She is not an investigator.

So this banquet was also a chance for her to get to know people of similar age and social class.

But Igris was unlikely to be at the banquet, so Olivia didn't want to go.

Unfortunately, she probably didn't have a choice.

"Miss? Are you in your room?"

"No."

There was a gentle knock on the door, and the maid's voice came from the doorway, softly calling out to Olivia.

She didn't want to pay attention to these people because Olivia always felt that they were depriving her of her freedom, including her right to choose a partner.

So, currently, Olivia has locked herself in her room, sulking, and starting to regret why she came back in the first place.

"Miss, the banquet will be held soon, you..."

"I dont go."

Even though Olivia can speak so confidently now, she knows she has no choice but to go.

She had no choice but to go.

Even if she just goes out in pretty clothes, strolls around, eats some snacks, gives a fake smile now and then, and doesn't interact with anyone, that's fine.

But she couldn't refuse; this is the kind of dilemma that people in the upper class must go through.

"...Let me be alone for a while."

"Miss... I understand how you feel, but..."

"I told him to let me be alone for a while, that I would go to the banquet, and not to bother me unless necessary."

"...Okay, Miss, the umbrella ball is just like a chess piece."

Listening to the footsteps fading away at the door, Olivia sighed dejectedly.

She knew she shouldn't take her anger out on the innocent maid; she really needed to calm herself down and soothe her increasingly agitated mood.

She stood up and paced back and forth in the room, occasionally going to the mirror to look at herself.

She remains as youthful, beautiful, and exquisite as ever.

Despite the lingering sorrow in her eyes.

This grand banquet will not last too long, but it will not be short either.

She would probably need to dress up three times before she could finally end this experience that made her feel nauseous.

Oh well, it's not like this is the first time she's experienced something like this.

She now only hoped that Igris wouldn't blame her for abandoning her assistant and the firm.

"Ugh…"

Even in this environment, all her sadness and melancholy could only turn into endless sighs, and she could not tell anyone about them.

……

As night fell, Olivia arrived at the banquet in an unusually awkward yet exquisite dress.

She was surrounded by many maids and servants, who helped her to sit in her assigned seat.

This is a museum, or rather, it used to be a museum.

Once preparations for the banquet had begun, this place became the venue for the banquet, as well as the place where they introduced those precious antiques and commemorative items.

Olivia wasn't interested in this; it reminded her of the endlessly repeating banquets she had experienced in that castle.

Of course, in a place like this, Olivia wouldn't be the only one uninterested, or rather... most people wouldn't care about those things.

The true purpose of the banquet is communication, fellowship, and exchange and cooperation between different families.

Since Olivia represents her family, there will naturally be other people representing the responsibilities they should bear who will come into contact with her.

only…

“Tell those people…don’t come looking for me, I have nothing to say to them.”

With one hand supporting her chin and the other holding a dinner knife, Olivia skillfully and aimlessly cut the steak on her plate.

Although the servants hesitated, it was understandable that the young lady, being of high birth, would have a bit of a temper.

Olivia's status meant that not just anyone could approach her and have a chat, and those of truly high status were beyond their control.

And so, as Olivia dismembered the steak on her plate into sixteen cruel pieces and began to wonder if Igris would like to eat this kind of steak, the banquet finally came to an end.

Everything was as expected: boring, calm, and tedious.

Olivia stretched, completely disregarding her manners and posture, almost as if she were about to fall asleep on the table.

Until, a gasp of surprise came from the crowd.

"That painting, worth thirty thousand gold coins, is gone!"

"Someone stole it! Seal off the area! Don't let anyone in or out!"

"Protect the young lady!"

Chaos began to spread across the decadent banquet, diluting the somber atmosphere.

Slowly, a black card fell from the sky and landed in front of Olivia.

She looked up at the empty dome and picked up the black card.

[Within seven days, I will steal the most precious item in this museum. Try to catch me, if you can.]

"…Oh."

Olivia's lips curled slightly as she casually slipped the card into her pocket.

"Now...we're in for a good show."

The Gods' Folly - Regret: Chapter Two, Obscurity or Fame?

[Today's Headline: Mysterious Thief Issues Citywide Preview: Will He Loot a Museum Within Seven Days?]

"...This newspaper's first report is a bit too outrageous."

Igris sat in the café with the list, looking at the striking words on the newspaper and some specific details.

It seems that because this matter is very serious, the museum's management is urgently recruiting staff in hopes of solving the case as soon as possible.

Incidentally, Igris was also present when the announcement letter was sent, and she even picked one up herself.

"Madam, your coffee."

"Thank you."

Igris picked up her warm coffee, took a small sip, but her gaze remained fixed on the newspaper.

While I don't know if newspapers these days all like this kind of exaggerated reporting, the phantom thief clearly never said he was going to loot the entire museum, right? He only stole the most valuable items.

Otherwise, he could empty the museum within seven days... even if he were to openly and honestly move it, he might not be able to take everything.

As Iglesias pondered this, she downed the coffee in one gulp.

Although she came to Olivia to demand an explanation, given the current situation, she wouldn't mind earning some extra money.

She has a lot of experience dealing with phantom thieves.

……

The museum entrance was completely sealed off due to the notice, and there were even many police officers guarding the entrance and patrolling back and forth.

This tense atmosphere is rare in this city, at least that's how I've felt since Igris arrived.

Under Igris's watchful eye, a middle-aged man slowly approached the museum's entrance and was subsequently stopped by two police officers.

After a brief exchange, he eventually went inside, but unlike what Igris had expected, he was a detective.

At least that's what Igris heard from the Six Wonders of Linlius.

So Igris followed his example and went to the museum entrance on her own, only to be stopped as expected.

"Hello."

"Sorry, the museum is not open right now... Besides, it's during class time, you shouldn't be wandering around."

Class time?

Igris looked around to make sure the other person was indeed talking about her, and not someone else standing behind her, before asking in a somewhat puzzled tone.

"I don't understand you."

"Aren't you a witch?"

Isn't she a witch?

How did Igris know? What does she have to do with witches? Does being pretty count?

"...I am a detective."

Igris's face twitched, forcibly suppressing her urge to complain, and she maintained the most basic politeness as she spoke.

The officer clearly didn't believe it, but seemed unwilling to argue further, and surprisingly easygoing, simply stepped aside.

Although she didn't understand why the other party let her through so easily as soon as they heard she was a detective, Igris still went inside.

Even if Igris can't strictly be considered a detective, who cares?

A good detective is one who can solve cases.

It wasn't until she got inside the museum that Igris understood why the guy at the entrance had been so easy to talk to.

"...There's still an interview to do."

Seeing the man who had just walked in leave looking so dejected, Igris couldn't help but feel nervous.

Although she had no idea what she was nervous about.

"Hello?"

The distant call brought Igris back to her senses, and she walked over and sat down in the chair opposite him.

"It's nice to meet you... but before that, I need to ask you a few questions, as is customary..."

"Igris?!"