Well that seems pretty unanimous let's see what the roll is.
9k3=22 Pass
Looks like it all worked out for you update tomorrow.
9k3=22 Pass
Looks like it all worked out for you update tomorrow.
-
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Burden of the Emerald Empire (A Legend of the Five Rings Tale)
- Thread starter gman391
- Start date
- Fantasy
Year 17: A Question of Safety
Month of the Goat, 17th Day (Early Summer)
Your uncle had not wanted to go all the way to the Jeweled City for a military summit. It had taken several weeks to convince him, and it had taken a further amount of time for Yuriko and yourself to reassure the Crab that this wasn't a prelude to stripping Ginchiyo of her position. In the end Hida Kuon had relented largely on the basis of a massive shipment of Jade finally arriving, and you not immediately confiscating it for your own use. The Zanj had taken a while to ship their promised material and duly they had provided a copy of their holy book for you to read.
You hadn't read it. Shem-Zhe had looked it over and said that there were no curses or anything on it, and a brief glance had shown that it was translated into proper Rokugani. To be sure a merchant's Rokugani lacking the subtlety and grace of proper high Rokugani, but it was readable all the same. You had said you would receive the book. The implication was that you would read it, but you couldn't quite find it in yourself to do so yet. You had seen the Sun and the Moon ascend, their favour sat at your side. Compared to that, what could a book do to persuade you to a foreign god of fire?
The pragmatic part of you argues that it would do nothing to persuade you, but that it could do a lot to allow you to understand the strangers from distant shores who still deeply wanted to convert your people and free them from their chains. That understanding could be vital in the future, so you should read it.
And yet, you stood in the Silver Fountain Gardens instead. Watching the pure spring water fall down artfully arranged polished stones that gave the gardens their name. For it truly seemed like silver was hiding just beneath the surface of the water waiting for you to reach out and touch it. This was installed in your father's day an affectation of Bayushi Kaukatsu-shiryo. Thus it became the personal garden of the Imperial Chancellor. You weren't even sure Jomon had the ability to change things.
It still bothered you at how quiet he had been after you cowed him the first time. You couldn't put your finger on why that was though it had been a boon to your policies, also probably your liver. Lady Sun knows that Jomon drove people to drink in his youth.
The heavy footsteps of a bushi echo through the garden. They're familiar, as you had hoped Matsu Suki had indeed become Imperial Chancellor after the Clans had shared their letters and arguments with each other. (That Suki was now to marry a Scorpion and appoint a Asako as her personal secretary had nothing to do with anything you were sure) That was still the future though, for now, you were going to meet her for the first time since her ascension to the position.
You turn around to look at her
{Source Nobunaga's Ambition}
You'd never quite felt comfortable enough to ask how she made it so that her left sleeve didn't fall flat against her like most people did. You assumed there was some sort of prosthetic involved. Still despite the fact that she had no left hand. (Her dominant hand) she looked determined and up beat. A mask in some ways, all faces were as Shinsei had taught Bayushi no Kami.
Suki kowtows to you for a moment before you gesture for her to stand and walk with with you. Isshin your ever present Seppun guard seems to fade into the background as he gives the illusion of privacy. An illusion that you treasured deeply. It was an illusion everyone treasured deeply.
The Chancellor walks with you for several moments, waiting for you to comment. This was after all something you arranged, to try and have a better relationship than your last Chancellor had had. However, while you want that, you also know that Suki will have to find her own voice both to bring the concerns of the Clans and to manage her own ministry, reduced as it was.
"I never thought I would be here. The Silver Fountains were always something I thought a tall tale, a story about the riches of the Empire told to let us move past the loss of Otosan Uchi." Suki says. A rich deep voice, not masculine but deep, booming. A warrior's voice.
"And yet Otosan Uchi is now under the stewardship of the Empire once again, and the tales are still told." You say.
"A good tale is one that does not stop being retold even if the reason for it is gone." Suki says.
You allow yourself to chuckle, it was a very Ikoma lesson one, that you had spent so much time during this last Winter Court absorbing.
"Indeed, you are settling in well?" You ask.
