Kouta rose promptly after Yue and the attendant had left. He looked at his father with a hint of sadness. Akimoto shared the look and took his son's forearm in his strong hand. The forearm was larger than his own, but the grip was unlike any other. Kouta grasped back and they shared a silent moment of joy. "I'm so glad you're okay, son." 

Kouta nodded stiffly and followed his father out of the complex, knowing little of where he even was. They passed a few Yukihiro members on their way back from the ceremony and bowed deeply to the pair, to which they returned respectfully. Akimoto was internally grateful Isao hadn't spread propaganda against them. 

Back in his office, Isao sighed, already feeling his age take a toll on his body. A thousand years of managing an unruly and brutal house took a considerable effort, effort he sometimes couldn't give for the sake of giving. And now, he had the Ichigawa on his head.They were becoming a bigger thorn in his side than he'd originally envisioned. Much to his displeasure, their suggestion of an inter-house marriage wasn't sounding so bad. Now he only had to decide who to sacrifice for the good of his family.