Jacquelyn
Tomura was not expecting a letter from the Crab, something about a trade deal... Odd, he wasn't told anything about such a proposal and, in the time he had arrived in the city, he had done what he could to catch himself on the local Clan dealings and politics, Yuto and Kaori are fine Bushi, but someone had to the paperwork around here. He was working on some documents when a servant walked in and bowed.

"Yasuke-sama is here for you, Bayushi-sama." He said, Tomura nodded, his face covered by the black fox mask.

"Thank you, send him in please." The young courtier replied, he wasn't in anything too fancy, the simple robes of a minor courtier, simple red and blacks, he went back to writing the document as the servant fetched the Crab.

"Bayushi-sama is this way." The servant bowed to the visiting Crab.
Teresa
Yasuki Umeo followed the servant through the opulent corridors of the Shosuro Palace, his senses alert to the subtleties around him. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices and the soft whisper of silk. The palace was a labyrinth of shadows and whispers, a stark contrast to the straightforward strength of Crab architecture. Yet, Umeo moved with the confidence of a man who knew his worth and the power of the resources he controlled.

He was dressed in a formal kimono of deep indigo, the fabric rich and heavy, embroidered with the Crab Clan mon. He carried a small wooden puzzle box, with pearl, ivory, and chitin intricately inlaid on all but one side. The servant slid open the door to Bayushi Tomura's quarters, bowing deeply as Umeo entered. The Crab took in the sight of the young Scorpion, noting the simplicity of his attire, the deliberate understatement that was a statement in itself.

"Bayushi Tomura-sama," Umeo began, his voice a resonant timbre that filled the room with its depth. "I am Yasuki Umeo, and I come bearing a series of gifts." His bow was respectful, but controlled. There was not a millimeter lost to sloppiness. 

As he straightened, Umeo presented the first gift. He placed the puzzle box on the table between them, deftly opening it as he did so. Inside was a set of exquisitely crafted jade sake cups. Each cup depicted a different scene in delicate silver inlay, illustrating a swarm of crabs overtaking a crane and devouring it. They glinted softly in the room's light. 

"These are but a humble token, a passing appreciation for your time."

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Jacquelyn
Tomura looked up from his paperwork when the Crab walked in, raising from his seat to give a respectful bow to the visiting samurai, and after the three refusals, accepted the gift.

"Thank you, Yasuki-san," Under the mask he raised a brow at the scene, he knew of the old rivalry, but prehaps it was hints of Crane in his blood that made note of it, "The craftsmanship is extraordinary, please make yourself comfortable." He chuckled, "My time is spent doing paperwork and meeting people across the city, your visit is a welcomed change of pace, not many bother to seek me out, although I must admit, your letter brought me much confusion, something about a trade deal?" His voice and tone remained polite and professional, although to the trained ear, at the mention of this 'trade deal' their was a hint of confusion

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Teresa
Yasuki Umeo settled into the offered seat with the ease of a seasoned negotiator entering negotiations. His posture was relaxed yet alert. The Crab's dark eyes, sharp and assessing, traveled the bureaucrat's office. "Ah, yes. That," Umeo began, his voice maintaining its diplomatic cadence. "As for the trade deal, it appears we find ourselves entangled in a web of misunderstanding—one that I hope to clarify with your assistance."

He paused, allowing the silence to settle like dust after a caravan's passing. "A proposal was presented to my clan by a member of your esteemed Scorpion Clan. It was... Unorthodox. I felt it necessary to confirm that the Scorpion Clan, renowned for their subtlety, was suggesting an arranged marriage between the children of one of their vassal families and the progeny of the Crab Daimyo." The broad-shouldered Merchant set the Rokugo's proposal next to the puzzle box.
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Jacquelyn
Tomura nodded at the words... And then stopped nodding at the mention of the marriage, at first he assumed thier was a mix up, maybe he didn't hear of this deal or something was sent to the wrong person but then... Under his mask his eyes widended. 

"I apologize... Prehaps I misheard...*What* Was suggested." He said in an incredulous tone. He took the proposal in his hand and read it over, with each word taken in his grip on the page went tighter, "Who... Who is Bayushi no Rokugo Ukagahiko?" His tone gone from incredulous to infuriated.
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Teresa
Umeo watched as the young Scorpion's composure wavered, the mask of diplomacy slipping to reveal a flash of genuine emotion. It was a rare sight that spoke volumes to the Crab diplomat. He remained silent, giving Tomura the space to process the information, his own face a bastion of calm. He already knew the proposal's contents, after all.

"Bayushi no Rokugo Ukagahiko," Umeo repeated the name with deliberate neutrality. "I am not privy to the internal hierarchies of your clan, Tomura-sama, but it seems this individual has overstepped. We could say it was either due to youthful exuberance or misguided ambition that brought that document into the office of Ambassador Koyama's Karo." His low voice was measured and firm. He spoke with the tone of a man rarely crossed twice. If some courtiers were described as swords wrapped in silk, you might describe Umeo as a club covered in velvet... Smooth, comfortable, and undeterrable. "The proposal was presented with such confidence that it prompted me to seek clarification directly from a more... Established authority within your clan."

