[Kitsune's POV]
The Imperial Archives were located in the heavily guarded southern wing of the palace.
According to Yua, it was a fortress of knowledge, protected by overlapping layers of high-tier onmyodo barrier magic. If a spy with even a drop of spiritual energy tried to cross the threshold without an Imperial Medallion, the wards would instantly trigger a massive alarm, paralyzing the intruder and summoning the guards.
Which meant it was the perfect place for someone who had absolutely zero magic.
I waited until the sun set and the palace lanterns were lit. I wore my plain, dark green wool tunic and dark trousers from the North, tying my hair back tightly. I slipped out the back window of our pavilion, melting into the shadows of the cherry blossom trees.
