Kyuden Shika

They kept that sideways glance up for a little bit longer, but the smell of food soon took that away as their attention focused on the noodles instead.

"...The food is a welcomed offering, certainly. Smells delicious too."

Nesshin smiles, says "Itadakimasu," and lifts his chopsticks in anticipation of his guest eating.

"The castle kitchen does well with the fried noodles," he comments. "I never can quite place the herb used, but there's just a little something extra that makes for a lovely bowlful."

"Maybe the secret herb is love. Probably is just something brought in by the Mantis, but you know. Love makes it sound better." With that, they took a few bites, enjoying the flavor.

After matching Unsei for a few bits, Nesshin chews and swallows. "There're herbs for love, certainly," he says. "Or I'm told as much. Haven't needed them, myself, unless occasionally willow-bark tea for, er, exceptionally vigorous experiences on occasion."

"Exceptionally vigorous experiences?" They giggled some. "Fancy, aren't you? Though, I admit that I'm a bit curious about that now."

Nesshin smiles and takes in another mouthful of noodles.

After swallowing it, he says "You might find out yet. But I can't have you thinking we don't know anything out in the country."

"Oh, I know you all out here know things. Never said you didn't and for all my ego, I understand that I don't know all... yet. Eventually though. I'll learn everything." They smirked, usually saying such things in a playful nature anyway, before slurping some more noodles.

Nesshin nods and finishes his noodles.

"I'll wish you speed in learning, then," he says, "and look for your insights."

And he waits for them to finish before proceeding with "So, where do we start?"

Once they finished eating and set aside their bowl, they cracked their knuckles.

"Really, just gotta light the incense and summon them up. It's not difficult, but just as a warning, you might not get any answer you like, or really any answer at all. Air spirits are a bit tricky. Actually, a lot tricky. That's what they're known for."

"Let's do it, then," Nesshin says, and brings a lantern closer, lifting it so the flame can be accessed. He lights the incense, snuffs it to let it smolder, and places it.