"What does he mean by 'money laundering'?" Rayden wondered, perplexed. "Is he suggesting we take the money to a laundromat? This guy's an idiot!"
Rayden clearly didn't understand the term's true meaning, imagining a bizarre scene of washing bills with soap and water.
Money laundering is more of a way criminals disguise illegally obtained money to make it look like it came from legitimate sources. They might use businesses like casinos, restaurants, or shell corporations to move the money around and make it untraceable. It's unheard of in this city, though.
Griffin, who learned about it from a book three months ago, had always fantasized about it, seeing it as a less risky alternative to stealing. But he lacked the funds and connections until now, with Aria's resources and potential connections, he saw an opportunity.
Meanwhile, Aria, Liam, Kai, and Rayden, like Rayden's literal interpretation, were completely unfamiliar with the concept.
Eleanor, however, seemed to be the only one who understood what money laundering entailed.
Aria decided to ask, trying to comprehend the term. "What do you mean by that? Washing money?"
Griffin's jaw dropped, eyes bugging out like a startled goldfish. His carefully constructed air of suave criminal mastermind deflated like a punctured balloon, replaced by the stunned expression of a toddler caught raiding the cookie jar.
"You don't know what money laundering means...? Well, let's not drag that too far; I should explain then, so.."
Eleanor suddenly cut in, demanding to explain it rather. Griffin looked at her for a while before giving her the go ahead.
Well, everyone's talent needs to be known, only that way can I know if this are the right people to work with and achieve the top spot as set.
Eleanor leaned back, a subtle smile formed on her lips. "Let's start with a simple example. Imagine you own a bakery," she said, addressing Aria and the others directly. "Your official earnings are, say, 50,000 Gilas a year. But you also have a side business – let's say you're secretly selling highly sought-after, artisanal clockwork automatons for a hefty price, generating another 100,000 Gilas annually. That 100,000 Gilas is your 'dirty money'— income from an unreported source. You can't just deposit it into your bank account because it would raise red flags with the tax authorities."
The tax authorities in Ironhaven, the Gilas Revenue Service (GRS), are a powerful organization. Their primary function is the collection of taxes, including income tax, sales tax, and property tax. They utilize a complex system of ledgers, punch-card machines (for larger businesses), and a network of pneumatic tubes to transmit records between offices and banks. Large deposits—anything over 20,000 Gilas—trigger a manual review.
Clerks meticulously cross-reference the deposit with the declared income of the account holder. Discrepancies trigger a thorough investigation, involving on-site audits of businesses and detailed examination of hand-written ledgers and receipts.
Their reach extends across both the Upper and Lower Districts, though investigations in the more densely populated Upper District tend to be faster.
The GRS's investigation often begins with the banks themselves. Ironhaven's banking system is a mix of established and smaller institutions. In the Upper District, six prominent branches handle a large volume of transactions: Clad Bank (two branches), Gilded Crown Bank, and The Merchant's Guild Bank (three branches). These banks utilize advanced mechanical calculators and ledger systems, allowing them to promptly report large transactions to the GRS.
In the Lower District, six frequently used branches, each with varying levels of technological sophistication, dominate the scene: Copper Kettle Bank, Fen Bank, two branches of Cog Bank, and two branches of Free Market Bank. The GRS maintains close working relationships with these banks and regularly conducts spot checks.
Griffin shifted uncomfortably. He'd envisioned a far simpler, less nuanced explanation. Eleanor's detailed breakdown of the GRS's procedures and the varying levels of scrutiny across different banks far surpassed his rudimentary understanding. He had only a hazy notion of funneling money through seemingly legitimate businesses, believing that practice would refine his skills over time. He'd hoped to learn through experience, a rather reckless approach compared to Eleanor's clearly well-informed perspective. He realized his fantasized plan was childish in its simplicity. The depth of her knowledge was startling; she clearly had firsthand experience navigating this complex process.
Eleanor continued, her tone shifted to a more analytical one. "The profit? It's the 100,000 Gilas you successfully concealed and integrated into your reported income. You avoid paying taxes on it and keep the entire amount. But it comes with risks."
"The gain is obviously significant—keeping the entirety of your illicit profits. However," Eleanor cautioned, "the risk is substantial. If the authorities detect inconsistencies in your bakery's records – for example, if your reported gear and spring purchases don't match your claimed sales – an investigation could follow. This can lead to fines, imprisonment, and the seizure of assets."
