Chapter 273 - Talk of Failure

Finn produced the stiff paper for Sansen, placing it on the table while stating, “I only just received these orders this afternoon. As you can see, it’s sealed by the Minister of Security himself.”

Lord Noga’s second in command, Bryant Chaser, was a famous figure in NianXing politics. He handled all the critical security matters for the nation, often appearing in the news on topics of international relations.

It was his office that regulated the clearance for ships crossing the Altic sea, as well as the border patrols along the southern border which Kumin shared with Fuha. Most notably, his orders superseded the authority of the Kumin Trade Guild, which, for the trade-heavy province had considerable political power and reach.

“I won’t implicate you.” Finn said, trying to clear the air in advance. After all, if Char Char was missing everyone in the manor could be considered an accomplice. He could see the conflict playing out in the tycoon’s eyes as he read the decree. “This was my mistake and mine alone. You don’t have to be worried about being charged as an accomplice.”

“Why do they want to bring Char Char back?” Sansen asked carefully.

“It’s unclear.” Finn took a sip of his coffee, grimacing slightly at the bitter taste while at the same time feeling invigorated by it, “No specific reason was given, only that she’s now considered a ‘danger to national security’.”

Sansen’s eyes focused on the red wax seal, wrinkles heavy on his forehead.

“When I first saw the order, I thought there must be a mistake.” Finn frowned, speaking his thoughts openly to Sansen, “You and I both know that your contributions in exchange for Char Char’s ‘freedom’ are also crucial to national security.”

“Yes,” Sansen muttered, “The smuggling ring.”

“And also your ‘special’ shipments to and from Banbajan as well.” Finn stated the other obvious contribution.

“The contracts for the shipments were arranged with Deputy Minister Thannesey, from the Trade Ministry.” Sansen said, “The smuggling ring investigation- are you doing that for the military?”

“Yes… But wouldn’t that mean it’s also under the umbrella of the Minister of Security…?” Finn’s gaze was one of thoughtful confusion as he understood Sansen’s line of thought, “But there was no mention of how this would affect the investigation… Maybe we can remind Sir Chaser of this arrangement and see if it changes his mind?”

“And did Sir Chaser give you this decree himself?” Sansen asked.

“No, it was handed to me by my superior.” Finn said, “Why?”

“There’s a possibility…” Sansen rubbed his chin thoughtfully, drifting off for a moment as he mulled over something in his mind. He glanced up from the decree at Finn, “Decades of working with the Ministry have taught me something very important. Never take things at face value.

“Bryant Chaser’s seal may be on this decree, but this is technically the seal of his office, it does not necessarily mean he personally approved it. He is the Minister of Security, but under him there are deputy ministers, directors, secretaries…” Sansen said, “In theory they all answer to Bryant Chaser, following through on his directives and orders. In reality there are always conflicting motives and factions, both within and between the offices.”

Sansen noted Finn’s thoughtful expression and offered a sympathetic grin, “Politics, dreadful business I know. Let me lay out what I think is happening.”

“The Ministry has four main offices. Security, Finance, Development and Citizen Services. Within each office there are also sub-offices. The Ministry of Trade, for example, is a sub-office of the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry of Security has the Office of Foreign Affairs, Municipal Affairs, National Defense and Public Safety.

“The Ministry of National Defense is the Military. Foreign Affairs deals with inter-provincial and inter-country security policies. Municipal Affairs handles intra-provincial things like police forces. Public Safety is a euphamism, they specifically handle policies around Exalted issues.

“There are four Ministers for each of the four main offices, and then Deputy Ministers in charge of each sub-office. Bryant Chaser is the Minister of the Security Ministry as a whole, but he also holds the Deputy Minister position for National Defense.

“As far as we know the White Maiden is not at war or aligned with entities that are at war with Lord Noga or NianXing… I have some ears in high places, it’s likely I would have heard news if this were the case. Based on this it would be a bit strange for Bryant Chaser to be personally involved in this issue of bringing Char Char into custody. The Office of Foreign Affairs seems like a better fit, particularly with the terms in the letter stating that the decree is in the interests of ‘National Security’, which is their typical jurisdiction.”

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At some point several plates of food had been delivered by the maid, but both men were deep in thought and so the meal was left untouched on the table.

A glint of understanding came to Finn’s eyes as he nodded thoughtfully, “Now that you mention it, the smuggling ring investigation is being conducted by the military, but under the direction of the Office of Public Safety… If this order came from Foreign Affairs, that would possibly explain the lack of consideration of our previous arrangements… But then, why would it be sealed by Bryant Chaser and not the person issuing the order?”

