Yakumo ordered up tea and traditional sweets to her room, in case Yuji would like a tea ceremony performed.

While Yuji was friendly (and rather handsome), he was still her superior and deserved to be treated as such. After all, she knew from experience that even nice Spiders could be... cruel.

Dressed casually but still nice, Yakumo waited for her guest.

To visit the Galactic Idol herself, Yuji opted for full traditional. While he didn't wear the full white face paint, his lips were painted that deep obsidian, highlighted with a lighter charcoal. His eyes lined with kohl.

Yet the proper kimono, he almost looked a mirror for his distant relative, the Dark Fortune of Deception, Lord Susumu.

The servants at the hotel ushered him in through the side door of the hotel, though he knew they would still talk.

Good. Hopefully more scandalous.

Taken to the suite that Kumohime had taken residence in, he announced himself.

"Yakumo-hime. It's me, Yuji."

Yakumo herself opened the door for him, and she was a little surprised at how proper and formal he looked. Compared to herself at least. "Yuji-sama, please come inside," she bowed formally, keeping tone professional and deferential to her superior.

She had caught the morning's gossip, and yet... she doubted it came from the hotel staff. If they had wanted to blab about her visitors, they would've been more specific about a certain Hare, and a Kuni of all people.

Another bow as Yuji stepped inside and she closed the door. "Thank you for coming, I am terribly sorry for imposing myself on your schedule. Especially considering the gossip going around these days. My guess is the Scorpion probably want to keep the public distracted from the real going-ons, so they take advantage of a celebrity in town to distract in the gossip-columns." She sighed. That wasn't even why she had wanted to speak with him.

"Would you care for tea perhaps as I cut to the heart of the matter?"

The suite was quite impressive. Families lived in smaller space on the planet, without even coming close to amenities and luxuries that was on hand here. Everything was kept neat and tidy, and separate doors led to what was likely the bedroom, bathroom, and a closet. A short staircase led up to a loft with a balcony, where there even was something like a miniature garden for the guest to enjoy, with a couple of plants and a little pool complete with a shishi-odoshi.

Overall, this was a spot of luxury in a cramped city, for those who had the money to afford it. And Yakumo had said she was staying here for the time being.

He returned her bow, a bit deeper than what just status dictated. They were kin, and they were coworkers for the season.

His daughter is a fan, and, he supposed they could actually be friends come the end of the season.

The Serpent would like that, he found.

"Thank you for the invitation, Yakumo-hime. Tea would be lovely." His tone low, matching the decorum. While he was likely overdressed for the social call, it was something he enjoyed doing.

Looking presntable, and disarmingly traditional.

"You have no reason to apologize. Let them talk. And my name on their lips means I reside in their thoughts without me doing any work. I consider that an absolute victory." He smiled at her, following her lead in the suite

"Probably not the first time someone is talking idle gossip about you, I suppose, Yuji-sama," she acknowledged, as he had been here longer, and people were always fond of throwing dirt on the Spider. Literally and metaphorically.

Yakumo moved to get the utensils set out. "So, hmm... at the party yesterday, the Lord Magistrate took an interest in me." So very Crane of her, describing it so politely. "I admit I don't know a whole lot about the man, except he's very busy being the top of the law here in this area, and being a widower according to some rumors. But apart from that - is he a friend or foe to us, am I walking into a trap?"

The Deceiver took a seat, pondering the question. Closing his eyes, he tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I admit that I have not really crossed paths with the Lord Magistrate. But, I will share what I have experienced with Scorpion in general." Looking to Yakumo, his smile was warm, trying to be reassuring.

"You can always expect them to have an angle, unless you are a friend. To gain that loyalty? You'll not have a truer friend. While their loyalty is to Clan, to the Empire, and they will do what is best for the Scorpion, for the most part, they wouldn't cross a friend." His shoulders rolled back slightly, relaxing a bit more.

"You also have the safety of being Imperially sponsored. Should something happen to you, here? I wouldn't think the Scorpion, and more importantly, the Lord Magiatrate, would want all that heat. I feel we can rule out a trap but... still be guarded, Yakumo-hime."

"Hmmm..." her brows knitted together in visible concern. She could technically back out, she knew, but snubbing the Lord Magistrate like that could maybe hurt them politically.

Ugh, this was why she preferred being on stage.

"Yeah, I guess you're right there. He invited me discreetly to meet with him this evening, for dinner I assume..." her voice trailed off slightly as she was finally connecting some dots, "... and probably other interests too, given the circumstances of the party last night. Goodness, are they always this hedonistic here on World of Dreams?"

"Not... always." He had to give a small laugh at that. "But it isn't uncommon, either. The masks make it easy to cut loose. Almost like being entertained by the Oiran and Geisha. We can be more human and less... perfect." He looked to Yakumo directly, warmth in his demeanor.

"Not know who all was there adds to it. Or even more fun is knowing who someone is, and acting like you don't at first." Shaking his head, remembering himself.

"I wouldn't think he would insist on any impropriety. Nor should you feel obligated. Sex can be a powerful tool; but don't do anything you don't want to, Yakumo-hime. I would encourage you to enjoy yourself."

Yakumo didn't blush, as she wasn't a novice about these things, but Yuji could easily tell she was a little surprised by his words. Because they were far different from what she was usually told about such things.

"You are very different from my usual handlers, Yuji-sama. As they'd be telling me to not have fun." It did make her laugh slightly.

