[Day 12, Early Morning] Getting to Be a Habit (Phoenix Only)

[Shiba Ryusei]

Ryusei honestly wasn't sure his Champion would go for the deal he'd negotiated with the Sparrow, but he felt he owed it to the Suzume to try.

Besides, now that the Phoenix's needs had been seen to, it was time to make gestures...

[Shiba Higashime]

Higashime sat in her customary place, with the customary tea offered. It was business time.

[Shiba Ryusei]

Ryusei bowed, handed over a copy of the proposed trade, and sat up.

"I will open, Shiba-ue, by noting that this agreement addresses no material need, and its chief result is likely to be the gratitude of a geographically remote and politically weak Minor Clan. With that said... their duty is a hard but honorable one, and in terms of... character, they are an upright group. This is an expression of Phoenix benevolence with the side benefit of varying our surplus slightly. At most, an investment in goodwill."

He half-smiled.

"Perhaps the Crab workmen near Shiro Shigi can grow to appreciate yams. I felt I had to agree to some just to let the Sparrow save face."

--
The Proposed Swap-

The Sparrow Provide-
2 units of yams
2 units of sake

The Phoenix provide
2 units of stone
1 unit of Iron
A blessing upon the farms of the Sparrow.

[Shiba Higashime]

"The hardships of the Sparrow are known to me, and if we can ease their burdens somewhat by this, then I am for it. Besides, it is possible that someone will come looking for sake before the court is out."

[Shiba Ryusei]

Ryusei bowed.

"If a marriage is required, I was going to ask Suzume-sama if the Sparrow might provide a husband for my sister. Not the most.... prestigious, but, ah... I think her husband-to-be should be a man of patience. I know that Asako-sama is.... important enough that a match would be.... asking a great deal. And naturally, unless they propose someone very well-placed indeed, they would be joining the Phoenix. But if you believe the agreement can pass without one, that might be all the better."

And needless to say, he wasn't about to propose such a match for the relatives of anyone else in the delegation.

[Shiba Higashime]

"I believe that if you emphasize that this treaty is about the blessing of the fields, then the rest can be packed in under that easily enough. Especially if you couch it in terms about friendship and mutual affection between the clans."

[Shiba Ryusei]

He bowed.

It was a bit of a relief.

He was pretty sure his sister would have forgiven him for wedding her to a Sparrow, but it might have taken some time, and he wanted her to be in a good mood when she met Yuna.

"As always, Shiba-ue, your will be done."

He paused. And ventured a question.

"If I may ask... allowing that nothing is ever truly finished, and that a Champion has many demands upon her time... how do you regard our work this season, as it stands to date?"

[Shiba Higashime]

"I believe that the delegation has executed its duties adequately," she said firmly. "Why do you ask?"

[Shiba Ryusei]

He bowed.

Coming from Higashime, this was high praise, and he knew it.

"I know that Shiba-ue would correct us were we not measuring up, but I also know that I do not always anticipate my Champion's wishes perfectly. Let us say that... guidance is always welcome, when I have the benefit of your time."

[Shiba Higashime]

"You are looking for something to do, Shiba-san?" Lady Shiba looked at him, plainly curious.

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Perhaps more a general throughline than a specific task, but... yes. Having completed treaties to cover our basics, I feel that I risk becoming idle. And at the Imperial Winter Court, that will not do."

[Shiba Higashime]

"Certainly not. Well, I suppose I do have a problem. Do you know, I am not sure of the legality of the debate on the Succession that is meant to be taking place in 3 days' time. I am growing increasingly concerned that we will be inaugurating an elected Emperor, rather than selecting one truly legitimated by the heavens, and I am not immediately certain how to assuage those concerns."

"I will not be party to a sham, nor to a crime against the Heavens. Of that much I am determined. But it would be good to know whether there is any precedent for such an undertaking as the one to come. And whether my concerns are not shared by my brother and sister Daimyo."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"I shall make inquiries. I believe I can persuade Ikoma-ue to grant me some latitude in the area of research, and likewise, see if your concerns are shared."

He paused.

"The spiritual disturbance the other day, the earthquake, the rumors of plague... as you say, Shiba-ue, the heavens must speak, not the clans. Otherwise, these matters will likely only worsen..."

[Shiba Higashime]

"I hope only that the heavens make their will manifest quickly. Otherwise worsen it will, one way or the other."

[Shiba Ryusei]

Ryusei simply bowed.

There was nothing to add to that.

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