The Warden of The Witches #Chapter 295: - Read The Warden of The Witches Chapter 295: Online - All Page

Chapter 295:

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Chapter 295: There's Honor Among Thieves</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-text-chunk _ngcontent-ng-c3116847607="" _nghost-ng-c4080898746=""><ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c4080898746="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">The next morning, citizens arriving at Rose Iron Prison for visits were surprised to find the prison sealed off.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Not only that, but police tape had also been set up outside.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Prison undergoing internal renovations. Visits temporarily suspended. Please return," the guards stationed outside stopped all external personnel attempting to enter.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Visits won't resume until tomorrow at the earliest. The construction work today is quite extensive and potentially dangerous. Please do not approach," the guards persuaded the citizens to turn back one by one.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Meanwhile, in the Warden's Office.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Will they really come today?" Veronica asked.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Given these pirates' style, they definitely will. I've studied the Red Shark Pirates' operational patterns. They specifically target large prey and even paint their emblem on the victim ship's sails and deck before letting it return. They are the largest and most arrogant pirate crew in the Serene Sea," Aiden said slowly. "They announced they'd come today, so they most likely will. I've already leaked the news of their announcement to the press; the morning paper already ran the story. Gave us a headline."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Aiden picked up today's newspaper and waved it slightly.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"There you go again..." Franda, standing before the desk, had helplessness written all over her face. "No wonder so many reporters showed up this morning."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"It's also insurance. After all, we've made so many preparations; it would be troublesome if they stood us up. These pirates likely wouldn't want news spreading everywhere that they suddenly chickened out after making an announcement," Aiden replied calmly. "Nearby businesses and merchants also got the news and closed up shop themselves, saving us the effort of issuing a warning."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"But if something goes wrong, the responsibility you bear will be even greater," Franda reminded him expressionlessly. "Perhaps even I will be implicated by you in the end..."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Have a little faith in your superior, won't you?" Aiden shrugged. "Learn from Veronica; she hasn't raised any issues."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Franda glanced at Veronica, whose face clearly read "I am a soldier and only know how to obey orders," and shook her head. "Truly impossible to learn."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Anyway, let's patiently wait for our guests," Aiden glanced at the wall clock. "By the way, have you two eaten breakfast? I'm planning to get a Jianbing Guozi from the cafeteria to tide me over."<br _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256=""><ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256=""></ms-cmark-node><ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">(TN: 煎饼果子 (Jiānbing Guǒzi) - Jianbing Guozi, a popular Chinese savory crepe street food. Kept pinyin.)</ms-cmark-node>

</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"I'll go too," Veronica immediately raised her hand.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Franda couldn't help but recall sharing breakfast with Veronica in the cafeteria just half an hour ago.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">However, her accumulated life experience stopped her from pointing this out. Instead, she calmly stated, "I've already eaten. I'll head back to my post first."</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256=""></ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">At noon, the pirates appeared.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Due to the news spreading from the morning papers and coordinated control by the Inquisition, businesses and shops in the nearby blocks had mostly closed, quickly clearing the streets.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Just then, the guards stationed outside on watch duty noticed carriages charging straight towards them—not public coaches, but four freight carriages packed with people.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">As the guards were about to shout a warning, someone on the carriages raised a flag—a pirate flag bearing a shark emblem.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Targets sighted!"</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">The guards on duty immediately tensed up, quickly ran back into the prison, and bolted the main gates shut.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">The pirate carriages stopped one after another. Navia Drake disembarked. This time, he wore his usual attire for sea voyages: a tricorne hat, a pistol tucked into his waist belt. The others were mostly dressed as sailors.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Today, they came as pirates, not only to rescue the captain's daughter but also to plunder this prison.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Simultaneously, the prison's alarm bells rang out.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Board!" Navia drew his cutlass and commanded, receiving an immediate response from his crew.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">The group charged directly towards the sealed prison gates, but carried neither battering rams nor axes, simply striding towards the gates as if they weren't there.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Meanwhile, on the other side of the main gates, three more barred iron gates sealed the passage leading further into the prison. A dozen or so guards on duty gathered warily in the main hall.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Then, they watched dumbfounded as, behind the bars, the multiple locks on the inner side of the main gate unlocked simultaneously, as if an invisible person with the prison keys and full authorization was deftly opening the doors.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">In just two seconds, the main gates swung open automatically before the invaders. The three iron gates also opened in sequence, seemingly welcoming their arrival.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">The pirates entered the prison interior unimpeded. The guards on duty quickly took cover behind the reception counter and raised their sidearms towards the pirates—an instinctive action. In fact, strict orders had come down yesterday absolutely forbidding them from attacking the invaders first unless attacked, but facing a group of criminals freely entering the prison, they instinctively felt their personal safety threatened.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Faced with a dozen gun muzzles, the pirates appeared incredibly calm. Only Navia casually drew his pistol and fired a shot towards the ceiling, causing the guards present to hold their breath instantly.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Try shooting, government dogs," Navia said calmly.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Several guards, nerves already stretched taut, reflexively prepared to pull their triggers. Just then, a command abruptly materialized in their minds:</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256=""><ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Intentionally harming others, directly or indirectly, is forbidden. Violators shall suffer corporal punishment."</ms-cmark-node></ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">The command appeared inexplicably yet carried an authority difficult to resist. Most stopped their actions due to it, but one guard persisted and pulled the trigger.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">However, at that moment, the pistol misfired.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Just as the guard felt bewildered, he suddenly experienced intense pain shoot through his gun-holding right hand, causing him to cry out instinctively and collapse, clutching his hand.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Hearing the scream, the pirates immediately burst into mocking laughter.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Hey, what's wrong?" A colleague, also hiding behind the counter, leaned over.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"My right hand hurts so much!" the guard who had just fired groaned painfully.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">His colleague, seeing no blood, felt confused and told him to show his clutched right hand.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">Then both noticed—there were no wounds on the right hand, only many fine, black thorn-like patterns, like tattoos, crawling all over the hand.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"This..." Both were stunned.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">It looked very much like some powerful black magic curse, but the prison entrance was covered by a magic-sealing ward. How could a curse possibly take effect?</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Who told you to fire?" The officer in charge here scolded him.</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Rest assured. There's honor among thieves; pirates have their rules too. We don't kill those who give up resistance. As long as no one plays the hero, we can all coexist peacefully," Navia Drake spoke up. "Now, can anyone tell me where my daughter Anne is being held?"<br _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256=""><ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256=""></ms-cmark-node><ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">(TN: 盗亦有道 (Dào yì yǒu dào) - Lit. 'even thieves have their principles/way'. Idiom meaning there's honor among thieves.)</ms-cmark-node>

</ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">The officer in charge recalled the order passed down early that morning: <ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">"Just hold your posts. Do not attack the invaders first when they arrive. If they ask for directions, lead them towards the Core Block."</ms-cmark-node></ms-cmark-node>

<ms-cmark-node _ngcontent-ng-c2459883256="" _nghost-ng-c2459883256="">So, he extended his hand from behind the counter, pointing towards the corridor leading to the Core Block.</ms-cmark-node>

</ms-cmark-node></ms-text-chunk>

Enhance your reading experience by removing ads for as low as $1!

Remove Ads From $1

Prev Chapter Next Chapter

Report chapter Comments

Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.