Chapter 102 - Tragedy in the Slammer
My bad feelings always come true.
The escort vehicle that came to pick me up was indeed just that—a real escort vehicle. No mistake.
I obediently follow the burly guard and am led into the iron-barred vehicle.
"Put this on."
The guard, a man of few words, hands me a Magic-Sealing Bracelet I've seen too many times before.
I don't feel like resisting, and besides, I'm not afraid of a magic item that doesn't work on me. I silently take it and put it on myself.
I immediately nullify the bracelet's effect. I destroyed the magic stone that powers it, but I can easily repair it. I'll fix it casually before returning it.
I cut off my Physical Enhancement Magic for camouflage. I've already taken a potion for physical enhancement, so even without magic, my combat ability is still formidable. This time, my preparation is flawless.
The guard, a man who might try to make a move on me, surprisingly leaves me alone during the ride. It's almost disappointing.
After a long, silent ride, I finally get a simple explanation.
We're heading to prison, of course. My status will be the same as any common criminal. This, apparently, is due to the Countess's bizarre decree. Only the warden will know the truth.
So, the other inmates and even the guards will treat me like a regular criminal. I'll be classified as a thief who stole from a noble family, and my treatment will reflect that. Hmm, I wonder what that means.
After a long drive, we arrive at a secluded location. It's a remote area even by the standards of the Royal Capital.
I'm taken out of the vehicle and led through a high-walled, heavily guarded prison gate.
A guard approaches, but before the handover, the escort guard whispers to me.
"You'll have to endure for a while, but it's only until the Countess's preparations are complete."
I have no idea what that means, but it seems to be the procedure.
I'm handed over to the guard, and after a brief handover, I'm officially in prison.
I recall the Camp, and it seems I'm getting used to being a prisoner.
The facility inside the high walls is sterile and unwelcoming, as expected. No fun atmosphere here.
"Move it, thief."
The guard shoves me, and I get irritated, but I decide not to lash out right away. I'll endure this for now.
The warden is nearby, watching from his office. I subtly make eye contact with him. He's probably the warden, given his attire and position. I hope so.
I hope he understands my message: I won't tolerate any mistreatment.
"I'm not going to be your plaything, so remember that. And make sure your staff know it too. I won't hold back."
I want to make it clear that I won't tolerate any nonsense. We'll see how effective this warning is.
The warden, after a stern look, gives his instructions.
"Don't touch that prisoner. She's a brat, but do as she says. Avoid unnecessary contact. Tell the other staff, and no one goes into the interrogation room."
"Yes, sir. Understood."
The guard grumbles but complies. It would have been nice if he had given these instructions earlier.
Why are there male guards in a women's prison? Sigh, this is going to be complicated.
Inside the prison, I'm taken to an interrogation room. The warden and I are the only ones there. I'm told to change into a blue work uniform. It's prisoner attire, and I change reluctantly in a small changing room.
I sit across from the warden, and he begins.
"I understand your situation, but there are rules here. I'll do what I can, but you'll be treated like the other prisoners. Do you understand?"
"Fine, as long as the Countess's conditions are met, I'll endure it. But I won't accept anything like what just happened. I'm not a toy. Make sure your staff understand that. I won't hold back."
I want to make it clear that I won't tolerate any disrespect. The warden nods, though I'm not sure how effective my warning will be.
"We have no intention of making enemies of the Countess or the underworld. Some guards might act out, but we won't punish a bit of self-defense. Just keep in mind that the bracelet will limit your magic. We can't control what happens in the blind spots."
Threats don't work on me.
"Don't worry about me. Just get the formalities out of the way. And treat my belongings with care. If anything happens, you'll all be dead."
I don't carry much, but my clothes and standard equipment are essential. My hairpin, a magic item, has been taken. If anything is missing or damaged, there will be consequences. I take care of my things.
The warden grunts.
"We'll take good care of them. Let's get started then. First, we'll do the questioning and take your photo."
I don't care about the questions, so I tell them to write whatever they want. The photo is unpleasant, but I can't avoid it with witnesses around.
I'm assigned a number, 917. This is a new experience, unlike the Camp. The warden explains the rules and work regimen, emphasizing my special status. He'll have his hands full with this.
Next is the body search, but I refuse. Normally, prisoners are stripped and thoroughly examined, often touched all over. The warden, with a lecherous gaze, tells me it's a common source of trouble. I can guess what he's thinking. Disgusting.
I'm led to my cell by the warden. I put away my belongings and inspect the room. It has a private toilet and a small sink. It might be a special cell for someone of my status.
"Ugh, I want to go home..."
I'm relieved to have a private cell. I understand I'd cause trouble in a shared room.
The day ends with a meal delivered to my cell. I have nothing else to do.
The next day, I wake up early and start my routine exercises. The space is limited, but I can still do strength training and practice magic that doesn't affect others.
The waking bell rings, and roll call begins.
"917!"
"Here!"
917 is me. It's a bit strange, but I respond energetically, almost laughing at myself.
Breakfast is a bland soup with a small piece of bread. It's not enough to keep me going. I need to find a way to improve it.
After breakfast, I'm assigned to the laundry room. Moving through the prison under guard is uncomfortable. Some women are harassed, and one guard is even using drugs. It's a nightmare.
In the laundry room, the other prisoners start working without any instructions. I try to join in, but I'm a bit late.
"This one's slacking off!"
I easily avoid the guard's baton. This is going to be a long day.
"New girl, huh? Perfect, we'll teach you a lesson."
"Hey, she's mine. I'm the best, you guys."
"Cut it out! It's my turn!"
"Stop it! The warden said no one touches her."
"I don't care. Let's get this over with."
The guards are acting like brutes, using magic and weapons to intimidate the other prisoners, who are wearing the Magic-Sealing Bracelets.
They're pathetic. I feel intense anger, but I stay in control. I won't lose my mind to rage, but I have my limits.
I can do this without magic or lethal force. Most will end up half-dead, which is a fair price for their actions.
The prisoners don't try to hold me down. Good. I won't spare anyone who gets in my way.
"Let's have some fun."
One guard, using Physical Enhancement Magic, approaches me with a baton. He's no threat.
I grab his wrist and break it without hesitation. Another guard tries to hit me with his baton, but I catch it, break it, and use it to silence him.
A moment of silence, then chaos. Some are shocked, others try to escape, and a few are enraged.
I hold the baton and approach the guards. I start with the nearest one, striking his face. He tries to defend, but it's futile. I crush his defenses and hit him again.
This is controlled, but it's still brutal. If I used Physical Enhancement Magic, their heads would explode.
As fear spreads, more guards arrive. It doesn't matter. They're all my enemies.
That day, I put every guard in that room in the hospital.