Irene
When Temujin returned from his diplomatic visit to the Mantis, he first delivered the essentials of his report: the negotiations were successful. The Unicorn would be allowed to run a fighting ring aboard their pleasure barge, with Moto Shadee as their starting champion.

Of course, the necessities of duty or the circumstance of availability meant not every report could be delivered in person. Indeed missives sent by couriers, runners, or messenger birds were not uncommon in the duties of an outrider, ensuring the chain of information went unbroken. In this case, he had made sure that whether she was in the Embassy or not, he would have submitted his own written notes on the mission.

Even so, the scout had respectfully conveyed that he was prepared to give his report in person whenever Utaku-sama wished. And now, that time had come.

And he was doing his best to maintain his composure outside the Ambassador's quarters, his mind running through what NOT to say. Not after that disastrous first meeting.

*Don't say you're surprised she made the right call. Don't say it looks like she knows what she's doing after all. Don't say you're surprised she lives up to her reputation. Don't say that she can appreciate walking with care because she doesn't know the lay of the land. Don't say-*

Outwardly, of course, he was maintaining his usual posture and expression. Small motions to ease the mind, staying alert but not tense.

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Ann
Had the Lords of Death appeared before her eyes and demanded her soul as forfeit on a day like today, Kazuko may have decided to go without a fight. Eagerly even. Drawing up battle strategies was invigorating. Planning ambassadorial conferences was intimidating. But reviewing Embassy expenditures for the month? That was torture.

"How much in foodstuffs again?" This was supposed to be Kenza's job. Unfortunately managing the bazaar decided to take up all his time now that its arrival was imminent. It was almost as if he had become one of those lesser characters in the pillow books Tsumugi was so fond of: the ones who while important characters were not the players in the story.

No matter, at least the arrival of the bazaar would contribute to a constant influx of goods, services, and koku at their disposal. Which was good, because this city was *Expensive.* Fuyuko's response, numbers that seemed far higher than they should, simply reaffirmed this. It didn't help that apparently the arrival of the Otomo frightened many a trader into raising prices.

"Oba-sama Ko—uh I mean Utaku-sama!" A young girl came sprinting through the back doorway into her offices. Even the deathly glare and frown shot from Fuyuko didn't diminish the excitement running across her face. "There's a Shinjo Temujin here to see you. Can I show him in?"

Kazuko nodded, and the girl went speeding off. Fuyuko yelled after her before sighing. "Hisa-chan don't run, walk! If you're going to be escorting guests—oh why do I bother sometimes?"

"It will be fine, she knows what she is doing. As long as you have been teaching her well." Kazuko couldn't resist the opportunity to poke the slightest bit of fun at the exasperated mother as she tidied up the room in preparation for Temujin's arrival. "And thank Tengoku for something, anything other than this accursed work!"
Irene
Temujin couldn't help but break into a smile at the precious display.

"Thank you, young lady. I'm honoured to be guided by one so swift and polite."

His tone tried to maintain the respectful aloofness of nobility, but it was still coloured by kindly sincerity.

*Young. One of the servants', unless we're truly so hard up for staff that one of our samurai's kids is greeting guests. Ha. I remember when my greetings were so stiff. But alas, we have to maintain dignity at all times.*

The lithe Shinjo followed the young girl at a proper distance and pace, neither too slow nor too urgent, though his steps still carried fluidity of movement rather than rigid marching discipline. As he entered, he saw the familiar figures of Fuyuko and-

*Four winds preserve me, is she already in a black mood? Is it the strain of duty or me? It's me, isn't it? Calm down, Temujin, you actually did your duty and did it fairly well. You even gave the short version and everything!*

Temujin centred himself with as discreet a breath as he could muster while the girl announced his entrance. Once she was done speaking, he would bow deeply as was appropriate for a subordinate, though not to the point of getting on his knees; this was a report to a superior with a direct disposition, not a show of obeisance owed to a Clan Champion.

"Greetings, Utaku-sama. Thank you for seeing me."

*Observe. Adjust. Adapt. Despite your blunders and her anger, she heard you out and didn't dismiss you or worse that first time. Mifune-nii would have reprimanded me. What does that mean for her?*

Though his vision could barely make out her hands at her desk, he remained at that position. He'd only reiterate his purpose if she asked; between his swiftly-written notes and the fact that she gave him the task in the first place, there should be no need for repetition while he waited for her leave to rise and continue speaking.

