With the chiming of the bell echoing throughout the cathedral, the congregation began to stand and made their motions to leave the church.
"Thank you all for coming, I hope I managed to leave a favorable impression on the folks of Grandport today." Father Gideon said, giving a slight bow.
Shoes scuffed against stone as the nave gradually emptied into the square beyond. Only Cecil and Samuel remained seated in the pews.
Descending the pulpit steps, Gideon let his warm smile slip into a weary sigh, fingers combing through his hair. His gaze fell upon the two who had not moved. He raised a brow and offered them a strained smile.
"Finally decided to grace the cathedral with your presence, Father Samuel?" His gaze flicked briefly to Cecil before returning to Samuel, weighing them both.
Samuel clasped his hands together on his lap, returning Father Gideon's smile. "Apologies, Father. The… menial tasks I was assigned yesterday took longer than expected. Rather than, you know, completing Central's direct assignment."
"Yes, well, each of us has our duties,"Gideon dismissed the remark with a wave of his hand before turning his attention to Cecil. "And who might your companion be?"
"My name is Cecil Hollows." He answered, letting his noble upbringing color his tone.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet another imperial citizen in this city, Mr. Hollows." Gideon inclined his head with a small bow. "Do you have business with the church?"
Cecil glanced at Samuel, who gave a subtle nod. "Yes. I'm here to inquire about purchasing a pair of Blinkwolf eyes."
"Blinkwolf eyes?" Gideon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Yes… I do recall hearing something about those. I'd need to check with the Ceremonial Master to ensure they aren't required. But otherwise, I see no reason against it."
"Fair enough," Cecil replied evenly.
Turning back to Samuel, Gideon added, "And as for you, Father Samuel, once I've confirmed matters, I'll see you properly assigned another task."
Samuel rose smoothly to his feet. "No need. I intend to speak with Captain Smith directly about my special assignment, if you don't mind, Father."
For the briefest moment Gideon's eyes narrowed before his expression softened again. "And here I thought I was your superior, not the Captain of the Grandport Law Enforcement." His tone was light, but there was steel beneath it. "Do as you see fit, Father Samuel. Just try not to cause more trouble than you already do."
Samuel's smile never faltered. "I do so appreciate your understanding, Father Gideon."
Gideon gave a thin smile of his own before returning his attention to Cecil. "As for the Blinkwolf eyes, as long as the Ceremonial Master raises no objection, I'll see to it that the transaction proceeds. May I ask what you intend to do with them, Mr. Hollows?""
Cecil shifted slightly, shaking his head. "That would be private, Father. But, nothing that would cause alarm."
The silence between them stretched a moment before Gideon chuckled softly. "Forgive me, I don't mean to pry. I only wish to ensure the church's resources are placed in careful hands. Where are you staying? I'll send word by sundown."
"The Sleeping Fish, in Widdershins Alley." Cecil replied.
"Very well. I'll have word sent." Gideon straightened his robes, allowing the genial smile he wore during the sermon to reappear. "Now, if you'll excuse me, the duties of a priest never truly end. May the Mother guide you."
He turned and disappeared into the inner halls of the cathedral. Samuel raised at his phrase as he and Cecil made their way out in the opposite direction, stepping back into the bustle of the Brass Quarter.
Samuel exhaled slowly, tension leaving his shoulders. "By the Nine," he muttered, "I really dislike that man."
Cecil adjusted his monocle. "He doesn't seem overly fond of you either."
"That's putting it lightly." Samuel ran a hand down his face with a huff.
They let themselves be carried along with the district's current. Unlike the Forums, the Brass Quarter had no open stalls, only solid, well-polished storefronts.
Cecil's gaze swept across the names carved into their grand facades: The Queen Corporation, Kaupmaðr Trading Company, Medici Banking. Giants of commerce, each vying for dominance in the district.
"He has the air of a man who expects obedience, not respect." Cecil hummed faintly, his gaze lingering on the crest of The Queen Corporation carved onto a stone doorway.
