The corner of Aiko's mouth turns upward in bemusement at Helen's description of the ship. "You're right, of course; It does gloss over that. On the other hand, from my point of view a role of servitude can be attractive on it's own. I like rigid hierarchy... in case the signs are too subtle." Aiko winks at Helen; She knows damn well everyone and their ghoul can tell she's an Invictus the instant she opens her mouth.
The banter about the bireme had been interesting, but the information Helen offered next was sublime. Names were one thing, but this woman remembered details only of interest to Aiko and other Invictus. How lucky had Hamura been to stumble across her? Aiko also makes a mental note to remember that Helen apparently has a very sharp memory... best to be careful what kind of banter she offers in the future, lest something telling slip out and never be retrieved.
"You don't know how much that means to me, Mrs. Kingsley. I appreciate it immensely. Presuming I'm granted permission to remain in the city, I'd like to return the favor sometime in the future. And I do mean that sincerely. If you ever need a private eye... well, normally I say 'you know where to find me', but even I'm not quite certain where I'll end up, so I suppose that doesn't quite apply. But I'm sure we can arrange something."
The Prince's arrival is unmistakable. The entire atmosphere of the room shifts in an instant, like a cold wind had just rushed through the room. Another grapple with the beast, and yet another furious pang of hunger after it subsides. Court should never be attempted on an empty stomach, least of all in an unfamiliar city. Even still... Aiko pays attention to the people the Prince directs her focus to, and just how much focus she attends. No surprising results; Helen had already made Aiko aware of the same individuals.
Aiko returns her attention to the conversation, arriving back at an answer to her question towards the Doctor. She won't admit it out loud, but bias had made her assume Baker to be a medical doctor of some kind, but there really was no reason for that, was there? She debates about whether to ask whether his fascination with the occult began before or after his Embrace (a potentially touchy subject that she wasn't sure she wanted to prod quite yet) when Wells introduces himself and inadvertently makes the decision for her. Unswayed by his own, more casual demeanor, Aiko remains as stiff in her introduction as always. "Madam Aiko Hamura, also of clan Mekhet. It is a pleasure. Helen hadn't mentioned Connor, and so Aiko didn't quite know where he stood... but perhaps he holds some rank within the clan itself, seeing as he chose to introduce himself by that? Only time would tell.
Hazelton's arrival is the first not to begin with a greeting. Ah, here the dance begins... Her quite casual introduction to Court seems to be nearing its end. It is time for Aiko's best etiquette. In a way, it is almost relieving; She understood code of conduct quite well when there was little room to wiggle about within them. Aiko gives the Priscus a similar bow of the head as she gave the others, but holds it a little longer as a sign of deference. She'd save the proper acknowledgement for when the proper introductions had been made
Now... who will be the one to make those introductions?