Chapter 21: Announcement
The applause had not yet died down when the mayor, cheeks flushed from wine and excitement, waddled up to the judging stand with both arms raised. A hush fell over the crowd like a curtain. Eren stood rooted to the platform beside his colossal, unusually fragrant pumpkin—glossy, plump, and somehow radiating a faint aura of smugness.
"Ahem!" Mayor Rhun cleared his throat as if he were about to announce the second coming of farming messiahs. "After rigorous judging, cross-verification with the botanical council, and a surprising lack of bribery this year... I hereby declare—"
Eren's heart was punching his ribs.
"—that Eren has taken first place in this year's Verdant Bloom Competition!"
Cael frustrated "I lost?"
This can't be. Right?. I always win I never lost. I never lost to anyone.Anyone...Eren I'm gonna take my revenge just wait I'll crush you into pieces. Eren
The roar was deafening. Confetti—made of real shredded cabbage, for some reason—burst into the air. Children screamed. Mira squealed next to him, leaping up and down.
"You did it! I told you planting in moonlight might be genius!"
Eren blinked. He'd actually won.
The mayor slapped him on the back with the force of a small earthquake. "As promised, for our glorious winner: a reward of 100 gold pieces, a certified Verdant Bloom Trophy, and a personally endorsed Soil Tier Elevation to Tier 2!"
The crowd gasped. That was no small jump. Eren swallowed.