Covert Investigation, Dirty Money Misdeeds (Part 2)
Last updated 2026-07-27
Covert Investigation, Dirty Money Misdeeds is a World Quest during Tracing Vanishing Trails.
Steps
- Wait until two days later (08:00 – 12:00)
- Go to Yilong Wharf
- Equip the item and talk to Yelan
- Investigate the goods on the pier
- Part 1:
- Match the image with the actual scene
- Head to target location to match images and scene: 0/1
- Part 2:
- Find the marks on the pier through the Kamera's view
- Marks discovered: 0/5
- Part 1:
- Summarize the results of your investigation
- Talk to Yelan
- Prepare to dismantle the bomb
- Dismantle the bomb
- Bombs dismantled: 0/5
- Talk to Yelan
- Summarize the situation with Yelan
Gameplay Notes
- During both investigations, if the player does not open the Case Records before using the Forensic Imaging Device gadget, then their first use of the gadget will open the Case Records.
- During the first investigation's second part, a barrier will appear and prevent the player from leaving the area.
- During the first investigation's second part, after some time[How long?], white arrows pointing at the remaining targets will appear.
Dialogue
This page is missing dialogue.
Can you help out? Click here to add more.
Verify:
- Can you make steps 5 and 6 ("Summarize the results of your investigation" and "Talk to Yelan") appear on the screen by having someone join you with Co-Op Mode and then fully restarting the game? If so, does the updated quest description "The criminal gang's activities are suspicious. At Yelan's suggestion, you board the cargo ship and prepare for a confrontation..." appear before either of those steps, instead of just before step 7 ("Prepare to dismantle the bomb")?
Quest DescriptionThe time to act is almost upon you. It's time to head to Yilong Wharf and meet up with Yelan...
- (Pass time)
- Paimon: Well, it's been two days! Let's go meet up with Yelan!
- Paimon: Ooh, Paimon's getting excited! Searching for evidence, tracking down a crime boss... It's like being a real detective!
- (Talk to Yelan)
- Yelan: Well done, you two. Right on time.
How's the case coming along?- Any developments?
- Yelan: The day after we infiltrated the storage facility, the Dark Financier's two lackeys, Corder and Doddamani, started moving the goods.
- Yelan: See that ship? It's the one Doddamani dispatched to transport the goods. It operates under the guise of a joint passenger and freight vessel.
- Paimon: Whoa, that's one huge boat! Paimon can see all the goods piled up on the pier! Seems like it's transporting quite a few passengers to Lumidouce Harbor as well...
- What if those aren't the real goods, though?
- Should we investigate them just in case?
- Yelan: Thinking two-steps ahead? I like it. You're a fast learner.
- Yelan: If Corder and Doddamani think the authorities are on to them, it's possible the goods they're sending to Lumidouce Harbor are a whole bunch of nothing. Just bait to flush out the law enforcement on their tail.
- Yelan: But we need to be careful. Several members of the crew have confessed that a veteran Treasure Hoarder known as "Scamface" is involved with the Dark Financier.
- Yelan: As an escaped convict, Scamface is a master of staying hidden. Based on our earlier investigation, it's clear he's the one who's been doing reconnaissance on the Millelith's lighthouse.
- Yelan: I'll circle the area to draw Scamface's attention away from the scene while you two inspect the goods.
- Yelan: Remember to keep a low profile.
- Understood. I'll keep it stealthy.
- Don't worry. I've got this.
- Paimon: Yeah! And Paimon will do her best to... float closer to the ground! No higher than (Traveler)'s shoulder!
- (Talk to Yelan without the Forensic Imaging Device equipped, optional)
- Yelan: Alright, remember to equip the Forensic Imaging Device and try not to make too much noise.
- (Talk to Yelan with the Forensic Imaging Device equipped)
- Yelan: All set?
- I'm ready to go.
- Yelan: Alright, we'll meet back up here once you're done.
- You arrive at the pier and begin your investigation.
- (Continues to section below)
- Hold on, let me check!
- (Exits dialogue)
- (A tutorial is shown)
-
The suspicious ship is moored near the wharf. Once you have swept the area and captured all available evidence, you will need to investigate the cargo on the pier...
