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“A little longer… Just a little longer. We will complete the slate very soon…” Parsha spoke quietly. But it wasn’t a frail voice of resignation, instead, it was due to her suppressing her emotions.

“So… So, big sis Illya,” Parsha paused a little and then declared, “we’ll do our best!”

Gabril further explained it as I was trying to figure out her intentions, “Truth be told, we planned to help with the ice dragon subjugation and then ask you for a hint as a reward.”

Coupled with what I heard from the great spirit, I see where this is going.

“…So you wanted a hint after you tried your best?”
“I-I mean, if you told us for free, the spirit king wouldn’t accept it…”

I saw bitterness on her face. It was true. Everyone would go for a shortcut if they had a choice. If they didn’t, they would have a reason for it.

In their case, it was as if they had internet access in front of them, but they couldn’t open a walkthrough site for fear that it would be left in their browsing history and would get them busted. They faced such troubles.

But putting it differently, this suggested that they were so out of options that they had to rely on me.

“I see. Well then, do your best.”
“…! Thanks, big sis!!”

The two gave me pure, blooming smiles.

…Their dazzling smiles stabbed into my conscience that chose cheats without batting an eye.

The tallying went on as curry was served. We resumed the progress once we collected the dishes.

“We’re going to announce the totalled results now!”

Ria started announcing while holding the warm Haku, and the crowd got excited with it.

“Third place! 1588 points! It goes to number—52! It’s the white Mythrilage castle made by team ≪Arnault≫!”

The audience burst into a cheer. The Arnault family was being particularly merry among them, as expected.

Mythrilage kingdom’s royal castle was where the Sorcery Guild was based, so its mysticism was incomparable to the castles of other kingdoms. Voices of approval and praise rose from here and there for the sculpture that minutely represented its elaborate appearance.

Ria chose the right timing and continued while the excitement still lasted.

“Next, second place!”

With that, more applause followed. Some were breathing roughly in hopes that they’d be next, while others mumbled to each other about their guesses.

Ria gazed at everyone as if to tease them, and then read it out.

“1590 acquired points!”

Such a small margin made everyone raise voices of shock and wonder. Just a 2-point difference. The master of the Arnault family crumbled on the spot in shock. I mean, the third place had 10’000 Gil as a prize while the second had 50’000, so his reaction was but natural.

“Registration number is—8! It’s the Three Goddess of Lathovester by team ≪Ashen Suspension Bridge≫!”

A cheer that shook the ground erupted along with laughter and applause. The inn ≪Ashen Suspension Bridge’s≫ master was being jostled around by the proprietress who was jumping from joy.

The Three Goddesses of Lathovester were the personifications of the world trees that the Lathovester religion worshiped. Of course, they weren’t the cute kind but more like the personifications of the volcanoes and fate in Earth’s myths.

“And now, first place…!”

The square turned silent at her quiet speech. It was such dead silent you could even hear people gulp.

“…But before that, I will announce each special prize!”

The audience was tripped by her words like in a sketch comedy.

Though they suffered some disappointment, they weren’t angry about it, and instead even felt satisfied by how well they were controlled. As proof of that, calm smiles started to appear on their faces.

The only ones aware of the special prizes were those on the stage and backstage. We at least told them that it wasn’t money, so everyone was probably composed thanks to that.

“First, modeling division! Mr. Euripides, please!”
“R-Right.”

Euripides, whose figure and appearance screamed dwarf, stood up after receiving the microphone from Lashelle. Perhaps it was a nature that dwarfs couldn’t escape from, he stepped back when the gazes fell on him but endured it with his manly pride or whatever.

“The most elaborate work in terms of modeling for me would be…” He glanced at the cheat sheet he was holding in one hand. “Registration number 102. Work title, Favorite Horse.” He read out.

That caused a commotion to spread among the audience. The work in question didn’t boast of particularly good craftsmanship, nor did it hold some captivating charm.

Even the youth that made Favorite Horse seemed confused at why he was chosen.

“Mr. Euripides, please explain.”
“R-Right.”

Ria nodded as she caught my gaze and urged him to continue.

“Craftsmen are generalized as such but there are many varieties… What I consider a shared feature among diverse technologies is the strength of the will that you pour into your work. In the case of swords, it would be the will to be sharper than any sword and never break… In the case of buildings, it would be not only how solid it is, but also how safe it is for the dwellers. In the case of sculptures, it’s how much life you pour into them.”

Euripides had a low voice, but it had a permeating tone… and the people around were listening to him as if he was holding a lecture.

“…This work certainly is not as elaborate and charming as the aforementioned two works. But I felt love in it that would not lose out to any work and it had a breath of life stronger than any other work. Thus, I, as another carver, decided to choose it as the best work……… That’s all.”

When he noticed that he grew unusually talkative, he quickly finished up the explanation and awkwardly put down the microphone.

“Thank you, Mr. Euripides! Mr. Bemardi who made Favorite Horse will receive the special prize of the modeling division! It is Luneville’s symbol—”

Ria raised Haku she was holding.

“Haku’s sculpture as a gift!”
“Pii?”

People reacted with gentle smiles and applause. A warm yet also indescribable mood filled the square.

I’ll say this just in case, but Haku was not Luneville’s symbol. When I asked them to make something, Ria just went along with Euripides’ decision to make Haku. But the dragon god was worshiped here and there, so Haku’s sculpture, who may one day become the head of its family, was probably actually quite valuable.

Unlike the top-three group, the four special prize winners would be passed their prizes on the spot. I headed to Bermadi and handed over the statue that was made with white stone similar to marble.

“Please take good care of it.”
“O-Of course!!”

Given how he reacted, he wouldn’t throw it away because it was a hindrance.

…If he did that, I’m not sure what might happen. In various ways.