them. After all... it would have been impossible for him to foresee such a tragedy befalling his family and driving him to make one mad dash for piety before dying, thus collecting and investigating these things in advance. "Most importantly, collecting such chains of evidence is exceedingly difficult. Even for a Head Bishop, it would be difficult to accomplish—let alone in a short period." "Then throw Yeder out next to give both sides a graceful way out. That way, the fixed balance of power between the Whip of Order and the Regional Administrative Office won't be broken. Bishop Dunke knows how to cooperate; he's already been notified. "This storm should come to an end." "Yes, my lord. But there is one matter I would like to ask your guidance on." "Speak." "It concerns Karen's punishment." "The higher-ups' intent is simply to remove him from the Whip of Order system, with no further penalties added." "Yes, I understand." "Very well. Hurry up and wrap things up." The communication ended. Minister Bernie straightened up, his gaze gloomy. At first, the order given to him had been to remove Karen from the Whip of Order system through the most normal means. Now Karen had stirred up such a massive uproar, nearly burning down the headquarters building, yet in the end they still just wanted to expel him from the Whip of Order and call it a day? Bernie cursed under his breath, "Are you kidding me?" ... "Director, this way, please." Led by Leon, Karen entered Wolflen's study. Ever since that day when Vic had called Wolflen's office right in front of Karen, Karen had not reached out to the Head Bishop again. Today, Leon had invited Karen to the residence in his grandfather's name. This house was now exceedingly desolate. Upon stepping into the study, Karen found another person there—Bishop Bern. Bishop Wolflen sat in an armchair draped in a blanket. At this moment, noticeable age spots had already surfaced across his face, signifying that his life was entering its final countdown. Seeing Karen enter, Wolflen lifted a hand with a chuckle, pointed at Karen, and said to Bishop Bern, "Bern, do you know? All these days, this kid really never took the initiative to contact me again." Bishop Bern smiled. "He has patience, because he knows what path he wants to walk." "Heh-heh. It seems you really hold this boy in high regard, Bern." "It's not about high regard; it's recognition." "Recognition, is it..." Wolflen shook his head. "Then I recognized him before you did, or else I wouldn't have handed my grandson over to him in advance." "Now you're truly being a bit shameless." "Heheheh, what, are you going to bicker with a dying man?" Bishop Bern didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Karen found a chair and sat down. Bishop Wolflen asked, "Have you felt stifled these past few days?" Karen replied with a smile, "Not at all. My subordinates were busy, while I just read books and rested. It felt like taking a vacation." Wolflen looked at Bishop Bern and said, "It seems this kid saw through it long ago." Bishop Bern nodded. "That's not surprising." "Bern, originally you had no chance. It wasn't an issue of ability—your competence is recognized by all of us, and by the higher-ups as well. But the nature of your duties isn't very suitable for the seat of Head Bishop. On top of that, Dunke and the others have more seniority than you." "Yes, I understand. That is why, originally, I held no designs on the position of Head Bishop." "And now, an opportunity has presented itself, hasn't it? "Hasn't Dunke already become Acting Head Bishop? Only by letting him step up first can he be dragged down, and those around him will all be dragged down with him. "In addition, the situation is bound to become dire and chaotic. "The higher-ups will certainly want someone capable of taking charge of the big picture to step forward immediately and clean up the mess here. "When all is said and done, it can only be you—because only you possess that ability." Bishop Bern spoke up. "This wasn't an opportunity that came from waiting; it was an opportunity you deliberately created." "Alright, alright, enough nonsense. Karen, that dossier on the desk is what you want. It's the incriminating evidence against several regional bishops that Bern has gathered over the years." Karen stood up and took the dossier from the desk. With this, the investigation had a genuine breakthrough. No—the empty gun had just been loaded with live bullets. "Is there anything else you want to ask?" Wolflen urged. "Ask quickly." "My only concern right now is that Bishop Yeder is problematic, as I know. But as for those other five bishops, I've been publicly denouncing them for nearly half a month..." "Ohohoho..." Wolflen laughed until he nearly coughed up tears, then said: "It doesn't matter. Perhaps this is the arrangement of the great God of Order. "The bishops I brought with me to your commendation ceremony that day just so happened to be the six in that dossier."