After she finished her research in the libraries earlier that morning, Sayomi had sent a servant to deliver an invitation to tea at Copper Hills for the Kitsune regent. It simply requested Kitsune Aiko to meet with her at the teahouse for tea and conversation.

Thanks to the owner's excellent taste, she now had some fine Crane tea waiting for her guest along with a few wagashi.

Aiko arrives as invited.

"Kitsu-san!" she says, giving a bow. "Glad t' see ya!"

Sayomi rose to bow properly to Aiko, smiling in return. "Kitsune-sama. Pleasure to see you again. Please, join me for tea."

A gestured indicated for Aiko to sit with her as she returned to her seat, and soon enough there were two cups of tea for them. "The Fortunes have been kind since we last spoke?"

"T' me, yeah," Aiko says. "Not t' all, I hear. Some monk got cut down last night."

Her brows lowered with some concern. "A monk? Goodness... how awful." That certainly put a damper on the cheer.

"I hope it wasn't because of the more politically active monks we have seen in court lately," she shook her head in dismay.

Aiko shrugs.

"So far's I know," she says, "he weren't connected t' either Chou-sin or Do, bein' from a diff'rent order an' all. But it might could be that; I don't know it all, y' know."

She nodded, and took a sip of tea to re-center herself. Dead monks sounded like an ill omen.

"By the way, I have been speaking to some friendly samurai about your predicament that we spoke about," Sayomi began, steering the conversation to its true purpose for their meeting today. "There are some concerns that have been raised, if I may bring them to you now?"

"S'pose there's no 'voidin' it, is there?" Aiko says. "What's in your craw 'bout it?"

"Some are worried that we'd be lending our voices to a violent coup or civil war within a Minor Clan. In the eyes of the Imperials, that could be considered an interference with the affairs of a Minor Clan that breaks the decree of Hantei Genji that no Great Clan should bring harm to a Minor Clan," Sayomi explains.

"So there are questions about how you would go about achieving your goal. I have looked into records of similar situations, and there are precedents for a leader needing to step down or be called to step down for being unable to perform their duties."

She produced some papers with her notes on her findings from the Ikoma Libraries, sliding them over the table to Aiko.

Aiko looks through the papers.

"Th' Court suggestin' a reassignment for 'im'd be th' best way, I think," she says. "Undertakin' research an' liaising with them as're on th' other side o' the veil'd be a nice way t' do it. Lets 'im do what all he's doin' already, takes from 'im concerns he oughtn't've had these past years anyway."

Aiko looks at Sayomi.

"I don't want no harm t' come on m' brother. I love 'im, an' he were good t' me. But he ain't capable o' doin' the head job no more, an' it's hurtin' things t' home. Can't eve get 'im to get 'imself an heir, it's that bad."

Considering the situation of the Empire, everyone with a pulse should be able to tell how bad no heirs was. Or so at least Sayomi thought.

Her expression softens with some relief though, as she did believe Aiko was sincere and honest in expressing her love for her brother. "That does put me at ease. I'll admit I was worried for a spell there of what could happen. May I ask if you've spoken to your honored brother about it, or if you know his feelings on the matter?"

"Y' ever talk t' a pet cricket?" Aiko replies. "Maybe it'll chirp back sometimes, but what all's it sayin'? It's gettin' t' be like that."

"Oh dear," she responds, her voice full of sympathy for Aiko. She recalled it being like that with her grandfather some years before he passed.

"Have you found anyone else at court to back you yet then? If the situation is so dire?"

"Been talkin' with th' Crab," Aiko says. "Th' Crane. A few others."

She shrugs.

"I'll stand 'lone ifn I hafta," she adds. "My people're worth it."

"Your dedication to your people is commendable. And thank you for your honesty with me. I had spoken to the Crab as well, and I hope that what you've shared with me now, and my research, will help persuade them."

Sayomi continues, "Lady Akodo is sympathetic to your situation, but was concerned about the circumstances and if you were standing alone or not. I will tell her what you've told me, and hope it will be enough." Judging by Sayomi's tone, she was sympathetic as well, and really wanted to help Aiko.

And with that they could hopefully complete their trade deal as well.

"I 'preciate it," Aiko says. "Truly do."

She takes a moment to compose herself. Even a rustic samurai must, now and again.

"No one would envy your position, Kitsune-sama," she offers kindly, letting Aiko have her moment since it was just the two of them here and the teapot. Who knew, maybe it was a tanuki in disguise?

"And I really hope things will start looking up for the Fox with the new year, after all the deals of this court are concluded."

Aiko nods.

"As do I," she says. "As do I."

She pours herself more tea and moves to drink it.

Sayomi offers to refill for Aiko, and then refills for herself as well.

"Now how else has business gone for you, Kitsune-sama? There has been many trade deals on the floor the past days in court."

"Trade's been decent," Aiko says, nodding thanks for the refill. "Could be better, o' course, but ain't that always the case? Still some stuff we need t' get t'gether, but might end up just tradin' among th' Younger Clans ag'in. Been did more'n once afore."