All sounds abruptly end and all eyes swing toward the Boar's door as an elaborately dressed groom pounds his staff on the floor.

"Hear ye! All stand in honor of Her Emperial Majest..."
"OH, Francois, that is enough of that", a rather cheerful voice said from behind the man. He stepped out of the way so that a short, rather plump elderly lady could walk into the room. She took a few minutes to peruse the scene before her then bellowed,
"Where's my bier!!!!!"