Although Athena's story contained centuries-long family grudges and bizarre unsolved cases, once the useless information was stripped away, the useful conclusion was that an artist had encountered a sorcerer and been cursed by him. Athena had invited that unlucky man's descendant to the exhibition so the witches could identify him. Bayonetta did not mind playing a little intelligence-testing game before another family member arrived, especially one arranged by Athena. Whether they could find the owner of that painting within the time limit and resolve the small curse plaguing the collector was not important at all. She simply wanted to prove that she could solve the problem Athena had set.
"Did you invite that unlucky man to the exhibition because you foresaw this situation?" Bayonetta asked as she looked over the crowd. She was now rather glad that she had sent Laura Croft and Wanda Maximoff to visit her personal jewelry designer instead of letting them remain at the exhibition. "Aren't you worried that the curse will affect innocent people?"
"This is merely a small problem Kamar-Taj has never resolved. To me, it is only an interesting little rumor in the art world." Athena's response was remarkably calm. "Why would you think I care about a curse affecting innocent people?"
"Are you threatening me with civilians' lives?" Bayonetta narrowed her eyes and asked bluntly. "Are all so-called gods cruel and heartless?"
"You learned that too late." Athena's expression remained unchanged. "He has always known. I believe anyone who has read mythology, while setting aside the parts about Zeus being in heat, would understand that humans are not important to gods. Did you think this exhibition was merely about auctioning paintings? The new bourgeoisie certainly needs art to adorn itself, but first they need to show everyone their means and willingness to