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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 26, 2014 6:35:01 GMT
"Unfortunately it appears that way, sama," Kasumi said, "it was made to look like jigai, but there are clues to indicate it couldn't have been. That's why I'm now talking to everybody who spoke to Lady Mya yesterday evening, including yourself. I will try to keep things short, but I would like to know when did you see Lady Mya last?"
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jun 26, 2014 11:34:49 GMT
He seemed to hesitate before his answer, a bit like he was trying hard to be exact. I and Lady Mai, and our common friends, returned from a soirée, a bit late, I'm afraid. She asked me to accompany her to her room, which I did… And we talked for some minutes I guess… His voice trailed off, unsure. Soshi Angai used the moment of silence to talk in behalf of Shosuro Sezaru. As proper for the couple's station and refined education, they're never alone during their brief conversation, Tsuruchi-sama. You must understand that Shosuro Sezaru-sama is deeply disturbed in knowing that his bride-to-be was assassinated…
Sezaru raised a hand, as asking Angai to silence. I have to say I wasn't gentle to Mai-san when I last spoke to her. We in fact had had an arguing, though I admit the reasons for it seem quite irrelevant when I think of it now. I regret my behavior towards her… though now I can only pray for her poor soul to find rest…
A man like Sezaru had the finest courtier training available in the Empire, yet he sounded most of the time trying to be as honest as possible, in spite of how it could sound. But it last seemed as if he was having a hard time to recollect the exact events of the last night… not to mention he seemed a bit absent, as if listening to someone whispering to his ear all the time. His personal staff, however, was ready to protect him from himself. Their subtle moves showed Kasumi they would give her little time before snatching away the Empress' brother from this inconvenient interview. --- Miya-sama? A headache, heavy eye, and a sore in the back of the neck were the first things Satomi noticed when she woke up on the floor. The second was the beautiful face of Miya Gensaiken leaning towards her, waving a cloth embibed with awful smelling salts next her nose, probably with the intention that the heavy odor was able to awaken her. It indeed worked. Noticing his subterfuge had its desired effect, the Imperial retreated, avoiding further touching her. One imperial servant, with popped up eyes and a tray at hand, observed her reactions attentively. Ohoh, calm down, Bayushi-san. Sorry for that, I just found you on the floor, unconscious. Are you well? Gensaiken asked, straightening his clothes. That's Okay. I'm fine now. She recomposed as best as she could, wary and embarrassed. Thank you for your inestimable help… But… She quickly glanced at the paneled wall, now shut closed, and the weapon still on the floor. Forgive me but… What are you doing here?
The young man kept his serious face. I was coming to talk to you, milady, in behalf of Sezaru-sama, from which I'm but a humble assistant, and when I was about to knock at the door, I heard a "thud"… It sounded quite suspicious and I struggled with the dilemma of being either inconvenient, or doing right in opening the door without an invitation. Apparently, the latter was indeed the right thing to do.
Satomi fell silent, considering the weirdness of this incident. Although she was a bit confused, she was under impression something very "different" attacked her by surprise". However, whatever it was, it hadn't intention to kill her. She bowed deeply, and the movement made her head ache miserably. Once again, Miya-sama, you have my enduring gratitude.
Well, what happened here? He asked, glancing with suspicion towards the weapon lying on the floor. I… don't know. I must… have heard a bird trapped on the roof or something like this. My Crab training put me a bit paranoid and perhaps… I hit my head on a furniture piece; I can't really remember how I did end up like this… No need to say the truth; firstly because maybe he knew the truth already… or in a best case scenario, Satomi wasn't telling anything alarming to a Miya courtier before reporting it to the Seppun guard. The young courtier smiled at her falsely empathetic.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 26, 2014 18:24:00 GMT
"Just two last questions, sama," Kasumi said, "at what time did you leave Lady Mai and secondly, where there any people still with her when you left?"
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jun 27, 2014 12:41:00 GMT
Shosuro Sezaru played with his netsuke between his fingers, before replying.
I think I left quite suddenly, but it should have been by hour of the Boar… And I believe she was alone, but maybe she wasn't. Then he seemed to resolve his mind and his unsure demeanor changed a bit.
Let me explain: when I first met Lady Mai in the Winter Court, she was a very different person from what she turned to be after our engagement was made "official". She used to dismiss servants and chaperones very often, and favor more "private conversations" and it was once reason for a disagreement between the two of us… I was in disaccord that my spouse-to-be was willing to keep these relaxed "habits" even after our engagement. His voice was calm but firm now. But she was above all a sweet person, and it seems she finally complied with the Imperial Matchmaker's advices.
