Chapter 664: Listen to Me, Thank You

Chapter 664: Listen to Me, Thank You

"We're home, meow!"

Purr took a deep, exhilarated breath, but then her feline brows furrowed. She could barely scent any of Karen’s presence in this house.

This meant that during the entire time she had been away, he had rarely returned here either!

For Purr, who had always felt a profound sense of duty to "watch over" Karen for her great-great-great-great-granddaughter, a sharp sense of crisis immediately flared up.

Well, look at you! The moment I leave the house, you stop coming home altogether!

Purr had absolute confidence in Karen's restraint when it came to female charms. However, it was just like leaving a bundle of cash on a table to test human virtue; he might not take it the first time, but you couldn't just leave the money out on the table every single day. Sooner or later, things would go wrong.

After all, a man's descent into ruin always begins with a reluctance to return home.

Little Conna pushed open the door, walked into the bedroom, and collapsed onto the large bed. She was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to sleep.

Purr leaped onto her, patted her face with a soft paw, and said to her, "This is Karen's bed. You can sleep in it, but you must take a bath first."

Her great-great-great-great-grand-nephew-in-law possessed a near-obsessive cleanliness regarding his bed.

No matter how exhausted he was when he returned home, he would always wash up in the bathroom before getting under the covers. Once, he had been so tired he was on the verge of fainting; the moment he lay down on the bed, she had idly remarked, "Not taking a bath?"

He had risen immediately, and despite his bloodshot eyes, he still went to wash himself.

That incident had left Purr drowning in guilt for quite a long time: Ah, I really deserve to burn in hell!

Little Conna sat up, walked over to Kevin’s dog bed, and prepared to lie down.

Since she couldn't sleep in the bed, she would sleep in the dog bed.

In her eyes, there was no concept of indignity in sleeping in a dog bed. Most importantly, in her perception, Kevin was not lowborn or degraded at all.

Seeing this, Purr had no choice but to jump off the bed, stride over to her, and command, "You are a human right now. Go take a bath!"

Lying on the dog mat, Little Conna looked at Purr, and Purr looked right back at her.

Beside them, Kevin wagged his tail, gesturing toward the bathroom with a few sharp barks: "Woof, woof, woof!"

Little Conna extended her arms, and a plume of white mist began to diffuse into the room.

Purr immediately cried out, "Are you trying to burst the walls by reverting to your true form?!"

The white mist retracted. Little Conna stood up; she was deeply reluctant to bathe, but she did not want to throw a tantrum at Purr.

She walked into the bathroom, and Purr followed. Kevin silently pushed the bathroom door shut, then trotted into the bedroom, using his paws to rummage through the wardrobe to find some of Karen’s clothes for her.

The little bone dragon disliked wearing girls' clothing; she preferred Karen’s old garments.

Having selected an outfit, Kevin carried it in his mouth and placed it right outside the bathroom door.

With these tasks completed, Kevin leaped onto the living room sofa, adjusted his gold-rimmed spectacles, and began to read the newspaper laid out on the coffee table.

Inside the bathroom, a naked young girl and a black cat squatted face-to-face beneath a shower pouring down hot water.

"Wash your hair first. Come, use this."

Under Purr’s direction, Little Conna began her bath.

When she finished, perhaps out of a desire for equality, she helped wash Purr as well.

She viewed this as sharing a hardship together, but Purr actually found it quite comfortable; after all, she too was a cat who loved cleanliness.

Once both were clean, Purr leaped onto Little Conna’s head, conjuring a small fireball to dry her own fur while simultaneously helping dry Little Conna’s hair.

Stepping out, Little Conna picked up Karen's old clothes left outside and put them on.

"When we go back to the research institute, we'll have to grab a few more of Karen's clothes and tailor them for you to wear."

They had brought several pieces before, but during the examinations, Little Conna had reverted to her true form several times under stress, reducing those clothes to shredded rags.

At the mere mention of returning to the research institute, a look of agony surfaced in Little Conna’s eyes. She detested that place, absolutely detested it.

Purr comforted her, saying, "Just endure it a little longer, it's all to formulate the perfect nutritional meals for you."

Ignoring the cat, Little Conna walked straight back into the bedroom and lay down on the bed.

Purr lay down beside her.

Before long, Little Conna turned onto her side and looked at Purr.

"Go to sleep, little one."

