"Oh no, I was implying that I wanted to make her more comfortable." Nozomi also frowned. "That being said, I have considered that. Perhaps it's best that I do all in my power to stay within the clan.

"Or maybe I'm considered expendable in that way."

"A little expendable," Nozomi laughed, a mix of solemnness and classic awkwardness. She pulled away from the crowds, hoping to be at least out of close proximity to others.

"Say, on this note," she said with a hush tone. "Hyeon-ju has fared better so far in the competitions. I surely believe that I would marry into her clan. That I am willing to accept. But in the case that does not happen, I think it would be wise to prevent our clan from losing that asset."

She fidgeted with her glasses. "If you understand my meeting."

Nozomi glanced over at the cabbage guy; had she seen him before? Cabbages were precious indeed.

"Yes," the Kitsu replied. She cast her eyes downward, tapping her foot incessantly.

"The ideal case would be marrying in a suitable political alliance, of course," Nozomi agreed.

She stood silent for a few moments after Shoan had given her answer. The priestess then nodded slowly. "Yes. I suppose that works," she said wistfully.

Nozomi smiled meekly. "Perhaps the others have fared better then with their lists. And then that would leave us two."

"In that case yes," Nozomi stated blandly. She raised her brow and then looked around. "For the sake of the clan."

"I think highly of you too," Nozomi murmured with a faint smile. She gave her glasses a calm, thorough cleansing, then placed them back on her face. "Now then, shall we continue, um, doing whatever we were doing here?"

Nozomi bit her lip and then could not help herself. "Well, I, no. Maybe it didn't change anything for you but for me... I'm relieved." She laughed awkwardly. "It's good to have shared my intent."

---

D7 LA Don't Mind This "Fluff" Roll of TN 20: 3d10o10 16

"Yes, it is only right to be honest," Nozomi agreed, pulling at her top's collar. "But it is not always easy. Sometimes it's hard to put out the right words. That is part of why I did not speak with you about it sooner."

"I... hm, I did not think about that. We hadn't really done anything of that, well, sort," Nozomi admitted. She glanced around idly. "Maybe we should talk to the others about it too?"