Daniel
In the Crab's Embassy, the Kaiu architecture was on full display for guests. The eye-level windows were too narrow for a samurai in armor to crawl through but just wide enough to tempt them into getting stuck trying. High on the walls, however, several broad yet short windows let in plenty of light. Those same windows would also ventilate any smoke in the case of fire. The polished vases, mirrors, and beautiful decorations were made from heavy steel and more than capable of crushing someone's skull should they offend the wrong warrior. However, casual beauty could be found as well. The structural beams reinforcing the walls were too heavy to be casually covered, so they were left exposed and covered with bass reliefs of mountain landscapes and painted over with multi-hued wood stains. 

The center of the Ambassador's office held a large desk. The almost black wood was some form of walnut, though precious few other than the Kaiu that crafted it would concern themselves with the intricacies of woodworking that went into its construction. It had been a productive day. Despite the chronic pains that always lived in his right side, Yasuki Umeo had gotten quite a lot done. More work was on the way, however. 

The Ambassador was small for a Crab, though large by typical Rokugani standards. If it were not for the shipwreck that put him behind a desk, he would have made a more than capable magistrate. Today, though, the crippled man stood from his cushion with the help of the polished black cane that he now carried. Umeo leaned heavily on it as he walked around the room, inspecting the large maps on his walls. Each one showed a different trade route, or the local imports and exports of a region, or which paths were more dangerous than others.

Soon, his guests would arrive. There was much to discuss.

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Michael
*'Now this... This feels like home.' Hojatsu thought as he saw the Kaiu architecture on full display. Sensible windows, proper fire safety, durable, reinforced, weaponizable accoutrements and decorations... A veritable fortress, the similarities with the wall were stark. He had arrived in his full, lacquered plate, but left his katana and tetsubo at the door, much as he did when visiting any Crab dignitary.*

*Hojatsu bowed to Umeo as he entered the office, after closing the shoji screen behind him.* "Yasuki-san."

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Willie
At the behest of the Crab, Yuto found himself before their embassy. One didn't think he'd have such an opportunity, this invitation was a pleasant surprise. Despite his injuries, he wanted to stand proud and presentable. Now the scorpion was absent of a cast or bandage, thankfully the black eye cleared up to make this possible. The Scorpion wore the befitting attire for the occasion, some would say he looked more like a courtier than a Magistrate. 

While the Bushis face was hidden by a cherry silk veil, one eye could be seen admiring the craftsmanship. The architecture of the embassy was nothing short of praiseworthy. Even though he still believed it was second to the Shosuro Palace. He could, however, appreciate the detail and consideration for those of larger size. For a Scorpion, Yuto was beyond the norm of their size. There weren't many people he found taller than him. 

One of the only few was Hida Koyama, the former crab ambassador. It now seemed Umeo took his place. Having no initial reaction to this news, the man did wish to train with Koyama more often. Becoming a student at the Blessed Mountain Dojo under the crab's tutelage. Perhaps this new turn of leadership will bring forth an opportunity. 

Yuto went through the standard procedures of etiquette upon entering the estate. Allowing a servant to guide the Scorpion to wherever they'd be meeting. Upon entering the room, he'd have spotted the Ambassador himself and another. 

"I am honored to be welcome within your embassy, Yasuki-sama. One can only hope this offering is acceptable." 

Despite the intentions of the meeting being professional, etiquette demanded he bring a gift and offer it three times. In a small box he held was a little trinket. A fine-crafted hairpin in the shape of a crab. After offering it three times he'd hand the box off to the Yasuki or a servant if he preferred. Afterward, he'd stand at attention ready to begin. 

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Shasta
Kana admittedly had some mixed feelings regarding her entry into the Crab embassy. She was deeply grateful for the Crab's assistance in the raid, and Umeo had conducted himself honorably and with valor. She was less pleased with how negotiations around Aki had gone following the raid, given the state she had put herself in to save the girl, but even the boisterous Shugenja knew such things were not in her power, even moreso with the apparent promotion that Umeo had received. She certainly could not argue with the decision though; from her encounters with the man he was certainly worthy of his status.

She had done her best to make herself as presentable as possible for the occasion; her head was devoid of the fuzz she sometimes let grow, it looked she had spent quite a bit of time on her makeup, and she had opted for a flashy, yet conservatively cut kimono. As a representative of the clan on official business, the main fabric was a deep jade green, but embroidered with tiger lilies and centipedes, brilliant orange thread representing her family. Even then, she would move noticeably slower than she usually did.

