Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

Taking a carriage from the Prophet's Society, I headed through the snow to Dawn Square. Even in snowy weather, Dawn Square was bustling with people. The snow from last night had already blanketed the ground, and the young priests of the church, along with volunteer believers, were shoveling snow at the entrance, thus creating two large snowbanks over a meter high on either side of the grand steps of the church.

Children accompanying their parents to the church wore hats and scarves, happily grabbing snow and throwing it at each other beside the snowbanks. Shard, stepping off the carriage, noticed that Mia seemed very interested in the snowbank, so he gently placed the cat onto the snowbank.

Of course, not knowing if the cat would "sink" into the snowbank, Shard did not fully let go.

Once the curious cat's little paws fully touched the cold snow, it immediately meowed, asking Shard to pick it up. The cat wasn't scared, it simply found its paws cold.

"Sir, what breed is your cat?"

Shard smiled and placed Mia on his shoulder. A bold boy among the children playing in the snow walked over and politely inquired. Judging by their attire, it was clear they were all from relatively affluent middle-class families. Children of poor believers wouldn't waste their daytime earning opportunities.

"It's a Tobesk domestic cat."

"Can it play with us for a while? Oh, sir, we promise not to let it get lost."

"That won't do, this cat is very timid."

Shard immediately shook his head. Although the children were disappointed, they quickly resumed playing around the snowbanks. Shard also grabbed a handful of snow, feeling the cold temperature as he clenched his fist.

[Are you reminiscing about childhood?]

"She" softly asked in Shard's ear, the voice even lighter than snowflakes landing.

"Of course not."

Feeling his hand was cold enough, Shard shook off the snow and water, then placed his icy hand on Mia's back:

"Meow~"

In her laughter, Mia's claws almost destroyed Shard's coat.

This compensation negotiation was formally between the Prophet's Society and Shard, but in reality, the Prophet's Society was negotiating on behalf of the Church with Shard.

The negotiation was set at Dawn Chapel, ostensibly to prevent the Prophet's Society from "bullying," so the Dawn Church took the initiative to handle the matter, which was also a special favor to core believers. But in reality, it was to prevent the matter of the Sage's Glowstone from leaking, as the church's security measures were much stronger than those of the Prophet's Society.

The meeting took place in an office on the east side of the church with President Stan of the Tobesk Branch of the Prophet's Society, his secretary, and Vice-President Mr. Judith attending, while Father Andre represented the Dawn Chapel.

It's worth noting that Father Andre was a Nine Rings Sorcerer. Unlike the field team, this robust gentleman in a white robe was only responsible for the church's security and generally did not operate within the city.

Compensating Shard for the mental distress caused by "gas leakage" was a straightforward matter, and Shard didn't plan to "extort" the Prophet's Society. Therefore, the two sides only discussed for over ten minutes before agreeing that the Society would pay Shard a one-time sum of 60 pounds in cash in exchange for Shard's promise not to mention the incident under any circumstances.

Of course, the compensation issue was merely a pretext for involving Shard in the talks, not the main focus; otherwise, it wouldn't warrant the presence of high-level sorcerers from both the church and the society.

After settling the compensation plan, the real topic was finally introduced.

"Mr. Hamilton, we heard that you possess a blue tear-shaped crystal stone?"

Vice-President Mr. Judith of the Prophet's Society asked as Shard signed the document, while putting away his fountain pen. Unlike Shard's friend, the ordinary Vice-President Mark, this balding vice-president was a Three Ring Sorcerer.

"Oh? How did you know that? Miss Galina just gave it to me last night."

Shard feigned surprise, and Mr. Judith nodded cautiously, glancing at President Stan and Father Andre. On the surface, the priest appeared to be present for the benefit of Shard, but in reality, everyone there was united in an act to voluntarily convince "ordinary" Shard Hamilton to surrender the Sage's Glowstone.

"We already knew the gemstone was in Duchess Galina's possession, but she refused to sell it to us."

Mr. Judith displayed an apologetic smile:

"This morning, while in town, the Duchess mentioned to Countess Orlean that the gemstone had been given to you, and that's how we learned. In fact, the gemstone is a somewhat special mineral with inherent dangers and needs to be stored in a special lead box. This stone has some historical connection to us; it was left behind by a president about four hundred years ago in the Common Era Calendar. It plays a significant role in ancient stone divination and holds substantial commemorative significance for the Society.

Pardon me for being blunt, but would you be willing to sell it to us?"

