Plodding Along

Kasuga Seitouna · **Posted:** Wed May 27, 2020 4:04 pm

Before
Seitouna, acknowledged by the governor, approached her and bowed deeply. His ditty bag remained in place on his shoulder, somehow.

"Kasuga Seitouna, Ikoma-chiji,” he said to announce himself, “and many thanks for your permission to be herein. Where may this one be out of the way of those whose valiant efforts continue?" And he thought A bit florid, perhaps, but many Ikoma go in for that, I'm told, and I can hardly be accused of being impolite.

Ikoma Torii bowed in return, not as deeply, of course, and replied. "I would never deign to put you out of the way, but unfortunately there are no embassies here from the Minor Clans. Perhaps that can be a challenge you set for yourself!"

"This one shall see to it, then, by Ikoma-chiji's leave" came the Tortoise’s own reply, preceding a deep bow before Seitouna bows departed into Nikesake.

During
Seitouna sifted through notes, seemingly random scraps of parchment with charcoal scribbles smudging in strange characters that he still seemed to have no trouble reading, putting the pages in order. Gray soot streaked his fingers and smudged one cheek where he had absently scratched his face and showed where he had picked up the cooling, oversteeped tea before putting it down and seeming to forget about it again.

He looked up as a scratching came at the door of the room where he had been staying in Nikesake, where he had stayed during the siege and after, more nights alone than not. The servant—Seitouna had learned his name was Jinkaja—bowed deeply and presented a letter. With a murmured thanks, Seitouna accepted it, his eyes widening as he recognized the seal upon it.

The seal of the kizoku.

Breaking it, Seitouna read the letter.

Quote:

Cousin,

I was gratified to receive your manuscript, and I think you have spun a fine tale of your days. I encourage you to continue writing; the Tortoise will be enriched by your efforts, I believe. And you will, of course, need a place in which to do that work.

Accept the challenge that was issued you. That you are inland in Nikesake does not mean the Tortoise would not have you at a port of call.

<chop of>

Kasuga Shakuzai

Seitouna almost yelled as he barreled out of his room and downstairs to where the inn’s staff worked, peppering them with questions. “Who is your patron here, friends, and where can I find them? Which carpenters and masons are best in town? Oh, and you know the Lost Battle Tea House? Please tell them I wish to make a reservation; I have something of a franchise opportunity for them, if they’re amenable.

“Yes, yes, of course I understand it will take time—but please, do see to these.”

Seitouna flashes a winning smile, easily, the training of the Kasuga coming to the fore. “And, yes, I am happy with how you have served so far. I’d like to keep enjoying it, if all are willing.”

The inn staff rushes off to address his commands. One coughs slightly and, at Seitouna’s glance, seems idly to scratch a cheek.

“Oh! I guess I’ll need to bathe, then!”

After
Seitouna smiled and bowed as he opened the doors. It had taken some time, of course, and a fair amount of money, but Torii House was finally ready, the frame around the front door evoking the Ikoma who had “authorized” the work, the supports for it at its bottom showing the Tortoises looking out from their shells at passers-by.

Finally, Seitouna thinks, I can get to work on Odayakana-san the Armorer and other stories.

Plodding Along

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