The Noble Path (D5, EA)

[Otomo Tenzo]

"Given the choice, it would be preferable that one might join me in the Imperial household. As my superiors have sent me to this miai with order of choosing out of my hands rather than send me to the matchmakers for that purpose, however, I will accept what results may come my way: as I have said, I am quite amenable to that possibility so do not let that be a limiting factor, Otaku-sama. Having spoken to my cousins among the Seppun, one will find them very amenable to making their home among the Unicorn as well." A beat passing for further thought.

"Your offer is much appreciated, Otaku-sama. If there is more that I might provide for you regarding such matters..."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

The glint on her smile shines even more. "I appreciate Otomo-san courtesy in sharing his mind. I will definitely keep the Imperial Families informed of my decisions during this miai, beforehand. Along with those that entrusts me with sharing information with your patronage."

The blush increases while she adds, "If am worthy enough, I would like to know more about this Seppun, Otomo-san mentioned."

[Otomo Tenzo]

"It is only fair and just for this one not only to be courteous but also honest in such matters, Otaku-sama," he responded, offering her a short little bow before continuing.

"There are two of my Seppun cousins in attendance at this miai seeking a wife. There is Seppun Hideo-san, a scholar and historian, well-learned and very respectful; last I spoke to him as of a few days ago, he had mentioned a passing interest in Ide Amaya-san, but he might still be worth a meeting. The other is Seppun Aramoro-san, also one that is very well-read... conservative in appearance and demeanor if one does not know him, yet still quite approachable and more relaxed in conversation. His family line is strong as well, many ancestors and relatives filling the ranks of the Imperial Guard, Hidden Guard, and Miharu with prominent service and deed to their names. Both, I believe, are quite amenable to joining the Unicorn if that is what should happen," he said, pausing a moment for the descriptions to sink in.

"If you should know of any Unicorn men still looking to mingle in search of a future wife, two of my other cousins are also in attendance seeking a husband. Like Aramoro-san and Hideo-san, Seppun Hitako-san is also a shugenja, though one which has spent some time studying under the Fairuz and learning of such magics: she might do well in the Unicorn if matched up with or given opportunity to study more about your Meishido magic. I do not know anything of her except that she arrived quite late to this miai, but I have heard that there is also a Miya Mei-san: should one require their wife to know how to ride a horse, a Miya is sure to already know for, like your clan, horsemanship is an integral part of their life."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

She follows along diligently at his side. "Ah! Seppun Hideo-san is indeed a gentleman. We've shared a meal together when we invited him to meet the Shiotome, before," Kitakuhime closes her eyes, and tries to shake it off, "Gomen. Before Chi-Pu-senpai departed."

A couple of steps later and she continues, "I haven't met Seppun Aramoro-san. It would be a pleasure if Otomo-san could introduce us. I could bring Imane-chan, also. I am sure Otomo-san will find her interesting."

The smile returns, even if shy. "Otherwise, the Iuchi have graced this miai with fine and knowledgeable maidens I suggest Otomo-san to meet with. Iuchi Batul-san is gracious, charming and selfless. Iuchi Sakhasa-san is an exotic beauty of many mysteries with plenty of stories waiting to be discovered."

[Otomo Tenzo]

When Chi-Pu was mentioned, Tenzo stayed silent but acknowledged it with a nod, not wanting to draw more attention to it: there was time later today for which all might mourn, after all. "I will reach out to my dear cousin and see if it might be arranged, Otaku-sama, and if it can be so then I would be most honored to speak with another of the esteemed Shiotome," he offered with a smile.

"Those names are unfamiliar to me, though I had chance to meet Iuchi Yukarin-san whom was quite intelligent and knowledgeable, charming... and quite pretty," he said, showing off a bit more of his honesty. "The other Iuchi that you mention most certainly sound just as interesting - to no surprise, of course, all of them being of the same family and all."

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

Yukarin-san. Noted!

The girl nods as if given an order. "Let's arrange a meeting in two days at the Shiotome Yurt Cluster. It will be an honor to receive you both."

She points to the Administrative Center, almost reaching their destination. "I'll talk with Yukarin-san once I have the chance, too."

[Otomo Tenzo]

"It will be my honor to introduce the two of you to my dear cousin," the Imperial started to say as the administrative center came into view. Their journey at an close and his escorting duty at an end - not that the esteemed Otaku heir needed it, of course - he paused to turn to her.

"So we have arrived. It was an honor and a pleasure to share this walk with you. And... thank you, Otaku-sama," he finished, offering her a respectful bow.

[Otaku Kitakuhime]

Kitakuhime bows in return. "The honor is mine, Otomo-san. I look forward to talk with you later. May the kami light your path."

/scene?

[Otomo Tenzo]

"Until then - walk with the blessings of Benten-no-kami, Otaku-sama," he responded with a smile and offered a final bow before departing.

/scene!