Chapter 688: Karen's Stance

Chapter 688: Karen's Stance

"Oh, it looks like Karen won't be coming home for the time being. He'll probably head to the office. After all, returning home to bathe and sleep right after completing a major mission would seem quite inappropriate, so he'll go to the office to bathe and sleep instead."

In this world, Purr felt that when it came to understanding Karen, she could be ranked... First was Alfred or Neo?

She should be able to rank... Purr turned her head to glance at Dog Grandma lying on the chair, and for a moment, she actually felt a bit unsure of herself.

"Let's go, back inside to give you a bath, and then it will be time for you to 'eat' and sleep."

Kanna looked down at the popcorn she hadn't finished eating and replied:

"I hate 'eating,' it makes me fall asleep right away."

The research institute provided Kanna with a menu, which could also be called a "feeding list," all refined through special methods from incomparably precious ingredients and medicinal herbs. The only drawback was probably that the effects were too potent, requiring sleep to aid digestion after consumption.

Purr slapped Kanna on the head with a paw: "Are you afraid of sleeping? You just don't want to bathe before bed!"

Kanna did not argue, but accepted it by default.

She truly hated bathing, considering it the most meaningless thing in the world; for personal sensation, if it were for the sake of cleanliness, scrubbing her entire body thoroughly with an iron brush would be much better than simply rinsing with water and making bubbles.

But this cat wouldn't allow her to sleep in the dog kennel, insisting she sleep in Karen's bed;

And to sleep in Karen's bed, she had to bathe first;

Therefore, she couldn't understand why those female researchers in the institute who examined her all dreamed of going to bed with Karen. Didn't they find bathing too troublesome?

However, Kanna had still not learned how to refuse the cat's commands.

So, she obediently jumped down from the balcony, handing the remaining popcorn in her hand to the maid, Sily.

Sily crouched down holding the popcorn box, having been truly frightened just now.

Kanna asked Purr curiously: "What is she afraid of? Afraid I'll fall down and die?"

A bone dragon with a formidable physical body truly had no concept of falling to death since birth.

Purr replied: "Oh, she's worried that if you fall down, you'll break the floor tiles."

"Oh, so that's how it is." Kanna believed it.

Purr looked at Sily and said, "Big Booty."

"Ah, I'm here." Sily stood up immediately. "Miss Purr, what are your orders?"

"What did Alfred call you for just now?"

"It's like this, Miss Purr. Mr. Alfred requested my mother and my aunts to go to another building called the 'Moon' apartments to be responsible for cooking for the residents who just moved in. The salary has doubled compared to before!"

Hearing this answer, Purr froze for a moment.

Sily was personally trained by her and Karen, so her skills in making pastries and cooking were very high now, but what was the culinary level of Sily's mother and those aunts?

They had lived through hard times, and what they were best at was using the roughest, cheapest ingredients to make the meals that filled the stomach most easily.

So, without any surprises, the main diet for that group of Lunar Deity cult priests ahead would be flatbread with Wien soybean paste.

But the problem was, those children of god had paid their living expenses in coupons beforehand!

"Well, the radio goblin is truly terrifying, capable of being skinflint and cheap to such an extent. I hope he doesn't go crazy and deduct my coffee."

"How could that be possible? Mr. Alfred has always fully met your living standards. He is a kind and upright person." Sily immediately spoke up for her respected Alfred.

"Oh, a kind and upright person? Have you forgotten that he recruited you into the house as a maid and required you to wear jeans and stick your buttocks out?"

Sily answered immediately: "I am very grateful to Mr. Alfred for granting me this opportunity. This actually didn't bring me any distress, because at that time, my distress was the survival of my family."

Purr fell silent.

Little Kanna spoke up: "You are ashamed."

Purr used her cat paw to mess up Kanna's white hair: "I really should take you back to the institute for a re-examination to see whether your race is a bone dragon or a psychology dragon."

"You are repentant."

"Alright, shut up meow! You really should be thrown to live with that girl from the Felsher family. I believe the two of you could definitely have a delightful chat all night."

