The Ancient World Order

Chapter 7: Emma Mandos of The Empire

Fredric had a funny concept of a small welcoming banquet. At his vast table, not only were the entire Mandos and Magnicus family seated but also Chancellor Jonah along with his wife and two sons, and Simon with his three daughters.

At every direction, Emma looked across the grand hall, there were nobles, dressed in absurdly expensive clothing, accompanied by their squires and loyal knights to their houses. In the back of the hall, Emma spotted Princess Victoria's family, the Morgs. She could not make out who was who at that distance, as there were a dozen squires, knights and servants, all carrying the same sigil.

But there was not only nobility that had come for Wilfred's honour, but there were also various guilds and Imperial orders represented. Emma recognised the Templar Magnicars, as Wilfred had introduced her to grand marshal Alois, right before they got seated. Even though rumoured to be religious and intolerant fanatics, they appeared to be nothing special by the look of it.

The more she scouted around the palace's grand feasting hall, the more awe she felt. It was enormous, just as everything else inside the palace. Along the walls there were grandiose statues of Emperors of old, reaching high to the ceiling. The entire floor was a marvellous mosaic painting, picturing old mythological beasts and creatures.

The dinner itself had started out small, with minor dishes getting replaced the second they were finished. Wine and ale were also refilled at a rate that Emma didn't believe was possible. For the main course, servants carried in enormous plates, fitting entire pigs. They too were devoured at an unbelievable speed.

So, this is how it is to live in the Capital. Emma dreamed away. Certainly, this was a life worth living. She looked to her right at Prince Julian, so handsome he was. Surely her mom and dad could arrange a marriage between the two. She threw a look at her plain sister. No doubt Julian would prefer me. A proper lady in front of her!

Just as after the main course was finished, Fredric made a second welcoming speech, in Wilfred's honour. It felt like it dragged on forever. Other guests followed in the same manner, taking the opportunity to get notices.

Mom and dad have never said that he was so famous and respected! Emma felt a notion of pride. He seems to be more beloved than himself!

As the night grew longer and the guests had moved over to the first desert. Fredric's brother, Simon, bashed his cup at the table. "Attention!" He roared.

The room quickly became silent. Then Fredric slowly raised himself, starting yet another speech.

The momentary attention Fredric had was soon lost. Everywhere in the hall drunken guests chattered.

Emma didn't care to listen either. Yet another long and boring speech! She thought. She chattered with her brother Eilas instead.

"Schhh, can you please behave!" Milena pinched her arm, staring angrily at her.

Emma struggled to not shout at her, she hated that her sister patronised behaviour towards her.

"Fat, ugly bitch!" Emma snapped at her sister angrily.

Milena's eyes widened as she twisted her face. She was about to say something back but got interrupted by Eilas, who pushed his elbow into her ribs. "Shut the hell up! People are looking at you!"

Miranda now turned her murderous eyes towards Eilas. She was at the brink of outrage but got a hold of herself.

Milena must have noticed that all the loud chatter around them had quieted down in an instant. Fredric had announced something important. Emma hadn't heard what he had said, but apparently it must have been something controversial by the look of the guests across the hall. She now turned her attention towards Fredric.