Kyuden Shika

No more sake. Not this time.

Besides having had more than enough hangovers this miai, he really did prefer the teahouse anyway.

And he gave an appreciative nod as his pot of Akina arrived.

Not sure how many more times I'll drink it, to be honest.

And really, depending on how things shake out, not sure I'd want the reminder of this... event.

Soyokaze wandered back into the tea house after a short walk. Spotting his friend he approached and bowed. "Good evening Raizo-san, how does this evening find you? Skipping the bar tonight?"

"Soyokaze-san! Good to see you- and yeah, I think... I've had enough of overdoing it for a while."

Taking a seat he sets down a small box beside him. "We haven't spoken since the duel, I again wish apologize for that entire situation and dragging you into it. How have you been you look a bit glum."

"Well. I've been reviewing my performance, and can safely conclude that I doubt I've impressed anyone in a position to make decisions about my future."

He refilled his teacup and glanced to see if Soyokaze wanted any.

"And with the time running out, this whole frustrating fever dream is drawing to a close."

Soyokaze's expression grew grave. "Surely the Shika can't disappoint us both. Your performance has been admirable Raizo-san, you should not worry about such things. Does she share you concerns?"

"Not as much."

He chuckled.

"Since, being a ronin, she has no lord to answer to if she tells them to cram their match where Lady Sun's light doesn't reach."

"Then you have a rival for her hand or are you concerned that the Shika will randomly make you a Mantis for some reason?"

"No serious rivals that I know of, but..."

He frowned.

"The process is so opaque. And I sometimes worry that they might take friendship for interest- like, Usogawa Narumi-san is a dear friend of mine, and someone I'll go so far as to say I love- but I'm not in love with her. There's actually absolutely no... chemistry there whatsoever. But I've spent enough time around her I'm not sure how the Deer will take it. And likewise, Kaikoga Koi-san and I have spent a great deal of time together, but I know her heart is with another, just as mine is."

"I see, that was my concern when I found out how much time Moshumaru has been spending with...her. He told me about it to try and wound me and i pointed that out to him, now knowing what I do about his wishes I wonder if he is regretting it. I think several people here will be having the same worry. Meanwhile I'm worried because I didn't spend enough time getting to know other people."