Gerund as it functions as a subject of your sentence as well.
The correct answer is C) Just because she and Gretchen are rivals does not mean they can't be friends. Because in the end, they look at each other and smile, the way people who could get along do.
I believe the correct answer is practices.
The entire paragraph is describing a practice which is quite common for this culture group. The practice is that of a competition where the emperor is present. There are no particular attitudes, values, or goals presented in the excerpt.
he couldn't risk to retire from work
