There was a golden circle on the floor, which they had been told about. Neeko led them to the golden circle, then stepped aside with a precise bow. The party arranged themselves as instructed, with Lumi taking position at the front as their leader.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Neeko announced formally. "I present the adventurers who captured the Wings of Darkness Commander Afton S. Crow."
Empress Aria's gaze swept over them, and Lumi felt himself being measured in ways that had nothing to do with physical appearance. It was a common theme among many important natives that he'd met, they would all examine and inspect him in some measure.
"Rise." She commanded gently, and they obeyed. "Let us dispense with excessive ceremony. You have done the Empire a great service, and I would know you as individuals, not merely as a group."
