Vanifae
First Post
Session 2: Painful Regrets – Part 3
22nd of the Dragon, 1172 IC, Residence of Isawa Shion aka Lady Shion
The morning air is cool but pleasant; the skies are overcast and gray but otherwise much more palatable then the storms of the past few days. Lady Shion’s home is a modest structure, much larger than any villager but a far cry from the wealth and power of Pale Oak Castle or Sweet Plum Castle. There is no army of servants; the trio of samurai counts perhaps twenty at best and another ten or so samurai on the grounds. Lady Shion receives them in a modest open chamber overlooking her garden. The older woman has a plump round face and a gentle if disarming smile. Her body is enveloped by a voluminous orange and red kimono; tea is served by her servants, the pleasant scent filling the chamber.
Mayako offers the gift, a beautiful mirror with a marble frame, “My mother wanted you to have this, Shion-sama. She is saddened she could not be here but there are pressing matters at Pale Oak Castle.”
“Shizu-sama’s murder,” Lady Shion replies, “A most terrible tragedy. But I cannot accept such a gift.”
Mayako recognizing the proper ritual replies, “It would be my families honor to give this simple gift to your family. In light of your late husband’s passing we wish to honor his memory with this humble gesture.”
“I could not; your family has always been good to us. Your kind words are enough, please confer the same to your mother,” Lady Shion declines.
“Your family’s loyalty should be rewarded, Shion-sama,” Mayako offers the mirror a third time, “You would honor us more so than you know.”
“You have my thanks, Agasha-san; we shall place this mirror in a place of honor. You do us much honor and distinction with this gift and on behalf of my family we thank you. We are eternally honored and grateful for your family’s generosity,” Lady Shion accepts the gift with a bow. She hands the mirror off to a servant.
Mayako bows glad to be done with the ritual, “Lady Shion we have a pressing matter that we should attend to first. Have you had any strange occurrences as of late within your fief?”
“No I assure you Agasha-san, nothing is out of order. Beyond the Green Cap bandits but my men have curtailed their attacks. They know the punishment for interfering in our affairs,” Lady Shion replies confident in her response.
“We encountered the walking dead last night just outside the village on the South Road,” Mayako responds sharply.
“We dispatched the terrible creatures, but we fear that there something foul may be happening within this fief. We will investigate the matter further… with your permission of course,” the last part added quickly as he realizes the possible insult to her honor and status.
Bayushi-san smirks staying silent, her wounds had healed in the night but she was still not at her best. Mayako continues, “Nobutada-san is correct if a bit brash, we would like to look into the matter further, on behalf of my father.”
Lady Shion nods shock in her eyes, “This is the first I am hearing of such things. Of course please investigate the matter further. I will have my guards increase their patrols and be more vigilant. If there is anything you require please just ask. Also, you are all welcome to stay at my home as long as needed; we have prepared guest chambers for all of you and the children. It would be our honor.”
“Thank you, Shion-sama,” Mayako bows.
“You are most welcome, but I must ask a favor of you, Agasha-san. I believe you are familiar with my son Tetsuo, his father recently passed in a skirmish with the Dragon on the border. I think he has taken his father’s death very hard and I can do little to change his mood. Perhaps a friendly face could achieve what I cannot? I am sorry to ask for such a favor but I only wish to see him happy once more,” Lady Shion looks downward, sadness in her eyes.
Mayako gulps, “Of… of course it would be no trouble.”
“Thank you,” she looks up with a simple smile, “I should attend to my duties then, if you need anything my servants will attend to them. I hope your investigation roots out this corruption quickly.”
The children are lead to their room and the three young samurai are left to consider their next move. Nobutada breaks the silence, “I am still troubled by the events from last night.”
“As am I, we should start our investigation in the village; it is possible the peasants may know something Shion-sama does not. At the very least they may have seen something worthwhile,” Shiatari finally speaks.
Nobutada seems dubious of the plan, “What could peasants possibly know?”
“They see more then you think Seppun-san,” she chides.
“I agree with Shiatari-san,” Mayako interjects, “we should start in the village but that does not help with my other problem. How do I approach Tetsuo-san without it being… awkward? I don’t just want to tell him that his mother asked me to spend time with him. It would not seem genuine.”
Shiatari nods, “Why not take him with us on the investigation, we could all spend time together and it would seem quite natural. It concerns his home as well.” The Scorpion bushi rises, “That would be what I would do. Simple and efficient. I am going to place my things in my room, call on me when you are ready to begin.”
