Chapter 32 Chapter 3 Emperor's Hall
He was still dizzy from all the wonders he had just been through, but Joram was still in awe when he saw the King's Hall.
The Emperor's Hall floated on the roof of the palace like bubbles floating on the water. The round hall was made entirely of crystal, as pure and clear as the surrounding air.Although it is now located at the top of the nine tribal floors, this crystal bubble hall can be placed on the left, right, front, back, or below the palace at will-but this "at will" requires the use of thirty-nine catalyst saints and The same amount of Po Alban took twelve hours to complete.The walls of the hall are quite thin, and you can hear crisp sounds when you flick them up.Not only is the entire rotunda made of crystal, but so is the floor cut into the bubble to a depth of about a quarter of the diameter.Joram hesitantly stepped back a few steps on the ladder of catalyst saints, feeling uneasily that if he stepped forward, he would definitely step on the ground.
Just after sunset, Emin covered most of the sky with his black robe, and Sihana assisted the great mage to complete his duties, allowing the guests to appreciate the mystery and beauty of the night.However, on the west side, Emin lifted a corner of her robe slightly, leaving a last glimpse of the dying day, and the red clouds and purple mist of the twilight seeped out of the blackness, like a drop of blood.
But it was dark enough for the ball of light to shine in the hall.The emperor's guests traveled between the spheres of light, and moved around in this crystal giant bubble-meeting each other, gathering in small groups, congregating to greet each other, and then going their separate ways.The lighting is dim, which does not hinder the appreciation of the beauty of the night, but also reflects the brilliance of jewelry and silk satin, which can shine in smiling eyes and shine in the soft waves of hair.
Before this, Joram had never felt that his lifeless body was so heavy.He felt that if he stepped forward, into this magical kingdom, the crystal floor would crumble under his feet, and the crystal walls would crumble at his clumsy touch.So he stood there hesitating, thinking about going downstairs and retreating into his own darkness, at least, that darkness was his familiar and comfortable refuge.
But one of the Catalyst Saints—some silent companion a few paces behind Joram on the climb—pushed him aside with a murmur of apology, and walked past him as if on night air.The reassuring sound of the saint's sandals slapping against the solid crystal gave Joram the courage to follow.The young man took a few steps cautiously, stood on the crystal floor, and then stopped again, this time conquered by the splendor in front of him.
Above and around him, stars appeared in the night sky, like humble courtiers paying homage to the emperor;At his feet, the light of Merilon dwarfed the poor stars.The light of the stars was cold and pale and lifeless, but the city of Malilong was full of light and life.The guild hall is brightly colored, and the houses are shimmering with light; from time to time, there are still lights circling away from the city, flying up to the palace in a snake shape-more and more vehicles carrying visitors join the flickering lights.
And Joram stood above all the light.
Everything around him lifted Joram's spirits, and his soul was filled with a sense of power.Fine bubbles of excitement surged through his blood, not even wine could be so intoxicating.Although his body remained on the ground, his spirit flew to a high place.He is Albanara, born to be here, born to rule, and, perhaps in a few hours, these bejeweled people who hang high above him, will flock to him, lurking at his feet.
Well, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration.He thought with a smile in his heart.The smile didn't ease the heaviness on his dark face, it just brought warmth to his brown eyes.I don't think anyone else would bow down to a baron.I still allow those servants to walk in front of me.There is no other legal way to do otherwise.Should ask Simkin, but where the hell is he-
The thought of Simkin reminded Joram of his promise never to see the Emperor without his friend, and he looked round impatiently.Now that he had overcome his initial sense of awe, he could hear name after name chanted across the crystal hall.The lights there were the brightest, and groups of mages rushed there like leaves rolled up by a whirlwind.Joram listened and watched, trying to find Gwen or Lord Samuels or Saryon, and moved closer in that direction, trying to see through the crowd.But he can't be too far from the stairs.Simkin would certainly be looking for him around here.Where did that fool go!never in-
"Dear boy, don't stand there in a daze!" came an annoyed voice. "Thanks Emin, we're keeping Mosiah. Just the sound of your jaw dropping to the floor is loud enough. Be nice to act bored like everyone else."
