Hearing the elderly judge's question, Gregory and the others were also at a loss for what to do.
What are we going to say? If we announce that the verdict is void, Roderick will take advantage of the situation and claim that Jipsdale is not fair and thorough enough to have even botched the announcement of the results. However, it would be unfair to Jared for us to announce that the verdict is valid and let Roderick take first place, as Jared's Focus Pill is many times better than Roderick's.
While the judges were plunged into a dilemma, Roderick was still shouting in an effort to instigate the crowd.
At that moment, Viola stepped forward. “I have an idea, Mr. Stark, but I'm not sure if it'll work.”
“Go ahead. Tell us,” Gregory said at once.
The elderly judge, too, leaned over to hear what Viola had in mind.
“Since the verdict has already been announced, let's proclaim Roderick victorious! However, this won't be the final verdict. We can add another round and let that be the deciding factor. The venue and rules of the trial will be decided by the Alchemist Fair of Jipsdale, so even if Roderick protests, there's nothing he can do about it,” Viola told them her plan.
“That's a good idea. This way will both guarantee the prestige of the judges and the impartiality of the Alchemist Fair!”
The elderly judge nodded approvingly.
Gregory nodded eagerly as well. “That's a good idea. We'll give it a go!”
“How could you change the rules just like that, Master? It's not fair. The rules were laid down a long time ago, and now you're adding another round. Isn't that cheating?”
Pearl was displeased to hear that as she was hoping she and Roderick would go away together upon his victory.
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