Who would have thought that it would be the so-called Peace-Loving Phoenix that would do something that could easily lead to war being declared on them. Maybe Shigashime was actually a Matsu at heart, Sayomi wondered as the Champion stomped out. Turning away from the unseemly outburst, she looked t...

"I shall do so."

"I cannot be sure that Kitsu Shintaro has given much thought to how the situation is to be resolved since his attempt has failed. I think all of his attention is focused on one question at a time. Lady Matsu only respects strength, and she thinks only Otomo Keihime has shown it or is likely to. As f...

"Very well. Carry on, Kitsu-san."

"Ah." Sanae frowned. "Well, let us say that I share her concerns. But there are three prongs to my decision on this matter. The third of these I will not relate; it will bear no weight in Shiba Higashime's understanding of the world. But the first two are important for her to consider: the first is ...

"Oh?" She leaned forward slightly to display interest. "A debate on which topic?"

Shiba Ryusei wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 06, 2025 8:07 pm

Ryusei approached the Lion delegation and waited to be acknowledged by its leader...

"Shiba-san?" Akodo Sanae looked up at Ryusei and inclined her head in a nod of acknowledgement. "I trust all is well?"

"Not at this time, Akodo-san. Thank you."

"I think you have placed a lot of trust in one woman who held up a treaty in pursuit of her elevation to Daimyo over her brother. But that being said, since you are convinced that there is wider support for this, you may support Aiko in court. The fact is that we need the lumber, so you may advance ...

"All of that is acceptable to me."

"Why not?"

"Alright, push it through."

"Yes, please do."

"I seem to remember the Mantis figuring into a Scorpion arrangement for a similar matter passed some days ago. I presume our arrangements with the Mantis are considered to be coordinated with these matters as well? As long as nothing is disrupted by this arrangement, I think it can only help ensure ...

"Might these two things be related, Kitsu-san? Let us begin with the alliance."

"The Fortunes have been kind, I think. And I hope that they will continue to be. What do you have for me, Kitsu-san?"

Lady Akodo greeted Sayomi with a "Good morning, Kitsu-san."

"That is concerning. Maybe something is afoot that has yet to reveal itself. Perhaps I need to visit the libraries and ask what is going on." She tilted her head and sighed. "It is difficult to distinguish between the virtues of Doji Noriko and Seppun Tomaru, but with all things being equal, even di...

"I have been looking forward to this, Akodo-san. Please, illuminate matters."

"Yes, you may."