Nobutada watches her go then speaks softly, “How well do you know this Scorpion, cousin? Do you really trust her?”
“Shiatari-san? I trust her, she is a good friend, cousin,” Mayako responds defensively.
“That is my point you trust her, but the Scorpion are not to be trusted. She is playing a game, they always are. I will be watching her, and if she shows any hint of betrayal I will end her,” Nobutada rises.
Mayako frowns, “I wish you would trust my judgment.”
Nobutada does not reply as he leaves.
The young shugenja frowns and orders a servant to take her to the young master. Isawa Tetsuo is seated in his chambers reading and writing. The shutters are pulled closed and a few candles are lit to provide light in the otherwise dark room. Mayako bows as she enters, “Greetings Tetsuo-san.”
Tetsuo looks up with surprise, “May… Mayako-san, I heard you were here this is quite the surprise.” The young master stands and bows, “Is your mother here?”
“No she could not make it, so we came on her behalf,” Mayako replies standing in the doorway nervously, “Your mother is a gracious host though and your home is wonderful.”
“You honor my family,” Tetsuo replies.
“I… I wish I could spend more time catching up but I have an investigation I must handle. My friends and I fought zombies on the road outside the village. I want to find out where they came from and remove the corruption before it worsens,” Mayako rambles out quickly.
Tetsuo’s eyes widen at the news, “How… how could such a thing happen way out here! Were you injured?”
“No, but my friends were, they should recover,” she turns and then stops. She glances over her shoulder, “Maybe you could assist us? You know this village better than we do. I would feel safer having you there.”
“Of course Mayako-san, let me summon my yojimbo,” the young master agrees.
The samurai leave for the village, making sure to have Sukime patrol the grounds of Lady Shion’s estate. The young girl was insistent of being useful and thankfully her eldest sister found her a job that would hopefully keep her out of trouble at least until they returned. The group of would be magistrates return to the road and find the bodies in various states of decomposition, some of the bodies having been drug to the side of the road by scavengers and the like. They carefully inspect the bodies without actually touching them and determine that these men were Green Cap bandits were hung until dead within the last week or two.
[Mayako makes a pretty high Medicine + Intelligence roll and is able to glean a great deal of information about the bodies. This provides them the first clue. – GM’s note]
The investigation continues at Laughing Carp Teahouse, with the samurai questioning the heimin present about the strange occurrences. They find little of use from speaking with the peasants but learn that four bandits were recently executed by an eta executioner named Knife. His ‘home’ is on the outskirts of the village closest to the gallows.
The samurai arrive at the eta’s home. Nobutada waits outside not daring to be in the presence of someone so unclean. Shiba Hiro, Tetsuo’s yojimbo waits outside as well taking up a kneeling a position as he meditates. Knife stands and bows to the samurai with a gruff anxious voice, “What can I do yah for, great samurai?”
Mayako speaks, “You executed four Green Cap bandits recently, what did you do with the bodies?”
“The Green Caps? Oh them bandits oh yes I reckon that was what about two weeks ago maybe. I remember them shaking and squealing when I done hung em’ good. Serves them right the bastards. I reckon I burned them I guess, what I normally do,” Knife replies.
“You don’t remember?” Shiatari frowns.
“Well I suppose… I mean I can recall getting the bodies ready to burn,” Knife says sheepishly.
Shiatari glances to Mayako and then contuse her questioning allowing her alluring beauty to work on the low-born peasant, “You can tell us, Knife, this is very important and no trouble will come to you. You have my word, this is quite important. I would be most pleased if you told us what happened.”
[Shiatari uses her Dangerous Beauty and Temptation skills to good effect here; she loses a point of honor for such a shameful display. – GM’s note]
Knife smiles at the thought of the Scorpion’s favor, “Well you are very pretty great samurai and if I ain’t going to get into trouble. It was late and I had the bodies all ready when Jun comes a calling you know. She fed me some wine and showed me a good time. I ain’t going to question why she was friendly like, she usually charges me double for the pleasure but it must have been my lucky day. Her hair smelled so good we did what men do to pretty women in the late night. I done passed out and when I came back in the morning the bodies was gone. I figure I done must have done my duty, but I can’t recall for sure.”
Mayako blushes at the story, “Thank you Knife that was very helpful. Where is this Jun?”
