Chapter 82: The "Welcome" of Allen Manor

Chapter 82 The "Welcome" of the Allen Estate

The cargo ship docked at York Port, a harbor of immense scale. Once the freight decks were lowered, large items were hoisted away by machinery, yet the bulk of the process still fell upon manual labor.

Looking down from the deck, one could see a dense swarm of laborers whose hair was predominantly purple or gray, revealing that they did not belong to the Vienna race; they were illegal immigrants who had smuggled themselves over from other continents, but when they worked in places like the port, the Vienna Immigration Bureau would pretend to be blind to their existence.

Among the able-bodied adults, numerous child laborers darted to and forth; they were generally gaunt and frail, many bearing the distinct look of malnutrition.

The labor capacity of a child could hardly match that of a youth in his prime, but they were cheaper. Capitalists chose child labor not out of benevolence, but because after calculating the costs, they found it to be truly profitable.

It was a picture rich in layers and sharp in contrast.

When you lifted your gaze, you saw a bustling, clamorous harbor and, farther off, towering skyscrapers that gave the distinct impression of a modern metropolis.

But when you cast your eyes down, looking only at what lay beneath your feet, you seemed to behold the mortal realm itself—mismatched and incongruous, yet entirely real.

The guests disembarked from a different deck.

Purr remained seated on Karen's shoulder, and the golden retriever was still led by Karen. After leaving the ship, they found an open clearing ahead where several vehicles were parked, alongside a group of straight-backed bodyguards dressed in suits.

At their head, serving as the welcoming representative, was a middle-aged man in a wheelchair.

Before disembarking, Madame Jenny had forewarned them that the person coming to the port to receive everyone was Mr. Mike, the second older brother of Eunice's father. Additionally, Madame Jenny had noted that Mr. Mike had lost his legs in an accident, which was why he could only travel by wheelchair.

Thus, for Eunice's father to ascend to the position of family head was a stroke of remarkable fortune.

As the third son in the family, the succession should never have fallen to him. That was why, at the very beginning, he was permitted to marry Jenny, the daughter of an ordinary family from the city of Logia. But who could have foreseen that the eldest brother would choose love, and the second brother would choose disability.

In the end, the seat of the family head could only be occupied by him.

Purr's commentary on this was that Jenny truly possessed the destiny of a wife who brought prosperity to her husband.

However, when Purr caught sight from afar of Mike sitting in his wheelchair to welcome them off the ship, the cat instinctively pressed its face closer to Karen's neck, laughing softly as it whispered:

"I can't take this. Another idiot."

"Oh?"

"His body bears the intertwined marks of both water and fire elements. He must have attempted a fusion, which caused a portion of his physical body to blow up."

"Shouldn't such an attempt command respect?"

"To be honest, people in my family were already making that kind of attempt back in my day. But they always used members of the collateral branches for the experiments, because every individual's system of faith and perception is different, and the degree to which a faith system alters the body varies as well.

Generally, collateral relatives were used as test subjects. Their bodies and faith systems would be trained as much as possible to reach a standard similar to one's own, or at least close to it in some aspect, before a fusion was attempted.

Once success or failure yielded experience, the method could be better applied to oneself, thereby minimizing the risk. At the very least, it would prevent the extreme scenario where two opposing elements clashed inside one's own body and caused it to explode.

The fact that this happened to him clearly means he went right ahead and used himself as the test subject.

Truly stupid."

"Is it considered stupid not to use one's own kinsmen as test subjects?" Karen asked.

"Is it not?" Purr countered. "The prosperity of a family undoubtedly demands sacrifice. Having seen the eldest, Wood, in that state, and now seeing the second, Mike, in this condition;

Sigh,

I finally understand why the Allen family has degenerated to such a wretched state."

"Alright."

"In truth, Karen, you know it well in your own heart. After all, not every family is blessed with a Dis, who could single-handedly keep the entire household perfectly protected, ensuring not only domestic harmony and warmth but also granting the younger generation the freedom of choice.

For an ordinary family, being insufficiently ruthless to outsiders is secondary; if you are not ruthless enough to your own, then the decline of that family is almost mathematically certain.

This isn't a simple matter of a family business decaying into bankruptcy. In this circle, your decline means the surrounding hungry wolves will swarm over you to strip you bare and devour you whole.

The Raphael family is the finest example. As a former clan of servants, if Dis hadn't intervened, perhaps in a few more years, over the span of another generation, they would have been able to completely swallow the Allen family.

