week one, saturday

[digestif]

Ishikirimaru-san.

[ they're en route to the parlor, but they stop by to see Ishikirimaru first. After what happened, they feel like they owe him a word or two - and, perhaps, they're concerned. ]

... Are you okay? I know that wasn't the outcome you wanted.

Comments

[ritualization]

Not at all. Just something to bear in mind; I did say I believe you're right.

[there just might be some personal experience there, maybe, probably.

but he gives them a nod, there, his usual slight smile returning.]

If you would like to, then I accept.

[digestif]

Thank goodness. My feelings would have been hurt if you turned me down.

[ a cheeky smile. ]

In that case, as a token of my trust, I'll tell you something in confidence: I'm with Beauty.

[ritualization]

I suppose I could see that... and I have heard good things about them, although we haven't yet spoken.

[that might not have been his very first guess, but this just adds another reason to go speak with them, really.

and, with a smile of his own that seems a little more amused:]

Piety, in my case, though judging from the amount of people who have tried to subtly ask how religious a man I am... I assume you had already guessed.

[digestif]

Well, it was mostly a guess based on the outfit. [ adds another correct guess to their pile... ] What is Piety-san like? I haven't met them. Beauty-kun is a very sweet young man - he doesn't want to hurt anyone if he can help it.

[ritualization]

Another with good intentions in all this, then? I am somewhat relieved that there seem to be at least a few.

[But he hums thoughtfully before continuing on.]

As for Piety-- young, but responsible. He wants peace and compromise among the gods, and seems to have a good sense of duty toward the people they'll all be looking after... very pleasant to speak with, as well.

[he's very fond, honestly.]

[digestif]

I see...

[ they can tell Ishikirimaru likes him - or they think they can, anyway. He has that kind of mild gentleness about him almost all the time, so it's hard to tell, really... ]

... It's a relief there are so many nice ones, but to be honest, I'm a little troubled by it. For one thing, it means there isn't one "right" god for us to choose - in other words, it'll be difficult to convince people to switch, and therefore, it'll be that much harder to win this numbers game without violence.

[ritualization]

-unfortunately, yes. I have yet to fully disagree with the goals of any I've spoken to, so in the end, it comes down to which would be best at actually making such a thing reality and what might best suit the world. For others, I can imagine that if a god's vision resonated with them in particular, it would be difficult to sway them.

[ishi sighs softly, there, shaking his head.]

One of the gods I've spoken with believes that roughly half of them entered into this with good intent, which is at once fewer than I would like and more than enough to complicate things considerably. Assuming they are correct, of course.

[digestif]

[ they sigh, too, shoulders drooping just slightly. ]

That's a problem... Short of everyone announcing their side and collectively choosing one to move to, I don't know how we're going to convince everyone here when the rewards are relatively similar for every god. And we definitely won't be able to do that with this many people.

[ they're quiet for a few moments, thinking. Then, they shake their head, pushing some hair out of their face. ]

-- Aah, it's been a long day. I'm tired. We can worry about solving this starting next week. [ they've done enough problem-solving for one day. ] Do you drink, mighty youkai-san?

[ritualization]

It's best not to overtax oneself too early. We do not have to find all the answers at the beginning, after all.

[he nods, slow but decisive. and as for that last question-- they get another smile that's more a half-quirk of his mouth.]

While I cannot say I drink often, I would certainly accept it as an offering, if it were given...

[but he also adds, after just enough of a pause for it to sound like he might have left it at that:]

Though I would be just as content to share one or two with you, instead.

[digestif]

[ they snort at that, putting a hand on their hip. ]

Sorry, but I've already got enough people I'm supposed to be making an offering to. You'll just have to settle for my company.

[ then they beckon him to come with them, turning to head towards the parlor. ]

[ritualization]

Well, I suppose I can live with that.

[this isn't his shrine or anything. he follows easily enough, matching their pace.]

Though I don't know that I would call it 'settling', either. I find your company agreeable enough.

[digestif]

Well, I sure hope you do, considering you just told me what god you're with. [ but they continue lightly: ] Thanks. I try my best.

[ritualization]

It is certainly possible to work with people one doesn't personally like... but fortunately for us both, that's far from the case.

[mizuki you have not met some of the people he's been on missions with.

but as he glances ahead to the parlor, he considers, and then-]

Bartending was listed as a skill of yours, yes? In that case, I will be in your care; I'm afraid I have tried very little of it before.

[digestif]

[ THEY SURE HAVEN'T........... ishi is probably the best first impression they could have of the swords, honestly. ]

Mm, that's right! It's just a hobby, but I'd say I'm pretty good at it. So there's no need to worry about getting something nasty to drink.

[ they push the door open; the parlor is, at least, fairly clean. There's a small blanket nest in one of the booths where Mizuki's been sleeping, but aside from that, they've been keeping it in order. ]

Do swords have hobbies?