Post by Naoko, Empress of Japan on Dec 21, 2014 7:32:01 GMT
"I'm assuming this is Setsuna, Tetsuken on the line," a female voice said. It was calm and ladylike, though if he were paying attention enough he could detect a slight hint of annoyance in her voice. "If you could, please make your way to the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Her Imperial Majesty seeks an audience with you." With that, she hung up the phone before looking at Naoko. "There, I made the call for you. Though it honestly would have been easier if you did it."
"NO IT WOULDN'T!!" the blushing empress shouted back, burying her face in her arm as she sat on the throne.
Post by Tetsuken Setsuna on Dec 21, 2014 7:34:47 GMT
Ken didn't even get a chance to respond before the woman finished speaking and ended the call. Perturbed, but incessantly curious, he made his way to the palace, awaiting entry.
Post by Naoko, Empress of Japan on Dec 21, 2014 7:43:06 GMT
When Ken approached the palace grounds, the guards made their way to stop him before realizing that he had matched the rather detailed description that Her Majesty had given, they nodded, and one began to escort him. "You know, it's rare that Her Majesty requested an audience with someone in the working class in the palace itself. What did you do to get such an honor?" the guard asked him.
Post by Tetsuken Setsuna on Dec 21, 2014 7:46:14 GMT
"Hell if I know" Ken responded, still puzzled and not putting two and two together. "Same old same old, and suddenly, I get a call to come here. I'm as surprised as you."
Post by Naoko, Empress of Japan on Dec 21, 2014 8:11:00 GMT
Naoko was about to speak, but she found herself interrupted by her retainer. "You are in the presence of Her Imperial Majesty Naoko, Empress of Japan! While here, you are to address her as such! Do not talk to her so casually!" Isuzu exclaimed, more than a little furious at the supposed lack of respect for the Empress.
Naoko, however, had crossed her arms and grumbled in annoyance at Isuzu's actions. Before things could get out of hand (and with those two, they probably would), Naoko rose from her throne and spoke. "Isuzu, calm down. Let's not destroy the throne room, okay? And Ken..." Naoko turned to him before bowing. "I, on behalf of all of Japan, would like to once again thank you for saving my life the other day. I am in your debt."
When she rose again, there was a bit of a pause. Naoko, who had begun blushing intensely, wasn't sure how to phrase what she wanted to say next, and Isuzu could clearly tell that she was troubled.
Post by Tetsuken Setsuna on Dec 21, 2014 8:15:41 GMT
Ken did a double take, taking a moment to process. "I saved...the Empress...of Japan. Wow. Sorry if that came across rude, I was never very good with all that formal stuff." He chuckled shakily, rubbing the back of his head, before he remembered that he was supposed to bow before royalty, and did so.
Post by Naoko, Empress of Japan on Dec 21, 2014 8:21:06 GMT
"E-Eh? Ken, you don't have to-- I mean--" Naoko was now blushing even more. She hadn't expected Ken to try and be formal with her in her presence, and now that he did, she had only gotten more flustered at how considerate he was being for her. "Ken, please stand up. I... have something I want to ask of you."
Isuzu smiled a little at Ken's response. Maybe he's not so bad... she thought as she looked at the two. But how will this go?
Post by Tetsuken Setsuna on Dec 21, 2014 8:25:58 GMT
Ken stood as told, blushing a bit. Not only was he meeting royalty in the Imperial Palace, but he'd actually called one by a very casual, friendly title, and didn't get beheaded for it. This was turning out to be a strange day, and he had a feeling that what she had to ask of him would make it even stranger. Did she want him as a body guard? It seemed like she had plenty guards, plus she had a Driver of her own. Or maybe the Palace needed repairs. Who knew?
Post by Naoko, Empress of Japan on Dec 21, 2014 8:45:15 GMT
Naoko smiled a bit at that. "When is a good day for you, then?" she asked. "I don't know your schedule, but I'm pretty sure that if the Empress decrees it, you'll be free for the day."