James
It was time. Or, rather, it was **Nearly** Time.

The Phoenix Karo made a habit of arriving early whenever possible and this was no exception. Though he made it out to the Scorpion gardens on occasion, such as his fateful meeting with Yuto, he couldn't exactly call them familiar. It simply wouldn't do to arrive late and blame it on a lack of preparedness.

*Ah, there it is.*

In the distance, he spied the specific pavilion that Kotori had directed him to in a series of clarifying letters between their initial contact and now. He briefly adjusted the lines of his simple, earth-colored kimono and pulled his obi just a little tighter before heading that way. The glaring mon of the Phoenix shifted subtly across his back with every footfall and the length of cord around his head kept his hair from doing the same before his eyes.

Arriving, he briefly considered cresting the steps before deciding against it. It would reflect poorly upon him to bow from a higher elevation, as though snubbing the one who had invited him here.

Instead, he settled in to wait with a small parcel tucked under one arm.

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Ann
Everything seemed to be in place.

Inside the pavilion which had so rapidly become a favorite place for the little Scorpion, the stage was set to host a most honored guest. Fresh tatami mats were laid upon the ground, plush zabuton arranged on either side of a low table made of maple wood polished to almost a mirrored shine. A celadon glazed tea set was at the ready, a water kettle was kept warm by a small oil burner, and several small jars of various loose teas were neatly arranged nearby. There was a whisk as well, in the event *Matcha* Was the chosen beverage. A small plate of exquisitely crafted tea snacks occupied the center of the table, the plate decorated with a few vibrant flower blossoms. 

Bayushi Kotori nodded in satisfaction at the arrangement. She was equal parts nervous and excited to be meeting Asako Sanumo, who should be arriving in short order. From what she was able to glean from her sources, he was an honorable, highly respected, and highly capable man well versed in the ways of court. 

She was eager to prove herself, not only to Asako-sama but her clan, and secretly... To prove it to herself, most of all. 
Taking a deep, calming breath, she produced a small hand mirror to give herself one final check. Her makeup was more subdued than she usually wore, though still expertly applied to accentuate her features. Her kimono, though still red and black in color, was likewise more conservative in cut and style than she usually wore; she made sure the collar was pulled closed in front with only a teasing dip in the back. 

Upon seeing a figure approach, she stepped down from the pavilion and bowed low. When she straightened, she smiled slowly, sweetly.

"Asako-sama, I am honored by your company today. I am Bayushi Kotori." 

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James
*Ah, how foolish. I should have bothered to check before assuming I had arrived first.*

The Scorpion beheld a man notably younger than his title would imply, the cast of his face suggesting a lack of sleep, a melancholy countenance, or perhaps simply the effects of being chronically overworked.

He returned the bow to an appropriate degree and rose again to his full stature. « It is a pleasure to meet you, Bayushi-san. Please, accept a token of my thanks for hosting me here today. » He produced the small, non-descript parcel from beneath his arm and held it out with both hands.



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Ann
"I cannot accept such generosity, Asako-sama." Even as she refused the gift he offered, Kotori smiled up at the young official, taking note of his somber face. Poor fellow. Melancholy was one thing, but exhaustion was entirely another.

"Please, do make yourself comfortable." She swept a hand towards the comfortable set-up inside the pavilion, stepping up after him. She allowed her guest to choose his seat and get settled before joining him, maintaining a proper *Seiza* Posture. 

"I have a number of different teas, Asako-sama. I seek only to provide for your comfort and peace, so please tell me which you would prefer." The little Scorpion indicated the jars one by one: yuzu cha <yuzu tea>, sobacha <buckwheat tea>, sencha <green tea>, wakoucha <black tea>, and matcha. 


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James
« Surely you might find it in your heart to reconsider. It would be a shame to find another deserving of such an item. » A practiced reply for a tedious, if necessary tradition.

But the empire runs on tradition, and so he continued paying lip service to the customs he'd grown used to even as he scaled the pavilion steps alongside his host. He stopped briefly, surveying everything that had been laid out for this visit, before giving a fractional nod.

