A Dinner Table of Sin

"Perhaps we are young;

Perhaps we are insignificant;

Perhaps, in the eyes of adults, we are still children, and nothing more than children.

But,

The self-interest filling adults' minds does not make them mature!

When we gather together and stand united, we are no longer insignificant!

Adults will grow old eventually, and their decay, their selfishness, and their cruelty toward nature will all be swept into the rubbish heap with them!

And we,

We will ultimately become the masters of this city, and even this world!"

"Delis! Delis! Delis!"

"Delis! Delis! Delis!"

The young students cheered in unison, their youthful faces flushed with excitement in the cold wind.

Delis took two steps back,

And bowed deeply.

Then, with her supporters' cheers still ringing just as loudly, she left the podium under the protection of two bodyguards.

Passing behind the curtains backstage,

She climbed into a black Diksha, a car renowned for its powerful engine and large displacement;

A female bodyguard brought over a brown fox-fur coat and draped it over her.

"Are you cold?"

Delis shook her head, merely giving the fur on her body an indifferent glance.

"Get me another one."

"Of course, miss."

The female bodyguard brought her a white fox-fur coat instead, saying,

"Mr. Oka is hosting a dinner for Mr. Ford. He instructed you to make an appearance once your event here is over."

"Mr. Ford?"

"He's a candidate in the Mayoral Election of Rojia City. Mr. Oka thinks very highly of him and hopes to help him defeat the old mayor."

"All right."

"You can get some sleep now. I'll wake you when we arrive."

Delis closed her eyes.

Twenty minutes later, the black Diksha drove into the underground parking garage of the Rojia Grand Hotel. After the female bodyguard woke her, Delis got out and entered the elevator.

A short while later,

She entered a private VIP dining room on the thirteenth floor.

"Oh, look who's here. Our angel has arrived."

The potbellied Mr. Oka raised his glass and addressed everyone at the table.

"Come, let's drink to our environmental angel!"

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

There were few people at the table: only five, including Mr. Oka.

One was Ford, a candidate in the Mayoral Election,

One was Humil, editor-in-chief of the Rojia Daily,

One was Haggett, a veteran Rojia City councilman,

And the last was Mr. Molf.

Mr. Molf was the man in charge of the Molf Consortium. The consortium had risen in Rojia, and its influence throughout Ruilan was now considerable.

These days, the cigarettes most familiar to Rojia City's smokers, and the most popular among them, were Molf Cigarettes. Meanwhile, the Molf family had also invested heavily in healthcare. It owned a well-known hospital chain in Ruilan, as well as several private hospitals in Rojia City with different names but the same controlling shareholder.

"It's a pleasure to see you all."

Delis greeted the "distinguished guests" seated there. Her expression was gentle, and she looked like an obedient young girl, with none of the forcefulness she displayed before her supporters in the streets.

Mr. Oka waved a hand and said,

"Delis is tired. Go and rest first."

Delis went into the adjoining lounge, where there were tea, refreshments, and a cozy bed.

A man in a red robe was also standing inside, his face covered by a pure white mask.

Delis took off her coat, flung herself onto the bed, and spread her arms.

The man sat down beside her, placed his fingers against her temples, and began massaging them gently.

"You're exhausted, aren't you?"

Delis answered, "Mm."

"I know you don't want to work yourself so hard, either, but the Berry Church needs your efforts. The God of Nature needs them, too."

"Mm..."

"I don't particularly enjoy talking to those people outside, either, but the church cannot grow without them."

Delis opened her eyes slightly, revealing a smile,

And said,

"I know."

At the dinner table, the veteran councilman Haggett spoke.

"Today's marchers stormed the power plant, leaving the Eastern District without electricity for half the afternoon. That could easily turn the public against us."

Mr. Oka waved a hand and said,

"That can't be helped. Young children are the easiest to stir up, but often not so easy to control.

Cheap things always come with shortcomings, don't they?

Besides, I've heard about this already. It was just a group of children getting overexcited and taking things a little too far.

Editor-in-chief Humil, we'll need your help keeping this quiet at the newspaper."

Humil, editor-in-chief of the Rojia Daily, smiled. "No problem. The Eastern District blackout won't receive extensive coverage. Besides, I intend to steer public opinion toward the aging urban infrastructure and other issues we've already laid the groundwork for. We'll make the Eastern District's residents believe the blackout resulted from neglect in maintaining and managing the power grid, and that the old mayor bears all the responsibility."