The orange silk scarf fluttered in the air, and Simjin slowly floated down from the sky, his robes fluttering around his ankles.
"Where have you been?" Joram asked.
Simkin shrugged. "Over there at the champagne fountain." He raised an eyebrow when he saw Joram frown. "Tsk tsk! I think I told you before, brooding man, that your face is going to freeze into that frightening look one day. I just have to do things now and then, and you were working hard then." Climbing the nine levels of hell. Now you know why none of the Catalysts in Merilon gained weight? Well, almost none.” A chubby Catalyst glared at Simkin as he staggered up the last level. He walked up the steps, gasping for breath, sweat rolling down his bald head.
"Congratulations, Father." Sim Jin pulled out the silk scarf from mid-air and handed it over with an enthusiastic gesture. "Think how much oil you've shed! You've soaked the floor to glisten. Do you want to wipe your head?"
The priest, blushing even more with rage, pushed Simkin's hand away, muttered some inappropriate oaths, and staggered through the door, collapsing on a chair by the door.
Xin Jin put his hands together, made a prayer posture, and bowed. "My blessing to you is the same, Father." Then with a wave of the orange silk scarf, suddenly, the catalyst saint disappeared.
Joram was staring at the chair where the priest had been sitting when someone tugged at his sleeve.
"There, dear boy," said Simkin. "Please listen to me."
His voice was still as relaxed and cheerful as usual, but when Joram turned to look at him, he saw an unusual light in those gray-blue eyes, and a certain serious tone hidden in his casual smile. It caught Joran's attention.
Simkin nodded slightly. "That's right, now the fun begins. Do you remember the hand that said you'd be king and I offered to be your jester? Well, you've been king until now, my dear." Boy, we followed you all the way without questioning or complaining, even though it nearly got us arrested, caused poor Catalyst Saints to fall with Emin's curse, and caused Mosiah to run for his life. "Xin Jin spoke softly, and by now, his voice was as soft as a whisper.His eyes were fixed on Joram all the time.
"Go on," said Joram.Although his tone was calm and composed, the expression on his face became more and more gloomy. A faint blush seemed to indicate that the depths of his heart had actually been stabbed by this arrow.
Simkin's laugh turned ironic. "Now, my king." He looked at the crowd around him, and said in a close whisper: "You must follow your fool. For your life is in the hands of your fool, and those who follow The lives of your people. You must obey my instructions without hesitation. Do you agree, Sire?"
"What must I do?" Joram's voice sounded crushed.
Simkin moved closer, and spoke in Joram's ear.His mustache tickled Joram, and the smell of gardenias on his hair and champagne made Joram sick.He unknowingly wanted to back away, but Sim Jin grabbed him immediately and whispered again and again: "When you meet the two Majesties, you can't—I repeat—never stare at the Queen."
Simkin stood upright, twirling his moustache, and scanned the crowd.Joram let go of his furrowed brow and almost laughed.
"You're a jester!" he muttered, smoothing his green robes. "You really scared me just now."
"Boy!" Simkin looked at Joram sternly, causing him to take a step back in shock. "I mean what I say." He put his hand on Joram's chest, over his heart. "Bow to her, talk to her, flattering empty words. Just keep your eyes down and avert your eyes. Look at 'Boring Majesty' or anything else. Remember, you can't see Duke Xis, but They're right here, monitoring everything... that's it." Xin Jin waved the silk scarf annoyedly. "We're really going to line up."
Simkin hooked Joram's arm and led him forward. "You are very lucky. When the friends who were trapped on the ground were formally introduced to the two majesties, everyone had to step forward with their feet. This is a proper humble gesture to show complete respect, and besides wanting to bow in mid-air It's so hard to salute. The Duchess 'Bullshit' bowed waist-high in the air and couldn't stop. Flipping over and hanging upside down. She didn't wear underwear, so scary that the Queen was bedridden for three weeks , and since then—we've been walking..."
Sim'jin and Joram walked across the crystal floor, mingling with the other mages who were falling like glittering raindrops, toward the front of the hall.Joram glanced at Simkin, finding his words and instructions confusing and disturbing.But Simkin apparently did not notice his friend's embarrassment, and continued to babble about the unfortunate duchess.Joram shook his head and walked past the empty chair where the fat saint had been.Joram grinned most wickedly when he saw Simkin looking at the chair.