*Excellent craftsmanship, but no gross opulence. Exactly what is needed - and nothing more. As it should be.*

The Karo seemed satisfied as he settled into a seat alongside the table. While listening to the teas Kotori had on offer, he idly ran a finger along the exceedingly smooth surface and admired its quality.

« The yuzu tea, please. » he replied without hesitation. There was either a surety to his choice or an indifference ||Etiquette: 4||; one might not be sure which at first glance. His head tipped to the side in mild curiosity, « Will you be drinking the same? Should it not suit your tastes, I wouldn't expect it of you. »

Some samurai could be very particular about ensuring the same food and beverage was shared by all present. If the point of this was mere introductions and nothing more delicate, he saw no reason to insist on such.

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Ann
"I am unworthy of so thoughtful a gift." The two of them maneuvered through the elaborate song and dance of gift exchange, and eventually, Kotori accepted the small package with both hands, bowing her head respectfully as she did. It was placed off to the side of the table; it would never do to place a gift upon the floor. 

"The yuzu tea is a special favorite of mine. I find it has a refreshing quality," The tea was then prepared with a practiced hand; while this meeting lacked the severity of proper tea ceremony, Kotori was eager to show the Karo he had not wasted his time by deigning to favor her with his time and presence. Not a single stray leaf made it into his cup.

"I am deeply honored by your visit, Asako-sama. I imagine your duties demand a significant portion of your time and attention." Delicate hands extended the tea cup to her guest, making but brief eye contact with him before demurely lowering her gaze. 

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James
« Very well. » he nodded, accepting her simple answer. Sanumo was seemingly content to stay quiet while the tea was rendered potable. Gently taking the cup once it was offered, he closed his eyes and took his first drink of it.

When he opened them, his reprieve was over and he was back to business.

« I assure you the honor is shared. While your assessment is accurate, an aspect of my duties that I would do well not to neglect is making myself available to personnages such as yourself. » The look he levied upon Kotori was one of dissection and categorization, as though he could place her within the web of individuals who fought for his time so frequently. Better they do so for him than for his Ambassador.

If her letter was earnest and she meant merely to become acquainted for now, then that was all there was as to it. He could humor such a request.

« You wrote in your letter that you are a musician? » The curious lilt in his tone made clear that he sought elaboration.

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Ann
His discerning gaze made her want to squirm, but she remained still and poised throughout. After all, was this not two combatants assessing one another? Though, granted, their weapons were word and pen instead of sword and spear. 

"All the same, I am grateful. I can only imagine the great demands placed upon you by your position."

Her gaze flicked back up towards his face when he mentioned music, and a bright smile momentarily lit her features before she schooled herself back into a more appropriate, subdued expression.

"I am indeed a musician, Asako-sama. I am skilled with a number of instruments and would be honored to play for you at some time, if you ever so desire." She picked up her tea and took a sip, wetting her throat that suddenly felt so dry it hurt. "Are you a lover or admirer of the arts?"

The question was phrased ambiguously, and absolutely intentionally. 
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James
« Perhaps I will take you up on that someday. » He retorted nebulously. It didn't seem like a placation so much as a statement of blunt fact.

An eyebrow rose at the phrasing of her inquiry. The gesture was short-lived, his expression returning to one of safe neutrality. « In fact, I **Am** An admirer of the arts. Not only is my family notably involved with such circles back home, but I made a point to further my research at the dojo. » As an afterthought, he included. « I'm also a sculptor of modest talent. »

He straightened some, swelling with a measure of pride. « And, as it so happens, I was selected to act as a judge in a poetry competition during the recent festival the Imperials held. It was fulfilling to be so involved with a diverse gathering of creative minds. »

It seemed they were getting somewhere. While his face gave little, the shifts in his body language and how he talked conveyed a more thorough interest in the topic at hand.

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Ann
She bowed her head at his noncommittal response, which was more than sufficient. She made the offer to almost all she met out of a love of music, though Kotori was not so foolish as to think that people would overlook her clan affiliation. 

