Published at 16th of February 2024 2:25 pm

Chapter 2.61 Protecting Evidence

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A confession in front of a guard captain alone felt insufficient. The damage and panic caused by the giant mound of myconid flesh in Market Ring was a city-wide issue. So, with Alexander and Caitlin’s help, Nox managed to get a few minutes of a city council woman's time. Hilda confessed to her crimes, her orders, the pay, and everything the Singhs had her do in front of Dean Woodson. Dean Oleg and Dean Elgin Thorpe of the war mage department were present for the meeting, too.

Hilda provided documents she had copied and all written communication. Her former employer had instructions to burn everything. However, worried that the Singhs might not hold up their end of the bargain if she got caught, Hilda saved everything. The messages included times and days of possible firebombing of Ratra's Knightly Brews. Hilda was loaned a relic meant to protect her from flames, explosions, and suffocation for a handful of minutes. It would give her time to steal all research during a fire or similar disaster. Apparently, she made an attempt during the attack in Nox's absence, but the apprentices’ presence made her mission fail.

The saleswoman also provided details of a bank account under a fake name. The Singhs had created it for her, using one of their trusted household employees as a signatory. Only her fingerprint and a scan of her arcane signature would grant one access to the connected locker box. Payment for every document she stole and deposited was stored in it. There was no means of proving the gold's source, but the values she listed were enough to raise questions.

The conditions of Nox's lenient punishment also included Hilda playing along with all the lies he told during the confession, report, and subsequent hearing.

“All documents I use for patent submissions and public research documents are on my business' letterhead,” Nox told the deans and senior guard captain. “It’s a flask and knight’s helm with the letter R on it. I’m sure most of you are familiar with the emblem by now. Perhaps the city can look out for it while investigating the Singh’s laboratory.”

“Easier said than done,” the captain replied. “It's currently impossible to access the estate. Myconid flesh is crowding the hallways, and we’re looking for access methods that won’t damage the structure or the neighbors.”

“I can help you access the building and assist with the investigation if you'd like. It was my errant research they used which led to the disaster. I had a similar, minor incident in my workshop but had a brew ready to counter the issue. It can help you find the necessary evidence and figure out precisely what happened.”

“We'll keep that in mind, Sir Ratra,” Dean Woodson said. Her tone was cold and curt.

“Don't you think time is of the essence?” Nox asked. “The Singhs might try erasing their crimes—”

“The family, top employees, and head servants are all in our custody,” the guard captain interjected. “We also have city guards and student volunteers watching and patrolling the prison and the Round Table around the clock. No one will be meddling with our crime scene.”

“We also have Professor Kris assisting with the investigation,” Dean Woodson added. “She is intimately familiar with the myconids and combating them. She also happens to be the best arcane detective and wardsmith at my disposal. If she needs your alchemical creations for the job, I'm sure she'll ask for them. Please tell me again why you left valuable research lying around while suspecting you had a mole in the building.”

“I only left errant copies out in the open.” Nox flashed the deans and captains an embarrassed smile. “You need to understand that I didn't expect things to go this far. With no evidence to point at a thief or the person behind them, I had to rely on my wits and friends to solve the mole problem.” He addressed the guard captain. “I asked your subordinate for help a few months ago and mistakenly pointed a finger at Gupta Alchemists, but she ignored my concerns.”

“I've noted the grievance already, Sir Ratra,” the guard captain said. “I'll investigate this failing personally. Please carry on.”

“We thought Hilda’s employer would see the intentional errors and functions in the formulae and runescripts, realize we were on to them, and quit. I didn't think they were stupid enough to miss it—”

“I studied the original document you provided, Nox Ratra, and it was barely obvious to me,” Dean Oleg said. “I'm still not sure how that resulted in one of the greatest ecological disasters the city has ever seen.”

Nox shrugged. “The Singh alchemists must've made a mistake or tried to improve on it. The energy or some stimuli gave the fungi the conditions it needed to grow, and everything got out of control.”

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“Let's not go off-topic.” Dean Woodson’s tone turned more forceful. The air in the room suddenly thickened, and breathing almost felt like a conscious effort. “Please tell us your thought process.”

“I apologize, Dean.” Nox bowed his head. “Well, I thought the saboteurs would stop. Alexander Woodson also used his squirrels to track all my staff for me. Since the guards ignored my concerns, I also employed a local gang to watch my business and tail suspicious agents. We figured out it was Hilda and the Singhs just four days ago.”

