There are 1,000 people present, and my voice is not loud enough to reach all of them. However, they could tell when the people beside them turn their heads. And once they know that the faces of their neighbours are turned to me, they too follow suit.

After all, every move and gesture made by me who had orchestrated this out of the world act — Hiro Hezri— fills all present with uncontrollable excitement.

Albert Hyuutia stands up and bellow as loud as he could, "Long live our new king! Long live your majesty Hezri!"

I slowly spread my arms. I look like I am embracing a friend — or is it a demon spreading its wings? In the eyes of all who are watching, I may seem to double in size based their widened eyes.

In the silence — interrupted only by breathings of guests — my still, small voice rings out with exceptional clarity.

“— Applause, then.”

Magnifico'a look seems to be saying, "What is he saying?" as he stares at me with his mouth open.

Everyone who could hear me probably think the same thing, and as my words are whispered throughout the hall, more and more people turn their eyes to me.

Then, when everyone’s attention is on me, I speak again.

“A round of applause, in celebration of my kingdom.”

The first to applaud are Albert, Minerva and Isolde, who stand around the table, opposite Vandimion trio. As though sparked by it, the scattered sounds of clapping begin rising up from the soldiers, until it becomes a thunderous ovation.

Vandimion trio would never want to applaud a person who invoke this kind of absurdity.

Only, nobody among them could speak these words. Nobody dares.

Their earth-shaking applause is the sum of all the aristocrats' fealty.

And then the intensity of the riotous applause, which Vandimion trio thought could not get any greater, rise several more notches.

"Long live Hezri Kingdom!"

"Long live Your majesty Hiro!"

Shouts of praise ring out, to match the applause.

The aristocrats cry out in praise of me. They scream until their throats hurt. 

The Vandimion trio gawk.

And so, the aristocrats cry out even louder.

Also shouting are the Dalish representatives, Elora, Mithra, Gheyna, Lanaya and elders.

Also shouting are the former refugees, Lucy, Luca, Pepe and Nina. So does Irijina who yells the loudest among the girls. Stanley Barclay, Jascha Alatt and young Redcliffe noble punch the air. Sekrit, Brita, Lyla, Soraya, Clementine, Selene, Suzy, Jill, Bella, Valena, Sylvia, Hanabi, Mirai, Kurotsuchi and the merchant, Claire.

It takes several minutes before the thunderous applause and shouting calm down. We sit and continue our dinner.

The Vandimion trio remain silent, still affected by what happened.

***

Despite looking stupidly silent, Magnifico's heart blazes like a bonfire.

He could only think of his other brothers as idiots after seeing such extravagant atmosphere.

By announcing betrothal between their only sister, Farnese and Lubreo Lambert. Despite being one of the Ferelden's great noble, Lambert is a Margrave, which means he just slightly above Margrave Minerva Blare and beneath Isolde who is a Marchioness. As both pledge fealty to this man, Hiro, is king far above Lubreo. This man, Hiro had even brought the whole northern under him. He even control the mysterious great forest Korcari Wilds.

He did this just recently. His future potential is extremely bright.

Magnifico’s face twists as he recalls the face of that arrogant young man, Lubreo Lambert.

The unpleasant memory of that man overcomes his joy at being able to stand in this lavish hall.

"How dare he look down on me! Although I have to bear it for now, once I find a better pawn for Farnese, I’ll boot him away! I’ve already got this man, Hiro!"

His pride at this chases away the unhappiness in his heart.

Another monologue plays in his simple mind,

"As expected of me, I’ve already got my path all mapped out. I’ll make my state richer and obtain a larger land. Those idiots who look down on me will see who’s the true idiot now."

Just as Magnifico is envisioning his glorious golden future, his father's voice is heard.

"Don't you risk being made enemies by Ferelden and Dioral?" 

What a shallow minded geezer! Magnifico scolds his father in his mind.

Myla answers, "On the matter of Dioral, they don't know yet we have stolen a large part of their land. Even if they know, we have built long walls to block any enemies."

Ivanna adds, "And as you know, Redcliffe possess natural defence as it is surrounded mostly by rocky hills. 

The elation he feels at at the Hezri Kingdom’s triumph ― to which he was favourably inclined ― made the joy of victory surge up in his heart.

The timid Farnese voices up, "Your Majesty Hiro was the one who defeated Templars - Orlais elite army but spared me."

The Vandimion trio turns their eyes at the only daughter in the family. Their looks says "Oh, that's how you get here."

They stare sharply at Rowan who sit several tables away.

Farnese resumes,

"His majesty was the one wreck havoc in Saint Albion tower. He had slained Cardinal Mozgus."

The trio become dumbfounded but Magnifico quickly recover his composure. 

"Farnese... We had better cancelled her engagement and match her up with your highness."

Farnese's fair face turns red from embarrassment while Farnese's parent stare at their son in disbelief.

Farnese hammers her table,

"You made that yourselves. I never consent to the arranged marriage!"

"Are you mad? Do you intend to anger Lubreo Lambert?"

"Ah. That Lambert is nothing compared to His Majesty!" Magnifico retorts.

Hiro look at other girls at the table.

But Minerva is the first to interject, "I heard an interesting name. Lambert is our enemies as well."

Claire who sat at the table just behind Magnifico, quickly rises, strides and stand beside Magnifico. Claire slams the table,

"That evil...man...Lubreo Lambert.... he raped me in the wilderness and stole my gold!" 

This time, Hiro's eyes widen. 

"What?"