The heavy doors groaned as the guards returned. One of them, the more even-toned from earlier, gave a small nod and said, "You may enter. Lord Eland agreed to meet you. But let me be clear — the moment he asks you to leave, you must leave. He is currently writing a report to Elandria's interior council about the most recent delays in the trade road development. He does not have much time."
Jinrai gave a small, thankful smile, placing a hand over his chest. "We appreciate it. Truly. Thank you."
The guards parted, and the group stepped through the outer gate and into the mansion grounds. The building itself was built into the northern slope of the hill that cradled Ashvale. Its foundation was sturdy stone. Moss crawled across the edges of the stone roof, and some of the shutters looked like they hadn't been opened in weeks.
Inside the mansion, the change in atmosphere was immediate. The air was still. Not stale, but almost too clean — as if over-sanitized. The entrance hall was dimly lit, the few rays of sunlight filtered through thick curtains drawn tightly over every window. It wasn't cold, but it wasn't exactly warm either.
A young woman awaited them at the foot of the stairs. She had a delicate posture and wore a muted green dress, the fabric plain but neat. She bowed slightly. "Welcome," she said softly. "This way, please."
As she led them down a narrow hallway, her voice echoed lightly against the high walls. "Please try not to take up too much of his time," she said, her tone even and respectful. "Lord Eland… hasn't been in good health for a while. He doesn't leave his chambers unless it's necessary."
Tharion, walking near the front of the group, tilted his head. His voice had a worried edge. "Not in good health? Is he… sick? Like the treasurer?"
The maid shook her head gently. "No. Not like that. It's nothing new. He's had poor health for almost two years now. Some say it's hereditary. Others think the work just wears him out. He used to walk among the people every day — now most only see him through his decrees. Still, they hold him in high regard. He's kept Ashvale alive."
Jinrai nodded thoughtfully. "We understand. We'll try to make this brief."
After a few more quiet steps, the maid stopped in front of a wide wooden door. She knocked softly, then pushed it open.
The room they entered was spacious but dim. The curtains were drawn tight over every window, and only a few low-standing lamps gave off soft golden light.
Lord Eland sat at a desk in the corner of the room, but as they entered, he turned to face them. His appearance struck them immediately.
He had silver hair and whitening eyes, as if slowly going blind. His skin was unnaturally pale, marked with dark circles under eyes and sunken cheeks, yet smooth, as if not aged much. His face had a strikingly fine shape, but it was worn down by fatigue, as if from illness or hunger. He looked fragile and cold, wrapped in a thick robe far too heavy for the room's warmth. White gloves covered his hands, resting stiffly in his lap.
He offered a weak smile. "Ah… welcome. Please, sit."
His voice was quiet, airy. There was no power behind it.
He turned his head slightly toward the maid. "Tui… would you bring something to drink for our guests?"
"Yes, my lord," she replied gently and exited the room, closing the door behind her.
Jinrai stepped forward, bowing lightly. "It's an honor to meet you, Lord Eland. We apologize for intruding on your time — but I hope you understand why we came. The matter is… pressing."
Eland gave a quiet chuckle, which turned quickly into a cough. He raised a hand, waving off any concern. "Ah… forgive me. I'm fine… Just winded. Happens more often these days."
He straightened slightly, though it took visible effort. "No need to apologize. It is I who must. You've been here for some time, and I have done little to support your efforts. That was not right. I may not walk among the people like I used to, but their welfare… is always with me."
He gave them a fragile smile, then added, "I'm told by the guards that you've made some progress — perhaps even found something we could not. If that is the case, then… I am eager to hear it."
"I'm sorry for this, sir," Jinrai said, voice calm but direct, "but we're actually not here to explain things to you. We're here to ask you questions."
Lord Eland's brow furrowed, barely noticeable. His white, unfocused eyes turned toward Jinrai more sharply. "What do you mean?" he asked.
Jinrai didn't flinch. "We're currently investigating the most recent incident," he said, "but for the purpose of the investigation, we can't share the details. At least not yet. What we need from you… is information. Specifically, who in this town might have known in advance about the merchant's coming."
Eland sat still for a moment. "The merchant?" Eland said at last. "I was told by the guards that was a monster attack. What does that have to do with that incident?" His voice held no suspicion, just confusion.
But Jinrai remained quiet. He didn't correct him. He just stared, silently.
For a few long seconds, the room fell into wordless tension. Amukelo sat with his back straight, watching carefully. Bao tapped her fingers on the armrest of the chair, annoyed by the vague directions the conversation had taken. Pao glanced at everyone.
Eland opened his mouth again, "If you—"
But just then, the door opened quietly. Tui, the maid, stepped back into the room, holding a small tray with a teapot and cups. Her steps were light and unassuming, but her presence broke the silence. "Master, here is your tea."
Lord Eland turned his head slightly, and with that same slow grace, he smiled faintly. "Thank you, Tui. Would you be kind enough to pour our guests the tea?"
Tui gave a warm smile and a soft nod. "Yes, of course."
She moved around the room with practiced ease, her sleeves folded back to avoid contact with the cups as she poured for each guest.
But while the others focused on the tea, Jinrai's eyes never stopped moving.
His gaze returned to Eland, narrowing slightly.
'It's strange,' he thought. 'He doesn't emit any mana. Not even the faintest presence of spiritual signature you'd expect from someone with his history.' Jinrai watched how Eland moved, how his hands trembled just slightly — not with age, but fragility. 'The townsfolk say Ashvale wouldn't even exist without him. That he helped protect and lead it through the darkest years.'
'But how?'
'Without awakening mana?'
His thoughts drifted for a second toward Amukelo. 'That quiet kid, doesn't emit any mana either. And yet he is clearly one of the strongest in their group. Maybe it's not impossible…'
Still, Jinrai could sense something. The faintest trace of magic lingered around Eland. It wasn't passive mana. It wasn't even his own. It clung to him gently. 'Healing magic? Supportive enchantments to keep his condition from worsening? Maybe. But even then... who's maintaining it?'
He turned his head slightly, catching Tharion's eye for a moment. Tharion didn't say anything, but his brow was knit, and Jinrai could tell he also noticed.
And then Eland's voice brought him back.
"I suppose there's a reason why you can't tell me anything," he said, voice still calm. "But if it helps the town, I'll tell you what you need."
Jinrai blinked and snapped out of his thoughts, the atmosphere lightened just enough by Eland's gentle tone.
"So you want to know who knew about the merchant's coming?" Eland asked again.
"Yeah," Jinrai said, adjusting himself in his seat. "That's exactly what we need."
Eland nodded slowly and brought the teacup to his lips. He took a careful sip and held it for a moment before speaking.
"Not many people," he said thoughtfully. "Aside from myself, the late Treasurer Garen would've known… but unfortunately, he is not with us anymore."
The room quieted for a beat.
"Perhaps Captain Rhen of the guard," Eland continued. "He would likely be informed. He manages a number of patrols and checks the walls personally from time to time. And… Talan the scribe. He keeps records of merchant arrivals, trade permits, and incoming routes."
He glanced around at the group, lifting the cup once more. "Is there anything else you need to know?"