Esper Story: Arcana

That's not a bad angle. But something's missing...

Who's that standing there... Drew?

Sigh...

Drew, what's going on? What's up?

Mr. Arcana! Nothing of great import. A minor matter.

You can tell me. I take it that photograph you're looking at is bothering you.

How perceptive of you. I carelessly spilled ink on it and, as you can see, the image has blurred.

It's pretty bad, but I do know an excellent photography studio in Gyrate that I think should be able to restore it.

I appreciate that, but I've already tried.

It's a very old photograph without any digital backups. I'm afraid it might not be possible to restore it.

Can I ask what the photograph was of, originally?

......

If it's not too personal, that is.

It's not, but... I'm unsure of how to put it into words exactly.

It's a photo of my... graduation ceremony.

Your graduation? That's very important, then.

The ceremony itself was not of particular significance, but I was rather fond of the photograph as it featured Laura and Master Ollie.

I understand now...

Well, I appreciate your time. I'd better be getting on with my affairs.

Oh, you're not going, are you? I think I can help.

Drew, wait!

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Would you mind describing some details of the scene in the photo?

Not at all, but I struggle to comprehend your meaning.

Well, as you can see, I've been practicing drawing and sketching. I've been desperately in need of inspiration.

Ah... now could you describe your facial expression in front of the camera that day?

Nothing unusual. Quite commensurate with my current expression, let's say.

Got it.

I trust all this information will be helpful to your drawing.

Of course.

I'm surprised Mr. Arcana could ever lack inspiration.

Drew, there you are.

How can I help you today, Mr. Arcana?

Here.

Is that my graduation photo?

A very careful sketch, to be precise. I did my best to recreate the scene as photo-realistically as I could based on your description.

Of course, it's not a perfect restoration.

I must admit, I'm awe-struck at your success, and kind effort...

It's yours. Consider it a token of thanks for inspiring me.

And this is me?

Mm. As you can tell, I added a few artistic flourishes.

How can someone not smile at their own graduation?

To be honest, I'm at a loss as to how to thank you.

Your satisfaction is all the thanks I need. After all, it's a great opportunity for me to practice.

Thank you! I will take better care of this one than the last one.

Don't mention it. But do let me know if you have any other photographs that you'd like to see restored.

Uh oh, I'm late! I hope Mona won't be too cross with me.

Sorry Drew, duty calls.

Mona, is it alright with you if I patrol this section and you take the other side?

I don't see why not. Looks like an easy mission to me.

You're always so reliable, Mona.

Don't mention it. Remember to meet back here in half an hour.

Leave it to me.

And don't be late again! I don't want to hear any more excuses about how something weird or wonderful caught your attention.

Last time really was an accident.

And the time before that too?

(Cough) Anyway, I will be very careful.

Hey, Mr. Magician, can you do that again?

Yes, young lad, but I don't have my tools. I'm going to need a few of those special numbered cards that your parents gave you.

Here!

He's got some skill, this magician. But, seriously, tricking money from kids like that?

And you are?

Hey mister, are you a magician too?

You think so?

Top hat, cloak, you're a magician too! Are you going to perform?

Momentarily!

Ooh, I want to see! Show us! Show us now!

(Cough, cough) Behold!

You can do it, mister!

How do you feel?

Amazing!

Hey! What do you think you're doing? Muscling in on my business?

Oh no, I would never dream of doing that. I'm just adding a bit of excitement.

I saw you trick those kids out of their money, you can't trick me.

If you don't want to deal with the police, next time, I suggest you clean up your act.

We'll see about that!

Oh no, looks like he's given up!

Wow! That is so cool!

Magic tricks from the extreme to the extraordinary! Young lad, behold!

Wow, that's amazing! You can make people appear out of thin air!

Save your excitement, my young friends, I haven't even begun!

You mean you didn't conjure her?

Conjure who? What are you talking about?

There's a lady with silver hair behind you!

Arcana! Half an hour! You were meant to meet me back there in half an hour! And here you are goofing around!

Wait, Mona, let me explain.

There's nothing to explain. Save it for when we're back at the Union!

Are you going, mister? What about your trick?

Ah, yes, I have one more trick to show you: would you like to see my incredible vanishing act?

*Nod*

Mona, look over there.

I have things to do. Not now.

I'm serious! There's a group of armed thieves!

What? Oh, what are we waiting for then?