She bowed as lowly as she could manage upon seeing him, her usual bright smile on her face. "Ah, Yasuki-sama, it should be now! I am honored to be received in your embassy. Please, accept this gift, both in recognition of your new status and in thanks for your courage and aid in dispatching the river bandits."

Holding out a box tied in deep green twine, she presented it with both hands to the new ambassador. Inside would be a sculpture of solid jade of a Crab standing proudly and defiantly amidst crashing waves, care and detail placed into every bump and ridge on the Crab's carapace.

As she approached, she would notice both the unfamiliar Crab samurai, and her friend Bayushi Yuto. She had been filled with the urge to approach him right away and start conversing; he too was deserving of thanks, after all, and she hadn't seen him since the raid. However, protocol was protocol. Especially when she hadn't made a horrible faux pas to *This* Crab ambassador.

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Erica
She was in denial for quite a bit.

An official meeting between clans? Didn't matter, it was probably a thing for the top brass, not someone like her. What, a meeting between the Great Clans magistrates? Better call the Lion magistrate then. *She* Was the Lion magistrate? Nah, can't be. They must be searching for a different Matsu Rin.

Eventually, when the choice was starting to be either get ready or start practice her draw, to respond of her absence, she finally began preparing herself like a soldier going to war. Kimono, obi, lion shaped kanzashi, all nice things, if you just found someone who knew how to wear them. Rin was definitely not that person, and she was aware of it as she tiptoed towards the Crab embassy. Another time, she would have been positively amazed by its beauty, but right now, the high walls only reinforced her sensation that she was way in over her head, a mouse caught into the games of giants. But she could not behave as such, when she was also representing the Lion. "Thank you for your invitation, Yasuki-sama. A token of my appreciation." She followed the various rituals, including the gifting ceremony, accurately, if quite stiffly. However, the gift inside the lacquered box told a more overt story of her inexperience: a Crab-shaped pendant carved from a piece of driftwood, painted in gaudy colours. A charming trinket, perhaps, but obviously of rustic craftsmanship and not the best kind of gift for such a formal occasion. But she would have been very happy if the exact nature of the gift was yer biggest problems throughout the day.

Bowing her head, she retired a bit from the spotlight and stood straight as if she was receiving a military inspection. She would not dare look at the other people in the room, not yet, but she had the uneasy sensation of two giants looming at the corners of her vision, and... Sometimes a shiny reflection? Maybe someone brought a mirror as the gift? She should have thought about that, mirrors are pretty.

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Edith
It had only been a short while ago that Atsuko had stormed out of the Crab embassy with a chest under her arm and fury in her eye. Yet there she was, once more standing outside the gates of the clan who had so flippantly dismissed her concern days prior. 

Such was the cost of working the Unicorn.

It was perhaps a testament to the faith her superiors had her in, that so many different jobs fell into the ronin's lap. Not enough faith to be given a name, of course, but enough faith to see her handling matters for both the bazaar *And* The magistracy. Maybe it was unfair to chafe under the former: Shinjo Inadoma seemed a good enough man, for a magistrate. But his health often failed him, and with her duties shifting toward being an assistant to his own, that meant that his excess workflow often bled into her own. It was not shocking that Atsuko was expected to stand in his stead in a matter, given her position as yoriki. It *Was* Rather shocking that the matter she was expected to stand in for was a meeting with the Crab, however.

The ashigaru at the gate almost seemed as baffled by her reappearance as she did. The look in their eyes could only inquire, 'you again?', but that inquiry died before it left their lips as she stated her business and badge of office—whatever their misgiving, her explanation, and the fine jitte hung from her obi seemed convincing enough to see her let into the grounds and led toward the meeting place. Her clothing was just a little more formal than her previous visit, her haori carefully ironed and her hair held up in a proper topknot. Even the box she held under her arm was of a higher quality if not half so large as the first.

She arrived only a few moments after the magistrate previous, a Lion woman whom she had scarcely seen before. The same could not be said of some of the others: she knew Moshi Kana well enough and recalled the Scorpion—ponderous as he was—from the ill-fated Shiso Kakumei rally. The Crab she could not place.

All the same, she offered a bow toward their host, whom she certainly could place, and made to speak as she rose.

"Magistrate Shinjo Inadoma-sama thanks you for reaching out to him for this most important matter. Complications from a previous injury preclude his ability to attend, however, and he has sent me, in my capacity as his yoriki, in his stead while he recovers. I shall dutifully relay any information or requests to him once our business has concluded."

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Daniel
As his guests filtered in, Umeo greeted them each in turn.

