At the banquet that evening, nearly all the guests were exceptionally cheerful, even excited.
Miss Belinder later concluded that most people in the city had already recognized the signs of a great event approaching. Before such an unavoidable—and impossible to avoid—"catastrophe," everyone was seeking their last pleasures.
Margaret had held the banquet to promote the royal family's disaster relief policies and further strengthen the royal family's influence. Judging by the results, she had done remarkably well. Not only had the public fundraising before the ball raised far more than the planned amount, but the local nobles had also privately expressed their willingness to bypass the Seven Great Families and discuss certain matters directly with the royal family.
"They are worried that if Moon Bay is destroyed, they will have nowhere to go, so they are trying to build ties with us in advance."
As Shade held her while they danced, the unusually cheerful Margaret smiled and said to him:
"Though it may not be right to say so, the great events in Moon Bay have actually had a positive effect on the Anjou Family."
"You have basically accomplished all the goals of this visit. You did very well, Margaret."
Shade praised her as well, putting Her Royal Highness the Princess in an even better mood:
"My eldest brother, Samuel, is currently handling the reorganization of the Kingdom Army. But I heard a few days ago that my second brother, William, also wants to come to Moon Bay, supposedly to assist me."
A look of disdain and disgust appeared on her face:
"Everyone can see perfectly well what he wants to do. My people secretly informed me that Father reprimanded him in private and said some rather unpleasant things."
Then she laughed again:
"Although Military Intelligence Section Six and Gray Gloves