The Topaz Championship (Legend of the Five Rings)

[Maugan Ra]

There are enough colours, styles and heraldic symbols circulating through the room below you to make specific identification of every individual present something of an impossibility. Still, your high vantage point does allow you certain advantages, and in this case it is more than enough to perceive what seems to be a general pattern forming.

The Mantis delegates stand in a tight knot towards one end of the room, courtiers in their resplendent robes guarded by some of the finest Yojimbo at their Clan's disposal. Their 'territory', as inappropriate as the word might be, is marked out as much by the absence of any of the local Crane as it is by the presence of their potential allies. The children of Doji are omnipresent throughout the hall, as is appropriate for a court held in their lands, but it is plain to see that they favour some of their guests more than the others when it comes to attention and charming company.

At rough summation, it would appear that the Crab and the Phoenix are aligned with the Mantis, while the Unicorn and (surprisingly) the Lion are more closely intertwined with the Crane. The Scorpion and Dragon both stand at least nominally independent, though you would not be surprised if their courtiers have their own assignments to pursue here that are currently invisible to you.

Sakura catches sight of her cousin, Bayushi Aiko, conversing warmly with some of the local Crane towards the edge of the room below. Aiko is smiling freely and apparently talking without reservation or doubt, but judging by the looks on the Crane's face (a... local Daidoji commander, if you recognize the mons correctly) he isn't taken in. Both sides have their Yojimbo waiting nearby, but while the Crane have brought a Kakita duelist as expected, Aiko is accompanied by the distinctive masked form of...

"Oh, how lovely." Katsu says in an overly mild tone. "It seems my mother will be able to attend after all."

 

[Mina]

"Oh, how lovely." Katsu says in an overly mild tone. "It seems my mother will be able to attend after all."

Click to shrink...

"Oh how interesting." Soko matched her husband's studied lack of consternation, but she did smile a little bit. Of course the woman was wickedness incarnate, an honorless dog, and all the rest, but so was the bard's favorite person in the world.

"We'll have to invite her for tea. I need to thank her properly for arranging things in Otosan Uchi."

 

[horngeek]

Sakura looked over the room, smiling. She pointed out a few of the trends to Tsudao- taking care to stress that observing these sorts of patterns could be vital in court, for it could tell one where the stress points and potential conflicts might be found.

She already knew what one of those might be, of course, even if she didn't mention it- the death of Ryuusei was the most likely cause for the sharp divide between Crane and Mantis, and she would likely be a part of those events. Still, there were some friendly faces on the floor...

"Oh how interesting." Soko matched her husband's studied lack of consternation, but she did smile a little bit. Of course the woman was wickedness incarnate, an honorless dog, and all the rest, but so was the bard's favorite person in the world.

"We'll have to invite her for tea. I need to thank her properly for arranging things in Otosan Uchi."

Click to shrink...

"And she seems to be acting as Yojimbo to my cousin, Bayushi Aiko."

Sakura smiled serenely. "I expect I will be meeting her soon, given that her charge is acting as my Nakoto."

 

[Maugan Ra]

"I suppose that basic manners would require at least that much, yes." Katsu says, hiding any reluctance he might feel.

"Could I meet your mother, Matsu-san?" Tsudao pipes up, turning to look up at the courtier. "I do not think I have ever met any of your family. Any of you."

"I will... see about arranging something, Tsudao-hime." Katsu replies as calmly as he can manage, before looking back to the court floor. "Ah. It appears that we have some new arrivals."

Indeed, from your position there is no way to miss the sudden shift among the assembled courtiers, samurai from every Clan glancing over at the entrance and then subtly re-positioning themselves in response to the new development. Like the ripples from a distant pebble the court shifts and changes, some of the most powerful and influential people in the Empire yielding the floor without doubt or hesitation, and it does not take you long to identify the cause.

