“Huh? Is anyone here?”

Hearing a customer arrive, Simon—previously dozing in his rocking chair—stood up and locked eyes with the silver-haired girl peeking halfway from behind the door.

“Yes, honored guest. Please come in.”

After ushering her inside, Simon began sizing up his very first customer.

By his past-life standards, she was undeniably a cute girl: flawless pearl-like silver hair, emerald-bright eyes, and a slender frame—save for one noticeable curve.

She wore the academy’s white uniform with a short skirt, a leg ring strapped beneath. The vibe? More energetic than alluring.

As Simon studied Tidris, she habitually scanned the shop.

Layout and decor were standard—efficient yet spacious, never cramped.

The shop owner was a black-haired youth barely older than her, dressed in loose casuals. Hardly the businessman type.

What puzzled Tidris most? The completely empty shelves.

“Um… Shop Owner,” she ventured, “did you sell everything out?”

“Thanks for checking,” Simon shrugged, “but no. I just haven’t put anything up yet. I’m the sole Cardmaker here, and I won’t hire strangers. Tell me what you need—I’ll handle it.”

*Strange shop. Strange guy.*

Tidris tilted her head. Normally, crafting one card took a Cardmaker months. Hiring more was essential for business. Yet he refused?

*Is this place even reliable…?*

“I’ve wandered off-topic,” Simon said. “What do you need?”

His words—and a chilly draft on her neck—snapped her back.

“I… I want to win tomorrow’s practical exam!”

Simon nodded. “Defeat a specific opponent? Mind showing me your deck?”

“Show my deck?!” Tidris hesitated. Revealing a deck meant exposing secrets—something only trusted friends did.

“Naturally,” Simon said. “I need to assess its strength and gaps before recommending anything.”

“…Here.” After a pause, Tidris slightly lifted her skirt and pulled the card case from her thigh strap.

*Honestly, my grades can’t drop lower anyway. And he… doesn’t feel like a bad guy.*

*Whatever. If it leaks, I’ll just quit.*

“Thank you for your trust.”

Simon took the case and drew the deck.

A Duelist’s deck bore a spiritual imprint—lost cards would instantly return. So Tidris wandered freely.

*(Though after one glance, Simon had zero interest in tampering.)*

“Done… Shop Owner?” Tidris glanced back. Simon set the deck down with a complicated look. She asked cautiously.

“…Honored guest. Honestly? It’s a miracle you haven’t been expelled yet.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m sorry!”

“No need to apologize. I’m in awe of your perseverance.”

He meant it. Two-thirds of her minions were underpowered vanilla creatures. *With this deck? I’d quit in a month.*

“I overthought it… Sorry again,” Tidris murmured, bowing her head.

“No apologies needed.” Simon shook his head. “I’ve got your deck’s gist. Now—describe your opponent. Deck style? Ace cards? Anything helps.”

“Well… it’s our first match, so I’m not sure…” Tidris paused. “But Lei’s the top student. Everyone’s gathered intel on him.”

“He’s Grade E like me, but his deck? Pure spells. Zero minions.”

“He controls the field, then slaps a fireball straight in your face. Most duels end before minions even reach him.”

“Direct damage victory…” Simon mused inwardly.

“Oh! And he has this insanely strong Grade B spell card—a leaping lightning bolt crashes down from the sky with a *crack—*. Power’s huge, but he rarely uses it…”

“Grade B? Grade E Duelists risk imprint failure on Grade B cards. Are students this rich now?”

“No, no! Only Lei burns money like that.” Tidris said firmly. Her own funds were nearly destitute, but pride remained intact. *Must distance myself from that noble brat.*

“His dad’s a high noble. They’ve got a personal Grade B Cardmaker printing cards ‘for fun.’”

“But he’s barely imprinted one Grade B card. Such a waste!”

Just thinking—*he burns Grade Bs while I budget for Grade Ds*—made Tidris tremble, hands icy.

“If his talent actually matched that privilege,” Simon said dryly, “you’d already be packing your bags.”

“…Ah. True.” Tidris shook her head frantically. *No no no. Lei better stay clueless.*

Meanwhile, Simon tapped the counter, strategizing.

Only a Grade D Cardmaker now—but armed with past-life card-game wisdom. Crafting counter cards? Easy.

The real goal: win *and* promote his shop.

“I’ve got a plan. Lucky his Grade B card’s a spell. Otherwise… tricky.”

“Really?! Save me, Shop Owner!”

Before he finished, Tidris’s eyes lit up. She lunged forward and clutched his hand.