Only after the higher-ranking officials of the Empire had taken their places within the ceremonial hall did the invited foreign guests begin making their appearances.
"Announcing Empress Valoria of the Elphenim Empire, representing her Empire, a respected and long-standing Tier Three Power..."
That announcement immediately attracted the attention of many high-ranking officials of the Empire. Several welcomed Valoria warmly before tactfully approaching her and beginning conversations.
"Announcing Arch Duke Elder Grove of the Elphenim Empire, accompanying Her Majesty the Empress..."
As the Arch Duke entered not far behind Valoria, many of the individuals surrounding her also began engaging him in conversation. More specifically, most of them came from the military bloc, though the truly influential figures among the Empire's upper echelon did not personally approach either of them. Their status was already equal to, or even higher than, that of both the Duke and the Empress.
