Chapter 293: Visiting Relatives

Chapter 293: Visiting Relatives

Madam Tangli held her teacup, her fingertips lightly brushing against the warm porcelain. Recalling the scene of Karen cooking in the kitchen earlier, a smile involuntarily graced her face once more.

"Alas, even if you wish to be his grandfather, it depends on whether he is willing to acknowledge you. With a grandfather like that, why would he care for a maternal grandfather like you?

Old man, you still have no inkling of what you have truly missed.

And so,

what are relatives, what is blood? Once estranged, they become strangers.

Your own flesh-and-blood grandson stands right before you,

yet you still feel absolutely nothing."

Madam Tangli set down her cup, stood up, and murmured to herself again, "Fortunately, Richard seems to truly sense him. They are cousins, after all; there is a natural closeness."

The next moment,

a scene from that day surfaced in Madam Tangli's mind;

she had been sitting in a wicker chair within her suburban villa, sipping tea, when she saw a figure both familiar and strange appear in her garden.

"I heard that becoming a Temple Elder grants a longer life. It seems that is indeed true. Diss, you are still so young. Is the scenery inside the Temple of Order beautiful?"

"You misunderstand."

"Misunderstand? Then what is this?"

"My grandson will be coming to Wien in a while."

"Your grandson? Which grandson... could it be... I understand. I will take responsibility for looking after him; he is my grandson."

"No, you misunderstand again."

"Misunderstand again?"

"I am concerned that your Alter bloodline will sense him. I hope that if you do sense him, you will pretend not to know him. He does not need your care, nor does he need your arrangements. He has his own path to walk."

"Not even my old man can be told? He doesn't even know he has a grandson alive, he never knew."

"Delong? Hmph, he is not worthy of knowing."

Hearing these words, Madam Tangli felt it was somewhat absurd. She instinctively opened her mouth to argue and defend her old man, but when the words reached her lips, she could only smile helplessly. Because she knew he was right.

"Your grandson—no, my grandson—has he already awakened the Alter family bloodline?"

"Not so fast. He carries too many things upon him."

"The Goumeng family can offer some assistance, can we not?" Madam Tangli was still unwilling to give up, desperately hoping to bring her grandson back.

"The Goumeng family is loyal to the God of Order."

"Of course. Are you not?"

"I just blew up the Temple of Order."

"..." Madam Tangli.

"The path he chooses, he will walk himself. The dangers along the way, he will face himself. He does not need you, and certainly does not need Delong to make arrangements. If the arrangements of the Goumeng family were needed, I could provide him with far better conditions."

"I understand. I will not let Delong know. You are right; in the depths of his heart, he is filled with piety toward the God of Order. Thank you for coming to tell me personally. Would you like a cup of tea?"

"No, I must leave. There are still a few places I need to go."

"Where did you come from?"

"Raphael Manor."

"What kind of place is that? What are you going there for?"

"To kill someone."

"A very powerful existence?"

"Perhaps."

Madam Tangli bowed to Diss, "Thank you for protecting her."

"I did not truly take good care of her. Furthermore, she is my family; you do not need to thank me. Lastly, I utterly detest the bloodline of the Alter family. It has brought endless nightmares to my grandson."

"My grandson... like my son, is he also cursed... cursed by the bloodline?"

"He used to be."

"Then... what about now?"

"I hope you will not actively try to sense or seek him out. But if you do happen to meet him, you can see for yourself. He is a good boy."

"I believe he must be a good boy."

...

"Yes, indeed a good boy."

Madam Tangli walked upstairs. She originally intended to check on her grandson, but saw Mr. Eisen walking into her grandson's bedroom.

Mr. Eisen looked at Richard lying on the bed and spoke, "Memphis, do you know him?"

"Yes, he's my teammate. I have a good relationship with him. What's wrong, Dad?"

"He just called to ask when you would return his points."

"Uh..." Richard's gaze fell upon his father, but seeing his father's solemn expression, he immediately averted his eyes in fright.

Half of his original private savings had been borrowed by his father previously. It was precisely for this reason that he had been forced to borrow money from Memphis on Dark Moon Island.

