In the Art Capital, a Magic Film of Bailey Knight's performance that night was playing in the empty hall of the Amber Opera House.
As the final note faded, Knight Tarkinson reached out and paused the Magic Film.
"Madeleine, what do you think?"
Binn sat nearby. They were the only three people in the vast hall.
"After all these years, Bailey Knight's technique hasn't changed at all."
Music was a deeply subjective art. Unlike extraordinary power, you couldn't settle who was stronger with a fight.
It was much like painting. Some painters excelled at perspective, others at shadow, and still others at handling color and detail.
How could you decide whether a soaring high note, penetrating power, or emotional impact mattered most?
Once technique reached a certain level, the only way to judge who was better was by the songs they sang.
That was why the right song could do more for a Singer than years of hard practice.
Madeleine stood under Knight Tarkinson's and Binn's gazes.
Her eyes reflected Bailey Knight's figure, frozen against the curtain.
"I'll show the world why I left Silver City."
Only one night had passed, but Silver City was already celebrating.
Bailey Knight had delivered a song that was perfect in every respect. Her vote total proved it: she had received more votes than the second- and third-place contestants combined.
The Mage Tower's Fall was once again selling out every performance at the Theater.
Her betting odds at the Casino had also overtaken the Saintess's, reaching 1:0.3. If you won, you lost money. If you lost, you lost everything.
Annan wasn't surprised. Bailey Knight had decided to settle things with Madeleine, which meant she was confident she was no worse than the so-called "number one Singer."
His attention was on the Model Factory.