The vocalist stopped humming as all instrumental activities were halted. The grand hall was cleared, all the dignified personalities moving either to the right or to the left while the centre was paved, leading the way to the grand podium that stood at the very end of the hall.
On the podium were seats assigned to the most important personalities expected to surface in this event. Of course without a question, at the very centre and standing on yet a taller podium is the seat exclusively designated for the ruler of the kingdom along with his royal dignitaries.
The gates of the grand hall were laid open and one at a time, the esteemed guests of the occasion were welcomed in after the introductory phase by the announcer who stood by the gate.
From the noble court of the kingdom to the delegations of the empire, and the king of the nation being the last to set foot on the hall grounds.
While the nobles and delegates passed through the front door and walked down the paved hall to get to their seat at the podium, the king used the door at the left side of the podium to get to his throne.
At the entrance of every available door in the hall, along with open places are armed guards stationed and ready to respond. The place is so tightly secured and only a dumb would be stupid enough to make attempts on their lives.
They were all on their feet the moment the king came in. With his majestic robe dripping down the ground, he got to his throne and stood before his people.
He had the delegations on his left side, standing on the lower podium while his noble court was seated on his right, in the same lower podium as the delegations.
This left the king standing at the podium with the most sight to see from where he stood.
"It is with great honour that we have with us today delegates from the Imperium sent to us by the emperor". Says the king, a wine glass in his right hand.
"This joyous event shall mark the start of our bond with the Imperium and will as well pave the way for the dawn of good things for our kingdom, Emedia and her people". He added with his glass wined raised, his sight beckoning on the delegates.
"To the hope of many prosperous things to come, I toast to this wine".
The king took his filled cup up. He brought it closer to his mouth, others emulating and waiting for him to take the first sip before they down theirs.
"WAIT!!". Historia yelled, storming into the hall through the front gate.
Her interruption precedes her age, making them wonder what the matter was.
"Grand duke. Isn't that your daughter". Said the king, recognizing the daughter of the grand duke at first glance.
"She is, my king". He responded from the right side at the front row closest to the king.
"Ask her. For what reasons does she bring this hall dishonour with her presence".
"I shall, my king".
The grand duke set out of his seat and walked down the podium. He got closer to his daughter as he drew in her attention.
"Historia! What is the meaning of this". He barked, getting down the podium stairs.
He was so displeased with her abrasive action. Not only has she made a fool of herself by mannerlessly barging into the hall, she has also made a fool of him and his household for not teaching her common manners.
And it is not as though she wasn't taught. This action of hers comes across as surprising to not only the others but also to the grand duke who is well aware of how mannered his daughter is.
"Father. There are some bad people here that are planning to harm the king and the delegates".
"What!!". The grand duke exclaimed.
Her accusation alone was more than enough to spring the surrounding guards into action. Their reaction was impeccable as the first thing they did was to get close to the king and circle him with their weapons pointing outward.
"The delegates. Protect them delegates". The king ordered.
"Tch! Now!". He yelled.
---
They have carefully secured their positions and were bidding their time before they took any action.
Historia's audacious entrance spelt doom for the plans they laid out. The soldiers had already been alerted and any more waiting could lead to fatality for them.
The leader of the outlaw moved swiftly. He gave the order, causing them all to reveal their hiding places.
The hall was suddenly thrust into chaos as several individuals within the crowds took off their clothing only to reveal the black clothing they wore underneath.
They popped out from the crowd in threatening numbers clocking more than ten as they made haste for the delegates.
What was even more surprising was how these same men in black appeared amidst the court of armed men surrounding the king.
It was revealed in the process that at least one-quarter of the men responsible for protecting the king were members of the men in black organization.
Giving the guards no time, they took off their disguises and placed their weapons on each of them while their leader who was closest to the king went for him and thrust his spear around his neck.
"Any of you make sudden movements and your king dies". He threatened, drawing the bladed side of the spear closer to his neck.