Due to the time difference, when Karen appeared in the teleportation array hall of the Yorktown Region, the sky over Wien was just beginning to pale with dawn. Aside from the staff members, there were few travelers in the hall.
Before his return, Karen had specifically instructed that his itinerary be kept strictly confidential. Thus, his emergence gave quite a few staff members a start. The night-shift deputy director, who had been dozing in his office, was shaken awake by his subordinates and rushed over immediately—even deliberately kicking off a leather shoe along the way to show his frantic haste.
Karen smiled at him, exchanged a few polite words of courtesy, and led his party straight out.
There was good reason for keeping his return so low-key.
Although his recent deeds had been heavily publicized by the church, the fundamental purpose behind it was simply to provide a morale boost and ward off ill fortune.
The prevailing tone remained the grief and humiliation over the investigation team's annihilation. If Karen were to return with great fanfare, orchestrating grand welcome rallies or celebratory banquets, it would truly be turning a funeral into a farce of celebration.
In the past, being deliberately flamboyant was meant to manufacture opportunities for rapid advancement. Now that he had risen, he needed to gradually reshape his image toward steady maturity, erasing the handicap of his youth as much as possible.
Another reason was that Gaspol was about to hand over the office of Regional Chief to him. At such a juncture, staying low-key was not only a gesture of consideration to ease Gaspol's feelings, but also a safeguard for Karen's own reputation.
Richard had observed that rumors were already swirling outside, claiming Karen's greatest specialty was a spell to "hex his superiors."
While meant in jest and tinged with malicious jealousy, it hadn't yet gained serious traction, but it was enough to put Karen on guard. Once someone was stamped with such a label, climbing any higher became exceedingly difficult; after all, who would want to promote a subordinate who seemed destined to doom their bosses?
The higher one stood, the fiercer the wind blew; every step had to be taken with deliberate care. So long as tangible benefits and real interests remained firmly within his grasp, he had no need to bask in the limelight.
Head Bishop Bern's aide was waiting there. The moment Karen saw him, he understood what it meant. He promptly instructed Philomena to lead the others ahead, while he followed the aide up to the Head Bishop's top-floor office.
Inside the office, Bern was having breakfast: a Wien paste-pancake paired with meat floss.
"Want some?" Bern asked, gesturing toward his desk.
Karen shook his head. "No, thank you. I'll eat at home."
Fighting in the desert had been exhausting enough; there was no need to rush into battle with bean paste the moment he returned.
"Isn't this your home?" Bern licked the bean paste from his fingertips and picked up a damp towel nearby to wipe them. "Starting today, the Yorktown Region belongs to you, Karen."
Karen sat down on the sofa and poured himself a cup of tea. The water was cold; Bern must have only just arrived at the office himself.
"You yielded with grace, chose not to compete with me, and were even willing to give me a hand. I'm the one who gained a huge bargain."
"I dislike squabbling for personal gain. Contending for power is meant to secure more strength and create better conditions to get things done, not to indulge in petty games of political maneuvering.
"Remember when we were eating roasted meat in the basement of Lemar Pottery Studio? I said back then that I felt you and I were very alike. Through everything that has followed, that impression hasn't faded—if anything, it has deepened.
"Karen, my willingness to help you and step aside isn't because I want anything from you. It's because I hope you'll have greater freedom to accomplish what both you and I want to do."
Karen smiled. "Regarding what we both want to do, I'd appreciate it if you could be a bit more specific."
Bern shrugged. "To be specific, there really isn't anything in particular. Just follow the guidance of Order."
"That's rather overly broad, wouldn't you say?"
"A path is something one finds while walking it. In my eyes, unless you perish abruptly in some unforeseen mishap, you have an excellent chance of reaching that round table at the church's highest echelon."
Karen took a sip of the cold tea and remarked, "Whoa, this tea is rather scalding."
"What did your Whip-Wielder discuss with you?"
Karen chuckled. "You already know about that?"
"Don't you know the habits of your own branch's supreme leader? You walked through the transparent corridor. Entering that way was deliberately done for everyone to see. News like that spreads at maximum speed."
"Before going there, I really didn't know."
"What was said?"
"He praised me for raising the little bone dragon by my side quite well."
"And the rest?"
"Nothing else."
"You were in there for half an hour. Were you playing with dragons together?"
"I came out long before that, but spent some time idling at the new secretary's desk."
"Heh, did you have prior ties with this new secretary?"
"First time meeting him."
"Oh, there's a connection. He should remember your 'benevolence.'"
