Jihen knew this hour to be his best chance to find the Lady Sadako with at least a moment of time to speak.

Instead of waiting for her to pass him in the halls as she had done twice in recent memory, Jihen approached her quarters with the introduction of his master.

Tonight he was the bearer of ill news…

The Miharu check his papers, and a member of the Hidden Guard examines Jihen, but, since both they and he check out, he is admitted.

Sadako is sitting at her table, reviewing ever-present paperwork, which she sets aside to bow to him.

"Jihen-san," she says, "what brings you to me this evening?"

"Unfortunate news, I'm afraid..." He says honestly.

He finds his place to sit in the room.

"Undoubtedly you've heard the reports of a murdered monk... Masters Chou-sin and Do have asked me to come and make you aware of the identity of the man. It was the monk known as Bokushi. His body was brought to the temple late this morning. We have been engaged in his burial rites today."

He pauses for a brief moment.

"His arrival at court and the arrival of Tatsuya-sama and his son at the temple were... most likely linked in our estimation. This news along with the rumors of Tatsuya-sama's son's disappearance motivated us to bring it to your attention as swiftly as was possible."

"I see."

Sadako's voice is even and quiet, but she bows her head.

"I shall pray for him," she continues. "Have the Lords Miya and Otomo been informed?"

"It is my understanding that Master Chou-sin will inform Lord Otomo today when he is able. We had not thought to notify Lord Miya..." He replied.

"Should we do so?"

"Most likely," Sadako says, rising and moving for the door.

Jihen bowed as Sadako rose and waited to see if she would wish for him to come with her as she left.

Sadako proceeds and then, evidently not hearing his feet move, pauses to look over her shoulder at him, raising an eyebrow.

The invitation to follow is clear, and she will proceed but a few chambers down, acting as if he will do so.

She is announced to the Lord Miya, a very junior shisha undertaking the ironic task, and she is shown in.

The door remains open behind her.

Jihen follows along without further prompting and finds his place at her side but slightly behind in proper subordination.

In the interest of GM sanity, because being seen to talk to one's self is never a good indicator, it will be glossed that the two, peers of the Empire, exchange greetings and a few comments about work matters before Sadako gestures to Jihen and says "This brother has something to say you will want to hear, Lord Miya."

That she throughout uses his Familial title, rather than his functionary, will not be missed.

Jihen bows deeply in respect to the man who had expressed interest in his stories the previous night and would be a potential benefactor for the Brotherhood in the future.

"Lord Miya, the monk named Bokushi was found this morning by locals and brought to the temple for funeral rites. The nature of his death suggests he was murdered by an unknown assailant. The beginning of his posthumous rites were overseen by the monks of the temple here and Masters Chou-sin and Do."

He relayed to the Lord Miya what he had expressed to Sadako.

"His arrival at court and the arrival of Tatsuya-sama and his son at the temple were... most likely linked in our estimation. This news along with the rumors of Tatsuya-sama's son's disappearance motivated us to inform the Imperial families. We were concerned about potential violence against Tatsuya-sama and so have brought it to the attention of Lady Seppun first..."

"As you should have," Hachi replies. "And I thank you for the news, though it saddens me.

"Bokushi was known to the Imperial Houses, and he was something of a favorite of Her Majesty at the end."

"Security on the Temple will be increased," Sadako adds. "To the extent that it can be."

There is an almost imperceptible slump to her shoulders.

"To the extent that it must be."

Jihen bowed in respect as the late Hantei was mentioned.

"There has been great sadness befall us all during this Winter Court. I will pray for the Wheel to turn towards greater harmony as quickly as possible."

He looks over at Sadako with compassion in his eyes.

"As will we all," Hachi adds.

"Lady Seppun," he says, turning to Sadako. "The Miya will, of course, aid our cousins in your Family as we can. We know that none may assume your duties of guardianship, but perhaps some of the administrative work can be delegated in the interim."

Sadako nods.

"I will send over a brief, Lord Miya, with thanks."

Jihen stood quietly as the two heads of such important families supported one another.

There was a heavy feeling upon them that Jihen felt deep within him...

None had had the chance to properly work through the grief they undoubtedly all felt.

The ancient statutes of cessation of court at the death of the Emperor had fallen into neglect during the recent age...

And in place of introspection and grief, the denizens of ningen-do were set to debate on the proper order of things amidst murder and bloodshed.

It was all very depressing to the young monk... Surely there was a better way...

The two daimyo remain silent for a time.

Then Sadako bows.

"Thank you, Lord Miya, for your time," she says, and she returns to her chambers.

Hachi returns the bow.

"Carry the Fortunes. Both of you."

Jihen would bow deeply to the Miya and then follow the Lady Seppun back to her chambers.

When there Jihen would simply stand quietly offering whatever comfort he could with a reserved expression on his face.

After several moments of not being immediately excused Jihen offered, "What other service can I be of my Lady this evening?"

He paused a moment before adding, "I sense the burden she bears to be particularly heavy tonight... How may I help her bear it?"