[D8, LM] The Tea Party

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

Ryoichi passed the updated list of eligible Crab over to the Imperial Matchmaker. A keen eye might notice that the list had been recopied in different handwriting from the last time. Two names had been removed, and three names had been marked as of particular interest: those of Hida Shukichi, Hida Setsuko and Kuni Toshinosuke.

[Otomo Mariko]

"Thank you," Mariko says, adding "You'll be up next, Yasuki-san" as she compares the notes on the two papers and awaits Sayomi's response.

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"On first glance at the list," Mariko says, "Ikoma-ke no kashin Sugawara Michisumi suggests herself. But there is more to things than the list."

Her regard turns again to Sayomi.

"Kitsu-san, if you could say more about the candidate, her position and House, her training, and the circumstances of her injuries, it would be welcome."

"Of course... House Sugawara is a noble house of the Ikoma, and Michisumi has served with honor to Ikoma Ryota-sama's court." Sayomi explained what she knew of House Sugawara, as her player rolled dice to see what she knew beyond what was stated on the forum. "Some might say it was foolhardy of her, but she insisted on fighting a duel herself against a rival, which is what caused the scarring on her otherwise very beautiful face."

Sayomi of course didn't like to speak ill of folks. It just wasn't polite. "I personally believe it carries some sense of Courage, and also responsibility, to not drag others into a rivalry to suffer the consequences, so in my humble opinion, she made the right call in standing for herself in the duel."

-----

D8 LM Lore: Heraldry/Intelligence (or Lion Clan, same dicepool) for info on House Sugawara. Unknown TN | 5k4 ⇒ 37

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Such bravery is commendable," the Yasuki commented, regaining some composure with the new topic of discussion. "But may I ask if you know anything about Miss Sugawara's courtly skills? I understand Hida-sama enjoys a proper tea ceremony, if that helps."

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"It is my understanding that she has very good courtly skill, being trained by the Ikoma. I cannot say for certain if she is skilled at the tea ceremony, as I do not know her personally, but from what I know of many Ikoma and their training, the traditional arts are very much observed - which would include tea ceremony."

Sayomi had to answer as honestly as she could, which she did!

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"She sounds like a good candidate," Ryoichi pronounced. "Assuming the Matchmaker has no objection. Who's next, then?"

[Otomo Mariko]

"I like the idea of your Michisumi joining the your Shukichi," Mariko says. "As well as your Hiruma Nozomi to the Akodo general."

She nods. "I believe it will be auspicious, in both cases."

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"What can you tell me about Hiruma Nozomi? So I know what to tell my superiors," Sayomi asked, and helped herself to a warm rice cake.

[Otomo Mariko]

"It looks here like Hiruma Nozomi is the sister of an attendee of this court--the gunso, as it happens," Mariko puts in. "I imagine Yasuki-san will have much to say of her."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Of course," Ryoichi nodded. "Hiruma Nozomi is the second child of Hiruma Satori and the sister of Hiruma Daichi, as the Imperial Matchmaker has alluded to. She was trained in the Yasuki courtier school, just as her mother was, and now serves as a capable assistant administrator at the iron mine which is the principal holding of House Tetsumura. Nozomi is sensible, proper, and has a good head for figures."

"An Akodo general sounds like an impressive match," the Yasuki allowed. "Could you tell us more about this gentleman? In which province does he serve?"

[Kitsu Sayomi]

A nod. "Akodo-ke no kashin Mitsui Koji is an experienced warrior, of thirty-three winters. An avid student of history especially military history and events. He was recently promoted to the position of general after the retirement of his predecessor, and it's said Lady Akodo Sanae smiles on his understanding and use of strategy."

"He serves where Lady Akodo calls him to, but home would be in the heartlands of the Lion, near the seat of our Champion. As a warrior, he can sometimes not be the most skilled speaker, but I believe a spouse that is more courtly could balance that out well for him. It sounds like Hiruma Nozomi is someone who could compliment well the needs of a general's household as well."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"That sounds like an excellent match," Ryoichi nodded. "I'm sure House Tetsumura would approve. That makes up our 2 matches, I think? Or shall we continue?" He looked uncertain.

[Otomo Mariko]

Mariko looks to Sayomi and raises an eyebrow.

[Kitsu Sayomi]

Sayomi looked like the personification of a question mark for a few seconds. "The deal was two marriages..." her words trailed off a little, as she was unsure of what was going on now.

"Is Yasuki-sama looking for a match for himself? The Lion would be honored if you were to consider any of our eligible candidates from our list."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

“It is true that I am looking for a bride, as well,” Ryoichi admitted. “But certainly Kitsu-san has satisfied the Lion Clan’s commitment to two marriages for the current agreement."

"Unless, perhaps, some additional arrangement is desired…?” Having regained his composure, the Yasuki tried to phrase this last question as neutrally as possible.

[Otomo Mariko]

"We affirmed Ikoma Michisumi to Hida Shukichi and Hiruma Nozomi to Akodo Koji," Mariko interjects. "But I recall some mention of two pairs of weddings. Perhaps that underlies the confusion?"

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"Well yes, two weddings... one for each couple," Sayomi remarked about Mariko's comment, before focusing back to Ryoichi.

"Forgive me, Yasuki-sama, but I don't think it would be proper of me to make the call of further marriages at the moment outside of trade deals," she bowed her head, "it would have to be up to my superiors to make the call on what would best serve the Lion in case of my own marriage."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Quite proper, Kitsu-san," Ryoichi agreed with a nod. "No apologies are necessary. It's entirely possible your Clan has something else in mind for you. More deals between clans yet to come, perhaps." The Yasuki kept a very polite face as he spoke.

He turned to look at the Imperial Matchmaker. "My thanks for the very useful advice you provided, Otomo-san," Ryoichi said. "Shall we celebrate the future of the two couples that we've arranged with another cup of tea?"

[Otomo Mariko]

"That would be welcome, Yasuki-san," Mariko says.

[Kitsu Sayomi]

"More tea for the future of these marriages sounds good yes," she agreed with a nod and made sure to refill the cups where needed. "May they find happiness and bring honour to their clans."

"And thank you, Otomo-sama, for your guidance. I am certain Akodo Sanae-sama will appreciate the help you have provided to us."