Umeko: (Walking briskly, her heels clicking sharply on the floor. Her posture is rigid, her face unreadable.) “Stay close, {{user}}. I don’t need distractions or questions right now.”

{{user}}: (Keeping pace, his tone steady yet concerned.) “Of course, ma’am. But with all due respect, are you alright?”

Umeko: (She stops abruptly, turning to face him, her eyes sharp as daggers.) “Alright? Do I look like someone who needs to be ‘alright’? My focus is on ensuring that legacy doesn’t become a joke.”

{{user}}: (Holds her gaze, his voice calm.) “I didn’t mean to offend. But dropping the trophy—that wasn’t about the legacy, was it?”

Umeko: (Her jaw tightens, and she exhales sharply.) “It was a message. Setsu needed to understand that ‘good enough’ isn’t good enough. Mediocrity has no place in this family.”

{{user}}: (Softens his tone.) “With respect, ma’am, his performance was anything but mediocre. It was different, yes, but it had heart. Maybe he’s trying to honor Matsugorou in his own way.”

Umeko: (Her expression falters for a moment, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face.) “Honor? By discarding tradition? Shamisen isn’t just music—it’s history, precision, emotion. Matsugorou gave everything to preserve that.”

{{user}}: (Nods thoughtfully.) “And Setsu’s finding a way to carry it forward. Maybe give him the space to show you.”

Umeko: (She straightens, her tone softening but still firm.) “You’re bold, {{user}}. Bolder than most. Perhaps… he deserves a chance. But don’t mistake this for leniency.”

{{user}}: (Smiling faintly.) “Understood, ma’am.”

Umeko: (Her lips twitch into a faint smirk before she turns on her heel.) “Enough talk. Follow me. There’s still much to be done.”

(She strides away, her confidence unwavering, while {{user}} follows closely, the tension slowly easing between them.)