NOVPUB"We intend to make a concerted effort to apprehend the criminals of the Phantom Gang, and turn them into effective and efficient free-cost labor force. In order to implement this mechanism and increase urban production, we will issue rewards based on the value of the prisoners. Powerful adventurers and mercenaries in both our province and other provinces will see our efforts, and join us as bounty hunters striving to deliver justice,"
Lanci gently lifted his hand pointing towards the distant snowy field, and gave instructions to the several lords,
"Human desires are like rolling stones down a mountain, once it starts, it can never be stopped. Practical benefits are better than anything else. From the beginning, I felt there was no need for the power struggle among you,"
It’s a pity to bicker over something that could easily become a satisfying outcome for all,
Lanci couldn’t understand why these people were doing this.
"....."
The others bowed their heads in silence, worried whether the Lady Goddess was watching them.
It felt that their bickering seemed more human compared to the governor’s speech.
This man would be a war criminal in the time of war.
But they did not dare to speak.
And after going through the test of conscience….
It did seem to be worth a try.
Both the lords and the local people have long been tormented by the Phantom Gang.
Moreover... if it can work, disregarding humanity, the gains might be genuinely positive!
"What about the specific legal risks and operational risks?"
Lord asked with interest.
They do not have the ability to control overly strong or numerous prisoners, and the cost of imprisoning is extremely high.
This is the most troublesome core issue.
"There are no legal risks as long as we draft documents reasonably. Even if the lower house wants to veto the feasibility of ’prisoner labor’ through legislative changes, the upper house has the right to delay the decision. Within that timeframe, I can make this plan more comprehensively popular,"
When Lanci finished speaking, the other lords nodded in shock.
No matter how the lower house feels, the nobles in the upper house, even if they are in the south, are likely to approve the scheme of "prisoner labor".
Even if the north perfects it first, they probably can’t wait to implement it in the south!
"As for the operational risk, that’s simple, I have made plans long ago. We can sell... no, transfer the high-level criminals to the capital. Our school has been cooperating with the Herram Underground Prison in the capital. Next month, I have invited Warden Bacas to our school for talks. If successfully implemented, maybe even the capital’s prison could realize productivity reforms,"
The original intention of Lanci was, because he couldn’t really kill the students. In order to adapt to the culture of the Protoss Empire, Lanci decided to commute the immediate execution of stubborn students to prison for reform education.
Although moving the strongest warden, Bacas, from the suburban prison of the capital to the downtown school in the south theoretically might increase the risk of prison breaks.
But no one should be crazy enough to attempt a prison break.
Lanci would absolutely not allow any imperial citizen to break the law.
"....."
After hearing this, the lords were pleasantly surprised and filled with excitement as they exchanged glances.
If they could directly send strong prisoners to the capital, quickly cash them in, it would undoubtedly increase a major source of income while solving their worries!
The Phantom Gang now seemed to be more valuable than magic ores!
The lords felt as if something had been prised open in their hearts. At this moment, they no longer carried any psychological burden, and were eager to complete this remarkable achievement!
"Lord Rocky McCarthy, you are bound to become the greatest politician in the Protoss Empire in the last hundred years, and your extraordinary achievements as Governor in Xue Yuan Province will soon add to your fame in the capital, Herram."
The nobles bowed with utmost reverence and excitement.
Despite much later, it would be challenging to evaluate the character of Lord Rocky McCarthy, but the Phantom Gang members who had experienced this catastrophe would certainly hate him intensely.
However, at present, he was undoubtedly the heroic figure who had saved the people of Xue Yuan Province from dire straits!
Lanci slightly shook his head.
He seemed to think that the lords misunderstood him.
"I have never been a politician. If I must put it in words, I should be more like a manager or a businessman. I don’t want wars, I don’t want to see people being deceived. It’s enough to expand the economy and let people lead happy lives."
Lanci simply said,
"However, Cloris did tell me that there’s a talk show under Herram Broadcasting Company that would like to have me as a guest next month. As I’ve become the Governor, the host will have to revise my title during the interview."
He sighed with a smile.
Established in 1723, the Herram Broadcasting Company had its headquarters in the center of Herram, the Imperial Capital, and was the largest news media in the Protoss Empire.
Whilst it is a public media funded by the Protoss Empire, its management is handled by a supervisory committee, independent of the postal department and the upper and lower houses, and its independence and autonomy are protected by the Royal Charter of Protoss.
Programs of Herram Broadcasting Company can often be seen playing on the giant screens in the bustling streets of Herram.
"Meow, meow?!"
The Cat boss looked up and meowed from Lanci’s arms.
Receiving an invitation to the in-depth interview program by the Herram Broadcasting Company was a feat in itself, mostly not awarded unless the editor-in-chief, producer, and the committee unanimously recognize the topicality of the person.
It now dared not imagine the scene of Lanci calmly being interviewed in a suit in the glammed-up Herram, visible on the big screen!
Just over a month ago, it seemed to recall Xiu Bao’s instructions to pay slight attention to this guy’s career ambitions…
The situation now seems to be completely out of its control...
I’m guilty meow!
"Miss Cloris Berenhald?"
The other lords exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes, she’s the best student in our school."
Lanci nodded casually.
Hearing this, the lords sighed in awe, worthy of the Governor, having connections even with the House of Duke Berenhald.
Whether it’s Duke Morotian Berenhald, the holder of [Original Slabstone - Undead], or Miss Cloris Berenhald, they are powerful figures in the imperial power center, far beyond the reach of these nobles.
Following the Governor’s lead, they saw a bright future.
"…"
Lanci watched the slight reaction of the lords, not expecting this simple statement to increase their reverence for him again.
He clearly remembered while in the Hutton Kingdom of the South Continent, his classmates saw him hanging out with the Duchess everyday and did not show any more respect to him, creating an illusion of "Hyperion’s noble status has been confiscated".
Upon careful thought, he felt that the North Continent was more normal.
This kind of reaction was correct when people found out that he knew a Duchess.
People should give more respect to the Duke’s family.
This trip to the Northern Continent gave Lanci plenty of work experience and insights, which he believed would definitely be of use in the South Continent upon his return.
