(D14, EM) Thank you, Phoenix

[Soshi Eiji]

The early morning hours saw Eiji heading over to the Phoenix house. He didn't have an appointment. Instead, he announced to the receptionist that he wished to offer both his and his delegation's heartfelt thanks to the Phoenix and to discuss tomorrow's debate. If any could see him, it would be appreciated, if not, he understood and would simply leave his words of thanks.

[Shiba Ryusei]

Ordinarily, Ryusei's player used this timeslot to run deals by higashime... but with the deals done, we can assume he passed along his findings on the other things she asked him about over breakfast and was thus on hand to greet his Scorpion friend.

"Soshi-sama, good morning- a pleasure, as always. Have you had rice? If not, I think we can probably scare up some breakfast..."

[Soshi Eiji]

Ordinarily, Ryusei's player used this timeslot to run deals by higashime... but with the deals done, we can assume he passed along his findings on the other things she asked him about over breakfast and was thus on hand to greet his Scorpion friend.

"Soshi-sama, good morning- a pleasure, as always. Have you had rice? If not, I think we can probably scare up some breakfast..."

Eiji bowed to the Phoenix.

"I would be honored to share rice with you this morning, Shiba-san. I trust the day finds you well?" he asked.

[Shiba Ryusei]

Eiji bowed to the Phoenix.

"I would be honored to share rice with you this morning, Shiba-san. I trust the day finds you well?" he asked.

"Ah, Soshi-sama, I could wax poetic about how well my days find me of late, but I think that would make me utterly insufferable. I doubt our spread will be worthy of mentioning in the same breath as what Agasha-sama has provided at the Dragon House this season, but why let that stop me, hm?"

He grinned and ushered the Scorpion in while servants set out a fairly simple if not quite spartan breakfast of rice with quail's egg, miso soup, and steamed winter vegetables.

"So what brings you here today?"

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji smiled.

"Goodwill mostly. It's been a good season overall, and without the support of the Phoenix next year would certainly look much more dire. So before tomorrow's debate, I wanted to take some time to express gratitude." he offered.

He grinned.

"Actually, I had a small hope that I might be able to brag a bit about you to your superior. Good deeds need no reward, of course, but sometimes people might be too close to someone to realize just how good they are to them."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"If you want to sing my praises to Shiba-ue, it might be best if I took a stroll outside for a moment."

He grinned.

"Perhaps I could run over to the Scorpion house and see if Bayushi-ue has a moment to hear about Soshi-sama's hard work and dedication."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji chuckled.

"Concered I could make you blush hard enough to boil tea, Shiba-san?" he said playfully. "Rest assured, I have no intention of subjecting you to that. And while I appreciate the implicity of reprocity, Lady Bayushi is so busy these days, you would certainly be better served writing such in a letter to her. I would hate for you to spend time starting at the walls of the Scorpion House waiting for someone who cannot make time for you."

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Ah, but it was so hospitable the last time I visited, hm?"

He chuckled.

"For what it's worth, Shiba-ue is likewise more likely to have time for a letter than a conversation as matters here move toward... well. Hopefully some sort of resolution."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji nodded.

"I certainly thought that might be a possibility, Shiba-san. I realize that Bayushi-ue has had to make time for me since she's not personally handling the trade negotiations, but they require her approval, but I certainly wouldn't expect to have her out for a friendly bite to eat at the Golden Noodle." he offered.

He took a bit of the breakfast.

"Ah, but resolution. I'll admit I, as well as many others are curious about that topic, Shiba-san. What do you think will happen tomorrow?"

[Shiba Ryusei]

"A great deal of bluster, posturing, and quite possibly worse."

He sighed.

"Shiba-ue is most concerned that the succession be handled in keeping with the law. That we serve the Will of Heaven, and don't engage in something as petty as electioneering."

He paused.

"With that said, I am uncertain as to what she will do with the information presented to her. We are in somewhat murky waters, legally speaking."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji shrugged a bit.

"There's always the zeroth law, 'Whomever is of highest social standing is the one who is right.' One would think that would leave it up to a ruling by the Emerald Champion." he suggested.

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Which as we discussed earlier puts him in a rather difficult position. Some would fall in line- others of more... fiery disposition would claim he had exceeded his authority."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji shook his head.

"A difficult position, but he still commands the Emerald Legions. Quelling riots and rebellions certain falls within his authority." he countered.

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Much would depend on just how widespread those were to become."

Ryusei sighed.

"I truly hope it does not come to that. I just want to go back to Shiro Shigi and start getting it ready for the future. But one has to brace for any contingency..."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji nodded.

"I don't think there are any who would wish it come to that. It's completely understandable that Shiba-san would like to begin ihis life with Agasha-san in peaceful, boutiful times, where he need only concern himself with making Agasha-san even happier....somehow."

He took another bite of the provided breakfast.

