Not long after
They learn that the merchant's name is Werner. He used to be a member of the International Trade Association but withdrew one day for unknown reasons.
Almost instantly, Lumine is certain something is wrong.
From what she has seen on Ritou, surviving alone here is nearly impossible. Even the Trade Association, united as a group, is struggling. A lone merchant should have no chance.
Unless—
Someone powerful is backing him.
Which would explain why he still has Crystal Marrow to sell.
Seeing that Kurisu harbors no suspicion at all, Lumine can't help but sigh inwardly.
He's far too honest.
"We'll investigate first. If we find anything, we'll come back and tell you."
Kurisu's face lights up with hope.
"Thank you — truly."
Just as they turn to leave, he adds anxiously,
"One more thing — my friend Harrison… he might do something reckless. Please stop him."
Two tasks at once.
Lumine feels slightly numb.
But in the grand scheme of things, compared to meeting the Raiden Shogun, this seems manageable.
"Alright. I'll stop him."
After more thanks, Lumine and Paimon leave the Trade Association and head toward the seaside tree where Werner conducts business.
They're new arrivals. Maybe he won't be too guarded.
On the Street
As they walk, colorful goods line the stalls. The scent of grilled dango drifts through the air.
Paimon sniffs loudly, practically drooling.
"Lumine… what if he sees through us when we try to get information?"
Her earlier confidence begins to waver.
Lumine glances at her.
As long as you don't blurt something out, we'll be fine.
Still, she considers the possibility that Werner might be sharp and cautious.
After thinking for a while—
"I've got it."
Paimon perks up.
"What?"
"If we're exposed, we'll just use force to make him tell the truth."
"..."
Paimon stares at her.
That's the plan?
Lumine looks perfectly serious.
Why overcomplicate things? Violence is simple and efficient.
She may consider herself clever — but sometimes brute force is faster.
Like now.
"Will that really work?" Paimon asks uneasily.
Lumine nods confidently.
"Of course. Luo Li taught me this method."
"!!!"
Luo Li?
Paimon squints suspiciously.
Did that mysterious man really teach such a straightforward tactic?
She's not convinced.
But Lumine is already marching ahead.
Paimon has no choice but to follow.
Under the Maple Tree by the Shore
A dark-blond man leans against a tree, looking impatient.
"Why aren't they here yet?"
Kurisu and the others should have arrived by now.
Unless—
They found another supplier?
He panics briefly, then calms himself.
"Impossible. I've monopolized the supply. Crystal Marrow from Yashiori Island can't be transported easily. If anything changed, I'd have been informed."
Relief washes over him.
But then guilt creeps in.
Facing Kurisu — who once helped him — with cold indifference never sits well.
Yet survival is survival.
Compared to his previous uncertain life, becoming a pawn for the Kanjou Commission is a small price for safety.
Just as he sinks into thought—
"You're Werner?"
He looks up.
A blonde girl stands before him, eyes sharp and piercing. A floating companion hovers at her side.
He's momentarily startled by her intensity.
"Who are you? I've never seen you before."
"You don't need to know who I am. I'm here to ask about your Crystal Marrow supply."
"???"
Werner stares.
Who is this naive fool?
"Are you joking? Why would I tell you my source? That's business confidentiality."
His dismissive tone irritates Paimon.
Then he sneers.
"Did Kurisu send you to plead on their behalf?"
"Plead?"
Lumine cracks her knuckles.
Her gaze turns dangerous.
She has experience with people like this — the arrogant, cowardly type who bullies the weak and fears the strong.
He abandoned the Trade Association that sheltered him and turned into an accomplice against them.
A textbook traitor.
A beating, at minimum, feels justified.
Werner instinctively steps back.
"Wait — what are you doing? This is Ritou! Kanjou Commission officers patrol nearby! If they see you—"
Before he can finish—
A fist fills his vision.
The next second—
He's on the ground, crying out in pain.
What follows is straightforward.
Under the threat of further violence, Werner spills everything.
Yes — he is working under pressure.
Yes — he's colluding with certain officials under the Kanjou Commission.
Yes — the monopoly and tax manipulation are coordinated.
The truth pours out like beans from a broken jar.
Paimon watches Lumine standing over him, looking almost like the villain of the scene.
"Is… this really okay?"
Still—
It worked.
In less than fifteen minutes, the entire scheme is exposed.
Sometimes—
Force really is efficient.