When that time came, the members of the Allen family would have degenerated into mere tools existing solely for procreation, serving to enrich the Raphael family's own bloodline and faith system.

It is no different from how those grand churches yearn to acquire the faith systems of other churches."

"I understand."

"But now I'm starting to look forward to it a bit," Purr said, suddenly shifting its tone from the previous disappointment to a sly amusement. "It would be best if Mike is truly stupid too, just like the eldest, Wood.

Just imagine, a flock of idiots standing there gazing at you with longing eyes. Karen, would you really have the heart to wave your sleeve and depart without taking even half a shred of cloud with you?"

"You are supposed to be an elder."

"This is precisely the mindset of an elder. When the children of the family are incompetent, I must naturally exert all my strength to drag in a powerful external aid."

"Me? A powerful external aid?"

"The only thing you lack is time.

A mysterious soul descended via an extraordinary God-descent ritual,

The possessor of an evil god's physique,

The sole heir to the Inmerais bloodline,

Karen,

Any single one of these titles, when brought to light, virtually guarantees your potential, let alone all three combined.

In fact,

Even if you do absolutely nothing and focus entirely on siring children with Eunice or Camilla, you would still be a priceless treasure."

"Alright, you can shut up now."

"I will keep saying these words."

"Then I will first have Alfred go to the York City pet market to buy a pack of Garfield cats, British Shorthairs, and orange tabbies for you. All males. You can set an example for me first."

"..." Purr.

Mike rolled his wheelchair forward, first greeting Madame Jenny and Eunice, and then immediately arrived before Karen, extending his hand to shake Karen's:

"Welcome, Master Karen."

"Thank you for coming to meet us."

"It is only right that I do so."

After the brief pleasantries, everyone boarded the vehicles.

Karen rode in an elongated black "Conbin," which possessed a vast interior space and even offered red wine to drink.

Eunice and Karen sat on one side, while Mr. Mike and Madame Jenny sat opposite them.

Alfred, meanwhile, rode in another car with the cat and the dog.

Mr. Mike was a man of few words; perhaps the earlier pleasantries already comprised his entire vocabulary for the day. Consequently, after ordering the attendant to pour the red wine upon entering the vehicle, he simply sat there drinking his wine.

Yet his demeanor was not one of deliberate disregard for the guests; rather, it was his inherent personality, somewhat introverted and unsuited to conversation.

The motorcade drove into the center of York City, ignoring every red light they encountered along the way. Traffic police could be seen on the roads, but they showed no reaction whatsoever to this.

After passing yet another red light, Madame Jenny said with a smile, "The vehicles our family uses to receive guests bear the license plates of the Vienna Royal Family."

"Oh, so that's how it is." Karen took a sip of the wine in his glass.

However, the motorcade that traffic lights failed to halt was nevertheless forced to a stop at an intersection ahead. A crowd of demonstrators holding up signs of protest was marching, shouting slogans aloud.

Madame Jenny explained again with a smile, "In Vienna, marches are a common sight, almost a part of the citizens' daily life. Because there are always some people who have eaten a bit too much and need to digest their food."

As if struck by a sudden thought, Mike spoke up, saying, "A while ago, I heard that Delice, the famous environmentalist girl, held a speech rally. However, once on stage, she vehemently denounced several corporations and VIPs for their extravagant and un-ecological lifestyles. Those very companies happened to be her sponsors, and those VIPs had attended the event in person to show their support. The whole scene turned out remarkably awkward."

Delice?

Karen remembered that she had survived that night, though she seemed to have been affected by the forbidden spell, becoming... much more pure.

Hearing this from Mike, it appeared she truly was an environmentalist girl now.

The parade crossed the street, and the motorcade resumed its forward progress.

Karen rolled down the car window, catching the slogans chanted by the marching crowd outside:

"Being vegetarian is glorious; eating meat is barbaric!"

A massive placard swayed amidst the procession, bearing the inscription: "Skipping a single bite of meat will not kill you!"

"It seems the theme of today's protest is vegetarianism," Lady Jenny observed.

Karen's mind could not help but summon the image of the malnourished child laborers he had witnessed at the port. Evidently, human joy and sorrow were far from universal.

As he rolled the window back up, Karen offered a faint smile and said,

"What a truly kind-hearted group of people."

Upon hearing this, Mike inquired, "Does Young Master Karen truly think so?"

