Chapter Text
"Master, we've arrived," Anya, a female Fatui soldier, announces.
You tear your eyes away from the papers on your desk. For the past two weeks on the ocean, you've been preparing a plan on how you're going to be operating from the moment you set foot on solid ground.
"How much longer?" you ask.
"Less than an hour, now. Port Ormos is in sight."
"Very well. Tell the others to get ready in the meantime."
"Yes, Master." She bows before leaving, closing the door to your cabin on the way.
You release a long breath. Glancing back at your desk, your mind drifts off to Pantalone. The whole reason why you set your mind to draw up a plan was so you could finish this job as soon as possible. So you could go back as soon as possible.
He's waiting for you.
Neatly, you gather all the papers and stack them in an orderly manner before sliding them into a file. First, you'll need proper authorization from the Akademiya for all the soldiers to set up camp somewhere near the port. With the document in hand, you'll explain the situation and order all Fatui members to abstain from meddling with any affair that is of no concern to them, especially since the organization already has a bad reputation in general. You're here on behalf of a business, not a military group. The Fatui are borrowed personnel.
They should technically give their approval since this plan is meant to allow local businesses to proceed smoothly without any disruption, especially at the inn where the merchants book rooms. Meanwhile, the fleet will be docked someplace else, somewhere unpopulated like south of Ashavan Realm, also to avoid disrupting the flow at the port with traffic. If all goes to plan, the soldiers will set up camp in the area.
It's important to keep in mind the main objective, which is to resolve the development issues of the branch. Whether that is in retrieving the goods—which implies a search for said goods—or purchasing new materials, you'll have to see it to the end.
Still... The case is too strange to really tell much. Even if Northland Bank had spent 11 million Mora on the Sumeru project, ignoring the fact that the numbers are already way too high, there shouldn't be any reason for the branch to remain unfinished. And that happens to be related to your next course of action. After settling the matter of the camp with the Akademiya, you'll need to check on the branch's construction progress on site and start your investigation from there.
You look towards a bag hiding the spices on top of a table by the wall. Although it's dangerous to bring it with you with a hundred Fatui soldiers around, it's safer than leaving it at the mansion. At least, here, you can deal with it personally without any surprise waiting for you.
Taking a deep breath, you rise to your feet and round the desk towards the door. When you open it, you're met with a fresh verdant breeze mixed with the scent of marine life blowing across your skin under the bright warm sun. You raise your hand above your forehead to block the sunlight from hitting your eyes. On the clear blue backdrop of the sky, seagulls squawk and fly in circles around each other.
As you make your way down the stairs of the deck at the back of the ship, the Fatui soldiers greet you with a bow like a wave the further you go. You make it past the helm at the front deck all the way to the tip. Back straight and arms crossed, you take in the marvelous view of the bustling Port Ormos in the distance.
There's a chance that the offenders involved in this particular project are still here. It could also be all the members who were sent to oversee the construction. For now, you'll act like you're only here to hurry up the construction progress without caring about the embezzlement. Hopefully that'll give you and Pantalone some time to identify them one by one in secret.
What worries you the most is that there's barely been any news about the project throughout the years. It feels too... elaborate. Almost like it's been planned for years by a whole, genuinely organized group. Will they be watching you? Will they know what you're here for? Will your and Pantalone's plan fail? This is all the more reason for you to act like your main purpose is the construction progress. Though, you can't shake this nagging feeling that you also need to investigate this case. Because much of it is unknown, you spent most of your two weeks thinking about every possibility. Not even half of that made it on paper.
A delegate representing the owner of Northland Bank is sent to check on Sumeru's construction progress out of concern. When they see how little of it is built, the delegate will then search for the incompetent fools who were supposed to be in charge of this project whether or not they are part of the embezzlement. They will be deemed unfit as employees of the bank, so they will be fired once they're found. That's the story you're hoping to sell.
