Karon helped clean Annie’s body, but he was not Aunt Mary could not perform a meticulous mortuary makeup.

Alfred set up a ritual array in the downstairs washroom and placed Annie in it before activating the formation. It was an extremely simple ritual array that was used to preserve beauty and complexion, and naturally, it also prevented decay.

After finishing this, Karon checked the time. It was already morning.

“Young Master, would you like to rest for a while?”

Karon shook his head and glanced in the direction of the study upstairs. “I could have rested.”

He was not burdened with the belief that finding the place earlier would save people faster. The current problem was that Mr. Pavaro had entered the final countdown of his life. To leave him to sit in the study in a daze while waiting for them to sleep and rest felt excessively cruel.

“Can you still hold on?” Karon asked.

“Young Master, please rest assured about my stamina.”

“Then I’ll nap in the car.” Karon went upstairs, pushed open the door, and entered the study. Mr. Pavaro was seated behind the desk.

“Would you like to continue investigating with us?” Karon asked.

“I want to go,” the man answered directly. At the same time, he spread his hands open, causing two clusters of black flames to immediately appear above his palms. “My mobility is inconvenient now, but I can still be of some use.”

“Alright.”

“Thank you. Oh, sorry. I should not be so polite.”

Pu’er and Kevin, exhausted after a night of labor, stayed home to rest. Alfred carried Mr. Pavaro downstairs and placed him in the back seat. Karon took the front passenger seat.

The car started and headed toward the Tadel family’s textile factory. Along the way, Mr. Pavaro kept his gaze fixed outside the window. “When your state of mind is different, the scenery you see is indeed different.”

“I have paper and pen here. If you wish, you can write a poem.”

“I don’t have that talent, and I don’t intend to join the crowd. The world already has an excess of poets. I will not squeeze in.”

“Heh.” Karon rested his forehead against the car window, closing his eyes while thinking.

Mr. Pavaro had witnessed the scenes of Karon becoming a Divine Seeker and a Divine Shepherd. Was it because some imprint had been left behind by those moments that had resonated with Mr. Pavaro’s own faith?

Earl Rekar had not seen those scenes, and similarly, Karon had not seen Earl Rekar’s awakening of his family’s faith system when he praised his family’s progenitor.

Could it be because both he Karon Mr. Pavaro believed in Order?

Karon subconsciously rubbed his brow and spoke. “Mr. Pavaro.”

“Yes?”

“After seeing those scenes of me, why did you still think I am ‘Your Excellency’?” Karon trusted Mr. Pavaro’s character. The man had already gone so far, sacrificing himself in his work for justice.

“Because I only saw the scenes of you during Divine Seeker and Divine Shepherd. I assumed they were your past memories. Hm?” As he spoke, Mr. Pavaro himself became puzzled. After thinking and recalling carefully, he continued, “In those scenes, I saw you. I saw you, and I also heard your inner monologue. Yet now that I think about it, the person I saw in that scene did not have a face. No, there was a face, but I can’t remember it. I do not feel that your face was different, yet I simply can’t recall it.”

Alfred, who was driving, asked, “Was it not exactly the same as Young Master’s face?”

“It was exactly the same,” Mr. Pavaro confirmed. “Yet in those scenes I saw, the face both existed and did not exist.”

Alfred suddenly laughed. Then he composed himself and spoke in a hoarse, mature announcer’s voice, “God cannot be looked upon directly.”

Mr. Pavaro looked at Alfred with curiosity. “Your faith?”

“My church.”

“Of course I know you are a member of a church. The Church of Principle?”

“Ahem. The church I follow is still rather small in scale.” Alfred felt embarrassed to say that, at present, he seemed to be the sole believer.

Karon, in the passenger seat, continued to ponder Mr. Pavaro’s words. The scenes described matched the ones from Karon’s memory, when he had undergone purification and seen the God of Order walking through the void. At that time, Karon had likewise been unable to remember the God of Order’s face.

He had listened to Mr. Pavaro’s prayer, and the man had seen an image of Karon’s thoughts. It was not an exchange. It was a cycle.

Since the textile factory was in the Bluebridge community, it was not far. Alfred parked the car in advance. “Young Master?”

“Grab a tongue,” Karon said.

“Yes, Young Master.” Alfred opened the car door.

As he stepped out, Karon sighed. “The sun is good today.”

“Yes, Young Master. A fine sun.” Alfred smiled and walked toward the factory wall.

From the back seat, Pavaro asked in surprise, “So direct?”

“Yes.” Alfred would simply enter the factory, find the core management, and hypnotize them to question them. It was the simplest and most efficient method. As for whether this would leave traces or alert the other party, there was no question that it certainly would.

There was no need to fear or worry. One only needed to praise Light. Light was forever the natural enemy of darkness. Karon believed that with Elder Dock and his group present, they could withstand it.

“Do you know Lemar?”

“Why do you ask?”

“A feeling,” Pavaro said.

“Perhaps there is a slight possibility that he can help me.”

