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Port Ormos, the city which never sleeps.... at night. At day the city might as well be deserted. It was an idle afternoon at the parlour. The only customer so far was just a lady who wanted a prim cut. But if you asked he would have gone with just giving her a tiny trim and styling it in wide curls. There was no festival or function in sight for people to flaunt their pointless temporary looks. Even the Sabzeruz festival was dull since the sage put too many restrictions on it rarely any people attended it so no one came to get their hair done. And what's the point In the end the Hairs are the first to decay away in your grave why bother?

A man with vivid white hair with a blue hue and red eyes that have seen far too much in the world stared languidly at the academiya newspaper. The only reason the parlour boss hired Przheva was cause he was good with the scissors and was happy with half the wage he gave him. He looked at the clock in the parlour half past two then looked at his boss who was busy filing his nails. 

"Boss any appointments today?" The man looked up from his nails as he tried to remember anyone booking "Uhm.. not any that I remember" he went back to filing his nails not before he ran his hands through his hair. The boss Arayesh normally rocks Saiyan hairstyle was now down low coming to his neck it looked softer. With the amount of gel he used daily, you'd expect them damaged but he kept his hair to the prim. 

Suddenly a column in the newspaper caught Przheva's attention "You know boss I told you your hair color really does garner attention, and right now I wish I had hair like yours"

The boss looked up again this time with growing suspicion of the sudden compliments from his intern "Huh! Why do you say so?" the intern promptly brought the newspaper with the column that intrigued him "The Prussian league is hiring again after a decade!"

"The what league now?"

"the Prussian league sir! "Are you not aware of them?" the boss shrugged in non-cha lance. "It is a consortium of one of the most trusted Snezhnayan companies. It hires employees from all across Tevyat and rarely ever spots are unfilled but recently there has been a vacancy and the work is purely nominal. And their desired candidate is...." the intern points and looks at his boss. 

"What?!"

"their conditions are simple a man above age 20 with natural Prussian blue hair. And you sir have that if you would let me I could remove that black dye and your true hair color present yourself and the job is yours"

"me!? But surely there must be better candidates than me that would be eligible. Hell I could even dye your hair and send you and you could go and get the job as a scholar "

"I am afraid they insist it be naturally Prussian blue and they don't mind even a contestant of the desert. And did I say about the pay it is 1000 mora a week"

The boss contemplates for a while. His eyes looked conflicted "But what about the parlour" 

"oh sir we rarely had any clients in the past 2 weeks and if we do end up getting any why have you hired me? You can take this opportunity to earn some extra mora for the welfare of this establishment at least"

"ok, I'll think about it"

"No time to think sir. The employment process begins tomorrow at 5 and if we get started soon to remove the dye by tomorrow your natural hair will leave those hirer stunted and we could make it to academiya in that time."

"but- but-"

"no buts as a wise Spantamad once said never lose an opportunity to earn mora?"

"And so he made me close my shop for the day and we left for academiya" Arayesh laments to Al Haitham who is seated opposite his client, trying his best not to laugh. But he can't help the smile. 

"Good morn. I come bearing breakfast from the cafe- oh sorry" Kaveh enters the home but upon seeing the client and Al Haitham busy in discussion he promptly tries to leave and Al Haitham jumps towards the door to prevent Kaveh from leaving. 

"oh you couldn't have come at any perfect timing dear Kaveh, please come and sit-" 

"But I thought you were engaged?"

"I am very much so- to you" Haitham smirks at that Kaveh smacks him on his head lightly. 

"I meant the client" Haitham then looked towards the client "I must excuse but this is Dr. Kaveh he shares with me all that is bizarre that is apart from his mundane life and my fiancé," Al Haitham said a bit too proudly "be assured whatever you say can be trusted with his assistance we will surely fix your dilemma" Kaveh then presents his hand to the client to shake.

"This is Mr. Arayesh of the Viboyo Salon" The client in question presents his hand to shake. Kaveh couldn't help but notice his hair which had been perfectly gelled up to stand on its tips. Way to stand out among the crowd. Their firm shake ends "I assure you I know nothing of Mr. Arayesh here apart from the obvious facts" Al Haitham looks contemplatively and says "he is from Bayt-Al-Haya Village. He had a brief stint as an eremite before migrating to Port Ormos. Must say it must be a long journey and a widower who has very recently only done a lot of writing" Arayesh looks pleasantly shocked by the accurate deductions made by Haitham.

"Why I must say your reputation precedes you. But don't mind if I ask how do you know all this and I was so sure I had hidden my reputation as an eremite?"

"you may leave the desert but the desert never leaves you," Al Haitham says as he gingerly picks up Arayesh's left hand and reels his sleeve back to reveal the eremite tattoo based on the falcon tattoo it was easy to determine the eremite tribe you come from. "I noticed it when you knocked on my door" and before he could even close his slacked jaw Kaveh joined in.

"as a hairdresser, you do keep your hair at the most tip-top shape but your clothes at the moment are unkempt" pointing at his un-ironed shirt and pants with a pocket that has a loose thread hanging "The shadow of your ring has not left on your hand. I do apologize if we have intruded on a sensitive topic?" Kaveh politely says 

"and the writing?"

"your right palm has become smooth you either moisturize them or you have written for hours smoothing your hands on paper and the tiny splatter of ink on your shirt confirms the latter hypothesis"

"Oh my I must say I thought some sort of devil was at work but now that you simplify it as it is ... it is quite nothing" the client awkwardly laughs. Al-Haitham's mirth is lost for a few moments.

