Deciphering Damage

The group then ventured into the crumbling sections of the west wing. Firstly, they directed their attention to the banquet hall that had suffered the ravages of time.

As they neared the opened doors of the banquet hall's entrance, Percival's demeanor changed from casual to serious. His long legs ate up the ground, leaving Mikael and the others in his wake.

Mikael did not seem to mind as he trailed behind him, along with Miss Celia and Secretary Cade.

The atmosphere within the banquet hall seemed to respond to Percival's seriousness, as if the very walls held their breath in anticipation of the merchant's discerning scrutiny. 

Mikael looked around, his gaze settling on the merchant's figure. He remembered visiting this banquet hall before, but he felt a strange sense of change, as if the atmosphere had darkened. 

He wondered why. Was it because he felt a little guilty and sheepish for someone else to see all this?