13 Mink Street

This was a divine decree reading destined to be recorded in history.

First came a temporary announcement of the latest news from the front, informing every force in the world that was watching this war: Reincarnation was already beaten flat by Order.

Then, after that temporary notice was over, the declaration of war that had always been scheduled for release at exactly noon today was read out, carefully and solemnly according to established procedure.

This was a procedural error. Logically speaking, since the Church of Reincarnation had already surrendered, there was no need to issue the declaration of war that followed, as the war was already over. Once the war was ended, reading out the declaration of war became entirely unnecessary and completely redundant.

And yet it was precisely this procedural error that displayed the might of the Church of Order to the world with perfect clarity. Although no direct conflict had broken out between orthodox churches for a thousand years since the fall of Light, the barbs on the Whip of Order had not rusted. It was still the most powerful church in the world. Not one of the most powerful, but the only one.

To those who believed the Church of Order had declined, who thought it had weakened, who believed the God of Order had already turned away from the Church of Order...

Open your eyes and look carefully at who truly holds the whip in this ecclesiastical world.

A thousand years seemed to have caused many people to forget certain things, leading them to take for granted how the Code of Order, that body of law capable of restraining every church in the world, had originally come into being.

In The Emperor’s New Clothes, the only one who mocked the emperor for having no clothes was an ignorant child.[1]

No one would joke about this error in procedure, nor would anyone find it amusing that the Church of Reincarnation, a dignified orthodox church, had failed to hold out under Order’s assault even until the formal declaration at noon on the second day.

After reading the divine decree, High Priest Norton remained standing there, and his voice continued to flow from the speakers. Before the broadcast ended, before both the voice and the projection faded, he let out a laugh, “Heh.”

That laugh was Order’s mockery and disdain, and it was directed at the world. Even Karon, who had always viewed things with something of an outsider’s perspective, could not help but feel his heart stir at the sound of that laugh.

No one rejects a powerful collective. Everyone feels pride in belonging to one, especially when that collective is writing out its dominance in a manner so true to its own character.

Karon recalled something Tiz had once said to him: “Under the light of Order, all are treated equally. That means no one is worthy of making the Church of Order regard them differently.”

From beginning to end, what Tiz had resisted was the God of Order. He had never resisted the Church of Order itself.

During the battle at the church on Mink Street, Tiz had merely blown up the Temple of Order; He had not killed a single Order priest. Even Elder Sithe had merely been hung from a cross, left to dry for a while.

Despite all the various problems within the Church of Order, one thing still could not be denied: in the current epoch, it had restrained the power of the churches and brought the world a situation in which development was possible.

After High Priest Norton’s image vanished, every Order priest in the conference hall placed both hands over the chest, bowed, and cried out with utmost sincerity, “Praise Order!”

“Praise Order!”

The Divine Progeny of the Church of Pamireth standing on the platform also changed his ritual gesture and placed both hands over his chest. The priests of the Church of Pamireth below glanced at one another, then changed their own gestures as well and shouted together: “Praise Order!”

No matter what, those people had gone through far too much turmoil and upheaval during recent days. Now that they had made up their minds to cling to a powerful backer, and had already done so, they truly felt much more at ease.

At this moment, they merely hoped that once the real negotiations began, Order would show greater magnanimity in consideration of the help provided by the Church of Pamireth.

And in truth, that was exactly what happened. The negotiations that followed went extremely smoothly, so smoothly that both sides merely took the terms in their hands and read them out, one by one. Karon even felt that the treaty texts both sides held were identical down to the last word.

Order had displayed its generosity to the Church of Pamireth.

The treaty could roughly be divided into three major points:

The first point was that the mythological narratives of the Church of Order and the Church of Pamireth would be merged. However, after the merger, the god Pamireth would not be recast as a subordinate of the God of Order, but as the God of Order’s friend, following alongside Him.

This treatment was far better than the original version, which had declared Pamireth to be a subordinate god. At the very least, in terms of divine status and personhood, Pamireth stood on equal footing with the God of Order.

Seated below and listening to the progress of the negotiations, Karon once again deeply understood the truth of the saying that history is a young girl to be dressed up at will.

A mythological narrative framework was effectively a kind of tampering with history. During the previous epoch, two gods who might have never had much to do with one another could, in the mythological narratives of their churches during the next epoch, become intimate friends who shared everything.

Yet this did not feel absurd, because within the faith systems of the churches, each church’s god was the supreme being to their own believers. If the relationship between the gods was not settled first, then the relationship between their people could not be managed.