"By the way." Joram glanced back as the two passed the chair. "What did you do to him?"
"Sent him back to the first floor." Xin Jin said wearily, and touched his nose with a silk scarf.
Joram and Simkin joined the ranks of the Marilonda dignitaries, all waiting in line to pay homage to the royal couple before going to a fun celebration and carnival.Some might find it difficult to revel in the mournful nature of the anniversary being celebrated.In fact, the line these men laid out snaked across the crystal floor like a long snake covered in silk and covered in jewels.These people in the team are much more solemn and solemn than when they first floated into the palace.Gone are the cheerful chats and light-hearted teasing among friends, as well as the gossip and admiration about their respective clothes and hairstyles and their daughters.Their eyes were downcast, and the colors of their gowns were all ceremonially cast a shadow of what Simkin called a melancholy look. Now there are only whispers between twos, not light chats in small groups.A silence, therefore, prevailed in this part of the hall, broken only by the melodious voice of the protocol officer as he read the names of those who had met His Majesty. The queue was so long that Joram could not see the Emperor or Empress, only the niches behind their crystal thrones.The crowd gathered in a semicircle around the alcove had seen both His Majesties, and was now watching to see who might stand out or be interesting in the ranks.There was little murmur among the watching crowd, for they were still in front of the throne after all, but the movement was almost like a constant wave—heads turning from side to side, facing each other cautiously or boldly. someone to look for.Joram was still looking for Lord Samuels and his family, so he saw many people nodding or smiling at Simkin.Standing in a white robe among the colorful lights around him, like an iceberg in the jungle, Xin Jin stood out.He coolly ignored any gesture directed at him. Joram scanned the well-dressed crowd, stopping every time he saw blond hair, even bald ones, hoping to find Saryon here too.But there are too many people here, and most of the people's clothes are very similar (except for those fashionable characters who dress like serf mages, which makes Simkin feel ridiculous), and Joram thinks it is impossible to be in such a place. Find someone in a crowded place. "She's looking for me," he said to himself, imagining Gwendelyn tenderly: standing on tiptoes, looking over her father's broad shoulders, waiting for the racing heartbeat of the protocol officer singing each other's names, listening When it was not the name he wanted to hear, he lowered his shoulders in disappointment.The imagining made him irritable, and even frightened him.Suppose they had already gone!If Lord Samuels was too tired to wait any longer, if... Joram looked impatiently at the long line ahead of him, resentful at every duke who staggered so that Catalyst Saints could help him, Annoyed at the two ladies who were so busy chatting that they only remembered to keep up with the line when they were urged by the people behind.In fact, the procession was moving pretty fast in every sense of the word, but it had to be as fast as a bolt of lightning across the room to satisfy Joram. "Stop fidgeting," Simkin muttered, stomping Joram's foot. "I can't stop, I have to say something." "Very happy, what do you say?" "How do I know! Anything!" shouted Joram. "You said I had to say a few words to the emperor. What should I say? Good night, the weather is fine. It has been spring here for two consecutive years. Is it possible for summer to appear?" "Hush." Xin Jin reprimanded softly with a silk scarf covering his mouth. "Oh! I wish I had brought Mosiah. Today is the anniversary of the prince's death. You must mourn, of course." "Yes, I forgot." Joram lost his temper, scanning the hall for the hundredth time. "Well, I'll offer my condolences. How the hell did that kid die?" "My dear boy!" Simkin whispered unhappily. "Even if you were raised by pumpkins, you don't have to tell everyone! I remember your mother telling the story of Merilon to amuse you. It's always been told. Didn't she tell you?" "No." Joram replied succinctly, frowning. "Ah." Simkin looked at Joram suddenly. "Well, well, maybe I get it... yes. Definitely. Let me tell you." He leaned over and continued to shake the silk scarf in front of them both as he spoke. "The kid didn't die. He's alive and well, that's all I heard. During the test ceremony, he yelled so loudly that his little head almost fell off, and finally vomited all over the bishop." Simkin paused Next, he looked at Joram expectantly. Joram's face sank, and a dark cloud could almost be seen drifting across his face. "Understood?" Simkin asked softly. "That child was born a living dead, just like me," said Joram gruffly.His eyes were lowered to the ground, his hands were clenched behind