An ominous feeling filled the air. The man was breathing hard. It was apparent that he sprinted all the way here. He wore a high hat on his head adorned with two large pheasant's feathers, at his side hung a sword, and his face was as white as a chalk wall. Deputy Commander Moryama of the Imperial Guards rushed past the guests, yet quietly, as though he was afraid of being seen.
The banquet hall was eerily quiet, silent as a graveyard. What was happening? There were two individuals which heart pounded nervously as they watched Commander Moryama intently—evidently none other than Empress Yū Miko and Chancellor Pyun.
Meantime the Guard Corps and officers from the Royal Investigation bureau swarmed all over the palace grounds. All the buildings were occupied and all the gates locked. No one was allowed to move from where they were.
