The Imperial Council Hall was divided into the main hall and the side chambers. The former was for the private council formed by rulers of the Valeria Empire for routine discussions, and was sometimes used for meetings or receiving foreign guests.
The latter was where the rulers privately issued orders through ministers. Unlike the spacious main hall, the side chambers were fitted with several independent rooms. Occasionally members of the royal family would meet nobles there to discuss state affairs, just like now, with Regent Astrid.
Under the warm orange light, the relatively roomy council chamber felt a bit cramped because the two of them were seated so close, and because a wooden square table sat between them.
Lyra's blue eyes were lowered; what she could see was only the grand princess' black ceremonial dress, layered like ornate lotus leaves, and those two smooth, slender legs wrapped in fine black stockings.