For example, if some heretical god were suddenly to rise, regaining strength beneath combined suppression from all sides, the church that had once denounced that god as heretical would probably have to revise its own mythological narrative. The heretical god condemned by that church’s deity would become someone with whom there had merely been a minor disagreement, a harmless joke between the two sides.

In short, if one wanted to get things done, one first had to solve the ideological problems. If that was not resolved, the disorder would simply be pushed off for later, and sooner or later, trouble would arise again.

The second major point of the treaty was that the Church of Order agreed to respect all of the autonomy of the Church of Pamireth, including in regards to diplomacy, economics, missionary work, and other such matters. More than that, the Church of Order would also strengthen cooperation with the Church of Pamireth in all those areas.

If the first point gave face, then the second gave substance.

Karon knew that the spacegem credits he had bought cheaply yesterday were about to soar the moment this meeting ended. They might even rise back to their original market value. Just from turning those over, he was likely going to make tens of thousands of Order credits.

Still, he had only conducted a bit of small business. What his captain had done was a genuine major move. Starting this morning, Reincarnation credits had certainly fallen because of the war, and after the church’s surrender, they would surely continue to drop for some time, depending on how the subsequent negotiations unfolded.

Karon had no idea how many credits Nio had on that second card, nor how much of his savings he had thrown into it.

The third major point was that the Church of Order and the Church of Pamireth would form an alliance. Whichever side war was declared upon, or whichever side declared war on someone else, the two churches would move forward in step.

This amounted to the Church of Order taking the Church of Pamireth under its wing. For a mid-sized church, such treatment was the kind of thing one would laugh oneself awake over in a dream.

Amid the fervent atmosphere of both negotiating delegations rising to their feet and applauding, the negotiations came to a smooth close. Karon and the other two escorted Delius back to his room. After arranging lunch for the man, Karon returned to his own room, only to find Paige and Fannie packing up their clothes when he walked in.

“What’s going on?” Karon asked. “Are we checking out?”

Fannie smiled. “We’re clearing the room for the next squad.”

“What do you mean?” Karon asked, puzzled.

“It means our security assignment for these negotiations is finished. The Divine Progeny has requested that his return be delayed. Looks like he still needs to attend some more events and sign some detailed follow-up treaties, but this means that the juiciest part of this assignment is already done. All that remains is to wait for the church to issue us our rewards.

“Anything now is just a standard VIP protection detail. The mission grade drops sharply, and the rewards fall with it, though there’ll still be plenty to deal with. The Divine Progeny will now be allowed to leave the hotel for visits, appearances, and all sorts of outings, which is exhausting and troublesome. So Captain declined the follow-up assignment and passed it to Gendi’s squad.”

The Hunting Hounds had feasted on the flesh, and what remained was only the bones for others to gnaw on. Karon knew that Gendi’s squad was practically becoming the second team to his own squad.

“So we can disband now?” Karon asked.

“Yeah, we disband. But by tradition, we have a group meal first. We’re meeting outside the hotel and going somewhere nice.”

Their squad’s tradition was to have everyone share a meal at the conclusion of each mission.

“I’ll go say goodbye to the Divine Progeny.”

“Go on, go on.” Fannie waved a hand. “Paige and I will take your suitcase and sword case downstairs first.”

“Alright.”

“That sword case of yours is so huge; Aren’t you tired of lugging it around everywhere?”

“Isn’t your rifle long too?”

“My rifle can be taken apart. Can your sword?”

“It won’t be so troublesome in the future.”

This mission would pay very well, so he could try enjoying the luxury of summoning the Sword of Aelius for three thousand Order credits.

Karon walked to Delius’s door, knocked, and then entered. The Divine Progeny was sitting there, having a somewhat late lunch.

“Sir, our security assignment has ended. Another squad will be taking over your protection from here. I came to bid you farewell.”

“Mm, good. You’ve all worked hard these days.” Delius smiled at Karon.

“The one who worked hard was you, sir. I wish you smooth and pleasant days ahead here in York City.”

“And I wish you a pleasant life as well. Oh, right, there’s a place I’m looking for.”

“What place?”

“Ivy Cemetery.”

“I’m not familiar with it. I think you can ask the squad taking over for us to look into it for you. Wherever you go, they’ll make plans and arrangements for you in advance.”

“Very well. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Karon left the room. The door to the room across the hall stood wide open. Fannie and Paige had already taken the luggage downstairs.

When Karon reached the elevator, the doors opened. Richard still stood inside, twisting his body and dancing a tango. “The mission’s over! The first mission of my life is over! This is bliss!”

“Next is the team meal,” Karon said.

“Mhmm, I’ve already been told. Fannie said that by tradition, the newcomer is supposed to treat everyone. I’m planning to take everybody to the hotel restaurant to give them a proper meal.”

