As you consider your response, you make a note of how relatively polite Matsu Ketsui is being. True, her samurai had you thrown to the ground and pinned like a common criminal at first glance, but that could easily have been the result of a miscommunication. It is easy enough to see how 'the Scorpion is wanted for questioning about a murder' could be interpreted as 'the Scorpion is our chief suspect for a murder', especially when one is dealing with members of the Matsu family, who have never exactly been great fans of your family or Clan.
Hmm. The chances are you can put this down to the ties that your lord has already established with the Lion during the span of this Court, and your own reputation as a relatively honourable warrior - for a Scorpion, at least. Add to that your ties with Otomo Kairyu and the positive impression you made on the magistrates themselves and you probably have a decent option for approach here.
True, trying this might not be the most logical course of action... but if what they say is true, if someone has murdered Kimoko-sama while disguised as you, then they have declared war against the Scorpion. You will not suffer such an insult lightly.
"I see." You say calmly, not allowing yourself to pause for too long, remembering with a faint stab of regret the conversation you shared with Mariko about the Matsu family and their insistence on acting with only the most perfunctory deliberations. "In that case, Matsu-sama, I should like to request that I be permitted to investigate this matter alongside Kitsu-sama. My family are magistrates, and I believe I would be able to assist in finding those responsible for such a vile crime."
Naoto's Courtier/Awareness 7k4 = 27 (-5 for fatigue)
"Permission denied." Matsu Ketsui says flatly. "This crime was committed in my lands, and against my guest. Whoever or whatever is responsible has levied mortal insult against me and my family, and it is for us to resolve. In the face of that, you would dare imply that we might need your assistance in resolving the matter, Scorpion?"
"My apologies, Matsu-sama." You say, bowing low. "I allowed my anger at this crime against my lord to cloud my judgement. No insult was intended."
Naoto's Sincerity/Awareness 6k4 = 32 (-5 for fatigue)
For a long moment you are kept waiting in trepidation, wondering if the Daimyo's frustrations will drive her to ignore your apology.
"There is nothing to apologize for, Soshi-san." Ketsui says at last, and you breath a silent sigh of relief. "Any true samurai would be equally outraged at such a transgression. I cannot allow you to investigate alongside Kitsu-san... but you can at least view the scene and recover any appropriate property. Kitsu-san? See to it."
"Of course, Matsu-dono." The magistrate says formally. "This way please, Soshi-san."
Keeping your head bowed, you back away and follow the Shugenja out of the building, shivering slightly as the cold air envelops you once again. Kitsu Ami doesn't wait for you, instead striding away across the courtyard, forcing you to hurry to catch up.
"We have not yet removed any of the bodies, though this will need to be done soon." She says curtly as you approach the guest tower. "I will need you to show me anything you intend to remove from the scene, after which I will have my yoriki escort you to your new quarters."
"Of course, Kitsu-sama." You say as politely as you can. "If I may ask... what happened to the other inhabitants of our quarters?"
"All of the Heimin present at the time were either killed or have fled. I will require an accurate count of their numbers from you later, Soshi-san." The Kitsu explains. "As for Yogo-san..."
Where were your companions during this attack?
Pale Oak:
[ ] Was present during the attack, survived, and has since gone into hiding.
[ ] Was present during the attack, was slain, but managed to leave a useful clue behind as to the culprit.
[ ] Was absent when the attack occured, and is waiting for you at your new quarters.
Yogo Hanzo:
[ ] Was present during the attack and was incapacitated by a wound laced with poison. He is unavailable until he recovers, but may have seen who was responsible for this.
[ ] Was absent during the attack, and is waiting for you at your new quarters.
QM's note: Again, this is a meta-decision, not one Naoto has any direct say in. And yes, due to fatigue penalties you failed to convince Ketsui to let you get involved. Fortunately a decent Sincerity roll prevented her from taking offense at your temerity.