The wind brushes past your hair tied in a high ponytail and the flaps of a thin coat hanging from your shoulders, nature's reminder that you need new clothes for this humid climate.
～～～
Your ship dropped you off at Port Ormos before joining the fleet that had docked south of Ashavan Realm. The soldiers will be waiting there until you receive the authorization to stay in that area during the remainder of your expedition. Anya and Ivan, another soldier, will be accompanying you in the meantime. That includes coming all the way to the Akademiya.
From the corner of your eyes, you could tell the students were eyeing you. Distrust was written not just on their faces, but body language entirely. No matter how uncomfortable it is, you have no choice but to push through.
The doors open to a grand, ornate, round room, largely brown and white in color with a remarkable fountain in the middle. A huge floral upside-down chandelier hangs from the ceiling over the fountain, petals alternating between light blue and pale yellow. The pointed arch frames of the three entryways on the other side are adorned with an imposing architecture using stained glass of different shades of blue. The sheer size of the design almost makes you gasp. With the impassive face that you try to maintain, you walk on, Ivan to your left and Anya to your right, both two steps behind.
You barely reach the fountain to go around it when someone stops you.
"Greetings! Are you looking for something?" someone says to your left, voice clearer as they approach.
A man in Akademiya garb. Probably in his thirties. He stops when he's close enough.
"I'd like to speak with the head of the Mahamata regarding a pressing matter on behalf of Northland Bank," you state firmly, sounding closer to a demand.
"The head of..." he trails off, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. "The Mahamata are all capable of handling any concerns. I'm sure—"
"It is a pressing matter," you repeat, with authority this time.
The man immediately tenses up. "U-Uh... I'll... try to get you in contact with someone... Please follow me."
He guides you and your two soldiers into the next room past the big entryway and all the way to the other end. He opens a set of doors to reveal the largest library in all of Teyvat, the one that you've heard so much about. The House of Daena.
You walk all the way to the central platform where, to your surprise, the circular floral pattern on the floor functions as an elevator, heading up.
The elevator stops to a mesmerizing environment. Above your head is a massive floating mechanism that emits a blue light across the entire dome-shaped room. Soft rays of blue and green dance on the walls. It feels like you're underwater in a serene space where you can breathe freely.
Your guide leads you up the stairs where a singular throne-like chair sat behind a desk. On it is a short feminine figure with white hair, white and green clothes, and a striking pair of green eyes. She'd been deep in thought until she raised her head towards you.
"Lesser Lord Kusanali," your guide says in greeting with a bow.
From the corner of your eye, you see a tall man in gray hair reading a book facing one of the bookshelves, without a care for the current scene.
"Welcome!"
The child-like voice pulls your attention back. Before you could open your mouth, however, the man next to you continues.
"These people have an urgent matter to discuss with you," he says with a slight tremble in his voice.
"I see. I take it you're from the Fatui, then?"
You release a small breath and take a step forward before bowing. "Greetings, Lesser Lord Kusanali." You straighten before pulling out the document with the wax seal from your coat, letting it unroll in front of the goddess. "Not quite. I present myself to you on behalf of Northland Bank, which is currently under the leadership of one of the Fatui Harbingers."
"Oh, I've heard about it," she says with an innocent childlike curiosity. "Since you're here, I'm guessing there's a problem?"
She seems willing to hear you out. You roll the paper. While you tuck it back in your inner pocket, you breathe an inward sigh of relief as your expression softens before nodding. "Correct. We have strong evidence to suspect that someone has embezzled the funds that were meant to be spent on the construction of the branch in Sumeru City."
Both her and the man next to you appear shocked by the news. Mostly the man since he gasped. The God of Wisdom merely widened her eyes.
"To my knowledge, all trade affairs in Sumeru are strictly supervised. Some people tried smuggling in the past, but they were all caught in the end. How recent is this embezzlement?" she asks.
"It's been ongoing for the past four years."
