[D4, LA] Talking, Tea and Politics

[Kakita Kenji]

Kenji chuckled: "You wouldn't believe me if I told you that I was a completely different person before Hirosaka. Less open, my nose constantly in books and less willing to approach people than today... But I think that Hirosaka left his mark on each one of us. I hardly think I would have found someone like Kazuko if I had stayed in my little dojo far away from here"

He had no problem talking to Nobuo about Kazuko, after all his relationship with her was an open secret.

[Otomo Nobuko]

"You two fit well together," she grinned. Happy to hear that they were still unofficially together. Officially, they could not be unless they were to be married. Which, as far as she had heard, was not yet finalized. "I enjoyed getting to know her this past summer. Kokyou's trip was a welcome change of pace in many ways."

[Kakita Kenji]

"She's just wonderful, I know I can count on her, always. I am working hard to arrange an engagement, even though neither her nor my parents are very supportive. However, my upcoming status as a Gokenin serves me well in pulling the lever in our direction," Kenji said with a smile.

"The islands were beautiful, even though I got a bad sunburn"

[Otomo Nobuko]

"Your continued petition might not have an effect on your families directly, but such enthusiasm is sure to impress the nakodo," she said encouragingly. Though, in reality, if the families did not agree, it would be difficult to have it occur.

"I am certain you will given a fine spouse, regardless," she added. Because while marrying for love was wonderful if it could happen, it was most certainly not the norm. "You have performed well and have a true chance at becoming Topaz Champion."

[Kakita Kenji]

"I do hope the Topaz gives me the edge I need to broker the engagement.", hopefully, he thought.

"While it would be a great honor to receive the title, I believe that if I wish to continue my career as a caretaker of the Imperial Property, the title would hinder rather than help. Not that I'd be any less inclined to try..."

[Otomo Nobuko]

"The title is something anyone should be honored to obtain," her words were a little careful in the phrasing. "So long as you do not put desire before duty, using what advantages you have to gain a outcome that does not bring harm to family or clan should be fine. Simply be careful in your pursuit. As it is, I do not understand either family's reluctance, but I am not privy to all the considerations, either."

" Regardless, both of you are doing well enough to be looked favorably on by many."

[Kakita Kenji]

"Of course, the welfare of the clan is our priority. It would only be a desirable outcome if the interests of the clan and our own interests were in harmony," he said skillfully.

"The reluctance is probably based on my parents' personal feelings towards me, nothing I can't manage. But I am honored that you see us like this"

[Otomo Nobuko]

Ah. A parental thing. She didn't understand how anyone could find Kenji wanting in any regard. His honor and dedication was unquestionable in her mind. But parents often acted strangely toward their children. Her own father had been unintentionally sabotaging her own marriage negotiations for years without her knowledge, after all...

"Let us speak of kinder things," she said, "Have you spoken with Gin-kun since the tournament began? I know you were paired against each other in the horsemanship test, but I don't know how much time you had to catch up. He looks so much more impressive than he used to, yes?"

[Kakita Kenji]

"Yes, I did, he has grown quite a bit! His Kenjutsu technique was good! Almost made me jealous, even though it remains to be seen how fast he can pull his blade," he said smiling

[Otomo Nobuko]

"We were paired in the obstacle course. He did better than I on the challenges that required strength to overcome, but I outpaced him in the running," she chuckled and shook her head, "I did not expect that I would fare better than him in that regard. But he was very skillful and I think that whomever he serves as yojimbo will be well protected."

As long as others could look past the stigma of his birthmark. Or at least understand it did not mean he was a bad person, just one who had some mistakes to make up for from a past life.

[Kakita Kenji]

"In any case, not only that, all those who appreciate him also find a good friend in him, I hope that he makes it far in the Iaijutusu competition, at least as far as he can show me the secret technique he has studied" he has to laugh a little when remembering it, "I also think that you will probably make it far in the debates, you are after all the symbol of sophistication and etiquette"

[Otomo Nobuko]

Nobuko's cheeks flushed at the compliment, "If I do well, it is because the Fortunes have decided it to be so. All those who make it to the debates are certain to be as poised as I."

