(D2 EE expecting) Crab-eating Spider?

[Susumu Sumiko]

Sumiko had heard about the local restaurant from a few people. The clerk at the embassy had also recommended it, mentioning that it would have both fish to see and things to learn. Two things Sumiko loved! So she found out where it was, and changing into her kimono because it felt more fitting for a nicer place she made her way to the harbourfront, her umbrella being kept close by as those clouds looked rather worrying...

Finally locating the place, she moved up to enter and looked around with interest. Already noticing the usual looks that she had got so far, but she knew she'd have to get someones attention once she had finished reading the nearby statue.

[Yasuki Honoka]

Just behind Sumiko, there was the woman of the establishment herself: Honoka. Attending to a pair of crab samurai, a Yasuki and a Hida by the look of it whom looked the corporate type. Lower on the societal rung surely but likely representing someone far higher up the chain by what a glance of them might tell you. Sumiko might have even overheard Honoka bidding them farewell, and thanking them on behalf of her father for their continued support. Once they'd left, Honoka took a deep breath to ease the tension that fell from her shoulders.

Turning back toward the restaurant Honoka would nearly turn into Sumiko, "Ah- apologies Samurai-sama. I did not see you there. Are you.." she glances to either side. ".. thank you for coming to Crabkaku!" she musters up a bit of glee on that, enough to sell the happier shift to her tone.

[Susumu Sumiko]

Sumiko managed to not jump too much as the voice she could hear behind her suddenly became a lot closer. She turned quickly though and once she saw the person bowed deeply. Which would mean the mons on her clothes would be easier to see now.

"I'm sorry, I got distracted by these statues. They're such a fascinating idea! How many in total are there?"

There was a pause, then an "oh, I was looking to eat here hai. I just can't resist when there is something to learn. Was I in your way? I can move."

[Yasuki Honoka]

"Not at all!!" she says, almost too eagerly. Worried she indeed might have disturbed poor Sumiko! However, such compliments could only earn a smile. Nodding Honoka directed their attention to a few other statues across the establishment.

"There are seven, across the whole of the establishment. Each one of a different species and naturally each with different information! Everyone here would be eager to help you learn just a bit more about crabs during your time with us."

[Susumu Sumiko]

"Oh what an interesting idea. I know I said I was looking to eat here but I think I'd read all the statues first" Sumiko said with a growing smile "can I do that? I don't want to be disturbing anyone so I will understand if not! Do you work here Yasuki-sama?"

[Yasuki Honoka]

Honoka hasn't thought of that- what if someone like Sumiko wishes to see all the statues. Would that disturb the other guests? Surely such an oversight would need to be addressed and considered fully but now was not the time. Now, there was a young woman before her with a most important question.

"I am certain it should be fine. Who could be too disturbed by one seeking knowledge?" she says, a little too performatively. A slightly awkward smile, and. "Oh! I am Yasuki Honoka, I am the proprietor of this restaurant. I am also very glad to hear of your interest in it!"

[Susumu Sumiko]

"The proprietor? It's an honour to meet the inspiration behind this wonderful place. I'm Susumu Sumiko" she bowed again, deeper this time "I imagine you must be very busy so thank you for taking time to welcome me here Yasuki-sama."

It's the warmest reaction I've had on the island so far she mentally added.

"So I can go read the statues? That's great, thank you! Is there a preferred order? Or shall I just walk in a circle then finish up where the nearest clear table is? I'm quite small so I can avoid being too distracting" she nodded at that then motioned to the left "this way then?"

[Yasuki Honoka]

Honoka returns the young woman's bow with one of her own, not quite as deep but wholly appropriate. "Of course!" she says with a smile. "There is no order to them, each is of their own make and there is no progression or proper viewing method. I hope you enjoy each of the statues, and their provided knowledge. If you have any questions- well, I would be happy to speak on more about any of them surely!"

Giving Sumiko leave to browse the statues, Honoka would allow the young woman to part and attend other business in the time between should she return to her.

[Susumu Sumiko]

"Thank you thank you" Sumiko smiled brightly and went to read the pillars. Pausing at each one to study with a few 'hmms'. It took her around half an hour of moving carefully to avoid disturbing anyone while studying the different Once she made it round each of the statues she had noticed the aquarium! So much to see!

Looking around she tried to find a table closest to the aquarium to look at the food and the crabs at the same time.

[Yasuki Honoka]

Meanwhile, Honoka appeared to immediately be filling her time with other tasks of the day. Taking one important call, moving into the next, and the. Immediately hoping onto her personal computer to write some mail messages. All the tasks of the one truly busy woman at any company. However, despite all of this attention being allowed for the moment to be applied elsewhere Sumiko wouldn't feel far from Honoka's presence.

After all, when she did find a seat, one of Honoka's employee's was promptly to her side and happily providing any assistance. Noting, although subtly in her greeting, that she was asked by Honoka to ensure Sumiko had a good time while she was here and that she was here to facilitate any need she might be able to manage.

[Susumu Sumiko]

There was a small surprise as someone had approached so quickly, but she soon smiled brightly and bowed to the employee. She asked the employee for recommendations on the best local dishes, and was quick to order one of those along with a green tea to go with it. She looked around for Honoka once the order was taken to give her a bow of thanks in her direction as well. It was a very enjoyable experience, and she had looked back to the aquarium soon after to watch

[Yasuki Honoka]

They would catch a moment of time across the room. Bow exchanged and received, Honoka wearing a soft smile. There is a moment where Honoka looks back over to Sumiko preparing for a meal where she checks that she is settled and satisfied before she considers allowing her work flow to pull her back into the next thing, and then the thing after that. But before she would allow that, she wanted to ensure Sumiko was well and settled and needed nothing else.

[Susumu Sumiko]

The food arrived - a traditional Crab based hot pot soup with vegetables to go with a green tea. She closed her eyes and offered a small prayer of thanks for the food before trying it, and there was a clear approval from the girl when she finally started eating. However she also wasn't a fast eater, as the girl almost seemed to be trying to work out what was in the dish as she was eating.

When she had finished she sat back again, and after checking how busy the place was she motioned to someone to ask if she could speak with Yasuki Honoka.

[Yasuki Honoka]

The staff would obediently forward Sumiko's request. Whom could follow the workers path through the floor to see them arrive at Honoka's side as Honoka was addressing someone who had arrived physically to speak with her. Finishing with this other Crab Honoka would acknowledge her employee. Nodding, she would part from the individual and move across the floor and wind around over back to Sumiko's side.

'Hello again, Susumu-san. I hope you enjoyed your meal with us?" she asked out of that expectation she felt was there for her to do so as the proprietor.

[Susumu Sumiko]

Sumiko smiled brightly and bowed as the woman approached.

"Yasuki-sama, hello! Forgive me if you were busy, I just wanted to personally thank you for the kindness and welcoming by you and your staff. Also I have to say...I've been to many different places by many other clans over the last few years, but this is my favourite restaurant I've been to! Everything about Crabkaku appeals to me though. Do the statue facts change with the seasons? It would be interesting to return in future times and find that there are more interesting facts to learn."

[Yasuki Honoka]

"I do not mind at all, Susumu-san. You are a delight to have here, and your enthusiasm is most welcome," she says happily. Looking around as Sumiko aks her question she cannot help but give her the credit of greater thought. "I had not considered that but it surely would be possible wouldn't it? Perhaps I might be able to match the species on display to the season in accordance with some justification. That is an excellent idea, thank you Susumu-san."

"I am.. greatly honored by your words," she says again, as she bows deeply to show the depth of her appreciation.