"After so many years of playing cards, this is the first time I've encountered an opponent as oppressive as you. Twelve rounds so far, and you haven't lost a single one. This thirteenth round is already the final round. As long as you beat any one of us, you still win this game."
"How about we surrender and lose half the points, just as we discussed during the fifth round?"
Shade suggested, displaying his two Hand Cards:
"This way, I still win, but at least the loser won't be you, Viscount."
Viscount Bell Gra glanced at Shade's Hand Cards:
"You have seventeen points now. I don't believe your hole card is worth four points or less. In the first two rounds of this game, you already drew Sun 1, Moon 3, Stars 3, and Stars 4. I'm betting that you've already busted and are bluffing us."
Shade smiled, then turned to Mr. Herman Wood:
"What do you think?"
The young man, wiping sweat from his brow, narrowed his eyes slightly:
"If I surrender voluntarily, then I truly lose. But if you've busted, at least you lose this round. According to the rules this time, a win earns two points, a loss earns no points, but busting costs one point. I also think you're putting on a show, Mr. Watson. You've already busted this round, haven't you?"
Shade clasped his hands together, threading the fingers of one through the gaps of the other:
"You're that certain? Then shall we add a little wager to this round? No, not Special Cards. We'll wager those next."
Viscount Bell Gra and Mr. Herman Wood exchanged looks:
"We don't believe you haven't busted. Then let's raise the stakes. If we lose, we'll each donate another five Crowns to the church tomorrow."
Shade finally smiled:
"No