There is a fixed mindset that people tend to have a better impression of someone who is similar to themselves, as if it is a kind of "tribal" cognition. Because of the similarity, there is an instinctive closeness.

But in fact, it depends on the situation. For example, elders often pay more attention and care to their juniors who are similar to themselves, seeing them as their legacy, because one is about to end while the other is just beginning, and there is no collision, opposition, or pressure.

For people with strong personalities, a desire for control, and a sense of being "clever," encountering someone similar often leads to an awkward situation.

They are used to weaving a web for themselves, which serves as a protective layer and provides a safe space externally, while internally, it is a manifestation of their will, allowing them to arrange every strand of the web.

So, if a spider suddenly appears in your original web and starts weaving its own protective layer, conflicts are bound to arise between you.

However, these "conflicts" do not necessarily mean extreme expressions.

Karun certainly does not think that Neo wants to "get rid of" him, but often feels somewhat uncomfortable for no reason. After all, when facing Neo, he senses that his habits and authority are being disrupted, causing discomfort and discord.

He can't hit, scold, or even speak out, so he can only convey his emotions through this "identity reminder" method, not to the outside, but to make himself more comfortable.

Just like when Ophelia "acted clever," it instinctively made Karun uncomfortable.

In this small group, whether actively or passively, Karun has become the only will.

The thorny Filomena has also been suppressed recently.

"Have they all been arranged?" Karun asked.

"In response to Young Master, everything has been arranged. They all have their own rooms and servants, and those who are injured are currently undergoing recovery therapy. Mr. Anderson has prepared everything very well."

"Good."

"Young Master, have you informed Miss Ophelia about the Dark Moon Goddess?"

"Yes."

"When I came in, I saw that she was very excited. I can understand that feeling."

"Hehe." Karun rubbed his brow. "This mission may cause trouble again. Let's take it step by step. At least, our safety is guaranteed in York City."

"Yes. By the way, Young Master, there is something I need to ask about. Can I have the list of people eligible to go to the theater after dinner tonight? There is a name that I'm not sure whether to add."

"Who?"

"Master Richard."

"Alfred, I have been thinking about one thing. Does the bloodline of my grandmother's Alt family have any other effects?"

Alfred blinked and immediately responded, "Young Master, are you asking if the Alt family bloodline activation has the same camp attribute?"

"You're describing it too coldly."

"Yes, my organization of language was not thorough. I think that if the Alt family bloodline is activated, it is equivalent to an additional layer of shackles. For example, Memphis, because of your mother, he has been enduring nightmares. For him, betraying his blood relatives not only means an ethical and moral burden, but also an additional punishment.

And Master Richard, he should have also activated this bloodline, otherwise he wouldn't have had a favorable impression of you from the beginning.

So, from the perspective of the Alt bloodline, both Mr. Memphis and Master Richard actually have bonus points in terms of trust."

Karun nodded and said, "I also think so."

"So, should Master Richard's name be added this time? And should Mr. Memphis be added as well?"

Karun smiled and said, "No need to add them."

...

"Hey, I mean, why don't you go back and rest for a while?"

Richard asked as he rode his horse and turned to Filomena, who was also riding a horse.

Filomena ignored Richard, holding the reins in her left hand, her right arm hanging at her side, adjusting to the slight bumping of the chestnut horse beneath her, while gazing at the lush surroundings.

The Allen Manor was like spring all year round, and even in winter, the grass here was still green, not to mention that this was already a season full of vitality.

It can only be said that the Allen family's ancestors lived extravagantly. Although the family's status in the church circle was not very high, as a pirate family, they were once very glorious. The environment here must have cost a huge amount to build and decorate.

"When we were in front of the underwater tomb, I saw you take action. It was really amazing, decisive, and straightforward."

Richard gestured with a dagger as he spoke.

Filomena opened her eyes, turned to look at Richard, and said, "I'm stronger than Karun, what do you think?"

"Oh, of course, you're definitely stronger than Karun. What kind of thing is he!"

Filomena lowered her head, unable to hold back a slight smile.

She had rarely left her grandmother's side since she was young, and had rarely left home, so before this, she had never seen someone as shameless as Richard.

"Anyway, you're both very powerful. I know it's a kind of power that I can never catch up to. It's just that the feeling of power is different. When I face you, I feel like I'm definitely going to die..."

"What about facing Karun?"

"Can't say. Karun gives off a kind of pressure, steadily pressing you from all sides. When you think you're just a little bit away from catching up, you realize that he's just politely revealing a little bit."

"I think if we were to compete in the arena, he wouldn't be able to beat me," Filomena paused. "But if we were enemies, I wouldn't be able to beat him."

