11 Eating Competition (2)

Feather was walking around the town looking for a place to eat when she heard a loud welcoming voice.

"Hello, dear friends! We are welcoming everyone to attend our bi-annual eating competition! Those who end in the first three places wouldn't need to pay for the food eaten!"

'What a coincidence,' she thought.

She was glad to take part in a competition. She was feeling really hungry.

She didn't intend to contest for the first three places; she had enough money to pay for her food. Nevertheless, in such a competition she wouldn't need to wait for food to be prepared and the food there shouldn't be subpar either.

In any case, it was a win-win situation.

She followed the voice and soon was able to see a giant crowd.

The Ruby Town bi-annual eating competition was a favorite event of the townsfolk.

The food there would be tasty and abundant.

Even if they had to pay, it was worthwhile.

Also, it was a bit of a sporty activity. The people would make bets and cheer on their favorite eaters.

After the competition, there would be a party and dancing.

All in all, it was a good holiday for all the townspeople.

The favorites of the competition were seven big man and two plump women. All of them were well-known for their big appetites.

Everyone was actively discussing the competitors and their chances.

The crowd was noisy.

Feather immediately regretted coming here.

There were too many people.

Feather spent her life living in solitude. A big crowd such as this wasn't something she was feeling comfortable with.

When she'd come to the town in the past, there always was a guard with her, at the very least one. And she was almost always accompanied by Starlight. She had no interest in the town and wouldn't go if her brother didn't invite her.

Now she was there all alone, and there were unfamiliar people all around.

She didn't have the brother to count on anymore.

Feather almost jumped in fright, when someone put a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, bro! Are you new around here?"

She looked back and saw a thin young man. He was obviously not very well-off, but he was smiling affably to her.

'That's great, has he taken me for a man?' Feather thought. Well, she did wear a male's clothes for convenience's sake.

Seeing how his target was apprehensive of him the young man was fast to continue speaking.

"It's not what you think, bro, I'm not a swindler. I work here. Would you like to make a bet on who will win? Or maybe you would like to participate? You see, I got paid if I introduce you to betting and you lose." he laughed.

Feather looked at him in amazement. Was he alright telling her that?

She shrugged. "Alright, take me there. I guess I'll bet."

…

Surprisingly, the young man really wasn't a swindler, and he swiftly helped Feather to reach the center of the crowd.

There stood several booths which were taking bets from people.

"Hey, hey! Big Bucket! Look here, help my bro make a bet," the young man shouted.

Big Bucket looked at incoming boys:

"Alright, Buddy, but you know rules. Who's your brother betting on?"

Buddy turned to Feather.

"You told me, I can participate?" she asked.

"Yes, of course."

"Then I'll bet on myself."

"O.k. you've heard him, Bucket." Buddy turned to the man.

"It will require you a participation fee." Bucket said, looking at a poorly dressed boy before him.

"How much," Feather asked.

"One silver. We have to make sure that those who lose can pay for their meal."

"Alright," she fished two silver coins from her purse. "One for participation and one is a bet."

Bucket was an experienced gambler, so nothing showed on his face, but inside he was amazed at how Buddy was always able to find the fattest fish in the crowd.

Who could have thought that the brat before him was so rich despite his looks.

People around here would mostly bet a couple of coppers. And now he was seeing a losing bet made on a whim, and it was in silver to boot.

Bucket swiftly produced two planks with numbers and gave them to the boy.

"This one is for participation, and this one is for betting. After all is finished, you can come and have your change," he smiled at the boy.

"Alright," Feather said and went to the area designated for the participants.

…

When the boy left, Bucket turned to Buddy.

"How did you know?" he asked. "I couldn't tell at all."

"Oh, come on, that's easy," Buddy smirked. "He may have worn commoner clothes, but who would ever dress this neatly. And look at how cold and arrogant he looks. Everyone else excited but him. He really stands out from the crowd. Obviously, he's a noble fledgling, who dressed up for some amusement."

Bucket nodded. What Buddy said made sense. It was good to have him here with his observational skill.