There was complete silence in the Hall of Heroes.
Apart from the members of the City of Faraway Prayers' diplomat group who knew Ian very well, almost everyone, including the six counts, stared in disbelief at the young Viscount Roknee, who stood on his chair with a smile, and his hands raised in a tilted manner… as though they were looking at something strange.
Thales had no choice but to lower his head and cough softly. He nudged Ian's leg.
While lost in his own world, Ian stirred slightly, as if he finally became aware of how awkward his situation was. He lowered his arms resentfully and jumped down from the chair. He waved at everyone in the hall with a stiff smile. "Hey, everyone?"
All the nobles in the hall came around from their shock. One after another, they either moved their heads unnaturally or coughed softly, like they were ashamed of what just happened in the Hall of Heroes.
