Though not a Scorpion forever, Akarei took her place behind the Shosuro courtier with her fan also raised. Behind it her expression was blank, perhaps scowling, unless one assumed that it was her natural expression.

Suihime had two levels of 'best', either one suitable for the highest occasion. However, one of them was only ever used in situations like this. A very regal set of garments, with the colours of the Imperial families standing out, almost glowing in the sunlight. Her hair was brushed to perfection, not a single strand loose. While the women rarely wore makeup, today she wore the slightest amount, to complete the picture. The jewelry that went with it completed the look, and she clearly stood out like the princess that she was.

It meant however, walking slower than she normally would. She kept her hands crossed under her sleeved which joined together, giving samurai of different stations varying levels of bows, with the group gathered on the left side receiving the lowest bow to a samurai. Then, she moved to the right side slowly, and found her place to sit and wait.

Haruka was, of course, present. She dressed for the occasion, though not to impress. Her clothing reflected the odd mood she had been in since the matchmaker made her decisions the other day.

''Is that so?'' he said with a raised brow

''And what did she offer?''

It was quite the conundrum to decide on what to wear for the occassion, but in the end she settled on her grey ensemble, which was in truth quite formal for a woman of her marital status, though quite muted. The outdoor setting here just did not lend itself well to ramping up the level of glamour, and this way she could let the unmarried maidens stand out more for the prince and his retinue.

Finding a place near the dais, as she was here on her husband's behalf, it made sense to not be too far behind in the crowd.

The small smile remained as she looked back at the Mantis.

"She said she would not employ me." A pause. "She said she'd back my participation in the proceedings, and we would revisit employment afterward." Ran spoke curtly, with little flair to her vocabulary. Simple.

The Courtier glanced over his shoulder to the Flame of Piety. Stepping back, he stood by her, still keeping his eyes on the dias.

"Tansaku-sama. Good Afternoon. How are you feeling?" There was concern in his voice. Not out of pity, or anything snide. He truly wondered how she was feeling.

"Exciting day yesterday, ne?" He turned slightly, watching her.

"Either that was a mistake on her part of an excuse to hide the fact that she had not the ressources to do so"

He replied, crossing his arms

"But she normally have a good head on her shoulders."

She pursed her lips into a thin line, and thought about that for a moment.

"Well. It doesn't hurt to shop around, in my experience. I'll take what you are offering into consideration, I find your terms more than reasonable, Gusai-sama."

Rokuro wondered how many of those gathered would be looking for assignments.

He'd need to start finding skilled crew, and quickly.

Casting his gaze about the crowd, he couldn't help but wonder what announcement was coming.

The newly minted Nakodo to the Imperil Explorers was also there, and he was dressed to impress. He made sure to be near the front, as his new position demanded.

"I am glad you think so Ran-san. Should you choose my ship then I will be able to tell you more."

He gave a light bow

"If you wish to discuss some more I would welcome it but if not then I would wish you a good Day."

The Tortoise looked and felt like a million koku. He was clad in exquisite garments that complimented his figure and looks and whilst they were certainly expensive, he had the good sense to go with something that wasn't tacky unlike many of the Mantis.

He caught a glimpse of his first mate and flashed a smile his way but otherwise did not engage instead moving towards the Shosuro from yesterday. "Shosuro-san," his warm smile ever present "Yogo-san," his tone and eyes enhanced the warmth of his smile. "I hope today finds you well."

"I cannot say that I have been pleased by recent developments." It was honest enough for her closest compatriot but vague enough to maintain her appearance. "Did you attend the exam? I do not recall seeing you there."

She looked over to the Tortoise, a slight look of surprise on her face. "Good afternoon, Muhaki-sama."

The Lion captain, Kitsu Keiji, was present as well, in his best formal dress. He stood in a politely attentive posture, observing as the notables of the city and the Imperial Navy gathered for the announcement.

Akodo Meikuko entered the dais...

...so did Gusai Ryoshida...

Of course Hinami bowed to the Mantis champion, and to Akodo Meikuko-sama when they entered the dais. She gracefully gave her respects to both. Her On was perfect.

...and ultimately also Muhaki Zazu, rolling in. Some of the left-siders had to take a step back to accommodate the kuge.

Right in time, as Jama's palanquin showed up at the momiji-graced exit from the House of Laurels, escorted by the Miharu and his faithful shadow Shiba Suru. The black-golden litter progressed at a steady pace toward the Plaza...