The cargo ship docked in York Harbor, which was a massive port. As soon as the cargo deck was properly connected, machinery started hauling the large containers, though most of the process still relied on manual labor.

By standing on the deck and looking down, it was possible to see the dense clusters of laborers. Most of them had purple or gray hair. They were not Marcan, but illegal immigrants smuggled in from other continents. When they worked in places like ports, the Veynic Immigration Bureau simply pretended not to see them.

Scattered among the adult laborers were many child workers moving through the crowd. They were generally frail, and many were even clearly malnourished.

Children were obviously less capable than adult laborers, but also cheaper. Capitalists did not choose child labor out of kindness, but because, after calculating the costs, they found it to be more profitable.

It was a scene of clear stratification and sharp contrast. Looking up revealed a scene of a bustling harbor and the skyscrapers beyond it, a fully modern metropolis. Looking down at what lay at your feet revealed what might as well be a completely different world altogether. It was out of place, and yet undeniably real.

The passengers disembarked from another deck. Pu’er still perched on Karon’s shoulder, and he still held the golden retriever’s leash. After disembarking, they arrived at an open area that held several parked cars, as well as a group of bodyguards wearing suits and standing stiffly upright.

At the front, serving as the welcoming representative, was a middle-aged man in a wheelchair.

Before disembarking, Ms. Jenny had already mentioned that the person greeting them at the port was Mr. Mike, who was Eunice’s second uncle. The woman had also mentioned that Mr. Mike had lost both of his legs in an accident and could only get around with a wheelchair.

Eunice’s father had truly only managed to become the family patriarch through luck. As the third son, the position had never been intended for him. That was why he had been able to marry Ms. Jenny, a daughter of an ordinary family from Roja City. Yet the man’s eldest brother had chosen love, and his second brother had disabled.

In the end, the position of patriarch had been forced upon Ms. Jenny’s husband.

Pu’er’s assessment was simple: Ms. Jenny was the sort of woman who brought fortune to the man who married her.

However, when Pu’er saw Mike sitting in the wheelchair, welcoming everyone from afar, she subconsciously leaned closer to Karon’s neck and whispered with a grin, “I can’t take it anymore. Another idiot!”

“Hm?”

“There are traces of water and fire elements intertwined in him. He must have tried to fuse them and ended up blowing part of his body up.”

“Isn’t that worthy of respect?”

“People in my family were already doing this sort of thing long ago, but they used members from branches of the family as test subjects. Everyone’s understanding of faith is different, and the extent to which faith reshapes a person’s body also differs. They usually drew from side branches of the family, reshaping their bodies and beliefs until they were as close as possible to their own, or at least compatible in some aspect, before attempting such a fusion. Only once they had learned from the success or failure would they apply what they learned to themselves, lowering the risk. At the very least, doing that spared them situations where the opposing elements collided within their own bodies and tore them apart. For him to end up like this means he experimented directly on himself. Stupid.”

“Is it stupidity not to use one’s own kin as test subjects?” Karon asked.

“Isn’t it?” Pu’er retorted. “A family’s prosperity requires sacrifice. Look at the eldest, Rudd, and then look at the second, Mike.

“Sigh. Now I understand why the Allen family has fallen so far...”

“All right.”

“Actually, you already know this yourself, Karon; Not every family has a ‘Tiz’ who can protect an entire household on their own, keeping things warm and harmonious while still giving the younger generation freedom of choice. For ordinary families, not being ruthless enough to outsiders comes second, while not being ruthless enough internally means that decline is almost inevitable. This is not as simple as business failure or bankruptcy. In this circle, decline means that the surrounding hungry wolves will swarm in and devour you clean.

“That Raphael family is the best example. Once a family of servants, if Tiz had not intervened, then in just a few more years, at most, one more generation, they might have completely devoured the Allen family. At that point, members of the Allen family would have been reduced to being mere tools that existed solely to bear children, enriching the Raphael family’s own bloodline and faith system. This is no different from how the major churches crave the faith systems of other churches.”

