My Interests to Protect [Hitoshi/Rio]

A step up the ladder. A piece moved further. Would it be greedy? To push for more. The consideration weighed less heavily than one might expect, their shadows mingling underneath the table. A spin of the handle, and it could become oh so more relevant - Not yet. A seat at the table is too valuable to lose before it is even achieved. Then we act. Slowly, underneath the table, Hitoshi's shadow withdrew; his response still measured and calm.

"Of course. Blood is thicker than water, after all." Following with a slight nod, Hitoshi's gaze slipped off to a passerby for a moment, emerald eyes locking to a distressed face.

Ah. Duty calls. The man cleared his throat before speaking, turning back to the Shihoin. "If you require any information, we can direct you to one of our secretaries for paperwork. Otherwise, we are glad to have heard from you, and hope to hear again soon. We fear that there is some business to attend to. As much as conversation would be welcome to continue; and should you need something to keep your thirst quenched on the trip back, it will also be arranged." This time nodding to the side, a man standing in the doorway moving back to the store as he did. After, Hitoshi moved to stand, a faint bow to follow.