Extra 2: Grimsqueak's Grand Gamble

The Aethelian afternoon tea, while a welcome distraction, couldn't completely erase the looming shadow of the IBC audit. Corvus knew that the Department of Extradimensional Affairs needed to be prepared, not just bureaucratically, but also financially. The audit, he suspected, would come with its own set of unexpected expenses, and he wanted to ensure that the department had the resources to weather the storm.

Which is why he found himself, a few days later, in Grimsqueak's cluttered office, surrounded by stacks of interdimensional financial reports, arcane investment charts, and a faint but persistent smell of cheese.

"Director Quill," Grimsqueak squeaked, his tiny eyes gleaming with entrepreneurial fervor, "I believe I have identified a… unique opportunity. A chance to generate significant revenue for the department, while also contributing to the stability of the Aethelian economy."

Corvus raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Grimsqueak's financial acumen was legendary within the department. He had a knack for spotting undervalued assets, exploiting bureaucratic loopholes, and turning seemingly insignificant investments into substantial profits. But his methods were often… unorthodox, and Corvus couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension.

"What kind of opportunity are we talking about, Grimsqueak?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral. "And how unorthodox are we talking?"

Grimsqueak grinned, revealing a set of surprisingly sharp teeth. "Unorthodox? Perhaps. But also… highly lucrative. I have been monitoring the interdimensional market for several weeks, and I have identified a promising new venture: the breeding and sale of Flumphberries."

Corvus blinked, taken aback. "Flumphberries? What are Flumphberries?"

Grimsqueak launched into a detailed explanation, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Flumphberries, Director Quill, are a rare and highly sought-after fruit that grows only in the deepest, darkest corners of the Shadowfell. They are prized for their unique flavor, their potent magical properties, and their… unusual appearance. They resemble small, pulsating orbs of iridescent goo, and they emit a faint but persistent humming sound."

Corvus grimaced. "They sound… appetizing."

"Their taste is unparalleled!" Grimsqueak insisted. "A symphony of sweet, sour, and savory notes, with a hint of… existential dread. And their magical properties are even more remarkable. Flumphberries can be used to enhance spellcasting, to brew powerful potions, and to create… other things." He winked suggestively.

Corvus sighed. "What 'other things,' Grimsqueak?"

Grimsqueak hesitated, then leaned in conspiratorially. "Let's just say that Flumphberries are a key ingredient in certain… recreational substances that are popular among the interdimensional elite."

Corvus groaned. "Grimsqueak, are you suggesting that the Department of Extradimensional Affairs should get involved in the interdimensional drug trade?"

Grimsqueak looked offended. "Of course not, Director Quill! We would be simply providing a valuable service to the interdimensional community. And generating a healthy profit for the department, of course."

Corvus rubbed his temples, trying to process the absurdity of the situation. He was considering investing the department's funds in a Flumphberry breeding operation, which would involve venturing into the Shadowfell, cultivating pulsating orbs of iridescent goo, and potentially catering to the interdimensional drug trade. His life had certainly taken a strange turn since arriving in Aethel.

"Alright, Grimsqueak," he said, his voice filled with resignation. "Tell me more about this Flumphberry breeding operation. What would it entail? What are the risks? And what are the potential rewards?"

Grimsqueak launched into a detailed presentation, outlining the logistics of the operation, the challenges of cultivating Flumphberries in a controlled environment, and the potential for profit. He presented charts, graphs, and financial projections, all meticulously researched and impeccably documented. He even had a sample of Flumphberry jam, which Corvus reluctantly tasted and found to be surprisingly… palatable. As Grimsqueak spoke, Corvus began to see the potential in the venture. The demand for Flumphberries was high, the supply was limited, and the profit margins were substantial. And with Grimsqueak's expertise and resourcefulness, he was confident that the department could successfully navigate the challenges of the operation.

"Alright, Grimsqueak," he said, his voice filled with cautious optimism. "I'm willing to give it a try. But we need to proceed with caution. We need to ensure that we are operating within the bounds of interdimensional law, that we are protecting our employees, and that we are not jeopardizing the department's reputation."

Grimsqueak squeaked with delight. "Excellent, Director Quill! I assure you, we will proceed with the utmost discretion and professionalism. I have already secured a suitable location for the breeding operation, a secluded cavern in the Shadowfell that is known for its… fertile soil. And I have recruited a team of experienced Flumphberry cultivators, who are eager to get started."

Corvus sighed. "Experienced Flumphberry cultivators? Where did you find them, Grimsqueak? And what are their qualifications?"

Grimsqueak grinned mischievously. "Let's just say that they have a… unique understanding of the Shadowfell, and a proven track record of success in the… unconventional agriculture industry."

Corvus decided not to ask any further questions. He had a feeling he didn't want to know the answers.

"Alright, Grimsqueak," he said, his voice filled with resignation. "Let's do it. Let's breed some Flumphberries. But if this operation goes south, I'm holding you personally responsible."

Grimsqueak squeaked with glee. "Don't worry, Director Quill! I have every confidence that this venture will be a resounding success. And who knows? Maybe we'll even discover a new strain of Flumphberry, with even more potent magical properties and even more… unusual flavors."

Corvus shuddered. He had a feeling that his life in Aethel was about to get even stranger.