Kyuden Shika

The man's face is stony. "Clan and family can have... priorities, as well. Practical considerations," he says, sounding slightly distant. "Bushido will not allow me to do less than my best in the challenges presented. But to the extent there are choices to be made... There will be much to consider." The voice now is graver, a scratchier kind of rumble than before.

"Does Lion-san have preferences in what he might find amenable in a wife? This one could keep her ear to the ground. She could suggest that they might find themselves in his company, for his assessment, of course."
She leans in conspiratorially, a sly smile touching her features.

"Usogawa-san's eagerness to help is admirable," Ishioka says honestly. "But a moment ago she seemed rather skeptical of working with a Lion. What has changed so quickly," he asks in a lowered voice, tilting his head in conspiratorially but giving a hint of real curiosity.

"Hardly skeptical. Merely... practical," she echoes his choice of wording back to him with a small shrug.
"This one believes in keeping all options open. These following weeks will be a trial of assessment, we're given the opportunity to meet with all manner of like-minded samurai candidates in a setting that allows for building relationships which might be otherwise impossible outside the miai."

"Practicality is good," Ishioka rumbles approvingly. "Make the most of available opportunities, hm?"

He looks toward the sky thoughtfully for a moment. "I have perhaps been less than dutiful, not organizing my thoughts about the match I seek."

"Making suggestions to your nakodo is never without merit. Assessments of your honour and ability only go so far, a good nakodo will take into account the wishes of their samurai as well," Narumi nodded slowly, watching the Lion as his gaze drifted upwards. He was handsome, for certain, if a quiet sort.

The Lion chuckles very faintly, almost no sign of laughter on his face as he does it.

"Good to have a partner," he observes pleasantly. "I will need some help managing all the... considerations."

Good. Very good. Narumi could be taken by the stoney-faced Matsu, if she were so inclined. He was difficult to read, a challenge she might look forward to meeting. Interesting.
She inclined her head, "Good, it's settled then. This one will be your honourary nakodo, weeding out the population who will surely be interested in Matsu-san, so his choice may become clearer."

Fascinating.

"You are clearly motivated to practice your nakodo work. I accept your offer of help. I will organize my thoughts so we can speak again, productively, soon."

"This one is motivated to better get to know Matsu-san as well," she offers and her lips smirk to one side with practiced ease. "I look forward to offering counsel."