When asked about that rhode cards, the woman's voice became serious for the first time.
"Of course, it has already been appraised by the local Prophet Association. On Friday, which is the day after tomorrow, people from the headquarters will arrive in Tobesk by steam locomotive for the final round of appraisal."
The woman behind the door did not speak again, and the Black-haired maid reappeared, then left the room.
Then followed an hour of silence. The plump maid prepared more black tea and snacks for Xia De, making him regret eating too much for breakfast.
The only sound from behind the bookshelf door was the occasional rustling of pages, until the Black-haired maid hurried back, and the conversation was able to continue:
"I didn't expect founding · silver moon to appear here after a hundred years. But this is good as well..."
There was a hint of a smile in the woman's words, and Xia De noticed that the temperature in the study became even more pleasant. He guessed that the other party was definitely more than a Ten-Ring Sorcerer:
"Do you want to buy it? I can give you a discount..."
He had already begun to imagine himself with Mia, buying the entire Saint Delan Square, and then living a prosperous life by collecting rent for the rest of his life. Although, deep down, he still had some desire to keep this card.
"Of course not, Detective. Although I have money, I wouldn't waste so much to buy a rhode cards. If this card were to be traded, the transaction amount would be substantial, even for me. As I just said, I don't like rhode cards; I just want to win an important game. So, why don't I just hire the card's owner? This is much better than buying the card."
The maid walked out and returned the three cards to Xia De. Xia De quietly asked the woman's voice in his head if the cards had been swapped, and successfully received the answer: "Still the genuine article."
Although the woman's voice in his head sometimes acted strangely, he had to admit it was very useful.
"Since you've seen this card today, Detective, are you interested in playing a game of rhode cards this weekend? You'll use this Founding · Silver Moon, but don't worry about trouble; I can declare that you are my person. From now on, you can use this card freely without worrying about others coveting it. In return, you will accept my commissions in the future, using this card to participate in rhode cards games. Of course, there will be compensation."
The other party's identity must be extraordinary. Gaining her protection would make his future life better.
"I don't really know how to play rhode cards that well. Are you sure you want me to play for you?"
He demurred slightly.
"As for compensation, the two special cards I've collected are yours. Detective, rhode cards are a stepping stone in high society. You possess a valuable card, why not use it to improve your social standing? I hope you can keep it; I think there will be many more such commissions in the future."
If Xia De were a fanatic like Baron Lavende, he would probably have a brain hemorrhage hearing about getting two special cards for free, but he wasn't.
However, the latter part of the other party's words indeed moved Xia De. If he could get to know more nobles, it would be of great benefit to his Detective career and even his Ring術士 studies. Moreover, with the card he got from the professor, even if he was really short on money and sold all three cards, it would be enough for him not to worry about expenses for a long time.
"If you win, you can receive a relic from me, based on your description of what you need. And I can introduce you to a job with a fixed weekly salary that requires no work from you, so you won't have to sell the cards. If you lose, you will have to use this card to participate in three more gambling games on a certain day in the future, without compensation."
Xia De had no reason to refuse. The relic would solve the source of his next drop of divinity, and the job would provide him with a minimum living allowance, without even having to do anything.
As he was thinking about this, the other party, assuming he was still hesitating, continued to raise the stakes:
"30 pounds, regardless of whether you win or lose, this is my compensation for hiring you to participate in the game on Sunday night. Founding · Silver Moon is worth this price."
"No problem, Madam!"
There was no need to think any further; besides, this wasn't gambling, just a commission:
"Madam, may I know your identity, and may I know who the other party in the game is?"
He probed again, and then seemed to hear a light chuckle from behind the door:
"You won't be at ease if you don't know my identity. Alright then, the other party in the game is Duke Lucas. He and I are old acquaintances. We are betting two spots in this card game, two spots in the Delarion Navy."
This was probably some kind of noble interest and political event, but he didn't ask further. For both outsiders and ordinary Detectives in this world, nobles of this level were legendary figures.
"As for me, people usually call me Miss Jialinna. I think you probably understand that you cannot casually tell your friends about my Ring術士 identity, otherwise... But you can tell others that we met because of rhode cards."
Xia De didn't know who "Miss Jialinna" was. He probably understood that it was a title to be respected, representing a very important person. Unfortunately, he lacked common knowledge in this area.
He thought to himself that he would ask someone later, and tried hard to show a surprised expression on his face, but in fact, he wasn't surprised at all.
"As for which organization I belong to, I cannot tell you that for now. But if you can demonstrate your value, that is, win the game this weekend and allow our cooperation to continue, you will naturally get the answer from me. Detective, I don't have much influence locally. I appreciate you, and I think you shouldn't mind cooperating with a friendly High-Ring Sorcerer.
Your background is sufficiently clean, and your Letter-based Ring術士 origin is also very good. Moreover, I appreciate people like you who are capable but still kind-hearted. I am willing to provide you with protection, just as we said when we first met, everything has its rewards."
"Yes, Miss Jialinna."
Xia De stood up, preparing to bid farewell. He was very satisfied with this meeting with Miss Jialinna:
"Then, I will go to the game this weekend, but what are the specific time and place?"
"The game is on Sunday night. On Sunday during the day, I will arrange for someone to find you, prepare suitable clothes for you, and teach you some minor etiquette. Those two special cards are not with me; they will be handed to you on Sunday. As for the compensation, I haven't prepared it in advance... Tifa, take him to the club to get 30 pounds."
"Okay, Madam."
This was the first time Xia De clearly heard the Black-haired maid speak.
"Detective, we'll see each other on Sunday. Good luck."
"Goodbye, Miss Jialinna."