Ryusei did his best to remain proper and composed as he and Yuna managed to get a bit of Otomo Mariko's time.

It was taking most of his willpower not to smile like an idiot, and most of the remainder to not keep glancing at Yuna.

He figured Otomo-sama would know, of course, but he also knew she'd appreciate the effort.

"Minna-san," Mariko says with a slight nod of her head. "What brings you to me today?"

Yuna remained deferential in her posture.

"Otomo-sama, there is discussion of a marriage between myself and this admirable young man beside me, as part of a trade deal between our clans. We wished to alert you to the possibility, give you the opportunity to meet us - as individuals and as a couple, and for us to seek your advice. You know best what makes a harmonious marriage and that is something we both very much want."

"This may be too busy a time and place for that discussion. But we will gladly introduce ourselves to you now or at a time and place of your convenience."

There is a slight, tight smile on Mariko's lips.

"It is good to see that some still value the way things ought to be done!" she says, perhaps with more enthusiasm than is warranted. "It's something that's been sorely lacking.

"When did you have in mind, minna-san? You are correct that court is hardly the place for it, despite what some seem to think these days."

Yuna glanced at Shiba-san, not certain of his schedule.

And then she smiled at them both. Happy at the thought of the meeting to come!

"I had thought perhaps to invite you both to Dragon House for a dinner that I could host this evening? If you are both free?"

(Any evening slot is open for Yuna)

Ryusei nodded.

"I would be delighted to accept."

[Ryusei's evening is free, after a spiritual beat-down in the late afternoon]

"It would be a delight to attend," Mariko says. "Might the general course of the dinner be known?"

"For you Otomo-sama, a five course meal. Kaiseki ryori, exemplifying harmony, balance, and culinary artisanship. Beautiful pairings of food, to reinforce the theme of harmonious marriage."

"I had thought to include seafood, but if either of you are vegetarians, I can adjust accordingly."

"I have no problem with good fish," Mariko says.

She manages not to emphasize the adjective, there.

Having let the more important samurai weigh in, Ryusei nodded.

"Likewise, I have no objections."

She smiled. It was a relief to not have to re-work the menu.

"Then I shall look forward to seeing you both this evening."

"Very good, Agasha-san."

Mariko's fan waves just a little.