The carriage rolled along. Outside its windows, the sun shone brightly. The climate in Dinge District really was pleasant.
Kallen still remembered often complaining inwardly about Vien's damned weather when he first arrived. It was either thick smog or endless rain. Only after entering the Order God Church's system had he realized that, for someone who was truly busy, good or bad weather was like the little mural called a window in an office. Its background changed from time to time, but most of the time, you simply had no attention to spare for it.
The carriage stopped before an old-fashioned three-story building that housed the Old Folks' Club.
Neo had teased Kallen more than once about how easily he won old men over.
It was true. Kallen's disposition leaned toward aloofness, and when dealing with people his own age or of his own standing, he preferred fair transactions with all accounts settled;
only certain elderly people of high standing, or those who had already retired, were more likely to set aside self-interest and approach life and the world with greater generosity. Once they took a liking to Kallen, they were willing to pave the way and give this young man they admired a push, without expecting anything in return.
Such debts of goodwill could not be repaid directly. They could only be repaid with goodwill.
That was why, whenever he came to Dinge District, Kallen always stopped by this seniors' club outside his official business.
The attendants at reception wore brand-new clerical robes, makeup, and hair ornaments. When Kallen entered, they all saluted him.
Kallen smiled and nodded to them. There was no need for anyone to lead the way, as a group of old men had already gathered in the club's hall.
None of those admitted to this