Hmm, maybe I can win it for Lady Cassandra, his thoughts whirled as warmth rose in his chest. Perhaps she would give me the chance to court her if I succeed, and we can become a couple.
Then reality washed over him.
Mother would not like it. He sighed.
"Besides," Cassandra continued, "I'm interested in the competition, even if I'm unable to participate."
"And it will give her a good opportunity to scout helpers for our job," Pierce transmitted into his mind, using his ability. "Come on, let's go join her. I think it will be worthwhile." Pierce didn't have to tell him that because he was intent on joining, even if the Master Runesmith didn't let them participate.
Cassandra asked the soldiers to lead the way, and how could they deny her? While it wasn't difficult for Marcus to figure out the way, as it wasn't the first time he was there, he let the woman take the lead, watching her move with her entourage of lovely women.
It didn't take long to reach the destination, and as they had assumed, there was already a crowd of people clamouring. Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be much organization to the whole thing. Other than the participants standing stoically in a row, the rest were clamouring as if they were on an outing.
Some of the fellows really did look like they were on an outing, chilling and dining with all the stuff they brought in. The aromatic fragrance coming from their meal reminded Marcus of his hunger.
"As I mentioned, anyone below Gold rank is welcome to participate," said the soldier who introduced himself as Bern. He had tried to show off to Lady Cassandra, mentioning how he almost made it, but sadly, only getting the tip of his sword wasn't enough. He had to make enough damage that the alarm ring.
He tried twice, and failed both times, and Marcus was sure they weren't as glorious as Bern made it sound. But Marcus was thankful to him for explaining the rules of the game... It was surprisingly simple for the grand prize of High-runic equipment.
What delighted him more was that there wasn't a limit to the number of high-runic equipment. Anyone can get it as long as they make it.
"But just in case," the soldier said, "I think we should ask one of the adepts for confirmation."
Saying that, he called up a sour-looking woman in her early twenties. Well, she was probably older, considering it takes over a decade even for a gifted ranker to reach Adept rank in runesmithing.
"Good," she said with a burp, "he's very stinky with the meal."
"Um, can I get something?" Marcus asked, swallowing a breath. He couldn't tell why, but this woman overwhelmed him, and not in a good way. Adept Jenni shot him a look, gazing up and down as he stood straighter. "No." Marcus gritted his teeth but said nothing.
"Don't worry, the rejection of the girls will only make you more resistant to it," May offered, clasping his shoulder. "I promise it won't hurt after a dozen more times."
"Darren is still at it, huh?" Jenni snickered in amusement, leaning on the broad man next to him, who simply forced her back.
"Well, he says four hours is his limit, but for today perhaps he'll put some more effort," said the other man, who was probably a runesmith like her.
"This is what a poor foundation does to a mother— gyukkk! I need a drink." Adept Jenni blew air and spit from her mouth without a care in the world. She turned to the stand where people were eating and drinking. "Aki, be a good friend and get a bottle of wine."
"No, I'll be a good friend and stop you from doing anything more stupid today," Aki snorted. As Jenni leaned on him again, he pushed her back.
"Are all runesmiths like this?" Marcus muttered.
'Pretty much,' Pierce said in their telepathic link. 'They are either the polite Stoic like this Aki and our Cole, or laid back and careless like this woman.'
"Hey, look, we're about to get our eighth winner!" someone shouted as everyone's eyes moved towards the front barrier, and the runic pattern lit up in deep blue, as a woman blasted a huge deluge of ice attack to make a deep hole in them.
"She seems familiar," Marcus muttered, unable to call up from his memory. But looking at her proud and domineering figure as she cast a deluge of ice spells, he was sure she was a prominent figure.
He turned to Pierce for the answer.
"That is the elder daughter of Lord Forger, Jessica Forger," Pierce said. "I didn't think she would be participating in it as well."