“I understand.”

“But now I’m a little excited,” Pu’er suddenly switched tone, from disappointment to sly delight. “It would be best if Mike really is stupid, just like the eldest, Rudd. Just picture it! A group of fools standing around, all of them looking at you with expectation. Karon, would you really be able to turn away without taking anything with you at all?”

“You’re supposed to be their ancestor.”

“And this is exactly what an ancestor’s mindset should be. If the family’s descendants are failing, of course I have to do everything I can to bring in powerful external support.”

“Me? Powerful external support?”

“What you lack is merely time. A soul that descended through a grand divine descent ritual, a body that was prepared for a heretical god, and the sole heir of the Immers bloodline? Karon, any one of these would already mark you as having extraordinary potential, let alone all three together. Even if you do nothing at all and simply devote yourself to having children with Eunice or Camilla, you would still be invaluable.”

“All right. You can shut up now.”

“I’m going to keep saying these things.”

“Then I’ll have Alfred go to York City’s pet market and buy you a group of tomcats, all strong and healthy. You can set an example for me first.”

“...”

Mike wheeled himself forward, first greeting Ms. Jenny and Eunice, and then immediately approaching Karon and extending his hand for a handshake. “Welcome, Young Master Karon.”

“Thank you for welcoming us.”

“It is my duty.”

After the brief exchange of pleasantries, everyone got into the cars.

Karon rode in an extended black Kombin. The interior was spacious, and one could even drink red wine inside. Eunice and Karon sat on one side, while Mr. Mike sat across from Ms. Jenny. Alfred rode in another car with the cat and the dog.

Mr. Mike was not a talkative man. Perhaps the few niceties earlier had already exhausted his vocabulary for the day. After instructing the attendant to pour some wine, he simply sat there, drinking. He was not deliberately neglecting his guests, this was simply his personality. He was rather introverted and was not very good at socializing.

The convoy reached the center of York City, ignoring every red light along the way. Traffic police could be seen in the streets, yet they showed no reaction at all.

After passing through yet another red light, Ms. Jenny smiled and explained, “The cars our family uses to receive guests bear Veynic royal license plates.”

“Oh, I see,” Karon said, taking a sip of his wine.

However, while the traffic lights could not stop the convoy, they were forced to a halt at the next intersection. There was a group of protesters marching, carrying picket signs high while shouting slogans.

Ms. Jenny smiled again and explained, “In Veyn, such demonstrations are very common, practically a part of everyday life. After all, there are always people who eat too well and need to work it off.”

Mike seemed to recall something and spoke up, “Some time ago, I heard that the environmental girl, Delyss, gave a speech, only to criticize several of the companies and distinguished guests who were on stage with her for their extravagant and environmentally unfriendly lifestyles. Those companies were her own sponsors, and those guests had personally come to support her event. The scene became quite ugly.”

Delyss? Karon remembered that she had survived that night. It was just that she seemed to have been affected by a forbidden curse, becoming... purer. Hearing Mike’s story, it seemed that the girl had become a true environmentalist.

Once the march crossed the road, the convoy continued forward.

Karon lowered the window to hear the chants from the protestors.

“Vegetarianism is virtue! Meat is barbaric!”

Among the marchers was a huge sign that read: Eat one less bite of meat. You won’t die.

“It seems today’s demonstration is about vegetarianism,” Ms. Jenny observed.

Karon could not help recalling the malnourished child laborers he had seen at the port. As expected, people’s joys and sorrows were not interconnected. As he rolled the window back up, he smiled and said, “What kind people.”

Upon hearing that, Mike asked, “Do you truly think so, Young Master Karon?”

Karon noticed that a trace of disdain had appeared in Mike’s eyes when he asked his question. He truly was not any good at hiding his feelings.

He was likely a great deal like Rudd. Rudd had initially assumed Karon came from a church family and had expected him to be aloof, while Mr. Mike likely thought Karon was overly sentimental.

