Lady Laurette, the Environmentalist

As promised, Gabriel kept his business trip short, returning to the capital as soon as he was sated with the information gathered from Retre. But work was as unending as the ominous dreams that haunted him, ones where he drowned in vast darkness with an unseen beast that sat heavily on his chest and robbed him of oxygen. Such hauntings were normal after being exposed to large quantities of corrupted mana but the knowledge did little to ease the symptoms. Gabriel found that work, was the best remedy to his mental state, despite Anita's complaining over extra hours.

And thus, he found himself in the Silverstein Mansion, nursing a cup of tea on an early morning. Anita, who was sinking lower and lower in the velvet cushions seemed like she was going to be lulled to sleep at any moment.

"And here I thought you were visiting just to see little old me." The woman that sat opposite Gabriel laughed softly behind her gloved hand before reaching down for the delicate teacup set on the table.

"Forgive me, Laurette." Gabriel lowered his head apologetically, "I've been busy of late."

"Oh don't worry about me, I was only jesting. So what does the High Paladin of our Imperial Adros need me for?" She sipped daintily from her cup. Long, dark curls framed a beautiful face, skin free of blemish or scarring and makeup skillfully painted. The laced silk flowing from her body was no doubt of the highest make. Without signs of wear or wrinkle, it glistened in the subtle sunlight spilling through exotic eastern styled curtains. Laurette was, as always, the very image of an Imperial noblewoman. Gabriel had known her since his university days and their enduring friendship had surprised many and roused more rumors than necessary.

"It's about the Collapsed Earth. I'm sure you've heard about it."

"Yes, certainly. Most have." Laurette hummed with a sweet smile upon her lips. Her elegant hands rested upon crossed legs.

"I want you to help me look into the matter. I believe your area of expertise could be of use."

"Is that so? I'll admit, the subject does interest me, and I have my own hypothesis, which is unfortunately not widely accepted."

"Your research focuses a lot on corrupted mana, does it not?" Gabriel questioned.

"Yes. Corrupted Mana is being produced at an all-time high with our current magitechnology. Everyone knows this, however no one is bothering to understand the effects this is having on our health and environment. It's a pitiful conundrum, really." With a lowered lashes, Laurette shook her head with a light sigh.

Gabriel hummed, weaving his words to peak her interest. "There was an alarming level of corrupted mana at Retre and I can't help but feel that your perspective would be enlightening."

Laurette smiled, a single dark brow raised with a knowing smile, "Well, if you're able to provide me with the detailed reports then I will see what I can do."

"Of course. Consider it done."

"Anything for you, my dear." She chuckled softly with a playful wink, inciting a questioning look from the assistant that sat at Gabriel's side.

"It's always a pleasure to have your cooperation. I am truly grateful." His head lowered in thanks before getting up to leave. Anita stood up hastily in realization that her boss was already about to go.

Laurette, in response, stood as well, her movement made with a languid grace. "Oh my, aren't you in a hurry? You really do hate my company unless it's useful to you." A soft giggle escaped her lips.

"My apologies. I'll make it up to you next time." With a polite nod, he made his leave, with Anita shuffling after. Laurette giggled and waved him off.

The day, young in its morning light cast long shadows beneath the towering mansions of the upper town with the air still chilled. The sky, clear and cooperative for once was hearkening a good and productive day. For a moment, Gabriel allowed himself to bask in the peace, because he knew the moment they crossed the street to reach the parked company car, Anita would break her silence and burst into a cacophony and useless chatter.

"Sir!" Her high pitched voice invaded his ear the moment his hand was reaching for the car door. A deep sigh escaped him as she continued without regards to his ails, "I didn't know you were such close friends with Lady Laurette!"

"I cannot fathom how this is of interest to you." Gabriel slipped into the back of the car, pulling out his phone in search of a distraction to Anita's voice. The first article he found on the Elegant Sun was one highlighting Prince Aryon's designer outfit he wore to some reward show. With a scoff, he closed his phone.

"Why not! You're you, sir and she's Lady Laurette! Do you two have a history perhaps? I cannot begin to fathom… Solas she's so gorgeous! I'm really jealous, sir. "

Gabriel had nothing to say to her, "We'll be heading to the docks next."

"Hey don't change the subject," Anita whined as the engine roared to life. Gabriel settled in to watch the tall gold-gilded buildings of Goldhart Road pull away from his view. "What are we doing at the docks anyway?

"Routine survey. I intend to have a look at the goods coming in and out of the city."

"Huh? Did you do things like that, sir?" Anita stole a glance in the rearview mirror, "I mean, I'm certain it isn't part of the High Paladin's job description to do scrub work."

"Then you have my apologies that work isn't as exciting as you were expecting." Gabriel deadpanned.

"Don't even jest! I'm not complaining, sir, but don't we have officers to do surveillance and take inventory of trades and stuff?"

"The knights lack unity. And you saw those trade records from Retre, I wouldn't be surprised that things like that were happening here as well." He was also hoping that if he could uncover the same sloppy mistakes made in his vicinity it would make it easier to find the culprit.

"You think? Even in the capital, sir?" Anita was a little skeptical.

"It pays to be safer than sorry."

Anita hummed in thought, "I think you lack faith, sir."

Gabriel scoffed, "We'll see about that."