Mr. Molf also spoke up. "I'll have a word with Rojia City's other newspapers and radio stations. Given the advertising fees they receive every year, I imagine they'll know better than to be uncooperative."

"Isn't this simply perfect?" Mr. Oka patted his belly and looked at Ford, the Mayoral Election candidate. "Ford, look. All of Rojia City is on your side. What possible excuse do you have for losing?"

Ford nodded vigorously, but still spoke with some hesitation. "The old mayor enjoys strong support in the industrial district. He was elected as a district councilman there, then worked his way up to mayor.

The workers in the industrial district and their families have always been Old Mayor's solid voting base.

In past elections, the industrial district's votes didn't even need counting. They could simply be added straight to Old Mayor's total."

"Mr. Ford, you needn't worry about that. We have our methods. The wheels of progress are turning, and those stubborn old conservatives, along with that irritating rust, are destined to be crushed beneath them.

We've already worked out a complete plan for dealing with the old mayor's solid voting base.

First, starting the day after tomorrow, students from Rojia City's universities, vocational schools, and other higher education institutions will all be mobilized to march in the streets for environmental protection. Their destinations will be city hall and other major government offices. According to the plan, they'll surround those places and stage sit-ins, temporarily bringing the city government's operations to a halt."

At this point, Ford asked, "I acknowledge Delis's influence, but university students aren't secondary school students. Mobilizing them will be somewhat difficult."

"Difficult? I don't think so. I've already signed private agreements with the student union leaders at those universities. As long as they contribute to the environmental cause, several universities in Vien will grant them direct admission for further study on the strength of that outstanding, admirable addition to their résumés.

Universities in Vien, mind you.

For students in Rojia,

No,

For students throughout Ruilan, that's an irresistible temptation."

"And then?" Ford pressed. "If that's all, I don't think it'll be enough."

"That's the first step. Really, it's a warm-up. The city court will soon hear the case of workers suffering from pneumoconiosis suing their factory. Barring any surprises, they'll lose.

We've already contacted them, and not just them. There are another ten workers who were injured or left disabled while working in factories.

After they lose in city court, they'll be brought together to organize a new round of protest marches. Mr. Molf has already taken care of several union officials, too."

Ford looked at Molf, who nodded.

But Ford said, "The old mayor has enormous prestige in the industrial district. They won't direct their anger at him. Besides, once he intervenes, their march should be pacified very quickly."

"Of course I know that. I have faith in the old mayor's abilities. Otherwise, how could he make the election so difficult for our Mr. Ford?

So, at the appropriate time-for instance, after the old mayor makes promises to the marching workers and persuades them to disperse-

One of the worker protesters, along with his family, will choose suicide out of despair and anguish at being denied justice."

"That's..." Ford froze for a moment. "Will that really happen?"

Contempt and disdain for the candidate showed in Oka's eyes,

But there was no helping it. After all, Ford was the easiest to control. If he were too shrewd, the others at the table would be the ones worrying instead.

"They'll be willing. Editor-in-chief Humil and I have already made our selection. In the protester's family we've chosen, the husband is disabled. He'll choose to kill himself by drinking poison.

His mother will hang herself, while his wife will jump from a building with their child.

Editor-in-chief Humil believes this is the only way to fully ignite the public's anger.

We'll select a Funeral Society to hold a grand funeral for this poor family, and make that funeral the spark that unleashes the storm!"

Editor-in-chief Humil reminded him, "The Funeral Society can't be too large, and the funeral can't be too lavish, or it'll backfire. A medium-sized Funeral Society will do. It'll also make it easier for reporters to choose suitable backgrounds for their photographs."

"Yes, yes, you're right to point that out.

In short,

Once the funeral begins, every emotion will be set ablaze!

The old mayor, previously the industrial district's staunch supporter, will bear the brunt of it and become the person its voters despise most.

And with newspapers, radio broadcasts, and leaflets playing up the incident, the students' passion for protesting will be ignited again.

With their first experience behind them, they'll quickly organize on an even larger scale. The flames of justice burning in their hearts will help us heat the iron pot of Rojia City's political scene hotter and hotter.

