Hikari was there as well; in her best attire; presumably next to her sister on the dais unless she received any indication that wasn't where she should be.

Wataru closed the distances with his fellow Mantis. "I vouch for her, Susumu-sama." He added as he stepped into the conversation he heard from them. The former ronin was intrigued by this woman, and thought that it would be best in his, her, and the benefit of the vessel of Susumu, to travel together.

Suihime bowed deeply to each important person that arrived to her side of the dais, ready to do her duty.

Finally, Jama's palanquin arrived at the dais amid the parting crowd. The Prince, clad in black and gold, alighted and assumed his central position, then gestured for the governor to begin. Hassei stepped out.



"People of Dragon's Guard City, you have the grand honour to witness the presence and hear the message of Hantei Jama no Kimi, the scion of the Son of Heaven, the Imperial Admiral. Utz!"

The wave on Banzai! rolled over. Those who shouted without conviction or not at all were probably noted by the Seppun guard.

After that, Hassei stepped back and Tsugiko moved to the fore.

"Imperial Explorers, Hantei Jama no Kimi has gathered us here to make momentous announcements. He is pleased with your devotion to the Throne and adherence to the spiritual guidance it represents. He shall now address you. Utz!"

As the procession made its way forward, Utsusemi went through the motions of paying proper respects to the Imperial prince and his retinue. And when the festive cheer of Banzai was initiated, she joined in with the enthusiastic bravado.

The cheering and shouting always made her think of festival days as a young girl back home in Hayaku Mura.

Kaiya, notably, did not join the others in their shout.

After a time Jama cut the Banzai-ing with a sharp move of his hand.

"The voice of the Daughter of Heaven precedes ours. The Word of the Empress!"

He then gave Suihime the sign to proceed in her capacity as a Herald, leaving many quietly flabbergasted. What Empress?!

Hikari had taken part of course, in all of the shouting and what not. It was expected after all. And she immediately fell silent upon the hand signal.

And then, there was confusion. Carefully hidden behind her On, of course. But there was confusion.

Susumu was about to adress Wataru when the circus began but any emotions about the Empire or its ruling class had been drained from him.

He simply looked on, payed lip service to the cheers and crossed his arms for the rest.

Like most others, Yasuhiro had joined in with the others, presenting the prpoper subservience to the Hantei when he passed, and joining in to the rounds of cheering.

When the word of a empress was mentioned though he paused. Eyes seeking the woman who might become his betrothed. Seeking her reaction to all of this.

Outwardly nothing changed in the On of the Snow Kitten. Internally the courtier gears were turning frantically. What could this mean?

Meikuko twitched and became more focused, though did not leave her place, nor did she abandon her On.

Jama had not been a good influence on Wataru, so when the cheers for him came, the new Gusai was not very expressive and decided to remain silent.

Hinami participated in the shouting as well. She was a Seppun a loyal servant of the Hantei, it was expected from her but she genuinely participated with passion. She also tried to observe those who didn't shout, or shouted without sincere intentions.

In any case, she was confused by Hantei's-denka words. The Daughter of Heavens? What? Of course, she kept an impeccable On. She had her fan prepared but she didn't open it.

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[OOC-Rolls]

Reaction to Hantei Jama words - 35

He does seem to have a thing for the dramatic, Utsusemi mused, her On inscrutable as she looked to the Herald and awaiting the words that would clarify the situation.

The Tortoise observed the proceedings silently.

The cheers were joined by the Sparrow, when the time came.

As Jama went on, his silence deepened, now listening with such intensity it almost seemed he might draw further words out by sheer force of will.

"Good Afternoon, Don Zabieru. The afternoon does find me well. " He bowed in greeting before responding to the Yogo.

"I did not, I had much on my plate to attend to yesterday. I also did not wish to embarrass myself. An excellent voice, yes, but command is not my path." He watched her closely, keeping himself neutral.

And then the uproar of celebration. Followed by Jama's words. Anzai's fan snapped open, covering his mouth. Eyes narrowing, watching the proceedings.

What in great hell...

Edogawa added his voice to the cheers and then became quiet in anticipation of what his sister would say.