Grand Hall of Vestria — Formal Gala, First Hour
The hall was a spectacle of opulence.
Twenty-meter ceilings with ancient frescoes. Crystal chandeliers illuminated by a thousand candles. Polished marble floors reflected the light.
And hundreds of people.
Nobles from twelve major kingdoms. Diplomats from thirty minor ones. Wealthy merchants. Generals. Councilors.
All in elaborate attire. All evaluating everyone else.
Soft orchestral music. Conversations mingled into a constant murmur.
It was a battlefield.
Just with wine glasses instead of swords.
Kaito and the five queens entered together.
A moment of silence when they were announced.
"Lord Kaito Yukimura of Neudämmerung... and his five queens!"
All eyes turned.
Evaluating. Judging.
Then, conversations resumed.
But now with Neudämmerung as the main topic.
Adelheid leaned toward Kaito.
"We split up. As planned."
"Agreed. Meet in two hours."
The five nodded.
And strategically dispersed.
