"Sometimes a flower is just a flower, and the best thing it can do for us is to die."
— Tissaia (The Witcher)
...
The 'Hope Diamond' is such a famous gem, how could the Phantom Thief possibly miss it?
When Dean saw the news that the exhibition of the 'Hope Diamond' was being held again, he immediately made it his next target.
If he could successfully steal this world-famous diamond, he would definitely earn more points.
'I still have half a month to prepare the plan, so we have plenty of time,'
Dean rubbed his chin and thought to himself.
'However, why was the exhibition of the 'Hope Diamond' brought back? Is it really just because they found a new place to hold the event?'
'The Orpheus Jewelry Exhibition Center is not very large, and their business has always been average. What makes them feel like they can put on the 'Hope Diamond' exhibit? In addition, why would the Smithsonian Museum put it on display in Gotham?'
"Hmm...something doesn't seem quite right."
Dean was a little worried about the 'Hope Diamond' exhibit reopening, but he wasn't going to give up.
Besides, he had wanted to see this diamond up close for a long time.
In his previous life, there was also a 'Hope Diamond, which was equally famous, and it was also kept in the Smithsonian Museum.
Naturally, both diamonds had the same legendary curse.
In the centuries before it was donated to the Smithsonian Institution, the 'Hope Diamond' had passed through the hands of wealthy people all over the world, and without exception, all of the people who owned this diamond died too soon, whether they were nobles or wealthy merchants.
It was almost as if it had some kind of death curse.
With such a mysterious and dark history, the 'Hope Diamond' became more and more famous until it was the most famous gemstone in the world.
Of course, Dean knew very well that the diamond in his previous life had no curse of death. The legendary curse was just a marketing strategy.
But this world was different; magic really existed in the DC Universe.
The previous target, the 'Dragon's Egg Ruby Necklace', was a precious treasure imbued with magic.
So Dean thought it was difficult to say whether the DC Universe's 'Hope Diamond' would bring about a death curse.
In any case, when it came to rumors like this, Dean always acted like he believed them instead of acting like he didn't.
It could be said that without his system, Dean wouldn't even consider having any thoughts about the 'Hope Diamond.'
One wrong move, and he might find himself under a death curse.
That's a curse—something that can't be seen or touched, and when the time comes, he wouldn't even know how he died.
'Calm down, let's go visit the Orpheus Jewelry Exhibition Center first. It's not far from here, about a half-hour walk.'
After making up his mind, Dean carefully disguised himself and left his house.
...
After a while, GCPD
Henry Orpheus walked anxiously through the police station gates.
"I want to see Commissioner Jim Gordon."
He went to the reception and gave his ID and a short explanation of the reason for his visit.
After listening to Henry's report, the receptionist's expression immediately became serious, and he quickly connected the call to Commissioner Gordon's office to report the situation.
Henry Orpheus waited in the meeting room.
Before long, Jim and Harvey walked in.
"You must be Henry Orpheus, and you run the center now, right?"
Harvey asked first.
"I heard that the Smithsonian Museum lent the 'Hope Diamond' to your exhibition center," he added.
Henry nodded to confirm what Harvey said was true, then turned to Jim and asked, "Hello, Chief Gordon, may I ask who this is?"
Harvey had worked for the GCPD for more than a decade and had made a lot of efforts that were even shown on TV, but Gordon, who was in the news every other day, was far more popular in Gotham.
"This is Detective Harvey Bullock, my most trusted partner. You can speak directly to him without any hesitation.
Jim introduced Harvey to Henry.
"Alright, Commissioner Gordon and Detective Bullock, just a little over an hour ago today..."
Henry began telling everything that had happened recently.
"So, what you mean is that someone disguised themselves as Smithsonian Museum staff and used the excuse of checking the security measures of the 'Hope Diamond' to see all the setup at your exhibition center?"
Jim frowned and asked after Henry finished speaking.
"You were willing to let the other person look into confidential facilities without making sure they were who they said they were. So it's no wonder your center never grows."
Harvey chuckled beside them.
"Harvey, don't make unrelated comments during the investigation!"
Jim glared at him and warned
On the other side of the room, Henry was not offended. Instead, he felt ashamed and lowered his head.
"Harvey is right. It's all my fault. I was too eager to cooperate with the Smithsonian Museum and gain their approval, which led me to make this foolish mistake."
Henry admitted it with remorse.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Mr. Orpheus. Based on your description, the imposter looked and sounded very similar to the real staff member. It's understandable that you were tricked, especially since the imposter obviously knows how to disguise themselves well."
Jim turned to comfort Mr. Orpheum.
"Mr. Orpheus, let me confirm once again, you suspect this imposter to be the Phantom Thief because of his technique of disguise, but you did not receive the usual notice from him, Is that correct?"
Jim asked.
"Yes, I searched all possible locations and couldn't find any notice, and nothing was missing."
Henry confirmed.
Jim and Harvey exchanged a glance and saw suspicion in each other's eyes.
The Phantom Thief was skilled in disguise and liked to go after gems, so it was normal for Mr. Orpheus to suspect him.
But according to the Phantom Thief's usual patterns, he would always send out advance notices.
Especially for someone like him who disguised himself as someone who could easily be exposed, it's highly unlikely that he wouldn't send out advance notices even after being exposed.
Unless... Phantom Thief gave up on the 'Hope Diamond' and canceled his plan due to the Center's security measures.
Jim and Harvey deeply questioned this possibility.
Is it possible that the imposter who disguised themselves as a Smithsonian staff member was not the Phantom Thief?
The two were lost in thought.
"Sir, something is wrong!"
Just then, the door of the conference room was suddenly pushed open, and a young police officer hurried over, holding a fax machine with the just printed paper.
"Phantom Thief sent another notice!"
The officer reported in a panicked voice.
Hearing the report from the officer, Jim quickly stood up and snatched the paper from the officer's hand.
Sure enough, the advance notice from Phantom Thief was written on it.
"On the first day of the Emperor holding his scepter,
The wheels of fate are about to turn for two cycles,
The silver-winged magician will obey the High Priestess's call,
And descend upon the peak,
To appreciate that beautiful blue hope,
Yours truly, Phantom Thief Kid."
(Oh, I can't think of anything better than the last one, but the story has progressed to this point, and I have no choice but to go with it. Please forgive me, my friends.)
...
A/N: If we reach 500 power stones today or someone solved the notice letter, I will release an additional chapter tomorrow.
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