Roberto
After their Lion guest has left the premises on such a high note, Terumi can't help but smile widely at the karo. He had a lot of revelations just by being present in the little meeting they had with Ikoma Miho and the amusesment on his effeminate face was clear as day.

"Did things turn out the way you expected, Asako-san?" He politely asked, tone laced with obvious mirth.

He was certain that the meeting was productive but looking back on things, he was more uncertain about the underlying meanings shared between the two. Observing from a side was enlightening as it was amusing but he cannot help but ponder about the words unsaid and the weight of the actions done by the Lioness and his fellow Phoenix.

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Gary
It was perplexing to the Karo why Terumi was so visibly... Giddy? There didn't seem to be much cause for it, but it was true nonetheless.

*Perhaps this is simply the facade he wears. He wouldn't be the first samurai to erect one as a means of self-defense.*

He shook his head, "Truthfully? No, they did not. I'm relieved that my gift to her was so well-received, but I worry that my gift was **Too** Good and that we may wind up stuck in a loop of trying to adequately mollify one another for a time."

A slight frown stuck itself firmly to his face. "And her inquiries into my matters of station were unexpected, if brief. I wouldn't have expected her to have any interest or even to be concerned with such things at a more non-business function such as this. Though she certainly prepared herself as though it was a much more formal event..."

It was entirely possible that there was a gulf in expectations between the two. He would have to be conscious of that going forward to make sure that he didn't inadvertently offend Miho in the coming days.

"What about yourself, Shiba-san? Was this meeting everything you wanted?"

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Roberto
"Do you think that there might be a misunderstanding somewhere in the conversation?" He politely asked, managing to return his smile into a courteous one. He was still amused but the Asako might take his mirth the wrong way.

"Might I also point out that she rather boldly accepted your gift the moment you offered it for the first time," Terumi helpfully suggested.

He had his own suspicions but now after the meeting was done, he was growing a bit uncertain, doubtful if what he saw and suspected were the truth of things.

"The meeting was enlightening, Asako-san." The young man said with a firm nod, smile growing a bit wider as he spoke. "Like you, it did not go the way I expected but it seems that you aren't too displeased."

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Gary
"I suppose there could be a miscommunication, but the way in which she accepted the gift, as you so aptly pointed out, seems to indicate otherwise. Hm..."

It would certainly be on his mind for days to come.

In a bid to steer the conversation elsewhere, he switched gears. "I **Was**, however, happily surprised to find art a topic of discussion! You wouldn't think me so fond of it based on how I keep my work station, but the value of a good piece of art cannot be overstated."

In this, at least, he was able to come closer to matching the Shiba's exuberance.

"I noticed you stayed rather quiet throughout. Do you practice an art yourself?"

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Roberto
"Asako-san I am not as surprised to know of your liking of art. Ikoma Miho-san however? I must confess that I fell for what hearsay and widespread opinion tells of what Lions are as people." 

His smile dimmed a bit, surprised that his superior didn't pick up that the Lioness might view him in a different light, favor him even.

It ... Really wasn't his problem and if there was obliviousness, which he doubted, he was certain that someone as astute as Asako Sanumo could figure it out soon enough.

"I elected to remain quiet because the two of you were quite engrossed with your discussion. I felt it was impolite to interject often. As for art ..."

Here the young Shiba's smile widened to the disquietingly familiar one he often sported.

"... The only art I practice is that of the sword, Asako-san."

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Gary
He laughed in spite of himself upon hearing that Terumi had thought the Lion to be devoid of any artistic interests. "They are still samurai, Shiba-san. Nothing will strip them of that."

"I apologize for having pressed you out of the conversation, as it were. Your caution does you credit, but I wouldn't have taken offense had you involved yourself more."

He raised an eyebrow, "While I do not deny that the sword is as much an art as any other, I do not know that I would enjoy pursuing an art that is intrinsically linked to my everyday activities. It is good that you find purpose in it, however."

*Even though I take great pride in my works, I can't see myself devoting every fiber of my being to them. A person, even a samurai, needs a reprieve from time to time.*

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Roberto
"There's no need for apologies, Asako-san. It was interesting listening to your conversation with Ikoma-san." His words came with a polite chuckle. He was, indeed, pleased with what he had observed.

"The sword has been with me since the moment of my birth and, with luck and the blessings of the kami, it would be with me in the moment of my death." 

Terumi had been an adherent to the way of the sword. Nothing in this world would take him off of that path. For good or ill, his father had said.

"But worry not, Asako-san, I do have other pursuits that I do enjoy aside from swordsmanship. I have an interest in gardening, as a matter of fact."

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Gary
"Ah, gardening! You'll be quite at home in this city then. The Scorpion are renowned for their own gardens and the Lion's Taisa has been cultivating a garden of his own within their embassy. I recommend that, if you have the opportunity, you pay it a visit."

It seemed much easier for Sanumo to be eager about less... Violent arts, as could be seen evidenced by how readily he skipped past Terumi's remarks on them.

"If you have need for it, I could requisition you some materials and a small amount of space for personal pursuits. I'm sure the kami would appreciate a splash of color in their midst."

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Roberto
"That would be very appreciated, Sanumo-san." Terumi said, inclining his head in a grateful short bow. "While the way of the sword does not bore me, gardening would be a productive hobby to while away the time in the embassy."

Truthfully, he wouldn't have thought of broadening his skills in gardening if the karo did not express support for such an activity.

But since he offered, why not take the opportunity given to him?

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Gary
"Certainly. I will evaluate what we have at our disposal and send a letter detailing what we are able to provide."

It was the least he could do. After all, what sort of Karo would he be if he did not give his subordinates room to grow?

"That said, we should likely return to our duties. I have appreciated your company today, both in front of our guest and in their wake. Fortunes watch over you, Shiba Terumi-san."

Barring any intervention from the Shiba, Sanumo rose and made to return to his office.

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Roberto
"And to you, Asako Sanumo-san." 

Terumi inclined a respectful and thankful bow. 

It was a wonderful meeting and a serene day, indeed.

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