Ethel
It had not taken long for Utaku Kazuko to discern that faces would come and go through the doors of the Ide Residence rapidly and regularly. The constant struggle of meeting new faces, wondering if they would even be at her disposal to utilize the following week. It made planning difficult. How was she to make progress when she was hardly able to rely on those under her care still being at her service by the summer. It vexed her greatly, and in the privacy of her office she was unafraid to show it.

Yet another stack of papers were roughly disturbed, brought into her hands, and torn in two, thrown at the floor to add to the mounting tide of inked out, crumpled, or torn parchments. Another grand idea thrown away due to not having the right pieces.

"Tidying the place again?" Fuyuko stood at the entryway, watching the display with a wry smile. She was not unfamiliar with seeing her lady show these bouts of frustration; even approved of it: keeping these emotions bottled up for too long would prove damaging. It was still a humorous event to see it in action.

Kazuko paused mid-tear in brief surprise, before uttering a soft snort. The papers completed their separatory journey before fluttering to the ground. "Well, you have been asking for more work so I thought I would give you some."

"I asked for nothing of the sort, or have you gone deaf as well as mute?" Mock anger filled the servant's features before fading away into a laugh that Kazuko soon joined in with. Moving to her lady's side, Fuyuko began to collect the discarded paper and bundle them together for disposal. "That new Unicorn will be here soon. The architect."

The Unicorn taisa knelt to help Fuyuko, brows creasing in thought. Shinjo Sumire. Her skills would have proved invaluable after the Great Horde had burned through those cesspool of a city and the arduous task of rebuilding the shattered seat of trade had begun. That dream was in the past, a fond memory of what should have been.

Now was not the time to reminisce. They Children of Shinjo did not wallow in the past; they adapted. She glanced at the crumpled parchment in her hands. New plans began to pour through the Unicorn Ambassador's mind. "Once we're done cleaning up, get your ink set. I have ideas."

"Hai, Ko-chan." A devious glint sparked in the translator's eyes. "You know I love a good plot. I'll have Hisa see Shinjo-sama in when she arrives."

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Rita
Shinjo Sumire ensured her footwear were left at the entrance as she looked around cautiously and advanced towards where her teacher had sent her to, trying to go over in her head all of the little things she'd prepared in advance. The established abode was still intimidating her, even if she was possibly seeing the pressure of her circumstances play dramatics with her perception to make things seem even more expansive than the reality. It did not take a day to cross the hall, she certainly wouldn't be gifted with that much more time to try and prepare. She just knew she was being depended upon to not screw this whole thing up, and this was a considerably important part of that whole idea. It was not to say that her mind played tricks with her composure, she'd maintained a neutral visage externally while internalizing her tension in countless occasions before. Such was then the fulfillment of habit for her, a neutrally formal posture as she made those steps forward that distorted time itself.

She'd tried to prepare at least. She'd just came from getting a bit of a tour of the city so that she wouldn't be completely ignorant as to how the city looked architecturally. Sure, she did that without her glasses, which certainly impacted the clarity of her sight in the process, but the Shinjo who guided her had been very informative with additional details too. There was.. Other complications.. But this was not a time to think about those distractive confusions. Especially when she noticed that her arrival had been in turn also noticed in reverse. It reminded her again in the unfortunate qualities of her own appearance, that she was very easy to not take seriously simply due to her youthful and small appearance. With such an immature look, she was supposed to represent a substitute for her teacher. She made her best effort to express her maturity in posture, the formal etiquette her prior teacher had instilled into her, revisiting everything then at its maximum.

She followed along in much the same way as she entered, the delay of passing through a door fleeting another day without room for thought as if it was just a moment. Maybe it was just a moment. She walked in, her vision almost spinning in the self-deluded perception of her own stress, the magnitude of ordered assembly towering around her in a clear demonstration of importance. She walked appropriately into the room, she went into a full and complete bow of pure reverence, her terrors unexpressed otherwise. This did not mean she went to her knees, but that she otherwise went down as much as she could with her full body form. She thus missed the initial motions, but looked up at the voice coming from an unexpected direction, quickly figuring out the implications. She had full respect for such a circumstance, it did not even take consideration for natural acceptance. This was not only because she was stressed, had she been more relaxed she might have even taken the opportunity to additionally feel guilt in requiring a translation simply due to not directly understanding the meaning that Utaku-sama was trying to convey more directly. She herself sometimes needed to use her hands too, to produce a plan of action for the work she was to accomplish. Such complicated motions were also difficult for most people to understand, so she had to provide her own translations. The fact of being unable to speak otherwise was just that, an unfortunate unquestionable fact.

