Sulfur.
The first thing Sean thought of was the material used to make gunpowder—that stuff was just too sensitive. If it were any other industrial product, there wouldn't be a need to bring it in so late at night.
As the wizard had just said, firearms were a bold experiment, but in truth, the entire concept of industry was a novel attempt in this world. If not for being in a city like this, people in other remote towns wouldn't even understand it.
This world had few restrictions on industry, so the fact that someone was sneaking it in like this meant they didn't want it known.
"Gunpowder? Sir Vigor, why the sudden interest?" Esmeralda asked curiously.
"Is there? For instance, where do the gunpowder rounds for Scott's firearms come from?"
"Most are made in our factories, but some precision ones we can't produce and need to buy from outside. We place orders with them almost every year," Esmeralda said, pulling a small wooden box from under the counter.
Opening it revealed various types of gunpowder rounds.
They differed in size and shape, likely designed to fit different kinds of firearms.
Sean picked up a few.
He had to admit, they were quite finely made. Small items best showcased a craftsman's skill—these had visible textures and grooves around them, indicating excellent workmanship.
"So the materials needed for making gunpowder are shipped directly to these factories?"
"Yes, that way we can deliver on time. For example, I order mine from a nearby factory. There are plenty of such places in the industrial district, and some in the outskirts too. Occasionally, alchemists also buy some..." Esmeralda listed several locations, completely disrupting Sean's original plan.
So many places.
Search them one by one?
He couldn't possibly visit them all in a few days unless the Earl sent people to check each one.
But would the goods definitely be there? Besides, these were legitimate factories with normal material stockpiles. Even if you searched, you wouldn't find anything suspicious.
Sean fell silent.
Maybe he was overthinking it.
He should figure out where those goods were headed, but the information he had was very limited—only that they passed by the orchard road four nights ago.
"Brother Sean?"
The three of them saw Sean standing still and approached him curiously.
"Hmm?" He looked down and saw Claude's inquisitive face.
"Brother Sean, do you have something on your mind?" Claude glanced at Sean, then shifted his gaze to Ignia.
From the introductions earlier, everyone knew she was a witch from Elinta—a status enough to deter most people.
"Nothing, just some personal matters. Oh, Claude, help me get that sprouted seed."
"Sure."
Sean still didn't voice his thoughts, because these people weren't like him—they couldn't see things differently. If he went around asking too bluntly, he might attract attention, and he didn't want to drag them into it.
Carrying the sprouted seedling, he left Scott's shop. Ignia, walking beside him, finally couldn't hold back.
"Sean, are you suspecting that sulfur is being used to make gunpowder?" She stepped directly in front of him, leaving him no room to avoid her gaze.
"Yes."
Ignia let out a long sigh.
"Is that all? Then you don't need to worry. Even if someone smuggles gunpowder, it won't harm Cogar City. Don't be fooled by how leisurely life seems here—there are plenty of high-level Order Keepers living in this city. If they step in, a little gunpowder is nothing." Ignia seemed quite confident.
"But what about everywhere?"
"Huh?"
"Every corner? And the ordinary citizens? Can you cover all of that?" Sean asked.
He had planned to inquire further near the eastern streets about whether any convoys or ships had entered the city four nights ago, specifically merchant ones.
But just as they stepped out of Brukand Avenue, the Earl's household guards found them.
"Is this Baron Vigor?" The lead guard captain dismounted and walked up to Sean.
"Yes."
"Count Hamilton requests your return," he replied succinctly.
"Count Hamilton? Why is he calling for me?"
His status among the nobles wasn't very high. Unless it was something important, the Count rarely summoned him. Why today, of all times, especially when he wanted to continue investigating the goods?
"We don't know. We're just here to notify you. We heard from the eastern gate guards that you were in this area, so we came straight here. We still need to inform the other nobles. If you have questions, Baron, you'll have to ask the Count yourself."
Concise and decisive.
Cogar City's guard gave Sean the impression of being well-trained.
"The other nobles are also being summoned?" Sean asked before the captain left.
"Yes, all nobles within Cogar City must report. That's Count Hamilton's order." With that, the captain turned and rode away.
The street was left with a crowd of onlookers, Sean, and Ignia.
"Should we go back?"
"If the Count calls, we have to."
"Then what about investigating the goods?" Ignia looked at Sean.
"That still needs to be done—but you'll do it for me." He turned to face her.
"Me?"
Sean could even see the disbelief on her face.
"Yes, you. Don't ask too many questions. Just subtly find out if any ships or caravans entered four nights ago. Use your detection magic. If you notice anyone reacting, come back and tell me. Try not to take risks alone."
He thought she might be touched by his concern, but instead, Ignia stared at him wide-eyed.
"How do you know I can use detection magic?"
Uh...
"Anyway, be careful. Otherwise, this time next year, I'll be burning incense for you."
"What does that mean?"
Sean ignored her questioning and hurried back to the Count's estate.
By the time he arrived, most of the nobles had already returned, including Aria.
"What's going on, Miss Aria? Why did the Count suddenly summon everyone back?"
"I just got word too. All nobles in the city have been called back. And Father has also recalled the Black Feather Knights from outside the city."
Sean had already spotted the Black Feather Knights earlier.
As everyone was discussing, the old steward who always attended to the ailing Count came out again.
The chatter instantly quieted down.
"Everyone, please settle down. I know you're all curious why the Count has summoned you. Tomorrow, the Red Dragon Witch from the north, Freya Igur, will arrive in Cogar City. The Count wishes for you to represent the southern nobles in welcoming her." As soon as he finished, the nobles erupted in discussion once more.