* Isawa_Hayate (~Captain@Rizon-86866936.columbus.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
* Bayushi_Kitano bowing. "Crane-Sama, we humble young magistrates in your care shall wear and perform our duty proudly. I have no questions."
<Kitsuki_Takeshi> "Excuse me, Doji-sama, but how old are Mauri's sons?"
<Temtasketh> He nods. "Hakenka is just turned 18. His gempukku is not long past, but he absolutley has potential, with a strong hand to guid him. Amai's son, Sokoi, is only eight, but is definitively Maouri's son."
* Kitsuki_Takeshi nods at this... "And you have reason to suspect foul play?"
<Temtasketh> Shunso frowns slightly. "He died very suddenly, and there are two sons from different mothers. It is not likely that any problems will arise, but we would like to have a presence there, just in case."
<Kitsuki_Takeshi> "Of course. then, I do not have any more questions. Thank you, Doji-sama."
<Temtasketh> He nods curtly. "Your horses are waiting outside. Return here after your duties at Ichime are completed, regardless of the end result."
* Bayushi_Kitano nods at this and bows deeply to Shunso.
* Kitsuki_Takeshi echoes his bow
<Shiba_Yuriko> Soon after they take their leave, and go to retrieve the horses provided for them Yuriko speaks up.
<Shiba_Yuriko> "Akodo Maouri is a relatively minor lord, however his family is large and well connected. He is the distant cousin of the current Akodo Daimyo and ties to the Ikoma in Otosan Uchi," she says.
* Shiba_Yuriko lowers her voice. "There are unsavory rumors regarding a possible curse, however nothing has ever been substantiated, so it may very well be gossip," Yuriko concludes.
<Kitsuki_Takeshi> "A curse. Hmph." Says the cursed man.
<Kitsuki_Takeshi> "Though... there has to be more to this. Maybe he died of natural causes... but I think someone might stand to profit from it regardless..."
* Bayushi_Kitano hmms at this and gives a smile. "Well, I am sure nothing is amiss, we're simply there to be a presence and assure a smooth transition of power to the rightful heir."
* Kitsuki_Takeshi smiles, himself."Perhaps I'm being a bit paranoid. I was taught to never take anything at face value."
* Shiba_Yuriko nods. "If it is a matter of concern it is a matter of concern," Yuriko asserts.
<Bayushi_Kitano> "Do not worry too hard Kitsuki-san, there will be many years ahead of you where such vigilance will do you well, but this is our first assignment out of gempukku. Do not let that paranoia go though, it is a very positive trait."
<Kitsuki_Takeshi> "That is a very... disconcerting compliment, Kitano-san, but thank you."