Sapphire Ambassadors

He really wanted a stiffer drink than tea, but...

He owed the sake house nothing.

Samurai did not apologize to peasants, even though Courtesy supposedly carried universal obligations.

It was such, such horseshit.

But it was the world.

Choudai didn't feel a shred of regret for whoever's toes he had stepped on to provoke the overreaction, they could fuck themselves in the heart of Jigoku.

But he felt a deep, and abiding remorse for the stupid by-blow that had hit the Sunset Leaves, so he dragged himself in foe a cup of tea- and to see what he could do.

I haven't even used the kitchens here, the absolute bastards could have asked before they robbed these people of a major part of their livelihood.

He took his accustomed seat, and rested his head in his hands. When a server approached, he requested tea, and then mentioned a wish to speak to the proprietor.

And even if she wants nothing more than to throw me out on my ear, she'll have to grit her teeth and be polite, because Honesty is dangerous stupidity for heimin.

Akijin arrives promptly with the tea.

"Bayushi-sama had made requests?" she asks, demurely.

"Bayushi-san has made a mess for people who had no part in his actions. Bayushi-san has created difficulties for an establishment whose work he respects. And Bayushi-san is... business-minded enough to know the cost to the business, in ingredients not used while fresh, in lost business, and possibly in damage to a reputation he would see heightened, is not merely a matter of pride."

He rubbed his temples, and then... removed his mask.

"Bayushi-san has informed the authorities that at no time has he made use of the excellent kitchens here, for what good that may do."

He looked up at the heimin woman, and sighed.

"Bayushi-san would like to know what he can do."

"Bayushi-sama is generous," Akijin says, averting her eyes. She's experienced enough to know that a maskless Scorpion is a dangerous thing to see.

"His patronage has already been of great benefit--more than could have been hoped."

"I am gratified to hear it."

A thought struck him.

"Have you perhaps heard of the Crazy Hare, in Naishou Province?"

"No, Bayushi-sama," Akijin replies. "We have not had much word from Naishou. Conversations tend to...quiet...around the topic."

"A Kasuga friend of mine owns it. Quite well-known for its food- several samurai at the recent Imperial Winter Court became regular patrons. Anyhow, Kasuga-san sent me some of their recipes, knowing my interest..."

"That is most excellent, Bayushi-sama," Akijin replies, carefully.

"... and if I were to give you a copy, you could use it as inspiration, make some changes to suit local tastes, hell, you could use it to prop up a table if none of it works for you."

He reached out, put his mask back on.

"It's a start, anyway."

Akijin bows.

"Bayushi-sama is generous, indeed."

"Bayushi-san is frequently careless, and causes unintended trouble."

He sighed. Sipped his tea.

"But he is trying to do better."

Akijin bows again.

There is no other safe response.

"Thank you for your time, Akijin-san. I know you have more to do than stand on attendance to my whims."

He sipped at his tea and gave an appreciative nod.

"This was the right choice."

In abstract, apparently.

With another bow, Akijin withdraws.