These words were already shared with Shard by Miss Galina last night, so before the negotiation began, everyone present was aware of these lines.

Shard rolled up one of the two copies of the agreement and put it into his pocket, stroked his cat, and said with some difficulty:

"Mr. Judith, I've always had a favorable impression of the Prophet's Society. Vice-President Mark even joked that I visit the association eight times a week. Since this is an important item once lost by the association, I'm inclined to return it to you, but..."

Mr. Judith nodded understandingly and continued:

"Then please name your price."

Shard shook his head:

"But this really puts me in a difficult position. I truly want to help the association, but it is, after all, a gift from Duchess Galina Cavendish. I cannot sell it casually; that would be disrespectful to the duchess."

Although Shard was eager to make his conditions known immediately, he still needed to maintain his persona as "Miss Galina's lover."

"I am not in great need of money, and even if I were, I could not do such a thing. What kind of person sells a gift from a lady for money? Oh, that's a matter of honor, unfortunately."

Shard emphasized carefully, observing Mr. Judith's expression. The latter glanced at the old priest sitting next to Shard, then looked towards President Stan.

The best diviner in the Tobesk Region coughed:

"Mr. Hamilton, what you're saying is very correct. I understand your thoughts and admire your virtue.

How about this, you name a number, and I have an anonymous bank draft here which can be cashed at the Draleon Royal Bank two streets away. Additionally, we can sponsor you for a summer trip to Lain, the capital of the Duchy of Lagerson where the society's headquarters is located, next summer. We'll cover the cost for two people, and you may invite a female companion. I heard from Annette that you've always been interested in the scenery of the Southern Nation."

Shard showed a tempted expression, then quickly shook his head amidst laughter in his ears:

"No, no, I am very serious. This is a gift from Miss Galina, and I cannot sell it."

His expression was earnest, and President Stan nodded slightly. After a simple probe, he decided to throw the real weight onto the table:

"Mr. Hamilton, I recall you recently mentioned your desire to purchase two Genesis Series Roder Cards from the main society."

Shard, who had been maintaining his expression, couldn't help but look up with a surprised expression upon hearing this.

The thirteen "Impermanence Cards" possess no supernatural abilities and generally are assumed to be ordinary items by people. To the Prophet's Society, "Genesis: Knowledge" and "Genesis: Fate" are indeed exceptionally precious symbolic and commemorative items, but not entirely untradeable.

The one wanting to obtain the "Sage's Glowstone" from Shard is not the Prophet's Society, but the Church of the Five Gods. The Church merely had the Prophet's Society come to negotiate the purchase from Shard, with compensation naturally provided by the Church. Coupled with Iluna's mention of Shard's desire for the "Genesis" series divination cards in front of Miss Green, President Stan raised the condition at this moment.

"Are you willing to exchange two cards for this gemstone? Is it really that valuable?"

Shard asked feigned disbelief, and President Stan immediately shook his head:

"No, no, just one card. You can choose one from two Genesis cards in the society's collection."

"In exchange for this teardrop-shaped crystal?"

President Stan shook his head regrettably again:

"Not an exchange. You can choose one Genesis card, and until the end of your life, this card belongs to you. But you cannot use it as a wager, collateral, or trade it in any other way. After your death, we'll buy it back from your heirs. You must promise that we will be the only party able to reclaim this card."

Essentially, the permanent ownership of the "Sage's Glowstone" is exchanged for allowing the "ordinary man" Shard Hamilton to hold a Roder card for a lifetime.

President Stan looked seriously at Shard:

"Mr. Hamilton, though this means you cannot use that card as a family heirloom, you will still be a legendary player among Roder card players. Silvermoon, Balance, Dark, Death, and soon the fifth card — since the issue of Roder cards, you are the first to simultaneously hold five Genesis Series cards."

Shard showed a cautious contemplative expression, after a long while, he slightly nodded:

"Gold Pound is indeed not important, but 'legendary player' really is."

Father Andre, who had been silent all along, now smiled and suggested:

"Mr. Hamilton, though this is a deal between you and the Prophet's Society, since it's being discussed at the church, why don't I draft the contract for you? A permanent handover of the blue teardrop crystal in exchange for the possession of a Roder card before your death. In addition, I think the Prophet's Society could offer you some other compensation. People know the prophets are quite wealthy."

This seemed to be helping Shard to secure additional chips, but actually implied Shard's agreement to the deal. It not only pushed Shard a bit but provided him an out, allowing him to say it was not his proactive agreement.