"It's really amazing! I don't suppose you'd be willing to teach me how to play a bit while we're here? I mostly make electronic games, so I don't know card games that well yet, but Fantasy Fight kinda exploded a while ago," she replied.

She put her hands on her hips and gave an exaggerated sigh. "Geez. If I'm going to give other meetings a fair shot, you're going to have to slow down on this whole 'being awesome' thing."

There wasn't much in terms of encouragement for him to sing something, so Ruhe thought that might be no in sync with Phoenix dinner customs so he restrained himself and focused on the stew for a moment.

"Wonder by what yardstick the Phoenix measure good marriage material."

Akihiko chuckles, but also sighs, as he appreciates Shizuku's point.

"Daidoji Shizuku-san, I will be very happy to share what I know about Fantasy Fight with you while we're here. And, so we may both do our duty well here, I will excuse myself now until our dinner." The Lion bows very respectfully, though his eyes continue to hint at his serious interest.

"Thank you, Akodo-sama. I'm looking forward to your lessons." She bowed in return, a smile very genuine and bright when she meets his eyes. She's clearly quite serious about her interest herself, despite her playful demeanor. "All right. I'm looking forward to it a great deal. I hope you enjoy the miai until then and... I might be a little bit selfish and hope the other participants don't distract you too much between now and then."

Akihiko smiles warmly and nods, but forces himself to step away as he said he would. It could be, if he's watched when he's a couple meters away, he's seen looking over his shoulder for one more gaze at Shizuku. If she spots him, he smiles, chuckles, and then disappears in the crowd.

"Of course, have yourself a good evening, Yasuki-sama," she said before bowing deeply in return.