His spirits raised, and he nodded. "Let us strive to see each other more. I... am not settling on where my heart and duty will coincide, leaving it to the Fortunes to guide me." Those eyes focused on her, "from what I can see, continuing my pursuit of you will make me happy. We still have a week of this festival. I would very much enjoy having you in my life for the duration, if not longer."

There was still a hint of sadness, but also warmth and joy in his smile.

She did not envy his position, unsure if she was doing the right thing. She had to choose, not choosing was a choice in itself, a cowardly choice. But there were still a few days remaining, and the hope that things would become clearer. An idea came to her, "perhaps you would care to join me at the ranch for dinner one evening? I'm not the most accomplished cook, but the fungal forests bioluminesce after dark, and perhaps a glimpse into what a life on this planet might be like could aide in... your decision."

"I very much would enjoy that, Moriko-san." He nodded, finding the thought beyond attractive. "Very much indeed. I am sure whatever the dinner is... it will be wonderful."

"We don't import much by way of food, but the Phoenix scholars have come up with some very clever substitutions made from the native fungi. Is there anything in particular you would like me to make?" There was something charming about the idea, cooking for Ryuu, looking out over the fungal forest as they ate. The thought of being married had seemed too abstract to imagine, but she could almost picture it now.