The revelation hits her hard, and it's visible on her face when her eyes go even wider. The man jumps in quickly, sounding like he's out of breath as he rushes his words. "This..! This really is a matter of utmost importance! What about other cases like this, and we've never caught any of them?!"
A part of you relaxes, now that you know you're all on the same side.
"I've formed a plan regarding this case," you say. "Seeing as this is an internal conflict on Northland Bank's side, we couldn't possibly trouble you with the investigation. However, all I ask is that the Akademiya provides my fleet and Fatui soldiers the authorization to camp on Sumeru grounds, specifically south of Ashavan Realm. It is an unpopulated terrain and not too close to disrupt the flow of economy in Port Ormos."
The goddess raises her hand to her chin in thought. After a brief moment of reflection, she meets your eyes again. "How long is it going to take?"
Your brows furrow in a worried grimace. You wish you knew. "I don't know. But I'd like to stay for as long as it takes to resolve the issue. We barely know much about the case ourselves. I'll have to investigate who the perpetrators are, where all the Mora is going, why the construction isn't over yet, and then re-establish new personnel to oversee the rest of the construction. I'd like to stay until I'm certain that this time, the construction will finish."
Her voices rises with concern. "I see... In that case, I'll authorize your stay during your investigation, but..."
You feel like you know what she's about to say next. Something that worries her about Fatui staying over. You give the goddess a gentle smile from the heart and reassure her, "I will make sure not a single Fatui soldier harms anyone or anything. We are only here on behalf of a business. Nothing more."
That seemed to ease her mind. She returns your smile in kind. "Mm, thank you."
Before anyone could say anything more, an unfamiliar man's voice draws closer. "We could do with intel on your results after your investigation ends. If you have the time, of course."
Turning your head, you meet the man's orange and turquoise eyes. Although they're sharp and unnerving to the common gaze, you remain calm and unfazed. A quick glance at his gray hair confirms that this is the man you'd peeked at earlier. He stops next to the front corner of the desk, fully facing you.
"Of course," you reply. "But may I ask why?"
"If a case of embezzlement has gone unnoticed for four years, clearly the Mahamata are lacking in surveillance, which could be a detriment to Sumeru as a whole. Imagine if more people like them managed to find loopholes in the system. Sooner or later, Mora will become a rare commodity to some people," the man says.
Ah, of course.
A corner of your lips lifts as you give this man a confident smile. "I understand. I will provide you with all the details of my investigation once it's over."
He returns your smile in the same manner. Confidently, with approval, almost like a handshake that you're on the same wavelength. "I'm Alhaitham, the Akademiya's scribe if you ever need me. You can drop off your results in my office."
You nod in understanding. "Very well."
～～～
You formally obtained the authorization directly from the Dendro Archon with a document to show for it. Now that that was out of the way, you ordered Ivan to head back to Port Ormos where the fleet is docked west of there to tell the others that they can finally start setting up the tents. Meanwhile, you looked around the city aimlessly, observing the people as they walked by, the vendors and their goods...
Occasionally, you remember Anya behind you and the humidity of the rainforest region that has become very apparent under your coat. Either it's because of the humidity cooking you slowly or the way you started off that morning two weeks ago, your patience is running thin as your blood boils and sweat accumulates between your legs.
You're either angry or horny in confusion. Or both. You really need new clothes.
The Fatui Harbinger that you aimed to get close to had never acted that way before. But then again... you can't really say "never," can you? Ever since you first stepped into his office to open that bank account, he always had that look in his eyes when they were on you. It only grew more obvious with time, and you only now realize it.
That look. Those unreadable eyes that yell calculating, amused, interested, danger. Your walls clench at that last thought. You throw unfiltered curses around in your head as you take a sip of coffee at Puspa Café outside, Anya standing behind you in her Fatui uniform while you sit at one of the tables. Pressing your thighs together, you tighten your jaw and close your eyes shut. Elbow on the table, you lean your temple against your fingertips as if you have a headache.
