Large estates like Lake View Manor outside Tobesk all had stables, but Angelina did not choose a horse from the manor's stables. Instead, she specially sent someone to Leimer Racecourse on the other side of Schluch Lake to select a black horse.
By the time Shade crossed the lively courtyard and reached the racing starting point at the manor entrance, quite a few gentlemen had already gathered there with their horses. Everyone had a female companion and had prepared their own racing horse in advance. Contestants like Shade, who had decided to participate at the last minute, were instead in the minority.
Among the contestants was someone Shade knew, Baron Cobell. At the banquet where Shade had been knighted, the man had once wanted to use a game of Rhodes Cards to win Shade's Northern Cities Port City, but instead lost five commemorative coins to Shade, including Pirate's Blood Money.
Shade greeted the Baron. The latter wore hunting attire suitable for riding and looked thoroughly professional.
"Knight, who is your female companion?"
the Baron asked curiously. Shade pointed at Princess Angelina, who was eagerly waiting for him while holding the black horse's reins.
Baron Cobell first showed an expression of awe. When Shade explained that Miss Galina had asked him to take Princess Angelina around, the Baron then looked enlightened.
Angelina had changed out of her cumbersome dress and was now wearing winter clothes suited for riding. The Princess's appearance naturally attracted attention, and when people learned that she would be participating in the race with Shade, they all showed understanding expressions.
The rules of the race were simple. They would set out from Lake View Manor's entrance, follow the country path in a loop, and return to the starting point. Since the manor stood beside Schluch Lake, the route