"Is she your enemy too?"

"What enemy?"

"Like the woman downstairs just now."

"She isn't."

"What about her?" Kanna looked toward Sily.

"She isn't either, Karen has never touched her buttocks."

Sily blushed.

"Then what about your great-great-great-great-niece?"

"Come, Sily, come inside and help. I'm going to give her a three-hour bath today!"

Entering the bathroom, Purr and Kanna soaked into the bathtub together.

Subsequently, Sily, wearing only her undergarments, walked in and began to help wash Kanna first.

A mask of agony instantly appeared on Kanna's face. She disliked others touching her body. The dragon race was proud; according to the dragon philosophy, she was currently being desecrated by an ordinary person.

Purr reminded her while sweeping bubbles with her tail: "Control your emotions. Karen treats ordinary people with more respect than he treats priests. You should be ashamed of the racial discrimination you are showing now, because it does not conform to the doctrines of Order."

Kanna said: "But Order discriminates against us."

Purr's gaze sharpened, and she asked: "Who instilled this twisted fallacy into you?"

Kanna shook her head, refusing to betray the source: "Woof."

"It is a dead dog."

"Was it wrong?"

"It wasn't wrong, but you shouldn't think that way. In this world, many times there is no clear dividing line between right and wrong."

"Don't understand."

"Just listen to my words, because listening to its words will not lead to a good end. Look, if it had done well for itself, could it be a dog now?"

Kanna: "You should be ashamed of the racial discrimination you are showing now."

Purr: "..."

Little Kanna reached out and placed her hand on the buttocks of Sily, who was wiping her back, and gave a squeeze.

Sily thought it was just a young girl playing around and didn't mind.

Little Kanna gave another gentle pat:

"Smack~"

Like a fair and plump dolphin, waves rippled across the surface layer by layer.

Little Kanna asked: "Is it an advantage for this place to be large?"

"Theoretically speaking, it is suitable for producing offspring."

Hearing this, little Kanna reached out to touch her own.

"Stop poking me," Purr said. "You're so thin there's hardly any bone on you. You'll definitely have a difficult labor in the future."

Xili spoke up, "Canna isn't thin at all. She's a very healthy young girl. Miss Purr, you shouldn't frighten people like that."

Canna looked at Xili. She thoroughly resented Xili's interruption at this moment, but she took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing her distaste.

Xili began to wash Canna's hair. Her own head and hair were places where Purr could perch, but for anyone else to touch them, especially her head...

Little Canna clenched her hands into fists, enduring the discomfort with sheer willpower.

Purr lectured her, "When someone extends goodwill to you and is helping you, you should be filled with gratitude. Any negative emotions at such a moment are improper."

Little Canna kept her eyes closed, regulating her emotions.

Purr continued, "That stupid dog can teach you many truths. It understands the Order's doctrines better than the vast majority of people in this world. But in truth, it has never understood the real thoughts in Kallen's heart. On this point, you could actually communicate more with the Radio Goblin in the future. He understands Kallen's thoughts much better. Sometimes, I even feel he understands Kallen better than Kallen himself does.

Besides, didn't you just say that Order discriminates against the dragon race?

Now an opportunity lies right before you. You can change yourself first, and then follow Kallen. In the future, perhaps you can change the dragon race while also changing the Order's definition of them.

Don't be like Augee, that Frost Dragon who only possesses petty cleverness. She is far too foolish. The opportunity was right before her eyes, yet she didn't know how to grasp it. Of course, your opportunity is actually much better than hers."

Canna opened her eyes, looked at Purr, and said, "I simply do not wish for any existence to sit above my head."

Purr smiled.

Deliberately mimicking Kallen's tone, it said, "*Ahem*, above our heads, there shouldn't be any existence in the first place."

After the bath concluded, Canna sat before the dining table. Following Purr's instructions, Xili brought out thirty-six small boxes. Inside each small box were various colored... foods, shaped like little squares.

Canna picked up a piece, put it into her mouth, and after swallowing it with great difficulty, picked up a second piece to put inside. She ate in agony, because these things did not taste good at all.