"Hai, there's a lot of work to be done, Bayushi-san allowed...quite a bit of correspondence to accumulate. Some of it is too old to answer but I'm answering what I can." Suki says.
Again the strangeness of Bayushi Jomon reared it's head. You couldn't figure out why the thoroughly slimy man was so incompetent, but at least you had someone diligent working at it.
"Well hopefully that means that I can comfort my vassals soon. I am aware that there are some who wonder why we fight for a desert city so far from home."
Suki tsks at that. "There is some of that, but most are far more concerned with the fate of your daughter at the moment." she says.
"My daughter is alive and well, last we spoke. Her training is nearly finished." You say.
Suki nods. "I understand that my Emperor, but many still remember your abrupt arrival to the Empire when you ascended. While your skill has assuaged that concern and led us to a time of recovery and peace. The fact remains that many would prefer if they had a chance to know your daughter before she ascended. It is not the Age of Chaos anymore and your father's well founded fear of assassins seems...lesser now."
You can feel your anger growing, lesser? Tell that to your WIFE! How she was assassinated in the middle of the Unicorn's heart, how---
A deep breath is forced by you, calm down Hisao, you can't get angry at your Chancellor on literally her first meeting with you.
"I would strenuously disagree with that Matsu-san, my beloved wife Shiba Kaname-shiryo after all was taken from us too soon by assassins." You say.
Suki nods. "Of course the Emperor is correct in his assessment. However, would he permit me a question then about his daughters?"
Slowly you nod, forcing the anger back where it belonged.
"If the Emperor wishes to keep his children safe as all parents do. Why then does his second daughter Toturi Yuina such free reign? She has been seen in the Mantis lands and the Crab lands, both dangerous to the Toturi for different reasons. I mean no offense, merely looking to understand." Suki says.
That was different, of course it was different...
But you couldn't say how.
That Yuina needed to protect herself from herself as much as anything else, and thus travel to understand the Void was essential?
It sounded flimsy even to you.
That Yuina was wise beyond her years and knew better? That she could understand the danger?
Why then was she not the Heiress?
'Promise Me'
You had trusted in the Void, in Yuina to protect her, but why could you not trust Minoru the same way? Or had you done what was easy over what was right? In the end, there had been now way to keep Yuina from moving, she had showed that when she showed up to meet Kana in the Scorpion Court. So you hadn't even tried. But you could stop Minoru, so you had, and been grossly unfair to both.
You couldn't hate Suki, it was a fair question that she had asked. But your answer was hollow to your ears.
"Unfortunately the way that Ishi are taught precludes them staying in one particular place for too long despite my wishes. Would that we could keep her from threats as well." You finally say.
"I understand my Emperor" Suki says. "However, I must stress that with your intentions known, and the War...it would be better in my opinion to have your Heir meet the Clans sooner rather than later, lest she be thrust into the position you were."
Kaname's words echo in your ears.
You had promised to keep them safe.
But what did that mean?
[] They have... a point so much of your early reign was marked by crisis simply because you had no true friendships built up, if you had been shown to the world earlier then...
[] No you will not in fact tell the Kenku when the training is done for your daughter, the time will come sooner or later, and you can be patient. Minoru can handle it...
AN: Being a Dad is hard, apparently.
Your uncle had not wanted to go all the way to the Jeweled City for a military summit. It had taken several weeks to convince him, and it had taken a further amount of time for Yuriko and yourself to reassure the Crab that this wasn't a prelude to stripping Ginchiyo of her position. In the end Hida Kuon had relented largely on the basis of a massive shipment of Jade finally arriving, and you not immediately confiscating it for your own use. The Zanj had taken a while to ship their promised material and duly they had provided a copy of their holy book for you to read.
You hadn't read it. Shem-Zhe had looked it over and said that there were no curses or anything on it, and a brief glance had shown that it was translated into proper Rokugani. To be sure a merchant's Rokugani lacking the subtlety and grace of proper high Rokugani, but it was readable all the same. You had said you would receive the book. The implication was that you would read it, but you couldn't quite find it in yourself to do so yet. You had seen the Sun and the Moon ascend, their favour sat at your side. Compared to that, what could a book do to persuade you to a foreign god of fire?
