Vice President Mark glanced at Bishop Owen, who had supposedly come as a mediator, but the old man merely held his teacup without any intention of speaking, as though completely absorbed in that cup of black tea.
So he looked again at Chairman Stan, who had solemnly patted him on the shoulder that morning and said he had an important task from headquarters to arrange for him. Yet that high-ring fortune-teller now seemed to have lost his memory and showed no intention of speaking up for him either.
Hamilton of Leijed had shielded Queen Diana from a fatal bullet on the street during the height of summer two years ago, changing the fates of many people, himself included. Before this spring, Shade had also helped Larus III repel assassins who had attacked Yodel Palace.
Taken together, along with Shade's relationship with Galina Cavendish, he could now truly be regarded as a core member of the royal family. Even if the royal family applied to place him under protection, The Church would not refuse.
Yet at a time when the North-South Great War was about to begin and The Church was being especially accommodating toward the royal family, the Seer Association had made such a demand of this promising young man. Whether as Shade's friend or in any other capacity, Vice President Mark did not particularly want Shade to agree to the coming deal.
"You will certainly be interested in that card. It is [Founding], the oldest Rhodes Card in the Association's possession."
Vice President Mark gave the explanation as instructed:
"Two years ago, the Association traded the lifetime ownership of [Founding], 200 pounds in cash, and an [Old Continent Minerals Gem Mine] for a precious teardrop-shaped crystal in your possession. This is a similar transaction. We would like to invite