Chapter 1508: Registration

As Xia De spoke, he turned his head slightly to look out the carriage window at the early spring night of Tobeske, watching the dim yellow glow of the gas lamps on one side of the street sweep past the side of the carriage:

"Miss Jia Lin Na, if that Count were to suffer a minor accident locally, would it affect the negotiations?"

"Of course, it would cause diplomatic problems, but if it weren't local, it would be fine."

Xia De nodded:

"I understand."

Young Lady Jia Lin Na, seeing him in this thoughtful state, said again:

"This is the first time I've seen you actively plotting mischief. In my opinion, you are the type... who doesn't care much about the law, but places great value on morality."

Xia De continued looking out the window:

"I never considered myself a good person in the traditional sense, so this allows me to have a more flexible moral bottom line. I've done plenty of bad things; breaking and entering is even my specialty. Besides, my heart isn't made of stone; isn't it perfectly normal to get angry over certain things and hate or dislike someone? I saw an interesting love story in the Randel Valley, and then I understood the need to cherish the person you love. Don't worry, I won't kill someone over such a small matter. But since that Count himself isn't a good person, and I've been quite idle lately, why not find myself something to do?"

The beautiful witch then bit her lower lip:

"Does this count as getting jealous for my sake?"

Xia De turned his head and blinked:

"Since you and I have already achieved a further breakthrough in our relationship, of course I will get jealous for your sake. Just like those courtly erotic novels write, if you want me to duel someone else for you, I won't refuse."

"I didn't expect you to read that kind of novel; I thought only Agelina would like it... You know? Now, you have never made me feel this way before; you seem like a vivid person."

This sentence sounded strange, after all, Xia De had always been a living person. But he had no chance to express his doubts, because Young Lady Jia Lin Na actively took his hand and then kissed him.

The carriage drove towards Saint Delan Square under the night, the time being ten o'clock in the evening. Presumably, tonight would be another peaceful night.

The upcoming Friday would be the registration time for the "1854 Tobeske City Equestrian Competition". The registration deadline is this Sunday; although there is still plenty of time, Xia De decided to complete the registration process today, as he is not the type to procrastinate until the last day.

This morning, he was not woken up by Mia; this was not because Xia De woke up earlier than that cat, but because the cat sleeping in the guest room with the Young Lady Maids had no time to sneak into the room; it was waiting in the kitchen for the maids to finish making breakfast.

Although there was no "Mia alarm clock", Xia De still woke up punctually at six thirty. He yawned and wanted to get up, but the red-haired lady embracing his neck lazily pulled him back into the quilt:

"Why wake up so early? Sleep a little longer."

The trailing sound of her voice while speaking with closed eyes was quite similar to the tone Princess Lei Lei Qianya used when coaxing Xia De. Xia De wanted to get up, after all, there were many things to do today, but the witch caught him by the scruff and pulled him back into the quilt:

"Really, so energetic so early in the morning; this makes me suspect my charm last night wasn't enough."

Saying this, she embraced Xia De, which caused the two of them to leave the bedroom only at seven thirty.

Although the outsider was already accustomed to living alone, it was still nice not having to make breakfast personally. And Young Lady Jia Lin Na, accustomed to life in manors and castles, had no other opinions about the simplicity of Xia De's home, and ate breakfast with Xia De at the dining table.

Speaking of which, it was thanks to the many guest rooms in Xia De's house; otherwise, the Young Lady Maids accompanying the Duchess would have had nowhere to stay last night.

By the breakfast table, while Xia De held a newspaper in one hand and stroked Mia with the other, the witch across the table suddenly asked:

"Speaking of which, isn't your badge a bit different?"

"Yes."

The Witch's Detection Badge was originally crafted for Xia De by Young Lady Jia Lin Na, so of course she could tell. However, Xia De was not wearing that badge at this moment; before resting last night, he had taken it off and placed it on the bedside table:

"The space left by the Ancient Gods - the Core Furnace."

He briefly described that space; the witch listened carefully, treating it as something new, but had no intention of going to see it after the meal. However, when Xia De escorted her and the maids downstairs, the Duchess stood in the foyer, sized up the house, and then suggested:

"With spring arriving and the weather being quite nice, why not renovate the house? You can stay temporarily at my place during the renovation."