At that point, Mr. Haggett will rally a group of city council members to support you. And you should then take the old mayor's place in calming the demonstrations.

I believe that under those circumstances, we won't even need an election. The old mayor will probably buckle under the pressure and announce his early resignation."

Oka thought, By then, even if a pig ran against the old mayor, the pig would be certain to win.

"Oh, right. Mr. Molf will provide food and water for several groups of marchers, as well as reimburse expenses for clothing, banners, props, and so on. Here, we must once again thank the great and generous Mr. Molf."

"To Mr. Molf!"

"To Mr. Molf!"

Ford stood and raised his glass to Molf. "Thank you for your support."

Molf did not rush to drink. Instead, he said,

"Rojia City's tobacco control regulations and Medical Devices Act..."

"Please rest assured about those." Ford made a solemn promise. "Smokers have the freedom to make their own choices, and the healthcare industry should also be fully competitive. I've always firmly believed that."

"Good." Molf clinked glasses with Ford.

Finally,

Oka stood, his fat belly bumping the table and making it wobble.

"To our new mayor, Ford!"

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

When the dinner ended, everyone left, leaving only Oka seated there.

The masked man in the red robe walked out of the lounge and remarked,

"What a gathering of filthy people."

Oka chuckled,

Pointed at his own face,

Then at the empty places around the table,

And said,

"Yet in the eyes of the world, we represent the light."

"A pity the Church of Light died out long ago. Otherwise, it would surely have welcomed you into its ranks."

In mythology, the God of Light was the being who had once "awakened" the God of Order;

For one church's true god to be incorporated into another major church's mythological narrative showed just how powerful the Church of Light had once been.

However, a thousand years ago, the Church of Light had been severely weakened by a great upheaval. Ultimately, deliberately squeezed out and chipped away at by the other major churches, it had died out.

And that great upheaval was said to have been connected to the "descent of an evil god."

Oka patted his belly and joked, "The light lives on. It's just turned into banknotes."

As he spoke,

Oka stood,

And instructed the masked man in the red robe,

"When the time comes, we'll need you to ensure that the family we've chosen commits suicide peacefully, Priest Aloteta."

"I believe you are perfectly capable of hiring killers to do this."

"No, no, no. The Berry Church reveres nature. I believe that only if a priest of the Berry Church brings this about personally can everything appear truly natural."

"Understood."

"Thank you. I believe that as long as we continue our sincere cooperation, the ban on the Berry Church's missionary work in Vien will be lifted in the near future."

"I trust that Mr. Oka will keep his promise."

Hearing this, Oka

Placed both hands before his chest.

"Praise nature."

Priest Aloteta turned to leave, but Oka stepped forward and asked,

"I hear you're meeting a distinguished guest shortly. Please introduce me."

"He is not my believer; his wife is."

"It is the same; I only need an introduction."

"Very well."

The reception room.

"Sir, this way, please."

"Thank you."

Piaget walked into the reception room, and Aloteta, the red-robed, masked man who had been sitting there, stood up to greet him.

"Praise Nature. It is the God of Nature who has brought us together, Mr. Adams."

"Hello. You may call me Piaget, Father."

"Very well."

"Oh, goodness, Mr. Adams-no, Piaget, my friend! I truly didn't expect to run into you here," Mr. Oka walked in.

Why, this man was the son of the minister of the Ministry of Energy and Industrial Development of Ruilan Country!

"Hello. Do we know each other?" Piaget asked, puzzled.

"I know your wife. Both she and I are believers of the Berry Church, and we share the same aspiration: to praise Nature. Oh, why didn't your wife come today?"

"My wife passed away a little over a month ago."

"..." Oka.

Priest Aloteta placed his hands over his chest and said in a deep voice:

"She has returned to the embrace of Nature."

Because of the awkward opening, for quite a long time afterward, Mr. Oka could only sit quietly to the side, listening to Piaget and Aloteta chat without chiming in.

When the two finished talking and Piaget prepared to leave, Oka stood up and said, "Mr. Piaget, shall I have my driver take you back?"

"No need, I drove here myself."

"Is that so? That's wonderful. Oh, right, Mr. Piaget, where is your wife's grave? I would like to go pay my respects."

"It's at Oak Cemetery in the Eastern District."