“And why did it take you so long to report it?” The guard captain frowned, leaning forward in his chair. The man’s heavy jowls reddened, and he appeared on the verge of overheating or exploding.

“We were still gathering evidence. Alexander wanted to be sure Hilda wasn't acting alone, and I wanted more concrete information so the Singhs couldn’t bribe or lie their way out of trouble.”

“Are you accusing me and my guard of corruption?” The captain demanded, turning even more crimson.

“Of course not!” Nox exclaimed. “I sincerely apologize if that's how it sounded. I was more concerned about your lowest-ranking officers and the city’s record keepers. A powerful family like the Singhs is likely to have friends and connections everywhere. Meanwhile, I'm a disinherited nobody—”

“That's nonsense, Sir Ratra,” Dean Elgin Thorpe interrupted. “Your actions in the Edelweiss barony and contributions during the recent disaster have elevated you to the status of hero and celebrity. Your word and reputation have weight.”

“Don't start with the flattery, Elgin.” Dean Woodson rolled her eyes. “It's not going to make him transfer to your department. Sir Ratra is too clever and target-driven to fall for that.” She focused her eyes on Nox. “So you were hoping the Singhs would mark you as a failure, ignore you, and waste time on trying to complete the project. They’d find out their stolen research and sabotage attempts were for naught when they try to patent it?”

Nox nodded.

“And you involved my grandson in this mess to investigate your staff and gather evidence but only decided to speak to us following last night’s disaster?”

Nox nodded again.

“This is all too much happenstance to swallow.” Dean Woodson sighed. She sat back in her chair and massaged the bridge of her nose. “I understand what you were doing and why you did it, but this trap you set for your employees and saboteurs has caused a major disaster.”

“I'm sorry, Deans, guard captain, but my formulae and spellscript alone couldn't have caused this problem,” Nox said. “They must've used some stimuli I didn't think of to make the life essence multiply and act so violently. As I said earlier, I may have a concoction that will destroy the myconid flesh and make it safe to remove without further damage to the city. However, producing it won't be easy and will get in the way of my business's already strained resources—”

“So you'll charge us a premium for it instead of just selling us the recipe,” Dean Oleg said, completing the thought for Nox.

“Unfortunately, so. I have bills, staff, and suppliers to pay. I'm happy to sell to the city at just over ingredient and labor costs during a crisis, but that's where my charity ends. I hope you understand. I owe the City of Ygg, its council, and citizens no ill will.”

“No. We believe you.” Dean Elgin Thorpe smiled. “Your mentor, contributions during the city’s defense, and Lady Edelweiss’ work with the urchin gangs speaks for itself. I'll recommend the council add your grievances to the Singh family’s crimes against the city.”

“What's going to happen to them?” Nox asked.

“That will be decided at the trial and doesn't concern you,” Dean Woodson told him.

“I fear for the safety of my life, home, business, staff, and friends, Dean. Given their attempts at firebombing my property with everyone inside, I think they're not beyond seeking retribution.”

“We currently have guards and student constables to spare,” the senior guard captain said. “I'll provide your store with protection until the trial and increase patrols in the neighborhood.” He looked at Hilda, sitting silently in the corner. “Are you sure you don't want to press charges against the young lady?”

“Yes,” Nox replied. “Despite what she did, I made her a promise and intend to keep my word. Hilda will be risking her life by speaking at the trial, after all.”

“Given her testimony and my presence, we no longer need Hilda for the trial,” Dean Woodson said.

“I’m a man of my word, Dean.”

“Very well. Let's keep her in protective custody for now.” Elgin Thorpe’s influence in the meeting surprised Nox. The man appeared far younger than the other deans and wasn't on the city council. However, the expert war mage clearly had significant influence over the city’s governance. “I'll personally see to her protection. The Singhs and their agents are unlikely to get to her if she's on campus.”

Despite the implied lack of confidence in the city guards’ competence or honesty, the senior captain didn't protest. He only nodded. Nox was glad about how everything had played out, even though Dean Woodson's tone and expression suggested she doubted his innocence in the matter. Since a part of the city council, influential deans, and the senior guard captain had heard the confession and all the evidence, no amount of bribes and foul play would make everything disappear.

Nox had achieved victory—for the time being, at least.

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