Chapter 729: Karen's Radical Plan

Chapter 729: Karen's Radical Plan

The position of regional director for the York City district was thus settled.

In truth, the assistance offered by the Academic Faction to Karen was simple: they had not propelled him toward this seat, but they could help him eliminate outside interference just as he was about to occupy it.

To put it bluntly, it was to prevent another outsider from being parachuted in to reap the rewards.

With this, Karen was already satisfied.

For many local second-in-command officials, the difficulty of striking for the top position often lay not in how well they had performed, but in the leadership above.

Sometimes, the better you performed, the less likely the upper echelons were to grant you the top seat, because the perspectives from above and below were entirely different.

The instinct of those below was to maximize their own power, while the instinct of those above was to prevent such a scenario from occurring.

One must remember that from Sousse to Garsport, Karen had already consecutively endured two leaders who were parachuted in from the outside.

This was actually one of the characteristics of the Academic Faction: its intensity of promotion for its members was not particularly high. Unlike other political or family factions, it would not systematically tilt and support resources using a model of a standard-bearer paired with core members around them.

It lacked the self-preserving and continuous instinctive impulse of an active political faction, and it also lacked a core factional theme and policy.

Therefore, you could not rely on it to serve as a stepping stone beneath your feet.

However, when you relied on your own efforts and excellence to come within a single step of your next goal, it would often extend many hands from above to grab your arms, your wrists, and your shoulders to pull you up.

Was it pure?

Yes, it was very pure.

From the moment Karen entered the living room and greeted everyone, he could feel its purity. Everyone was very gentlemanly and reserved, lacking the shrillness and greasiness of other factions. You did not need to shout any slogans to pledge loyalty to anyone; in fact, you could not even discern its hierarchical distribution at first glance.

Yet,

the purer a circle was, the more realistic it often tended to be.

Here, the weak received no support, and the losers received no compensation; only the strong could mobilize the resources present.

Jakes touched his ring and said, "Recently, several departments in the university have been working on research projects assigned by the Holy See, and there are some interesting developments."

Jakes was the vice president of the University of Order. The University of Order was not merely an institution for cultivating talent for the Divine Religion; it often took on the role of a think tank. Before a new policy emerged, it usually required a process of preparation and brewing, just as dark clouds must appear before it rains, allowing Jakes to discern the direction of the wind in advance.

Andilao held his teacup and continued to sip his tea, and Paley did the same.

Karen knew that Jakes's subsequent words were meant for him, so he proactively asked:

"So, what are these interesting developments?"

"I believe the Holy See is making advance plans for a potentially turbulent situation that may arise in the near future. As you know, more and more people are beginning to believe the prophecy of the Return of the Gods. Even within our religion, quite a few anomalous movements occurred a while ago, though they were quite inspiring, haha.

Therefore, certain deployments are about to formally begin.

From the top down, the 12 Knights of Order will undergo full-capacity training and refurbishment. Vacancies caused by certain historical and special reasons will be filled, and the First Knights Regiment in particular will be well-prepared for a warm-up.

Driven by this, the garrison forces will be continuously drafted into the First Knights Regiment over the coming period, and some retired veteran knights will also be re-hired and recalled.

As for the remainder, when it reaches the local regions, apart from the two largest departmental institutions—the Whip of Order and the Regional Administrative Office—a third-party institution will likely be added to conduct genuine reserve training."

Karen understood. This was the Divine Religion preparing for the impending large-scale war, beginning a preliminary mobilization from top to bottom.

According to the traditions of the Divine Religion of Order, the Knights of Order were the main force of war, the garrison forces were the second wave, and the third wave consisted of the Whip of Order and other personnel from systemic departments with rich combat experience.

Now, they wished to formally establish the third reserve, making it convenient to obtain timely and effective reinforcement when a true major war broke out.

However, for these words to appear here, especially spoken to Karen, the meaning was very clear.

I am telling you, the incoming regional director, about this matter in advance; how do you intend to prepare?