"Renovate? Why renovate? Wasn't it renovated last year?"

Xia De asked curiously.

"Oh, last year that wasn't renovation; it was just making the house habitable after it fell into disrepair. Consider it yourself; I think Princess Lei Lei Qianya, Miss Lu Yi Sha, and Annette won't object."

She spoke lightly, then leaned close to Xia De and kissed his cheek:

"Speaking of which, did you forget to give me something?"

She asked again with a smile; Xia De blinked suspiciously, and the voice of "her" in his ear appeared almost simultaneously with the actions of the Young Lady Maid beside him.

【Key.】

Miss Miss Difa made the motion of turning a key to open a door.

"Oh, yes."

Xia De suddenly realized, took the key out of the shoe cabinet biscuit box, unhooked one from the iron ring, and handed it to the lady before him:

"Miss Jia Lin Na, this is the spare key to my house."

The witch smiled and accepted it, and instead of handing it to Miss Miss Difa beside her for safekeeping, she stuffed it into the pocket of her skirt:

"If you encounter any trouble recently, remember to come find me anytime. Although I might be a bit busy during this period, at least I'm not like little Princess Lei Lei Qianya, where you can only see me once a week."

She bid farewell to Xia De in good spirits, then boarded the carriage at the entrance of Xia De's house. Xia De held the door, watching the carriage drive away from the steps in front of the door, and only then belatedly realized that the "trouble" she mentioned probably referred to Xia De wanting to cause trouble for the Count of the Southern Kingdom.

【Do you have any plans?】

"She" asked gently.

"Of course I do, but we'll talk about it when the time comes; after all, plans can't keep up with changes."

Xia De did not close the door immediately; instead, he looked at the scenery on the misty square, then uncivilly stretched his arms right at his doorstep.

When preparing to go home, the door of the neighboring house happened to open; Mr. Shi Shi Misi and Mrs. Shi Shi Misi were dressed as if about to go out.

Since they had met, naturally they exchanged pleasantries about the recent weather. And the old gentleman, formerly the Chief Secretary of the Kingdom's Ministry of Finance, also asked Xia De with interest:

"Hamilton, are you going to register for this year's City Circuit Equestrian Competition?"

"Of course."

Xia De said with a smile, and received the neighbors' blessings. And when closing the door, his thoughts on the Equestrian Competition led him to last year's "1853 Dacheng Players", and from "Dacheng Players" to before the competition, to the bets placed through the doctor and the money earned.

"Hmm~"

Xia De nodded slightly, deciding to discuss this matter with Doctor Shi Nai De again when the small study group meeting is held tomorrow.

The only important thing this Friday was to go register for the competition; this time, no one sent Xia De a special invitation.

Little Mia, as usual, was unwilling to move at home, so Xia De had to go out by himself. The registration location was set on Silver Cross Avenue, in the room on the left hand side of the first floor of the City Hall.

Xia De originally thought the process would be simple, but after arriving, he found out he had to take a number and queue. Probably because it was a similar situation every year, a row of chairs was placed along the corridor wall, allowing the gentlemen coming to register to sit and wait.

The city hall was very quiet in the early morning; although the civil servants had already arrived at their posts, most were reading newspapers or chatting with one another to catch up on the situation. Only those waiting to register lingered in the first-floor corridor, and the eyes of the portraits of "Outstanding Civil Servants" hanging on the walls seemed to be staring intently at them.

Although the rules state that anyone can register for this competition, the actual entry threshold for the "Tobesk Spring City-Wide Equestrian Tournament" is far higher than that for "Dacheng Players."

Participants in the Dacheng Players event only need to own a genuine deck of cards belonging to them and pay the registration fee to compete, but the Equestrian Tournament requires competitors to prepare their own horses and armor. As for the single-handed knightly swords and bows, these are provided by the organizers.

For people living in this era, even ordinary nobles might not be able to equip a full set of usable armor and tack, let alone common citizens. Therefore, this is actually a game for the nobility.

Xia De was now considered "famous" in Tobesk City; as he sat down to wait, someone nearby recognized him. The Mr. s waiting for their numbers exchanged pleasantries and flattered one another, then casually struck up a conversation, or rather, exchanged information about this year's competition.

