The meeting between strangers at the Seer Association was quite friendly thanks to the Rhodes Cards. Shade introduced himself leisurely as he shuffled. Above them was a clear blue sky, with great clusters of white clouds drifting across it, while below and behind them lay the bustling winter square. Even if he had not been waiting for Luvia, Shade would have been happy to pass the time here:
"I just got off the train yesterday and visited an acquaintance. I had planned to go to the wetlands in the river valley outside the city today to enjoy the scenery, but I still wanted to see what the local Seer Association was like first. I only meant to take a look and leave, but I didn't expect to find this terrace. I have to admit, on a sunny summer afternoon, drinking afternoon tea beneath a parasol while playing cards with friends would be wonderfully pleasant."
"Winter scenery isn't bad either."
The gentleman with the local accent said, clearly resonating with Shade's words:
"I like playing cards here in every season. The indoor temperature and surroundings are better, of course, but I still prefer this place."
Shade took the opportunity to ask:
"Well then, since we have nothing else to do, how about a few rounds?"
He slapped the deck down on the table to the left in front of him, then pulled it to the right. The cards spread across the tabletop in an arc.
The gentleman across from Shade smiled and nodded:
"On such a pleasant morning, getting to play cards with a stranger who happened to come to our city is truly interesting. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Donald Antonio. If you're interested, I can tell you about the local area while we play. I know the local