The academy shop stood at the far end of the commercial district.
When Yūki arrived, there was indeed no one at the entrance.
Forget first-year students-there was not even an upperclassman in a blue uniform in sight. Only a vending machine hummed against the wall.
He paused at the entrance.
Did the upperclassmen look down on these rare cards released each month?
Or was this batch of cards only available to first-years, a perk the academy offered its newcomers?
Yūki thought the latter made more sense.
Yūki pushed open the door and entered the shop.
The brass bell on the door jingled.
The shop was small, with several rows of card binders and sleeves lining the walls. Duel Disk parts, dormitory commemorative badges, and several expensive single cards sat in a glass display case.
Behind the counter, a slightly plump middle-aged woman stood on tiptoe, stocking a case of drinks onto a shelf.
She wore a light-colored apron, her hair tied back, and moved with practiced efficiency.
Hearing the bell, she immediately turned around with a cheerful smile.
"Welcome! Oh my, someone's here this early?"
Seeing that familiar face, Yūki immediately recognized her.
Auntie Tami.
The woman who ran the Duel Academy shop was cheerful, friendly to students, and always brimming with energy.
She was also Chancellor Samejima's girlfriend.
When Yūki had learned about their relationship in his previous life, he had given one question some serious thought.
How exactly had Chancellor Samejima, who always looked so kind and gentle and treated everyone as a promising young talent, managed to win her over?
Surely it had not been a seaside night view followed by a duel?
Considering this was the world of Yu-Gi-Oh!, it really was hard to say.
"Good morning, Auntie Tami."
Yūki approached the counter. "I'm here to