Little Conna reached out to gently clasp Purr’s tail, closing her eyes with a profound sense of security.

As dawn began to break, the front door opened, and Karen walked in.

Kevin immediately set down his newspaper, took off his glasses, leaped off the sofa, and trotted over to Karen, begging for a pat.

Karen reached down and stroked his bald head. The man and the dog had already formed a tacit understanding—or rather, a game where "I pretend to treat you as my master, and you pretend to treat me as a dog."

Walking to the bedroom, he pushed the door open slightly. Seeing Purr and Little Conna fast asleep on the bed, Karen chose not to disturb them. Instead, he returned to the living room, sat on the sofa, closed his eyes, and began to rest.

Kevin silently lay on his side on the carpet, spreading the newspaper flat on the floor to continue reading.

Karen woke after sleeping for less than three hours, pressing his fingers lightly against the bridge of his nose.

The most precious and effective way for humans to recuperate was sleep, yet it was often the very thing most easily squeezed dry.

Rising, he walked into the bathroom, took a quick shower, and changed into a fresh set of divine robes.

Whether the events of last night would trigger a chain reaction from the higher-ups was something Karen couldn't control, nor did he care to ponder. However, at the very least, he had to pay a visit to everyone who had helped him yesterday.

This was not mere etiquette; this was the rule.

The dormitory building was directly opposite the headquarters building, so Karen walked into headquarters first.

The moment he entered, he felt the atmosphere shift into something peculiar.

The clerics passing by all took the initiative to greet him. It seemed identical to before, but now, a distinct layer of estrangement had surfaced.

Yet this "estrangement" carried no derogatory weight; it was simply that they truly regarded Karen as possessing a different "status," or even as an entirely different "species" of existence.

The security mission for the Desert God Cult delegation had been arranged by Karen, deploying numerous teams from the Whip of Order, which had also drawn a significant amount of personnel from headquarters.

Everyone actually knew how a normal security mission ought to be arranged. Karen’s method—where internal surveillance far outweighed external security—was inherently abnormal. Although Karen had been briefly replaced in this duty by the Regional Director last night, the Director had not altered Karen's arrangements. With a single command, the original layout had been activated, sweeping away the Desert God Cult believers staying in the hotel with utmost speed.

In bureaucratic institutions, there existed a type of secret known as an open secret: everyone on the inside understood it perfectly, while the outside world remained utterly bewildered.

Everyone knew what Karen had intended to do beforehand. Those who hadn't directly participated in the affair were informed by their colleagues, and everyone was well aware of the twists and turns that occurred midway. Yet, despite such turbulence, the people of the Desert God Cult had still been dealt with.

When you see a person court disaster and achieve a stroke of luck, you envy him; when you see a person repeatedly court disaster and consistently achieve a stroke of luck, you admire his courage and acknowledge his capability, because you know full well it can never be a mere matter of luck.

Furthermore, from Karen's perspective, this incident was not much different from what he had experienced before. But in the eyes of the department's clerics, previous conflicts were merely internal struggles within the headquarters or the region. This time, it had escalated to "defying" the arrangements of the upper echelons while still achieving success—and by morning, Karen was already back at work...

The nature of the matter and the influence it carried were completely different. Being a tyrant at home makes people fear you; defying those outside commands true awe and respect.

Karen wasn't particularly sensitive to this shift, but Alfred was absolutely thrilled. This change would make it much easier for him to help his young master tighten his grip on the Whip of Order. People were gradually ceasing to view him merely as a department head appointed by the Holy See; instead, they were looking at him as the fierce, unyielding leader of their entire region.

Sues’s secretary led Karen to the office. Having likely received instructions beforehand, the secretary didn't bother announcing him and simply opened the door directly for Karen.

Inside the office, Sues was fast asleep on the sofa. For such a small frame, his snoring was remarkably loud.

But upon hearing Karen's footsteps, Sousse immediately opened his eyes, sat up, and let out a sigh.

Karen stood before him.

Sousse did not courteously ask Karen to sit, but instead smiled, and then, the two spoke in unison:

"Thank you."

"Thank you."

Regarding the events of last night, everyone had indeed looked out for one another.

Karen had not deliberately thrown his immediate superior out to take the blame, and Sousse, in his capacity as the boss, had shouldered the pressure for Karen.