“They are kind people,” Karon replied. “They simply do not consider most of those they cannot see or touch as people at all.”

Mike stuck out his tongue, drained his glass of red wine in one swallow, and said, “I like that very much, Young Master Karon.”

Karon smiled back.

The convoy moved out of York City and into the outskirts. After passing through a dense forest, they entered the family’s estate at around one in the afternoon.

It was a vast estate. Karon saw the new castle on the grounds, as well as the old castle in the distance, and the somewhat dilapidated performance hall.

A red carpet stretched directly from the car doors to the staircase. On one side stood male servants, and on the other stood female servants. From the steps, a well-dressed, refined, middle-aged man walked toward Karon. Standing on the steps beside him was an elderly man with a full head of white hair, leaning on a cane.

The middle-aged man was Eunice’s father, Ms. Jenny’s husband, and the current patriarch of the Allen family, Bede Allen.

As Bede approached, he first signaled to his wife and daughter with his eyes, and then faced Karon directly and spoke with great respect, “The Allen family welcomes your visit.”

All the male and female servants on both sides bowed to Karon.

“Thank you for your warm welcome.”

“Please, come with me. I have prepared the most delicious dishes and the finest wines for you.” Bede led Karon across the red carpet.

As they climbed the steps, the elderly man planted his cane in front of him and bowed to Karon. “Your arrival is a fated gift to the Allen family.”

Bede introduced the old man, “This is my father.”

The former family head, Anderson.

“Your hospitality leaves me deeply moved,” Karon replied.

Alfred approached from behind, Pu’er perched on his shoulder and the golden retriever on a leash.

Pu’er’s gaze had initially been fixed on the performance hall. It had been built for her by the family long ago. Currently, its outer walls were covered in creeping greenery, giving it a sense of decay.

Pu’er then looked at Bede. Hm, not bad. His posture’s low enough, and he’s the most handsome of the three brothers. No wonder he was able to have such a beautiful daughter like Eunice.

But why does Bede have an aura somewhat like that radio demon?

Naturally, Pu’er did not think this grandnephew of hers was demonkin. If that were the case, that would hardly be strange at all. What unsettled her was that Bede carried a temperament very similar to Alfred’s, a kind of affected, self-conscious refinement that made her fur prickle.

At that exact moment, Alfred whispered, “I’m certain that this family patriarch is also an artist.”

Alfred had always considered himself to be an artist. His talents were not limited to being a radio host. He was also skilled with various instruments, and if circumstances had allowed it, he could have captured the hearts of countless young ladies, mature women, and gentlemen with his piano alone while on the passenger ship.

Pu’er remembered Eunice mentioning that her father liked painting.

So... The cat’s eyes flared as she stared at Bede. So is the Allen family’s current patriarch really a painter?

Alfred had caught up to Karon, allowing Pu’er to overhear the conversation between Karon and old Master Anderson. “I knew Tiz when we were young. I also visited Roja City several times.”

“Yes. Grandpa often spoke of you to me. It’s just that Grandpa has now fallen into slumber. He likely has no chance to reawaken.”

Oh heavens, you sneaky little bastard! Pu’er wanted nothing more than to leap onto Karon’s head and thoroughly claw his hair into a mess.

“Fate in this world is always strange, like the tide; There are rises, and there are falls. I believe the Immers family will once again shine brilliantly.”

“Because of the blood sacrifice ritual, the Immers family and its descendants are no longer able to enter the church. Grandpa’s greatest wish was simply for his family to live safely and happily, without being drawn back into such dangerous vortices.”

Ahhh. I want to claw his face and ruin it! Alfred reached down to press the flailing Pu’er into place.

Both Anderson and Bede noticed the highly expressive cat. Bede showed a bit of confusion, but felt that the black cat looked vaguely familiar.

Anderson spoke up, “Karon, is this your pet?”

“Yes. My apologies. It has been rather irritable lately because it is in heat.”

