On the dais, Dipresy was seated, Nekker stood holding the agenda, and the tallest, most distinguished chair was empty.
Below the dais, the conference attendees whispered amongst themselves, speculating on the reason for His Majesty the King's absence. Some even jeered at Nekker because of the gold mines.
Dipresy and Nekker knew that His Majesty the King was once again accompanying the Queen to see the Rare Beast sent by Istani.
The Red-robed Prime Minister also suspected that Charles XVI was likely just looking for an excuse not to take the stage. He would probably go to a side hall, hide somewhere to observe the situation at the Noble Conference, and then make his appearance at what he (the King) believed to be the crucial moment.
