A tremendous roar came from the north of Delhi City, shattering the sandalwood within the Red Fort Audience Hall into several pieces due to the continuous tremors.
The dust on the palace roof also fell gently, sprinkling upon the crown of Alam II, who was seated on the Golden Throne.
The Mughal Emperor, however, sat with his spine straight, his greyish-white eyes veiled in a thin mist, slowly rolling amber rosary beads between his fingers, as if the thunderous artillery outside the city had nothing to do with him.
The audience hall door was suddenly flung open, but it was not Scindia's defense officer who entered; it was the royal steward Alberz.
Alam II recognized the difference in the footsteps and slightly raised his head.
In the past, anyone wanting to speak with the Emperor had to do so under Scindia's officers' surveillance, but now he heard the footsteps of dozens of people.
