Whatever response to that Ashitaka might've had was swallowed up by his sharp reaction towards the roar, an immediate tug of his attention along with a severe gaze. Without thinking he reaches out a hand to steady Yakul, scratching him along the neck in a way he knew he enjoyed.

"I see."

He says it after a moment's wariness.

"What are you to the Empire, then? I wonder who I am speaking to, apart from your name." He delves into his memory, trying to remember the bits and pieces of vital information he'd learned from Xici when speaking to her. "And who are you to Tal-Viero?"

He is the Empire, she had said to him. He had always wondered if her reverence towards him was universal.