Chapter 532: You Can Lie to Her Too

Chapter 532 You, Too, Can Deceive Her

In truth, Karen could have advanced to the rank of Inquisitor long ago. His talent, his accumulation, his absorption, and his fortunes could be said to have exceeded the finest imaginations of his peers in every single aspect.

It was merely that the path he walked was rather unique, and with Dis’s precedent before him, moving swiftly was not his pure pursuit. Before each step fell, he had to ensure it was thoroughly deliberated, for a single misstep could plunge him straight into the dark abyss.

However, the death of Bishop Dorff was inherently the advancement milestone Karen had set for himself.

Now, it was indeed time.

Karen turned around, once more facing Bishop Dorff, who sat there quietly with his head hung low.

Past images from his memory were drawn out section by section, and most of these scenes had even been recorded by Alfred in his little notebook.

In one scene, Karen stood at the entrance of the Pavaro Funeral Home, learning that Inquisitor Pavaro's merits had been stolen by a Judge named Vikoley, and he had sworn an oath to kill this man.

In the interrogation room, facing Vikoley’s comparison of Pavaro’s family to a female dog, Karen passed judgment upon him;

In the tribunal, facing Bishop Byrne's relentless pressure, Karen began to comprehend the true atmosphere of the "Ankara Story," redefining his understanding of judgment;

The sentencing of Terrison, and now, looking at Bishop Dorff who had died right before him.

These images began to overlap within Karen’s mind.

For a long time in the past, Karen's understanding of "judgment" had remained within the realm of dogmatism. In a world with gods and priests, it was not to say that idealism was inherently correct, but rather that under specific analysis of specific environments, the boundaries between idealism and materialism actually needed to shift.

This was a path destined to be lonely. When you looked back, there was no one following behind you; your front was pitch black, and in the void on both sides, not a single support point could be seen to hold onto;

Your eyes would be the only light, and every step you took had to be worthy of your own sight.

Karen closed his eyes, then opened them again. A gleam of sharp light flickered within his pupils, and his entire demeanor grew sharp along with it, but very quickly, that sharpness was restrained.

This subtle change was, of course, captured by Bishop Byrne;

It seemed that, indeed due to Dorff's gift, this young man before him had settled so easily after breaking through the bottleneck of his realm.

Karen sensed that his mastery over the spiritual power within his body had risen to a new realm. If looking at them before was like looking at pools of water, then now, in his eyes, they were like individual droplets of water stacked together.

Spreading his hand, a thick burst of the Flame of Order rose from Karen’s palm, rapidly shifting into the forms of various small animals.

Just then, Bishop Byrne reached out, drawing back the pendant. The barrier shattered, yet a powerful gust of wind swept toward Karen.

Still testing him?

The wind blew past, and the flame in Karen's palm began to flicker, but instead of extinguishing, it grew even more robust.

Karen knew clearly that this was a test of the foundation of his power.

This Lord Bishop's habits were truly somewhat amusing, never missing an opportunity to utilize any person or matter around him.

Bishop Byrne finally nodded in satisfaction. Leaning forward, he smiled and asked:

"Captain Karen, do you hate me?"

At this moment, Karen could choose to continue playing dumb, asking in return why he would say such a thing.

However, doing so would be somewhat underestimating this bishop, so Karen fell silent for a moment and nodded:

"I think, I probably do."

"Yes, you should hate me." Bishop Byrne nodded. "I hope that in the future, I will have the opportunity to express my apologies and... compensate you."

You only just said that the reason you let me kill Dorff today was to express your apologies for insulting me and Pavaro's wife and daughter in the tribunal last time. Now, you want to continue expressing apologies.

If he really were just an ordinary "excellent young man," he would have first been insulted by you, and then have his future path of realm advancement severed by you.

Karen shook his head and said, "My Lord, I do not wish to have any further excessive intersections with you. Please let me go, if you will."

"But I feel that you and I share a deep affinity, Captain Karen. I think our opportunities to deal with each other in the future will still be many. I truly appreciate you, Captain Karen."

