“Hey, Nickie.” Serah says from her bed.

“What?” Nickie asks from her bed.

“Wanna go to the royal library and steal some stuff?” Serah asks.

“Uhmm. Okay.” Nickie says.

Serah smiles. “Awesome.” She says.

…

…

Serah walks into the room, her footsteps silent, and her intentions hidden. She approaches the dresser and looks for the place the lady had placed the keys. Serah smiles. They were right where she expected them. She quickly fishes the keys out and leaves, behind her were the snores of an exhausted lady.

…

…

Serah approaches the guards. “You guys look like you’re working hard. How ‘bout a glass of tea to calm the nerves.” Serah says as she holds out the tray.

The guard smiles. “Don’t mind if I do m’lady.” He says with a chuckle. “Oy, Robertson. Come have some tea. Can’t have you falling asleep like last time.” He says as the man pours himself a cup.

The other man also approaches and pours himself a cup.

Serah smiles as they both take a drink.

…

…

“Yup, they’re out.” Nickie says as she exams one of the men.

“Alright lets go.” Serah says. She walks into the library and scans the area. “I doubt we’ll find anything useful with the stuff around here. I bet there’s a hidden room with the good stuff. Let’s look for it.” She says.

Nickie does a quick scan and points a finger. “It’s over there. Behind the back woodshelf.” She says.

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Serah raises an eyebrow. “How would you know?” Serah asks with a tilted head.

Nickie raises an eyebrow. “I can feel it. Didn’t you go through the training?” She asks.

Serah looks at Nickie with a blank face. “Yes, but my senses aren’t that good.” She says, giving Nickie a good look.

“Come on.” Nickie says as she leads the way.

…

…

Nickie pulls out a book and something unlatched, and the bookshelf began to open up before moving to create an entrance.

Serah nods her head, impressed. “Damn, Nickie. You’re kind of hot when you take charge.” She says.

Nickie ignores her. “Come on.” She says as she walks into the room.

Serah follows obediently.

“Hmm… Some good shit better be in here.” Serah says. She approaches a book stand to get a good look. “Hmm. The Empire’s Swordsmanship Style. The Flowing Tide Sword. Imma take this.” Serah says as she looks to Nickie. “What did you get?” She asks.

“Hmm. There’s a Burning Spear tome. There’s also an Auto Shield spell. Imma take these.” Nickie says with a smile.

“Hmm. Should we just sack the place?” Serah asks.

Nickie smiles. “Why do you think I brought these?” She asks as she holds up a burlap sack.

“Nice. Can I hold one?” Serah asks.

Nickie hands her a sack.

“Hmm… Course…” Serah says before getting to work.

…

…

Serah made the drop of her loot to one of Shadow Order agents before going back to the guards.

She pushes the arm of one, stimulating his body with mana.

“Hmm… What? What’s going on?” The man says as he is startled awake. He quickly gets up and grabs Serah’s arm. “What happened?” He asks suspiciously.

Serah shakes her head, playing the startled girl. “I don’t know sir! I came back for the cups and you were asleep!” She says, somewhat excitedly.

“What was in that tea? Who prepared it!?” The man asks.

Serah’s eyes widen. “It was the tea that was purchased for m'lady! I prepared it, but- but I didn’t do anything! I promise!” She exclaims.

The man grunts and puts Serah’s arm down. He goes over and kicks the other man on the ground. “Oy! Kid! Get up!” He yells, dissatisfied before turning to Serah. “As for you. You’ll show us the tea.” He says with a frown.

…

…

The guard makes another pot of tea. “Hey. Drink it.” He says to one of his underlings.

“Do I have to?” The guard with the green cap asks.

“Don’t be a baby.” The man says.

The green-capped guard lets out a sigh. “Fine…” He says before chugging the tea. “Hmm. That’s pretty good. But I feel…” He says before losing his energy and falling to the ground.

“Well, fuck.” The guard says. “It seems someone seems to be trying to drug the imperial consort, to have her vulnerable to all sorts of dastardly things I’m sure.” He says before turning to one of the other guards. “The young master must be informed.” He says.