"Two of them didn't die, Elanga and Luther, plus the one named Miki lying in the hospital—those three survived," Sousse said, "but it won't be long before they are sent to the gallows."

The butcher's knife had already fallen, meaning the matter was exposed; whether the factions above liked it or not, things had to follow due process now.

"Understood," Karen nodded.

"Alright then," Sousse shrugged, "I'm exhausted, I want to get some proper sleep."

"Then why didn't you return to your residence to rest?"

"Because I knew you would come this morning, it's just the way you do things."

"I've caused you much trouble."

"Don't say that, I rather like your principled manner, it's much easier on the eyes and simpler to get along with than those unprincipled fellows who care only for profit."

"The higher-ups..."

"I'll keep an eye on them, but nothing should happen in the short term. That director isn't someone who can handle major crises; at the very least, he wouldn't be willing to sacrifice his own future just to seek revenge." Sousse hopped down from the sofa, turned his head to glance at his desk, and suddenly smiled, "I feel like sooner or later, this office of mine will be occupied by you."

"You should be aware of my current situation."

"Yes, I know, and I used to think you had no hope either, but I don't think so anymore. Last night, I even reflected on myself a bit."

"You mean..."

"It was worth reflecting on, for the reflection revealed the gap between us. Some benefits are visible, whether right before one's eyes or in the future; but some benefits are invisible, and can even give one the impression of doing something incredibly foolish.

I suppose I can only slowly intrigue and climb my way up, yet I could easily be blown away by a sudden gust of wind from God knows where, because lacking strong principles, I have no roots. You are different."

"You flatter me."

"No, it is not flattery. In the secular world, the difference between you and me is that between a bureaucrat and a politician." Sousse patted Karen's leg with the back of his hand: "I will instruct people to help publicize your actions; this time it was to avenge the former Chief Bishop, and it was your idea. Telling you in advance is just so you don't misunderstand and think I'm afraid of taking responsibility again."

"Director, I did it to avenge myself."

"But didn't that also happen to avenge Wolforun?"

"Yes."

"Then that's enough. Public relations always require a slight difference in emphasis. Alright, I'm going back to sleep, I'm dying of exhaustion. You haven't rested well either, have you? But next, you still have to go to the Educational Administration Building to see Bern?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"Then go see him early and get some proper rest afterward."

Yawning, Sousse walked out of his office, with Karen following behind him.

Upon stepping out, he happened to see Alfred and Leon walking toward them.

Alfred held a stack of documents in his hand, but he was in no hurry to show them to his young master, preferring to save the process for when they were alone in the office; out here, his young master would have to flip through them just for the sake of appearances, which would only tire his eyes.

Leon stepped in front of Karen, took a sharp, deep breath, and stood at attention.

If the church didn't lack that specific protocol, Karen truly felt the boy would have given him a military salute.

Alfred said with a smile: "Young master, are you headed to the Educational Administration Building next?"

"Yes."

"Let Leon drive you."

"Aren't things busy right now?"

After what happened last night, the next few days were bound to be incredibly hectic, with far too many loose ends to tie up.

"He is too excited right now and unfit to handle matters, it's better to let him accompany you outside to clear his head. Vinnie can help me here, that boy feels very guilty right now and desperately needs a large volume of work to fill his inner void."

"Heh."

Leon immediately spoke up: "Chief, I'll go bring the car around."

Arriving at the parking lot, Karen saw that Leon was driving his modified, second-hand Purns. After taking the passenger seat, Karen asked: "Where is the VIP car?"

"Chief Neo drove it away before dawn, saying it was for maintenance."

"Ah, how petty."

"Chief..." Leon began to gather his emotions.

"Did you go home?"

"Huh? What?"

"I asked you, did you go home last night?"

"No, I haven't had the chance to go home yet."

"Don't say 'thank you' or anything like that to me. If you have words to say or emotions to release, go back and say them properly to the portraits of your deceased family."

"Yes, alright, I understand."

Leon drove, delivering Karen to the Educational Administration Building.

Just as Karen was about to tell him to wait in the car, Leon quickly got out and ran over to open the door for him.

"You don't need to do this."

"Just for today," Leon said with a smile.

Karen could only nod, and then, accompanied by Leon, walked up the steps of the building.

The grandson of the former Chief Bishop walked diagonally ahead of him, entirely in the posture of a subordinate; entering the building in this manner carried an immense amount of prestige.

