Early that morning, Su Hong received a package delivered by Favna’s messenger.

Just as he was heading back to his room with the box, another item arrived—a letter. In the corner of the envelope, the signature read: Lia.

Su Hong hurried inside, set the box on the desk, and tore open the letter.

“I’ve made it to the academy—don’t worry! On the way, we ran into a rampaging pack of violet-clawed wolves… hundreds, maybe even a thousand! Luckily, we were moving slow and spotted them early enough to detour.

“The academy’s great. My instructor says I’m already at certified Spirit Cardmaster level—I just need deeper insight into Spirit Cards. With the upcoming assessment, I might officially become one soon!

“Oh, and about Senior Diana that day… please don’t stay mad at her. She’s actually really kind. Ever since my entrance exam, she’s always looked out for me. She’s the academy’s strongest student, seriously impressive! At the shop, she was just worried you’d hold me back—that’s why she seemed harsh. Don’t keep disliking her, okay?

“And guess what? *Magical Girl Monkey Burn* is huge here! Everyone knows it! …Though the version they watch is kinda off. Faces glitch sometimes, audio cuts out. Each Spirit Card only plays about five minutes. When they saw the original card you gave me? So many were shocked! Some even tried to buy it! But I’d never sell it—I’ll keep it with me always.

“Oops, darn it! I practiced my handwriting to make it neat for you… and now I’m out of ink! Gotta stop here fo—"

Su Hong stared at the abruptly cut-off line and rubbed his eyes with a sigh.

Still, hearing from Lia eased his mind.

He tucked the letter away for Grandpa Lia in the living room, then opened the wooden box to inspect Favna Trading House’s delivery.

Blank Spirit Cards and supplies were all accounted for. But beneath them lay something that made Su Hong freeze.

A silver dress embroidered with delicate white petals—the exact same one Favna wore.

“What is this?! I asked for the fabric, not the design! Are you trying to make me wear a dress?!” Su Hong slammed his palms on the desk, utterly exasperated.

Just then, Grandpa Lia poked his head in, drawn by the noise. “What’s got you so worked up? What happe—?” His words died. His eyes locked on the dress. His mouth slowly gaped wider… until it could’ve fit a fist. “Su Hong! How could you?!”

“Huh? How could I *what*?” Su Hong glanced at the dress, then himself. “It’s not Lia’s! And definitely not mine!”

“This old man *knows* it’s not Lia’s!” Grandpa Lia sputtered, beard bristling, eyes bulging. “She’s been gone days—and you’re already flirting with other girls?!”

Su Hong let out a long, weary sigh. “I’ve said it: Lia and I are just friends. This dress belongs to the president of Favna Trading House.”

Grandpa Lia shot to his feet. “Oh, so being a pretty boy means you can do whatever you want? Wow! You even snagged the president of Favna Trading House! After her wealth, huh?!”

“Why would I need her wealth?” Su Hong flicked out the gold Spirit Card. “Four thousand gold coins right here. I’m here for business—I need to craft a Weapon Spirit Card.”

“So she *bought* you off with four thousand gold?! Poor Lia… my poor granddaughter… traded for a Weapon Spirit Card, for coin…” Grandpa Lia covered his face, wailing dramatically—but peeked through his fingers, waiting for remorse.

Su Hong palmed his forehead, torn between amusement and despair. *Gotta redirect him… fast.*

“By the way—Lia’s letter is in the living room.”

“What?! This old man’s going!” Grandpa Lia cut off mid-wail and bolted.

Su Hong swiftly shut the door. Peace returned.

“Phew… Materials and Spirit Card Slot are ready. Time to test my own Weapon Spirit Card before crafting the auction items.”