In order to successfully collect evidence, you need to line up the partial images from the files with the view through the imaging device until you get a perfect match.
- (During the investigation)
-
- The Investigation Begins
- Match the image with the actual scene
- (If the player leaves the area)
-
- You have left the investigation area
- Paimon: Hey, don't forget about the investigation! We shouldn't leave this area.
- (Talk to Yelan, optional)
- Yelan: I'll keep an eye on the perimeter and make sure Scamface doesn't get close...
- Yelan: Of course, if he knows I'm here, there's no way he'll risk showing his face.
- Yelan: Take this opportunity to collect evidence. Check the goods carefully.
- (Open the Case Records)
-
- Harbor Pier
- This is the documented intel on the characteristics of the target ship. Scan the ships at the harbor with the Forensic Imaging Device from the specified angles and match the images in the intel to the actual scene, then perform preliminary evidence gathering, and finally proceed with further investigation...
- (Match the image)
- Paimon: Hmm... What's with this mark? It looks like someone deliberately painted it here...
...Something's wrong. Let's try and find the rest of these marks!
- (The next Case Record opens)
-
- Harbor Pier
- While assessing the ship, you noticed some marked goods. The marks were made using a special kind of paint which can only be identified via the Forensic Imaging Device, so use it to find all the marked goods and obtain some important clues...
- (Investigate the stacked crates with a mark)
- Paimon: There! That mark. It's the same as the others!
- (Investigate the marked crate next to the stairs)
- Paimon: The marked crate must belong to the bad guys!
- (Investigate the marked crate next to a large pot)
- Paimon: Very well hidden...
- (Investigate the marked barrel)
- Paimon: I've found a mark!
- (Investigate the marked ship)
- Paimon: A marked ship? I think it was a lifeboat...
- (After the investigation)
- Paimon: Okay, so no fakes. These people are definitely anxious to get their goods to Fontaine all in one go...
- Paimon: But did you see the strange markings on some of them? Wonder what they mean... Let's go ask Yelan!
- You find Yelan and tell her the results of the investigation...
- Yelan: Good work. As for the auction, Officer Edler was able to gather some useful intel too. We're almost certain their target is the auction taking place at the Hotel Debord in two days.
- Yelan: The markings you managed to capture were applied with a special kind of paint. Almost impossible to notice without some kind of specialized tech, like the Forensic Imaging Device.
- Yelan: I think we're looking at a Treasure Hoarder insignia. Each big shot in the organization has their own — almost like a personal signature. And considering what we know about the case, I'd wager this is Scamface's handiwork.
- So... He's labeling the goods. But why?
- What message is he trying to send?
- Yelan: Based on the port manifest, it looks like the marked goods include... fertilizer from Sumeru, local fireworks, soap, and perfume.
- Paimon: So nothing special then... Just some farming products and everyday necessities?
- Yelan: Fertilizer, soap, and perfume... No, there's something going on there.
- Yelan: Might be risky, but I'm gonna investigate on board, and hitch a ride to Fontaine while I'm at it.
- We've made it this far...
- We'll come with you.
- Paimon: Yeah, let's see this thing through! Paimon's gotta know what's going on here!
- Yelan: Well, you've proved yourselves so far, so I don't see a problem with that. Just know, once we board the ship, we're bound to come face to face with Corder and Doddamani.
- Yelan: So, make sure you're prepared. The investigation might look a little different this time.
- (They board the ship)
- Crewmember: Excuse me, passengers. Due to limited space in the cargo hold, we've been forced to store some of the goods on the deck. We apologize for the inconvenience.
- Friendly Passenger: Ah please, no need to apologize for your success in business! I just hope it rubs off on the rest of us! Hahaha...
- Yelan: It looks like all the goods marked with Scamface's insignia have Corder listed as the shipper. Doddamani is in the cargo hold, likely making sure all the goods are in place for delivery.
- Paimon: Are they... inspecting something? Why are they rifling through the boxes? Paimon can't make sense of it!
- Yelan: Here, take this cipher. It should help you figure out their coded messages.
- Yelan: This is the plan — while I distract Corder and Doddamani, you two investigate the goods marked with Scamface's insignia. We might learn something useful.
