diff --git a/matrix_keycloak_bot.py b/matrix_keycloak_bot.py
index 1de8be4..a58a250 100644
--- a/matrix_keycloak_bot.py
+++ b/matrix_keycloak_bot.py
@@ -112,6 +112,7 @@ async def on_message(client: AsyncClient, room: MatrixRoom, event: RoomMessageTe
     parts = body.split(maxsplit=1)
     if len(parts) < 2:
         await send_message_safe(
+            client,
             room_id=room.room_id,
             message_type="m.room.message",
             content={"msgtype": "m.notice", "body": "Usage: !request <group_name>"},
@@ -188,9 +189,9 @@ async def on_reaction(client: AsyncClient, room: MatrixRoom, event: ReactionEven
     if event.sender not in ADMIN_MATRIX_IDS:
         return
 
-    relates_to = event.content.get("m.relates_to", {})
-    target_event_id = relates_to.get("event_id")
-    emoji = relates_to.get("key")
+    # matrix-nio exposes target event ID and emoji as direct properties
+    target_event_id = event.reacts_to
+    emoji = event.key
 
     # Check if this reaction targets an active pending request
     if not target_event_id or target_event_id not in pending_requests:
@@ -216,8 +217,8 @@ async def on_reaction(client: AsyncClient, room: MatrixRoom, event: ReactionEven
             f"has been approved!" if success else f"⚠️ Approval failed: {msg}"
         )
         await send_message_safe(
+            client,
             room_id=request["origin_room_id"],
-            message_type="m.room.message",
             content={"msgtype": "m.notice", "body": user_msg},
         )
 
@@ -228,8 +229,8 @@ async def on_reaction(client: AsyncClient, room: MatrixRoom, event: ReactionEven
         )
 
         await send_message_safe(
+            client,
             room_id=request["origin_room_id"],
-            message_type="m.room.message",
             content={
                 "msgtype": "m.notice",
                 "body": f"Your request for group '{request['requested_group']}' was denied.",
@@ -240,8 +241,8 @@ async def on_reaction(client: AsyncClient, room: MatrixRoom, event: ReactionEven
 
     # Update the original admin room message to reflect resolution status
     await send_message_safe(
+        client,
         room_id=ADMIN_ROOM_ID,
-        message_type="m.room.message",
         content={
             "msgtype": "m.text",
             "body": status_text,