That morning, Yuna was once again ready to present an update on trade deals to Togashi-ue.

There was one new deal to review.

She had the details carefully recorded, and an updated ledger reflecting the state of all resources with this deal approved.

Lord Togashi entered the room, bowing a little stiffly to Yuna. The curse of age made manifest.

She bowed deeply to him.

She poured him a cup of tea - today, a green tea infused with honey. And for the other delegates who could be presumed to be present.

"I have one more deal for your approval, Togashi-ue. It completes our needs. All trade related goal will be met with its approval."

She circulated a ledger with the final potential accounting of all resources. viewtopic.php?f=57&t=646&start=60

"It is actually two deals. The Tortoise would like them considered separately, and submitted to the court separately."

"The first Dragon / Tortoise deal is as follows:
The Tortoise will provide the Dragon with 1 sake this year, and 3 tea next year
The Dragon will provide the Tortoise with 4 gold, 1 for the sake for this year, and 3 pre-paying for the tea for next year."

"They recognize our long-term need for tea, and would like to become a routine supplier. It is something we will continue to need. And, a set of resources pre-paid will give next year's winter court delegation an advantage. One less thing that requires new resources."

"This deal will be sealed with a marriage. The marriage proposed is:"

"From the Tortoise: Kasuga-ke no kashin Sone Harumi might work, a student of Kasuga-ue. She's 26 and [Status 4], so she's had authority and knows how to use it. She's also quite charming and engaging, so she knows how to guide well. She will marry into the Dragon."

"She will marry our Agasha-ke no kashin Hasegawa Gazan (Male, Status 5, age 27). A leading shugenja and researcher in the Agasha laboratories, Gazan is famous for developing a more efficient lacquering process. He is also famous for being a bit of a bully, refusing to give time or attention to others’ insights, an attitude that may well have stunted his potential."

"The Tortoise are aware that this is an opportunity for the right wife - tough of temperament and understanding how huge his potential is, if he can learn to work better with others - to prune him for greatness."

"Very well. And the other agreement?"

"The second agreement is a simple one. An exchange of knowledge."

"Our spiritual gift of wisdom - a wise solution to a problem."

"In exchange, for their more worldly knowledge."

"I am not entirely sure why she wanted it kept separate, beyond that some might consider the two of us working closely and sharing our knowledges to be a particularly powerful combination, and she did not want the trade deal delayed if someone objected."

"My plan is to propose on a separate day from the first trade, which will be proposed first, since it is necessary to us."

"I suppose that it would matter what knowledge she is offering. Do we know that?"

"She was a little coy but suggested it would be of equivalent value to our wisdom gift."

"She specifically said 'ways of knowing things from the ground up, rather than from the peaks down' and that it would be information of a secular nature. I assumed information related to trade. If you'd like, I can press her for more details."

"It is merely that we will have to think about what we want to learn. Do you have any ideas, Agasha-san?"

"My thought was to put her to work on the impact of the economic proposal. Help us anticipate objections and use her knowledge to supplement our case as we bring the idea to other clans. I think the Tortoise watch trade closely, and have a keen eye for opportunities."

"That is not a bad idea. Yes, I think that will be very helpful. At least we will know what the Tortoise think more accurately if they think they are manipulating us." He smiled. "Kasuga Izumi is predictable if you understand her nature."

"I am hopeful they will see an opportunity for economic advantage in it, and wish to see it accomplished from self-interest."

"The Tortoise may. They may have access to precious metals from the gaijin, which will be helpful to them in the new model, if a little distorting, perhaps, over time. I know that the Mantis certainly do trade in gold, and I cannot imagine they extract it from the isles."

She nodded.

"I can certainly return to Kasuga-sama when the deals are approved in a day or two, and find out!"

"Good. Was there anything else?"

"I think that's everything related to trade."

"Did folks want to discuss anything else they are working on?"

"I am setting up a meeting with the two Yasuki tomorrow (D10) to discuss our economic proposal. Hopefully we can continue to build a base of support, and continue to refine the messaging and implementation plan that I mentioned at our last meeting."