The pragmatic part of you argues that it would do nothing to persuade you, but that it could do a lot to allow you to understand the strangers from distant shores who still deeply wanted to convert your people and free them from their chains. That understanding could be vital in the future, so you should read it.
And yet, you stood in the Silver Fountain Gardens instead. Watching the pure spring water fall down artfully arranged polished stones that gave the gardens their name. For it truly seemed like silver was hiding just beneath the surface of the water waiting for you to reach out and touch it. This was installed in your father's day an affectation of Bayushi Kaukatsu-shiryo. Thus it became the personal garden of the Imperial Chancellor. You weren't even sure Jomon had the ability to change things.
It still bothered you at how quiet he had been after you cowed him the first time. You couldn't put your finger on why that was though it had been a boon to your policies, also probably your liver. Lady Sun knows that Jomon drove people to drink in his youth.
The heavy footsteps of a bushi echo through the garden. They're familiar, as you had hoped Matsu Suki had indeed become Imperial Chancellor after the Clans had shared their letters and arguments with each other. (That Suki was now to marry a Scorpion and appoint a Asako as her personal secretary had nothing to do with anything you were sure) That was still the future though, for now, you were going to meet her for the first time since her ascension to the position.
You turn around to look at her
You'd never quite felt comfortable enough to ask how she made it so that her left sleeve didn't fall flat against her like most people did. You assumed there was some sort of prosthetic involved. Still despite the fact that she had no left hand. (Her dominant hand) she looked determined and up beat. A mask in some ways, all faces were as Shinsei had taught Bayushi no Kami.
Suki kowtows to you for a moment before you gesture for her to stand and walk with with you. Isshin your ever present Seppun guard seems to fade into the background as he gives the illusion of privacy. An illusion that you treasured deeply. It was an illusion everyone treasured deeply.
The Chancellor walks with you for several moments, waiting for you to comment. This was after all something you arranged, to try and have a better relationship than your last Chancellor had had. However, while you want that, you also know that Suki will have to find her own voice both to bring the concerns of the Clans and to manage her own ministry, reduced as it was.
"I never thought I would be here. The Silver Fountains were always something I thought a tall tale, a story about the riches of the Empire told to let us move past the loss of Otosan Uchi." Suki says. A rich deep voice, not masculine but deep, booming. A warrior's voice.
"And yet Otosan Uchi is now under the stewardship of the Empire once again, and the tales are still told." You say.
"A good tale is one that does not stop being retold even if the reason for it is gone." Suki says.
You allow yourself to chuckle, it was a very Ikoma lesson one, that you had spent so much time during this last Winter Court absorbing.
"Indeed, you are settling in well?" You ask.
"Hai, there's a lot of work to be done, Bayushi-san allowed...quite a bit of correspondence to accumulate. Some of it is too old to answer but I'm answering what I can." Suki says.
Again the strangeness of Bayushi Jomon reared it's head. You couldn't figure out why the thoroughly slimy man was so incompetent, but at least you had someone diligent working at it.
"Well hopefully that means that I can comfort my vassals soon. I am aware that there are some who wonder why we fight for a desert city so far from home."
Suki tsks at that. "There is some of that, but most are far more concerned with the fate of your daughter at the moment." she says.
"My daughter is alive and well, last we spoke. Her training is nearly finished." You say.
Suki nods. "I understand that my Emperor, but many still remember your abrupt arrival to the Empire when you ascended. While your skill has assuaged that concern and led us to a time of recovery and peace. The fact remains that many would prefer if they had a chance to know your daughter before she ascended. It is not the Age of Chaos anymore and your father's well founded fear of assassins seems...lesser now."
You can feel your anger growing, lesser? Tell that to your WIFE! How she was assassinated in the middle of the Unicorn's heart, how---
A deep breath is forced by you, calm down Hisao, you can't get angry at your Chancellor on literally her first meeting with you.
"I would strenuously disagree with that Matsu-san, my beloved wife Shiba Kaname-shiryo after all was taken from us too soon by assassins." You say.
Suki nods. "Of course the Emperor is correct in his assessment. However, would he permit me a question then about his daughters?"
