
FLASHBACK TO AFTERNOON
Time: Afternoon
Location: Castle Balcony facing courtyard
Mention:@ReusableSword Roman @Conscripts John @Tae Mina/Thea @JJ Doe Fritz/Ryn @Rodiak Zarai/ Matthias @Helo Leo
The courtyard outside the royal castle was bustling with activity as the crowd gathered in anticipation. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the stone walls, and the flags of Caesonia billowed in the breeze.
From the grand balcony overlooking the courtyard, King Edin stepped forward, flanked by his guards. His usually imposing presence was noticeably dimmed by the signs of indulgence from earlier in the day. His face looked tired and slightly puffy, his eyes bloodshot and drooping. Fortunately, makeup had taken care of the dark circles under his eyes at the least. Still, he commanded attention, even as the murmurs of the crowd hushed into silence. He glanced across the sea of faces, ensuring all eyes were on him before he raised a hand to speak. As he blinked, his eyelids seemed heavy, as though each movement required a conscious effort.
âCitizens of Caesonia!â Edinâs voice boomed with authority, âToday, I stand before you to address recent events concerning our esteemed Varian guests.â
His words lingered in the air, and for a moment, the crowd stood in tense silence. He paused, running a hand across his forehead as if the sunlight bothered his eyes, then continued.
âLast night, during the ceremony hosted by Lord Roman Ravenwood, one of our own was attacked in an act of madness,â he said, his voice dropping slightly. The king shifted on his feet, momentarily steadying himself against the railing. âThough the guard lives, this cannot go unpunished.â
The crowd was hushed, sensing both the gravity of the situation and the kingâs clear frustration. Edin exhaled slowly before speaking again.
âWe will not rush to judgment,â he continued, his voice slightly more hoarse, âbut instead, grant Lord Ravenwood a trialâa public one.â
He sighed deeply, almost as if the effort of the speech was beginning to weigh on him. âLet it be known that our kingdom remains strong, even when challenged.â
âIn addition to the trial, I wish to inform you all that on the 28th of this month, a grand banquet will be held within these very walls,â Edin declared, his tone taking on a more celebratory air. âThis banquet will honor all our esteemed guests for the Courting Season. All members of noble houses are invited to feast at the grand table, as we celebrate the continuation of this season.â
However, his expression hardened as he shifted to the next point. âAs for our Varian guests, their attendance at this banquet is not merely a matter of invitation but of obligation. I mandate that all Varian nobles present in our kingdom are required to attend this feast as we would like the brief opportunity to speak with them and hear their side of the story.â
âLet this banquet be a testament to Caesoniaâs resilience and unity,â Edin continued. âWe will dine, we will toast, and we will stand together as one. But know thisâour strength will never waver.â
With that, the king gave a final nod to his people, signaling the end of the address.