his back, his knuckles were white.He found that he could see his own reflection in the crystal floor.The lights of Merilon's lower city pierced through his ghostly transparent body, and his shadow stared sullenly at him. "Hush!" Simkin stopped him. "The living dead, yes. But like you?" He shook his head. "He hardly looked like anyone born in this world. From what I've heard, living dead is an understatement. The kid didn't just fail one test, he failed three! He There is no magic power at all!" Joram still looked down. "Maybe he's not as different from the others as you think." He muttered, moving forward inch by inch with the team.Still staring at his reflection at his feet, Joram didn't see Simkin's sharp sidelong glance or the thoughtful way he twisted his sleek brown mustache. "What did you say?" Simkin asked absently, burying his head in his silk scarf and blowing his nose loudly. "No." Joram shook his head, as if intending to wake himself up from a nightmare. "Why don't we go in." "Be patient," Simkin advised him.He floated about an inch high, looked over the crowd, and then came down. "Look, you can see the throne now, and if you're lucky you can catch a glimpse of the Emperor's head." Joram craned his neck to look out, and found that the two had indeed moved closer during the conversation.He could see the Crystal Throne now, and caught several glimpses of the Emperor talking to those in front of him or around him.He could barely see the Empress sitting on the emperor's right, because the queue on her side was filled with members of the royal family.But from Joram's position he could see the Emperor clearly, and he was happy to concentrate on other things, and he watched the scene with interest. The Crystal Throne rests on a crystal floor in a crystal alcove that looks like the Emperor lounging among the stars.The emperor was dressed in pure white snow satin of mourning, and the blinding white light fell on him, looking not only sitting on the stars, but also emitting the brightest light among the stars.Joram had seen all kinds of utensils and luxurious decorations in the palace, and he was surprised to find that the throne and the alcoves were designed quite simply, with elegant lines and no decorations at all.The crystals surrounding the imperial body are like pure water, and the flashing light from time to time can prove that they are real solid objects. Then Joram laughed.He glanced around the hall and realized that this was done on purpose!Even the chair on which the poor Catalyst Saint slumped was woven with magic thread to make it transparent—it was a few hundred feet behind them now.Nothing, certainly nothing tangible, must distract the attention of the visitor from entities other than the Sovereign—to anything other than the Emperor and the Empress. Now that he was close enough to hear a scrap of conversation, the chatter of the Emperor and his visitor above the murmur of the crowd, Joram listened curiously.Joram was used to jumping to conclusions about people quickly, often contemptuously.In view of the circumstances of the first meeting, he had thought that the emperor was an extremely arrogant person, as the proverb said, the farthest he could see was the tip of his own nose.But, after hearing the emperor's conversation with the others, Joram reluctantly admitted that he was wrong. This man was shrewd and wise, and his coolness and silence were only meant to show his superiority.It seems that he hardly needs the protocol officer to tell him who is coming, and he greets many people by endearing nicknames rather than formal titles.Not only that, but he will also talk about some more personal topics with the other party - ask the doting parents about the lovely child, ask a catalyst saint about the knowledge of the special field that the priest studies; he can recall the past with the old people , Can look forward to the future with young people. This extraordinary ability aroused Qiao Lang's interest, and he looked at the hundreds of people the emperor must come into contact with every day, becoming more and more fascinated.He thought of the day he met the Emperor, and how the Emperor's eyes were completely drawn to him; during those few seconds, the Emperor's attention was completely on him alone.Joram remembered feeling euphoric and a little unsettling, and now he understood why.The Emperor treats memories like Saryon treats mathematical formulas, and does so with the same respect that Saryon did.He could manipulate other people to such a degree that Joram admitted that it was almost masterful. However, Joram knew—first from his mother, then confirmed by Lord Samuels—that there was one person in the world whom the Emperor really cared about from the bottom of his heart, and that was the Empress.As the procession drew nearer to the throne, Joram turned his gaze from the emperor to his wife.All his life he had been told of the woman's beauty--still outstanding among