Chapter 178: Grant Me Strength, I Am He-Man
The scribe busily jotted down information on the parchment.
"Has anyone told you about the tourney's events, prizes, and vows? If not, I can explain."
Lynn nodded, speaking humbly, "I've heard about them, but I'd like to clarify a few things."
The scribe adjusted his spectacles on his nose. "Sir, you have admirable curiosity. We have three main events: Archery, Lance Combat, and the Team Tournament."
"In Archery, you compete against another participant to see who can hit the most targets in the shortest time."
"I must remind you that you must hit targets of your own color. If you hit a target of your opponent's color, you won't only fail to score, but you'll add points to your opponent's score."
"Lance Combat is the closest to what people imagine a Knights' Tourney to be."
"I can summarize it in one sentence: if you can unseat your opponent from their galloping horse while remaining mounted yourself, victory is yours."
"Both of these challenges allow one re-challenge if you fail. If you win both, you can proceed to the Team Tournament."
"The Team Tournament is a randomly assigned five-person team. You must defeat all opponents, and the last team standing then has to defeat its own teammates until only one person remains."
"If that final person is you, then you win the grand prize."
The scribe's explanation didn't differ much from what Lynn had heard from Maximus. It seemed Maximus had indeed been forthright.
"I heard that this year's champion's prize is a vineyard, correct?"
The scribe nodded slightly, his voice betraying a hint of unconscious envy. "There's a prize for the champion of the tourney every year. Previous years' prizes were usually fine swords, armor, or excellent horses. This year's prize, however, is extraordinary: it's the Corvo Bianco vineyard along with five thousand acres of land outside the estate."
"Her Grace the Duchess hopes to find a worthy owner for it."
Although the Knights' Tourney didn't impose strict identity requirements, even common folk could participate if they could procure the necessary gear. But the scribe was well aware of his own limitations.
His old bones were better off not trying to compete and making a fool of himself. What could he do? Accept his fate.
"If you can make it to the very end of the Knights' Tourney and defeat last year's champion, then the grand prize is yours."
Although the scribe secretly didn't believe a commoner could win until the end, let alone defeat the previous champion, he still had to say the customary pleasantries. Besides, saying a few nice words didn't cost anything.
"Hmm, I understand most of it. Just one last question: what about the vow?"
"That is our tradition. Every competing knight must swear an oath by a person or thing they hold dear, to uphold the Five Virtues of Chivalry."
Lynn nodded. "Alright, I'm clear on all the details."
The scribe's throat was dry from speaking. He picked up a glass of water from the table and cleared his throat.
"Very good. In that case, you must take the oath. By what name do you wish to swear?"
The witcher thought for a moment, then gave his answer. "I swear by the Lady of the Lake, to uphold the Five Virtues of Chivalry."
The scribe smiled contentedly. "Then may the Lady of the Lake grant you strength and aid you through difficulties, Sir. Please sign here and fill out these forms."
"My part of the procedure is complete. Finally, there are a few things you should know:"
"The Knights' Tourney will officially begin on the first day of next month, which is fourteen days from now. It will be held outside Beauclair, where the tourney is held every year."
"I recommend you arrive at the arena a few days in advance to find a suitable spot to set up your tent... Oh, and you'll need to bring your own tent."
"During the tourney, it's best to stay near the arena to avoid missing important matches. Missing a match will be considered a forfeiture, so it's best to be careful."
"That's all I have to say. Nothing more to add. Good luck."
In the eyes of the Toussaint people, tradition was sacred and inviolable. Toussaint had many traditions.
Among the most sacred was the annual Knights' Tourney. This grand event was not only renowned throughout the South but also highly regarded in the North.
Therefore, knights from all over the world would come to Toussaint to participate in the tourney, competing against local elites and other knights for honor.
For ordinary folk who lacked entertainment, the Knights' Tourney was also a rare annual carnival.
Due to the large number of participants, the competition usually lasted from morning until evening. The Knights' Tourney typically spanned several days.
Although knights lived in their tents, they still needed to eat. And if their weapons and armor were damaged, they would need repairs.
If luck wasn't on their side and their mount fell ill, they would have to find another horse, or they wouldn't be able to compete at all.
The various needs of the participating knights allowed many people to profit greatly. During these times, the area around the arena became incredibly lively, so much so that eventually, someone built a small village nearby.
This village was usually uninhabited; it was left for rent to those who planned to sell goods and provide services to the knights during the tourney.
Since he had already decided to compete under a false identity, Lynn did not revert to his original identity during the period after registration. For the next several days, Lynn stayed in an inn.
It wasn't until five days before the tourney began that he left Beauclair and arrived at the tourney grounds.
First, he went to the actual competition grounds to observe the terrain. Then, he found a higher vantage point and set up his tent. For the next five days, he remained in his tent.
And so, the day the Knights' Tourney officially began finally arrived.
Lynn was called out of his tent by a herald and directed to the archery range to participate in the first archery competition.
Upon reaching the archery range, he discovered that his opponent was a young man with a mohawk haircut. Lynn didn't recognize the crest on his opponent's armor.
As the announcer introduced his and his opponent's identities to the audience, Lynn noticed that Geralt and Regis were also present in the stands.
However, due to Lynn's disguise, Geralt found it inconvenient to greet him. But from his concerned gaze and expression, it was clear he was still very much worried about Lynn.
That was Geralt. Perhaps he wasn't as "smooth" as the world imagined, but he was definitely a good mentor.
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