Everything consumed at the Ankara Hotel cost credits. Karon felt that his silly cousin had been deceived by Fannie and the others. He had never heard of any tradition where the newcomer treated everyone. Wasn’t it always their captain who paid?

Then again, when Captain pays, it’s usually either barbecue and simple fare or a roadside stall...

Seeing how excited Richard was, Karon chose not to reveal the truth. It was possible that Richard knew perfectly well that he was being fleeced and was simply happy to use the chance to get closer to everyone. In any case, he was hardly short on credits.

After stepping out of the elevator, Richard led Karon to the restaurant diagonally across the front of the hotel lobby. A waiter then guided them to a private room.

Apart from the captain, everyone else was already there.

Two seats at the far end were still open. Richard steered Karon into the seat inside, while taking the outer spot by the aisle for himself, the easiest place to receive the dishes. He then asked warmly, “Has everyone ordered already?”

“We have. Just don’t get angry later.”

“It’s fine. Treating teammates to a meal is only right.”

“Where’s Captain?” Richard asked.

“Captain went to deliver the mission report. He told us to start eating; He’ll be here later.”

Just then, the first dish arrived, a large platter of roasted firebird meat.

This firebird was a real firebird, one whose body had literally been wreathed in flames while it had still been alive. Of course, now that it had been cooked and served, it clearly was not on fire.

The platter was huge. While helping place it on the table, a bit of the juice splashed onto the back of Karon’s hand and sleeve. He stood and said, “I’m going to the restroom.”

After leaving the private room, Karon entered the restroom and washed up. When finished, he did not grab any paper towels to dry himself, but instead shook the water from his hands while walking back.

Halfway there, he happened to run into a group of young men. There were two at the front, surrounded by the others: Leon and Larry.

Karon smiled at them, and Leon nodded to him, but Larry ignored Karon outright.

Sure enough, the bond between prison mates only lasted until release.

It was like being in a bathhouse. When both sides were stripped bare and facing one another honestly, they appeared equal, yet as soon as they had their clothes back on, the distance between them immediately reappeared.

“What? Disappointed?” The captain’s voice sounded beside Karon.

“Nothing to be disappointed about. We were never part of the same world.”

“Mhmm, that’s true. We were never part of the same world.”

Karon and Nio returned to the private room. The table was already full of dishes, and everyone was happily eating away.

By the time the gathering ended, it was nearly five in the afternoon. The other squad members all gradually left. Before going, Richard deliberately walked over to Karon. “Karon, come to my house for a meal on Saturday. My grandmother will be cooking for us.”

That meant three days from now.

“Alright, I understand.” If no one specified lunch or dinner, it was generally understood to mean dinner.

“There’s no need to prepare a gift. Our family doesn’t care for that sort of thing. You saw what my father is like.”

“Mhmm, I know.”

“Sigh. My mother asked me to find a psychologist for my father.”

“I happen to know an excellent psychologist.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Captain has gone to him for counseling before, and his evaluation was that he has finally come to believe that not all psychologists are frauds.”

“Who is it? Where can I find him?”

“I’ll make the arrangements for you and I’ll bring him along when I come by to visit.”

“Good, good. That couldn’t be better. As for payment, arrange whatever you see fit. Our family has no problem with that.”

“I understand.”

“Thank you, Karon. I feel like ever since I first met you, I’ve been on a lucky streak.”

“You’re too polite. It’s only right.” After all, we are related.

“Then I’ll head back first?”

“Mhmm. Goodbye.”

The captain was the last to leave. He noticed an old black Pons sedan parked not far away, with Karon’s manservant sitting inside.

“I’m heading to the black market bank to deal with something. Give me your card, and I’ll cash it out for you while I’m there.”

“Captain, are you pulling out already?”

“You can’t be too greedy, or else you’ll end up with nothing. You never know how ugly the ones above can look when they gorge themselves. Anyway, this haul is enough to live on for quite a while.”

Karon handed Nio the anonymous card he had opened at the black market bank. After Nio drove off, Alfred pulled the car up and loaded Karon’s luggage and sword case into it.

“Young Master, are we going home?” Alfred asked.

“No. Go to Ivy Cemetery. Drive slowly, I’m going to nap a little more.”

“Yes, Young Master.” Alfred switched on the radio and played a country folk song.

***

By the time they reached Ivy Cemetery, the sky was already growing dark. Saman was just about to close the gate, but when he saw the familiar car arrive, he pushed it open again.