She kept her attention generally in Utaku-sama's direction as she went to take her seat, trying to focus upon the motions she did not understand while listening to the translations that were much more clear. Those motions were words, she could tell that, and to ignore the words at their source would be disrespectful. "I thank you for taking this time to address my arrival, I'm sorry if it is of any inconvenient opportunity. The City has already been very welcoming despite my only having just arrived."
Ethel
"If an Ambassador ever finds addressing the samurai under their care to be inconvenient they are failing in their duties, Shinjo-san." Another one full of apologies. No matter, she would break the girl of that habit sooner or later; if not herself, then by virtue of the assignment she was to give Sumire.

 She took a measuring look at the Shinjo before her. Young features, but looks could be deceiving. A lifetime away from the battlefield could do wonders to one's appearance. Now though, she would be entering a thicket of dangers and stresses far greater than an oncoming Lion army. Kazuko hoped she was ready for it. "It is agreeable to hear the City has been welcoming. Tell me, what are your first impressions of it?"

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Rita
It was as she'd assumed upon arriving at the city, that there would be a test for what she might have noticed upon arriving. This is what she'd been the most stressed about, if she'd been capable of seeing enough before her arrival to be ready for such an evaluation, to not lead to a disappointment that might reflect poorly upon her teacher. She however did not have much time to think about it, but she had fortunately had a chance to discuss it.

"In comparison from what I've seen before, my first impression was that it was immense, much bigger than the places I've been before. There was so much going on, the sprawling streets which I know was always designed for a defensible layout, magnified. Even the walls appeared to layer its design and intent in repetition. Eventually, I figured out that the layers of intent was not only because of its size, but because the city has a significant need to be versatile too, to be so many different things for so many different people, all at once. However, I figured out that this was not the true goal of the city, it was just the result of it. The city has faced improvements simply in a constant attempt to yield more results, to be more capable.. More prosperous. It wants to be more, to do more, and so it has more and more layers, one after the next. Versatility is good, but if the goal is to be prosperous.. It just feels unfocused, quantity over quality. I mean, there was stuff with quality going on, this building is... It's just, much of the city just seemed chaotic in design, not as organized as it could be. Even the sprawling streets felt more designed for yield than defense, compared to other places I've been, much smaller places with much less to protect."

She felt betrayed by her thoughts, her own words being about as unfocused in her uncertainty, and that idea had her just stop there. Quantity over quality, more words weren't going to be better. She didn't need to say more, just what was the most important.
Ethel
"An interesting study of this place, Shinjo-san. You bring a perspective that I do not clearly see." Kazuko nodded as she brought before her a detailed map of the city. Criss-crossing roads and crowded blocks which the Battle Maiden had never considered before as telling a story were displayed before the two of them. "However, our final analysis is the same. This city lacks focus. It has wallowed too long under Scorpion Clan mismanagement, those content to let the darkness of this wretched hive carry their coffers at the expense of the health of the city."

The map had several locations marked throughout the districts, primarily focused on the Leatherworkers and Fishermans Quarters. The buildings here were drawn as damaged, destroyed even. "My agent in the field recently made this most up-to-date map of the city. In short, it is crumbling due to the rampant idiocy of the other clans. If we are to take this prize as our own, it is on us to help this place grow to what we need it to become."

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Rita
She was genuinely surprised at how well this had gone. That was the right answer? The stress in discovering it might have been worth it, but she still caught the irony of reflection, it was always her own perspective that she could not clearly see. Literally, she was still not using her glasses, these circumstances would have been the most shameful for doing so. The finer details of everything she'd seen were still eluding her, but maybe after having endured that for years she'd learn to percieve the details in other ways. She was still unperceptive to the fine motions being used in communication, reading the posture of hands was a struggle for her even if she knew their meanings, more so at a distance.

The map, that was a language she was much more familiar with. It exposed a few more details as she was previously referring to, she even knew her teacher would have corrected such roadways as being childish at being indefensible. Unreinforced straight lines were always weaknesses that could be abused by unsavoury threats, both in buildings and in roadways within a place like a city. Not only were there no presence of defensive chokepoints, but even the more civilized aspects had little to speak of. No order or structure, just a clutter dumped like a undisciplined child's bedroom.

Then there was the damaged section brought up in discussion. She instinctually reached for a blank sheet of paper, pausing not only because her own brush was still packed, but because taking any such actions might not be taken as the most respectful approach especially in consideration to her present situation. The presence of a map really spoke to her, but she was in no position right now to just simply start communicating in her own natural brush language. Instead, she went back to her original posture and just silently nodded while continuing to listen and watch respectfully.
Ethel
"Now, that being said, this city is built on deception. My second performed a military analysis of this place, and it is designed to be a death trap for invaders. Areas of the wall designed to fall, bridges set to collapse, the list goes on." Kazuko idly pointed at areas of the map from time to time as she laid out these matters. It seemed so long ago, Masanori, Kenza, and herself going over the analysis of Ryoko Owari. "Had our plans over the winter been successful you would find yourself here amidst a team of colleagues rebuilding a city razed of the Scorpion."

