An acquaintance. That meant a whole world of trouble, coming from Niikura. Either this Badd person was someone of questionable intent, or someone on Niikura's hit list for whatever reason. Either way, Shiina wasn't sure if she could trust his smile. Politicians smiled a lot, too.

She wasn't going to be impolite, though. Ignoring whatever connotations came with just being considered 'a friend of a friend,' Shiina plucked up her energy to give Badd a smile and nodded in greeting. "Nice to meet you, Badd-san."

At least he didn't seem eager to talk his way into her heart, like so many two-faced fat cats would in order to win her favor. He was quiet, a little scary, but he looked like he hadn't had the easiest life. Perhaps he was an honest working man just like anyone else? She would have to do some probing before she could be sure, though.

Niikura's change in tone wasn't surprising, given the gravity of the situation, but Shiina forced her smile to lock in place. She refused to let him worry, even though the fever seemed to hike up a degree or two even as she returned his gaze. "No, we should go. Distracting us... that's just what Landel wants."