socalfunplaces Chapter 296 Charitable Funds
Chapter 296 Charitable Funds
Chapter 296 Charitable Funds
After the press conference officially began at Backlund Police Headquarters, Lorne's performance in the face of a barrage of questions from reporters was impeccable.
He first briefly explained his "original intention" for deciding to investigate the disappearance of a factory worker's child, and then cleverly steered the conversation toward the police.
"—I must admit that it was the timely arrival of the Backlund police after I found those poor girls and clashed with the vicious thugs that finally brought the situation under control."
"Otherwise, it would have been impossible for me alone to bring those poor girls back safely. Their reaction was incredibly fast, and their actions were extremely professional. I am truly proud that Backlund has such a well-trained police force."
These remarks, so far removed from the truth, brought extremely satisfied smiles to the faces of several high-ranking government officials seated in the front row. They had at least managed to save face.
However, the reporters were clearly not going to let him off so easily.
"Mr. Scott!" a male reporter wearing gold-rimmed glasses called out, his voice sharp and piercing. "There are reports that you were actually treated as a criminal suspect by the police that night and were taken to the police station and detained for several days. Is this true?"
The moment the question was asked, the entire press conference room fell silent. All eyes were fixed on Lorne's face, awaiting his answer.
Lorne's smile froze slightly. He sighed inwardly, then revealed a perfectly timed look of surprise and helplessness.
"Where did you hear this news? This—this is a baseless rumor."
He paused, as if organizing his thoughts, before continuing, "The truth is, that night, in order to protect those girls, I had a fierce fight with the thugs and was seriously injured. It was the police officers who arrived in time who rescued me and took me back to the police station for emergency protection and treatment."
"As for the following days, it was just me, as a key witness in the case, cooperating with the police in some routine questioning and investigation. I think this is the duty of every citizen of the Kingdom of Rune, isn't it?"
'
He shrugged, a humble smile on his face: "I'm just an ordinary business owner, an ordinary citizen who did what I believed was right. I hope everyone will stop spreading those false rumors; they're an insult to the brave police officers."
These words were perfectly worded, both reasonably explaining why he was at the police station and saving face for the relevant department.
The reporters below the stage looked at each other in bewilderment, and then began to frantically press the shutter button again, capturing the glorious image of this "humble and upright hero" on their film.
After the press conference ended, the reporters gradually dispersed.
"Mr. Scott." A slightly overweight middle-aged man in a sheriff's uniform walked towards Lorne with a warm smile.
"Thank you for your remarks today; they saved us a lot of unnecessary trouble," Sheriff Huntington said with a genuine smile. Lorne's words today had successfully saved his career, and he couldn't be happier.
"You're too kind, Sheriff. I just said what I had to say," Lorne replied politely.
The two exchanged a smile, everything understood without a word.
Afterwards, the two discussed some business matters. Sheriff Huntington readily agreed that he could arrange for Backlund's police department to purchase a batch of weapons from Lorne's factory to arm the police force. He would also use official channels to promote Lorne's factory.
Lorne was very satisfied with this; it was worth all the acting he had put on for the media today.
"By the way, there's a party in a couple of days, and I hope Mr. Scott can attend." After exchanging pleasantries, Huntington extended an invitation to Lorne.
"A party?"
"Yes, it's charitable," he explained.
"The government plans to use the assets seized from Kapin to establish a relief fund. The annual proceeds will be used to provide stable assistance to the rescued girls and others who have been harmed by Kapin's crimes, giving them a chance to escape their current predicament."
"I see." Lorne nodded. This was indeed a good idea, and it made the best use of resources.
"So, you want me, the person involved, to come forward to add some persuasiveness?"
"Not only that." The sheriff shook his head slightly and added, "After discussion, we intend to have you manage this fund."
"Let me manage?" Lorne was somewhat surprised. He had originally thought that he would at most just be there to make an appearance and act as a mascot.
"If you don't wish to do so, you can simply be a figurehead. Specific details are still under discussion, but we will respect your choice."
"There will be many high-ranking people attending," Sheriff Huntington added meaningfully. He believed that Scott, as a smart man and a "hero" who had just gained immense prestige, would never pass up this excellent opportunity to step into a higher social circle.
Do you want to use this fund as compensation and hush money?
"I understand, I'll be there on time." Lorne's face lit up with delight. He had no reason to refuse such an opportunity that could elevate his social standing, help others, and build connections with those in power. "Great!" Sheriff Huntington's smile widened. "There will also be church members present. Their assistance may be needed for the fund's operation and the use of the funds."
The Church—well, after all, I've already encountered the Punisher, it's normal for the Church to want to get involved. Lorne understood, but still asked, "Is it the Church of Storms?"
"Yes, the Church of Storms will indeed send representatives," Huntington confirmed, but then changed the subject, "However, we've tentatively decided that the Church of Night will be the main partner for this charitable foundation."
"The Church of the Night—" This answer surprised Lorne. From beginning to end, this whole affair seemed to have nothing to do with the Church of the Night.
"What's wrong?" Huntington noticed Lorne's confusion.
"As far as I know, the girls who escaped from the villa that day ended up hiding in the Storm Church's chapel," Lorne gave a logical reason.
“That is indeed the case. But—” Huntington smiled, “aren’t you a devout follower of the goddess of night?”
We believe that having a devout believer manage a fund aimed at aiding female victims, in collaboration with the Church of the Goddess of Night, which shares a focus on peace, tranquility, and refuge, would garner greater public support.
Well—actually, I could be a follower of the Lord of Storms. After all, I dealt with them quite a lot during my time at sea, though mostly as the one being hunted. But I've learned a thing or two about their doctrines and customs.
Lorne felt a little embarrassed. The identity of "Scott" was indeed that of a follower of the Goddess of Night, but he had never even been to the Goddess of Night's church! There would be church members present at the party, and if he slipped up during conversation, or if he wasn't familiar with the doctrines and rituals, it would be quite awkward.
However, during his initial interrogation, he did declare in front of the substitute punishment that he was a follower of the goddess of night, and Scott's network of contacts also believed so. His current change of story makes him even more suspicious.
"Moreover, most of those rescued this time are pitiful young girls. Therefore, we believe that cooperating with the Church of the Goddess of Night is more appropriate."
"So, some nobles with close ties to the Church of the Night will also be present," the sheriff added.
"I understand, your arrangements are very reasonable." Lorne gave a sincere smile, but inwardly he was cursing wildly.
The reason you're making such a grand statement is probably because the Punishers discovered something and wanted to get involved, so you used my faith as an excuse to shut them down. After all, the "heroes who saved the girls" are followers of the Goddess of Night, and even the Storm Church, no matter how strong-willed, can't openly oppose that.
Then, they can bring in the Church of the Night to counterbalance the Church of the Storm. For the Church of the Night, this is free reputation and merit, so they shouldn't refuse it.
However, this is also a free opportunity for me. It's just a charitable foundation; it won't cause much of a stir, but it could greatly enhance my social image and status. Refusing it would only make me seem guilty or have ulterior motives.
He smiled and nodded at Sheriff Huntington: "I think we'll have a good working relationship."