The administrative building was a fairly large structure made of marble, separated from the main building by a short, roofed walkway. It was L shaped, but a walled garden would make it look like a square from above. The group was standing opposite of those walls, attempting to identify a way over. “There are too many people here.” Siegfried said, looking around. While the sun did fall, it was far from leaving. So people were still out on their business or returning to their homes. Being so close to the main building meant even more people and an even higher likelihood of one appearing at the worst moment. If they were to do it at night it would be far worse as well, as they had decided they would likely be classified as criminals instead of fools.

“Not to mention, we would also need something tall to stand on. I suppose if we all climbed on Siegfried's back it would be a bit easier.” Artur joked as Siegfried mumbled some insult.

Medurio’s mind was stuck for a few moments on what could happen to them if they were to get caught. Only afterwards did he state the obvious, “This would only work if there was a way to jump back over on the opposite end.”

They all went silent, beginning to formulate unique plans on how to get inside.

“That leaves only the front entrance,” said Scrulo. “The windows are too large to be opened and the service door is likely locked.”

“I doubt the receptionist will try to stop us from going inside,” said Artur with a shrug. “Fool them into thinking we are on important business, they likely won’t say a thing.”

“Did you forget that the inquisitor will be there?” Livia said with a tone that showed she greatly opposed the idea. “What do you think would happen if he found us sneaking around?” Her voice slowly turned to a whisper, “Medurio would likely faint!” Siegfried snickered but Medurio once again was too busy daydreaming to hear. Livia gave the amused man a sharp glance but he only managed to stop after his humor had passed. “What happens if the receptionist makes us wait?”

“Then perhaps a distraction would do?” Artur offered, “Someone holds them hostage while the others go on their way?”

“Hold them hostage?” Livia questioned with some offense. “Are we not trying to avoid being caught?”

Artur had an abrupt moment of insight, where he gasped regretfully. “I apologize my lady,” he said, followed by an awful bow. “I would be volunteering for this of course. What I meant to say was, while the rest of you would be sneaking about, I would be speaking absurd amounts of nonsense to confuse the receptionist. Thus, making them unaware that they had just let four students within unannounced.”

“It could work.” Medurio added, regaining focus of the conversation after noticing Artur making a fool of himself. “You go first, then the rest of us can enter after you have them occupied.”

“There is a chance,” Scrulo said. “But we must also take into account that not everyone would take kindly to conversation.” He said this without enough impertinence to make Medurio speculate that it was said for reasons other than criticism. “There is more than one way to keep someone occupied, I think. Your method keeps the mouth occupied, but we may have to keep their mind occupied as well for them to neglect us.”

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Medurio and Artur stared at the man blankly. “Does speaking not require thought?” Artur asked, hoping that Scrulo was joking.

“Some people say that there are two types of thought, the controllable and uncontrollable. The controllable takes conscious effort and intelligent thinking but the other does not. So what I am trying to express is that having a simple conversation may not prevent them from pulling their complete attention away.”

Medurio surely thought that Scrulo was an even greater madman. It was as if he really believed that everyone agreed with his philosophical babbling. He was quite distressed by this thought.

“No offense friend,” Artur started, “But not everyone is interested in being taught philosophy. Especially when it is done as spontaneously as you have.”

Scrulo grunted, but did not immediately retort. “Fine, have it your way. Let us see if your depthless words have any effect in practice.”

Medurio was greatly surprised. Was that the first time that Scrulo had agreed to someone else’s viewpoint?

“Good.” Artur said awkwardly. “What will the rest of you be doing then?”

Medurio began to imagine the steps they would need to take once they were inside. He then ran it through his head multiple times with the majority involving them being caught. “Since we don’t know where the inquisitor is, a plan would be useless.” He said, somewhat apprehensive. “So I suggest go now, before we end up deceiving ourselves.” With no clear path ahead, Medurio was nervous. Although, just as when he had first snatched the text, he somehow felt excited.

The rest did not offer an objection. Artur bowed, “I shall get going then. Do not wait too long now! Otherwise I may run low on conversation ideas. Until later!” And he was off, Striding toward the building with purpose.

The rest stood still, bathing in their own nervousness. Then Siegfried laid a hand on Medurio’s shoulder, “Well, you’re the one who led us here. Lead on!”

Medurio scowled at the man’s smirking expression and sighed. It was true that he knew what to do, but he did not think that he could lead this group of fools. “Fine, but if you follow me you must do exactly what I say. Are you okay with that?”

Siegfried raised a brow, “Exactly what you say? I don’t believe any of us would be willing to carry out your foul schemes.”

Before Medurio replied, Livia interjected after giving Siegfried a glare. “Don’t listen to him, just avoid doing anything unreasonable and we’ll follow.

Medurio looked at the others, who did not object to her words. He nodded his head, somewhat glad that there was one person who wanted Siegfried to not speak as much. “The same goes for you two,” he finally responded. “Let’s hurry.”

They entered the building, acting as they thought one would while not following such an outrageous plan. The reception room was plain, A few plants lined along the windows and a small silver chandelier hung above. In the center, between two ornate doors was a large marble reception desk. It was there where Artur chatted with the receptionist who seemed quite attentive to his words. Medurio wondered whether it was because she was jaded from being in such a dull space. Taking his eyes off those two, they silently went towards the nearest door to the left. Scampering inside and closing the door behind them, Medurio's anxiety moved from that problem to the next. They were in a wide hallway, equally plain as the reception. Slowly, they passed doors that led to the offices of whose names were plastered outside. Medurio's head turned from left to right hoping that at least one of them led to the courtyard. He noticed an alcove on the right side of the hall ahead. No doubt that that was the right way.

With the greatest composure they could muster, the group walked down the hall. The silence was disconcerting and with each step Medurio felt that he might trip over his own foot. Still they went closer and closer to alcove until footsteps came from the staircase at the end. Descending those steps was the grey and black robes of the inquisitor.