Mr. Roland didn't look at Shard's cards, but took the glass from the waiter who delivered the wine:
"Although I consider myself to be better than the knights of the Northern Country, I had some minor issues at home in the fall, so I couldn't make the trip to the Northern Country. Actually, I planned to go."
Only after saying this did he notice everyone was looking at the table. The middle-aged waiter in an apron didn't leave immediately after delivering the wine; instead, he glanced at the table and then patted the poet's shoulder with a smile:
"Mr. Roland, it seems you've met your match this time."
Only then did the poet look down. On the table, Shard's three cards were Moon 2, Flower 11, and Sun 8, totaling 21 points.
"Is that even possible?"
Mr. Roland murmured in surprise, but he didn't say much more. Instead, as if inspired, he jotted down a few words in his notebook and then gestured for Shard to proceed to the second round: