Favna watched Su Hong settle back onto the sofa. Her mood shot upward like a roller coaster, soaring from the depths of disappointment.

“I haven’t yet asked—how should I address you?”

“Su Hong.”

Favna pondered the name for a moment before naturally taking a seat on the sofa opposite him.

“This question might be a bit forward, please don’t take offense… but was that Spirit Card truly made by you?”

Su Hong gave a casual nod. “Yep, I made it. Problem? Relax—drop the honorifics.”

Curiosity gleamed in Favna’s eyes as she studied Su Hong up and down. There was something genuinely strange about him.

This was *her* guild. *She* was the boss. Yet during their first meeting, somehow *she* felt like the guest—and not even a hint of awkwardness lingered.

And the weirdest part? What on earth was inside this boy’s head? He looked seventeen, maybe nineteen. Even if he started crafting Spirit Cards at eight, could he really reach this level in ten years? And he didn’t even seem to know how powerful his own cards were?

These thoughts flickered through Favna’s mind in seconds. Then she asked what mattered most:

“If you kept making Weapon Spirit Cards like the auctioned one… roughly how long per card?”

“Half…”

“Half a week?!” Her eyes widened, sparkling with delight.

Su Hong had meant to say *half an hour*—but for ordinary Spirit Glyphsmiths, failure was common. Saying “half an hour” would sound like bragging. After a slight pause, he nodded. “Half a week. Planning to pre-order?”

Stars seemed to swirl before Favna’s eyes. “Is that possible? We’ll supply materials—just two cards per week!”

*Of course it’s possible.*

*Wait… I almost thought I misjudged her. Turns out she’s devious!*

Half a week per card… and she wants *two* weekly? A total slave driver—no days off?!

*Good thing I actually take half an hour. White lies really do come in handy.*

Noticing Su Hong’s barely concealed exasperation, Favna cleared her throat softly.

“I assume you know—the Chris Guild recently gained support from a Stellar Rank Glyphsmith and is squeezing out local businesses. I’m not asking for your help. I only hope our guild can resist… avoid being forced out. We’ll provide materials; all auction gold goes to you. Acceptable?”

“No problem. Same terms as today—I take 80%.”

Su Hong agreed without hesitation.

Beyond Favna’s sincerity, he recalled how the Chris Guild had recklessly stolen the “Magical Girl Monkey Burn” design. Causing them a little trouble sounded perfect.

And most importantly—they had a Stellar Rank Glyphsmith.

In direct confrontations, luck always interfered strangely. But with two guilds between them… would luck still work?

Su Hong was eager to test it.

After Favna gratefully confirmed the deal, staff handed Su Hong the auction gold. He left his address and material list. Favna personally escorted him to the guild entrance.

Just as he turned to leave, Su Hong pointed at her dress.

“This fabric looks nice. When sending materials, have one made for me too.”

Favna glanced at him in surprise—but didn’t refuse. Satisfied, Su Hong headed home.

Dusk had settled by the time he reached the mansion.

Lia’s grandfather sat in the living room, head bowed with quiet dejection.

The table held a lavish spread of… *Guodong Eggplant*.

Su Hong rubbed his forehead. *Where did Lia and her grandfather pick up this custom? Guodong Eggplant’s basically a feast staple now.*

“Su Hong, you’re back? This old man has something to discuss… about Lia.”

“Lia?”

*Lia!*

Su Hong’s heart lurched violently. She’d only left days ago… Could something have happened?!