This is a really bad time to get turned on. You're nations away from the man, and you're in public with a guard whose eyes never leave you. Well, you specifically ordered her to come with you as an assistant, same with Ivan, in case you needed someone to deliver a message to the rest of the faction or to handle something for you while you're busy. It is very convenient so far since you don't have to go all the way back to west of Port Ormos to tell the soldiers to set up camp. At least, you don't have to go back just yet. You should probably take a rest and do some shopping first. ...Only after this problem between your legs goes away.
Whatever that look in those eyes means, you don't know. The only thing you know, your body knows, is that you're insanely aroused by whatever dangerous plan he has prepared for you. The way he said you'll have to obey him for 24 hours when you return... What does he have in mind? Will he finally put those hands on you?
Whether he knows you're lying about your identity, whether he would sell you out to authorities, whether he would use you, curses. You could even be fighting against him physically for the bracelet, you with Cryo and him with Electro, and you'd probably get turned on mid-fight when his sword's sharp edge is on your neck. This is bad. Really really bad. If it's a one-night stand he wants, he just needs to say the word instead of edging you like that on the very day of your departure. And now you're stuck imagining how the touch of his hands would feel on you for the next... however long you're gonna be stuck here.
It's gonna be a slow day...
～～～
"This is it," Farid, one of the mercenaries of the Corps of Thirty, says.
Before you is a... You can't even call this construction. It's almost pathetic when the design only barely has a semblance of structure. No walls, no roof, and all you have is the bare bones of something. All this could've been made in less than 24 hours.
"This is Northland Bank's branch construction site?" you ask with unmasked disbelief as you point at the thing.
"Yeah, well, it's been this way for a while now. Whenever there are people here working on it, they only come by for about an hour or two. And no one's vandalized it or damaged it in any way, either. I patrol these streets, so I would know," he elaborates.
The situation is so much worse than you thought. You walk towards the structure and stop in front of a wooden pillar that supports a "roof" and make a face at it.
'Is this even stable?'
You poke it with a finger and observe it as it slightly moves under your touch.
'Yeah. Not stable.'
This is not only confusing, but also embarrassing and infuriating. And here you had an embezzlement case with little to no information to start with. They couldn't even properly build the structure of the branch. It wobbles. That's a bad enough representation of Northland Bank's standards already. Goodness. At least have the mind to do your job right..!
"How often do they come here?" you ask without looking back.
"I haven't paid much attention... Maybe once every few months?" the mercenary replies.
The guy patrols the streets with a shift, so the visits could be a little more frequent than that, but that's probably unlikely. Case in point, the results in front of you.
He probably doesn't know anything more than what he's already told you. So, you're gonna let him go now. "Alright, thank you for showing me to the site. You may go on with your patrol."
"Good day."
He leaves. You take a few steps back.
Ivan and Anya are standing quietly behind you as you let out a long exhale, staring at the structure. Where do you even begin?
You gather whatever resolve you can find in you to investigate the scene. You approach the pillar again but this time, instead of poking it, you pinch it between your thumb and index to have a feel for the hardness of the material. It doesn't crumble under pressure, so at least it's not low-quality lumber.
Eyes locked to the tip of the pillar where it meets a wooden plank for the roof, you shake the pillar just a little. The pieces are joined together with nails, albeit sloppily. The ends of the nails aren't hammered or secured in some way.
Looking down, you watch how the dirt bunches up to all 4 sides of the pillar when you shake it again. The hold from the ground isn't sturdy either.
With measured steps, you walk towards the "inside" of the structure and observe the wooden formation around and above you. Whoever it is, they clearly never intended to seriously build the branch. Had anyone in construction been aware of this, they would've known what they were doing. This isn't the work of a professional. A construction worker, assuming they were bribed to work with the perpetrators of this embezzlement case, would know not to leave behind a clue that would raise suspicion. It would've rather been in their favor to build as they normally would to avoid that entirely.