- If I find something concerning...
- Is it okay if I deal with it right then and there?
- Yelan: By all means. I trust your judgement.
- (Yelan walks off to find Corder and Doddamani)
- Paimon: Huh? W—W—Wait! You're just gonna go up and talk to those guys!? Yelan!
- Yelan: Hm? Oh, excuse me gentlemen, but... Have we met?
- Yelan: You're Mr. Corder, a famous antique collector in the Quartier Lyonnais, correct? I believe the three of us have had the pleasure of meeting once before. At Jiulue Teahouse in Yilong Wharf, if I'm not mistaken...
- Doddamani: Huh? You... You!
- Corder: ...Ah, the Dice Master of Yanshang Teahouse... It's a pleasure, Miss Yelan.
- Yelan: Oh, so you've heard of me too?
- Corder: Yes, I had an absolutely delectable cup of tea there once. One can hardly leave Yanshang Teahouse without hearing about your legendary dice skills. I suppose something keeps bringing us together. A shared love of tea, perhaps?
- Yelan: Yes, that must be it... Well, looks like we ran into each other at the perfect time. I'm heading to Fontaine on vacation, you see. Any recommendations on where I should visit?
- Yelan: Someplace I could find an exquisite tea set, perhaps... Like a fine art exhibition. Or, an auction? I hear Fontainian black tea has a unique flavor. I imagine your tea sets are a sight to behold as well.
- Doddamani: You—!
- Yelan: Ah, does this gentleman have an interest in tea sets as well?
- Doddamani: I... Ahem... Of course. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Yelan. I'm also heading to Fontaine for travel. Corder's invitation, you see. In fact, I'm the one who owns this ship...
- Paimon: Yep, Yelan is actually talking to them! Are we sure that's a good idea...?
- We don't have much time!
- She's giving us an opening! Let's use it!
- Paimon: Alright! Then, let's go somewhere out of their line of sight so we can start investigating those boxes!
- (The two make their way towards the bow, and find a group of crates that cause them to cover their noses.)
- Paimon: *coughing* What's with the strong smell coming from these boxes? Must be a bunch of stuff mixed together...
- Paimon: And there's a strange note. But, Paimon can't read what it says...
- It's written in code...
- Luckily, we have the cipher...
- Paimon: Yelan really thinks of everything, huh! But, uh... You know how to use this thing, right?
- (The Traveler consults Yelan's cipher with the note.)
- Deciphered Message
(A formula made by mixing certain substances. Not very complicated, but the steps are rendered in great detail.)
By mixing the three main ingredients in the prescribed proportions and the specified order, the desensitization effect is significantly reduced, allowing small fireworks to function as detonators.
Install them in the locations shown. Then, use a timer to control the explosion timing such that the ship's hull may be destroyed in open waters. Sink their goods so they can't take part in the auction.
After that, the investigating forces of both Fontaine and Liyue will focus their attention on me. Don't worry, the boss won't play us out.
Evacuate on your own, then pour your heart into acting out how grateful you are to have "miraculously survived."
Wait out the heat for six months, then move to finish this matter.
All you need to do is to bury the 15,000,000 Mora the boss promised at the seventh sentry post. No need to contact me.
- Paimon: Well? Well? What does it say?
- If I'm right, they're planning to dispose of the goods...
- ...By blowing up the ship.
- Paimon: B—B—B—Blowing up the ship!?
- Paimon: Are they nuts? Paimon thought this was about getting the authorities off their tails... Not drawing even more attention!
- Scamface needs to protect the person at the top...
- So, he's diverting attention to an ever bigger problem...
- And cutting off all our leads in the process...
- Paimon: Okay, Yelan was right! This guy is a complete lunatic!
- Paimon: There are innocent people on this ship! We need to find and disarm those bombs as soon as possible!
- (Obtain Dark Financier's Cipher)
Step DescriptionThe criminal gang's activities are suspicious. At Yelan's suggestion, you board the cargo ship and prepare for a confrontation...
- (Approach Yelan, Corder, and Doddamani, optional)
- Yelan is turning the heat up on your opponent — now is the time to focus on dismantling the bomb...
