Chapter 54: The Prophet Association |
Mimia stayed home to watch the house. At around 8:30, Shad set off directly for the "Tobesk Branch of the Prophets’ Association" located in the city center.
The Tobesk branch of the Prophets’ Association is a key division of the continental Prophets’ Association. Other than the headquarters located in the capital of the Lagson Principality within the Carsonrick United Kingdom, the Tobesk branch stands as the most significant institution within the association. It oversees all other branches situated in the Northern Kingdom.
Situated alongside Yodel Palace on Silver Cross Avenue in Tobesk City, the association’s building forms part of the grand architectural landscape that characterizes the bustling "Steam City" of Tobesk in the mist-covered Northern Kingdom of Drarian.
Silver Cross Avenue was teeming with pedestrians and carriages. Despite the early hour, newsboys, coachmen, nobles, merchants, clerks, and police officers filled the streets. The association had already opened its doors. Standing amidst the morning mist, Shad avoided the throng of people and gazed up at the association's three-story building. The freshly painted walls were covered with steam and gas pipes.
Even at 8:30, the main entrance saw a steady flow of well-dressed individuals coming and going. It resembled a gentlemen’s club, and Shad took care to tidy his clothes before heading inside. Fortunately, no one seemed to mind a visitor’s attire as a condition for entry.
Upon entering the lobby, Shad immediately noticed a series of decorative paintings of Rhodes Cards adorning the walls alongside brass gas lamps. Among these paintings, he recognized the card featuring the "Founders’ Silver Moon"—a design that startled him. A closer inspection of the plaques revealed these thirteen paintings represented the original Founders' Series of Rhodes Cards. The association had displayed them as a commemorative gesture.
Remembering the knowledge of the "Thirteen Ancient Gods" from the previous night, Shad speculated about a connection between these deities and the thirteen Founders' Rhodes Cards. Carefully noting each card’s depiction, his curiosity about the Prophets’ Association deepened.
As he passed an elderly gentleman engrossed in counting his cards and narrowly avoided colliding with a troubled young man in boots and a brown vest, Shad turned toward the bulletin board near the entrance. Various notices, mostly private advertisements seeking specific rare cards, were pinned to the board. The largest and most central notice announced the "Grand City Players" Rhodes Card Tournament to be held this autumn in the city, an event expected to draw enthusiasts and players from across the Old Continent.
"Only a civilization advanced enough to reach the Steam Era would have this many idle people for such entertainment," Shad thought to himself, marveling at the popularity of Rhodes Cards in this world.
Holding the journal of the former detective, Shad approached the counter with a mix of nervousness and excitement. A young woman with long brown hair, dressed in a reddish-brown uniform, greeted him with a professional smile.
"Card appraisal?" he asked, placing five pennies—damp with sweat from his palm—on the counter.
"Certainly, sir. Are you a member of the association? Membership offers discounted appraisal fees," she replied.
The mention of membership reminded Shad of similar practices from his own world. Raising an eyebrow, he inquired, "How much is the membership fee?"
"One pound per year."
"Let’s just proceed with the appraisal," Shad said, glancing around to ensure no one was nearby. He opened the journal to reveal the "Sun 3" card from the Founders' Series featuring the Silver Moon. Even Dr. Schneider, who wasn’t a card enthusiast, could recognize its significance at a glance. Naturally, the receptionist did too.
Smiling, she warned, "Sir, are you aware that if the card is deemed counterfeit, it will be destroyed on the spot?"
"Really?" Shad was caught off guard. It seemed Dr. Schneider and Miss Luisa hadn’t intentionally omitted this information—they likely didn’t know. The policy was akin to a bank destroying counterfeit currency, which made sense.
Had it not been for last night’s divination, Shad might have hesitated. However, he trusted the astrological expertise of the dean of the Astronomy Department at St. Byrons Comprehensive College. With confidence, he said, "Of course. If it’s fake, it should be destroyed. I’m willing to have it appraised."
Despite his words, Shad couldn’t help but feel a little anxious. He thought this reaction was normal—anyone trying to redeem a seemingly lucky ticket would feel the same.
The receptionist, likely accustomed to such situations, maintained her professional smile without wavering. Her southern accent hinted that she wasn’t a local, further adding to her professional demeanor. Noticing the brass Ouroboros emblem on her chest—the symbol of the Prophets’ Association—Shad followed her directions to Waiting Room 13 on the first floor.
Appraisals couldn’t take place out of sight of the owner to avoid misunderstandings if a card was deemed counterfeit. However, the appraisal couldn’t be conducted at the counter either, so the association had dedicated rooms for this purpose.
Shad entered Room 13 on the eastern hallway, finding it crowded with tea tables and sofas but lacking any refreshments. Besides the door connecting to the corridor, another door led to the adjacent room. Like the others, Shad was given a hard-numbered card. Appraisal clients were called into the adjoining room every few minutes. Since the Tobesk branch was the largest in the Northern Old Continent, Shad estimated he wouldn’t wait longer than half an hour for his number, 29, to be called.
Even at this early hour, the room was filled with people awaiting appraisals. Groups of men with numbered cards chatted about Rhodes Cards, current events, and occasionally royal or noble gossip. A few read newspapers, lounging as if in a private club. Nobody paid much attention to the young stranger who had just entered.