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Ann
Kazuko bowed her head curtly, acknowledging his arrival. Numbers and images of an angry Utaku Reika demanding explanations of why they needed *More* Money sent to them were still tumbling through her mind. She did her best to push them aside and focus on the task at hand. "Greetings Shinjo-san. I did not expect to have a meeting with you again so soon. You, bring us some tea."

Temujin may have noticed Fuyuko's tone growing noticeably softer despite the directness of the command to the young girl, and her eyes drift to follow her out the door before snapping back to her lady. "Now please, tell me what you have sought me out to discuss. Does your news bode well?"

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Irene
Rising from his bow, Temujin nodded as he extracted his own notes on the meeting with Moshi Mai.

*Interesting. Easier on the help? Or someone she knows? Save that for later.*

"*Hai*. The meeting with the Mantis went well; Moshi Mai-sama has agreed to allow us to host a martial entertainment centre aboard their pleasure barge."

He handed over the notes he compiled after the meeting, written in charcoal with the supplies in his quarters.



"They shall host the facilities while we provide the fighters, and we will compensate for anything beyond agreed-upon times."

Though his words retained their practiced propriety they grew more smooth, more alive as he continued speaking. The memory of that meeting, as potentially tense as it was, made his eyes light up, thinking of the gregarious ambassador.

"Moshi-sama generously offered to split the proceeds 60-40 in their favour, which I accepted on behalf of the Clan."

*There. The essential points. Don't overdo it.*

He bent slightly in an acknowledging bow, rising to face the two of them.

"I am ready to answer any further questions you may have, Utaku-sama."

There is slight trepidation and anticipation in his expressive eyes. But his tone and face, at least, show only composed respect. His words are sincere and even-tempered, as opposed to a begrudging concession from someone eager to depart.

*Wonder if others were fool enough to do as I did.*

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Ann
Her eyes scanned the document, reading the brief even as Temujin explained it aloud. She was impressed it took only a single meeting to arrange this. The Mantis were a far easier bunch to deal with than the other clans, good to know. Kazuko would continue to look into furthering a relationship with them, though it did not go unnoticed that the biggest hurdle was in fact still the Crane. Her brows furrowed, running through the possibilities of future moves to make.

"I was expecting negotiations to take longer, Shinjo-san. Would you say this means the Mantis are agreeable to working with us? Other than their problems with the Crane." She turned her gaze above the written word and looked back at Temujin, curious indeed to hear his thoughts on the matter.

Meanwhile, the girl would reappear holding a tray with tea and three cups, pouring each *Almost* Equally and without spill, though a few tiny splashes touched the desk. Then she retreated back outside the doorway.

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Irene
Temujin nodded to Kazuko, maintaining his focus on her. Fortunately, he had given this some thought, and so could speak with some confidence rather than hesitation and pauses.

"I believe so, Utaku-sama. They took our approaches well, though are also cautious about giving too much. For now, scheduling and personnel are future things to discuss."

The tea was placed on the table, and Temujin turned to the girl with a kindly "Thank you." He did continue speaking, erring on the side of letting his superior take the initiative.

"The Crane are what complicates things. Moshi-sama likes us well enough, but she was *Quite* Curious about our relations with them. Even asked if that friendship was less sturdy than they believed."

*Watching. Waiting for opportunity. Utaku-sama is no courtier, but she can discern that easily. As well as the Scorpion's place.*

But while his words were to-the-point and factual, his thoughts continued to sort through the information available to him in a familiar fashion.

Political moves, half-truths and implications, promises true and hinted. Courting the Mantis, breaking from the Crane, the Scorpion listening. The Clan gaining an ally, losing an ally, ending up isolated and humiliated as faithless opportunists. Or even bringing the Mantis and the Crane together, with the mercantile power to finally clean this city-

*Be aware. But don't get lost in those thoughts. Stay with the facts, and elaborate on an opinion only if she asks. She has some of your insights already.*

The centring helped his mind match the calm on his face as he took a short breath. Thinking quickly served him well... As did knowing when to take two steps back.

"For now, I have not indicated any troubles. As much for our alliance's sake as to avoid any unwanted rumours."

