You think for a moment, but hesitating for too long will only taint your words as being deliberately artificial rather than chosen from the heart. Fortunately, it does not take you long to put your thoughts in order - aided by the fact that you were expecting a question like this before too long.
"I think it was a fine performance, portraying well both the benefits of virtue as well as the Three Sins we must ever be on guard against." You reply, pitching your voice so that it carries to at least the nearest members of the audience. Some of them will overhear anyway, and you would rather avoid the problems that might come from unfortunate misunderstandings. "Uplifting in how it showed what can be achieved through sacrifice and the many working together towards a common goal... but also cautionary, because we must always be vigilant against such things that would bring even the mightiest to ruin."
A number of the surrounding members of the audience have turned to face you while you were explaining your viewpoint, the overwhelming majority of them members of the Matsu family. Fortunately, most of them seem to be thoughtful or supportive rather than angrily confrontational, so you are at least assured that you will probably not be challenged to another duel outright.
"Educational or not, Soshi-sama, I do not think such a play is appropriate." One of the Lions - an Ikoma by the mon on her kimono - says deliberately. "To see heimin presuming to claim insight into the Heavenly lives of the Kami... such is a step too far, even for actors."
Naoto's Courtier roll: 7k4 = 38
Hmm. It appears they do not want to concede the point entirely without contention, but that is to be expecting when you are a Scorpion in Shiro Matsu. Fortunately, you think you have an answer for this one, playing on the Lion's own reverence for the established order.
"On the contrary, Ikoma-sama, I believe this is precisely what we should encourage the heimin to be doing." You say smoothly. "This is their ancestry as much as ours - humanity came from the mingling of blood and tears shed as a result of this incident. The blood of heaven flows in the veins of all mortals, and while theirs might run thinner than ours, I would never seek to deny them that. The Celestial Order is only strengthened when men take lessons from the deeds of their ancestors."
The Ikoma nods slowly, unwilling to contest your point when it is founded on such a basic theological point. That is probably enough, but you figure you might as well add in one final remark. "Still, if you would prefer that only samurai speak of such lofty things, I could always send an invitation to my cousins among the Shosuro."
Your impromptu opponent laughs freely, rather less restrained than you would have expected - but then, these are the Ikoma. "Your point is well made, Soshi-sama. Clearly, I should not have tried to match words with a Scorpion on their home territory."
You incline your head respectfully, aware that both rebuking and agreeing with the Ikoma could end poorly, and the audience members begin to disperse, heading back out onto the street and to their next destination. You and Mariko go with them, blinking slightly as you emerge into the sunlight - it is now slightly after midday.
"Deftly handled, Soshi-san." Mariko murmurs to you. "Now, where shall we go next?"
Choose your next destination:
[ ] Find something to eat
- [ ] What sort of meal are you looking for?
[ ] Observe the local's celebrations
[ ] Let Mariko decide
[ ] Write in
-/-
Between your actions in the street and your answer in the theater, Soshi Naoto has demonstrated himself to be courageous, civilized and cultured in front of numerous witnesses. Word of this will slowly spread. You gain one point of Glory.
QM's note - Happy new year, SV!
