Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

Chapter 57 Immense Wealth

"The origins of the card are somewhat inconvenient to disclose."

Shard spoke cautiously, and Mr. Mark also showed a look of regret, the middle-aged man knew how to use a smile to defuse awkwardness:

"No problem, after all, it's your secret."

Of course, it wasn't Shard's secret; although he had many secrets, this wasn't one of them. However, Shard also didn't know where Detective Sparrow Hamilton had obtained this card from.

He just roughly understood why, in the last ten minutes before the detective's death, he had made a point of insisting that Shard must safeguard this card. Detective Sparrow was a true Roder Card enthusiast.

"A private detective who likes Roder Cards and novels, has a very good taste in black tea, owns secrets, and specializes in investigating extramarital affairs... exactly what kind of person was Sparrow Hamilton?"

Shard pondered in his heart.

It took nearly two hours for the three appraisers to give their initial conclusion:

"This 'Sun 3' from Genesis: Silver Moon is very likely to be genuine."

The three elderly men looked as if they had just run a marathon, quite exhausted, but they were very confident in their conclusions.

As a result, the Tobesk City Association was willing to give Shard an authentication certificate, confirming that the card he held was authentic. In organized official Roder Card competitions, such as this autumn's "Big City Player," each special Roder Card was required to have an official certificate issued by the association to participate, to ensure the fairness of the competition.

However, the appraisal wasn't over yet, Mr. Mark apologetically informed Shard.

Although the Tobesk City branch believed the card to be a genuine Genesis Series Silvermoon that had disappeared a hundred years ago, according to the association's regulations, the appraisal of such special series cards issued a century ago still required an expert appraiser dispatched from the Prophet's Society's headquarters in the southern Carsonrick for further validation.

In other words, Shard could currently hold the authentication certificate, but he must return here in about a week for another appraisal to completely confirm the authenticity of the card.

"Of course, that's no problem."

Shard accepted this arrangement. He had already retrieved his card, his heart swirling with excitement, and any slight resentment he had felt towards Sparrow Hamilton for not leaving behind a wallet was now entirely let go.

"Of course, Mr. Hamilton, we must remind you that the value of this card... is immeasurable. If it's not absolutely necessary, you'd better not use it in unofficial Roder Card competitions, after all... you understand."

Mr. Mark gave a friendly reminder, and Shard nodded:

"Actually, I have no intention of participating in any Roder Card competitions."

He had always detested gambling—did not wager in his hometown, and would not gamble in the perilous and strange Steam Age either.

"I understand, the commission is quite reasonable."

"Then we will meet in a week, Mr. Hamilton. Please make sure not to use this card lightly... You probably understand what I mean."

Vice President Mark cautioned him.

"Yes, thank you, of course I understand."

Filled with a sense of satisfaction, Shard placed the appraisal certificate and the card in his diary and was escorted by Mr. Mark to the staircase on the third floor of the association.

Since coming to this world, nearly everything had gone against his desires, even the hard-earned dwelling he had might harbor danger. Yet, this Roder Card seemed like a ray of light through the fog, giving Shard hope for a better life.

With a sense of relief, he returned to the first floor of the association, planning to leave directly as he had nothing else to do and was planning to take Mia for a nice meal at a restaurant at noon.

But in the hall on the first floor, he ran into Mr. Lavende again, who had played cards with him earlier. It seemed like he was waiting for Shard, coming up enthusiastically as he saw Shard descending the stairs:

"Oh, Hamilton Detective, would you mind if I took a bit of your time? I have a commission I'd like to offer you."

The middle-aged gentleman spoke, holding his gold-inlaid cane, his eyes full of anticipation looking at Shard. Shard instinctively tightened his grip on his notebook and thought:

"Of course, the Detective Agency is always open. Shall we go to my office to discuss it?"

No. 6, Saint Delan Square was not far from here, and even if the card in his hand was valuable, he still needed other sources of income.

"Oh, I don't think that'll be necessary. This way, please, I've already rented a reception room on the second floor of the association, we can talk there."

Mr. Lavende led the way, and Shard followed him back upstairs. Because he was carrying something so valuable, he couldn't help but question in his mind:

"Is there something wrong with this man? Are there traces of elements around? Does he have a Relic on him?"

"Get a bit closer... He's an ordinary person. Sometimes you're really too cautious,"

"Aha! How do you know the other person is ordinary? A Circle Sorcerer can't easily identify each other without displaying power!"

Shard immediately asked, with a whisper answering in his ear:

"Your soul sensitivity, I've mentioned that before."

"Being cautious is always good, especially since you know, I'm an Outlander, and in less than a week's time here (note), I've already encountered plenty of strange incidents."

He replied in his mind, but all he got back was the woman's laughter.