Purr, who was currently facing the mirror and inspecting its newly dried fur, urged, "Eat faster. Hurry up and eat them all before you get sleepy. Do you know how many of your clansmen could never dream of obtaining this kind of treatment? Do you know that if just one piece of this stuff were thrown into dragon society, they would fight to the death for it?"

While chewing and swallowing forcefully, Canna retorted:

"Why aren't you eating?"

"Why should I eat?"

"Because you also need to recover."

"I only need Kallen to recover."

"Why can't I do that?" Little Canna asked.

"Because you and Kallen are equals."

"Then what about you?"

Purr shouted, "Xili, give her an extra meal today! A child needs to eat more while growing up!"

...

Alfred reported as he walked into the headquarters building alongside Kallen, "Young Master, Miss Eunice had Borge bring over a letter. In it, she mentioned she knows Her Highness Ophelia has arrived in York City and wishes to invite Ophelia to the manor as a guest. The two of them have maintained a regular correspondence."

"Oh?"

"Young Master, your subordinate has checked all commercial and private correspondence between the Allen Manor and Dark Moon Island. Miss Eunice and Her Highness Ophelia have truly become good friends now. In their letters, they discuss fashion design together, completely devoid of other factors."

"Why didn't Eunice call me directly?"

*Young Master, it seems you haven't taken the initiative to call her much either.*

"Young Master, Miss Eunice likely does not wish to disturb your work. Therefore, regarding this invitation to be a guest, I hope you will approve it. I believe Her Highness Ophelia would also like to visit, but because of the Luna Sect matters today, she did not speak up."

Eunice and Ophelia had met long ago, though now Ophelia probably wouldn't dare go to Allen Manor without his permission as she once did.

"You arrange it then."

"Yes, Young Master."

Kallen entered his office, bathed, and went to sleep, almost exactly as a certain cat from the Wall God Sect had predicted.

Except this sleep did not last long before Richard knocked and entered: "Kallen, I found a transmission array order record. Mavalor will arrive in York City tonight."

As a regulatory department, once the Whip of Order was operating normally, obtaining such data was quite standard. Richard had set up a special watchlist. As long as someone on the list arrived in York City or other cities in the Wien Region through a transmission array, he would receive a notification.

Kallen rose and went to the washroom to splash water on his face. When one hadn't rested well, it was difficult to summon any enthusiasm.

He knew Mavalor was coming, but he hadn't expected him to arrive so quickly.

"Kallen, are we heading to the Administrative Building now?"

After all, the other party was a Son of God with a noble status. Richard had ranked his position very high on the relationship list.

Kallen looked at the clock, shook his head, and said, "No need to pick him up. Let me rest a bit longer."

Since they were friends, there was no need for such formality. Kallen sat back down on the bed and asked, "Where is the six-winged angel arranged now?"

"Sealed away in a special storage room in our building's basement. People from the Sealing Space Office and the regional Array Department are responsible for applying seals to it, preparing it for transport.

Oh, right, my grandfather came too. He's in charge of this matter."

Kallen stood up once more, picked up his divine robe, and put it on. "Let's go have a look."

The special storage space was a venue rarely put to use. Located on the same floor as the dungeon, it was generally only responsible for the temporary storage of certain exceptional items.

At this moment, the body of that six-winged angel lay upon a platform, multiple layers of seals shimmering across his form.

Old Man Delon tucked away the magic cube in his hand and said to those around him, "Alright, there shouldn't be any problems. Although this angel is still 'alive,' it is currently in a state of suspended animation, so the danger isn't great."

The crowd nodded one after another. They had already sensed as much during the sealing process earlier.

Just then, Kallen walked in, and the other clergymen bowed to him in greeting.

"Lord Minister."

"Lord Minister."

Kallen returned their greetings, and then he bowed to Delon.

"All of you step outside for a moment. I have words to share with Minister Kallen."

"Yes, Bishop."

"Yes, Bishop."

