Epilogue
One of the door attendants watched as the sedan carrying a Ketsurui princess and her escort left the area. He opened the door to the Yamataian side of Rosenthal's and immediately locked eyes with Sonoda. He nodded sharply, then closed the door again.
Sonoda returned the nod, and went behind the front counter. His assistants filtered back onto the floor while he accessed a secure line on a screen built into the counter. The image on the other end was of a golden-eyed Nekovalkyrja with jet hair, wearing a white kimono top. The background was shadowed, but she was dimly lit.
"O-Samurai-sama," Sonoda said, bowing his head deeply.
"Sonoda-san," the Neko replied, bowing her head slightly. "They are on their way?"
"Yes, o-samurai," he said in stiff Yamataian. "I have equipped her escort to the best of my ability, o-samurai. He appears capable, and is well armed."
The Neko nodded once. "He is a gentleman?"
"Yes, o-samurai," Sonoda replied. "He is Nepleslian, but of a refined type. He showed nothing but respect."
"My daughter has taste, of course," the Neko said, her tone barren of any joking.
"Without question."
"She looked well?"
"Extremely, o-samurai. She radiated the calm beauty of a true Ketsurui."
"I see. Thank you for your assistance, Sonoda-san."
"It is an honor to serve the Empire, o-samurai."
The connection was shuttered. Sonoda could not help smirking as he looked at the blank screen. "Mothers," he murmured, then returned to the floor with his assistants.