Object: Matrimony (7EM, open to Crab or Imperials)

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Excuse me," the polite Yasuki said to the Seppun guards. "Would you know if the Imperial Matchmaker is accepting callers this morning? I'm hoping to get her advice on, uhhh, certain arrangements. You know."

He looked a little sheepish at this admission.

[Seppun Tomaru]

The Miharu look closely at Ryoichi, and Tomaru focuses a stunningly intent gaze on him, fingering a scroll as he does so.

Tomaru nods, and a servant scurries off.

"Kindly wait here," Tomaru says, nothing jovial about him as he stands in a largely white kimono.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Of course, Seppun-sama," Ryoichi said with a bow. Tomaru's grave demeanor did not seem to invite small talk, so they waited in silence.

-
Ryoichi has nothing magic or tainted about him, in case the Seppun are X-raying him for these things.

[Otomo Mariko]

The servant soon returns, saying "The Nakodo will see you now. Please to follow."

Soon, Mariko's suite is entered. An astonishing array of bottles lines shelves on one wall.

"I am young to be about work so early, Yasuki-san," she says. "Do sit. Breakfast is arriving soon."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

The Yasuki paused for a moment at Mariko's greeting, then politely said, "I am so sorry for the early hour. But what I've seen in Court has led me to believe that consulting with you is very important. I can certainly return later if the Imperial Matchmaker prefers?"

He tilted his head as if to offer her the chance to politely reschedule.

-
7EM Can't lie: resist correcting a false statement, Willpower +Void Point TN20 | 4k4 ⇒ 24 (TN: 20)

[Otomo Mariko]

"Yasuki-san is already here," Mariko says, and Ryoichi might see the faintest hint of red in her eyes. "And breakfast is arriving even now."

And, lo, servants are laying out bowls of rice and egg and miso, along with what appears to be strong tea. And it is clear that the service is for two.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Splendid!" the Yasuki said, and took the offered seat. "Otomo-sama is too kind. How are you finding Kyuden Ikoma so far? I am sure one such as yourself must be used to the finest accommodations, but the Ikoma have been very fine hosts so far."

Ryoichi poured a cup of tea for the Otomo (if a servant hadn't done so already) and joined her for breakfast. His sensei at Kyuden Hida had, among other things, emphasized the need to eat when the opportunity presented itself.

[Otomo Mariko]

"The Ikoma do well enough," Mariko says, even if the spread before her and Ryoichi is far superior to what is on offer at the Crab House. "I know they expend all possible effort to be so."

She accepts the tea and notes her thanks for the food before setting to for a bit.

At an opportune moment, she says "The Crab are known for directness, and the Yasuki for their acumen. I will speak to both; I presume there is a specific matter you want to lay before me."

She sips at her tea.

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

The Yasuki nodded. "The Imperial Matchmaker is perceptive," Ryoichi said. "As it happens, the Crab delegation has been charged with securing a match for a number of our fine persons. I have a list right here." He produced a scroll with a list of names in Yasuki Masaki's fine handwriting, that he placed on the low table.

"The list is long, but the highest ranking of these would be our Champion's younger brother, Hida Shukichi," he said. "We have some ideas for who he and others could marry, but I thought it might be best to consult with you before we got too far in the negotiations."

"I am ... not quite certain what the protocol is for this," Ryoichi admitted. "Do you prefer that we identify prospective matches, then ask for your blessing? Or is it better for us to ask for you to recommend a person, then reach out to talk to them? Or something else?"

[Otomo Mariko]

"There are several ways this can be done, Yasuki-san," Mariko says, setting aside her bowl to look at the list. "A detailed account such as this does make some things easier.

"I am struck, however, by how...unadventurous so many of your Clan seem to be," she adds. "So many seem to demand to remain in Clan. Some might say so much seems greedy."

There is a tight smile. "I would not, of course, but these things must be considered. Whispers have brought down many marriages before, as I am sure Yasuki-san knows."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"That is why I must rely on your wisdom, Otomo-sama," Ryoichi replied with sincerity. "I would not want any match we make to be tainted by scandal."

"You are right that many of my clanmates have asked to remain within the Crab, though," he continued. "I see now that may be naive on our part. Some on our list are the scions of important Houses. I could see how there might be benefit to marrying out, though ... if the match were sufficiently advantageous."

"We are hoping to secure some friendly arrangement with the Crane, Scorpion and Centipede, among others. I hope that may be helpful information?"

[Otomo Mariko]

"Hm."

Mariko does not smile with the sound.

"Unions with the Centipede might prove auspicious for the duty your Clan bears," she admits. "And I can see keeping good relations with your pincered neighbors, as well.

"I note that there is no aspiration to join any of your number to Imperial stature, however. That humility is fitting, of course, but it might please the Families to take a spouse from your Clan in exchange for certain considerations. We are anxious that our cousins are treated well, as might well be understood."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I'm certain an Imperial spouse would be a great honor for any samurai, Otomo-sama," Ryoichi added humbly. "Was there someone you had in mind?"

[Otomo Mariko]

"For so heroic a figure as yourself," Mariko says, "I could easily see a pairing with Miya-ke no kashin Hojo O-Nana. She is a shisha of some renown, well known even in the Imperial City itself."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"If you recommend her, Miya-sama must be a most excellent person," Ryoichi said. "Is it proper for me to ask more about her? I would be glad to hear more, but if you think it would be more correct for me to ask another family member to handle the arrangements, I would understand."

[Otomo Mariko]

"But Yasuki-san is already here," Mariko says. "You'd not disappoint a young woman, would you?"

She sips her tea again.

"Hojo-san is quite accomplished [Status 4]. If memory serves, every one of her messages has been delivered on time, with no injuries. It is an impressive, impeccable record--and you know how difficult the duty of a Shisha can be."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"I am honored that the Imperial Matchmaker would consider me an acceptable match for such a talented and high-born lady," Ryoichi said, visibly impressed. "I have heard of House Hojo, of course, but could you tell me more about their situation? Their lands are near Kyuden Miya, I imagine?"

[Otomo Mariko]

"There are holdings near Kyuden Miya, yes," Mariko replies. "But their focus is in the Imperial City, itself. They are possessed of a property in the Outer City, which is no small achievement. Dwelling even so close to the Palace is a mark of high esteem."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"She sounds like an exceptional lady, from an exceptional family," the Yasuki said, looking impressed. "Truly, your reputation as a matchmaker is well-deserved. I hope it would not be too much trouble to rely on you for an introduction?"

[Otomo Mariko]

Mariko, who has been eating, nods.

As decorum allows, she will say "I will write the letter and have it sent to the Crab House."'

She looks at the list again.

"For your younger Kuni, Tono Eijiro, I wonder if a union with a Tortoise of whom I'm aware might be in order. Kasuga-ke no kashin Maruhira Mineko is at about his stage of life, being of similar age and eminence. I know that she would offer him a good counterpart, and I can imagine that Kasuga Izumi would ensure quite a wedding gift--although it might be more, were she to find a partner of greater stature."

She shrugs.

"But I do not speak for the Tortoise, only about what I know of them."

(As an administrative convenience, please consider the letter to have reached the Crab House before Early Evening today. Thanks. -GM Fuku)