The Dirrium nobility pre arc part 2
The Alchemy of Exploitation
Leornars and Stacian stood before a massive, translucent map of the Silt-Pass topography. The map was layered with glowing thermal filters and mineral density readings.
"The Deep-Iron isn't in the ore, Stacian," Leornars said, pointing to the low-lying marshes where the Silt-Pass rivers slowed to a crawl. "It's in the suspension. For centuries, the natural erosion of the Iron-Peak mountains has washed microscopic dust into these waters. When Mishima's workers wash the raw silk, the iron clings to the fibers as a contaminant. They use harsh salts to 'purify' the silk, flushing the iron out into the runoff trenches."
"So the 'waste' we're asking for is actually a concentrated sludge of high-grade military material," Stacian clarified.
"Precisely. By providing the Aether-Glass Varnish, we ensure that the silk is sealed at the source. This forces the workers to perform a much more rigorous cleaning process before packing. The more they clean, the more Deep-Iron they dump into the trenches for us to collect."
Leornars tapped a command into a nearby terminal.
"We will install 'filtration units' under the guise of 'environmental purification' to help her comply with new health standards I'm about to draft for the Council," Leornars continued. "She'll think we're doing her a favor by cleaning her sewers. In reality, we're mining her backyard without a single pickaxe."
The Arrival: The Ivory Gates
The carriage, pulled by four obsidian-black horses, crunched along the gravel path of the Mishima Estate. The architecture was an aggressive display of "old world" luxury—marble pillars, gold-leafed statues of ancestors, and gardens that required a small army of servants to maintain.
As the carriage door opened, Stacian stepped out first, her presence instantly chilling the air. The estate guards, usually arrogant, found themselves stepping back without knowing why.
Leornars emerged, his tall, imposing frame unfolding from the carriage. He looked up at the manor, his eyes scanning the structural integrity with the cold precision of an architect looking for a crack.
"The pride is palpable," Stacian whispered. "She has spent a fortune on the exterior. The paint is fresh, but the mana-shielding on the windows is third-rate. She's broke, My Lord."
"A beautiful shell with a hollow core," Leornars agreed. "Perfect for our purposes."
They were met at the door by a steward who looked like he had been starched into his suit. "Lord Leornars, the Viscountess is expecting you in the Solarium. She is... busy with trade ledgers."
"I'm sure she is," Leornars replied, his voice a low, smooth melody. "Managing a decline is a full-time job."
Viscountess Mishima was positioned perfectly. She sat in a high-backed chair, framed by the afternoon sun, surrounded by stacks of parchment to create the illusion of a bustling empire. She looked every bit the powerful noblewoman, but Leornars noticed the slight tremor in her hand as she set down her quill.
"Lord Leornars," she said, her voice a practiced aristocratic drawl. "I was told you had a proposal that might 'interest' a woman of my standing. I must warn you, my time is quite valuable."
Leornars didn't wait to be invited to sit. He took the chair opposite her, his movements fluid and dominant. Stacian stood behind him, the velvet case of varnish held like a weapon.
"Value is a relative term, Viscountess," Leornars said, leaning forward. "Currently, the Silt-Pass is valued at a 12% loss per quarter. In three years, at the current rate of rot and debt-interest, your 'valuable time' will be spent answering to the Northern Syndicate's debt collectors."
The color drained from Mishima's face. She hadn't even offered him tea, and he had already dismantled her defense.
"I am not here to negotiate, Viscountess," Leornars continued, his silver pen appearing in his hand. "I am here to offer you a miracle. And in exchange, I only want your trash."
He signaled Stacian. The case clicked open, and the shimmering varnish illuminated the room. The trap was open. All she had to do was step inside.