Director Anluoxi walked out of the office and drew a deep breath. Karen’s earlier words were still ringing in her head. For a believer of Order, what could be a graver reprimand than being told one showed “not a shred of Order’s discipline”?
Especially when that remark came straight from the Head of the Law Enforcement Department of the Whip of Order.
Although the Whip of Order and the Regional Administrative Office did not belong to the same circle, everyone in the Church Affairs Building knew full well the close rapport between this department head and the current Head Bishop. All he needed was to casually mention something while having tea with the Head Bishop… No, he wouldn't even need to speak to the Head Bishop directly. A casual word dropped to the subordinates, and her career as director would be over.
Wiping the cold sweat from her forehead, Director Anluoxi glanced toward the security checkpoint ahead. Her eyes quickly locked onto Ophelia, standing at the rear with her Dark Moon warriors.
Earlier on, rumors had circulated that an auxiliary member of a Whip of Order squad had caught the fancy of the Princess of Dark Moon Island while on a security assignment, and when the princess boarded the ship for her return trip, she was already carrying his seed.
Back when the story was making the rounds in the department, everyone had marveled at the auxiliary member’s sheer dumb luck, joking about how many decades of struggle he had spared himself.
Now, looking at Ophelia again, Director Anluoxi could only sneer inwardly: *You’re the lucky one, managing to climb into the department head’s bed early on.*
Ah, people in this world could do without food, water, or electricity, but they could never afford to do without reality.
Instead of speaking to the people from the Moon God Church, Director Anluoxi marched up to the clerks handling the security checks and snapped, “How on earth are you doing your jobs? Have you completely forgotten the operating regulations? Don’t you understand first-come, first-served and orderly checks? If you truly don’t, I’ll file a report and send you all back for retraining!”
The clerks were stunned by the scolding, but they immediately caught on. They halted the security process for the Moon God Church personnel and signaled them to move to the back of the line.
The Moon God Church members were furious, muttering complaints under their breath. But the clerks paid them no heed. For anyone who moved too slowly or refused to yield their spot, the clerks simply pointed a finger and ordered them to fall back in line.
Priests of the Church of Order… were, in their bones, the most unyielding of all churches.
This was not merely because the Church of Order was one of the rare monotheistic faiths; above all, it was dictated by their strength and standing.
The Dark Moon Island group was summoned forward for security screening. Ophelia gestured for her subordinates to step up while she remained where she was.
At that moment, the female leader of the Moon God Church delegation walked over of her own accord. She possessed a pretty, lovely face and crystal-clear eyes, and even her voice was crisp and melodious—if one disregarded the words coming out of her mouth:
“I know who you are, Your Highness. Word has it that you’re the lover of Minister Karen of this region. It seems this really is your turf—he takes good care of his lover.”
An innocent person was not necessarily kind, for they might simply lack any concept of “kindness” in their head—much like an adorable child who could crouch on the ground and spend hours casually torturing ants to death.
Ophelia glanced at her, showing no anger, and merely smiled. “In your presence, I wouldn’t dare claim the title of princess. You may simply call me Ophelia. Furthermore, you’re mistaken. I am not his lover. I wanted to be, but he turned me down.”
“Oh, really? Well, at least he remembers old ties.” The female leader pointed toward the distant office. “When that director came out just now, she deliberately closed the office door behind her. That proves the person sitting inside must be the one Minister Karen sent to receive you.”
“Isn't he receiving you as well?” Ophelia asked in return.
“Not us. Because I haven’t yet determined whether that minister is willing to let me climb into his bed. What do you think?”
“I imagine very few men in this world could resist your charm.”
“Heh, Your Highness is speaking in irony. You must be certain Minister Karen would never look twice at me. My name is Guyin. Guyin Yole.”
“You are…”
“My family originally held quite a high standing in the Moon God Church. But during the war against Samsara, nearly all of my elders fell in battle. That’s why I volunteered to join this batch of exchange students. After all, if I stayed at home, I’d only have to watch my family’s decline with my own eyes, or even face retribution for the military defeat.
“So, coming here to clear my head and see the sights of Order is far better. It’s also for the sake of reviving the family later and protecting myself.
“Hence, I really wouldn't mind having a romance with Minister Karen, if he’s willing. After all, I’ve seen many of his photographs. He’s quite handsome.”
With that, Guyin ran her tongue lightly over her lips. In truth, women could be just as lustful.
“He has a fiancée.”
“I said a lover. What era are we in that your thinking is still so old-fashioned?”
