13 Mink Street

Karon’s heart gave a hard thud at what he saw. Surely, this could not be because of him. Surely he had not, through this very intervention, pushed Eisen straight into mental confusion.

If that were true, the entire ordeal would be absurd. He had come to treat someone. The man had only been struggling through his daily life before, only for Karon’s treatment to make him critically worse?

Very quickly, Karon realized that he had frightened himself for nothing. The bloodshot redness started to fade from Eisen’s eyes, and his expression softened. Rather, his eyes became filled with an even deeper sadness.

This indicated that Eisen had not been led into killing his sister by Karon, but that he had done it before, long ago.

It might have been in a dream, or perhaps in a dazed state, but faced with his sister’s begging, and being unwilling to leave her to continue enduring such torment, Eisen had killed her himself.

While such an outcome could be a form of release for family members, for the one who acted, rational understanding rarely absolved anything.

Just like Tiz. Karon knew that Tiz had never truly emerged from what had happened back then, just due to the fact that he had personally killed his own son and daughter-in-law. Tiz had brooded on that matter for years, to the point that he had begun to doubt the God of Order. He had paid an unimaginably heavy price for it, heavy enough to condense a second godhead shard.

Even if Eisen had not truly killed his sister with his own hands, the vividness of what he had felt, and the moral burden of his self-condemnation, was not so different from having truly done the deed.

This, then, was likely the root of the man’s illness.

In truth, he had already walked out of it, in one sense. After all, he had continued to manage to work, had still improved his rank, and continued to move forward along the course of his life, and yet, some part of him had forever remained left behind, trapped within that scene, stuck behind that door.

It was like a great wound on the body that never truly closed. You did not need to touch it. Even a passing gust of wind could make it ache unbearably.

At this moment, Karon realized he had no way to comfort or enlighten the man before him.

You don’t need to blame yourself. I’m not blaming myself.

Her death wasn’t caused by you. I know it wasn’t caused by me.

She wouldn’t blame you. I know my sister wouldn’t blame me.

Karon could already predict exactly how Eisen would answer if he spoke those comforting lines aloud. The man had long since seen through things; He had long since reasoned with himself.

But he was still, quite simply, in pain. The emotions had been bottled up inside of him the whole time, unable to dissipate, until at last, they had warped his mind itself.

“Is the treatment over?” Eisen asked.

“It is.”

“I do feel a little better.” Eisen raised the back of his hand to wipe away the tears at the corners of his eyes. “Actually, I’ve known that something is wrong with me, but I also knew there was no way to resolve it.”

Karon nodded.

“What fills me with shame is that my problem has affected my family. I have tried very hard, but I’ve found it becoming harder and harder to fulfill the roles of son, husband, and father.” Eisen rose to his feet. He gave Karon a smile and said, “I can feel your professionalism.”

“Thank you.”

“I still haven’t thanked you for saving my wife and me. That night, if you hadn’t shown up in time, my wife and I would almost certainly have died. Perhaps our mourning service would be taking place in this house right now.”

Eisen was speaking much more than before, and far more fluently as well. This was not because his condition had improved, but rather that a festering wound had just been violently torn open, and the sharp pain had, in a kind of reverse stimulation, made him momentarily more lucid.

But this was only temporary. It would not be long before Eisen gradually slipped back again, and it was possible that he would become even more sensitive. In other words, his condition would most likely worsen.

“It was my duty.”

“If there is ever anything you need, anything at all, you may come to me directly.”

“Very well, Mr. Eisen.”

“Now, I would like to be alone for a while longer.”

“Of course.” Karon walked to the door. Just as he was about to open the study, he stopped, turned, and looked back at Eisen. “Mr. Eisen, actually, it is not as though there is no treatment at all.”

“Hm?”

“I do have a method. Perhaps you could try it.”

“Go on.”

Karon pointed to his own face, then back at Eisen. “I think you may need a mask.”

“A mask?”

“Yes. Briefly, from time to time, another identity.”

“I do not want to escape.”

“I’m not asking you to escape. I’m asking you to vent.”

“Vent...”

“All these emotions inside of you have never found an outlet. They’re like a methane pit. Do you know what that is?”

“I do.”

“Good. That’s roughly the state that you’re currently in. In your true identity, you cannot let it out, but under another identity, you may be able to persuade yourself to do so.”

“Persuade myself?”

“I think it’s worth trying.”

Eisen’s greatest problem was precisely this: he had no unresolved problem that needed resolving. He was rational. He did not need persuasion. He did not need consolation. But when someone too rational develops a problem, it becomes even harder for them to find that sort of emotional breach, the kind that could burst like a collapsing dam.

“I think I understand what you mean.”

“This shouldn’t need to last very long. You would only need to assume another identity once in a while and then observe the effect. I think there is a high chance that, under that identity, you will gradually become more normal.”

“So how, specifically, should this be done?”

“You need to promise me that you will keep it secret.”

“You’ve saved my life; I know how I ought to treat the one who saved it.”

