Chapter 284: Exposed!

They called it a walk, and it truly was just a walk. The two quietly walked side by side.

After nightfall, Darkmoon Island gained a noticeable chill compared to daytime. Ophelia kept both of her hands tucked inside her front pocket. Today, she was wearing local Darkmoon Island attire, and one distinctive feature of the women’s garments here was the large front pouch that resembled a kangaroo pocket.

In early years, when Darkmoon Island’s living conditions had been harsh and there had been few industries, the men generally went out to sea fishing while the women processed the catches.

However, due to the island’s unique geography, their fishing often yielded unusual stones. These stones came in many varieties, and they were frequently swallowed by fish. While gutting and salting the fish, women would occasionally discover small stones within them, and they would casually place them into the pouch at the front of their clothes.

In truth, the stones themselves were not particularly valuable and were merely common Art materials, but for Darkmoon Island’s women at the time, they had represented a source of income too significant to ignore.

Nowadays, such work was mostly handled by merfolk and laborers on the outer islands. Local Darkmoon women rarely engaged in such practices, yet so-called regional attire often preserved characteristics from early modes of production and labor, which was why such a design feature remained.

“Are you cold?” The one who asked this was not Karon, but Ophelia.

“No.”

The two continued forward, bypassing the hot spring district before exiting through a side gate near the back.

The hotel itself was built halfway up the mountain. After circling around to the other side, an extremely lively street appeared before them. It was difficult to imagine that such a grand and imposing hotel stood so close to a civilian street overflowing with ordinary life and bustle.

However, when they had come out earlier, Karon had noticed many guards stationed along their route. There was clearly a deliberate separation.

Of course, ordinary people visiting this area would not pass through the hotel in this way, but would simply climb up from the other side of the mountain.

“This is the old district of our Darkmoon Island. Locals usually come here to eat and relax. The district near the harbor mainly caters to sailors and outsiders.”

“So what you really mean is that the harbor area is where you fleece foreigners, while this is where the locals actually enjoy themselves?”

Ophelia nodded and smiled. “In the past, the distinction was very strict. Nowadays the boundaries have blurred considerably. Still, the truly delicious places can only be found here. Next time, if you bring your fiancée to Darkmoon Island, you can bring her here directly to try some authentic local flavors.”

Karon looked at her as she walked ahead of him. The streetlights spilled through the night, shining on the side of her face and casting it in a faint, hazy glow that gave her a strangely textured beauty.

“Yet we just finished eating not long ago.”

Although Veynic cuisine was not very good, such a lavish feast had been prepared for Karon, and with sincere enthusiasm. Combined with the fact that he had slept for too long and had been genuinely starving, he had ended up eating quite a bit.

Ophelia said, “I’m hungry.”

Only then did Karon remember that Ophelia had barely eaten during the earlier meal. Also, her appetite was enormous.

“You choose.”

“Shouldn’t the host be the one to choose?”

“The guest chooses.”

“Then... this one.” Karon pointed toward a restaurant whose sign read “Taste of Nostalgia.”

He did not choose it because the name carried any particular significance, but rather because he noticed that every other establishment had their barbecue grills set up outside, while this one did not.

Karon had truthfully never been especially fond of barbecue. In his previous life, his stomach had been rather weak, so he had rarely touched grilled foods or shellfish. Even during gatherings when such food had been unavoidable, he had only sampled a little.

That habit had carried over into his current life.

The steps to enter the restaurant descended. The interior had been hollowed directly out of the mountain itself, giving it the feeling of a cave dwelling.

The interior was not large and it had a narrow rectangular layout. Even so, the atmosphere was excellent. A middle-aged owner handled the cooking while a young waitress assisted him. Their features resembled each other somewhat, likely father and daughter.

“You’re here. It’s been a long time since you visited,” the owner greeted Ophelia warmly.

“Big sister, you came!” the girl also greeted Ophelia cheerfully.

Both clearly knew her, though they apparently did not know her true identity.

Ophelia ordered a number of dishes, and Karon noticed the owner flipped three pages in his small notebook while recording the order, yet never once asked if they would be able to finish so much food. Clearly, he was experienced.

