In the grand audience hall of the palace, a tense and charged atmosphere hung heavy as ministers and higher authorities voiced their grievances and concerns about the Duchess's behavior.
"Your Majesty! How could you ignore all the disrespect that the Duchess has shown to you?! She clearly displayed no respect, even though it was the first meeting when people usually try to present their best selves to you and get closer to you," one of the ministers spoke, his voice laced with frustration.
The room buzzed with whispered agreements, and the emperor, seated on his imposing throne, listened intently, his expression unreadable.