Karon nodded. How to put it? Promises made by people with social anxiety always seemed peculiarly reliable. “I can ask someone to make a mask for you. Once you wear it, you can become someone else, not only in face, but in build, voice, and even... temperament.”

Eisen took a card from his pocket and handed it to Karon. “This is my stipend card. I know a mask like that cannot possibly be cheap.”

Karon did not accept the card. With a bitter smile, he explained, “I can’t use that card. This can’t see the light of day, so cash would be better.”

“I don’t have any.”

“Your son should have quite a bit on hand.”

“Very well. I’ll ask Richard for some.”

Sorry, Richard. This is all for your father’s health.

“There is one more thing I would like to remind you of.”

“Please.”

“If you entrust your stipend card to Ms. Casey for safekeeping, it may help improve your relationship with her.”

“All right. I understand.”

“Most importantly: secrecy. Not even your family can know your new identity.”

“I understand, but I feel that a new identity alone may not be enough to have a real effect.”

“I know. I know.” Karon raised his hand. “I’ve already outlined arrangements for you, because I know of a place where you’ll regularly have opportunities to vent those emotions.”

“What place?”

“A Whip squad.”

“You mean...”

“That’s right. Our Hunting Hounds squad. Our captain is absolutely the sort of brute who can lead an entire team into a proper release.”

“But Richard...”

“Being able to interact with your son under another identity could also be a good way to make up for the fatherly love you failed to give him in the past, couldn’t it? After all, many fathers in this world hope they can become true friends with their sons.”

Sorry, Richard. This too is for your father’s health.

“All right, I agree. But my regular duties...”

“You can apply for suspension on the grounds of a psychological issue and take some time off. I trust your superiors would not feel comfortable letting a priest suspected of approaching derangement continue in such an important post. It may affect your reputation, however.”

“That’s fine. I do not care about reputation.”

“There is one more thing. Becoming an attached member of our squad requires our captain’s approval. Our captain is not someone easily fooled, so I will have to tell him your real identity. Please rest assured, though, that out of the entire squad, only he and I will know who you are.”

“That’s fine. No problem.”

“Once everything is arranged, I’ll notify you.”

“I’ll wait for you.”

“Then the treatment plan is settled. I’ll offer my congratulations in advance and hope it brings you good results.”

“But there is one thing I want to ask you. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

“Please.”

“Karon, are you wearing a mask on your face right now?”

Karon smiled. “If the heart is sincere enough, whether there is a mask on the face no longer matters.”

***

Karon walked out of the study and returned to the dining room.

To provide a proper environment for the therapy, the Gorman family had not returned to the parlor after dinner, but had remained seated in the dining room instead.

Before anyone could ask, Karon spoke first, “Mr. Eisen’s condition is very serious.”

No one present showed any surprise. They all knew perfectly well how bad Eisen’s state had already become.

“At present, I have offered him a treatment plan. I believe it should have some effect, but as for the specific results, only time can prove them.”

“Thank you, Karon,” Richard stood up and thanked him with great formality.

“It was only my duty,” Karon replied with a smile.

The old lady beckoned to Karon of her own accord. “Karon, come here. Come, come to Grandma.”

At the sight of this, Lucy raised a hand to her forehead, then covertly stole a glance at Casey, her sister-in-law. The woman still wore a smile, but it had gone rather stiff.

Karon walked over to the Mrs. Gorman. She picked up a plate of dessert in front of her, scooped up a portion of something that looked like pudding with a spoon, and held it to Karon’s lips herself. “Come on, dear, open your mouth.”

Old Derron appeared puzzled. He felt that his wife’s attitude toward Karon seemed a little excessive.

Derek and his daughter Lucia also deliberately turned to look over, clearly sensing that something was off.

Richard alone noticed nothing at all and even offered an explanation of the dessert for Karon, “Karon, this is jelly Grandma made herself. It’s delicious.”

Karon opened his mouth and took the bite, and the old lady hurriedly asked, “Is it sweet?”

“It isn’t.”

“Then... you don’t like it?”

Karon shook his head. “On the contrary. I think the highest praise a dessert can receive is probably... that it isn’t sweet.” [1]

“Hehehehe...” The old lady laughed happily.

A person’s tastes could be seen from the way they cooked. This woman’s dishes were obviously much lighter than typical Veynic cuisine. Karon knew that she was someone who preferred delicate, mild flavors.

“You really are my treasure. Grandma adores you.” As she spoke,the old lady pointed her spoon at everyone else present and said, “They don’t understand food, but I know you do.”

That was true enough. Among a group of native Veynic people, insisting on a light palate would indeed be difficult.

Did this also mean that the old lady was not Veynic herself? Was Karon’s maternal grandmother from elsewhere?

This caused his suspicions to grow even stronger. The faith his grandmother held was likely not Order, as she did not have a habit of saying “May the God of Order bless us.”

“Grandma, I also like experimenting with dishes myself. If there’s a chance later, we can exchange notes.”