Clad in a beautiful kimono of black and scarlet, flanked by the masked forms of some of the Empire's most merciless killers, Bayushi Kachiko enters the room. She is Champion of the Scorpion Clan, last Empress of the Hantei Dynasty, one of the legendary Seven Thunders that faced off against Fu Leng... and, without a doubt, the single most beautiful woman any of you have ever seen.

 

[A Nation's Virtue]

"I suppose that basic manners would require at least that much, yes." Katsu says, hiding any reluctance he might feel.

"Could I meet your mother, Matsu-san?" Tsudao pipes up, turning to look up at the courtier. "I do not think I have ever met any of your family. Any of you."

Click to shrink...

"My father is here at Winter Court, so arranging for you to meet him will be a trivial matter. In fact, you will probably see too much of him by the end of it." Tsunetomo smiles. He chuckles to himself briefly, his own hidden jab at his father's increasing corpulence amusing him for the moment.

"I will... see about arranging something, Tsudao-hime." Katsu replies as calmly as he can manage, before looking back to the court floor. "Ah. It appears that we have some new arrivals."

Indeed, from your position there is no way to miss the sudden shift among the assembled courtiers, samurai from every Clan glancing over at the entrance and then subtly re-positioning themselves in response to the new development. Like the ripples from a distant pebble the court shifts and changes, some of the most powerful and influential people in the Empire yielding the floor without doubt or hesitation, and it does not take you long to identify the cause.

Clad in a beautiful kimono of black and scarlet, flanked by the masked forms of some of the Empire's most merciless killers, Bayushi Kachiko enters the room. She is Champion of the Scorpion Clan, last Empress of the Hantei Dynasty, one of the legendary Seven Thunders that faced off against Fu Leng... and, without a doubt, the single most beautiful woman any of you have ever seen.

Click to shrink...

Tsunetomo almost has to turn his head with his hands to wrench his gaze from the newest arrival as he mentally reminds himself to not stare.

 

[horngeek]

"I suppose that basic manners would require at least that much, yes." Katsu says, hiding any reluctance he might feel.

"Could I meet your mother, Matsu-san?" Tsudao pipes up, turning to look up at the courtier. "I do not think I have ever met any of your family. Any of you."

"I will... see about arranging something, Tsudao-hime." Katsu replies as calmly as he can manage, before looking back to the court floor.

Click to shrink...

"My parents are also both at Kyuuden Doji for my wedding, Tsudao-hime- you could certainly meet them if you wish."

"Ah. It appears that we have some new arrivals."

Indeed, from your position there is no way to miss the sudden shift among the assembled courtiers, samurai from every Clan glancing over at the entrance and then subtly re-positioning themselves in response to the new development. Like the ripples from a distant pebble the court shifts and changes, some of the most powerful and influential people in the Empire yielding the floor without doubt or hesitation, and it does not take you long to identify the cause.

Clad in a beautiful kimono of black and scarlet, flanked by the masked forms of some of the Empire's most merciless killers, Bayushi Kachiko enters the room. She is Champion of the Scorpion Clan, last Empress of the Hantei Dynasty, one of the legendary Seven Thunders that faced off against Fu Leng... and, without a doubt, the single most beautiful woman any of you have ever seen.

Click to shrink...

Tsunetomo's reaction is almost mirrored by Sakura, as her head turns towards Kachiko and- while her expression remains carefully neutral- her cheeks almost seem to colour a bit, with the faintest hint of a blush coming to her cheeks. With a look at Yuzuki, she turns her head away from the- admittedly stunning woman who- no.

No, she was not going to think about that, she was going to remember she had an absolutely wonderful lover already, and she was going to focus on... other things than the mental image that had just popped into her mind. The Crane turns gently, lowering her voice. "Speaking of meetings, Yuzuki-san- perhaps we might meet later on for a relaxing game of Shogi? Perhaps I will take the victory this time."

Benten give me strength!

 

[Mina]

"I suppose that basic manners would require at least that much, yes." Katsu says, hiding any reluctance he might feel.

