NOVPUBMeanwhile, elsewhere.
On the north side of the Protoss Royal Magic Academy, the meeting hall on the third floor of the Hong Meng De Building.
The walls of the conference room were adorned with dark walnut veneer, embedded with exquisite wood carvings. Every carving was a testament to the craftsman’s ingenious creativity. In the centre of the room was a set of stately genuine leather sofas that sported a classic deep brown tone. The simple and smooth lines of the sofas demonstrated the beauty of modern design without failing the seriousness of classic furniture.
On the sofa, Lanci and Warden Bacas were having a pleasant chat.
"I am here today, not only as a prison manager but also as an advocate for creating a more just, efficient and humane prison system. Herram Prison should not be a simple detention place, rather, it should be a complex micro society model. It concerns the safety, rights and future of every Protoss citizen. So, I strongly agree with you, Mr. Rocky McCarthy. We are like-minded and brethren, it’s a pity that we’ve just been introduced."
"Indeed, yes." 𝑛𝘰𝑣𝑝𝑢𝑏.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Several exquisite small tea tables arranged around the sofa had deep textures and layers that became richer with time. Ceramic tea sets on these tables were often picked up and put down, with both men’s movements emanating an implicit elegance.
Lanci sat with a slight tilt at his shoulders, a smile on his face, and eyes twinkling with the light of wisdom as he listened to Warden Bacas.
Power and desire intertwined, permeating the air with harmonious and subtle vibes. As if in this VIP conference room, a major decision of the capital city Herram could be smoothly determined.
Warden Bacas’s eyes also revealed his anticipation of the negotiation outcomes.
"As administrators, we also strive to ensure safety and order through advanced surveillance systems, professional guard teams, and strict rules and regulations. But merely maintaining the order is not enough. As a modern prison, our goal is much greater - we want to make the prison a place of reform and education. Essentially, we are doing the same thing..."
However, as Warden Bacas elaborated his views eloquently, Lanci’s gaze suddenly froze as though he had slipped inside some complex thoughts.
Noticing this change, Warden Bacas slowed his words and a hint of confusion appeared on his face till he ceased all conversation, resulting in a momentary silence in the room.
The chandelier, shimmering under the light, and the steaming cups of tea on the tables, served as the only evidence of time passing.
Uncertain, Bacas wondered whether he had touched on a sensitive subject or proposed an inappropriate recommendation.
All he could do was stare intently at Lanci, trying to find clues from his expressions.
"Rocky?"
Bacas felt worried yet cautious, as he quickly replayed their conversation in his mind, seeking any potential slips.
Just as he was about to ask a probing question, Lanci seemed to snap out of his thoughts.
"I’m sorry, Bacas. I’ve been extremely busy recently and tend to forget some important matters."
Lanci’s gaze became clear and firm again. He slowly turned to Warden Bacas, his expression regained its calm, his face held a barely noticeable apologetic smile, and he sighed helplessly as if thinking of an unavoidable issue.
"Listening to your words reminded me of something. Earlier, a student raised concerns about the severe occurrence of bribery on the first floor of Herram Prison. Supposedly, a warden named Corentin even stated that even Rocky McCarthy should bring him two packs of cigarettes. Is this true?"
Lanci asked worriedly, deeply concerned about the discipline and atmosphere within the prison.
"Really?"
Bacas raised his eyebrows in surprise and disbelief.
He soon understood why the principal appeared to be in deep thought.
These words resolved Bacas’s confusion, allowed the conversation to get back on track, and he was relieved that it was an easily solvable issue.
If such rumors were limited to internal discussions, it would be fine. But if these words reached Rocky McCarthy, the gravity of the matter would drastically change!
Even if he had to eliminate that blasted waste, Bacas wouldn’t dare to offend Rocky McCarthy and risk putting their friendship and cooperation at stake!
"I will immediately, without delay, begin an exhaustive investigation of this matter. Could I use the communication terminal in the conference room, please?"
Although Bacas hadn’t anticipated this turn of events, he quickly adjusted his demeanor.
Sincerity is most important at this time. If handled well, he could gain the favor of Rocky McCarthy and they could pleasantly discuss today’s collaborative plans and various current political affairs and forecasts of the Protoss Empire.
"Certainly."
Lanci nodded, stood up, led Warden Bacas to the side of the conference room in a peaceful and mindful manner.
There stood a chic piece of machinery, a terminal combining the latest communication magic of Herram and traditional craft.
Warden Bacas stood in front of this device and quickly placed his Encrypted Communication Magic Card, which was from a pocket in the inner lining of his clothes, into it. His expression became very serious, his eyebrows furrowed, and a trace of undetectable anger flashed in his eyes.
The communication terminal quickly connected to the lobby of the basic floor of Herram Prison.
"Get me Warden Corentin from the first floor."
After establishing the connection, Bacas spoke into the microphone.
Lanci stood alongside, watching Warden Bacas.
The calm expression remained on his face, but his eyes sometimes showed glimpses of deep thought.
"Alright, please hold on!"
The call was transferred hastily from the prison guard of the basic layer to the first floor. After about a dozen seconds, the unhurried but somewhat authoritative voice of Warden Corentin echoed through the speaker:
"May I ask who is calling?"
"·It’s·me."
The voice of Warden Bacas was quite rigid in the call, resonating evident irritation.
"Warden Bacas? What can I do for you?"
Just two simple words made Warden Corentin speed up his response on the other end of the call. The sound of the creaking office chair indicated that Warden Corentin had adjusted his sitting position in an instant and was now sitting upright, ready to respond to Warden Bacas’s call.
"I heard that you said that even if Mr. Rocky McCarthy comes, he would have to bring you two packs of cigarettes?"
Warden Bacas questioned with a murderous tone.