“I…”
“Even the great deities have lovers, don’t they? Many have more than one wife. Take the God of Order, for instance, and our Moon Goddess, heh.
“I doubt there are many men alive who would turn down a sweet, obedient, sensible little lover who has no intention of ruining his family.”
Ophelia could only maintain a polite smile, saying nothing.
She could hardly admit that she had been entirely willing to be his lover, but he had refused.
Back during their time on Dark Moon Island, she had always been the proactive one. It was Karen who harbored a fastidious, almost puritanical attitude toward emotions and morals.
Still, she had no intention of saying much to this aristocratic daughter of the Moon God Church. In any case, she firmly disbelieved that Karen would ever accept her.
The Dark Moon warriors completed their security screening, and it was now the Moon God Church’s turn.
Ophelia stood near the exit, her eyes fixed on the office.
Director Anluoxi walked over and said to her, “Your Highness, Minister Karen is inside. Why don't you go in and say hello?”
Ophelia shook her head. “There's no need.”
Anluoxi nodded and said no more. Her only task had been to let the girl know whose orders she had been carrying out when she came outside earlier. She had no desire to get tangled up in the romantic disputes of prominent figures.
Alfred appeared on the scene at that moment. He was busy—tremendously busy. Having just wrapped up that major operation and handed the aftermath to Vic, he had rushed straight over to “welcome the newcomers.”
In his blueprint for the future, the Dark Moon warriors were to become his young master’s very first direct, core force. How could he possibly slack off?
He stepped forward, checked the reception documents with Ophelia and Guyin respectively, and had them instruct their subordinates to follow the guides he had arranged outside to their lodgings.
“Mr. Alfred, aren’t we leaving together?” Guyin asked curiously.
“The two of you will need to wait with me a moment longer,” Alfred said.
“Wait for whom?” Guyin glanced back at the office with a smile. “Could it be that Minister Karen has come in person?”
Alfred only smiled, offering no answer.
…
In truth, Karen was not deliberately avoiding them, nor was he embarrassed to see Ophelia. If the woman herself no longer skirted around the past, why should he, a man, put on airs?
He was on the phone. The call had come directly from Bern’s office, informing Karen that Ophelia’s official affiliation had been transferred to this region.
In other words, Ophelia would soon take up a post in a newly established department under the Regional Administrative Office. After escorting her people here, she would not be leaving at all.
“Head Bishop, don't you think such an arrangement is a bit absurd?”
“Absurd? I don’t think so. I heard from Sus that back when you were in prison, the princess even visited you in your cell.”
“She didn't visit me for personal reasons.”
“I know, and you didn't differentiate your treatment of Dark Moon Island and the Moon God Church for personal reasons either.”
*Actually, it was for personal reasons… just not the kind Bern imagined.*
“Besides, this really wasn't my idea, nor Sus’s. Neither of us is bored enough to specifically request such a transfer for your sake. It’s just that our region is forming a new department—a rather peculiar one that requires temporary personnel drawn from other regions, and even from the Temple. The Princess of Dark Moon Island just happened to be on the roster.
“Even I can't figure out why she’s included, because the functions of that new department don’t seem to have the slightest connection to her. It’s as though someone pulled strings to transfer her affiliation just by shoehorning her into the roster.
“I called you because I was afraid you’d misunderstand after hearing about it. After all, rumors say she’s carrying your child.”
“You believe rumors like that? Besides, her belly isn't swollen.”
“Which is why the rumor changed: it now claims that because of the vast disparity in your status back then, the higher-ups of Dark Moon Island forcibly aborted your child to sever the romance. That tragedy supposedly drove you to strive fiercely, climbing step by step until you reached your current position.”
Karen: “…”
“Guess who started that rumor? Dark Moon Island themselves. Those old men on the island didn't hesitate to cast themselves as the villains of a fairy tale.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“Karen, do you have any other ties with Dark Moon Island? What I mean is, if I wanted to satisfy my curiosity, could I send someone to poke around a bit?”
“No need to investigate.”
“Mm, alright, I understand. Then no investigation it is, haha.” Bern sounded as delighted as if he had just won a game of chess.
“By the way, Karen, are you well-acquainted with that Holy Child?”
“Which one?”
“Mavaglio.”
“We’re friends, I suppose.”
“Then you aren't that close. This new department was created specifically for him to gain field experience. According to our church’s tradition, after the Holy Children receive a period of inheritance training, they are assigned to lower levels for seasoning, though their ultimate destination remains the Dinge Region and the Temple.
