Ka-Ru-MA! Of course! [ He finds her anger endearing—a clear symptom of her strong feelings. Besides, how often was his own anger piqued when acquaintances were wrong about Mikotoba: when they referred to him as "Chinese" or assumed he didn't speak English? Plenty. He shouldn't sink to the level of his countrymen. ] Truly, I meant no disrespect, Miss Susato, for Mr. Asogi or his most sacred heirloom.

[ He offers her a smile before bowing once more. ] And thank you for such a fetching crown—it warms me with fond thoughts of dear Iris.

[ If she was here, she surely would have stepped on his foot at multiple points in this conversation. ]