"The probability of getting caught depends on several factors," Eleanor stated, "how sophisticated your laundering scheme is, how meticulous your record-keeping is, and how vigilant the authorities are.
"I've recently learnt about individuals who used incredibly complex systems involving multiple shell corporations and cleverly disguised transactions; they were incredibly successful for years, I suppose. Others, who opted for simpler methods, were caught within months due to sloppy accounting. Their mistakes were almost immediately apparent.
"From those learning experiences, I estimate the success rate for less elaborate schemes as being less than 10%. The more intricate and layered the operation, however, the success rate rises exponentially, provided you are adept at navigating the bureaucratic maze.
"For us, according to our resources currently gathered, the chances are significantly higher, but more planning is needed to determine the precise probability."
The group considered the implications of her explanation. They hadn't considered integrating their funds into a legitimate business. The reason was simple: establishing a thriving business that could generate significant income to support their lifestyle would require at least six to eight months, and possibly even longer.
They were due to enter the Range Academy in a month and a few days, leaving them no time to build a sustainable, profitable enterprise before departure. Any attempts at rapid business growth would likely be unsustainable, leading to significant losses.
Money laundering, on the other hand, offered the potential to use their existing funds and connections to quickly move and legitimize the Gilas, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of their gains both before and during their time at the Academy. There were ways to maintain some distance from the process even while enrolled.
Aria, Liam, Rayden, and Kai shook their heads in clear understanding.
"So it isn't the act of washing money… as explained, the line is obviously very profitable, but do any of you two have actual experience, like taking part in it…?" she asked, clearly wanting to know their involvement in this business.
Have they been involved, or do they only have theoretical knowledge?
Griffin grinned skeptically. "For me, no! As someone once told me"—obviously his father—"what's the usefulness of a map? It's for knowing your way through a journey you haven't begun. Does a journey have meaning only if you've walked it before? You'll encounter obstacles without a map, and might even get lost.
"Let's say you successfully completed that journey. Now you're told to walk it again. Do you know the way? Yes, because you've been there. But what's the difference between you and someone with a map who hasn't experienced the journey but knows the route, perhaps even better? That person navigates the road without the challenges and suffering you faced. But that map was drawn by someone just like you, who went on that journey.
Aria listened attentively, his words sinking in. She decided to hear him out, assess his intelligence, and see if this long explanation answered her question.
"Now, let's relate this to our discussion and answer your question. Eleanor has given an example and explained the path well—that's the map. We don't need actual experience to become proficient. The people who pioneered this had no map, and after their journey, they've become the map for us, making the path easier than it ever was for them."
"A wise man learns from the mistakes of others."
Griffin highlighted the interplay between experience and knowledge, advocating for the value of learning from others. It serves as a reminder that while personal experience is important, leveraging the insights of those who have traveled the path before can lead to more efficient and successful outcomes. This perspective is particularly applicable in complex or high-stakes situations, making it a relevant and insightful contribution to the discussion.
"I can see "Mr Bullhead" actually has a brain... this is a very, well-constructed speech..." Liam praised inwardly. However, this didn't add a bit of likeness for Griffin; they simply remained the same as ever.
Aria let out a weary sigh, her fingers running through her hair, pushing it back from her face with a composed gesture. "I understand. So, what exactly do we need to get this started? I know a few people who can help..."
Griffin stared down at his worn bag, then looked up at Aria. "Let's discuss this properly tomorrow. It's late, and I haven't eaten a thing.... Could you possibly lend me 1000 Gilas? I need to get some food and supplies from the market before it closes."
Aria didn't hesitate. She gestured for Griffin to step out of the room while she retrieved the money. Tomorrow was Worship Day – a day of mandated rest, ironically named by the Council of Elders. No businesses would be open.
Griffin's desperate plea stemmed from gnawing hunger and a looming sense of dread. Swallowing his pride, he knew logic dictated begging for help now, rather than facing starvation in his cramped room. He needed to stock up at the market today.
Ironhaven calendar consisted of ten months, each with a varying number of days. Three of these months were called Solara, Lunara, and Stella. Currently, it was the 7th of Lunara, a Thursday.
