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By Nancy Sauer
Edited by Fred Wan
“You have my earnest thanks for seeing me at such short notice,” Susumu said. He rose up from his bow and smiled at Togashi Satsu.
“State your business and leave,” Satsu said.
The Imperial Advisor sighed slightly. “So hostile, still. After all these months have I not proved myself to you?”
“I know where your loyalties lie. You serve the Child of Heaven because you think to advance your lord’s plans while doing so.”
Susumu shrugged. “The same could be said of Bayushi Hisoka, and yet you do not mind him. It is very discouraging to know that even your wisdom has such gaps.”
“I will not have any clan’s champion compared to filth such as Daigotsu,” Satsu said.
Susumu grew still, still as death, and his eyes locked on Satsu’s. The two men stared at each other for a moment and then Susumu smiled. “Your attitude hampers my work in the courts,” he said softly. “I cannot properly advise the Empress if I do not know what is going on, and I cannot know that if people will not talk to me. Courtiers are starting to talk about your dislike of me, and it is making them reluctant to speak.”
“This is not my problem,” Satsu said.
“I wonder if the Divine One would agree,” Susumu said. He let the silence hang for a moment and then said, “But I would hate to bother her with such a small thing, when it is so easy for us to resolve it here.”
“What do you mean?”
Susumu drew a small scroll case from his obi. “As Imperial Advisor, it is my privilege to appoint someone to serve as the head of my yojimbo. I wish for you to signal your approval of my choice by making the announcement to the court. In exchange, I will give you the power of veto over my choice.”
“And if I use that power?” Satsu asked.
“I will choose another, and another, until I find one that you approve of.” Susumu held the scroll out to the other man.
Satsu was silent for a time, and then he reached out and took the scroll. “I will send you word of my decision tonight,” he said.
“Thank you,” Susumu said. He bowed deeply. “Together we shall smooth the Empress’s path in this difficult time.”