"What exactly do you appreciate about me? Please speak plainly, and I will change it."

"Hahaha."

Bishop Byrne pointed his finger at Karen and laughed. Once he finished laughing, he gave the order:

"Come in. Bishop Dorff has committed suicide. Have his remains placed in a coffin and carried out, and issue an obituary to the public."

"Yes, My Lord."

The garrison knights walked in and began to move Dorff's remains.

"See you later, Captain Karen."

After giving Karen a final greeting, Bishop Byrne walked upward.

Karen remained at the very back, watching Bishop Dorff being carried out by the garrison knights, thinking to himself: Let us still not meet often in the future, lest I wish for you to lie inside after seeing you too much.

When he returned to the top, Karen saw that Neo was already waiting for him, and he had even called Vannie and Peg over.

"How about you head back first?" Neo whispered with some excitement. "The harvest this time is immense."

Karen knew well in his heart what had happened, but still reminded him: "Your eating manner..."

"I handle things, you rest assured."

Promptly, Neo seemed to realize something and immediately said, "Hey, since when is it your turn to teach me how to do things? Here are the car keys, go back quickly."

Karen nodded, took the car keys from Neo's hand, intending to leave first by himself.

"Uh, wait a moment."

"Hmm?"

"Do you have any hobbies or interests? You know, converting some things into vouchers is quite a loss; the selling price and buying price aren't the same."

"Books, then."

"Oh, the people of the Dun family don't have the habit of collecting books, which is why they are so foolish."

"Then vouchers it is."

"Alright, fine, let's leave it at that for now. Go back and rest up. Aren't you supposed to prepare the funeral for Inquisitor Pavaro? Notify me once the time is confirmed."

"Alright."

"Wait a moment!"

"Something else?"

"You've advanced? Inquisitor?"

"Yes."

"Then did something just happen down there?"

"Yes."

"Is it worth telling me about?"

"If it's a secret..."

"I'll give you one point out of my share."

"It's worth it."

"Is it worth me putting down my current work right now to listen to you?"

"Not worth it."

"Fine, then we will wait until I am finished with my tasks. Let us leave it at that."

"Mm."

Karen stepped out of the Newton estate, and after starting the limousine, spent a considerable amount of time maneuvering back and forth before finally managing to drive it out completely unscathed.

In truth, a vehicle of this nature suffering a minor scratch or dent was perfectly ordinary; it was simply that Karen could not bear the thought of Neo’s endless, nagging complaints upon discovering it, for the man truly cherished this car with a desperate sort of devotion.

Originally, Karen had intended to return to the headquarters building first to hand over his operational duties so that he might go home and amuse his cat, yet he had not driven very far before he spotted an elderly lady standing amidst the flowerbeds at the intersection, her gaze fixed distantly upon the Newton estate.

Beside the old woman stood Philomena.

Madame Faerber?

Karen frowned slightly. In truth, his return to the headquarters building served another purpose, which was to inspect the condition of Mr. Dalis, yet he had not anticipated running into Philomena and her grandmother first.

Fortuitously, Karen had ignored Neo’s thrifty, household-minded lectures and maintained his habit of keeping the concealment array active while driving, so as he glided past the intersection, Madame Faerber and Philomena failed to notice him.

Unless he chose to stop now or make some conspicuous gesture, this limousine would appear entirely "ordinary" in their eyes.

Karen did not pull over; instead, he drove some distance away, alighted from the car, and doubled back on foot, intending to find a suitable vantage point from which to observe this pair of "deeply affectionate" grandmother and grandchild. Yet soon enough, he witnessed Philomena arriving in another vehicle—Richard was at the wheel, with Leon seated in the back.

Discovering Karen, Richard brought the car to an immediate halt.

"Karen!"

"Captain!"

Karen walked over, and Philomena, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, immediately stepped out and spoke. "My grandmother has already returned."

"Get into my car."

"Very well, Captain."

Karen waved a hand to Richard and Leon, then led Philomena into the limousine.

"My grandmother is paying very close attention to the matters of the Newton family," Philomena remarked. "In the past, save for when she was pursuing that individual, I have rarely seen my grandmother place such grave importance upon any other affair."