Perhaps the scenario did have her nerves a bit jittery still, as the tea ceremony wasn't as successful she had hoped for. Still, the matcha was nice, and the hotel had provided a fine selection of traditional sweets to accompany it.

"Please forgive me for hoisting these issues upon you though. You are no doubt really busy these days. I believe I saw you with your darling wife last night at the party? I feel bad for keeping you from her now."

"This is a very different world than you've likely experienced with your handlers. I would say don't be careless, but there are such delights this world can show you, as well. Maybe some of that has rubbed off on me." He bowed his head as she presented the tea, enjoying it.

"You have no reason to ask for forgiveness. While I have been busy, you and Sumiko-san are my responsibility while you are on world. Our success depends on all of us, and I will not allow anything to transpire against you that you don't wish." Yuji smiled wider when she mentioned seeing Kimurahime.

"You did indeed. Though without my glasses, I had no chance of recognizing anyone. Kimurahime was my eyes, and she... has exquisite tastes." He chuckled again, "You will have to forgive me for not introducing you. I would like to rectify that, at some point."

She did smile with relief, as it did seem Yuji was perhaps the most chill Spider-superior she'd ever have to work with. So, so, so much infinitely better than Daigotsu Isao (may he choke on his own spit).

"Thank you. I'd say you are... quite different from previous superiors I've had. And my handlers. And I do appriciate it." Yakumo took a small sip of tea herself. "Hm I would like to meet your family at some point. Your wife seemed spectacular at the party. Quite beautiful. With such parents, your children must be very adorable."

He nodded. "We are the servants of Darkness and Hell. It doesn't mean we have to be brutes and monsters. My strengths are in being a Seducer and Deceiver, as was given our forebear. I find better results from my subordinates by supporting them, than throwing my weight around, until I must absolutely destroy with precision." Yuji smirked at that, a hint of pride there.

"You are welcome, Yakumo-hime. We... I... would be honored to play host to you in our home while you are here. Ichiko and Jiro would be thrilled to meet you. Perhaps... dinner sometime."

Yakumo did not really consider herself a great deceiver, or seducer as such. She was good at faking it until a certain point, especially with the gentler souls who were easily frightened, like the Ide courtier she had met on New Kalani... but with the real dangerous foes, she was not a true Susumu courtier.

"It is good then, that the three of us have different skills. Sumiko-san is... good with tech, yes? I know enough to use what I need for my music, so that's all I need. You are the great diplomat, and I am... the performer." Which had its uses. "And I would very much like that, Yuji-sama. I believe you mentioned your daughter is a fan? I should get her something special then."

"I would say there is no need, your presence is a special gift all its own but... Ichiko would love that. And she would want to show off her knowledge of the reception of a gift." His voice lowered, pride in his family in those words. Then returning to business at hand.

"Yes. We work well together, without being mirrors of each other. Your concert tomorrow, I imagine, will help solidify our alliance with the Crane. And adding in the Scorpion... could help in extending hands of friendship there. Something potentially not possible without you."

Yakumo already had some ideas for something unique that Ichiko would be able to really flex on all the other kids with. She didn't know what it was like being a child on a Scorpion world, but if it was anything like a Crane-world, you wanted all the leverage because Spider were treated terribly.

"I like to think I have an eye for talent and an ear for musical potential, if I do say so myself. There is probably some potential angles that could be worked to make the Scorpion consider us... less unfriendly, given their alliance with the Crab." She winced a bit at the mention of the Crab, thinking of that rather unpleasant crustecean. "The Minor Clans seem to be in a strong position this season though, which is... interesting, to say the least, but ultimately of little threat to us?"

"Until someome else secures their trade deals, or rights of first refusal of resources." Yuji considered. "So we will have to watch with great interest. Speaking of the minor clans," the Deceiver paused, again tapping his chin.

"My friend, Usagi Rei, is seeking to secure contracts for Drop Troops. Considering the relationship with the Crane, we could find use for some of those shock troops, considering the current state..." he paused, shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, you called me for aid snd advice, and here we are talking shop."

"Oh, I don't mind, Yuji-sama," she assured him with an enthusiastic nod. "We are working together, yes? So that includes keeping eachother in the loop. Potential dangers, potential problems, and potential wins."

"But, hm," her fingers tapped against her chin in thought, "wouldn't that make things rather awkward with the Crab for them? Aren't they like also employed often by them?"

"It is possible. But even if we can secure some training for our bushi to gain some deep strike ujnits? I can see the Blackguard making valuable use of that. There are possibilities, and perhaps cheaply with agricultural supplies." He thought on that.

"And you are right, of course. Sharing between us all is only beneficial to the whole."

Which made the Deceiver think he should set up a casual meeting with Sumiko. Another process to file.

"Is there anything you need from me for your concert?"

"Hmm, yes, I suppose that could be useful. I trust your judgement on the matter of these Drop-troopers." Tactics and what was good trade-decisions was not her strength.

"Oh, only your presence and support, Yuji-sama! Although, hmm... I have been considering checking with the Wasp's security if a certain creep of a Kaiu could be denied entry. But Crab are Scorpion allies, so they might not want to do that..."

"However, your Imperial support could lend a certain air to the request. After all, how embarassed would they be if something happened at your concert, when they could have protected someone sponsored by the Imperials?" An eye brow raised, as he sipped from the tea. He smiled, his gaze meeting here.

"Do you feel your safety is in jeopardy? I've... heard the rumors."