Sean followed his cousin Lust to the outer dining table reserved for those of lower status or younger age, while Baron Horton and his wife naturally went to the inner table for guests of relatively higher standing.
After everyone had taken their seats, the City Lord, acting as the host, rose according to custom and delivered an enthusiastic toast. Only after the crowd responded warmly did the banquet truly begin.
Sean was already extremely hungry. Sitting below Cousin Lust, he heartily enjoyed the exquisite dishes the servants continually brought over. Lust was slightly surprised, and somewhat envious of his appetite.
In truth, the dinner was not the main event. The social dance afterward was what the nobles had truly been looking forward to, so the banquet ended somewhat hastily after barely more than an hour.
As the City Lord and the nobles gradually stopped eating, the entire dining hall soon fell so quiet that a pin could be heard dropping. As though they had rehearsed it beforehand, everyone rather uniformly used their napkins to tidy their appearance.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the ballroom is ready. I sincerely invite all the distinguished gentlemen and noble ladies present to honor us with your presence... and, of course, our heroes as well... I believe our beautiful and noble young ladies can hardly wait to witness your valiant bearing..." The City Lord rose with a broad smile and addressed the guests.
As soon as he finished speaking, a wave of soft, bashful laughter and mock reproach rose from the dining hall. Then everyone stood and happily followed the City Lord into the ballroom next door.
The moment the guests entered the ballroom, a twelve-member ensemble began playing their various instruments at the conductor's gesture. A melodious, winding tune immediately echoed throughout the hall.
"Ha ha...