New TuRais Quest 23 - Main - Sleuthing

You decided to snoop. To be frank, you thought it was quite plausible that the rumours were true. Your stepfather had always had shady dealings and these were a part of your household income. The problem? He had always been pretty discreet about it and the fact that word had gotten out to some no name noble lady meant something was off. It put a bad taste in your mouth, and your family’s name was at stake. Plus… you cared about your stepfather, even though if anyone actually asked the worry was that anything that happened to him would have a blowback on your family.

Liam took a few more guards in tow and brought you to the lower city. Teor had a unique predicament with the levels, and that was the poor tended to congregate in the areas with the cheapest living and the closest proximity to work. The lower city wasn’t simply a prison slum that contained all the city's peasant class by design. On the lowest tier of the city sat the most important river in the empire. Wide enough and deep enough throughout its length to accommodate sea traffic into the South Seas which gave a large inland city like Teor access to all the trade flowing from Aoia, to Okkam and Mara. The access to trade without the same vulnerabilities as a coastal city made Teor an early powerhouse of importing and exporting goods.

All of the surrounding cities and townships had to rely on Teor, but this was not a bad relationship. Having so much that could simply be bought and brought in meant that all of these towns could focus on expanding things other than peasant labour, which put the region on a whole other level economically. Near the docks there were factories and warehouses. Teor bought raw goods from far off lands and instead of putting to work miners or farmers, Teor created a new class of peasants. Above those, in those higher tiers it led to the formation of a type of Nouveaux Riche that was something between an aristocrat and a peasant. Men who had simply been lucky enough to come into ownership of a factory, or the land one was set on. Others who were able to multiply their resources by speculating on the price of goods within Teor’s famous marketplaces. Then there were those who fed from the runoff.

They were led into an industrial area where smokestacks burning coal billowed smoke into the air. It was a bit shaded, even though it was during the day. The people were used to it and there were many men and women going about their day as if nothing was strange. There were small shops, supply stores and offices, buildings that held tertiary personnel to the industries nearby.

“All these people live in a different world from most other people anywhere else.” You commented in response to the sight.

“Some say this is the way it’s going to be for everyone else at some point. I dunno about that.” Liam offered.

“I should not have worried, it seems Teor does not need my help in creating a drab atmosphere.” Jeane commented snidely, playing with her new hairline just above her shoulders. You smirked at her.

“You should be happy, Jeane. Without all that weight on your head you can hold your chin higher.”

The elf became flustered, grabbing the brim of her hat on either side and pulling it down to flop over and hide her hair. She sneered at you. “What the hell is that supposed to mean!?”

“Pfft.” Kara held a weak laugh. She was leaning on you more than usual.

“Ughh…”

“What’s wrong, Kara?” You asked, patting her head as she pulled an arm tightly around your waist to put more of her weight on you. Her cheek was resting on your shoulder.

“Gross… It's gross here.” She complained.

Liam observed closely. “Most beastfolk don’t like this place. It’s the furthest from their habitat that they can get.” He stopped, turning as he caught a glimpse of something.

“There are exceptions…” He walked to a pile of crates, reached down and pulled out a girl you recognised by the back of her collar.

“Minea?” You said her name out loud.

“You know this rat?” Liam asked, though he did not seem particularly surprised.

“We’ve met before.” You smiled at the girl menacingly.

“Remember me?”

“Hiiie!” Minea shuddered.

“I got no business with you!”

“Why’s it seem like you’re following us?” You inquired, paying close attention as Liam held Minea at a new angle for just a moment. The rat stuck her tongue out.

“I live here. You’re not that important, dude.”

Jeane snickered at you. “Oh my.”

“I’ll search her, just in case.” Liam stated. You stepped in quickly.

“No. That won't be necessary.”

“What?” He blinked, seeming a bit taken aback.

“What if she was taking down information? These rats typically hang around with ulterior motives.”

You looked at Liam closely, then smiled and offered. “Oh. I can search her. I’ve already dealt with this one once before.”

“I see…” Liam paused for a moment, looking the small girl over.

“I think it’s unlikely, now that I look at her. I think we should-”

“Nonsense. I think you’re on to something.” You said insistently. Jeane and kara were both confused by the exchange and exchanged a look as you stepped towards the girl.

“Let her down so that I can do my thing~” You grinned.

Liam ordered quickly. “Make sure you keep your hands behind your back, rat! Where I can see them.”

“Eh?” Minea narrowed her eyes, then suddenly complied.

“Oh. Uh, sure, whatever.” She made a smooth motion, dropping her hands to her belt, then placing them behind her back, but you felt fairly smug as you had been looking at her tail. You stepped forward and patted her down, going in her pockets and turning them out. The girl literally had nothing, which kind of made you feel bad, even though you knew something.

“Looks like she’s got nothing on her. Liam, your hunch was invalid.”

The guard argued. “I already corrected myself. You didn’t believe me.”

“Got it. Yeah, maybe.” You shrugged, turning around. You asked very casually so as not to tease a response.

“So… we’ve been wandering fairly aimlessly so far. Do we actually have a location or-”

“Yes. We have a location. We’ll start to head there now. This is the last place the Lord was seen.”

“Good.” You smiled.

“Lead the way.”

As you started moving Kara latched onto you and said loudly. “Tired!”

“Oi…” You gave her a look, then noticed she was looking at you. She leaned up and whispered.

“Made a exchange. Those two.” She nodded to Liam. Minea was already gone.

You were a bit surprised, then smiled and petted her head affectionately. “I know. I saw it, too. Good job.” You whispered back. Kara’s tail swished back and forth.

“You did good. What if I missed it?”

“Hehe.” She smiled brightly.

“Something is off.” You uttered under your breath.

“Coming?” Liam asked, looking back.

“Yep!”

“What is our approach?” Jeane asked, evidently having heard.

“Do we simply walk into the trap, or turn it in our favour?”

“Hmm.” You considered both already.