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“You believe the service remains unspecified.”

“Nessa asked what was required. The merchant withheld the answer.”

“The instructions may have arrived after this exchange.”

“Then the watch begins immediately.”

Sarveth moves to the wall map and points to the Lowtown marketplace.

“The merchant leases a stall beside the western spice row,” she says. “His storage room opens onto a rear lane. An abandoned wool stall faces both entrances.”

“Who controls it?”

“A human family indebted to Morwen’thir.”

“Pay them for its temporary use.”

“They would surrender it if ordered.”

“Payment creates a cleaner record and less resentment.”

Her silver eyes remain on me. “Fiona’s reasoning continues to spread.”

“This is operational efficiency.”

“Certainly.”

“The scout records visitors, purchases, meeting times, and exact words wherever possible. He must avoid contact with Nessa.”

“And Fiona?”

“She receives no warning until we know the demand.”

“Keeping this from her may be unwise.”

“Giving her an incomplete warning may drive her directly into the merchant’s stall.”

“She will object when she learns you made that choice for her.”

“She may.”

The bond between us has deepened, but it grants neither unrestricted knowledge nor agreement. Fiona has earned access to my library and influence within my house. She has not acquired command over a covert investigation.

That distinction will not satisfy her. It remains necessary.

“Watch Nessa’s family as well,” I say. “Discreetly. The scout may intervene if anyone attempts to kill them or remove them from Lowtown.”

“Nothing less?”

“Nothing less justifies exposing the watch.”

Sarveth folds her copy. “I will take the order to Joran.”

“There is another risk,” I say.

She waits.

“The merchant may use several intermediaries. A direct visitor from Varrus would be careless.”