After a while, Mariko will pose a question:

"Does Hiruma-san expect to return to the front after Court?"

"I'm sure I will," Mariko agrees.

"Whyever did Hiruma-san think that his Yasuki comrade was suggested for a marriage to a Miya in Otosan Uchi?" Mariko asks. "Did he think Yasuki-san would simply have been a kept man? I've no doubt he would excel in such a role, of course, but it would seem to be a waste of talent and expertise. "And...

"Of course," Mariko replies. "We're all friends here, aren't we?"

"The Crab will be able to offer support for a strong Empire when they swear to the rightful Empress," Mariko says. "But the Legions are under the command of the Emerald Champion in the Imperial absence, and the docks of Otosan Uchi remain, until the Throne determines otherwise, within the purview of...

"What does the Lord Kaiu have in mind?" Mariko asks.

She eats more.

"Of course, Hiruma-san," Mariko says as the servants serve and depart.

After giving thanks, she takes up her chopsticks.

"Say on, Hiruma-san."

She eats.

"Oh, no," Mariko says. "Fortunately, the Lady Moshi is generous, since he was injured as a result of serving her, but he still has trouble walking, I am told."

"Oh, such misfortune," Mariko says. "The poor ronin fell and broke his leg trying to leave the contest grounds. Terrible compound fracture. And it's not like a fighting person can get a lot of work without being able to stand to it."

"Last year," Mariko says, "Shanan was beaten rather suddenly. The initial challenge, and the last one, was to shoot the arrow furthest. A simple thing, really, but it only took the single arrow from him to secure his defeat." She shakes her head. "A sadness, truly, especially given what happened aft...

"Have you thought about the challenges tomorrow?" Mariko asks. "I am told that, after a small preliminary, you will take turns issuing challenges to one another, daring each other to greater heights of performance."

"Very much so," Mariko says, "and Hiruma-san seems to be doing well, too, moving into the finals of the Wager."

She nods.

"Commendable work. Shame about that poor horse, though."

Here, she shakes her head.

"Oh, I certainly do!"

Mariko takes her seat.

"And it's such a pleasure to see you smile, Hiruma-san!"

She is not, but Mariko soon arrives.

"Hiruma-san," she says, bowing. "What a pleasure to receive your invitation again!"

"Then I hope you will carry the Fortunes, Hiruma-san," Mariko says.

(seems like /scene, and my thanks!)

Mariko drains hers.

"Did you have anything else for me, Hiruma-san?" she asks.

"I understand," Mariko replies, nodding. "And I shall look forward to hearing of his approval."

More booze!

"I have no doubt that the Miya will offer a rich wedding present to House Shiozaki," Mariko replies. "And it may well be that the new Miya will be able to lobby successfully for the application of the Emperor's Blessing to Crab projects. That will, of course, be a decision for the Lord Herald and th...

The servant refills both cups.

"Arranging a marriage to someone already stationed in the Capital for someone whose project strongly suggests he should also take up residence in the Capital?" Mariko asks. "It seems very nearly ideal for him to carry out the duties he seeks for himself."