Chapter Text
The neon lights of Planarideia flickered against the cracked window of the detective agency. Ashveil sat in his worn leather chair, the springs groaning under his weight. In his Shadow Arm, the dark energy pulsed with a low, hungry hum, but his focus was entirely on the holographic file floating before him.
It was the data Aventurine had sent at 3 AM. A detailed list of everything Madam Pearl "adored."
Ashveil: [Voice rasping, lighting a cigarette] "My Narrator is currently describing this as a 'deal with a gilded devil.' Aventurine... you’re a menace. But a lead is a lead. Even if it involves 'historical authenticity' and 'symmetrical art.'"
He stared at the note about Mechanical Emperor’s War artifacts. A slow, tired smirk pulled at the corner of his mouth.
Ashveil: "Gears and ink splatters. If she wanted a professional, she shouldn't have hired a man who lives in a fridge. Let’s see how the CEO handles a little... improvisation."
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[Group Chat: Strategic Investment Department – “The Stonehearts”]
Pearl: AVENTURINE.
Pearl: I am still waiting for an explanation.
Pearl: The Detective is currently in the Pearluxe Tower lobby. He is wearing a tattered trench coat that smells of 'synthetic misfortune,' and he is loudly demanding to 'appraise' my private collection of Rubert Empire artifacts.
Pearl: He also has a banana. A real one. In my sterile environment.
Pearl: EXPLAIN YOUR AUDACITY.
Aventurine: [4:15 PM] Oh, hey Pearl! Sorry for the late reply.
Aventurine: I was a bit... tied up.
Aventurine: Someone (naming no names, but he has a PhD and a mean right hook) thwacked me for being awake at 3 AM.
Topaz: He’s alive! I thought Ratio finally solved you for zero.
Aventurine: Not quite! He actually settled for a 'tactical silence' method.
Aventurine: 😉
Aventurine: Anyway, regarding your 'threat' from earlier—Pearl, dear, don't be so cold! I just thought the Detective needed some... professional development.
Aventurine: You said you wanted to 'analyze' his shadow, right? Well, he’s right there in your lobby. Go ahead. Render him.
Aventurine: Just don't blame me if he spills ink on your 4.0 Charter. It’s for the sake of 'authenticity.'
Pearl: My cooling fans are screaming.
Pearl: I am going to deduct the cost of the lobby's deep-cleaning from your next commission.
Jade: ☕️
Jade: Now, now, Pearl. It’s a bold investment.
Jade: Besides, the Detective is looking quite... focused today. It would be a shame to waste that energy.
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[Private Message: Madam Pearl, Ashveil]
Pearl: Mr. Ashveil.
Pearl: If you take one more step toward the Imperial Reliquary with that fruit in your hand, I will have the security bots 'appraise' your structural integrity.
Ashveil: [Image: A blurry selfie of Ashveil holding a rusted, oily gear next to a banana]
Ashveil: Relax, Madam. I’m just here for the 'essence of art.'
Ashveil: Aventurine told me you were a fan of the Mechanical Emperor’s War. I found this gear in a gutter near the World's End Tavern.
Ashveil: It looks symmetrical. Isn't that what you like?
Pearl: (Typing...)
Pearl: That is a piece of a discarded lawnmower from the Amber Era.
Pearl: ...Get into my office. Now. Before you embarrass me further.
Ashveil: Coming, Boss.
Ashveil: (The Narrator says she’s blushing in binary. I think we’re in.)