Chapter 586: Big Operation

Chapter 586: The Grand Operation

Sely brought out light refreshments to serve the mourning guests.

Bishop Bonne reached out and took a spring roll, dipping it first into sweet sauce and then into savory chili sauce, eating with complete satisfaction.

He took a second one, dipped it in fragrant vinegar, and took a bite, frowning slightly; evidently, he could not accept this flavor for the moment.

Karen’s personal dietary habits leaned rather toward the light and plain; though he occasionally indulged in heavy oil and sharp spice as a palate cleanser, his dipping sauce of choice on ordinary days was always a small dish of home-brewed fragrant vinegar.

Yet Sely knew that most people could not share her young master’s fondness for fragrant vinegar, so she had prepared other dipping sauces as an accompaniment.

Curious, Bishop Bonne lifted the vinegar dish to his nose and sniffed, smiling as he said, "I have never seen this kind of vinegar before."

"Home-brewed," Karen explained.

"Oh, I did not expect you to be so well-versed in the culinary arts."

"A man always needs a few hobbies."

When it came to dietary habits, it was his grandmother who suited him best; though she had cooked Wien cuisine for her family for half her life, Wien dishes had never risen above the status of "pig feed" in her eyes.

She used to say she was like a livestock breeder, ladling feed into everyone's bowl day after day and watching her family scarf it down with relish.

Once she was inspired by Karen's new recipes, the old lady became utterly unstoppable, constantly demanding unusual ingredients like tofu from him and even summoning her maid to her house to study them together.

Richard once remarked that while his grandmother used to like sitting by the windowsill in the afternoon, knitting sweaters and drinking tea while waiting for the family to finish work, she now spent her entire afternoons with a set of tiny hammers, scissors, and spoons, picking at a steamed crab alongside a dish of fragrant vinegar fetched from Karen's house.

Thus, Karen had always felt that his closeness to Lady Tangli was not merely a matter of blood, but because this old lady truly felt like his kindred spirit.

Wolfrun took a spring roll, bit into it, and inspected the filling of chives, egg shreds, and glass noodles.

He dipped it into the fragrant vinegar, took another bite, and remarked, "Not bad at all."

Shortly after, he reached out for a piece of dried tea-curd and asked, "What is this?"

Karen replied, "Tea biscuit."

In terms of vocabulary, it did not refer to a tea brick, but rather to the "biscuits" served alongside tea.

Wolfrun popped a piece into his mouth, and beside him, Bishop Bonne also took one to eat, commenting, "It lacks flavor."

"That is because you are still young, Bonne," Wolfrun said with a smile. "When you grow weary, when you lay down your burdens and wish to rest, eat this with tea or a low-proof liquor, and you will taste something entirely different."

Bishop Bonne nodded in agreement.

Finally, both of them picked up their bowls of white fungus soup, and from their expressions, it was clear that they were most satisfied with this dish.

Wolfrun turned to Karen and said, "I hope that at my funeral, the guests can taste this. Could your maid then..."

Karen said, "I shall take charge of organizing and arranging your funeral."

Hearing this, Wolfrun froze for a moment and asked, "Is it convenient?"

"It is my honor."

"Thank you."

"You are a family member of my subordinate; it is only proper."

"Haha." Wolfrun reached up to lightly caress his own chest. "My heart is at peace now. Still, keep the funeral simple, for there will not be too many guests. That is my suggestion."

"Your funeral will likely be anything but simple."

"No, it will, believe me. When my funeral is held, not many guests will attend." Wolfrun reached for another piece of dried tea-curd, putting it into his mouth and chewing as he spoke, "When all is said and done, I am still not pure enough, am I, Bonne?"

Bonne nodded and said, "Compared to me, none of you are pure enough."

"Yes, I admit it. It is only when one's family is nearly gone, and one is about to pass away oneself, that one can truly make up one's mind to do certain things.

I have been repenting before the sacred statue these past few days, not for my family's sake—since I shall soon join them anyway—but mainly because I always believed I was strictly abiding by the tenets of the faith, only to realize now that I have been straying all along."

