Despite the standoff between rioters and the Guard just outside the Royal Palace, it was exceptionally quiet within. The dinner was proceeding in an orderly fashion. The kitchen, as was customary, had prepared extra food, so Rorschach's sudden visit hadn't thrown anything into disarray.
This tranquility, however, was limited to the kitchen and the banquet hall. The ones whose plans had been severely disrupted were the King and the Second Prince. The King delivered a formulaic speech, thanking Feuerbach and Elizabeth for accepting his invitation, and... offering a dry welcome to the uninvited guest.
Elizabeth Ouyeni looked relaxed and cheerful. "Congratulations, Rorschach! It's only been a few months since we last saw each other, and you've already become a Great Mage. It's unbelievable! If others were even half as fast as you, the Tower of Secret Techniques wouldn't have so many apprentices being held back or dropping out..."
