Chapter 207.3
I can understand why the lower-class nobles are in the corner because Sera told me about it. The dresses and formal wear of the upper-class nobles cost several large gold coins each. I think there are some lower-class nobles who go to great lengths for this once-in-a-lifetime big occasion, but even a dress that costs several gold coins still looks improper here.
As I was thinking about this, Elena looked at me and smiled quietly.
“Then let’s go, Aria.”
“Understood.”
“I look forward to seeing you both again.”
“Ha!”
One of the reasons why the lower-class nobles shrink away is because the Royal Guard are on duty to protect the venue, and not only the Prime Minister and the Grand Master of the Knights, but even the King and the Queen herself make an appearance.
Other members of the royal family may also attend, but this is almost entirely optional. The royal family has a wide range of duties, and at this ceremony, Elena’s mother, the second queen, is probably scrutinizing the information gathered from the assembled nobles on behalf of the queen, who is still unable to attend ceremonies in person.
It is rare for the second queen to appear in places where the main queen is already present, but… right now, I am grateful for that.
[Her Royal Highness Princess Elena is entering the hall!]
As we entered through the royal entrance, the hall fell silent for a moment before erupting into a roar.
Perhaps it was the consort’s whim, but the consort, who had entered with the king before us, looked up from her seat and sat up slightly when she saw us.
The reason why attendance by the royal family other than the King, who will be giving a speech, is optional is because the main focus of the event is the young people graduating from the academy. For that reason, there needs to be a reason to attend, and the Crown Prince, who has not received the “education” to find that reason, has not yet emerged from the palace even after returning from the dungeon.