****Tokyo Outskirts- Takahiro clan compound****

A low wall surrounded the compound, whitewashed and rising just high enough to conceal the interior from casual view. No fortress wall to repel a siege, but the Takahiro mansion held within was no castle.

Though some might argue that fact.

The interior was massive, composed of a series of one-story buildings connected with raised wooden bridges. Ponds, gardens, training fields and bamboo stands filled in the open spaces made by the patchwork of a half-dozen structures, from small 'shacks' to the intimidating main building itself. Open-air walkways ran the perimeter of each building, walls of little more than rice-paper-and-wood screens created privacy more than structure. Wherever someone wanted to gaze out at the interior, or catch the oncoming breeze, or simply bask in the sun from the comfort of the building, these screens had been pushed open. 

And many had been, even today. Nearly a dozen family members or close contacts of Raigo Takahiro made their permanent residence within the compound, accompanied by the servants, bodyguards and myriad guests who could always be found within. Somewhere within the compound, there were always those in rapt conversation. Elsewhere, there was the repetitive echo of training, or the quiet murmur of delicate ceremony, or the simple rustle of wind on clothing. The Takahiro compound was one of sounds and activity, yet also one of contemplation and respite, all brought together behind low, whitewashed walls.

On this day, however, the majority of the sounds emanated from a room set in the corner of the main structure, screens flung wide to enjoy the nearby pond and garden. Several figures sat within on simple mats, dressed in the robes and gowns of their station, ceramic cups before each one.

"Good, very good." Raigo Takahiro nodded sagely, a contented smile on his face as he sampled the tea held in his own cup. The picture of elder dignity, he wore his grey hair with grace, kindly gaze settling on the gowned figure across from him. "Look forward to... ceremony. And to meet son."

Taking another sip, Raigo let out a contented sigh, continuing to smile at the western woman who had so taken to the culture of his homeland, even as she shared her own. It had been the greatest of fortunes that this lovely, brilliant woman had met Raigo's patron and been introduced to the Takahiro Patriarch, her knowledge of the western world of dear value to him and his family. And to think she was so eager to practice the tea ceremony, to be able to participate when Souma returned home! It was comical, in a way, but wonderfully so. Enough to make a man like Raigo think this turn to diplomacy and political maneuverings so late in life wasn't a bad thing after all. 

"Souma is very good man, Shizuka-san. Will like speaking with. Promise."