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Post by Seppun Kojima on Jan 24, 2018 2:13:52 GMT -5
"And why would it be lonely, Ouji-sama?"
He raised a brow at that, curious as he sipped his coffee. It was directed at school, not so much his home life. Kojima could only imagine how isolating it could be being the Crown Prince, raised inside of a cage for his safety and the necessity of succession. By lonesome he wondered if the boy meant trouble with girls. He was of the age to be thinking of marriage, or having someone else think of it for him.
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Post by Iweko Yoshinobu on Jan 24, 2018 9:10:57 GMT -5
"Well... I am not sure if I can really say I am close enough to anyone at school to call them doshin. Most of the students at the school keep themselves at a respectable distance, which I understand. I do not necessarily blame them. I would likely do the same were I in their shoes. Those whom I have tried to form closer bonds with?" Yoshinobu paused for a moment, considering his words.
"They have valued me more for my position rather than my personality. Including the girls, and not just of the school."
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Post by Seppun Kojima on Jan 24, 2018 10:06:36 GMT -5
"Well, of course. That all makes sense."
Kojima smiled as an idea came to hand.
"If I may, your Highness, you might consider a different approach if you feel your station causes trouble that you can otherwise not avoid," he suggested. "Of course you haven't met everyone, but I'm sure you'll certainly find some young samurai who are willing to become your friend as long as they know a Seppun yojimbo will not cut them in half. Moreso, a young lady will feel stifled knowing who you are... So, I think you should try something new. I just need to know if you would trust the judgment of an old servant of the Empire such as me."
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Post by Iweko Yoshinobu on Jan 24, 2018 10:13:14 GMT -5
"I think they fear the blade of a Seppun, and that is why they do not try," Yoshinobu said, allowing himself a self deprecating chuckle.
"I had hoped to try my luck with a few first years, if nothing else. They could end up being either bold or shy, but I suppose one never knows for certain until they make the attempt. I do trust you; you are a sensei and an honored, revered commander for a reason Seppun-san."
As if to emphasize this point, the Prince tilts his head downwards to the man in respect. "Which is why I have already taken your advice, and am trying something knew. Rather than rely on a miai to find myself companionship, I have resorted to the more common method of today. There is someone I am very interested in."
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Post by Seppun Kojima on Jan 24, 2018 10:21:17 GMT -5
"Oh...?"
The boy has fortitude.
"Who has caught your fancy, Ouji-sama?" The Crown Prince could have any girl in the entire high school. Also, any girl should be trying to win his affections. However, that didn't seem to be the case which was curious to the young man. He licked his lips and took another sip of his coffee. He'd hold off on his advice and hear what the prince had to say.
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Post by Iweko Yoshinobu on Jan 24, 2018 10:47:53 GMT -5
Yoshinobu sips his tea and smiles sheepishly.
"Her name is Kuni Hinata. I... stayed up all night painting for her, rather than the traditional haiku," he admits, rubbing the back of his head.
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Post by Seppun Kojima on Jan 24, 2018 11:09:54 GMT -5
"Oh? A Crab?"
As an Imperial, he was curious whom the boy had a flame for. Any girl whom returned his affections could very well by the future Empress of the Empire. So, he was a painter too? A young man of many talents.
"Interesting," he noted. "I am sure she must be a lucky Lady to have the eyes of your Highness on her. Did she like the painting? Or have you not presented it to her yet?"
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Post by Iweko Yoshinobu on Jan 24, 2018 18:32:12 GMT -5
"I have not spoken with her yet, though I do have a promise to fulfill to her. I suppose I will find out later."
Yoshinobu stares at the plastic lid of his tea cup silently for a moment, before looking back up to the Seppun. "What about yourself Sensei? Are you married?"
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Post by Seppun Kojima on Jan 25, 2018 2:33:09 GMT -5
He offered the young prince a wan smile. "I was," he said simply before he sighed and cradled his coffee cup between his hands. "But that was long ago, well before your time, Ouji-sama."
He licked his lips and leaned forward, shifting the conversation away from himself and back onto Yoshinobu.
"Now... If you want to make friends and impress the ladies here, I think you should present yourself less like the Crown Prince you are, and more like a samurai of average station. If you want friendships that are genuine, if you really want to see someone without the mask your presence demands... Be someone else. You inherently complicate simple affairs. Don't dress like royalty, don't parade a retinue of guardsmen, and certainly don't mention the Iweko name. I know this is a bold suggestion... But you trusted to my advice, ne?"
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Post by Iweko Yoshinobu on Jan 25, 2018 5:21:11 GMT -5
Yoshinobu can only assume the worst based on Kojima's answer. "I am sorry for your loss, sensei," he replies evenly, then masks his mouth with a sip of his tea. As the elder Imperial explained his idea, the smile returned though.
"Are you sure you did not advise my Honored Aunt Miaka when she attended this school? She pretended she was someone else for much of her young life. Wore a different name and a disguise so that she could live freely. Grandmother was kind enough, or perhaps trusting enough, to let her. And it worked, because she could find a husband who loved her for who she was rather than her station. Now, I know you are not going that far with your suggestion, but it sounds as if she would have taken your idea to that logical extreme. So it is council that I can and will take to heart, Seppun-sensei."
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