She avoided saying she felt trepidation at the thought of winning.

"But as a duelist trained by the Academy, and as someone whose skill I am already familiar with, I have no doubt you will do well."

[Kakita Kenji]

"I really hope that although I have strong competition, Kazuko is a talented duelist, no matter what private feelings I have for her. I also expect my Kohai Riku-san to be a strong opponent. Kotomi-san is considered the star of the duelists,... ... no easy task. And these are just the Academy students! I don't know what competition the others have... ...but I'll give my best. You can count on it.

[Otomo Nobuko]

"I will, then," she chuckled, pausing as the tea arrived to wait for it to be poured, then take an experimental sip. "Have you had this blend before? My Great Aunt usually keeps to the lighter and more traditional flavors when she brings me here."

[Kakita Kenji]

"Once in a while. On special occasions, the tea is not exactly what you'd call... Commonplace. But I like the earthy notes and the taste of the smoky oak barrels, so you could say it's one of my favourites."

[Otomo Nobuko]

She took another sip, slowly to savor the flavor.

"It is certainly different than I am used to with my Great Aunt. But it is not distasteful, either. Just... stronger... than I am used to."

Nobuko put her cup down, but kept her hands around it, "Moto Ichiro-kun and I explored Little Khanbulak on the day of his arrival and he asked me to try a 'kebob'" - the way she said it was awkward, but she was clearly trying to make sure she pronounced it correctly - "a 'travel food' common to Unicorn lands. Or at least to Khanbulak. I am uncertain how common it actually is. But they put pieces of meat and vegetables on a stick and cook it, and then paint it in oil and spices. I tried a chicken 'kebob'. Ichiro-kun said it was very lightly spiced but I have never eaten anything so strong in my life. This tea does not compare to it, but it reminds me of it in a way. Because I am so used to very light flavors. They are favored in the courts my family is most often in. And I have rarely tried anything else."

[Kakita Kenji]

A kepop? I must confess that I have not visited Little Khanbulak yet, so they cook chicken meat and vegetables on a stick? That's sounds sooo,... Unicorn." he said smiling.

"Dont't get me wrong, but sometimes it's quite,... strange how their tradtions and customs differ from the rest of the Empire, but the Unicorn Clan is known for its exoticism. That makes them equally fascinating and i don't know how to put it other than mysterious?"

He took a sip from his tea.

"But back to the topic, i think the craziest thing I've ever eaten was back in Otosan Uchi when I was with Aiichrio-Kun, Ginkarasu-kun and Haruki-san, all the fried food was incredibly delicious, but it was so heavy in my stomach that I didn't think I'd make it to Hirosaka the next day. Oh, that reminds me of the feast Haruki-san prepared on the last day, that was also delicious, I hope he will do us the honour again."

[Otomo Nobuko]

"They do it so they can eat while on the move, so they do not have to pull out chopsticks," she added with a soft laugh before brightening up at the mention of Otasan Uchi. "The fried food I've had there has been heavily strained to remove the oil that Crab usually allow to stay. I did not have it made in the Clan holdings, however. Only what was brought to Kyuden Otomo."

Which was somewhere most samurai would never set foot, even within Otasan Uchi, as close as it was to the Imperial Palace. "I should try it Crab style some time. To see how different it really is."

[Kakita Kenji]

"I can recommend it, but you should be prepared to feel a heaviness in your stomach for a day. However, I have heard that most crabs drink a cup of Sochu after dinner, maybe that helps against the heaviness?"

Kenji laughed

"I have been so involved with crabs that i know almost as much about them as i do about my own clan, before Hirosaka i hardly had a clue. Not very Crane like, ne?"

[Otomo Nobuko]

"Not on the surface, but the Crane are known for learning about their allies and enemies and understanding what they hold dear so that appropriate gifts and offerings can be made," she said with consideration then gave a soft hmmm, "I do not consume alcohol, so I do not know if I would do well with doing so after a meal."