"Could I meet your mother, Matsu-san?" Tsudao pipes up, turning to look up at the courtier. "I do not think I have ever met any of your family. Any of you."

"I will... see about arranging something, Tsudao-hime." Katsu replies as calmly as he can manage, before looking back to the court floor. "Ah. It appears that we have some new arrivals."

Click to shrink...

Some perverse motivation drove Soko on as she addressed the heir, "It would be an honor, Katsu-san's mother is a most fascinating woman."

Clad in a beautiful kimono of black and scarlet, flanked by the masked forms of some of the Empire's most merciless killers, Bayushi Kachiko enters the room. She is Champion of the Scorpion Clan, last Empress of the Hantei Dynasty, one of the legendary Seven Thunders that faced off against Fu Leng... and, without a doubt, the single most beautiful woman any of you have ever seen.

Click to shrink...

Whatever Soko felt was buried under a suddenly statuesque On as she stared at Kachiko.

 

[EtchedSteel]

"I suppose that basic manners would require at least that much, yes." Katsu says, hiding any reluctance he might feel.

"Could I meet your mother, Matsu-san?" Tsudao pipes up, turning to look up at the courtier. "I do not think I have ever met any of your family. Any of you."

"I will... see about arranging something, Tsudao-hime." Katsu replies as calmly as he can manage, before looking back to the court floor. "Ah. It appears that we have some new arrivals."

Click to shrink...

Shizuki smiled gently, both at Tsudao and the hipothetical joy the Dragon's parents would have. "I'm pretty sure my parents would certainly love to meet you one day, Toturi-O-Hime." Specially my mother, given she admires Toturi Heika-sama so much, she kept for herself. "If you so wish, I'd arrange a meeting."

Indeed, from your position there is no way to miss the sudden shift among the assembled courtiers, samurai from every Clan glancing over at the entrance and then subtly re-positioning themselves in response to the new development. Like the ripples from a distant pebble the court shifts and changes, some of the most powerful and influential people in the Empire yielding the floor without doubt or hesitation, and it does not take you long to identify the cause.

Clad in a beautiful kimono of black and scarlet, flanked by the masked forms of some of the Empire's most merciless killers, Bayushi Kachiko enters the room. She is Champion of the Scorpion Clan, last Empress of the Hantei Dynasty, one of the legendary Seven Thunders that faced off against Fu Leng... and, without a doubt, the single most beautiful woman any of you have ever seen.

Click to shrink...

Shizuki could feel a notch in her stomach the moment she noticed the Scorpion thunder. Although she knew Kachiko was a very different person to who her Daimyo was, the Dragon knew that respect was to be paid almost equally; the very same respect given to an accomplished warrior of a much higher status, regardless of formal training. That said, she managed to keep her On at all the time she stared the Scorpion lord.

 

[Maugan Ra]

The Crane turns gently, lowering her voice. "Speaking of meetings, Yuzuki-san- perhaps we might meet later on for a relaxing game of Shogi? Perhaps I will take the victory this time."

Benten give me strength!

Click to shrink...

"Hm?" Yuzuki murmurs, evidently distracted as she watches the Scorpion Champion all but glide across the floor of the court. "Ah... yes, of course. That sounds lovely."

"I understand she has that effect on just about everybody." Katsu observes in a conversational fashion, smiling slightly in evident amusement. "Even those who don't care for her appearance respect her for her deeds."

Nearby, Takako leans forwards slightly, frowning. "Are those... swords, in her hair?"

Now that the Shugenja has pointed it out, you can see a faint glint of metal from within the waves of Kachiko's lustrously dark hair.

"Ah. I've heard she does that from time to time." Katsu's expression sharpens with curiosity as he gazes down on the floor. "A statement, of sorts, and a reminder of previous deeds."

"Wait, you don't mean..."

