Sapphire Ambassadors

"And you, Doji-san," Jorujo replies, returning the bow.

Jorujo nods.

"Among the Toritaka, in truth," he says. "Although the Crab and the Phoenix will have much to offer, as well. But the last may not be...desirable."

"I'm minded to repeat something I've heard from Doji-bugyo," Jorujo replies.

"'That's above my pay grade.'"

Jorujo sighs heavily.

"I have some information about it, yes," he admits. "Let us say that I wholeheartedly endorse my lord's previous actions with regard to certain guests."

"It seems a worthy goal," Jorujo replies. "And one that will likely be of use to more than you. Others have...similar afflictions."

"Well, what's the adage? 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,' right?"

Jorujo sighs a bit.

"Still, things seem to have worked out. And that's to the good, Fortunes be praised."

"He's like that sometimes," Jorujo says. "But he's a good man."

Jorujo smiles.

"How delightful!" he says. "Perhaps Ta--er, Doji-bugyo will help me select one."

"I am glad you stayed," Jorujo says, accepting the gift.

"What is it?" he asks.

"Then again, you might well," Jorujo says. "But as you are, what other gift would be needed than to see that you are well?"

The second refusal having been made, Jorujo awaits the completion of the ritual.

Go figure, a priest appreciating rituals.

"No gift is needed, of course," Jorujo says. "Among family, it is but pleasure to be of aid."

"If your time in Teitaku Town has broadened your horizons, then it has been spent well," Jorujo says.

"Admittedly, many report such things. Art has the effect, after all."

"It's a good thing for a priest," Jorujo says, and he laughs a little.

"But isn't what an artist is is someone who creates as allowed?"

"If I helped, it was a small thing," Jorujo says. "And no more than should be expected, truly.

"Though you seem to have occasioned some comment recently for your artwork, so you do seem to have been noted."

"Isawa Koji--oh, yes, the specialist Doji-dono brought in," Jorujo nods. "Well, if it worked..."

He trails off.

"Perhaps you might see if that one Shosuro--Hatsuki, I think it was--might help make it more...dynamic?"

He shrugs.

"Then I must inquire as to why you wear it," Jorujo replies.

"Your presence is not unwelcome, Doji-san," Jorujo replies. "Please, join me.

"And I'll wonder if your...decoration will be part of your display in the contest today."

Jorujo can be found reviewing what appear to be new scrolls in a rather flamboyant hand.

Seeing Yoshino, he rises and bows. "I trust you've eaten rice today," he says.

Asahina Jorujo has somehow gotten himself roped into this, but he doesn't mind. He listens attentively and intently, and he announces the winners at the end of it... Shosuro Hatsuki: 42 Hatsuki is given a small collection of a half dozen pillow books. These include the most popular current stories f...

"Of course, Matsu-san," Jorujo says. "I am happy to have helped."

He bows from his seat.