Delon's gaze landed on Richard, who had leaned in to observe the angel upon entering. Richard pointed to himself in some surprise. Delon pointed toward the door. A smile surfaced on Richard's face, and he turned to leave with the others.

"You weren't injured during the mission, were you, Kallen?" Delon asked with great concern.

"I am fine. The tasks were all pre-arranged, so I didn't have to put myself in danger. How exactly is the condition of this six-winged angel?"

"Not great. He is more like a vegetable in medical terms. In truth, he is already dead, but in terms of various bodily functions, he still retains a portion of so-called vitality.

I even suspect that even if he is transported to the Dingle Region and relevant Awakening Masters are invited to wake him, it won't succeed... because he already seems to be an empty shell."

"Then is his existence meaningless?"

Delon smiled and shook his head, pointing at the angel before them. "Even so, he is a treasure from head to toe."

"That is good."

Kallen noticed that Delon's hands had been constantly rubbing together, his gaze repeatedly sweeping over the angel below. Taking the cue, he asked, "Bishop, could you explain the operational logic of these seals to me?"

"Excellent!"

The old man looked as though he had downed a glass of brandy in one gulp. His mood instantly soared as he began to explain the seals applied by the personnel of each department to Kallen.

It was not entirely that Karen wished to coax the old man into high spirits; he knew that no matter how exceptional his own natural gifts might be, the accumulation of experience required vast stretches of time to settle and mature. In this regard, although old Delon’s achievements fell short of Mr. Hoffen’s, and could not even compare to Mentor Piro of the Dingle Region, the sheer wealth of experience he possessed remained a magnificent treasure he could bestow upon his grandson.

The six-winged angel before them, then, had served for a brief moment as a silent, anatomical specimen for the lesson.

As the lecture drew to its close, Delon licked his somewhat dry lips and smiled. "In truth, what I have just explained likely holds little practical use for you. These are all specialized seals unique to our internal system within the Church of Light, and you are not prone to encounter them."

Karen offered a polite nod and a gentle smile. "Indeed, but to learn a bit more is always a virtue. It makes it far more convenient for future comparison and comprehension."

"Quite right. This attitude toward your studies is truly commendable, unlike that lad, Richard..."

"Creak..."

The door was pushed open by Richard, who looked in with a face full of curiosity. "Lord Bishop, did you call for me?"

Karen inquired, "What is the matter?"

"Ah, the Son of God has arrived. He wishes to see the angel."

"Please invite him in."

"Very well."

Moments later, Mavalio walked into the chamber. He wore the vestments of the Church of Light, but upon closer inspection, one could discern that the cuffs and collar were embroidered with a delicate gold trim—a pattern reserved exclusively for the Sons of God.

Delon placed both hands upon his chest, bowing low toward Mavalio. "My greetings, My Lord."

"Greetings to you."

Mavalio extended a hand to support the old bishop’s arm, gesturing that he need not be overly formal. Yet, when he turned his attention to offer a similar courtesy to Karen, he discovered that Karen had not bowed at all.

"Haha, Karen, look at this. I have come to join you for tea."

Mavalio appeared far more cheerful than during their previous encounter. He had likely been transferred down to the local region; having departed from the suffocating atmosphere of the Temple, his entire demeanor had grown noticeably relaxed.

"Did you come because of him?"

"Yes. I have been stationed in this grand region. Can you guess what manner of new department I am establishing?"

"Research into implements of war?"

Karen recalled that this happened to be his particular field of expertise.

"Close, but somewhat different from what you might imagine. The research topic—or rather, the central focus of my department—is currently the study of life-data regarding the new generation of divine creatures.

I was originally supposed to arrive a few days later, but since an angel was discovered here, I chose to come ahead of schedule.

By the way, I have already submitted my application. My temporary research site will be located right within your Bureau of the Whip building. You have no objections, I trust?"

"For that, you ought to inquire with our Regional Director."

"Your Regional Director personally received me at the teleportation hall. He readily agreed; your director is truly an accommodating gentleman."

"At your current station and rank, everyone around you tends to be an accommodating gentleman."

