As the chief editor and other industry professionals continued their questioning, Ko Ogino's explanations became increasingly riddled with holes.
From the proper way to wear the garment to the specific origins of the fabrics and techniques, his answers were full of contradictions he couldn't resolve. The judging panel grew more and more suspicious of the [NozAK!] brand due to his various questionable actions.
It was likely that after this joint exhibition, the media present today would immediately begin investigating the past designs of both Ko Ogino and [NozAK!]. As for their results at this event... even if the attendees were not industry insiders but complete laymen with no understanding of clothing, they probably wouldn't buy a garment that would cut their own skin.
"...It's gotten quite lively over there."
Gazing at the crowd in front of the [NozAK!] booth, Nagasaki Soyo couldn't help but say with a hint of schadenfreude, "Causing such a huge mess in front of so many industry insiders and media, neither [NozAK!] nor Ko Ogino will be able to smooth this over, right?"
With that, Soyo turned back and smiled at Chihaya Tetsuya.
"He's finally getting what he deserves. That's great, isn't it, Tetsuya?"
"Not only did it fail to provide the wearer with a comfortable experience, it even caused her to be injured by his design..."
Faced with an act that completely violated his own design philosophy, Tetsuya showed a rare, undisguised expression of disgust.
If it were just plagiarism, he would at most see Ogino as a petty man, greedy for quick success. But if, on top of that, his negligence and irresponsibility led to his clothes harming someone...
"A person like that no longer deserves to be called a designer."
Tetsuya shook his head.
"Given the level of attention on this joint exhibition, he will likely be cut off from the fashion industry for good."
"Yeah... but besides burying himself, all the stupid things he did have also brought a great deal of validation and attention to [JP]."
Soyo shifted her gaze to Jean's booth next door.
Because it was being compared with [NozAK!], while Ogino was being interrogated, every single one of Jean's garments was also being carefully observed and admired by the judges.
As for the result...
"Ah, another one placing an order with [JP]!"
Soyo watched as more and more of the judges went up to Jean's booth to submit order forms and ask him for more information about the clothes. Jean, of course, welcomed them all, patiently and meticulously explaining all the details and ideas behind his designs. And in the face of Ogino's self-contradictions, this composure and profound knowledge perfectly illustrated the relationship between the plagiarist and the one who was plagiarized.
"...Eh, wait a minute."
Suddenly, Soyo, who had been feeling pleased about Ogino getting his just deserts, widened her eyes.
"In that case, aren't [NozAK!] and Ko Ogino indirectly promoting Jean-san?"
"That's exactly right."
Tetsuya nodded in helpless agreement.
"And because Ogino's plagiarized work is so crude, by comparison, Jean-san's designs appear even more high-class and impeccable."
"Eh... I can't believe it..."
Soyo's expression grew even more surprised.
"Not only did he predict [NozAK!]'s failure, he even used their failed plagiarism to promote his own clothes..."
"This is probably the gap in experience."
Tetsuya now finally understood why Jean had been so calm and composed that day.
From the moment he learned of Ko Ogino's style and past actions, he had anticipated that Ogino would be unable to perfectly replicate his designs. He turned the tables, creating a plan for Togawa Sakiko's father to use Ogino in return, and even intended to use him as a stepping stone on the day of the exhibition...
"There really is a huge gap... between me and Jean-san."
Compared to Ogino's insignificant and destined defeat, it was Jean's god-like foresight that left a deep impression on Tetsuya. And this composure, born from a designer's experience, forced him to admit the disparity between them...
"It's been a long time, Chihaya-san."
Just as Tetsuya was sighing over this subtle sense of defeat, a somewhat familiar voice suddenly sounded by his ear.
"Eh?! G-good afternoon, Principal!"
The middle-aged woman who appeared before him was the principal of the Geika Institute of Fashion. During the withdrawal incident, she was the one who had cleared his name of "suspicion of plagiarism" and, after quelling the turmoil, had quietly recommended him to [KaZoKu]...
"You were invited to this joint exhibition as well."
"Yes, after all, I'm something of an industry insider myself."
The principal spoke as she looked with him toward the [NozAK!] booth.
"What a scene... It seems Ogino-san won't have a place in the fashion industry anymore. But for making such an outrageous piece of clothing, this result is only natural."
The principal shook her head.
During the original competition, her experience and eye, which were on par with professionals, had allowed her to see who the real plagiarist was. However, for the competition organizers, the "submission time" was far too important and sensitive a factor. So, even though she had absolute faith in him, she couldn't clear his name without any evidence. And perhaps it was precisely because of that successful act of plagiarism that Ogino developed a skewed perception of the act, and continued down that dark path...
"Of course, it's useless to say anything now. Whether it's you, who was forced to leave Geika, or him, who has gone astray, everything is now settled. Although I still occasionally regret not being able to keep you at Geika, looking at your work, at least it didn't cause you to go down the wrong path as well."
"Please, don't worry about it."
Seeing the principal's slightly guilty expression, Tetsuya smiled and shook his head.
"This might sound a little rude to you, but it's precisely because I left Geika that I had the chance to reunite and become acquainted with important people, and to make it to where I am today."
If he had stayed at Geika, he never would have had the chance to release that bestselling garment for the Mitsumine Trading Company, to start on the path of a designer ahead of schedule and thus become connected with Togawa Sakiko. Nor would he have received the commission for a performance outfit from Hoshino Ai, leading to their reunion after so long...
"...Rather than describing it with words, allow me to show you my growth over the past year with my design."
As Tetsuya spoke, he stepped aside, revealing the giant planetarium to the person who had first noticed his talent and sent him to [KaZoKu].
Then, under the principal's astonished gaze, she was stunned to find that the massive planetarium had an entrance, one that a person could walk right into.
"Now, please, as my first guest... witness my [Starry Sky]."