"Oh yes. That, Isawa-san, is what remains of the Bloodsword Ambition. The blade which slew the Last Hantei... and the one that the Champion herself wielded in combat with the Dark Kami." Katsu's voice is grave. "Someone is going to die today, if Bayushi Kachiko-dono has anything to say about it."

 

[Mina]

"Ah. I've heard she does that from time to time." Katsu's expression sharpens with curiosity as he gazes down on the floor. "A statement, of sorts, and a reminder of previous deeds."

"Wait, you don't mean..."

"Oh yes. That, Isawa-san, is what remains of the Bloodsword Ambition. The blade which slew the Last Hantei... and the one that the Champion herself wielded in combat with the Dark Kami." Katsu's voice is grave. "Someone is going to die today, if Bayushi Kachiko-dono has anything to say about it."

Click to shrink...

"Oh my."

Soko's On fell away and revealed pure rapture. She leaned up a bit against Katsu, her hand clutching tightly at her kimono as her eyes remained trained on the Scorpion Champion to record ever movement, every nuance of expression. The bard's heart beat like she was fit to die and go to Yomi.

"Really, that's fascinating."

 

[horngeek]

"She wishes to open this Court in an interesting manner, then."

Sakura's expresssion is neutral- despite the slight blush still on her cheeks- as she murmurs quietly. "Let us wait and see who her blades are aimed at, then."

 

[Alectai]

"Hm?" Yuzuki murmurs, evidently distracted as she watches the Scorpion Champion all but glide across the floor of the court. "Ah... yes, of course. That sounds lovely."

"I understand she has that effect on just about everybody." Katsu observes in a conversational fashion, smiling slightly in evident amusement. "Even those who don't care for her appearance respect her for her deeds."

Nearby, Takako leans forwards slightly, frowning. "Are those... swords, in her hair?"

Now that the Shugenja has pointed it out, you can see a faint glint of metal from within the waves of Kachiko's lustrously dark hair.

"Ah. I've heard she does that from time to time." Katsu's expression sharpens with curiosity as he gazes down on the floor. "A statement, of sorts, and a reminder of previous deeds."

"Wait, you don't mean..."

"Oh yes. That, Isawa-san, is what remains of the Bloodsword Ambition. The blade which slew the Last Hantei... and the one that the Champion herself wielded in combat with the Dark Kami." Katsu's voice is grave. "Someone is going to die today, if Bayushi Kachiko-dono has anything to say about it."

Click to shrink...

"Oh dear" Miyu commented on that particular point. "I certainly hope it's nobody we particularly care about, because that would be rather awkward I think. Probably."

Of course, she couldn't quite get over how she was wearing swords in her hair, that was... Well, she could probably see it as having some practical use she supposed, long hair was an excellent place to hide a weapon in--that was actually part of why her own Clan tended to wear their own long and thick! Because you never knew when you were going to go stop for a cup of tea and find that the hosts had been replaced with goblins and that you needed to fight your way out, potentially without having time to draw your sword...

On the other hand, she couldn't prove that this was a thing either, but it probably did help to have a holdout weapon at all times, and if you could sneak it into high fashion? Well, bonus!

 

[EtchedSteel]

"She wishes to open this Court in an interesting manner, then."

Sakura's expresssion is neutral- despite the slight blush still on her cheeks- as she murmurs quietly. "Let us wait and see who her blades are aimed at, then."

Click to shrink...

"Oh dear" Miyu commented on that particular point. "I certainly hope it's nobody we particularly care about, because that would be rather awkward I think. Probably."

Click to shrink...

At her companion's remark, Shizuki noticed the Scopion's 'hairpins'. "If what Matsu-san says it's true, we should be learning about who was foolish enough to earn the ire of a Thunder pretty soon."

For once, the Dragon was glad that none of her relatives were present in this court. At least, not that she was aware of.

