Lorian already knew the answers, so it did not take time for him to know each of the answers made by Rylan was correct.
But he was surprised at how quickly Rylan had solved it.
He had done most of the calculations in his head, which was why there are only a few steps in his calculation.
Lorian realized this guy was really a master of number crunching.
Lorian felt satisfied.
Lorian then asked him about the account-keeping system, which was relevant at that time—double-entry bookkeeping.
He also gave Lorian proper descriptions of the tools they would use, like 'The memoriale,' 'The giornale,' and 'The quaderno.'
Lorian now was fully satisfied that he was the right guy.
He stood up and grabbed Rylan's shoulder to raise him up on his own feet.
"Welcome to the team!" Lorian smiled and patted his shoulder.
He introduced Rylan to everyone, and it seemed they would be met well.
Lorian advised Rylan to take rest tonight since tomorrow they would have too much work ahead.
When all left and Lorian was alone in his room, he suddenly spoke, "So what do you think of him? Have you sensed any darkness in him?"
A familiar voice replied, "He has, indeed, a thick coalesced darkness deep buried inside. But it is a danger to him, not you. And if it is not dealt with, it will destroy him from within. You have recruited a time bomb for yourself!"
"I too thought so!" Lorian smiled and closed his eyes. "Good night!"
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
The next morning, at the heart of City Centre, the temporary office of the 'Verdian Restoration Fund' started their task.
Eldred Alsnow was given responsibility to manage the whole process in Lorian's absence in the office.
Rylan Fartom would handle the accounts.
Zara Sunstreak would help Rylan in distributing funds, although her main task was to be Lorian's ear for information and rumors bought there, as well as his eyes to observe everything and everyone.
There will be a few more guards for overall operation.
After delegating responsibility, Lorian decided to observe the market area to gain some information and a new perspective. Kaelen and Jax were with him as his personal guard.
One strange thing he observed is the last time in the alley, where there was the slave trader, they were absent there.
Lorian was feeling happy in his mind that because of him the slavers shut down their business and left.
But, like a perfect mood killer, Jax informed him that the slaver is a travelling salesman, and he does not always stay in one city.
Lorian's mood got bitter, as it seemed even Kaelen was looking the other way to hide his desperate attempt to laugh at Lorian.
He was going to smack both of their heads when Jax again whispered in his ear, sharing his speculation that they were being followed.
Lorian ordered them to keep walking as if nothing had happened.
He advised Kaelen to guide them to an alley that would be deserted or least crowded at this moment.
They were going to set a trap.
The three nodded and started following the plan.
Soon they approached the mouth of the alley.
Jax, with his animalistic flexibility, quickly climbed the wall and got up on the roof while Lorian and Kalelen kept walking.
As they had anticipated, they were indeed followed.
And as soon as the person followed them, he stopped when he found there were only two people now, instead of three.
And they stopped on the track and looked at him while smiling menacingly.
The stalker realized his cover was exposed.
But before he could react, a dark shadow jumped from above and fell on him, pinning him to the ground.
"LEAVE ME!" the man growled.
Jax quickly punched him hard in the face in response, "Behave, you scoundrel! I can skin you alive here, and none will know!"
There was a certain cold brutality in his voice that made the guy stop squirming.
Lorian looked at his face, and it seemed he had seen the face somewhere.
Kaelen informed us that he is Alkaz, a trusted aide of his uncle Cassian.
Lorian smiled and asked Kaelen if he could guide them to a secluded room where they could chat better, at peace.
Suddenly it gave Alkaz an idea as he was going to shout.
But Jax was too quick for him, as he promptly hand-gagged him and hit his abdomen with a vicious punch to make him nearly unconscious.
Lorian was happy at such an efficient display of force.
Kaelen, meanwhile, entered a shady bar at the end of the alley.
It was closed for this bar and alley; both were supposed to get crowded at night and sleep in the morning.
Kaelen quickly made arrangements for him, the bartender, to vacate the whole establishment for an hour.
After that they brought Alkaz into the bar, tied him to a chair, and started the interrogation.
It was mainly Lorian who did the questioning part, while Kaelen assisted him, and Jax was in charge of making Alkaz give answers.
Alkaz was loyal to Cassian but was not one with a very strong body or resolve to continue withstanding pain to stay loyal.
And after a few rounds of good beating, he started opening up.
It seemed Alkaz was very close to Cassian and knew a lot about his shady deals.
The most important information was that it was Alkaz who, under command of Cassian, had made arrangements for the pirates to invade.
So, it was clear that Cassian was in league with pirates.
However, strangely, he had no idea of the poisoning incident of that afternoon.
So, it most probably was a third party.
Kaelen insisted on taking him to the court, as it would prove Cassian's involvement.
However, Lorian made him realize that with Cassian's influence and clout, it would be rather easy for him to dismiss Alkaz as a setup by Lorian.
It would just bring more embarrassment for their faction.
When all things were said and done, and it seemed there was nothing more that could be extracted from Alkaz.
Kaelen asked what should be done with Alkaz.
Lorian, nonchalantly replied, "Kill him!"