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes locked onto Tomura's, a silent acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation. "I trust you understand why such a proposal cannot be officially entertained without causing considerable... Discomfort between our clans," Umeo said carefully.

Umeo's finger traced the rim of the jade cups, their gory display glinting in a vaguely discomforting juxtaposition of refinement and overt violence. "I solve problems, Tomura-sama. Please help me ensure this one was solved discreetly. And not repeated." He looked at the documents on Tomura's desk. The scrolls and papers there spoke of a mind attuned to the finer details of courtly intrigue. A tense beat passed.

"You know, so far, I have resisted the urge to purchase those small baubles hawked along the streets. A small model of the waterfront, a painting of Teardrop Island, or even a Mask of some sort. You know, something to remind me of my time in this city. I know, I know, they are such a cliche thing."

"I must admit, though..." The Crab Karo's voice took on an icy tone, his meaning evident, "I saw a Rat Mask that would look good on a corner of my desk. A reminder of the importance of Grace and Patience, if you will. I would be most content should you run across one and think of me." His suggestion hung in the air, a morbid bridge extended into uncertain waters.
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Jacquelyn
"Representative-" He read the document again, "As far as I was aware, I was made representative to the embassies, this isn't just 'youthful exuberance' or 'misguided ambition', this is a gross overstep into another's duties, Yasuki-sama, I deeply apologize to the Crab on behalf of the Scorpion, I'll look into this... Rokugo immediately, if it where up to me, being made Ronin would be a mercy." He said coldly, as for the paper, he immediately held it over a candle.

"I apologize for the affront this fool has made, the Crab are the reason we sleep soundly in our beds, to offend the children of Hida-sama is to offend the defenders of Rokugan, that... Insult, was not from the Scorpion, I can assure you, the individual had no such authorization, to be honest I was to visit your embassy and present a gift... Instead it has been you giving me a gift to know this incident has happened." He bowed again, "I apologize for the break of my composure... That was... If it where up to me, heads would roll."
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Teresa
The Yasuki nodded, his face still composed and tone hard, "Yes, it is a shame we do not have the authority to put those things into motion ourselves." A half of a moment, an intake of breath, "However. I do believe that as expert, well-versed in his trade, you may be aware of who does have that authority. You may also be privy to the words required to gain their attention and stir them to action. Perhaps, in this matter, we should speed along the most the succinct solution."
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Jacquelyn
Tomura nodded.

"We are of the same mind, I will notify my superiors to this immediately, I promise you the parties responsible for this insult will pay." He sat down in his chair, after taking a breath a sense of calm returned to the Scorpion, "Once again, I beg forgiveness for that slip, I usually don't break like that it's just... I'm surprised someone who wrote that thing was able to pass his gempukku." He picked up brush and went back to writing his paperwork, "The idea of a vassal marrying kin of a Great Clan Daiymo, why stop there, maybe he could arrange his daughter to become Empress." He scoffed, "In all my days, I have never seen something so... Detached from reality, sense, and reeking of vanity... Our magistrate is of the Rokugo family, I'll speak to him as soon as I can."
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Teresa
The powerfully built bureaucrat bowed in response. "I appreciate your confidant response to our rodent problem. You will forgive me for pointing out that he sounded equally confident in his delivery." The youngest samurai Tomura had ever seen with crow's feet smiled, though. Umeo's attitude was notably calmer and an air of *This-is-just-how-it-is-for-us* Began to form. 

"For my peace of mind, do let me know when the matter is settled." The merchant leaned back in his seat, his deep indigo robes quietly rustling. "Oh, and I meant what I said about that mask, too. That part was a personal request, however."

"You had mentioned paying us a visit soon, is there anything you would like to cover in advance to make it smoother or more productive when you do come to call on our hospitality?"
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Jacquelyn
"The life of a courtier, cleaning up after the mistakes of others," He chuckled, "Well... Seeing how he *Lied* About his position, claiming to have my role of all things, I don't think it would be too much of a leap in logic to see this for what it was, a Ronin trying to storm his way into the ranks of true samurai, maybe a bandit who looted someones gear off a battlefield even, wouldn't you say?" He smiled, offering a story to wrap this whole ordeal up.
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Teresa
The understanding was clear and easy between them, like the currents of a cool mountain stream. "That is an astute observation, Bayushi Tomura-Sama. That sounds, to me, like a Scorpion matter for the Scorpion to handle as they see fit. I think we would both appreciate it to stay that way, as well." Neatly wrapped, indeed. 
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Jacquelyn
"This ronin shall feel our sting," He chuckled, "Now that that's out of the way, I thank you for alerting us to this rouge, and I think now would be an excellent time to speak with your ambassador should he be free for one, I still need to pay my respects to the Crab, and for this gesture, I'll bring you a gift when I visit your embassy, one which I'm sure you will appreciate." He smiled
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Teresa
Yasuki Umeo quietly watched Bayushi Tomura, the young Scorpion's posture slowly regaining the composure befitting his station. The Crab's eyes, however, held the weight of the sea—deep and unfathomable, hiding currents that could either guide ships to harbor or dash them upon the rocks.

