"Of course. Cannot have a small list at this point. It is not entirely in our hands if we get to choose, or get chosen." He watched the Asahina as she spoke. "The ones you have met from the Spider would be excellent choices. I am sure you would build a good life with any of them." A small smile, regarding her.

"May I ask, what do you specifically want from a spouse?"

She had been looking out a moment, but she turned back with a faint teasing smirk at the question. "Oh, I'm hardly the sort to dictate what another does for me, spouse or not. If they can help Isora Fashion out, I'd most certainly accept, but I'd never think about taking away the use of years of training from someone. So many seem to fear a spouse that would stop them doing what they've always done."

"There are stories of that fear coming true." Ryuu responded without any judgement of the statement. "And that only answers part of the question, at a certain point. I suppose I was trying to pry for a personal answer." There was a slight grin.

"Perhaps there are, but I find them quite disappointing. To think that there would be such foolish people... ah, but you wish specifics." Fusako paused to smile. "I meant what I said, but I suppose a better way to put it is I seek someone with a sharp mind that can think for themselves. I'm an independent and opinionated woman Daigotsu-san, and I doubt that I could get along with a partner who would act meek or overly dependent."

She paused. "Mmm, looking good helps too of course..."

"Strong of will. A keen mind. Perceptive even." He extrapolated what he read into it. Then a smirk, almost devilish, "attraction and attractiveness cannot be discounted in making a good match, Asahina-san."

Subconsciously, he returned to a military posture, his eyes intently focused on her again. "I am sure that will not be found wanting here on Asakaze, Asahina-san. From what I have seen, each delegation has sent very fine candidates."

She gave a slow nod. "Which is why my list has remained so broad thus far. Certainly I have not been found too wanting... as I am certain your own heart has not."

"No... it has not." The words were quiet, not quite shame, more... uncertainty. "I was not prepared to actually feel... anything... this early on."

"Well, the clans sent their best, so it is hardly a surprise. Just remember moderation and focus, keep yourself from acting on too much impulse." There was a pause, and she seemed to almost roll her eyes with a sigh. "Which is rich coming from me."

"I have never been impulsive, Asahina-san. And moderation has been the only reason I am not a mess." He laughed slightly, sighing a bit. "Perhaps my parents had an easier time, not meeting until the day they were wed."

"Perhaps. Less choice means for less concerns, but at the same time, it means more to learn about later. I quite like the possibilities. I was originally to be arranged a marriage, but I think both my parents saw that I would do much better given an opportunity like Asakaze."

"You may be right. It should be an honor to have an opportunity to have a hand in shaping your own destiny. Perhaps I am being... I do not know." The Spider thought on his words, seemingly introspective in the moment.

"You are being thoughtful, and there is no trouble in that Daigotsu-san," she said simply with a polite smile. "You are here now, so there is no use doing anything but accepting your path, but even I have a bit of a wistful spot about imagining myself in an arranged marriage instead. A bit of ease, the mystery of it all, the excitement of getting to know someone as you are put together by someone who believes they know you both well... it would be different, though I cannot say for better or worse."

"You are likely right, Asahina-san." Ryuu felt a certain amount of ease ad the words were spoken. "Living in the moment, assessing what the current situation is, has never truly been an issue for me. Likely why I have had no issues putting in the legwork myself, getting to know any potentials I can."

"That's the spirit Daigotsu-san," Fusako said with a widened smile. "I have a hard time admitting I'm wrong anyway, so it's a good thing I'm likely right."

"Someone who wants an independent, strong willed partner, herself findjng difficulty in admitting when she is wrong? Shocking." His smile went wide with the joke, though it seemed awkward, off-putting. Composing himself quickly. "I am sorry, I do not mean to make jest at your expense. Levity is not my strong suit."

A moment of consideration. "But... music is. Or any performance art, I hace some skill with."

Fusako didn't seem off put at all. Instead, she merely nodded at Ryuu's comment. "That makes some sense. Did you take up such things on your own, or did your mother influence you into music?"

"It is mostly the influence of my mother, yes." He continued. "My father has appreciated it my whole life, however. Though again, likely my mother influencing him."

Ryuu considered for a moment. "I brought my flute with me here, but not much demonstrating. Surprisingly more time spent dancing... at the arcade."

"Well, they don't really have a good place for performances, but they have a dance game, and a night club, so I think it's hardly TOO surprising. Still, I take it that means you'd like a chance to play? Perhaps you could find a place willing to let you put on a performance." None came to mind for her immediately, but she had a select set of places she'd frequented.

"I would not wish to put on a full performance. Something smaller, more intimate. I do not want to punish a crowd with my amateur enjoyments." He chuckled slightly, shaking his head.

"Maybe something for those I get to know a little more."

"I think sometimes it's quite satisfying punishing others with a performance, good or bad, but... mmm, if you are thinking small..." Fusako looked off into the rain in silence a long moment, looking deeply thoughtful. Finally she nodded. "Have you tried asking the karaoke bar if you could use one of their rooms? They're already designed for small, intimate performances in a way, and koku's koku in the end."