“A good question… I’m not particularly familiar with the Ministry of Security. It’s not a world I interact with on a regular basis… But it could be a power play. A way to use Chaser’s influence to act above their level of influence. That is, assuming it’s not actually Bryant Chaser who issued the decree, that’s always a possibility.” Sansen frowned, “If you could find out more information, or at least confirm our suspicions, we could come up with a plan.”

“Too bad I’m out of time.” Finn sighed, glancing at a clock on the wall, “I’m supposed to be delivering Char Char to the cathedral in less than six hours, if we’re using ‘midnight’ as the time limit.”

Sansen frowned at Char Char’s name, a pensive look in his eyes. After a long silence he asked in a low voice, “If Char Char were here right now, would you be sending her back?”

Finn took his time to consider the question, leaning forward with his elbows on his thighs as he cupped his chin in his hands. “I wouldn’t.”

“Should I believe you?” Sansen asked with a piercing gaze, “I find it hard to believe. Simply following orders, or high treason. The choice doesn’t seem difficult from your perspective.”

“Perhaps it would be easier on me in that respect.” Finn acknowledged, “But your assistance in my other duties is and has been paramount to my success. Your personal connections across the province provided priceless intel to capture the Cloud Peak monks. Your influence with the Kumin Trade Guild gave us the critical information we needed to uncover the source of the smuggled catalysts. If I took Char Char back into custody, how could I rely on your help to investigate the smuggling activities?”

“Especially with regards to the smuggling investigation, you’ve already more than met the terms we originally agreed on, but it seems like I keep asking you for more favours and you keep helping me out.”

“You flatter me.” Sansen didn’t smile, his tone dry. On some level, Finn knew that he was poking at a sore spot, after all even if Sansen didn’t have to contractually follow through on Finn’s request, in a way he was also forced to do so in order to stay on good terms with Finn and his superiors.

Every favour Finn asked of Sansen was heavily weighed against the tycoon. Even so, Finn’s words were sincere.

“No, this is the truth.” Finn felt the gears turning in his head, “This is a bad move. The benefits are outweighed by the costs. So what if Char Char is held in custody or held in house arrest, what difference does it make? But the impact of losing your support is huge.”

He nodded, standing up as he paced around the room, “I was focusing on the penalty because I knew I couldn’t fulfill the decree. But if Char Char was here today I would have been focusing instead on fighting against it, knowing if I failed I could just—”

Finn paused awkwardly as he caught himself mid-thought.

“Just take her away from here?” Sansen finished the sentence darkly.

“Look— That’s beside the point.” Finn said with sincerity, “I’d do everything I could to keep our deal alive, which means keeping Char Char out of prison. That was true when we negotiated the first time and it’s true now.”

“I’m just giving you a hard time.” Sansen said humourlessly while looking into the bottom of the drink, “I don’t blame you for this situation. We both knew the risks when we agreed to your plan. We both saw the benefits if it was a success.”

“Finding the White Maiden and clearing her name with Lord Noga is probably the best way to save Char Char.” Finn nodded, “And there’s also the question about her friend’s whereabouts. ”

Finn wouldn’t easily forget the slim, long-haired girl who had outwitted him at the White Maiden’s shrine. She had manipulated both him and Minnie to get passage to that ruined village in the middle of the mountains, by request of the White Maiden. Was it a coincidence that Yuzu and Char Char were old friends, while also both having close relations to the White Maiden?

There was something important there that he was waiting for the opportunity to look into.

Of course, if he was locked up at the end of this night it was unlikely he’d get the chance to see that particular thread through.

“Yes, getting answers to both of those things is important to me.” Sansen nodded, “If we cleared suspicion on my granddaughter and brought Yuzu back to safety, I would gladly turn myself in to Lord Noga for my part in this scheme.”

“Like I said, you won’t have to—“ Finn said.

“Nor would I choose to. I am far too old to spend the rest of the few days I have left in this world in a cold, damp cell.” Sansen’s serious expression finally broke as he let out a chuckle, “If it were the Finance Ministry, I might have been able to help you… Unfortunately even if I hadn’t been asking for so many favours recently, it would be hard for me to get my contacts to get you out of a charge as severe as high treason.”

“No, the problem isn’t the criminal charge.” Finn shook his head, his eyes glimmering as an idea popped into his mind, “It’s the decree itself.”

Seeing Finn’s expression, Sansen rubbed his moustache curiously, “You have something in mind?”

“Maybe, but it’s risky… Then again, what are they going to do if I’m wrong, charge me with something more severe than high treason?” Finn grinned wryly.

He stopped pacing as he made up his mind, turning to Sansen with a determined look, “Sorry, but I’m going to have to trouble you for another favour.”