Everyone turned to look at him.
The host's hand trembled slightly, his gaze narrowing as he slowly—very slowly—turned his head.
Frank couldn't wait any longer. He longed for the moment when everyone's envy and praise would fall upon him. Once he claimed the championship, he would be hailed as the next Chief Perfumer, his name celebrated by thousands.
In his heart, he even felt grateful to those Country Y perfumers who hadn't placed in the top ten.
Because with second through eighth place all taken by Country M contestants, every spectator from Country Y was now desperately clinging to the hope of a champion. That champion was meant to be the savior of Country Y's pride.
If the entire top ten had been filled by Country Y contestants, the champion's title wouldn't have carried the same weight. But standing out as the sole winner in a field dominated by Country M would mean he had salvaged his nation's honor.
