Chapter 60: who is the winner?
"In second place by points..." Arthur drawled, pausing dramatically. His sluggishness made both Leon and Barkus visibly tense. Each was convinced of their own victory, but Arthur's hesitation in announcing the results began to chip away at their confidence. Leon and Barkus exchanged uneasy glances as tension hung thick in the air, sweat beading on their foreheads.
"And iiiiiiiin..." Arthur finally continued, drawing out the word with a clear grin on his face. It was evident he was enjoying the moment, deliberately playing on the nerves of those around him.
"Enough already! Just spit it out!" the father-and-son duo shouted simultaneously, their patience snapping.
"Alright, alright," Arthur chuckled, clearly pleased with his little victory. He finally declared:
"Second place goes to... Baron Barkus Bartfont with 120 points!"
A short but tense pause followed before he added:
"And first place goes to... Viscount Leon Bartfont with 125.5 points!"
"Ha-ha-ha! In your face, old man!" Leon laughed loudly, pointing at his father with both index fingers, a wide grin plastered across his face. He walked up to Barkus, giving him a few pats on the back, as if attempting to console him.
"Hang in there, Dad. Sure, Mom's gonna be furious, but I bet she'll forgive you in, what, a week?"