Which means, the construction workers in Sumeru were never even commissioned to work on this project to begin with. They embezzled the commission fees. This poor attempt at building is the handiwork of the perpetrators themselves.
You make your way back towards your two guards, but the moment you pass by the pillar you kept shaking, you halt. Something clicks in your head. Something you nearly missed. Spinning around without a second delayed, you pinch the wood again with your entire hand this time, using all the might in your grip in an attempt to break it until your fingers hurt.
It won't crack at all.
You shake your hand to relieve it of the painful tension as you stare at the pillar.
For a group of offenders who never intended to seriously build the branch... Why would they use a sturdy and durable high-quality wood? This is probably the same one all the other buildings here are made of, Adhigama wood. Are they using the lumber that was supposed to be used for building the branch to make this? Not even a rotten low-quality type? If they're using Adhigama so scarcely, that means they might be holding the rest of them somewhere else.
A shiver runs down your spine, heart beating faster at the realization. You finally have a clue, your first clue.
～～～
Your tent is situated in the middle of the camp "forest" the Fatui set up, a tactical formation where all your sides are protected from any danger in the dead of night like now. This is only the second day since you'd arrived, and already you're formulating enough thoughts to jot them all down. You plan on logging all your findings on a daily basis in case you forget something down the line.
Braziers light the dark tent all around, casting a dim warm light to your surroundings. A fire dances a few feet away from you as you stare at the map of Sumeru that you pinned to a board. You also added a tack on Northland Bank's construction site in Sumeru City. According to Pantalone, the official reason he's been given about the slow construction progress is that there's a traffic around Port Ormos and that only one ship can pass through the narrow river in Vimara Village to Sumeru City. He wasn't explicitly told what was being shipped up north, but chances are it's the Adhigama wood. Which means, somewhere in Port Ormos, there's a person providing them with that lumber. Someone who sells high-quality lumber...
Oh.
It's a port. A busy one, at that. A pit stop where merchants can rest, open stall, and have their merchant ships repaired. For a port that heavily capitalizes on international trades, opening up a business in the vicinity offering woodwork services would bring in enough Mora to live comfortably. And if someone comes in offering a large sum of Mora to buy their wood directly... Between the two, that person would profit more from selling the lumber itself.
You scoff a grin.
Hah... Money truly talks.
～～～
"Look for any merchant who offers woodwork services or sells lumber directly in Port Ormos," you order first thing in the morning.
"Yes, Master!"
In front of your tent, the ten soldiers you'd gathered disperse upon your dismissal. You considered sending more out, but that would probably make them stand out. For good measure, you had them disguised as regular civilians of Sumeru.
If your guess is correct and that there is indeed such a person based at the port, then the purchase must've been made under Northland Bank's name in order to pull out the funds from the budget. They couldn't carry large amounts of lumber all the way to Sumeru City without making it look suspicious, so somewhere in Port Ormos there must be a record of the shipment from the port to the city. It's not exactly a guarantee since they could have somehow evaded security by shipping the lumber with Sumpter Beasts, but since they ended up using the real material for that awful formation of a construction, chances are they followed local protocol.
You'll have to try your luck at the port's trade hub, Wikala Funduq.
～～～
The scorching sun nearly burns you alive by the time you reach the entrance of the trade hub. You ought to get a Sumpter Beast to carry you all the way here from the camp. With your skin hot and sweaty, your heart is racing. Heatstroke's on the horizon. And somehow, Ivan and Anya seem fine under their famed Fatui masks... These guys' stamina is something else. It's not for nothing that they're the strongest military. While it's impressive, you kinda envy them.
You open the flask strapped to your hip and drink mouthfuls of water like you just found an oasis in the middle of the desert. When you're hydrated again, you take a deep breath and walk up the ramp. Turning left, you step inside the hub. Surprisingly, it isn't as busy as you thought it would be, but there are some merchants standing here and there. Though, as soon as their eyes land on you, wariness is all there is on their face. You let out an inward sigh.