Karon got out and stretched lazily, rolling his shoulders. He had slept a little in the car. With the bits of rest he had snatched on and off throughout the day, he had finally more or less made up for his lost sleep.

“Mission over?” Saman asked.

“Mhmm, it’s over.” Karon looked at Saman and smiled. “The Church of Pamireth and the Church of Order signed a treaty. There’s no annexation; The Church of Pamireth is still the Church of Pamireth.”

“Heh heh.” A smile appeared on Saman’s face. “So that means my funeral doesn’t need to be held after all?”

“Yeah. Too bad. You don’t have a reason to hold one anymore.”

“He—” Saman pointed at Alfred. “Came by at noon and told me a few things. This time, it was cooperation between the two churches, right?”

“That’s right. The unlucky one was Reincarnation.”

“I wouldn’t say unlucky. Some grudges don’t fade, not after a thousand years, not even across an entire epoch. It was simply something that was bound to happen sooner or later. What surprises me this time is that the Church of Order actually treated the Church of Pamireth so well.”

“Well, after beating Reincarnation flat, they needed another target to demonstrate their kindness. They can’t be exactly like the Church of Light back then and force every church into opposition.”

“That makes sense.” Saman scratched his head. “But the problem is, since the funeral can’t be held, what about my refrigerator...”

“Didn’t you already get a new refrigerator?”

“But I’m the kind of man who gets attached to old things. This new one just doesn’t suit me.”

“It is not a Veyn custom to ask for back a gift once it has been given.”

“That was my funeral expenses. Since the funeral isn’t happening, of course it should be returned to me.”

“Oh, then there’s no issue, because I never planned to charge you for your funeral in the first place. So there’s nothing to return.”

Saman looked at Karon and laughed in exasperation. “You brat.”

“Alright, go take a look at what ingredients are still in your refrigerator. I’ll make you one last meal tonight. If you want to eat again next time, come to the funeral home and eat there.”

“Alright, I’ll go take a look. Oh, right, I think I forgot to give you the instruction manual for that old refrigerator.”

“It’s just an old refrigerator. You make it sound like anyone wouldn’t know how to use it.”

Hearing that, Saman stared at Karon and nodded meaningfully. Karon smiled back.

Just as they were about to go inside and start cooking, another car drove up outside, and several figures darted into the cemetery. Alfred immediately stepped in front of Karon. “Young Master, there are four in the car, four at the perimeter, and six have already entered.”

Karon placed a hand on Alfred’s shoulder and gestured for him to step back, because Karon had already clearly seen who the newcomers were.

The first to get out of the car was Gendi, while the second one out was Delius, Divine Progeny of the Church of Pamireth. Delius stopped at the foot of the steps and looked at Saman standing above him. The young man then offered a greeting in the ritual form of the Church of Pamireth. “I have long heard stories within the church about Mr. Saman. This time, I have finally met you in person, Mr. Saman.

“Please allow me to offer you my reverence. Praise Pamireth.”

“You...” Saman stared at the man bowing before him with a puzzled expression.

“I am Delius, the current Divine Progeny of the Church of Pamireth. I am here at this time to invite Mr. Saman to return to the church to preside over the development of a new holy relic.”

Saman walked down the steps, one at a time. Gendi stepped forward, intending to block the old man, but Delius gently pushed him aside with a smile.

Saman stopped directly in front of Delius and looked him up and down. At last, he smiled. “You are the current Divine Progeny of my Church of Pamireth?”

“Yes,” Gendi cut in. “Your Divine Progeny to you, address him properly as ‘sir.’”

“I am,” Delius replied.

Saman tilted his head and asked, “Do you know that you look a lot like someone?”

Shock immediately appeared on Delius’s face, while an ambiguous half-smile appeared on Saman’s face. “Looks like I wasn’t mistaken. You’re that man’s son?”

“I...” Delius looked in astonishment at Karon, who was standing there, but Karon shook his head, indicating that he was not the one to reveal this secret.

“Hahahahahahaha!” Saman laughed until tears streamed from his eyes. “That man’s son actually became the Divine Progeny of my Church of Pamireth!”

“Mr. Saman, perhaps there is some misunderstanding...”

Saman suddenly glared fiercely at Delius and spat directly into his face. “Pah!”

Gendi instantly rushed forward, only for a blue barrier to appear in front of Saman. Captain Gendi was sent flying backward.

Old Saman clutched his head with both hands. As if unable to believe it himself, he murmured, “I thought I was about to die, but it turns out I should have just died long ago.”

1. A classic fairy tale where everyone pretends the emperor is wearing invisible clothes, and only a child points out the truth. Used here to imply that obvious realities are ignored due to social pressure or authority. ☜