The auction lasted five hours, including a meal break.

Aside from the [Shroud of the Fallen], Simon showed little interest in anything else, while Viana successfully bid on several artworks—mostly paintings.

Simon shot her a surprised glance. “Does your house really lack these?”

Viana tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Don’t you think your shop could use some decoration? Since you’re aiming for a high-end, custom card shop, proper decor is essential.”

A warm feeling stirred in Simon’s heart.

*Is this what it feels like to be spoiled by a wealthy woman?*

Truly wonderful.

Meanwhile, Tidris didn’t hesitate to overdraw her salary and secured a neglected White-Feathered Griffin egg.

She mentioned her family had once raised a griffin, so she still recalled some care techniques—though that griffin was already elderly when she was born and passed away shortly after.

After the auction, the trio headed backstage to collect their items.

Though this world had no banks, money-house-like institutions existed, streamlining transactions.

After paying 130,000 gold coins, Simon carried the material-filled case and left with the two girls.

He didn’t take the rear exit but circled back to the main gate.

“Hmph. I thought you wouldn’t dare show up.”

Krezer had been waiting early on the road ahead. His tone carried surprising gravitas—

—if only he weren’t standing so far from the material briefcase.

Simon handed the case to Tidris. “Relax. I’m not running.”

*He still needed Krezer to deliver the materials. Where else would he find him if he fled?*

Instead of mentioning the wager, Simon simply drew his deck.

“Then—let’s duel!”

“Wait, wait!”

Krezer forced a thin smile. “A duel alone is boring. How about we wager something?” He added provocatively, “As a Cardmaker, you must trust the deck you crafted yourself, right?”

“Sure.” Simon raised an eyebrow. “You wager your [High-Grade Ghoul Skull]; I wager my [Shroud of the Fallen]. Agreed?”

The words choked in Krezer’s throat.

“What do I need that shroud for?! Plan my own funeral? Change the terms!”

He took a sharp breath. “Win or lose, I’ll give you the [High-Grade Ghoul Skull]! Loser leaves the Royal Capital. And if *you* lose—you owe me a Grade B card.”

Simon smirked. “Perfect. Let’s settle this once and for all.”

Both released their decks. They hovered midair.

“Duel!” ×2

Hearing the stakes, Viana worried. “Xiao Ti, have you seen Simon duel?”

“Don’t worry, Nana! Shop Owner is strong!”

“He beat Master Liszt’s granddaughter—and even defeated Master Liszt himself in an informal duel!”

“Liszt… *Liszt Huberlein*?!” Viana’s eyes widened.

*Simon defeated a veteran Grade B Cardmaker?*

“Mm-hmm! So stay calm, Nana. *Krezer’s* the one who’ll be leaving!”

Whoosh!

Mana crystals flared. Simon’s hand refreshed to five cards.

He scanned them quickly. This opening wasn’t as smooth as against Sallya.

No Centurion. No Prophet.

Still—time to try something new.

“I activate field magic: [Goblin Lair].”

[Goblin Lair ★★★ (Three-Star) Grade C]

A mushroom-like cave sprouted beside Simon. Three mana crystals dimmed to gray.

*Even goblins deserve their stage!*

“First effect: when [Goblin Lair] enters play, search your deck for one Goblin card.”

Simon drew without hesitation.

“Hah? *Goblins*?”

Krezer flinched at the Grade C card—then scoffed. Only a trash Cardmaker would run Goblins! Swarms were threats *in the wild*, not under mana limits.

“What use is such a weak follower?!” His mockery cut deeper than Sallya’s.

“Summon! [Medusa Warrior]!”

[Medusa Warrior ★★★★ (Four-Star) Grade C]

[Naga 4/5]

A two-meter-tall female naga materialized—serpentine sword in hand, scantily clad, venomous snakes writhing from her scalp.

“*This* is power!” Krezer spread his arms.

Simon frowned. Tidelys’s [Demonbane Warrior] had 4/6 plus a bonus effect. This couldn’t be a blank slate…

*Why another female follower…?*

Simon winced. *Is there really a curse on Goblin decks? He’s a pure love warrior, for goodness’ sake.*

“Summon [Goblin Centurion]! Then [Goblin Scout], [Goblin Spearman], [Rowdy Goblin], [Hammer-Wielding Goblin]!”

Thoughts aside—the play continued.

Same Centurion + Goblin F4 combo, but summoned straight from hand. Four mana left. Hand empty.

“Five followers at once?” Krezer laughed. “Four one-stars? A crippled three-star? *This* is your trump card?”

Simon ignored him. “All except Centurion—attack!”

The Goblin F4 charged with crude weapons, shouting war cries.

“Lesson time: emptying your hand is dueling suicide!” Krezer waved. “[Medusa Warrior], activate effect!”

“Petrifying Gaze! Reduce one enemy follower’s attack by three. Destroy it if attack hits zero!”

Purple light flashed. The lead [Goblin Scout] froze into stone.

Simon remained calm. Three 2/1 Goblins could still shred her.

Krezer smirked. “Activate magic: [Berserk]!”

[Berserk ★★★★ (Four-Star) Grade D]

“+3/+3 stats, double attack speed, targets nearest unit—friend or foe.” He added, hands in pockets, “Naturally… your Goblins are closest.”

The naga’s eyes burned crimson. She slashed twice per Goblin swing.

She fought wildly. Even Simon frowned, unable to watch.

“Stop! Your follower is crying out!”

Perfectly timed—after slaying the last three Goblins, she collapsed in blood.

Krezer snorted. “Crying? If it brings victory, her sacrifice is worth it.”

“One follower traded for four. Accept defeat! Summon—”

“Wait.” Simon raised a hand. “Since you treat followers so carelessly… I won’t hold back.”

“Activate [Goblin Lair]’s second effect!”