Chapter 57: Great Wealth |
"The origin of the card is somewhat inconvenient to disclose," Shad said cautiously. Mr. Mark gave an apologetic smile, his expression expertly dispelling any awkwardness.
"That’s perfectly fine—it is your secret, after all," the man replied tactfully.
Of course, this wasn’t Shad’s secret. Although he had many secrets, this card’s origin wasn’t one of them. The truth was, Shad had no idea where Sparrow Hamilton, the detective, had acquired this card. However, he did understand why, in the detective's final moments, he had specifically instructed Shad to keep it safe. Sparrow was a true Rhodes card enthusiast.
"A private detective who loves Rhodes cards and novels, has impeccable taste in tea, harbors many secrets, and excels in investigating extramarital affairs… just what kind of person was Sparrow Hamilton?" Shad pondered.
It took nearly two hours for the three appraisers to reach a preliminary conclusion.
"This 'Founders' Silver Moon' Sun 3 card is very likely authentic," one of the elders finally declared.
The three old men appeared exhausted, as though they had just run a marathon, but they were confident in their assessment. As a result, the Tobesk City Association offered to issue Shad a certificate confirming the card's authenticity. In official Rhodes card tournaments, such as the upcoming "Grand City Player" this fall, each special Rhodes card must have an official certificate to ensure fairness.
However, the appraisal wasn’t over yet. Mr. Mark apologized to Shad, explaining that the final confirmation required a specialist from the Prophets' Association headquarters in Carsonrick. This was the protocol for cards from special series issued over a century ago. Shad would need to return in a week for the final verification.
"That's no problem," Shad agreed readily. He was excited as he tucked the card and certificate into his journal, his earlier resentment toward Sparrow for not leaving him any money completely dissipated.
Shad nodded. "I don’t plan to participate in any Rhodes card tournaments, actually."
Gambling had never appealed to Shad. He avoided it in his homeland, and he had no intention of indulging in it in this dangerous and mysterious Steam Era. Even though this card could be considered a cheat in official matches, he had no desire to use it for profit.
"Would the association be interested in purchasing it? I mean, after the final appraisal in a week."
He waved the card slightly in front of Mr. Mark, whose gaze followed it instinctively. Shad, now in need of gold pounds for his studies as a Ring Warlock, knew how valuable this card was but didn’t want to hold onto it indefinitely.
"You’re planning to sell it? A Founders' series card?" Mark exclaimed, leaning forward slightly, his voice tinged with disbelief. Then, collecting himself, he explained, "Apologies. It’s just that past owners of Founders' series cards were so fanatical about them that they wouldn’t part with them even in death... But no, the association never purchases Rhodes cards."
"Why not?" Shad asked.
Mark elaborated regretfully, "Using a gambler's analogy, the association is like the house; we cannot interfere in the card trade. If it were allowed, I’d personally offer to buy it no matter the cost."
"Could the association act as a broker and introduce potential buyers to me?" Shad inquired. Sparrow had hinted at a museum as a potential avenue, but Shad trusted an official organization more.
"Of course. That’s part of our services. But understand that finding a buyer for such a card won’t be easy. Everything will be arranged after the final appraisal in a week. In the meantime, you can decide on a price. Speaking of which, this is our brokerage fee structure. Since you’re not currently a member, don’t worry—you are now, and you won’t owe dues for the next ten years."
Mark handed Shad a silver badge, the emblem of the Prophets’ Association. Unlike the Ouroboros mark used internally, this badge bore the image of a card.
The man then pulled out a small notebook, jotted down a number, and tore off the page, handing it to Shad. "If you do decide to sell the Founders’ Silver Moon card, this is the fee for association members. We only charge after the transaction is completed, so you don’t need to worry."
Looking at the elegantly written, terrifying figure, Shad couldn’t help but take a sharp breath. Calculating how many orange tabby Mimia meals it equaled, he realized it wasn’t a meaningful unit of measure. Then he switched to calculating how many years' worth of first-year Ring Warlock tuition it would cover, and the result was staggering.
The woman in his mind laughed softly.
"Don’t think about such grim possibilities," Shad chided himself, shaking his head before replying, "I understand. The fee is reasonable."
"Then we’ll see you in a week, Mr. Hamilton. Please, take care not to use this card lightly—you understand why," Mark emphasized again.
"Yes, I understand. Thank you," Shad replied.
Satisfied, he left with his card and certificate securely tucked away. Returning to the first floor, he planned to take Mimia out for a good lunch, feeling a sense of relief and hope. However, he encountered Mr. Lavender, who seemed to be waiting for him.
"Detective Hamilton, might I trouble you for a moment? I have a commission for you," Lavender said, leaning on his gilded cane with an expectant look.
Shad instinctively tightened his grip on his notebook, then nodded after a moment of thought. "Of course, the detective agency is always open. Shall we head to my office?"
"No need. I’ve rented a meeting room here on the second floor. This way, please," Lavender gestured, leading the way. As Shad followed, he couldn’t help but feel cautious about the valuable card he carried.
"Is there anything suspicious about him? Any traces of mystical elements? Does he have a relic on him?" Shad asked silently.
【Get closer... No, he’s an ordinary person. Sometimes you’re overly cautious.】
"How can you be so sure he’s ordinary? Ring Warlocks don’t reveal their abilities unless necessary," Shad countered mentally.
【Your soul is sensitive. I’ve mentioned this before.】
"Better safe than sorry. You know I’m an outsider, barely a week into this world, and I’ve already encountered enough bizarre occurrences," Shad thought, hearing only the woman’s amused laughter in response.