Ning was invited to a small banquet taking place inside the palace, which he accepted.
He arrived at the banquet wearing a dark formal suit prepared by the Conjoran delegation, although he kept his mask over the upper half of his face to keep his anonymity.
The banquet hall was elegant without being excessive, filled with round tables carrying food from several nations while musicians played quietly near the windows and the gathered representatives spoke in small groups, making the event feel less like an official summit gathering and more like an opportunity for everyone to become familiar with one another before the serious discussions began.
President Morstell noticed Ning soon after he entered and called him over.
"Who is looking after the cases?" she asked in a whisper.
"No one. I've placed them somewhere safe that no one can find. Don't worry," he told the woman.
