|
Post by Asako Chisato on May 15, 2014 18:33:00 GMT
"Of course! I can only accomplish so much with you half way across the empire. And your lord gets the right to send you against my orders, no? Then why don't we eliminate the barrier?"
Chisato's knowledge seems to have evolved into a new far more sinister power...
Marriages.
"I simply love weddings!"
|
|
|
Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 15, 2014 20:54:56 GMT
These were words that Kousei had never expected to hear from the lips of the Asako daimyo.
"Err... I'm sure that your karo will be most happy to hear this news, Chisato-sama."
Kousei looked anew at the man standing in front of him, and a suspicion began to grow in the back of his mind. Was Chisato's 'distracted scholar' persona all just an act? Had he planned exactly what effect his words at the trial would have had on the Crab?
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on May 15, 2014 21:16:38 GMT
"My karo?" Chisato looked confused, then a smile slowly dawned over him, "Yes! Of course! My Karo!"
She pokes her head back into the room with a confused look.
"I think thats a wonderful idea, Kousei san, she has the status necessary as my most trusted adviser!" He looks to her, and for the first time in forever refers to her by name, "Asako Megumi san, you are the sister to the last daimyo of the family, and are as of yet unmarried. I think this warrior would make a fine match!"
For once, Chisato's karo was speechless. Seems he beat her to the punch on the arranged marriages. The irony however was surely lost on Chisato's oddly simple mind.
|
|
|
Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 15, 2014 23:13:59 GMT
But... That wasn't..."
Kousei stared at Megumi in abject disbelief, then rallied somewhat.
"My lord Chisato-sama, I am truly flattered by both your desire that I join the Asako and the beauty of the match you suggested. However, my exact status upon joining the Shogun's legions has yet to be determined, which would obviously have an effect on the matter.
After all, if I were to end up a higher status then not only would you fail to achieve your goal but I would end up depriving you of a useful servant. If we can delay finding a nakodo until after my position is announced, perhaps that would be well. I am meeting with Tanitsu-sama shortly and will ask if he would kindly act as my envoy in the matter."
Not for the first time Kousei was glad he could foist the politics of the situation off on somebody else. He knew that eventually he was likely to marry whoever the clan decided he ought to marry, and he was happy to abide by that, but the actual process of getting to that point he would avoid like the plague. Particularly if it involved a devious Phoenix courtier trying to get one over on the Crane.
"Speaking of which, unless I can be of further service I should take my leave. Is there anything more I can do for you Chisato-sama, Megumi-sama?"
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on May 16, 2014 11:02:10 GMT
Chisato was loathe to let him go already, there were details to be sorted out after all.
"Well, of course, you are free to go... However, if it were possible to speed things along so you were wed before your appointment, then we won't have to worry at all! Also remember that Asako Megumi san's title and claims make her the second most important Asako alive, save for the Master of Water, of course."
He bows to Kousei, "I hope to see you again soon, friend!" He then looks to his Karo to see if she had anything to add.
|
|
|
Post by Daidoji Kousei on May 17, 2014 0:23:57 GMT
Kousei bowed deeply to them both, his eyes lingering slightly on Megumi. He hadn't really paid much attention to her previously and it was best to be prepared for every outcome.
He grinned at Chisato. "Surely you mean the third, Chisato-sama - I understand that you yourself are quite important nowadays?!"
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on May 17, 2014 11:20:36 GMT
"I meant second after me, with the exception being the the asako on the elemental council. So yes, third I suppose." He always was one to belabor little details, wasn't he? The two Asako bow to Kousei.
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on May 17, 2014 12:28:14 GMT
In the next day, after a meeting with her new Champion and knowing that from now on, she'd be assigned as personal yojimbo to Bayushi Sunetra, more a way of the Scorpion Champion to train herself Satomi in the Bayushi Way, and have her around as advisor on warfare, Satomi had a few hours left before the Scorpion Comitive finally departs. With Chisato's message in hands, she decided to attend his request of a meeting. So, by end of the morning, her arrival to the Asako daimyo's quarters was announced.
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on May 17, 2014 12:58:34 GMT
She is shown in immediately, Chisato averts his gaze, but is it out of politeness or uncertainty. His Karo, Megumi, does the talking, "Greetings, Bayushi san, would you like some tea?" When Chisato doesn't say as he most often does, she continues a bit softer, "It is the empress' favorite blend, you know."
Chisato nods, his mind absently moving towards thoughts of how many blasted cups he had had these past two days. He most certainly was not thirsty anymore, but it gave him something to do, "Yes, Asako san, thank you."
He looks to Satomi, "Uh, hello..."
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on May 17, 2014 13:17:37 GMT
"Every place one goes, they pretend to know the Empress' tastes regarding everything. It's not my favorite blend, and that's what matters." Satomi ponders, as she's received by the overzealous Asako karo and the elusive Asako daimyo. What now? Wasn't he wishing to see me?
She sipped a bit of the tea, out of politeness as well, keeping her thoughts to herself. However, the growing silence was becoming quite intolerable, until Chisato decided to break it in one of his characteristic and awkward ways.
