Chapter 4 Another Side

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

The Protos Royal Magic Academy, north side, Redmond Building, third floor, council chamber.

The walls of the meeting room were covered with dark walnut paneling, inlaid with exquisite wood carvings. Each carving revealed the ingenious craftsmanship of the artisans. In the center of the room sat a set of steady and grand leather sofas, their color a classic dark brown with simple and smooth lines, showcasing both the beauty of modern design and the solemnity of classical furniture.

On the sofa, Lan Qi and Warden Bakas were engaged in a pleasant conversation.

"I am here today not only as a prison administrator but also as an advocate dedicated to creating a more just, efficient, and humane prison system. Our Herrolem Prison should not be a simple detention facility but a complex microcosm of society, related to the safety, rights, and future of every Protos person. Therefore, I strongly agree with Mr. Rocky McCarthy's views. We are kindred spirits and regret not meeting sooner."

"Yes, indeed."

Several delicate small tea tables were placed around the sofa, their textures deep and full of enduring layers. The porcelain tea sets on the tables were occasionally picked up and put down, the two men's movements revealing an unspoken elegance.

Lan Qi sat with a slight tilt to his shoulders, a smile on his face, and a gleam of wisdom in his eyes, listening to Warden Bakas's words.

Power and desire intertwined, the air permeated with a harmonious and subtle atmosphere, as if in this VIP meeting room, an important decision regarding the Herrolem Prison in the Imperial Capital was about to be made very smoothly.

Warden Bakas's eyes also revealed anticipation for the outcome of the discussion.

"As administrators, we are equally committed to ensuring safety and order, maintaining internal stability and external security through advanced monitoring systems, professional guard teams, and strict rules and regulations. But simply maintaining order is far from enough. As a modern prison, our goal is even grander – I want to make the prison a place of reform and education. In essence, we are doing the same thing..."

However, just as Warden Bakas was expounding his views eloquently, Lan Qi's gaze suddenly froze. His eyes were fixed on a point, as if delving into some complex thought.

Warden Bakas noticed this change, his words gradually slowing down, and a hint of confusion began to appear on his face, until he stopped, and the entire meeting room fell into a brief silence.

The crystal chandelier shimmering under the lights and the steaming teacups on the tea table became the only evidence of the passage of time at this moment.

Bakas was unsure whether his words had touched on a sensitive topic or made an inappropriate suggestion.

He could only stare intently at Lan Qi, trying to find clues from his expression.

"Rocky?"

Warden Bakas felt both worried and cautious. His mind quickly replayed the previous conversation, searching for possible flaws.

Just as he was about to ask a tentative question, Lan Qi seemed to have recovered from his contemplation.

"I'm sorry, Bakas, I've been so busy with work lately that I often forget important things."

Lan Qi's gaze regained its clarity and firmness. He slowly turned to Warden Bakas, his face returning to a calm expression, even with a faint apologetic smile, and sighed helplessly.

As if he had thought of a question that had to be asked.

"Hearing what you said just now, I suddenly thought of something. Some students reported to me earlier that the bribery and corruption situation on the first basement level of Herrolem Prison is quite serious. For example, a warden named Kolendan even said that even if Rocky McCarthy came, he would have to bring him two packs of cigarettes. I would like to ask if this is true?"

Lan Qi asked with a worried expression, very concerned about the discipline and atmosphere within the prison.

"Is that so?"

Bakas raised his eyebrows in surprise, asking with disbelief.

But he immediately understood the reason for the principal's contemplation.

These words dispelled the doubts in Bakas's mind, bringing the conversation back on track, making Bakas glad that it was just an easy problem to solve.

Internal boasting was one thing, but if it really reached Rocky McCarthy's ears, the nature of the matter would completely change!

Even if he turned around and killed that damn waste, he absolutely couldn't afford to offend Rocky McCarthy because of this, causing their friendship and cooperation to fall through!

"I will immediately, immediately, start a thorough investigation of this matter. Could you please let me borrow the communication terminal device in the meeting room?"

Although Bakas did not anticipate this turn of events, he quickly adjusted his expression.

At this time, sincerity was the most important thing. If handled well, it could even further curry favor with Rocky McCarthy, allowing them to continue their cooperation plans and various current political intelligence and predictions of the Protos Empire more pleasantly today.

"Of course."

Lan Qi nodded, stood up, and led Warden Bakas to the side of the meeting room in a peaceful and considerate manner.

There stood a unique mechanical device, a terminal combining Herrolem's latest communication magic with traditional craftsmanship.

Warden Bakas stood in front of the device, quickly inserted the encrypted communication magic card from the inside pocket of his shirt, and his expression became very serious, his brow furrowed, and a hint of imperceptible anger flashed in his eyes.

Soon the communication terminal successfully connected to the base level hall of Herrolem Prison.

"Help me find Warden Kolendan on the first basement level."

After the base level connected the communication, Bakas said to the microphone.

Lan Qi stood aside, watching Warden Bakas.

His face still maintained a calm expression, but his eyes occasionally flashed with a thoughtful light.

"Okay, please wait a moment!"

The communication was hastily transferred to the first basement level by the prison guard on the base level. After more than ten seconds, Warden Kolendan's slow and somewhat authoritative voice came from the microphone:

"Who is it?"

"I-it's me."

Warden Bakas's voice sounded very cold in the communication, already with a hint of gritted teeth.

"Warden Bakas? Is there anything I can do for you?"

These simple words caused Warden Kolendan's speech to speed up a lot, and the creaking of the office chair could be heard, as if Warden Kolendan had adjusted his sitting posture in an instant, and began to greet Warden Bakas's communication in an upright posture.

"I heard that you said that even if Mr. Rocky McCarthy came, he would have to bring you two packs of cigarettes?"

Warden Bakas's voice was murderous as he questioned.

(End of this chapter)