Chapter 687: A New Beginning

Chapter 687 A New Beginning

Director Anrosi stepped out of the office and took a deep breath. Karen’s previous words were still echoing in her mind. For a believer of Order, what could be more severe than being told they didn't look like they possessed a shred of order?

Especially when those words came from the Chief of Enforcement for the Whip of Order.

Although the Whip of Order and the Regional Management Office did not belong to the same circle, everyone in the entire Academic Affairs Building knew of the excellent relationship between this Chief of Enforcement and the current Grand Bishop. He only needed to mention it casually while having tea with the Grand Bishop... No, he didn't even need to speak to the Grand Bishop directly; a single word to the subordinates would mean the end of her tenure as director.

Wiping the cold sweat from her forehead, Director Anrosi glanced at the security check ahead and quickly spotted Ophelia standing in the back with the Dark Moon warriors.

Earlier, there had been rumors that a peripheral member of a Whip of Order squad had won the favor of the Princess of Dark Moon Island while on a security mission, and by the time the princess boarded the ship for her return journey, she was already carrying his child.

When everyone in the department circulated this story back then, they were merely marveling at that peripheral member's good fortune, joking about how many years of struggle he had spared himself.

But now, looking at Ophelia again, Director Anrosi could only sneer in her heart: You really have a blessed life, managing to climb into the Chief's bed ahead of time.

People, after all, could lack food, clothing, water, and electricity in life, but the one thing they could never lack was reality.

Director Anrosi did not go over to speak with the people from the Moon God Religion. Instead, she walked up to the clerks in charge of the security check and scolded them:

"How are you doing your jobs? Have you forgotten all the operational regulations? Don't you understand first-come, first-served and orderly security checks! If you really don't understand, I will approve a report to send you back for retraining!"

The clerks were dazed by the scolding, but they immediately knew what to do. They halted the security procedures for the people of the Moon God Religion and gestured for them to move to the back of the line.

The people from the Moon God Religion were highly dissatisfied and began to complain incessantly, but the clerks could not care less. For those who were slow to move and unwilling to vacate their spots, the clerks pointed at them directly and made them step back in line.

The priests of the Church of Order... were still the most unyielding in their bones among all the churches.

This was not only because the Church of Order was a rare monotheistic religion, but mainly because their strength and status dictated it.

The people of Dark Moon Island were called forward to undergo security procedures. Ophelia signaled for her subordinates to go up while she remained standing where she was.

At this moment, the female leader from the Moon God Religion's side walked over proactively. She possessed a lovely, pretty face and pure, clear eyes. Even the sound of her voice was crisp and pleasant, provided one ignored the content of her words:

"I know you, Princess Highness. It is said that you are the mistress of Chief Karen of this region. It seems this is your territory, and he takes good care of his mistress."

An innocent person is not necessarily kind, because the concept of "kindness" might not even exist in her mind, much like a cute child who crouches on the ground to engage in a prolonged game of torturing and killing ants.

Ophelia glanced at her, showing no anger, and replied with a smile:

"In your presence, I dare not call myself Highness. You may just call me Ophelia. Furthermore, you misunderstand. I am not his mistress. I wanted to be, but he refused."

"Oh, really? But at least he remembers the old affection." The female leader pointed toward the distant office. "When that director came out just now, she actively closed the office door, proving that the person sitting inside should be someone dispatched by Chief Karen to receive you."

"Aren't you the same?" Ophelia asked in return.

"We are not, because I haven't determined yet whether that Chief is willing to let me climb onto his bed. What do you think?"

"I imagine there are not many men in this world who could resist your charm."

"Heh, Her Highness is speaking in ironies. You must be certain that Chief Karen could never take a liking to me. My name is Guyi, Guyi Yole."

"You are..."

"My family originally held a rather high status in the Moon God Religion, but during the war with Samsara, the elders of my family were mostly wiped out. So, I proactively requested to join this batch of exchange students. Staying at home would only mean witnessing the decline of my family with my own eyes, or even facing liquidation due to the failure in the war.

Therefore, it's better to come here to unwind and see the sights of Order, and also to revive the family and protect myself in the future;

Hence, I wouldn't mind having a romance with Chief Karen if he's willing. After all, I've seen many of his photographs, and he is very handsome."

As she spoke, Guyi licked her lips with her tongue. In truth, women could be lustful too.

"He has a fiancée."

