After speaking in court, Yasuki Ryoichi sought out the ronin Tatsuya.

"How are you finding Winter Court so far, Tatsuya-san?" the slim Crab said, with a polite bow. "Not as much spilled tea today, at least. But eventful nonetheless, eh?"

"I am well, but that was a very odd incident, wasn't it? I am not sure that I understand all of the maneuvers, but Lady Keihime seems to be able to get what she wants...well, until today at least. I cannot help but feel that Lady Shiba and the Chancellor may have saved my life just now."

"Perhaps so," Ryoichi conceded. "Though no steel was drawn, I doubt Lady Keihime has your continued well-being in mind. I think that quashing the Regency idea should be a setback for her, though, and perhaps she has reached the high-water mark for the support she may have in this Court. Or at least, I hope so."

"What about you, Tatsuya-san?" the Yasuki asked politely. "Have you had any success making friends or allies so far? Or perhaps you are still scouting out the lay of the land?"

"My son tells me that he met a Crab officer in the dojo, which seemed to come off well. Hiruma Daichi. And I have had some more friendly words with Ikoma Honoka, but people are cautious. I notice that they do not precisely swarm the other heirs, either."

"Cautious indeed," the Yasuki nodded. "No one wants to commit too early, and perhaps offend the future Emperor by backing the wrong candidate. But I think this will change soon. The failure of the Regency proposal will force the Court to make some decision on the succession, sooner rather than later."

"If I may be a bit forward," Ryoichi ventured, raising his fan as if to ward off eavesdroppers. "What is the intention of Tatsuya-san in this matter? If you wish to spend a pleasant winter enjoying warm rooms and good food, I think no one would object."

"But if you mean to pursue your claim as the son of Hantei Muhaki ... I would like to assist."

"Ie, Yasuki-san. I think that if I do anything but win, I die."

The Yasuki nodded. The die was cast.

"I've tried to reach out to some others about your claim, but too many dismiss you merely as 'that ronin'," Ryoichi said. "Perhaps it might be a good idea if more people could meet you. Then they would see the merit in your character, as I have."

Tatsuya nodded his agreement. "How can we arrange that?"

"Let me see if I can make some introductions." The Yasuki glanced around the court gallery, trying to gauge which of the people there might be interested.

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OOC: I PM'd a few player characters asking if they'd like to join this thread

Having finished his talk with Daidoji Sae, Eiji was currently available to speak with, and he certainly noticed the Crab trying to build an audience.

And so he made his way over.

"Good afternoon, Yasuki-san. I see you're continuing your passion for making connections this season." he offered.

He bowed politely to the ronin.

"I am Soshi-ke no kashin Miura Eiji. A pleasure to make your acquaintence." he offered.

Soshi Eiji wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 24, 2025 9:39 pm

"Good afternoon, Yasuki-san. I see you're continuing your passion for making connections this season." he offered.

"Of course, Soshi-san! Making connections is how things get done," Ryoichi said, glancing momentarily at Tatsuya as if to confirm that the ronin understood this precept.

"Soshi-san, may I present Tatsuya, the son of Hantei Muhaki."

"Pleased to meet you, Soshi-san," the ronin said quietly with a bow.

Ryusei drifted over and gave the ronin a polite bow.

He also, of course, greeted his Crab and Scorpion friends.

"Shiba Ryusei is a friend and colleague from the Phoenix Clan," Ryoichi said by way of introduction.

"Shiba-san, this is Tatsuya, the son of Hantei Muhaki."

Turning to encompass Eiji as well, he added, "I hope you all may become better acquainted."

"A pleasure to meet you, Tatsuya-san. Soshi-sama, Yasuki-sama, it's good to see you again."

"And you, Shiba-sama. I am told it snows quite thickly in your lands this time of year." Tatsuya was...trying his best.

"The weather, Tatsuya-san? Tsk!"

Ryusei chuckled.

"If you're not used to talking without saying anything, don't worry, it's a grossly overrated talent."

"I guess these guys get a lot of practice," Tatsuya said, gesturing around. "I am a little at a loss. To look at the Chancellor, a great battle was fought just now, and it certainly felt momentous, but now folks are carrying on as though nothing happened. And...and I guess nothing did?"

"Ah.... no, it's just important to act as if nothing happened. A political move was thwarted- but those who were thwarted can't act as if they were, because that sort of weakness gets capitalized upon immediately. And those who succeeded can't gloat, because it leaves them complacent. And there are countless other pieces of business being conducted."

"Huh. You wouldn't think it. Every ronin knows you can get killed with words, but usually people do have to draw their swords first. But you're telling me not so much with these guys. Wild."