Kyuden Shika

Inoshishi arches an eyebrow. "You truly don't know? Fascinating. Yes, of course, I'll return an answer for an answer."

She finishes her food, curious how the Scorpion will respond, knowing absolutely nothing about how he thinks, particularly on this matter.

"If everyone was gathered, and it was not a miai, I would do as I have done and seek Usogawa Emiko-sama's hand", he said without reservation. "I have doubts I would stand a chance were marriage not on her mind as this situation demands, but I would do my best."

Inoshishi nods. "Oh, I duel her tomorrow. I don't think I've even met her. But I saw my name up there next to hers. What is she like?

As for me, I would, of course, pursue Ishioka, had I met him under any circumstance. Had I not, I'm sure my family would have found me a mate eventually, with the Moth, like as not."

"Usogawa-sama is...", he thought about it a little. "Perhaps a bit elusive, as she seems to take her position seriously, much more seriously than one her age might usually, but without hmm..." he decided not to compare people. "Yet without a haughtiness one could expect given said position. I think you will find her delightful to face."

Inoshishi smiles, then looks a bit sad and pushes away another snack.

“Well, then I suppose I shouldn’t fill up to the point where I have no option but to stand as Earth. I will try to acquit myself well, but I can’t remember the last time I held a broken, much less a katana. Those are not my strong suits.”

She looks away, mulling the time.

“I have enjoyed catching up with you Shosuro-san. I hope we may do so again.”

"Then i'll leave you to your meal", he said and stood up, clearly seeing the signs.

“Oh, no, you may stay! I think I should sleep before my duel.”

She bows politely to the Shoshuro, perhaps a little deeper than strictly polite, indicating her genuine thanks for the conversation.