Kitsu-san,

I am so pleased to hear that you will be serving on the delegation, and not just as an ornament to the castle (that's all the guards really are when the Seppun take over security), that I just had to send you a note. The deeds of the just should be rewarded, after all! We're all looking forward to the final settlement of a lot of matters, and I think you'll bring an interesting Western perspective that is sorely lacking in the rest of the delegation. If you have any questions, this is my fifth Imperial Winter Court, so I'd be happy to offer advice!

Yours Warmly,
Ikoma-ke no kashin Mita Katsutoshi

Written in neat and clean strokes, the reply is sent with a dried and pressed jasmine flower placed inside the folded letter.

"Ikoma Katsutoshi of House Mita,

I am humbled that my name seems to reach so far and wide these days, and that a member of the illustrious Ikoma family has sent me such a kindly worded letter honors me.

This will be the first time I attend Winter Court as a guest and delegate, and sometimes I must pinch myself to realise I am not dreaming when I remember that it is the Glorious Empress' own court I will be attending. Your offer of advice is must appreciated and I look forward to speaking with you so that I may learn from those more experienced. Likewise, I have spent much time in Kyuden Ikoma, and if you wish for the insight of a local, then I am honored to be of assistance.

May the ancestors bless your journey,
Kitsu Sayomi of House Tatsukawa."