Is it Second Chance?
The highest expression of thanks—the saikeirei—was performed in two parts: a deep, slow bow from the hips, held for three heartbeats, then a slow, controlled rise.
Mark had demonstrated it like a religious rite. For the Sanfords, I’d failed with a quick, shallow 30^\circ nod. Tonight, failure was not an option. I stood before the lead Councilman. I took a steadying breath, grounded my feet, and began the descent. My spine remained straight, my hands clasped before me. I lowered my body, slowly, deliberately, until the angle was unmistakably forty-five degrees.
I could feel the wig shifting slightly, but I ignored it. I held the position—one, two, three—and then slowly, with exquisite control
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