The courts of Toshi Ranbo were sparsely attended. It seemed to those present that Winter Court had started elsewhere, and they had not received an invitation. It had been this way since knowledge of the outbreak had spread through the ranks of the courtiers and ambassadors faster than any illness itself could have. None would claim fear of the contagion. None would shirk their responsibilities to ensure their own personal safety. In fact, none would accuse any within the courts of the Empress of carrying the disease. That would be too great an insult to bear. "They are our allies, Odaka-san."