But what followed was even more extravagant. As Karen crossed the ground floor service hall intending to head straight for the private elevator, many clerks in the hall stopped their work one after another and bowed to him, not using the standard church etiquette.

Karen could only return the gesture with a slight bow of his own, then stepped into the elevator.

Upon reaching the top floor, Leon and the attendant together opened the office door for Karen, then remained outside.

Behind the desk, Bern was eating breakfast—a classic Wayne breakfast of pie with thick paste.

"Have you had breakfast?"

Shaking his head, Karen replied: "I have."

"Mm, it really makes one doubt if you are a Wayne local at all."

Sometimes, the truest words are spoken through jest.

Karen walked over to the desk, poured a glass of water, and finding ice cubes already placed nearby, added them in. Finally, lifting the ice water, he said:

"Thank you."

Without Bern's reminder and assistance, Karen might not have even had time to react to the events of last night.

"Thank Woflen instead," Byrne said, chewing his soybean paste pancake. "We were in the same trench from the start."

Byrne had closed the matter; anything more from Karen would only sound pretentious.

"We will head to Lemar’s pottery studio another day for barbecue and a proper chat."

"Understood, you set the time."

"Mhm." Byrne popped the final piece of pancake into his mouth and sucked his finger. "Who was the mysterious figure who appeared last night to block the Guardian for you?"

"I will bring some vegetables to grill next time; meat alone gets greasy easily."

"Of course, you are the professional."

Byrne stood, picked up a nearby wet towel to wipe his hands, and said, "What do you plan to do about Da Vince's crowd?"

"I wanted to ask if now is a good time for revenge."

"It is not, because they do not just exist in our single district."

"Oh."

"But we can clean up our own district first. I will coordinate with your superior on this matter, and I believe your superior will pass it back down to you."

"I will cooperate with you."

"It is a collaboration." Byrne yawned. "Furthermore, there is one more thing. I have already had word spread that you stubbornly defied upper management's orders just to avenge Woflen. Though the old Chief brought down many bishops and ministers before his death, his reputation among the lower and middle management of the district administration has always been exceptionally high and well-loved."

"Thank you."

Byrne shook his head. "I am only doing what I believe is right. Remember what I told you last time we ate barbecue at the pottery studio? When you feel something is right, go fulfill it.

Let me add one more thing: no matter the time, maintain faith in Order."

"Have you... received some recent news?"

"Oh? You noticed? Ah, what a pity. When I first met you, I should have listened to my son's advice to fabricate a crime, strip you of your status, and secretly recruit you under my wing.

It is a true shame that a talent like you is not sent to other religions as a mole for Order."

"I believe your son is already quite exceptional."

"What does the Pamireth Church even amount to? Your capability warrants being sent as an undercover agent to other orthodox religions, haha..." Byrne suddenly laughed. "Just a joke, make sure you are not currently a mole inside our church, Hahaha."

"Vegetables alone are not enough; I will bring some of my self-brewed rice wine too. It is very sweet and crisp."

Byrne fell silent.

...

Kisen walked out of the teleportation array hall, the bandages on his body clearly visible. He had not dared to stay in the York City District for further treatment, choosing instead to teleport back to the Dingle District early in the morning.

Returning to the Dingle District brought him no relief; instead, a deeper panic gripped his heart.

Because next, he would face accountability from his department, his family, and his faction.

All of this weighed heavily upon him like a mountain.

Just then, he spotted a carriage parked at the entrance, bearing not only the symbol of Order but also his family crest.

Kisen took a deep breath, intentionally making his steps more stumbling as he approached the carriage. Only upon coming closer did he realize the driver was actually his grandfather's personal valet.

Had his grandfather come in person to hold him accountable?

The valet opened the carriage door, revealing a grim-faced old man with completely white hair and beard sitting inside.

Kisen boarded the carriage and fell to his knees before the elder.

"Grandfather, I was wrong, I was truly wrong, I was forced into it all..."

The old man suddenly let out a long sigh and said, "No, you did well, exceptionally well."

A chill ran completely down Kisen's spine. He would rather his grandfather curse him or torture him than speak in such sarcasms, which meant his grandfather had reached a terrifying level of rage.

The elder continued, "You made the correct choice, heh, you truly possess grand courage."

"No, Grandfather, please listen to me, I was..."

"Heh, the entire family must thoroughly thank you this time!"

Kisen remained speechless.