“She works out of the teahouse, they don’t let me in their often but she is usually there,” Knife responds gawking at the Bayushi beauty.
[This leads to a pretty humorous mix-up. – GM’s note]
The group quickly departs for the teahouse once more there are not as many people about at this time of day. A trio of travelers sits in a corner with conical straw hats obscuring their features. A courtesan sits alone in a shameful outfit, drinking sake and generally looking to find business at her earliest convenience. Junko the tea hostess greets the samurai with a bow.
Mayako speaks, “We need to speak with you in private.” The young tea hostess complies and follows the group into a separate chamber.
“Why did you bring Knife drink after the bandit executions?” Shiatari commands.
“I did no such thing,” Junko replies throwing herself at the feet of the samurai, “I swear!”
“But Knife said you brought him sake, and slept with him,” the Scorpion responds growing annoyed.
“I did not; I am a simple tea hostess great samurai. I swear,” Junko pleads.
“Jun we just need to know the truth,” Mayako adds with a softer tone.
“My name is not Jun great samurai, my name is Junko,” the hostess replies shaken.
[Mental note probably not a good idea to have characters named Jun and Junko in the same place, I blame myself for the mix-up. I did laugh though. – GM’s note]
The samurai glance at each other embarrassed at the identity mix up. They allow the hostess to leave and fetch Jun instead. Once again Nobutada and Shiba Hiro wait outside the room. Jun is a scandalous woman; she is pretty for a peasant with a curvaceous form and shameful clothing that shows much skin and temptation. She regards the samurai with indifference as she sits at a low table, “What do you want, noble samurai? It’s twenty bu upfront, and I don’t usually do women.”
Shiatari grins, “This isn’t a business call, peasant.” Despite her friend’s response Mayako blushes at the statement.
Mayako replies first, “Why did you bring Knife sake after the Green Cap bandit’s executions? Knife says you drugged him.”
“I was paid to do so, so I did it, I was told to bring him sake and make sure he had a good time, whatever happened after that is his business,” Jun replies flippantly.
“And did he?” Shiatari questions.
“I am very good at what I do, so what do you think?” the courtesan replies taking a sip of her sake.
“That does not explain why you drugged him,” Mayako replies with force.
“I had no idea the sake was drugged I just did what I was paid for,” Jun shrugs.
“Who paid you then?” Shiatari gestures, placing her hand on the hilt of her ancestral blade.
“You don’t need to threaten me, noble samurai. They didn’t pay for my loyalty, just my body. I don’t know he wore a mask, I met them outside the teahouse they brought the money and the sake. Told me to make sure Knife had a good time and left. I figured it was a good score and I was being well paid. It was business nothing more,” Jun waves her hand to emphasize her words.
“Anything else?” Mayako adds.
“Oh… well I guess I didn’t see his face but he had some kind of star like tattoo on his neck,” Jun responds with a shrug.
“Draw it for me,” Shiatari requests.
The courtesan shrugs and draws the tattoo as best as she could remember. The samurai let her go on with her business. The group goes about the village looking for the tattoo in question and continues their investigation but find no further information about this tattooed individual. Eventually as late afternoon sets in Tetsuo must return to the manor to see to his duties.
Mayako stops her childhood friend from going for a moment, “Tetsuo-san we should catch up tonight, and perhaps we can share some sake? I would really like that; it can be our little secret.”
Tetsuo nods, “I would like that, I will see you tonight then.”
As Tetsuo and his yojimbo depart Nobutada turns to Mayako, “You had best protect your womanhood; the honor of our families demands it.”
“What? I am just going to have a drink not sleep with him, cousin, stop being so… so…” she sighs in exasperation unable to find the words.
Shiatari simply grins but says nothing.
“I trust your judgment cousin. There is a more important matter we should discuss. I did not want to say anything earlier butt hat tattoo, I did see it. It was on the neck of Tetsuo’s yojimbo,” Nobutada finishes.
[I had them all roll Perception to notice it, and he was the only one. The plot thickens. – GM’s note]
Mayako gasps, “I see why you didn’t say anything. When I meet with Tetsuo-san tonight I will try and reveal this to him. I can’t believe that his yojimbo would betray him like this. Shameful.”
Shiatari seems distant, keeping her thoughts to herself.
Nobutada agrees, “Do what you think is best cousin but be careful.” With that the group returns to Lady Shion’s estate.
