Amid Frederick's bewilderment, Su Li led the team straight to the knight's arena in Bauhinia Town.
Humans from various nations love watching tournaments, and as an empire established by knights, its citizens are even more enthusiastic; knights also enjoy flaunting and showcasing their martial skills in the arena. Therefore, every town must have an arena, with the level of the arena varying based on the town's prosperity and population size.
Nevertheless, it is an essential building in towns and villages, just like taverns, inns, carriage houses, and brothels.
Bauhinia Town has a fairly large population of over eight thousand people, and its knight's arena is quite sizeable. Due to its proximity to Bauhinia Castle, the arena is home to thirty apprentice knights, with daily small-scale performances and a monthly tournament.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of the tournament, so the arena is bustling with activity today. There are wandering Knights of Chivalry signing up to participate, and farmers and craftsmen from nearby villages eagerly placing bets.
The arena dispatched many staff for registration. Upon seeing Su Li and his group enter, the arena immediately sensed a big business opportunity approaching.
An arena steward draped in a fur coat, with a carefully groomed beard, came forward, speaking with a slightly exaggerated tone: "Honorable knights, welcome to the most luxurious arena in Bauhinia Town, which hosts the largest competitions and betting events nearby. I am the steward here, Barbossa, and I believe our excellent service can meet all your needs. Are you here to participate, or to place a bet?"
Su Li said with interest, "Are you sure you can meet all our needs? Alright, let's start with the bets. Show me tomorrow's competition list and betting odds."
Barbossa immediately led Su Li to a wooden board nearby, pointing at various names and said, "Here is the list of all registered betting items for tomorrow. Before the official competition, there will be an appetizer, a gladiator duel with lions and tigers, to stir everyone's blood."
"Then comes the highlight, the knights' tournament. If you don't have your own favorite knight, I can recommend two. Blood Axe Leonard, who has been on fire lately, winning consecutive battles for three days, and he has the most bets on him to win. Silver Wolf Ferdinand, although his absolute power isn't as strong as Big Hammer Leonard's, who can crush opponents effortlessly. However, his mind is as cunning as a wolf's, always capturing the right moment to turn the tides. Many also believe he is the most likely to create a miracle, with the highest odds."
Su Li glanced over the betting board, quickly finding the name he was expecting in the corner, "Hand of Judgment · Seryan," participating for the first time, odds 10:47.
Su Li directly tossed 10 Gold Coins, saying, "I trust the young generation. I'll pick this first-time young knight, Seryan."
Barbossa curiously asked, "Do you know this knight? 10 Gold Coins is the maximum allowed bet in our arena."
Su Li smiled blandly without answering. Behind him, Hilude took out her only Gold Coin from her chest, her face brimming with confidence: "Hello, I'd like to wager one Gold Coin on Seryan winning the championship too."
Reve also took out her purse, containing her entire fortune: 75 Silver Coins and 15 Copper Coins. She gritted her teeth, taking out 25 Silver Coins and all the Copper Coins to bet on Seryan. If she wins, her fortune will double! Plus, with the 1 Gold Coin from Hilude, she'll have a total of two Gold Coins. Even if she loses, Hilude will give her 30 Silver Coins, so it's as if she didn't lose anything.
Su Li glanced at her, surprised that this buxom girl was quite clever. Combined with her heroic spirit, perhaps she could be nurtured in the future.
The other companions placed bets ranging from a few Gold Coins. Schwartz bet the most, with 5 Gold Coins. Frederick bet the least, just 1 Gold Coin, a small wager for entertainment.
Including the bets from several Armed Attendants, the total bet placed by their side amounted to nearly 21 Gold Coins. This means if Seryan wins the championship, they could win nearly a hundred Gold Coins from the arena. This is equivalent to about one-third of the funds sponsored by Count Suna to Su Li.
Of course, the arena steward Barbossa was also jubilant. Casinos love generous customers who bet blindly without much research, as it means these 20 Gold Coins are almost a gift to the casino.
After registering, he joyfully asked, "Are you Young Master Su Li? I noticed the Bauhinia family crest on your and your servant's armor. You're the most famous among the young knights spending lavishly recently. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"
Su Li nodded and said, "Indeed, there's something only you can help with. I want to buy a few lionesses. Only your place in Bauhinia Town might have them."
"Lionesses?" Barbossa pondered briefly and said, "The arena usually has lions and tigers for opening performances. We have a pride, including one male and four female lions. Normally, it's fine to sell to you, but tomorrow is the tournament. Missing a lioness might affect the spectacle."
Su Li impatiently frowned and said, "I am negotiating with you calmly now out of respect for you. If you're evasive, I'll believe you're testing the patience of me and the Bauhinia family!"
Standing behind Su Li, Schwartz immediately stepped forward, stomped his heel, and the aura of an Elite Knight erupted. The wooden room of the entire arena shook violently.
"Rune Vibranium Battle Armor!" Seeing the hot red war patterns on Schwartz's armor light up instantly, everyone in the arena gasped, and the bustling atmosphere quieted immediately. Everyone widened their eyes in shock, looking in this direction.
Barbossa's face turned pale, bowing repeatedly in apology: "Dear Young Master Su Li, please forgive my foolishness. Inspired by you, I suddenly realized we could have a different opener tomorrow, with female slaves fighting nude—it'll be just as exciting. We'll send all the lionesses to you right away."
"No need to give them away." Su Li tossed a Gold Coin to him, saying, "I am a man of principles, fair trade. Select the healthiest, most attractive lioness in the pride, one that's in heat."
Barbossa accepted the Gold Coin and immediately said, "No problem. The lioness, Serra, just lost her cubs a few days ago. According to lion behavior, a lioness will enter heat after losing her cubs. Should I put her in a cage for you?"
"No need, just chain her up. I'll take her out for a walk outside the city."
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