Upon hearing Father Andrei's suggestion for Shade, Chairman Stan immediately added:
"I don't think there'll be any problem with the other compensation. Two hundred pounds, plus some other things... Let me think. Are you interested in the newly released Rhodes Cards 'Old Continent Minerals' series?"
He was hinting at Shade, but Shade still hesitated. Of course, it wasn't that he disagreed with the trade or wanted more; he simply needed to appear a little reserved.
The chairman and vice chairman of the Seer Association, along with the old priest from the Dawn Church, were all quite understanding of Shade's "hesitation." Thus, some raised their cups to drink tea, while others sorted documents with the secretary.
The grand office suddenly fell quiet. Little Mia lifted her head to look at Shade. Shade looked toward the stained-glass window, then slowly stroked the cat:
"I hope..."
Everyone looked at him:
"This transaction won't be known by anyone else. In a few months—no, at the Year-End Festival at the end of the year—I will explain this matter to Miss Galina. I hope she can forgive me."
He tried his best to look guilty. Chairman Stan lowered his head and adjusted his glasses, while Father Andrei softly consoled him:
"This does not disgrace your honor, Mr. Hamilton. Only by bravely admitting mistakes can one better make up for mistakes that cannot be changed."
"A lifetime ownership right to one Founding Series card, two hundred pounds in cash, and one Old Continent Minerals Gem Mine, in exchange for the Tear Crystal in your possession."
Chairman Stan summarized:
"I think that will be no problem, Mr. Hamilton. Which Founding card would you like to choose?"
"Founding."
Shade answered without hesitation. He suspected that if he chose "Founding," something else would happen in Tobesk:
"Should I hand this