["Congratulations" would probably be a better sentiment, but not one that could be expressed in polite company. In truth, the loss of Kazama is a rather devastating loss for demonkind - and yet Sen can't help the smallest bit of relief that had crept in when she'd realized she could put off her duty for just a little longer. She can continue her research on the ochimizu, find what she needs to purge the last of Sannan's foul influence from herself, and go on with her life.

It's more than she could have hoped for. If circumstances were different, would she have managed to avoid this? She doesn't know.

Kaoru is polite enough. He says just the right things to satisfy any listening ears (and certainly there are listening ears - everyone is paying attention at this gathering to be sure that there aren't any missteps from their own clans, and to hold any missteps from other clans over them when it may come to their advantage. She can't afford to respond badly.

...and, well, he's not wrong. It is difficult to be here, but not for the reasons that most people believe. She lowers her gaze in the way that she knows the demons around her expect, and sighs lightly.] Thank you. It's certainly difficult... but both the demon clans of Satsuma and Yase thank you for your support during this trying time. Kazama Chikage is not a man who can be easily replaced.

[He's one-of-a-kind, all right. A one-of-a-kind jackass.]

I doubt we'll ever see someone like him again.

[There's an almost imperceptible relaxation of her shoulders at the words - And thank all the gods for that.]