War mobilization did not mean that a war would formally occur. Moreover, the last war of Order against Samsara had created the miracle of the "First-Day War," so even the high-level leadership did not believe a war would break out immediately. It could even be said that the vast majority of people felt that an entity daring enough to drag the Divine Religion of Order completely into the sea and force it into an entirely passive state of war would not appear.

Therefore, when this policy finally trickled down, everyone would still focus on how to extract more personal and factional benefits from it.

Thinking from a deeper perspective, was the presence of these three "titans" to welcome him into the circle today not because they happened to be free, but because it was a pre-arranged foundation?

Karen noticed that although Andilao and Paley appeared very casual and composed under this topic, not joining the conversation was itself a form of "attention."

Therefore, his subsequent response could not be reserved; it had to be... high-profile.

While striving to display his advantages, he also had to reveal his greed. Because he had to accommodate all three "titans" and allow them to participate, this platter could not be small.

Karen spoke up: "If this policy is formally issued and it is confirmed that it will be implemented this way in the local regions, I would be very pleased to see it. It could even be said that a pillow has been delivered just as I was nodding off."

From the corner of his eye, Jakes glanced at the other two, then looked at Karen with a smile and asked:

"Oh? How so?"

Karen replied: "First of all, I believe the impact of this policy does not lie at the top, because whether it is the Knights of Order or the garrison forces, they possess their own strict internal operational logic, making it difficult for outsiders to interfere.

The one truly affected the most is the local level. Lord Vice President Jakes, the third institution you mentioned—I presume it is not an independent third-party structure?"

Jakes shook his head and said, "No, temporarily adding an independent third-party institution makes no sense, because it could not truly survive between the Regional Administrative Office and the Whip of Order."

"I believe so too. Therefore, this third-party institution will likely become a subordinate department jointly controlled by the Regional Administrative Office and the Whip of Order. In regions where the Administrative Office is strong, it will belong to the Administrative Office; where the Whip of Order is strong, it will belong to the Whip of Order."

At this point, Andilao, a high-ranking member of the Whip of Order, spoke up: "Among the regions, there is currently none where the Whip of Order strongly suppresses the Regional Administrative Office. The one doing relatively well is still your York City district. After all, your district is a demonstration district for the reform of the Whip of Order. Yet even so, it cannot be said that the Whip of Order in York City suppresses the Regional Administrative Office.

Chief Bishop Bern is a very formidable figure, haha."

Following Andilao's words, Karen said, "Yes, but my relationship with Chief Bishop Bern is very good. On the vast majority of issues, my views and stance align with his. Furthermore, Bishop Bern has expressed more than once his willingness to entrust the future of York City to me."

The last sentence was pure nonsense.

Bern acted that way, but he would absolutely never say it out loud, because some things could be done but not spoken of

"Cullen, I am not trying to discourage you, but the welfare and stipends they enjoy at the university are very difficult... no, almost impossible to match in this new department of yours.

The only thing that could possibly attract them is... you can grant them freedom. I know this crowd all too well; their abilities are beyond question, but in terms of temperament and work habits, they have grown accustomed to the academic environment and often fail to adapt to the outside world. That is why, although external departments come to poach from me every year, there are also teachers and scholars every year who cry and beg me to transfer them back."

"This problem can be resolved, Lord Principal. The affiliation of all teachers and students who come over will remain with the university, without needing to be transferred to the York City Region.

After all, my York City Region... cannot afford them either."

Hearing this, Principal Jakes immediately straightened up slightly. If this could take shape, it would mean that the University of Order would possess a large agency of its own on the outside.

No, not just one. If the concept were truly realized, the University of Order could possess such a large agency in every single region.

Cullen said, "How many departments can be opened under this agency will be entirely up to you. However many teachers, scholars, and experts you can deploy here, that is how many new offices can be opened. In any case, our region only needs to help prepare the office space."

Jakes began to ponder.

Cullen looked toward Andilao: "My Lord, if this plan can be implemented to excess, it will mean that our Whip of Order has gained another wedge to pry into the local regional administrative offices, which can help the Whip of Order in other regions accelerate the reclamation of power. Furthermore, this agency established in the York City Region can nominally define the management model of the Whip of Order, and we can add corresponding regulatory departments."

