Through a combination of winning smile and imperious glare, Isawa Shingo had secured a table in one corner of the inn's restaurant and kept the space around it free from any prying ears. Sensing the dynamic, the inn's manager had politely showed him to a small but mostly private side room that would better accommodate everyone's comfort. By the time his companion arrived, the shugenja's bottle of sake had arrived along with cups and a small selection of food that could be interpreted as Shingo being a lavish host.

"Ah, Isawa-san, I hope I didn't keep you waiting long..."

Ryusei approached with the same barely-suppressed spring in his step he'd had ever since his engagement had been announced, wearing his wave-embroidered kimono.

"After shooting in the Bowman's Wager, I thought it wise to get back into something a bit less martial in character..."

"I encourage you to dress as you wish, Shiba-san," the shugenja said with a smile. He rose to bow properly but was quickly back in his seat. "Your shooting was quite sound. Congratulations, Shiba-san."

He poured sake for the other man first, then himself, then raised his cup in salute of the bushi.

Ryusei chuckled.

"'Sound' won't win the Bowman's Wager, but I thank you all the same."

"You will perhaps forgive a humble servant of the kami for not knowing the intricacies of a competition best suited to skilled bushi like yourself," Shingo says with a smile and a nod of his head. "I think a respectable showing would still benefit the reputation of our clan, seeing as we're rarely expected to take to honors in martial competitions."

The Isawa pauses, but before Ryusei can respond, he picks up again. "Ah, I do not wish to discuss archery too long, Shiba-san, especially when I have yet to share my most important message of the evening with you." The shugenja continues to smile and speak warmly, but he's made it clear that he has something of an agenda for this meeting.

Ryusei, barely an archer by his own estimation, nodded.

"It's a bit technical anyway. It's not a particular focus of mine, so..."

By all means, let's do move on.

Shingo nods and takes a sip from his sake before beginning.

"Shiba-san, first, I must commend all your work on behalf of our clan this winter. Your efficiency and industry are most impressive and bring great honor on your house and yourself."

"Isawa-san is too kind- I have but done my duty to the best of my ability."

He bowed.

"And it helps that simple... exchanges don't require the most deft political touch."