I stood on the stage and looked around the hall. There were about 50 pairs of eyes—actually, more, because some had more than a pair of eyes on their head—looking at me attentively. It was totally unnecessary, but out of reflex—not that I had been in this situation before—I tapped on the microphone to check it was working. Luckily, it didn't make an embarrassing tapping sound as the microphone on the stand was purely for cosmetic reasons.
I looked to my side and there was Maki, who welcomed me with a hug just a moment ago. She stood there smiling. It had just the right calming effect I needed.
I finally worked up the courage to speak, so I began.
"Hi, Chat."
There were some chuckles, and I immediately realized I was being stupid. I was addressing the audience in person, not 'chat!'
"Ah, I'm sorry. Er… good evening everyone. The—the Good People of Euphoria."
"And friends!"
"Good friends!"
Some in the audience shouted.