22nd of the Dragon, 1172 IC, Residence of Isawa Shion aka Lady Shion
The morning air is cool but pleasant; the skies are overcast and gray but otherwise much more palatable then the storms of the past few days. Lady Shion’s home is a modest structure, much larger than any villager but a far cry from the wealth and power of Pale Oak Castle or Sweet Plum Castle. There is no army of servants; the trio of samurai counts perhaps twenty at best and another ten or so samurai on the grounds. Lady Shion receives them in a modest open chamber overlooking her garden. The older woman has a plump round face and a gentle if disarming smile. Her body is enveloped by a voluminous orange and red kimono; tea is served by her servants, the pleasant scent filling the chamber.
Mayako offers the gift, a beautiful mirror with a marble frame, “My mother wanted you to have this, Shion-sama. She is saddened she could not be here but there are pressing matters at Pale Oak Castle.”
“Shizu-sama’s murder,” Lady Shion replies, “A most terrible tragedy. But I cannot accept such a gift.”
Mayako recognizing the proper ritual replies, “It would be my families honor to give this simple gift to your family. In light of your late husband’s passing we wish to honor his memory with this humble gesture.”
“I could not; your family has always been good to us. Your kind words are enough, please confer the same to your mother,” Lady Shion declines.
“Your family’s loyalty should be rewarded, Shion-sama,” Mayako offers the mirror a third time, “You would honor us more so than you know.”
“You have my thanks, Agasha-san; we shall place this mirror in a place of honor. You do us much honor and distinction with this gift and on behalf of my family we thank you. We are eternally honored and grateful for your family’s generosity,” Lady Shion accepts the gift with a bow. She hands the mirror off to a servant.
Mayako bows glad to be done with the ritual, “Lady Shion we have a pressing matter that we should attend to first. Have you had any strange occurrences as of late within your fief?”
“No I assure you Agasha-san, nothing is out of order. Beyond the Green Cap bandits but my men have curtailed their attacks. They know the punishment for interfering in our affairs,” Lady Shion replies confident in her response.
“We encountered the walking dead last night just outside the village on the South Road,” Mayako responds sharply.
“We dispatched the terrible creatures, but we fear that there something foul may be happening within this fief. We will investigate the matter further… with your permission of course,” the last part added quickly as he realizes the possible insult to her honor and status.
Bayushi-san smirks staying silent, her wounds had healed in the night but she was still not at her best. Mayako continues, “Nobutada-san is correct if a bit brash, we would like to look into the matter further, on behalf of my father.”
Lady Shion nods shock in her eyes, “This is the first I am hearing of such things. Of course please investigate the matter further. I will have my guards increase their patrols and be more vigilant. If there is anything you require please just ask. Also, you are all welcome to stay at my home as long as needed; we have prepared guest chambers for all of you and the children. It would be our honor.”
“Thank you, Shion-sama,” Mayako bows.
“You are most welcome, but I must ask a favor of you, Agasha-san. I believe you are familiar with my son Tetsuo, his father recently passed in a skirmish with the Dragon on the border. I think he has taken his father’s death very hard and I can do little to change his mood. Perhaps a friendly face could achieve what I cannot? I am sorry to ask for such a favor but I only wish to see him happy once more,” Lady Shion looks downward, sadness in her eyes.
Mayako gulps, “Of… of course it would be no trouble.”
“Thank you,” she looks up with a simple smile, “I should attend to my duties then, if you need anything my servants will attend to them. I hope your investigation roots out this corruption quickly.”
The children are lead to their room and the three young samurai are left to consider their next move. Nobutada breaks the silence, “I am still troubled by the events from last night.”
“As am I, we should start our investigation in the village; it is possible the peasants may know something Shion-sama does not. At the very least they may have seen something worthwhile,” Shiatari finally speaks.
Nobutada seems dubious of the plan, “What could peasants possibly know?”
“They see more then you think Seppun-san,” she chides.
“I agree with Shiatari-san,” Mayako interjects, “we should start in the village but that does not help with my other problem. How do I approach Tetsuo-san without it being… awkward? I don’t just want to tell him that his mother asked me to spend time with him. It would not seem genuine.”
Shiatari nods, “Why not take him with us on the investigation, we could all spend time together and it would seem quite natural. It concerns his home as well.” The Scorpion bushi rises, “That would be what I would do. Simple and efficient. I am going to place my things in my room, call on me when you are ready to begin.”