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Ann
Kazuko closed her eyes as the information was relayed. The Crane were both their strongest asset and their greatest liability. On one hand, Masanari had proven invaluable in her overtures to the Phoenix, and the Crane military officer here was said to be extremely competent. On the other hand, keeping close ties to the Crane locked the Mantis—and quite probably the Lion and Crab—out of more direct support. It was a confounding matter, and one Kazuko did not believe herself to have the competency to navigate gracefully.

"I see. Discretion is wise, especially when dealing with a clan still banded together with our enemies. Make certain to complete whatever contracts they wish to discuss, though of course read them carefully. Should their Ambassador wish to come here to work out anything, I will personally care for that. Otherwise you will be the liaison for these matters." She was grateful that the Shinjo conducted himself well during the negotiations. Anything to keep the burden off her shoulders alone. What she would not give for even one Ide here right now. "Do you have any other matters you wish to discuss or report?"

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Irene
Temujin listened to Kazuko's additions, inwardly thankful to Ide-sama that so far, he hadn't screwed up.

"*Hai*, Utaku-sama. I shall keep both our concerns and theirs in mind, and see this arrangement through."

He could have left it that, of course. Ended on delivering good news and receiving an addition to his orders. However, there was what else had been on his mind.

*No room for doubts. Trust must be clear and certain.*

The Shinjo with the browner complexion tensed slightly, but maintained his respectful stance from his seat.

"Just one, Utaku-sama. A personal matter on my part."

And then... He bowed. As deeply as he could from a sitting position so she could see, but holding back from outright leaving his seat and prostrating himself to force the issue.

"I wish to properly apologise for my earlier words in our first meeting."

He knew he was being direct. Even among the Unicorn, even for warriors like Kazuko and Masanori, you still did your best to accord your superiors proper respect by not forcing issues upon them. But given that he meant to address an awkward insult (however unintentional), he couldn't dance around it forever, so he wouldn't.

*Don't oversell it. Don't relive it. Don't belabour that you know the social burdens. Don't assume her intent. Don't speak for her. Just say what you're here for, and see what she says.*

"If you would hear me," He said while holding his position, "I would be most grateful."

A bow and a statement of fact. That was all for now, though he did try to convey that his broaching the topic was not meant to be the true apology, given as an aside after a meeting.

And now, he would wait for her reply. Whether it was for more privacy, to carry on, or to disregard it and depart.

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Ann
*Flick*

The unmistakable sound of an opening fan. Kazuko watched him as he went through this display. It was almost humorous, how similar his actions here were to her own not long ago in the Phoenix Embassy. Almost. This was a serious matter, both to him and to her. She took some time for him to remain in the bowed position, then chose to speak.

"Rise, Shinjo-san, and speak freely. Do not embarrass yourself before me." The slight softening of her gaze and the proffered open fan she extended for him to take struck a balance with the sharp tone of her words. If he wished to put himself in this situation she would not stop him, yet at the same time there was a modicum of dignity she would extend to him should he take advantage of it.

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Irene
The wait between his bow and her words weighed down on him like he was submerged under water, and he thought he could only hear his heart thundering. But when he heard Fuyuko's voice, relief flooded him inwardly.

*Cleared the first hurdle. Watch your footing.*

Temujin rose and nodded to the Utaku. He saw the fan being offered, a gesture he had only occasionally witnessed, but understood its intent. To allow one to save face, hide displeasure or humiliation.

"My thanks, Utaku-sama," He replied as he accepted it. "I shall get to my point."

Temujin held the fan closer towards him as an acknowledgement of Kazuko's offer. However, he kept it closed. Though it was clear by now that he was a samurai who often thought and felt freely and openly, right now he was exhibiting both control and honesty, lowering his head slightly.

"My words back then were... Ill-chosen. It was not my intent to offer insult or question you, but that does not change what I said. For that, I deeply apologise."

The words had contrition behind them, but it was also held back so as to avoid an excessive display. Fresh resolve entered his eyes as he looked upwards, though he was careful not to enter a staredown with Kazuko.

"I have pledged my service, and will support it with deeds. And you have led us well, Utaku-sama."

*Don't overexplain how, she* Gave *Us our assignments. Or make it sound like she had to prove herself to you.*

His words held honest respect. His expression, not concealed by the fan, was measured and resolute. Nothing about him, however, betrayed a begrudging ego; every spoken word felt sincerely meant for the sake of making things right.

He could have been more elaborate in his statement of fealty. But she was not just a woman of action, but an *Utaku*. The Empire's traditions mattered to them, but they also preferred deeds over words. He would save his until she asked for them.

