I don't think it's enough to think of Magic & Wizards as the Magic: The Gathering of the YGO universe. I think it's probably more apt to think of it as . . . like, League of Legends. It's an esport, or whatever the trading card equivalent to that would be.

So, yeah, I think anybody interested in the game, which in this version of the world is a lot of people, would know the big names.

They're big deals, is my point.

.

Riley was so excited at the prospect of riding a horse that he showed absolutely no interest when his brother told him he was actually looking at a centaur. Kisara helped her youngest brother mount up, handed him the reins, and told him to make sure he held on tight. She looked at the centaur in question and didn't speak with words.

All the same, he responded with a firm nod.

He understood that this child was precious, and that he ought to be especially careful.

"This character is very impressive," Zelda said.

Seto went into a longwinded explanation of a meshing of practical costuming and Solid Vision holograms, sounding just technical and confident enough for her to believe him without question. Even Kisara, who knew this centaur was real—his card was called Mystical Horseman, but he preferred the name Elko—started to wonder if Seto was telling the truth; this despite the fact that she had a very clear memory of cutting her hand on Elko's weapon the night before.

"My name is Riley St. Vincent," Riley announced, with the firm deliberation of someone who was quite proud of himself. "What's your name?"

Elko found a smile beneath his grim demeanor and introduced himself. "I am Elko."

"Ell-koe," said Riley. He turned around in the saddle. "Sissy Ray! Sissy Ray, this is Ell-koe!"

Ray nodded amicably. "It's a pleasure and honor to meet you, Elko," she said. "Now turn around, imp. Sit up straight or you're going to fall over."

Rhett fell into step beside Kisara. "So," he said lightly, with a conspiratorial air, "how did you resist telling everyone that you met one of the kings of Magic & Wizards?"

"Honestly," Kisara said, her face turning pink, "I was so caught up in my new job that I forgot it would be important." Rhett tossed his head back and laughed. "Riley even asked me to get his autograph if I ran into him. Thankfully, my pr—" Kisara pretended to cough, realizing she wasn't quite ready to explain the pet name she had for her boss. "Excuse me. My propensity for forgetfulness was not an issue. Mister Kaiba keeps spare cards, and markers, on his person for just such occasions."

"It's assuaged any number of troublesome situations," Seto cut in. He revealed a selection of ten cards, which he was well known for using for tournament play, which he then placed back into an inside pocket of his coat. "Yugi Mutou has adopted the same strategy."

"Your rival," Rhett said.

"Correct," said Seto, nodding. His ability to hide his own discomfort when discussing his relationship with Yugi Mutou was gaining; Kisara was the only one who noticed . . . except for Mokuba, but that was hardly fair. Mokuba noticed everything. "While we are minor celebrities on the world stage, here in Domino . . . all tournament duelists tend to find themselves noticed in public."

"Mister Kaiba! Do you know Mai Kujaku?!" Ray asked suddenly.

"I do," said Seto.

"Does she visit often? Oh, I hope I see her!"

Seto shrugged. "She visits the city fairly often. I don't know if she's nearby now, but I'll see if I can't arrange something for you."

"Really?!"

"Of course." Seto winked. "Mai will be over the moon to meet another young lady interested in our city's blood sport."

Ray practically swooned. Kisara eyed her employer with a little grin.

Seto chuckled privately to himself as they stepped into Kaiba-Land.