Nobutada watches her go then speaks softly, “How well do you know this Scorpion, cousin? Do you really trust her?”
“Shiatari-san? I trust her, she is a good friend, cousin,” Mayako responds defensively.
“That is my point you trust her, but the Scorpion are not to be trusted. She is playing a game, they always are. I will be watching her, and if she shows any hint of betrayal I will end her,” Nobutada rises.
Mayako frowns, “I wish you would trust my judgment.”
Nobutada does not reply as he leaves.
The young shugenja frowns and orders a servant to take her to the young master. Isawa Tetsuo is seated in his chambers reading and writing. The shutters are pulled closed and a few candles are lit to provide light in the otherwise dark room. Mayako bows as she enters, “Greetings Tetsuo-san.”
Tetsuo looks up with surprise, “May… Mayako-san, I heard you were here this is quite the surprise.” The young master stands and bows, “Is your mother here?”
“No she could not make it, so we came on her behalf,” Mayako replies standing in the doorway nervously, “Your mother is a gracious host though and your home is wonderful.”
“You honor my family,” Tetsuo replies.
“I… I wish I could spend more time catching up but I have an investigation I must handle. My friends and I fought zombies on the road outside the village. I want to find out where they came from and remove the corruption before it worsens,” Mayako rambles out quickly.
Tetsuo’s eyes widen at the news, “How… how could such a thing happen way out here! Were you injured?”
“No, but my friends were, they should recover,” she turns and then stops. She glances over her shoulder, “Maybe you could assist us? You know this village better than we do. I would feel safer having you there.”
“Of course Mayako-san, let me summon my yojimbo,” the young master agrees.
The samurai leave for the village, making sure to have Sukime patrol the grounds of Lady Shion’s estate. The young girl was insistent of being useful and thankfully her eldest sister found her a job that would hopefully keep her out of trouble at least until they returned. The group of would be magistrates return to the road and find the bodies in various states of decomposition, some of the bodies having been drug to the side of the road by scavengers and the like. They carefully inspect the bodies without actually touching them and determine that these men were Green Cap bandits were hung until dead within the last week or two.
[Mayako makes a pretty high Medicine + Intelligence roll and is able to glean a great deal of information about the bodies. This provides them the first clue. – GM’s note]
The investigation continues at Laughing Carp Teahouse, with the samurai questioning the heimin present about the strange occurrences. They find little of use from speaking with the peasants but learn that four bandits were recently executed by an eta executioner named Knife. His ‘home’ is on the outskirts of the village closest to the gallows.
The samurai arrive at the eta’s home. Nobutada waits outside not daring to be in the presence of someone so unclean. Shiba Hiro, Tetsuo’s yojimbo waits outside as well taking up a kneeling a position as he meditates. Knife stands and bows to the samurai with a gruff anxious voice, “What can I do yah for, great samurai?”
Mayako speaks, “You executed four Green Cap bandits recently, what did you do with the bodies?”
“The Green Caps? Oh them bandits oh yes I reckon that was what about two weeks ago maybe. I remember them shaking and squealing when I done hung em’ good. Serves them right the bastards. I reckon I burned them I guess, what I normally do,” Knife replies.
“You don’t remember?” Shiatari frowns.
“Well I suppose… I mean I can recall getting the bodies ready to burn,” Knife says sheepishly.
Shiatari glances to Mayako and then contuse her questioning allowing her alluring beauty to work on the low-born peasant, “You can tell us, Knife, this is very important and no trouble will come to you. You have my word, this is quite important. I would be most pleased if you told us what happened.”
[Shiatari uses her Dangerous Beauty and Temptation skills to good effect here; she loses a point of honor for such a shameful display. – GM’s note]
Knife smiles at the thought of the Scorpion’s favor, “Well you are very pretty great samurai and if I ain’t going to get into trouble. It was late and I had the bodies all ready when Jun comes a calling you know. She fed me some wine and showed me a good time. I ain’t going to question why she was friendly like, she usually charges me double for the pleasure but it must have been my lucky day. Her hair smelled so good we did what men do to pretty women in the late night. I done passed out and when I came back in the morning the bodies was gone. I figure I done must have done my duty, but I can’t recall for sure.”
Mayako blushes at the story, “Thank you Knife that was very helpful. Where is this Jun?”
