"Ahh, yes, of course, congratulations on your wife's pregnancy, Jesus", Lord Christopher said, slightly annoyed that his ruse to get the Spanish and Mennrimians to engage in any type of conversation whatsoever had failed. Ah well. There would be opportunities on future occasions. Who knew, perhaps even at the second part of the event, which, given that the Imperial Kitchens were running out of steam - and food - would no doubt be announced soon.
"Could people just not die for one. single. evening.", thought Artabanos as he was informed of the Montenbourgian Crown Princess's predicament by someone who was, notably, not Gert Veruylscht. "Ugh. Funerals are such boring occasions, too. All black. Ew. If I go I know I'll be sporting my pink tie, that's for sure."
Every bite of food passed through Artabanos's digestive system like a ball of nails. Clearly, His body was not yet made for this type of event. "Excuse me, just a moment", He said to the distinguished guests sat beside Him, "Duty calls." Duty did, indeed, call, but not quite as innocent a duty as happened behind the gold-plated doors of the Imperial Water Closets. Artabanos briefly left the room and, the moment He was out of sight, let out a huge gasp. Clutching His ribcage, He took out his flask and emptied it. "Christ", He let out, muffled, "Right, time to move this on, or I'll truly be dead by the end of the evening."
For several minutes, He surveyed the banqueting hall, which had seemingly fallen into an awkward atmosphere after Princess Victoria's sudden disappearance. In a surveying glance, Artabanos saw Reitzmic PM Bridges's bulge - the one caused by his service revolver, naturally. But, no sign of Veruylscht. Artabanos clutched the arm of a random passing waiter, and demanded the second part of the event be started. Soon after, He returned to His seat and managed to talk around a comment by Archbishop Kligenberg that He looked oh-so-pale. Within minutes, gongs were sounded and the announcement was made that the party would transfer to the next room.
Guests, some still finishing their dinners, filed into the magnificent ballroom, where an open bar and several tables had been arranged. "Thank fuck for that", thought Artabanos as He gunned it for the whisky section. Guests were now free to roam around and mingle with whoever they liked, meaning no further tensions between the Spanish, the Mennrimians, or even the Reitzmic delegation. Artabanos, downing a glass, saw the immense relief on Vicarius Cocx's face, a face which bore the distinguishable sign of having sat next to Lord Zgeirtan for far too long. Poor man. It was a shame he did not drink, in Artabanos's view. Then again, that was probably also one of Cocx's strengths.
Ah well. Time to still make the most of it. Artabanos filled His glass again and walked over to a large group of guests, who still seemed fluttered at the sudden change of decor.