"You have sources inside the Whip of Order headquarters as well?"
"Regardless of a person's standing, everyone feels the urge to gossip after dinner. Once your rank is high enough, certain matters cease to be secrets at all.
"When you factor in what was unfolding during that period and the opportunities it set in motion, it isn't hard to piece together the flavor of the story. After all, he's the secretary to the Whip-Wielder. While his official rank might not be exceptionally high, his actual status is by no means low. That qualifies as a tale of important figures."
"Judging by what you say, I missed out. I should have eaten a late-night supper at his desk before returning."
"Why didn't you just roll out a sleeping mat on the floor in front of his desk and spend the night? That way, rumors could circulate outside that the Whip-Wielder held you in such extraordinary esteem that he talked through the night with you."
"That would be taking it a bit too far."
"Not really. You're exceptionally good-looking. If you could obtain that sort of 'credential,' getting things done would only be easier, haha."
"Milord, have you not fully woken up from last night?"
"Sigh." Bern waved his hand dismissively. "I'm old and lack the qualifications now. Otherwise, I wouldn't care in the least. One only protects their reputation because it can be cashed in."
Karen believed Bern truly didn't care; he was a man who would stop at nothing to achieve his ends.
Karen took another sip of the cold tea.
Bern tapped on the desk and said, "Gaspol has already submitted her resignation. At this point, circumstances have slipped out of her control; it is time for her to step down."
"That's why I plan to stay at my countryside manor for a couple of days and return to assume office once the procedures here are finished."
"What, a fellow like you who spends years wallowing by the mud pit has learned to cherish his plumage now?"
"Call it progress."
"Heh, doing that isn't a bad idea either. Step away for a couple of days, and come back for the handover meeting once Gaspol's paperwork clears. Observing basic decorum where you can is fine, and it lets you get some rest."
What Karen was doing now was precisely what Gaspol had done when she replaced Sus.
Bern said, "There's one more thing. It appears the higher-ups intend to use our region as a pilot model for that reform proposal."
"Our region is accustomed to shouldering such responsibilities after all."
"Mm. The proposal Gaspol submitted—that was the brainchild of your Academic Faction, wasn't it?"
"Yes."
"Were you the principal architect behind it?"
"It was a bit aggressive."
"More than 'a bit.' Under the banner of reform, it aims to execute a direct reshuffle of the local region's power structure!
"I'd wager the only reason the leadership agreed to pilot it in our region is that they don't believe this plan can ever be fully implemented—at most, maybe ten or twenty percent."
"Indeed. I'm already prepared for it to be ordered to a halt when the time comes."
"Then you must act fast. Establish the fait accompli as quickly as possible. When the leadership finally realizes something is off, they'll have to hold their noses and accept it. While they can order a halt, they rarely command a complete rollback, as doing so would contradict the overarching trend they themselves initiated.
"Right now, our Church of Order has formally intervened in the desert civil war. The High Priest set a very high tone; reversing direction is out of the question.
"How certain are you about Order University's side?"
"Very certain. We are aligned."
"Then we won't have to worry about specialized personnel. The Whip of Order certainly won't be an issue, nor will my Regional Administrative Office.
"This newly established department should be as comprehensive as possible, encompassing every branch. Its duties must be fully taken on. Your proposal was still somewhat conservative, framing this new department as merely an 'effective supplement' to the existing grassroots operational framework.
"Drop the pretense. Make it the primary authority right from the start."
"You're being even more radical than I was."
"The arrow has already left the bowstring, so cast aside your reservations. Once you take over as Regional Chief and concurrently oversee this new department, hehe, everything in the entire Yorktown Region will rest in your hands.
"I'm not the least bit jealous. On the contrary, I relish such a prospect: useless bickering will finally be eliminated, boosting efficiency while concentrating power.
"That is precisely what we need at present, because judging by current developments, the future will only grow more chaotic."
"I share that view."
"Very well. As for the detailed implementation plan, I'll draft a copy on my end, and you draft one on yours. Then we'll exchange notes. The sooner we settle it, the sooner we can put it into effect."
"Understood. I will."
Karen rose, bowed to Bern, and prepared to take his leave.
As Karen turned, Bern suddenly spoke up: "Karen, I've aided you this much. Don't you dare make me regret it."
Karen nodded and replied, "Rest assured, sir. I give you my word that nothing you have assisted me with will ever contradict your faith."
Saying so, Karen pointed upward:
"The great God of Order is watching."
...
