Chương 76: Chapter 75: Second Grade

Yang entered the room and immediately felt like he'd stepped into another world entirely. The space was all wooden paneling and beautifully carved furniture. Dark mahogany walls were with intricate moldings that formed patterns echoing card inscriptions. Drapes with thick fabric in deep burgundy and gold hung from tall windows, the material itself looking like works of art with embroidered designs depicting card inscriptions.

Paintings in gilded frames decorated the walls, showing landscapes and portraits of stern-looking individuals in formal attire. Objets d'art were scattered on various surfaces: crystal and silver sculptures, and ornate card holders displaying what were likely rare or historically significant cards. The furniture was just as luxurious to match the grandness of the room. High-backed chairs. A large desk of dark wood with claw feet. Side tables with inlaid designs and bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes.

It looked like something out of an English period drama. Wealth and refinement on display in every detail. Yang had spent the last year and a half in a cramped, shabby flat. The contrast was jarring.

"Lord Ardeth, I've brought the newest Grade Two Cardwright," the examiner said, gesturing to a man sitting in one of the high-backed chairs near the window.

"This is Mr. Lucien Valemore." He then turned to Yang.

"Mr. Valemore, this is Lord Ardeth. He is a Grade Five Cardwright and the heir to a great dynasty of Cardwrights. The Ardeth family has produced master card creators for many generations." The man was the most well-dressed person Yang had seen since coming to this world. Everything from his clothing to the way he sat and held himself dripped nobility and refinement. He looked to be in his fifties, with dark brown hair graying elegantly at the temples. Warm brown eyes studied Yang with sharp intelligence.

His suit was impeccably tailored in fine wool, dark navy with subtle pinstripes. A gold watch chain hung from his vest pocket. Even his posture spoke of generations of breeding and education. Lord Ardeth raised a hand in a small gesture of dismissal.

"Thank you, Gerard. That will be all. You may resume your duties." So the examiner's name was Gerard. Yang filed that information away. Gerard bowed slightly and left, closing the door behind him. Lord Ardeth turned to Yang with a welcoming smile.

"Congratulations on achieving Grade Two Cardwright certification in such a short time, Mr. Valemore. Quite impressive for someone so young and, I understand, entirely self-taught." He gestured to a chair positioned near his own.

"Please, have a seat."

"Thank you, Lord Ardeth," Yang said, moving to the indicated chair and sitting. The chair was comfortable, the leather worn and soft. Yang kept his posture straight, aware of being observed. Lord Ardeth gestured to the others in the room.

"Let me introduce you to our small gathering. We like to meet here occasionally to discuss developments in card creation and share insights." He indicated a man sitting to his right, on a matching chair.

"This is Mr. Airul Zina, a Grade Four Cardwright of considerable skill and my longtime friend and colleague." Mr. Zina was of similar age to Lord Ardeth, perhaps late fifties at most. His blonde hair was cut short and neat, and his blue eyes looked indifferently at him. He wore a gray suit of fine quality, though less ostentatious than Lord Ardeth's. His expression was reserved and neutral. He nodded slightly to Yang without speaking.

"And this," Lord Ardeth continued, gesturing to a younger man sitting on a sofa near the desk, "is Mr. Vadal Ardeth, my grandson and a Grade Two Cardwright." Vadal looked to be in his early twenties, perhaps twenty-three or twenty-four. He resembled his grandfather strongly, with the same dark brown hair and warm eyes. But where Lord Ardeth exuded authority and experience, Vadal had an easy charm. He wore a burgundy suit, well-tailored but more modern in style.

He smiled warmly at Yang, an expression that seemed genuine.

"Welcome to the fold, Mr. Valemore," Vadal said with enthusiasm.

"It's always good to meet a fellow young Cardwright making their way up."

"Thank you, Mr. Ardeth," Yang said, shifting his gaze to the next person.

"Finally," Lord Ardeth said, indicating the only woman in the room, who sat in an elegant chair near the window, "this is Madame Serea Victorine, a Grade Four Cardwright and one of the most talented creators of armament cards in Markech." Madame Victorine looked to be in her forties, her blonde hair pulled back in an elaborate bun and wearing a dress of deep green silk. Her expression was pleasant and friendly, and her her blue green eyes were sharp with intelligence as she looked at him.

"How lovely to meet you, Mr. Valemore," she said warmly.

"We've heard interesting things about your work." They all offered congratulations on his Grade Two certification. Vadal's welcome was particularly warm and enthusiastic, while the others were more measured in their praise. Lord Ardeth leaned back in his chair, his expression becoming more analytical.

"Gerard showed us your barrier card. Quite impressive. The adjustability feature, allowing the person activating the card to modify the height and coverage area, that's rather innovative. Barrier cards typically have fixed parameters." If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it. Yang inclined his head.

"Thank you, Lord Ardeth. I found that flexibility increased the card's utility significantly."

"Indeed," Lord Ardeth agreed.

"And especially impressive considering you were self-taught. No master to guide you, no family tradition to draw upon. Just the official books and your own experimentation." Mr. Zina spoke for the first time, his voice quiet and measured.

"Remarkable dedication. Most self-taught Cardwrights never progress beyond Grade One." Madame Victorine nodded enthusiastically.

"Oh yes, quite remarkable. Such talent should not go unrecognized or unsupported, which is precisely why we wanted to meet you." Lord Ardeth smiled.

"You are, of course, welcome to seek guidance from myself, Mr. Zina, or Madame Victorine whenever you encounter challenges in your work. We may be able to provide insights that would take you months or years to discover independently."

"That's very generous," Yang said carefully.