As soon as you approach one of the front desks, the woman behind it greets you with a stern, professional mannerism. "Hello. Are you here to register for a trade business?"
"I'm here to ask a question about some previous shipment," you reply.
"May I ask who this is?"
You pull out the document from your white thin sleeveless jacket, unroll and hold it in front of her. As you return her stern look, you tell her with a voice full of authority, "Director of Northland Bank, Irene Belleau. I'm here on behalf of the bank regarding some internal problems that may have to do with some cargo that got shipped from Port Ormos to Sumeru City."
"Oh my, I see. Unfortunately, we Trade Supervisors are not privy to the account details. Although we handle them on a daily basis, historical records are kept someplace else. You'll have to see the Port Master for that. If you'd like, I can write you a note so you may take priority on the list," the woman offers.
"Please do." You tuck the document back into your inner pocket.
She gives you a small nod of her head. "One moment please."
The employee turns around and grabs a few items before writing some things on a piece of paper. Meanwhile, you look over your shoulder to a Snezhnayan merchant. His back is turned to you so you can't see his face, but it seems like he's waiting for something.
'Hm... Is he troubled?'
You may have stared for a moment too long when the supervisor's voice breaks out.
"Here you go. You can find the Port Master just in front of Pharos Lighthouse. When you get there, you only need to show him the note as well as your document for proof of identity," she explains.
You take the note from her and give her an appreciative smile. "Thank you. Have a good day."
She nods once more as you turn to leave. Your gaze lands on the merchant again as soon as you do. You only take a step or two. Although you're not a Snezhnayan citizen yourself, as a director of a Snezhnayan bank, you feel a sense of duty when you look at this man, wanting to ease his mind. But, whatever problem he seems to have, it has nothing to do with you and you have other matters to take care of anyway. You're torn between these two options, but you can't stand in one place either.
Your feet drag you to the merchant before you get to decide, so you go along with it.
"Hello," you greet, voice flat.
The man turns to look at you. For a split second, he seems taken aback. "Uh... Hello? Is something the matter?" He eyes you suspiciously.
You give him a moment to collect himself, as well as yourself to find your words. "Are you troubled, by any chance? Since you're waiting around here..."
He releases a huge sigh of frustration with a hand on his forehead. "I'm troubled, alright. These port inspectors never stop checking my goods. They've been doing this every single day!"
You frown. Crossing your arms, you ask, "Why would they do that?"
"If only I knew. I only sell ordinary Snezhnayan industrial stuff. It's not like I'm as suspicious as that Lord Sangemah Bay, and she's from Sumeru! If this isn't because I'm simply from Snezhnaya, then I don't know what harm any of my goods can do," the man complains, raising his tone.
'This seems... odd. Huh.'
"They would actually do that?" you ask, baffled by the possibility.
"Well, yeah. Apparently, if you're from Snezhnaya, that means you're with the Fatui. They're already troublesome as-is, and they just had to inconvenience the rest of us normal folk." The man glances at both Ivan and Anya on either side of you and frowns. With a hint of hostility, low-pitched, he adds, "Not that any of you would get it."
From the corner of your eye, you can see Ivan take a step forward. Eyes locked on the merchant in front of you, you raise your hand to the side and stop the soldier from taking another step. He gets the message and goes back to his spot behind you. Your arm returns to its original position over your chest.
"I can't speak for anyone since I'm not Snezhnayan myself. So, no, I wouldn't get it. But I do sincerely hope that all will go well for your business, especially since your goods are harmless," you counter softly, yet unyieldingly.
The merchant looks at you confused with a sign of distrust, but soon his face contorts into that of defeat. You almost hear him sigh before he replies, "Thanks. I just hope it'll be done soon..."
You linger in silence for a moment before you finally walk away and out of the trade hub.