This Memphis was truly something else, demanding debt repayment right after returning from a mission!

As for asking his father to return his money, Richard did not dare. He was currently terrified of doing anything that might provoke his father.

"I understand, Dad. Don't worry, I'll handle it. My mission bounty should be coming down soon. Once it arrives, I'll repay him. You don't need to worry."

"Good."

Having received an answer, Mr. Eisen turned and walked out of the bedroom. Madam Tangli, seeing her son walk out, thought a trace of a smile seemed to hang on the corner of his mouth.

...

It was already afternoon by the time Karen returned to the funeral home from the Goumeng family. Sitting in the car, he hesitated. Should he drive back to the Allen Manor overnight?

He was truly worried that a new mission might arise at any moment. Although the Captain knew he was about to participate in the selection, the Captain knew even better that it was merely the selection for the York City Region, so there would certainly be no problem for him.

Therefore, it was better to seize the time.

Karen got out of the car, walked into the backyard, and saw Xili. He said to her, "Inform Purdue and Kevin. Tell them I'll be heading back in a moment, and ask if there is anything they need to bring."

"Yes, Young Master."

Xili walked into the bedroom but did not see Purdue or Kevin. She then walked into the study and saw Purdue sprawled across the desk, using a paw to flip the pages of a book—a romance novel.

Splayed on the carpet, Kevin had a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his canine nose, a pen held between his paws, scribbling away on a large sheet of paper.

Xili felt that the pet cat and pet dog of the house were both far more cultured than she was.

Purdue raised her head, looked at Xili, and asked:

"Is there something, my dear big-bottom?"

The young master said he is going back for a while and asked if you need to prepare anything?

Oh, of course!

Purr leaped down from the desk, landing right on Kevin's back:

Stupid dog, let's pack our luggage, we have quite a few things to bring back this time.

Woof woof!

Do you need my help? Siley asked.

As it turned out, a handsome salary could enhance a person's resilience; for instance, Siley had grown somewhat accustomed to the presence of this talking cat in the house, as well as its critiques of her afternoon tea presentation skills.

No need, we can manage by ourselves.

Alright, then I will go inform the young master.

…

Karen walked around the courtyard for a while; since Doradorin and the others were having lessons in their room, he naturally would not disturb them, and instead walked into the storeroom.

Five coffins had originally been parked inside the storeroom, but now only four remained; Richard had just lain in one and taken it away, and there had been no time to restock yet.

Among these four, only one was actually empty, while the other three all held things.

Karen pushed open a coffin lid, intending to look at the puppet of Purr or Kevin, but who would have thought that the first one he slid open would actually be an adult novelty puppet in a maid outfit.

To think it was still kept here…

This was something he had accidentally brought home the day before he went to Dark Moon Island for a mission; he originally thought this item would be disposed of, but he hadn't expected the family to store it away.

Closing it back up, Karen pushed open another coffin lid; the one lying inside was indeed Purr, not only identical in appearance, but even the clothing was custom-made.

Mr. Lemar's craftsmanship really left nothing to be desired; the puppet was made so that, at least from the outside, it was indistinguishable from a real person.

Karen subconsciously wanted to reach out to sense its texture; he was originally standing at the foot of the coffin, so reaching out to touch would only allow him to touch Purr's leg;

But this action seemed somewhat improper; after a moment of hesitation, Karen still walked to the head of the coffin and pressed the back of his hand against Purr's face.

Though a bit cold, it was very smooth.

Karen simply pinched Purr's cheek, and then, he laughed at himself.

After pushing the coffin lid back, he walked out of the storeroom and happened to see Siley coming over: Young master, they are already preparing.

Alright, I understand.

Young master, do you need me to prepare some food for the journey?

Just prepare something simple.

I understand.

Karen sat down on the bench in the courtyard; after quite a long while, he saw Purr and Kevin walking over side by side. The reason it wasn't riding on Kevin's back was that Kevin was carrying two large bags on his back, with another one clamped in the dog's mouth.

Bringing so many things?

They are all materials needed for the arrays; bringing them back, the stupid dog and I can just do the final adjustments.

I don't know how long I can stay, Karen said, there could be a mission at any moment.