Andilao stroked his chin with his hand and said, "Your conception is very bold, but I think the Whip-Bearer should be interested in this."

"Yes, our Whip of Order as a whole has only just begun to revive. Even if our nominal status has been restored and our nominal power has been reclaimed from the regional administrative offices, without the people, the corresponding departments, and the operational capacity, we still cannot avoid continuing to suffer constraints from the regional administrative offices. But if we can possess our own system of operation... then the power of the Whip of Order can be truly implemented and fulfilled.

After all, regulating others is bound to be less difficult than regulating oneself."

"Hahaha," Pare laughed out loud immediately, "if a region truly has to run two identical systems, what a massive waste that would be."

Cullen responded as a matter of course, "Indeed, so let the regional administrative office stop, and we shall take over."

"Heh, you boy, you certainly talk big." Pare silently took a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, drew one out for himself, and then handed the pack to Cullen.

Cullen reached out to take a cigarette; fortunately, although he had quit smoking, he maintained the habit of carrying a lighter with him, and he proactively helped Pare light his cigarette.

Pare stood straighter and blocked the wind with his hand as a polite gesture.

As Pare exhaled his first puff of smoke, Cullen said, "A new department and a new system will require so many implements and devices; a new round of procurement will need to be conducted."

Hearing this, Pare licked his lips and silently took another deep drag of smoke.

Aside from those enshrined within the Temple of Order, the remaining divine artifacts within the Church were basically controlled by the Forbidden Space.

On regular days, the Forbidden Space's overt extra income came from the expenses of retrieving divine artifacts;

But in reality... the Forbidden Space actually possessed the highest-end equipment manufacturing craftsmanship in the entire Holy Church, and their chain of interests and industrial chain extended into many systems and departments under the Holy Church.

Nominally, they did not participate much indeed, but in terms of profit, they were truly not low. There was no helping it; who could blame them when they possessed the most sophisticated and high-end technology?

This inside story had been told to Cullen by Vic, because his teacher, the former High Priest Lasma, had once held a post in the Forbidden Space.

The Forbidden Space system was not large in scale, but it was indeed a lucrative post. Lasma was an "orphan" or rather a High Priest without family backing, which conformed to the political correctness of the Church of Order, yet before assuming the position of High Priest, he had been deliberately arranged to hold a post in the Forbidden Space, which did not lack the arrangement of obtaining assistance from here.

Cullen stood up and said, "I think this is an excellent opportunity, and I also believe we will definitely succeed."

Jakes reached out to rub his temples and said, "If this matter succeeds, the temptation is indeed immense, but once a mistake occurs, the investigation from above will be very embarrassing."

Andilao said, "Cullen, you are going to join the investigation team for the Desert Church next, correct?"

"Yes, My Lord, we assemble and set out the day after tomorrow."

"By the time you return from the investigation team's mission, things on Gasper's side should be arranged as well. Let us have Gasper propose this motion when the time comes."

This was considered a means of transferring risk; once a problem arose with this matter, it did not mean the few people present would be free of responsibility, but at least a scapegoat was clearly defined.

Cullen remained silent. He did not actually care much about who would bear the responsibility in case of failure, because his time was limited, and in terms of political adventure, he could afford to disregard the consequences.

"I do not think we need to trouble the Regional Director with this matter. I can propose it myself, and I am willing to proactively bear all consequences."

However, Cullen's words were directly ignored by the three grandees, who dismissed them as mere beautiful platitudes for the occasion.

Pare shook off the cigarette ash and said, "I think whether this matter can succeed still depends on the specific development of the situation next. If there are any abnormal movements recently, or if any Church again possesses clear rumors of a returning deity, the Holy See's tolerance for our approach will increase at that time."

Jakes looked toward Pare and said, "Have a few divine artifacts in the Forbidden Space give some prophecies, saying they have sensed the aura of their returning master?"

Pare shook his head: "That is too fake, and it easily involves me too deeply. Actually, this time is a good opportunity. Cullen, do you understand what I mean?"

"The Desert Church?" Cullen asked.

