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

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

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

"I am grateful for the Imperial Matchmaker's interest in this matter," Ryoichi said sincerely.

"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."

"Establishing a tie to the Kasuga would be of interest," the Yasuki agreed. "Can you tell me more about this gentle lady... Kasuga Mineko, was it? What sort of training did she have? Shiro Kuni is in the mountains and far from the sea, will that be a concern for her?"

[Otomo Mariko]

Mariko gives her tight smile.

"I am not as expert on the Tortoise as some," she says, "although the Throne has taken particular interest in them. I do know that she is generous with friends but frugal otherwise, which I think is something that your Family can appreciate. And her House controls some holdings on the southern rim of Golden Sun Bay, as I recall."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

Ryoichi nodded. "She sounds like an excellent prospect. I'll see if one of my colleagues can reach out to the Kasuga for an introduction."

"Would you have any suggestions for our champion's brother, Hida Shukichi?" the Yasuki inquired. "Or perhaps for my accomplished cousin, Yasuki Masaki?"

[Otomo Mariko]

Mariko sits back a bit.

"I'll have to ask you to let me refer to my notes on that," she says. "Close kin to a Champion is not something one generally faces before breakfast, however many other impossible things might be believed in such a time."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"Ahhhh, I have been too demanding," Ryoichi said, waving apologetically. "I know my list of candidates is very long; but we are eager for the Imperial Matchmaker's inputs. Perhaps I could give you a day or two to review the list and recommend matches, then return for further discussion? Unless there are any other ideas for matches that jump out at you right away."

[Otomo Mariko]

"That would be well, Yasuki-san," Mariko says. "A young woman does need time to compose herself appropriately, after all."

[Yasuki Ryoichi]

"In a day or two, then," Ryoichi said, careful to maintain a straight face. "You've been a great help. The Court is lucky to have such a talented Matchmaker as yourself."

Rising from the breakfast table, he bowed and prepared to depart.

[Otomo Mariko]

Mariko returns the bow.

"It has been a pleasure, Yasuki-san," she says. "I shall look forward to our next meeting."