Merchant Noble is out (2/4 chapters for today)
Baron Kreitz’s Territory (2)
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On the day of the Mountain Range Endurance Race, Arc was picking out the best-looking participants while sitting behind Hang, who was giving a lively speech as the competition chairman.
“Now, I declare the opening of the Warden Cup Mountain Range Endurance Race.” (Hangue)
*Clap clap clap clap*
An unexpectedly large number of participants were preparing. There must have been well over a hundred. With so many strong individuals gathered, there were bound to be many talented ones as well.
The Mountain Range Endurance Race was a competition to see who could complete a circuit around the mountain range in Baron Kreitz’s territory in a day. The mountain range, which would take 3 days to traverse at a normal pace, was challenging in length and height, but the fastest racers were expected to return by early afternoon.
“On your marks, get set…” (Hangue)
Hangue covered his ears while holding a firecracker.
With a bang, the participants started running all at once. Since even the fastest would only return by early afternoon, the organizing committee members began a feast to pass the time.
Baron Kreitz was invited as the guest of honor. It seemed he was invited to this event every year. Ignoring him would have been rude, so Arc went to greet him. Surprisingly, the baron welcomed Arc. He apologized for not being able to attend his father’s funeral and was delighted to see him again. When Arc reported that the Warden Household had moved to the Mikanda region, the baron smiled and expressed his desire to visit someday. Despite the age difference, the baron was humble, earning respect from both his vassals and the merchants of the Warden Association. It was no wonder that he was truly a noble ruler.
“I had only heard the name, but there are quite a lot of participants.” (Arc)
Arc remarked as he returned from greeting the baron and clinked glasses with Hangue at the chairman’s seat. Despite the seemingly modest nature of the race, over a hundred participants had gathered.
“We’ve been limiting the number through a lottery system for the past three years. Participants come from all over the country, not just the Warden territory.” (Hangue)
“I’ve heard about this event in the capital, too. But as a gladiator slave, I couldn’t participate.” (Yulia)
Yulia said as she poured drinks for the two. While pouring for them, she also slyly poured herself a drink. Though her duties as a guard weren’t necessary here. Hangue made an OK sign with his hand and laughed.
“It’s all about the money. The prize for winning this race is 20 gold coins! That’s enough to live comfortably for years and gain fame as the winner of this race. Everyone wants a shot at the grand prize for just a 10 copper coins entry fee.” (Hangue)
“What kind of people win?” (Arc)
“Mostly seasoned adventurers familiar with mountain trekking. Sometimes soldiers win, too. So, I think we’ll find some highly capable and talented individuals.” (Hangue)
“I’m looking forward to it” (Arc)
To gather talented adventurers and soldiers, I’ll keep an eye on the results of this race.
As time passed and the feast reached its peak, one of the officials received a report.
“The first-place finisher should be returning soon!” (??)
With that announcement, everyone hurriedly put away their drinks and food, washed their faces, and returned to the finish line. Amid the crowd of onlookers, a figure finally appeared running towards them.
“Here they come! Here they come!!” (??)
The spectators buzzed with excitement. However, it wasn’t just one person. Several others were hot on the heels of the first runner.
“They’re coming one after another!” (Hangue)
The audience and Hangue were thrilled. After an intense competition, the rankings were decided.
As the sun set, and most participants had returned, the award ceremony began.
“First place is Hopkins, a second-class adventurer from the Zaire region!” (Hangue)
“Now I can become a first-class adventurer.” (Hopkins)
Despite the time between the race and the ceremony, Hopkins was still panting heavily, clearly exhausted. From behind, Yulia whispered, “It’s amazing to reach Rank 1 at such a young age…” but Arc wasn’t very familiar with the affairs of adventurers, so he didn’t really understand.
“Second place is Ludovica from the capital’s Royal Guard!” (Hangue)
“Third place is Timer, a third-class adventurer from Baron Kreitz’s territory!” (Hangue)
While Hang enthusiastically conducted interviews, Arc focused on one person, who was neither first, second, nor third place.
“Yulia, I might have found an incredible talent.” (Arc)
“Yes?” (Yulia)
Arc pulled Yulia close and pointed at someone.
“Bring me that man under the tree eating his lunch.” (Arc)
“…Huh?” (Yulia)
Yulia did a double take in disbelief.
She had expected to find promising talent among the top competitors after spending the day with these physical powerhouses. But the man Arc pointed out was an unimpressive, exhausted-looking older man resting in the shade.
“That man, do you see him?” (Arc)
“Oh, that man. Understood…” (Yulia)
As always, Arc had his eye on someone.
But what is it about that man that caught his attention?
Yulia, puzzled, ran off to fetch the man.
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