The eight-day week flowed as follows: Sunday, Monday, Ember, Tenth, Bloom, Starfall, Thursday, Worship. A typical month contained approximately four and a half of these eight-day cycles.
The market was beginning to wind down; consumers were already leaving little by little as the sun dipped below the horizon. However, the market closes at 8 PM. It would open again at 8 AM. Griffin knew that 1000 Gilas, while not a fortune at the city's economical inflation and tax increase, leading to high costs. This amount would only stretch to provide him with at least three weeks' worth of food, and a few small comforts beyond the bare necessities of food, water, and shelter.
As Griffin slipped out into the narrow alley, the sky offered a breathtaking sight.
Above him, the last vestiges of daylight painted the evening sky in brilliant strokes of fiery orange and soft rose, swiftly yielding to a deep, velvety indigo.
The gas lamps of the Lower District ignited, bathing the streets in a gentle light that sparkled like scattered jewels against a dark backdrop.
As the pubs began to buzz with the laughter and chatter of patrons, weary souls emerging from their mechanical toil and other lowly trades found a moment of respite. This brief interlude, though fleeting, offered them a cherished privilege—a chance to unwind and savour the simple pleasures of life before the night unfurled its mysteries.
He stood for a moment, lost in the quiet beauty of the twilight, a soothing balm to his anxious mind.
Minutes later, Kai appeared, a small leather pouch dangling from his hand.
"This is hardly enough," Kai said, "considering the risks you took today. This is roughly 3000 Gilas."
Griffin's eyes widened with relief. He accepted the pouch with trembling hands, his gratitude was overwhelming. "Thank you, thank you so much!" he stammered, clutching the pouch and his bag close to his chest. "Could I... could I keep the bag?" he asked, gesturing towards the worn, familiar satchel.
Kai offered a slight nod. "Thank you again," Griffin whispered as Kai quietly closed the door. A wide, triumphant grin spread across Griffin's face as he broke into a run, heading towards the Lower District market.
...
"Are we going to do this?" Rayden asked, curiosity evident in his eyes.
Aria gave a slight nod and replied, "I don't know yet, but if it can benefit us, then why not? Remember, it's not just about the money; we also need more gears if we're ever going to complete that invention."
The whole gang wisely agreed with her.
Given that most of what they did, apart from stealing, was shrouded in mystery, it was quite impossible to discern their main goal after acquiring all this: money and gears.
The unknown "machine" demanded completion, and the necessary gears could only be sourced from the Upper District, as Aria had always observed. Everything required a clear answer, but none was forthcoming, as they were unwilling to reveal their intentions.
Well, tomorrow was Worship Day, the 8th of Lunara, when all might be revealed. When togetherness was demanded, trust issues needed to be minimised, at least to some extent. However, this did not translate to having trust in someone full-time, as humans tended to betray one another in one way or another—it was simply the nature of humanity. And Aria had trust issues… This would make it quite difficult for Griffin to earn her trust, even to a certain degree, let alone fully.
...
Griffin weaved through the thinning crowds emerging from the pubs, their laughter and chatter fading behind him. Smells of roasting meats and unfamiliar spices whisked around his nose as he approached the market's edge. He estimated the entire sprint took him no more than five minutes.
The Lower District market was a chaotic symphony of sights and sounds. Stalls overflowed with brightly colored silks, gleaming metalwork, strange herbs and spices piled high in roughspun sacks, and baskets brimming with plump fruits and vegetables. The air was full with the aromas of roasting nuts, simmering stews, and freshly baked bread. The sounds were just as diverse: the clang of a blacksmith's hammer, the cheerful chatter of bartering customers, and the bleating of goats tethered near a stall selling cheeses.
Along one side of the market, a row of food stalls dominated the scene. "All Eats" offered hearty stews and roasted meats, the tantalizing smell of garlic and rosemary drawed in hungry patrons. Next to it was "The Golden Whisk" specialized in pastries and breads, its glass window displayed a tempting array of crusty loaves and sweet buns. Across from them, "Spice & Vine" catered to more exotic tastes, offering richly spiced curries and unusual fruits. A few stalls further down, "SL Seafood" beckoned with the briny aroma of grilled fish and shellfish.