"If I am so candid with my ways my reputation is going to crash like the Liyue pavilion.... omne ignotum - pro magnifico."

Kaveh interferes "Everything becomes commonplace by a simple explanation."

"Kaveh I must insist you can't summarise my ways in such a simple candor." Al Haitham says irritably "Now if you wouldn't mind please reiterate the situation you just told me with the copy of the column" Al Haitham orders as he goes back to his seat with his eyes focused on Kaveh. Arayesh then presents the newspaper to Kaveh "You can read the column yourself I hope so" 

Kaveh takes the newspaper Reading the title "From The Prussian League" Kaveh had to take a second look before he reread the line in his mind and gave one awkward look to Al Haitham who seemed too giddy about this weird situation.

"From the Prussian League: the league is happy to announce it's opening of new branch in Port Ormos. the Prussian League is a subsequent of Snezhnayan Bank and only chooses its employees who reach the following criterion 
all Prussian headed of sound body and mind
and above the age of 20 are eligible
the job is purely nominal in nature and will be awarded a salary of 1000 mora per week." Kaveh takes a break from reading trying to frame the information in mind. "all interested candidates are open to apply on Monday 11:00 am at the academiya head office room 203- wait are they serious?!"

Al Haitham giggles ashamedly trying to hide it his best before regaining his composure "Oh I assure you it is true- Kaveh be a dear-" Haitham turns and passes him his notebook "Note down the date and publisher name"

"27th October- that's 2 months ago" 

"I know but jot it all down- now Mr. Arayesh I insist you tell everything from scratch for my partner here and be honest with us- spare no details." 

"Why yes- I left the desert when I was young- it's not an honourable reason but a noble one- my hair had a hard time not to mention I fell in love with a city girl. And so I came to the city and opened up my salon. I mean shouldn't all be honored with having great hair."

"If we could hurry along"

"yes- so I managed to open a salon but the plague of Sumeru caught up to my wife and she passed away. I continued to stay here and realized my wife was an asset to me in the salon, without her it was tough. So I hired an assistant. Many came for the job but that lad. He had an aspiration for his own business and came at a wage below market value."

"pray to tell the name of this obliging individual who came at below market value."

"Przheva is his name.  he is not as young but his aspirations are youthful. The lad only wishes to open up his own business. Plenty smart. But he has his flaws. He is damn interested in photography. Every free chance he gets he goes down into the cellar and spends his time clicking away and developing those darned pictures I couldn't for the life of me figure out. But I can't help he is plenty helpful, especially during busy times of the year. He was the one who introduced me to the Prussian league. The day the news came out the very day he got me ready and took me to academiya to get the job"

Kaveh and Al Haitham are far too invested to interrupt him of all the suspiciousness of the client's assistant.

"We reached the academiya with time to spare but might I say the line was so darned long I saw people with so many shades of blue. Blue even though I have yet to explore my hairdressing career. Seeing so many people I was nervous and sure Wouldn't get the job. But Przheva made me skip the line and took me directly to the office of the hirer. Some even yelled at us for skipping but I was there without any of my accordance. I entered the office and the hirer was busy throwing resume after resume- scratching name after name."

"do you know the name of this hirer you speak of"  

"he said his name was Mr. Augustus Lovelace- he came from Fontaine but he also flaunted a Prussian hair color as mine. He said he too was an employee for the Prussian league who did the same job as me but he is to hire someone from Sumeru. he says his name is Duncan Ross but- we will come to that later. He saw me and was pleased with my hair color he said the job would be mine if he could take a precautionary take on my hair and proceeded to pull my hair I cried upon the force he exerted I believe my roots ached for the next few days- he noted upon my tears and the consistency of my hair and apologized for the inconvenience said people had come deceiving with wigs and paint. I only wish there were a nobler approach to overcome such deception. In the end, I was given the job. It was announced the candidate had been chosen I could hear angry candidates curse and heave as they left the academiya. Ross then came to me and said I have the job.  I obviously was overjoyed but I had my own questions lined up I asked about this organization and the nominal work that I have to do."

"continue and spare no detail I too wish to know what this organization is?"

"He said the Prussian league was a sub-branch of Snezhnayan Northland Bank we are all aware Northland Bank is run by the famous Fatui Tartaglia but before him, another harbinger ran it. He no longer exists but he created this organization before retiring from bank work in the Prussian league he too had hair color exactly like mine and wished to help anyone who shared the same candor hair color as mine. I wondered why he said people with hair as ours are more courageous and daring and more hard-working than rest "

"any citation for such a research?" Kaveh asked

"none- well more like I never asked," the client said sheepishly "The work was simple the office was in academiya the very place I was hired and there was a cupboard filled with encyclopedia or academiya. "I was instructed to write down everything word for word on paper. I was strictly told not to leave the office once I entered and I could take no leave either. My work hours were from morning to noon I would forfeit my position if I were to leave in the midst of it any day so I never took a chance with it. As for my own business. Przheva insisted he could take care and not like I had any business going on. Hardly any customer came in those 2 months. " 

"what about your casual customers" Haitham inquired?"

"surprisingly even they didn't come. I wish Sumeru had more festivals more people would come oft but I was hardly sad I was making 1000 mora per week. In a month about 4000. I was profiting by a margin of 2000, no complaints."

