The Second Prince's arrest warrant had been issued, and waves of shocked cries rose from the surrounding crowd. Even the seasoned and composed vassal nobles present, the well-traveled foreign envoys, and the fearless escort guards all changed color at the news:
Count Noah Havia of Saltwall Harbor struggled to conceal his shock, but still did his utmost to maintain his dignity and live up to the reputation of his family's "Sun-Shooting Bow." However, his sixteen-year-old eldest daughter beside him stared at Jann, covering her mouth as her lovely face paled.
The Morning Glory Count from Evergreen Island, Bruce Shukardel, sized up the Duke and the Prince with a complicated expression while calling over an attendant to ask about something.
Count Aitchison Lasia of the Wetlands had gone ashen. His entire body trembled, and he muttered incessantly. If not for his eldest son stopping him, he might have said something unbecoming of a nobleman.
The twins from Karabian put away their folding fans in unison and huddled together to discuss matters anxiously. Yet every time Kasha said something, Qina solemnly shook her head.
The owner of the Sea Wolf Fleet wore a ferocious expression. He roughly shoved away his Mistress, grabbed his first mate, and angrily discussed something, repeatedly mentioning words like "export," "leaving port," and "setting sail."
Hasa, the special envoy of the Talen Trade Union, shifted his gaze. Rubbing the brow ridge above his eyeless eyebrows, he looked toward the resolute Tales, and his smile grew increasingly intriguing.
The Blood Race guest from Feast Territory, Councillor Yannick Hollier, waved for his anxious servant to withdraw. He raised his head thoughtfully, his sharp gaze turning toward the other end of the crowd—there, Li Corleone of the Night Kingdom said nothing, merely gazing at the bleak, lonely Haoyue in the sky.