Slowly you nod, forcing the anger back where it belonged.
"If the Emperor wishes to keep his children safe as all parents do. Why then does his second daughter Toturi Yuina such free reign? She has been seen in the Mantis lands and the Crab lands, both dangerous to the Toturi for different reasons. I mean no offense, merely looking to understand." Suki says.
That was different, of course it was different...
But you couldn't say how.
That Yuina needed to protect herself from herself as much as anything else, and thus travel to understand the Void was essential?
It sounded flimsy even to you.
That Yuina was wise beyond her years and knew better? That she could understand the danger?
Why then was she not the Heiress?
'Promise Me'
You had trusted in the Void, in Yuina to protect her, but why could you not trust Minoru the same way? Or had you done what was easy over what was right? In the end, there had been now way to keep Yuina from moving, she had showed that when she showed up to meet Kana in the Scorpion Court. So you hadn't even tried. But you could stop Minoru, so you had, and been grossly unfair to both.
You couldn't hate Suki, it was a fair question that she had asked. But your answer was hollow to your ears.
"Unfortunately the way that Ishi are taught precludes them staying in one particular place for too long despite my wishes. Would that we could keep her from threats as well." You finally say.
"I understand my Emperor" Suki says. "However, I must stress that with your intentions known, and the War...it would be better in my opinion to have your Heir meet the Clans sooner rather than later, lest she be thrust into the position you were."
Kaname's words echo in your ears.
You had promised to keep them safe.
But what did that mean?
[] They have... a point so much of your early reign was marked by crisis simply because you had no true friendships built up, if you had been shown to the world earlier then...
[] No you will not in fact tell the Kenku when the training is done for your daughter, the time will come sooner or later, and you can be patient. Minoru can handle it...
AN: Being a Dad is hard, apparently.
Sirrocco
Pedantic
[x] They have... a point so much of your early reign was marked by crisis simply because you had no true friendships built up, if you had been shown to the world earlier then...
Our daughter herself has complained of how we do not connect with her... and she was right. This thing that the Clans ask for... it is not so large a thing.
Our daughter herself has complained of how we do not connect with her... and she was right. This thing that the Clans ask for... it is not so large a thing.
- Location
- Leeds
Can we use that water mirror and discuss it with them.
Maybe take the training on the road?
[x] They have... a point so much of your early reign was marked by crisis simply because you had no true friendships built up, if you had been shown to the world earlier then...
I think this is what she'd want.
Maybe take the training on the road?
[x] They have... a point so much of your early reign was marked by crisis simply because you had no true friendships built up, if you had been shown to the world earlier then...
I think this is what she'd want.
- Location
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
[x] They have... a point so much of your early reign was marked by crisis simply because you had no true friendships built up, if you had been shown to the world earlier then...
- Location
- Virginia
[x] They have... a point so much of your early reign was marked by crisis simply because you had no true friendships built up, if you had been shown to the world earlier then...
Well that was how you were going to summon Minoru, so yes you can talk to her. I don't know what 'training on the road' means exactly, part of her returning would be giving her a job that took her out to the various clans. (Probably an Imperial Legion or as a member of Miya's Blessing off hand)
Sirrocco
Pedantic
Okay... vote change, then.
[x] The clans have at lest something of a point, and your early reign *was* made that much harder by not having been properly introduced to basically anyone... but the years fo training are also important, and you want to be a better father. You're at least *trying* to be a better father, right? Perhaps you should contact your heir, and see what she wants.
[x] The clans have at lest something of a point, and your early reign *was* made that much harder by not having been properly introduced to basically anyone... but the years fo training are also important, and you want to be a better father. You're at least *trying* to be a better father, right? Perhaps you should contact your heir, and see what she wants.
keenscythe
No longer NEET
- Location
- WA, USA
[x] The clans have at lest something of a point, and your early reign *was* made that much harder by not having been properly introduced to basically anyone... but the years of training are also important, and you want to be a better father. You're at least *trying* to be a better father, right? Perhaps you should contact your heir, and see what she wants.
It is going to be her reign, makes sense she should have some say about how works with the Clans.
