Boer looked around.
The anticipation surrounding Puniton was like a thin membrane, enveloping his every breath and glance.
Shirahoshi's curiosity, meanwhile, was completely undisguised-she poked half her head out from behind her father, her enormous eyes reflecting a curious light, like two pearls.
The tension in the two princes was like a pair of taut strings, their shoulders slightly hunched, their fingers unconsciously clutching the hems of their clothes.
And those Fish-Man dancers-their movements were stiff, their turns lacking fluidity, entirely at odds with their professional skill.
Fear, reverence, caution-these emotions settled like an invisible layer of dust over the carefully prepared welcoming ceremony, making all its splendor seem somewhat unreal.
Boer withdrew his gaze and leaned back in his chair.
"Uncle Yellowbeard."
His voice was quiet. "I don't like this." Boer made a circle with his hand, his finger tracing an arc through the air that encompassed everyone in the hall-Puniton, Shirahoshi, the two princes, the guards, the dancers, and the musicians. "These grand occasions."
He withdrew his hand, rested it on Carina's shoulder, and gently pulled her back into his arms.
Carina leaned into him obediently, her tail swaying lazily behind her and her ears drooping slightly, like a little animal that had found a comfortable spot.
"Let's get something for a late-night snack," he said, as casually as if he were saying, "Let's have a drink somewhere else."
Puniton froze for a moment. Then he quickly reacted, waving his hands to either side.
The Fish-Men withdrew in an orderly fashion-the musicians packed away their instruments, the dancers lifted their skirts, and the guards retreated into the corridor.
"Manboshi." Puniton turned his head, lowering his voice slightly. "Tell the cooks to give it their very best."
Manboshi nodded, turned, and hurried out. His fish tail slapped a rapid