"Did she command you to investigate Dalis’s situation?"

"Yes, she instructed me to return and investigate. I was preparing to ask for your instructions, Captain."

"Dalis will not be detained for much longer; he will likely be released tomorrow, and your grandmother will come to know of it on her own."

Karen knit his brows, reaching out to open the glove compartment. Sure enough, he retrieved the specialty cigarettes of the Order of Thunder that Neo had stashed within.

Heh, he knew Neo would hide them here.

Witnessing this, Philomena inquired, "Do you require me to light it for you, Captain?"

"In the future, you need not ask; simply do it."

Philomena shook her head and said, "Many a time, I cannot fathom what you all mean."

"You can still fathom my meaning, can you not?"

"Yes," Philomena nodded. It was because she harbored a certain dread of Karen; and since she feared him, she could not remain entirely indifferent to him as she was toward the others in her "dreams." When facing him directly, she naturally employed a deliberate attentiveness.

The cigarette was lit. Taking a drag, Karen felt his distress begin to soothe. This smoke from the Order of Thunder... no, this spiritual elixir, was indeed quite well-suited to his current condition.

"What I can reveal to you now is that Dalis is an experimental subject chosen by your grandmother. At present, she wishes to observe the outcome of that experiment."

"An experimental subject regarding my family's curse?"

"Yes."

"Once Grandmother sees the result, she will take action, will she not?"

"I believe so. You shall reside within the headquarters building for the next few days. Do not leave without my permission, nor should you go out alone to meet your grandmother. I fear that should I happen to be absent, you might attempt to leave. You must only do so when I am present, do you understand?"

"I understand."

"Speak louder."

"Yes, Captain!"

Karen nodded, thoroughly satisfied with the feedback from the reclusive girl.

The car pulled up beneath the headquarters building, and Richard and Leon, who had been following behind, also stepped out of their vehicle.

As Karen entered the building, intending to head straight for the detention house, he was met by Memphis, who was walking toward him. His maternal uncle had already returned to the squad.

"There is a matter..."

Karen stopped in his tracks at once and asked, "What is it?"

"Richard’s grandfather and grandmother wish to bring some provisions to console everyone."

Grandmother and Delon were coming?

"When will they arrive? Are they delivering dinner?"

"No, it is a late-night supper."

A late-night supper...

Then he would simply have to wait until the supper concluded before returning to the funeral parlor.

"I understand."

Seeing that Karen had agreed, a smile broke across Memphis’s face.

"You have labored hard of late, Captain."

"It cannot be called labor, for after all, the results are favorable." Karen offered Memphis a smile, then gestured inward. "I must pay a visit to the detention house."

"Do you require my accompaniment?"

Karen hesitated for a brief moment, then shook his head. "No need."

"Captain!" Vic came running over in haste. "Captain, an order was just issued from the Minister’s office. The obituary for Bishop Dolph has been published. Dalis may now be released."

"I am aware. I shall go personally."

Karen turned toward the detention house. Vic naturally followed behind, forcing Karen to halt and speak to him. "Go and inform the kitchen to make preparations. Tonight, Richard’s grandfather and grandmother will bring a late-night supper to console everyone. Have them prepare well; let us treat it as a celebration for the conclusion of the Newton case."

"Very well, I shall see to it."

Vic stopped in his tracks. Waiting until Karen had walked toward the detention house alone, he let out a sigh. "Truly mysterious indeed. Why not simply command me to assist in the kitchen?"

Having muttered his grievance in a low voice, he turned and saw Memphis standing there. Vic pursed his lips, realizing he had spoken out of turn just now, and could only attempt to salvage the situation:

"Was the Captain always thus? My own character prefers a more straightforward manner, you understand."

Memphis shook his head and replied, "We need only execute the tasks assigned to us."

"Yes, of course, you speak very well."

Vic waved his hand, deciding it would be best to head to the kitchen first to begin cleaning up.

...

"I wish to meet the suspect alone. Have the personnel inside step out; grant me a quiet environment."

