Court today is as somber as one might expect, given the past few days. The normal susurrus of chattering courtiers has been replaced by a low murmur. Decorations, with the exception of the Imperial Throne and Lord Ikoma’s seat, have been removed, their emptiness a reminder that the Empire is entering a new era without much in the way of precedent to guide it.

Standing in her customary position at mid-court dressed formally, but not ostentatiously, Lady Shiba has even slightly toned down the famously exuberant Phoenix color palette for today. Her on, is, as ever, one of intense focus. Indeed, she seems to ooze authority with her erect and forceful posture.

Ryusei stood near his Champion, of course, and observed the opening.... festivities impassively.

It seemed he wasn't the only one who thought Tooru and Keihime had overplayed themselves the day before.

Agasha Yuna was present for court today.

She was wearing a beautiful green kimono, a dyed silk in a lighter green at the shoulders fading to a darker green at the hem. The embroidered decoration was a bundled set of floral ribbons, draped across the kimono, gold, with red, purple, and white flowers.
(kimono: https://ibb.co/bBTfRKy)
(detailed close up of embroidery: https://ibb.co/RhGBCJv)

She tried to keep a composed expression during the talk of regency.

She had trade deals to present. She mentally reviewed her notes. Every detail had been confirmed with her delegation, with Togashi-ue, with the Imperial Matchmaker. She was ready. She owed it to her trading partners to stay focused.

Hopefully wise voices would address this question that needed addressing first.

Jihen would also be present at the court today and observed as the topic of the day emerged.

He subtly cast a glance at his Master... wondering if he had heard the rumors that surrounded him today.

Daichi had found his way to court, hoping to not have to help with the hauling of buckets back and forth today, not that he had minded but it was annoying. That he was there for more of Keihime's games was disappointing to say the least, he was getting the very real feeling that someone should just toss her to a pack of goblins. At least then she may make it through this mess with a shred of honor intact.

Honoka listened to the debate on the floor with interest

Sae had looked ready to charge onto the floor at the very notion of a regent. But then someone used the G-word and it would have all been far too awkward.

Dressed appropriately for court, Sayomi had joined the fray of the discussion and then taken her place to the side to observe the discussion further.

At this point, Keihime was making that oaf Gorobei look positively capable to be Emperor.

Daidoji Sae wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 23, 2025 10:31 pm

Sae had looked ready to charge onto the floor at the very notion of a regent. But then someone used the G-word and it would have all been far too awkward.

Eiji had entered court, hopeful to have a chance to finally present some real treaties, but apparently today was 'Nakedly seize power day'. Having come fully dressed that left him out.

There didn't seem to be an eye that wasn't riveted upon the court floor, every breath held as if the words said now could determine the fate of the Empire.

Eiji....was not great at standing still and being quiet. He knew better to throw himself into discussions above his weight, but this was shaping up to be a very long battle, and while charging everyone in together might have ensured a decisive victory, it also meant they might simply wear themselves out before the battle's climax.

Looking over the crowd, he looked for someone who seemed just incredibly nice, cheery and full of pep.

Failing his search, he approached Daidoji Sae.

He bowed deeply.

"Daidoji-sama, might I have a word?"

Ryushi was in attendance to listen whatever news and gossip he could learn. Standing next to the Phoenix delegation just nonchalantly.

//Quote or PM if approached

As the flow of court dictated Shinnosuke should be here today, he is also in the galleries! Not for the first time, he finds himself wondering idly how much trouble he'd be in if he smuggled Haku in here for emotional support. Surely the little fellow would be most well-behaved and inconspicuous. But on the other hand, if one Crane were allowed a pet in court, every courtier might want to bring one... a most cacophonous, if charming, scenario...

These ruminations are not so deep that he won't notice if someone would like to talk with him, however.

(I'm heading to sleep soon but feel free to poke me! Back tomorrow US time.)

Returning to the galleries, the slim Yasuki watched as courtier after courtier stood up to support his position on the controversial topic of the day. When the Chancellor announced the result, Ryoichi was unable to keep from exhaling in relief. He hadn't realized that he was holding his breath.

Snapping open his courtier's fan, Ryoichi murmured, "The Fortunes are kind."

Ryusei's reaction was impossible to read.

Inwardly, he was a mixture of anxiety and relief.

Hoshiko was present as well. If nothing else, the morning's events kept the audience riveted.