the beauties of the court; natural beauty, without any magical adornment.Simkin's warning--and that was only a warning--intensified this curiosity. Never stare at the Queen. The words echoed in Joram's mind, and he moved quietly to the side of the queue to catch a glimpse of the woman sitting on the throne beside her husband.As soon as the queue moved, she clearly appeared in his field of vision. Joram held his breath.Xin Jin's words flew out of his head, and now it is filled with the description that Anya gave a long time ago. "Hair is black and shining, like a raven's wings; skin is smooth and white, like a dove's breast. Her eyes are black and bright, and her face is perfect, like the work of a master. Her movements are like the wind blowing a willow— " Joram took an elbow in the stomach. "Stop!" Xin Jin's words burst out from the corner of his mouth. "Look elsewhere." Annoyed, Joram suspected that Simkin had deliberately made fun of him, and was about to retort immediately.But, once again, Simkin, who was always indifferent, showed a strange expression-serious and even a little scary.There were only about ten people ahead of them now, and Joram looked around at the others, who were also trying not to look directly at the Queen, or look at her for too long.He saw them sneaking quick glances in her direction, even himself, sneaking a glance, then looking away.Although everyone's voice was loud, clear and relaxed when speaking to the Emperor, when it came to speaking to Her Majesty, the pitch dropped suddenly and the speech became incoherent. As he got closer to the throne, Joram's eyes were already hurting from the constant peeping at the queen, and he gradually felt that there was indeed something unusual about this woman.Her famous beauty certainly didn't fade as he got closer, but he felt a strange aversion to such beauty rather than attraction to it.Her skin was indeed smooth and white, but slightly bluish and a little transparent.Of course those dark eyes are also beautiful, but their luster is not like the light of wisdom from the heart, but like the reflection of glass.Her lips moved when she spoke, and her hands and body moved, but not like a swaying willow, more like a puppet. puppet…… Joram turned to Simkin, perplexed, but the young man with the moustache was twisting a silk scarf in his hand, and was grinningly eyeing his friend. "Patience paid off," he said. "We're next." So Joram had no time to think of anything else. He heard a voice that seemed to come from far away, and he heard the protocol officer smack the ground with his staff and announce in a melodious voice: "Simkin, honored guest of Lord Samuels..." The introduction that follows is lost in a chuckle from the crowd.Simkin performed some amusing act of this or that, but Joram was too dazed to notice what it was.He saw Simkin step forward, and the light reflected in his white robes was exactly the same as the halo around the emperor and empress. queen.Joram felt his eyes move toward her again when the Master of Protocol called, "Joram, honored guest of Lord Samuels." Hearing himself called, Joram knew he had to step forward, but he was suddenly frightened at the thought of hundreds of eyes on him.The scene of his mother's death came to his mind suddenly and vividly.He found that everyone was staring at him.He just wanted to be alone and hide.Why, why were they looking at him? Joram saw the emperor and Sim Jin talking, but he didn't know what they were talking about.He can't hear anything.There was a whistling noise in his ears, like a storm rushing by.He tried desperately to escape, but couldn't move.If the protocol officer hadn't given him a gentle nudge, he might have been frozen in place forever.The protocol officer has been paying attention to keeping the procession of the team moving, and he is used to this kind of person who is intimidating when facing His Majesty.Joram staggered over unsteadily, and stood before the emperor. Qiao Lang only remembered bowing deeply in Xue Xinjin's way, and muttering a few words that he didn't understand.The Emperor interjected gracefully, remembering seeing him at Lord Samuels' house.His Majesty wished him a happy stay in Merilon, and with a wave of his hand Joram moved across the crystal floor to the Empress.He had a vague feeling that Simkin was looking at him, and Joram would have thought the mouth under his moustache had parted in a grin, had he not found it too implausible. Qiao Ran consciously bowed to the queen, and was so embarrassed that he didn't know what to say. He wanted to look up at the woman, but he also had a very strong feeling in his heart that he wanted to run away, so he was like everyone else he had seen before. Look away like that. In her presence he caught a faint, sickening odor. This is the most beautiful woman in the world - it is said to be.He will see her beauty with his own eyes. Joram looked up... ...seeing the lifeless eyes of a corpse.
