During the intermission, Arthur and Reika moved through the mansion's corridors with the idle curiosity of wealthy collectors admiring their host's estate. To any observer, they were a couple browsing the art and artifacts that lined the walls. In reality, Arthur was mapping the building.
The layout was more complex than it looked from outside. Hidden passages branched off the main corridors behind rotating bookcases and false walls that only Arthur's enhanced perception picked out. He counted at least thirty guards, far more than an auction needed, even one dealing in illegal goods.
"The security seems quite thorough," Reika murmured as they paused before a particularly grotesque painting of what looked like a ritual sacrifice.
"Indeed," Arthur replied, his attention on the ward patterns woven into the mansion's stonework. "Our host clearly values discretion."
