Chapter Fourteen: The Oddsmaker Council

Before the election of the Group of Seven, the Commissioner of Games usually sponsor a welcoming banquet to the best oddsmakers in the proud history of the Prudence Wars. They are usually summoned by the Commissioner before the formal preparations for the Major Contest, which officially starts with the selection of the question by the said elite Group.

Since this particular edition of the battle towards the Purple Junket and the corresponding crown will be hosted by the Dark Masters, it is customary for the Dark Firm to hold this special occasion in the main town called Darkastoon, considered the capital of their territory, in a place called the Hall of Weston.

Weston's fascade was carefully built with its architecture facing the East, so it is always a pleased witness to the glory of the rising of the morning sun. The fabric of the Hall is reminiscent of baroque style architecture, as well as some notable Victorian influences, and very famous for the three extraordinary Greek pillars that prides itself in holding the material strength of the whole building together.

As much as the outside of the Hall is aesthetically praiseworthy, its interiors are also considered as grand as the true triumph of the Dark Master's internal leanings into the expensive taste in technical materials (as it is abundant in the territory) and the full appreciation of the history of art. The main atrium is proud of its many sculptures, as well as the perfectly chiseled woodworks, and including the minimalist colors that adorn the whole surfaces and walls were just as breathtaking and meticulously thought of in its design direction as everything else outside.

The main banquet hall is located to the left of the atrium, and it is now full of betting patrons and the high rollers who are all anticipating the discussion of the odds procedure, among the many matters that affect the placing of bets, and of course, this includes the election of the Oddsmaker Council.

The Commissioner of Games usually sactions the election of the Oddsmaker Council before everything else, so that the possibility of winning the Purple Junket and the Question will be affected by the influences of the odds and the placement of bets.

In this regard, the Oddsmaker Council occupies a significant place in the whole process of the Prudence Wars, including the recognition of the declared winner as pronounced by the Commissioner of Games.

Also, the banquet hall is now full of guests and other principal representatives, and everyone is chatting about the election of the Oddsmaker Council. Today was the selection of potential candidates, and the actual election will be made prior to the official start of the said Games, but will come after the Group of Seven was chosen.

This method allows the bettors to elect the candidates who will champion the odds of the majority of the betting public by those sitting in the Council. Right now, everything hangs in a balance, and no decision about an ideal candidate can be made until the Question was finally settled by the Group of Seven.

It may not be obvious from this scene so far, but the Prudence Wars now commences with the first step of manipulating the procedural weaknesses of the system. A deep exploitation of odds and favors are already simmering that will eventually lead to a future full of peril and sadness.

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This Chapter is sponsored by Rolex.