"were you paid 'nominally' as they said?" 

"yes I was - they made me sign a contract and I was paid duly every week sharp on Saturdays. Must I say I earned a good fortune in those 2 months? Not only financially but knowledgeable"

"I see"

"I was to provide my own pen and paper which is hardly any penny for me and they provided the table and chair to work on and I must say I enjoyed it a bit. The words I learned were quite peculiar too." the client laments on the memory of it and recites the words 'Abacus, Abby, Architecture, Activity, Adulteration, Anatomy, Apes, Anecdotes'."

Kaveh and Al Haitham try to hold their laughter at the client's plight "and then suddenly this morning the entire operation came to a halt. I went to the office as due diligence this morning and tried to open the office but it was closed. And there was a card stuck to the door saying the Prussian league was dissolved from this day onwards. I went to the other office and asked about Mr. Augustus Lovelace. he said he had never heard a name as such, I then described the man, and recognition phased through him. he said his name was Mr. Zakai and he took the room for a research purpose and he moved out just yesterday. I tried asking where I could find him and he gave an address but upon reaching there I found it was a shop that sold vegetables"

At the end of the client's narration Kaveh tries his darndest not to laugh but all damn breaks loose and he laughs uncontrollably seeing him Haitham also could not control and both laugh leaving the client thoroughly rowed up. 

"What is so funny about this? I have been thoroughly made a joke and all you can do is laugh about it. If that is so I shall go somewhere else to consult"

Haitham jumps towards the client's seat to stop him from leaving Mr. Arayesh I must insist you not depart, I wouldn't miss this case for the world of it- now it is most refreshing as it is unusual. Can you describe to me your assistant how does he look? how long has he worked for you?"

"tall I'd say about 7 feet something white hair that is more towards blue hue and might I say very Lucious it was half the reason why I chose him. he does have a peculiar scar near his top right eye that invades past his hair line but it is barely visible."

"Does this assistant of yours have a piercing in his ears?"

"Quite so! he has 4 piercings in both his ears. one done by a gypsy at a young age and the other he did during his rebellious youthful phase he says he has been working on closing them up- wait but how do you know"

"detectives intuition now Mr. Arayesh" Haitham says as he helps their client get up " I shall come to visit your parlour around noon be on standby"

"but I have closed up my parlor for the weekend. Przheva said the event has been traumatizing and I should close up for the weekend and go visit my sister at her native"

"then do as he says, god forbid you may come forth with more trauma. Relax as you must and by Monday I should have come up with a solution for such a 'prank' as you say"

The client hesitates for some time "Umm about the fee-"

"worry not your fee will be reimbursed by someone else"

The client happy with the decision leaves in a hurry. Leaving Kaveh and Haitham to their devices "Quite a peculiar case" Kaveh comments.

"peculiar indeed- peculiar enough to be considered a three-pipe case." Haitham says as he lights up his pipe "Now if you'll excuse me I need to contemplate this and not be disturbed for the next 50 minutes"

"your breakfast will go cold by then"

"I don't see how boiled egg sandwiches are going to help forward this case"

"never said it was a boiled egg sandwich."

"oh"

"it is something you do like. And an extra something of you will like"

"I am piqued," Haitham says pleased by the sly smile of Kaveh. "piqued enough to reconsider I don't mind having the breakfast but I must insist I be given time for this case"

"oh shut it knowing you I know you already solved it and just looking for ways to capture the culprit.

"I have made myself too easy for you"

"you never were hard to begin with" Kaveh comments and has Haitham following behind him.

"We the staff members at Shapur Hotel are honored to have such a delegate stay at our humble abode, I am Shapur, the hotel manager. If you have any issues or require my assistance remember me and I shall present myself." 

Shapur for the first time in a very long time got a client with hefty money in their pockets to stay at his hotel. And this was a very long time, so long his first richest client was a mere 10 years ago. Owner of a winery from the far-off lands named Mondstadt. he had come on a personal business motive to find someone. Whoever they were, it was none of his business he had come to stay assuming he had a good time but left somber, so much so he didn't see the huge tip he gave Shapur for his stay. Whatever business he had must have gone wrong. 

Sareh his assistant hotel manager had commented that maybe his hotel is cursed and that anyone with business intentions who stays here has it go wrong. She had no right to spread such a baseless rumor. But alas even if that point was proven time and time again there is always a next chance and he firmly believes in it. Regardless the rumours never got away and his business has been mediocre since. Only families on trips or drunkards who wander over stay at the hotel.

It was 2 months ago he got a letter from Snezhnayan delegate who was also the owner of the Northland Bank has plans to stay at the hotel. He required maximum security cause he was coming with guests in boxes. A huge sum carried themselves in the box. Their destination the Sumeru City where they were opening a branch of a bank. But they had prior arrangements that allowed them to stay in Port Ormos for a week. And Shapur would be damned if he didn't make their stay the best stay of the week. This was his chance to redeem himself and his hotel.

Shapur had hired 3 recruits who were now helping carry the hefty boxes from the stairs to the client's room. Shapur proceeds to put a garland of Sumeru roses on the client's neck. Who now seems pleased with the new cultural inclusion. 

"oh, I must say sir these flowers smell exquisite, if Hadn't known any better I would have assumed that the hotel would have given me the key and I just stayed but such hospitality, I am honored" a tall man with ginger hair comments. He smiles but they never reach his eyes. 