Karen noticed a fleeting glimmer of disdain in Mike's eyes as he asked the question; the man was genuinely terrible at concealing his emotions.

He was likely similar to Wood. Initially, Wood assumed Karen came from a church family and thus took for granted that Karen would hold his nose high in the air, while Mr. Mike probably suspected Karen was merely overflowing with cheap sympathy.

"They are indeed a kind-hearted group of people. It is just that they do not quite view the vast majority of human beings whom they cannot see or touch as actual people."

Mike stuck out his tongue, drained the red wine in his glass in a single gulp, and said,

"I like that remark of yours very much, Young Master Karen."

Karen returned a gentle smile.

The motorcade drove out of York City, continuing toward the countryside. After traversing a dense forest, the caravan pulled into the estate at around one o'clock in the afternoon.

It was a grand estate.

Karen caught sight of the new castle within the grounds, as well as the older castle standing in the distance, alongside an entertainment hall that appeared somewhat dilapidated.

A red carpet extended directly from the car doors all the way up the stairs. On one side stood the valets, while the maids lined the other.

Upon the steps,

A well-dressed, refined middle-aged man walked down toward Karen's side, while an elderly man with a head of white hair stood further up the stairs, leaning on a cane.

The man was Eunice's father, Lady Jenny's husband, and the current patriarch of the Allen family—Bede Allen.

As Bede walked over, he first exchanged acknowledging glances with his wife and daughter, then turned directly toward Karen, speaking with great deference:

"The Allen family welcomes your visit."

The valets and maids on both sides bowed to Karen in unison.

"Thank you for your hospitable reception."

"Come, please follow me. I have prepared the most delectable dishes and the finest wines for you."

Mr. Bede escorted Karen along the red carpet. As they ascended the steps, the elderly man positioned his cane in front of him and bowed to Karen:

"Your arrival is a gift from destiny to the Allen family."

Bede introduced him: "This is my father."

The old patriarch, Anderson.

"Your warm hospitality leaves me deeply moved," Karen replied.

Behind them,

Alfred, who was walking over alongside the rest, carried Purr perched on his shoulder while leading the golden retriever by its leash.

Purr’s gaze had initially fallen upon that entertainment hall; it had been built for her by the family in the past. Now, most of its exterior walls were overrun with climbing vines, presenting a state of ruin.

Following that, Purr shifted her gaze toward Bede.

Well, not bad. He held himself with great humility, and he was the most handsome among the three brothers, which explained how he could father a daughter as beautiful as Eunice.

Yet, why did this Bede possess an aura so similar to that radio sprite?

Purr naturally would not believe her grand-nephew was a deviant demon... though it wouldn't be surprising if he were. Rather, she felt Bede possessed a temperament akin to Alfred's... incredibly slick and theatrical!

At that moment, Alfred also whispered in a low voice, "I am certain this gentleman patriarch must also be an artist."

Alfred always fancied himself an artist in his daily life. His talents were not limited to being a radio host; he was also proficient in various musical instruments. Had the circumstances permitted, he could have captured the hearts of countless young ladies, matrons, and gentlemen on the passenger ship using nothing but his piano playing.

Purr recalled Eunice mentioning, when introducing her father to Karen, that he was quite fond of painting...

Thus,

Purr widened her feline eyes once more, staring intently at Bede.

So, the contemporary patriarch of the Allen family was truly a painter?

Alfred caught up with Karen, and Purr overheard the conversation between Karen and the old patriarch, Anderson:

"Dis and I knew each other when we were young, and I have traveled to Lojia City a few times myself."

"Yes, Grandfather often spoke of you to me. Regrettably, Grandfather has now fallen into a deep slumber, and in all likelihood, there is no chance he will ever wake again."

Oh, heavens, you wretched boy!

Purr desperately wanted to leap straight onto Karen's head and claw his hair into a complete mess!

"The destiny of this world is always quite peculiar, much like the rising tide—where there is a rise, there will inevitably be a fall. But I believe the Inmeris family will once again radiate its brilliant splendor."

"On account of the blood sacrifice ritual, the Inmeris family and its descendants can no longer enter the church. Grandfather's greatest wish was simply for his family to live safely and happily, without ever being dragged into these perilous whirlpools again."

Ah, ah, ah! I'm going to scratch his face with my claws and ruin his looks!

Alfred reached out, holding back the wildly gesturing Purr.

Anderson and Bede also noticed the cat displaying a strong desire for attention. A hint of perplexity surfaced in Bede's eyes; he felt this black cat looked somewhat familiar.