“He chose our region for his assignment, and he hand-picked the personnel to establish the department. He must be the one who pulled strings to arrange for the princess’s inclusion.
“It’s classic: the sort of ‘kindness’ done by a friend who thinks you’re close, when you actually aren’t.”
“Fine, I understand.”
“Take it in stride, Karen. It’s no big deal. If circumstances permitted, I’d like to find a lover myself. Sometimes life really does need a bit of comfort; otherwise, the suffocating grind of work will drag a man down.”
“What circumstances are preventing you?”
“I’m worried that if I take a lover, it might upset my son, who’s preparing to take over leadership in the Church of Pamires, and compromise his loyalty to Order.”
“You are truly noble.”
“I accept your praise.”
“About the Six-Winged Angel…”
“The preliminary mission report was delivered to me; I’m reading it right now. The operation was a complete success, beautifully executed. Sus must be thrilled to death—he can finally get away from the hazardous position of being your superior.
“Neither of us should harbor illusions of an immediate promotion, but the higher-ups will certainly grant compensation, tacitly allowing our reach to extend further into this region.
“Things are fine on my end; after all, I still hold the seat of Head Bishop, so anything I do is convenient. You need to push harder to secure absolute authority over your division, saving me the trouble of having to drink tea and build rapport with whoever gets sent down as the next Regional Chief.”
“You’re not even willing to keep up appearances anymore?”
“Hah! Isn’t snubbing him just backing you up? Hahaha! If the next Regional Chief doesn’t bring you along, I won’t even bother seeing him.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t be a stranger.”
Hanging up the receiver, Karen took a sip of tea. Mavaglio was coming to the Yorktown Region as well.
Though Mavaglio held little real administrative power, his status was distinguished and exalted; even Bern had to address him as “My Lord.” Given Karen’s relationship with him, it amounted to another layer of backing in the region going forward.
In this way, their regional network of connections was growing increasingly solid.
It was almost laughable when he thought about it: not long ago, he had been representing the Whip of Order to wage a fierce fight against the region’s local protectionist forces. Now, he had transformed into one of the ringleaders of those very same protectionist forces.
Pushing open the door, Karen stepped out of the office. At a glance, he spotted Alfred and the two women standing beside him.
Alfred stepped forward. “Young Master, the handover procedures are complete.”
“Mm.”
Karen walked up to Ophelia. Today, she wore not armor, but traditional Dark Moon Island attire.
“You’ve gotten thinner.”
Ophelia replied, “My weight hasn’t dropped.”
Beside her, Guyin smiled sweetly. “Perhaps Her Highness only looks thinner in comparison to me.”
Karen shot a glance at Guyin and said, “Take fewer tonics. They cause precocious overdevelopment.”
Guyin: “…”
The girl’s vitality and blood essence were exceptionally robust and overexcited—a clear sign that her physical body had been excessively cultivated. That meant she walked the path of a martial warrior, despite holding a cleric’s staff.
“Let’s go. We’re heading back first.”
The others had already been picked up. Alfred went to fetch the car, opening the front passenger door first. “Miss Guyin, please take a seat.”
Guyin glanced toward the back seat and said candidly to Alfred, “Mr. Manservant, you really ought to give others a fair chance to compete.”
“I believe according better treatment to the first arrival is also a form of fairness.”
“Fine.”
Guyin slipped into the front passenger seat, while Karen and Ophelia sat in the back.
The car started, heading toward the headquarters building.
Karen and Ophelia sat silently on their respective sides, saying nothing.
Guyin turned her head back with a grin. “You two haven't seen each other in so long; you could share a passionate kiss, you know. In some respects, our Moon God Church is quite similar to the Church of Berry—we advocate for the unrestrained expression of emotion.”
Karen said placidly, “Alfred, teach her the rules.”
“Understood, Young Master.” Alfred looked at Guyin. “Before the Young Master speaks, you do not have the privilege of livening up the mood.”
“I just felt things were dull, that’s all. Anyone with eyes can see that you two once had…”
Alfred interrupted, “Miss Guyin, perhaps you would prefer to step out of the car, and I can call the Yorktown office of the Moon God Church to send a vehicle for you.”
“Must you be so serious? Besides, I don’t have the authority to mobilize the local office. Only Lady Salayina has that privilege.”
Alfred replied, “You should use it while you still can. The Church of the Abyss can’t use theirs anymore even if they wanted to.”
“Why?”
