Nakahama

"My first extended time off of Rokugan, in truth," admits Kazushi. "I spend most of my time at some of our central offices in Ryoko Owari and Toshi Aitate, while my wife is a junior ambassador to Kyuden Doji."

Yasuki Ayame wrote: Wed Nov 05, 2025 11:56 pm ...

Bayushi Kazushi wrote: Thu Nov 06, 2025 12:21 am "My first extended time off of Rokugan, in truth," admits Kazushi. "I spend most of my time at some of our central offices in Ryoko Owari and Toshi Aitate, while my wife is a junior ambassador to Kyuden Doji."

"Rokugan?" Ayame couldn't help but say it in the obvious exasperation of someone who has never stepped foot on Rokugan, the original homeworld of origin where the Kami graced at some point in their long history. "...That would explain the outfit. Very traditional, Bayushi-san."

She gave him another appraising look as she finished her wine and asked for another. It wasn't her usual sort of drink, but 'dessert' enough that she could appreciate it later in the evening.

"So, for someone who has never been there, how would you describe the place? Do they use screen doors everywhere still? With no automatic sliding doors? A honour history, of course," she said, making it clear that she didn't think that such things were backwards. Even if they were.

Kazushi smiles - he'd been expecting this kind of reaction.

"Outside of the historical zones, it's actually quite modernized," he explains, "although some people cling to classical appearances overlaying the devices that make contemporary life possible. Between the Crane, the Imperial families, and my own clan, we make certain that the Home World does not lack for cutting-edge technology - our insistence on defining the trends and fashions of the Empire would accept no less, and as a result overrules those who would keep the whole planet rooted in the past. The lack of heavy industry has allowed the environment to recover, making it a place of clean air and water, which I'm told is far from a given on other worlds. One might say that it has been shaped into a world where we enjoy all of the best, and suffer none of the worst."

Yasuki Ayame wrote: Thu Nov 06, 2025 11:31 am ...

Bayushi Kazushi wrote: Thu Nov 06, 2025 12:24 pm Kazushi smiles - he'd been expecting this kind of reaction.

"Outside of the historical zones, it's actually quite modernized," he explains, "although some people cling to classical appearances overlaying the devices that make contemporary life possible. Between the Crane, the Imperial families, and my own clan, we make certain that the Home World does not lack for cutting-edge technology - our insistence on defining the trends and fashions of the Empire would accept no less, and as a result overrules those who would keep the whole planet rooted in the past. The lack of heavy industry has allowed the environment to recover, making it a place of clean air and water, which I'm told is far from a given on other worlds. One might say that it has been shaped into a world where we enjoy all of the best, and suffer none of the worst."

Ayame didn't really touch her second glass of wine as she put all of her attention into taking in Kazushi's words, digging into a bit of introspection. "...Hm, I think I can sort of understand that, even if I don't have a good idea of Rokugan yet. The vibe, at least, I think? I mean, maybe only based on my personal experience comparatively. I've spent so long in harsh environments that coming home here was a bit strange at first, you know, being able to actually breathe the planet's air before special equipment or being somewhere with an airlock. Probably a little drastic in comparison, but yeah, something like that can be far from other worlds."

"That's...troubling, but I suppose it's always been the case," Kazushi replies, concerned by the governor's recounting of her experiences. "The few are largely ignorant of the sacrifices made and hardships faced by those who allow them to live in peace and prosperity. As a producer of luxury goods, I suppose I share in the guilt for such thoughtlessness. The resources I take for granted would not be available were it not for the bravery and dedication to duty of those such as yourself."

(Quite willing to provide Sincerity/Awareness if needed.)

Yasuki Ayame wrote: Thu Nov 06, 2025 8:39 pm ...

Bayushi Kazushi wrote: Thu Nov 06, 2025 9:24 pm "That's...troubling, but I suppose it's always been the case," Kazushi replies, concerned by the governor's recounting of her experiences. "The few are largely ignorant of the sacrifices made and hardships faced by those who allow them to live in peace and prosperity. As a producer of luxury goods, I suppose I share in the guilt for such thoughtlessness. The resources I take for granted would not be available were it not for the bravery and dedication to duty of those such as yourself."

(Quite willing to provide Sincerity/Awareness if needed.)

Ayame was quiet for a moment before breaking the mood with a chuckle and a wave of her hand. "Oh, no, no. I didn't mean to drag you into my own experiences, Bayushi-san. Hardly a complaint. Your sympathy is appreciated, however. I'm quite sure Naraku is quite a long way away from Rokugan. I suppose even if it is light-years away from many other parts of the Empire, custody and Duty over that planet is something the Crab will still gladly shoulder."

She nodded firmly at that, sure of herself.

"I know the weight of Duty," Kazushi says...

...even as I reject it,,,, he thinks.

"I don't offer sympathy, but understanding. That, and a willingness to change how I think about things."

Bayushi Kazushi wrote: Thu Nov 06, 2025 11:19 pm "I know the weight of Duty," Kazushi says...

...even as I reject it,,,, he thinks.

"I don't offer sympathy, but understanding. That, and a willingness to change how I think about things."

There was a faint smile on Ayame's lips after his response. "I don't expect that my mere words would transfer you into the shoes of another, but it's a start at least."

"You'll have to excuse me, Bayushi-san. I have a bit of a mountain of gifts to tackle," she gave a tilt of her head towards where people originally presented their gifts earlier in the evening and before giving a quick bow to excuse herself. "Thank you for your gift once again, and the pledge of the delegation's appreciated support."

Kazushi bows as the governor departs.

"A start, indeed," he says quietly, to no one in particular.

And the governor leaves to tend to her mountain of gifts!

/exit