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[img]https://i.imgur.com/AGNa9uB.png[/img][/center]
[color=B7AAE0]Time:[/color]Evening
[color=B7AAE0]Location:[/color] Calbert's Estate
[color=B7AAE0]Interaction:[/color] [@JJ Doe] Count Fritz [@Samreaper] Kazumin [@Helo] Leo [@PapaOso] Cassius
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[center][color=9354FF]“By you, Charlotte.”[/color][/center]

Charlotte's heart sank, her expression mirroring the weight of her emotions. As she replayed the last few minutes, each word and action seemed to gain new significance. The squeeze of her hand by Fritz spurred her to raise her gaze slightly, seeking solace in his response amidst the turmoil of her thoughts.

 [i][color=B7AAE0] Partners in crime… I guess that means we’re friends now. [/color][/i] A pang of guilt accompanied the fleeting warmth that fluttered in her chest. She hadn't intended to undermine Fritz's importance to her. Doubt crept in, clouding her certainty with uncertainty. 

[color=B7AAE0][i] … However, I am not sure I am a good friend to have.[/i][/color] 

For just a moment, as she seemed to lose herself in her thoughts, a shadow of determination flickered in her eyes. Before she could dwell on it further, a splash of orange invaded her field of vision, causing her heart to skip a beat in alarm. Glancing up, she found Leo standing over the table. 

[color=B8FC03]“There is a thief wandering the ballroom, they have stolen my watch and left that in my pocket. We must solve this crime immediately.”[/color]

Before she could digest that statement, a reassuring pat from Fritz immediately drew her attention back to him as he asked, [color=9354FF] “I’d like to continue our conversation later, Charlotte. Is that okay with you?”[/color]

[color=B7AAE0] “...Of course… In the meantime, I apologize for the hurt I’ve caused you.”[/color] Her words were soft, tinged with regret.

Charlotte's gaze then drifted once more as a new voice filled the air, a subtle sigh escaping her lips. [color=B7AAE0][i] Just what the situation needed… Cassius. [/i][/color] She had thought she recognized him earlier as he had been conversing with his father by the silver streaks in his hair. However, now, as she met his penetrating gray gaze and heard the familiar timbre of his voice, there was no mistaking him.

As Fritz extended his introduction to Cassius, Charlotte shifted her attention toward Leo, offering him a reassuring smile. Though she couldn't quite fathom the significance of a mere pocketwatch to someone like Leo, who likely had wealth to spare, she found herself intrigued by the prospect of solving the mystery.

[color=B7AAE0] “Don’t worry, we’ll find it.” [/color] She assured him with a determined nod, then reached for the bracelet, noting its texture and color with a thoughtful gaze. [color=B7AAE0][i] The bracelet likely came from a woman whose attire is adorned with hues of orange. Most guests seems to be color coordinated from what I can tell. However, I presume that does not mean the thief is a woman. [/i][/color]

[color=9354FF]“Detective, please describe what your watch looks like for me. When did you last see it?”[/color]

[color=B7AAE0] “My immediate thought here is that the perpetrator may not be driven solely by monetary gain, considering the potential affordability of a replacement watch for most attendees.”[/color] Charlotte chimed in. [color=B7AAE0] “The motive could be personal against Lord Smithwood, a calculated prank if you will… Leo, have you encountered any individuals who might harbor ill or playful sentiments toward you recently?”[/color]

She continued after giving him a chance to answer, [color=B7AAE0] “I propose we begin by identifying any female attendees whose attire aligns with the bracelet. Even if they aren't the thief themselves, they may have observed suspicious behavior…”[/color] She tapped her fingers on the table thoughtfully then added, [color=B7AAE0] “Perhaps we can split up to cover more ground and reconvene back after some time.“[/color]
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