The crowd had a mixture of violent emotions; some of the nobles were enraged, others were panicked, while the rest just seemed confused about the situation.
The detective displayed a sinister grin as if the act of having all these nobles under his feet was simply too appeasing to his soul.
"Nobles, we should act according to our stature. We are calm ladies and gentlemen, and I believe it is only right for you to let me finish explaining the rules of this selection"
The nobles were not willing to comply with his words, as a certain nobleman threw a bottle at the detective. The bottle struck Mr Vandinel's forehead, shattering on impact.
"You low, low-ranking noble, don't get full of yourself just because the king has given the role of acting ruler in his absence. I plan on reporting this disrespect to him as soon as he returns"
Mr Vandinel took out a handkerchief from the pocket of his coat and wiped away the blood on his forehead, and as he did, several guards surrounded the noble and grabbed him.
"Hey, unhand me, you scoundrels, when the king finds out about this…"
"King this…King that…Huh, you really infuriate me, but I'll let it slide for today, since today, this detective plans to play a special game with you"
Hal was extremely curious about what Mr Vandinel had prepared for the nobles and why he would prevent them from leaving the palace in the first place.
Most of the nobles who attend this function are not even in the selection process since the process only required a few families, but today almost all the high-ranking nobles are here.
"The King approved all these rules that I'm putting in place. The curse intensifies, and so we have to intensify as well. No mystery can be solved without sacrifice, and I'm willing to sacrifice it all to bring down this cult"
Most of the murmuring among the nobles grew silent as they began to fall into the detective's trance.
Hal, who immediately felt its effects on him as his will began to fade, but he couldn't let that happen, he pinched his skin, but to no avail, the detective's voice was just too soothing.
"Dear silver sword, ignore my voice but heed my words, for they are the only thing that is important at the current moment"
And that was enough as the trance holding Hal's mind faded; he looked up at the detective, who turned his attention to the crowd of nobles.
'Did he command us not to fall into a trance by his voice?'
Mr Vandinel raised his hands to the now quiet and attentive crowd of nobles.
"The intentions behind this kidnapping have been unveiled, and it does not spell prosperity for the Kingdom of Haverfield. As kids, we were told about the beings that govern this world, but we were never told of their intentions, a thing that always baffled me: what do the higher beings strive for?"
Mr Vandinel let out a sigh, his voice was calm but heavy with emotion, and the crowd of nobles looked completely hypnotised by it. They did not move or react; they just listened.
"And after my investigations, I have to realise that a higher being is behind the disappearances and it seeks to descend into our world and cause chaos. After we protected the duke from the minions that serve him, we came to learn of another truth: that this will be the last selection. For when it ends, he will rise, and we shall fall"
The eyes of the people in the crowd widened, but no murmur escaped their lips; instead, they stood with their mouths slightly agape from the shock of the discovery.
"So, this is our last chance to reclaim our world from this malevolent force and uncover the traitors of the throne that hide amongst you, yes, among you are people who seek to bring about his rise and our fall, but sadly, I don't know which of you is innocent"
The detective let his hands fall as he stared at the crowd. There was no emotion in his eyes, only cold ambition that showed he was willing to go to all lengths to solve this case.
"Hence, all of you guilty, till proven innocent under the eyes of the throne, the keys to all your mansions shall be revoked to me for the investigation of all your residences. Again, refusing these rules shall make you a traitor, and you will be executed where you stand"
At this point, even Hal felt the pressure resonating from the detective, who finally turned to gaze at them with those brown eyes of his.s
"But do not fret, you will not be completely cut off from the outside, for the people that stand behind me will act as your proxies, they will handle all the maids and butlers in the manor and will be responsible for anything that leaves or enters the Palace"
He pointed at Lady Roxanne, who gently touched her chest and bowed
"This is a baron residing in the archduchy of Ortario. She will be the head of this operation and will report directly to me. Furthermore, she will also be in charge of the Crown's Imperial Aegis, and for all those who feel like they require protection, she will speak to them in her free time"
His hands then gestured to Tai, Lyrrah and him
"These three will be known as the venerated hands, as we all know the palace is split into four main sections, each representing the four major regions and legislative houses of Ortario. Each one of these has been named according to that and will reside in those sectors, but they will each serve a specific purpose"
He pointed at Tai first and lingered for a moment.
"You will be the Venerated Hand of Red, and shall reside in the southern section of the palace, and your major role amongst the four of you is security "
Tai bowed in respect as Mr Vandinel's finger moved to Lyrrah, who became suddenly nervous upon the finger landing on her hand.
"You shall be the Venerated hand of Blue and shall reside in the western section of the palace. Your major role will be to supervise and ensure the safety of all goods entering and leaving the palace. Nothing unapproved by Lady Roxanne should be allowed"
She curtsied in respect as she tried her best to hide her nervousness. His finger then moved to Hal as a smile came to the detective's lips.
"You are the Venerated Hand of Gold, and you will reside in the northern sector of the palace and shall be in charge of the well-being of the nobles. Any complaint or special request that comes to you"
Hal bowed in respect as he wondered who the fourth venerated hand would be; he had only selected the three of them from the Silver Sword, so who would be the fourth hand?
"And for the Venerated Hand of Green, he will be a butler from the Aquilia family, Mr Albert Butler serving Lady Terisia, and he will reside in the eastern sector and will handle all the servants in the palace and be warned,, you shall not do anything at the behest of your master that does not comply with the regulations set here today"
Hal glanced at Albert, who waved at him with a smile on his face. Hal returned, but at the current moment, Hal's mind was preoccupied with concern for the detective.
He had taken the most powerful members in Haverfield and placed them in the hands of a baron and a bunch of hunters, which did not bode well for Hal.
He turned to Mr Vandinel, who was preparing to finish his speech
"For the rest of the people behind me, they shall be scattered around the mansion and shall be assigned roles under the different Venerated Hands. I urge you to comply, for this will lead our kingdom to prosperity, and I will not be afraid to get rid of anyone who hinders it"
Vandinel turned and left as the nobles slowly began to regain their sense of self, but at that point, there was no way to deny his proclamation: either you bow your head or risk the end of the world
Hal turned as he and the entire group he was with followed Mr Vandinel. This selection was bound to be one that everyone would regret attending