Do you say you do. (Day 10 Late morning.)

[Kitsu Sayomi]

Sayomi felt more and more awkward as Daichi's explanation went on, and silently accepted a refill of tea. If only to fill the silence with nursing a new cup.

"Ah, I... must admit that this is a very unknown situation for me to navigate," she began after a long sip of tea. "I think you are both, in your own rights, handsome and excellent matches for any samurai to marry."

A slight pause.

"But I must admit that I can't say I know either of you well enough to confess a fondness, other than respect and admiration for two upstanding samurai. The Matchmaker is entitled to her opinion, but my wish is to marry for the betterment of my clan and family, and not out of any errant desire I might have." At that, Sayomi bowed her head to both men. "I thank you for the honesty you have given me, Hiruma-sama."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I'm very sorry to have put you in this awkward position, Kitsu-san," Ryoichi said, his cheeks flushing. He took a sip of the tea to steady himself.

"Of course you must do what is best for your family and clan."

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"Your apologies are accepted, Yasuki-sama," Sayomi remarked politely with a bow of her head, but she wasn't hiding it too well that she was a bit unhappy with the position this had placed her in.

"I can't clear the situation up between you two, and I'm... not overly fond of the idea of being competed over, nor that I have to make some sort of choice between you as if it was some sort of contest." She took another sip of tea, hoping her calm tone didn't make it sound like she was upset. "But I will have to think about this, and consult with my superiors if another marriage with the Crab is of interest. I know we've already conducted some trade, but there were a few other things that have come up that we could speak about."

She raised a hand, holding up one finger first. "The first concerns the current situation within the Kitsune family of the Fox clan." Second finger up. "The second is, from what I have heard, about working with the Emerald Office to secure the rivers against piracy. The Lion have some interest in this one, from a different angle."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Well, we're certainly against pirates," Ryoichi said, grateful for the change in subject. "And I think we are somewhat aware of the Kitsune family situation, but what is the Lion's opinion on this issue?"

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"While it's... not exactly the right way to go about things, the Lion think that it would be better if Kitsune Aiko-sama were acknowledged for her work. It's not becoming of the Great Clans to interfere with the Minor Clans in such a manner, but she is after all reaching out to us for that assistance." She chewed her lip briefly in thought. "In the end, a Clan Champion is someone who is willing to do the work that is needed for the Clan, and serves the Empire. Kitsune Aiko-sama is one such person who can do that."

[Hiruma Daichi]

"I might suggest you make no choice at all in these matters Kitsu-san. The Imperial matchmaker has given us options, and while the choices exist, they aren't exactly ours to make. If there is another of your clan present you believe would be able to proceed with your best interests of you and your clan in mind it would not be a folly to call upon them. I myself may ask for the Intervention of Yasuki Masaki or Kuni Shiori in place of myself. As you said as well, there is a chance that no marriages at all will be of interest."

"We do have some matters we can discuss though, and luckily I have some insights on both those matters. I've met with Kitsune-sama myself and she brought forward a delicate matter. Added to that I've been in talks with the Scorpion about piracy problems along the River of gold."

"As for Kitsune-sama, we do understand her plight, but we do have some concerns about the way this change may be accomplished, abdication or retirement or other. We also wonder if it's truly the will of the majority of the Clan or not. As we have been unable to ascertain that ourselves."

"If the Lion can speak some on these matters, it would prove of assistance though."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I might suggest you make no choice at all in these matters Kitsu-san. The Imperial matchmaker has given us options, and while the choices exist, they aren't exactly ours to make. If there is another of your clan present you believe would be able to proceed with your best interests of you and your clan in mind it would not be a folly to call upon them. I myself may ask for the Intervention of Yasuki Masaki or Kuni Shiori in place of myself. As you said as well, there is a chance that no marriages at all will be of interest."

"I'm sure there must be many offers for the hand of such an elegant lady as Kitsu-san," Ryoichi said, attempting to sound diffident. "Hiruma-gunso's suggestion to have another member of your clan make a determination as to which is most beneficial does sound sensible."

"As for Kitsune-sama, we do understand her plight, but we do have some concerns about the way this change may be accomplished, abdication or retirement or other. We also wonder if it's truly the will of the majority of the Clan or not. As we have been unable to ascertain that ourselves."

"There is the propriety of meddling in the affairs of a minor clan to consider, as well," the Yasuki added.

[Kitsu Sayomi]

Sayomi nodded. "I have much faith in Akodo Kenji-sama to negotiate any marriage involving myself. Or any of the Daimyo." She had negotiated a marriage for Kenji, so it was only fair to give him the same faith he had given her.

"It's my impression from speaking with Kitsune-sama that she is honest when she says the majority of her clan would support the change." But she knew her own impression was of course fallible.

