Back then, Cecil required a lot of rare materials for a reason. On the surface, it did seem like he was losing out on the deal, but in Cecil's opinion, he was the one winning.
Knowledge was great and all, but what was the use of him having it if he could not use it? If he did not have the materials to implement his knowledge to upgrade his gear or create new magi-tech, then what use did he have for it?
Cecil lost the competition later that day, but he didn't lose because his creation lost to anyone else's. He lost because he forfeited when he found out that his name was going to be announced as the winner. As for how Cecil found out, he had his disciple to thank for that.
This way, he lost not because he didn't have the ability, but because he chose to. Serilla was a little upset after
