Chapter 289: Love Makes People Blind "Strictly speaking, simply ignoring the criminal's threat would have been enough to show our stance," Franda sighed deeply. "Now that it's in the papers and the impact has spread this far, if something happens... surely you're not unaware of the consequences?" As a veteran guard, she knew very well how government agencies react to public opinion. Considering the worst-case scenario, if Navia Drake succeeded in the jailbreak, Rose Iron Prison would be left in an extremely awkward position. For them, minimizing the impact of such an event was naturally best. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on N0v3l.Fiɾe.net If news hadn't spread after the jailbreak occurred, the Prison Administration Bureau, even the Ministry of Justice, would do everything possible to suppress public opinion and eliminate the fallout. With the Capital Prison case still unsolved, the higher-ups likely wouldn't be too harsh on those in charge. At most, Warden Aiden would be called in for a symbolic reprimand; the punishment couldn't possibly exceed what the Empire did to the Capital Prison's warden back then.(TN: 罚酒三杯 (Fájiǔ sān bēi) - Lit. 'punished with three cups of wine'. A symbolic punishment, often meaning a slap on the wrist or mild reprimand.) But now, thanks to Aiden's reply, the matter was publicized in the media, thrusting the conflict between the Red Shark Pirates and Rose Iron Prison directly into the public eye. If the Red Shark Pirates broke inmates out under these circumstances, Rose Iron Prison... and indeed the entire judicial department of the Autonomous Prefecture would lose face completely. Someone would inevitably have to take full responsibility, and the higher-ups' handling of the person in charge couldn't possibly be so lenient then. Although Aiden was undoubtedly her superior in rank, she still had more experience working in this specific prison. Aiden had also previously instructed her to promptly report any problems or opinions she had regarding work. "You're already speaking as if something will happen! How is that reassuring in any way?" Franda's eyes widened. "You getting dismissed would greatly affect us too!" The management of Rose Iron Prison was now vastly different from other prisons. If Aiden stepped down at this juncture, almost no one could take over seamlessly. "Don't worry, Chief Guard. Since the Warden said so, he must be confident!" Veronica continued to speak up for Aiden. Franda shot Veronica a helpless glance. This isn't trust anymore; it's complete blindness. "Warden, before I was assigned here right after joining, I visited the Empire's Capital Prison for observation and learning," Franda said, brow furrowed. "The conditions there, while not up to Thorn Fortress standards, were much better overall than here. And the Empire's system is different from the Autonomous Prefecture's; some prison guards are transferred from the military and have military equipment. I don't mean to be rude, but if that pirate crew could crack the Capital Prison so easily, there's no way we can defend against them here." "I know about that too. In fact, I already know their method for the jailbreak. That's why I haven't told you my plan; no matter how we prepare, this prison's measures won't work against it," Aiden replied calmly. "For now, just continue working as usual. There's only one thing—if the jailbreak happens, do not attack the jailbreakers or the escaping inmates until I give the order." "Warden, do you realize what you're saying right now!?" Franda's eyes widened further. If such an order were discovered during a post-incident investigation, Aiden would undoubtedly be suspected of dereliction of duty. "I can't explain in detail. You just need to know one thing: they have a way to directly harm anyone who tries to attack or stop them. So, before I counter their method, don't act rashly," Aiden explained briefly. "Does that mean you've already found a way to counter it?" Franda realized. "Tentatively, yes," Aiden replied. "But this countermeasure can only be used when they make their move. That's why I replied to them; I hope they'll act soon so we can resolve this quickly. I'll be staying in the prison these next few days to prepare." "Alright, since you have a plan, I won't probe further," Franda sighed in relief. "But, Warden..." "Hm?" Aiden sensed his subordinate had more to say. "Is there any deep meaning behind drawing this graffiti?" Franda pointed expressionlessly at an accompanying picture in the newspaper. "Honestly, aside from provoking the other party, I see no other significance." The picture showed the wanted poster Aiden had posted on the landing's bulletin board, complete with his reply and the added doodles. "Well..." Aiden hesitated slightly, then spread his hands. "While it truly doesn't mean much, doing stuff makes me happy." "This..." Aiden's frank admission left Franda momentarily speechless. Finally, she covered her face helplessly. Why is it that even the most reliable men indulge in pointless antics and become so childish? Feeling she could no longer persuade him, she turned to Veronica with a final glimmer of hope, expecting her to offer a straightforward, sensible opinion this time. Veronica leaned in, stared at the newspaper for a good while, and finally said, "I think the drawing is quite amusing..." "Is that the point!?" Franda was dumbfounded. Finally, she gave up trying to persuade them and, looking weary, reached out to pat Veronica's shoulder. "What's wrong, Chief Guard?" Veronica blinked. "Never mind, it's nothing..." Franda swallowed the words she wanted to say, merely sighing. This girl is a lost cause. "If there's nothing else to report, you can go back," Aiden looked between the two. Both saluted Aiden and prepared to leave the office. Just then, Aiden suddenly remembered something and called out to Veronica, who was the last one out the door, "By the way, Veronica, are you heading to the cafeteria for dinner later?" "Are you going too, Sir?" Veronica's eyes lit up. "No, I still have a lot of work... I was just wondering, if you're going, could you get me two portions of Zhajiangmian from the cafeteria? I plan to eat in the office."(TN: 炸酱面 (Zhájiàngmiàn) - Zhajiangmian, noodles with fried bean sauce. Kept the pinyin as it's a specific dish.) "Oh, I see. Of course, no problem," Veronica felt a small pang of disappointment inwardly, then thought for a moment, suddenly uncertain. "Huh? Did you just say... two portions?" The cafeteria's main course portions were quite substantial. In her memory, Aiden's appetite wasn't particularly large, not even comparable to her own increased appetite near the full moon. "Yes," Aiden smiled calmly. "Today, I just happen to be a bit hungry."