What met my sight was quite the show. The room seemed as if it was out of another world.
Oh yeah. It was.
The smell was.. Antique. Kind of a mix of oil and a hint of blood.
The walls were lined with glowing objects, wands, staffs, and crystals. Things that you would've seen at Universal Studios. Not at some random store.
The owner was behind the counter wiping something with a cloth. I couldn't make it out though.
He turned his head up and greeted me.
"Welcome in. How can I help you today, good sire?"
"I'm here about the request. The artifact that is." I gave a brief reply.
"Ah. I see, you're not the first to take this job on. Three other investigators have tried and failed." He said with a grimace.
"Is this artifact quite important to you?" I inquired.
"Yes indeed. It was my Magnum Opus, something I dedicated years of my life into. All for it to be stolen, with no trace. Thousands of hours of my blood, sweat, and tears." He looked absolutely defeated.
"Do you mind me asking a few questions?" I asked.
"Not at all." He replied with a thin smile.
We both sat down at an old table lined with trinkets and metallic pieces and I pulled out my notebook.
"When was the artifact first reported as missing?"
"It was 3 days ago. I always remembered to lock it behind multiple magical arrays, and even used a magical safe. There is no way this person is any ordinary thief. He bypassed all the security systems, and even cracked all the magical arrays.
I scribbled some notes down. Skilled thief, most likely magician.
"So you don't know when exactly it was stolen? What did the cameras show, I'm assuming you checked them?"
"The thing is… All the cameras showed nothing. As if nobody entered and nobody left. My best guess is magical interference showing a loop.
Another note. Cameras looped, thief knows how to access.
I scratched my head. Usually this would've narrowed down many options but… Magic was one thing I never had to account for. This Sherlockian difficulty definitely lived up to the name.
When I could've ruled someone out in my old world, I can never be too sure with the introduction of magic.
When cameras were looped, usually it was a huge clue. But in this world, it was as simple as casting a spell. Damn it.
"No footsteps, fingerprints, or anything?" I asked, growing slowly frustrated.
"Unfortunately I checked every corner but not a single trace was left behind." He frowned.
Fuck. Not a single lead, what am I supposed to do?
"Have you questioned any neighbors that might've seen anything?" I questioned again.
"They reported nothing strange, nor anybody on the premises."
"Do you have any employees? Any confidants?" I asked again, growing frustrated.
"I work alone. Always have." He said it too quickly.
I felt the shift in his posture, the change of his breathing. A clear lie.
My eyes narrowed. "Always?"
He shifted in his seat.
"I had an apprentice. Two years ago. But she left on good terms. Moved to the Capital to study at the Ivory Tower."
"Name?"
"S-she couldn't have there-"
"Name?" I interjected.
"Melissa. Melissa Hardren."
"Anyone else? Clients who might have coveted the artifact?"
"I showed it to a few potential buyers during the authentication process. Private viewings. But they were all vetted, all reputable—"
"Names. I need names." He sighed and rattled off five names.
I wrote them down, my hand cramping from the speed.
"You still haven't told me what this artifact actually does," I pointed out. "Kind of important information."
Regiran hesitated.
For the first time, real fear crossed his face.
"It's called the Veridian Lens. It allows the user to see... truths. Lies become visible when viewed through it."
"This is no small task. This kind of artifact invites powerful individuals. The power to tell when someone is lying is extremely coveted."
His face grimaced and his hands shook.
"I know. That's why it was supposed to be my big break. My wife and kids.. I just wanted to give them the life they deserve. This artifact was supposed to revolutionize the criminal justice system." He talked listlessly.
"I understand, sir. But as you know we have no basis to investigate from. No cameras, no clues, no suspects. It'll be borderline impossible, this thief is most likely extremely powerful."
"Please. I'll raise the payment."
The man took my hands into his as a wet stream of tears fell onto them.
"I'll pay you upfront 50 Golden Argentums. It's all the savings I've built up. I just need this back." The man choked back through sobs.
Creak
Then the door to the back opened slowly, a small girl peered through.
She looked no older than 8 years old, yet it seemed as if she held wisdom that far exceeded her age.
"Papa. I told you not to cry. Me and mama are happy as we are."
She ran over to her father and fell into his arms.
"I'm sorry Belle. This is the last time I promise." He sniffled and smiled.
"Papa is the best in the world!" The girl smiled back.
Regiran walked into the back with his daughter and they disappeared for about 5 minutes.
The door reopened and he returned, this time without his daughter.
He handed me an orange envelope.
"Please. This is everything I have."
I took the envelope and raised my eyebrow at him.
"This is the down payment. Also included are photos of the artifact, and some information that might be useful for the case." He spoke, this time with much greater resolve.
"I'll do all I can." I slid him my business card. "Be sure to contact me if there are any breakthroughs."
I dusted myself off and headed towards the door. Before I could leave Regiran interjected.
"Thank you. Truly. Everyone else had given up on me and told me it was impossible."
My lips twitched slightly upwards. "Impossibility is relative, dear shopkeeper."