Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

The main business of the Prophet's Society is the Roder Card. The society itself does not set up gambling games but does hold competitions to facilitate exchanges among Roder card enthusiasts, which is why they have meeting rooms available for rent.

Both men took their seats on the sofa, Shard slipped his notebook into the inner pocket of his clothing, while Mr. Lavende put down his walking stick and reintroduced himself; the middle-aged man with a mustache was not an ordinary citizen:

"I actually have a baron's title, but as you know, in Tobesk City, nobility doesn't really count for much. This isn't the countryside where some bankrupt noble can control a village just because they own a little property. Although it's an exaggeration, if you shout 'Baron' in the street here, more than one person will turn around."

He shrugged at Shard, who understood Baron Lavende's meaning – after all, this was the capital of the Draleon Kingdom, and a baron, especially one without property, was not so exceptional here.

"Relatively speaking, I'm not very wealthy, but I've met some quite incredible people through playing Roder cards. This commission is related to Roder cards.

Here's the thing, this Sunday evening, I have been invited to a party at the Lakeside Manor owned by the Earl of Crown, outside the city. It's the usual kind of outdoor party, with many attendees: men hunting for romance, ladies lusting for pleasure, idle folks with nothing better to do, or others with different purposes...

My friend Baron Rwanda is organizing a Roder card game at the party, betting on a Special Card."

The middle-aged man with the mustache looked at Shard, gauging his expression. Shard thought for a moment before asking:

"So, you want that card?"

"Roder cards are important, of course, but I want to win against that guy even more. After I lost my fairy-tale themed deck's Special Card – the Matchstick Girl, do you know how he mocked me? So, Hamilton Detective, I plan to find several skilled card players before the party to help me defeat him at the game."

Baron Lavende nodded at Shard:

"Hamilton Detective, are you willing to accept this commission?"

"Although I would like to take it, I really don't know how to play cards."

Shard hurriedly shook his head; he wanted to make money, but he wouldn't take on a commission that was beyond his abilities.

"No, no, no, Roder cards are actually a game that really tests your luck. Knowing the rules is enough to get started."

The baron also shook his head:

"Sometimes luck is even more important than skill, and we generally believe that newcomers tend to be lucky. Like how you just beat me."

"But that was just luck, and please don't be superstitious."

Shard emphasized, not wanting to invite trouble over a commission. Moreover, he had successfully obtained the appraisal certificate for Genesis: Silver Moon, which meant a windfall as soon as the final appraisal results were in. Although he would definitely continue to maintain his identity as a detective, it was no longer necessary to take on those risky commissions.

"I've not only approached you, but a few other gentlemen as well. If you help me win the game, I'll pay you one pound for just one victory; and even if you lose, I can still give you ten shillings. Plus, your travel expenses to and from the manor will be reimbursed, and you'll get to enjoy the party for free. If you're lucky, you might even encounter a beautiful girl."

Baron Lavende continued to up the ante.

Now Shard hesitated; if the baron didn't mind him losing, then the commission was acceptable. He could earn at least half a pound in one evening, which was more than what some special professions could offer.

Of course, he still had his doubts, as Shard was quite self-aware:

"Sorry, my lord. You merely think I can help you because I won a single game against you? I mean, this is our first meeting, after all."

"Actually, the first thing that caught my attention was the location of your Detective Agency, which led me to believe you must be no ordinary detective. Just now, I noticed you went to the third floor with Vice President Mark. Even if you don't understand Roder cards, you certainly can't be a common detective. It's not so easy to get to the third floor of the Prophet's Society."

The mustachioed man grinned, then pulled out his deck of cards:

"Since you still refuse, it shows you're a very responsible detective. How about this, we draw three cards again. If it totals to 21 points or less, you accept my commission, how about it?"

Shard became interested too, as the risks of this commission were even lower than Mr. Franklin's, second only to searching for the temporarily missing family member, Mia:

"Certainly."

He took the Baron's deck of cards, reshuffled them, and then drew the top three cards.

This time it wasn't a coincidental number like twenty-one; he laid the cards out on the table in order—

Stars 1, Sun 2, Moon 3.

Baron Lavende and Shard raised their eyebrows simultaneously:

"See, Detective, I told you that a beginner's luck is definitely good. Don't touch the Roder cards again before Sunday; it will consume your luck."

This kind of saying is probably a common superstition, much like the "Law of Conservation of Luck."

Baron Lavende grabbed Shard's hand:

"Detective, you must help me. Damn that Rwanda, this time, I am destined to win."

Strictly speaking, this should be considered the second commission Shard had taken on (note). For formality's sake, he had requested paper and pen, written out a contract of commission by hand, after both parties had checked it, they signed it, and two copies were kept.

Shard thought that the meticulous habits of the former Detective Sparrow were good, hence he planned to continue using the ledger, notebook, and file binder for recording any official commissions.

It would also be convenient for paying taxes.

The invitation to the night banquet at Lakeside Manor, Baron Lavende would send it to No. 6, Saint Delan Square later. At the dinner, they should not meet up but pretend to be acquaintances who met by chance and then play Roder cards together.

Baron Lavende hoped to prove his luck to his friend, Baron Rwanda, in this manner.

Shard expressed his concern about Baron Lavende's idea, but all he wanted was that half a pound; winning or losing didn't really matter to him.

"However, I wonder if the banquet's food can be taken away, and what the dress code will be... I can ask the doctor about it on Saturday, he definitely looks like what they call an upper-class person."

His luck this morning had been too good, making Shard somewhat suspicious if he had really turned his fortunes around. After bidding farewell to Baron Lavende, Shard did not return home immediately, but walked to Old John's Pawnshop, where he had pawned his walking cane, and redeemed the expensive cane that was said to be made from natural cedar from the heart of the Delado Mountain Area. Discover hidden tales at empire

It was still only the shopkeeper in the pawnshop, which was somewhat cool in the early summer noon, and the temperature was just right.

Pawnshop owner John Jones expressed his regret at Shard's decision and emphasized repeatedly that if Shard was in need of money, he could sell the cane to him. Old John was willing to spend more than the pawning price to purchase it outright.

"So how much are you willing to pay?"

Shard didn't refuse the offer; if he wanted to use a cane, he could completely buy a cheaper one.

"Hmm... how about 7 pounds, 6 shillings?"

The old man, who was still wearing a red wool waistcoat in the summer midday, considered for a moment and named his price.

His hands, with age spots, twitched slightly:

"That's not a low price."

"Ten pounds."

Shard immediately raised the price, knowing the other party would not accept it; he was waiting for the owner to bargain down. According to the current purchasing power of money, ten pounds would even be enough to give Detective Sparrow Hamilton a grand burial, so such a price was definitely inappropriate.

"Deal."

Old John immediately agreed.