Alexandra a pale girl with short brown hair stands beside Shapur. 'it's a facade, it always is' she thinks. Shapur turns to her and silently orders her to prepare.

"Now if you'll allow me, sir, I would like to show you around the hotel. And you must be a long way here, must be starving my staff has prepared some of the finest delicacies of port Ormos in the representativeness of Sumeru."

"you sir would make a fine detective. I am starving. Lead the way sir." the delegate points to go ahead. Shapur obliges him and shows the hotel and history to the delegate.
  
Alexandra walks inside the hotel and notes the other 3 staff placed the boxes in the vault of the hotel. Beside Shapur's riches now lie 3 boxes each containing 5 million mora. She hurries past other clients to avoid detection as she prepares plates for the client's luncheon she sneaks a tissue paper and swiftly steals a pen from one of the passing staff. 

She finds a hidden spot she hastily writes on the tissue. And hurries outside as she passes by Arayesh's parlour she drops the tissue near the entrance. Another guy with Prussian hair bends down picks up the tissue and leaves. 

In the Pushpa parlor, he keeps the tissue under his cup and leaves. A waiter comes by cleans the table pockets the tissue and leaves hastily. In an alley, he discards the waiter's apron and cap and lets his white hair shine under the moonlight. He retrieves the tissue and it reads.

'11th harbinger has arrived
1- 5647
2- 3458
3- 2875'

"heh, I am afraid this was far too easy.''

Haitham and Kaveh walk at the same pace around the port. If Haitham was not speed walking they could have walked holding hands Kaveh laments. They come to a stop in front of Arayesh parlour. Kaveh unaware looks around and notes the guy in pale white with blue hue hair close up the shop.

"Excuse Moi, we are new here do you know where we can find an inn to stay at for the night?" Haitham dons a Fontainian accent 

The man is not one bit surprised by their presence. "oh foreigners, Fontaine I assume?"

"oui!" Haitham perks up

"umm there is no inn nearby but there is a hotel a bit pricey the manager won't mind making accommodations for tourists on a good word. although I must say they are heavily busy with some clients from abroad"

"oh, you are such a pleasure to talk to sir. I will talk with the hotel manager soon. Oh, any place to eat nearby?"

"umm, there is a place down the bridge. He sells some delicacies that should suffice for the day" the man says now a tad bit on the edge.

"avec Moi pleasure" and with that Haitham leaves hastily grabbing Kaveh. He drags them halfway down the bridge spiral. And hides both of them in a corner. 

"Haitham I could have told you that!"

"Shh Kaveh, we are being watched"

Kaveh now spoke in a hushed tone. "And why did we pass by the parlour, if my assumption is right the guy closing up the shop is the culprit is he not?"

"Kaveh I am positively proud of your deduction. You stand right there he is our culprit but on what basis do I confront him. to prank an old sod with less-than-ordinary hair. And why such a large-scale operation for a prank?"

"beats me"

"so does it me. Observe silently, from there on only we can proceed" They observe the Przheva leave hastily. A man with jittery eyes is a man who is hyperaware of his surroundings and we are spies in enemy territory even a wrong breath could give the hiding location away' Kaveh recounts one of many Haitham's teachings.

Once he leaves they both head back up this time standing in front of the hotel, but do not enter. Haitham silently taps his cane and slowly moves beside the hotel in the alleyway between the hotel and the parlour. He taps even more before running away from there with Kaveh in tow.

"I must say I am thoroughly confused." Kaveh pants as they reach down the bridge.

"I like to have an accurate location of each place I visit. A mind map if you will. So let's recount. The parlour, Shapur hotel, the pub with the cats-"

"the bridge in front the spiral stairs beside the parlor the port deck items beside the pub-"

"Kaveh keep it in memory, it just is that we are being observed," Haitham says hastily as he leaves the standpoint and heads back home.

As they walk Haitham contemplates before coming to a stop mid path "Kaveh dear is it possible for you to map out Port Ormos for me?"

"Why yes I remember it like the back of my hand"

"excellent. I think we have solved the issue. Even though it's Saturday, it's been a busy day with not much activity. However, soon we should have some time for play.  - after this how about a dinner at Pushpa, balcony seat, and then to operatic land I heard one of the Liyuean opera singers is performing tonight."

"and no more Prussian-headed clients to vex us," Kaveh says giddily with that Haitham leaves with a pleased smile.

2nd December 1891,

we had a candlelight dinner. We shared butter chicken and naan with a side of new wines from Mondstadt. I was pleased with the outcome of the dinner date. And then we headed down to the theatre to see a three-act Liyuean play.

As the singer reached crescendo even Haitham tapped to the rhythm and the descent felt like all the weight from his shoulder left as he was left pleased with himself 

When I saw him so enraptured in the act I felt my happiness had gone for far too long. I am due for misfortune. I could sense an evil time was upon us.

"The Prussian league had finally dissolved successfully." Mr. Augustus Lovelace AKA Mr. Zakai reports back he now wears a proper fatui uniform.

"In the most apt way, I hope?" An old man well into his 60s, he flaunts a heavy white beard with sharp ends a simple monocle on his hand connected by gold lace to his cape, and a cap that pronounces his position. 'The great sage of academiya'. His eyes never leave his table focused on a spread of paper on his table.

"in the most apt way, and sir has also completed his preparation"

"Good to hear I expect good news by the morn of Monday," the sage says as he focuses his monocle on the map. 'Shapur Hotel'.