The image of Karun summoning the Black Purgatory Castle alone flashed in Filomena's mind, knowing that at that time, he was still bestowing blessings on Aisley."Facing such an opponent, if we really tear our faces apart and fight to the death, the one who will die in the end is definitely ourselves, because we didn't have the confidence to end the battle early, and once the battle is prolonged, we will have no chance."

"To be honest, I didn't care about these things before, it was only during the last district selection that made me change my mind."

"If I remember correctly, you were carried up the mountain by Karun, right?"

"Yes, at that time I felt so ashamed, oh, not against Karun, Karun really has nothing to say to me, I just feel ashamed of myself."

"Are you and Karun relatives?"

"The captain is an orphan."

"The lady in the tomb said that he is not, his family background is the highest among all of us."

"Then our Guman family is even less likely to have any relationship with Karun."

"I really want to know his identity, I am very interested."

"Then you can go and ask him directly, don't investigate secretly. If you are found out, the consequences will be very miserable. I believe that after the team is disbanded and everyone goes home, everyone will keep the captain's family background a secret from the elders."

Because sometimes the elders will not consider things from your perspective, but instead like to use the excuse of doing it for your own good while doing what they want to do.

For us, this is too unfair, because this should be our own interpersonal relationship."

Fermina said, "Only the weak are always studying interpersonal relationships."

"Yes, I can only enter this team by having a good relationship with Karun. Otherwise, why? Just because my dad is mentally ill?"

"Does your dad often hit you?"

"Not like before, but recently, after I recovered from my injuries and could go downstairs to eat by myself, I felt that his eyes were a bit strange, as if he was brewing a reason to hit me."

"What does he do after he hits you?"

"After hitting me, I just recover from my injuries."

"What I mean is, won't your family relationship change?"

"No, I still call him dad as usual, and since he started hitting me, I have talked more with my grandma, and my relationship with my mom seems to have improved."

"I envy you."

"What do you envy me for? Do you envy my dad for hitting me?"

"Yes, I envy your dad for being able to hit you. I really wish my dad could stand up and hit me, even if he beat me severely... even if he beat me to death."

The image of her father crouching under the table appeared in Fermina's mind.

In her eyes, her father's cowardice was the most unacceptable.

"In fact, the regrets of the original family are very common."

Richard began to imagine the way Karun usually spoke in his mind, trying to make his tone and expression as close to Karun's as possible.

"I chatted with them in the dim sum shop, and many people's family opportunities are also very tragic. After being sold to the snakehead by their parents and arranged to serve there, if the income decreases due to a decrease in clients, the husband still has to go and give gifts to the manager to arrange more clients.

But how should I put it, every time I chat with them in the small compartment and listen to the noise next door, I can always feel the positive and optimistic side of them, on the one hand for themselves, and on the other hand for me.

In this world, there are always more kind people. Many people are clearly suffering, but they are still willing to pass on warmth to those around them."

"Do you like going to the dim sum shop?"

When asked this question, for some reason, Richard suddenly imagined the scene of Karun directly telling Princess Ophelia that he went to the mermaid theater on Darkmoon Island.

He really wanted to imitate Karun's calm and confident manner at that time, but after making eye contact with Fermina, Richard ultimately couldn't overcome the gaze of "worldly misunderstanding."

He lowered his head, then looked in another direction, and made a sound like a mosquito, "Um."

"Are you feeling ashamed?"

Richard shook his head and awkwardly touched his nose, "No, I'm just not confident."

...

Mengfei, who had just changed his medicine, stood in front of the French window, looking at the greenery in the distance, where two figures were riding horses side by side.

And above Mengfei's room, Puerh was sitting on the windowsill, enjoying his aristocratic-style afternoon tea.

Serving in front of him was Anderson.

"Are these two a couple?" Mr. Anderson found something to say.

Puerh chuckled and said, "Is riding a horse together considered a couple? I'm telling you, can't you people nowadays not be so vulgar in your minds? It's like when a male and female come together, they must mate, otherwise it's not complete."

Anderson immediately lowered his head after being scolded, not knowing why the ancestor suddenly got so angry.

"Can't they just talk and chat together? Can't they just find each other pleasant and add some physical movements? Can't they just get a little closer just because they enjoy each other's company? Do they have to fight and struggle together, and finally have that shiver and burst to complete the task?"

"Yes, yes, you're right, you're right."

"Hmph."

Puerh licked his coffee, pushed the cup with his paw, and said irritably, "It's really bad, much worse than the maid I trained!"

...

The dinner was held in the castle restaurant, with no one from the Karun team, and no one accompanying the host.

The dishes served were all standard Vienna noble dishes, which looked very delicate, but tasted just okay.