- (The player is teleported back to the main deck)
- (Attempt to start the investigation without equipping the Forensic Imaging Device, optional)
- (Traveler): (I should equip the Forensic Imaging Device...)
- (Interact with the marked location with the Forensic Imaging Device equipped)
- Act Now
- (Traveler): (Yelan's distraction is holding. This is our chance, but we need to hurry.)
- Let's act now!
- (Continues to next section)
- Let me just check something first...
- (Exits dialogue)
- (During the challenge)
-
- The Operation Begins
- Find and dismantle all bombs based on the marks
- (Open the Case Records)
- (If the player leaves the area)
- The situation is urgent. Prioritize dismantling the bombs!
- You have left the investigation area
- Paimon: Hey, don't forget about the investigation! We shouldn't leave this area.
- (Interact with the bomb on the side of the bridge)
Secretly Dismantle- Paimon: Dismantle it, quick! But be careful!
- (Interact with the bomb on the roof of the bridge)
- Secretly Dismantle
- Paimon: They're going after the bridge! And Doddamani still wants to play the victim!
- (Interact with the bomb on the main deck)
- Secretly Dismantle
- Paimon: Geez, it looks so small, but it's really heavy... so dangerous!
- (Interact with the bomb on the mast)
- Secretly Dismantle
- Paimon: This bomb... are they trying to blow up the mast? We gotta get rid of it!
- (Interact with the bomb on the bow)
- Secretly Dismantle
- Paimon: Alright! That's the bomb on the bow taken care of!
- (After dismantling all the bombs)
- Paimon: Alright, that's all the bombs on the deck. What about the cargo hold? Do we have enough time?
- Yelan: Already taken care of.
- Yelan: Good work, you two. You stayed calm and acted fast. That was the perfect response to a situation like this.
- Paimon: Yelan! Honestly, it's all thanks to you. It was your idea to board the ship. And, we never would've been able to figure out that message without your cipher...
- Paimon: Wait a sec... Where are Corder and Doddamani?
- Yelan: Heh...
- Yelan: Recovering from the shock, I would imagine. Suddenly finding out that you're being targeted by a dangerous individual... That must have been quite the ordeal for you, gentlemen? Almost lost your cargo and your lives in one fell swoop...
- Corder: ...
- Corder: Indeed. To think such evil exists in this world... I can scarcely imagine what I did to offend this fellow. Resorting to murder like this... It's quite unfathomable.
- Yelan: Well, no need to fear. I'll alert the Maison Gardiennage at once and ask them to send agents to Lumidouce Harbor. The two of you are clearly in need of protection.
- Yelan: Your cargo will also need to be handed over to the authorities for inspection, Mr. Corder — just to eliminate any remaining hazards. After which, the Maison Gardiennage will escort it all to its intended destination, of course.
- Yelan: So, if I may... Where are your goods heading, Mr. Corder?
- Corder: ...To the Hotel Debord. For an auction in two days.
- Yelan: Ah, then rest assured. The Maison Gardiennage is full of diligent and responsible personnel. You can trust that your goods will arrive at the auction without a scratch.
- (Whether he realizes or not, Corder's fist clenches in frustration.)
- Corder: Our sincerest thanks.
- After some time, the ship safely docks at Lumidouce Harbor. The Maison Gardiennage conduct a quick safety inspection and unload all the cargo from the ship.
- In the meantime, you tell Yelan about the note Scamface left for Corder and Doddamani.
- Paimon: Oh, you scared the life out of Paimon, Yelan! Going right up to them like that... What if they caught on and decided to, you know... try something desperate!?
- Yelan: It's not a question of "if," Paimon. I'm sure they caught on, but in the interest of their own survival, they had no choice but to play along.
- Yelan: Now, we can be sure the Dark Financier is getting desperate. The stint on the ship, that was him trying to cut his losses to save his own skin.
- Yelan: He needs to get rid of anything that could be traced back to him. So, you blow up the ship. You send the goods meant for the auction straight to the bottom of the sea, and let Scamface take the heat...
- Yelan: The last thing he wanted was for the goods to make it to the auction. But, now, we've ensured that they will. So, he has no choice but to follow through.