 

[Maugan Ra]

As you watch, Bayushi Kachiko makes her way across the court floor, her movements so graceful as to be almost unreal. Her yojimbo follow in her wake like murderous shadows, and everywhere she goes people bow low and demonstrate only the highest respect. Everyone is smiling politely, but from your elevated vantage point the thoughts racing around the room are plain to see - who is she after, who is going to die today, what if it's me...

Such thoughts are interrupted suddenly, as at the far end of the room the handsome form of the Imperial Herald steps forwards.

"All bow before his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Toturi, First of his Name!" The Miya calls in a clear voice, one that cuts straight through the gentle hubbub filling the court. A moment later the door behind the throne slides open, and Toturi enters, flanked by his Seppun bodyguards.

All across the hall, the most powerful men and women in Rokugan sink to their knees and bow their heads.

 

[horngeek]

Sakura bows, of course- and an instant before her head touches the floor, she glances to the side subtly, to check whether Tsudao was bowing as well. She'd spoken to the Heir before this, to remind her it was still expected for her to bow to her Father in public, but even with how bright she was... she was still only four.

It did not hurt to check.

 

[EtchedSteel]

Shizuki bowed low to her emperor as demanded, also briefly checking on Tsudao if she was doing the same.

 

[Maugan Ra]

Tsudao is both well trained and conscious of her status, and as such needs no prompting to bow to her Emperor.

Below you, Toturi takes his position upon the dais, accompanied by his wife and the Jewelled Champions. Each of them has their place in the grand display, important in their own right yet still ultimately subject to the supreme authority that their Emperor represents, and in this place there are none who would even dream of disrupting that greater order.

"My loyal subjects." Toturi says, his voice carrying around the entire hall with a general's ease and signalling the end of the kowtowing. "It brings me great pleasure to see so many proud and honourable samurai gathered in one place, and I should wish to thank the Crane Clan for providing such a magnificent venue, that such a gathering might take place."

He glances aside for a moment, and the muscular form of Doji Kuwanan steps forwards in response.

"The Son of Heaven honours us with such praise." The Crane Clan Champion replies, his voice smooth and perfectly composed as he bows to his Emperor. "The Crane Clan merely seeks to fulfil their ancient duty, preserving the art and culture of the Emerald Empire."

"I expect I shall spend much time reviewing the excellent works of art your Clan has provided for this court, Doji-san." Toturi says in an approving tone. "There is, however, a more pressing issue that must be addressed."

Without needing to be prompted, the Imperial Herald steps forwards once more. "Yoritomo Arisa-sama, approach the Imperial Dais."

The Mantis diplomat is moving forwards before the Herald has even finished speaking. Judging by the quality of his robes he is clearly the most senior representative of his school present here today, and when he speaks his voice holds all the smooth rolling cadence of a master orator. "How might I serve the Son of Heaven?"

"It is my understanding, Yoritomo-san, that your Clan has a grievance that they wish to see addressed." If Toturi holds any particular opinion on this topic, it is not visible on his face. "I invite you to declare it here, before my Court, that all might know the truth of the matter."

"Of course, my lord." Yoritomo Arisa bows low, and then moves to take his position on the lower steps of the Imperial Dais. He turns to regard the rest of the court. "The Mantis Clan wishes it to be known, before the gaze of the Empire and our Ancestors, that they hold grievance with the Kakita Family of the Crane Clan. We wish it to be known that Yoritomo Ryuusei, a skilled and honourable samurai seconded into Imperial service, was murdered outside the walls of Otosan Uchi by a faithless ronin, and that said ronin acted under orders from his paymasters among the Crane. We wish it to be known that this insult shall not be borne, and that unless the Crane offer apologies and recompense to our Clan of appropriate magnitude, the only honourable response to such a crime shall be war."

 

[A Nation's Virtue]

Tsunetomo raises his eyebrows in surprise as he looks down at Yoritomo Arisa, the Mantis diplomat's challenge coming out of the blue for him. As he carefully schools his expression back to one of neutrality, he mulls over this declaration of war. He had expected claims for reparations to be made, but for Ryuusei's death to be used as a casus belli was unexpected.

