https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-197-Lanchi-the-Savior-of-the-Scoundrels/12584236/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-199-Lanchi-s-Version-of-Changing-the-World/12584238/
Chapter 198: Lanchi's Promise of Redemption
Chapter 198: Lanchi's Promise of Redemption
"What...what do you want me to do?" Phoenix asked, his voice trembling as he looked at Lanchi.
As long as there was a chance, even for his sister, Phyllis, he would grasp it with all his might.
"Let me be clear. Your crimes of colluding with the Church of Rebirth, attempted murder, and plotting a large-scale accident warrant a lengthy prison sentence. However, if you actively confess, demonstrate remorse, and cooperate, you may earn a reduced sentence and even contribute positively while incarcerated. When the time comes, you can seek me out, and I will personally aid in your legal proceedings."
Lanchi laid out the shortest possible sentence for Phoenix, making it clear that his crimes would lead to imprisonment, regardless of whether he chose to ally with Lanchi or not.
"As for your sister, if she is truly innocent, she can undergo a rigorous examination by the Church of the Goddess of Fate. Afterward, she can seek refuge with High Priest Loren, and I will arrange for her transfer to the Ikelite Academy. You need not worry about her welfare." Lanchi continued, "Of course, at that time, your sister will also receive additional attention and protection from Dean Loren."
"...!"
Phoenix listened to Lanchi's proposal, his lips pressed tightly together and his fists clenched.
What Lanchi offered was undoubtedly the best outcome for him and his sister under the circumstances.
Compared to the scenarios described by the Great Lover earlier, Phoenix couldn't imagine how Lanchi could be any more merciful.
Between High Priest Loren and Bishop Ivanoth, any sensible person would know whom to trust.
Yet, Phoenix worried.
Once he, as a convicted felon, was thrown into prison,
His sister, Phyllis, would be subjected to criticism and have a miserable life at Ikelite Academy.
The mere thought of it filled him with deep self-reproach.
"All that I've mentioned is a matter of procedure," Lanchi continued, addressing Phoenix's concerns. "As long as you are honest with Dean Loren and sincerely acknowledge your mistakes and show remorse, all these things will come to pass."
Ivanoth's intentions were rather twisted. Lanchi knew that if this attack had succeeded, Phoenix's sister would likely have been protected by the benevolent Loren after a series of examinations in Herton Royal City.
However, having a brother who was a heretic, a murderer, and a terrorist, one who had killed students of the Sage's College and innocent civilians, would forever brand and stigmatize Phyllis. It would leave her lonely and unable to hold her head high at Ikelite, destined to a life devoid of happiness and filled only with malicious treatment and accusations.
Perhaps this was one of the bitter endings Ivanoth had hoped for.
Lanchi did not approve, and he yearned for a happy ending for all.
Thus, he would not let Ivanoth have his way in any aspect.
"Phoenix, rest assured," Lanchi said solemnly. "No matter what crimes you have committed, I promise you that your sister will not suffer any unfair treatment at Ikelite Academy. Our school · will · not · tolerate · any · bullying · of · students."
"..."
Hearing Lanchi's words, Phoenix raised his head in surprise, and a glimmer of light seemed to appear in his eyes.
Usually, such assurances from a leader, even if they came from Loren himself, would not ease Phoenix's worries about his sister.
After all, no one could guarantee that other students wouldn't bully his sister behind closed doors, and some malicious discrimination rooted in prejudice was impossible to eradicate.
But if it came from the person standing before him...
Then it was truly trustworthy.
No irrational student would dare to do anything that might prompt Lanchi to deem their behavior "incorrect," "unfriendly," or "in need of correction."
His love, though chaotic and twisted, encompassed all.
Even those rejected by humanity, those deemed aberrations worthy of eradication, found shelter under his wings.
He treated them all equally.
In Phoenix's eyes, the warm lamplight illuminated Lanchi's figure brilliantly, as if he stood on that sacred shore, offering a branch of olive.
Phoenix couldn't describe the depth of his gratitude for this act of redemption.
He had longed for the day when he and his sister could cut all ties with the Church of Rebirth and dreamed of a life free from danger for Phyllis.
