The New Winds

Having been summoned by a servant, Nobuko made her way to the office of the Ruby Champion. She scratched at the door to request entrance.

"Please, come in."

Nobuko slid the door open, shuffled inside, then slid it shut before turning and bowing, "I am here as requested, Agasha-dono."

"I received a letter about you, Otomo-san."

She straightened, keeping her eyes at the appropriate level, "A letter, Agasha-dono? I assume it's a pleasant one. I do hope it's arrival did not interrupt your day."

"No, it did not. Only the events of last night have truly interrupted me. This was a pleasant one, if a bit surprising. It was from your lord. You are to find a betrothed from the students here, should you see any who are suitable."

She held her breath for a second, then allowed a soft smile to grace her lips, "Very pleasant, indeed. There are many here who I, in my limited knowledge, feel would be more than suitable. Your invitation here brought many from the clans who are quite exceptional. I have even heard rumor that some of them are blessed by the many spirits of our world."

Nobuko raised her eyes slightly, "Would that that rumor have a sliver of truth?"

"Absolutely. We have noticed many who are touched in some way. our sensei all did well in sending us such great potentials."

"Then your experiment is going well," she inclined her head in polite congratulation. "Despite the... interruptions. I am pleased to hear that we are meeting your approval."

Nobuko righted herself once more and, having voiced a measure of concern in as polite a fashion as she could, she returned to the reason for the meeting, "As I am allowed to choose my own potential betrothed, should I wish to extend the opportunity, is there any means by which you would prefer I approach this? I will, of course, draft letters of inquiry for any to submit to their lords if they are of a like mind. But beyond that... I am no nakodo and have limited knowledge of the particulars that might be appropriate within these walls that are yours to run."

"I have no experience in this matter either, Otomo-san. I guess...follow your instinct?"

"I will endeavor to search the library for any works on the proper formalities that might be applicable to this situation," she answered after a few moments of consideration. Then bowed again, "Thank you for informing me directly, Agasha-dono."

"I felt it only appropriate. Marriage is a very important duty. One shouldn't just be told by an informal letter."

"I agree. Thank you again," she remained bowed, waiting for dismissal or further conversation as was the Champion's whim.

Sumiko bows.

"I have nothing further for you, you may return to the duties your instructors have laid forth for you. Unless you need something?"

"Nothing else, Agasha-dono," she replied, and once again thanked her for her time before backing out of the room, maintaining her bow the whole way.