"A sculptor? How marvelous!" Her voice expressed honest delight upon hearing he was also a lover of the arts, and she beamed at him. Remembering herself quickly, however, she concealed her smile behind her sleeve and lowered both her gaze and her voice. The tired-looking man seemed to liven up a bit, and the little Scorpion hoped she had discovered a topic of shared interest. 

"I very much believe the adage that a good poet can bring a tear to the eye." She lowered her sleeve, though her eyes continued to smile. "Though I have found a bad poet can do the same."

"To serve as a judge at such an illustrious event is a great honor, Asako-sama. Your expertise on the subject must be exceptional. Were there any poets whose name for which one ought to pay attention?" 

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James
"An apt observation, Bayushi-san." He nodded appreciatively. "And applicable across a wide range of similar circumstances."

*After all, ineptitude only breeds the worst in us.*

"Yes, actually. The runner-up was Ide Khulan-san of the Unicorn, with Yasuki Umeo-san narrowly coming out on top." His observations ceased briefly as he drained the last of his cup, placing it down so as to intentionally make an emphasizing thud. "One must never forget the Crab's penchant for spinning honeyed words." ||Etiquette 3, Air 4 (Eloquent) - Sanumo is making a bitter rebuke of trusting the Crab.||

*And then destroying you once they've lulled you into a false sense of security.*

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Ann
"I shall keep both names in mind, and the wisdom of your words." 

She'd had the opportunity of meeting Yasuki Umeo, and he had seemed a pleasant enough fellow at the time. Charming, even. But, the tone of the Karo's voice and the set of his jaw was a potent, unspoken reminder: very few people could ever truly be trusted, and that trust must be hard earned. 

"More tea, Asako-sama?" She placed her hands on the teapot but did not yet lift it, indicating his now empty cup with a nod.

"How did you come to discover your talent at sculpting, if I may be so bold as to ask? I've met poets and painters aplenty, but very few sculptors. It is an art that requires such a different set of skills I cannot help but be fascinated." 

 || Etiquette 4 (sincerity), Kotori wants Sanumo to know her interest in his artistic craft is genuine||

|| I'm still getting the hang of 'using stats' effectively, so please let me know if I should or could be doing things differently
 ^^ ||

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James
« Please. » His fingertips pushed the cup slightly in her direction.

His voice rose slightly to be heard clearly over the pouring liquid. « My father acts as a bridge of sort between artisans and those who require their services. Because of this, there was no shortage of such professionals around me growing up - a number of which owed my father favors. » 

« As a result, I was able to try my hand briefly at many arts in my youth. I only found meaningful talent in one - sculpture - when Shiba Juroto-sama helped me to discover it. »

He paused, quietly reclaiming his filled teacup with an accompanying nod of thanks. « Are we sculptors truly so rare, in your experience? I understand that my perceptions of likelihood are skewed in this matter. »

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Ann
With a soft smile, Kotori refilled her guest's cup. She was glad he'd chosen the yuzu tea.

"I think sculptors are less common as such an art requires more space. After all, calligraphy and poetry scarcely need more than a flat expanse of space, and the tools required are more readily available. I have only seen the workshop of one sculptor, and I was surprised by the breadth of equipment. So many different knives and scoops and... And..." 

She actually laughed at herself then, covering her mouth as she did. Perhaps she should have been embarrassed by her ignorance, but something about the situation struck her as comical. "Please, forgive me, Asako-sama. I do not even know the proper names for the tools. So, taking that into consideration, I would say that sculpting is indeed a rare talent." 

She took another sip of tea, the smile on her lips properly restrained though the smile in her eyes still shone bright. "Do you have any particular subjects which you favor in your art? The sculptor I met was particularly taken by deer."

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James
Amused lingered in his gaze, if not the rest of his face, as the Scorpion was momentarily flustered. "I suppose you must have the right of it then. I certainly have enough scoops that I cannot count them."

