Chapter 518: Papa! (Large Chapter!) (2/4)

Chapter 518: Father! (Mega Chapter!) (2/4)

Out of his own professional intuition, he was almost certain that if they continued to dig deeper in this direction, they would unearth something.

Did Pavaro not still have family? Did he not still have companions? And what about the missions he had performed? Even if they had been accepted under a hidden identity, it was not as if they were impossible to investigate or uncover. Thus, finding a breakthrough would not be difficult at all.

However, he had abandoned that line of inquiry from the very beginning.

Because his objective was to handle this "struggle" from the standpoint of the region's interests. In short, it was a confrontation between the region and the Whip of Order; he personally had never intended to dig up dirt on Karen to bring him down completely.

Indeed, Bishop Bourne considered himself very gentle.

Even though he had used filthy and malicious words to insult and slander the relationship between Karen, Pavaro’s widow, and those two daughters, he still deemed himself very gentle.

For in his perception, as long as he did not demand your life or intend to ruin you utterly, it did not count as true malice.

As for the insults and criticism, his family currently held actual control over the Pamires Religion; when one's faith could cross boundaries, why would he care about such things?

"Defense counsel for the accused, please respond."

Gaspol began to urge him.

Her manner of questioning was highly biased, asking about the first point before moving straight to the third.

But this trial was inherently dominated by the Whip of Order. If they did not favor their own side, were they truly supposed to maintain an "objective and fair" stance?

Bishop Bourne spoke up: "No objection."

Gaspol nodded, then began to converse with the assistants beside her. This was actually a deliberate attempt to stall for time and apply pressure to the defense.

After a long while, Gaspol finally asked:

"Then, regarding the second charge, does the defense counsel have any objections?"

Bishop Bourne raised his hands and replied: "All my previous inferences were built upon questioning the conspiracy theory of the Whip of Order. Now that the facts are laid before me, it is clear that I have misunderstood."

With that,

Bishop Bourne turned to face Karen, giving him a slight bow:

"Here, I apologize for my previous misunderstanding. Our side concedes to the Wicole verdict... Our side acknowledges the suspect's guilt."

Karen turned to face Bishop Bourne and replied: "Please trust in the justice of the Whip of Order. At the very least, please believe that many within the Whip of Order still bear in mind the oath they took upon joining: Wield the whip, for the sake of Order!

Just as I have always believed that the vast majority of clergymen within the region, much like Inquisitor Pavaro, place their faith in Order and the Great God of Order above all else."

"Yes, I understand."

Bishop Bourne nodded, thinking to himself: This young man truly knows how to speak.

If only he had met him earlier—no, if only he had recognized his potential when the boy was young. He was actually far more suited to infiltrate the Pamires Religion than his own son, Delius.

His way of doing things lacked the excessive emotional entanglements that plagued his son; he was cold, composed, and adept at seizing opportunities.

If this man were the Holy Son of the Pamires Religion now, he would have no cause to worry about the religion slipping out of control in the hands of the next generation.

What a pity that he would never have that chance.

Unless the high officials of the Whip of Order were completely blind, after this trial, this young man was destined to become a primary target for cultivation within the department. It was impossible for him to come here and be a devotee in the shadows, for he had a far brighter path to walk.

However, he could remind him later, telling him that certain matters could be buried even deeper, and the loose ends could be tied up with greater finesse to avoid leaving any traces, saving him from being exposed by others in the future.

Bishop Bourne replied: "I believe that with people like Captain Karen around, the Whip of Order will become an important force in maintaining the purity of order within the church."

Hearing this, Karen frowned slightly.

In his understanding of the situation, it was not surprising for Bishop Bourne to admit defeat at this stage, but was it truly necessary to concede so thoroughly?

Confessing to the crime on Wicole's behalf was normal, but the words he had just spoken clearly carried the weight of a political statement. Was he representing the regional bishops?

Or had some political agreement already been reached before this trial even commenced?

Nonetheless, Karen immediately cast these thoughts from his mind and replied:

"Order requires us to guard it together."

...

"You are right, Neo. He is very suited to be the public face of our headquarters."

Many people thought that speaking pleasantries was simple, nothing more than reciting fixed scripts. In reality, when to speak, how to say it, and even what tone to employ involved deep sophistication.

Especially now, with victory firmly in hand, Bernie took a great liking to Karen’s choice to quit while he was ahead.

The higher-ups allowed and even supported the Whip of Order to contend for power against the local regions, but they would never permit the Whip of Order to turn into a mad dog, biting its own people to death.

Neo smiled and said: "Yes, that is just how he is. His words and deeds are always perfectly proper."

