"What's the matter?"
She asked, quickly realizing that there was something wrong.
"I think you'd better sit down Niwa-san."
Her smile faded quickly as she examined his serious expression.
"Okay… Uhm… Please, go on ahead into the reception room, I'll be right down."
She invited them in with an apprehensiveness about her voice.
They sat cross-legged around the table, as Ii sniffed himself, wondering whether he would smell. They had not washed in many days, and he did not want a mere stench to ruin his chances with such a beauty.
She arrived with her maid in tow, who promptly asked whether they would like any tea.
"That would be great, thank you Shibata."
Jikouji said with a small smile.
The maid bowed, leaving them to their business, as she shuffled off into another room to fuss over their tea.
They sat in silence, not speaking until the maid returned with their tea, presenting it in front of them.