Bishop Bonne said, "It is not too late for you to turn back now."

"Yes, it is not too late. The Naden family may be gone, but rotten flesh like them exists in more than one place within our region. It is time to cut it out."

"Yes, it must be cut."

"As for the rest, those that have spoiled to some degree, dig out what needs digging, discard what needs discarding, and cleanse... what needs cleansing!"

A streak of ruthless severity flashed in Wolfrun's eyes—a look that had likely not appeared on the face of this deeply calculating old man for many years.

Karen continued to burn the joss paper, watching the flames dancing inside the iron pot; he knew that the York City Region was about to face a true, literal conflagration.

This was a decision finalized by these two old men while they sipped white fungus soup.

Karen then recalled how, when he had previously refused Mavalor's visit, he had mentioned he would be busy with official duties upon his return, but he truly had not expected those duties to arrive so swiftly and to be so "hectic."

Compared to the upcoming grand purge, the previous operation against the Naden family was a mere tickle.

And from this moment on, there was no room for doubt... the Whip of Order of the York City Region would become the most powerful, prestigious, and influential branch among all regions under the Church of Order.

Sometimes, one could not help but marvel at how a single step ahead leads to a continuous advantage; the momentum gained from a head start would snowball so drastically that latecomers would find it utterly impossible to catch up.

When they overthrew the Naden family, Neo had kept egging Bernie and Harry on to push Karen to the forefront as a figurehead; even then, Neo had seen the advantage of the fast lane. As long as the revival of this region's Whip of Order was established as a model, they could reap the benefits until they were sick of them.

Now, because of this assassination attempt, Chief Bishop Wolfrun had decided to stake everything; as the leader of the region's local faction, once he chose to personally swing the hammer and shatter the turtle shell he inhabited, it was hard to imagine what the local forces could possibly use to resist the ravenous, wolf-like Whip of Order outside.

Furthermore, because of his success in "hunting down the assassins," Karen had earned significant recognition and was about to receive impending rewards; he was already standing at the center stage, and with the grand operation ahead, he would have further opportunities to advance.

According to the normal rhythm of things in the old days of the regional Whip of Order, even if he performed his duties flawlessly, he would likely have spent his entire life like old Coya, grinding along until retirement with the status of a section chief.

Though Karen had never doubted his own competence, his current position was truly at the center of a gale; if a pig were standing here, it would be blown straight into the sky.

Thus, a person's advancement relies not only on individual struggle, but must also take into account the course of history.

Karen picked up the Sword of Diamans, lightly stirring the joss paper in the iron pot to let it burn more thoroughly;

In his mind, he reasoned that for a preparatory briefing session of such a massive operation, the Whip of Order would surely send someone to participate, and he himself was certainly not yet qualified to join this "Big Three";

Therefore, someone else would likely arrive soon.

Sure enough, another figure appeared outside—it was Regional Director Harry.

Harry walked in, and upon seeing Karen, he said, "You are back?"

Karen stood up and bowed to Harry, "Yes, Director."

"Did everything go smoothly?"

"Very smoothly, it was just a matter of going through the protocols."

"Good, that is fine. Ah, right, please cover my condolence money for me, I forgot to bring any."

"Understood, I will take care of it."

Harry took the pen, signed his name on the ledger, and then sat down beside Wolfrun, asking, "I was just preparing to go to your manor, I did not expect to find you here."

Wolfrun smiled and said, "There is no one left at home anyway, staying there feels quite lonely."

"Medical practitioners from other churches have already been summoned; they might possess alternative treatment plans for your body."

Wolfrun waved his hand and said, "I am destined for the First Knight Regiment, so do not waste effort ruining my body further. Otherwise, when the time comes that I truly need to stand up, I will not be able to contribute much if my body is riddled with holes."

"Your being alive is the greatest contribution."

"Come, Leon, serve a bowl of white fungus soup to your Director. Taste it, it is sweet and fragrant, yet not cloying."