"Oh?" Mavalio suspended his palm just above the angel. "He is already deceased."

"You are the professional. If you say he is dead, then he is most likely dead."

"No matter, it is of little consequence. The physical form still retains its vitality, so it remains of exceedingly high research value. Haha, at any rate, it will not hinder my work."

Old Delon stood to one side, watching his grandson converse so naturally with the Son of God. A smile could not help but touch the corners of his lips; it was much like watching one's own child become companions with an excellent, high-achieving student, an occurrence that never failed to bring joy to an elder's heart.

"Well then, I shall take my leave for now." Delon prepared to depart so as not to disturb them.

"There is no rush, Lord Bishop. I have matters of work to discuss with you later, and I may need to draft a few personnel from the departments under your governance. Why don't we dine together shortly?

Did you know? Karen’s culinary skills are quite magnificent, though he does not readily cook for others. Today, you shall share in my good fortune, and only then will he prepare a meal for us to enjoy."

Delon immediately replied, "Then it is an occasion truly not to be missed. I shall step outside and wait. You two may converse first."

Once Delon had departed, Mavalio turned to Karen and said, "Setting up the office next will be rather tedious and will require some time. Why don't you show me around the sights of York City?"

"I have no time."

"Are you so occupied?"

"Occupied."

"Did we not just capture an angel? Is there a grand mission upon you immediately?"

"In our line of work, there is never a moment of pause."

"No matter. Whatever you are busy with, I shall simply follow and observe. Consider it an early familiarization with the working environment of this region."

"I intend to use this period of leisure to visit my fiancée at the countryside manor."

"Hmm?" Hearing these words, a smile instantly bloomed across Mavalio's countenance. "You have met that Princess of the Dark Moon Island, have you not?"

Karen chose a different manner of reply. "Are you unwell?"

"Ah, so eager to return and see your fiancée. It is quite apparent you have met Her Highness the Princess, and subsequently felt a surge of guilt toward your original betrothed. Thus, you think only of rushing back to redouble your kindness toward her as a form of recompense."

"You are deeply unwell."

"Very well, then. I shall accompany you back, and take the opportunity to become acquainted with your fiancée. After all, we are such excellent companions, are we not?"

To permit a Son of God to enter the Allen Manor...

Karen was genuinely concerned that he might perceive that particular performance hall, and consequently awaken a fragment of related memory.

That would be no different from exposing himself completely.

"I do not wish to disturb my fiancée's life. I shall tour the sights with you upon my return."

"How could it be a disturbance?"

"Your very identity is a disturbance in itself."

"Ah, so that is how it is. I understand."

Karen and Mavalio stepped out of the storage chamber. The moment they emerged, Delon, holding a teacup in hand, spoke up proactively, "The adjutant has just brought me word. There is a banquet this evening; the Chief and several regional bishops are hosting a feast to welcome your arrival, My Lord."

"Ah..." Mavalio felt a touch of helplessness, then turned his gaze toward Karen, inquiring, "You will be attending as well, surely?"

"I harbor no fondness for such social gatherings, so I intend to return to the manor tonight. Yes, I shall depart shortly, so I shall treat you to a meal upon my return."

"Alas, very well."

Richard spoke up, "My Lord, your temporary office has been arranged. It is right beside our chief's room. Our Chief of Investigation proactively surrendered his own office for your use."

"Oh? Then I must offer him my particular gratitude."

Neo, of course, could not have suddenly become so magnanimous. His reason for doing so was simply that the funding for a Son of God came directly through the channels of the Temple, and the office required a fundamental arrangement. Since it was merely temporary and would not be occupied for long, once the guest moved to a new location, Neo would inherit a high-end renovation for free.

"I shall accompany you to inspect your office," Karen said.

"Excellent."

Karen and Mavalio walked upstairs, arriving first at Mavalio's office. As Mavalio pushed open the door, he spoke casually, "By the way, Karen, since I cannot journey there myself, why don't you convey a gift on my behalf to your fiancée to express my greetings?"

