Arim sat behind his desk, glad to be finally back in his office at the Guild.

The weight of the past few days pressed heavily on his shoulders. Many of the Magistrate's Healers had assured him that his life was no longer in danger, but his sanity was another matter entirely.

He could still feel the phantom pain of the [Punishment Order], a constant reminder of his fall from Sage to barely even a Master. As soon as he entered the building, the thinly veiled ambitions of the senior Alchemists buzzed around him like flies, each one eager to take advantage of his weakened state.

And then there was Senior Ji, sitting across from him with that empty smile. Arim's heart pounded in his chest as he forced himself to maintain a facade of calm.

"I have not done you wrong, have I? Everything went quite satisfactorily," Silas said, his voice smooth and unyielding.

Arim's mind screamed in silent protest. "YOU’VE DONE ME EVERY WRONG POSSIBLE!" But outwardly, he managed a strained smile. "Of course not, Senior! It is my great joy to see everything go according to your wishes!"

Silas's smile fell, and his eyes bore into Arim's soul. "You are lucky that your competence is outmatching your flattery."

Arim's hands began to shake ever so subtly, and he felt the sting of tears welling up in his eyes. The sight of a him, showing his advanced age cowering in fear would have been a pitiful sight to anyone except the man in front of him.

Silas chuckled softly. "I merely jest my friend. In fact, I’ve come here to reward you, not to give you more chores."

Arim gulped, forcing himself to remain composed. "Thank you!" But a nagging thought gnawed at him: "This better not be a punchline of giving me death as a gift!"

Without missing a beat Silas's expression turned serious. "I give you death. Rest well, Arim."

Arim's mouth opened in shock, and all thinking stopped. He raised his shaking hands in a pleading gesture, managing only to utter the word "Please."

Silas simply raised an eyebrow. "I could guess your thoughts and was quite sure that was the punchline you expected."

He laughed at Arim's expression before continuing. "Alright, alright I have had my fun. What do you desire from the auction for yourself aside from the Thorn and Chains?"

Arim's demeanor shifted instantly at the mention of benefits. His mind raced as he considered what to ask for without overstepping boundaries.

"Making me an even bigger accomplice by giving me some of the stolen loot," he thought bitterly. "Shrewd as ever, and generous as ever when handing out poison."

After a few moments of contemplation, he named a few items within reason.

Silas nodded approvingly. "Wise choices." He passed along Arim’s spoils and then asked a question that caught Arim off guard: "Would you have died for your daughter? Make no mistake, she is your kin. I have checked."

Arim stammered instinctively, unsure how to respond. "I do not know. I… am not sure what possessed me to advocate for her."

Silas nodded as if understanding and seemingly empathizing with the answer. "Possessed you? An apt description. Fascinating the lengths one can go to for their own, wouldn't you say? A spineless rat like you managed to speak up—truly remarkable."

A bad feeling settled in Arim’s gut at Silas’s remarks.

Abruptly, Silas’s tone turned cold and commanding. "Make sure you are in Lythoria at the appointed time. I don't care what you have to do to make it happen. Persuade, intimidate, seduce—whatever means… use them."

Arim could only nod in response, feeling the shackles of Silas’s expectations clasp around his neck like a snake about to devour it's prey.

The room fell silent except for the faint rustle of parchment and the distant murmur of Alchemists going about their business outside the office door.

Silas stood up slowly, adjusting his robe before turning towards the door without another word.

As Silas left the office, Arim slumped back into his chair, feeling utterly drained yet acutely aware that whatever was happening is still far from over.

----------------------------------------

The Airship loomed over the dock, its sleek, metallic body glinting with a sense of majesty.

This particular Cruiser-class vessel was a marvel of Artificer Engineering, its complex runic engravings shimmering faintly along its hull. The dock itself was eerily quiet, usually it would have been almost bursting with activity.

The city-wide lockdown had emptied the area, leaving only the essential crew members scurrying about to ensure everything was in perfect order.

Inside of the cockpit, the captain speedily moved about, checking gauges and adjusting levers.

Outside, crew members hustled to clean, fuel, and stock the ship. They knew they were going to be hosting some very important guests of the Magistrate and that any mistake could be disastrous.

Some distance away from the Airship, Silas stood gazing towards it with Nyx hidden inside of his shadow.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Zinnia, still masquerading as Selen, stood beside him. Across from the two of them were Lachlan and Arim.

Lachlan stepped forward and presented Silas with a badge intricately carved with an image of the city and its sigil.

"By my authority as Magistrate," Lachlan declared, "I wish to grant you the title and privileges of Special Inspector."

Silas accepted the badge with a gracious nod. "As soon as my investigation is concluded, I will return this title and badge," he said.

Lachlan's lips curled into a wry smile. "You are too humble."

Zinnia glanced at the badge with a hint of envy. "Can I get one as well?"

Lachlan shook his head. "I can only issue one at a time. Until it's either revoked or returned, I cannot grant another."

Silas chuckled softly. "Lord Magistrate, you definitely must think too highly of me."

Zinnia rolled her eyes but said nothing more.

Turning towards Arim, Silas offered a reassuring smile. "Do not worry. I will seek out justice for you."

Arim's mind screamed in frustration ''OH FUCK OFF!'', but he managed a humble smile and nodded gratefully.

Almost as if remembering something minor, Silas added casually, "I left you a gift in your office. Hopefully, it will cheer you up."

Arim's eyes widened in surprise as Lachlan patted him on the shoulder. Chuckling towards the Guildmaster he spoke, "You are fortunate that your Master's friendship was passed down to you." Lachlan pulled back his hand followed up "It is enviable to have someone like Senior Ji willing to go to such lengths for you."