“She works out of the teahouse, they don’t let me in their often but she is usually there,” Knife responds gawking at the Bayushi beauty.
[This leads to a pretty humorous mix-up. – GM’s note]
The group quickly departs for the teahouse once more there are not as many people about at this time of day. A trio of travelers sits in a corner with conical straw hats obscuring their features. A courtesan sits alone in a shameful outfit, drinking sake and generally looking to find business at her earliest convenience. Junko the tea hostess greets the samurai with a bow.
Mayako speaks, “We need to speak with you in private.” The young tea hostess complies and follows the group into a separate chamber.
“Why did you bring Knife drink after the bandit executions?” Shiatari commands.
“I did no such thing,” Junko replies throwing herself at the feet of the samurai, “I swear!”
“But Knife said you brought him sake, and slept with him,” the Scorpion responds growing annoyed.
“I did not; I am a simple tea hostess great samurai. I swear,” Junko pleads.
“Jun we just need to know the truth,” Mayako adds with a softer tone.
“My name is not Jun great samurai, my name is Junko,” the hostess replies shaken.
[Mental note probably not a good idea to have characters named Jun and Junko in the same place, I blame myself for the mix-up. I did laugh though. – GM’s note]
The samurai glance at each other embarrassed at the identity mix up. They allow the hostess to leave and fetch Jun instead. Once again Nobutada and Shiba Hiro wait outside the room. Jun is a scandalous woman; she is pretty for a peasant with a curvaceous form and shameful clothing that shows much skin and temptation. She regards the samurai with indifference as she sits at a low table, “What do you want, noble samurai? It’s twenty bu upfront, and I don’t usually do women.”
Shiatari grins, “This isn’t a business call, peasant.” Despite her friend’s response Mayako blushes at the statement.
Mayako replies first, “Why did you bring Knife sake after the Green Cap bandit’s executions? Knife says you drugged him.”
“I was paid to do so, so I did it, I was told to bring him sake and make sure he had a good time, whatever happened after that is his business,” Jun replies flippantly.
“And did he?” Shiatari questions.
“I am very good at what I do, so what do you think?” the courtesan replies taking a sip of her sake.
“That does not explain why you drugged him,” Mayako replies with force.
“I had no idea the sake was drugged I just did what I was paid for,” Jun shrugs.
“Who paid you then?” Shiatari gestures, placing her hand on the hilt of her ancestral blade.
“You don’t need to threaten me, noble samurai. They didn’t pay for my loyalty, just my body. I don’t know he wore a mask, I met them outside the teahouse they brought the money and the sake. Told me to make sure Knife had a good time and left. I figured it was a good score and I was being well paid. It was business nothing more,” Jun waves her hand to emphasize her words.
“Anything else?” Mayako adds.
“Oh… well I guess I didn’t see his face but he had some kind of star like tattoo on his neck,” Jun responds with a shrug.
“Draw it for me,” Shiatari requests.
The courtesan shrugs and draws the tattoo as best as she could remember. The samurai let her go on with her business. The group goes about the village looking for the tattoo in question and continues their investigation but find no further information about this tattooed individual. Eventually as late afternoon sets in Tetsuo must return to the manor to see to his duties.
Mayako stops her childhood friend from going for a moment, “Tetsuo-san we should catch up tonight, and perhaps we can share some sake? I would really like that; it can be our little secret.”
Tetsuo nods, “I would like that, I will see you tonight then.”
As Tetsuo and his yojimbo depart Nobutada turns to Mayako, “You had best protect your womanhood; the honor of our families demands it.”
“What? I am just going to have a drink not sleep with him, cousin, stop being so… so…” she sighs in exasperation unable to find the words.
Shiatari simply grins but says nothing.
“I trust your judgment cousin. There is a more important matter we should discuss. I did not want to say anything earlier butt hat tattoo, I did see it. It was on the neck of Tetsuo’s yojimbo,” Nobutada finishes.
[I had them all roll Perception to notice it, and he was the only one. The plot thickens. – GM’s note]
Mayako gasps, “I see why you didn’t say anything. When I meet with Tetsuo-san tonight I will try and reveal this to him. I can’t believe that his yojimbo would betray him like this. Shameful.”
Shiatari seems distant, keeping her thoughts to herself.
Nobutada agrees, “Do what you think is best cousin but be careful.” With that the group returns to Lady Shion’s estate.
