But the evening was not yet over.
The elderly gentleman returned his attention to the documents.
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "Now, let us examine the second submission."
The screen changed again.
Photographs of the black star-covered gown appeared, showing its original sketches and production process.
The audience watched as the images revealed the detailed work behind the dramatic creation.
The designer explained the use of different fabrics, the arrangement of the silver decorations, and the construction of the flowing veil.
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "This is also a remarkable piece of work. The design demonstrates a strong understanding of visual balance and stage presentation."
The designer in black smiled respectfully.
BLACK-GOWN DESIGNER: "Thank you, sir."
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "You should be proud of what you have created."
BLACK-GOWN DESIGNER: "I appreciate that."
The gentleman looked toward the judges.
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "Both creations deserve serious consideration. They represent different artistic directions, and neither should be dismissed simply because it does not match someone's personal taste."
The woman in green nodded.
WOMAN IN GREEN: "I agree. We should evaluate them on their individual merits."
The woman in black finally spoke.
WOMAN IN BLACK: "I would like to make something clear. My comments were never intended to question anyone's personal circumstances. I was simply expressing my opinion about the visual design."
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "Then let us focus on the visual design and the documented technical work."
He turned toward the organizer.
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "Please display the evaluation criteria."
The screen showed the official scoring system.
Creativity, originality, construction quality, material selection, presentation, and overall artistic impact were all listed.
The gentleman studied the criteria.
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "Each judge must now provide an independent assessment. I want the scores to reflect the actual criteria, not personal relationships or previous opinions."
The woman in black shifted in her chair.
WOMAN IN BLACK: "I have no objection to that."
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "Good."
He then turned toward the two contestants.
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "I would like both of you to remain here while the judges complete their evaluations. You deserve to see that the process is conducted openly."
The two women nodded.
A staff member distributed new evaluation sheets.
The judges began reviewing the photographs, technical notes, and presentation records.
The ballroom became quieter.
Only the occasional sound of a pen moving across paper could be heard.
The woman in green examined the blue gown's construction photographs once more.
She paid particular attention to the sleeves, which had initially appeared oversized but were actually carefully structured.
She then studied the black gown.
Its dramatic appearance was impressive, but she noticed that some of the decorative details were concentrated in specific areas to create the illusion of movement.
Both designs had clear strengths.
She began writing her scores.
The woman in black, however, appeared to be struggling.
She looked repeatedly at the blue gown's photographs.
Then she glanced toward the young woman standing on the stage.
Her expression hardened.
WOMAN IN BLACK: "I still believe the blue gown is unnecessarily exaggerated."
WOMAN IN GREEN: "That is your opinion. But the construction is excellent."
WOMAN IN BLACK: "The silhouette is not particularly practical."
WOMAN IN GREEN: "This is an evening fashion competition. Practicality is only one consideration."
WOMAN IN BLACK: "I disagree."
WOMAN IN GREEN: "You are entitled to disagree. But you should still consider the technical evidence."
The elderly gentleman listened without interrupting.
When the judges completed their assessments, the organizer collected the sheets.
He reviewed the results and entered the scores into the official system.
A few minutes later, the total appeared on the screen.
However, before anyone could announce the numbers, the organizer noticed something unusual.
He leaned toward the elderly gentleman and whispered.
The gentleman looked at the screen.
His expression changed.
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "Are you certain these are the final totals?"
ORGANIZER: "Yes, sir. I have checked the calculations twice."
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "And the individual scores?"
ORGANIZER: "They are included in the report."
The gentleman took the document and examined it.
The woman in green looked toward him.
WOMAN IN GREEN: "Is there a problem?"
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "Not necessarily. But I would like to examine the original scoring sheets before making an announcement."
The woman in black immediately became defensive.
WOMAN IN BLACK: "Why? The scores have already been submitted."
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "Because transparency is important."
WOMAN IN BLACK: "Are you suggesting that someone has made a mistake?"
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "I am suggesting that every result should be verified."
The organizer placed the individual sheets in front of him.
The elderly gentleman compared them with the electronic report.
After several moments, he pointed to one section.
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "This entry needs clarification."
The woman in green leaned closer.
WOMAN IN GREEN: "Which one?"
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "The score for originality."
He turned toward the woman in black.
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "You awarded the blue gown a particularly low score in this category."
WOMAN IN BLACK: "Because I did not find the concept sufficiently original."
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "Can you explain the basis for that assessment?"
WOMAN IN BLACK: "The design uses familiar elements. A large skirt, decorative sleeves, and sparkling material. None of those features is particularly new."
OLDER GENTLEMAN: "And did you examine the original sketches?"