(D1, EA) Dining Imperiously

[Kitsu Murato]

He nods, his food following not long after. Unlike Yuzu, Murato had ordered some fresh finger foods... some rice cakes and local, fresh berries and nuts. It wasn't a lot but it was different from what he was used to. "Itadakimasu."

"An important appointment. My father was assigned as a clerk for the main Otomo family, being a cousin of the daimyo. He worked alongside the karo and was one of those that would have been considered as a replacement, before his marriage."

[Seppun Yuzu]

He nods, and eats some more. "What about Kitsu-san. Any appointments or expectations so far being called?"

[Kitsu Murato]

"To a miai in Shika lands," he says with a nod. He said it in a playful but respectful way, not intending to be rude. "But other than that, there have only been considerations. The nakado of my family didn't know whether it would be better to keep a strong hold of me or to plan for an eventual exit. And so any potential appointments were not planned with any certainty."

[Seppun Yuzu]

Yuzu nearly chokes at his soba with the pun, but after a cough, he regains his regal posture, apologizing, "Shitsurei-shimasu."

Another cough, and he asks, "That's good to hear. I don't have the same leeway with my duties. What would Kitsu-san be looking for at this miai?"

[Kitsu Murato]

Satisfied with himself, internally, he doesn't show it outside. But he doesn't plan to try and surprise or choke the imperial governor anymore this conversation. He simply nods, at the apology, accepting it as if there was nothing to apologize for but not making a big deal of it.

"I believe that my family wishes me to marry a shugenja. I may lack the ability myself, but it is strong in my blood. I think they believe that if I were to have a shugenja for a wife I would likely produce such in my children. My father urges me towards some sort of political tie that might be used to benefit the family whether I marry out or bring someone in. I personally, just hope to be matched with someone that I can get along with, which I am not finding to be challenging with those I've met. So I'd likely lean towards my family's goals given influence over the choice, but it's not the entire consideration," he explains.

"What of yourself? Are you seeking any specific characteristics in a match?"

[Seppun Yuzu]

"Not that what I think matters to my family. I do have a list mother gave me. She has similar thoughts... from her notes. Shugenja gets bonus points, as well as... who would guess... Minor Clan samurai-ko." He puts it plainly and resumes eating.

[Kitsu Murato]

"Shugenja always seem to draw the attentions of those looking for a good match," he agrees, putting a berry on a small rice cake and eating it.

"And mothers are always imposing when looking out for the futures of their children."

[Seppun Yuzu]

He shrugs and then puts hashi very well placed on a chopstick holder. With a piece of cloth, he embraces her bowl and then drinks the broth. At a moment, he adds, "Well. I can't argue with one that once was Hantei. Can I?"

[Kitsu Murato]

"Only if you want to be wrong," he said with a nod. "Although arguing with a Kitsu mother comes with its own pitfalls."

"I imagine that your district has a fair number of temples and shrines with its Dragon presence. And the Crane likely fill it with beautiful architecture as well."

[Seppun Yuzu]

The boy puts the bowl back and takes the cloth to cleanse his chopsticks, then he takes a sip of the warm tea. The Seppun comments, "It contains the Embassy of the Dragon, Crane and Minor Clans. As well as the Seppun Hill. A place of many colors, and our Empire's legacy."