"I suppose there are countless contingencies one might brace for. Though some are more likely than others. Doji Noriko assuming the throne is more likely than say, Lady Sun arriving at court and evelvating Shiba-san personally. What does Shiba-san view as the most likely contigencies he feels the need to prepare for?"

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Well. If we're naming names...."

He sighed. And shifted gears to the euphemisms Higashime had so thoughtfully provided.

"Lady Bian would make a fine Empress, I think. I also know that her clan origins will insure a pushback against her reign that would be otherwise unthinkable. I doubt open rebellion, at least at first, but I expect friction. Particularly if she is perceived to be favoring her birth clan unduly. Which, given the way people tend to think, means if she favors them at all. I expect her candidacy to be fiercely debated, leading to harsh words and bad blood, whatever the outcome."

Nibble.

"For my part, having only opposed her insofar as having supported another, and having made it plain that I think she's suited for the job, my preparations there would take the form of making sure House Shigi stood ready with its taxes and compliance. She's going to have troubles enough without even unintentional foot-dragging. I foresee a great deal of bickering escalating to border skrimishes. The other family of Lord Baisho will also be... no doubt confronted with difficulties that make carrying out her directives more difficult."

The Otomo would be furious, the Seppun mildly disappointed, and the Miya... well, the Miya would probably be fine, so far as it went.

"I have supported Baisho Reichiro. Should he prevail, I think only particularly partisan supporters of other claimants will react strongly. I also think his reign will be relatively brief, but with the succession secured, that is less of a difficulty than it might otherwise be. Oh, doubtless there will be troubles, but there are very few handholds for finding fault with favoritism there, so I see his difficulties as being much like Lady Bian's, but lesser in scope."

He paused.

"He would almost certainly miss my wedding with Agasha-sama, were that to happen. One less comfortable room to prepare at Shiro Shigi... although if he can make it... well. I might see just what it's like for my entire immediate family to panic. Anyway. Overall, I would do the same... prepare to do my duty as a samurai should to ease his burdens."

The Crane would be disappointed but not imperiled, the Otomo would be livid, and everyone else would be fine.

A sip of soup.

"Lady Hikari... that could be dire for many others. I doubt any of the other contenders to the inheritance would live out the year. Lady Bian's clan would feel her full wrath, and put the other clans on notice that one wrong move would make them next. Which is a shame. Because she is otherwise quite capable, and the Baisho household is hardly new to her. Things would run smoothly unless it suited her for them not to. But I fear it would suit her very well for things to go rough for those who stood against her. In that event... I would of course do my duty. But I would also encourage Agasha-sama to look into real estate in the Isles of Silk and Spice. A nice winter home to ride out some cold winds."

Given the currents of Court, Keihime had to know she had very few committed allies. The Otomo and the Four Temples would prosper. Everyone else would receive varying degrees of punishment. The Crane worst of all.

"Tomo, it is strange to say, seems the next most likely. In that case... I would brace for administrative chaos. A good man, but one who does not understand how House Baisho has operated, who has been on the wrong end of its rules more than once, and with no allies in power. Administrative turmoil, upheaval, and probably a ruthless pruning of perceived threats- the Waves do not teach mercy or forbearance. I would see about future security while doing my duty, not because of targeted malice, but simply because a green captain would be taking the tiller, with most experienced hands no friends of his. Those who backed him would see their stars rise precipitously, perhaps beyond their competence."

Total chaos if Tatsuya took the throne, with a mad scramble to preserve power and influence by entrenched interests.

"And if Baisho Izuku takes the throne, well... I will start watching for flying pigs."

Poor Gorobei. He honestly seemed like a good man, and could have made a sound compromise candidate if anyone had chosen to champion his cause.

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji nodded thoughtfully at the Phoenix's analysis as he completed the breakfast.

"Hmm, I see." he said, coming to the end of both. "You'll need more than a painted paper umbrella if you're preparing for flying pigs. Perhaps the Crab could fashion you one out of metal?" he suggested.

[Shiba Ryusei]

"Perhaps. Or I could see about starting a trend for wearing kabuto in all weathers..."

Sip.

"And yourself, Soshi-sama?"

[Soshi Eiji]

"Hmmm. I'm thinking you neeed to be reassigned, Shiba-san. Clearly your lord should have you instructing new courtiers on political theory." he offered with a smile.

"It's quite a well thought out analysis. It does omit the sixth and seventh possibilities I've been considering, but five is a good number, and you avoid seeming too long-winded. "

"I suppose I've been looking at it from the opposite side of the coin. You've been working out where the problems are, and how to react. I've started from the assumption that everyone's support for the new ruler is a given, and wondering what they'll do with that. Specifically my old clan and my new one. What Lady Bian will so with the Scorpion at her beck and call, what Baisho Reichiro will do when they petition for their next war against their neighbors." he offered.

[Shiba Ryusei]

"And what does that lead you to expect?"

Genuine curiosity. Ryusei's House being the basket case it was meant that he was used to assessing problems and looking for fixes. A different perspective could be illuminating...