The exact rendition of the map of Port Ormos is being drawn by Kaveh on a blackboard in their living room. He finishes drawing the bridge that connects the bridge to the 3 hotspots when Al Haitham arrives.

"Excellent work Kaveh! are you sure you wanted to be a doctor, you could have had an excellent future as a cartographer or architect with such nimble hands." Haitham proceeds to take Kaveh's hand a give it a chaste kiss. "protect them for me" Kaveh smiles at the praise.

"ah, eight pairs of hooves. Our clients are here. Commissioner Kaeya from Mondstadt and a delegate from the Fatui are here. The commissioner is a flirt by nature, an absolute imbecile at work but he has fast legs and the tenacity of a lobster. Once he gets his hand on something he won't let go. he will be helpful as for the delegate-"

"Good afternoon Mr. Al-Haitham it's been a long time since we worked in pairs and what a pleasant surprise it is the moment I step into Sumeru I am being dragged for a case. if that's the case I should oft come to Sumer- and who might this lovely gent be?" Kaeya says as he shakes Haitham's hand but his gaze fixes on Kaveh.

"Dr. Kaveh. he is my companion, a partner who has my back in every case so far. a second mind and- as Mr. Tartaglia here would call a comrade" As Haitham narrates Tartaglia makes entry less than pleased to be called somewhere unknown. while Kaeya and Kaveh give each other a firm handshake.

"Mr Tartaglia of Northland Bank better known as the 11th harbinger." Haitham introduces.

"I'll have you know I don't work with the likes of an amateur detective and the very fact I have come here abandoning a ball at Port Ormos on a lovely Sunday of all days is only because of the insistence of Commissioner Kaeya here.

Kaeya is amused by the commotion. Like he knew this was bound to happen. "Mr Tartaglia I assure you can keep every confidence in Mr. Al Haitham he has done much for the Sumeru police department and has come of assistance even in Mondstadt if I could I would have Mr. Al Haitham for all myself in Mondstadt." Kaveh sours at Kaeya's comment but keeps his discomfort to himself

"Mr Tartaglia here is representing the Northland bank being opened in Sumeru. but I am assuming for promotion purposes he is currently staying at the Shapur Hotel and he has stored there 15 million mora in one of the secure vaults of the hotel I have a suspicion that our blue-headed client's assistant is planning for a heist by tonight's." Haitham dictates as he proceeds to get ready to leave. While Tartaglia eyes Kaveh

"Well hello there darling" Tartaglia presents his hands to be shaken and Kaveh takes so and firmly shakes "I do hope Mr. Amateur detectives deduction doesn't lead us to a wild goose chase, and after all, I inspected the vault myself in Shapur hotel. There is no possible way of entry in that vault."

"as the director of the bank and protector of the money you should know every crevasse of the vault where you store money." Haitham interjects

"I should know and I do know that there is no corner blemished or broken in the vault for any intruder to enter as he may to get what he needs!"

"heh oh dear." Kaeya comments

"but I assure you the ball tonight will be much more exciting and the stake for many!" Haitham exclaims

"and what do I get in all this?" Kaeya says as he makes himself comfortable on one of the sofas.

"a young  man by the name Dottore." at the mention of his name Kaeya perks up "Oh my I would love to get my hands on that devil." 

"for context, Dottore was a highly respected graduate of academia. But his research was least to say distasteful and his methods of procuring results downright harrowing, he has since been banished from academia. Last he was seen in" Haitham but gets interrupted by Kaeya.

"Mondstadt where he killed my master or as people know him Ragvindar. The current dawn winery owner's father."

"Have you forgotten Mr. Haitham who I am?" Tartaglia interjects.

"Absolutely not Mr. eleventh harbinger AKA Childe we are aware that Dottore is the second harbinger."

"And you sir are suggesting that the second harbinger. A higher rank of my own is the one who is going to commit a heist?"

"Yes, It is of most peculiar nature why the second harbinger is involved in trying to take a mere 15 million from you. a man who has more riches than all of Northland combined after some petty penny.... unless there is something you insist on keeping hidden."

"What preposterous accusation are you insinuating Mr. Detective!"

"I finally have you accept me as a detective over an amateur one. So slowly we can be on the same footing enough to tell me where this is leading."

"I have nothing to hide Mr. Amateur detective except that I have brought 15 million mora to be safely kept in the northland bank of Sumeru and that for now they are being safely kept at Shapur Hotel"

"and so we will see its safekeeping tonight, what say Kaeya? Let us waste no more time."

"lead the way," Kaeya says. Haitham comes beside Kaveh "You have your gun ready?"

"at all times"

"then we shall be on our way!"

As they reach Shapur Hotel. Tartaglia opens his room suite. "there are just 2 keys. one I own and the other the owner owns. No staff was given the key nor has the key ever left my presence as you can see."  

As Tartaglia opens the vault he exclaims "as clearly can be seen no way to open the vault without this and no holes on the ceiling nor floor"

"I must ask you to lower your voice so as not to disturb other sleepers of the hotel and discretion purpose we are after all trying to catch them here," Haitham says slowly as he takes in the prefecture of the vault.

"Now I insist you sit on one of your boxes and not do anything lest to interfere with our work," Haitham instructs and Tartaglia feels out of place and sits in his place silently. As Haitham walks by he knocks his feet into one of the boxes and feels it's much lighter but it still has contents in it jiggles but nothing like mora. 

