Under the gazes of the spectators, the Minister of Royal Affairs first snapped his white staff in two.
"Farewell, Your Majesty."
Minister Hermes respectfully placed the broken staff atop the Queen's coffin and bowed to it.
This meant that Mycroft's lifelong service to Her Majesty the Queen had come to an end. It also meant that he had been relieved of his position as Minister of Royal Affairs.
He looked somewhat regretful, yet also as if he had finally let out a sigh of relief. Then he turned and walked away from the coffin.
Minister of Justice Carter, who stood behind him, also stepped forward. He tore his sash in two and placed both halves atop the coffin.
"Farewell, Your Majesty."
Minister Carter closed his eyes and spoke softly, his expression somewhat lost.
He was not speaking to the Queen's soul. It was more like he was speaking to his former self.
After all, the Queen was not like ordinary people, whose souls formally ascended to the Dream Realm only once the funeral was complete. At the moment of her death, the Crown Lord's knight had already received her into the Crown Lord's kingdom. Only her body remained in the Material Realm.
Every minister had to destroy the token of authority bestowed upon them by Queen Sophia during the funeral, thereby relinquishing their status as ministers. The list of new ministers would be decided at the Round Table Conference on the day after the Day of National Funeral.
And without a doubt, another matter would be announced at that conference.
A declaration of war against Stibnite.
Iver wore a solemn black clerical robe, his hands folded before him inside his sleeves. He stood quietly behind Isabel.
In theory, Iver should have been worried about the war.
After all, Avalon had