Joram and Simkin joined the ranks of the Marilonda dignitaries, all waiting in line to pay homage to the royal couple before going to a fun celebration and carnival.Some might find it difficult to revel in the mournful nature of the anniversary being celebrated.In fact, the line these men laid out snaked across the crystal floor like a long snake covered in silk and covered in jewels.These people in the team are much more solemn and solemn than when they first floated into the palace.Gone are the cheerful chats and light-hearted teasing among friends, as well as the gossip and admiration about their respective clothes and hairstyles and their daughters.Their eyes were downcast, and the colors of their gowns were all ceremonially cast a shadow of what Simkin called a melancholy look. Now there are only whispers between twos, not light chats in small groups.A silence, therefore, prevailed in this part of the hall, broken only by the melodious voice of the protocol officer as he read the names of those who had met His Majesty. The queue was so long that Joram could not see the Emperor or Empress, only the niches behind their crystal thrones.The crowd gathered in a semicircle around the alcove had seen both His Majesties, and was now watching to see who might stand out or be interesting in the ranks.There was little murmur among the watching crowd, for they were still in front of the throne after all, but the movement was almost like a constant wave—heads turning from side to side, facing each other cautiously or boldly. someone to look for.Joram was still looking for Lord Samuels and his family, so he saw many people nodding or smiling at Simkin.Standing in a white robe among the colorful lights around him, like an iceberg in the jungle, Xin Jin stood out.He coolly ignored any gesture directed at him. Joram scanned the well-dressed crowd, stopping every time he saw blond hair, even bald ones, hoping to find Saryon here too.But there are too many people here, and most of the people's clothes are very similar (except for those fashionable characters who dress like serf mages, which makes Simkin feel ridiculous), and Joram thinks it is impossible to be in such a place. Find someone in a crowded place. "She's looking for me," he said to himself, imagining Gwendelyn tenderly: standing on tiptoes, looking over her father's broad shoulders, waiting for the racing heartbeat of the protocol officer singing each other's names, listening When it was not the name he wanted to hear, he lowered his shoulders in disappointment.The imagining made him irritable, and even frightened him.Suppose they had already gone!If Lord Samuels was too tired to wait any longer, if... Joram looked impatiently at the long line ahead of him, resentful at every duke who staggered so that Catalyst Saints could help him, Annoyed at the two ladies who were so busy chatting that they only remembered to keep up with the line when they were urged by the people behind.In fact, the procession was moving pretty fast in every sense of the word, but it had to be as fast as a bolt of lightning across the room to satisfy Joram. "Stop fidgeting," Simkin muttered, stomping Joram's foot. "I can't stop, I have to say something." "Very happy, what do you say?" "How do I know! Anything!" shouted Joram. "You said I had to say a few words to the emperor. What should I say? Good night, the weather is fine. It has been spring here for two consecutive years. Is it possible for summer to appear?" "Hush." Xin Jin reprimanded softly with a silk scarf covering his mouth. "Oh! I wish I had brought Mosiah. Today is the anniversary of the prince's death. You must mourn, of course." "Yes, I forgot." Joram lost his temper, scanning the hall for the hundredth time. "Well, I'll offer my condolences. How the hell did that kid die?" "My dear boy!" Simkin whispered unhappily. "Even if you were raised by pumpkins, you don't have to tell everyone! I remember your mother telling the story of Merilon to amuse you. It's always been told. Didn't she tell you?" "No." Joram replied succinctly, frowning. "Ah." Simkin looked at Joram suddenly. "Well, well, maybe I get it... yes. Definitely. Let me tell you." He leaned over and continued to shake the silk scarf in front of them both as he spoke. "The kid didn't die. He's alive and well, that's all I heard. During the test ceremony, he yelled so loudly that his little head almost fell off, and finally vomited all over the bishop." Simkin paused Next, he looked at Joram expectantly. Joram's face sank, and a dark cloud could almost be seen drifting across his face. "Understood?" Simkin asked softly. "That child was born a living dead, just like me," said Joram gruffly.His eyes were lowered to the ground, his hands were clenched behind his back, his knuckles were white.He found that he could see his own reflection in the crystal floor.The lights of Merilon's