"Uh?"

Akemi looked surprised.

"I didn't know Hide had been so thorough in gathering support... Guess she really is the secret power player of this miai."

Embarrassed:

"Uh... Better overdo it than halfass it?"

She turned back to Nishida, hoping the conversation will change track again:

"So uh... You were saying you arranged for some kind of partnership between your company and the Phoenix here? That's like super mega good for us isn't it?"

He nodded towards Eriko. "She seems capable. If you want this connection I am not in your way, the lion can help us against the spider and the mantis."

That's all he had to say to that matter.

"I sold something they desperatly need: a spirit furnance. It is a good deal and has earned me a stone in the board with the governor."

"Got it," was all she said in return on the matter. Eriko nodded to the Yasuki's words regarding a possible alliance. She would just have to take his word for it as she was not a courtier by any means but it did make sense.

Another nod.

"Oh that's cool.

So supposedly the governor will be slightly more accommodating to the Crab in the short run? Well, I don't really know what I can do with that information cause I'm unlikely to meet him unless I stumble on him by chance at the karaoke or something but that's still good in a general perspective.

So, uh, do we have anything else to talk about or can we adjourn this particular meeting? I'm the only one left without a task but don't think there is much I can do if we want to stay low..."

"PLease help Kuni-san if she needs some help. Also i need the report on that as soon as possible. I'll meet up with the magistrate tomorrow morning, so an info i can get will be valuable"

he gave them a bow

"If you want, you may leave now."

"Let me know if you need me for anything, I think I shared my number with you a while back or you can call Akemi-san and she can call me in return. I shall leave the matter in your capable hands. Whatever happens, dealing with this problem is the biggest priority, as we all know here," she said before giving a deep bow, looking quite serious on the matter.

She gave a look around at the restaurant, maybe I'll get to dine here someday.

"Watch yourselves, you hear?" she said to both of them and made her exit in short order.

/exit