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Ann
Kazuko should not have been surprised when Temujin defied his superior's direction, instead attempting to rely on his own strength to remain collected. Outriders were known for their stubborn, independent streak after all. Still, it was a disappointment that the man spoke of pledging himself to her service through deeds while blatantly disregarding a simple task. Had it been offered her at the Embassy, she would have taken it without question.

"Your apology is noted, Shinjo-san. Please think nothing further of the matter. Leave it in the past, and learn from it. I do not punish errors, only when one allows them to progress to mistakes by failing to correct them." Kazuko's eyes narrowed as she thought ahead to the man before her. He had proven himself a capable enough diplomat when needed; now to put him in more familiar territory. "If actions are what you seek, then tasks you will be given. I have inquired of Shinjo Inadoma-san to look into a matter of some delicacy. You have proven yourself reliable and discreet; please speak with him for details. If he seems reluctant, it is to his credit, but I will provide you with a document containing my chop."

She started to write, then stopped. Motioning to Fuyuko, the servant would take the brush and parchment and hastily complete a letter of approval. Kazuko then took her chop and stamped it, before giving it to Temujin.

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Irene
Temujin nodded humbly with a short but polite acknowledgement of her instruction on the matter.

*I see. Take care with instructions; I meant to be honest, but she intended for her gift to be used. But she is tolerant.*

Once she finished conveying her stance through Fuyuko, another issue now rose in its place, the Shinjo listening with dutiful intent.

*Inadoma. Haven't met him often, other than at the Clan meeting. Has his own residence, doesn't he? Seemed stoic enough. Assigned to look into the Dragons? And given how readily she answered my questions on the Mantis, this must* Really *Be delicate.*

"Understood, Utaku-sama." Temujin replied clearly as he received the letter with a short bow

He stored it carefully in the folds of his tunic. The tension in his heartbeat was slowing, though he remained alert. A short but polite dip of his head acknowledged the task.

"I shall move swiftly to meet Shinjo Inadoma-san," He confirmed with purpose. "I understand this is a priority."

Now, he awaited her response, whether it was to give him leave to depart, or to raise other issues; he would have openly asked if she had any questions to answer, but that could have been misconstrued as *Him* Giving *Her* Leave to ask them. When he was fully leaving, that would be the time to return the fan.

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Ann
"Very well. If you have nothing further to report, you are dismissed. Carry the Four Winds, Shinjo-san." Kazuko inclined her head respectfully at the man, began to move as if to rise . . . 

And then settled back down to her seated position. It's not as if she needed to stand to see him off anyways. He surely would not take any note of what happened, or at the very least pass it off as a restless readjustment of her legs as she had been sitting for hours. No need for him to look into the matter further. She masked her discomfort and concern at what just happened behind her classic impassive visage. Once he left then she could deal with it.

When he reached the door, the young girl would be waiting for him, rocking a bit on her heels. Her eyes would flick to Fuyuko, then Kazuko, then Temujin before casting them respectfully back to the ground. "Please honored samurai-sama allow this one to escort you."

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Irene
At court, it was common to speak volumes with simple gestures. The opening of a fan, raising of a sleeve, where one sat. And even in those, there could be slips of the tongue. Or, in the case of a Crab's draw-lot play, it could all be utterly meaningless.

Temujin's eye for detail or sense of empathy wasn't as honed as Ide-sama's. But he could at least pick up on bits and pieces.

*An adjustment. Could just be discomfort. Though given my slips, I'd best not test her patience.*

With a polite farewell, he returned the fan respectfully. Kazuko bade him depart, and he did so with a calm pace; speed was their greatest strength, but undue haste was unseemly, and could be taken for distaste for present company.

He did smile at the young girl, noting her restless posture and the brief look back towards the office. Perhaps indicative of her youth or spirit that she did so, rather than remaining stock-still and focused on her charge.

"Thank you, young lady," He said genially. "Your guidance is most appreciated."

All in all, a little rough around the edges... But a productive meeting, to his relief. And he could move forward knowing Kazuko at least considered the matter settled. His thoughts wheeled about like riders at a *Ma-do* Exhibition, pushing their mounts to swiftness while finding their footing for precise displays of dexterity in the saddle.

