The Lionheart Hippodrome, as the largest racetrack in the Old World, is a magnificent pre-Elf architectural marvel, predating even the establishment of Charlemagne's empire.
This massive stone oval structure, with rows of steps leading straight up to a ceiling dozens of meters high, was adorned with ribbons and banners featuring the crests of the twelve duchies. The entire racetrack appeared even more spectacular than the palace of Couronne.
Originally not open to the public, the racetrack was easily accessible to Ryan, Surya, and Sylvia, who were allowed entry by the guards.
In the autumn, the racetrack was sparsely populated. Ryan, Surya, and Sylvia entered, stepping on the firm earth. Ryan closed his eyes, feeling as if he could sense the fervor and glory of the Knightly Tournaments, and hear the roaring cheers of countless spectators.
The neighing of warhorses, the breaths of knights, lances raised high, and dust filling the air in passing moments determined victory or defeat in the blink of an eye.
The final victor would be bestowed endless glory, observed by the Lady Enchantress Morgiana and King Richard. Who would emerge as the champion of the Knightly Tournament through skill and virtue?
"Anyway, it's no longer my concern," thought Ryan. He was over twenty-four years old and, as a Grail Knight and Questing Knight (Expedition Knight), it would be unfair for him to compete.
"Do you enjoy tournaments, Ryan?" Surya approached him, her silver high heels clicking. She crossed her arms, her expression as gentle as water: "Next year, the once-every-four-years tournament will commence again."
"And you will participate, Miss Surya, and Miss Sylvia? You're both competing?" Ryan's expression was equally warm, though slightly regretful: "Unfortunately, I can no longer participate..."
"I will compete next year, following in my brother's footsteps, fighting for victory as a family duty," said Surya seriously, almost too seriously for Ryan's liking.
"How about we find somewhere to sit for a while after walking so much?" suggested Ryan.
"Sure!" Surya was surprised Ryan didn't want to explore more, but she didn't object, as the outing was based on Ryan's interests: "There's a great bar nearby, 'Blue Moon'. Sylvia likes it too. Let's check it out!"
"Surya!" Sylvia blushed, seemingly embarrassed by Surya's initiative.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the "Blue Moon" bar, where Ryan was warmly welcomed, and the owner personally attended to them.
"Ryan, you're popular wherever you go!" Surya, sitting across from him, admired the Grail Knight badge on his chest: "One day, I too will pursue the Grail until I earn our Lady's approval."
"You certainly will, Miss Surya and Miss Sylvia. Both of you are outstanding knights. I believe one day you'll become honorable Grail Knights. If you wish, I can offer some advice," offered Ryan, genuinely fond of the female knights before him.
"I'd be honored, Ryan. You'd be an excellent knight instructor," Surya replied, adjusting her skirt, her long, straight legs clad in black stockings stretched out under the table. Ryan couldn't help but steal glances.
Ryan's favorite was undoubtedly Veronica's silky smooth legs (as he had embraced them), but Surya's were equally impressive, perhaps even superior. He preferred this harmonious, equal interaction with a knight over the constant vigilance and interpretation required around witches or sorceresses.
It was also fun to match wits with witches and sorceresses daily.
Lost in thought about his journey from Norsca with Teresa and his investigation in Marienburg with Veronica, Ryan suddenly chuckled. Back then, legally a White Wolf Knight, he hadn't imagined how much would change in just a year...
"Ryan?" Surya's voice pulled him back from his reverie: "What's wrong? You seem distracted."
"It's impolite to be distracted in front of a lady, Sir Ryan," Sylvia gently reminded him.
"Apologies, I was just reminiscing. Miss Surya, is it really okay for you to be out with me in the city? Wouldn't Duke Francois mind?" Ryan quickly explained as he noticed their cautious looks.
"It's fine. I told my father and he agreed. If nothing unexpected happens, their meeting will continue for quite some time. You should also be prepared, Ryan," Surya said, smiling as she tucked her dazzling hair behind her ear.
"Alright then."
...
The next seven or eight days became the most special time for Ryan since his arrival in Britannia. Although he was concerned about the unresolved Knightly War, the company of the ducal daughter and her maid made time fly. They visited many attractions in the city, enjoying the beautiful autumn sun.
Meanwhile, in the royal palace of Couronne, within the Throne Room:
In the dimly lit atmosphere, only a little light shone through the stained glass atop. Magic lamps flickered around.
The aged Knight King Denoar-Jean-Richard-Le-Angron sat behind a wooden desk cluttered with books and artworks, beside a large map of the twelve duchies of Britannia.
The crest of the Duchy of Connaught was covered, an unwanted admission that the duchy was lost. In the last Knightly War, King Richard had assembled forces from the northern five duchies and the Duke of Red, fighting fiercely at Musillon, the capital of Connaught. Both sides suffered heavily, with the Duke of Red defeated and forced to retreat. The injured knights had no choice but to return without success.
Days of meetings left Richard restless. Even the finest ambergris in the room couldn't calm him. He sometimes questioned if he was truly the king of this nation. Why couldn't he even arrange a grand state funeral for his grand-nephew?
