The banquet hall was nothing short of extravagant.
On the high arched ceiling, hung crystal chandeliers, refracting white light into the whole hall. There round tables for each guest all lined in rows. On the side were long tables covered in white linen laden with different kinds of foods including meat, wine, fruits. There was even soft music from a corner ensemble, performed by performers wearing formal clothing, who held flutes, harps and other string instruments. At the far end, just before long stairs onto the second floor stood a raised dais, with prepared chairs for the duke and his household members. Above it hung eagle banners which were the animal sigil of the Jian Ducal House.
Naturally, the hall was packed with nobles especially since it was an open event. Thus, the early arrivals chatted among themselves as they awaited the start of the festivities.
Clusters of nobles stood scattered across the hall, wine glasses in hand, voices kept deliberately low yet animated.
