Lanchi thought it over. It seemed that Duke Morodian hoped to keep this meeting relatively discreet, which was why he had neither made elaborate arrangements nor gone through the Academy's channels to apply. Instead, he had asked the warden to pass on the message privately.
"Who can blame you? You're such a busy man in the Empire that you're always impossible to find."
Warden Bakas shook his head and joked as he watched Lanchi's expression, wondering whether he would agree.
If he agreed, Duke Morodian Berenhard would naturally owe him a favor. If he refused, Bakas was certain he would not offend Luo Qi McCarthy.
All along the way, Bakas had been studying the thoughts of the man beside him. He could only feel that the man was shrouded in the mysterious air of someone in a position of power. There was no way to tell what he was considering behind those contemplative eyes.
Lanchi finally stopped and stood with Warden Bakas before a pair of deep-red double doors near the end of the corridor.
"No problem. Since Warden Bakas has asked, I'll make time no matter how busy I am. How about this? After we finish discussing our cooperation today, I'll wait for Mr. Berenhard in my office."
Lanchi gazed gently at Warden Bakas, as if telling him that he would certainly do him this favor.
"...You really honor me. Shall I give Duke Morodian Berenhard a reply first, and then we can begin our discussion?"
Warden Bakas was slightly stunned, then smiled and nodded.
He found speaking with Governor Luo Qi McCarthy extremely comfortable.
Compared with the highly influential Duke Morodian Berenhard, Luo Qi McCarthy still showed greater respect for him. He had also placed their own negotiations first, with Duke Morodian Berenhard coming second.
"No problem, Mr.