Arcana (Hermes)/Side Tale 4

(Esper Union: A greenhouse in Union HQ)

 Arcana: Phew. This greenhouse is a most unexpectedly relaxing place.
(ARCANA: Union Ops Chief, Good at Painting & Forgery)
Arcana strolls leisurely around the premises. He makes one misstep and accidentally crushes one of the potted plants.
“Crack”

 Arcana: Did I just step on something? Hold on… Oh no, that’s one of Chang Pu’s!

 Arcana: This is a very unfortunate start to the day…
Arcana paces nervously. He spots a statue and excitedly clicks his finger.

 Arcana: Ah. I’ve got it!
Half an hour later

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

 Arcana: But something is missing… a few more leaves should do the trick…

 Arcana: Perfect! Hopefully no one will notice that this is a fake for some time - enough for me to buy a replacement.
Arcana leaves the greenhouse humming happily after placing his imitation potted plant where he is sure no one will notice it.
Several days later
(Esper Union: Lobby)

 Mona: Arcana! Enough with the phone already! We still haven’t completed our mission!
(MONA: Union Ops Chief, Arcana’s Squad Member)

 Arcana: It does one’s health no good to forever separate work and pleasure.

 Mona: Cut it out!

 Arcana: Reading you loud and clear, my dear. Just two more minutes.
Just as Arcana locates a nearby plant nursery on his phone, Chang Pu rushes in, accidentally bumping into him as she goes.

 Chang Pu: Oh, Arcana, I’m so sorry.
(CHANG PU: Union Medical Ops Chief, Greenhouse Supervisor)

 Arcana: What’s wrong, Chang Pu? Why the rush?

 Chang Pu: It’s because… (She cries)

 Mona: Please, don’t cry! What can we can do to help you?

 Chang Pu: 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…

 Mona: ??

 Chang Pu: Someone had replaced one of my plants with a fake!

 Arcana: Oh no, why would anyone do that…?

 Mona: Huh? Do you know anything about this, Arcana?

 Arcana: Oh no, no - I know almost nothing about plants.

 Chang Pu: Do you think someone’s stealing from the greenhosue?

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

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

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

 Arcana: (Oh no. Another turn for the worse…)
Mona and Chang Pu are about to make their way to the greenhouse when Arcana interjects.

 Chang Pu: What’s wrong, Arcana?

 Arcana: Although we can’t rule out the existence of a thief, I doubt we can discover anything useful after so many days.
After listening to Arcana, Chang Pu’s head drops dejectedly.

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

 Arcana: I, uh…

 Mona: Out with it already!

 Arcana: I actually, uh… made that fake potted plant.

 Chang Pu: It was so convincing, even I didn’t notice! But why?

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

 Arcana: I’m so sorry, truly! You see, I accidentally stepped on and destroyed the original… by accident.

 Arcana: 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.

 Chang Pu: So, that’s what happened.

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

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

 Chang Pu: I see! I trust you didn’t mean any harm.

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

 Mona: Chang Pu, you can’t let him get away with this!

 Arcana: Mona, please, forgive me.

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