"I figure you should probably go talk to Kasumi and her family, while I track down the Shuzens," you say to Altria. "You've at least sat down and discussed personal matters with the former, while I'm not sure that you've exchanged more than five words with the others." You give the British girl a questioning look, and she turns her head - not exactly an affirmative nod or a shake of denial, but a confirmation of your guess all the same. "Okay. But considering the timing - would you object to waiting until the next break? We know Beryl isn't going anywhere for the next hour or so."

"I believe I will be able to restrain myself," Altria assures you.

"Good to know." You pause and glance across the arena to where Cordelia, Lu-sensei, and Mister Sakaki are seated. "Um, did you want to join us for this round?"

"I appreciate the offer, but I will have to decline." Altria nods at the group of older young people clustered around her currently vacant seat. "As you can see, my company is expected."

The kendo clubs, you figure. "Okay, prior arrangements. Just checking." Is there anything else to be said? After a moment's reflection, you decide the answer to be, no, not really. "Right then. I'll get out of your hair for now. Take care, enjoy the matches, and if it looks like Ambrose isn't going to pay attention to Beryl's match, consider taking a page from Briar's book and pulling on his whiskers."

The fairy snickers at your parting suggestion, while Altria looks thoughtful.

You hurry back down the corridors the way you came. You do pass a couple of people this time, but it's just regular folks returning from bathroom breaks and trips to the concession stands; many of them don't even notice you, and those that deign to spare you a glance do nothing more than that. You return to your companions without incident, and are able to reclaim your seat just as the Announcer proclaims the opening of the second round.