She sighed, collecting her thoughts. Though things had not turned out as expected, that did not mean her presence was not needed. "Still, there is much to do. Instead of being one of many, you are *The* One. You will lead all Unicorn construction efforts here under our supervision.


Kazuko let the words settle. The Shinjo may not have been expecting such a prominent role, and truthfully if the Battle Maiden had a choice she would not force it upon her. But choice was a luxury none could afford. "Areas of the city where the lowest classes live have been damaged by reckless samurai, and my second—Utaku Masanori—posited we spearhead the rebuilding efforts alongside our allies to build the people's trust of us. Meet with him to discuss the specifics; it should be a simple first task to ease you into your new role."

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Rita
She nodded, pointing to the map too. "I mean, I like the roads of the southern quarter you're pointing at here, but I don't see a wall here. I suspect it was to be enticing bait for someone to take, as it lets someone have a supply front before the city's actual walls. Even if the routes are convoluted, I don't think that would have been very smart, because of here. The southern edge of the Bay. Sure, the bridge can be collapsed, but that actually could be in an attacker's favour. Bring down the bridge, then dam up the pass and the bay will flood into both sides of the city. Doing that will not only allow the entire west side of the river to fall easily, it will also flow along these northern lines. I mean, maybe that's why all of the main buildings are to the south, the area least prone to flooding, but it is also the closest to the supply front previously established. Flooding would cut the east side of the city off straight up to the southeastern wall. If the south of the bay is dammed up, then the bridge further south will run dry, leaving the southeaster concession at a prime siege opportunity right beside the last standing part of the city."

"I got to enter from what I think was the northern gate here, on the east side. I think I mostly followed along this road towards the coastline, seeing the coast was always a straight line. It spoke of confidence, that no attacker could attack from they bay, but never that the bay could be the threat. It might instead be important to put floodlines in wandering channels through the city, never in a straight line, which could catch this overflow and bring it further south without damaging infrastructure. Some to be returned to the river further south, others to maybe end up in flood basins outside the city, especially defensible basins. Maybe underground too, if that is a safe option."

She realized what she was doing and paused, going a bit flush in the process. "I'm terribly sorry. I'm getting too carried away here. Uh, I see there is a lot of work to plan out even just on the west side, especially because this is only just a single perspective map. There is probably more that needs to be reviewed and considered. I.. I'm surprised to find myself suddenly in charge of a project this expansive. I know I will need to do a lot more research into what isn't on this map, the secrets that exist, the secrets that might have been forgotten, and maybe even the secrets the land has yet to share with anyone. There is a lot that needs to be worked out to determine how things should look after the changes are completed, such as if the purpose of both quarters are going to shift at all. The specifics.. Are then going to be important. Where and when am I expected to meet to learn what more I am expected to know for all of this?"
Ethel
"I was not aware your studies included military tactics, Shinjo-san, especially to a level that *You* Would have to explain them to *Me.*" Kazuko's pointed response and admonition was delivered with a slightly icier tone than normal. Regardless, Sumire's energy was a welcome change to the oft sense of foreboding and dread following assignments Kazuko gave out. That she did not seem to be terribly concerned with her newfound authority was either a boon or a costly mistake, only time would tell. "Your enthusiasm is noted, though keep in mind the current scope of our work is limited. Ryoko Owari will not be not ours until Otomo-sama grants it to us after the Winter. Even after the city is turned over to us as its deserved stewards, all who have attempted to bring true change this city have failed.

"Utaku-san has all the details of the goodwill reconstruction efforts we will begin with. Meet with him within the next two days and he will provide you with the parameters of his task and how best to assist him. Keep this for your own use." Kazuko rolled up the map, placed it carefully back in its case, then passed it to the Shinjo. She had more copies, and ensuring one of these was in the hands of someone who would need it was a priority. "And begin to prepare yourself. Soon the safe havens of our enemies will be burnt down, and it will be our responsibility to rebuild them into something of value."

It was impossible to tell if the Battle Maiden was speaking literally or metaphorically at this point. Either way the message was plainly stated: the architect's works now on a small scale would provide the groundwork for greater feats in the future. "Prove yourself to me, and you will be the one to do so."

