Karen pushed open the window. A rush of fresh air swept in, lifting his spirits.
He was very fond of the environment inside the Discipline Department's barrier. He remembered that when he first arrived in Wien, an estate like Allen Manor had seemed the pinnacle of unimaginable luxury. But where he lived now was true extravagance.
It wasn't merely the barrier's construction cost; even if Allen Manor were given an ocean of point coupons, they wouldn't be able to hire the specialized Order priests required to maintain such an enchantment.
Once wealth reached a certain tier, it could no longer be measured or captured by simple point coupons.
It was just like how most divine artifacts in the containment space had clearly listed rental prices, yet each had status and identity prerequisites embedded into the terms. Point coupons alone couldn't rent a single one.
After a shower and freshening up, Karen went to his office.
Little Kanna was always an early riser. She was sitting at her small desk doing her homework, swinging her legs back and forth while humming a cheerful tune.
On her desk sat a fishbowl with an inverted octopus tentacle potted inside like a plant.
Karen noticed her scratching her head lightly every now and then, so he asked, "Feeling uncomfortable anywhere?"
"Mmm... my head feels a little itchy."
"It's fine. Your brain is probably just growing."
"Really?" Little Kanna beamed. "I've been rushing through my homework really fast these past few days! If I spend another half day today, I'll finish this entire month's assignments two weeks ahead of schedule! Hehe."
"When you talk to your Sister Purr, remember not to look too happy. Try to appear as miserable as possible—unless you want more homework assigned to you."
"Mm... understood!"
Xili brought in breakfast, and Little Kanna sat across from Karen's desk to eat with him.
Before digging into her food, however, she carefully scraped off a tiny crumb from a medicinal pill and tossed it into the potted bowl.
She moved with extreme caution, measuring the amount precisely, terrified that an overdose of nutrients might "burn" the octopus tentacle to death.
As for Buken's body, Karen had restored his spiritual power back into it. Although that back-and-forth transfer had incurred massive loss, it at least shifted the corpse from an empty husk into an ignitable state.
For now, he would let Buken rest quietly in the coffin inside the manor's performance hall to slowly recuperate.
Just like with Morindi, Karen wouldn't reawaken them until an absolute emergency arose, as doing so might trigger an outright conflict between himself and the High Priest.
Sipping his soy milk, Karen looked through the briefings and dossiers. The war in the desert was once again locked in a stalemate. Both sides were bogged down in localized skirmishes across various small battlefields, while the rest of the front lines simply slacked off.
Without either faction escalating their commitment of forces, this was normally the default state of the battlefield. It was only when Karen had led the Whip of Order Legion on the front lines that they repeatedly acted as the catfish stirring up the pond.
Karen then picked up another file detailing recent movements and news from the Temple of Order.
After breakfast, he made a round through the Interrogation Castle. The stench of blood inside had only grown thicker.
The Whip-Wielder had reminded him to wait until the scent of blood cleared before arranging for the High Priest to inspect the Yorktown Region. Judging by current progress, however, that was impossible for the time being.
Karen's original directive had been: show no mercy, be unyielding, and implicate as broadly as possible.
Using this opportunity to purge the vermin was the only way to better face the impending crisis.
Yet Vic's performance had exceeded even Karen's expectations.
In the past, Vic had to hold back out of caution, but with Karen's rise to power, he could finally act without restraint. Vic struck in every direction, ripping up one intricate web of vested interests after another by the roots.
The Interrogation Castle and Prison Castle could no longer hold all the suspects. The regional Whip of Order lockups, the Regional Administrative Office's detention centers, and any usable facilities across related departments had all been requisitioned.
By now, priests across other regions practically developed trauma responses whenever they heard, "Hello, please come with me to Yorktown."
If this kept up much longer, priests scolding unruly children would probably start threatening them with: "Keep crying and misbehaving, and I'll send you off to Yorktown!"
Karen began to suspect whether this was the exact trait Rasma had prized when selecting a student. After all, when Rasma served as High Priest, much of his authority had been hollowed out.
Pressed down by the Temple above and constrained by rival factions below, accomplishing anything was an uphill battle.
Given the fiery temper Rasma displayed in his youth when clashing with Grandpa Diss, being reduced to a figurehead High Priest must have left him suffocating with resentment. Perhaps Vic had been groomed specifically for a future sweeping purge of revenge.
Vic had subtly tested the waters several times when reporting interrogation progress. Karen heard the underlying meaning, but he never ordered a cooldown.