Just as Karen stepped out of the Church Affairs Building, he saw Alfred's car parked outside.
"Young Master, it has been hard on you."
"Is everything well at home?"
"All is well at home."
"Where are Philomena and the others?"
"They went back to the Guman family estate first."
Karen slid into the passenger seat. Daliwenluo was sitting in the back.
"Alfred, have you two spoken already?"
Alfred answered, "We only just introduced ourselves."
Karen said to Daliwenluo, "Alfred is the person I trust most."
"Yes, understood," Daliwenluo nodded. "Mister Alfred, hehe."
That final chuckle was visibly tinged with stubborn defiance.
A slight smile curved the corner of Alfred's lips. Unfazed, he continued driving.
"Head straight back to the manor. I'll rest for a couple of days until the handover procedures wrap up here."
"Very well, Young Master. There is one matter I should inform you of: Neo is back."
"Didn't he run away from home? He returned rather early this time."
"He likely gambled away all his coupons."
"Gambled them all away?"
"Indeed. He no longer holds the status of section chief, and no matter how realistic a fake identity is, taking out loans on the black market is inconvenient now. The reason is that Section Chief Neo took out massive loans and then 'died,' driving two accounting firms on our region's black market into bankruptcy. As a result, private black-market banks and accounting firms have drastically tightened loan approvals. He blocked his own path."
"Did he come to you?"
"Yes. He came to borrow coupons from me last night, and I advanced him a portion."
Karen asked, "Did he write an IOU?"
"He did, in standard form."
"Good. By the way, where is he now?"
"I told him you were returning today. I expect he will visit the manor to see you today as well; after all, it has been some time since you last met."
"We need to find something for him to do. Leaving him drifting around outside doesn't sit well with me."
"Young Master, there will soon be plenty to do. The newly formed department is ideal for placing our people."
His Young Master was about to become the Regional Chief of this region. Arranging positions and fabricating identities would be a walk in the park now.
"Let's hear his thoughts first. If he's unwilling, we can't force him." Karen suddenly thought of something and added, "Tell him that our region might organize a 'militia regiment' in a while to go fight in the desert for training. If he's willing to return, I'll appoint him vice commander."
Muri could be made commander; in any case, Muri couldn't keep Neo in check. Once in the desert, Neo could do whatever pleased him.
If the High Priest wanted to use the desert to temper the Church's troops, Karen would have Neo help him temper the region's troops.
"Understood, Young Master. I will find an opportunity to persuade Neo."
At midday, the car drove into Allen Manor.
Old Anderson hurried down to receive them. He hadn't received advance notice of Karen's return, only realizing it when he saw the black second-hand Ponce driving through the gates.
"Young Master Karen, Miss Eunice went to Sangpu City the day before yesterday to attend a fashion design conference, escorted personally by Count Rekar for her safety. I will notify her to return at once."
"No need. Having her own pursuits is wonderful. Don't notify her; I don't want to spoil her enjoyment."
Old Anderson scrutinized his face carefully and finally confirmed that Karen was not being sarcastic.
As Karen walked up the stairs, he asked, "Where is Purr?"
"She went out before dawn, saying she was conducting an experiment. She should be back this afternoon."
Conducting an experiment? That likely meant the teleportation formation in the performance hall was nearing completion.
"Ah, I see. Go attend to your duties. I'm going to get some rest."
"Very well, Young Master. Please rest well."
Karen entered his bedroom. While showering, he heard the door open as five maids entered to set out fresh fruit, make the bed, light incense, and lay out clean sleepwear.
One maid plucked up her courage, walked to the bathroom doorway, and ventured, "Young Master, do you require our assistance with your bath?"
Hearing this, the head maid immediately hurried over, pinched her waist hard, and dragged her out alongside the other maids who had finished their tasks.
Having finished his shower, Karen stepped out and changed into his sleepwear.
Recalling what the maid had said at the doorway, he shook his head with a chuckle. Everyone was searching for opportunities around them to climb higher. She was like that, and in truth, so was he.
He lay down on the bed and opened the nightstand drawer, where the book he hadn't finished reading last time still rested.
To this day, Karen believed that one of life's greatest pleasures was lying in bed reading a novel.
...
Alfred and Daliwenluo finished lunch in the dining room.
Daliwenluo said, "Are we heading to the performance hall next? I'm eager to hear your story explanations."
"Heh, thank you. The honor is mine."
"By the way, I heard from that girl Philomena that you also enjoy studying murals?"
"Indeed, it is a personal hobby of mine."
"Then when you have time, design one for me too."