Pare exhaled another puff of smoke and said, "Whether it is the wasteland or the desert, since you have joined this investigation team, you have a certain room for maneuver. How the investigation report is written when the time comes is up to you to see fit, or, it would be for the best if you could concoct something about a returning god, heh.

I have heard that the preliminary work of this investigation team has been progressing very poorly."

"This difficulty is a bit great, My Lord."

"That is why it is handed to you to handle, Regional Director Cullen; we recognize your ability." Pare extinguished the cigarette butt and spread his hands open, "In short, however large a table you can prepare, that is how many dishes we can be responsible for serving."

...

The conversation concluded, and Cullen left the study. After he departed, Pare lit a second cigarette and said:

"This boy is truly audacious. What we originally planned was merely to add some water in advance to test the waters, but the moment he stepped up, he made the most radical choice. I truly worry that he is a madman."

Jakes crossed his hands over his knees: "Perhaps we happen to need such a madman. This was originally our expectation of him, was it not?"

Andilao said, "In a while, I will go test the Whip-Bearer's tone. If this matter can obtain the Whip-Bearer's approval, then its connection to us will not be significant. If it really comes to worst and one Gasper is not enough, we can throw Cullen away as well."

Pare nodded and said, "The point I appreciate most about this boy is that he knows he is taking a risk, but he understands how to bear the responsibility of the risk himself. However, whether this matter can truly get off the ground still depends on our Lord Principal."

What Pare and Andilao gained were systemic benefits, and after an incident, the risk would actually be diluted and lowered by the system. But the Principal had to deploy actual personnel to the outside; his stake in the risk was the greatest.

Jakes picked up the cooled teacup, took a sip, spat out the tea dregs, and said:

"I am in no hurry. I will observe further in detail."

...

After bidding farewell to the crowd outside the living room, Cullen walked out of the estate accompanied by Director Jakes.

"How does it feel?" Director Jakes asked.

"Very comfortable," Cullen said.

Jakes said with a smile, "This is a good circle."

"Yes, indeed."

"Do you need me to arrange a car to send you back?"

"No need, Lord Director, I wish to walk by myself."

"Very well, then I shall not see you off." Jakes turned and walked back into the estate.

In truth, Cullen had left early. As a newcomer who had just joined the circle, this should have been a taboo.

But Cullen did not feel there was anything inappropriate about it. Many people felt that a circle required mingling and integrating, but in reality, when your strength and level reached this bracket, the circle would come to accept you on its own.

Cullen began to stroll along the lakeshore; the scenery here was very fine, and the gentle evening breeze could cool his slightly heated mind from earlier.

Yes, even Cullen himself did not believe the plan he had spoken of in the study could be realized, because it was too extreme.

But it mattered not. Every year, the files thrown into the wastebaskets in the various departments of the entire Church of Order... their burning might be enough to generate electricity for a small city.

As he walked, Cullen saw a black crow fly before him, guiding his way.

Cullen followed the black crow and arrived before a three-story villa diagonally opposite the pond. In the courtyard, Siderod was sitting there grilling steaks.

"Teacher, you actually have a house here as well?"

"Is it very strange?" Siderod smiled. "The university raised funds to build them back then. Once you reach a certain level, they can help you cover fifty percent of the cost. At that time, his grandmother and I had not divorced yet, which made exactly one hundred percent."

"So that is how it was."

Cullen seated himself in the chair beside Shidrod.

Shidrod, turning the steaks over with a pair of tongs, remarked, "This happens to be the only piece of property we never divided."

"I imagine it wasn't out of nostalgia," Cullen replied.

"Hardly. It's simply because neither of us could afford the coupons to buy out the other half."

"Are the houses here truly that expensive?"

"Initially, they were a benefit reserved for school staff of a certain rank. But later on, leaders from quite a few external systems began purchasing property here, and other sacred cults bought them up for their international students' team-building activities. The prices have skyrocketed past all reason."

"Ah, no wonder."

"Seeing how leisurely you were strolling out there earlier, I take it the gathering went rather well?"

"Indeed. I should be able to smoothly succeed your granddaughter in her position."