He returned Hojatsu's bow, "Hida-san, you are prompt and attentive as always. Today, I will ask the other magistrates about open cases that may benefit from collaboration and introduce you to them." Unfortunately, he only had a moment to admire the man's armor before the Scorpion magistrate arrived.

After the traditional refusals, he accepted the red-clad magistrate's gift with a bow. "Thank you, Bayushi-sama. I am honored that you accepted my invitation. This hairpin is delightful. I can recommend a jewelry shop on Jade Street if you ever have the need." Umeo smiled as he set the gift on his desk. "You appear to be healing well," He added before the martial priestess from the Mantis arrived. 

"Moshi-sama!" The Crab looked surprisingly pleased to see her, "I have asked after your recovery but have yet to have the opportunity to check on you in person. I wasn't involved in the conversations and investigations that followed the mission. Did Ambassador Hida-sama follow my advice and suggest the Mantis take over the girl's care?" In a room full of investigators, it was clear that Umeo's curiosity was genuine. 

The Jade Crab was set next to the hairpin on his desk for now, and he looked at the three magistrates already gathered. No love had been lost between the Mantis and Scorpion since Winter Court, but here the two stood with no enmity between them. Perhaps this idea of collaboration had merit. Umeo gestured to a servant, who began gathering tea-making supplies.

When the little Lioness arrived, "I appreciate your token, Matsu-sama. Your superiors spoke highly of you, your potential, and your passion. I look forward to seeing what you accomplish in the future." He took note as she took her place in a practice parade rest. She seemed the sort to let the inner soldier take over rather than fall prey to combat paralysis. She *Did* Have potential, but would she live long enough to reach it?
.

Umeo returned Atsuko's bow. "Thank you for accepting the invitation in his stead, Yoriki Atsuko-san. I have heard the thoroughness of your reports before and am most pleased to have someone of your skill join us for this conversation. I hope that Shinjo Inadoma-sama's recovery is swift and without complication." The conversation between Koyama and Atsuko happened in his office, and he bore witness to the truth. He could only imagine how awkward it must be for the Ronin to be asked to return in an official capacity so soon afterward. 

A request for aid and assistance from the Crab to do a job that the Crab should have been doing in the first place? Yeah, that seemed reasonable. The overworked mercenary had arrived hoping to find support and straight talk from a clan that had long been allied with her patron. Instead, she was faced with... Well, whatever that was. Umeo was not unsympathetic. 

Umeo leaned on the polished black cane like he trusted it. The limp was more pronounced than usual as he returned to his desk, but he did not sit despite the trouble his leg was causing him today. He bowed one last time to the group as a whole before addressing the room, "I am Yasuki Umeo, and I am the new Ambassador for the Crab in Ryoko Owari. If any of you are unacquainted with the others," He gestured as he gave quick introductions, "Hida Hojatsu-sama. He was a magistrate back home before being transferred here and should have a good deal of experience with *Unusual* Crimes."
.

As Umeo spoke, a pair of servants brought velour cushions stitched from a velvety blue silk. He continued, "Bayushi no Rokugo Yuto-sama is a fearless warrior who would face an army alone if his duty demanded it. He might even survive it between his genuine skill and general good fortune. Moshi Kana-sama is not only a talented shugenja who is as pragmatic as she is compassionate but also has one of the sharpest eyes for detail I have ever seen. Matsu Rin-san might be burdened with excess youth, but I am told that she fights like a lion on fire. And Yoriki Atsuko-san is the Unicorn's most versatile and overworked retainer." 

The servants left once they finished preparing the room. Umeo gestured for his guests to sit, "With that out of the way, let's get to the matter at hand. The Crab have attempted to hold at least a nominal position of neutrality, but that could be viewed from different angles. *Some* Might interpret that as offering assistance and friendship to No One so that all might remain equally distant. I, however, interpret our neutrality as offering assistance equally... As long as it is in the interest of the Empire to do so. Accordingly, I would like to officially offer Crab assistance in all magisterial matters here in the city. Bayushi-sama, that offer also applies to the provinces surrounding the city if your people have the need." He paused momentarily, looking at these pillars of justice in his office before continuing. "The Crab would be honored if you accepted our request."

As he allowed his audience to absorb the entire width and breadth of his offer, Umeo prepared tea.

