With a frantic exchange of letters having paved the way, Ryusei had another agreement requiring his Champion's approval. So he began his day, as so many, by calling upon Shiba Higashime.

"Shiba-san. I have taken the liberty of having tea prepared for you. Please, come and take some with me."

"You are too gracious, Shiba-ue."

He bowed (naturally) and then approached.

"I wish to thank you for hosting the discussion yesterday. I believe it helped... clarify things for more than one of us."

"Hai, I was a bit alarmed at the enthusiasm some showed, but I cannot deny that there are sound legal arguments for at least two of the...well, Akodo-san seems to have referred to them as 'Winds' in a speech, and I suppose it is catching, and useful as term that does not mean 'heir' in and of itself."

Ryusei, having made his case while she was watching, decided not to press Tomaru's point further.

After all... Noriko would make a fine enough Empress too, he supposed.

Honestly, even the clueless ronin seems a better choice than Keihime. At least he doesn't want power for power's sake.

"Hm, you know, coming from the coast as I do, I find the use of 'winds' somewhat ominous, but it's as good a term as any, Shiba-ue. As you say, it avoids naming them 'heirs.'"

He had a sip of tea when it was appropriate to do so.

"I find myself hoping that some means of... well. Preserving some of those who fall by the wayside will present itself, but I fear it might be my youthful naivete making me imagine it's even possible."

And with that, he shrugged.

"In any event, it's a matter far beyond my competence, whatever opinions I may have on the matter."

"There are certainly better prospects for that with some Winds than others. Are you suggesting that we open some sort of shelter for those cast about by fate?"

"I am not certain we would be the best fit for those most in likely to need it. Only one Wind lacks a home, after all. Shelter for the others is not the Phoenix Clan's concern, it seems to me, and the ronin... whatever his skill or lineage, I am uncertain he would find us the most... welcoming shelter. I merely find myself hoping that not every... decision on inheritance culminates in elimination. Intermarriage between the heirs of those Winds who have them would hopefully allay some... expedients."

He sighed.

"In any event, it's well out of my hands. I'm still trying to wrap up our trade needs- which hopefully, the Scorpion can meet. It turns out they do have dyes. What a surprise."

He fished a scroll out of his obi and passed it to his daimyo.

--
Basics of Ye Olde Trade:

The Scorpion Provide:
4 dyes

The Phoenix Provide
2 Iron
2 Rice

Agreement to be sealed by the marriage of Yogo Eiko to Isawa-ke no kashin Kimura Takuya, with Eikom joining the Phoenix.

"I see nothing objectionable in the agreement. You may present it at your convenience," she says firmly.

He bowed again.

"Then all of the Clan's material needs will be met, and we just need to find some copper to support Isawa Enju-sama's request. And perhaps pursue more political objectives... besides the obvious, is there anyone or anything you would have me avoid on that front, going forward, Shiba-ue""

"I would like not to go to war in the spring, and I think avoiding entanglements with Keihime or the Ronin would be wise. Other than that, I am happy to entertain ideas."

Ryusei bowed.

"I shall do my utmost to avoid entangling the Phoenix with the two named, and avoid getting mixed up in any quarrels with or between other Clans."