Artifact thief Guest had never hit such a jackpot before. This archaeological site was still an undiscovered, unknown location, and there was plenty to salvage.

But when good things happen, bad things always seem to follow.

――――――

Couldn't you have been a little more careful? Loitering around the dig site, sloppy with fencing the goods. What are you, some kind of amateur?

Too excited, I'd let my guard down. Eventually, 'that detective' caught my trail.

I'd seen her in the newspapers before. Genius girl detective, Irene. And now, that arrogant detective has broken into my room and cornered me.

Hmm, got so excited you couldn't even organize your stolen goods properly? This is an artifact, right?

Thud. She places her gloved hand on the artifact sitting on the table.

The evidence is more than enough to—

At that moment, her words cut off mid-sentence.

The light fades from her sharp eyes, and all strength drains from her body. She quietly freezes in place, hand still resting on the mysterious object.

Irene stands there in a daze, swaying slightly before answering with obvious difficulty.

Huh...? ...Something's... wrong... my head feels...

Her words slur together and her eyelids keep drooping shut.

I'm... a genius detective... though... so I should be able to...

Irene speaks sluggishly after hearing that observation, her usual sharp tone completely gone.

Huh...? Are you... stupid...? ...There's no way... hypnosis actually... exists...?

Even as she tries to maintain her arrogant attitude, her voice wavers with uncertainty and confusion.