Chapter 96. The Tournament is Over
The tournament was over, but not the festivities. There was a festival in the afternoon and a banquet in the near future. As one of the finalists, Rhys received an invitation to the banquet, but he was more interested in the festival. While the Tier 3 battles went on, Rhys ran down to the trash heap. The rats and raccoon overseer were all busy growing and storing potatoes, and the rest of his setup was still in working order. He quickly fried up a series of chips—his cut was getting better, after several days of practice without Bast’s help—and transformed into Rina. He didn’t need airtight bags, since he was immediately selling them, so he just needed to use a little trash to create big sheets of paper that he could tear into parts, roll into cones, and hand out potato chips in. It was inspired from the cheap method of selling fries, but it worked for chips too.
His last-minute efforts done, he rushed back to the market and opened his stall. Most of the contestants were busy talking to their mentors or watching the Tier 3 matches, but there were still plenty of mages around to either get another hit of their favorites, or sample his wares for the first time. He charged an absolutely exorbitant rate, but today was the last day, and potentially Rina’s last appearance. Either everything went well, and he went home, or the Empire attacked, and he’d have more pressing issues than expanding his potato chip empire.
Bast, of course, had to attend all kinds of boring things alongside his mentor. The man didn’t even have to explain himself; Rhys understood. He was the all-important winner of the tournament who was also the all-important disciple of the Sword Saint. There was no chance whatsoever that Bast would escape from his mentor’s side until at least tomorrow, and maybe even the day after.
Maybe even not until he’s moved out from under the Empress’s nose.
He wouldn’t hold it against Bast if he was spirited away. In fact, he’d even cheer him on. Better Bast got out of here, than to see him ruined at the Empress’s hands.
“Is this it, then?”
Rhys looked up, snapped out of his thoughts. Anabel stood before him, gold outstretched. He took her money and handed her a bag, and tilted his head. “What do you mean?”
“Is this it? You go home, and no more Rina?”
Rhys blinked at her. “Wh…what do you mean?” Had she seen through him?
“It’s such a waste. You’re so beautiful like this.” Anabel sighed. “I’ll miss dressing you. You were my ideal model. That mysterious androgyny, the aloof yet approachable air… if Rina ever makes a return, find me, okay?”