[D7 Court EA] Seeking the Advizier

[Asako Kenichi]

Kenicho bowed again deeply, and slowly opened the fan. "Thank you for your time Otomo-sama. First of all, my condolences on the loss. We as an Empire all suffered it, but you have been advisong the Empress for such a long time, it must be keenly felt."

[Otomo Keihime]

"I imagine that I shall be mourning my dearest friend for quite some time, but I find that good people are often asked to hold their emotions so that they can rise to face the challenges of their time. Do you not agree?"

[Asako Kenichi]

"Hai, I agree. Still, in my education among the Ikoma, we were taught that great and honirable people should still be allowed their emotiins. If not expressed by themselves, then by others on their behalf."

He fiddled with his fan.

"It is certainly an awkward situation we find ourselves jn during this Winter. A bevy of potential successors, yet no clear guideline. A dn a surprise heir suddenly turning up."

He sighed.

"It would be a shame to have a similar situation again. Do you agree Otomo-sama?"

[Otomo Keihime]

Keihime smiled mirthfully. "Is this you asking to be my heir, Asako-san?"

[Asako Kenichi]

Kenxigi let out a small laugh. "No, for everyone's sake, no Otomo-sama. I am a sacrirical son from a disgraced bloodline from a modest House. You can do better than me. The Empire needs better than me."

He let out a sigh. "But my not so subtle question still stands Otomo-sama. I would feel better if we coukd avoid this jext time."

[Otomo Keihime]

"Oh? And who should do it, hm? I am faced with those of the correct bloodline arraying themselves against me? Not one of them would accept being my heir, were I to ask, and I could not bear the devastation of being refused. I could only name one deserving of the throne by blood and by deed. Such a person has not presented themselves as yet."

[Asako Kenichi]

"Otomo-sama...have you actually asked them?"

Kenichi felt an intense need to massage his temple.

"I would be honored, but also....quite out of my depths. Are there none in your family or House you would like as a protege? What about one of the other contender's chikdren, to signal unity?"

[Otomo Keihime]

Keihime started to laugh. "Asako-san, there is no unity. There are 5 people who would like to exercise supreme power. Only one of them is competent to do it. Unity would require them to acknowledge that and rescind their claims. Are you willing to work for unity?"

[Asako Kenichi]

"I am willing to work for an Empire that doesn't burn down. I don't presune to know better than others. That was m ygrandoarents' Sin."

A darkened scowl flashed over his face. "I would work for such a unity, under circumstances. One of them being, preferabky you having an heir lined up. Preferably not me."

He lazily opened his fan in his hands, the paper object pointing downwards. "What do you think I might do for wuch a unity?"

[Otomo Keihime]

"I think that you might risk reputation and comfort to persuade one of these people to lay aside their claims. If that were to happen, then I could name an heir that is worthy of the throne."

[Asako Kenichi]

Kenocho frowned. "Otherwise you would throw away, and name someone lackluster Otomo-sama? I am willing to help, but this humble servant must not see the reasoning behind such a proposal."

He withheld a sigh. "I am merely looking for the best option for the future of the Empure."

Whether that is you is not yet certain, was the unspoken addendum.

[Otomo Keihime]

Keihime leaned down and looked Kenichi dead in the eye.

"I told you what you need to do for me to name an heir. Get one of them to drop their claim, and I will name one of their children. But there is no one else with the correct blood. Do it or do not. You are dismissed."


And her coterie moves in and Asako Kenichi is ushered away.