"Hahaha," Shidrod laughed, entirely unoffended. "It's about time she laid down her work and gave some serious thought to her own life. Look over there..."

Cullen followed his gaze to where two small boats drifted side by side upon the pool.

"The Son of God and her, each in their own boat. The Son of God grew angry, yet she insisted on following him, which only angered him further. I am quite at a loss with this granddaughter of mine. When she ought to draw closer, she estranges herself; yet when she ought to allow some distance for things to quiet down, she takes the initiative to bind herself to him."

"In terms of her work, the District Head has been entirely flawless."

"Just like her grandmother. Her grandmother was flawless in her work as well, and her rank rose far above mine long ago, heh. But there exists a certain kind of person in this world—out in public, when interacting with outsiders, their relationships are perfectly harmonious and normal. Yet once they return home, facing those who should be their closest kin, they lose all sense of how to behave."

"Such cases do exist. They habitually reserve their finest temperaments for outsiders, yet never bring them past the threshold."

"I find it somewhat incomprehensible." Shidrod removed a steak and began to slice it.

"Perhaps it is because their self-identity and perception require external people and affairs to be established. At home, they are instead quite lost."

"Lost, you say?" Shidrod placed the sliced steak onto the plate before Cullen, then popped a piece into his own mouth, chewing slowly. "I don't think it's a matter of being lost, but rather a lack of care. They feel that everything at home is a given, and that the people within the home are merely blurred figures."

Cullen did not reply, contenting himself with picking up his fork to eat the steak; he was hungry.

That academic faction was truly too extravagant. To think they merely drank wine and tea without preparing any dinner at all.

Shidrod spoke again, asking, "You are on very good terms with the Lord Son of God. What kind of person do you perceive him to be? Cullen, I am asking you in earnest, so please answer me with equal sincerity."

Cullen replied, "He has never once forgotten that he is the Son of God."

Shidrod pursed his lips. "Could you be a bit more specific?"

"In our Wien, there is a method to distinguish aristocrats from commoners. When bathing, if one strips off one's clothes and shows timidity before others, that person is usually a commoner. The one who remains entirely composed is the aristocrat. Yet this is not because the aristocrat has lost all sense of shame."

Shidrod said, "Because aristocrats are accustomed to exposing their bodies before servants, and in their eyes, servants are not quite human."

Shidrod began turning a second steak. "I am deeply worried for my granddaughter, worried for her future."

"Though it may sound somewhat cruel, I believe you ought to respect her choice."

"But she is just like her grandmother. At times, they lack the capacity to make a choice in certain aspects. Just as you said, they are flawless in their work, but in matters of emotion and family, they are lost.

Most importantly, I could divorce her grandmother to find liberation, but I cannot sever the bond of flesh and blood that makes her my granddaughter. This is a grandfather's love for his granddaughter. Can you understand that?"

"I can understand."

Cullen nodded, for his own grandfather had even gone so far as to actively strip away the bloodlines of the rest of the family just to bestow them upon him alone.

"I know that you possess the ability to influence the Son of God."

Cullen set down his fork, picked up his glass to take a sip of water, and ceased eating. He asked very seriously, "What is it you intend to say, Teacher?"

"The matter is already settled; the engagement is locked in. I have neither the power nor the ability to alter anything. I only hope the outcome can be as normal as possible. I hope you can help her—no, help them.

I have nothing of great value about me to offer as a token of my gratitude, but I did search around..."

"You need not be so courteous with me, Teacher. Your instruction to me this morning was more than enough. Furthermore, though I cannot speak for the future, at least for the time being, the Lord Son of God still considers me a friend. Wishing for a friend's life to go well is only what I ought to do."

Cullen's perception of Mavalio had always been crystal clear. The man had merely lowered himself because he wished to play at games of family or friendship; Cullen, on the other hand, was always fully aware that he was the one crouching down.

Still, the two of them were very much birds of a feather. Mavalio frequently maintained the self-conscious dignity of his status as the Son of God, while Cullen occasionally allowed a sense of being 'different' to slip through;

consequently, being in his company served as a convenient mirror for self-reflection.