A bit of contradiction in his discourse, as he admitted to have had an arguing with a sweet person before she died under mysterious circumstances. Whether he noticed his own faux pas, or it wasn't a faux pas at all, only Sezaru knew.
---
But… Then, Miya-sama, how can I help you? Satomi asked, reminding the courtier's main reason to a surprise visit to her quarters.
No no, we can talk in a more convenient moment… Take your time and recover from this …domestic accident.
Believe me, I was hurt in worse ways than this… she managed to smile. Her eyes ran to the table, and she noticed her journal was missing. Whther by the same "thing or person" that attacked her in the hidden passage", or by someone else, she couldn't know. She swallowed her urge to grab the Miya by the shoulders to make him tell what he knew, but she remind to have heard a tale on how this young man had been able to unmask a pekkle no oni very close to the Winds.
I hope we aren't dealing with another supernatural infiltrator, Miya-sama. We'd hate to spill tainted blood over the furniture, neh?
He became serious, all of sudden. Don’t even say such thing! That was the most horrible thing I witnessed in my life, Satomi-san!
And after a moment, he continued, a bit lower than before. I don't believe it has to do with politics or our enemies from beyond the Wall, but… with obsession…
Satomi didn't hide her surprise.
Ahhh… so, there's someone else in Sezaru-sama's heart?
Ha… his mind is so full… He has little time to matters of love. He managed to blush, caught speaking with such passion and adoration about his superior… and gossiping about him, by the way. Well, as I said, we can talk later, before you are fully recovered, Satomi-san. May I send a shugenja to assure is everything fine with you?
Satomi pondered, and said:
Well, I'd appreciate, Miya-sama.
It'll be arranged, then.
Both bowed as their stations demanded, and Miya Gensaiken departed, letting Satomi with her thoughts.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 27, 2014 21:06:49 GMT
"Haven't we all done that at times," Kasumi said with a smile, "it might be improper, but sometimes the forbidden is all the more attractive." It did match with what some servants had told her. Well, she doubted that he had killed her himself. "One last question," Kasumi said, "did lady Mai ever told that she had broken a limb, maybe as a child?"
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jun 28, 2014 4:16:30 GMT
I'd love to know...But she didn't use to talk about her childhood. He said. She addressed me a letter, as you may know already. Sezaru produced the folded paper from a sleeve, and handed it to the magistrate. It was a singular piece of paper, and a glowing yellowish stain seemed to cover partially the irregular writing underneath. Strange dancing ideograms seeming to form the most visible part of the message, which said simply:
"What have I done wrong?"
Observing the Magistrate read the content of the paper, Shosuro Sezaru said: Her thoughts were the most eloquent part of her dramatic farewell message, Tsuruchi-bugyo. Knowing she was assassinated makes the message quite cryptic again. I'd like to help more, but unfortunately, as you see, I irreversibly damaged the message's factual content out of grief.
Soshi Angai, which kept a close eye in everything, once again used the right moment to put an end to the interview, reminding the now Shosuro Sezaru about an important appointment. Sezaru said the right words to dismiss the magistrate, and Angai followed as part of his retinue, but not before asking to Kasumi.
I know my clan indicated Bayushi Satomi-san as the link between our clan and the Emerald Magistrate Cabinet assigned to this case; however I'd ask to be informed as well, if it's not an inconvenient, of course…
---
Knowing from Mai's parents about her childhood scars and maladies would be quite improductive. They would tell what needed to be told, that's the point. However, Satomi tried, out of duty, and sent a messenger to the Shosuro provinces questioning the couple. From in-laws to Sezaru to nothing again, but well, who deserves one ishiken as in-law anyway? She thought, and it took a smile from her. Oh, that's what I call a hard day. Much like confronting a Kuruma Seiro with a handful of Fire Breathers and a dozen fresh recruits.
The odds of the Fortunes never ceased to amaze her. Maybe amaze wasn’t the exactly word, but you know what? Later she would talk to Tsuruchi Kasumi and tell her what happened. Now, she was out, for a deserving and warm sake... and some rice cakes maybe...
Satomi's auto indulging thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of one of the Scorpion servants who served Bayushi Sunetra directly and had her total trust (if such was possible). She bowed low as expected, offering to Satomi the object in her hands, wrapped in a silk cloth.
Our esteemed Champion Bayushi-tono reminds you she'll be busy attending the Hashira Horitsu as invitee from the Glorious Empress... Therefore shes trusting you this object found along the belongings of Lady Mai. Our Gracious Mistress thinks that Lady Satomi may use her contacts among the Unicorn to discover which sort of object it is.