Standing within the office was Ophelia. She had likely just received word that her "connections" had been reassigned, and had immediately come from the dormitory building to report to her new superior.

Mavalio evidently recognized Ophelia. He could only murmur a low complaint, "Oh, blast it all, are the isolation arrays of your offices designed so thoroughly?"

Before they had pushed the door open from the outside, there was absolutely no indication that anyone was within.

Ophelia stepped forward and addressed Mavalio, "My Lord, I am Ophelia, a staff member of your new department. I am reporting for duty, and you may assign me my tasks."

As one who considered himself an "excellent companion to Karen," Mavalio instinctively began to salvage the words he had just inadvertently spoken aloud. He addressed Ophelia, saying:

"What I said just now was that I asked Karen to help me choose a local York City specialty gift so I could send it to my fiancée."

Ophelia smiled politely upon hearing this.

"How about Wien bean paste?" Karen said. "Didn't you say your fiancée has a heavy palate and loves Wien bean paste the most? You even said you really like the scent of it on her breath."

"Ah, yes, exactly. Her obsession with bean paste borders on the incomprehensible. Karen, that really is an excellent suggestion."

"Then I shall prepare a vat for you. Will you invoke a special transport array in your name to ship it over?"

"Of course, no problem," Mavalio waved his hand, "Make it fast, it must be done quickly!"

Karen looked toward Ophelia and said, "His department was only just established, so he has nothing to do for now. I will head back to the manor in a moment. Come with me, Eunice misses you."

Mavalio stammered, "Uh..."

Ophelia nodded, "Very well, I brought some gifts and design blueprints for her, but they are back in the dormitory. Shall I go fetch them now?"

Mavalio stood in silence.

"Yes, go ahead. Wait for me at the parking lot in a little while."

Ophelia glanced back at Mavalio, who, despite his wide eyes, did not forget to say, "Very well, leave approved."

"Thank you, My Lord."

Ophelia stepped out of the office, gently closing the door behind her.

"Slap!"

Mavalio clapped his hands together, mocking himself, "Well then, it turns out the clown was myself all along."

"Do you still need that bean paste bought?"

"Buy it," Mavalio sank onto the office sofa with a heavy sigh, saying, "Ah, I truly do have a fiancée now."

"Sounds like a political marriage?"

"Yes."

"Then she must not be an outsider, but from our own Church."

"How could you possibly know that?"

"Anyone who has ever raised pigs knows that pure bloodlines are never allowed to leak outside."

"Hehehe," Mavalio did not take offense but instead burst into laughter, "You are quite right. When the higher-ups arranged this for me, it truly was to serve my status. My fiancée is twelve years older than me."

"In a marriage, I do not believe that is much of a problem."

"She belongs to the Whip of Order."

"I believe marriage should be approached with far greater caution after all."

"The higher-ups took a liking to her loyalty and competence. She is to be my wife, but at the exact same time, she is my bodyguard, or rather, she is responsible for keeping watch over me. Furthermore, her rank is even higher than yours.

Karen, the agony of having a marriage assigned to you by the authorities is something you will never understand."

"My situation is exactly like that, yet I am very satisfied."

"Heh," Mavalio stretched his arms, "The one saving grace for now is that I have been dispatched down to the York City Region. Her high rank carries a drawback—it makes it very difficult for her to transfer, so the wedding can be delayed further."

"Well, there is something I believe it necessary to warn you about in advance."

"Oh? What is it?"

"Our Regional Director, Sousse, whom you met just a moment ago, is actually about to be promoted and transferred to the Dinger Region very soon."

Mavalio's face froze instantly, and he swallowed with immense difficulty.

After a long silence, Mavalio spoke up, "Why do I have a premonition that she will be coming down here?"

Karen nodded and said, "I share that premonition. Your fiancée might very well become the new Regional Director of this region."

Mavalio sprang upright, staring at Karen as he asked, "Karen, what on earth should I do?"

"How should I know."

"Put yourself in my shoes and think it through for me, what should I do."

"I stand in the shoes of my new superior."