Day 76 Evening, The Capital, The Royal Palace
Just as I began considering going into retirement, having reached an advanced age, everything turned upside down. The King became bedridden with illness. And with the Kingdom in a state of decline and decay, it finally came to the princes rising in a rebellion.
However, while we could but passively observe the state of affairs, everything gradually was resolved, and thats how it ended Thats how it was ended. And it would seem that this ball in celebration of victory is to become my last big job as the Grand Chamberlain.
In my long years of service in the Royal Palace Ive been forced to see quite a few things I wouldve preferred not to.
But if my last task is the celebration of the Kingdoms salvation, then I ought to do a work worthy of that, otherwise I wont be able to say that I have fulfilled my long-standing duty.
Attendants and maids quietly but busily rushing around the empty hall where at the moment only a few nobles who had been invited to the hall so far are gathered sparsely. Soon, the swordless battle among the royalty and the nobility that will decide the fate of the Kingdom will take a place here.
Be it the count of the Frontier, or the heroes, here, we are the ones ought to protect them.
Only sounds of instruments being tuned are ringing through the hall. This is the most grand venue in the palace The Royal Palace has several dance halls but the one used this time ranks the highest among them all.
If it was merely about the size, the palace still has a few comparably spacious ones, However, when it comes to the venue for this ball, not only the size but also the formalities are important. On this occasion, we are to extol the heroes of the Kingdom.
The alternative power system, separate from court ranks, that of factions, have crumbled, leaving everyone to fumble in confusion, searching for houses to side with.
This ball has everyone desperately investigating into the state of affairs of each other, creating a crowd of nobles who are wandering around in search of connections, ready to grasp at straws, despite the fake smiles they are wearing.
Unlike the ugly balls of melancholy and gloom of the past, where everyone was too busy trying to set up each other, this time they are eagerly greeting and calling out to everyone like pitiful children that lost their parents, trying to find new appreciative friends or means of self-protection.
Ne/w novel chaptrs are p/u/blished on no/vel(/bin(.)c/o/m
The closer one is to the entrance, the lower is their status. The later one is announced, the further they proceed into the hall. In accordance to that, appropriate furnishing and implements are set up, representing the status of attending families.
One after another, nobles arrive into the hall, and under the pretense of greetings are probing into each other. With the arrival of numerous nobles the venue is gradually beginning to liven up.
Gorgeous interior arrangements fitting for the event held by the Royal Family and gaudy outfits matching the ladies in flashy and extravagant dresses color the hall. Wearing gentle smiles they are chatting with friendly looks on their faces.
Exchanging mundane greetings and honeyed words they are making a display of calmly discussing situations in the domains, weather, rumors, each others appearances, pastimes, without any signs of trouble. Social intercourse, the nobles long long probing into each other under the guise of courtesy.
While probing into other houses and factions, trying to get a peek into their state of affairs, creating connections, and looking for negotiation opportunities, they are bluffing and applying pressure in order to avoid appearing weak, competing for the hierarchy and position in the power relationship, and at the same time, devouring information while looking for someone to follow.
Quagmire-like conversation plays with lies and bargaining unfold everywhere, and the venue quietly grows busier as deception and music intermingle.