But he had never dared to hope, much less dream, that such a day would come. He had become numb, almost giving up on that desire.
Yet now, the opportunity he had believed would never come was right before his eyes.
Finally, Phoenix understood the fiery passion burning within his heart.
It was like a smoldering anger that suddenly turned into a blazing inferno.
If he had to describe it, it felt like his faith had been ignited, allowing him to surrender everything without worry or fear. He could sleep soundly, free from anxiety and terror, no longer trembling in the darkness or waking up in a cold sweat from nightmares of losing everything.
Even if it meant entrusting his life to this protector, he would do so willingly.
"Mr. Lanchi..." Phoenix's voice trembled as he spoke.
With a joy that felt like it was tearing his chest open, he shouted, "I pledge my loyalty to you!"
"Excellent." Lanchi nodded in satisfaction.
He had gained another promising recruit.
As a principal, it was his duty to save as many misguided young men and women as possible.
On this trip to the Rebirth Church in the Northern Continent, he was determined to recruit more first-generation students.
He couldn't allow this evil church to ruin any more young lives!
Justice was on his side!
"From now on, don't tell anyone about our conversation, including Loren. Understand?"
"Of course. I've only met you once, and it was only because you caught me."
Phoenix nodded.
"...'
Huberian, who was standing next to Lanchi, sneaked a glance at him.
She suspected that Lanchi's trip to the Northern Continent had more goals than she knew...
...
Several hours later, the rain had almost stopped, but the sky remained gray, with no sign of the evening glow.
Talliah's wooden attic looked especially charming in the rain.
The pitter-patter of raindrops combined with the quiet of the wooden attic to create a leisurely rhythm. One could feel the pulse of the rain and the breath of nature. The glass skylight on the ceiling, made from wooden boards and rafters, was dampened by the rain, turning it into a giant transparent painting. Tiny raindrops gently tapped on the glass, gathering, flowing, and dispersing, reflecting the night sky and forming an ever-changing watercolor painting.
The delicate wood grain on the walls seemed even deeper in this lighting, and the warm-toned decor and furniture, accompanied by the sound of the rain, seemed to wrap one's soul in a cozy blanket.
At this moment, the wooden attic seemed like a small world secluded from the outside, with only the sound of raindrops tapping on the skylight, immersing one in the tranquility and harmony of this moment.
Talliah had been called downstairs again to help out at the front desk.
Meanwhile, Lanchi and Huberian remained in her home.
In addition to Talliah's recliner, there were now two more chairs in her home.
One belonged to Lanchi, and the other to Huberian.
Ever since Huberian had come, Talliah seemed to tacitly allow Lanchi to stay in her home.
"I've obtained another encrypted copy of the 'Rebirth Certificate - Destruction,' as well as the 'Great Puppet Theater' and 'Destructive Spark' cards, two of the Destruction Bishop's spells. Good deeds do indeed bring their own rewards."
Lanchi looked at the few magic cards in his hand, surprised by this unexpected harvest.
He had obtained these from Phoenix.
Phoenix was still locked in the warehouse, and in the morning, when Dean Loren returned to the school, he could hand Phoenix over to him directly, avoiding any potential complications.
Phoenix would rather give all his cards to Lanchi than have them confiscated by the Kingdom of Herton.
And those two pink sacred unbindings had cost a lot of expensive materials and time.
Moreover, in addition to weakening Phoenix, the unbinding of the soul binding would also render some of his card slots unusable for a long time.
That was the price of unbinding with the pink sacred magic cards.
Although Destruction Bishop Ivanoth was the holder of the 'Primordial Stone Tablet - Fire' and symbolized calamity and incineration, Lanchi was also a card maker with a certain amount of knowledge about fire.
"These two cards are too dangerous. I must keep them safe."
Lanchi gave the 'Rebirth Certificate - Destruction' to Huberian, but he kept the other two pink sacred cards, 'Great Puppet Theater' and 'Destructive Spark,' for himself, as the cards for controlling civilians and self-destructing were not suitable for Huberian.
"...'
Huberian felt that those two cards in Lanchi's hands were not a good thing.
(End of Chapter)
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