Even though Shade had defeated him cleanly and decisively, Mr. Lavende was still very excited. Unfortunately, his number had already been called, so he could only rise and leave regretfully. Still, he carefully put away Shade's business card.
After the card game ended and the organizer was gone, no one was interested in playing anymore. Shade sat there and somehow found himself invited into a discussion of royal gossip, forced to offer an opinion on the conflict between Prince Mogus Cavendish, whom he knew nothing about, and Marquis Calard, commander of the Third Army Steam Equipment Division.
Fortunately, his number was finally called. Seeing that he had an excuse to leave, he hurriedly stood up and handed out business cards to the people around him. This was a good opportunity to attract customers—people who played Rhodes Cards were all wealthy.
He pushed open the side door and entered the room, naturally remembering to close the door behind him. The Rhodes Cards collector who had entered before him had already left through the front door. Only an old man behind a desk remained inside, yawning as he gestured for Shade to sit.
The room was not large; it could even be called cramped. A few framed paintings on the walls were its only decorations, while the Rhodes Cards appraiser's desk occupied nearly a quarter of the room.
As he sat down, Shade noticed that apart from several Gas Lamps and various lenses, there was also a conspicuous black metal box on the desk. It was filled with torn-up Rhodes Cards. On top was the Delarion Hero Series Flower 1 card that Mr. Lavende had shown off earlier. It had no special effect, but its artwork was beautiful. Unfortunately, it was also counterfeit.
"Do you know that forged Rhodes Cards must be