“Because just today, every overt and covert office of the Church of the Abyss in this region was wiped out. Nearly all the Abyss priests have had their souls sent back to the abyss—or heaven—they longed for.”
Guyin’s face instantly changed color. She sat properly and kept her mouth shut.
They arrived at the lodgings. Alfred brought the car to a halt. “Miss Guyin, do you see that apartment building? Your people are already inside.”
Ophelia moved to get out as well, but Alfred said, “The Dark Moon warriors are lodged in the staff quarters of the headquarters building. You don't need to get off just yet.”
This time, Guyin raised no objections. She stepped down obediently and even waved goodbye.
The moment the car drove away, she spun around, gritting her teeth in vexation. “Just what on earth was Lady Salayina thinking with this arrangement?!”
Inside the car:
“Was that a bit too harsh?” Ophelia asked with a hint of concern.
Alfred deliberately phrased his words with ambiguous undertones: “Rest assured, you belong to our Young Master.”
Ophelia’s expression remained unchanged.
Karen spoke up: “I once swore an oath that I would bring about the downfall of the Moon God Church, though there is no time limit on that vow.”
Ophelia drew a deep breath, biting her lower lip.
Alfred marveled inwardly: *The Young Master is truly the Young Master. Even when he uses double entendres, his execution is far more refined than mine.*
He knew that his young master had once sworn before the Dark Moon Goddess to destroy the Moon God Church to avenge her, which had earned him the goddess’s blessing.
Pulling up outside the dormitory building, Ophelia stepped out first and said to Alfred, “Sir, I will still need to coordinate our upcoming assignments with you.”
“Certainly, no problem at all. I will assign your tasks tomorrow,” Alfred answered promptly.
Ophelia then turned to Karen. “Thank you for taking care of us today, Minister Karen. In the future, when I have leave to visit them, I will bring you local specialties from Dark Moon Island.”
*Acting deliberately distant and formal, are we?*
Karen extended his hand toward her.
Ophelia paused for a moment before extending her hand as well, taking Karen’s in a handshake.
“You’re welcome, Your Highness. It was only my duty, for the sake of preserving the friendship between Order and Dark Moon Island, and building an even deeper, cooperative relationship.”
“Yes, for the sake of preserving friendship.”
With the handshake concluded, Ophelia turned and headed into the dormitory to check on the Dark Moon warriors' accommodations, almost as if she were fleeing.
For some reason, the memory of their first meeting surfaced in Karen’s mind: she had been wearing oversized armor, carrying a massive greatsword on her back.
Yet it was undeniable that time changed many things.
The trials on Dark Moon Island and her experience working within the Church of Order had thoroughly ground away most of her royal aura. It felt as though they had once been classmates who had now graduated into the world.
“Young Master, when Princess Ophelia departs, should we host a farewell banquet for her?”
“No need. Her official affiliation has been transferred to this region. Mavaglio arranged it; he’s coming as well.”
“Ah.” Alfred was caught off guard, immediately reproaching himself. “I was overly presumptuous in the car just now.”
Karen glanced at Alfred but said nothing.
On an upper floor of the dormitory building:
Little Kanna was sitting atop the balcony railing, clutching a large bag of popcorn to her chest. Behind her, Xili kept both hands poised in midair, terrified that the little girl might tumble over the edge.
Kanna paid it no mind, continuing to munch on her popcorn and occasionally offering a piece to Purr, who was perched on her head.
“You’re hostile toward that woman.”
“Of course I am, meow. I have a mission: to keep a close eye on my great-great-great-great-niece’s husband.”
“You’re hostile toward that woman.”
“I already explained it to you, meow.”
“It’s *you* who are hostile toward that woman.”
“Alright, you can shut up now.”
“I want to eat popcorn. I can’t eat if I shut up.”
“Then stuff your mouth full of popcorn, meow.”
Obediently, Little Kanna scooped up a handful of popcorn and crammed it into her mouth, yet still mumbled around the chew, “You’re flustered.”
“I preferred you back when you couldn't talk. Children really do become far less cute once they learn to speak.”
“Meow.”
“Good girl.” Purr extended a paw and patted Kanna’s head.
Inside the room, reclining on a chaise lounge, Kevin wore gold-rimmed spectacles while reading a newspaper. He swiveled his dog head to glance at Purr and Kanna sitting out on the balcony, and his canine mouth curved into a smile. Bathed in the streaming sunlight, he looked just like a kindly grandmother dog.
“Woof~”
Chapter 688