Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

The woman's voice turned serious for the first time when asked about the Roder Card.

"Of course, it has already been authenticated by the local Prophet's Society. On Friday, which is tomorrow, representatives from the headquarters will arrive in Tobesk via steam locomotive to conduct the final round of authentication." Continue your adventure with empire

The woman behind the door fell silent again, and the black-haired Maid reemerged before leaving the room.

What followed was an hour of silence, during which the plump maid brought Shard more tea and pastries, making him regret having eaten such a hefty breakfast.

Sounds of pages turning intermittently came from behind the bookcase door until the black-haired Maid hastily returned, and the conversation resumed:

"I did not expect Genesis: Silvermoon to surface here after a century. But this is good..."

There was a hint of laughter in the woman's words, and Shard noted that the temperature in the study became even more pleasant. He guessed that she was definitely more than a Ten Rings:

"Do you wish to buy it? I can give you a discount..."

He had already begun to imagine himself with Mia, buying the entire Saint Delan Square and then living a life of affluence with the rent. Although, deep inside, he still harbored a desire to keep the card.

"Certainly not, Detective. While I am wealthy, I'm not about to waste so much on a Roder Card. Even for me, the actual transaction amount for this card would be significant. I've said before, I don't like Roder Cards; I just want to win an important game. So, why not simply hire the owner of the card? This is much better than buying the card outright."

The Maid stepped out and returned the three cards to Shard. Shard quietly asked the woman's voice in his head if the cards had been switched and got the reassurance that they were still genuine.

Though sometimes the voice in his head acted oddly, he had to admit it was quite useful.

"Since I've seen the card today, Detective, would you be interested in a game of Roder this weekend? You'd be using Genesis: Silvermoon, but don't worry about any trouble. I can declare publicly that you're my man. From then on, you may use this card as you please without fear that others will covet it. In return, you must accept my commission later, to use this card in Roder games.

Of course, you'll be compensated."

Whoever she was, her identity must be extraordinary. Gaining her protection would certainly improve his life.

"I'm not really good at playing Roder, are you sure you want me to play on your behalf?"

He demurred slightly.

"As for the reward, the two Special Cards I've collected will belong to you. Detective, Roder Cards are a stepping stone into high society. Why not use this rare card to enhance your social status? I hope you'll keep it, as I expect to give you many more such commissions in the future."

If Shard had been an enthusiast like Baron Lavende, the prospect of getting two Special Cards for nothing would probably have caused an aneurysm, but he wasn't one.

However, the latter part of her offer did appeal to him. Becoming acquainted with more nobility would benefit both his detective work and his Circle Sorcerer Studies. Plus, with the card he got from the professor, even if he found himself desperately needing money and sold all three cards, he'd be set for a long while.

"If you win, you'll receive a Relic of your description from me. And I can introduce you to a job that pays a regular weekly wage but requires no work from you, so you won't have to sell the cards. If you lose, you must play with the card on another day, entering three games without compensation."

Shard had no reason to refuse; the Relic would solve the source of the next drop of Divinity and the job secured a minimal livelihood without lifting a finger.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

As he considered the offer, she thought he was still hesitating and raised the stakes:

"30 pounds, whether you win or lose, that is my fee for hiring you for the weekend game. Genesis: Silvermoon is worth it."

"No problem, ma'am!"

There was no need to ponder it any further, especially since it wasn't a gamble but a commission:

"Ma'am, may I know your identity, and who the other party in the game is?"

He probed further, then seemed to hear a soft chuckle from behind the door:

"You won't be at ease not knowing who I am. Very well, the other participant is Old Duke Lucas. He and I are old acquaintances. We're betting on two appointments in the Draleon Navy with this game."

This was likely some kind of aristocratic influence and political event, but he did not inquire further. For outsiders and detectives of this world alike, nobles of such rank were the stuff of legend.

"As for me, I'm commonly known as Miss Galina. I trust you understand not to disclose my Sorcerer identity to your friends, otherwise... But you can tell people that we met through Roder."

Shard didn't know who "Miss Galina" was, but he understood it to be a title of respect that signified an important person. Unfortunately, he lacked that kind of knowledge.

While planning to ask someone about it later, he made an effort to appear surprised, although he was not at all surprised.

"As for which organization I belong to, I cannot tell you for now. But if you prove your worth, that is, win the weekend game and allow our cooperation to continue, then you can get your answers from me. Detective, I have little power here locally, but I admire you and think you probably wouldn't mind working with a friendly High Ring Sorcerer.

Your background is clean enough, and a Correspondence Circle Mage upbringing is not bad at all. Besides, I appreciate capable people like you who are still decent at heart. I'm willing to offer you protection, but as we said when we first met, everything comes at a price."

"Yes, Miss Galina."

Shard stood up to take his leave, thoroughly pleased with his meeting with Miss Galina:

"Then, I'll be there for the weekend game, but what are the specific time and place?"

"The game is on Sunday night. I'll have someone find you during the day on Sunday, prepare appropriate clothes for you, and teach you some non-essential etiquette. The two Special Cards aren't with me at the moment, I'll give them to you on Sunday. As for the payment, I wasn't prepared in advance... Tifa, take him to the club to get the 30 pounds."

"Very well, ma'am."

This was the first time Shard heard the black-haired Maid speak clearly.

"Detective, I'll see you on Sunday, good luck."

"Goodbye, Miss Galina."