Interspersed between the food stalls were smaller shops selling everything from simple mechanical tools and clothing to crafted jewelry and gears. A small, unassuming restaurant, "Kettle," tucked away in a quieter corner, promised a more intimate dining experience.
"What do I get first? I need to make a list," Griffin murmured, wondering how to arrange his scale of preference—from the most important to the least.
He recognised that in a place filled with choices, having a structured approach would help him clarify his needs. By prioritising what he required, he could focus on essential items first, ensuring he allocated his limited resources wisely. This method would not only streamline his shopping process but also lead to more satisfying decisions, allowing him to adapt as circumstances changed.
Griffin, clutching the pouch, began to organize his shopping list, carefully considering his limited budget of 2500 Gilas. He allocated 500 Gilas as a contingency fund. He knew prices fluctuated, and estimated costs were rough guesses based on his last visit two months prior. He also factored in an estimated 200 Gilas for total sales tax on his purchases.
1. Food:
Three loaves of bread: 15 Gilas (5 Gilas/loaf * 3 loaves)
Three cheeses: 30 Gilas (10 Gilas/cheese * 3 cheeses)
Water: 200 Gilas (2 kegs). Water is exorbitantly priced due to the city's severe water scarcity. Most water is imported, and strict rationing measures further inflate the cost.
2. Clothing:
Three pieces of clothing: 600 Gilas (estimated, aiming for 200 Gilas/item)
3. Essential Supplies:
Diary: 20 Gilas
City's Constitution: 100 Gilas
Money Laundering Textbook: 200 Gilas
Cost Estimate:
Bread: 15 Gilas
Cheese: 30 Gilas
Water: 200 Gilas
Clothing: 600 Gilas
Diary: 20 Gilas
Constitution: 100 Gilas
Money Laundering Textbook: 200 Gilas
Total Estimated Cost (Pre-Tax): 1665 Gilas
Estimated Purchase Tax: 200 Gilas
Total Estimated Cost (Post-Tax): 1365 Gilas
Contingency Fund: 500 Gilas
Total Budget: 2,365 Gilas (This is well within his 2500 Gilas budget, even with the added tax.)
He'd maintain his original order of operations, visiting stalls in the planned sequence. The reduced food costs and diary price, combined with the water price, leave him with a more constrained budget flexibility.
Griffin could consider higher-quality clothing or additional food items, but he may need to forego any luxury purchases. The budget surplus is limited, providing only a small buffer against unplanned purchases or unexpected price fluctuations.
"Since that's settled, I should get on with my shopping. If anything is above the estimated price I calculated, I will have to leave some items out in that case..."
Griffin took a deep breath, letting the vibrant atmosphere of the Lower District market wash over him. The scents swirling around him were intoxicating, each one tugging at his senses and reminding him of the delights. With his shopping list in mind, he decided to make his first stop at The Golden Whisk.
He approached the shop, the wooden sign above the door creaked gently in the breeze, displaying carvings of whisk and rolling pin, including the bakery's name.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of freshly baked bread, mingling with cinnamon and vanilla from the pastries. The walls were adorned with copper piping and gears for internal lighting and generation.
The glass display case showcased an array of crusty loaves, their golden crusts were bright under the flickering gas lamps. Sweet buns, dusted with powdered sugar, sat alongside flaky pastries. The friendly baker, a plump woman with flour-dusted hands and a colorful apron greeted him with a warm smile.
"Welcome! What can I get for you, young sir?" she asked, her voice was as inviting as the aroma surrounding them.
Griffin scanned the offerings, his mouth watering at the sight. He decided to purchase three loaves of bread as planned. Each of the loaf was artisanal, with a crust that crackled delightfully when pressed, and a soft, airy interior that would be surely perfect for his meals.
•Purchase Details:
•Three Loaves of Bread: 15 Gilas (5 Gilas/loaf)
After paying the baker, he tucked the loaves into the leather pouch given to him by the bakery, their warmth radiated against his side, and he made his way towards the next stall— SL Seafood.
The briny aroma of the sea food enveloped him as he approached SL Seafood. The stall was full with customers, all eager to sample the day's catch. Fresh fish glistened on beds of ice, and the sound of sizzling shellfish filled the air, creating a harmony of culinary delight.
Griffin could see a man behind the counter, expertly grilling fish over a cast-iron grill, the smoke curling up and adding to a rich aroma.
