Zeig

Of everything that could be attributed to this country, a lack of respect towards tradition was not one of them. He could say that, for sure. For Long Guo, and only Long Guo in Rakuen Ryuichi's (admittedly) limited experience, was a country that held its Empress on a level above all other peers and states. Had their positions been reversed, the Empress of Long Guo would never have been made to present herself before the Seat of the Shogun, looking up at him from a lowered position. An extravagantly elegant and formal meeting room would have done for it instead, two seats on opposing sides at the same height - a meeting of equals. Even for something so simple as a goodwill proclamation of their dual intent and willingness to ally. But no, the Dragon Children loved tradition, traditions that saw all beings (save the Dragons themselves, at that) below the Empress, and traditions were not something Ryuichi could fault in any country. They were, after all, the cornerstone of everything Neighpon had built herself upon, and the strong resistance islands like Ryushima maintained to modernization spoke to the belief of his citizens. Ancestors...traditions were exactly why the Hatamoto still existed after centuries of modernization, a veritable relic amidst a sea of bright lights and magitech. The way Neighpon still adored and venerated her Hatamoto spoke even more loudly of tradition and what it meant, even as she marched every onward towards new and magical inventions. Exactly why he was here, now - here, in the throne room of the Imperial Palace, rather than dictating a letter to be delivered by courier. While some members of the Shogunate had balked at the idea of an official presentation over a simple proclamation of good faith, others had urged him through to this public yet private appearance, going through the motions in the official setting. Such was the way it had been done before, years past, and even after communication became easier between continents, this hadn't changed. The actual format, yes, in this Long Guo was unique - but physically appearing to the country lead in question? Ryuichi would throw open The Door himself before shaming his ancestors with blatant disregard for his allies. Which is why the young Ryuma stood completely still as he waited, eyes trained upon the Dragon Throne, and years of practice kept his features almost mind-numbingly blank even as he studied the royally garbed figure in some surprise. Ancestors...how long had it been? The Empress of Long Guo was a far cry from the little foal he had known back then, met only a few times but perfectly remembered alongside his mother's words of wisdom over their future acquaintanceship. Little had he - or anyone, for that matter - known back then how serious that acquaintanceship would actually turn out to be. A potential bride offer to secure an ongoing alliance, is what they had all thought might become of that acquaintanceship, mayhaps even someone of correspondence within the Emperor's personal court. And now here she was. Ascended atop the Dragon Throne. So much for that tradition, and those same years of practice kept the wry smile from forming on his face. Sandā was, undoubtedly, keeping her head bowed at a respectful level as he, his Shīrudo, and a few other officials of note walked down the hall, but Ryuichi was unperturbed to keep his gaze on the Empress. His retinue was careful to stop a few paces back as they began to reach the end, while he alone walked the remaining few steps to stop directly at the base of the steps leading to the dais. And it was here that Ryuichi, after a careful moment's pause, lowered his head, slowly and formally, chin resting against his neckline for a moment, before he let up, golden eyes once again returning to the face of the Empress resplendent. Far cry, most certain. "Long live Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress of the Great Féng Dynasty, Heavenly Daughter of Dragons, Sovereign of Ten Thousand Years," Ryuichi intoned, voice ringing in the silent hall. "Her Majesty honors all of Neighpon with Her gracious invitation." The ceremonial armor he wore, covered and complimented by the equally ceremonial robe of intricate and detailed design, gave visage to a warrior prince as Ryuichi remained at his full height, eyes steady on the Empress. "I present myself, in the halls of the Dragon Throne, to declare the intentions of myself and my country honorable, and to seek a lasting friendship with Her Imperial Majesty, and the great nation of Long Guo." ...And, of course, his nose was itchy. It never failed - start a speech, something started to itch. Either it was a condition he was unaware of, or one of his ancestors had a Door-cursed sense of cosmic humor.

Nocturne Wisp is the head of his own research lab and gives the occasional lecture/seminar...but, I think he'd be a journeypony. He's a specialist in the field of magical anomalies, but more on the research side rather than being a true expert yet. Any lectures he gives are usually more to share his research and findings than actual teachings. Plus, the guild is already heavily leaning towards masters. Need to even things out with the lower ranks~