Ah, welcome. Thank you for coming.

[Byakuya himself waited at the entrance as guests arrived, keeping his usual imposing presence- well, as much as he could as an arrogant teenager, anyway. His Mimikyu, Daifuku, confidently hung around at his side peering at everyone and squeaking a greeting to any new Pokémon he spotted- and he had even picked up a tiny green cross-over tie for his disguise, perfect for matching his person!]

...You'll have to forgive him, he's a little excited to meet everyone.

So, what have you been able to learn about your companion so far?

[Despite having a quiet research room, Byakuya was primarily discussing his own findings by one of the buffet tables. That way, he could enjoy the good food as well as get information! The best of both worlds!]

And if you haven't already, do help yourself to the food. I made sure there would be plenty- I would recommend the Karaage Chicken if meat is agreeable to you.

It's all been going well so far, so why...

[He'd taken a moment to step out into the quieter room, wiping the sweat off his palms with a napkin.

He had checked the venue carefully to make sure there were no blind spots. No one here was being threatened, to his knowledge. And so far, everyone he'd encountered in Ellipsa seemed good people at best and tolerable at worst.

But...

Something still ate away at the back of his mind- an anxiety he couldn't quite shake. An irrational feeling that something was about to go horribly, horribly wrong.

His Mimikyu made a worried little squeak, nudging at him.]

...Don't worry, we'll head back soon.

[If there was already someone in the room- or someone has followed him- he had yet to notice.]