In other times Satomi would normally harrumph at it, but this servant was indeed a specie of dog made person, and so low that of course would report to their Champion. She took the object from the servant's hands and unwrapped it. It was a delicate sort of foreigner trinket, but Satomi did indeed know what it was. She had seen some before.
"Meishodo..."
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 28, 2014 10:16:09 GMT
"I will try to keep you informed," Kasumi said. "Would you mind if I keep this for now," she asked next, holding the letter. She wanted to see what her Kitsuki assistant could do with it, or maybe even Satomi.
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jun 28, 2014 14:22:07 GMT
Of course you can. Tsuruchi-san. Sezaru have said, when questioned about the letter. Then he left, allowing Kasumi to resume her investigation.
---
As Horiuchi Jini was somewhere out in the Burning Sands, the only other Unicorn she trusted enough to help her was Moto Arandaru. That's the reason that made her seek assistance of an Unicorn diplomat, to see if, by chance, there was a way to communicate with the Unicorn Hatamoto. Knowing that the relations with the new Empress and the Unicorn were cold at best (in spite of her granting to Ide Tadaji a position as one of the Empress' Chosen, maybe in an attempt to tame any Chatagai's rebellious attempts), she wasn't sure Arandaru could be found in Kyuden Seppun. Nevertheless, she needed to try.
After visiting the Unicorn Embassy (quite empty, by the way), Satomi decided to keep her plan of auto indulgence and headed to the next tea house.
OOC: Ok, I'm giving all the players the opportunity to participate in this thread as well, if they wish so and have a reason to be in Kyuden Seppun.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 30, 2014 9:03:30 GMT
Kasumi went back to the house where the emerald magistrates were located. She felt this was going to be a much more difficult case than the one with his brother. Upon arriving she gave the letter to her two assistants to have them check it. She wanted to know if it was genuine when comparing with other writings from Mai they had found in her room. If she could prove it was not her letter, then there had to be a second person in the room. It wouldn't be easy, but it was all she had to go on at the moment.
Kakita Mistuko told her that one of the servants had said that during winter court there had already been an attempt on Lady Mai and a Shiba gunso named Kaigen. That was something Kasumi didn't know and while her assistants were working on that, she went in search of Satomi. She had the feeling that she might know more and if not, she could always ask Kaigen. After some asking around she found the new Bayushi in a tea house not far from the Scorpion embassy. "Satomi-san," Kasumi said with a bow, "mind if I join you?"
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jun 30, 2014 12:57:07 GMT
Usually a rokugani doesn't approach of someone's table without an invitation, or sending a message asking permission first, but Satomi was accustomed with all sorts of weird behavior and somehow, thought it was due her nebulous new station within the Scorpion. That' was a massive loss of status.
Of course, Tsuruchi-san, be my guest. She indicated the place in front of her at the table, and the tea house servants arranged a new cushion for the Mantis woman, and extra teaware. Taking a deserved rest from your hard work?
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 30, 2014 18:10:04 GMT
"That too," Kasumi said, as she sat down. She could do with a bit of rest, that was for sure, but duty called. "The case is more difficult than I had imagened at the beginning," she said, "maybe it was because the one with Kaneka-sama was easy. Politically difficult, but from an investigation perspective quite easy. This one will not be. And I still have the mystery child to check up on."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jun 30, 2014 18:23:13 GMT
She poured tea for the Emerald Magistrate, Then isn't anything in this case relating one tie to other? I mean, anything relating this case to what happened at Yasuki Yashiki?
And... A mystery child? Sorry, I don't understand.
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jun 30, 2014 20:42:14 GMT
"Not that I can immediately see," Kasumi said, "although it is still possible. The targets are brothers... well, half-brothers. And the methods can be different as they have to adapt to the circumstances. As to the mystery child, it's a baby me and Kaigen found on our way here. When we wanted to bring it to a monastery, some bandits who had killed and taken the place of the monks attacked us. I brought the child here and now I'm trying to figure out who he is. I've contacted a Kitsu shugenja, as they have special powers which can be useful. But it's still not clear who's child it is... or was."
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Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
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Post by Bayushi Satomi on Jun 30, 2014 21:21:04 GMT
Oh, bandits disguised as monks and trying to kill a baby?
Another bizarre story in a row of bizarre stories.
Kaigen… Is it possible Kaigen is the Imperial Legionnaire Shiba Kaigen, a gunso?
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Post by tsuruchi kasumi on Jul 1, 2014 5:57:07 GMT
"Indeed," Kasumi said after a sip of her tea. Good tea it was too. "We met on the road and traveled together from Yasuki Yashiki to here," she continued, "he wanted to visit his family and this is on the way."
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