"I said a mistress. What era is this? Is your thinking still so antiquated?"

"I..."

"Even the great gods themselves have mistresses, don't they? Many have more than one wife, like the God of Order and our Moon God, heh.

I believe there are not many men in this world who could refuse a sweet-looking, obedient, and sensible little mistress who wouldn't destroy his family."

Ophelia could only accompany her with a smile, remaining silent.

She truly couldn't bring herself to say that she was willing to be his mistress, but he was the one who refused.

During their time together on Dark Moon Island, she had always been the proactive party, while he, on the contrary, possessed an emotional and moral fastidiousness.

However, she wouldn't say too much to this daughter of a Moon God Religion "nobility" named Guyi. In any case, she would never believe that Karen would accept her.

The security check for the Dark Moon warriors concluded, and it was the Moon God Religion's turn.

Ophelia stood at the exit, her gaze directed toward the office.

Director Anrosi walked over and said to her, "Princess Highness, Chief Karen is inside. Why don't you go in and say hello?"

Ophelia shook her head and replied, "There's no need."

Anrosi nodded and said nothing more. Her task was merely to inform this girl whose intention it had been when she stepped out earlier; she had no desire to involve herself in the romantic entanglements of grand figures.

Alfred appeared at this moment. He was busy, very, very busy. Having finished that major task, he had left the aftermath to Wick and immediately rushed over to "welcome the newcomers."

In his future plans, the Dark Moon warriors were to be his young master's first true direct force. How could he possibly slack off?

He stepped forward proactively, verified the reception documents with Ophelia and Guyi respectively, and then instructed them to order their subordinates to follow the guides he had arranged outside to head toward their accommodations.

"Mr. Alfred, aren't we leaving together?" Guyi asked curiously.

"The two of you still need to wait a moment with me," Alfred said.

"Wait for whom?" Guyi looked back toward that office and smiled. "Could it be that Chief Karen has come in person?"

Alfred smiled without a word.

...

In truth, Karen did not stay inside on purpose, nor was he too embarrassed to see Ophelia. The woman herself no longer avoided past matters, so what did he, a man, have to be sentimental about here?

He was on the phone. The call had been placed by Byrne from his office, delivering a piece of news to Karen: Ophelia's "affiliation" had been transferred to this region.

In other words, Ophelia would next hold a position in a newly established department under the Regional Management Office. After bringing the people over this time, even she herself would not have to leave.

"Lord Chief, don't you think such an arrangement is a bit too absurd?"

"Absurd? I don't think so. I heard from Suss that during your time in prison, Her Princess Highness even visited you in your cell."

"She didn't visit me for private reasons."

"I know, and you didn't differentiate your attitude between the people of Dark Moon Island and the Moon God Religion for private reasons either."

That really was for private reasons... but not the kind of private reasons Byrne understood.

"Furthermore, this really wasn't my or Suss's idea. The two of us aren't so bored as to specially apply for this kind of transfer for your sake. It's just that a new department is being formed in this region. This department is somewhat special, requiring temporary transfers of relevant personnel from other regions, including the Temple. That Dark Moon Island princess just happened to be on the transfer list.

Even I don't know why she's on it, because the function of that new department doesn't seem to have a single connection to her, as if someone pulled strings specifically to move her 'affiliation' and dragged her in.

I was afraid you might misunderstand, so I specially reached out to tell you after learning about this. After all, rumor has it that she is carrying your child."

"You believe that kind of rumor too? Besides, her stomach isn't big right now."

"So the rumor further states that because of the vast disparity in your initial statuses, the upper echelons of Dark Moon Island forcibly aborted the child in her womb to sever this romance. This incident forced you to strive forward, climbing up step by step until you finally reached your current position."

Karen: "..."

"Can you guess who released this rumor? It was Dark Moon Island themselves. The old men on the island didn't mind making themselves the villainous backdrops of a fairy tale."

"Oh, really."

"Karen, do you have other connections with Dark Moon Island? My meaning is, if I want to satisfy my own curiosity, can I send someone to look into this slightly?"

"No need to investigate further."

"Ah, good, I see. Then we won't investigate, heh." Bern was as delighted as though he had just won a game of chess.

"By the way, Karen, are you and that Son of God close?"

"Which one?"

"Mavalo."

"Friends, I suppose."

"Then not very close. This newly established department was created just for his field training. According to our Church's tradition, after the Sons of God receive their inheritance and training for a time, they are sent down for practical experience. Their ultimate destination is still the Dingle Region and the Temple.

