He chuckled. "Afternoon beer in the bath, you're a man who knows how to live. I'll take one."

He quickly got to the cending machine, got two of the cheap beers from it and went back to the pool. He gave Shokomaru one and plopped his open. "Kampai, Daigotsu-sama" he said. "A toast to our future"

"Kampai", he agreed on that and drank about half the beer. "AAAhhhhh...that's piss water but with the heat in the bath it really hits the spot." He put the can down on the edge of the bath. "Too bad I left my cigs inside, but this is pretty nice and relaxing."

Drinking not even half as fast, Nisihida put his beer down a little later than Shokomaru. "I left mine inside, too... but I can agree, it's a beautiful day"

"So, anything you want to ask? If your schedule is clear I got some pretty good small talk I've built up over my time here", he smirked.

"Oh, i only have one question: What was your quarrel with the former Lord Magistrate? I heard she retired suddenly tonight."

"Oh...well", he shook his head. "You remember last time we spoke...uh...i think you were right there", he pointed slightly to Nishida's left. "My goons didn't check with the locals before going ham on a missing person rumor." he sipped beer. "Finish this before it starts to warm, by the way." he blanched and put the empty can down. "So she took it as an insult, forcing the kids heads down in a bow, letter of apology, all that. My responsibility."

he smirked. "She was hiding something though, she lied about it to our faces, but considering the moment I couldn't press it. Though I'm pretty sure it's her involvement with the temple that's forced her retirement."

"Ahh, i heard of that cult thing going on. Didn't knew you were involved. But it's good she's gone, she didn't believed us when we warned her of actual zombies in the woods."

"What's she going to do?" he shrugged. "Say oh yes, crab-san, please save us from these problems we sweep under the rug!" A chuckle. "She's not going to lose face like that just so you can look good, especially if parts of either issue were connected."

"Better loose face then your job i guess" he shrugged, then chukled. Was Schadenfreude not something beautiful?

"Either way, she was fucked, and now her husband needs another mistress." He chuckled. "Though on that, I'm curious. Does your choice line up with your duties? I assume they meet your preference as you seem a bit smitten."

"I think so, on a political level it's a good match, it will secure the crab a good position here. And on a personal level i,.. well she's smart, a tad naive? But she has a good heart, so yes, i guess i she's worth it."

"That's good", he said honestly. There was a little relief mixed in as well. "I feel like a lot of people will simply be making the best of things, it's nice to hear that."

"Can count on the Yasuki to strike a good deal" he said with a smile. "I'll hope the best for Daigotsu-sama, too."

"Any choice I make is a good one", he said. "Ideal? Preferred? Probably not, but good and possibly harmonious? Definitely. I'll be in good hands."

"That's good to hear, but I expected nothing else from a Chui" he lifted his, now hand warm beer and drank it as fast as he could.

Rank had duties, it was true. He was Nishida's enemy, but they were on neutral ground, respect among samurai was important, and on top of all of that he'd be sleeping with his clan mate later.

"Yeah, things are starting to shape up after a long and bumpy ride. You can lose every engagement and still manage a victory."

"And you can win every battle and still loose the war" he replied. "You're decent for a spider, Daigotsu-sama" he said with a smirk, maybe complimenting a spider sincerly for the first time in his life.

He chuckled. "I'll take it."

He had other things to say on it, but he didn't want to ruin the moment. "You going to take some time off with your spouse before getting back to work?"

"Probably, it depends on whether my lord allows it. I have some obligations I have to fulfill, but I would like a little vacation."

"How about you, i guess you won't marry out, too?"