Dropping the thought of getting some grilled fish, as it could ruin his budget, he walked away from the stall.
"I can't ruin my budget; the bread appears to have maintained a stable price, just as it was two months ago."
He later decided to buy three cheeses from the cheese vendor nearby, where a selection of creamy, aged varieties awaited. All the cheese was carefully wrapped in cloth, showcasing its unique texture and color.
•Purchase Details:
•Three Cheeses: 30 Gilas (10 Gilas/cheese)
With his cheeses secured, Griffin felt a sense of satisfaction. Next on his list was water, a precious commodity in this city and to him.
He walked through the crowd to the water stall, where large wooden kegs stood prominently. The vendor, a wiry man with sunken cheeks and a thick leather apron, eyed him expectantly.
"Two five-litre kegs of water..." Griffin queried.
"Two kegs of water will cost you 200 Gilas," he said. Griffin nodded, knowing the price was steep due to the city's scarcity issues. He handed over the Gilas, receiving two heavy kegs in return.
He placed the two small kegs of water on the ground and opened his bag to rearrange the bread and cheese inside it, while the kegs freed up his hands.
Surprising; the price of water has also stayed the same, maybe the economy here is quite balance.
•Purchase Details:
•Two Kegs of Water: 200 Gilas
Next, Griffin made his way to the clothing stalls, where clothing fabrics were hung like a kaleidoscope. He approached a stall that offered a mix of practical and stylish attire. The vendor was a middle-aged woman with a keen eye for fashion, she showcased three pieces of clothing that caught his eye: a sturdy tunic made of durable fabric, a pair of trousers reinforced with leather patches, and a light cloak adorned with brass buttons.
He inspected each item, feeling the quality of the fabric and imagining how they would serve him. After some deliberation, he decided on the three pieces, knowing they would be worth the investment.
•Purchase Details:
•Three Pieces of Clothing: 600 Gilas (200 Gilas/item) Essential Supplies.
Placing the clothing into a paper bag provided by the stall, he slung it over his left shoulder. Surprisingly, the weight of all his current purchases wasn't as overwhelming as he had expected.
Griffin turned his attention to the essential supplies. He found a small stall tucked away in a corner, where a bespectacled man sold various items. The man wore goggles perched on his forehead and had a collection of oddities displayed around him.
Griffin picked up a diary for 20 Gilas, envisioning all the thoughts and plans he would jot down. Next, he acquired the City's Constitution for 100 Gilas, a necessary reference for navigating the complexities of the city. Finally, he purchased the Money Laundering Textbook for 200 Gilas, knowing it would be crucial for the new path.
•Purchase Details:
•Diary: 20 Gilas
•City's Constitution: 100 Gilas
•Money Laundering Textbook: 200 Gilas
He placed the textbooks into the paper bag along with the clothing and slung it back over his shoulder, then he picked up the two kegs of water.
Then, Griffin stepped back to assess his haul. He had successfully purchased:
•Bread: 15 Gilas
•Cheese: 30 Gilas
•Water: 200 Gilas
•Clothing: 600 Gilas
•Diary: 20 Gilas
•Constitution: 100 Gilas
•Textbook: 200 Gilas
Total Estimated Cost (Pre-Tax): 1,165 Gilas
Estimated Purchase Tax: 200 Gilas
Total Estimated Cost (Post-Tax): 1,365 Gilas
Contingency Fund: 500 Gilas
Total Remaining Budget: 135 Gilas
Griffin smiled, feeling accomplished. He had stuck to his plan, and with a bit of budget left over, he could consider a few luxury items, perhaps a treat from The Golden Whisk or a small trinket from one of the jewelry stalls.
Looking up at the night sky, Griffin admired the stars shimmering like scattered jewels against a deep indigo horizon. The crescent moon hung low, emitting silvery light that illuminated the cobbled streets below. Wisps of clouds drifted by, occasionally veiling the celestial display, while the distant sounds of laughter and music from nearby bars and pubs began to fill the air.
Griffin realised he had spent 44 minutes in the market, and the current time was 7:09 PM. The market stalls were gradually preparing for closure, packing away goods and calling out last-minute offers.
The market began to wane, and he could see groups of people moving towards the lively establishments, eager to relief themselves. Supposedly, the Upper and Lower District aren't different in that part.