[i]Seek fortune from the most unlikely places.[/i]

Takahiro spent his time by the stairs, entertaining those nearby while taking care to observe the flow of people around him. Doors that opened for servants were noted and memorized, the movements of guests telling him just where he could and couldn't go. Certainly, he wanted to be a memorable guest, to be spoken of fondly after this celebration was long over. It made things easier that way, both for tonight and in the future.

So he had to ensure that a charming and exotic guest was [i]all[/i] they saw Takahiro as. It was easy enough for now, but there was a problem that had existed from the start, one he hadn't yet gotten around:

Going upstairs.

A limp man struggling up the steps stood out, and it wasn't a memory he wanted people to have of him. No doubt someone would rush to his aid, and he would find his climb made easier by willing hands, the damage would be done. His job was to fit in among the Western Elite, and learn from them what he could. Anything that might give them reason to look down on him was unacceptable, any pitying thought or memory one he had to avoid as best he could.

So an escort was his best option, and what would you know? It happened that a lovely young lady without a partner of her own decided to come right over in his time of need.

A young, [i]Russian[/i] lady, if he placed the accent correctly. Unlikely places, indeed.

"Good, evening," Takahiro offered her a low bow, a comforting smile growing upon his lips as an embarrassed blush rose in her face. He spoke slowly, deliberately, as much to speak the foreign language correctly as to be sure she could understand him. 

"Artu? [i]Hai[/i], very much." He followed her gaze to the gallery above, years of discipline hard at work to keep his features kind and polite. Could he have asked for an opportunity any more... perfect? "I, like to look closer... [i]Demo[/i]..."

He gestured towards his cane and right leg, fidgeting slightly as he seemed to work up the nerve to ask his next question. It was hard to admit weakness after all, especially to such a lady who seemed so interested in sharing his company.

"Could you... help me there- to the art?"