lower city pierced through his ghostly transparent body, and his shadow stared sullenly at him. "Hush!" Simkin stopped him. "The living dead, yes. But like you?" He shook his head. "He hardly looked like anyone born in this world. From what I've heard, living dead is an understatement. The kid didn't just fail one test, he failed three! He There is no magic power at all!" Joram still looked down. "Maybe he's not as different from the others as you think." He muttered, moving forward inch by inch with the team.Still staring at his reflection at his feet, Joram didn't see Simkin's sharp sidelong glance or the thoughtful way he twisted his sleek brown mustache. "What did you say?" Simkin asked absently, burying his head in his silk scarf and blowing his nose loudly. "No." Joram shook his head, as if intending to wake himself up from a nightmare. "Why don't we go in." "Be patient," Simkin advised him.He floated about an inch high, looked over the crowd, and then came down. "Look, you can see the throne now, and if you're lucky you can catch a glimpse of the Emperor's head." Joram craned his neck to look out, and found that the two had indeed moved closer during the conversation.He could see the Crystal Throne now, and caught several glimpses of the Emperor talking to those in front of him or around him.He could barely see the Empress sitting on the emperor's right, because the queue on her side was filled with members of the royal family.But from Joram's position he could see the Emperor clearly, and he was happy to concentrate on other things, and he watched the scene with interest. The Crystal Throne rests on a crystal floor in a crystal alcove that looks like the Emperor lounging among the stars.The emperor was dressed in pure white snow satin of mourning, and the blinding white light fell on him, looking not only sitting on the stars, but also emitting the brightest light among the stars.Joram had seen all kinds of utensils and luxurious decorations in the palace, and he was surprised to find that the throne and the alcoves were designed quite simply, with elegant lines and no decorations at all.The crystals surrounding the imperial body are like pure water, and the flashing light from time to time can prove that they are real solid objects. Then Joram laughed.He glanced around the hall and realized that this was done on purpose!Even the chair on which the poor Catalyst Saint slumped was woven with magic thread to make it transparent—it was a few hundred feet behind them now.Nothing, certainly nothing tangible, must distract the attention of the visitor from entities other than the Sovereign—to anything other than the Emperor and the Empress. Now that he was close enough to hear a scrap of conversation, the chatter of the Emperor and his visitor above the murmur of the crowd, Joram listened curiously.Joram was used to jumping to conclusions about people quickly, often contemptuously.In view of the circumstances of the first meeting, he had thought that the emperor was an extremely arrogant person, as the proverb said, the farthest he could see was the tip of his own nose.But, after hearing the emperor's conversation with the others, Joram reluctantly admitted that he was wrong. This man was shrewd and wise, and his coolness and silence were only meant to show his superiority.It seems that he hardly needs the protocol officer to tell him who is coming, and he greets many people by endearing nicknames rather than formal titles.Not only that, but he will also talk about some more personal topics with the other party - ask the doting parents about the lovely child, ask a catalyst saint about the knowledge of the special field that the priest studies; he can recall the past with the old people , Can look forward to the future with young people. This extraordinary ability aroused Qiao Lang's interest, and he looked at the hundreds of people the emperor must come into contact with every day, becoming more and more fascinated.He thought of the day he met the Emperor, and how the Emperor's eyes were completely drawn to him; during those few seconds, the Emperor's attention was completely on him alone.Joram remembered feeling euphoric and a little unsettling, and now he understood why.The Emperor treats memories like Saryon treats mathematical formulas, and does so with the same respect that Saryon did.He could manipulate other people to such a degree that Joram admitted that it was almost masterful. However, Joram knew—first from his mother, then confirmed by Lord Samuels—that there was one person in the world whom the Emperor really cared about from the bottom of his heart, and that was the Empress.As the procession drew nearer to the throne, Joram turned his gaze from the emperor to his wife.All his life he had been told of the woman's beauty--still outstanding among the beauties of the court; natural beauty, without any magical