"He can demand obedience all he wants," Samuel shrugged. "I only listen to the Divine… and also Zariah."
Cecil glanced at Samuel. "You said that name before who is Zariah."
"The woman who trained me and technically my real superior."
They crossed back to the Forum District of the city, passing up a patrol, dressed in long navy coats, with their sabre resting by their side and their flintlock pistol holstered. As they passed under the archway separating the districts, the polished storefronts gave way to stone and wooden homes and merchant stalls.
From somewhere in the city, a clock tower tolled the hour, its chime rolling like thunder across the district.
They kept together on their way through this part of the city, walking through its many roads.
"Just out of my own curiosity, why this Captain Smith?"
"Because he is the one of the many members of Grandport Law Enforcement who aren't happy that the church got jurisdiction over this case," Samuel glanced at Cecil. "And also he and Father Gideon happen to really dislike each other, so I picked him in order to anger Father Gideon."
Soon they reached the Forums, and made their way to a building. It was made from bricks and stone giving it a dull grey color that mostly didn't stand out save for the massive brass plaque that hung above the wooden doors with the words, Grandport Law Enforcement - Forum District, and the symbol of Granport, a ship's prow cutting through stylized waves beneath a radiant sun, carved into it.
Cecil's hand brushed his monocle absently. "And here we meet this Captain Smith?"
"If he's in," Samuel said. "And if he's sober."
"How… comforting."
Samuel stepped up to the heavy oak doors and pushed them open as they gave a protesting creak.
The main hall stretched wide, lined with desks where clerks worked over stacks of papers while officers in navy coats moved briskly between doors that led deeper into the building, obviously busy with the upcoming festival.
A tired-looking receptionist sat at the front desk, quill poised above a ledger. She glanced up at them, her eyes flicking over Cecil and Samuel, taking in his priestly robes. It took a few seconds but recognition seemed to dawn on her and posture stiffened.
"Father," she said, not quite warmly. "I didn't hear about any church business."
"Something like that." Samuel said casually. "I am here to speak with Captain Smith."
"He's in his office." The receptionist pursed her lips, then scribbled something into the ledger. "Through the hall, second door on the left."
"Thank you for your time." Cecil adjusted his cane and monocle as they strode down the hall. The muffled sounds of conversations bled from some doors; from others, the clatter of filing cabinets and sharp bark of orders. It was a hive, orderly but buzzing with its own intensity.
Samuel stopped at a brass-plated door marked Captain Elias Smith, knocked with his knuckles twice.
"Enter." The voice was gruff with age.
The office beyond was austere. Shelves lined with law tomes and binders, a tall window spilling daylight across a massive wooden desk where maps of Grandport and the surrounding waters lay unfurled. Behind the desk sat Captain Smith himself, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a weathered face, greying close-cropped hair. His uniform coat was unbuttoned at the collar, and his sleeves rolled up to reveal forearms knotted with old scars.
His sharp gaze rose from the papers before him and locked on Samuel, then flicked briefly to Cecil.
"And why would a member of the clergy be here to bother me?" Smith said, voice deep and steady.
Samuel walked forward. "I am here because I know you are still looking into the murders despite it being officially handed over to the church."
Smith's lip curled. "And what? Did that Gideon fucker send you here to tell me off?"
Samuel chuckled lightly, raising a hand. "No, Father Gideon doesn't send me anywhere. I came of my own will."
Smith scoffed and leaned back in his chair, studying Samuel with a cold appraisal. "Then you're either braver or stupider than the rest of them. Which is it?"
"I like to think I'm practical." Samuel stopped just short of the desk, resting his hands behind his back. "The church might have jurisdiction, but we both know you're not going to stop poking around. I want the same thing you do."
"And what's that?" Smith's eyes narrowed, though curiosity crept into his tone.
"I am an Inquisitor, Captain. What I want is the truth and the chance to actually do my job."
Smith's eyes narrowed slightly, but he sighed, gesturing for them to sit.
"Sit."