A man who claimed to be "Baron Leipzig of Windsor Castle" revealed that this year's course might differ from previous years; Your Majesty had come up with a new idea, so entirely new events might be added. Meanwhile, Baron Oliver, a local Tobesk horse trader, told the crowd that this year's death quota for the competition was set at only one:

"My wife's cousin works as a clerk at the Redwich Field. He told me that because two competitors died during last year's course, Your Majesty was greatly angered, so he ordered the Redwich Field to prepare thoroughly before the race. If the death quota is exceeded, our Police Chief Mr. Feyman will be in trouble."

The Baron chuckled, and beside him, Viscount Chiko, dressed in a red coat and white breeches with a feathered hat, said:

"I recall that last year's two deceased were one who died of tetanus after the race and another who passed away from catching a cold during the competition. Such significant casualties did not occur in previous years."

This Viscount Chiko was also an acquaintance of Xia De; when Xia De visited the Lakeview Manor for the grand wedding banquet for the second time in early winter last year, he had played cards with him. This viscount was wealthy and was also a poet of some repute.

"What happens if someone accidentally injures or even kills someone during the course? Although no one wishes for such things, accidents are inevitable."

Xia De, sitting nearby, asked. Everyone knew he was competing for the first time, so they were willing to explain the situation to him:

"If it is only a minor injury, no one will pursue it. If there are major casualties, the Redwich Field will intervene to investigate, but as long as it is not intentional injury, it basically amounts to paying compensation only."

Viscount Chiko said, then turned and asked Xia De with a smile:

"Hamilton of Regard is participating this year; it will surely be interesting. Knight, in whose name will you swear your loyalty later?"

The gentlemen around him shared a knowing smile, and Xia De also showed a smile:

"You will know from tomorrow's newspapers."

For such an important event, the city's major newspapers, including the "Tobesk Morning Post" and the "Terraril River Evening News," would publish news about the registered competitors for several consecutive days, including family background and personal privacy, for citizens to discuss and gossip about. The competitors not only did not mind this but were proud to receive even more attention.

Generally, the number of competitors each year does not exceed fifty, so using an entire page for coverage is just right.

It was not until 10:30 a. m. that Xia De finally entered the office with the temporary sign reading "1854 Equestrian Tournament Registration Office."

This was the largest office on the first floor of the city hall; outside the window was the city hall courtyard, and beyond that was the Silver Cross Avenue, teeming with people. From here, one could even see a corner of the building at Saint Delan Square in the distance.

The room was currently arranged into two parts: on the left were an office desk and a bookshelf filled with brown paper file bags; on the desk were piled forms and registration notices that still smelled of ink. The right side of the room was arranged like a tailor shop, where an old man with a measuring tape around his neck was bending over a table covered with fabric, writing something.

"Mr. Hamilton, good morning."

Mr. Morris, a middle-aged man in a black formal uniform at the registration office, obviously recognized Xia De as well; he rose from his chair behind the desk to shake hands with Xia De, then introduced the situation. Meanwhile, the two reporters sitting on the bench began to take notes; their conversation might be published in tomorrow's newspaper.

"First, I must confirm: have you prepared your horse and armor?"

"Yes, Jia Lin Na has— I mean, Miss Jia Lin Na has already prepared them for me."

Mr. Morris nodded:

"Then the registration process is very simple for you. You need not trouble yourself with the registration form; the Duke already had his servant deliver your basic information yesterday. What you need to pay attention to is this 'Competition Equipment List'; please fill it out and mail it here before 6 p. m. on Sunday evening."

The contents to be filled out on that list were the horse's bloodline, age, color, and the style and size of the armor.

"You know the dangers of the City-Wide Equestrian Tournament; here is an informed consent form. Signing it means you acknowledge the dangers of participating in the competition."

Another document was handed to Xia De; it was a five-page booklet bound together, listing accidents that might occur during the competition. Once such dangers actually occurred, the competitors could not seek compensation from the organizers.

Xia De flipped through it slightly, then raised an eyebrow:

"Wait a moment. Did someone really die of kidney failure during the competition? What kind of death is that?"

