The door slides open to reveal Lady Doji, with Kakita Irie standing behind her and a number of servants waiting in the wings, seated in a chair. Another, empty chair sits across the low table from her. That one must be yours.

Aito enters the room vividly making gracefully a low bow to Lady Doji while smirking slightly to her. "I am honored to be here" and she remains bowed.

etiquette/awareness, void point for 1K1, meeting the champion | 7k4 ⇒ 27 (TN: 25)

A reasonable Champion might be a little put off by a smirk from a vassal, but if Lady Doji was, she did not show it. She simply gestured toward the seat opposite her in invitation.

"Good afternoon, Ishimoto-san. Have you had rice?"

Aito sits in seiza. "Good afternoon milady, yes I had. Our hosts have been gracious!" How about yourself?

"I have indeed, Ishimoto-san, but a drop of tea might not go amiss for either of us," a clear invitation to perform the ceremony, if ever there was one.

"What would you say is the most pressing need for our delegation this winter?"

Aito starts performing the tea ceremony.
" I would say that the most pressing need for our delegation this winter is to secure allies who share our vision, ensuring our mutual strength in the face of future challenges." Aito bows one more time.

Tea Ceremony/Void, Crane interview | 5k4 ⇒ 34 (TN: 20)

"I think that is an excellent place to begin, Ishimoto-san. Tell me, how do you intend to address this matter?"

"Our victory over the Matsu this past summer was decisive, but it would be wise to avoid future conflicts. If we truly wish to preserve harmony in the Empire, our next goal should be to seek reconciliation with other factions of the Lion Clan."

"Splendid, Ishimoto-san. You have my permission to pursue that as vigorously as you see fit. I think that several of those Daimyo will have receptive ears."