Evan and the apprentices returned to the intelligence room where Lenar brought out several dusty boxes filled with financial scrolls. Old ledgers sat stacked inside some faded some newly written. Evan opened each one carefully scanning for accuracy.

Numbers Evan said are stronger than spells. When presented clearly they protect reputations better than armies.

Lenar frowned. But merchants do not understand all these records. They get confused.

That is why Evan replied we simplify. But without losing truth.

The apprentices set to work copying important entries onto fresh parchment. Evan guided them.

Show cash flow
Show stable shipments
Show supplier payments
Show tax records
No clutter
No excessive detail

Merchants trust clean forms.

By noon every sheet was ready. Evan looked over the table satisfied. These were not fancy reports. They were calm stable evidence. The kind of information that made debt rumors shatter on contact.

Now Evan said we deploy quietly.

They carried the ledgers in small stacks and walked into the herbal district. Evan approached a supplier he had spoken to the previous night.

Good morning Evan said calmly. I wanted to share something with you. Nothing urgent. Just clarity.

He handed a simple parchment with steady numbers showing Silver Quill’s financial strength. Not a boast. Not a warning. Just truth.

The supplier studied it with raised eyebrows. These look solid. Better than last year.

Evan smiled. Stability builds trust. Feel free to show this to anyone who doubts.

The supplier nodded gratefully.

The apprentices moved through the market performing the same task. They did not force the papers on anyone. They shared naturally. They answered questions honestly. They left merchants feeling informed not pushed.

Meanwhile Evan walked the central plaza observing reactions. Merchants whispered but with relief not fear. He overheard one say I heard Silver Quill has no debts at all. Another replied Their numbers look cleaner than Iron Crest.

The rumor reversal had begun.

But Evan was not finished.

He moved near the registry office where the conflicted operative stood speaking to two merchants.

I heard Silver Quill borrowed coin to secure contracts she said nervously. They may not pay suppliers on time.

The merchants frowned. One pulled out the parchment Evan had given him earlier. Actually he said I saw their ledgers. They look stable. Very stable.

The operative blinked stunned.

Another merchant added I heard Iron Crest has been filing claims too fast. Maybe they are the ones with debt.

The operative’s face flushed. Her confidence shattered completely. She mumbled an excuse and backed away.

Evan stepped near her without revealing himself.

Weak links break under truth he whispered under his breath.

The operative stumbled into a side alley and pulled out her enchanted stone. Evan followed discreetly. She whispered into the stone.

Plan failing. Merchants do not believe debt rumors. Silver Quill’s numbers too clean. Requests guidance.

Her voice trembled.

Evan observed quietly. She was about to expose the final piece.

The stone glowed faintly. A voice emerged deep and stern.

Abandon debt rumors. Move to phase three.
Target their influence.
Strike the merchant council next.

Evan’s eyes sharpened. That was the escalation he expected. If Iron Crest could not break their products or reputation they would attack Silver Quill’s position in the merchant council. Council influence shaped taxes trade rights and long term authority.

If Silver Quill lost council standing they lost everything.

Evan returned to the apprentices quickly.

Iron Crest will target the merchant council next Evan said. That means political pressure. We must prepare immediately.

Lenar nearly dropped the ledgers. Political What does that mean for us

Evan looked at the council emblem on the map.

It means the real war begins tomorrow.