Mr. Morris, who was well-versed in the tournament situation, stood by the table with his hands on the desk and explained with a smile:

"That was more than twenty years ago. Count Lucius, who had specially rushed over from the Leon County, won first place in the first equestrian event. That night, to celebrate, he sought out many beautiful local ladies... and then unfortunately passed away suddenly that very night. The Count was only 31 at the time; it is truly a pity. However, this incident also taught us not to easily challenge the limits of human physiology."

Xia De nodded, continued flipping backward, and discovered even more bizarre accidents, such as "accidentally shooting oneself while archery"; he could not at all imagine how a person could manage such a thing.

"Oh, Knight Lyman, seventeen years ago, finished all targets first while shooting at a fixed target. Seeing there was still one arrow left, for reasons we do not know, he shot that arrow into the sky. Then, as he turned to wave at his wife, he had only taken two steps before he was struck by that very arrow."

Mr. Morris shook his head again with regret:

"Knight Lyman's archery skills were quite excellent; people thought he was the favorite to win the championship that year."

Xia De continued flipping backward, finished reading the document as an amusing story, and signed his name. Then Mr. Morris coughed and, in a very formal voice, asked Xia De:

"Hamilton of Regard, now please swear that you will uphold the spirit of knighthood during the competition. Defend honor, be brave and fearless, show mercy to the weak, and for the glory of Delarion, strive to win the championship. May I ask, in what will you swear?"

Xia De did not answer immediately but asked:

"May I know what the previous registrants said?"

The reporters were still taking notes; since these contents would appear in tomorrow's newspaper, Mr. Morris did not conceal them:

"The eldest son of Marquis Leon from Green Lake City swore by his family's honor; Viscount Chris Randell, who lives in the eastern district of Tobesk, swore in the name of his newlywed wife; as for Sir Groom from Carsonlick, who was before you, he swore by Carsonlick's national treasure, the Blue-winged White Heron inhabiting the Weilandel region. Oh, I almost forgot: Leonard Baggins, the Count who arrived first early this morning, swore by the garter of our noble Wang Hou Diana... I do not suggest you imitate Count Baggins; he dared to say that only because he is Wang Hou Diana's cousin."

Xia De nodded understandingly; he could now swear in his capacity as the Knight "Hamilton of Regard," or in the name of some young lady nearby. Even if he did not mind his reputation, swearing in the name of Leaving Xiao Leaving Xiao Miya would also be acceptable.

But Princess Lei Lei Qianya had already told him what to do:

"In the name of Her Highness Princess Lei Lei Qianya Cavendish, I will uphold the five virtues of knighthood, defend honor, and use bravery to achieve victory."

"Her Highness Lei Lei Qianya?"

Mr. Morris hesitated slightly, while the reporters recording beside him immediately became interested.

"Is that not allowed?"

Xia De asked, and Mr. Morris hurriedly shook his head:

"Of course it is allowed, it's just... you doing this, oh, I really should not say such things, but if you do this, Miss Jia Lin Na..."

"It's fine; I have already told her."

Mr. Morris revealed an expression of awe as he carefully sized up Xia De:

"No problem. Hamilton of Regard, swear by Her Highness Lei Lei Qianya. If you achieve victory, I believe Your Majesty will certainly have Her Highness personally present the award to you."

"The bards in the taverns will surely be excited to death."

Xia De also said with a smile.

After finishing the registration matters and paying the full 20 pounds registration fee, he went to the tailor on the other side of the room to have his clothing measurements taken. Although the armor was prepared individually by each competitor, the organizers would customize formal attire for the participating "Knights" to wear at the banquet.

This set of clothes was not mandatory to wear; it was merely a procedure inherited from tradition. Compared to its practical significance, the symbolic meaning represented by the tailoring was the most important.

After having his measurements taken, Xia De was assigned his own camp outside the "Edward III Arena" where the competition would be held. The camp consisted of tents and stables, and during the competition it would belong entirely to Xia De and his servants. Xia De received a map showing the camp's location, and by the time he walked out of the city hall, he had already developed quite a strong interest in the competition, which would open on Sunday and begin the following Monday.

PS: 5K big chapter, begging for votes.