"The diaries and essays of the Mad Pope—I possess copies of them here, left behind from the days when he was an exchange student here. Furthermore, the Mad Pope's former dormitory room was physically excised from the residential building by the school and sealed away, but I have a way to enter.

As a researcher of history, you know it is truly impossible to refuse the chance to read the words they left behind and to pay homage to their former residences, for these are opportunities to form a resonance with their souls and bodies.

Are you interested in these?"

Cullen's answer was entirely candid: "I am interested, but I am unwilling to make a trade with you, Teacher."

Shidrod shook his head. "This is no trade. Consider it a supplementary lesson."

"Very well, Teacher."

After finishing the meal, Cullen took his leave. Yet just as he reached the lakeshore, the two small boats made landfall.

The first to step ashore was Mavalio. Even the gloom of the night could not shroud the sullenness in the eyes of the Lord Son of God.

When Gaispor stepped up, she offered Cullen a perfectly normal smile. "The gathering must have gone very smoothly. They were quite eager to have you join."

See, the District Head was back to being normal again.

Cullen replied, "It went very smoothly. Furthermore, I proposed a rather risky and radical plan. Lord Andilao suggested that you submit it before stepping down from your post, so that you might help bear the risks should it fail."

This was not a display of forced candor; there was simply nothing to hide. None of them were fools, and Gaispor would clarify the matter herself when the time came anyway.

Hearing this, Gaispor's expression turned slightly grave, but after a moment she still said, "It is what I ought to do."

Mavalio suddenly sneered, "With me around anyway, even if you truly blunder, you won't suffer any real punishment, will you?"

Evidently, tonight's utterly dreadful date had left the Lord Son of God so thoroughly vexed that he could no longer refrain from sarcastically lashing out.

Gaispor replied, "Because the nature of my work has already changed."

Mavalio retorted, "However, I am very displeased with your current work..."

Cullen reached out and draped his arm over Mavalio's shoulder, catching Mavalio completely off guard.

It wasn't that he resented such a 'transgressive' gesture from Cullen; in truth, in their daily interactions, he was usually the one who preferred to initiate such familiarity, while Cullen was the one who remained reserved and took care to maintain a proper distance.

"Do you know the difference between an internal family conflict and an external conflict?"

Mavalio managed to soothe his temper for Cullen's sake, letting out a sigh as he asked, "What, are you going to lecture me now?"

"Indeed. Is that not allowed?" Cullen asked with a smile. "Since you don't understand, shouldn't I teach you?"

"Heh, you actually..." Mavalio's lips mumbled for a second before he shrugged. "Fine, go ahead and speak."

Cullen pointed into the distance toward Lord Andilao, who, having concluded the gathering, was currently bidding farewell to the others at the manor gates before preparing to step into his carriage and depart.

"He suggested letting your wife suffer the loss and bear the blame."

Mavalio glanced at Cullen. "And?"

"Once his carriage sets off, go and block his path."

"Heh, and then? Give him a beating?"

Cullen patted Mavalio's chest, countering with a question of his own:

"Why ever not?"

Mavalio looked at Cullen in utter astonishment. "Cullen, do you have any idea what you are saying right now?"

Given your identity, if you go and thrash him, he won't dare strike back. Even after it's over, he won't report it; he will just have to swallow the beating for nothing. So, why not do it? Go on, Mavallo, go and teach him a lesson.

Mavallo frowned and asked, "But why should I go and teach him a lesson?"

Karen pointed at Gaspor standing across from them,

and replied:

"Because only after you teach him a lesson can you properly come back and teach her one."

"I..."

Karen said, "I helped you vent your anger. If you let me take grief from you in return, that would be wrong of you."

"Right and wrong?"

"Yes, right and wrong."

"Can such things even be distinguished between husband and wife?"

"If you can't distinguish them, that is your problem, not a matter of right and wrong."

"Hehehehehe..." Mavallo let out a laugh. "I thought you were going to lecture me on some logic about family responsibility, but I didn't expect you to speak so childishly. Karen, you really surprise me."