Continuing down this path tied Karen irreversibly to the Whip-Wielder—and by extension, to the High Priest's lineage. Once a new High Priest took office in the future, Karen's position would inevitably become awkward, exposing him to fierce backlash and political attacks.
Given Karen's age and current standing, he could have easily chosen to mitigate these downstream risks. He could sit comfortably, letting the river of time carry him forward; even if it didn't push him higher, it would at least secure his elevated rank.
He hadn't chosen that route partly because the concept of a "future" remained uncertain, which naturally freed him from hesitation. But the primary reason was that he couldn't bring himself to let down the thousands upon thousands of Pavaros within the Church of Order.
Before rising to power, one could compromise on minor principles—flattering superiors, picking sides, bartering favors, engaging in political maneuvering—and comfort oneself by claiming it was all for the sake of greater principles later on.
Now that he had actually reached this position, carrying on with that same petty scheming would make a mockery of everything he had endured to get here.
After finishing his inspection of the interrogation operations, Alfred brought Karen an invitation from Head Bishop Bern.
Karen was somewhat surprised. "Is Bern dying so soon?"
"No, Young Master. It is a birthday celebration for Head Bishop Bern's attendant officer. You have been invited, along with another guest—the Regional Guardian, Puyuesen."
"Using his attendant's birthday as an excuse for a gathering? How insincere."
"Your subordinate believes your subtle hints last time produced an effect."
"You mean he guessed it?"
"No, he couldn't have guessed it; it is far too absurd. But emotionally, it likely triggered a shift in him."
"Puyuesen... do you think I should meet him or not?"
"After all, he represents the Temple's eyes in this region. If you hold the Temple's favor, future matters will go much smoother."
"Future matters? What matters?"
"Becoming the Whip-Wielder, of course, and rising even higher."
"Alfred, you're looking awfully far ahead. At a time like this, you're still brooding over such things? Every day brings news of anomalies and divine miracles across various churches. The return of the gods is drawing near at an alarming pace."
Alfred smiled faintly, thinking to himself: *No matter how fast the gods return, they can't possibly outpace your promotions, Young Master.*
"Then let's go meet him. Remember to notify the Whip-Wielder for me."
"Understood, Young Master."
***
That afternoon, Karen arrived at Bern's residence by carriage.
For the first time, Little Kanna hadn't brought any homework along. Looking carefree, she hopped out of the carriage, full of lively energy.
Yet she seemed so accustomed to holding a book or a notebook that she had dug out a bound catalog from inside the carriage to flip through, and even after dismounting, she kept it rolled up in her hand.
It was a coffin price list that Karen had left in the carriage after arranging a funeral at the funeral parlor during his last trip back.
Karen glanced at Andrew, who was standing beside him after coordinating the security detail. The young man wore a solemn expression, showing no sign that he knew he was about to meet his "uncle."
It wasn't an act. Karen had long understood this young man's straightforward temperament.
"Come inside with me."
"Huh? Yes, Commander!" Andrew was caught off guard, but nodded immediately.
The furnishings inside Bern's home were sparse, bordering on barren. He was never a family man to begin with, holding domestic life and familial warmth in utter disdain.
The attendant officer whose birthday was being celebrated served tea and promptly withdrew. Bern and Puyuesen walked down the stairs together, both bowing to Karen in greeting:
"Greetings, Minister."
"Greetings, Minister."
Andrew looked at Puyuesen with pleasant surprise.
Once they were seated, Andrew took over the attendant's task and began slicing fruit.
Karen noticed that Puyuesen's eyes looked strange, lacking their usual sharpness when focusing on objects. "Is something wrong with your eyes?"
Puyuesen replied, "Thank you for your concern, Minister. It was my own fault—an accident during an experiment injured them."
"Is it serious?"
"Not particularly. A period of rest should suffice."
"I have some medicinal solution back at my place. Andrew, remember to take some to our Guardian when we return."
"Yes, Commander."
Karen was already planning to send the Guardian some dog urine to wash his eyes with.
Bern spoke up. "There's no need for us to be so formal. Puyuesen, this is your first time meeting our Minister, isn't it?"
Puyuesen nodded with a smile. "I have long wished to meet him, but never found the opportunity. Today is truly an honor."
Karen replied, "It's mainly because work has kept me busy. I haven't spent much time in the region lately."
In truth, their interactions had begun long ago. Back then, Karen and Neo had been chased around more than once by the Guardian's gigantic hand.
After warming up the room for a while longer, Bern stood up, claimed he was fetching some vintage wine, and left the living room. Andrew foolishly continued slicing oranges.
