EXT. OUT OF THE ROYAL PALACE / INT. HALL OF THE ROYAL PALACE - NIGHT

Same song in the background. Christian, Muriel, and Frank enter the palace.

They're walking on a beautiful red carpet (somewhat kitschy), which, for the occasion, is lying on the ground in the spacious hall.

The hall, rectangular in shape, is illuminated by some candlesticks placed around the room. On the greyish walls are hanging several pictures that represent kings and admirals. They all have proud expressions and mocking smiles.

In the room, some grotesque grey busts represent some kings. The smiling Lord Tybalt's bust is creepy and looks like the bust of Art Attack's boss.

Berty receives the guests as the song in the background lowers in tone until it disappears completely.

BERTY: Lord Ide, Lord Rivière, Lady Rivière, I wish you a wonderful night.

CHRISTIAN: Thank you, servant of the king.

As Frank and Muriel keep walking, Christian stops.

CHRISTIAN: Hey, lads, go on ahead. I'll join you in a minute.

MURIEL (a bit suspicious): What do you have to do?

CHRISTIAN: Nothing. Go on.

Muriel makes a face as she and Frank head towards the stairway to go upstairs. Christian turns around and goes back to Berty.

CHRISTIAN (to Berty): Servant, can the king see me now?

BERTY: No, sir. The king isn't going to see anyone right now, but if you have to discuss something urgent, you can approach him during the ball.

CHRISTIAN: Fine... And what about my friends, Charles Bainard and Julyan Baudry? Have they arrived, servant?

BERTY: Berty. My name is Berty, not "Servant"!

CHRISTIAN: It's the same. Anyway, have they arrived?

BERTY (a bit waxy): Only sir Bainard. He's upstairs. (more)

In that moment Malie De Vaux enters. She is wearing a pink dress, which is matching with her earrings, her make-up and shoes.

BERTY (CONT'D) (in a celebratory and cheerful tone): ...But the beautiful Malie De Vaux has also come. You're looking more and more like a fairy.

Malie hugs Berty.

MALIE: Berty, how nice to see you.

BERTY: The most beautiful young woman of the Golden Lands, I always say that.

MALIE (smiles): You're always too kind.

Instead, Christian is as stiff as a stone. He doesn't know what to say.

CHRISTIAN (in a distant tone): It's true, lady De Vaux. You look good.

MALIE (using a distant tone, too): Thank you.

CHRISTIAN: I go upstairs.

Malie follows him as he walks to go upstairs. The two don't talk to each other.

BERTY (to himself, imitating Christian): I go upstairs. (To himself with his normal voice) These rich assholes!

Christian and Malie are climbing the stairs (also decorated by a red carpet). The two remain in silence. The only noise heard is the sound (a little muffled) of the BOUNCY MUSIC coming from the ballroom.