The Fixed Match (1)

A large, common-covered wagon rumbled along a muddy road, with a magnificent warhorse trotting alongside. A young boy was leisurely driving the wagon, while another blond boy in simple leather armor rode the warhorse with his chest puffed out.

A pretty little head poked out from under the wagon cover, and a curious voice asked, "Enno, how much longer until we reach the next town?"

"Soon!" Norn replied nonchalantly, chewing on a blade of grass. "In about an hour, we'll be in the town of Veyres, under the jurisdiction of the Duchy of Aquitaine."

"The traveling merchants on the road said that the baron there is holding a festival for his daughter's 16th birthday. Anyone who can offer a few words of blessing gets a hearty meal," Norn continued.

"Not only that, but the lord has also organized a jousting tournament. Many wandering knights have come for it," Norn added, turning his head and shouting to Jinn, "If you can win the tournament, you might catch the baron's eye and be granted a fief, or even become the baron's son-in-law."

"You're kidding, right?" Jinn laughed. "I've only just learned to ride. Fighting on horseback is still too difficult for me."

"Just give it a try! What if you succeed?" Norn said excitedly.

As the three of them chatted and laughed, a town gradually came into view. The town looked like any other, but its outskirts were bustling with people.

Thanks to the fertile land of France, the area was rich in produce and densely populated, making the festival very lively. Dozens of long tables were set up, laden with cheap food like black bread, vegetables, and seasonal fruits for passersby to help themselves. Colorful rows of vendors were energetically hawking their wares, selling cloth, beer, and other daily necessities. There were also minstrels singing various ballads and jesters performing comedic acts, hoping for some tips.

But the most eye-catching was the circular arena in the center of the field, enclosed by a simple wooden fence. The baron and his family sat on a wooden viewing platform, surrounded by hundreds of spectators who were all intently watching the center of the arena.

The rarely seen knights were now dressed in colorful robes, straddling their magnificent warhorses, constantly showing off their strong physiques to the surrounding crowd. Some knights, to draw attention, even had red or green feathers in their helmets and little swan decorations on their horses' heads to show their uniqueness and fashion sense. In Norn's view, they were as flamboyant as could be.

Of course, Norn and his companions were also noticeable. Especially Jinn, riding the magnificent warhorse. Although he wasn't wearing the signature chainmail of a knight, his warhorse, the longsword at his waist, and the retinue following him all indicated his status.

People passing by bowed to them, which Jinn enjoyed. But when Norn and his group found the tournament registration area, they received some bad news.

"Are you gentlemen here to register for the jousting tournament?" a scribe asked with an apologetic look at Norn and his companions. "I'm afraid, Sir Knight, that the registration for the tournament has just closed."

Seeing the disappointed expressions on the three of them, the scribe pointed apologetically to a particularly ornate tent area to the side.

"I apologize for not being able to let you show your prowess, but you can rest here briefly and let my lord, Baron Craven, extend his hospitality. Until the end of the festival, you can enjoy the food and wine here."

Norn and his group were escorted by a servant to a tent where some basic living facilities were set up.

"Is there anything you need, Sir Knight?" the servant bowed deeply again. "The food on that long table is specially prepared for you, Sir Knight, and you can help yourself."

Norn looked at the long table. Sure enough, the food was much more upscale than what was available in the common area. There were roasted chickens, ducks, and other poultry, as well as a beer buffet.

Despite not being registered for the competition, the three were still in high spirits. After having some food, Norn took the others to watch the matches.

With his sword at his waist, Jinn had no trouble getting through the crowd and led Norn and Anna to a spot right next to the arena.

At that moment, two knights were rapidly accelerating. The surrounding audience held their breath, staring intently at the imposing knights, not wanting to miss a single detail.

With the "clip-clop" of hooves, the two knights quickly closed in. Their specially designed blunt jousting lances adjusted their positions in a flash and pointed at each other.

"Bang!" The two lances struck almost simultaneously and then shattered under the immense kinetic force. The knights were violently knocked to the side, their bodies swaying drunkenly.

"Wow!!!" Unlike the knights' pain, the surrounding crowd immediately erupted into a deafening roar of cheers. This kind of knightly duel was just as the minstrels had said—a legendary battle between two heroes on the battlefield, fighting with their strong bodies or unyielding wills, going through all kinds of hardships, and ultimately the stronger one emerging victorious.

The sense of being part of it all made their blood boil as if they were the protagonists of the story.

Taking advantage of the brief pause between the knights' adjustments, Norn grabbed Jinn's hand and said, "Envious?"

"Look at the one with the red feather on his head; he's the favorite to win this tournament, Sir Eck," Norn said excitedly, sharing the information he had gathered. "He's already scored five points, while his opponent has only one. That means in the final round, as long as he doesn't get knocked off his horse, he'll take the championship."

"Ah! What a pity we didn't get here earlier. I would have placed a bet for sure," Norn muttered regretfully to himself, but then turned to Jinn and said, "You've got to work hard too! Strive to be the next knight champion, catch the lord's eye, be granted a fief, win a princess, and climb to the top of the world."

Whether it was from watching the match or being inspired by Norn's words, Jinn's face turned rosy as he said, "I will!"

At that moment, the match was suddenly paused as Sir Eck's squire raised the truce flag, causing an uproar in the arena.

Seeing that the match wouldn't start for a while, Norn said to Jinn and Anna, "You two stay here and watch the match. I'm going to look around for some business opportunities."

Norn had previously acquired a large number of spoils from the mercenaries, including some second-hand weapons and armor that were practically given away. But this had emptied his purse, and if he didn't find a place to sell these goods soon, Norn and his companions would be in trouble.

Norn returned to the knight's camp, intending to ask which knight might need weapons and armor, but he stopped in front of a tent with a red feather hanging from it.

"Sir, let's forfeit," a voice said inside the tent.

"Victory is within reach. How could I give up?" came the reply.

"But Sir, your injuries are so severe. Participating further could..."

Norn, eavesdropping outside the tent, felt like he'd stumbled upon another business opportunity.