Day 10 [Early Morning] Within These Walls

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"Order is certainly needed in these times and it can be difficult to discern where one's own loyalties lie. We all need to be one voice, one people united for a common cause..ne?"

Mirumoto Wasako · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:56 pm **Posts:** 945

"Opinions aren't as easily defined by colours or mon, as I've come to find out," she said as she recalled her day in court. "I suppose it is more internal than anything and people do have different ideas of what order may look like. In times of chaos, maybe chaos could be mistaken as order to some. It just blends in and makes itself seem normal. It would be best if everyone were to agree on something, at the very least find that idea of order within ourselves before the Heavens determine who is best to rule over us."

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

Ah...Dragon...

"Do you have a definitive viewpoint on order Mirumoto-san? A murderer wishes to assume power and cause total division only to assert authoritarian control. If this person were to take the throne, then what does that say about future generations? What does it say about the natural order of things? You have to understand that things will dramatically change..."

Mirumoto Wasako · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:56 pm **Posts:** 945

She let out a sigh under her breath before speaking. "There are strange times indeed...I suppose there is no great precedence in this, especially when the murderer is a former late Emperor himself? However, this act is blasphemous and circumvents the rule of Heaven, does it not? The succession is determined by blood and not merely by might alone. I'll have to imagine that this sort of precedence would only encourage further chaos and there might be others who could rise up to challenge the rule in the same way, in an Empire where only might makes right."

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"And if someone else were to do this, what then should those who revere honor and our way of living and serving do about them?"

Mirumoto Wasako · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:56 pm **Posts:** 945

She narrowed her eyes. "...Do you mean the usurpers of the usurper? I...I suppose I don't know. Life would be far too different by then, especially if it could invite endless conflicts."

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"The way of ending conflict is to stop it before it even begins. We all have to opportunity now to take a stand against such behaviors from ever happening down the road. Wouldn't you agree that with each of us taking a stand against these actions taken by the Steel Chrysanthemum and his supporters today makes for a better tomorrow?"

Mirumoto Wasako · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:56 pm **Posts:** 945

She nodded at what seemed like the obvious answer. "Absolutely, Otomo-sama! I would imagine that's the reason we find ourselves here rather than our wherever the Steel Chrysanthemum's forces are situated. If we didn't have that intent, why would we wish to stop him?"

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"Excellent. We agree. Tell me Mirumoto-san, what kind of tea do they serve in the mountains?"

Mirumoto Wasako · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:56 pm **Posts:** 945

"Hai, we agree," she nodded once at that. A part of did wonder if she was being tested or questioned just now? Ryuji was apparently an investigator, after all.

"I know that Silver Needle is a popular blend in my area, and probably really much of the Dragon lands. That, and Iron Benten. They probably aren't that exclusive? I'm not too sure if they are served throughout the Empire too."

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"Hmmm... perhaps I can invite you to a partake of Imperial matcha with me sometime. You will absolutely enjoy it."

Mirumoto Wasako · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:56 pm **Posts:** 945

"Matcha?" she said curiously. "I haven't had the pleasure of trying Imperial matcha yet but I'd be more than honoured for the opportunity. Thank you, Otomo-sama. Have you met any other of my Dragon kin, by chance?"

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

Ryuji fought back a knee-jerk reaction to being asked if he met other Dragon. It's not the he disliked them as a whole, its just that many were very spiritual and into their riddles.

"No, I have not met them. I have seen them in court. Talking with you thus far has...fulfilled the 'I have met a member of the Dragon Clan'. - Have you had the chance to see the artwork of this castle?" he asked, again quickly changing the subject. "This art is quite exquisite. Reminds me a bit of Forbidden City in Otosan Uchi."

Mirumoto Wasako · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:56 pm **Posts:** 945

"I find that a bit surprising as there are more than a few of us around and that is a bit unusual from what I am told," she said, assuming that her kin have been more social and meeting other people here.

She looked curiously at the art on display in the Lion castle, noting some of the scrolls that have been hung on the wall. Her eyes were more drawn to the visual art than the poems. "It is very elegantly done, I am...what similarities to the capital do you find, however?"

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"It is the scrolls and many of the paintings. Like this one here." he pointed to as he walked over to the painting.

"This one here is simple yet it tells a story. This one here represents Drowned Merchant River. You can see the people fishing and sailing the river. What is so interesting is that this river sits in a contested area between the Lion and Dragon territory. Many hear of military exercises being performed in that province yet people find a state of peace and serenity. It is almost, ironic."

Mirumoto Wasako · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:56 pm **Posts:** 945

She looked at the painting in question and raised her brows curiously. "Hai...but not just military exercises, the area does have some history to it around a hundred years ago. However, it is perhaps through that conflict that the peace we see today is achieved. I'm sure we are thankful for that outcome and the peace they enjoy today."

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"Yes. It does show the resiliency of man overcoming conflict. It is something simple, a simple concept to see that we servants can achieve peace in the midst of conflict and maintain our way of living."

Mirumoto Wasako · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:56 pm **Posts:** 945

"It is a quaint scene. Life without conflict is likely impossible but life cannot function without a peace to balance it. I suppose in this case, there was a conflict to make this all possible. If it didn't find its historic outcome, there could have been the possibility of a rolling conflict as both sides make right. I don't know if such a thing could be possible here...hai, also a good reminder of our resilience, Otomo-sama."

She eyed the painting further and shrugged, "I find it hard to imagine what will be scene in the aftermath, one hundred years from now. Maybe, just farmers tilling a field?"

Otomo Ryuji · **Joined:** Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 am **Posts:** 289

"Perhaps. But let's hold off on that. Join me for matcha tomorrow, I am most interested in hearing more about your skill with the blade and your travels."

Mirumoto Wasako · **Joined:** Sun Apr 05, 2020 4:56 pm **Posts:** 945

"Oh, tomorrow? Of course, Otomo-sama. I would be more than happy to join you for matcha. I only hope that I'm worthy of the tea and your time. My travels have only begun recently, however," she smiled shyly.

Day 10 [Early Morning] Within These Walls

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