Rather than a usual fancy banquet where the tables would be lined with food and there were enough servants and maids to handle each knight, the large platters of food were placed on a table at the front of the room. That was also where the oak casks of wine and barrels of ale were standing for anyone who wanted to take more.
Everyone was meant to serve themselves.
They didn't feast often, so they were going all out with food and drink.
Strangely enough, the table was the very one Prince Alfred and Princess Marie sat at during their visit—although it was in far worse shape than it was during that time, since two of the legs had to be shabbily replaced.
While repairs had been done to the entire Duke's Tower, it was clear that it was the work of knights rather than master craftsmen, as one would think for the home of a Duke. However, it was better than nothing, so even the noticeable aspects were silently ignored.