It seemed that everyone preferred the atmosphere of eating around the round table in the backyard of the funeral home. This was probably also the reason why Neo always liked to choose a stall for dinner, to make everyone feel comfortable and relaxed, well, not just to save money.

"Who has urgent matters at home and wants to go back early?" Karun asked as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.

Eisley said, "I have already communicated with my parents on the phone. Hehe, the environment here is really good. If possible, I would like to stay a few more days."

Bart said, "I want to go to the mountains tomorrow to practice archery."Karun looked towards Ventura, who promptly swallowed the venison in his mouth and replied, "My grandparents asked me to spend more time by the captain's side."

Karun didn't ask Filomina; after all, the locals weren't in a hurry to go home, and those from out of town wouldn't think of returning right after arriving. It wasn't a matter of the cost of the teleportation array, but rather that it was hard to justify rushing back home so soon after taking a rare trip out.

"Then let's rest here for a few more days. The Allen Estate is very hospitable. If you need anything, just ask directly, don't be shy," Karun said, turning to Bart, "Many people got injured this time, and I'm worried about possible aftereffects. Have we arranged for a medical check-up?"

Bart stood up and replied, "Captain, I've already spoken to my parents about this. My father said there's a new recruit medical examination coming up in three days. He can get us the forms, and our entire squad can be checked."

"Good, let's all go for a medical examination then."

Karun decided on the matter without seeking further opinions, as he felt the need for this medical check-up was pressing.

At that moment, Blanche asked, "Captain, regarding the security mission, do we need to make any special preparations?"

"No need, the security mission is very simple, it might even bore you. I'll announce the specific preparations and mission details the day before."

"Understood, Captain."

"There's a small concert tonight, and they've invited one of York City's most famous bands. Those interested in music, or those who want to pretend to be interested, can go listen."

"Alright, I'm done eating. You guys take your time."

Discover the complete story on pawread dot com.

...

The "Sleepers" band was performing, with Richard and others enjoying the show, while Old Anderson accompanied his family nearby.

Memphis sat next to Richard, leaning forward due to a wound on his back, not resting against the back of the chair.

"Murphy's not here," Richard whispered to Memphis, "Ventura's not here either."

"Can't people dislike music?" Memphis retorted.

"Heh, Murphy's been quite keen on these entertainment activities lately. Karun often educates him to engage more with these things and not to stay cooped up in the basement practicing with knives all day. And Ventura, that kid wouldn't miss a chance to take advantage of anything."

"Maybe they're busy with something."

"Yeah, maybe," Richard shrugged, took a big puff of his cigar, and exhaled, "Want to try?"

Memphis shook his head and asked, "Did you enjoy horseback riding this afternoon?"

"It was alright," Richard glanced at Filomina, who was sitting across from him with her eyes closed, enjoying the music, "She's pitiful."

"Do you feel sorry for her?"

"Yeah, I do."

"My advice is, she's not the kind of flower you should be picking."

"Where's your mind going? I'll definitely look for a wife with a gentle nature."

"Like your mother?"

"A woman who runs away from her husband and children when life gets tough? Only my blind father would fancy someone like that."

Memphis: "…"

Richard sighed, "I really do think she's pitiful. She even envies my dad for being able to beat me. How pitiful must she be?"

"That proves you're still fortunate."

"Come on, am I crazy to look for happiness in a pigsty? If I could, I'd knock my dad out and ship him to her via express delivery, and make sure it's cash on delivery."

Memphis: "Very well."

...

"What do you think the captain will show us?" Ventura followed Murphy, peering around curiously.

"I don't know," Murphy looked towards the brightly lit castle in the distance, then back at the dark performance hall in front of him, "But it must be something important."

Because no one else was qualified to see it.

Murphy took out a scroll, spread it open, and a gap appeared in front of him. The defensive array was opened, and he and Ventura walked in. When they reached the large iron door, Murphy took out the key that had been given to him along with the scroll and unlocked the door.

After passing through a long, dark corridor and turning a corner, Murphy and Ventura arrived inside the performance hall.

"Meow~"

A cat's meow sounded.

"Buzz!"

In an instant, the candles around them began to light up one by one, illuminating the area in a flash.

Against the backdrop of candlelight, the silhouette of a black cat was cast on the towering walls, high, large, and oppressive.

Below was a huge array, with twelve coffins neatly arranged around it. Eleven of them were of one exquisite style, while one looked somewhat rough and haphazard.

Murphy asked subconsciously, "What is this place?"

"Snap!"

Alfred's figure appeared above the performance hall. His left arm hung down, his right hand grasping his left wrist. Slowly lifting his head, his eyes glowed red, and in a magnetic voice filled with excited trembling, he answered:

"This... is the glorious resting place."