Chapter 747: Position on the Mural

Chapter 747: The Fresco's Place

Owing to the time difference, when Karen materialized within the York City Grand Region’s teleportation array hall, the Wien sky had only just begun to pale, leaving the vast space largely devoid of travelers save for the staff on duty.

Before his departure, Karen had explicitly commanded that his return itinerary be kept secret, and so his sudden emergence caught quite a few workers off guard; the night-shift deputy director, who had been dozing in his office, was frantically roused by his subordinates and came rushing over so fast he managed to lose a leather shoe along the way.

Karen offered him a polite smile, exchanging a brief word of mutual appreciation for their hard work, before leading his entourage straight through and out.

There was a reason for returning in such a low-profile manner.

Though his recent exploits had been heavily publicized by the Church, the fundamental purpose behind that propaganda was merely to "offset a disaster with a joyous distraction."

The prevailing theme remained the grief and humiliation over the annihilation of the investigation team, so if Karen were to return with great fanfare—staging welcome rallies or throwing celebratory banquets—it would truly be a grotesque case of celebrating amidst a funeral.

In the past, he had deliberately courted high visibility to engineer opportunities for rapid advancement; now that he had achieved his position, it was time to gradually shift his image toward sobriety and composure, erasing the disadvantage of his "youth" as much as possible.

Another reason was that Jaspar was on the verge of handing over the regional director's post to him; at such a juncture, Karen needed to maintain a low profile, not only to ease Jaspar’s feelings but also to protect his own public standing.

Richard had already observed some whispers circulating outside, suggesting that Karen's most proficient spell was one that "cursed his superiors."

It was merely a jest, and though it bore the malicious intent of envy, it had not yet gathered real momentum; nevertheless, it was enough to put Karen on his guard—once anyone was branded with such a "label," climbing any higher in the future would become exceedingly difficult; after all, who would willingly promote a subordinate fated to ruin them?

The higher one stood, the fiercer the wind blew, and every single step had to be taken with absolute stability; so long as the tangible benefits and power were held firmly in his grasp, he could well afford to forgo the limelight.

The attendant to Chief Bishop Bourne was waiting there; upon seeing him, Karen understood the implication immediately, prompting him to instruct Philomena to take the others ahead while he followed the attendant up to the top-floor office of the Chief Bishop.

Inside the office, Bourne was having his breakfast, thick Wien paste cakes accompanied by dried meat floss.

"Will you join me?" Bourne asked, gesturing toward his desk.

Karen shook his head: "No, thank you. I'll eat when I get home."

Slaughtering his way through the desert had been exhausting enough; there was no need to return only to engage in a desperate struggle with thick paste.

"Isn't this place your home?" Bourne sucked a smear of paste from his fingertip, then picked up a damp towel nearby to wipe his hands, "From this day forth, the York City Grand Region belongs to you, Karen."

Karen took a seat on the sofa and poured himself a cup of tea; the water was cold, suggesting Bourne too had only just arrived at the office.

"It is due to your yielding; you never intended to compete with me and were even willing to give me a hand up, so I am the one who has gained an immense advantage."

"I have no fondness for struggles born of petty self-interest; one contends for authority to command more power and create better conditions to get things done, not to become infatuated with these games of political maneuvering.

I remember back when we were eating grilled meat in the basement of the Lemaire Pottery Gallery, I said I felt you and I were very alike; that impression has not faded through everything we have traversed, but has instead deepened.

Karen, I am willing to help you and willing to step aside for you, not because I wish to gain anything from you, but because I hope you can pursue what both you and I wish to do with greater ease."

Karen smiled faintly: "Regarding what we both wish to do, I hope you might speak a bit more specifically."

Bourne shrugged: "To be specific, there really isn't much to say; it is simply a matter of following the guidance of Order."

"That is perhaps a bit too broad on your part."

"The path is something one finds while walking it. In my view, unless you perish abruptly in some unforeseen accident one day, you have an excellent chance in the future of taking a seat at that round table at the very summit of the Holy See."

Karen took a sip of the cold tea and remarked: "Hah, this tea is a bit scalding to the tongue."

"What did your Whiplash master chat with you about?"

Karen laughed: "You know about that already?"

"Are you unfamiliar with the habits of our own system's chief? You walked through the transparent corridor; entering from there was actually a deliberate display for others to see, and that news will only spread outward with the utmost speed."

"Before going there, I truly didn't know."

"What was said?"

"He praised me, noting that the little bone dragon by my side was being raised rather well."

"And the rest?"

"Nothing more."

"A half-hour block of time, and you two were in there playing with a dragon?"

"I came out long ago, but lingered for a while by the new secretary's desk to run up the clock."