The location he chose for his descent happens to be our region, and the department was formed by personnel he personally requisitioned. He must have been the one to arrange for that Princess of Dark Moon Island to be placed with you.

This seems like the sort of 'kind' deed a friend would do who thinks he is close, but in reality, isn't."

"Alright, I see."

"Look on the bright side, Karen. It’s not such a big deal. If my circumstances allowed it, I’d want to find a mistress myself. Sometimes life truly demands a little solace, otherwise a bleak, grueling workload will drag a man down."

"What circumstances don't allow it for you?"

"I'm afraid that if I found a mistress, it would provoke my son, who is preparing to take over in the Pamires Church, and subsequently affect his loyalty to Order."

"You are truly great."

"I accept your praise."

"Regarding the matter of the six-winged angel..."

"The preliminary mission report was handed to me; I am reading it now. The mission was a complete success, done beautifully. Sus must be thrilled to finally escape such a dangerous position as your superior.

The two of us shouldn't dream of promotion, but the higher-ups will always grant some compensation, tacitly allowing our hands to stretch further within this region.

Everything is fine on my end. After all, I still hold the position of Chief Bishop, which makes anything convenient. You need to put in more effort on your side to seize all actual power early on, saving me the trouble of having to drink tea and build a rapport with the next regional director when they arrive."

"Are you unwilling to even keep up appearances anymore?"

"Hey, isn't my ignoring him also a way to maintain your prestige? Hahaha. If the next regional director doesn't invite you along, I won't even bother to see him."

"Thank you."

"No need for formalities."

Hanging up the telephone, Karen took a sip of tea. Mavalo was also coming to the York City region.

Although he held little actual power, his status was noble and pure; even Bern had to address him as "My Lord." Given his relationship with him, it meant he would have another source of support within this region in the days to come.

In this way, the network of connections within this region was truly becoming more and more consolidated.

It was rather ridiculous to think about. Not long ago, he had represented the Whip of Order to fiercely battle the local protectionist forces of this region, yet now he had transformed into one of the leaders of those very forces.

Pushing open the door and stepping out of his office, Karen immediately saw Alfred and the two women standing beside him.

Alfred stepped forward. "Young Master, the handover procedures have been completed."

"Mm."

Karen walked toward Ophelia. She was not wearing armor today, but rather traditional attire of Dark Moon Island.

"You've grown thin."

Ophelia responded, "My weight hasn't dropped."

Beside her, Guyee smiled faintly. "Perhaps compared to me, Her Highness looks thin."

Karen glanced at Guyee and said, "Eat fewer tonics, it causes excessive precocious development."

Guyee: "..."

This girl’s vital energy was abundant and highly agitated; she had clearly over-exploited her body, which meant she followed the path of a warrior, even though she held a priest's staff in her hand.

"Let's go, we shall head back first."

The others had been picked up, and Alfred went to drive, though he opened the passenger door first, saying, "Miss Guyee, please take a seat."

Guyee looked at the back seat and said to Alfred without any inhibition, "Mr. Manservant, you ought to give others a chance at fair competition."

"I believe giving better treatment to those who arrived first is also a manifestation of fairness."

"Alright then."

Guyee sat in the front passenger seat, while Karen and Ophelia sat in the back.

The car started, driving toward the headquarters building.

Karen and Ophelia sat separately, remaining silent.

Guyee turned her head, smiling. "The two of you haven't met in a long time. You could share a passionate kiss. Our Church of the Moon is very similar to the Church of Berry in certain aspects, advocating for the wild venting of one's emotions."

Karen spoke quite calmly, "Alfred, teach her the rules."

"Yes, Young Master." Alfred looked at Guyee and said, "Before the Young Master speaks, you have no right to liven up the atmosphere."

"I just felt it was dull. Anyone with eyes can see at a glance that you two once had..."

Alfred spoke, "Miss Guyee, perhaps you could step out of the car, and I will help you call the people from the Church of the Moon's office in York City, letting them send a car to take you to your lodging."

"Must you be so serious? Besides, I have no authority to use the people from the office here. Only Lady Salaina has that right."

Alfred replied, "If you can use them, you should use them more. The Church of the Abyss cannot use theirs even if they want to now."

"Why?"

"Because just today, all the open and covert offices of the Church of the Abyss in this region were swept away. Almost all Abyss clergymen have had their souls return to the abyss or heaven they yearn for."

