After a brief intermission, the lights turned on again.
The noise from the audience had not yet completely subsided as the court attendants carried trays among them.
Everyone was still immersed in the lingering echoes of Liszt's performance, an experience both shocking and intoxicating, with the air of Buckingham Palace retaining the scorching smell left by the burning piano sound.
At this moment, the announcer stepped onto the stage.
His voice was not loud, yet exceptionally clear.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Next, please welcome with the utmost respect the lifelong honorary conductor of the London Philharmonic Association, returning to the stage after many years... Sir Arthur Hastings! Tonight, he will personally conduct, debuting the piece dedicated to the 'Hero of Waterloo'—'Wellington March'!"
At that instant, the entire hall suddenly fell silent.