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Shasta
Kana wasn't able to completely hide her surprise at Umeo's question. *Did he really not know...?* "Ah, well, after a fashion. I will be taking her in as a ward under my tutelage until she comes of age, until she is given to the Crab," She replied, keeping her usual, pleasant tone. There was something comforting to her about the interaction, brief as it was. Perhaps this might mark new opportunities, and what she would view as fairer deals between the clans. Her thoughts went to Atsuko as well; maybe this was the change she needed in order to get the needed support for her investigation!

This would only be further confirmed when Umeo spoke to their purpose in meeting here. Such widespread assistance towards everyone? It was indeed generous, and the benefits to having such an arrangement were clear. It was in accordance with her own goals as well. While the Mantis would always come first, it was compassion and cooperation which would see the most benefit for the empire as a whole, and she sought out such opportunities whenever she could find them. Of course, Kana knew that such aid was rarely given freely; there was something to be gained for the Crab here as well...

She would have time to reflect on such matters later. She bowed lowly to Umeo, before moving to take a seat for tea. "You flatter me with your words, Yasuki-sama. Your skill with them is perhaps matched only by your valor, and generosity with such an offer." She smiled brightly. "Bringing all clans closer together will only serve to strengthen us all."

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Willie
Yuto simply nodded as Umeo humbly accepted the gift, standing in line as the others came in afterward. If this was a meeting of Magistrates he expected to see Kana, which he simply smiled with his eyes briefly. As for all the others, he was surprised to see the youth of the Lions representative and the Ronin representing the unicorn. Yutos had seen Atsuko before, however, he knew nothing of her. 

The subtle exchange between Kana and Umeo is what truly made his amusement grow. It seemed their clans were negotiating the fate of Aki, the brat that almost blew him to pieces. He wondered why such a trade was being made, and why the mantis were obviously prolonging it. Something for later, for now, the Scorpion would remain silent and observe. 

Allowing everyone to be introduced and be seated by the now Crab Ambassador. A notable smile arose at such a fact. Here he was offering help to the Magistrates of the city, each clan could use assistance. In his eyes, this was the crab dipping their hands in everyone's affairs to grab valuable information and credit. 

"Your offers of praise and assistance are certainly appreciated, Yasuki-sama. The city and great clans will fare better with your clan's delicate mitigation, but this selfless offer is unacceptable." Yuto spoke softly with a strong sense of duty and confidence. 

Gesturing as he placed a hand over his chest, he continued: "It'd be a stain on the Scorpion to not return the noble offer of service to the Crab. We are beholden to upholding Otomo-samas wishes and vision for the future of the city." || Etiquette 4 Sincerity || 

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Edith
It was often said that samurai were people of action. Part of the reason they occupied such an esteemed position in society was for that very reason. Cut from a different cloth than their lessers, a samurai did not think, but simply *Did*. In that respect, Atsuko was every bit a samurai as the others she occupied the room with. She didn't need prompting to spring into action—it was simply second nature for her. All the more vexing, therefore, that the duties presented to her seemed to require a more delicate, measured hand. Observance was an essential skill for a magistrate, she had been told, and so observe she did. 

She observed as the gifts changed hands, and pleasantries too, and then the man who had bid all them gather decided to carefully lay his plans out before them. She listened as he offered a friendly hand to them all, putting his clan at the disposal of the just magistrates of the city such that they could better enact their duties and keep the people safe. He offered them assistance, equally and without prejudice.

The same hand that had swatted away her earnest efforts only days prior. 

Versatile she was, overworked, perhaps. But Atsuko was also a very well-paid retainer. She had carved a small fortune for herself in the months she had endured constant change within the Unicorn's administration. Certainly more than she had in her pockets when she wandered through the gates of the city in the waning months of winter. It was a good thing she had been so well compensated for her work: it was the threat of losing the comforts to which she had grown accustomed that kept the venomous bile from creeping up her throat and out her mouth. Instead, she tried to find her center, and temper the flames that threatened to lick passed her lips.

"A kind offer, Yasuki-sama. I am sure the clans will welcome the Crab finally joining the fold, in the spirit of neutrality or otherwise."

There were many more things she wished to say. Many of them she beat back down within herself, if only because more of them than not would have sounded as nothing less than accusations. She had been denied the most basic sorts of aid, told that the Crab could not offer anything more than orders for fear of agitating the provincial Scorpion, and then only a few days later made to stand before them and listen to them throw themselves at the service of those very same Scorpion? It might have come off as a direct insult if she respected their intellect more. Instead, it came off more as a particularly bad joke.

"I must ask, however, what sort of assistance do the Crab intend to offer? I find myself curious, given the sheer breadth of... Extralegal—and even supernatural—activity rumored to persist in the city."

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