“That would be good. Perhaps it is also the best outcome for my family. You value family greatly as well, Young Master Karon. I could feel that when you mentioned your grandfather.”

“Not only my grandpa, but also my uncle, aunts, and cousins. They are all my most cherished family. I have a warm home back in Roja City.”

“So do I. My two daughters are very sensible. It’s all my fault. Truly my fault. If I had checked several more times back then, or if I had waited to pursue that demonkin, or caught it earlier and returned home sooner, my two daughters would not have been corrupted to such an extent. I was not a qualified father. My wife was gentle. That too was caused by my own hand.

“Thank you, Karon, for taking on this responsibility for me. If this matter can be completely settled without issue, it will mean that Tirsen, Luke, and that Expositor will have their crimes exposed. They will face miserable endings, and will receive retribution.

“And I, who should have died, not dying will be normal.

“Because no one will believe the words of a heinous criminal. He died. I killed him with my own hands.”

Karon said, “People prefer to believe that justice ultimately triumphs over evil. For the Church of Order, it is best for those who excise their own rotten flesh to also be members of the Church of Order. That way, a funeral can be conducted as a wedding.”

“That sounds rather worth anticipating. I would not have spoken such words before. I would not have liked such methods of doing or thinking.”

“Perhaps that’s because you have already died once. It is inevitable to let yourself go a little. An elder I know was like that.”

“So that’s how it is.”

“I will sleep for a while. Help me watch.”

“Alright. I no longer feel the need to rest.”

Karon reclined the seat and lay down, falling into a genuine sleep, becoming completely defenseless before Mr. Pavaro. Karon truly fell asleep.

Two hours later, he was awakened by a push from Mr. Pavaro. When he opened his eyes and looked out the car windows, Alfred was walking back.

Alfred opened the car door and sat in the driver’s seat. “Young Master, I grabbed two managers. One is from the Raphael family. I learned that every so often, a batch of female workers is transferred away, but they don’t know their destination. That bit was always handled exclusively by Mr. Tadel and his butler with another group.”

“So we still need to go to Mr. Tadel’s residence,” Karon said. “Shall I drive? You can sleep.”

“No need, Young Master. I am fine.” Alfred restarted the car.

“If it were me, I would investigate factories and buildings built in recent years, especially those with underground portions, such as underground garages, though that would be slower,” Mr. Pavaro commented.

“I understand,” Karon said. “But doing that is too slow for me.”

“I imagine your grandfather is also impatient.”

“Yes, that’s correct. My grandpa is the most impatient man in this world.”

Alfred chuckled as well.

“Forgive my question. Is your grandfather still alive?”

“He is. He is alive and well. He is waiting for me to return home.”

“That is good.”

“Young Master, when I controlled and hypnotized them in the office, I never stopped praising Light. I also set up the simplest Light ritual array and purified the office.”

“Are they dead?” Mr. Pavaro asked.

Alfred indifferently replied, “Does such scum deserve to live? Both managers knew.”

“You’re expecting them to be questioned after being awakened? It’s not that simple to direct suspicions towards the Church of Light.”

Alfred looked at Karon. It was not convenient for him to answer this question. Instead, Karon answered, “A surprisingly large group of Light vermin of considerable quality are currently active in York City.”

Mr. Pavaro opened his mouth, closing it only after a long pause. “You are much smarter than I am.”

“You blocked off other paths in your first report.”

“If it were you, upon first discovering the situation, would you have reported it?”

“No.” Karon looked out the window. “I don’t even trust him, so why would I trust those beneath him?”

In the first floor living room of the Tadel residence, Butler Munn signed his name with a steel pen. He then picked up the folder and handed it over with both hands.

“Mr. Butler- no, Mr. Munn. The inheritance division has been completed. From now on, including this villa, all assets under Tadel’s name will be transferred to you.”

“I will dedicate everything to Raphael.”

“Good. Tadel has already disappointed my Raphael family, so I hope you will remain alert.”

“Of course.”

“Ensure proper operations.”

“Yes. I understand. However, I have something else to report to you for submission to the family.”

“Oh?”

“This is something I found in a hidden compartment in the villa, left there by Tadel.” Munn opened the box. Inside was a thick stack of letters and three thick, exquisite notebooks.

“Have you read these letters?”

“I will not lie to you; I have read them all. I had to ensure that what I present to the family is useful and valuable.”

“The God of Light.”

“Yes. These letters were all written by Tadel to the God of Light.”

“He wrote letters to a god. Where would he send them? The Church of Light vanished into history long ago.”

“I believe Tadel’s betrayal was due to being bewitched by the Church of Light. These three notebooks are copies of the Church of Light’s doctrines transcribed by Tadel himself. He believed that his wife’s death and his son’s mental condition were retribution for his own evil deeds falling upon his family. In these letters, he repeatedly repented to the God of Light, hoping for redemption.”

“So that was the reason for his betrayal. You have done well.”

“This is my duty.”

“Do some further screenings. While the Church of Light has perished, Light vermin still exist. He must have made contact with one and been infected by their ideology.”

“I will conduct screening and searches and find the Light vermin.”