Now!

Arcana, are you quite sure that -

ARCANA!

Wow. That's real magic!

What special surprise do you have for me this time?

What is Arcana keep doing in the gallery?

He keeps visiting on his days off. I want to find out why...

*Heavy sigh*...

(I'd rather not bother her.)

This painting is tilted at a most unfortunate angle. Let me help with that.

Ah, got it! Perhaps I'd better just leave my paintings behind the front desk.

What on earth is he doing with these paintings?

I remember now! Wasn't he a famous art thief? No way...

Arcana, what do you think you're doing?

!!!

Ah?! Who's that?

My apologies. Sorry for bothering you. This is my friend, Mona.

She can be rather abrupt at times. Please forgive her.

I...

Oh, carry on, carry on! I thought a thief had broken in or something.

Eh? What's all this then?

Oh, my new paintings. I was planning to present them as a surprise after lunch.

But I can do it now since you've noticed them already.

???

Oh, you shouldn't have!

Thank you!

My pleasure.

You gave me quite a fright then. I'm rather sad to see that you hold me in such low regard.

If you want to do something together on our days off, you can just tell me.

Don't flatter yourself. I was just.

Heh, that's alright! I know what you wanted to ask.

I'm in the habit of selling my artwork to this particular gallery, and I'm on very good terms with the manager.

She's had a rather rough time in the last few years, you know, ever since the Miracles arrived... She lost her husband, and her children are currently studying abroad.

......

Of course, she hasn't said anything, but I can tell that she really appreciates my company whenever I drop by.

And so these days I always make sure to bring a gift to... brighten up her day.

I understand now...

That reminds me, what did you think of my gift?

Honestly, she seemed totally thrilled with the roses. It was cute.

Indeed, what lady could refuse such a beautiful bouquet?

I guess I just never really took you for such a kind... philanthropist, like that, if you know what I mean?

"If you know what I mean"? One needs only a shred of basic decency.

I would hope that others smile at my presence just as I smile at theirs.

Phew. This greenhouse is a most unexpectedly relaxing place.

Did I just step on something? Hold on... Oh no, that's one of Chang Pu's!

This is a very unfortunate start to the day...

Ah. I've got it!

Ah-ha! No one will be able to tell from this angle.

But something is missing... a few more leaves should do the trick...

Perfect! Hopefully, no one will notice that this is a fake for some time, enough for me to buy a replacement.

Arcana! Enough with the phone already! We still haven't completed our mission!

It does one's health no good to forever separate work and pleasure.

Cut it out!

Reading you loud and clear, my dear. Just two more minutes.

Oh, Arcana, I'm so sorry.

What's wrong, Chang Pu? Why the rush?

It's because... (She cries)

Please, don't cry! What can we do to help you?

I just came back from the greenhouse... I was moving my plants when I found... I couldn't move the soil from one of them...

???

Someone had replaced one of my plants with a fake!

Oh no, why would anyone do that...?

Huh? Do you know anything about this, Arcana?

Oh no, no, I know almost nothing about plants.

Do you think someone's stealing from the greenhouse?

But if there is a thief, why would they go to so much effort to recreate a pot plant?

And why? I was going to give the cuttings away to everybody for free anyway.

I'm sure we can figure it out. How about I come with you to the greenhouse to take a closer look?

(Oh no. Another turn for the worse...)

What's wrong, Arcana?

Although we can't rule out the existence of a thief, I doubt we can discover anything useful after so many days.

Hold on a moment, Arcana. How do you know how many days it's been?

I, uh...

Out with it already!

I actually, uh... made that fake potted plant.

It was so convincing, even I didn't notice! But why?

Why, Arcana? Why go to all that effort just to trick me?

I'm so sorry, truly! You see, I actually stepped on and destroyed the original... by accident.

I was worried you'd be angry, and I couldn't find a replacement right away, so I took the liberty of... making a lifelike replica.

I, uh, I see.

I fully intended to buy you a new plant from a local nursery.

But it turned out to be impossible with the rush of missions over the last few days. I just didn't have any time...

I see! I trust you didn't mean any harm.

Having said that, I must admit that I am rather impressed with how lifelike the replica is.

Chang Pu, you can't let him get away with this!

Mona, please, forgive me.

Come with me to the nursery and buy a replacement for Chang Pu. Then I'll accept your apology!