...on the other hand, what if Ryuusei's death was just a pretext? Tsunetomo glances down at his father among the assembled samurai before looking back at Arisa. The death of Ryuusei, though shocking, seemed hardly important enough to serve a casus belli. If the true purpose of the challenge was to show the other Great Clans the power of the Mantis in the field, just as the Unicorn had done against the Scorpion so long ago, then the entire matter made more sense.

"I am no politician however, so I could be wrong. Let's wait and see what comes of this." Tsunetomo settles back into his seat and observes the assembled samurai for their reactions.

 

[horngeek]

Sakura's face remains carefully neutral, her on perfect- but her eyes turn to Tsunetomo, cold rage in her gaze.

She'd learned her lesson. Never trust a Mantis.

 

[EtchedSteel]

Shizuki couldn't help by glance at the Mantis next to her. Tsumetomo. Her face revealed no reaction aside of the initial surprise caused by hearing the Mantis's accusation.

Despite his... 'mannerisms', Ryusei was a honorable man in service of his emperor. For his memory to be used like this...

 

[Alectai]

That...

Miyu was pretty certain that this had nothing to do with the matter at all. After all, nobody could have predicted Ryusei to just suddenly throw all sense to the wind and try to duel a vastly superior fighter when they had them by the throat.

This is entirely unneccessary business! On the other hand, nobody had actually asked her opinion either, and that sort of suggested some political game?

What a mess.

 

[Maugan Ra]

As though drawn in by an almost physical force, every eye in the room turns to the Champion of the Crane.

For his part, Doji Kuwanan is eyeing the Mantis delegation with calm composure. There could be anything from amusement to burning rage behind his flawless On and none of you would ever be able to tell. Still, there is no disguising the careful control in his movements as he steps forwards to answer the accusation.

"Apologies? Recompense?" He enquiries softly, his tone so gentle as to send shivers down the spine. "Crane paymasters? How... fascinating. Truly, Mantis-san, your drunken ramblings are most imaginative. What is next? Will you claim that your own family is actually worthy of the name 'Great Clan'? Seeing as we are apparently indulging in outright fantasy now."

"Doji-san." Emperor Toturi says in a cold voice, his voice cutting across the entire chamber like a naked blade.

"My sincerest apologies, Toturi-heika." Doji Kuwanan bows low to the Emperor. "Your judgement in elevating the Mantis Clan to their current station is, of course, without question. I spoke without thinking, such was my shock at the vile words that Yoritomo-san saw fit to speak."

"Pretend to shock and innocence all you like, Doji-sama." Yoritomo Arisa retorts, his voice rich with contempt. "Your Clan is damned by their own testimony - by letters and ledgers recovered by my kin from within Otosan Uchi. The ronin that took the life of Yoritomo Ryuusei was paid in Crane gold for the deed, and..."

"Incorrect, I am afraid." The silken tones of Bayushi Kachiko bring a sudden, tense silence to the entire room.

"Bayushi-san." There is an odd look in Toturi's eyes as he gazes at his fellow Thunder. "You have testimony of your own to add?"

"A confession of sorts, in truth." Kachiko shrugs slowly, the motion causing more than one courtier to avert their eyes. "The ronin in question was paid for his efforts, true enough... but it was Scorpion gold that greased his palms, not Crane."

 

[horngeek]

What.

Sakura's eyes flicked over to Kachiko, her mind racing. What did the Scorpion even have to gain from this? Admitting to paying for the...

No. There was no assassination involved, was there? Ryuusei and Miyu had been mugged, but there had been no indication the ronin had been paid to kill them. Merely harass. There was no proof otherwise.

But that still wasn't the whole story here. Sakura's head turned slightly, to see Tsudao's reaction- and ensure the heir kept quiet, if need be.

Her On was perfect, but the Crane wasn't smiling as she normally did, merely focused on the events of the court.

