[D3, LM, open] But I might find a better...

[Matsu Ishioka]

Yet another miai participant who doesn't align with Ishioka's understanding of their clan. Can there be so many outliers all in one place? Do I know what I think I know?

Fortunately he's saved from too much introspection asst this moment as the intriguing Centipede offers her help.

"Um, of course," he says articulately. "My acquaintance is..." He hesitates about revealing too much, but logic prevails that it will save time and that the Moshi will see through any obfuscation anyway.

"It is Usogawa Narumi-san," he says, voice lowered so as not to carry. "We've had a pleasant conversation about miais and nakodo and, um, I hope to speak with her more."

[Moshi Shizuka]

"Oh! An Otter, right?" Shizuka mused aloud. "Great companions, I understand. Here, let me help you find something..."

Seemingly unwilling to pry - or worse, judge - Shizuka was earnest in her support of the Stone Lion's search for a worthy gift despite knowing nothing at all about the person he was buying the present for!

...Doubtless it would all work out in the end, right?

/scene?

[Matsu Ishioka]

/scene