The magnificent banquet hall erupted into applause as King Edmund III Alden concluded his opening remarks, officially welcoming the distinguished guests who had gathered to celebrate his sixtieth birthday.
Hundreds of nobles, military commanders, religious representatives, wealthy merchants, and foreign dignitaries stood beneath the enormous chandeliers, their attention directed toward the elevated royal platform.
Sage joined the applause, although he remained aware that the King had been observing him moments earlier.
"Guildmaster, I believe tonight might become considerably more interesting than we anticipated," Lucan remarked quietly, keeping his attention upon the royal platform.
Sage chuckled. "Considering everything you've told me about noble politics, I'm not entirely certain that's good news."
Gregor adjusted his formal collar with an uncomfortable expression. "Personally, I'm hoping the interesting part involves dinner. We've been standing around for ages."