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Rita
She went quite quiet at the scolding, noticing the serverity of her overstepping there. It might have been true that proper design means knowing to avoid abusable weak-points, how they could be in general abused. Of course, she knew nothing of the specifics in how any of the weaknesses she mentioned would be then taken advantage of, so giving the impression she had skills in an area beyond her expertise was terrible. She had, of course, been overwhelming herself with her present line of thought and where that would go, but she had to keep in mind everything else. She couldn't just depend on her teacher to... Wait, he wasn't here. In the process of interrupting her planning to consider the project at whole, the magnitude of responsibility started to soak into her instead, causing her voice to completely escape her and her face to go slightly pale as shock started to set in. She was being given.. How much responsibility? This wasn't even just a matter of going to the big city anymore, building a few things no matter how important. She was being told to work on half the city.

Her thoughts slowly caught up, something about gradual work until there was approval for more. That still might reason the need for more research and planning though. It was good there were people at least doing research and all that already, one step at a time might be the best way to not be overwhelmed here. She just needed to meet with him and.. Figure things out from there. Her semblance of composure was outwardly present in full by the time she took the map back, though she was not as inwardly composed as she appeared. She rarely was, but this time the difference was more significant than normal. She managed to bow her respect yet could still not voice a word. Prepare herself... No kidding that was going to be an important and challenging task.

After a period of silence, she finally spoke softly. "I'm sorry, I will strive to do better. I know I will need to do so."
Ethel
"Your apology is noted, Shinjo-san. Think nothing further of the matter. Errors in judgment only lead to mistakes if one refuses to correct them." Kazuko waved a hand dismissively at the apology. While the Ambassador saw the enthusiasm behind the boldness in the woman's plan, city officials would not. Best for Sumire to face this from her rather than the Otomo or one of his Imperial cadre. "Utaku Masanori-san is a busy man and his duties often take him outside the Embassy. Fuyuko-san will take you to his aide Ryo-san, who will arrange for the two of you to meet.

"Is there anything else you wish to discuss with me at present?" Up to this point, Kazuko had been providing orders. However, her duty as leader was also to be responsive to the needs of those under her care. Especially with a new arrival, addressing questions or concerns was always necessary.

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Rita
Her thoughts were directed in whole to her duty, she wasn't considering much of anything else, and questions there were already waiting for her meeting two days from now. That said, she could think of then two important matters there which she could inquire upon. "I understand that this will be the focus of my duties, but is there anything else I should work on otherwise, especially in preparation of this meeting in two days? I should probably also figure out specifically where I might find the place I am to rest my head for the nights between, who should I ask upon such a matter? I expect having a known place where I could be easily found in the late of the day would be of importance for my duty." She had no concerns for anything except what might be her duty, especially as something to bring up to someone like Kazuko, to do otherwise would be disrespectfully wasteful of her.

It would still mean such a duty involved waiting for two days, days she expected she should spend productively in preparation of when that time came. Learning more about the city was probably an important step there, something she could focus upon for any potential free time she had. She doubted that such a meeting would involve immediately getting to work either, it would just open the opportunity for her inclusion into research and planning, with a lot of information provided to her. This did not mean she could afford to be delinquent about her preparations for the event, it implied instead that she might have to expect delays might continue beyond those two days and she would need to be prepared with ways to remain productive otherwise. The idea that she might 'take it easy' and 'get comfortable' at any point in this process was never something that arose in her thoughts, even sleep was but a task that served to optimize her efficiency. In that, she needed to be prepared to sleep too.
Ethel
"Do you prefer a yurt or a room?" A place to stay was an easy question to answer, depending on her preferences. It did not matter much to Kazuko where she stayed, so long as it was safely within the confines of the Residence. "We have both available, and will have your preference prepared for you within the hour.

"As to what you can do over the next two days, I would recommend you get to know the city as well as possible. It is a dangerous place so long as our enemies remain within its walls, but also one of opportunity. Meet and speak with others, learn what you can. If there is any way that the Unicorn can be of assistance, report it directly to myself so that I can determine if it is within our interests to offer it." Kazuko had no plans to police the woman's time, but if she was looking for suggestions she would provide them. Hopefully the Unicorn could garner goodwill by doing what they were known for: being compassionate. Yet it could not be unbridled, lest they be taken advantage of. "If there is nothing else, you are dismissed. Carry the Five Winds, Shinjo-san."

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Rita
She'd not had much experience with Yurt life before among the Ide, she did not expect it would be a productive change for her duties. She did have concerns that the rooms here certainly scaled upwards in intimidation right now, the place was much more established than her normal, but it was most likely the best response. "I suppose a room might be the most appropriate decision."

Getting to know the city, a task she'd already started upon, a task which had been established as being correct earlier, it seemed that might be her biggest responsibility right now. To see and learn what could be safely seen and learned. Given how earlier went, this also implied a value in meeting those of other clans. She liked the idea that she might even discover opportunities to be helpful in the process, but understood such opportunities might come with more of a sense of process. She was very used to an established sense of process, that's how her work worked after all.

"It was an honor getting to meet you as well, Utaku-san. May the days ahead shine brightly upon your trail."