Guyee’s face changed instantly. She sat up properly and spoke no more.

They arrived at the lodging. Alfred stopped the car. "Miss Guyee, do you see that apartment building? Your people are already inside."

Ophelia was also preparing to step out, but Alfred said, "The Dark Moon warriors reside in the employee dormitory of the headquarters building. You do not need to step out now."

Guyee did not object this time, stepping out obediently and even waving goodbye.

Once the car drove away and she turned around, she immediately gritted her teeth and grumbled, "What on earth did Lady Salaina arrange!"

Inside the car;

"Was that a bit too much?" Ophelia asked with some concern.

Alfred intentionally phrased his words ambiguously. "Please rest assured, you belong to our Young Master."

Ophelia's expression remained unchanged.

Karen spoke, "I once swore an oath that I would bring about the destruction of the Church of the Moon, though there is no time limit to this oath."

Ophelia took a deep breath, biting her lower lip.

Alfred lamented in his heart: the Young Master was indeed the Young Master; even when using ambiguous language, it was of a far higher caliber than his own.

He knew that his Young Master had once sworn an oath before the Goddess of the Dark Moon to destroy the Church of the Moon to avenge her, which was how he received the gift from the Goddess of the Dark Moon.

Arriving below the dormitory building, Ophelia stepped out first and said to Alfred, "Sir, the subsequent work assignments will still require you to handle the handover with me."

"Very well, no problem. I will assign tasks to you tomorrow," Alfred responded at once.

Then, Ophelia looked toward Karen and said, "Thank you for taking care of things today, Minister Karen. In the future, when I have leave to come here and visit them, I will bring you local specialties from Dark Moon Island."

Deliberately acting distant and polite, are we?

Karen extended his hand, placing it before Ophelia.

Ophelia froze for a moment, then reached out as well to shake his hand.

"You are most welcome, Your Highness Ophelia. It is only my duty, for the sake of maintaining the friendship between Order and Dark Moon Island, and to build a deeper, more prosperous cooperative relationship."

"Yes, for the sake of maintaining that friendship."

Once the handshake concluded, Ophelia turned and headed toward the dormitory building to check on the settling of the Dark Moon warriors, looking very much as though she were fleeing.

For some reason, the scene of his first meeting with Ophelia flickered across Karen's mind—she had been clad in massive armor, bearing a greatsword upon her back.

Yet there was no denying that time had altered many things.

The affairs of Dark Moon Island, coupled with her experiences after entering the Church of Order to "work," had all but eroded her royal aura, leaving behind the distinct impression of old classmates who had now graduated into the world.

"Young master, will it be necessary to host a farewell banquet upon Her Highness Ophelia's departure?"

"No need. Her 'affiliation' has been transferred to this district. Mavalio managed it, and he is coming as well."

"Ah." Alfred expressed a touch of surprise, immediately reproaching himself, "I was presumptuous in the carriage just now, sir."

Karen cast a glance at Alfred but said nothing.

On a high floor of the dormitory building.

Little Conna sat perched upon the balcony railing, cradling a large bag of popcorn in her arms, while Xili kept her hands extended from behind, guarding through the empty air for fear that the young girl might tumble from the building.

But Little Conna paid it no mind, continuing to munch on her popcorn, occasionally pulling out a kernel to offer to Purr, who sat atop her head.

"You harbor hostility toward this woman."

"Indeed, meow. I have a mission to look after my great-great-great-great-niece's husband."

"You harbor hostility toward this woman."

"I just explained it to you, meow."

"It is you who harbors hostility toward this woman."

"Fine, you can shut your mouth now."

"I want to eat popcorn, I cannot eat if I shut my mouth."

"Then stuff your mouth full with popcorn, meow."

Little Conna obediently grabbed a handful of popcorn and shoved it into her mouth, yet she still mumbled indistinctly, "You are flustered."

"I still prefer how you were when you could not speak. Truly, children are far less cute once they learn to talk."

"Meow."

"Good girl." Purr extended a paw and stroked Conna's head.

Upon a reclining chair inside the room, Kevin lay wearing gold-rimmed glasses while reading a newspaper. Turning his canine head, he glanced at Purr and Conna sitting out on the balcony, his dog mouth curving into a smile that, in tandem with the sunlight streaming in from outside, made him resemble a benevolent dog grandmother.

"Woof~"