[x] No, my Lord. (Leave and go prepare for the dinner.)
"No, my Lord," you answer. "I think that covers all of my concerns for this evening."
"You don't need to be too troubled, lad," Yasuki Goro says. "This sort of thing is quite common. It's not as if we're doing official negotiations tonight." He smiles. "Though I'd make a decent bet you would surprised how frequently such things are handled over the dinner table than the court rooms."
"Is that something that happens often, Yasuki-sama?" you ask, honestly curious. Your superior seems to be in good humor today, and any wisdom he shares on these matters will only expand your knowledge.
"Less than I would like, but more often than you would think," the courtier responds. "The official setting for diplomacy has its uses. The functions of court are undeniable, but it isn't uncommon for hefty matters to be handled over a private meal."
"And you don't expect that will happen here, my Lord?"
"Not especially," Yasuki Goro says, waving a hand. "I believe Ikoma Kiyoshi-sama has invited us to dinner more as a courtesy than anything else, and perhaps to learn a but more about what occurred with the Scorpion. As I said, true arrangements for trade and resources are a matter more suited for her Daimyo to discuss."
"I see," you say. You bow low to him. "My thanks for your advice, Yasuki-sama. I will endeavor to serve you well tonight."
"I'm sure you will, Sosuke-san," Yasuki Goro says, bowing in his seat toward you.
You head back out into the hallway as your superior returns to writing in his journal. The door latches shut behind you, and you are once again left to yourself in the hours before the dinner. You don't waste any time, however, and head straight toward your room.
You take off your armor and set it on a nearby stand. You take a moment to rub your shoulders and work the kinks out of your limbs. You're not really sore, but even for someone with your training it can be a bit tiresome walking around for days on end in heavy gear. It is something easily endured, however, and after placing your weapons on a rack set in the wall you proceed toward the bathhouse attached to the inn with fresh clothing in hand.
There are a few other people inside when you enter, but for the most part the place is empty. There is a small, natural spring that has been worked on here to provide a place to soak, which is where most of your fellow bathers are settled. But you cannot yet join them as things stand.
You strip down and set your clothes in a small cubby provided. Then you sit on a small stool and lather yourself up, covering your body in soap. After that, you take a bucker of water and splash it over your skin, taking the lather and the day's sweat away to drain into a small hole in the floor.
Now, cleansed of anything that might contaminate the spring, you settle inside and enjoy the heat. The warmth is soothing on the stiffness of your joints, and you feel the tension of your muscles melt away as you just lay there soaking. All in all, it makes for a wonderful experience.
In fact, it is because the spring is so enjoyable that you do not stay too long. Indulging a little in comfort is acceptable when your duty allows, but indulging too much is nothing but a recipe for dishonor. After just ten minutes you rise and dry off, putting your clothes back on. The dust and sweat of the day is gone, and you are more than presentable now for the coming evening.
[] Spend time in the common room. (Write in.)
[] Timeskip to the dinner.