Karen didn't mind, but Puyuesen couldn't bear to watch any longer. He said to Andrew, "Go help the Head Bishop fetch the wine."
"Oh, right."
Andrew glanced at Karen, and only stood to leave after seeing Karen nod.
Puyuesen remarked, "To be able to learn at your side is truly a divine blessing for him. In you, I have witnessed genuine magnanimity."
"He is a fine young man."
Though Andrew had been a bit of a slacker before enlisting, he had matured greatly on the battlefield.
"His father also asked me to convey his gratitude to you."
"Please tell him that he has raised an excellent warrior for Order."
After brief pleasantries, Puyuesen produced two scrolls and placed them on the coffee table.
"One is a commendation from the Temple for you."
"A commendation?"
"A commendation for your distinguished service to Order on the battlefield. It arrives a bit late, haha."
"Haha."
"The other was entrusted to you by a Temple Elder. She thinks very highly of you. She also happens to be my teacher."
"Which Temple Elder would that be?"
"Elder Xiti. Have you heard of her?"
*Elder Xiti? That's beyond familiar.*
*She's my cat's best friend and my grandpa's cross-generational pal.*
Karen feigned an apologetic look. "My apologies. The Temple Elders have always been shrouded in mystery, and I have had little contact with them. I am not acquainted with Elder Xiti, but I am deeply grateful for her appreciation."
Puyuesen immediately seized the opening. "I can arrange a meeting between you and her."
"Really? That would be wonderful."
"Among the Temple Elders, Elder Xiti is considered relatively young."
Puyuesen was hinting that this Elder would make an exceptionally sturdy patron.
She was of the same generation as Purr, but measured against the lifespan of a Temple Elder, she still belonged to the "middle-aged" bracket.
"I understand."
Puyuesen pressed on, "It would be best if you two could establish a formal teacher-student bond. That provides the most secure layer of protection."
Karen nodded with a smile, while inwardly wondering whether Puyuesen was the idiot or Xiti was.
What kind of intermediary laid out all the conditions and bargaining chips so bluntly on the table?
Then again, Guardians weren't responsible for regional governance. As long as there were no security threats to the region, they spent practically all their time cultivating inside their Guardian Halls. For such people to display a pristine, untainted foolishness in their gaze and conduct was entirely normal.
As for Xiti... if she weren't a fool, Grandpa wouldn't have strung her up on a cross.
During that standoff on Mink Street, Diss had blown up the Temple shrine, yet he hadn't truly struck down a single Order priest. In the aftermath, the only recorded casualty had been Xiti's minor superficial injuries.
His cat's attitude toward her was identical to Little Kanna's attitude toward Augie, constantly spouting lines like "that idiot Xiti" and "that moron Xiti."
Becoming her student... once Purr returned and found out, he would probably have to cook pickled fish for three days straight just to appease her.
Yet if he truly wanted to forge a direct connection with the Temple, having an Elder as his "teacher" was indeed the simplest and most efficient method.
Besides, someone like Xiti would be remarkably easy to handle.
Having recently dealt with two consecutive Whip-Wielders like Foden and Buken—where a single glance risked exposing flaws—Karen genuinely wished for a more normal heavyweight figure to balance things out.
"So, do you agree?"
"Hm?"
*He wants an answer right now?*
"As you are aware, relations between the Holy See and the Temple are slightly delicate at present. Therefore, if this goes through, we will keep it strictly confidential. Please trust the Temple's ability to keep secrets."
"Of course I believe that."
Karen would have to be out of his mind to believe that. He had just reviewed internal Temple intelligence over breakfast this morning.
Foden had long since turned the Temple into a sieve.
"Does that mean you agree?"
"Yes, I agree. Please arrange a time—"
"How about tonight?"
"Tonight?"
*Who is becoming whose student here?*
Puyuesen explained, "Elder Xiti happens to be outside the Temple right now, so a meeting can be arranged very quickly."
"But I haven't prepared anything. Surely I need to bring some gifts for the visit?"
"None of that is necessary."
"Are you certain tonight works?"
"Tonight works. My apologies, the timing is indeed rather rushed, but I was notified of this on very short notice myself. That's why I hurriedly asked Head Bishop Bern to arrange this meeting with you.
"Furthermore, I heard that other Elders in the Temple are also interested in taking you as a student. I believe Elder Xiti wants to solidify this relationship before anyone else can."
*You truly have a gift for mediation—stripping away every shred of mystery and dignity from an exalted Elder.*
Karen felt that a man like this was truly only suited to be a Guardian. If he were ever appointed as a diplomatic priest, it would be an unmitigated catastrophe for the Church of Order.
