Chapter 56: Special Treatment |
Even though he was decisively defeated by Shad, Mr. Lavender remained thrilled. However, his number was called, and he had to leave with some regret. Before departing, he carefully stowed away Shad's business card.
Once the card game ended and the organizer left, the others lost interest in continuing. Shad, still seated, was roped into a discussion about royal gossip. Despite having no knowledge of the feud between Prince Mogus Cavendish and Marquis Karad, commander of the Third Steam Armored Division, he was compelled to share his thoughts.
Fortunately, his number was finally called. Relieved to have an excuse to leave, he stood up hurriedly, handing out his business card to those around him. It was an excellent opportunity to attract clients—after all, Rhodes card players were usually wealthy.
He pushed open the side door of the room and entered, remembering to close it behind him. The previous Rhodes card collector had exited through the main door, leaving only an elderly gentleman behind the desk. The old man, yawning, gestured for Shad to sit.
The room was small, even cramped. The only decorations were a few framed pictures on the walls. The desk used for Rhodes card appraisal took up almost a quarter of the space.
As Shad took his seat, he noticed that aside from several gas lamps and various lenses, a prominent black metal box sat on the table. Inside were torn Rhodes cards, with the topmost one being the "Flower 1" card from the Drarian Hero Series—one Mr. Lavender had proudly shown off earlier. Although its card art was exquisite, it had no special effects and was clearly a forgery.
"Did you know forged Rhodes cards must be destroyed?"
The bespectacled old man asked. After Shad nodded, he gestured for him to present his card for appraisal.
Carefully, Shad opened his journal and removed the "Sun 3" 【Founders' Silver Moon】 card, placing it on the soft pad of the table. The gloved elder picked it up, his brows furrowing as he glanced at it.
He looked up at Shad, as though suspecting him of being delusional, clearly skeptical that someone would bring such a card for appraisal. Nevertheless, he diligently pulled the lotus-shaped gas lamp closer, adjusted the brightness to its maximum, and inspected the card’s details under the magnifying glass.
As Shad waited for the "lottery ticket" he had picked up to reveal its prize, he gradually felt less nervous. However, the man across the table grew increasingly tense. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally looked up, his forehead, partially obscured by his hair, glistening with sweat.
"A Founders' Silver Moon?"
It was the same question he had asked earlier, but the tone was entirely different this time.
Shad, understanding the likely outcome, simply shook his head.
"Possibly."
He replied reservedly, though he couldn't suppress his joy at this moment despite his usual composure.
"Sir, please wait a moment. I can't appraise this card. I need to bring someone else."
The old appraiser shakily returned the card to Shad, removed his glasses, grabbed a towel from the shelf to wipe his face, and then hurried to the door.
"Sir, please don't leave. I'll be right back—just give me three minutes!"
His voice quivered.
"Why would I leave?" Shad thought, watching the door close. He glanced down again at the 【Founders' Silver Moon】 "Sun 3," admiring the lady on the card's artwork, who was lifting a silver moon:
"Come to think of it, I seem to have a strange affinity with the Silver Moon."
The old appraiser returned in under a minute, panting as he gripped the doorframe.
"Thank goodness you're still here, sir."
"Why wouldn't I be here?" Shad thought, standing and picking up the card. Just then, footsteps echoed from the hallway, and a tall, lean man in a black suit with a Ouroboros pin on his chest rushed over.
"Sindia Mark, Vice President of the Tobesk branch of the Prophets' Association."
The man introduced himself while catching his breath, bypassing the old appraiser to shake Shad's hand.
"Please, take a moment to catch your breath. I’m not going anywhere," Shad said, then asked softly,
"So, is my card genuine?"
Mr. Mark invited Shad to the third floor of the association for a formal meeting. This time, the reception room was much grander, and the association even provided servants to prepare tea for the guests.
Seated on the sofa, Shad observed two elderly appraisers hurrying in after Mr. Mark had taken his seat. Their ages seemed comparable to Father August's.
"Regarding this Founders' Silver Moon, we need to conduct further appraisal right here in front of you. Sir, can you wait a bit longer?"
Vice President Sindia Mark spoke while wiping sweat from his brow. Shad keenly noticed the dampness around Mark’s shirt collar.
"Of course, but what about the appraisal fee..."
Shad hesitated deliberately.
"It's still just five pennies; no extra charge," Mark replied, taking Shad's business card. Like Mr. Lavender earlier, he was surprised to see the address "6 St. Derain Square."
He asked, "Mr. Hamilton, would you like some refreshments?"
"I think I’ll pass for now," Shad replied, waving a hand. Though the Prophets' Association was a reputable global organization that wouldn't engage in foul play, as an outsider with neither power nor influence, he preferred to be cautious.
Shad glanced at the three elder appraisers who were busy setting up tools and peculiar lamps on a long table in the room. Servants had drawn the heavy curtains of the grand floor-to-ceiling windows, shutting out the foggy morning view of Yodel Palace.
"If this Founders' Silver Moon is genuine," Shad mused aloud, "I imagine the association wouldn't publicize it widely."
"Of course," Mr. Mark assured, "The association is entirely impartial regarding Rhodes cards and ensures the rights of collectors. It's our principle."
He cast a subtle glance at Shad—well-dressed but seemingly not wealthy, with an unusual air about him. After some hesitation, Mark asked,
"Could you tell us the origin of this card? No offense intended. It’s just that the last time the association encountered this card was about 127 years ago. In that year, Baron Steadway Byron used it to reach the finals of the 'Grand City Player' Rhodes Tournament, making quite a splash. The association would like to trace the card’s whereabouts over the past century. I never imagined I’d have the privilege of seeing it today."