Chapter 827 – The Signing Event

The several Explorers and their familiars waiting in the reception hall all turned curious, surprised, and even slightly awed gazes toward the legendary figure who had suddenly appeared at the door.

Nowadays, every intelligent and sentient creature in Valen used cards — who didn’t know the Card Sorceress, Moira!

“Master, this is Spark!” Zhizhi took on the role of introducer. “Its owner is a Red Witch. Five years ago, that Sorceress was going to explore a very dangerous otherworld, so she left Spark here in our care.”

“And then, after Spark had been with us for a year and attended the ‘Common Knowledge and Skills Workshop’ we set up for familiars, it was no longer content to just be a ‘guest’ being looked after.” Zhizhi’s tone carried a mix of helplessness and pride:

“It decided it was so clever that it insisted on running to the entrance to work as a greeter, welcoming guests. I could see it was indeed sharp, so recently I started letting it try receiving guests, recording information, and things like that — it learned incredibly fast!”

After introducing Spark’s “career history,” Zhizhi seemed to recall something important, leaned close to Mo Lan, and added in a slightly lowered voice:

“Oh right, most importantly — Spark’s owner, that Red Witch, is a massive fan of yours, Master. She’s bought every card skin with your image on it. When our new shop first opened and she found out we were your familiars, she sent Spark over without a second thought. She was our very first customer! I’m sure Spark has heard its owner go on about you more than a few times…”

After hearing all this, Spark seemed even more embarrassed, its little claws nervously tugging at its black bow tie. But it still mustered its courage, looked up at Mo Lan with adoring eyes, and said softly:

“Card Sorceress… hello… I— I often hear my owner mention you… She says you’re her goal…”

Mo Lan looked at this red-furred squirrel trying so hard to appear professional while barely containing its excitement, and smiled warmly. “Hello, Spark. Thank you — and thank your owner — for supporting Zhizhi and the others’ business, and for working so diligently. Your owner has a very capable and adorable partner!”

“N-not at all! It’s what I should do! I’ll definitely work even harder!”

Having received personal praise from its owner’s idol, Spark was so thrilled it practically looked ready to burst into sparks itself, its tail puffing up like a little broom.

It tried to calm itself down, poking its little claws together bashfully, and mustered the courage to make a request:

“Um… Lady Moira… could you… could you possibly give my owner an autograph? If she sees it when she comes back from the otherworld, she’ll definitely jump for joy! Oh, and my owner’s name is Laetitia.”

“Of course!” Mo Lan looked at its hopeful little face and agreed without hesitation, smiling. This small request — she was more than happy to oblige.

“Wonderful! Thank you!” Spark cheered, immediately turned around, and nimbly ducked beneath the counter, rummaging around with rustling sounds. Before long, it emerged carrying a beautifully preserved, lavishly covered hardback book, which it placed carefully on the counter.

Mo Lan looked closely and saw that the title was none other than Mo Lan’s own 《The Earth Business Compendium》! She didn’t recall ever releasing a hardcover edition of 《The Earth Business Compendium》 card. Judging by the traces on the cover, its owner had likely made the cover by hand.

It seemed Laetitia had quite wide-ranging interests!

Spark solemnly opened the book to its title page, which was completely blank — perfect for a signature.

From somewhere, it produced a purple quill pen, held it up to Mo Lan with both paws, its little eyes brimming with anticipation.

Mo Lan took the pen, thought for a brief moment, and wrote fluidly on the title page:

“To dear Laetitia:

Your partner Spark is clever and dependable. May your path of adventure be filled with wondrous encounters, and may warmth always await you when you return home.

— Moira”

Looking at the still-drying signature and message on the title page, Spark pressed its little claws tightly against its chest, so moved it was nearly in tears. “Th-this is amazing! My owner is going to absolutely love this gift! Thank you, Lady Moira!”

The scene of Mo Lan signing for Spark had not gone unnoticed by the other Explorers and their familiars waiting in the reception hall. At first, everyone merely watched from the sidelines with envious and curious gazes, but after Mo Lan readily signed her name and wrote that warm message, their restraint finally broke.

An Elf Explorer who had been sitting quietly in the corner, stroking the moonlight cat in her arms, was the first to stand up. With a slight blush and excitement on her face, she asked tentatively:

“Um… L-Lady Moira… I’m terribly sorry to bother you… I— I’m also one of your admirers… Your cards have helped me through several close calls… Could you… perhaps sign something for me too?”

Her words seemed to flip a switch.

“Me too! Lady Moira!”

“Please! Could you sign my staff?”

“My adventure journal! Sign it right here!”

In an instant, the previously orderly reception hall erupted into a lively clamor.

Explorers began pulling items from their packs and storage gear — well-used cards that had been meticulously maintained, thick journals chronicling their adventures, and some even wanted her to sign their regularly used staffs or weapon sheaths.

Every pair of eyes sparkled with eager anticipation.

The scene left both Zhizhi and Clack momentarily stunned.

Mo Lan looked at this group of enthusiastic admirers before her, somewhat surprised. She raised a hand to signal for quiet. “Thank you all for your support. Autographs are absolutely fine, but could I trouble everyone to form a line? Let’s not disturb the other friends who are here for familiar boarding.”

The Explorers immediately expressed understanding and quickly, voluntarily formed a queue — short, but brimming with excited energy.

Mo Lan took the adventure journal and pen from the first Elf Explorer and began earnestly signing for everyone, occasionally adding a brief line or two of well-wishes tailored to each person.

Zhizhi helped pass items along beside her, while Spark maintained order.

What had been an ordinary familiar boarding house was instantly transformed into a small-scale “Card Sorceress” signing event.

Mo Lan’s approachable demeanor caused the news to spread through the camp as if it had sprouted wings.

More and more Explorers arrived after hearing the news, and the reception hall grew increasingly crowded and noisy.

Zhizhi watched the scene unfold far beyond expectations, feeling both proud of its master and worried about affecting Mo Lan’s rest.

It made a snap decision, nimbly darting to the entrance and picking up the sign that read “Open.” With a deft flip to its reverse side — “Temporarily Closed” displayed in bold characters — it hung it firmly in place.

With no new people coming in, the remaining queue quickly shortened. After the last lucky Explorer received an autograph and departed, Mo Lan finally had some peace and quiet.