*Because scoops are unsuitable for my mediums of choice.*

A dry jest from a beleaguered man. "Truth be told, I have little time to hone my craft, but... When I do? I like to try and replicate items or scenes I've read about in books. I'm a historian at heart and the written world has no shortage of scenes to bring to life."

"My most recent piece actually fits that bill and rests within the Lion embassy. Akodo Katsuhiro-sama has been cultivating a garden and seeking an artisan from each clan to make a symbol of peace, stability, and friendship between clans." A contemplative look crossed over his face like a shadow. "I must say, the expectations I had for the Lion did not survive contact with the reality of them - or at least not those within city bounds."

"A positive surprise, for once." He thought the Lion might be a potentially sensitive topic, but what he had said was both truthful and directly pertinent to the subject at hand. It wasn't as though he couldn't drop it entirely, if his host found it acerbic.

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Ann
"I hope that I may see your works at some time in the future. To be able to create with your hands something that another has crafted with words is a gift." 

If she was bothered at all by his mention of the Lion, she made no show of it. She watched his face intently, studying his features, looking for any changes in his mood. He wore that faint look of amusement well, and she hoped that indicated he was beginning to relax... At least as much as one can in such circumstances. This was not a meeting between friends. Not yet.

"I am surprised to hear the Lion have engaged in such a lofty pursuit." Despite the ease with which insults could come on the subject, the little Scorpion spoke with neither malice nor mockery. In fact, one could be forgiven for thinking it genuine surprise, bordering on admiration. "I imagine the other works provided by the different clans must also be remarkable pieces. Has the collection been completed?" 

"My own interactions with the Lion I have met in the city thus far are not at all what I had expected. The few I have met in the past were serious or morose or aggressive. Those I have met in Ryoko Owari have been..." She could not help but smile slightly, thinking first to the game of go she had shared with Ikoma Maeda, and then to when she encountered Miu and Himiko dancing in the street on Teardrop Isle. "...A colorful cast of characters."

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James
*Quite the flatterer, this one.*

Not that Sanumo found himself complaining.

« I'm sure an opportunity will arise one day. I need to get around to making a new piece anyways. I only await time and inspiration. » He briefly offered a thin smirk.

« As I recall it, my contribution to the garden was the first. If you are hasty, you may yet have time to personally arrange one for the Scorpion, though admittedly I wonder what form such a thing might take. »

It was mostly idle musing, but there was a real, if mild, curiosity present. If she had an immediate inclination, it would certainly be interesting.

As Kotori touched on her interactions with Lions beyond the city, Sanumo frowned contemplatively. « So they **Are** Outliers then. My readings on the Lion and the reality of them seemed askew, but I wasn't sure whether or not to blame my sources. » His face slowly returned to neutrality. « A pleasant surprise. »

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Ann
"I shall look forward to that day." 

She liked Sanumo's face much better when he smiled; he looked younger, less tired, and less burdened. True, smiling had that effect on the countenances of most people, but something about the Phoenix's burden seemed so much heavier than his years warranted. Maybe it was his demanding position as Karo, maybe it was something else entirely.

"I, too, wonder what form such a work would take." Kotori concealed a soft laugh behind her sleeve. "If my arts were of the visual sort, I would gladly seek the opportunity to contribute. Sadly, music can only be captured but poorly upon paper."

"I will, however, inquire of my magistrate. It would not do at all if we did not contribute something, no?" Her expression took on an air of concern then, brows knit ever so slightly behind her mask. "While I should ask our ambassador, I have yet to meet with Shosuro Komori-sama. A most vexing development... Or perhaps rather, a lack of one." A slight shake of her head, a sip of tea, and the subject seemed forgotten, for she smiled soon again. 

"I have been pleasantly surprised by several of my interactions within the city. And while perhaps have not all of those interactions have been surprising, many have still been quite pleasant. Dare I even say I am approaching the level of friendship with some." She spoke the last sentence with a just a note of conspiratorial playfulness, eyes shining behind her mask.

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James
It was unfortunate that her own arts weren't applicable and he nodded along as she said as much.