It is going to be her reign, makes sense she should have some say about how works with the Clans.
[x] The clans have at lest something of a point, and your early reign *was* made that much harder by not having been properly introduced to basically anyone... but the years fo training are also important, and you want to be a better father. You're at least *trying* to be a better father, right? Perhaps you should contact your heir, and see what she wants.
- Location
- Leeds
[x] The clans have at lest something of a point, and your early reign *was* made that much harder by not having been properly introduced to basically anyone... but the years of training are also important, and you want to be a better father. You're at least *trying* to be a better father, right? Perhaps you should contact your heir, and see what she wants.
We all think she probably wants this?
We all think she probably wants this?
Sirrocco
Pedantic
I honestly have no idea how close she is to being done with whatever training the Kenku think appropriate for her, or how much she cares.
I'm pretty sure that she'd appreciate having her opinion on the subject matter, though, whichever way it leans.
Last edited:
- Location
- Germany
[x] The clans have at lest something of a point, and your early reign *was* made that much harder by not having been properly introduced to basically anyone... but the years of training are also important, and you want to be a better father. You're at least *trying* to be a better father, right? Perhaps you should contact your heir, and see what she wants.
Year 17: Hi Dad
Month of the Goat 28th Day (Early Summer)
You had been writing letters, you had been communicating with Minoru for the last little while, so you shouldn't feel nervous. Yet, somehow as you stood on the small platform amidst a large fountain pool, you were. Surrounding the pool were a number of Miharu and your own wife. Although Shem-Zhe and the Asako Inquisitors still hadn't quite figured out what to call the technique she created, (Popular contenders were Lord Moon's Gaze, or Mirror of Voices) Kana had taught it to a number of your Seppun shugenja, the Miharu in hopes that divided strain would allow you to continue the conversation without it suddenly cutting out on them.
Ridiculously extravagant for all but the most privileged of Lords. Which being the Emperor counted you first amongst its ranks. If it worked it would create a new form of communication that was even more flexible than the talents of the small Bat Clan. The Bat could send words...this sent people after a fashion.
You glance at Kana.
"Are we ready?" You ask.
"Ready my Emperor...at your word." She says.
You nod and your wife kneels down with the other shugenja and begins to chant as the water swirls around you, reaching out to a place hundreds of miles away. The green summer leaves flicker into view, ah so she's under a tree, seems like a nice oak. And there's a young man...Satoshi, yes that was his name...and his arms were around your daughter...and they were kissing. Minoru's eyes were closed, she couldn't see you.
You feel a flurry of emotions, shock, possessive anger, indignation, finally settling on a sort of calm anger, that reminded you of the few times you had heard of your father truly losing his temper.
"My beloved, darling, daughter, I hope I am not interfering too much." You enunciate each word with a clipped restrained tone.
Minoru's eyes go wide as she pushes Satoshi off her, the young man stumbling on the ground before turning around to see you. To his credit you suppose, he goes immediately into a kow-tow on the ground.
"Father I..." Minoru begins. "...No, your not...interrupting."
You just look at her for a moment. A large part of you knows that you aren't being fair to her or to Satoshi. Well maybe to Satoshi, he was well regarded and loyal, but he was still a teenaged brat, and how dare he...calm down, you're calm, you're calm. If you tell yourself that enough you will believe it.
"I see..." you take a deep breath. "I had intended to discuss some matters with you, Minoru-chan. If the Miya are working properly they should be bringing my spring letter to you soon. But it seems we have more immediate questions here." You say.
Kana continues to focus, and the image seems good for now.
Minoru nods. "I guess so. I suppose we're even now. You got a new wife and I got a boyfriend" She says defiant.
Kaname's voice whispers 'she gets that from you'
"Yes your boyfriend...how long has this been going on? I want your boyfriend to answer...stand up boy." You say.
Satoshi stands up and you finally get a good look at him.
Source: Bai Jingting in 'Huang Quan': Rise of the Phoenixes by Tang City Studios
You don't hate how he looks. Oh he's not good enough for your daughter, no one is. But he seems resolute enough and while you're not particularly interested in men, you can understand why, alone in the middle of the forest with a Kenku and a much older man for company, your daughter would choose him.
