Kyuden Shika

He requests another traditional extra spicy shrimp lemon-zested ramen, and then returns his attention back to the Otter. Yuzu nods and says, "I appreciate Usogawa-san's words kindly. Anything yet to be done she has in mind in this last day –– besides the startgazing ceremony?"

She shakes her head slowly. "Everything I set out to do has been put in motion, and is now entirely out of this one's hands. Pieces will fall as they may, alliances will or won't be secured after tomorrow, support garnered or lost in upcoming struggles will be decided without further interference from this one." She looks sorrowful, regretful, but it only lasts a moment before her patented and perfected polite expression returns.

"I do have a luncheon date with Koi-san and a few others shortly though, which is why I can't share lunch with you now, as much as it would please this one."


D13EA Agenda at Yuzu, Garner Deer clan military support for the Crane clan | TN: 1 | Success: 0 / Opportunity: 3 / Strife: 2

He nearly chokes on his tea as he hears about the luncheon. He had just had a meeting with Koi where she told him about the event tonight. She didn't mention shit about a gathering with the Otter matchmaker. He coughs and provides an apologetic nod, "Shitsurei shimassu, my apologies. Would Usogawa-san mind if I partake some blessings as we talk, then?"

His distress is politely ignored as befit of his station, after all he doesn't seem to be dying. Yet. He's talking, after all.
"Oh hai, of course, I'm in no position to deny you; by all means."

As the bowl arrives, the boy provides a quick "Itadakimasu!" and takes a bite out of the shrimp. After savoring it with gusto, he asks the Otter, "I was thinking about the idea of establishing a real province to the Otter Clan as of lately. It would be a difficult task to put forward, but not entirely impossible. My initial thoughts were to request some space at the Minor Clan Embassy to have a few diplomats there. What does Usogawa-san think about this idea?"

She blinks in thought, caught off guard.
"I wish you nothing but the best of luck with your endeavour though I am sure Seppun-sama will not fail. But what if this one will only continue to count herself among the Otter clan for a single day?"

"Well, as much probable as that may be, isn't she one that would know how to perhaps leave the Clan of her Ancestors in a better standing?" He takes some noodles.

"I'd like nothing more," she answered. There was plenty Narumi would like more, but this was an intriguing proposition nonetheless, and she tilted her head forward in interest.

Yuzu nods, "That should be then my first suggestion to the Sentaku as Governor of Chisei. Do the Usogawa have a specific claim for any area they think would be beneficial for the Empire for them to watch and rule in the name of our glorious Emperor?"

Manicured eyebrows raise at the query. "Ehime Toshi, the.. closest thing Otter have to a centralized holding, a cluster of permanently-anchored riverboats and barges floating at the center of the Lake of Cherry Blossom Snow."
She lifts her cup of tea. "But the daughter of our daimyo is here as a candidate, shouldn't Seppun-sama talk to her about such matters instead of a simple nakodo?"