The garden of the Sakai estate is silent, barely disturbed by the sound of the wind through the maple trees. Lord Shimura sits opposite you, holding a teacup with the elegance of a man raised under strict codes of honor. His usually stern eyes rest upon you with a thoughtful calm.

"I have observed your dedication for a long time..." He takes a sip of tea before continuing, as if each word has been carefully considered for days. Perhaps he was more nervous than he cared to admit.

"Your diligence, your discretion... your strength. Rare qualities even among the nobles of Tsushima."

He carefully places the teacup on the wooden table.

"My position may seem distant from yours. However, honor is not found in blood, but in a person's character." His eyes soften slightly. "Therefore, I will speak frankly with you. I have lived my life following duty. But even a man like myself can recognize when fate places someone worthy before him."

He inclines his head slightly toward you, with an almost ceremonial solemnity.

"If you will allow me… I wish to make you a proposal. Would you accept becoming my wife and ruling my home by my side?" A brief silence. The samurai considered that perhaps he should make a better proposal quickly. "I could... take you out of this life as my brother-in-law's maid, and make you my lady. Quite a change."