"Mr. Tartaglia, is there something you feel like sharing? Cause this box doesn't feel like 5 million mora."

Tartaglia hesitates "If you can tell us then we can at least know why your supervisor is after this- I can hardly say it's money."

"I'll say but on one condition. What I say is don't leave past these 4 walls and you 3"

"I believe it has already reached many ears if so many are involved in trying to take this. But to each its own. You can confide."

"These boxes contain 5 million mora each but one box contains items worth 5 million mora and can't open any of them. The code would be given to me after I am done setting it up in the northland bank of Sumeru. These are all prepared by Pantalone, not me."

"items? do you have any clue as to the nature of these items?" Kaveh asks

"if I knew don't you think I too would be after such things?" Tartaglia says with a smirk 

"either way my job is to place them in the bank and open them when I get the code. I know nothing beyond it. Pantalone creations are worth nothing. I wouldn't be surprised if the items here are made in such a way that they could harm the nation"

At that everyone becomes tense "Oh please don't act like your academiya is the purest government. Every form of ruling is corrupt the moment a single man is decided to reign over all."

"Interesting conjecture. Kaeya position yourself near the entrance and Kaveh stand behind one of the walls your eyes should never leave this box. I will pace"

"I can hear the gears turning in your head Haitham" Kaeya says as he readies his gun. Kaveh tenses every time Kaeya speaks but doesn't show off much.

Al Haitham paces up and down the vault getting ready. "there is still 2 hours to midnight I am assuming they plan for midnight to come. He is too simple to figure out....... in-fact it is suspicious how simple his ways are. unlike Dottore."

"Haitham you did promise me Dottore don't back down."

"I don't know how my queen would react knowing I was involved in arresting my superior." Tartaglia laments

"pleased is not an option I assure you" Haitham gives an unhelpful comment.

Tartaglia observes Kaveh as he cleans the mast of his gun in preparation for whatever is coming. "Dr. Kaveh, after all this ordeal how about you and me go to a cafe? There is one down in Port Ormos. You might be aware of it but they are making some special dishes, after all this I have to rest up for the hell that is approaching my way back in Snezhnayan."

"Mr. Tartaglia I assure you Dr. Kaveh is not as free as you assume him to be. he will be busy assisting me with my case."

"why Mr. Amateur Detective what does a doctor have anything to do with detective work"

"I'll have you know Mr. Tartaglia I am not just any doctor. I am an army doctor. I can name every bone as I break them and keep a man alive when he begs for death." Kaveh speaks as Haitham smirks proudly.

"feisty I love that in a person," Tartaglia says pleased with the commentary. 

"I hardly believe Mr. Zhongli would appreciate that," Haitham speaks while he looks through the only window in the vault door.

"How-"

"Please you traveled from your long station in Liyue a year ago. And that bracelet you ardently don are hand-crafted by Mr. Zhongli. You do know what it means when a person gives you a handcrafted bracelet in Liyue culture". That shuts up Tartaglia but Kaeya perks up.

"oh my why such defensive walls over Dr. Kaveh, Haitham?"

"Cause he is my damn fiancé!" Kaveh grits out finally tired from the commotion.

"You wound me Haitham is our friendship that vague that you wouldn't tell me about your engagement?" Kaeya laments

"Yes, just like you never mentioned your engagement to Mr. Diluc of Dawn Winery. Capiche?"

A dense silence falls over everyone "Well please continue I do love works of opera" Tartaglia says "I mean there is still time before the alleged break-in. Let us open up more."

But everyone remains silent.

A good 30 minutes pass before the sound of scraping is heard.

"Shh turn the lights off" Haitham whispers"

"But it will be completely dark, what do we see?" Childe asked worried.

"the thieves aren't any better they will bring their lights. We need to catch them in the act and we cannot risk suspicion with our presence so shut the lights" Haitham whispers to everyone, he then silently walks towards Kaveh "Do hold your gun but do not shoot. shoot only when I say." Kaveh silently nods.

The scraping sounds grow closer. Childe is in awe of the situation, Kaeya is ready with his gun in his holster and Kaveh readily points it from the general direction of the sound coming near one of the boxes. Minutes pass before an inconspicuous wood tile is cracked open a hand emerges and it scours the floor for any presence as the people move even back then the entire wood tile opens up a dim yellow light emanates from the underground 2 soiled hands reach up to remove the tile and place it to the side, a small ladder then protrudes from the ground. then a man with Prussian blue hair enters the vault unbeknownst of the personals observing them from the dark and then he reaches his hand down to assist another man up this time whitish blue hair covered in dust emerges he comes up and stands tall the scar near his eye even more evident than before.

The famed second harbinger has made its presence known he dusts himself and silently approaches one of the boxes. He carefully kneels in front of the box that Pantalone had prepared. His hand covered in gloves he gingerly tries to pry open the box almost as if scared, one wrong move and it may blow up. 

Tartaglia hated Dottore's guts from the moment he joined the harbingers. He admits he was hesitant to arrest a man status above him but this was his chance to rank up and his blood lust grew 10 fold as he imagined going all out on a fight with him. Seeing him vulnerable in front of him, he couldn't stop himself from removing his gun from the holster and gingerly approached him from behind and placed it on the back of his head.

"No wonder you are the 11th harbinger, you could barely hide your presence and I can smell the adrenaline rippling off of you" Dottore replies. He has stopped fumbling with the box lock but he doesn't turn to look at him "It best you back off, I am doing this to progress the divine plan of Tsaritsa. She won't be happy learning one of her men turned out to be an obstacle"

"I too am working towards the divine plan. But nowhere does it mention stealing petty 5 million from another harbinger."

