However, the moment Shade stepped into the hall, someone grabbed him by the wrist.
The tall, thin middle-aged man in black leather shoes stood almost face-to-face at Shade's side. Mr. Cindyia Mark, vice president of the Tobesk Branch of the Seer Association, truly gave Shade a fright.
"Mr. Hamilton, you've finally arrived."
Mr. Mark's voice was hoarse today.
"Am I late?"
Shade asked hesitantly.
Mr. Mark released his hand, giving Shade the chance to take out his pocket watch, but it was only half past nine in the morning.
"You aren't late. I simply arrived too early."
"Mr. Mark, what time have you been waiting here for me?"
Shade could picture the middle-aged gentleman pacing back and forth outside the Association with his hands behind his back, waiting for him.
"Nine o'clock. Mr. Hamilton, you don't understand how important today is to me."
As he spoke, he led Shade toward the staircase to the second floor. The group standing at the foot of the stairs voluntarily made way for Mr. Mark, watching Shade curiously.
"Important to you?"
Shade thought he had misheard.
"If your Rhodes Card is successfully authenticated, then the Tobesk Branch will become the first branch in nearly thirty years to authenticate a Founding Series Rhodes Card. We'll completely surpass every other Association, including Lyon Headquarters, and become this year's... In any case, this is very important to us as well."
It was clear that the Seer Association had truly put considerable effort into preparations. The entire third floor of the Association was closed to the public today. Compared to last time Shade had come upstairs, the carpets had been replaced with brand-new ones, and even the oil paintings along the walls had been exchanged for new pieces that looked like antiques. The Gas Lamps mounted on the