4 prisons exist within the Kingdom. Ryan was standing right in front of one of the biggest ones that existed within his kingdom. These prisons existed in all 4 cardinal directions, the north, the south, the east, and the west.
The northern prison cells were the biggest and held numerous prisoners. This was because there were more cities in the northern region than any other. The laws were very lenient on the people who didn't do serious crimes like murder or rape. Those who did any of the heinous crimes were executed immediately.
"Here we are your majesty, the prison cells of the southern region."
Sebas was accompanying Ryan. Sebas wore his usual black butler outfit. To him, it just seemed like any normal day. Lydia, Sheaa, and 4 other royal knights accompanied the two of them. Lydia wore a white royal dress, unlike the usual outfits that the females of royalty wore however, it did not occupy too much space.
They stood in front of a tower not more than 3 storeys, made using bricks it had a brown tint to it. It seemed like it wasn't made to show off, just for the sake of being used, obvious for a prison. On the front of the tower were stairs that led up to what seemed like a huge door.
"Did I not tell you to take me to the biggest one? If my memory serves me right, it was you who told me that the northern prison was the biggest and held the most number of prisoners."
Ryan made a disappointed expression. It hadn't even been a day and he felt like Sebas was already disobeying his orders or lying to him, either of which was a problem.
"No, Your Majesty. I am extremely sorry for the inconvenience however, it seemed that the northern prisons were having some problems."
Sebas said as he flustered. He did not mean to lie, it seems he just forgot to notify Ryan about this change of plans.
"If there was a problem isn't it natural for me to know about it first thing? Why is it that I wasn't notified about this problem you so speak of."
Sebas was at a loss for words. He couldn't say anything. Anything he said would've turned out bad. Since Ryan was the king of the nation, he should've been notified about this problem, but he wasn't. He couldn't say he forgot either. There was nothing he could've said.
He stood there silent like his mouth had sewn shut. He looked down. No words.
"Look into my eyes, Sebas."
Ryan said in a firm tone.
Sebas looked up, right into the eyes of Ryan.
"I don't want you to make such a mistake again."
"Thank you for forgiving me Your Majesty, I will never repeat such a mistake ever again."
Sebas bowed to his majesty.
"Lift your head Sebas."
Ryan turned around and started walking up the stairs.
"I would like to know the reason why I wasn't taken to the Northern prisons, but let's first get this matter out of hand."
Climbing a few stairs the door came into view. It was a wooden door, with a circular ring as a handle that could be used to pull the door. Guarding the door were 2 Knights. The knights wore chainmail armor.
"Good morning, Your Majesty. It is our pleasure to see you here today." One of the knights said as the both of them bowed to the king. It didn't seem important for Ryan to remember how these knights looked since they were just normal guards.
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"We were informed by your butler that you would be arriving here today."
Sebas had informed them that they'd be arriving today using doves. A bird species with white feathers, that was used to carry a message from one place to another. They were trained by humans.
"Let's go inside, take me to the person with the most authority here."
"That would be the leader of the prison guards."
The two knights opened the door.
The inside of the prison was dark. The only light that could be seen was that which entered from the windows. There are prison cells one next to the other all separated by a brick wall. There were a lot of knights, they strolled around the place never sitting in one place.
All the knights acknowledged the king as he walked past them.
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"Good morning, Your Majesty. Please be seated here."
The leader of the prison guards pointed towards a sofa.
It was a dark room. There was a sofa with a table I'm front of it.
Ryan went and sat on it while Sheaa followed and sat next to him. Both Sebas and Lydia stood right next to the sofa on either side. Ryan sat with one leg over the other. This was usually how a person of rich or noble heritage sat.
"I'd like to know some information. But before that, I'd like to know how I could address you."
"My name is Ruan Gill, I come from a poor family. I've been a prison guard for 25 years now and have climbed the ranks to become the Leader of this place. You could call me however you'd like, the knights here usually address me as either Prisonmaster Ryan or just Prisonmaster."
Ryan was intrigued.
I have noticed that people here usually add tags like Master after their professions in case they hold a position like that of a manager. Prisonmaster or treasurymaster.
"I will address you as Prisonmaster throughout the conversation."
Ruan just nodded his head once, signifying an agreement.
"Give me a general description of how an average day of the prisoners goes, how many prisoners are currently held here, and how often new prisoners end up here."
"Yes, Your Majesty-
The prison cell is divided into 3 floors, each prison cell is capable of holding at least 3 prisoners. Currently, this prison holds around 200 prisoners. The usual day of a prisoner is just to do nothing at all. That is all they do. Sometimes they are made to work and clean this place but apart from that there is nothing they do."
"Can you give me a rundown of how many Knights there are here and how many knights it takes to manage each of these prisoners?"
"Currently, there are 35 Prison Guards here. Each of them can swiftly manage the prisoners."
I see, so 35 control 500. This is an amazing ratio.
"What do you think would happen if we make them work on fields and mines?"
Ryan asked Ruan. This surprised him. It was nothing new for the kings to make the prisoners work for the kingdom, however it was extremely difficult to manage them.
"It would work out but it becomes very difficult to manage all the-"
Ryan cut him off before he could complete his sentence.
"We'll use enslavement magic, for those that agree. Those that don't can choose to be executed. Also, we won't make them strong enough to rebel us. Yes, we will feed them but, only enough they can go a day with manual labor."
Ruan was surprised. Yes, this could work out. A lot of kings probably had tried doing this before but there was a reason they did not actively practice it right? What could that be?
"We will do as you order us to. Our job is to follow whatever your majesty says."
"The prisoners will soon be working on the mines of the Richard family. This here is the daughter of Richard."
The both of them bowed down to each other validating each other's presence.
"The guards need to manage the prisoners and make them give the best output."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will try my best."
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The carriage was currently moving. There were only 2 people inside of the carriage, Ryan and Sheaa. It was an awkward silence. Ryan did not mind awkward silences. He knew people's real personalities come out during awkward silences since people try to fill in awkward silences. He thought Sheaa would try to break the silence however, she did not.
It seemed like she was comfortable with silence too. They both were in a stage where each of them was comfortable in each other's presence with there being no need to talk.
"So what do you do usually?"
Ryan broke the silence and asked Sheaa.
"Well, I do a lot of things. I'm currently studying two subjects math and history, so a personal tutor comes and teaches me. I also like music and dancing. How about you, Your Majesty?"
"Forget about me, I'm more interested in seeing you dance and listen to your music."
"I play the violin. I did not bring my violin with me or I would have played it back at the mansion."
Sheaa made a sad expression. She was excited to show Ryan her skills.
"It's ok, I'll ask someone to buy a new one."
"No, I need the one I usually use. To a musician, their instrument is like a part of their body. Wouldn't it feel weird if you suddenly started using someone else's hands?"
"That's a weird way to say things, but I understand where you're coming from. Don't worry, I'll send someone to bring it from your house."
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