Any businessman would develop a deep impression of customers with such absurd spending power.

After ordering, Ophelia and Karon selected the table tucked into the deepest corner. She sat facing inward while Karon faced outward. Clearly, she did not want any acquaintances entering later and disturbing her peace during her meal.

“You come here often?” Karon asked.

“Fairly often. The owners of half the restaurants on this street know me,” Ophelia answered honestly. “Going to the same restaurant every time eventually becomes embarrassing.”

The first thing brought out were two drinks. They were bright red and covered with a piece of fish skin. For a moment, Karon genuinely could not determine whether it was a drink or soup.

Ophelia picked up her cup, took a sip, and released a deeply satisfied sigh.

Karon hesitated before lifting his own cup. He blew the fish skin aside with his mouth and took a cautious sip. There was not the slightest fishy taste. Instead, it was pleasantly sweet, though not the overpowering sweetness of sugar. It carried a lingering aftertaste. Overall, it felt extremely refreshing.

“This tastes good. What’s it made from?”

“It’s considered a kind of fruit wine, but special fish are raised inside during the brewing process. You can’t drink this anywhere else.”

“It doesn’t taste like alcohol.”

“The strength can be adjusted. I chose a lighter one.”

“Oh. I see.”

The owner served dishes very quickly. Unlike meals Karon ate with Larry and the others from the York City delegation, the food in the restaurant was not served on giant communal platters. Instead, each dish was refined and carefully prepared to preserve the ingredient’s original flavor as much as possible.

“These dishes should suit your tastes very well.”

“They do.” Karon took another sip of the fruit wine. “Although I sometimes enjoy heavily flavored food too, that’s only for occasionally changing things up.”

“How do you normally eat in Veyn?”

“I usually eat out. Work keeps me too busy, so my meals are mostly just whatever’s convenient.”

Ophelia smiled, but said nothing.

Karon quickly became full, but Ophelia looked to have only just begun. She did not wolf food down, but once she started eating, she practically never stopped. With a steady rhythm, she removed shells and bones before placing the food into her mouth and chewing. She neither rushed nor slowed down.

Karon ordered another pitcher of the fruit wine, already thinking that it would be best to take an entire crate back home with him. He wondered whether the Church of Order’s teleportation arrays charged extra for overweight baggage.

At that moment, a young man entered from outside the restaurant. He wore the priest's robes of the Church of Reincarnation. The moment he entered, he noticed Karon sitting in the corner, or more specifically, Karon’s Order robes.

The young man sat down, and the waitress immediately ran over and sat in front of him.

The two conversed happily, clearly already familiar with each other. Judging from the girl’s body language, she obviously liked him.

Their voices were not loud, but the restaurant was small enough that their conversation remained clearly audible. The girl asked him about stories from outside the island, and the young man enthusiastically told her various tales.

The tone between them carried an unmistakable implication of how the two of them would live together in the future. Judging by various details, the young man intended to take the girl away with him when he left.

He truly made progress fast.

Karon turned and saw the owner sitting behind the counter, slowly polishing cups. His expression carried obvious loneliness.

Soon afterward, the girl entered the back room and changed clothes before happily leaving the restaurant hand-in-hand with the man from the Church of Reincarnation. They were likely going on a date.

From beginning to end, the young man never once spoke to the owner. Not even while leading the man’s daughter away right in front of him.

Karon picked up the pitcher and walked to the counter. “Boss, another full one. Seal it for me, I want to bring it back for my friends.”

“Oh, alright.” The owner smiled warmly as he filled another pitcher of fruit wine before carefully sealing the mouth of the container. “Would you like cups as well?”

“No need.”

“Here you go. It seems you truly enjoy this drink.”

“Yes. It’s very good.”

“My Reima likes this a lot too, but I’m afraid she won’t have the chance to drink it again in the future.”

“Is that girl your daughter?”

“Yes, she’s my daughter. She fell in love with an honored guest from the church, and that honored guest wants to take her away with him. She’s very happy. I... I’m also very happy. I hope she can find happiness.”