"Ah, I see. By the way, how did your wife's funeral go? Was it smooth? I'm so sorry I didn't receive the news, so I couldn't rush over to mourn. What a pity."

Piaget looked at Oka,

and said:

"Believers of the Berry Church advocate keeping funerals as simple as possible."

"..." Oka.

The brief awkwardness was instantly overcome by the thick layer of fat on Mr. Oka's face, and he immediately said:

"Of course I know that! What I mean is, I have an uncle living in Rojia City who is currently on his deathbed, so my original intention was to ask if you know of any Funeral Society in Rojia City with relatively standard services?

As someone who grew up cherished by my uncle, I hope to give him a dignified funeral."

"Your uncle hasn't passed away yet?"

"Er... he's close. Well, according to our Vien customs, certain things can be prepared in advance, which actually helps bring peace of mind to relatives before they depart."

"Oh, I see. I hope your uncle manages to pull through and gets better."

"Thank you, thank you."

"As for Funeral Societies, I do know a very good one, though it might not match Mr. Oka's status and grade."

"No, no, no, my uncle is a man who likes simplicity. He is half a believer of the Berry Church anyway, so what is the name of that Funeral Society?"

"The Immoreles Funeral Company on Mink Street."

"May the merciful Lord guide her into the Kingdom of Heaven-free from illness, free from calamity, free from suffering. May the light of the Lord forever shine upon her, and upon all of us."

Dis, dressed in priest's attire, led a crowd of relatives and friends in prayer.

Then,

Paul and Ron picked up shovels to fill dirt into the coffin already resting in the grave. Finally, fresh flowers would be planted all around the tombstone.

The little girl's mother walked up to Aunt Mary and expressed her gratitude: "Thank you, thank you all."

The little girl's father walked over to Uncle Mason and bowed to him.

This was... a very exquisite and perfect funeral.

They had attended other people's funerals before, so they could tell the difference in the level of effort. Moreover, when compared to this price-the little girl's parents could only express their gratitude in this manner.

Then there was that boy named Lunt, who had accompanied them in bowing while welcoming guests at the Memorial Service, standing there the entire day.

Earlier, when salt was scattered for the deceased, that boy had wept uncontrollably.

What a kind-hearted child.

Aunt Mary and Uncle Mason took turns comforting the couple.

Meanwhile, Kallen went to help Dis pack up their things.

At that moment, a man in a black suit walked over and asked, "Excuse me, is this the Immoreles Funeral Company?"

Dis pointed at Kallen, picked up his scriptures, and walked away directly.

Generally speaking, Grandpa was not responsible for operations and management.

Kallen smiled and said, "Yes, hello."

This kind of business consultation sought out by the client always made one feel a bit more at ease. It was always much happier than sitting on a bench outside a hospital operating room waiting-well, and much safer, too.

"I'd like to consult about your menu."

"Certainly. Here is the brochure and price list." Kallen took them out of his bag and handed them to the other person, while asking, "Whose funeral is this for?"

"It will still be a few days."

"Ah, I hope it won't come to needing us."

Waiting a few days meant it was likely a critically ill relative, so Kallen could only give a polite, standard reply: Hope you won't need us.

"No, it will be needed," the man asked. "By the way, can your establishment handle a joint funeral for multiple people?"

"Could you please be more specific?"

"I mean, the kind where a family gets into a car accident and their funeral is held together. Has your establishment ever hosted something like that?"

"We have."

Kallen actually didn't know.

"All right, I understand. I'd like to pin down a rough date and have it reserved. Can that be done?"

A whole family, a rough date, reserved?

"Yes," Kallen replied. "Though a deposit is required."

"Very well, there's no need to worry about the money; what we require is service.

Today is the 9th,

and what we would like to reserve are the four days from the 14th to the 17th. Can we lock that in? During these four days, I do not wish your company to have any other arrangements. Just name your figure for the deposit."

"No problem," Kallen answered.

The family had no arrangements for those four days.

"All right, I understand. We'll sign the agreement shortly."

"Very well. However, I am still quite curious: for a family funeral, have they already passed away?"

If they were critically ill, it was impossible for an entire family to be critically ill simultaneously, right?

The man shrugged,

smiled,

and said:

"Their family is very deeply attached to one another."