adornment.Simkin's warning--and that was only a warning--intensified this curiosity. Never stare at the Queen. The words echoed in Joram's mind, and he moved quietly to the side of the queue to catch a glimpse of the woman sitting on the throne beside her husband.As soon as the queue moved, she clearly appeared in his field of vision. Joram held his breath.Xin Jin's words flew out of his head, and now it is filled with the description that Anya gave a long time ago. "Hair is black and shining, like a raven's wings; skin is smooth and white, like a dove's breast. Her eyes are black and bright, and her face is perfect, like the work of a master. Her movements are like the wind blowing a willow— " Joram took an elbow in the stomach. "Stop!" Xin Jin's words burst out from the corner of his mouth. "Look elsewhere." Annoyed, Joram suspected that Simkin had deliberately made fun of him, and was about to retort immediately.But, once again, Simkin, who was always indifferent, showed a strange expression-serious and even a little scary.There were only about ten people ahead of them now, and Joram looked around at the others, who were also trying not to look directly at the Queen, or look at her for too long.He saw them sneaking quick glances in her direction, even himself, sneaking a glance, then looking away.Although everyone's voice was loud, clear and relaxed when speaking to the Emperor, when it came to speaking to Her Majesty, the pitch dropped suddenly and the speech became incoherent. As he got closer to the throne, Joram's eyes were already hurting from the constant peeping at the queen, and he gradually felt that there was indeed something unusual about this woman.Her famous beauty certainly didn't fade as he got closer, but he felt a strange aversion to such beauty rather than attraction to it.Her skin was indeed smooth and white, but slightly bluish and a little transparent.Of course those dark eyes are also beautiful, but their luster is not like the light of wisdom from the heart, but like the reflection of glass.Her lips moved when she spoke, and her hands and body moved, but not like a swaying willow, more like a puppet. puppet…… Joram turned to Simkin, perplexed, but the young man with the moustache was twisting a silk scarf in his hand, and was grinningly eyeing his friend. "Patience paid off," he said. "We're next." So Joram had no time to think of anything else. He heard a voice that seemed to come from far away, and he heard the protocol officer smack the ground with his staff and announce in a melodious voice: "Simkin, honored guest of Lord Samuels..." The introduction that follows is lost in a chuckle from the crowd.Simkin performed some amusing act of this or that, but Joram was too dazed to notice what it was.He saw Simkin step forward, and the light reflected in his white robes was exactly the same as the halo around the emperor and empress. queen.Joram felt his eyes move toward her again when the Master of Protocol called, "Joram, honored guest of Lord Samuels." Hearing himself called, Joram knew he had to step forward, but he was suddenly frightened at the thought of hundreds of eyes on him.The scene of his mother's death came to his mind suddenly and vividly.He found that everyone was staring at him.He just wanted to be alone and hide.Why, why were they looking at him? Joram saw the emperor and Sim Jin talking, but he didn't know what they were talking about.He can't hear anything.There was a whistling noise in his ears, like a storm rushing by.He tried desperately to escape, but couldn't move.If the protocol officer hadn't given him a gentle nudge, he might have been frozen in place forever.The protocol officer has been paying attention to keeping the procession of the team moving, and he is used to this kind of person who is intimidating when facing His Majesty.Joram staggered over unsteadily, and stood before the emperor. Qiao Lang only remembered bowing deeply in Xue Xinjin's way, and muttering a few words that he didn't understand.The Emperor interjected gracefully, remembering seeing him at Lord Samuels' house.His Majesty wished him a happy stay in Merilon, and with a wave of his hand Joram moved across the crystal floor to the Empress.He had a vague feeling that Simkin was looking at him, and Joram would have thought the mouth under his moustache had parted in a grin, had he not found it too implausible. Qiao Ran consciously bowed to the queen, and was so embarrassed that he didn't know what to say. He wanted to look up at the woman, but he also had a very strong feeling in his heart that he wanted to run away, so he was like everyone else he had seen before. Look away like that. In her presence he caught a faint, sickening odor. This is the most beautiful woman in the world - it is said to be.He will see her beauty with his own eyes. Joram looked up... ...seeing the lifeless eyes of a corpse.