Shoan respectfully inputs the com number and then performs the ceremonial ‘reply to new number with thumbs up emoji’

“I just... am aware of my own shortcomings. I can.. should always be looking to improve on my successes. When you know your own flaws maybe it’s easier to be hard on yourself? That and I am from a family most have never heard, that’s an easy way to learn how important you are.”

"Marriage is the easiest way to change a family name. My own grandfather wasn't born Hida.

I have many flaws myself. But I did study a bit the teachings of the Ikoma as part as my grandfather's attempts to one day make a general out of me. And they seem to insist on the fact that one should not shy away from boasting about their own successes. Your achievements contribute to the glory of your clan after all."

That gets a raised eyebrow, a Lion does not simply declare their grandfather was not born one, even if it were true...especially if it were true.

"The Ikoma share bare our clan's emotions to the world so that the other families do not have to. If you have seen images of a bard center stage with their hair flying and eyes flashing, well the calm looking lion standing off to the side with a rifle and watching the room? That was a Murame. Sometimes a Lion's honesty offends, and that's where my family comes in."

Akemi nodded:

"We all have a role to play, and some roles are not destined for the limelight.

But for how long will you remain a Murame however? I don't know much about the Lion's marriage traditions, but shouldn't you take the name of your spouse if she's from a great family from a great clan?"

"Hai...that is true, I would probably take my spouse's name and enter his or her family. Sometimes I imagine the change would be easy, in other cases...well, I feel as though I would make a poor Tsuruchi, for example. I suppose I would have to try to fit in as best I can."

A slight frown reappears
"Just as long as my new family does not expect me to remain at home and raise children. I don't mind them but I feel it would be a waste of my talents."

"Tsuruchi?"

Akemi raised an eyebrow at the suspiciously specific example (as opposed to naming someone like the Doji) but left it at that.

"Were you raised by your parents yourself? Most samurai are raised by servants. If you marry upward, you probably won't have to worry about your kids unless you want to."

"Both my parents were active in my education, I am an only child so I ended up with more attention than most. Some...might say they were ornithopter parents, but they have always meant well."

Shoan stills looks pensive
"You are right, most samurai do not have to spend more time raising their children than they wish...and I would certainly have my own duties. It would be preferable if a balance could be struck, I would want them to grow up more skilled than myself or my partner."

"A noble ideal but a difficult task when your very duty can send you to the other side of the galaxy. Especially true for someone in an Imperial unit. No frontier at all for you.

Hardly compatible with your other ideal of a military spouse too. Unless they've got a stable position, as a Honor Guard or something similar for example."