“Really? Good, good, good!” The old lady set down the dessert and took hold of Karon’s hand. “From now on, whether that brat Richard is at home or not, if you want to come over, just come right here. Oh, right, I don’t usually stay here, but that doesn’t matter. Starting today, I plan to stay here. That way, it’ll be more convenient for you to visit.”

“All right, Grandma.”

Lucy noticed that her sister-in-law Casey’s expression had turned so dark that it looked as though rain were about to fall.

“I... Mr. Derron and I are both old now, and we do not have much time left. With what little time remains to me, I only wish to live as happily as I can.

“You have no parents. You are a poor, unfortunate child. Treat this place as your own home, you understand?”

“Yes, Grandma.”

Richard laughed and said, “Grandma, you’re even kinder to Karon than you are to me, your own grandson.”

Lucy saw that Casey’s nails had already dug into her chair.

Derron spoke up as well, “That’s right. From now on, this is your home too. Come visit often.”

Even Derek chimed in, “You’re welcome at my place anytime too, haha.”

Seeing that his wife gave no response, he gently nudged her with his hand. Lucy immediately said, “Mm? Yes, of course. Welcome, welcome.”

Casey drew in a deep breath and rose to her feet. Her eyes were slightly flushed as she spoke to Karon, “Karon, thank you again for saving me before. Mother is right; This will be your home from now on. Don’t be reserved here.”

After saying that, Casey turned to the old lady and Derron. “Father, Mother, I’d like to go upstairs and rest for a bit. I’m a little tired.”

“Then go on quickly. You’re injured, don’t overtire yourself.”

“Sister-in-law, I’ll help you up.” Lucy also stood and supported Casey up the stairs.

“Grandma, Mr. Derron, Mr. Derek, Miss Lucia, it’s getting late. Thank you all for your warm hospitality. I should take my leave now.”

The rest of the family in the dining room escorted Karon to the foyer, while Richard walked him all the way to the car. After Karon got into his vehicle, Richard leaned against the window and asked, “My father’s condition, is there really a way to ease it?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you, Karon. Sometimes I truly don’t know how to express it.”

“There’s no need for thanks. It’s what I should do.”

I only hope that once you learn the truth of today, you will not hate me.

“Goodbye. Drive safely.”

“Goodbye. Stay safe at home.”

***

In a second floor bedroom, the two women leaned against each other.

Casey said, “There’s no mistake. There’s absolutely no mistake. I know Mother is from the Altair family, and the Altair family possesses an extremely strong sensitivity regarding such matters. She must have sensed Karon’s bloodline, which is why she couldn’t wait to have him call her ‘Grandma.’”

Lucy pursed her lips tightly. When it came to her own mother, she had no way to refute it.

“Mother did this for me to see. She did it on purpose, for me to see.”

Lucy sighed softly, not knowing how to comfort her sister-in-law. If their positions were reversed, she would probably be even more frantic than Casey.

“He saved my life, Lucy. No matter what, he saved Eisen and me. That night, truly, if he had not appeared in time, Eisen and I would certainly be dead by now.

“I will try to accept him. I will. It is what I ought to do. No matter what, he has done nothing wrong. Toward me, he has shown only kindness.

“It is just that Mother should have given me time to react. She should have considered me more. Truly, does she distrust me so much that she could not wait even a moment? I know what I should do. I know what I ought to do. But Mother should not have done this. She should not have done this. Wuwu...” Even the strongest woman outside the home would still have a fragile side in the end, even if she was a great Expositor.

“I think... since Mother did not say it outright, perhaps there is still room to turn things around. Is there any chance that she simply happens to get along very well with Karon?”

“Do you actually think that’s possible, Lucy?”

“I mean, what if? What if it really is possible? Mother is old now, after all. When people grow old, they sometimes become sentimental. So perhaps... perhaps we misunderstood.

“Though you and my brother have lived separately these past years because of him, I remember that at the beginning, the two of you were very close. You fell in love, came to understand each other, married, and then had Richard. You were always deeply affectionate, weren’t you? Karon is even a little older than Richard, isn’t he? So how could that have happened, back then?”

“In truth, your brother once told me that before he met me, he had another girlfriend.”

“He did? Who was she?”

“He told me she died while carrying out a mission. Wu... he lied to me, Lucy. He actually lied to me!”

“I think this matter can still be thought through further. We can still learn more.”

At that moment, the bedroom door was pushed open, and Eisen appeared in the doorway. Casey immediately stopped crying, and the two women looked at the man standing there. Eisen placed his stipend card into Casey’s hand. Without ever saying a word, he turned and left the bedroom, quietly closing the door behind him.

Casey stared at the card in her hand.

Then she looked at Lucy. At once, she began crying even harder. “Wu... Lucy, he’s compensating me. He’s compensating me!!!”

Casey threw her arms around Lucy and wept in utter misery. “Karon really is his bastard!”

1. A dry joke rooted in Chinese dessert culture, where many traditional sweets are only mildly sweet compared to desserts from other countries. Saying a dessert “isn’t sweet” can be genuine praise rather than criticism. ☜