"Bayushi Tomura-sama," Umeo began, his voice the rumble of distant thunder, "Your assurances bring a measure of solace to an otherwise turbulent matter. I shall await the news of this... Rogue's fate with great interest."

He stood, his movements reminiscent of the tides—predictable in their occurrence yet commanding in their presence. "As for your future visit to our embassy, it would be an honor to host a reasonable samurai such as yourself. Unless there is something that you require, I find myself satiated for the moment. I do not wish to be too big an interruption in your day's duties."
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Jacquelyn
Tomura smiled and his eyes eyes looked the crab over under his mask, "I thank your for bringing this matter to my attention, I always pay my debts." He assured, "There is... One small matter that perhaps you may find interesting, and if you wish my debt to you to be even greater, if it would be no trouble." He said, the weight of his voice emphasizing the risk of giving another reason to owe the Crab, "May I ask, have you ever enjoyed yourself in the Scorpion Garden?"
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Teresa
Yasuki Umeo's gaze lingered thoughtfully on Bayushi Tomura, the mention of the Scorpion Garden piquing his interest. The Crab diplomat's expression remained composed, yet there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes, a subtle shift that spoke of his intrigue.

"The Scorpion Garden," Umeo echoed, his voice maintaining its steady timbre. "I must confess, my duties have kept me from exploring many of the city's delights. However, I am not one to shy away from new experiences, especially those recommended by a discerning host."

He paused, considering the implications of such an invitation. The Scorpion Garden was renowned for its beauty and the subtle, often hidden, dangers it contained—a fitting metaphor for the clan that tended it. Umeo's mind, ever analytical, weighed the potential benefits and risks of accepting such an offer.
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Jacquelyn
"I think you should consider a visit... However, it would seem some in this city think otherwise, their are certain parties who wish to expand their own interests into such businesses... Now, while I have nothing against enterprise, their is a certain tradition to things, we all have our roles, our specialties, I was wondering what your opinion on the matter would be." He said, coolly and pleasantly, "The Yasuki family is famed for their insight to the flow and ebb of commerce, which, even if some consider distasteful, is a life blood to the Empire, one such as you must surely have wise insight."
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Teresa
Umeo's eyes narrowed slightly as he picked apart the possible meanings that may have been layered into Tomura's words. The Scorpion Garden was more than just a location—it was both a place of beauty and intrigue, was more than just a location. It symbolized the Scorpion Clan's influence and control within their domain. The suggestion that other parties were attempting to encroach upon this territory must have been of significant concern to the Emperor's Underhand.

"The flow of commerce, like the flow of a great river, is indeed vital to the Empire," Umeo began, his voice steady and thoughtful. "One might consider, however, that many streams supply the strongest rivers. If a little healthy competition were bad, then the Emperor would not have seen fit to have us all competing for governance. Is it not so?"

He paused, choosing his next words with care. "Respect for tradition and our roles in the Empire is paramount. Any action that undermines this respect is short-sighted and potentially dangerous. The Yasuki, as stewards of commerce and trade, would advise caution and consideration to anyone that believed otherwise."

Umeo leaned forward slightly and made eye contact with the bureaucrat in the fox mask as he spoke. "As for the rest of my opinion, Bayushi Tomura-sama, it is this: A completely balanced board is static, predictable, safe, and boring. Thus, truly dynamic opportunities arrive only through the application of tiny imbalances." 

Umeo's expression remained calm, but his eyes conveyed the seriousness of his stance. "If you were to send an invitation to visit the Scorpion Garden to understand your problem better and discuss it in finer detail, then I would be inclined to accept."
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Jacquelyn
Tomura just kept on smiling and being pleasant.

"I would very much like to show you what the gardens have to offer." He nodded, both clearly knew the real topic of the convo, and while the Crab seems to be on the fence, leaning more towards more the opposition, Tomura would just have to try and change his mind. "Consider it a gesture of personal apology, for the undue trouble that this affair must surely have brought, my treat."
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Teresa
Umeo nodded and looked from the bureaucrat to the door, "Then, send the invitation to the Embassy when you have allotted such a time, and we will discuss it further at such a time. I am afraid as pleasant of an offer as it may be, now is a poor time to ask my opinion about festive matters." The broad-shouldered Karo's face held a stern, if sympathetic, expression. Courtiers had their duties, after all, but the Scorpion had chosen a poor time to press an invitation to a garden stroll. A major diplomatic incident had only just narrowly been avoided moments before, after all. 

"I am also afraid that, barring a very pressing matter, I will need to excuse myself. On another day, however, we will discuss lighter matters." Yasuki Umeo gave the Scorpion functionary one final bow, *Exactly* As deep as etiquette demanded, "Now, if you will, I must say good day." With that, the tall Crab left Tomura's office. His embroidered kimono swished behind him as he walked with a determined, if slow, pace.

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