Stiffly, Akito takes a seat beside the board to watch the game between the old man and his betrothed. He doesn't know what to expect, or what's expected of him, and the idea of having to follow up behind the prince is a little intimidating. He has no idea how good Hiro is, but ad Akito has only played a couple times – lost both times – he's quite sure the man is better than he is. He feels a faint thrill as he sees the concentration in the prince's eyes, the expression he's only seen once before in the youth and that time had been exciting to say the least. His own senses sharpen as he takes in the match, watching each move and counter move, re-familiarizing himself with the rules and pieces.

He glances at the players ever so often, interested in their moods as they move the little pieces across the board. In his mind he can hear the sounds of combat as the little tiles clash, the furious battle before him translating into real people before his very eyes. He sees the end coming long before it happens and when it does he lets out a long breath, his eyes sliding over to watch how Hiro takes the loss. The rather childish and spectacularly overreaction makes Akito almost want to smile, but he knows that smiling at someone's loss is not the best way to stay in their good graces so he contents himself with a calm expression.

Those around them laugh, including the man who won, but Akito feels it's not his place to do so. He remains still and silent until suddenly he's addressed by Hiro's opponent. He looks back and forth between him and the prince as the man moves out of the way and presents him with other options, but given the other ones could be considered rude after the man offered to play with him he gently shifts over so he's settle opposite the elderly gentleman. Making sure his blade is resting comfortably on the floor he pulls open his kimono slightly and clicks his tongue. Much to the delight of the men around them Hoko comes slithering out with an adorable little yawn.

After getting permission from Akito the old men begin passing Hoko around, petting and scratching him, much to the little audrat's delight. While this is happening Akito bows to the man across from him, who nods in return, and the battle begins. Much like his role in the war, Akito's moves are covert and precise, the man before him commenting on him being a little too aggressive before realizing that it wasn't the soldier's bold front that he had to worry about. Akito's gaze remains on the board the entire time, the sound of battle ringing in his ears but his expression calm. Once his opponent catches on to his tactics and begins to counter them the younger man adjusts accordingly. The old man chuckles at him, delighted in the game play even though he gets no replied from the silent ex-soldier.

The end of the game is sudden and the sound of it is like a soft whisper in Akito's ears. Sitting back he bows his head, accepting his loss before looking up at the man who defeated him. The man is smiling warmly, his hand coming out so he can shake the younger male's. Akito obliges, clicking his tongue to call back his pet now that he doesn't have to worry about squishing it wit all the leaning backwards and forwards. Hoko comes racing back, slipping into his clothing with ease and settling down for a nap after the exhausting task of keeping so many old and middle aged men amused with petting him. Looking over at Hiro, Akito smiles softly and nods, showing he was happy to be brought here for the game.

The moment doesn't last very long as the sound of the inner door opening draws the attention of almost everyone in the room. Akito quails under the gaze of the clearly irritated monarch and does his best to vanish into the floorboards without moving an inch. The gaze goes from him to his son and with a sharp hand he orders the both of them to their feet. The emperor isn't all that angry, really, not about the unscheduled trip to town at least, but he is a little irked that Hiro saw fit to avoid him upon their return. Akito doesn't know this however and walks very stiffly behind his intended as the emperor leads the way to a nearby room where the empress waits, a faint smile on her lips despite her slightly worried creased brow.