After a busier morning than ideal, Honoka had made her way to the minor clan houses for an earlier meeting. With a smile, she entered and enquired after Suzume Ryobu.

A servant escorts her to Ryobu's suite where she finds the Sparrow representative at breakfast.

The Sparrow bows.

"Ikoma-san," she says, "have you eaten?"

Honoka bowed and smiled.

"Good morning Suzume-sama! I hope you are well? Forgive me for interrupting if this is a bad time. I haven't eaten yet, it has been a quite busy morning already. "

Ryobu sets her chopsticks on their rest and raises one finger. The servant that had escorted Honoka in bows and scurries off.

"We must correct that, then," she says, and she produces a second cup, pouring tea for her guest.

"It is hoped that Ikoma-san's family is well."

"Suzume-sama is too kind" Honoka bowed again in thanks, moving to sit by the table.

"For the most part I believe so hai. I haven't heard from either of my parents since arriving, but I didn't expect to hear from them truthfully. They will be focused though and I'm sure thinking about how their daughter is doing. What of Suzume-sama? I'm not sure how long letters would take to get to the Suzume hills from here."

"It would take some time, indeed," Ryobu notes, picking up her own tea now that her guest has her own.

She sips from her cup, places it back onto the table.

"Suzumu Seiichi is well, attending to the estate while his wife is away as an ambassador. Their children progress in their studies at a decent pace. More than that cannot be asked in good faith. But it will be good to return, even so."

About the time she's done, breakfast for Honoka arrives. Ryobu sits silently while the service is provided.