[Cards] The Hidden Agenda (Patreon)

The papers were easy to duplicate—the reference perfect to copy from—and Raikya’s charm was more than enough to convince the staff that she was the gallery representative they were expecting. Without even a pocket on her person and her sidebag willingly left with the guards, she was free to inspect the relic room unfettered. She was quick to find the tiny, moss-covered ring sitting on its stand, and, with a flick of her wrist, produced its near perfect doppelganger to make the switch.

She spent the rest of her time admiring the variety of paintings, jewelry, and arms that lined the walls, skipping over a figurine with a chuckle. “Statues are for pigeons, no matter how priceless,” she muttered, her mentor’s words ringing in her ears. She excused herself from the room, gracefully accepted an invitation to return, and with her bag collected, left with confidence and purpose.

After all, she had places to be.