Aldwyn's gaze narrowed, "Perhaps we should speak another time, when you're feeling better."
„I'm not ruling him out yet, but I still need to check the others..."
Timotheus nodded gratefully, his eyes watering as he coughed into his handkerchief. "Of course, sir. I apologize for the inconvenience."
Aldwyn studied him for a moment longer before nodding. "Take care of yourself." With that, he turned and slipped back into the flow of the guild's activity, his mind racing with the inconsistencies in Timotheus's behavior. The clerk's nervousness was palpable, but it could be due to his illness rather than guilt.
The next name on the list was a woman named Eluna. Known for her sharp tongue and even sharper mind, she was a merchant who had risen through the ranks quickly. She had a reputation for being able to smell a bad deal from a mile away, and her loyalty to House Valthorne was unshakeable.
Aldwyn found her in a dimly lit corner of the guild, haggling over the price of a shipment of rare silks. As he approached, she turned to face him, her gaze sizing him up and down in a single glance.
Eluna was a force of nature, with fiery red hair that fell in unruly waves down her back and piercing green eyes that seemed to see right through the fabric of the world. Her sharp cheekbones and pointed nose were the hallmarks of a face that had been sculpted by the harsh winds of ambition rather than the gentle strokes of a loving hand. Her attire was a blend of the finest fabrics Helgarde had to offer, yet it bore the subtle stains of a life spent in the shadowy alleys of commerce. Her crimson dress clung to her curves like a second skin, adorned with intricate silver thread that caught the flickering candlelight, revealing the subtle patterns of scales. It was a silent declaration of her allegiance to House Valthorne and the dragon that symbolized their might.
Aldwyn stepped closer, his footsteps silent on the plush carpets that muffled the cacophony of the guild. "I've heard much about your keen eye for business. Perhaps you could spare a moment to speak with a fellow entrepreneur?"
Eluna's eyes gleamed with curiosity, and she nodded, gesturing to a nearby table. "Certainly," she said, her voice a seductive purr. "But beware, my time is valuable."
Aldwyn sat opposite her, his movements fluid and graceful despite his size. He leaned in slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm interested in expanding my own ventures," he began, "and I've heard that you might be able to assist me."
Eluna raised an eyebrow, her expression one of mild amusement. "Indeed?" she said, her voice dripping with skepticism. "And what might those ventures be?"
„Lying is useless in her case, she seems to be very sharp and intelligent. The best thing is simply to address the thefts directly and watch her reaction."
Aldwyn smirked, "Information, of course," he said smoothly. "I've noticed that some... items have gone missing from your esteemed guild. I was wondering if you had any insights to share."
Eluna's gaze sharpened, her eyes narrowing to slits. "And what makes you think I would know anything about such matters?" she asked, her voice now cold and hard as the steel of her hidden dagger.
Aldwyn leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Let's just say I have a nose for these things," he replied, his own eyes gleaming with the promise of danger. "I understand that in the world of commerce, information is the most precious currency. And I'm willing to pay handsomely for it."
Eluna studied him, her expression unreadable. Then, with a sudden laugh, she leaned in close. "You're either incredibly brave or incredibly foolish to come here asking such questions."
„Huh? What kind of reaction is that... Does she think I'm joking?"
Aldwyn's smile remained in place, his eyes never leaving hers. "Or perhaps," he suggested, "I'm just looking for the right person to cut a deal with."
Eluna's laughter died down, and she leaned back. "I'm sorry, but I have absolutely no idea of the situation. I'm too busy with my own business, so why should I care about others."
„There is nothing unusual about her behavior... either she is an excellent liar who deceives even my perception or she really knows nothing."
Aldwyn stood up, his movements as fluid as ever. "Fair enough," he said, his tone unruffled. "But should you happen to come across any... information regarding the thefts, I would be most appreciative if you would share it with me." He slid a silver coin across the table, its metallic clink echoing in the tense silence.
Eluna's eyes followed the coin, and she picked it up, her thumb caressing the owl's head etched into the metal. "I'll keep that in mind," she said, her voice a little less icy. "But don't expect miracles."
Over the next few hours, he investigated another thirteen suspects, but none of them behaved very suspiciously.
„I knew that it wouldn't be easy, but I'm getting tired of it." Aldwyn was a little tense.
The sun had long set by the time Aldwyn stepped out of the Merchant's Guild, the cobblestone streets of Helgarde's wealthiest district now bathed in a moonlit glow that cast eerie shadows across the façades of the grand buildings. The air had cooled, and the scent of rain lingered on the breeze. He had spoken to all fifteen suspects on the list, but no clear culprits had emerged.
„Maybe the thief is not necessarily someone from the Merchant's Guild... maybe he just has abilities that normal people don't notice."
The thought crossed Aldwyn's mind as he strolled down the deserted streets, his cloak billowing around him like a shadow's embrace. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was missing something, that the answer was just out of his grasp.
The rain started to fall, a gentle patter that grew into a steady rhythm as it danced on the cobblestones.
