[D5 MM] Everything Is Terrible [Hatsuki's Room, Closed]

[Bayushi Choudai]

Choudai scratched his chin.

"And why me, is the other question. In the grand scheme of things, I'm not particularly important to the Scorpion."

He gave a bitter laugh.

"Perhaps they saw a chance to pair off two oddball artists, a chance to rid themselves of her, and the Scorpion, well, we can't marry out lightly at present..."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"I suspect you're probably just a convenient fall guy unless someone in particular from our side is involved," she replied with a shrug. "But, like I said before, that's not really his MO when it comes to you."

"Apparently she's not such an oddball that they're willing to say boo to her despite the blatant insults. But then, that might make them less likely to get rid of her, so it could just be that. They have been known to get rid of artists they're not big fans of, even if they're in the Doji family, and she isn't."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"There's still time to make a stink. I can write to Ogoe and Shino, and maybe they can work something out."

He frowned.

"But it would be more satisfying to force the Crane to do more than simply ignore her... compositions."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

She nodded in agreement. "I agree. Let's see what we can do for now. Do you want to raise your concerns along with Nadeshiko-san to Utemaro? Unfortunately, as much as I would like to be there, I'm not officially involved."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Assuming Utemaro would hear me. Did you see his face when I spoke to him at the welcoming feast?"

Or when Choudai had brought ox meat into the contest.

"But in tandem with Nadeshiko-san, maybe..."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"That is the question. Honestly, I'm kind of impressed in a horrible way with whoever set this up. It's a great trap," she sighed. "We've just come out of a war with remaining hard feelings on both sides. The Crane aren't exactly inclined to be generous with us, so whatever is done, we'll be at a disadvantage. Add in a Crane who's not afraid to blatantly insult you, and it's a bit of a perfect storm."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Certainly, I can't be called an uninterested party. Samurai objecting to their marriage partner? Not a strong hand."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"Worst case scenario, I can think of an alternative approach," she suggested, looking to the side.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"I suspect I've had a similar idea."

He reached out to brush his fingertips across her hair.

"I don't want you running any unnecessary risks, though."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. "You know how important my loved ones are to me. Besides..." She opened her eyes, worry of her own in them. "You're the one who would be closest to be able to deal with the application. You'd be running a greater risk."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"The method could vary. Staging it would be the challenge, and finding the opportunity, but..."

But no one could trace a knife back to Hatsuki.

"It could be done. Another possibility, albeit one that would be... taxing? Getting her to do it."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"Oh, I was thinking more of waiting longer. There are several terrible illnesses that don't become obvious until the end stage. It would be awful if someone's mindset turned out to be affected by one of those all along," she observed very neutrally.

"That would potentially be difficult. She's clearly inured to despair. If it's been this long..."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Ah, but misery in abstract as compared to misery in detail..."

And he had some leverage. Knives to twist.

"And few would question it."

Whoever actually wielded the blade.

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"Honestly... A little while of making one another miserable really would make it difficult to question, as long as it was set up correctly," she observed. "I don't like the idea of putting you through that kind of suffering, and people might blame you for it, though, even if it is officially not your fault."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"The other drawback is for the Clan. Once I wed, that's an end to it. No other chances."

He grimaced.

"Acting in haste is dangerous, but if something were to happen before the wedding, our superiors would still have time to arrange another pairing."

Choudai exhaled slowly.

"That woman and I can produce no children. And that's what this whole business is really about... replacing population."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

She sighed and nodded. "Yes. Of course, the jealous side of me is tempted to just shrug and say 'oh goodness, how terrible', I would like to think my commitment to duty is somewhat better than that."

"The fact that children will be impossible for you two should be enough reason to end this here..."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"With most, I could close my eyes and think of you. With her... it would feel blasphemous to even try that, assuming we could stand to be in the same room. No, this..."

He thought a moment longer.

"Perhaps we're overthinking this. It could be as simple as money."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

She gave him a curious look. "Go on."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"What sort of escort do you think will be provided for her journey to the Scorpion provinces? How many actual bushi do you think will be sent with her?"

He shrugged.

"Not many, most likely. Maybe not any. The Crane have little interest in the marriage, and she's hardly a person of great importance to them. What sort of escort were you given when you came to our lands?"

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"My brother," she chuckled. "Not exactly an honor guard. You're right, we were overthinking it."