Arim forced yet another smile and thanked Silas again.

Lachlan seized that moment to invite Arim back to the Castle for drinks before he went to look at his gift.

Arim agreed but couldn't shake his confusion over why Lachlan suddenly wanted to deepen their ties.

Zinnia shifted the topic, as she looked towards the Airship and whistled appreciatively. "These things must be expensive, never got the chance to work on them myself."

Lachlan nodded. "The ship itself isn't the most costly part; it's the fuel that really hurts."

She crossed her arms and smirked. "Must've hurt your pockets something fierce to get us a private one."

Lachlan thought to himself, ''You insisted on the absolute best'', but only said aloud, "It is only right after questioning your identity as we did."

Zinnia shot Silas a glare, but he remained impassive.

Nyx observed from Silas's shadow, concluding that Zinnia was indeed a talented actress. ''She'll go far if that grandma doesn't sink her fingers into her—literally.''

A flight crew member approached them and informed the group that the ship was ready for boarding and that they should reach Sichal within six hours at their planned altitude and speed.

Lachlan nodded solemnly and addressed Silas and Zinnia with his most serious expression yet. "Good luck to both of you—Selen, in clearing your name. And Senior Ji in uncovering who was responsible for the auction slaughter."

Zinnia punched her open palm confidently. "I intend to."

Silas nodded gracefully. "I shall do my best."

After exchanging final words of farewell, Silas and Zinnia headed inside the Airship.

Arim watched them go with trepidation gnawing at him—''What horror awaits me in my office?'' Meanwhile, Lachlan sighed wearily beside him.

"Out of my hands now..."

----------------------------------------

Zinnia flopped down lazily onto one of the reclining seats, her limbs sprawled out as if she owned the place.

Empty plates surrounded her, remnants of a feast that had left the crew members both impressed and bewildered. A fruity, colorful drink with a straw was in her hand, and she took a long sip, savoring the sweetness.

Across the deck, Silas sat engrossed in his scroll, eyes never leaving the intricate symbols and diagrams that covered its surface. He hadn't uttered a single word since they had boarded two hours ago. The crew had learned quickly to leave him be after one curious attendant had peeked over his shoulder at the scroll and ended up with a splitting headache that sent her to the sick bay.

"Anyone here do foot massages~?" Zinnia asked in a dreamy voice, stretching her arms above her head.

One of the waiters snapped to attention with an almost militaristic discipline. "I would be glad to serve you, esteemed guest."

Zinnia didn't give it much thought as she leaned back, indulging in her moment of excess. The other staff exchanged puzzled glances, and some of the women on the crew looked at the waiter with open scorn. He ignored them and knelt in front of Zinnia, beginning a thorough massage with deft hands.

"Ohhh," Zinnia moaned softly, causing several crew members to blush and look away.

Minutes passed as she enjoyed the massage, but something felt off. She opened her eyes and looked down at the waiter. His hands were steady, but his body twitched slightly. His face was serious, but his neck was flushed red, and she could swear he was expelling steam through his nose.

Realization dawned on her like a cold splash of water. "You pervert!" she shouted, pushing herself off the chair and standing on the table. With a swift kick, she sent him sprawling to the floor.

"Thank you!" he gasped as he lost consciousness, a content smile on his face as he twitched on the floor.

Zinnia shivered with disgust and goosebumps prickled her skin. She jumped off the table and glared at the rest of the staff who rushed over to apologize profusely for their colleague's behavior.

"Get him out of my sight," she demanded. "And draw me one of those baths with a view."

The staff scattered to fulfill her request while Zinnia moved to sit across from Silas. He remained absorbed in his scroll, seemingly oblivious to everything around him.

She waved her arms in front of his face but got no response. Frustrated, she even made a rude gesture but still nothing.

"Booorrrriingg~," she whispered under her breath.

"If you're bored," Silas said without looking up from his scroll, "you should have let the foot enthusiast continue to entertain you."

Zinnia stared at him deadpanned as he finally put down the scroll and smiled at her.

"So?" Zinnia's voice carried a hint of impatience.

"So what? I am not interested in feet," Silas responded, his head tilted slightly.

"Not that!" she snapped, taking a deep breath. "Do you want to tell me what the plan is when we land?"

Silas tilted his head to the other side, a bemused expression on his face. "I get what I want, you get what you need, and then we move on."

Zinnia's enthusiasm was palpable as she nodded along with a bright smile, "Yes! Of course!... NOT! Details! Give me details!"

Silas responded, "What details do you want? We won't know what we are dealing with until we land. I am not a prophet, we must gather information and then decide on what actions to take and which means to employ."

Zinnia raised a finger, ready to argue, but deflated mid-question. "...right. That... makes sense. I feel dumb."

Silas clapped his hands, much to her annoyance. She shot him a glare.

"Enjoy yourself on this flight while you can. It is the most productive use of your time."

She slumped down, her frustration evident. "What are you reading there?"

"It's gospel," Silas chuckled.

Irritated, she stood up abruptly. "Fine. You better give me something to work off of when we land."

"I will," he assured her before returning to his scroll.

Zinnia huffed and walked off towards her bath, leaving Silas alone with his thoughts.

''Hmm, good instincts but green, he mused. Perhaps she can serve as another Arim eventually. Decisions, decisions...''

Above them on the roof, out of sight from anyone below in the Airship, Nyx sat with his wings spread wide, enjoying the wind hitting him. He squawked blissfully, thinking to himself that it was much more fun when he didn't have to do the flying.