The man’s tone betrayed profound reluctance, yet for the island’s younger generation especially, material conditions were secondary.

The owner’s family was not wealthy by the island’s standards, but they certainly lived comfortably. Still, young people’s curiosity toward love and the outside world often drove them to reckless extremes. Given the opportunity, they would practically grow wings and fly away immediately.

Even Karon himself was no exception. Otherwise, why would he have refused to remain quietly within the family funeral home?

“I hope she finds happiness.”

“Thank you. But I’ll prepare enough money for her to buy a return ship ticket. I still have some credits saved up, and I’ll give those to her as well before she leaves.

“Actually, I really can’t bear to let her go, but I can’t bring myself to stop her. You understand, right?”

“I do.”

At that moment, Ophelia finished eating as well. She placed several gold coins onto the table, stood up, glanced toward Karon, and headed outside. Karon followed her out.

Ophelia stood atop the entrance steps waiting for him before the two began walking back together.

“Is it always so lively here?” Karon asked.

“No. It’s because of what happened a few days ago. A lot of people were terrified, so these past few days all the entertainment districts have become unusually crowded. Everyone’s more willing to spend money now.”

“Oh. I see.”

When they reached the hotel’s side entrance, a carriage was already there waiting for Ophelia. Karon remained standing in place, waiting for her to board, but Ophelia made no move to enter the carriage.

Instead, she turned and tilted her head slightly while looking at Karon. After a long while, she smiled.

Karon felt somewhat confused.

“Are you cold?” This was now the second time she had asked him the same question today.

“No.”

“I don’t want to go back yet. Stay with me a little longer.”

“It’s already very late.”

Ophelia raised her fist and waved it in front of Karon. “Are you coming or not?”

Karon said nothing.

Ophelia turned and walked toward an unmarked path leading into the mountain forest. Karon hesitated briefly before ultimately following after her.

Ophelia walked ahead while Karon followed behind. After going fairly deep into the woods, Ophelia sat atop a stone before patting the empty space beside her. Karon sat down as well, placing the pitcher of fruit wine by his feet.

For a very long time, neither spoke. Ophelia merely stared up at the incomplete Darkmoon hanging overhead while Karon lowered his gaze toward the leaves beneath his feet.

“Are you cold?”

“This priest’s robe regulates body temperature.”

Karon was beginning to feel puzzled. This was already the third time she had asked him this question since they met tonight.

Ophelia leaned slightly forward, resting her cheek against one hand as she looked at him.

“You’ve acted rather strange today,” Karon finally said.

“Mhmm. So you finally noticed.”

“Is it because too many things happened recently on the island?”

Ophelia nodded, but then shook her head. “It’s not only the island’s matters. Between you and me, things happen that most girls might not encounter even once in their entire lives, yet somehow they seem to happen to us every other day.”

“Maybe... they’re just coincidences?”

“Under normal circumstances, people would call that fate’s arrangement instead. You deliberately avoided using that word. I’ve noticed that whenever you’re around me, you’re always like this. Like during our sparring matches, you’re constantly holding back on purpose. I actually dislike that feeling very much.

“Can you tell me why you’ve always been this way?”

Karon pursed his lips tightly. Objectively speaking, the reason behind this chain of coincidences was someone named Nio manipulating events behind the scenes, and the secrets involved could not be spoken aloud, but beyond objective reasons, there were inevitably subjective ones as well.

Seeing Karon remain silent, Ophelia continued, “My father has many women, and many illegitimate children. I’ve never gotten angry about that. Perhaps because I grew up in that kind of environment. You’re different. You have a fiancée, so you’ve always maintained certain principles, right?”

“It’s not only that.”

“Oh? Not only that? Then what else?”

Karon decided to speak honestly about his true thoughts. “When someone of the opposite sex expresses affection toward you, there’s inevitably a kind of happiness and enjoyment you feel inside. Sorry, but that can’t really be avoided.”

“That’s the reason?”

“Mhmm.”

“So inside your heart, you do feel a certain affection toward me too, right?”

