The King reached the foot of the staircase and faced the silent ballroom while his family arranged themselves behind him.
Dense mana pressed gently through the crowded room and reminded every noble that the bored man could crush their houses alone.
"Welcome, everyone," the King addressed the assembly with an easy wave. "I'm glad so many of you could attend on such short notice tonight."
"I feared the capital's wine cellars finally ran dry," he chuckled warmly. "You vultures drink like a siege is coming."
"Fortunately, enough remains to keep you all happy for one more evening of peace and gossip," he added with a sly wink.
Polite laughter moved slowly through the assembled nobles, loosening at least some of the ceremony's frozen courtly tension.
"Tonight celebrates our kingdom's continued strength, so eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves without restraint," the King encouraged, spreading his arms wide.