„According to the contract, the approximate location of the stolen goods could be traced. Everything points to the underground market. I wasn't actually planning to go there, because of the Red Baron issue. But I can't find any more information in the Merchants' Guild."
....
The underground market was a labyrinth of tents and makeshift stalls, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and the musk of creatures that didn't belong in this world. The rain had picked up, turning the dirt underfoot to mud that clung to his boots with every step. The denizens of the night market cast wary glances in his direction, sensing the predator among them.
He went to his only "contact" and that was 'The Enigma', the man who helped him with the invitation to the masquerade.
The Enigma was a peculiar character, shrouded in mystery, known only by the name he had chosen for himself.
He entered his store, the warmth of the shop a stark contrast to the cold outside. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices and ancient tomes.
"Oh, you're still alive," His eyes glinting with curiosity. "Not many who encounter the Red Baron survive the meeting. Enough of this, what brings you to my humble abode?"
Aldwyn's gaze remained unwavering. "I need your help," he said, his voice low and steady. "I've been asked to investigate some thefts at the Merchant's Guild. The stolen goods are rumored to be here, in the underground market."
The Enigma's smile grew wider, "What are you willing to offer for my assistance?"
„I forgot that the guy was desperate for my money..." Aldwyn couldn't help but get a little upset.
„But I have an idea, maybe that will help." Aldwyn didn't miss a beat. "A favor, to be claimed at a later date."
The Enigma's eyes narrowed, considering the offer. "Very well," he finally said, his smile fading to a more business-like expression. "But know that I don't come cheap, and I always collect my debts."
The Enigma pulled out a piece of paper and wrote down the terms of the deal. Then he and Aldwyn dipped their thumbs in the ink and pressed them onto the paper. With that, the pact was settled and both parties had to fulfill it.
Aldwyn felt a strange sensation as the ink absorbed into his skin, leaving a faint tingling. "The goods are being moved tonight," The Enigma revealed, folding the paper into a small square. "But beware, the seller is not one to be trifled with. They are cunning and known to be connected to the Hollow."
„The Hollow? Dammit, that's not good, the last time I met the Baron I got caught by him unnoticed and that's probably why I have so many gaps in the Lady Yesenia case. That means the Baron is probably involved too..."
Aldwyn pressed for more information. "What can you tell me about this seller?"
The Enigma leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "The seller is known only as 'The Crimson Merchant'. He operate in the shadows, dealing in goods that even the bravest of souls would not dare touch." he said, his voice dropping to a whisper.
Aldwyn's eyes gleamed with determination. "Where can I find him?" he asked firmly.
The Enigma leaned closer, his breath a warm whisper against Aldwyn's ear. "At the heart of the market, where the air is thickest with desperation and greed," he said, his gaze drifting to a spot just behind Aldwyn's shoulder. "Look for the stall with the crimson canopy, and a wax seal with a leaf burned into it. That's where you'll find your answers."
....
For now, Aldwyn left the Underground Market and boarded a carriage that took him to the Merchant's Guild.
„The whole thing is too risky to handle by myself. Besides, the contract only required me to find the thief. I don't have to take care of that by myself." Aldwyn thought, trying to justify his decision to report back to Gaines.
The carriage ride through the rain-soaked streets was a blur of shadow and light, the gas lamps casting flickering patterns across the windows. He stepped out in front of the Merchant's Guild, the grandeur of the building seemingly magnified by the stark contrast of the surrounding darkness.
"Gaines!" Aldwyn called out, his voice echoing through the vast, empty hall. The candles flickered in their sconces, casting eerie shadows on the polished marble floors and high ceilings adorned with frescoes depicting scenes of commerce and wealth.
Gaines emerged from the shadows, his eyes wary. "You've found something?" he asked, hope mingling with a hint of desperation.
Aldwyn nodded. "The thief, or thieves, are moving the goods tonight. But I suspect the true mastermind is someone named 'The Crimson Merchant'. They are said to be linked to the Hollow."
Gaines's face paled, his grip on the banister tightening. "The Hollow... I've heard whispers of such a name. It's not good, Aldwyn. This goes much deeper than mere theft."
Gaines swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. "What do we do?"
Aldwyn considered the implications of his findings. "You must inform House Valthorne," he said finally. "They have the resources and the power to deal with something of this magnitude."
Before Gaines could reply, Aldwyn added, "My job is done. I was supposed to find clues and deliver them to you."
The tension between them grew palpable. Gaines knew that Aldwyn had done as asked, but the revelation of the Hollow's involvement had changed everything. The stakes were no longer about just stolen goods; they were about the very soul of Helgarde.
"Indeed." Gaines whispered, his voice trembling. "You deserve to be rewarded."
Aldwyn watched as Gaines retreated into his office, returning moments later with a heavy bag of gold coins. He tossed it to Aldwyn, who caught it with a deft hand. The clinking sound of the coins was music to his ears.
"As agreed, the fifteen gold," Gaines said, his voice strained. "I will send the letter of recommendation to the Hall of the Sword after everything is done."
Aldwyn nodded, his gaze lingering on the bag of coins before he tucked it into his belt.