The moment Nearl heard Don Quixote's extremely shocking words, an indescribably complicated feeling flooded her heart.
She didn't quite know how to articulate it, but…
When she learned Don Quixote hadn't lost his qualification for the tournament, she honestly didn't know whether to feel relieved or worried.
It should obviously be a good thing that her friend didn't lose his place in the tournament—but this particular friend was Don Quixote.
Who knew what sort of bizarre situation he might create next…
Imagining the weird and unpredictable things that could happen if Don Quixote kept competing in the Knight Tournament, Nearl felt a sudden headache coming on.
"Let's go, Nearl, we should head out right now! This time we can finally play to our heart's content!"
Don Quixote hurried to Nearl's side, tugging at her sleeve as he excitedly said this. Nearl, in a rather resigned tone, interrupted his enthusiasm:
"Don't rush… The official competition doesn't begin until tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Don Quixote finally let out a sheepish chuckle, saying no more. Instead, he simply dropped down onto the courtyard ground, tilted his head back, gazing up at the sky as if filled with anticipation.
Nearl exhaled softly, finally making her decision—just let Don Quixote enjoy himself as much as he wanted.
And just as Nearl decided this, preparing to turn around and leave, the inn's proprietor hurriedly came running over to them, quickly approaching Don Quixote and Nearl, urgently saying:
"Honored knights… someone at the entrance wishes to meet you both."
Don Quixote and Nearl exchanged a brief glance.
"Oh! We already have fans? It seems our performance in the preliminaries was truly dazzling!"
Don Quixote immediately beamed with pride, turning to Nearl with excitement. Nearl promptly covered her eyes, unable to watch him, and turned instead towards the innkeeper helplessly:
"Ahem… Anyway, if someone wishes to meet us, then please lead the way."
As they moved a little further away, only Nearl and Don Quixote were left to greet the visitor. When Nearl saw the guest's golden eyes clearly, she couldn't help widening her own slightly.
"Greetings, Don Quixote-san, we meet again. The last time we saw each other was back in the City, wasn't it?"
X raised his head slightly, calmly greeting the two of them.
At this moment, Don Quixote's usually playful demeanor turned uncharacteristically serious. He exhaled quietly, addressing X casually, as though speaking to an old friend:
"Indeed… Last time we met, I was helping you deal with those Abnormalities."
"So then, for you to deliberately seek us out this time—has something else happened? More strange Abnormalities?"
"Not yet, for now. But it does indeed involve Lobotomy Corporation. Recently, we opened a branch here in Kazimierz, and also invested in the Knight Tournament… But, at present, Lobotomy Corporation still lacks a representative in this matter."
X spoke casually, and finally raised his head, smiling faintly toward Don Quixote. At that moment, Don Quixote seemed to understand X's intent immediately.
"You mean… you want me to represent you?"
"Yes. Compete in the Knight Tournament under the name of Lobotomy Corporation. You can keep all the rewards; we have no need for such things."
X nodded lightly, answering clearly.
"…I suppose that earlier issue with me damaging the arena was your doing as well, right? Ah, how troublesome…"
Don Quixote fell into silence briefly, sighing afterward. He appeared to think carefully for a moment, then turned suddenly to Nearl, quietly asking:
"What about you… do you have any thoughts on this?"
Seeing Don Quixote suddenly throw the question her way, Nearl was momentarily stunned. She'd assumed she would have no role in this exchange—just waiting, as always, for Don Quixote's decision and then commenting sarcastically afterward…
But it seemed things were a little different this time.
This realization flashed sharply through Nearl's mind. She then exhaled softly:
"…I have no objections."
"Then I accept as well. But tell me—what exactly do you want us to do? I'm guessing you didn't come looking for a representative without some reason."
Don Quixote nodded firmly, shifting his gaze back toward X as he questioned him.
"You're correct. From Lobotomy Corporation's perspective, we do have something to entrust to you… However, nothing overly complicated. Simply ensure that your battles are as spectacular as possible. The more excitement and emotion you can generate among the spectators, the better. In return, Lobotomy Corporation will fully support you during this period, and after the event concludes, you'll also receive a considerable monetary reward from us as payment for your work…"
X spoke with a slightly cunning expression, counting on his fingers as if making a deal:
"Additionally, this request has been classified as a 'City Nightmare.' If I'm remembering correctly, combined with your previous completed requests, finishing this one should raise your Fixer rank, shouldn't it?"
As soon as these words left X's mouth, Don Quixote's formerly distracted attitude changed instantly. X watched this transformation with quiet satisfaction.
"Hah… If you'd said that sooner—leave this task entirely to me."
Don Quixote confidently slapped X's shoulder, stating seriously. X quietly let out a relieved breath in his heart.
The more emotional excitement, the better…
Don Quixote, I'm counting on you!
"In that case, I'll take my leave. I look forward to your performance tomorrow… Ah, and in a short while—within two days—Hai-san will also arrive in Kazimierz to assist you. He's currently our employee."
X finished speaking and departed quietly. Don Quixote and Nearl turned back to the inn, and throughout the entire return journey, Don Quixote seemed lost in thought.
"As spectacular as possible… in other words, it should probably be something flashy?"
Thinking this, Don Quixote raised his head. In the distance, the extravagant sights of Kazimierz's commercial empire sprawled out before him, its numerous entertainment venues dazzling the eyes. Suddenly, a spontaneous idea burst forth from Don Quixote's lips:
"Nearl! I've had a fantastic idea!"
"We need spectacle, entertainment, and plenty of excitement…"
"Say—how about an amusement park?"
After Don Quixote proposed that idea, Nearl found it nearly impossible to dissuade him. He immediately began setting things into motion according to his whims.
Amid such preparations, time flew by swiftly, and soon, it was the next day.
It was exactly at this time that the Knight Tournament's elimination stage officially began!