"As for how the change is accomplished, I believe those of us interested in supporting Kitsune-sama ask her directly how the change would come about. As no honourable samurai would take part in a bloody coup." Hopefully. "My intention after speaking with you, was to check the libraries here tomorrow for any records supporting a peaceful change of daimyo for such circumstances."

[Hiruma Daichi]

"As for Kitsune-sama, we do understand her plight, but we do have some concerns about the way this change may be accomplished, abdication or retirement or other. We also wonder if it's truly the will of the majority of the Clan or not. As we have been unable to ascertain that ourselves."

"There is the propriety of meddling in the affairs of a minor clan to consider, as well," the Yasuki added.

"This is something Kitsune-sama has brought up herself and indeed something we should consider. It's one of the reasons why I have a positive opinion of the woman despite the circumstances." He nodded at Sayomi's words. "If she will indeed admit the how of it, that will prove helpful. If the circumstances are acceptable, I am sure I could find some support among our clan."

"Word from her people or one close enough to know such things well would be a help as well though, if any know of any potential sources there." He picked up his cup and took a sip. "Looking into the records your Clan keeps is also an inspired idea Kitsu-san. If we can find a similar circumstance in the past it may make this decision much easier."

"As for the previous matter discussed though. One of our clan will get in touch with Akodo-san or one of the others named in short order."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

Ryoichi nodded gravely. "Hiruma-gunso has the right of it," he agreed. "That seems to be the best approach on both points."

He took another sip of tea.

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"Thank you, Hiruma-sama," she did indeed sound very grateful.

"I will keep the Crab in the loop of what I might discover from my research. And if you have any further meetings with Kitsune-sama, I hope to be kept up to date too." The Lion were sympathetic to the Kitsune it seemed, but the unspoken words were that they wouldn't stick their necks out on this topic if it meant going in alone.

"As for the other subject I mentioned, the Lion would be interested in supporting the initiative to safeguard the rivers of the Empire, considering so much trade relies on it. To achieve this, we believe it would be best if the Emerald Champion's Auxiliary Emerald Office moved out of Ikoma's Eye and into the compound proper of Kyuden Ikoma. That would create more permanent base for the office to operate, thus solidifying the presence of the Throne's laws. An inter-clan effort to work against lawlessness would have to cooperate with the Emerald Office, after all, and an office in a near and safe area would be invaluable."

[Hiruma Daichi]

"We appreciate your help in that Kitsu-san, and I will share anything we learn with you in turn." Daichi replied with a dip of his head, the Lion may indeed have an ally here if things worked out in a positive way.

"That is indeed something we have been working on the Scorpion with as well as other clans. I believe Yasuki-san has been talking with the Phoenix and Crane regarding piracy on the coast. Where I have concentrated my efforts more on the rivers specifically the Southern parts of the River of Gold. We are looking at the creation of Manor of a Manor in the region near the fork where the River of Gold splits towards the Lake of Cherry Blossom Snow. (048.088) Run and staffed by the Emerald Magistrates of course as it lies within Imperial lands.

"Having a larger Magistrate base that's far more permanent to the North would be a boon for us too. So that's certainly something the Crab at least could look towards supporting."

[Kitsu Sayomi]

Sayomi listened attentively as Daichi explained the plans of a manor-outpost to help with patrolling the rivers. "Tactically, that seems sound," she agreed with it.

"Perhaps this is something that should be discussed with the Crane and Scorpion as well, in a meeting with all?" Rather than running between groups and meetings multiple times.

[Hiruma Daichi]

"That would likely be the best way to go about things." He agreed with a nod. "I'll likely have some time tomorrow if we want to make that happen. I should say that there are plans in place to bring up exploring that notion tomorrow in court, linked already to our treaty with the Scorpion. Adding the Lion in there later should not be difficult though. As there is nothing beyond inviting some to explore the option."

"Should we contact Soshi-san to see if he has some availability in the evening though."

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"That sounds doable, yes. After the first day of archery tomorrow, I should be available for a meeting."

She looked to both men. "I hope to see you both compete in the Bowman's Wager tomorrow."

[Hiruma Daichi]

"I had plans to participate, though I admit my skill doesn't compare to my younger sisters and I favor the sword over the bow." Dachi replied with a slight smile.

"And I will contact Soshi-san and see if he has some time at that hour, with luck he will."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I'm a poor shot with a bow," Ryoichi said with self-depreciating shrug. "But I shall be sure to cheer you both on. I understand there is quite a bit of wagering on this event, too; perhaps that will prove interesting."

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"Ah, that's a shame, Yasuki-sama." She had hoped he would make an effort for it. "But thank you for your support."

"... So, hm, I believe that is all?"

[Hiruma Daichi]

"I believe so." Daichi replied with a nod.

"Unless there is anything else we need to speak of?" He asked as he glanced between the other two.