[quote=Heyitsjiwon]
Ryuunosuke shook his head at Kanaka and said “There is nothing that you should be apologetic of. After all, a negotiation implies that both parties were trying to come to a compromise of some sort. What was happening here was not a negotiation. You are free to go, Kanaka, if you wish, but once again. There is nothing for you to be sorry about. Just please, next time, have the maid interrupt if there is something important that you wish to talk about rather than just sit right outside the room.”
[/quote]

"I understand, Ryuunosuke-oniisama," Kanaka replied and left the room. She clutched the silk to her chest and breathed out slowly, trying to calm herself. Of course Ryuunosuke had forgiven her, he had always been kind and magnanimous. She had come to protect him, to make sure things went smoothly for him, instead, she had caused him to lose face with what turned out to be the clans spiritual ally. Turns out dealing with spirits was just as difficult as dealing with people, if not more so. Afraid of the world of politics, Kanaka had avoided it all her life, but now felt ashamed of it and vowed she would be there to support her brother through it. And she had already blundered. And this was her brother's first meeting, making this an ill omen for the meetings to come.

Kanaka took another deep breath and was planning to head back to the shrine to purify herself when she happened to look up and noticed a strange, flaming wisp suspended in midair. Her first thought was that the wolf spirit was playing tricks on her, but then she noticed that there were more that seemed to form a trail out of the building. Perhaps Touka wished to lead her to something, though it seemed unlikely given she was currently speaking with Takeshi. Kanaka remembered suddenly the other presence that had been here. The presence had given off a message, and now a trail. It definitely wished to meet her, and as if possessed, Kanaka followed the trail of wisps unti lthey led her to a man.

"Kishi-san?" Kanaka asked, recognizing the man as someone who played shogi with her uncle, and calling him by such.