[A key indicator that he wasn't a native was the lack of a smile on his face and much longer hair than a man should rightly have. He may have dressed the part, but Takame had little to smile about.

His sister would be disappointed in him. But he couldn't request forgiveness here. Still, he listened carefully to this man's theory with a slow nod. And while it may not be entirely wrong, Takame had doubts.]

Yet Harding still follows Clarke to these ceremonies. 'Tis possible the mayor is unbothered by Harding's heavy drinking because his loyalty is absolute and Clarke is certain of his power over the law enforcement. [Pot meet kettle. But Takame's learned enough from Vauthry's rule and his own experiences with tyrants who fancy themselves rulers.]