\"... and was notified -- privately -- that it was a mutual challenge. \"

But it wasn't.

That is my point.

You were restricted from engaging in a mutual challenge for a reason, and you cannot argue that just by informing everyone it makes it correct.

It is like me shouting I claim the tankard, watch, pouch, spout and other quest items, even though it is not possible for me to actually get them yet.

It would then be foolish of me to call someone dishonourable for taking those quest items even though I informed everyone they are mine.

Ranger Keldor.

Written by my hand on the 13th of Eleuthral, in the year 1072.