Matches with the Matchmaker.

[Hiruma Daichi]

"Is there anything more you can tell me of either of them?" He asked after a moment of contemplation. "I believe I saw Ichiro-san at the go contest, and I assume that she's been trained as a bushi by her Clan, but do you know anything about her duties for example?"

"As for Seppun-Sama, well, anything at all you can share there. It doesn't seem a bad match but my curiosity is piqued."

[Otomo Mariko]

"The Ichiro," Mariko begins, "is in some ways typical of her Clan, as you saw. She is, ah, sturdy, so she should be able to ensure your line continues. And she is generally reserved, self-contained. Too, as you doubtlessly saw at the tournament, her mind does move ahead, thinking several steps in advance, which seems a transferable skill to the maintenance of a household."

She visibly takes a drink this time.

"Tanaka-san, by contrast, is urbane. She is a native of the Capital, as it happens, although she has been dispatched to a number of the major courts across the Empire. In each, she has demonstrated that she is a capable administrator. She was, in fact, schooled among the Miya, though her duties have not run to work as a shisha."

[Hiruma Daichi]

The young Crab nodded, there were several things to unpack there. The Ichiro was likely an option in a lot of ways similar to Sayomi, lower levels of importance to her Clan, and while she may outrank the Lion the difference was not so much it made up for being a minor clan over a great. Neither was exactly what he was looking for, so it'd mostly just be a matter of preference.

The Seppun was likely the better match here, but he wasn't sure it was so great as to neglect the wishes of his house and ancestors. A skilled administrator, she would be a great match if she were marrying in, but that wasn't likely to be so. Also, her background spoke of a certain degree of frailty, and perhaps poor connections to the Otomo.

"Those are certainly some options I'll be considering." He offered after a few moments, placing his sake cup on the table so it could be filled. "I suppose currently we should speak more in depth on Shiozaki-san though, and what arrangements might be made there."

[Otomo Mariko]

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."

[Hiruma Daichi]

"It is quite a boon indeed, to Shiozak-san himself and the Imperials as well who will benefit greatly from the work he will carry out in the future." Daichi agreed with a nod. "The Crab of course will miss both his skilled blade and his sharp wit that have aided us greatly during court this season."

"We are of course more than willing to part with him though for the betterment of the Empire as a whole. The Crab are known after all for being able to endure and overcome even what some might consider a great loss."

[Otomo Mariko]

"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 the Court, but one is more apt to listen to family than to others."

[Hiruma Daichi]

"Quite true." Daichi replied with a nod. Though it might be a bit awkward for the Emperor to bless any projects unless they managed to decide on one.

"I'll have to look to Lord Kaiu for final agreement but I think that could work for us."

[Otomo Mariko]

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

[Hiruma Daichi]

Daichi nodded and picked up his cup to take a sip.

"I'll get word back to you when I can then."

[Otomo Mariko]

Mariko drains hers.

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

[Hiruma Daichi]

"I don't believe so Otomo-sama." He replied with a polite dip of his head.

[Otomo Mariko]

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

(seems like /scene, and my thanks!)

[Hiruma Daichi]

/scene