Court wouldn't be far off now, but Daichi was looking to talk to Kaiu-dono once again. He had a bit of an update on the Mantis and he had some things about the Scorpion to work out as well. It could likely wait a little bit yet, but it was probably best to get these knocked out early.

Approaching Kaiu-dono's office he knocked at the door in hope the old man was here.

Daichi is shown in to see Masahiko, who is hard at work.

"Kaiu-dono." Daichi greeted the other man with a deep bow. "I hope I'm not disturbing you this morning."

Masahiko looked up from his desk. "Of course not, Hiruma-san. Court stretches on and there are always more papers to read. What do you have for me?"

"A deal with the Manis to review if you have the time for it." Daichi replied as he entered the room properly, moving to close the door behind him if he was allowed.

"It's a bit of a peculiar one but has its advantages."

"I was wondering when Rioshida would come slouching in. Heard the Crane gave him some tough trade."

"That's unsurprising, I don't think the Crane are here this season to find people to trade with on equal terms. You could almost start to think their rice is made of gold." He said with a shake of his head. If circumstances had been different, he might have encouraged not trading with them at all.

"Gusai-dono has proposed an interesting offer though. Which while not apparent on the surface helps us approach some of our trade goals."

4 fish. (Fish is in the other food category.)

For

2 arms
3 sake.
1 kaiu armor.

Gusai Yayoi Marries Sugimura Haruko and joins the Crab.

"Quite one sided on the surface, which isn't out of the ordinary given some of the other deals I have seen here. But they are also going to ship us a number on teapots whose origin might interest house Terada in parity to the Arms and Sake."

"Ah. I see. Then this treaty is excellent. Good work. The court has been pretty leery of direct challenges, so even though it seems thin, I think we should be fine. But just in case I'm wrong, because sometimes Kasuga Izumi comes after Rioshida, I'll line up an extra sword. I think there's a favor I can exchange, here."

Daichi dipped his hand in understanding. "She seems to have been fairly quiet so far, but I would not be surprised if she were to speak up here." He agreed. "Though there is some hope of coming to an agreement with her that might prevent that. Shiozaki-san I believe is working on that."

"He's a clever one, but he'll need to be to deal with the Tortoise. They've got guile and gumption in good measure, for certain."

"That's what I've heard." Daichi agreed. "They seem to be giving the Mantis no end of pain either. Gusai-dono asked if we could look into that too, but I made no promises."

"Good. The Tortoise are more vulnerable now without the Empress, but they're still a tough bunch, and we've got other commitments. Not that the Mantis can't ruin things for others, but they don't have quite the same flair."

Daich nodded at that he wasn't wrong after all. "I've restarted talks with the Scorpion too, though we are still hashing out the details. They seem a bit more eager to deal now, even if we don't strictly exchange goods alone."

"That is good, Daichi-san. Perhaps Lady Bayushi is finally getting some sleep. I find that can really make things smoother."

"Let's hope that is the case." He agreed with a nod.

"There was one matter I've discussed with Soshi-san that may need your opinion at this time, so I can get started with it." The young crab continued. "We talked of encouraging the Imperials and specifically the Emerald magistrates building a Manor at the fork of the River of Gold leading to the lake of cherry blossom snow to help combat the piracy in the region that plaques the area outside of the lands of the surrounding clans. With the support of the same clans of course"

"There is no such facility in the area and it's my belief such a place may prove useful to trade and security in the region. I was wondering your thoughts on such though."

"Could be useful. Might pinch on the Mantis a little, but not too badly. Folks will like having another appointment to jostle over, so you might get the Emerald Champion to back it. Yeah, probably a nice plan."

"The Mantis may be more on board eventually; the Scorpion have a deal with them to help police the waters of the River of Gold already. It was mentioned some of said forces might be used to help with this project instead if an agreement can be made. The transportation of goods to and from the building location for example." He reached up and tucked a stray piece of hair behind his ear.

"The manor is only the tip of the spear as far as the whole of the project we are thinking of as well I must admit. So many magistrates will need support staff, smiths, carpenters, cooks, all manner of people and those people will need homes. With a little encouragement Merchants might see it as a safe spot to stay which will result in the creation of Inn's and restaurants if people are in place to invest in such a thing. In time it could be a whole town with the Magistrates manor at its center. It is after all conveniently placed in the middle of six clans, three great and three minor. Given a chance growth is inevitable."

"Not a bad idea. Let's put our shoulders to it."

"I will." He replied with a simple nod.

"I'll have more from the Scorpion in a day or two as well, they like the idea of a peace treaty lasting at least a year and are open to other discussions as well."

"That might not be a bad idea, either. You never know whether we're gonna have another Winter Court any time soon."