A statue of Arthur, made of jade, stood behind the throne, alongside Jules, a great Knight King who led Britannia to its zenith before dying for the nation.
Richard never expected such fierce opposition. His thoughts faced unprecedented difficulties.
First came the opposition from the Dukes of Wintertooth, Francois, and Bastonne, Bertrand - expected.
Then Duke Louis of Connaught's opposition - considered.
But Duke Bodric of Bordelaux's opposition was unexpected.
Finally, even Duke Hagen of Gisoreux clearly opposing the state funeral for Anshi was beyond Richard's imagination.
"Why would you support Francois and Bertrand, my most trusted and beloved ally, Hagen?" Richard privately asked Hagen at one opportunity.
"It's Marienburg," Hagen shook his head in distress: "You know, that boy is the guardian of Marienburg, and I owe Schultz a large sum, a very large one."
The king's position worsened. In the throne room, although all dukes agreed to declare the war a victory, consensus on rewards for Baron Ryan and Marquis Anshi remained elusive.
Francois remained composed, his face betraying no fatigue after days of meetings, thanks to the blessing of the Grail. He persisted with his viewpoint: "My king, I hope you understand that Anshi did not devise this plan. Ryan's surprise attack on the Warpstone was entirely his own decision. Please, my king, do not continue discussing this matter as if it were part of Anshi's plan. We all know what transpired."
Another duke then spoke up:
"Indeed, it was his foolishness that led to total defeat. After failing to take Yvresse, he should've either rendezvoused with Ryan's right-wing army or retreated from the forest to seek reinforcements from either Bastonne or Gisoreux, not blindly charge at Yvresse Castle, leading to such a tragic defeat."
Bodric de Bordelaux, Grand Master of the Sea Knight Order, Duke of Bordelaux, and Manann's Chosen Champion, opposed Richard, leaving him feeling choked. The duke, commanding over 80% of the kingdom's navy, had opinions the king couldn't ignore.
Moreover, Bertrand, the Red Dragon Duke, instilled deep wariness in Richard with his rare but significant input.
"So, we think, skipping the triumph is acceptable. First, the kingdom must award Baron Ryan Macado a first-class Grand Cross medal, no less than two thousand gold crowns, at least fifty sets of brand-new sergeant's equipment, and a nationwide announcement of Ryan's commendation. Also, due to heavy losses in this war, the kingdom must not wage a new Knightly War for at least three years, and exempt conscripted military tax for eighteen months. These are our conditions," Francois stated calmly: "If the king agrees, we can further discuss Anshi."
Before Richard could respond, Duke Dalheid of Lyonnesse had had enough. He tapped his desk, saying wearily: "We finally agree on some points, Francois. But I remind you, it was Marquis Anshi's sacrifice that led to Baron Ryan's victory in the Knightly War. He never abandoned his faith in the Lady, fighting to the last man. I believe he played a more important role in this war and thus deserves a state funeral and a first-class Grand Cross."
"At the same time, I think Ryan's reward can be further discussed."
"I agree. I know Ryan Macado is the Lady's champion, but a first-class Grand Cross seems excessive. A third-class Iron Knight medal might be more appropriate. As for two thousand gold crowns, heavens, Baron Jean's annual income doesn't even exceed eight hundred gold crowns, right? Besides, hasn't the baron reportedly made substantial gains? How about eight hundred gold crowns?" suggested the Duke of Montfort, siding with the king.
"I think so too. A third-class Iron Knight medal, eight hundred gold crowns, fifty sets of new sergeant armor - that's a remarkable reward," Richard added wearily: "As for the rest, I promise no new Knightly Wars for two years and no conscripted military tax for one year."
"We can further discuss the state funeral and first-class Grand Cross," Francois knew after days of tough negotiations, almost all terms were laid out. Ryan's step back relieved Richard, but the price couldn't be less.
"The issue returns to the start. A state funeral and first-class Grand Cross for Anshi are the bottom line. He sacrificed his life for the Knightly Way! Francois, I don't understand why you, why you always compete with a knight who died for the Lady?" Richard continued, his wrinkles deepening, the century-old king looking older after this matter.
Francois found this difficult to counter, as Ryan couldn't compete with the dead. Changing his tone, he argued: "Then I don't understand the point of insisting on a state funeral and first-class Grand Cross. Do you plan to grant every commander who dies in a Knightly War the same honor? Then state funerals and first-class Grand Crosses become too cheap."
A long, tedious negotiation seemed to end in another stalemate.
Just then, the throne room doors were gently pushed open by a powerful force. A servant rushed in, whispering to Richard.
"What? Lady Morgiana is here!" The king was surprised: "She's entered the palace?"
"Yes, my king," the servant replied anxiously: "Lady Morgiana is on her way to the throne room!"
Hearing this, all dukes instinctively stood, awaiting the arrival of the Lady of the Lake's mortal spokesperson, the Lady Enchantress Morgiana.
Twenty-five years ago, Morgiana's status in the nation was cemented in an incident - leading Grail Knights into Couronne's palace, she declared the dethronement of King John II. The tyrant couldn't even resist, merely kneeling to accept orders.
Francois's lips curled up, knowing why Morgiana had come.
The situation was settled.
___________________
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