Although Shade returned a little late, Claire assumed he had been busy arranging lunch for Little Mia and did not ask further. Everyone ate together in Snow Mountain Hall, and only after the meal did Elder Vilda give Shade the three borrowed Special Rule Cards.
"Star 13 Primitive Steam Engine - Atmospheric Steam Engine: When this card is drawn, if you already hold at least three cards and all cards in hand are of the Star suit, this card's number may be adjusted to 1, 2, 12, or 13.
Moon 2 Power and Conquest: Conscription Order: When this card is drawn, if the opponent holds more than three cards and has not stopped drawing, a random card from the opponent's hand may be added to your own hand;
Flower 6 Mechanical Invention - Steamship: When this card is drawn and is not the first card, turn all cards in your hand face down and have the opponent choose one. If they fail to choose this card, their final score is reduced by 1. Return the selected card after the choice."
Shade read out the names, suits, and special rules of the three cards. Since arriving on Fatumonst Island, he had not touched Rhodes Cards apart from playing at the Midnight Elk Club and with Major Rades. Seeing three Special Rule Cards he had never encountered before, he was genuinely pleased.
"You're already smiling."
Claire, standing beside him, pointed it out.
The three cards had belonged respectively to the mayor of Kael-Todd Town, whose presence was rather faint; the coachman who drove a passenger ox cart at the town entrance; and Mr. Sargent, the Magic Potion Merchant.
Shade carefully examined the faces of the three cards.
"I have cards from the Original Steam Engine Series too. Oh, and the Power and