"Heh, did you have a prior relationship with this new secretary?"

"Our first meeting."

"There is a relationship now; the man ought to remember your 'kindness'."

"Do you possess sources of information even within our Whiplash headquarters, sir?"

"No matter the station a person occupies, there is always a need for post-meal chatter; certain matters, provided one's standing is high enough, cease to be secrets at all.

Piecing together what was transpiring during that period and the opportunities it set in motion, one can more or less deduce the flavor of it; after all, he is the secretary beside the Whiplash master—though his official rank is not high, his status and position are formidable indeed, making it quite the tale of a great figure."

"By that logic, I lost out; I should have eaten a late-night supper at his place before returning."

"Why didn't you just set up a cot in front of his desk and sleep there, letting the word spread outside that the Whiplash master held you in such high regard he did not hesitate to converse with you through the night?"

"That would be a bit excessive."

"Not necessarily; you are exceedingly good-looking, and if you could secure that kind of 'identity certification,' getting things done would become much easier, haha."

"Sir, did you perhaps not fully wake up from your sleep last night?"

"Ah." Bourne waved his hand dismissively, "I am old and no longer possess the qualifications for it; otherwise, I really wouldn't care. One protects a reputation only because it can be cashed in."

Karen believed him; Bourne truly did not care, for he was a man who would use any means necessary to achieve his ends.

Karen took another sip of the cold tea.

Bourne tapped the desk and said: "Jaspar has already submitted her resignation; the current situation leaves her no choice, and she must vacate her post."

"Which is why I intend to go stay at the countryside manor for a couple of days starting today, returning to assume office once the bureaucratic processes here are finalized."

"What, has a man like you, who wallows in the mud pit year-round, now learned to cherish his feathers?"

"It is called progress."

"Heh, doing so is reasonable enough; avoid the scene for two days, and when Jaspar's paperwork is finished, you can return for the handover meeting. Basic etiquette should be observed where possible, and you can take some time to rest."

What Karen was doing now was precisely what Jaspar had done when she replaced Suse.

Bourne continued: "There is one more matter; that reform proposal looks as though the higher-ups intend to have our Grand Region serve as the demonstration model."

"After all, our region is well accustomed to bearing such responsibilities."

"Mhm, that proposal Jaspar submitted should be the intent of your Academic Faction, correct?"

"Yes."

"The primary architect—was it you?"

"It is somewhat radical."

"More than just somewhat; this is an attempt to use the guise of reform to directly reshuffle the entire power structure of the local grand regions.

I'm willing to wager that the reason the summit agreed to run this pilot in our region is precisely because they do not believe the proposal can be fully implemented—at most, perhaps ten or twenty percent of it will take root."

"Yes, I am already prepared to be ordered to halt when the time comes."

"Then you must move swiftly to establish accomplished facts; by the time the higher-ups realize something is amiss, they will have to swallow their displeasure and accept it, because while they can halt the process, they usually cannot force a reversion, lest they contradict the very ideological direction they proposed.

As it stands, our Church of Order has formally intervened in the desert civil war; the High Priest has struck a very high note, and it is impossible to alter that direction now.

On the side of the University of Order, are you certain of your ground?"

"Yes, they are together."

"Then as far as specialized talents are concerned, there is no need to worry. The Whip of Order will certainly pose no issue, and neither will my regional management office.

This newly emerging department must be as comprehensive as possible, encompassing every single sector, and then the responsibilities of the department must be fully assumed. Your proposal was still somewhat conservative, suggesting this new department serves as an effective supplement to the original grassroots operational system.

Stop being so evasive; let it take center stage directly."

"You are even more radical than I am."

"The arrow has already been shot, so there is no need to harbor any more misgivings. Once you take over as regional director, you can then lead this new department. Heh, when that time comes, everything across the entire York City region will be in your hands.

I am not envious in the least. Quite the contrary, I like this sort of picture very much, where inefficient bickering is finally bypassed, boosting efficiency while simultaneously concentrating strength.

This is exactly what is needed at present, because judging by the current situation, the future will only become more chaotic."

"I am of the same opinion."

"Alright, as for the details of the specific implementation plan, I will draft a copy on my end, and you draft one on yours. Then we can swap and review them. Settling it early means it can be implemented sooner."

"Understood, I will do so."

Karen stood up and bowed to Bern, preparing to take his leave.

As Karen turned around, Bern suddenly spoke: "Karen, I have already helped you this much, you must absolutely never make me regret it."

Karen nodded and said, "Please rest assured, I guarantee you that anything you do to help me will never conflict with your faith."

Saying this, Karen raised his finger and pointed upward:

"The Great God of Order is watching."

