Kyuden Shika

"Hai. We must make sure weird words such as 'yalms' is known Empire-wide. The only way to do so is through Otosan Uchi." He says, sounding like a joke, but doesn't laugh or smile.

Emiko frowned a little.

"Hai, as you say Seppun-sama."

She picked up the cup, sipping on it.

Noticing the demotivation, he tries to correct, perhaps without much success. "Eto. I mean weird in a good fashion, like... eto... interesting" He meant cute, again, but can't actually put it right.

"Which kind of games Usogawa-san enjoys playing?" He asks, curious.

Emiko tilted her head, studying the man for a few moments before giving him a soft smile.

"I'll accept interesting instead of weird. I understand the Otter are not perhaps the most traditional clan but I wouldn't say we were weird."

There was a pause as she put her cup down.

"I play a lot of different games. I quite enjoy Go and Shogi, although I don't have a Shogi set. I've tried Kemari which was quite fun. There was also Fortune and Winds, although this seemed quite unpopular outside of the Mantis isles. Does Seppun-sama play games?"

"Oh, I wasn't regarding Usogawa-san's clan. I meant the word itself." He sips and replies, "I am remarkably lame at all games." He nods really sure of himself, "It is an area I greatly enjoy, though. My enjoyment surpasses any potential skill –– actually lack of –– a millionfold."

"Ah, I can understand this. I can't say I'm great at games also, but I thoroughtly enjoy them. Perhaps Seppun-sama would like to play games sometime?" Emiko offered with a smile.

He thinks about the proposal for quite a while to pick the proper words. He definitely wants to spend more time with Emiko, but voicing it out like that wouldn't be correct. Then, he nods, "I might. But don't get me wrong. It is not because I like to be this close... and... eto... visit geisha houses. It is my duty as Governor of Chisei to know more about the minor clans."

Emiko tilted her head.

"Seppun-sama, I was not asking due to closeness. Games are played between friends, ne? It has no extra meaning other than spending time as friends, and getting to know each other better. This is a miai after all."

“Friends?” He squints his eyes as she tilts her head, “I imagine we could, perhaps, try to begin a rapport such as that in our next meeting. I mean, if everything goes out well.”

"Of course Seppun-sama" Emiko said, lowering her head respectfully to the man before looking to the geisha who had started playing while they were talking.

"This place is nice. Nicer than any I've seen before."