Leon obeyed his grandfather's words, walking over to pick up the bowl of white fungus soup that had already been placed on the coffee table in front of Harry, and presented it to him.

Harry took it, sipped, and said, "The flavor is quite good."

With that, Harry looked up at Leon with earnest eyes. "A very impressive young man..."

"Don't, I just wanted you to see him; he already has a direct superior." Wofuren cut Harry off. "Besides, by the time you've managed another achievement or two, you'll be on your way out anyway. It won't be your place to arrange people's futures."

Harry smiled somewhat helplessly. "Your words can be truly cutting, sir."

"Oh, I am just speaking the truth, aren't I? If he really needed to be taken to the Dingle District to enjoy a comfortable life, I wouldn't even need you; I could manage that myself."

"So, have you made up your mind?"

"I have." Wofuren nodded. "Something terrible happened at home, and anger is smoldering in my heart."

"I know."

"No, you do not know. Originally, given enough time, the fire in my heart would have gradually cooled and died away. But now, I do not have much time left, do I? I cannot carry this anger with me into death. After all, the next time I awaken, it will certainly be a time when the Holy Church requires me, and I must not be distracted.

Therefore..."

Wofuren reached out and patted the back of Harry’s hand.

"Unleash your hands and do what must be done."

Harry spoke, "The Holy Church will remember your contribution."

Wofuren shook his head and said, "I do not do this so that the Holy Church will remember me, nor to pave the way for this sole remaining grandson of mine. Though, of course, in the eyes of outsiders, that may well seem to be my purpose."

Harry said hurriedly, "No, you misunderstand me—"

"Heh, it is not directed at you, it is directed at myself." Wofuren rose slowly to his feet. "Only now, at this stage, have I realized what it truly means to be a faithful believer of the Order.

I am ashamed;

Cullen reached out and stroked Kevin's bald head.

Kevin continued to wear his warm smile.

The man and the dog, at this moment, shared a tacit and unspoken understanding.

Having lavished his affection upon Cullen, Kevin trotted back to Purr's side and lay prone, his paws peeling a chestnut; once finished, he nudged it before Purr for her to eat.

Cullen knew that since this dog had returned, the other hound would not be far behind.

Sure enough, when Cullen pushed open the door to the master bedroom, his eyes fell instantly upon Neo, who stood in the courtyard with his hands resting on his hips.

"Well, our grand hero certainly keeps a low profile upon his return. Tell me, when is dinner? I am famished."

"There are chestnuts inside; you may have some to cushion your hunger."

"By the way, I must inform you of something first. They are renovating the headquarters building, and to make more rational use of the space, the higher-ups have adjusted the zoning of the original layouts. Unfortunately..."

"My office has been reassigned?"

"I had not even finished laying the groundwork!"

"Let us skip the preamble and speak directly of compensation."

Neo spread his hands, thoroughly dissatisfied. "Is there truly a need to be so direct?"

"Did you not wish to dine sooner?"

"This was the planning of the higher-ups, which I only learned of after the fact. Had I known earlier, I certainly would not have—"

"The compensation, Director—you must have prepared it. Otherwise, you would have simply dropped off the dog and departed, rather than having the effrontery to come here for a meal."

Neo drew three small, grey cloth dolls from his breast pocket, tiny things no larger than keychain ornaments.

"Three substitute puppets."

Cullen regarded Neo, remaining silent.

Neo sighed, pulling forth a silver bracelet. "A barrier bracelet."

Cullen continued to watch Neo, uttering not a word.

Neo stamped his foot and produced a scroll, saying, "I nearly forgot—a remnant summoning scroll. Though it is damaged, it is of a high grade. I kept it specifically for you; others cannot fathom it, but I know there is a chance you might."

As Neo spoke, he broke the seal upon the scroll. Cullen instantly perceived an ancient, primitive aura; had this item been placed on the black market, it would have fetched a handsome sum.