To be fair you would have killed Aoshi if he tried anything so this might be for the best in some ways.
"I fell for your daughter the day we left to find Kozume-sensei. She was awkward, gangly, and her hair didn't work...yet, when she stepped out on that road, all I could feel was the need to follow her, to be with her. Yes she was all those things, but she was still amazing, and the most beautiful woman I knew." Satoshi says after a moment. "I knew that I would follow her no matter what happened. That her happiness mattered to me more than anything else. So we came to Kozume-sensei, we began learning under her. I didn't want to pressure your daughter into anything. I was content to support her, to be with her. Then shortly after her first encounter with you by this method, Minoru-sama---"
"Chan, I told you to call me chan" Minoru cuts in.
"...Was upset that you had married again without talking to her, that you had had two children without talking to her. I was the one to find her and comfort her...apparently that was what started Minoru-s" Satoshi pauses "...chan to develop feelings for me as well. Roughly around Benten's Festival she invited me to walk with her to a lake nearby. We spent the evening on the lake under the moonlight, and I couldn't stop myself from confessing."
"Then I kissed him and he became my boyfriend father." Minoru says finishing the story.
Satoshi blushes.
"Well yes, my Emperor"
You take a deep breath.
"I am disappointed that you didn't tell me before, but I admit that I cannot judge fairly about this."
"I have a letter for the Miya for when they arrived to tell you, you just...jumped ahead" Minoru says. "We weren't together until after the Spring Letter left"
"Regardless. You are the Empress in waiting, I will not have a scandal regarding propriety, understand?" You narrow your eyes in a glare.
"I understand my Emperor" Satoshi says.
"....Fine. But I do intend to marry him." Minoru says.
"That's a discussion we will have later I think." You say.
A quick glance around the pool tells you that the ritual can continue for a little longer at least.
"In your letter, you will be informed that I have a new Imperial Chancellor, she has opined to me that the Clans would be most happy with you rejoining the world and spending time amongst them, before your ascension. While a deep part of me wants to keep you there, to keep you safe. I know that is untenable in the long term, but more importantly." You take a breath. "I don't want to interrupt your training. I am not there, I do not know Kozume the Tengu well enough to judge your progress. So I would ask you, if you feel you are ready to begin taking on duties as a full samurai."
Minoru's breath hitches for a moment.
"I...will have to ask Kozume-sensei, but I think so. If I am, I will return with the Miya when the spring letter arrives. If not, then I will explain why on that same letter"
That was fair, you supposed.
"Very well..."
"Thank you father for asking me first." Minoru says.
"I am trying Minoru-chan." you say.
"I know. Hopefully I can see you soon." Minoru says.
"Stay safe" You say.
"Stay safe" she says.
At that the connection cuts out and the shugenja all collapse in exhaustion.
You stand there, as they recover, trying to decide how you feel.
On the one hand, your daughter was obviously becoming her own woman, albeit one as stubborn and determined as you were at her age. That was natural, normal even. On the other hand you...still remembered her as a baby, how she felt nestled into your arms, how she cooed in delight when you found the time to play kemari with her. You remember her as your little girl.
Yuina was going through the same thing, and it brought home a very real truth. You were their father yes, but their lord and Emperor as well, and going forward, they would be adults in everyone else's eye. You would have to make a decision on how to treat them.
As a father or an Emperor. But the decision was already made really, you would be a father first, not necessarily a good father, you were all too aware of your failings there. But a father first...
Then there was Satoshi, you still didn't like the idea of anyone being with Minoru. No one was good enough for her.
But with that maxim in mind, Satoshi was from a good family, and clearly loved your daughter a lot. Whether it was love that would last, or would fade when they weren't literally the only two attractive people of the same age together...that you didn't know. You had intended to allow Minoru to choose her own husband. You wondered what they were thinking in Kawa Forest...
