Simon knew, of course, that playing cards existed in this world.

After all, dueling culture ran deep here—but only a rare few became Duelists or Cardmakers. With the rule limiting you to one loss per day, casual card games naturally filled the gap.

But the real issue was…

Simon glanced back at the clock again, double-checking this wasn’t a caffeine hallucination.

Seven a.m.! Most people were still in bed!

Even if not asleep, who plays cards on the street at this hour?

Are you retired uncles from the park?!

As Simon stood stunned, Hop grinned and waved him over. “Hey, Shopkeeper Simon—wanna join us?”

Simon shook his head quickly. “Nah, my brain’s still booting up…”

He added cautiously, “You three really woke up this early just to play cards?”

Hop chuckled, sharing a look with Carn. “Surprised, Shopkeeper Simon?”

“Funny thing—Carn asked me days ago about fun activities. Poker popped into my head.”

“Turns out all three of us are ordinary folks with zero dueling talent. So we teamed up for morning exercise.”

*Morning exercise? Poker? Are you guys disciplined or just reckless?!* Simon groaned inwardly.

Carn spoke up, eyes gleaming with respect. “I thought I was the top card player around the Royal Capital… but Brother Hop’s skills beat mine by a solid margin.”

“And Brother Alastor’s no slouch either. His card-counting? Reminds me of Old Jack back home—the guy who never lost a bet.”

Hop waved modestly. “Don’t flatter me. Young Carn’s talent is exceptional too. We push each other.”

Watching their mutual admiration, Simon felt a twinge of insecurity.

*How is your poker saga sounding more epic than my entire dueling history?*

Alastor looked up after placing a card. “By the way, Shopkeeper Simon—you’ve been holed up lately. Busy with something?”

“Ah, yeah, well…”

Just as Simon opened his mouth to boast, Alastor added gently, “Then hurry back. Don’t let us delay you.”

The trio immediately ducked back into their game.

*Yep. Clear dismissal.*

Simon shook his head and retreated into the shop.

Anyway—thank goodness it wasn’t just too much coffee.

Back upstairs with the coffee pot, Simon stretched.

Glancing at the finished card frames and prepped materials on his desk, relief washed over him.

Good. He’d wrap these up before Tidris’s vacation ended.

…

Two days later.

Academy Dueling Arena.

As sunset bled across the sky, the duel concluded.

“The winner… Tidris.”

The barrier shattered just as the referee announced it.

“Nooo! I lost again!”

A nameless boy collapsed to his knees, fists slamming the floor.

Below, the crowd murmured while watching the silver-haired girl still standing tall.

“Doesn’t Tidelys feel stronger lately?”

“Duh—she’s been undefeated in every practical exam recently!”

“It’s not just exams. Rumor says she duels classmates daily, wins six or seven straight, *then* takes her one allowed loss. Her growth is insane.”

On stage, Tidelys bowed to her opponent—then froze at a cool voice beside her.

“Student Tidris, wait.”

She turned. Homeroom teacher Atris stood there.

*But she’s not on refereeing duty today…*

“Teacher Atris? What brings you here?”

“The cards you requested. Both are here.”

Tidelys’s eyes lit up. She accepted them and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Teacher Atris!”

Deck adjustments were essential for growth. Normally, she’d ask Simon or visit the academy’s card exchange. But Simon was deep in crafting a Grade B card—she refused to burden him. The exchange lacked what she needed, so she’d turned to Atris.

“Just a small favor. You already compensated me fairly.”

Still, Tidelys held quiet gratitude. Trading two unused Grade C cards of Atris’s for ones she desperately needed? She’d clearly gained more.

Atris crossed her arms. “Your progress is remarkable. At this pace, you might be among the first in class to reach Grade D.”

“Fast…?”

Tidelys subtly clenched her fist.

*Simon’s about to become a Grade C Cardmaker… I have to reach Grade D faster. I must keep up with Shopkeeper Simon!*

*But… if I ask for more time off, will he be upset?*

Atris noticed her tension. “Don’t overpush. Rest matters. Winning streaks level you up—but reflection after victory is just as vital.”

Tidelys blinked, then bowed again. “I understand. Thank you, Teacher Atris.”

“Go on home now,” Atris said with a wave.

Back in her dorm, Tidelys rested briefly before stepping into the bathroom.

…

Steam curled around her silhouette.

Water rushed—a sound ripe with implication.

“Hum~ hum~♪”

Towel wrapped tight, she pushed the door open. Barefoot, she plopped onto the bed and swung her legs.

Day three of vacation. Tomorrow—back to the card shop.

After Atris’s advice, she’d dropped the idea of asking Simon for more time.

But now…

*What should I wear to see Shopkeeper Simon?*

She stared uncertainly at her wardrobe.

The academy uniform was fine for daily life… but before Simon, she wanted to show her best self.

—Knock knock!

Lost in thought, the sharp rapping jolted her awake.

“Who is it?”

Silence. Then—a white slip beneath the door.

“A letter?”

She snatched it, scanned the words—and her face paled.

Hair still dripping, she yanked on her uniform and rushed out.