Nakahama

Taraka shook her head.

"As far as I know, neither the governor nor her karo are engaged. But I can't imagine that remaining the case for long. The people's respect for them will surely grow once they've put down more firm roots on the island." she offered.

She looked appraisingly at the Bayushi.

"What about you, Bayushi-san? Are your nights of zipping along the streets alone on a fast bike coming to an end soon?"

She shrugs. "That's up to my family. I am the remaining unmarried child of a provincial governor who is getting older each year. Whether she will use the bargaining chip or my sister when she inherits remains unknown."

"But a question. Any idea what kind of a candidate could draw the daimyo's attention, perhaps? I could see our alliance and a potential closer co operation in Nakahama being sealed in a more traditional way. We have some excellent people in our delegation." She looks away simingly indifferent. "A very good courtier coming from money and a prestigious ancestry included."