Sapphire Ambassadors

Yoshino, looking somewhat ridiculous, entered her favourite tea house. She was only saved by her extravagant kimono and Clan Mon. Otherwise she'd have looked like a complete weirdo. Her face was covered in ink scribbles. So were her hands. And ears. Some could even be seen on the back of her neck. What was that about?

Anyway, Yoshino moved to speak to the nearest staff member.

"Good afternoon. Would it be possible to speak to the owner please?" Polite yet direct.

"With respect, Doji-sama," says the staffer, who just happens to be Akijin, "Doji-dono has said he does not like us to interrupt his works. How may this one aid Doji-sama?"

It was their first meeting and name badges or uniforms weren't a thing. Yoshino could tell Akijin was well groomed and cultured, but it was difficult to infer anything specific. She didn't know the woman standing before her was the manager. The main thing for the Doji was that Akijin was polite and friendly. She'd not said anything about Yoshino's scribbly face! She could also be firm when needed, which was a good thing. all told it was another big positive mark for the Sunset Leaves Tea Room.

In regards to Yoshino's thinking; if the owner wasn't available, which wasn't at all unusual with the nature of economics and business ownership in Rokugan, then there would surely be a manager. "Of course, I understand." She says pleasantly. "Actually, I wished to give my compliments to this lovely establishment. It's run very well and I've enjoyed each of my visits. I hoped to ask if there was any small support I might be able to offer. My name is Doji Yoshino. Please excuse how I look today." A bow is added. "Would it be possible to meet the manager today?"

"No excuse is needed, Doji-sama," Akijin replies, bowing again and lower. "And this one is happy to have already obliged her; the manager speaks to Doji-sama even now.

"And Doji-sama's regard is welcomed and appreciated. That she is pleased with the service she has received is gratifying."

"Oh." That made sense, as Akijin appeared refined and so well spoken, but Yoshino hadn't put two and two together. She dipped her head a few times apologetically. "Then it is nice to speak with you Manager-san."

There is a gentle smile in acknowledgement of Akijin's words. "It has helped me immensely the last few days. I was so impressed I wondered if you might be seeking sponsors."

Akijin smiles slightly.

"Doji-sama's compassion is great," she says. "Any support she would wish to give would be welcome."

"No, no, I merely see your undeniable value and I wish to support it. I would not like this charming tea room to ever become so busy its welcoming atmosphere is lost, but I do hope to see many more patrons come here to enjoy themselves. I wonder if some advertising might be... helpful in this?" She reached into her kimono's right sleeve to remove a coin purse. The whole motion was done in an understated way, as if the money was unimportant. "I have some coins I could provide to cover the upfront element." Even with her Yasuki training she still preferred not to speak of cost and koku too directly. That would likely change if she spent further time learning from her new teachers.

Eight koku are set down on the nearest surface to Akijin.

"I hope this suffices."

-----

D7 LA commerce/intelligence to buy into Sunset Leaves Tea room. Void for +1k1 and 1 called raise, 1 free raise. TN20: 30 = Pass
3 Tea points
8 Koku spent = 24 Tea points
Total: 27 Tea points?

"Any word Doji-sama would speak in the Sunset Leaves's support would be welcomed, of course," Akijin says, and the coin purse vanishes. "And her generosity will doubtlessly be long remembered, as well.

"Would Doji-sama like tea or a snack, perhaps? It would be given gladly."

It was best not to leave money lying around. What a good manager.

"I suppose we'll see." She wasn't sure she herself would be remembered. Her generosity couldn't possibly be.

"Yes. How about your recommendation for tea and a snack? I'm feeling celebratory today. Can you surprise me?"

"It would be a delight!" Akijin fairly chirps, and she bustles off to see to it.

She returns in a remarkably short time with a closed pot, a cup, and a skewer of pan-seared scallop.

"The tea, when steeped, should complement the scallops, Doji-sama," she says, and she pours a tinted stream into the cup.

"Enjoy, please," and a deep bow.

What a lovely way to enjoy part of the afternoon. After this she needed to water her bonsai and prepare to take it over for the presentations. A little snack beforehand was bliss.

"Thank you too manager-san. This smells wonderful."

Yoshino prepared to give it all a try!

/ Scene? (Thank you!)

(Of course!)