[] Interlude: The Daughter's Promise
[] Interlude: The Suitor's Diligence
[] Interlude: The Artist's Understanding
[] Interlude: The Sensei's Decision
You had been writing letters, you had been communicating with Minoru for the last little while, so you shouldn't feel nervous. Yet, somehow as you stood on the small platform amidst a large fountain pool, you were. Surrounding the pool were a number of Miharu and your own wife. Although Shem-Zhe and the Asako Inquisitors still hadn't quite figured out what to call the technique she created, (Popular contenders were Lord Moon's Gaze, or Mirror of Voices) Kana had taught it to a number of your Seppun shugenja, the Miharu in hopes that divided strain would allow you to continue the conversation without it suddenly cutting out on them.
Ridiculously extravagant for all but the most privileged of Lords. Which being the Emperor counted you first amongst its ranks. If it worked it would create a new form of communication that was even more flexible than the talents of the small Bat Clan. The Bat could send words...this sent people after a fashion.
You glance at Kana.
"Are we ready?" You ask.
"Ready my Emperor...at your word." She says.
You nod and your wife kneels down with the other shugenja and begins to chant as the water swirls around you, reaching out to a place hundreds of miles away. The green summer leaves flicker into view, ah so she's under a tree, seems like a nice oak. And there's a young man...Satoshi, yes that was his name...and his arms were around your daughter...and they were kissing. Minoru's eyes were closed, she couldn't see you.
You feel a flurry of emotions, shock, possessive anger, indignation, finally settling on a sort of calm anger, that reminded you of the few times you had heard of your father truly losing his temper.
"My beloved, darling, daughter, I hope I am not interfering too much." You enunciate each word with a clipped restrained tone.
Minoru's eyes go wide as she pushes Satoshi off her, the young man stumbling on the ground before turning around to see you. To his credit you suppose, he goes immediately into a kow-tow on the ground.
"Father I..." Minoru begins. "...No, your not...interrupting."
You just look at her for a moment. A large part of you knows that you aren't being fair to her or to Satoshi. Well maybe to Satoshi, he was well regarded and loyal, but he was still a teenaged brat, and how dare he...calm down, you're calm, you're calm. If you tell yourself that enough you will believe it.
"I see..." you take a deep breath. "I had intended to discuss some matters with you, Minoru-chan. If the Miya are working properly they should be bringing my spring letter to you soon. But it seems we have more immediate questions here." You say.
Kana continues to focus, and the image seems good for now.
Minoru nods. "I guess so. I suppose we're even now. You got a new wife and I got a boyfriend" She says defiant.
Kaname's voice whispers 'she gets that from you'
"Yes your boyfriend...how long has this been going on? I want your boyfriend to answer...stand up boy." You say.
Satoshi stands up and you finally get a good look at him.
Source: Bai Jingting in 'Huang Quan': Rise of the Phoenixes by Tang City Studios
You don't hate how he looks. Oh he's not good enough for your daughter, no one is. But he seems resolute enough and while you're not particularly interested in men, you can understand why, alone in the middle of the forest with a Kenku and a much older man for company, your daughter would choose him.
To be fair you would have killed Aoshi if he tried anything so this might be for the best in some ways.
"I fell for your daughter the day we left to find Kozume-sensei. She was awkward, gangly, and her hair didn't work...yet, when she stepped out on that road, all I could feel was the need to follow her, to be with her. Yes she was all those things, but she was still amazing, and the most beautiful woman I knew." Satoshi says after a moment. "I knew that I would follow her no matter what happened. That her happiness mattered to me more than anything else. So we came to Kozume-sensei, we began learning under her. I didn't want to pressure your daughter into anything. I was content to support her, to be with her. Then shortly after her first encounter with you by this method, Minoru-sama---"
"Chan, I told you to call me chan" Minoru cuts in.
"...Was upset that you had married again without talking to her, that you had had two children without talking to her. I was the one to find her and comfort her...apparently that was what started Minoru-s" Satoshi pauses "...chan to develop feelings for me as well. Roughly around Benten's Festival she invited me to walk with her to a lake nearby. We spent the evening on the lake under the moonlight, and I couldn't stop myself from confessing."
"Then I kissed him and he became my boyfriend father." Minoru says finishing the story.
Satoshi blushes.
"Well yes, my Emperor"
You take a deep breath.
