[D2, LM, Open] Regnal Repast

[Otomo Keihime]

"Oh, how adorable." Keihime's smile was almost maternal--almost. "I think that a welcome goal. However, and I simply must caution you, a little caution will take you a long way. Don't make sacrifices for fair-weather friends--but you may not always recognize the real thing when you first see it."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"It sounds like good advice, Otomo-sama," Ryoichi said thoughtfully. "But you raise a good point - how do you know which are your 'real' friends and which are only 'fair-weather'? It seems, ahh, dangerous if you mistake one for the other. I have some thoughts on it, but must defer to the Imperial Advisor's greater experience."

[Otomo Keihime]

"You will know when the weather changes, of course. And the friends you make in adversity tend to be stronger than those you make when you are at the top of the pole." She inclined her head. "But, ultimately, what you must realize is that behind every paragon is a list--some long, some short--of the things that they are willing to sacrifice their integrity for, and which elements go first when they are in a jam. You must be prepared for this."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

Ryoichi looked thoughtful at Keihime’s utter condemnation of human nature. Was there truly a list of things he would throw away his honor to protect? He was forced to admit that there was.

“The storytellers like to claim our heroes are peerless and without fault, but I haven’t met such a man,” Ryoichi said at last. “I think Otomo-sama must be right. I will keep her advice in mind this season.” He bowed respectfully.

[Otomo Keihime]

"It was my pleasure to be of help to you, Yasuki-san." Keihime doesn't smile, but she does seem satisfied.