Anderson, however, inquired, "Karen, is this your pet?"

"Yes, I must apologize. It has been rather irritable lately, as it happens to be in heat."

"..." Purr.

"Let us head inside first. I am certain you are already hungry. Haha, when visiting a friend's home, the most important thing to bear in mind is that one must never let the friend's child go hungry."

Anderson kindly reached out and patted Karen's arm to display his affection.

Karen cooperatively extended his arm to support the old man, acting in place of his cane.

Bede then turned toward his wife and daughter, saying, "Go change your clothes first, and then we shall dine together. Do hurry, we mustn't keep our guest waiting."

Immediately following this,

Bede looked toward Alfred. In his eyes, this was the sole valet Karen had brought along, and his lips trembled ever so slightly.

Those who shared the same standards and pursuits regarding life, art, and existence could always recognize one another instantly, independent of title or status.

"Hello, Mr. Bede. You may call me Alfred."

"Hello, Alfred, please come in and dine with us. I am certain you are far more than a mere manservant."

"No, serving the young master is the very pursuit of my life."

"Oh, an ordinary manservant would hardly possess such a moral code."

Purr rolled her eyes at Bede: Your prospective son-in-law has already gone inside, and yet you are still here making eyes at his manservant?

Fool, idiot!

Throughout this journey home, the words Purr used most often to describe her younger clansmen were "fool and idiot," because they constantly and profoundly illustrated the meaning of those two terms.

...

"I am dreadfully sorry, Mr. Karen, but I must take my medicine now. Please head into the dining room first, I shall join you shortly."

"Of course, your health is paramount."

Old man Anderson was helped upstairs by a maid;

Karen, led by several other maids, stepped into the dining room.

The dining room was grand, its furnishings utterly luxurious;

After all, no matter how fallen the Allen family was, it was only a matter of political influence for now; they had not yet sunk to the point of selling off their family estate.

"Right this way, please. This is your seat."

Before the long table, a maid arranged for Karen to be seated.

This was the guest's seat, with its back to the dining room door, whereas the host's seat usually faced the door directly.

Karen sat down;

"Would you care for a soup or a drink at this moment, sir?"

"No need, thank you."

"Very well."

Karen sat up straight and proper;

Across two lifetimes, this was his very first time attending such an occasion. Unlike the large dining table of the Inmeles family, where everyone ate harmoniously without restraint, the environment and scene before him had only ever appeared in the British television dramas of his past life.

Just then,

Karen noticed a bell placed upon the table in front of him.

This could not help but remind him of the bell he had installed at the kitchen entrance on the second floor of the Inmeles home. Every time he rang it, the family would immediately gather at the second-floor dining room, waiting for dinner to start.

His uncle and aunt must be doing well.

The feeling of yearning crept into Karen's heart unbidden, and he instinctively reached out, lightly flicking the silver bell before him.

"Ding-ling-ling..."

A crisp sound rang out;

Yet immediately following it, the perimeter of this grand dining room lit up with candlelight. Portraits of successive Allen family patriarchs, hidden from view moments ago, suddenly became incomparably clear. The entire dining room instantly grew immensely solemn.

At the same time,

The row of shelves holding various ornaments and memorabilia directly opposite Karen slowly parted to both sides automatically. Amazingly, there lay a grand door behind them.

The members of the Allen family, now changed into exceptionally ceremonial attire, stood outside in an impeccably orderly line.

Old man Anderson walked first, leaning on his cane,

Followed by the current patriarch, Mr. Bede. Behind him was Mick in his wheelchair, though Mick now bore an additional red mark from a cane on his face;

Beside them were Lady Jenny and Eunice, and further back were some younger faces, presumably Eunice's two brothers and Mr. Mick's children.

The crowd filed inside in an orderly line and stood still before the dining table, every expression stern, devoid of the slightest frivolity.

Old Mr. Anderson spoke:

"Respected Master Karen, the Allen family answers your summons!"

Karen felt a bit at a loss,

He looked at his hands resting on the dining table,

Then looked down at the chair beneath him,

Only then realizing,

The seat he occupied was actually the head of the table.

At the very rear of the procession, Alfred looked at the several rows of people standing ahead, his brow deeply furrowed.

In the corner by the doorway, Purr, perched upon the golden retriever's back, wiped away her feline tears with a paw:

"Boohoo, if anyone dares call you fools again in the future, I'll scratch them to death with my claws!"

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