Karon answered honestly, “Yes. I do.”

“Alright. I understand now. You want to uphold your principles while also enjoying the feeling of me liking you.” Ophelia stretched both hands out before her. “It’s like warming yourself by a fire; You enjoy the warmth the flames provide, yet you neither dare nor wish to actually thrust your hands into the fire itself, because you know you’ll be burned.

“How’s that analogy?”

“Very fitting.”

Ophelia once again raised her fist and waved it before Karon. “I just finished eating. I currently have plenty of strength.”

“What exactly are you planning to do?”

“Nothing in particular. Mm...” Ophelia rested her chin in one hand. “I’ve always loved the stories, poetry, and writings left behind by Ancestor Bernard. Ever since childhood. Nearly every native of Darkmoon Island grew up listening to Ancestor Bernard’s stories.”

“I know.”

“In our eyes, Ancestor Bernard was spotless and pure. His life and his love were the same.”

“Mhmm.”

“But because of Mr. Phileas’s matter, I saw another side of our ancestor. Additionally, I recently spent time reading both Mr. Phileas’s and Ancestor Bernard’s journals. My impression of our ancestor changed. It fell from the heavens to the ground, becoming marred by dust.

“Before you came to the island this time, I once tried comparing our relationship to the one between Ancestor Bernard and Miss Poeller. The two seemed separated by unimaginably vast distances, yet at the same time, our story felt like a repetition of theirs.”

“And then?”

“And then, once our ancestor no longer seemed so perfect in my eyes, I reread the love story he wrote about him and Miss Poeller, and I started sensing... a kind of dissonance. It felt as though there was a line stretched between every love story, and all of them seemed torn apart.

“Do you know... I even began suspecting... suspecting whether Miss Poeller and our ancestor ever actually...” Ophelia bit her lip before slowly releasing it. “I always placed myself into Ancestor Bernard’s role, and always placed you into Miss Poeller’s role. And then... it felt like this...

“It’s very difficult to describe. Yesterday, I spent the entire day replaying our ancestor’s love stories inside my mind. I tried dissecting that line which made me feel uncomfortable. In the end, I felt... felt... heh. I felt that I truly resemble our ancestor. I understood him. In every story, the first half described events that truly happened, while the second half was an imagined fantasy of happiness.”

Karon froze. He had never expected Ophelia to suddenly say something like this.

“Sigh... it all ended more than a hundred years ago. There’s no need to stubbornly pursue it now. Because perhaps those stories weren’t actually recording events at all. Perhaps they were simply depicting love itself, right?”

Ophelia deliberately looked toward Karon, clearly seeking an answer from him. She repeated, “Right?”

At that moment, sweat slowly formed within Karon’s palms, because he understood exactly what Ophelia meant. She seemed to have pierced through the fog and “understood” the fabricated romantic lie Bernard had woven for himself.

But now the problem was this: if Bernard and Poelle’s story was false, then what exactly was Karon’s own identity? If Bernard and Poelle had never truly ended up together, then where exactly had this supposed descendant of Poelle come from?

Going one step deeper, without bloodline inheritance supporting it, how exactly was he using the Darkmoon Blade? What exactly was Karon’s identity?

And expanding further still, what about Miss Poelle’s gravestone at Allen Manor, along with the touching line written on it?

Ultimately, even the chain of recent events on the island could potentially be interpreted through increasingly elaborate conspiratorial theories built upon this foundation.

Karon pressed his palms against his knees and cursed inwardly. Damn it, Captain. You played me straight into disaster...

It was precisely because Ophelia genuinely liked Karon that she had thoroughly immersed herself into Bernard’s perspective, and because of that, she had “understood” the endless chain of romantic stories Bernard left behind.

Yet in doing so, she had glimpsed a secret, or perhaps, a truth.

All it took was the tiniest crack. Once such a crack appeared, every disguise surrounding it could be completely pried open, and Karon’s masks always seemed to lose their disguising power before people who genuinely became close to him.

“I don’t know.” In the end, this was the answer Karon gave. It carried a somewhat helpless sense of “whatever happens, happens.”