"I appreciate the offer and will keep it in mind should I need assistance." The conversation shifted to more theoretical discussions about card creation. Lord Ardeth asked Yang about his approach to multiple inscription cards, how he managed energy distribution between patterns, what his thoughts were on balancing complexity with stability. Yang was happy to discuss these topics. He found the conversation intellectually engaging despite his wariness about the underlying motives.

But he remained cautious, making sure he didn't inadvertently mention knowledge from his talisman background that wouldn't exist in this world. When Lord Ardeth asked about Yang's method for preventing inscription interference in triple-pattern cards, Yang carefully explained using only principles he'd read in the Grade One books.

"I found that creating buffer zones between the patterns, small sections where the energy flow is neutral, helps prevent the inscriptions from disrupting each other," Yang said.

"It requires slightly more space on the card, but the stability improvement is worth the trade-off."

"Interesting approach," Mr. Zina said, his first real contribution to the discussion.

"Traditional method focuses on harmonizing the patterns themselves. Your buffer zone technique is simpler but perhaps more reliable." Madame Victorine smiled.

"Such practical thinking! That's the mark of a true craftsman rather than just a theorist." Yang was pretty sure Fifth and Fourth Grade Cardwrights would find no real intellectual stimulation in discussing basic theory with a newly minted Grade Two Cardwright. This conversation served another purpose beyond intellectual exchange. They were evaluating and testing his knowledge. Seeing how he thought and what he knew. After about twenty minutes of this theoretical discussion, Lord Ardeth smoothly changed topics.

"Mr. Valemore, I'm hosting a gathering at my estate next week. Nothing too formal, just a party for accomplished Cardwrights to socialize and discuss our craft. I would be delighted if you would attend." Yang tried to decline politely.

"That's very kind of you, Lord Ardeth, but I'm not really accustomed to such gatherings. I tend to focus entirely on my card creation work and have limited social experience."

"Oh, but that's precisely why you should come," Madame Victorine interjected with a warm smile.

"You've been isolated for so long, working alone. Every Cardwright needs some connection to the broader community. We all face similar challenges, and sharing experiences can be tremendously valuable."

"I appreciate that," Yang said, "but honestly, I wouldn't know how to conduct myself at such an event. My background is quite humble, and I wouldn't want to cause offense through ignorance of proper etiquette." Lord Ardeth waved a hand dismissively.

"Nonsense. The gathering is specifically for Cardwrights. Everyone there will understand and appreciate dedication to the craft above social niceties. You'll fit in perfectly."

"And besides," Madame Victorine added, "what else would so many Cardwrights discuss at a party except card creation? It will be shop talk and theoretical debates all evening. Right in your area of interest." Yang realized that further refusal would be considered disrespectful. These people seemed adamant about getting him to attend this party, and continuing to decline would only create tension or suspicion.

"In that case," Yang said with a slight smile, "I would be honored to attend. Thank you for the invitation."

"Excellent!" Lord Ardeth looked genuinely pleased.

"The gathering is next Saturday evening at my estate. I'll have my steward send you an invite." Vadal, who had remained mostly quiet throughout the conversation, just smiling at appropriate moments, finally spoke up.

"I look forward to seeing you there, Mr. Valemore. It will be good to have another young Cardwright present. Sometimes these events can feel like a gathering of old masters." He shot an amused glance at his grandfather. Lord Ardeth chuckled.

"Watch your tongue, boy. We 'old masters' have much to teach presumptuous youth." The atmosphere lightened slightly with this exchange, the family warmth between grandfather and grandson showing through the formal veneer.

"Well then," Lord Ardeth said, "now that's settled, would you care to stay for some refreshments? We were about to have tea and small bites." Yang stood.

"Thank you, but I should be going. I have several projects in progress that require attention." Lord Ardeth accepted this easily, "Of course. The work must come first. That dedication will serve you well." Madame Victorine and Mr. Zina also offered polite farewells. Vadal on the other hand rose and moved toward the door.

"I'll walk you out," Vadal said pleasantly. As they moved to the door, Vadal opened it and gestured for Yang to proceed. They walked together down the hallway toward the main entrance.

"I meant what I said," Vadal commented as they walked.

"It really will be good to have another young Cardwright at the gathering. Most attendees will be my grandfather's generation. Gets a bit stuffy sometimes."

"I appreciate the welcome," Yang said neutrally. They reached the main entrance hall. Vadal extended his hand.

"I look forward to seeing you at the party, Mr. Valemore. And perhaps we could discuss card creation sometime. It's always useful to exchange ideas with someone at a similar skill level." Yang shook his hand.

"I look forward to it as well." Vadal's handshake was firm, his smile warm and seemingly genuine. Yang couldn't tell if the friendliness was authentic or calculated, but either way, it was smoothly done. Yang collected the Grade Two instruction books from the front desk, heavy volumes that would keep him occupied for months, and made his way out of the Cardwright Association building. As he walked back through the gray streets of Markech, Yang wondered what exactly he'd gotten himself into.

A party at a noble's estate. Surrounded by high-level Cardwrights. All of whom seemed very interested in a poor, self-taught young man who'd achieved Grade Two certification in just over a year. Yang wasn't naive enough to think they just wanted to be helpful mentors. There was something else going on. Some reason they wanted him in their orbit. He'd find out at the party, he supposed.

Yang clutched the new books and headed home, already mentally preparing for whatever social chess game awaited him at Lord Ardeth's gathering. At least he'd gotten the Grade Two certification and the new instruction books. That was the most important thing. The rest was just noise he'd have to navigate carefully.