"back off Childe you are still way below me to understand my plans."

"try me."

Dottore frustrated turns back and is shocked to see the guest accompanying Childe. Al Haitham stands there observing him vividly while Kaeya has one of his assistants gagged and another man with blonde hair also pointing a gun at him.

"you know I would have let you in on my plan had you not involved the detective. Oh sorry where are my manners" Dottore then proceeds to bow towards them "Dottore the second harbinger although I know you already know Mr. Al Haitham."

"manners maketh a man... but manners stand nowhere in the court of law." Haitham states as his eyes never leave the sinister red eyes of the Dottore

"oh Mr.al Haitham we could have this joust for as long as we like ... if only time permitted but as you see I am in a wild hurry and my client requires his material we cannot afford to waste so either attack me now and try arresting me or let me silently complete my task?"

Kaeya is losing his patience, he wonders why Al Haitham won't attack him "Al Haitham remember what you said." Kaeya grits out whilst retraining the ever-moving culprit.

"oh, the famed cavalry captain of Mondstadt. How is Diluc, darling? Heard you both got engaged?"

"shut up Dottore you have hurt and killed far too many people your judgment will be passed down not from Mondstadt or Sumeru but from Celestia itself" Kaeya grits out.

"I am assuming I have to be scared at that but I simply cannot bring myself to." Dottore then proceeds to place his hands near his pocket Al Haitham knows he is reaching to pull out one of his many disappearing act mechanisms and Al Haitham instantly signs Kaveh to shoot. Kaveh notes and shoots the hand that is reaching for the pocket. Dottore wails in pain but then calms down immediately"

"can't even shoot me right. You need me alive so best leave me and I may come to your hand" Dottore grits out holding his bleeding right hand "Far worse comes your way if this plan doesn't go right " Al Haitham's eyes widen. The wild Dottore who has not cared one bit for any form of life asks to avoid him so no harm comes.

"I assure you all of Tevyat needs you alive Dottore but you will be begging for the bullet if you don't tell us what is in that box that you would go to such extents? Who do you work for?"

"hah, what's it to you? You are all his puppets at the end. He will go to any extent to bring this plan to fruition"

"what is in the box Dottore?"

"parts... parts of a new god, a new queen, a new kingdom" Dottore speaks out with overwhelming pain.

"who asked you to get them? Who made this?" Al Haitham slowly nears Dottore 

"A-Azar"

"The grand sage?" Kaveh says in utter shock. 

A wild smile crosses Dottore's face." the very one"

"How does a harbinger fall under the hands of a puny man" Tartaglia laments.

"He is not puny when you realize the power he holds currently and the power he aims to establish" Dottore wrings out the words.

"he has enslaved you." Al Haitham deduces 

"took you long enough Mr. Haitham" With that said Dottore swiftly takes a pill from his pocket and consumes and a short strong glow emanates from the entire vault blinding everyone, when the glow dissipates there is no Dottore to be found. There is just a pile of clothes on the floor.

"what witchcraft is this?" Kaeya asks shocked. 

"you underestimate the 2nd harbinger," Childe says unsurprised. 

"The silver lining is one of the culprits has been found regardless and none of the boxes got stolen," Kaveh says evaluating the situation. he sees Haitham from the corner is now eerily silent. A load of information has been hurled his way, obviously Mr. Detective is trying to deduce them all at once.

Kaeya turns his gun towards the one culprit "What is your name lad you better be upfront or I hand you over to Sumeru police who I have heard deal with their criminals in worst ways. and this bullet is far better" the trembling blue-haired man cowers and answers "don't shoot I surrender- I surrender ill tell everything don't shoot, don't send me to the police I'll come clean."

Haitham holds Kaeya's hands and lowers his gun for him "We need him alive. Dottore isn't dead we all know and he can lead us back to him" Kaeya finally calms down. "speak up!"

"I am Przheva"

"What? But wasn't that Dottore's persona whilst he worked with Arayesh" Kaveh interjects.

"it was. But it doesn't change that it is my name he took. Me and my wife were humble merchants but financial burdens made us join Fatui 20 years ago. The crimes we committed I am ashamed to admit. We quickly rose in rank until we were under Dottore's rank. We served him but we needed a break we no longer wanted to be Fatui."

The man takes a small breather "Dottore told us we had a job in Sumeru. We took it up cause we would be back in our homeland and as soon as we were done with the mission here we were going to disappear. The job tempted us even more with the 5 million mora at hand. I planned to help Dottore with one box while Alexandra hauled away another box" Przheva looked with disdain at the box.

"so that means you know the codes for these boxes don't you"

"Not me but my wife Alexandra does and so did Dottore"

"I am assuming she plans to come to this vault again at some point to take the boxes."

"She will be here any minute now" A few minutes of silence later true to his word another scraping sound comes and now a lady emerges but not even halfway out she observes the police and makes a run for it back.

"don't worry I have stationed guards at the entrance of the shop she can't escape," Kaeya says eyes not leaving Przheva. 

Al Haitham takes count of the situation and finally decides "Kaeya get your men to take all these boxes to the nearest police station but keep the target box in the interrogation room I don't want anyone in the police also to know what is in it and gather the culprits and get them to me" with that Haitham leaves the vault with Kaveh behind him.