...

Just as Karen stepped out of the educational administration building, he saw Alfred's car parked there.

"Master, you have worked hard."

"Is everything well at home?"

"Everything is very well at home."

"What about Philomena and the others?"

"They went back to the Guman family residence first."

Karen sat in the passenger seat, while Dali Wenluo sat in the back.

"Alfred, have you two already conversed?"

Alfred replied, "We just got acquainted."

Karen said to Dali Wenluo, "Alfred is the person I trust most."

"Yes, I understand." Dali Wenluo nodded. "Mr. Alfred, heh."

That final chuckle clearly still carried a hint of stubbornness.

A smile appeared at the corner of Alfred's mouth; completely unfazed, he continued driving.

"Let us head straight back to the manor. I will rest for two days while waiting for the handover procedures to finish here."

"Very well, Master. There is one thing I must inform you of: Neo is back."

"Did he not run away from home? He returned quite early this time."

"He most likely gambled away all his vouchers."

"Gambled them all away?"

"Yes, he no longer holds the status of a department head, and no matter how realistic a fake identity is crafted, it is currently inconvenient to secure loans on the black market. The reason is that Department Head Neo's borrowing followed by his supposed death caused two accounting firms on the local black market to go bankrupt. Now, private banks and accounting firms on the black market have tightened their loan disbursements. He blocked his own path."

"Did he look for you?"

"Yes, he approached me last night to borrow vouchers, and I disbursed a portion to him."

Karen asked, "Did he write an IOU?"

"He did, quite standard."

"That is good. By the way, where is he now?"

"I told him that you would be returning today. I expect he will also come to the manor to see you today; after all, you have not seen each other for some time."

"We must find something for him to do. I do not feel at ease with him drifting outside."

"Master, there will be things to do next. The newly formed department is highly suitable for placing personnel."

Their master was about to become the regional director of this area; arranging positions and fabricating identities could be said to be very simple matters now.

"Let us ask for his thoughts first. If he is unwilling, there is no way to force him." Karen suddenly thought of something and added, "Tell him that perhaps in a while, our region will also organize a 'militia regiment' to go to the desert for combat training. If he is willing to return, I will arrange for him to be the deputy commander."

The commander position could be given to Muri. At any rate, Muri could not control Neo anyway, so once they reached the desert, Neo could do whatever pleased him.

The Grand Priest wanted to use the desert to train the God Sect's troops, so he would let Neo go help him train the region's troops.

"I understand, Master. I will find an opportunity to persuade Neo."

At noon, the car drove into the Allen Manor.

Old Anderson hurried down to welcome them. He had not received prior notice of Karen's return, and only realized it when he saw that black second-hand Ponts drive in.

"Master Karen, Eunice went to Sampu City the day before yesterday to attend a fashion design conference, accompanied and protected by Count Rekar himself. I shall notify her to return immediately."

"No need, she has her own things to pursue, which is very good. Do not notify her; I do not wish to disturb her pleasure."

Old Anderson observed him carefully, finally confirming that Karen was not speaking in sarcasm.

As Karen walked up the stairs, he asked, "Where is Pu'er?"

"Left in the early morning, saying it was to conduct an experiment. Should be back this afternoon."

Conducting an experiment; that meant the teleportation formation in the performance hall was likely nearing completion.

"Oh, I see. Go attend to your business, I am going to rest for a bit."

"Very well, Master. Have a good rest."

Karen walked into the bedroom. While showering, he heard the sound of the door opening. Five maids came in to replace the fresh fruit, make the bed, light the incense, and set out clean pajamas.

One of the maids boldly walked to the bathroom door, gathering her courage to say, "Master, do you need us to attend to your bath?"

Hearing this, the head maid immediately marched over, pinched her hard on the waist, and forcefully led her and the other maids who had finished their tasks out of the room.

Karen walked out after his shower and changed into his pajamas.

Thinking of what that maid had said standing at the door earlier, he shook his head with a smile. Everyone was eager to find opportunities around them to climb upward; she was like this, and in truth, he was too.

Lying down on the bed, he opened the nightstand, which contained the novel he had not finished reading last time he was here.

Even up until now, Karen felt that one of the most comfortable things in life was being able to lie in bed and read a novel.

...

Alfred and Dali Wenluo finished their lunch in the dining room.

Dali Wenluo said, "Are we going to the performance hall next? I am very much looking forward to hearing your explanation of the story."

"Heh, thank you. The honor is mine."

"By the way, I heard from that one named Philomena that you enjoy studying murals?"

"Yes, it is a personal hobby of mine."

"Then when you have some spare time in the future, design one for me too."

"No problem."

