Chapter 396: Ranchi's Two-Pronged Operation >

a nice person, why is everyone against herLan Qi touched his head in confusion, he didn't know why the atmosphere in the capital's noble circle was so heavy."I said, everyone, friendship comes first....Chapter 397: Ranchi's Double-Edged Sword

On the other hand. {What You still don't know|. Read, no mistake chapter reading|Hurry up and google it}.

Protos Royal Mage Academy, Redmund Hall, Third Floor Council Chamber.

The walls of the meeting room were covered in dark walnut paneling, inlaid with exquisite wood carvings. Each carving revealed the ingenuity of the craftsman. In the center of the room was a set of stately leather sofas, the color of classic deep brown. The lines were simple and flowing, showcasing both the elegance of modern design and the dignity of classical furniture.

On the sofa, Lanchi and Warden Bakas were having a pleasant chat.

"Today, I stand here not only as the warden of this prison but also as an advocate for a more just, efficient, and humane prison system. Helstrom Prison should not simply be a place of confinement, but rather a complex microcosm of society. It affects the safety, rights, and future of every citizen of Protos. Therefore, I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Loch McCaskey's views. We are truly kindred spirits, it's a shame we didn't meet sooner."

"Well, yes."

Several exquisite small side tables were placed around the sofa, with deep textures and a sense of age-worn refinement. The porcelain tea sets on the tables were occasionally picked up and put down, their movements hinting at an unspoken elegance between the two people.

Lance, with a slight tilt to his shoulders and a smile playing on his lips, listened intently to Warden Bacchus's words, his eyes twinkling with intelligence.

Power and desire intertwined, a harmonious yet subtle atmosphere permeated the air. It seemed within this VIP conference room, a crucial decision regarding Imperial Helm's fate was about to be made with remarkable ease.

Even Warden Bakas' eyes showed anticipation for the outcome of the negotiations.

"As managers, we are also dedicated to ensuring safety and order. We maintain internal stability and external security through advanced monitoring systems, a professional guard force, and strict regulations. However, maintaining order is far from enough. As a modern prison, our goal is more ambitious—I want the prison to be a place of reform and education. In essence, we are both doing the same thing..."

However, as Warden Bacas was eloquently expounding his viewpoint, Lynch's eyes suddenly froze. He fixed his gaze on a single point, as if delving into some complex thought.

Barkas the warden noticed this change, his words gradually slowing down, a hint of confusion appearing on his face until he stopped speaking altogether. The entire meeting room fell into a brief silence.

The crystal chandelier, originally sparkling under the lights, and the teacups on the table, still steaming, were the only evidence that time was moving at all.

Bakas wasn't sure if his words had touched on a sensitive topic, or if he had made an inappropriate suggestion.

Only staring intently at Lance, trying to glean clues from his expression.

"Locke"

Basco, the jail warden, felt a mixture of worry and caution. His mind raced, replaying their recent conversation, searching for any inconsistencies.

Just as he was about to open his mouth and ask a tentative question, Lynch seemed to come back to himself from his deep thoughts.

"I'm sorry, Bakas. I've been incredibly busy lately and tend to forget important things often."

Rance's gaze sharpened and steadied, he slowly turned to Warden Bakas, a calm expression returning to his face, even with a hint of an unnoticeable apologetic smile. He sighed helplessly.

It's just that a question comes to mind that I have to bring up.

"When I heard what you said, it suddenly reminded me of something. A student once told me that bribery and corruption were rampant in the basement of Herlong Prison. For example, a warden named Colendian even said that even if Rocky McCasi came, he would have to bring him two cigarettes. I wonder if there's any truth to this"

"Lance asked anxiously, deeply concerned about the prison's discipline and atmosphere."

"Is that true"

Bakas raised an eyebrow in surprise, asking incredulously.

But he immediately understood the principal's pensive reason.

Such words cleared up Bakas's confusion, getting the conversation back on track. Bakas was relieved that it had been such an easy problem to solve.

Keep your opinions to yourselves, just whisper them amongst us. If they ever reach Loch Ness' ears, things will change drastically!

Even if he turned around and disposed of that damn piece of trash, he absolutely couldn't afford to offend Rocky McCaskey! Their friendship and cooperation would be ruined!

I will immediately and thoroughly investigate this matter. May I please borrow the communication terminal in the meeting room

Although Bakas hadn't anticipated this turn of events, he quickly adjusted his expression.

At this point, sincerity is paramount. Handle it well, and you might even win over Loch MacKay further, encouraging them to discuss today's collaboration plan and current Protoss Empire political developments and predictions in more detail.

Of course.

Lanche nodded, stood up, and with a posture that was both peaceful and considerate, led Bakas the warden toward one side of the meeting room.

There stood a unique mechanical device, a terminal that integrated Herrolm's latest communication magic with traditional craftsmanship.

Barakas, the warden, stood before the device, swiftly inserting an encrypted communication magical card from his inner pocket. His expression grew serious, his brow furrowed, and a hint of barely perceptible annoyance flickered in his eyes.

Soon, the communication terminal successfully connected to the ground floor hall of Helrom Prison.

"Find the jailer of Colendrian in the lower levels for me."

After the foundation layer established communication, Bakas spoke into the microphone.

Ranch stood aside, watching Warden Bakas.

His face still maintained a composed expression, but his eyes occasionally flickered with thoughtful light.

Okay, please wait a moment!

The communication was hurriedly picked up by a prison guard from the lower level. After ten or so seconds, Warden Colendane's slow, measured voice with a hint of authority came through the speaker:

Who is it

"It's me."

Bacchus warden's voice on the comm was icy cold, almost grinding his teeth.

"Director Bakas Is there something you need from me"

The simple two words caused the warden Colon Dan's voice to speed up considerably at the other end of the communication, and the sound of his office chair creaking came through, as if Warden Colon Dan had adjusted his posture in an instant, settling into a dignified seating position to await the call from Warden Bakas.

I hear you say that Mr. Rocky Macassi had to bring two cigarettes when he came

Bacas' voice, laced with murderous intent, questioned.

(The End)

[ ]hance of being caught by the Magic Engineering Academy staff!I don't want to be publicly executed.Lan Qi was conflicted. The last round assessment, [Hidden Flame of Winter], didn't seem to go well.In...