*Used to authority, good at wielding it. It matters to her. But she's not someone who swings it bluntly like a freshly-made* Gunso. *If it was at the core of her pride, I'd have gotten off much worse.*

He wasn't completely certain about Utaku Kazuko, other than that she was in an alien situation and not quite the flawless embodiment of Utaku virtues her reputation spoke of. Not that it made him think lesser of her; as in the first meeting, he respected her tenacity in her struggles, despite voicing it in the worst possible way.

*Instead, she held back her outrage, even though we'd just met. Necessity? Perhaps. But judging by Fuyuko's expressions, the insults were felt. Yet she held back. There is something there.*

As he was led away for as far as the girl was instructed to guide him, he would attempt small talk with a simple and relaxed "So, young one, how have you found the City of Stories? I know for a fact it takes *Quite* Some getting used to."

He'd asked similar questions to all the servants and help. Most usually answered deferentially because their superior addressed them, and he'd thank them for their time and not bother them further. But occasionally, some (like that put-upon clerk Abin Sabdul doomed to life behind a desk) would be open, whether by unguarded nature, sheer desperation, or innocent age.

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Ann
With that she pulled herself free of Fuyuko's grasp and walked out. All the servant could do is watch with eyes radiating concern as Kazuko disappeared toward the stables. When she made up her mind on something it couldn't be stopped. A valuable quality in battle, but in her personal life? Fuyuko simply sighed and returned to the stack of papers. At least she could handle all these for Kazuko before she returned.

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Irene
A stricter samurai would have corrected the girl immediately, aghast or at least surprised that a peasant girl would hold a conversation beyond what was asked of them. But the Shinjo had never been so traditional; in his mind, he brought up the topic. Why should only samurai get to follow up with perfectly natural questions?

"It's no Shiro Shinjo," He admitted warmly, "But I've met some good people. Visited very nice teahouses and temples. And had a Crane show me where the best *Yakitori* Is."

*No need to burden her with its underbelly. She may serve the Clan, but is it wrong to let a kid be a kid?*

"Your mother sounds like a wise woman; you should listen to her. And ah, perhaps take care how you speak with other samurai." Temujin suggested as gently and discreetly as he could while he followed her through the residence's halls. "I'm sure you learned we can be rather *Fussy* About only getting the answers we ask for, and nothing more."

He knew his advice, unsolicited, could inspire either resentment or fear, even if a *Heimin* Could never show displeasure before a samurai. But he hoped a bit of humour would lighten or remove any sting or judgement from his words, and show he wasn't offended.

*Whether she's seen as too young or old enough to know better, a reminder will help her if they've got her greeting guests.*

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Ann
"Yes! Mom knows a lot. And she's super patient. After all, she's had to deal with—" Temujin's words registered with Hisa, and her face reddened as her words chopped off mid-sentence. "Hai, samurai-sama. Forgive me."

She would remain silent the rest of the walk to the Residence's exit unless spoken to again. Once there she would bow respectfully and wait for him to depart.

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Irene
Temujin smiled openly to hear her enthusiasm; personally, he believed that all children should have such free spirits.

*I'm blessed; our Clan gives greater freedom to the young, and I was warded with an excellent teacher of courtly courtesies.*

"You are forgiven, young one," He replied understandingly. "I *Am* The one who spoke to you first, after all; my brother has often told me I speak too freely for my own good."

Despite the familiar tone of his words, he chose not to explicitly grant her permission to speak or ask a question, though he would nod approvingly at any small acknowledgements along the lines of "Yes, samurai-sama. As you say, samurai-sama." This was the perfect chance to apply what she just learned.

And to his gratification, she took the lesson to heart. The rest of the way, she was careful to wait to be addressed. He only spoke up once more along the way to ask about some trivial detail about what another servant was carrying, content to test her but once. The girl passed with flying colours.

At the exit of the Residence, he inclined his head in response; not quite a full bow of respect, but a gentle acknowledgement.

"My thanks, young lady. I couldn't ask for a better guide," The scout said gregariously. "Before I go, however, may I please ask for your name? It would help me whenever I attend to business here."

He knew she would give her name when asked. And that asking so politely, while true to Compassion and Courtesy, would seem utterly alien to more orthodox samurai. But this had been his father's way, his lord's way, much of the Clan's way... And it was his way.

After hearing her answer, he would nod with a warm smile, thank the girl, and depart without further fuss. Next up, seeing Shinjo Inadoma-san...

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