She is not an investigator.

A very familiar exclamation interrupted the man's words. He paused, then turned to look at the person who had spoken.

It's Olivia, the eldest daughter of their family.

"Ah, Olivia, what a coincidence."

Igris waved politely to Olivia, who rushed over excitedly, and then looked at the man in front of her again.

"Ask me something?"

"…question."

The man wiped his glasses, glanced furtively at Olivia beside him, and suddenly didn't know what to say.

However, he didn't keep Igris waiting for too long, and asked somewhat hesitantly.

"What do you think is the most important thing for a detective?"

"The most important thing?"

Igris stroked her chin, pondering the possible answers to the question.

She didn't seem to be in a hurry, but the man sitting opposite her was quite anxious.

After all, Igris wouldn't normally have that much time to think, but because Olivia was watching him closely, he seriously suspected that if he really eliminated the girl in front of him, his job would be over.

"He's an assistant."

"...A good answer."

The man wiped the sweat from his forehead and nodded with a smile.

The answer itself is no longer important; the key point is that the girl in front of you is clearly the answer itself.

"Well... congratulations, you have successfully passed our test. Please come in."

Although there were still three questions, he wasn't stupid. He knew that wasting time on someone with such obvious connections was wasting his future and wearing down the young lady's patience.

Seeing that Igris had successfully passed the test on her own merits, Olivia seemed very happy, although she suddenly became less happy.

Because she most likely knew why Igris had come to her.

"...How about we find a quiet place to talk?"

"of course can."

Igris wouldn't care about those things, after all, she did have some things she wanted to talk to Olivia about.

It's not that serious, but we have to talk about it.

……

In a quiet room, Olivia slowly led Igris in and closed the door behind her.

The room was small, with only one chair and hardly any other decorations, easily reminiscent of a dark room.

"that…"

Olivia opened her mouth, her expression hesitant, as if she wanted to start a conversation but didn't know what to say.

Of course, the thoughtful Igris wouldn't let her be in such an embarrassing situation.

Why don't you want me anymore?

Although, asking this question seems to make things more awkward.

"…sorry."

Olivia deeply reflected on herself and lowered her head, preparing to endure Igris's complaints and anger.

But Igris didn't, because it was unnecessary, and she didn't blame Olivia.

She wasn't accusing anyone when she said that; it was just a simple question.

She needs to know why.

“You abandoned the firm and me, then sent me a letter telling me you'd never come back, and left the shop to me, so…why?”

Igris' calm face revealed no emotion, but from the way she impatiently tapped her fingers, it was clear that she was actually a little resentful.

"Because I'm not a good enough detective. I have no reputation, no skills. When people mention me, they only think of that rich girl, not a detective... So, I still have to go back and inherit the family business, inherit that..."

"I understand."

Igris interrupted Olivia and continued, "Moon!@Ripples#$First%^Release&."

"So all you need is an opportunity to prove yourself."

"...?"

"The case is right in front of you now, what are you still hesitating about?"

Igris frowned, crossed her arms somewhat displeased, and looked at Olivia, who still seemed a little confused.

"Don't forget, I'm just your assistant; you're the detective."

"…I?"

"Of course, Miss Detective."

Igris sighed and stuffed the black card belonging to the phantom thief into Olivia's hand.

"To remain unknown, or to achieve fame and fortune?"

The Gods' Fool - Regret: Chapter Three, Detective and Assistant

"Miss."

"This is where that painting used to be, and this is where that phantom thief stole it."

Olivia took off her gorgeous gown and put on the black outfit that Igris used to know best.

Exquisite, form-fitting, vibrant yet mysterious.

Igris still liked her outfit; at least it gave her an unprecedented sense of warmth.

"Miss... what's wrong?"

The maid couldn't help but ask Olivia what she was doing, and received a lively reply from her.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm investigating a case."

At this point, Olivia pointed to Igris, who was joining in the fun.

"And this is my assistant. Don't bother us unless it's absolutely necessary. Also, it would be best to clear out the people in the vicinity to prevent them from disturbing the scene."

Perhaps it was because she had taken off that heavy dress that Olivia was in a much better mood.

The servants wanted to say something, but they seemed to have no right to refuse their young mistress's request, so they could only silently retreat.

Seeing how obedient and well-behaved these people were, Iglesias couldn't help but sigh at the power of capital, and then continued to stand beside Olivia in a daze.

The museum's overall structure and layout consist of two floors of exhibition halls, with the first floor generally used for daily operations and exhibiting some less valuable items.

The exhibition hall on the second floor is not open to the public most of the time, except in some special circumstances, such as certain holidays, special occasions, anniversaries, or for certain special people.

Among the special people was Olivia.

Their dinner was held on the second floor of the museum, which was quite large and spacious enough to support a banquet or even a ball.

If permitted, Olivia could even drive her car in.

There is only one way to get to the second-floor exhibition hall: up the stairs in the very center of the first-floor exhibition hall, which are not usually in use.

However, since the second-floor exhibition hall is surrounded by glass, it is easy to enter from the outside. You can simply jump directly to the second floor from the outside, or build a ladder and break the glass to get in.

In summary, if you want to reach the second-floor exhibition hall from the outside, you must consider the following factors.

First, because of the location of the museum, there are no buildings of varying heights around it, so it is not advisable to try to reach the second floor by going to a higher floor.

Secondly, the exhibition hall on the second floor is almost entirely transparent. If someone were to attempt to climb to the second floor, they would be immediately and very noticeable.

Third, if one does manage to enter the second floor of the museum from the outside, then the necessary action is to break one of the glass panes.

Fourth, if you plan to sneak in from the first floor, you must go through a heavily guarded staircase to reach the second floor. And if you want to take the stolen goods out, there's no reason you wouldn't be discovered if you went from the first floor.

In conclusion, unless someone can become invisible and walk through walls, it is impossible for them to steal an antique painting and leave this place easily without being noticed by everyone.

Even those unannounced messages that suddenly appeared out of nowhere were equally mysterious and full of doubts.

"Igris, what do you think?"

As Olivia pondered, she glanced at Igris, whose attention seemed completely elsewhere.

She blinked, pretended to think, touched her chin, and then looked around as if searching for a seemingly plausible excuse.

"First of all, after it was confirmed that the painting had been stolen, this place was sealed off. But before that, were there any people coming in or out of here?"

"No."

Olivia had specifically asked, or rather, she had thought of this in an instant, which is why she immediately went to confirm, but unfortunately, she hadn't.

During that banquet, most of the people who were able to enter and exit the second floor were prominent figures. If there were any unfamiliar faces or suspicious individuals, they would not have gone unnoticed.

"so…"

"So the murderer may not have taken the painting with him at all, or... he just hid it."

A sudden voice rang out behind Igris, interrupting her and drawing her attention.

Several figures walked up to the second floor and stopped in front of Olivia, bowing their heads in greeting.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Olivia."

"..."

Olivia did not answer, but looked at the uninvited guests with displeasure.

Seeing that these people had no intention of greeting her, Igris walked over to Olivia's side and asked her in a low voice with some curiosity.

Who are these people?

"detective."

"To be precise, they are real detectives, ladies."

The man standing at the front spoke in a tone that easily made people uncomfortable, and seemed to have no intention of showing any respect for Olivia.

This is understandable, though. Even if Olivia is a genuine heiress, it doesn't mean everyone will respect her just because of her powerful family background.