[Day 3, EA] Court: The Floor

[Otomo Keihime]

Keihime nodded. "Thank you, Yasuki-san. You see, Doji-san, no one disputes the rights of the Great Clans to conduct exchanges with the Minor Clans, but it is right and proper that the Imperial Court be able to scrutinize those treaties as well as those between the Great Clans, to ensure that all are protected by the Empress' benevolent will."

"Are there any who wish to comment upon this treaty, now that we understand its full scope?"

[Kitsune Aiko]

Kitsune Aiko rose.

"The Fox Clan has a question related to the stationing of Hiruma troops at Shiro Heichi. No date has been set for their exit from Heichi lands. Are we to understand that the deployment is permanent? Surely, it cannot be that a Great Clan permanently quarters its troops in the capital of a Minor Clan."

[Kitsune Aiko advances her own position: that the deployment of the Hiruma to the Boar lands must be temporary. +10 Court Points to Kitsune Aiko]

[Kuni Shiori]

After a morning in the mines and aiding in the triage, Shiori's morning was a busy one but that didn't mean that could take a break from her duties. She would return back to the court room with the others and quietly watch the proceedings.

However, when Kitsune Aiko approached with her concern, Shiori would step forward to speak on behalf of the Crab. She would bow deeply before addressing the matter. "Kitsune-dono, you do raise a valid concern regarding the Hiruma's stay in the Boar lands. It is hardly our intention to overstay our welcome in the slightest, it is our full intention to provide the Boar with a service that fulfills our end of the bargain regarding the trade agreement laid out by my Yasuki-sama. We don't wish to shortchange our trading partner when it comes to aiding in the watch of their lands but agreements eventually come to a close. This depends on the duty involved. I have full confidence that those terms could be hashed out between our Clans at a later date, which I'm sure is Yasuki-sama's intention."

Roll
Day 3 - Early Afternoon, Court, Awareness / Etiquette to Refute Kitsune Aiko: Void for +1k1 | 7k4 ⇒ 33 (TN: 24)

-10 Court Points to Kitsune Aiko

[Kitsune Aiko]

Aiko nods once, but casts a significant glance at Heichi Batsuda before withdrawing.

[Otomo Keihime]

Otomo Keihime continues. "Thank you for that most satisfactory answer, Kuni-san. If that is all that is to be said on this matter..." She casts a glance at Batsuda, who looks away in the courtly equivalent of a kind no. "...then the court is pleased to accept this treaty. Let it be recorded and laid down in the records office."

She nodded once more to Ryoichi, Hikaru, and Shiori, signalling their contributions had been accepted.

"Is there any further business before the court today?"

[Daidoji Sae]

Sae waits a few moments before stepping forward.

"I wish to introduce a motion. As I am sure many of you are aware, last night there was an attempted intrusion into the Crane delegation's living quarters, two intruders were seen and they both fled when our samurai stirred.

This is a concerning matter, but I wish my motion to rise above darkness and suspicion and move us into the light.

Our Lion hosts ably rushed to our aid, and we have seen how seriously they are treating the situation. As such, the Crane would like to extend our thanks to the Lion and offer what assistance we can for the investigation, so that together we may discover the perpetrators and bring them to the light of justice.

In this way we do not allow our actions to be driven by the dishonour of others, but instead our shared faith in a better empire."

Bowing deeply, she withdraws.

--------
Day 3 Court, Introduce Own Position 1, base TN 23, call one raise for TN 28, bentens, etiquette/awareness, contested | 8k4 ⇒ 37 (TN: 28)

Introduce position with one raise to TN 28

+15 court points.

[Akodo Sanae]

Akodo Sanae begins to rise...

[Shiba Higashime]

But is cut off by Shiba Higashime.

"A breach of security of this nature is significant. I look forward to hearing what the Lion clan intends to do to hold perpetrators to account, and to ensure there is no second such failing."

[Shiba Higashime Advances her own position, that the Lion clan needs to adjust in some way to its public failure. +10 Court points for Shiba Higashime]

[Akodo Sanae]

Setting her jaw, Akodo Sanae bows fully and formally to the throne, prostrating herself.

"The Lion clan apologizes to you, Tenno-heika, for their failure to ensure the security of Crane House during your Winter Court. We will bear the shame of this until amends can be made."

She rises, then turns on her heel to address Sae and Higashime.

"The Lion clan has carried out the punishment of the officer in charge of security, removing him from command. We have begun an investigation into the incident. We do not require the assistance of the Crane clan to protect this court, or to investigate this incident. The Crane clan can rest assured that the perpetrators will be found and their heads delivered to the Empress, who has been so greatly wronged by this incident."

She bows deeply to each. "I apologize, on behalf of the Lion clan, that your security was compromised, and that your sense of justice was injured. Though the perpetrators' heads are spoken for, we hope that you will accept our sincere remorse and shame for this."

[Akodo Sanae advances her own position; that the Lion clan can and should take the whole weight of the incident and its investigation on their own shoulders. +10 court points for Akodo Sanae.]

[Otomo Keihime]

Keihime nods through Sanae's speech, but appears to be in no mood to let her off the hook.

"The Court sees no reason why compromise should be impossible. Let the Lion clan cooperate with the Crane clan in this matter. Let us say that with the Right and the Left together, we expect a resolution--and the heads--by court two days hence. That should be sufficient time. Daidoji Sae shall be take charge of the investigation, liaising with a Lion of your choice, Lady Akodo. Yes, I think that shall do nicely."

"Thank you, Lady Shiba, Lady Akodo, and Daidoji-san. This matter will be suspended until the fifth day of court, when your representations on the conclusion of this matter will be heard. Thank you."

