25 Guard Commander (1/2)
Elya had commandeered an office in the guards quarters for the Order. She'd just asked for a place to work from but the Commander had been enthusiastic for the assistance and had cleared out a hall that was being utilised as storage. In short order it became a command centre that organised the efforts of the Knights, Alexis taking the lead while Elya was getting to know her fiancée.
Using the guards existing contacts and whatever informants House Suzdal and Barsi had secreted within the town, they were gaining a deeper understanding of the various factions and parties involved in criminal activities.
”I can't believe there's this much crime taking place under our noses.” Alexis threw the stack of papers she held to the table, kicking her heels up and twirling an empty skewer in one hand.
”It's gotten terrible since the end of the war and the Count's bestowal.” The guard Commander adjusted his loose armour in discomfort. Ulaan Petrov was a minor noble of House Petrov from the outskirts of Konstanz, his House providing officers for the various positions in the administration of Volhiniya. Elya had been astonished to discover the man's disdain for weapons and armour. Only a direct order from Nikolai kept him within the rusty-looking chain shirt, which was odd for a guardsman. Her fiancée didn't seem the type to fill important posts based on familial connections so she'd gone to ask why Petrov was in charge.
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”Oh you're right. The man's a terrible soldier, even by the slack standards of the capital's guards.” Nikolai declared, glancing up from some letters he was straining to write. He struggled to focus on administrative tasks like this, choosing to delegate as much as possible. However, Elya spotted seals from the Court and Ministries in this batch, which he couldn't leave to anyone else. ”He has a nose for money.”
Elya blinked, nonplussed at the odd description.
”He can discover where people are moving money around. Coin, goods, even slaves. He's got an almost magical sense about it.” Nikolai explained. ”Well, it's not really magical. I've tested that already, but as far as I can tell, Commander Petrov is able to see links between events when they're related to wealth. I have no idea how much information passes in front of his eyes every day, but I have a really good idea about the richest people in this town and how the criminal gangs are being funded.”
”That's amazing.” Elya breathed. If such a talent existed let alone the great Houses, the Ministry of Finance would be frothing at the mouth to co-opt him. They were always on the lookout for talents that could find tax evaders.
”Yes it is.” Smiling at her expression, Nikolai winked in an exaggerated fashion, flipping his sleeves arrogantly. ”Of course he's my vassal, so it's to be expected.”
”Oh stop it Nikolai.” She tossed a crumpled scrap of paper at him which he dodged.
”Jokes aside, the Son of Heaven is aware of his peculiar talents and endorses my plans.” Elya nodded to acknowledge what was left unspoken. If the Emperor knew, then no amount of pressure from the Court would be able to move Petrov, and the great Houses were stepping lightly since the end of the war. For an individual, no matter how talented, who would fight with the Emperor?
Nikolai searched his drawer for a letter and handed it to her. A quick glance showed it to be a direct missive from the Son of Heaven, his personal seal split right down the middle in a way that only magic was capable of. Elya hummed as she read through it, frowning at the clear directions the Emperor gave as to Petrov's assignment. If anyone came to take him, this letter would rebuff them.
Leaning back in his heavily padded chair, Nikolai rubbed his face, mumbling about trimming the scraggly facial hair he called a beard.
”Please just shave Nikolai.” Elya scowled. ”You don't have the face for a beard.”
”Why not? I think I'm quite dashing like this.” Nikolai glared, nose flaring in defiance. ”It just needs trimming.”
”Remove it.”
”It's fine Elya. This is a habit from the army. You can't a keep a blade near your face while Shades could close in on you.” He mimed his throat being slit.
”Remove it.”
”It's such a hassle to shave every day. This way it's manageable.”