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Chapter 103: The Beauty Pageant Begins
Chapter 103: The Beauty Pageant Begins
October 7th, the day of Magnolia's Harvest Festival, had finally arrived.
The festive atmosphere reached its peak on this day.
The city's busiest streets were now bustling with people, not just locals but also many from nearby towns and villages. Some had even traveled from far away, drawn by the reputation of the magical parade.
Street vendors called out tirelessly, selling their wares. Goodman was one of the many vendors working hard to sell his goods.
Musicians played instruments and sang songs at regular intervals along the streets, and clowns performed acrobatics, adding to the festive mood. Even the boats on the canals were decorated, and the cheerful boatmen often sang fishing songs to each other.
Food stalls were particularly popular, with the famous snack streets filled with the aroma of delicious treats.
Natsu, who could barely walk straight, had dragged Happy to a food stall early in the morning, still suffering from the aftereffects of his lightning strike. With his voracious appetite, he would likely need to work soon after the festival to make up for all the food he was consuming.
Since it was a rare celebration, the guild hall was not as crowded in the morning as usual. Most members had gone to explore the various attractions that interested them.
Rod, however, was at the guild, helping to set up the venue. Marcus was in charge of the preparations.
The first major event of the day, the "Miss Fairy Tail" beauty pageant, was to be held at the guild.
Marcus had been the first to arrive in the morning and was still brimming with excitement.
He had dragged along friends like Nabb, Bigda, and Alzack to help with the setup.
Alzack seemed reluctant, as he had planned to take Bisca out for a walk during the festival.
But Marcus asked, "Invite Bisca? Can you actually say it?"
Alzack fell silent. He had been mustering the courage to ask Bisca to team up for a job for months, let alone take her out for a stroll.
Then Marcus added, "Bisca is also participating in the competition. If we can't set up in time... you don't want to help?"
Alzack realized that if the competition didn't start on time, Bisca would be disappointed too.
Poor Alzack, not only had he made no progress, but he was also firmly under Marcus's thumb.
There was no ready-made stage in the guild, so Levy would use her Wood Make magic to transform the counter area into a temporary stage.
The tables and chairs would be temporarily moved, turning the entire guild hall into a venue.
Clearly, the space would not be enough to accommodate all the spectators.
Therefore, three surveillance magic crystals were placed on the front and sides of the stage.
The live feed would be connected to the area near the Cardia Cathedral in the city center.
Those who couldn't get in to watch the event could go there to see the live broadcast.
As a staff member, Rod already knew the list of contestants and had received a ballot.
Each audience member would receive a ballot upon entry, and there would be people at the cathedral to distribute them as well.
Without hesitation, Rod had already written a name on his ballot.
Levy tapped him on the shoulder, "Hey, the competition hasn't even started, and you're already showing favoritism."
Rod casually folded the ballot and said firmly, "What's the problem? I know all the contestants, so I already know who's the most beautiful."
"That's not always true. Some people have completely different styles on and off stage."
"It doesn't matter what style they adopt; my judgment remains the same."
“Looks like there’s no saving you now.” Laki glanced at Mira, who was smiling from a distance. Darn it, I ended up helping him again without even realizing it.
"Hmph." Rod didn’t bother to argue with her.
At least he was doing better than Alzack, that kid.
It might be a bit challenging, but at least he was making progress, and it was going well.
After a flurry of activity, the venue was finally set up, and the contestants began to file into the backstage area.
Mira was probably the most composed of them all. She had been helping out just a moment ago, and now she lightly clapped her hands. “The competition is about to start. I’ll leave everything in your hands.”
“Good luck.” Rod took over Mira’s job and watched her walk backstage.
That turn was pretty graceful.
Maybe it’s because confident women always shine so brightly?
...
The audience had already taken their seats, and Rod, using his privileges, snagged a good spot for himself. Alzack, fidgeting nervously, also managed to stand at the front.
Makao and Wakaba, being the seasoned veterans they were, had naturally arrived early to secure their front-row seats.
Many other guild members had also returned to join in the fun, mostly out of concern that they might need to cheer for their fellow members if the audience’s reaction was lukewarm.
Natsu, clutching a pile of snacks, was listlessly huddled in a corner, munching away. His condition still hadn’t improved.
Gray, unusually well-dressed today, stood beside Natsu with his hands in his pockets. “Hey, didn’t Porlyusica tell you to rest? And you’re not even interested in this kind of competition, are you?”
Natsu, sounding drained, replied, “But it’s a guild event, so I have to participate. I feel so bad…”
Despite his complaints, he kept eating.
This idiot. Gray smacked his forehead. “What a handful.”
Suddenly, the audience’s chatter died down as Marcus, holding a microphone, stepped onto the stage.
The microphone’s base was a small magic crystal, similar to the glass marbles kids played with in the 1980s and 1990s.
Marcus professionally tested the sound and then announced, “Ladies and gentlemen of Magnolia, and visitors from nearby towns, welcome to Fairy Tail!”
The audience applauded enthusiastically.
“I heard some of you traveled over mountains and through valleys to be here today, even leaving your shoes behind on a cliff to make it on time.
After the competition, remember to jump down and retrieve them!”
Marcus cupped his hand to his ear as if listening.
The audience burst into laughter, and Rod couldn’t help but wonder why there was a segment for corny jokes.
The humor was bizarre; what country’s pre-show style was this?
“I am your host, the Sand Mage Marcus!” Marcus waved his hand, and a cloud of sand appeared, forming his name in mid-air.
“Without further ado, I declare the Miss Fairy Tail competition officially open!”
The audience’s enthusiasm was ignited by his energetic voice, and applause and cheers filled the air.
“First up, contestant number one, the embodiment of strength and wild beauty, the Demon Princess, Bisca Mulan!”
Bisca, wearing a tiger-striped dress and adorned with horned headpieces, stepped out from backstage and onto the stage, greeted by a wave of applause.
Bisca’s type was clearly a favorite among many.
Makao, staring at Bisca’s legs peeking out from under her dress, nudged Wakaba. “See, I told you the side of the stage was the best spot, didn’t I?”
Wakaba, unable to tear his eyes away, admitted, “Yeah, you win this time.”
(End of Chapter)
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