Tales had no idea what the usual banquet etiquette among the Starry Sky People was like, but at least judging from this royal banquet nominally convened by him, the Starry Sky People's table manners were more than a notch above those of the Northlanders:
The banquet was still in the process of seating its guests, yet people moved about exchanging pleasantries in orderly fashion. Men and women sat alternately, behaving naturally and appropriately. Servants and attendants came and went in an organized stream, while the guards watched discreetly, almost invisibly. Even the clowns and minstrels providing entertainment kept their music and performances within proper bounds, never crossing into restricted areas or disturbing the guests.
Tales could not help remembering the banquet King Noon had held in the Palace of Heroes. He felt sorry for Little Rascal for one second—but then he remembered that the latter's life or death was still unknown, and his teasing moment of silence turned into utter gloom.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
"Long live the King!"
"Long live the Queen!"
The king's entourage entered the hall. Mindis Hall, which had just quieted down, exploded. Waves of greetings and chatter surged through it.
"May you enjoy good health!"
"May God bless the Star Kingdom..."
"Congratulations on your reunion with Your Grace, father and son..."
It was as if a gigantic vortex centered on King Kessel had appeared in the banquet hall, powerful and irresistible. It sucked up every guest, from honor counts to landed barons, from invited officials to honorary soldiers. They swarmed forward from their seats like ants until they reached a safe distance and ran into the uncompromising Royal Guard, at which point they finally came to their senses.
Many guests in the front row bowed respectfully, knelt, and paid their respects, but their proper etiquette