Meanwhile, back at the palace, Hotohori (royally) is depressed, for he cannot be with Miaka (and help her search for the other seishi), considering that he has his duties as emperor. Chichiri pops up, offers to help and explains that he knows how Hotohori feels. Using his magic, Chichiri transforms himself into an exact copy of Hotohori, urging the original to go with Miaka while Chichiri-type Hotohori covers for him. Hotohori says "I... I..." as if he was about to thank Chichiri, but instead tells Chichiri that he is far more beautiful than that, going as far as saying that Chichiri's copy is not seductive-looking enough.