Dealing with Ru was not bound to be an easy task, this much Tetsuya knew. The people of Ru and Kenzo had just about as little to do with the war as Shima did, and yet they were even more reclusive than Shima in many regards. This was the young Neko's first time here and he hadn't been entirely sure what to expect, only going off of the slight details he had been provided before making the trip out. It was proving to be... Interesting. The culture of Ru was very different from what he was accustomed to, and he wasn't used to seeing so many people dressed for battle. The citizens were nice enough he supposed, but it wasn't easy to fully relax when half of the people you saw were armed. 

Much to his chagrin an audience with Lady Himiko Ru wasn't easy to get. For a woman who was supposed to be receptive to visitors there was very little opportunity for him to visit. It could perhaps be his appearance, clad in armor with a weapon strapped to his hip, or the fact he found himself in a slightly unfortunate circumstance. Though he did bear the seal of Lord Shima, albeit not openly, not every person he had encountered was wholly welcoming of him. Some people gave him a funny look but let him pass along while others had a few choice words, but that was the extent of their harassment. It wasn't until he moved along and went to the inn to ask questions that he got into a bit of a mess.

Tetsuya was busy asking the patrons of the inn how to seek an audience with Lady Himiko Ru, as he didn't even know where her palace was to begin with. In hindsight perhaps a tavern was a poor place to ask around, the majority of people in here were either too grumpy or too drunk to answer questions. Approaching the barkeep to ask him a few questions as well he waited patiently as the man went to ask other employees, feeling dejected when he returned emptyhanded. Letting out a sigh the Neko hung his head, shaking it before lifting his hand in thanks. 

[color=39b54a]"I appreciate the effort, sir. I'll be on my way..."[/color] Tetsuya replied, taking a bow before turning to move for the door. Interestingly he came face to face with one of the patrons, a rather grumpy, disheveled looking man that was just a head taller than him. Furrowing his brow slightly he tried to step around him, sighing as his shoulder was grabbed and he was stopped in place. [color=39b54a]"May I help you with something, sir?"[/color]

"No, but I can help you leave this place," the man retorted, grinning as he gestured to himself, "I bet you're some spy looking for our Lady, aren't you? Well... No one's going to hurt her on our watch!"

This man was, quite clearly, drunk and well over his head. It was utterly absurd to think a guard of Lord Shima's would be involved in any such task, or that someone would be so blatantly obvious if that was their intention. Tetsuya couldn't even begin to explain how idiotic those accusations were, and the groans of other patrons seemed to voice his doubts. Seeing no short end to this he tried to walk away again, instead being pushed back by the man once more. Outside people would be able to hear the man shout a bit, and soon afterwards the sound of something smacking against metal. A few sharp yelps later and the door opened up, the man flying out a second later afterwards. With a thud he landed in the street below, groaning as he laid sprawled out, one eye puffed up and bruised and his nose red from being hit. Tetsuya would exit the tavern a second later, frowning as he slowly descended the steps and stood before the man.

[color=39b54a]"Don't you ever insult my Lord like that. He would never wish for undue harm towards your lady,"[/color] Tetusya said, frowning as he heard footsteps behind him. Glancing over his shoulder he saw a few other men coming out, but rather than confront him they hurried to the fallen man, grabbing hold of him and pulling him away.

"Sorry for the trouble, kid! Jishi has a big mouth when he drinks, don't mind him!" one of the men said, smiling apologetically as he bowed his head.

Of course he did, most people did. No harm was done though, he was fine for it and the words spoken, while insulting, had ultimately done no harm. Only nodding his head in slight reply Tetsuya sighed, walking back down the road into Ru proper. So that was fruitless, there had to be someone he could speak to about the Lady's whereabouts. Or he could just wander until he stumbled across it, though he did hate to waste time. What a bother this was turning out to be...