De Shulte was in motion, while Lynn remained ensconced in the realm of dreams. The formidable mage was at work, and the feeble were powerless to resist. When Lynn awoke the following day, the only memory he retained was of indulging in a night of exquisite slumber.
He harbored no suspicions regarding the circumstances, for it never crossed his mind that a legendary mage could be concealing himself in the guise of a magical companion. The only disappointment he felt was upon discovering that the cage of the Wingless Curious Egg had been opened and the creature had made its escape.
While this development posed some inconvenience, he brushed it aside. Gisasa merely sought to demonstrate the existence of a boyfriend and likely had little concern for the creature. Moreover, that creature could not possibly escape the confines of Fons Manor—there were necromancers aplenty, and their first reaction upon encountering an unfamiliar living being would certainly not be to safeguard it.
Setting aside that matter, Lynn felt it imperative to gather information about the Curious Egg to ascertain the true nature of his demon fire. Unable to decipher it on his own, he resolved to seek counsel.
Fortuitously, Lynn had arranged to meet with Finn again today. He intended to prepare for his journey northward, tasks that required Finn's assistance, and he could also inquire about the matter if time permitted.
Thus, Lynn set aside other concerns and ventured out to meet his companion. Upon their meeting and exchanging pleasantries, Finn promptly redirected the conversation to matters of substance.
"You must be in need of recruits, correct? To be frank, I have little fondness for those reckless adventurers, but I do know a few taverns where they often gather. We could go there to select candidates; my spells should assist you in discerning whom to trust."
Finn's words rang true, yet Lynn waved his hand dismissively. A priest's role encompasses more than merely casting spells; Lynn had a superior plan in mind.
"In fact, I am aware of a place where I can acquire even more capable allies at a lower cost." Lynn was not headed to a tavern. "As you know, Santir Fortress is a city governed by law. Within this city, those who possess the greatest adventurous spirit and some degree of power are often not found in small taverns, but rather within the prison walls."
"You intend to extricate prisoners from the jail?" Finn immediately grasped the underlying intent, though he was taken aback by the bold proposition.
"Indeed. The prison in Santir Fortress is vast, housing a multitude of individuals, and it invariably contains some extraordinary talents," Lynn explained succinctly. "Compared to the rabble found in taverns, the inmates have proven their mettle through their actions; they represent a more promising source of strength."
"But such an act would be illegal."
"No, I have inquired thoroughly, and it is not unlawful: Santir Fortress's laws stipulate that prisoners may be redeemed or even released without charge. Of course, release typically necessitates a certain social standing. Theoretically, the Reani family holds such status, yet we may encounter unscrupulous jailers. With a Bane priest by our side, I can facilitate the release of prisoners more effectively."
Lynn had gathered a fair understanding of the laws governing Santir Fortress, which he had identified as a loophole. The laws allow nobles to secure the release of prisoners—seemingly absurd, but a characteristic feature of Santir Fortress's legal framework.
Unlike the northern cities that support adventurers and even rely on their activities as a primary economic source, Santir Fortress, with its mining and commerce as its foundational industries, places great emphasis on order. They even pride themselves on being a nation under the rule of law. However, the nature of that law differs significantly from what Lynn understood. The guiding philosophy of Santir Fortress's legal system is not a social contract; rather, they perceive the essence of law as a means to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to commit crimes.
They desire everyone to become a criminal.
This notion may sound incredulous, but the truth is that the laws of Santir Fortress are exceedingly stringent. If strictly implemented, virtually all individuals would, in one way or another, contravene some legal stipulations. As a result, the lord of Santir Fortress theoretically possesses the authority to punish anyone in accordance with the law, rendering arbitrary arrests lawful; the law provides a theoretical weapon for the lord's tyranny.
Simultaneously, the law allows criminals to redeem themselves from guilt or to work off their sentence. To absolve themselves, the residents of Santir Fortress must labor diligently for the benefit of the lord. Under this draconian legal framework, no one can escape the lord's control; all must toil to maximize the lord's interests.
Consequently, the prisons of Santir Fortress are perpetually overcrowded: it is said that some astute Bane priests have theorized that an inmate population of over ten percent but below twenty percent of the total populace is ideal.
Such a peculiar legal system also necessitates supplemental measures; for instance, Santir Fortress openly sells redemption vouchers, allowing affluent residents to swiftly divest themselves of their troubles post-crime. For the privileged nobility, the situation is even simpler—according to Santir Fortress's regulations, nobles of standing need not spend money; they can secure the release of prisoners solely based on their status.
It would be utterly outrageous for a lord's relative to face hard labor for their offenses.
The Reani family belongs to the nobility of Imputu, yet Santir Fortress acknowledges that noble status. In theory, Lynn could leverage his aristocratic identity to secure the release of prisoners from the jail; however, reality often diverges from the written law.
Santir Fortress is a society governed by law, but not all officials adhere to it. Although the Reani family is recognized as noble by Santir Fortress's official standards, petty bureaucrats may not acknowledge such fallen aristocracy and could very well attempt to extort bribes. Such behavior is common in a city dominated by the Bane Church: to them, the judicious application of power is a form of respect for authority.
Lynn pondered which was more ludicrous: the absurd laws of Santir Fortress or the fact that corrupt officials could operate under divine protection. Yet, at this juncture, he required unwavering enforcement of the law, which is why he sought Finn's help: with a Bane priest observing, the petty officials would hesitate to demand bribes.
After hearing Lynn's explanation, Finn's expression softened, and he nodded in understanding. "Lower-level officials often abuse their power when enforcing the law; this is indeed a longstanding issue in Santir Fortress. However, they can wield their authority, as can I. All of our actions fall within the framework of our Lord's rules. I can assist with matters that remain lawful: if I am not mistaken, you wish to recruit some adventurers who have been apprehended for misconduct? These individuals possess strength and are more cost-effective; you must merely ensure their obedience."
"That should not be difficult: I have an idea."