Kyuden Shika

You and me both, Imperial...
"This one is sorry to hear Seppun-sama feels he did poorly. Surely, the sky will open up and blessings will rain down upon you tomorrow," she agreed, watching him without staring explicitly.
"Any suspicions on what trials tomorrow might bring our way?"

"I thank Usogawa-san for her good thoughts." He shrugs, ""I imagined it would have been games today, but, to be honest, all the signs pointed to poetry. If we follow this trend, signs are pointing to some sort of investigation, I guess."

"Hm. Quite right. Your observation is astute, i suppose we just will have to wait and see." A pause. "And has Seppun-sama found enjoyment with any of the candidates? This one doesn't pretend to equal the skilled perfection of the Shika but she has experience in arranging harmonious matches, herself. Could she therefore act as a go-between?" Her tone is light, though her eyes are dark with festering thoughts that won't stop haunting her.

He nods while his eyes close. Images of very good moments are painted in his mind, "I certainly have. The Deer are indeed gracious hosts and their ways, so far, are proving to be very promising."

Was that a smile?

No, but ok. He also says, "Mother passed me a list of names. I am confident Shika Pei-Pei-sama has a similar list she passed me. I am following mother's guidance, and... well... adding notes. To her insightful point of view for the future –– that is proving to be quite successful –– would be good to reinforce the friendship between the Imperial Families and the Minor Clans. If Usogawa-san would have any way to promote this, I think would be very welcoming."

--
Swaying your fellow PCs (Government/Void): Strengthen the ties between the minor clans and the Imperial Families. Distinction Blessed Lineage. | TN: 2 | Success: 2 / Opportunity: 1 / Strife: 1

1 to remove strife

Narumi nodded, deep in thought. "Hai," she moderately agreed, only half listening truthfully.
"Your mother must be very wise, to know what's best for her son so intimately. You're doubly-blessed, Seppun-sama."

“She is. As much I would like the opposite. But that not proper of me to say, or even think. Please pardon me.” He nods onde more, “só as I said Minor Clan and Imperials.”

He nods again, and asks, finding a breach in the Otter’s attention. “So. Is Usogawa Emiko-san Kuge by birth?”

She nods in acknowledgement in return to him.
Then he asks after Emiko, and her expression softens. "Oh, hai. Her father has been our champion since he was but 15, and never steered his clan wrongly. She is her father's daughter, and blessed to have him. As we all are blessed to have him."

"As am I." He flattens what could potentially be defined as a quasi smile. Well, it isn't a sour expression, for one. He mentions, "Usogawa Emiko-san has taught me how to play shogi. I often play go. That was an interesting thing to learn."

An eyebrow quirks as she listens. "Is that right? Emiko-sama is a wonderful teacher, kind and patient. It's good you're spending time with her. Strengthening bonds between Minor clans and Imperials, of course."

He nods, trying to assume a more bussiness-like expression, "Eto. Indeed. I hope Usogawa-san could, well, perhaps reinforce such importance."