"Mhm, very proper." Bernie looked toward Neo. "I originally thought he was just like you, but now it seems he is quite different."

"Well, people easily grow tired of looking at those who are exactly like themselves."

Bernie nodded and said: "There is some truth to that phrase. Alright, I think we should prepare for the next step of the plan. Let us initiate the investigation into Wicole’s theft of Inquisitor Pavaro’s achievements.

The Regional Law Enforcement Department holds power that originally belonged to us. Now, using this opportunity, it is time to make them spit it back out."

"Yes, Chief."

Bernie pulled out a card and handed it to Neo.

"My Lord, we are both working for our own department. There is no need for you to give me an allowance; you are truly being far too courteous."

"You misunderstand. This is not an allowance from me, but funding approved by the District Head. A significant number of reporters have gathered this time, and they all need to be taken care of so they will exert themselves more in their reporting."

"But... under the current circumstances, even without any benefits, these reporters and the others will still exert themselves to publicize this matter."

When generating hype, one needed to distribute red packets to media channels, but when a massive headline emerged, they would turn into a pack of bloodthirsty wolves. Even if you drove them away with a gun, they would plunge toward it without regard for their lives.

"I care nothing for that. The funds have already been approved from the department under this name. What we care about is the result. If the result is good, then the money is not wasted."

"Understood. Thank you, Chief."

So, it was still an allowance.

Neo did not ask Bernie if he wanted a cut, because he could tell that his direct superior did not care much for these things; he cared far more about his political career.

With a powerful family background, he did not lack point notes. However, even if you do not want it, I do.

Sigh, I still have to help Karen modify his car.

In Neo's view, Karen was not only a proper man, but also a vengeful one. How could someone who always remembered what others owed him not hold a grudge?

"My Lord, the 'acting' part of your title as Chief of the Law Enforcement Department should be removed very soon, right?"

"Mhm, it should be."

"Then congratulations, My Lord."

"Do your work well. Once the District Head retires to the Digne Region to pass his twilight years, you will take over my position."

"Thank you for your promotion, My Lord."

Bernie was in a splendid mood, a rare jest gracing his lips. He reached out, patted Neo on the shoulder, and laughed:

"Do not misunderstand. It is mainly to clear a path and vacate a spot for Karen."

...

"It cannot go on like this. How can it be like this? Chief, think of something quickly! If we lose so miserably this time, will the Whip of Order not ride roughshod over our region in the future?"

"What choice do we have? Are you going to go down there right now and declare your objection?" Wolphlen countered.

"No, that fellow Byrne must still have a trick up his sleeve. This is exactly what he specializes in. I know he has a way, and I even suspect he hasn't given it his all. Chief, please put pressure on him right now. He is definitely holding back!"

"Dolf, sober up."

"Nothing can happen to my grandson, absolutely nothing!" Dolf growled under his breath.

Heh.

Still worrying about your grandson?

What you should be worrying about right now is your entire family.

Chief Bishop Wolphlen felt a wave of internal satisfaction. He was certain that the regional director, the Whip-Bearer, was currently quite uncomfortable, likely regretting his impatience by now.

As for the Dun family, what did they have to do with him, Wolphlen?

The Chief Bishop lifted his teacup and took another slow sip.

The night before last, his own grandson, Leon, mentioned that Karen had called to invite him into his squad, noting that there happened to be exactly one vacancy left.

"Phooey."

Wolphlen gently spat out a tea leaf that clung to his lip.

From the standpoint of his official position, he had already done what needed to be done and exerted all the effort required. As for the rest, let it unfold as it may.

In any case, he had placed bets on both sides.

He could not lose.

It appeared now that the future prospects of the Whip of Order would remain exceptionally bright, at least during the tenure of this current generation's High Priest.

Wolphlen had always harbored one lingering regret: the reason his advancement had halted upon reaching this exact position was largely due to an insufficient support system—namely, his network of relationships was neither broad enough nor tightly knit enough.

Otherwise, he might have had the opportunity to serve as a high-ranking bishop in the Wien region, or even hold office within the Holy See of the Dinger region, rather than arriving here only to realize he had no choice but to stop and rest.

He hoped his grandson could secure far better prospects and room for growth.

Wolphlen's gaze settled upon Karen, then drifted to Vic and Alfred, before sweeping across the other members of Karen's squad seated in the gallery.

Young, exceptional, unified...

What a splendid circle to be part of.

He only hoped his grandson could integrate himself into it.

...

"That was brilliant." A flush of excitement rose on Richard's face.

Philomena looked at him, somewhat perplexed, and said, "You are truly happy for Karen."

"Of course, he is just like a brother to me. Oh, I see what you mean, but would you ever be jealous of Karen?"

"No."