"No problem. Are we departing from the teleportation hall?"
"Yes, we'll need you to make the arrangements."
"You can instruct Andrew; let him handle it."
"Very well, no problem. I'll see you tonight."
"See you tonight."
Puyuesen got up and left. Moments later, Andrew walked in.
Karen waved a hand at him. "Go make the arrangements."
"Yes, Commander."
Once Andrew left, Bern entered the living room, actually holding a bottle of wine.
"Should I congratulate you on soon becoming the student of a Temple Elder?"
"You knew?"
"Puyuesen can hardly keep secrets from me. Earlier, he asked me to pull your files and even had me draft the evaluation to be submitted to the Temple. I suspect the Temple is conducting a screening assessment, and your name was probably on the candidate list."
"How did you write the evaluation?"
"Not subtle in the slightest. I showered praise on your profound reverence for the Temple and your yearning to join it.
"I even added some anecdotes—like how, back when you were still a Whip of Order squad captain, you repeatedly voiced your dream to cultivate diligently and earn Order's Gate guidance into the Temple.
"I figured the Temple would value that above all else. Combined with the Dharma Body you manifested at the Augurev Fortress banquet, if they were ranking prospects, you would be the person in your age group most likely to condense a godhead fragment.
"On that basis, the Temple can treat you as half one of their own."
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it. If you don't mind me asking..." Bern pointed upward. "Does he know?"
"Our Temple isn't all that mysterious to the Whip of Order."
"They merely possess high realms, that's all. After stepping out from the shadows into this seat, even I feel my political touch getting rusty, to say nothing of those Elders who have lived for centuries. The older people get, the easier they are to flatter—and the easier they are to fool."
"I'm heading out to fool one tonight."
"In such a rush?"
"Puyuesen is a very efficient intermediary."
"Ah, I see. Haha." Bern sat down on the sofa across from Karen. "Right, there are two matters I need to ask of you."
"Go ahead."
"First, my father passed away."
"My condolences. What is the second matter?"
"I'm not done with the first one yet. His death isn't the point."
"Uh... alright."
"My son sent me a letter. He hopes you can find time soon to visit the Church of Pamires, showing Order's support for him. He's about to face a succession contest."
"Understood. I will arrange it."
"And the second matter?"
"The second matter is: I am dying soon."
"Didn't we already know that?"
"No, I recently underwent a radical surgical treatment at the church hospital. It failed, and consequently accelerated my deterioration. My time of death has been pulled forward."
"Can you tell me what you were thinking?"
"In the past, I never would have done such a thing. But now, it somehow doesn't matter to me anymore. Even I don't understand why my mindset changed like this."
"I suspect your father's death dealt a severe blow to your mind and body."
"Hahaha," Bern chuckled. "You can write that in my memoirs. They can be published once our church annexes the Church of Pamires."
Karen asked with a serious expression, "So, how much time do you have left?"
"If nothing unexpected happens, in a month, the church can announce my passing and the region can hold my memorial service. However, I have drafted a list of nominees for the next Head Bishop. You can look through it and decide whom you want to push forward."
Bern pulled a document from the sleeve of his robes and held it out to Karen.
Karen didn't take it.
After a brief hesitation, Bern set the list on the coffee table, stacking it atop the two scrolls Puyuesen had left behind.
"I studied them for a long time before finalizing the list. Their weaknesses and leverage points are all inside, making it easy for you to maintain control over the Regional Administrative Office."
"I have several business trips coming up in succession. I need to visit the containment space, tour the First Knight Order, and possibly take a trip to the pioneering space."
"Oh? And then?"
"Two weeks should be enough to wrap everything up, but to be safe, you need to hold on until the end of the month."
"My will and inventory of assets are already placed in the hidden compartment of the second drawer on the bottom right of my office desk. What else do you need me to do?"
"I told you last time: ensure that you die inside your office, and that at that moment, only you and I are present in the room."
Bern took a sip of wine. "The reason I agreed to undergo that radical surgery was precisely because of the words you said to me back then.
"I must admit, my mind was thrown into chaos by what you said. Suddenly, I felt that death might not be the end, but rather a new beginning.
"So, are you still unwilling to tell me directly what you plan to do when the time comes?"
Karen shook his head.
"Alright then. Just those matters, right? Calling you to my office before I die so you can witness my passing."
"Oh, I just thought of one more thing."
"What?"
"Kanna, give me what you're holding."
Little Kanna obediently handed the coffin price catalog to Karen. Karen placed it in front of Bern and smiled.
"Pick out a coffin style you like."
Chapter 835