The atmosphere inside the grand main hall of the Valecrest Manor had become unbearably tense long before everyone had fully gathered, as hundreds of maids, attendants, butlers, servants, and guards now stood arranged in orderly rows beneath the enormous chandeliers illuminating the white and navy-blue interiors of the hall.
No one dared stand improperly, no one dared raise their head unnecessarily, and yet despite the discipline maintained outwardly, fear still spread uncontrollably through the gathered crowd like an invisible wave pressing down upon everyone present.
Soft murmurs continuously rose and fell between the servants standing closest to one another, their voices hushed and trembling as though afraid someone might overhear even the smallest word.
"W-what is happening…?"
"Why were we suddenly summoned here…?"
"Did something happen again…?"
"I heard young master Damon personally ordered everyone to gather…"
"T-then does that mean…"