"Hello"? Ah, well, "Hello" I guess, Asako-sama. I received a message from you. Do you remember what your intentions were when you requested a meeting with this one? While she knew her new place in the order of things, her gaze chased his until he couldn't avoid it, and she fiercely smirked; nothing would change between them.
Missing me?
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on May 17, 2014 15:44:22 GMT
"Well, yes, I suppose." He had no idea how to possibly broach a subject that was plaguing him. So he tries to pretend to be casual about it, "Are you... enjoying being with your true family?"
The karo, Megumi, winces, closes her eyes, and stands up to walk away, "Excuse me." This seemed to be Chisato's problem, now. She would have no part in this embarrassment. Even when he tries to be delicate, hes an insulting prig.
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on May 17, 2014 16:42:01 GMT
No noble samurai soul would see another so committed to their duty being so humiliated in front of the most important persons in the Empire, and do nothing in their reach to "fix" the situation. That's what happened, Asako-sama. It is called courtesy.
Though I don't really think you are interested or can follow up the reasoning... For the offense the Kuni made me, I should do something. Challenging a Kuni for a duel is kind of stupid, don't you think? She voiced something others surely were thinking, after your… "intervention". She maybe was the first, but a chorus would ensue. Crab are quite loud and they do like voice their thoughts. But one shall be wary when they don't. They can find several ways to get rid of a "spy"… And the Kuni are masters on it, believe me. Even the average Crab soldier knows that the best way to get rid of an undesirable "clanner" is to send him or her to a ill prepared walk in a particularly vicious spot in the Shadowlands.
She carefully put the cup aside, and returned her attention to him.
I wasn't reintroduced to my "right clan" as you rather like to think. For the briefest of the moments, I had little options than either "go ronin" or kill myself in protest. And then, quite unexpectedly I admit, I found a new clan, a new daimyo wanting my services and using great rhetoric to save my life. For that, I'm glad the rest of my life. For my blood ties with the Scorpion, I'm glad.
She never lost eye contact to Chisato, and her tone was as smooth as possible. Her accent and speech pace was unmistakably Kaiu, as many of her choice of words.
I marvel at the weirdness of this whole thing. You, Asako-sama, who knows I have a Kaiu mother, in spite of having a Scorpion father, choose that moment, in front of everyone, to commit such a "mistake" regarding my genealogy. However, your work is so unquestionably accepted, that your word impacted my life as nothing else before did.
Though, I myself could start pointing out some errors on it, starting by the one that ruined my career and the trust the Kaiu family once put in my person.
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on May 17, 2014 21:29:56 GMT
He is relieved, he takes her words at face value, and does not pick up any malice from her, and this relaxes him. Even though a four year-old would easily sense the tension in the room. But then she mentions the mistake, "Ah, no... No mistake was made, Satomi san. You are a Scorpion." He says matter-of-factly.
"And for all those crab clowns that would call you a spy, you would best everyone of them in a duel. Because you are right, you are not a spy."
"Has Kuon sama always been so..." he searches for the right word as he leans forward, curious, "uhm, insane?"
|
|
Bayushi Satomi
Unwanted Betrothed
Scorpion Clan
Posts: 1,080| Likes: 322
Rings: Earth 4 * Fire: 5 *Air 3 * Water 1 * Void 3
|
Post by Bayushi Satomi on May 18, 2014 12:04:16 GMT
He was upset and emotional, yes. His beloved wife, mother of his second son was killed, in front of everyone, in an spetacular manner and he still felt he should thank the woman that saved what was left of his personal life, of his closest family. He showed hope and respect... and affection beyond what is polite, yes, to the woman who saved the honor of the Crab, Tsuruchi Kasumi-san. It was clear to everyone which one day lost someone dear and still, had to act in benefit of the Empire. It sounded weird or insane only for the ones with little empathy to what pain is, what duty is, my dear daimyo.
After replying about Kuon's behavior, she returned to the first subject:
Now... Because I have a Scorpion father that was integrated by marriage into the Kaiu? He was of higher status when they married, yes, but both returned to Crab and he was accepted into the Kaiu. I told you this story once and I'm sure my late husband told this story to you when questioned for your book...
However... it's not the first time you "debunks" a Scorpion, right Asako-sama? Other person would be accused of having a cruel pleasure in doing such teatrical revelations, and the ensuing scandal rather makes your obtuse genealogical listing a bit more famous, a bit more important every time you decide someone is not what he seems to be.
She bit her lip.
I of course think differently. I think you just don't know me enough to judge by yourself that I'd never accept what the Shogun has not the right to offer.
Knowing that both were left alone in the room, she said:
It disappointed me, dear Chisato. I thought we were friends. Close friends. Once you indeed offered me a fan.
|
|
|
Post by Asako Chisato on May 19, 2014 1:52:29 GMT
"I..." he blushes fiercely, "Satomi san, you know I have no memory of-" he cuts himself off as he suddenly realizes.
No memory.
"You... you don't know about your family, do you?"
This had happened to him in his investigations before, but never to a friend.
He says a bit more firmly, "No, Satomi san. I still am your friend. I do not regret my choices. But I do regret my actions. We have much to talk about..."
|
|