 

[Maugan Ra]

Silence, absolute and inviolate, descends on the court in the wake of Kachiko's statement. It is, eventually, broken by the Emperor.

"Bayushi-san." Toturi says with slow deliberation. "Are you confessing to the murder of a member of my daughter's retinue?"

"Most assuredly not, Toturi-heika." Kachiko makes a cutting motion with her fan to emphasise her denial. "My Clan merely acknowledges responsibility for the initial encounter between Yoritomo Ryuusei-san and the ronin, which occurred within Meiyoko District. The intent was to observe for ourselves the quality of the young samurai seconded to Imperial service, which was quite impressive. Outnumbered two-to-one and caught by surprise, Hida-san and Yoritomo-san both conducted themselves with skill and courage, emerging victorious while their opponent fled."

At this, Kachiko takes a moment to bow to both the Mantis and Crab delegations, neither of whom show any visible reaction to her words.

"The intention was never to slay either of them, and in the aftermath we provided them with medical treatment even as we arranged for their assailant to depart from Otosan Uchi. After that, matters passed out of our control, and became the sole responsibility of Yoritomo-san." At this, the Champion smiles. "It was his decision to pursue the ronin outside the walls of the city, his to accept a challenge from a fellow samurai, and above all else... his to draw a peasant's weapon and strike from surprise in what should have been a duel of iaijutsu."

There is a low rumble of disgust at this, from all corners of the court. It could hardly be otherwise; no Clan would send someone to Winter Court at Kyuden Doji who held anything other than the highest of regard for the laws and traditions of the Empire. Judging by the sharp look that Yoritomo Arisa shoots around the chamber the Mantis is well aware of this, and to his credit he attempts to rally with the same strength of will he displayed earlier.

"Pretty words from a venomous tongue." He says boldly, gesturing at the Scorpion Champion with his fan. "How like the Scorpion, to manipulate the situation with lies and deceit, then claim innocence when confronted with the truth of the matter..."

"I have spoken with complete honesty and sincerity here today, Yoritomo-san, even at the cost of potentially damaging my own Clan's standing in the Imperial Court." Kachiko fires back, her words sharp. "You have brought false claims and forged documents before the Emperor, and used them to press for war with an honourable Clan. Is this the face that the Mantis would show the rest of the Empire?"

The angry murmuring grows louder at this, and the anger in Arisa's eyes is unmistakable. He has only one viable response to this claim, and he knows it. "You insult me and all my clan, Bayushi-san! I challenge you. Support your words with steel, or apologise for them."

"I accept your challenge." Bayushi Kachiko replies smoothly. "Shall we set the date for later in the Court? I would not wish to rob my champion of the chance to see her grandchild born."

"Oh." Katsu says faintly, as Bayushi Meiko makes her way across the floor of the court below you. "That is why my mother was invited."

But that still wasn't the whole story here. Sakura's head turned slightly, to see Tsudao's reaction- and ensure the heir kept quiet, if need be.

Click to shrink...

Tsudao, if anything, looks vaguely confused by the rapid back-and-forth of the courtiers below her.

 

[Alectai]

"Oh." Katsu says faintly, as Bayushi Meiko makes her way across the floor of the court below you. "That is why my mother was invited."

Click to shrink...

"Katsu-san, your clan is scary, and I say that in the most flattering way possible." Miyu shook her head with a quiet laugh at the whole situation being laid bare. "Formidable indeed,"

Tsudao, if anything, looks vaguely confused by the rapid back-and-forth of the courtiers below her.

Click to shrink...

"Umm..." Miyu looked to Tsudao's confusion, and tried to explain. "In summary, a lot of very intelligent people started playing for advantage without drawing a single sword, and Bayushi-san lured Yoritomo-san into a cunning trap, forcing him into a position where the only means through which he can save face is to enter a duel that he is deeply unlikely to be victorious in. As a result, this matter is likely to be settled, and a major war averted, barring an impressive upset of course."