- Yelan: He could choose not to send one of his agents to the auction, and let his goods go to an unsuspecting buyer instead. But remember, their worth is inflated...
- Yelan: It would only be a matter of time before the buyer realized the valuation was off and reported it to the authorities. As the seller, Corder would be staring down a potential conviction.
- Yelan: At best, the Dark Financier has to find a new kind of Mora-laundering scheme. At worst, he loses one of his last reliable agents in Fontaine.
- And, if he does decide to continue with the auction...
- That also works in our favor...
- Yelan: Exactly. Our trail of evidence remains intact, and we let the buyer at the auction lead us closer to the Dark Financier.
- Paimon: Okay, um... So, uh... That means, um... Could we go over this again?
- Yelan: Don't worry. I'm sure (Traveler) will explain it again in Paimon-friendly language.
- Yelan: We're in the home stretch, and taking advantage of this auction is crucial... So, come prepared to see this through.
- Yelan: Officer Edler already has an informant stationed at the scene. This invitation letter will get you in to the auction.
- Yelan: I'll meet you at the Hotel Debord in two days.
- (Obtain
Invitation to an Auction)
- (Obtain
Post-Quest Dialogue
All post-quest dialogue is available until completion of step 1 in the next quest.
Crewmember and Friendly Passenger
- (Talk to the Crewmember or the Friendly Passenger at Lumidouce Harbor)
- Friendly Passenger: Is there something wrong with the ship? Why is the Maison Gardiennage here...?
- Crewmember: Ah... Haha... I'm sure it's nothing. I think I saw the famous adventurer, (Traveler), helping out, which means everything's certain to be under control.
- Crewmember: No matter the situation, the captain can surely sort it out...
- Crewmember: I just did what I was told... I won't get into trouble, right...?
Crewmember and Friendly Passenger's Location
Additional Context
Corder, Doddamani, and Fonck
- (Talk to Corder, Doddamani, or Fonck at Lumidouce Harbor)
- Corder: Please, officer, these goods need to be processed before the auction. If you could see your way to letting me deliver them...
- Fonck: My apologies, Mr. Corder, but the Maison Gardiennage suspects that your goods have caught the attention of a criminal organization.
- Fonck: Both you and your goods must remain under the protection of the Maison Gardiennage until the auction starts. Otherwise, who knows what might happen?
- Corder: B—But... there's still so much to do before the auction...
- Fonck: Do I have to explain the meaning of the word "must" to you, Mr. Corder?
- Corder: N—No... I understand...
- Doddamani: I—I'd best be getting back to the ship... G—Good luck, Corder...
- Fonck: Please wait here just a moment, Mr. Doddamani. The safety inspectors haven't finished checking your ship yet. Once it's done, you'll be free to return to Sumeru.
- Doddamani: O—Okay...
Corder, Doddamani, and Fonck's Location
Additional Context
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name | Literal Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | Covert Investigation, Dirty Money Misdeeds | — |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 隐行谛勘，秽金之罪 | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 隱行諦勘，穢金之罪 | |
| Japanese | ハラハラ潜入捜査 Harahara Sen'nyuu Sousa | |
| Korean | 검은돈 비밀 수사 Geomeundon Bimil Susa | |
| Spanish | Investigación encubierta del Mora sucio | Undercover Investigation of the Dirty Mora |
| French | Enquête secrète, délits d'argent sale | Secret Investigation, Dirty Money Misdemeanors |
| Russian | Тайное расследование, грязные финансовые махинации Taynoye rassledovaniye, gryaznyye finansovyye makhinatsii | |
| Thai | การสืบสวนลับ บาปแห่งเงินสกปรก | |
| Vietnamese | Bí Mật Điều Tra, Đồng Tiền Hắc Ám | |
| German | Verdeckte Ermittlungen, schmutziges Geld | Covert Investigations, Dirty Money |
| Indonesian | Investigasi Rahasia dan Uang Haram | |
| Portuguese | Investigação Secreta, Delitos com Dinheiro Sujo | |
| Turkish | Gizli Soruşturma, Kirli Para Vurgunları | |
| Italian | Un caso sporco |
Change History
Released in Version 5.8