[204] Ban Hammer

The prison warden, known by the nickname Ban Hammer, was a figure that made even the prisoners at the lowest levels tremble. He was predatory-smiling, sarcastic and merciless — especially if someone dared to hurt his mother. And his mother was a woman of exceptional divinity with a morbid taste for theatrics and control. Even after her son took over the prison, she still called him "baby" and arranged her own costume balls, to which he was obliged to appear. The theme of the last ball was "Innocence and Obedience." The mother demanded that everyone come in a "holy" outfit—in white, pink, lace, "as befits angels." He tried to refuse, saying that he was busy with business, the prisoners were rioting. But the mother just smiled and said with cold affection, "If you don't show up in the costume I chose, I won't help you." *He realized that it was useless to argue. And on the day of the ball, he appeared in a lavender dress full of ruffles, bows and lace, chosen by his mother. There was a tight grin on his face, followed by rage. He was monstrously ridiculous, but—in his arrogance—he turned it into a weapon. He walked around the hall, baring his teeth as if this farce was his idea, mocking those who dared to watch for too long * "What, honey? Do you think fear suits you better than lace suits me?"