« Ah, yes. I've found that Bayushi Yuto-san has a knack for getting things done - assuming that is the Magistrate to which you refer. » He nearly remarked on how he'd only met her Ambassador once and Komori had displayed more willingness to be wall art than to participate in the discussion. But that seemed in poor taste, especially when she quickly brushed past the topic. He acted as though it was perfectly normal, looking outwards at what lay beyond the pavilion briefly as she pressed on.

« You have made such ripples in this short of a time? » It was clear by his body language that he had grasped the implication. « I might have to meet these others who have been so swiftly won over. » The last was delivered with a note of dry admiration.

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Ann
"Indeed, I meant Bayushi Yuto-sama. He has been so welcoming to me that I feel like I have been in this city for much longer than I have." 

"The others I have met..." She paused, considering whether she ought to reveal the names. But really, why shouldn't she? If a person was too frightened their reputation may suffer by associating with a Scorpion, they would never truly be a friend, would they? They would remain forever an acquaintance. A friendly one, perhaps, but an acquaintance still. 

"I think, perhaps in time, I might call Utaku Takeda a friend." There was a note of shyness In her voice as she mentioned the Unicorn. She too looked out over the garden grounds, albeit in a different direction than did Sanumo. The spot for the pavilion had been chosen carefully to ensure that every view, no matter where one might sit, was beautiful, whether said view looked out onto bamboo groves or carefully tended flowers. 

"I hope that when I eventually leave Ryoko Owari Toshi, it is a slightly better place than when I came." She spoke very softly, mostly to herself. But then, she blinked out of her momentary reverie, once again turning a friendly smile to the Phoenix. 

"Is there anything else I may offer you as this moment, Asako-sama? Your comfort and ease is my primary concern."

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James
"Utaku Takeda-san, hm?" The Karo shifted on his cushion, visibly somewhat uncomfortable. "I've only spoken with him once - and briefly, but I made a poor impression." He offered no excuses, backpedaling, or anything of the sort. "Perhaps you might put in a good word for me, if it pleases you."

Her remark about improving the city beneath their feet was an admirable one, if only mentioned almost in passing. He'd nearly gone to answer with his own thoughts about the city before she pressed on to inquire about his present desires.

At that, he gently set down his teacup and folded his hands in front of him. "I must confess to being somewhat confused, Bayushi Kotori-san. By this point, most who would seek my company would have made a request of me." 

He took a centering breath, using the time to think about how best to phrase this.

"If there is something of import, I would prefer us to get it out of the way. Are you perhaps acting as an intermediary for Bayushi Yuto-san?"

*I find it unlikely that this is truly a purely social visit.*

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Ann
"I cannot imagine that my opinion would be of much consequence to Utaku Takeda, but I would be happy to do so. I also cannot imagine that he would not allow one to make amends for past errors. He seems a gracious sort." Her voice softened with a note of bashfulness and uncertainty. Maybe she had the Unicorn all wrong, but she hoped not. 

When the Phoenix Karo spoke next, she too set her cup aside, likewise folding her dainty hands in her lap. She looked up at him calmly. Her affable smile became one of composed, courtly propriety, just the faintest curling of the lips. 

"I have no specific formal request to make of you, Asano-sama. It is true that Bayushi Yuto has asked me to assist as an intermediary in certain social affairs. As I am to be beginning duties at the bathhouse soon as well, he advised that I should make the acquaintances of important individuals within the city, especially those with whom our clan is at least on amiable terms." 

"Furthermore, this meeting is to be a reminder of Our good will. We have not forgotten our agreement to help you with other matters. We seek only to reaffirm the mutually beneficial relationship between our respective clans."

 "And if I may be so bold as to interject a personal motivation, upon meeting you and finding you to be an artist as well, my interest in your sculptures is genuine. Even if we should come to no other understanding today, I hope that you will be able to trust that."

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James
"Well..." He sat straighter, "That being the case, you've been doing an excellent job. And thank you - for caring about my art." He added hastily.