A smile graced Cullen's face as he reached out to take the puppets, the bracelet, and the scroll altogether, before offering a gentle reproach:

"Director, look at how you handle things. Given the bond between us, it is merely a change of office; was there any need to treat me like a stranger?"

"Heh."

Just then, Muri approached and said, "Captain, Director, the Minister has arrived."

Bernie had arrived, bearing a commendation order in his hand. He could have delivered it to Cullen when he reported for work tomorrow, but to avoid drawing untoward attention, he chose to make this dedicated trip at dusk.

Consequently, upon entering the study and seeing Neo present, he froze slightly.

"Minister."

"Minister."

"Mm," Bernie acknowledged. "Has the District Chief been by?"

"Yes, the District Chief has visited."

"I came in haste and prepared nothing. Let it be this way—you shall supplement the condolence gift on my behalf."

"Understood, Minister."

"This is the commendation order just handed down. At the plenary session tomorrow morning, the District Chief will announce it publicly.

I brought it to you beforehand to share the glad tidings.

Congratulations, Cullen. Starting tomorrow, you shall be the Director of the Disciplinary Inspection Office at our York City Grand District Headquarters."

Neo smiled and asked, "The Deputy Director?"

Bernie shook his head and said, "The Director proper."

Light instantly kindled in Neo's eyes. By regular procedure, each time Cullen was promoted, he, as the superior, would be passively elevated to clear the post—just as it had happened last time. Yet, to maintain an air of subtlety, Neo deliberately asked:

"The Director proper? Then how shall the positions be allocated?"

Bernie replied, "The Disciplinary Inspection Office is not limited to just one."

"Oh, I see." Neo’s heart sank instantly into disappointment, though he forced himself to reach out and pat Cullen on the shoulder. "Keep it up, do well. I shall help you establish the framework for the Second Office with the utmost speed."

Bernie smiled and said, "I hope you two will cooperate fully to swiftly establish the Second Office. Do not worry about the staffing requirements and budget allocation; the Ministry will offer its full support."

"Yes, Minister."

"Yes, Minister."

"Very well, I shall take my leave now."

"Minister, won't you stay for dinner?" Cullen extended the invitation.

"No, I must visit the Chief to perform his physical examination. I shall see you at the commendation ceremony tomorrow."

"Goodbye, Minister."

Once Bernie had departed, Neo reached out and snatched the commendation order from Cullen's hands, smiling as he scanned it.

"Though the Second Office must be built from scratch, it matters not. At the very least, your rank has been elevated in one leap, which bodes well for future advancement. After all, regardless of whether your ranks are fully staffed, your next achievement will be leveraged from the baseline of a Director.

One must take life one bite at a time. In short, do not be impatient; at your age, to be promoted outside the rules is already an extraordinary feat, my Director of the First Office."

Neo handed the read commendation back into Cullen's grasp, and just as he was about to continue his consolation, he froze. He instantly snatched the order back from Cullen, snapping it open, skipping past the material rewards at the front to fix his gaze upon the very end:

Director of the First Office of the Disciplinary Inspection Committee: Cullen Silva.

"Fuck! On what grounds?!"

Cullen reached out to take the commendation order, and upon reading it through, realized that Bernie had likely kept quiet just now to avoid an awkward scene.

"What in the world is the meaning of this? If they chose not to promote me, so be it, but to displace me to the Second Office—what ghost even exists in the Second Office right now!

The Church of Order goes too far in its bullying! Here I am, a remnant of the Light, toiling away for Order, and instead of a promotion and a raise, I am subjected to such exclusion and suppression?"

Cullen consoled him, "Director, one must take life one bite at a time. Do not be impatient..."

"Shut your mouth!" Neo raised a hand, glaring at Cullen. "The puppets, the bracelet, and the scroll—can you return them to me now?"

Cullen responded, "This was the planning and decision of the higher-ups. As you said, we have no power to alter it. Had we known earlier..."

Neo's expression and tone softened instantly, adopting a tender cadence. "Cullen, look, given the relationship between the two of us..."

Cullen said, "Indeed, the two of us are now of equal rank."

Neo: "..."