There was an hour-long interval between the end of the main race and the awards ceremony.
Forty-five minutes were set aside for voting, followed by fifteen minutes to tally the ballots and prepare the stage.
During that time, the spectators visited the restrooms, drank water, and enjoyed light refreshments.
Meanwhile, on the organizers' side...
"Oh, this is quite nice."
"It's magnificent, isn't it?"
Music resonated across the venue.
Thinking it unfair to leave the audience waiting in silence for an entire hour, the Klein Kingdom's military band was playing a rousing, grand melody.
Having camped out in the open rather than staying at a hotel or bungalow, the musicians had worked hard, and Jin made a mental note to show them his gratitude later.
At the same time, he reflected with fond admiration on how musical culture had flourished on its own over the past four hundred years, completely untouched by the Magic Federation's influence.
Jin also thought that next time, it might be fun to feature more than just music—perhaps dance routines or even model aircraft stunt demonstrations.
One hour later.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the tally is complete!"
With all the spectators back in their seats, a tremendous roar arose from the crowd, matching the fervor of the race's final sprint.
"Before we proceed, allow us to announce the results of the main race once more! Winning the momentous 1st Marikka Cup is Bib #9, Kondak of the All-Creation Clan!"
Hearty applause filled the air.
"In second place is Bib #1, Lordtoss of the Puppet Clan!"
Another wave of enthusiastic clapping followed.
Simultaneously, the rankings and names illuminated the giant magi-screen.
"In third place, Bib #2, Harnata of the Puppet Clan! In fourth place, Bib #7, Sergela of the Gospel Clan! In fifth place..."
The announcer recited the full top-ten standings once again.
"And now, moving on to the Popularity Vote! This reflects the total ballots cast using the voting stubs attached to your admission tickets, tallied from each participant's dedicated ballot box!"
"A fascinating initiative."
"Indeed, Your Majesty."
The King of Klein Kingdom and the Queen watched on, deeply intrigued by the concept.
"Without further ado, let us begin with tenth place! In tenth place... Bib #10, Puppet's Lulustoner!"
Applause followed once more. Sadly, Bib #10 had finished tenth in both the main race and the popularity poll.
"In ninth place, Bib #4, Gospel's Sergela! In eighth place, Bib #3, Gospel's Archista!"
Watching from Hourai Island, Jin surmised that the popularity rankings were likely influenced more by the craft's design and demonstration appeal than pure race placement.
"In seventh place, Bib #5, All-Creation's Zedice! In sixth place, Bib #6, All-Creation's Imimir! In fifth place, Bib #7, All-Creation's Byusack! In fourth place, Bib #8, Puppet's Nikeris!"
Each name was met with warm, appreciative applause.
"And in third place... Bib #2, Puppet's Harnata!"
Her thrilling battle during the race's final stretch had clearly made an impression on the crowd.
"In second place... Bib #9, All-Creation's Kondak!"
A massive cheer erupted from the stands.
"Which means..."
Sion couldn't help but murmur under her breath.
"And taking first place... Bib #1, Puppet's Lordtoss!"
The crowd went wild with thunderous cheering and applause.
"Ah, so Lordtoss took the top spot in popularity. That final chase of his was thrilling enough to fire up anyone," Jin remarked, thoroughly satisfied with the outcome.
At last, it was time for the awards ceremony.
Presenting the honors to the top finishers on the special stage were members of the Klein royal family.
The accolades were to be bestowed by three royals: King Melikalans I, Queen Josephine Lumes Klein, and the First Princess, Lisabeth Ria Klein.
First, the championship trophy was awarded to the main race victor, Kondak of the All-Creation Clan.
"Ah, th-that's... the trophy crafted by J-Jin-sama, isn't it?"
Back on Hourai Island, Marikka spoke with a shy, bashful expression.
The trophy featured a goddess statue sculpted in the likeness of Marikka in her youth, poised to bestow a laurel wreath upon the victor.
Engraved along the pedestal was a delicate line rendering of the very first Blow Floater that Marikka had ever designed.
"Congratulations, Lord Kondak of the All-Creation Clan."
King Melikalans I of the Klein Kingdom personally presented the trophy.
The venue erupted in another round of applause.
To the runner-up, Lordtoss, Queen Josephine Lumes Klein presented a commemorative shield.
And to third-place finisher Harnata of the Puppet Clan, the lovely ten-year-old First Princess Lisabeth Ria Klein presented a commemorative medal.
Naturally, every single prize had been crafted by Jin. The shield featured a relief carving of Marikka, while the medal bore Marikka's profile on the front and her original Blow Floater on the back.
"Uuu... this is so embarrassing..."
Marikka squirmed self-consciously on Hourai Island.
"Next, we shall present the awards for the top finishers of the Popularity Vote!"
Taking the lead for this presentation was Sion of the All-Creation Clan.
Commemorative gold, silver, and bronze medals were to be awarded to the top three racers.
One side bore Marikka's profile, while the reverse depicted the original Blow Floater she had designed.
This motif was destined to become the hallmark standard for all future tournaments.
Meanwhile, Marikka's face was flushed bright red with embarrassment.
"In third place, Bib #2, Puppet's Harnata!"
Cheers and clapping echoed throughout the venue as Harnata received her bronze medal.
"In second place, Bib #9, All-Creation's Kondak!"
A brief buzz of anticipation gave way to widespread applause and cheering as he was awarded the silver medal.
"And now, the moment you have all been waiting for! In first place for the Popularity Vote... Bib #1, Puppet's Lordtoss!"
A deafening cheer shook the grounds.
"Congratulations, Ro."
Accepting the gold medal from Sion, Lordtoss's expression softened into a broad, happy smile.
Following that, Deus Ex Machina presented the Technical Award to Bib #2, Harnata of the Puppet Clan: a trophy featuring Marikka's original Blow Floater intricately sculpted inside a piece of clear rock crystal.
Her craft's uncompromising weight reduction and clever purge mechanism had clearly earned high marks.
"Now then, that concludes our awards. Would all participating teams please join us on stage?"
Sion called forward every competitor from the Nord Federation.
Once everyone had gathered upon the platform, Sion began to speak in a clear, carrying voice.
"To everyone gathered here today: thanks to your wonderful support, the 1st Marikka Cup Air Race has concluded with great success and fanfare."
"That Marikka... Marikka of the All-Creation Clan was my dear friend, as well as the disciple of the Second Generation Magi Craft Meister, Jin Nidou-dono. Approximately two hundred and fifty years ago, she developed the Blow Floater for the sake of our people across the Nord Federation."
The crowd listened in reverent silence.
"In her honor, I would like to offer a moment of silent prayer. If you would be so kind, please join us."
The stage faced northward, looking out in the direction of the Nord Federation.
With that, Sion spoke.
"...Begin silent prayer."
She closed her eyes.
Naturally, everyone on stage bowed their heads in silence.
And throughout the venue, the invited guests and spectators followed suit...