Doubt and Trial

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

"I think we finished over here. Outside area during rain was a lot of work for only one person. Let's go study with everyone else."

[Yasuki Ginkarasu]

He looks around. "Yeah, okay." A firm nod and he moves to clean and put away the broom.

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

"Anyway. I know you don't say the price because most people don't know what the coins are worth, but how much is the mochi?"

[Yasuki Ginkarasu]

"Honestly I don't say the price because I don't know it. You can't normally buy this mochi. Mom made sure I had some really nice stuff that we normally give to guests at home. So...I have no idea." He shrugs.

"A lot of mochi though costs 3 zeni a pop."

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

He rubs his fingers. "I see. What would you want to study today? I think we can do it together. But be warned I'm studying strategy, so unless for some reason you are doing the same thing, it will just be a bland ride. Or not. I can try to make it sound interesting."

[Yasuki Ginkarasu]

"I should probably continue investigating investigatory things. Looking for dirt was part of that." He nods. "Noticing things is good for a yojimbo to do."

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

"I see. I have been trying to surprise you, but it's hard to do so. See you tomorrow, then. I sleep early now because I'm waiting to see if Kokyou-san has chickened out his challenge that was supposed to be at the hour of the Ox. Apparently the answer is yes."

[Yasuki Ginkarasu]

He nods. "G'luck. I couldn't get to sleep with that many people up and about."

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

"I used to pray at this time, so it is pretty easy for me. From prayer to sleep it is just one step."

[Yasuki Ginkarasu]

A small frown. "I got yelled at when I'd fall asleep while meditating. Learned not to do it near sleep. Prayer's kind of like meditating, yes?"

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

"You never prayed on your entire life?" He blurted, direct like a crab and loud in surprise, then looked around. At least no one but servants were passing by.

[Yasuki Ginkarasu]

"I mean, never prayed where I felt like sleeping." He shakes his head. "Is it supposed to?"

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

"Oh, no no no. It was just a convenient time. You have nothing else to do near sleep."

[Yasuki Ginkarasu]

"I've never seen a shrine to Emma-O be put near a bedroom..." He frowns. "Maybe that's it?"

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

"Why would you... Ah. I see."
He then went silent almost immediately, and would not break it.