"Just place me in the front row—actually, never mind, just put me right behind Karen."

"That is also not a problem."

"Alfred picked up his napkin, wiped his mouth, his expression remaining perfectly calm."

"This new coffin resident had been taken in by the young master far too hastily and abruptly. Of course, Alfred did not think his young master had done anything wrong. Under the circumstances at the time, the young master's move was nothing short of miraculous; without this man's addition, it would have been difficult for the young master to achieve such great merits in the desert."

"However, the subsequent task of polishing and refining him would now fall upon his own shoulders."

"Oh, right, that dog—it is a dog, right? The bald-headed one, where is it? How come I haven't seen it?"

"They went out and will probably return around dusk."

"At that moment, Alfred spotted a crow flying outside the dining room; it was Neo's crow."

"Ever since the manor's defensive array was set up last time, Neo had been unable to infiltrate the premises. Alfred had offered him the array's key afterward, but he refused, claiming he would definitely find a way to get in on his own in the future."

"It seemed that this time, he had failed yet again."

"It had to be said that with an inspector like Neo around, everyone truly felt a great deal more secure about the safety coefficient of this place."

"Come out with me first to pick someone up."

"Alright," Daliwenluo said as he stood up. "It happens to be the perfect opportunity to digest the food I just ate before listening to any more stories."

"Alfred drove Daliwenluo out to the perimeter of the manor, where Neo was currently leaning against the door of a white sedan, wearing sunglasses, holding a cigarette between his fingers, his hair dyed purple."

"Are you planning to take over Mr. Luther's business, sir?"

"Neo took off his sunglasses: "I lost all my coupons, so I have no choice but to change my lifestyle.""

"The ones given to you—you lost them all again?"

"Bad luck. Caught up in the impact of the war, the market fluctuated violently, and my positions kept getting liquidated at every turn."

"Right after, Neo noticed Daliwenluo stepping out of the car and asked:"

"Yo, is this our Lord Kevin manifesting into human form?"

"Alfred replied: "The new coffin resident, a renegade of the God of Life.""

"Mhm, Karen does love collecting these rebels."

"Do you still need coupons?" Alfred inquired.

"Oh? You're still willing to lend them to me?"

"A private sponsorship. I believe that after losing for so long, it is finally your time to win."

"You have great vision, knowing that my previous losses were merely laying the groundwork."

"Alfred handed a card to Neo: "This is from my personal savings, not the public account.""

"Neo accepted the card: "Speak, what are the conditions?""

"The new resident has a bit of arrogance in his heart; please help me break it down a bit.""

"You truly are considerate, my dear Alfred. I just lost my coupons and was looking for a way to vent some stress anyway. Still, could you perhaps spare a few more Order coupons?"

"Coupons are exceptionally tight right now, especially with the new department about to open."

"The God of Order being short on Order coupons—if word got out, I'm afraid no one would dare believe it."

"What is there to disbelieve? When has the offering money from believers ever truly been delivered into the hands of a god?"

"Heh, well said. Fascinating logic."

"At this point, Daliwenluo walked over and said to Neo: "Hello, I am Daliwenluo, former Life believer, current Order believer.""

"Neo responded: "Hello, I am Neo, former Order believer, current Luther believer, bloodthirsty demon, Radiant rebel believer, Radiant liberal believer, Radiant normal believer, and Dense Hair Sect believer.""

"Dense Hair Sect believer?"

"Yes. Therefore, let us duel, you bald pagan."

"Heh, are you looking to fight me?" Daliwenluo twisted his neck with great excitement, his palm opening as a sapling grew into a wooden club."

"In the desert, he had ambushed and killed many outstanding youths from various sects, allowing his previously shattered sapling to absorb a massive amount of vitality and completely restore itself."

"Come, come, come, let's head to that open clearing ahead. Being too close to the manor makes me worry about triggering the defensive array, and looking at that bald head of yours just makes me angry!"

"Neo took the initiative to walk toward the grassland ahead."

"Daliwenluo still maintained a shred of caution, making a point to ask Alfred before departing:"

"Alfred, this Neo guy is friends with our young master, right? How is his strength?"

"He gets defeated by our young master in a single move every single time, yet he always tirelessly continues to challenge him."

"Because he helped our young master once in the past, the young master cherishes old sentiments and has always indulged him, not only constantly lending him coupons but also finding ways to arrange work for him."

"Rest assured, from now on, I will take care of matters like this on your young master's behalf, haha."

"Shouldering his wooden club, Daliwenluo strode toward the grassland ahead."

"Alfred stood rooted to the spot, silently lighting a cigarette:"

"The second position on the mural, is it..."

"——"

"Happy New Year, everyone!"