It doesn't matter, you can come back first; the Allen Manor is not short of drivers.

Mm.

At this time, Siley also carried out the packed food containers.

Karen then stood up and walked into the study to pick up the sword box; as long as conditions permitted, he would bring the greatsword with him whenever he could.

After placing the items into the car, Karen started the vehicle; just at this moment, Alfred returned from outside. Seeing Purr and Kevin sitting in the car, he asked:

Is the young master going to the manor?

Mm.

There is something this subordinate needs to report to the young master.

Speak.

The aberrant intelligence organization that this subordinate previously helped construct…

Wasn't it dismantled?

They only caught a few mental-type aberrants; the rest have gathered together again, and because they experienced the last strike, their activities are now somewhat more hidden.

Do you have an idea?

This subordinate has always felt that this is a resource that can be utilized, but the prerequisite is that it needs to be integrated properly to get on the right track, avoiding a recurrence of what happened last time.

If you want to do it, then go ahead; when I return, I will register it with the captain. Your newly formed aberrant group can be used as the intelligence organization for our squad.

Yes, young master.

……

After Karen drove the car out of the funeral parlor, Purr, sitting in the passenger seat, spoke up: The radio fairy is lonely and wants to find some things to do.

I know, so I support it.

Especially after learning about the organization "The Silencers," Alfred, after listening to Karen's narration, did not even need Karen's reminder to directly state his concerns.

But this was also equivalent to Alfred losing a major career pursuit.

Karen pulled out a cigarette, bit it in his mouth, and said: There is another reason why I decided to participate in this selection; Mr. Pavaro's status is still a bit too low. After making the final cut in this test selection and returning from the Gate of Reincarnation, by all accounts I should be promoted to a captain of the Whip of Order. If I can form my own squad, then the room for maneuver for me, as well as for you all, will be much larger.

Wow, Purr blinked, meaning that we can also join your Whip of Order squad, including the radio fairy?

Mm.

But the main problem is that the puppets for me and the stupid dog are very inconvenient for movement.

There will be new ways, or otherwise, you can act as management.

That sounds very tempting, Purr smiled, we could even awaken Rekar and Old Saman to join the squad!

This is not yet possible right now; it might still be quite a long way off.

One must always have dreams; these are the words you wrote in your notebook.

Yes, one must always have dreams.

Karen picked up the lighter.

Purr asked curiously: Karen, have you started smoking again?

Only then did Karen realize; he smiled, took the cigarette out of his mouth, threw it out the window,

And cursed:

It's all because of that damn Bernard.

Although Karen drove very fast and the road conditions were excellent, it was already late at night when they reached the territory of the Allen Manor.

Now, they were still about ten minutes away from the manor gates; however, two people riding horses appeared ahead of Karen, and they also noticed this second-hand black Pons sedan behind them.

Karen stopped the car, and they stopped their horses as well.

Borg immediately flipped down from his horse, walked toward Karen with excitement, and greeted him with a smile:

"Good evening, young master! You've returned!"

Judia remained atop her horse, her neck thrust backward in an air of haughty disdain; it was obvious she still harbored a deep-seated enmity toward Karen, having nearly been beaten to death by him during their last encounter.

What galled her most was that this fellow had consistently maintained it was all an accident.

"Are you out for a stroll?" Karen asked, stepping out of the car.

"There is a newly established training ground for the family's youth over there. We train there by day and return here to rest by night. Young master, did you not call ahead to inform us of your return?"

"No, I simply found myself free and decided to come back."

At that moment, Kevin poked his canine paw out from the backseat and tapped Purr's headrest. Purr turned her head to look at Kevin, who nodded toward Judia, still mounted on her horse ahead.

Purr responded, "The girl is stubborn, possessing a bit of my old flair, though she lacks my brilliance. Still, she isn't entirely hopeless. It feels like... she has reached the fourth tier now. An upgrade. Borg has upgraded too, up to the third tier.

It really leaves one speechless. The most talented of our family's generation are all being raised on the outside."

Just then, Judia rode over, her gaze carrying an overt provocation.

