Shloka 2.15.14
अभिषेकसज्जा तथा सुमन्त्रस्य प्रेषणम् (Coronation Preparations and Sumantra’s Commission)
इक्ष्वाकूणां यथा राज्ये संभ्रियेताभिषेचनम्।।2.15.13।।तथाजातीयमादाय राजपुत्राभिषेचनम्।ते राजवचनात्तत्र समवेतामहीपतिम्।।2.15.14।।अपश्यन्तोऽब्रुवन् को नु राज्ञो नः प्रतिवेदयेत्।न पश्यामश्च राजानमुदितश्च दिवाकरः।।2.15.15।।यौवराज्याभिषेकश्च सज्जो रामस्य धीमतः।
iti tēṣu bruvāṇēṣu sārvabhaumān mahīpatīn || 2.15.16 ||
abravīt tān idaṃ sarvān sumantro rājasatkṛtaḥ |
As those sovereign rulers spoke thus, Sumantra—honoured and trusted by the king—addressed them all with these words.
Just as articles necessary for the consecration of the descendants of the Ikshvakus, are customarily arranged in the kingdom, in the same way things were arranged for the coronation of the prince belonging to that race. All those who had assembled there in response to the order of the king could not see him and so they said to themselves 'Who will inform the king of our arrival. Everything is kept ready for consecration of the sagacious Rama as prince regent. The Sun has risen. But we do not find the king'.
Dharma here is proper mediation and protocol: a trusted minister speaks to maintain order and truthful coordination in a public state ceremony.
The assembly is concerned at the king’s absence; Sumantra steps in to communicate and manage the situation.
Loyal service and prudence: Sumantra acts as a reliable agent of the king, guiding the assembly calmly.