As the king paused his speech, the audience broke into another round of applause, more heartfelt this time, echoing with admiration for the man who had ruled them with strength and fairness.
When the clapping subsided, the king gestured to his right-hand man, Lord Everett, who stepped forward.
Everett, a tall, stately man with salt-and-pepper hair and a commanding presence, inclined his head respectfully before addressing the crowd.
"On this momentous occasion," Everett began, his voice smooth and authoritative, "we celebrate not only the life of a great king but the unity and prosperity of a kingdom he has nurtured for decades." His words carried weight, drawing nods of agreement from the audience. "Let us raise our goblets later tonight to toast a man whose vision has shaped the very foundation of Velthorne."
