With one or two Dragon in tow, Hato made her way to the Shrine of Passion. If Koiyuki knew what she was about to do, she would have been....very upset at her.

The Dragon may not have been particularly thrilled either that she was going to visit a shrine to a Dark Fortune on her path to joining them.

But it really was the only solution. These were the only people who were actively helping those in need. The Temple of Ancestors would spend the money on shiny new displays for Scorpion heroes and the Temple of Shosuro would just funnel the money back into Scorpion coffers for Scorpion plotting.

A few people might actually get help they needed to refind their way with this donation.

170 koku (and 8 zeni).

It was literally every coin to her name. She wasn't lying to the ambassador when she talked about how heavy it was. She could have lived like a noble for a short while had she not agreed to help Nishida. Then again, had she turned down his offer of fealty and asked for 200 more koku....she had the feeling the Dragon would not have spared her.

Life certain was strange these past couple days.

When she got a chance, she pulled out her communicator. Her minders hadn't prodded her about Nishida, nor monitored her communications, and he deserved to know.

And so she sent him a text:

Lord of Miyada, This one must regretfully inform you that she has failed. The Dragon guards at the embassy saw through the trickery and captured this one. They have levied a heavy toll on this one to remain alive; they have demanded her past, present and future. This one's wealth is forfeit as a donation to the Shrine of Passion, and this one must swear servitude to the Dragon.

Rest assured, Lord of Miyada, they have not inquired as to your identity, and this one has not volunteered it. You may proceed as you have, though regrettably it will be without this one's service.

This one would have liked to have seen Miyada.