"This is going to be a long night for me," Haitham says looking at the sky exhausted.

"Now you have 2 options either you accept the fate of your crime and give the code to this box and we reduce your punishment sentence. We might even add your national identity to grace your punishment. Or two, you continue to resist and then get sentenced regardless with worse punishment. You might be thinking of ways to escape as well but I assure you once you are out Fatui is waiting to execute you for your betrayal. So, what will it be" cyno states matter-of-factly

"We-we surrender. I'll tell you the code. But we are scared of opening it ourselves. I recommend gloves and protection"

"Now hold on what is in it that even you won't open and even Dottore takes such precautions"

"We don't know, in the name of lord Rukkhadevata we swear we don't know but on our travel from Inazuma to Sumeru here we heard of rumours?"

"rumours?"

"the person who packed this box has died, or whoever sees it will go blind forever"

"We do not know if it is true or not but we dare not trespass these rumors."

"understandable." cyno signs over one of his men and orders them to get protective gloves whilst Al Haitham's interest gets piqued. "we have 3 codes for 3 boxes. We don't know which code goes for what. So try any of the ones mentioned here " Alexandra gives the note. One of the police officers tries the first code and it opens instantly. Upon opening the box everyone takes a step back.

"Those are-" Al-Haitham gets interrupted by cyno

"divine knowledge capsules... they were banned from academiya. They have the mark. I personally saw through marking and discarding these knowledge capsules. Now this in the hands of Fatui doesn't paint a good picture for them."

"cyno they were not for fatui?"

"So Fatui is stealing them and selling them to local scholars?"

"they are for Azar"

"the grand sage?... the very one who mandated its banning?"

"They are not the divine knowledge capsules he banned. These are different... Przheva am I correct to assume these were made by Pantalone?"

"Don't know who made it. We were told to come to Sumeru and pick it up, the 11th harbinger will have the package"

"so now we need to interrogate the 11th harbinger" cyno interjects.

"don't worry he is pacified and in our control and ready to accommodate us" Al Haitham affirms

"get the 11th harbinger for interrogation." cyno orders and proceeds to check further contents of the box " 10 divine knowledge capsules... one unknown device... and one.... GUARDS!" Cyno's scream gets everyone's attention and alerts the stationed guards to hurry to where cyno once was. cyno has taken 10 steps back and now pushing the guards away from the box as well. There lies a corrupt Iriminsul. The very same one that infected Collei and thousands of Sumerians. The very one that causes withering outcrops in Sumeru

"what is Azar planning with this? End the goddamn world?!!"

"now remain calm Cyno. Haste is one of many devil's ploys. Azar is a grand sage for a reason he must know what he is doing" al-Haitham states matter of factly.

"you of all people the last person I'd assume would support his crazed ideas?" Cyno says angrily

"Now no one said anything about support. I merely speculated the usage of these items. After all, he commissioned the 2nd harbinger to commit a heist to retrieve it. He must have a reason"

"I can hear your gears running Haitham whatever you plan is borderline trudging on lawlessness"

"Now hold on I never said what I intend to do"

"I've known you long enough to know how reckless you can be.... just whatever you plan. Make sure no harm comes to Sumeru" Cyno says concerned.

"do as I say and the world won't even know the world was about to end"

It was nearing dawn. Every creature was sound asleep. Even the fishes that came out at night have slept off. One lone figure stood near Bayda harbour. On looking at the sunrise.

"you took your time Mr. Al Haitham" speaks up the figure standing. Al-Haitham slowly approaches the figure.

"your location was vague and this is the furthest place from Sumeru city. The trek to here was tough,"

"that is the very reason why I chose this location. The one place Azar keeps forgetting."

"get to the point Dottore. Why is a hardened international criminal seeking the help of a feeble detective"

*Flashback to the time Dottore consumed the pill that made him disappear* in the few seconds it happens Dottore slips a note to Haitham's hand and disappears. The note read 'Meet me at Bayda harbour at 3:30'

"Please you downgrade yourself far too much. You know just as well as I do that if you were to challenge the knowledgeable prowess of the grand sage you could easily beat that old man"

"and why should I, you could very easily defeat him as well in both cognitive and physical aspects"

"you don't think I wouldn't have done so long ago"

"He holds something of yours dear to you so you could do his bidding"

"Bullseye Mr. Haitham."

"May I speculate the nature of your belonging?"

"you may not."

"is it the gnosis? That is with the queen." Al Haitham states.

"No, not in need of that. It is something I created. Something that binds me to this darned nation"

"you are unable to escape this nation."

"I won't elaborate further. Now let us talk business. Cause we both have mutuality with our goals"

"What is Azar's plan?"

"you will have to do my bidding for me to know" Dottore offers and al-Haitham contemplates.

5th December 1891,

The case was solved, the damages done to Arayesh's parlour were reimbursed by the Sumeru Police and we fabricated a lie on orders of Haitham that his shop was dug up so burglars could steal from tourists in the hotel beside them. Nothing of the Fatui or Dottore was to be brought up and I am still unaware what was in one of the boxes but they are in care of Cyno now.

It's been 2 days Haitham has yet to come home. I know he said he needed some time to think and often he takes from days up to weeks to arrive at a decisive conclusion while he ponders aimlessly in the desert. But with the recent development of the case with the involvement of the grand sage. I can't help but worry for him.

I only pray for his safety.

._FIN_.