Purr smiled and said, "The little girl is looking for another thrashing. Ah, how pitiable. She thinks that because she reached the fourth tier, she can reclaim her dignity."

"Woof."

Borg called out to Judia, "Judia, dismount quickly and pay your respects to the young master."

Purr spoke up, "Look at that, Borg is intentionally adding fuel to the fire. He certainly knows how poorly Judia thinks of Karen, and he understands her temperament. He is digging a pit for her, all to maintain his own standing in Karen's eyes.

Karen was right; he is a wolf cub. Yet if the family is to be revived, we sorely lack people like him. This boy could be groomed into a patriarch in the future, assuming Eunice has no desire for the title."

"Woof," Kevin nodded in agreement.

Purr let out a yawn. "Let them fight, let them fight. Once they finish, we can head back early for a midnight snack and some sleep. It seems every time Karen returns, he has to give her a beating."

Sure enough, upon hearing Borg's words, Judia raised her eyebrows, pointed a finger at Karen, and said, "I wish to spar with you once more."

"I want to return early," Karen ignored her, preparing to get back into the car.

To the current Karen, coming home to beat a young girl held absolutely no appeal.

Someone of Peter's caliber was barely enough to qualify as an opponent.

Furthermore, there were those truly exceptional rivals of his own age group within the Order whom he would face during the selection trials.

*Crack!*

Judia swung her riding crop, striking the car door and chipping away a layer of paint.

Purr shook her head. "It's over. Karen treasures this secondhand car. She might have ridden her horse back, but now she will likely return draped over its back."

Kevin nodded his canine head in deep agreement.

Looking at the door paint that had been whipped away, Karen spoke, "The paint is chipped."

"My allowance can compensate you with a new car," Judia sneered.

She was not foolishly mocking Karen for being poor; she knew very well that more than half of the estate belonged to him. She simply wanted to force Karen into fighting her again.

Of course, in Purr's eyes, she was simply forcing Karen to give her a beating.

Karen nodded and looked toward Judia.

To heighten the atmosphere and drive the unfolding conflict, Judia deliberately raised her hand and curled her finger at Karen in a beckoning gesture.

Purr covered her eyes with a cat paw and said, "Karen's strongest attribute right now is the Blade of the Dark Moon, because of those eyes. Oh, she is actually provoking a martial artist at such close range without even understanding the need to pull back first. I really cannot bear to watch, meow."

Kevin imitated Purr, using his paws to cover his eyes while leaving a wide gap to keep peeking.

Borg silently took several steps backward.

Karen faced Judia, his eyes instantly flushing crimson as the Eyes of the Dark Moon activated directly.

Caught under this gaze, Judia's body instantly froze, a wave of immense panic surging within her heart.

The Dark Moon energy within Karen erupted fully at this moment; he no longer needed to be as constrained as he had been during his fight with Peter.

Most importantly, he did not wish to waste too much time here; perhaps Eunice was awake at this very moment.

Karen's figure vanished from his spot, reappearing before Judia in the blink of an eye.

Judia was terrified by this staggering speed, instinctively manifesting layers of ice shields for defense before her. Concurrently, the longsword hanging from her saddle flew out, but Karen merely extended his left hand with simple directness. The terrifying heat of the Blade of the Dark Moon instantly melted all the ice shields before him. His right hand closed around the air, and the longsword belonging to Judia fell into his grasp.

His left hand gripped Judia's throat, lifting her entirely off the horse. The Dark Moon energy instantly invaded her body, disrupting the structure of her internal spiritual power. With a release of his grip, Judia fell.

Karen swung the longsword with his right hand, striking Judia squarely with the flat of the blade.

*Thud!*

"Ah!"

Judia was sent flying through the air, tracing a beautiful parabola before plunging into the woods beside the road.

This sight caused Borg to recall the days when he used to retrieve golf balls for the young master.

"Borg."

"Uh? Yes, young master, right here!"

"Go fetch the ball."

"Yes, young master!"

Borg immediately ran into the woods to search for Judia.

Karen tossed the longsword aside, walked back to the car, bent down, carefully traced the chipped paint on the door with his hand, and let out a sigh:

"Alas."