“...” Pu’er just stared.

“Let us go inside first. I believe you must already be hungry. When a friend's child is visiting your home, the most important thing is not to let them go hungry.” Anderson kindly patted Karon’s arm in a show of affection.

Karon cooperated by reaching out to support the old man, taking the place of his cane.

Bede then looked at his wife and daughter. “Go change your clothes first, and then join us for the meal. Be quick. We mustn’t keep our guests waiting.”

He then looked at Alfred. In his eyes, Alfred was the only male servant Karon had brought. Bede’s lips trembled slightly.

People who share the same tastes and pursuit in life, in art, and in existence can often recognize one another quickly. It’s something that has nothing to do with status or rank.

“Hello, Mr. Bede. You may call me Alfred.”

“Hello, Alfred. Please join us for the meal. I believe you are far more than just a servant.”

“No. Serving the young master is my life’s pursuit.”

“Oh, an ordinary servant would never have such principles.”

Pu’er rolled her eyes at Bede. Your prospective son-in-law has already gone inside, yet you remain here fussing over his servant. Idiot. Moron.

Throughout her return home, the words that Pu’er was using most frequently to describe her younger clansmen were “idiot” and “moron,” because they never failed to thoroughly embody the meaning of those words.

***

“I’m very sorry, Mr. Karon. I need to take my medicine now. Please go ahead to the dining room. I’ll be right there.”

“Of course. Your health comes first.”

Old Master Anderson was helped upstairs by a maid, while Karon, led by several other maids, entered the dining room. It was enormous and luxuriously furnished. After all, no matter how far the Allen family had declined, that decline was in terms of influence. They had not yet fallen so far as to start selling off their assets.

“Please, this is your seat.” A maid pulled out Karon’s seat at the long table.

It was the guest’s position, with his back to the dining room door. The host’s seat usually faced the door directly.

Karon sat down.

“May I offer you the soup of the day or some wine?”

“No, thank you.”

“Very well.”

Karon sat upright. Despite having lived two lives, this was his first time personally experiencing such a setting. This was nothing like the Immers family’s large dining table, where everyone ate in harmony and without restraint. This was an environment and atmosphere that had only appeared in British dramas he had seen during his previous life.

At this moment, Karon noticed a small bell sitting on the table in front of him.

It reminded him of the bell he had installed at the entrance of the second-floor kitchen in the Immers home. Whenever he rang it, the family would immediately gather in the dining room for the meal.

Uncle and Aunts, they should be doing well, right? A sense of longing quietly crept into Karon’s heart. He subconsciously reached out and lightly flicked the silver bell before him.

Ding-ling-ling... The crisp sound rang out.

Immediately afterward, candles all around the grand dining room flared to life. The portraits of successive Allen family patriarchs, which had previously remained unseen, emerged in sharp clarity. A solemn hush fell over the room. At the same time, the shelves directly in front of Karon, which displayed various ornaments and mementos, slowly parted to both sides. There was a door there as well.

The Allen family members, now changed into extremely formal attire, stood in a neat formation outside. Old Master Anderson entered first, leaning on his cane. Behind him was the current patriarch, Mr. Bede. Mike followed in his wheelchair, though there was now a red mark from a cane across his face. Beside him were Ms. Jenny and Eunice. Further back were several younger faces, likely Eunice’s two brothers and Mike’s children.

They entered the dining room in formation and stopped before the table. Everyone wore solemn expressions, without the slightest hint of levity. Old Master Anderson spoke. “Respected Young Master Karon, the Allen family responds to your summons.”

Karon felt at a loss. He looked at his hands resting on the table, then at the chair beneath him. Only then did he realize that he had been seated in the place of honor.

At the very back of the formation, Alfred frowned deeply as he looked at the rows of people standing ahead of him.

In a corner by the door, Pu’er sat astride the golden retriever, wiping tears from her eyes with her paw. “Waaah. If anyone ever dares to call you idiots again, I’ll claw them to death.”