One of the issues you'll be dealing with on this expedition, which you now realize, is facing the people's animosity towards the Fatui and bearing full responsibility for all of it during your stay here. You hadn't felt it so strongly before back in Snezhnaya, but now that you think about it, it makes sense. In a nation fully controlled by the Fatui for its military and the Archon at the top of the hierarchy, most people wouldn't dare speak against them or to stand up to them. They would either leave the nation, stay quiet, or take the risk. And if they take the risk... Does that mean some of them would attempt assassinating members of the Fatui? Like Pantalone?
You slow to a halt.
Just how many of them are there..? And will someone come for you, too?
～～～
"Ah, yes, there it is!" The man pulls out a file and brings it over to his desk, sitting back down as he opens it to reveal documents logging details of the shipments.
Sitting before you is Reza, Port Master of Port Ormos, responsible for managing tax levies, customs and other related matters involving trades taking place in the area. Seeing the stacked shelves around you, it's no wonder why all the historical data is stored here. There's a lot of trade happening, after all.
Focused on the texts, Reza confirms, "There have indeed been exports under Northland Bank's name heading north to the city. Cargo ships were commissioned to ship the materials there."
"What was exported, exactly?" you inquire.
He glances up at you for a second. "A thousand boards every export. They only happen once every few months."
'Huh, that's also what the mercenary said...'
"Could I have a copy of all the documents you have on this account? I'm currently investigating a case regarding these shipments," you say.
The Port Master deeply considers your request for a solid moment before he breaks it, making up his mind. "I don't see why not. After all, you're here on behalf of the owner of the bank, with proof no less. This account technically belongs to you already."
You flash him a smile gratefully. "Thank you."
He nods. "Of course. It'll take a bit for the documents to get copied, so in the meantime, feel free to grab a bite at Djafar Tavern, or take a rest. They should be ready for pick-up in an hour."
～～～
A bite of this pita pocket fills your senses. From the warm smell of deliciousness, to even the mouthwatering sight. Sitting by the port like this resting, the gentle breeze of the sea has started cooling your body. You haven't had a rest in a long time.
Your brows knit in a frown. You can't afford to rest.
At least now you have confirmation that they had to export the materials under Northland Bank's name, and the materials in question are lumber boards. So far, you're on the right track.
Ivan lowers himself next to you and mumbles, "Master, they found him."
You glance down his way and finish chewing before asking, low and cautious, "Who is it?" Taking another bite.
Still mumbling, he replies, "A carpenter named Durgar, west of the port."
You chew in silence before giving him a nod. Ivan steps back, and you continue eating.
You'll have to speak with this carpenter after grabbing the copies.
～～～
"Welcome! Would you like any woodwork done? If so, I'm your guy. I repair all the ships here at this port!" the man proudly presents himself.
You give him a forced, professional smile. "Do you sell your lumber?"
The two soldiers shift behind you, presumably getting in position to pull out their weapons in your defense.
"If it's lumber you want, it might have to come with a price... I prioritize my woodwork services to aid the economic flow around here, you see."
Eyes half-lidded, chin up, you stare at the man sternly. "I take it it's a yes, then."
His breath trembles slightly as he tries to keep his prideful composure. "Uh, yes! I both do woodwork and sell lumber."
You release a slow, relaxed breath. Finally, he's paying attention. "I'm here to investigate a case. Your business is safe, before you get any ideas."
His face immediately drops. "Oh."
"Where do you keep your lumber?" you ask.
"They're all inside my warehouse right here."
"Could I take a look?"
"Of course."
The carpenter opens the door behind him and walks several steps inside, and you follow him with your guards. Boards are stacked on top of each other almost to the ceiling. Judging by their colors, there are three different kinds of wood. One is pale, another has warmer notes, and the other is darker. You get closer to the last one for closer inspection. Same width, same length. And probably same height, too.
"Do you cut these yourself?" you ask, staring at the stacked boards of Adhigama wood.
"I have a team of loggers who take care of it. They bring in the boards here when they're done."
"Do they bring them anywhere else?"
"Not at all. These are one of a kind."