"I am disappointed that you didn't tell me before, but I admit that I cannot judge fairly about this."
"I have a letter for the Miya for when they arrived to tell you, you just...jumped ahead" Minoru says. "We weren't together until after the Spring Letter left"
"Regardless. You are the Empress in waiting, I will not have a scandal regarding propriety, understand?" You narrow your eyes in a glare.
"I understand my Emperor" Satoshi says.
"....Fine. But I do intend to marry him." Minoru says.
"That's a discussion we will have later I think." You say.
A quick glance around the pool tells you that the ritual can continue for a little longer at least.
"In your letter, you will be informed that I have a new Imperial Chancellor, she has opined to me that the Clans would be most happy with you rejoining the world and spending time amongst them, before your ascension. While a deep part of me wants to keep you there, to keep you safe. I know that is untenable in the long term, but more importantly." You take a breath. "I don't want to interrupt your training. I am not there, I do not know Kozume the Tengu well enough to judge your progress. So I would ask you, if you feel you are ready to begin taking on duties as a full samurai."
Minoru's breath hitches for a moment.
"I...will have to ask Kozume-sensei, but I think so. If I am, I will return with the Miya when the spring letter arrives. If not, then I will explain why on that same letter"
That was fair, you supposed.
"Very well..."
"Thank you father for asking me first." Minoru says.
"I am trying Minoru-chan." you say.
"I know. Hopefully I can see you soon." Minoru says.
"Stay safe" You say.
"Stay safe" she says.
At that the connection cuts out and the shugenja all collapse in exhaustion.
You stand there, as they recover, trying to decide how you feel.
On the one hand, your daughter was obviously becoming her own woman, albeit one as stubborn and determined as you were at her age. That was natural, normal even. On the other hand you...still remembered her as a baby, how she felt nestled into your arms, how she cooed in delight when you found the time to play kemari with her. You remember her as your little girl.
Yuina was going through the same thing, and it brought home a very real truth. You were their father yes, but their lord and Emperor as well, and going forward, they would be adults in everyone else's eye. You would have to make a decision on how to treat them.
As a father or an Emperor. But the decision was already made really, you would be a father first, not necessarily a good father, you were all too aware of your failings there. But a father first...
Then there was Satoshi, you still didn't like the idea of anyone being with Minoru. No one was good enough for her.
But with that maxim in mind, Satoshi was from a good family, and clearly loved your daughter a lot. Whether it was love that would last, or would fade when they weren't literally the only two attractive people of the same age together...that you didn't know. You had intended to allow Minoru to choose her own husband. You wondered what they were thinking in Kawa Forest...
[] Interlude: The Daughter's Promise
[] Interlude: The Suitor's Diligence
[] Interlude: The Artist's Understanding
[] Interlude: The Sensei's Decision
- Location
- Virginia
[X] Interlude: The Daughter's Promise
Deadly Snark
Tryhard As Fuck
Well a Crane Suitor and future Consort is actually advantageous to us. So long as you know, nothing improper happens until they are actually married.
[X] Interlude: The Suitor's Diligence
[X] Interlude: The Suitor's Diligence
keenscythe
No longer NEET
- Location
- WA, USA
[X] Interlude: The Daughter's Promise
[X] Interlude: The Suitor's Diligence
- Location
- Leeds
Fucking Benten. At least she fell in love with a Crane. We'd be in trouble otherwise.
[X] Interlude: The Sensei's Decision
Sirrocco
Pedantic
Thankfully, the Crane do know their craft.
Like, seriously... if you send the Imperial Heir off to get raised by the Crane, and she falls in love with someone from any other clan, then the Crane Clan Elders would be racking up another abject failure. It'd look nice on that shelf right next to "lost the Emerald Championship to a minor clan". Now sure, it would be deeply awkward for us as well, but one of the the fundamental Crane core competencies is not letting situations like "The imperial heir has been fostered to us and also we're guaranteed the Imperial spouse slot in this generation" be awkward for the Emperor like that. At that point, all they'd need to do would be to let the Scorpion seize the moral high ground in court, and their shame would be complete.
- Location
- Moon-Station
[X] Interlude: The Daughter's Promise