“On my way! On my way!”


    Stretching with a yawn, Hannah swung the door open and watched as Lydia strode in, arms full of various items.


    “What’s all this?”


    “You’re asking? I picked up these charms for you from a churchst night.


    They’re for your protection and well-being.


    Oh, and these bracelets are for you too.


    ”Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Hannah sat, slightly dumbfounded, as she observed Lydia unload an assortment of seemingly pointless objects, a growing headache imminent.


    “So, you disappeared all day yesterday.


    Was it to gather all this stuff?”


    “It’s important!”


    Lydia seized Hannah’s wrist, eager to adorn her with the items.


    “You attended the race without inviting me.


    How could I not worry? The stakes are high in this contest.


    It’s unnerving!”


    A smallugh escaped Hannah; she yfully pinched Lydia’s cheek.


    “And here I was, thinking you were scared of nothing.


    ”


    “The only thing that scares me is something happening to you,” Lydia dered, her usual yful demeanor turning serious for a moment.


    “Hannah, I’m going all-in on you.


    You can’t afford to lose.


    ”


    Hannah expected a serious revtion, but it was still typical Lydia, cheerful even when earnest.


    “Fine, let’s get to the real talk.


    I did some digging yesterday.


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    Rochgan Hill is hosting the event, and it’s attracting nobles from Valmere as spectators.


    Cyril is the odds-on favorite! Some have even started illegal betting pools, and the odds are doubled!” Lydia’s lips tightened.


    “Looks like he’s the clear winner.


    His sponsor must be making a killing using underhanded methods.


    How can they not feel ashamed?”


    Hannah nodded in agreement.


    “This event will likely draw the attention of many under-the-table dealers.


    Maybe we can finally catch the person who hurt my mentor.


    ”


    “But with so many shady characters around, finding Cyril’s puppet master won’t be easy.


    ”


    “If I win, things might change.


    ” Hannah’s eyes sparkled.


    “With 40:1 odds against me, if I beat him, his backers will have no choice but to reveal themselves.


    ”


    Lydia’s eyes went wide.


    “You’re nning to… It’s risky! I’ve heard that even the big boss from Muvrand, a city steeped in crime, is involved.


    They mighte after you if you beat Cyril!”