“Good. I will submit this to the young master and commend you to him.”

“Thank you for your efforts and support.”

“We all serve the family. By the way, Tadel’s son, after psychological treatment, has he returned to normal?”

“After Tadel’s death, his old illness relapsed. Before, he only felt his mother by his side, yet he now also feels his deceased father accompanying him.”

“In a while, dispose of him. The inheritance notarization is complete.”

“My lord, he is still a child. I watched him grow up.”

“Sigh. Do not indulge in cheap mercy. It has no meaning. Deal with him quickly, so that you can fully assume Tadel’s responsibilities sooner.”

Pain and struggle appeared on Munn’s face. At last he bit his lip and nodded firmly.

“I will return to the family.”

“I will see you out.”

“No need. The next batch in a few days must double in number. Those are the orders from above.”

“Yes. I will arrange things properly.”

“Good. Work well.”

“Safe travels.”

The man left the villa. After getting into the car, he looked at the box of letters and notebooks in his hands and muttered to himself, “So the Second Young Master’s sudden disappearance is also related to the remnants of the Church of Light?”

After the family member left, Butler Munn, whose expression had been one of pure grief, finally allowed a cold smile to appear. He walked over to the bar and picked up a glass. After pouring some soda into it, he took out two white pills and dropped them in. He swirled the glass and watched them dissolve.

He carried the glass upstairs to the third floor. In a bedroom there, Little John was curled up on the bed. His face showed fear, innocence, naivety, panic, and other emotions in turn.

He looked left, then right. “Daddy, you’re being bad; You are tickling Mommy!”

He suddenly burst into laughter and rolled on the bed. “Mommy, Daddy is tickling you. Why are you tickling me?”

“Young Master?” Munn knocked on the already open bedroom door.

Little John stopped laughing and sat up with a smile. “Daddy and Mommy, look. Uncle Munn is here.”

Munn knew the child’s mind was unstable, yet those words brought a chill to his heart. It felt as though the deceased Tadel and his wife were sitting on the bed, watching him.

Little John had teased many people in the house, including maids, servants, and even his father. However, the child had never teased Butler Munn. Such games were only played with interesting people, or those kind to Little John.

This difference showed that he did not find Butler Munn to be interesting or kind.

“Young Master, you must be thirsty after playing. Drink this soda.”

“I’m not thirsty.” 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

“Drink it and then continue playing with your daddy and mommy.” Munn held the glass before him.

Little John looked at him and smiled, and the butler smiled back. “Drink it, Young Master.”

Little John nodded and reached out to take the glass, only for the hand holding the glass to suddenly withdraw.

“I want to drink. Don’t take it away, Uncle Munn.”

Munn’s eyes bulged. He saw that it was his own hand which had pulled the glass back. His right hand no longer obeyed him.

“Uncle Munn, don’t take it away! I want to drink!”

“Fine. I will let you drink.” Munn grabbed his right hand with his left and tried to force it forward, only for his left hand to also suddenly stop obeying him.

“Uncle Munn, do you want to drink?”

“No. I do not want to drink. I am not thirsty.”

“If you want a drink, Uncle, then you should have a drink first. Daddy also says that you should drink first, Uncle.”

“No! I will not drink!” Munn’s eyes bulged as his right hand lifted the glass to his mouth and attempted to pour the soda in. He clenched his lips tightly, only for his mouth to be forced open a moment later, as though pried apart by invisible hands. It hurt.

“Uncle, Daddy says that you are thirsty and wants to give you some water.”

Terror filled Munn’s eyes as his mouth was forced open and the soda was poured in. After the entire glass was emptied into his mouth, Munn found that he had regained control of his body. He immediately knelt and tried to force himself to vomit by shoving fingers down his throat.

Yet it was soon foam that started to spray from his mouth. He started to convulse. The poison had taken effect. He had added an extra pill.

“No!” One hand clutched his throat while the other blindly flailed forward.

Little John asked with concern, “Uncle Munn, what is wrong?”

“How? How is this possible?” Munn asked with difficulty.

The smile faded from the child’s face. He calmly replied, “Ever since the year when I secretly hid in Father’s car to go to that place, I discovered I was a little different.”

Another figure then appeared at the bedroom door. When Little John saw who it was, his expression stiffened for a moment, but then he smiled again. This smile was purer and more sincere than the one he had shown to Munn.

Standing in the doorway, Karon spread his arms and devoutly called out, “Praise Light!”

Little John froze, at a complete loss.

Munn, suffocating from the rapidly spreading poison, struggled to turn his head to look at Karon in the doorway.

“Light has seen your father’s loyalty! Your father’s soul has been guided into the Paradise of Light. Now, I come to take you away. The place we are going to also has a villa with a large yard. It is not inferior to this home of yours.”

Munn collapsed, face down and unmoving, aside from his eyes still occasionally blinking. He had entered the final countdown to his death.

Little John jumped down from the bed and walked over to Karon. “Where is that big house?”

Karon took Little John’s hand and smiled. “Apple Street 3-07.”

Next door to Piaget’s residence.