*I could apologize for doubting her stated intent, but that would just cause us to linger on it. Best to press on.*

"To answer your original question then, I am as comfortable as I could reasonably expect to be. We Asako trend towards simple tastes, as you may well know, and I am no outlier in that regard." He gestured at his rather plain apparel. "I could be satisfied with less, but can recognize and appreciate your earnest effort nonetheless."

"And, on the topic of earnest efforts, I'm certain there will be much pleasant news circulating about the bathhouse after you've well and truly settled into the position." He leaned forward on his elbows. "It'll be intriguing to see how you handle yourself in such a prestigious role."

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Ann
"It's my pleasure, Asako-sama." 

"One of my tutors used to say that through art we may achieve immortality." 
 
When he gestured towards his attire, she took a moment to survey his clothing, and smiled again. "It is possible to forget the comfort that may come with simplicity. It is a lesson which I shall endeavor to visit personally."

She took one more sip of her tea. "I am looking very forward to attending the bathhouse. I know that some... Displeasure had been voiced, but I seek to remedy that. Sometimes all that is needed is a fresh set of eyes to determine where improvements might be made. I would be most honored if you might visit sometime and take a moment's respite from you myriad duties." 

Kotori wondered silently if a good soak and an hour of relaxation might help to alleviate the weight of exhaustion that sat so heavily upon the karo.

"I would be more than pleased to provide music for you at the same time."

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James
*She is rather insistent, isn't she?*

Closing his eyes and feeling the modest wind passing through the gardens, he contemplated the situation.

*The Scorpion are far from our enemies and I haven't caught the scent of trickery, playful or otherwise. This very well **Seems** Genuine.*

And it was true that he needed a brief reprieve from time-to-time... But a bathhouse? Not that there was anything inherently wrong with such a place - it just wasn't usually high up on his list of options.

*But times are changing and I may not always be able to enjoy the Scorpion's prized venue while clearly on their good side.*

"I accept your offer." He opened his eyes and met her gaze, his decision made and expression surprisingly resolute for such a mild occasion. "With the intentions you've demonstrated with today's display, I hold no doubts that you will make it worth my time."

"As a courtesy, I will send advance notice of when I plan to visit. It simply wouldn't do to miss you play."

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Ann
"Oh, wonderful!" Kotori *Almost* Clapped in delight, but managed to catch herself and instead just press her palms together. Her smile was almost blinding as she looked across at Sanumo.

"I shall look most forward to it, Asako-sama! I just know you will find the occasion to be a pleasing one." For being a member of the Empire's most vilified clan, that clan of liars and deceivers, the little Scorpion seemed almost painfully honest. 

Already, she began formulating plans about what teas to have ready, what types of sake, which scented oils, which songs to play. She resolved that she would practice and practice and practice, determined to make his eventual visit as pleasant as she possibly could. Crafting a positive experience for the karo would be important to helping cement the relations between their clans. But even beyond that, the poor man just looked *Exhausted.*

"I am happy to entertain you for as long as you like, Asako-sama, but I have the feeling I must soon part from your company." Her smile, still gentle, took on a slight edge of resigned inevitability. "Would you care for one last cup of tea before you depart?"

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James
Her mirth was infectious, even if he didn't fully understand it, and the beginnings of a sympathetic smirk leaked through. "Certainly." He acquiesced, holding out his teacup for her to pour.

The final span of their conversation couldn't be considered as riveting as those prior, but it did grow more comfortable as time whittled away and they prattled on about this and that.

Eventually, the Karo punctuated a lull between topics by stiffly rising to his feet. He bowed a touch deeper than was required. "You have been an excellent host, Bayushi Kotori-san. The bar has been set high for the future." He rose to his full height. "But I will leave you to your duties now. We will keep in touch." The last was voiced like an immutable fact. The Karo had that effect on mundane phrases sometimes.

With that and whatever brief goodbyes Kotori may have, Sanumo would return to his business - the distinct scent of the tea clinging to him as he made his exit.

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