"In essence, it's the same. What I have done and sacrificed for you and for this family doesn't require an equal return from you, but you should at least offer a smile."

Absolutely correct theories are often hard-pressed to solve practical problems. Karen felt that for a fellow like Mavallo, who was noble and proud to his very bones, and the District Chief, who had lost her sense of intimacy, high-minded counsel was ill-suited.

It was better to let them secularize their domestic relationship a bit, turning it into a matter of plus signs and equal signs, determining right and wrong by family contribution. That was far better than constantly hurting each other in vain exhaustion.

Two squirrels whose sole focus was gathering and hoarding things for their home could actually be very happy.

Mavallo rolled up his sleeves. He didn't even know himself whether he was going to beat someone up for his wife or to give face to his friend Karen.

Seeing this, Gaspor took a deep breath and said:

"Lord Son of God, please do not act recklessly."

Hearing this, Karen gave Mavallo a shove

and said:

"Did you hear that? Go beat him up, she's urging you."

Mavallo's figure transformed into a cloud of black mist and drifted away.

On the spot, only Karen and Gaspor remained by the lakeshore.

The two of them waited quietly for a moment.

Karen spoke up, "District Chief, I thought you would blame me for recklessly interfering in the affairs between you and your husband."

Gaspor shook her head and said, "I won't, because I know you mean well."

"So, why can't you show this side to Mavallo?"

Gaspor replied, "For some reason, I just can't do it. I also admit that his anger today is my fault. He actively tried to do some things today, and I shouldn't have responded to him that way."

"I used to have a subordinate who was just like this."

Karen thought of Philomena.

Gaspor asked, "Then how did she solve this problem?"

She didn't solve the problem; she simply solved her grandmother with her own hands.

"It requires a process. Sometimes, it only takes right here..." Karen pointed to the center of his own brow, "...for a small breach to appear."

Philomena seemed to have pierced through her grandmother's brow with a single blade, hadn't she?

"Then what exactly should be done?" Gaspor pressed further. "Today, I feel a sense of guilt toward him."

"Because you know he is trying to make an effort."

"I want to as well," Gaspor said with a faint smile, "whether you believe it or not."

I believe it; you even cut your finger today.

"I have a suggestion. You said that marrying him and living together is work. Then, have you truly treated it as work? Though this may sound somewhat inappropriate and incorrect, I suggest you treat our Lord Son of God as your subordinate.

When a subordinate returns after achieving a merit, you know to reward him. The more merits and the greater they are, the richer the rewards become. You can set up a progress chart for yourself."

"It can even be done that way?"

"Of course it can. The prerequisite is that you must respond. An absolutely equal expenditure in affection does not exist, but emotional equality can be achieved."

"Emotions? So, what specific rewards should be given?"

Karen hesitated for a moment, just happening to see the black mist returning in the distance. This was the Son of God coming back after finishing the beating. Therefore, Karen deliberately replied:

"For instance, when a certain progress is reached, you can let him forgo the syringe."

Gaspor's face darkened, and she said in disbelief, "Karen, you and he are truly good friends. He actually told you even this?"

"Buzz!"

Right at that moment, the black mist descended, and the Lord Son of God appeared. "I just broke one of his arms and one of his legs. When he and his security personnel saw it was me, none of them dared to fight back, hehe."

Immediately following that,

the Lord Son of God pointed his finger at Gaspor. "Alright, now let's settle the score for how you made me unhappy this afternoon. I'm going to start teaching you a lesson!"

Gaspor's furious gaze shifted from Karen to Mavallo. Ultimately, as if a certain emotion had finally found an outlet, she snapped:

"Get lost!"

After shouting this, she turned around and walked toward the villa belonging to her grandparents.

"Huh?"

Mavallo stood frozen on the spot, and Karen stood there with him.

Once the District Chief's figure was completely out of sight, Karen spoke up, "Do you need me to explain it to you?"

"Hahahahahahahahaha!"

The Lord Son of God suddenly doubled

over with laughter, laughing like an idiot, his finger pointing in the direction his fiancée had left.

"Haha, she actually got angry! Karen, did you hear that? She told me to get lost!"