"Is there any further business before the court?"

[Matsu Masumi]

At risk of time shenanigans due to not knowing about this later in the day and already agreeing to help, Masumi stepped forward. "This one believes that there is no better choice for a Lion liaison than Daidoji-sama's yoriki." That being her, of course. She stood there very awkwardly, assuming that this would be taken as the logical decision.

Why was she so awkward about something so routine? By the Kami, what if Akodo-ue was already going to choose me?! Why did I do this?! WHY?! WHY?!

Her face totally wasn't in panic mode.

---

D3 EA Court Roll 1: Introducing the Yoriki Masumi, the Greatest Lion of Them All to HALP: Courtier / Awareness TN 23, Benten's, VP Spent | 7k5 ⇒ 20 (TN: 23)

Oops.

[Otomo Keihime]

Keihime looked down on the young Matsu.

"And perhaps Lady Akodo will favor you with her choice, Matsu-san," she said, not unkindly, "but this matter is suspended until two days hence, and the court will not hear more on this matter until then."

"Now, is there any further business before this court?"

[Shiba Ryusei]

Shiba Ryusei took to the floor with all due gravity.

"This one has a fairly simple matter to present to the Court- perhaps adequate to his abilities, and hopefully brief enough to not tax the court's patience unduly."

Just the right amount of sardonic humor there.

"A proposed exchange of goods between the Phoenix and Crab Clans."

He produced a copy of the agreement and handed it to the appropriate functionary.

"The full details are there, for the Court's consideration. The brief version is that Crab will receive [10 units] of lumber, [3 units] of naval supplies, [1 unit] of paper, and [4 units] of jade. The Phoenix will receive [4 units] of iron, [5 units] of sake, [3 units] of stone, and [6 units] of tea."

He bowed again.

"It is hoped that this exchange of resources will assist both Clans in their service to the Throne in the year ahead."

Keep it short, keep it simple, get your job done.

--
Day 3 Court, Ryusei Advances Own Position: This trade deal should receive Imperial approval. Courtier/Awareness, TN 23. Benten's Blessing for +0k1, Shiba-Void Bomb spending 2 Void for +2k2 | 8k6 ⇒ 42 (TN: 23)

10 Court Points to Ryusei

Crab trades:
4 iron
5 sake
3 stone
6 tea

Phoenix trades:
3 naval supplies
10 lumber
1 paper
4 jade

[Otomo Keihime]

"Thank you, Shiba-san. Are there any who wish to comment upon this treaty?"

[Doji Shinnosuke]

Shinnosuke undergoes an internal wrestling match. No one else is saying anything... why isn't anyone saying anything? His mien remains largely composed, but his eyebrows draw together a bit. After an interval that probably seems longer to him than it really is, he moves forward and asks to be recognized with a left-handed gesture of his fan.

He bows to the dais and Ryusei. "A point of uncertainty from a novice at this court, only. A few moments ago, the Phoenix Clan gave this assembly a strong and welcome reminder of about the demands of honor and propriety we must all uphold in the Imperial presence. Since this august meeting is meant to solemnize plans for the the peaceful relations between the Great Clans in the year ahead, I assume this arrangement the Phoenix have made with the Crab"--he bows in the direction of the Kaiu daimyo over in the galleries--"is of that nature."

"Could Shiba-san or another let us know what happy events among the Crab and Phoenix have created the occasion for this exchange of, er, mercantile gifts? Is this celebrating a betrothal, as is traditional? Or some other plan for friendship-building and cooperation?"

----
hnnng... D3 Court -- Contrary | 2k2 ⇒ 6
D3 Court -- Comment as non-aggressively as possible! Courtier. Court Action #2, no raises. Prodigy, maybe not BB though. | 8k4 ⇒ 55 (TN: 23)
Advance Own Position: surely it's no trouble to make this treaty complete and proper by adding a ritually appropriate element of a marriage or other formal sign of friendship. Perhaps Ryusei just neglected to mention that bit! (10 Court Points.)

[Kaiu Masahiko]

Kaiu Masahiko rises, his smile that of a proud father.

"The happy event, Doji-san, is that this agreement was designed as a three part treaty. The Crab and Phoenix have exchanged goods, but you have provided the occasion by giving us all a chance to hear your pretty voice. I particularly enjoy when art songs focus on tone without all that pesky substance, and I must say that you have given us all a wonderful performance. Well done!"

[Kaiu Masahiko Advances his own position: that the treaty has been consummated by the gift of Doji Shinnosuke's performance. +10 Court points to Kaiu Masahiko]

[Otomo Keihime]

Keihime considers for a moment, and then decides that the Crane may well have helped everyone forget her mis-step with Tomaru. Best to quit while the getting's good. Anyway, saving Higashime from a potentially scotched deal and the Crane from further embarrassment might win her additional points.

"Thank you, Doji-san, for your gracious gift to the Crab and to the Phoenix. The treaty is thus legitimate, and is accepted by the court. This matter is concluded, and court has come to its natural close. Thank you all. This court will re-open at the same time tomorrow, with the Esteemed Emerald Champion presiding.

/scene.

[Cearnach]

D3 Court Points

Doji Shinnosuke: 55
Agasha Yuna: 35
Doji Noriko: 30 [Points to the metagame]
Ryoichi: 40
DaidojiSae: 15
Shiba Higashime: 10
Akodo Sanae: 10
Shiba Ryusei: 10
Kaiu Masahiko: 10
Otomo Tooru: 10-10 (Sadako)=0
Kitsune Aiko: 10-10 (Shiori)=0