In the days leading up to the event, Dunn and his team worked tirelessly. They created more evidence and carefully coached the 'witnesses' who would testify against Percival.
As for Johann, he too was busy with the preparation of the banquet. It was held in honour of Adam's death. At least, that's what Johann propagates to the people.
Nevertheless, as he expected, many shalessly agreed to attend the banquet.
Despite them never treating his dead grandson nicely, they readily accept the invitation.
For most people, the reason for the banquet is not important. The point is that it's a banquet, so why should they let go of an opportunity to socialize?
The lure of delicious food, drink, and social interaction was irresistible.
Plus, these people don't really have anything to do.
As for their slight suspicion of Johann, they pretend like they didn't notice it. After all, Johann's actions this ti didn't quite align with his usual personality.
Supposedly, Johann should be acting like a mad bull, running around to find the perpetrator or blindly accusing others like he did with the duke.
However, Johann doesn't care about what these people are thinking. He never attaches importance to these people in the first place. The best they could do is filling the empty space in the hall.
Johann is more concerned about the duke's response. He had made a lot of fuss recently. It wouldn't be a surprise if Percival refused to co.
Without the duke attending the banquet, all their effort would have been for nothing.
Fortunately, Percival accepts the invitation. Perhaps, the Duke of Klover attempts to ease the tension between them.
....
A few days later, the day of the banquet arrived. Johann's mansion was abuzz with activity.
Guests arrived in their finest attire one after another. His mansion which is usually sparsely populated becos lively. People of status from all across the country gathered together.
Both n and won converse and complent each other, bringing the already lively atmosphere to life.
Being in this situation, none of the guests is aware of the storm brewing beneath the surface.
anwhile, Dunn and his subordinates blend in seamlessly with the rest of the servants.
Their job was to ensure everything was in place.
They watched closely, ready to intervene if necessary.
Finally, as the clock reached seven in the evening, there was a commotion at the entrance. The duke and his family finally arrived.
None of the guests expect Percival's presence here. They believe Johann and the duke are still at odds with each other.
Dunn clearly saw the duke walking straight to the hall.
At the sa ti, Johann, dressed in his most elegant suit appeared in front of the crowd to receive the duke.
He looks friendly when greeting the duke but only Dunn and the rest of the agents know how much effort Johann took to hold back his emotion right now.
As the host, Johann naturally has to give a word or two. The room quieted as he took his place. All eyes are on one of the prominent figures of the Klover family.
"Ladies and gentlen, I'm delighted to see so many of you willing to attend this banquet, which is dedicated to the mory of my beloved grandson, Adam."
Johann paused. The ntion of Adam brought a wave of sadness to him. He allowed himself to feel it, knowing it would make his words more genuine.
"Adam was a bright and spirited young man. He brought light and joy into my life from the mont he appeared. His curiosity and thirst for knowledge was boundless, and his laughter was infectious."
Johann's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he continued, "As a child, he had a strong curiosity about the world. I still rember how he would spend hours in the library, reading many books and asking endless questions about how things worked.
His future was so promising and it breaks my heart every day that he was taken from far too soon. Adam's death left a void in my heart, one that can never be filled. But life must go on even if it is painful."
The hall was silent. As the heartfelt speech continued, many looked down to hide their expression. They were overwheld by a sense of sha.
Despite the touching tribute Johann had paid to his grandson, the majority of those gathered didn't really care about the life and death of Adam.
Their attendance at this banquet was not driven by compassion or respect.
After so much tension had been going on in the estate lately, they simply partake in this occasion to enjoy themselves.
Dunn who is watching from a corner of the hall nodded slightly.
Johann had played his part perfectly, setting the emotional tone for the evening.
Of course, he sensed the discomfort his guests were experiencing.
And since Johann got the effect he wanted, he decided it was ti to shift the mood and end this sad speech.
It is a lie to say he wasn't affected by his own speech. He is probably the only person in the hall who is genuinely sad right now.
"Thank you for all of your kind attention. I understand my speech has set a sad mood, but let us not dwell solely on the sadness. Adam would definitely want us to continue our life with joy."
The guests breathed a sigh of relief as soon as Johann finished. Thankfully, this awkward mont cos to an end. Otherwise, they would lose the mood to enjoy this banquet.
Laughter and conversations filled the room once more. The guest resus their socializing while the soothing music plays in the background.
Johann stood apart from the crowd and observed the scene. He was there but at the sa ti felt detached.
He had grown tired of the superficiality exuded by these people. The insincerity of the smiles and the empty pleasantries by the nobility no longer held any charm for him.
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