Section 4: The Phantom Thief Sends a Lighthearted Warning

That's why I've been trying to come up with a calling card of my own. But I realized there's a little problemwell, a rather big one actually.

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I'm not actually a phantom thief.

... ...And you're just realizing this now, huh?

That's a very, very big problem.

That's like going to build a rocket ship, thinking it runs on charcoal.

Still, if I'm going to be one now, I'm going to need a calling card. And a name.

Something tells me "Amakusa Shirou Tokisada" alone just isn't going to cut it.

Especially since I can't imagine I'm all that well-known outside of Japan.

What about going the opposite route then? Maybe you could use a name that IS widely known outside Japan.

Hey, yeah, that could work. What about something like:

"I've come to steal this Round Table. Hehehehehe. --King Arthur"

Oh, oh! Yeah! Do that! It'd be goddamn hilarious.

All that aside, won't warning them that we plan to steal the Holy Grail only make it harder for us to do so?

No, their security is already very tight, so that won't be a problem.

If anything, playing this calling card alongside our other plan will only help draw attention away from our movements.

... ...Oh, I just had an idea.

There's one very famous name we could use that won't bother anyone.

Oh? What is it?

... ...

... ...?

Is someone there again?

...Hm? What's this in my breast pocket? A card? ...Hmm.

Is something wrong, sir?

Take a look at this.

Let's see... A calling card?

"I shall be coming by for your museum's Holy Grail."

"Yours truly, James Moriarty, the Napoleon of crime"

N-no way!

It even lists the date and time of the heist.

I certainly never thought anyone claiming to be James Moriarty would try to steal the Holy Grail.

...Get more guards in here. Now. I want double security around the clock.

Yes, sir! Right away, sir!

Could it be that Servant from the other day? Or maybe another one?

Then again, it could be someone else altogether.

Either way, this should be very interesting. I only hope I'll be able to add something valuable to my collection...

Where do you get off using my name without permission!? This is identity theft, dammit!

Hahaha, surely you of all people aren't going to complain about a little thing like that, are you?

...Well, at least make sure you don't screw this up. I have a reputation to maintain, after all.

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Hehehe, as much as I appreciate the effort, Master, coming from a Goody Two-Shoes like you, I'm afraid I find that somewhat less than reassuring!

I got the calling card to the curator like you asked.

Excellent. Then it's time to begin our plan in earnest. You're up first, Jing Ke.

Got it.

Acting's never been one of my strong suits, but I am pretty good at keeping cool under pressure.

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Thanks, Master. All right, here goes nothing!

...Can I help you?

Hi there. My name's Lin Ziyu.

I have the dagger Jing Ke used during herhis, attempt on Qin Shi Huang's life.

...Wait right here, please.

...Do I know you from somewhere?

I've been to this museum once before.

We may have passed by each other then.

Do you have this dagger in your possession now?

Yup. This is it.

Well now...

Oh, I wouldn't touch the blade if I were you.

I don't think there would still be any poison left on it, but you can't be too careful.

...Tell me, how did this come into your possession?

If it really is over two thousand years old, then it should be corroded beyond identification.

And while it's certainly quite rusty, it's still in fairly good condition for its supposed age.

... ...

It's been in my family for generations. I have a letter from someone who knows its history. It explains what happened.

I see. And who is this person?

My grandfather.

His health has been declining lately, and his English isn't great, so he asked me to come here on our family's behalf.

May I see this letter?

Of course.

... ...

So, what is it you want?

Well...

I was hoping to lend it to this museum, just for a while.

...I see.

... ...

I'm back. Phew, that was exhausting...

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So, how did it go?

Not great.

I'd say he was at best HOPING I was telling the truth, but he was very, very suspicious.

Excellent.

Excellent?

Honestly, he was scrutinizing everything so closely I thought we were done for.

What matters is that part of him wanted to believe you.

The line between doubt and belief is paper-thin, you see.

A single, well-placed wedge, and you can flip them around completely.

I'd like you to start trying to make appointments to see the curator every day.

He doesn't even have to agree to meet with you.

But when you see him, don't show any interest in the door to the Holy Grail whatsoever. Just pretend it doesn't even exist.

All right, you're up next, Voyager and Master.

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Me too. I'm so nervous my teeth are chattering.

Being a boy appraiser sounds tough.

Don't worry. You'll be fine.

Today, all you have to do is speak passionately about things you already care deeply about.

...I-I'll do my best!

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