"Certainly."
"Put me in the first row. Actually, right behind Karen will do."
"That is no problem either."
Alfred picked up a napkin and dabbed his mouth, his expression remaining placid.
This new coffin occupant had been recruited by the Young Master rather hastily. Of course, Alfred didn't consider his Young Master at fault; under those circumstances, the move was nothing short of miraculous. Without Daliwenluo's inclusion, it would have been difficult for the Young Master to accomplish such remarkable feats in the desert.
Still, the task of polishing and tempering him fell to Alfred now.
"Oh, right, where is that dog—it is a dog, right, the bald-headed one? Why haven't I seen it?"
"They went out and will likely return around dusk."
Just then, Alfred spotted a crow flying outside the dining room window. It was Neo's crow.
After the manor's defensive formation had been set up last time, Neo had failed to infiltrate. When Alfred offered him the formation key afterward, Neo had refused, claiming he would definitely find a way to break in eventually.
It seemed he had failed once again.
One had to admit, having a security inspector like Neo gave everyone a great deal of confidence in the manor's security.
"Come with me outside first to receive someone."
"Sure." Daliwenluo stood up. "Just the thing to let the food settle before listening to stories."
Alfred drove Daliwenluo outside the estate. Neo was currently leaning against the door of a white sedan, wearing sunglasses, holding a cigarette between his fingers, and sporting freshly dyed purple hair.
"Are you planning to take over Mister Luther's crusade?"
Neo took off his sunglasses. "When you lose all your coupons, you have no choice but to change your lifestyle."
"The ones I gave you—gone already?"
"Rotten luck. Caught up in the effects of the war, the market fluctuated violently and liquidated my positions at the drop of a hat."
Then Neo noticed Daliwenluo getting out of the car and asked:
"Oho, has our Lord Kevin taken on human form?"
Alfred replied, "A new coffin occupant. An apostate from the Church of Life."
"Mm, Karen always did love collecting these rebels."
"Do you still need coupons?" Alfred asked.
"Hm? You're still willing to lend to me?"
"A personal sponsorship. I believe that after losing for so long, it's about time you won."
"You have keen foresight, recognizing that my previous losses were merely laying the groundwork."
Alfred handed a card to Neo. "This is from my personal savings, not the public account."
Neo took the card. "Name your terms."
"Our new resident harbors a bit of arrogance. Please help me smooth down his edges."
"You truly are thoughtful, my dear Alfred. Having lost my coupons, I was just looking for a way to vent my frustration. Still, could you spare a few more Order coupons?"
"Coupons are genuinely tight, especially with a new department about to be established."
"The God of Order running short on Order coupons? Tell that to anyone and they'd never believe it."
"Why wouldn't they believe it? Since when has the money offered by believers ever actually reached the God's hands?"
"Heh, well said."
Just then, Daliwenluo walked up and said to Neo, "Greetings. I am Daliwenluo, former believer of Life, current believer of Order."
Neo responded, "Greetings. I am Neo, former believer of Order, current believer of Luther, bloodthirsty aberrant demon, believer of the Radiant Rebels, believer of the Radiant Liberals, believer of the Orthodox Radiants, and believer of the Cult of Thick Hair."
"Believer of the Cult of Thick Hair?"
"Yes. So, duel me, you bald heathen."
"Heh, you want to fight me?" Daliwenluo cracked his neck in excitement. He opened his palm, and a sapling grew into a wooden club.
In the desert, he had ambushed and slain many outstanding youths from various churches, allowing his previously shattered sapling to absorb vast amounts of life force and fully recover.
"Come, come, let's head to that open ground ahead. We're too close to the manor; I wouldn't want to trigger its defensive formation. Just looking at that bald head of yours pisses me off!"
Neo took the lead, walking toward the grassy clearing ahead.
Daliwenluo remained slightly cautious. Before following, he specifically asked Alfred:
"Alfred, this Neo is our Young Master's friend, right? How strong is he?"
"He is defeated by our Young Master in a single move every single time, yet he tirelessly continues to challenge him anyway.
"Because he once helped our Young Master in the past, the Young Master remembers old favors and constantly accommodates him—not only lending him coupons continuously, but even trying to arrange employment for him."
"Don't worry! From now on, I'll take care of matters like this on your Young Master's behalf, haha!"
Resting the wooden club on his shoulder, Daliwenluo strode toward the clearing ahead.
Alfred stood where he was, quietly lighting a cigarette:
"The second spot on the mural, was it...?"
Chapter 748