You pinch one of the boards poking out of the stack. It's as sturdy as the ones at the construction site. As you take a few steps back, you look at the top of the stack, taking in the sheer number of these boards. Not sure about the thousands, but definitely in the hundreds. Until you catch sight of a second batch behind them. A thousand seems more likely now.
Turning around, your eyes land on Durgar when you ask, "Has anyone come to purchase the Adhigama boards under the name of Northland Bank?"
His eyes widen in surprise. "As a matter of fact, yes."
"How often do they come by?"
"Once every... hm. Should be a few months."
'Again?'
"Do you have any exact dates of these purchases?" you urge, walking a couple steps closer.
"Uh... If you give me a moment, I can check my records for the specific transaction details," Durgar says.
You give him a firm nod. "Please do."
"Alright, I'll be back."
The carpenter exits the warehouse with the door left wide open.
Everything seems to happen all at once. Once every few months. The construction according to the patrolling mercenary, the lumber exports according to the Port Master, and now the purchase of said lumber. You hadn't considered this tactic before since you primarily aimed for whoever was more likely to hold some clues, but it seems like retracing the steps of the offenders is the right way to go. Everything has been normal on paper in Port Ormos by the looks of it, which means that somewhere along the process in Sumeru City is when they make their move and, somehow, it goes unnoticed by the Akademiya, even right under their nose. If they did actually follow all the rules here, then you'll have to look into the city's docks for further clues. But, first, you'll have to organize some things when you get back to your tent.
When the carpenter returns, he shows you the details of all the purchases made under Northland Bank. Instead of asking for a copy, you write down the details on a notepad.
"Ah, before I leave," you start as you put your notepad away, "I have a few more questions for you."
The man closes the file in his hands. Looking up, he replies, "Please, ask away."
"When the purchases were made, what did the person look like? Were they alone or with a group? How did they sound like? Anything that could help identify them."
He crosses his arms with the file in one hand and the other under his chin. He hums with a deep sigh, eyes staring down into the distance. "There's only ever been one guy, goes by the name Umar. He came in looking like a regular local from Sumeru with a mustache to go with it. If you ask me, he didn't look out of place. But, now that I think about it... His voice sounded a little gruff. He'd occasionally cough, almost like his throat was strained."
"What about his age?"
"Mmm, probably in the twenties or thirties. There were no visible wrinkles, and the skin still looked fresh and young."
Seems like they came in disguise. Chances are, nothing about their physique is authentic, but you ask anyway. "Hair color, hairstyle, eye color? And how built were they?"
"Short, light brown hair, dark eyes, and they looked super thin. Oh but, this reminds me. His skin color was pale as if it hadn't been under the sun for a very long time."
Your eyes widen just slightly. Maybe not all of their physique is fake...
"I see. Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Durgar," you say firmly with a small smile.
"Ah." He bows with his head quickly. "Glad I could help."
You give him a nod of acknowledgement and leave the warehouse, heading back towards the camp.
～～～
Although you don't have the dates of "construction" as the patrolling mercenary reported, you do have the purchase and export dates. There's always a gap of six days between the two, and as it's been mentioned multiple times, it happens once every few months. Every 3-4 months. The last export happened around 2 months ago.
For ease of navigation, you marked down the dates on a hand-drawn calendar and pinned them to the board in the top left corner. This way, all the available information is in front of you.
Arms crossed, you narrow your eyes as you lean against the desk behind you, ankle crossing over the other.
It seems like retracing their steps is leading you in the right direction. You just need to know where the steps are without missing a single one. They managed to evade the Akademiya's strict laws and protocol without getting caught for the past four years. Somewhere in those steps, somewhere along the line, they deviate from the path and still somehow maintain the status quo in public. In a way that the Akademiya would never notice. A way that they never thought of. A loophole.
Tomorrow will be the fourth day since you arrived. Now that you've cleared out Port Ormos, it's time to look into Sumeru City next, starting with the dock.