"Yes, Lord Captain."

Once all the clerks within the detention house were summoned out, Karen stepped inside alone.

Walking up to Dalis’s cell, Karen beheld him sitting within, quietly reading a newspaper.

"Your father's obituary won't be printed until tomorrow's special edition," Karen reminded him.

Dalis turned his head to look at Karen and smiled, saying, "Perhaps I should be feeling sorrowful right now, but I don't."

Seeing him so tranquil, Karen for a moment truly did not know what kind of emotion to wear before this great, unfortunate soul who had cursed his entire family to death.

If one were to claim he had done wrong, those family members he cursed to death were truly not good people at all; if one were to examine it strictly, it would be considered sacrificing family for the greater good.

Karen nevertheless took out the key, unlocked the cell door, stepped inside, and sat down on the chair across from Dalis.

His own soul was still injured; although his realm had risen, it was not suitable for a fight; and if no accidents occurred, this unfortunate soul before him should have received the genuine gift, his strength elevated by no small margin.

But there was nothing to worry about, for Dalis would have to be mad to choose to take a hostage and break out of prison at this moment, when he was just about to be released.

However, Karen sniffed his nose, sensing that the air inside felt remarkably fresh.

"I just visited your home; since your father committed suicide, the authorities will not continue to make things difficult for your family."

"Thank the Holy Church for its mercy." Dalis crossed his arms. "Thank the great God of Order for His protection."

Seeing him like this, Karen could only mirror the exact same gesture to cooperate.

Yet, just as Karen raised his arms, he suddenly began to cough again from his injury: "Cough, cough... cough..."

Dalis seemed to have his own urge triggered by Karen, unable to restrain himself, and also began to cough: "Cough, cough... cough, cough..."

Both men covered their mouths with their hands, and both vomited blood.

There was no way to hide it; even with their hands obscuring it, the scent of copper had already wafted out, unable to escape the perception of either party.

Karen explained, "An injury sustained during the last arrest of the remnants of Light, it still hasn't fully healed even now, alas."

Dalis replied, "I have been too worried about my family lately, causing my lung ailment to flare up again."

"The matter has passed now; please restrain your grief, for the future of the Naton family still depends on you."

"Yes, I know, I will pull myself together; after all, I must shoulder my responsibilities."

"Mhm, then rest well." Karen stood up.

"Please also take good care of your own body, Captain Karen, and tend to your injuries in a timely manner."

Karen walked out of the cell and headed toward the entrance; reaching the threshold, he opened the door, where the clerks outside who were helping him "keep watch" looked at him with great eagerness, but Karen did not step out; instead, after opening the heavy iron door, he shut it directly once more.

Immediately following that, he jiggled the cell key in his hand, and the formation's reinforcement effect within the detention center manifested instantly, concealing the traces of Karen's presence.

Karen retraced his steps; the air in the cell block was unventilated, so how could it possibly be so fresh, unless a purification spell had just been used right before he arrived, and if so, what were they trying to conceal?

By the time Karen returned noiselessly to the doorway of Dalis's cell, he saw Dalis collapsed on the ground, dark blood streaming from his eye sockets, his body covered in bulging pustules that were oozing a foul-smelling liquid.

His expression, furthermore, appeared incredibly hideous.

Karen severed the effect linking the key to the detention center's formation, revealing himself right before Dalis.

Dalis looked at Karen, who had suddenly materialized, and froze in astonishment.

Karen spoke: "An order just arrived, Mr. Dalis; you are free now, and you may go out to welcome your new life."

Dalis stared blankly for a long while, and then, as if his emotions had completely broken down, disregarded Karen's identity entirely, covering his face with both hands and weeping bitterly:

"This curse is simply unresolvable, it's unresolvable! She lied to me, she lied to me, she lied to me!"

"Mr. Dalis."

Dalis slowly loosened the hands covering his face, looking somewhat vacantly at Karen standing outside.

Karen bent his waist, bringing himself a bit closer to Dalis across the bars, and whispered:

"You can lie to her, too."