Because there was no possibility whatsoever that he would silence Ophelia by killing her here. He could neither do such a thing nor even produce the thought.

Ophelia stood up while smoothing out her skirt. “Karon, do you know something? You should feel grateful that Mr. Phileas ultimately abandoned revenge. And you should feel grateful for the things you just told me, that you do have feelings for me and enjoy being liked by me.

“More importantly, you should feel grateful that I like you. But I truly cannot understand why, the first time in my life I fall in love with someone, I end up suffering this kind of grievance. I genuinely refuse to accept it.

“That’s why I really wanted to beat you up, but suddenly it felt meaningless. Most importantly...” Ophelia laughed softly. “You’ve been very obedient today.”

Karon remained silent. So that is what she meant earlier.

When she had repeatedly raised her fists to his face, she had been genuinely searching for reasons to hit him?

“I’ll still go to the Church of Order for training, but I won’t choose York City. I’ll select another region within the church instead.

“Because I genuinely enjoy the feeling of liking you, but just as you have your fiancée and your principles, I also have my Darkmoon. That is my principle.

“As for my family, I’ll need you to help maintain appearances. That way I can avoid future political marriage arrangements.

“Lastly, apologize to your captain for me.”

“Captain?” Captain got exposed too?

“If I went to York City, he would’ve supplied members from his own squad to help me establish mine, and through that, he could’ve been promoted into a mid-ranked captain, overseeing three squads. Now, he won’t get promoted.”

“...”

Ophelia crossed her arms and softly said, “I’m cold.”

Karon stood up, but before he could say or do anything, Ophelia added, “Walk me back to the carriage.”

“Mhmm.”

The two once again walked with one in front of the other, but this time, Karon walked ahead and Ophelia followed behind him.

The moonlight of the Darkmoon filtered through the leaves and scattered across Karon’s figure, pulling out a mottled shadow while also tracing the steps with which he departed.

The atmosphere between them grew heavier and heavier, yet at that moment, the quiet was suddenly broken by intertwined panting sounds coming from a nearby pile of fallen leaves. A man and woman were clearly tangled together there.

They had likely set up a concealment array, but the array only obscured things from farther away. At close range, it became nearly useless.

Of course, perhaps they themselves believed that complete silence would reduce the enjoyment too much, requiring each other’s voices as accompaniment.

Karon intended to leave immediately, but the people inside had already finished.

The man stepped out while adjusting his clothes and looked over at Karon, as Ophelia was entirely hidden by standing behind him.

The man smiled and said, “Friend, finished pretty quickly, huh?”

Karon recognized him. It was the man from the Church of Reincarnation who had entered the restaurant earlier.

And the robe he was currently straightening was indeed the robes of the Church of Reincarnation.

The woman behind him stood up and casually waved her hand, dispersing the simple barrier she had set earlier before wrapping her arm around the man’s. “Let’s go, let’s go. I’m hungry. I want to try Darkmoon Island’s local specialties.” ℴ

“Mhmm, alright. I’ll take you there.”

The man waved toward Karon and said, “See you around. Heh heh.”

After speaking, he pulled the woman along and headed out of the forest.

Karon discovered that the woman was none other than Reima, the restaurant owner’s daughter.

“Wait a moment,” Karon suddenly called out.

The man stopped and turned back toward Karon with a smile. “What? Are people from Order unable to take a joke?”

Karon pointed toward the girl. “You swapped out her soul.”

The man’s gaze immediately sharpened. “I don’t think we have any reason to start a dispute here over some Darkmoon Island peasant, do we?”

Ophelia immediately shifted to step forward when she heard this, but Karon grabbed her wrist and stopped her. Even if the victim was from Darkmoon Island, Darkmoon itself was unsuited to take action in this manner. Anyone who was capable of using soul contracts was absolutely not an ordinary member of the Church of Reincarnation. Therefore, if conflict had to occur, it was best for the conflict to occur between the two Churches instead.

Karon took two steps forward, completely shielding Ophelia behind him. “There is a reason.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“Her father’s cooking was very good.”