Today's White Ballet Shoes Club had a slightly different layout than usual.
All tables on the first floor had been pushed to the corners, and the counter where Arlen and the bartender usually stood was empty. The chairs were arranged into three groups, neatly lined up in front of and to the left and right sides of the stage.
Several groups of journalists gathered in small clusters in the gaps between the sets of chairs, whispering among themselves, with several flash lamps standing by. The largest camera, almost as tall as a person and resembling a giant accordion, stood on the ground; there were also smaller cameras mounted on tripods that could be held in the hand.
There were not many guests seated at the moment, and sitting in the most central spot in the front row was a fully armored knight, helmet included. No one was sitting beside him; the circle of chairs around him remained empty. Nonetheless, he sat upright and motionless in his place.
