After spending the morning handling registration, Shade took Mia home for lunch at noon, then went to the Seer Association to find Luvia. He asked her for a portion of the "Eris Wool" they had taken from the Gift Box last week.
Carrying the wool sealed in a silver box to prevent its misfortune properties from affecting him, he went to Old John's pawnshop. After explaining that he wanted to mix the wool with ordinary silk thread to make a lady's handkerchief, Old John eyed Shade suspiciously.
"I say, Detective, you're not planning to use some off-the-field trick to win next week's competition, are you?"
"What's strange about that? What competition ever goes by without some story outside the arena?"
Shade asked with a smile.
"The labor fee is five pounds. I need it before Sunday night."
"I won't charge you a labor fee. I want information."
The old man lowered his voice and leaned slightly over the counter.
"If a Ring Arcanist like you wants to pull something to win, no one can stop you. Tell me, what place are you aiming for?"
Shade did not answer. Instead, he asked another question.
"What are my odds right now?"
Old John laughed.
"Registration has only just begun, so your odds are fluctuating wildly. But you're quite famous, and Louisa's novel boasts that your Cold Weapon Fighting Technology and horsemanship are both superb. I think the final odds should settle at around one to 1.7."
"I thought people considered me a sure win."
"Detective, Detective, don't get careless. There are plenty of experts in Tobesk. So, what place do you want? Are you going to play it safe and settle for second or third to avoid suspicion about your identity, or are you young and hot-blooded enough to insist on first