[X] Converse with Yasuki Goro.
"Yasuki-sama, did you enjoy the court?" you ask softly, staying just a few steps behind your superior. "I must admit it was… interesting, to finally observe one outside of the more personal settings we have been involved in."
"Those were just as much courts as this, Sosuke-san. It is merely a matter of scale," Yasuki Goro replies, eyes still distant as he contemplates serious matters. "But as for enjoyment? Well, I cannot say I am averse to the advancement of our goals." He frowned and took a deep breath, exhaling in a sigh. "The rest, however, is aggravating. Not new, by any means, but annoying none-the-less."
You grimace. "I knew that the Crane employed rhetorical tricks to obstruct our Clan, forcing us into unequal trade agreements, but I wasn't aware it was quite like this."
"This in itself is only irregular in how much time has been wasted," your Lord responds. "The Crane are more than happy to drag out discussions, but something is usually actually discussed even then." His eyes focus back on the present, and his frown deepens into a proper scowl. "Everything points to a deeper game being played here, one that we do not know the full workings of."
"The Scorpion seem to have some idea," you respond as you both turn a corner. "And the Daidoji, as well."
"The letter from the Scorpion hints at certain… issues," Yasuki Goro says. "I will need to bring them up with Yasuki Kitano-san so he might be aware of them. And, of course, he will need to know about what is in motion if he isn't already."
"Do you believe we'll have time to have a real impact here, Yasuki-sama?" you ask. "From what you've said before we'll be leaving in a few days. Has that changed?"
"No, but with your connections and observing the court I believe the stage is set for us," the courtier replies. He moves to the side of a group of Daidoji making their way to a nearby teahouse, and you are but a step behind him. "The incident with the Mantis shows us the time is ripe to move against Doji Noboru's stalling. Other groups are becoming frustrated, and that means the Crane will be getting worried."
"That makes sense, Yasuki-sama," you reply, nodding. "Though I suppose we already knew this thanks to Daidoji Hosaru-sama and Mataru-san."
"You can never have enough signs guiding your way on how to proceed," Yasuki Goro says. "Speaking of Daidoji-sama and Bayushi-san, I would like for you to be careful in your interactions with them this evening."
That makes you blink. "Yasuki-sama? I'm not sure I understand what you mean."
"I'm saying the Scorpion are almost certainly planning something less than completely honorable, and the Daidoji know it," he replies. At the end of the street you see Hayaku's Walk, filled with people looking for lunch. "From what you've told me, and what I've seen, the Daidoji wanted to be sure if their schemes to help us would hurt them. Now that they're more confident the Scorpion were being truthful in their association with our Clan they will likely turn a blind eye to their actions."
"Please forgive my impertinence, Yasuki-sama, but are you sure?" you ask as you both approach the door to your inn. "The Scorpion have a well deserved reputation, but this all seems a little much."
"I'm absolutely certain. They are Scorpion, after all," Yasuki Goro says. "Which is why I'm saying be careful. We need to measure our own involvement in these events so we don't get dragged into… unpalatable situations." He lips draw into a thin line. "I'll likely be speaking with Daidoji Haruko-sama on this exact matter just to re-affirm their good intentions and their cooperation with us."
"Was she the woman you saw looking up at us?"
"Indeed she was," your Lord says. He stops a few steps from the door and turns to face you directly. "And I will do my best to ensure she gives the Scorpion enough leeway to allow her reason to remove Doji Noboru, while at the same time not attaching ourselves to anything shameful. It is a delicate balancing act, and one you'll likely need to walk too at this meeting."
"I will not fail you, Yasuki-sama," you respond, bowing to him. "I'll make sure to take care."
"I know you will, Sosuke-san," Yasuki Goro says, grinning. "Now, I think I'm going to relax until a courier comes to fetch me. I expect it won't be too long now, and I'm feeling an urge for some tea. In the meantime, you're free until your dinner this evening."
"I wish you a good day, Yasuki-sama," you say, still bowing. "I wish you the best in your talks."
"I wish the same to you, Sosuke-san," you superior says, bowing back.
You watch Yasuki Goro enter the inn as you rise, mulling over the conversation. You'd thought yourself mostly finished with these courtly dealings now that Hosaru and his superiors felt more at ease with the Scorpion's offers of aid. Alas, it seems you were too quick to believe yourself finished with these intrigues.
The last few days have approached situations you are… not entirely comfortable with. After all, you are not a diplomat or a spy. You are a Bushi, and your place is on the battlefield. These backroom dealings are not what you have trained for, and you don't want any part in them.
But as you stand outside Hayaku's Walk, taking in the sweet air of Mura Sabishii Toshi as it mixes with the delectable aroma of fried food from the kitchens, you realize you already are. You have played a key role in arranging these events, and people have noticed. To deny your participation is foolish, and all you can do now is take control of how much further you involve yourself.
Something you'll need to consider very deeply in the hours before evening comes.
[] Seek out your friends.
[] Timeskip to dinner.
[] Write in.
Sosuke has been involved in the largest session of court he has yet to experience in his short life, if only as an observer. Even then, he was witness to and party of subtle intrigues to ensure the success of the Crab Clan's diplomatic efforts. His knowledge has grown with his involvement in these unfamiliar situations, and as a consequence he has gained 2 Experience Points.
