The night had deepened, and the temperature was gradually getting colder.
In the corridor outside the Ballard Chamber, the Royal Guards had arranged as few men as possible (for secrecy) and as many as necessary (for sufficient coverage), forming the most efficient and strictest defense and siege formation, filling every corner within sight.
The innermost guards maintained absolute silence and focus, prepared for battle.
All of them were elite soldiers drawn from the Six Wings, with both experience and ability, their hands on their weapons while steadfastly fixing their eyes on the door to the Royal Council Chamber.
It was as if what was locked behind that door was not just anything ordinary but the most mysterious, savage, and terrifying beast in the Renaissance Palace, grinding its teeth and licking its claws, growling softly, ready to break through the door at any moment to select its prey.
But they could not afford to be afraid, let alone retreat.
