[D1, MM, Open] From Out of the Past

[Kitsu Sayomi]

Sayomi stiffened slightly, her gaze intensely focused on the floorboards, as she overheard the Otomo's words. And the soft whispers echoing the sentiment in the glorious Empress' words.

W---weak? What? Why? She wasn't outraged. Mostly she felt confused.

Without thinking, she rose to her feet to trail behind the procession, in case Ryota wanted her around to assist. Her mind felt like a daze as she still tried to process it. Had the Adviser meant for her to overhear? Surely, a woman like her wouldn't be so careless as to say something like that within earshot of anyone unless she wanted them to hear...

[Seppun Sadako]

*Ahem*

A gentle throat clearing reached Sayomi's ears just before the rustle of silk. Approaching slowly, the regal Seppun Sadako favors Sayomi with a slow, graceful nod. As the great doors to the hall close and the procession slips away, Lady Seppun herself leans in slightly to speak.

"Magnetizing, is she not? It can be challenging not to follow."

[Kitsu Sayomi]

Realising her error, the Kitsu was quick to bow. Thankfully a bow also hid her embarrassment.

"H-hai! I mean, forgive me. I merely wished to be nearby if further assistance was needed. But yes. Yes. It's... not everyday one can be within the aura of Heaven's Daughter."

[Seppun Sadako]

Lady Seppun received her bow with a generous nod and a kind smile.

"I understand completely, Kitsu-san. There are some who feel that proximity to something so sacred can diminish the awe we feel for it, but even after a lifetime in her company, I still sometimes find myself tongue-tied."

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"I might almost become jealous," she said with some good humor, "but I won't. Even if the winter was to end today, I'd be able to regale future generations of the one day I stood so near the glorious Empress herself. And had the honor of exchanging words with whom I believe is... the Seppun daimyo?"

[Seppun Sadako]

Sadako raised a hand to cover her mouth to forestall the possibility of a giggle. There was no giggle, of course, but the suggestion of one was still there.

"Yes, I am Seppun Sadako, Lady Seppun, defender and priest. And you are?"

[Kitsu Sayomi]

She bowed deeply. "It is an honor, Lady Seppun. This humble soul is Kitsu Sayomi. Guard, and, well... part of the Lion delegation this winter."

[Seppun Sadako]

"Well, it has been lovely to meet you, Kitsu-san," she said warmly. "We should take tea soon, we two. I imagine you have much to tell me, guard to guard, about Kyuden Ikoma and its personality."