Ah, he couldn’t help but smirk at that. Not just because it seemed he was starting off on a positive note– if she thought he was honorable then it gave him an advantage– but because she thought his risk was something to be admired. Maybe in a romantic’s view it was, but… he was risking the welfare of his people. Not just his and her happiness, but the literal LIVES of his kingdom.
Without Hoshido’s food and medicines, the plague would return. Without Hoshidan protection, their weak disease ridden islands would easily be invaded and conquered by the vicious Nohr on the other side of the sea.
It was foolish, this risk. And he was truly an idiot for proposing it. A cock-sure idiot who was perhaps too confident in his ability to seduce and entice a sheltered little princess.
“True. You hardly know me. But you seem to be open minded towards a ‘Tengu.’ As I’ve heard it, your kingdom sees my people as either a harbinger of foul omens, or some kind of… protective spirit? I can imagine that being told you’re to marry one would be disconcerting, to say the least.”
Maybe he could bank on the protective spirit aspect of those Hoshidan rumors, and earn her trust as well as her respect?
“But this is all just speculation, and rather empty chit chat. You need to know me to make your decision, hm? Let’s work on that. I believe Hoshido takes tea rather seriously, and I’m quite curious, if you can spare a bit of your afternoon for it.”
❀ ¦ DISCONCERTING really was saying the least- this situation was terrifying to the sheltered Princess. She had never spoken to a man who was not family, a patient, or her retainer. How could she possibly be expected to marry one after knowing him for mere days? Of course, it was for her country- for her home. Her hand was but a bartering chip for alliances. That much was to be expected.
She would never mention this to Nasala’s face, of course, for if he was a Tengu- which was believed as protective spirits in her optimistic practices -then upsetting him would do no good. It was better to have faith, to trust him. If they were to make this work, they would have to trust each other, right?
“Uhm...” Biting her lip in thought, ruby eyes drifted to the ground. At least he was trying. “Y-yes, t-tea ceremonies are v-very important to us... I... C-could certainly make time for tea..”
Was it any use to act like she had a busy schedule? She was sure with that those eyes of his, he could see through any of her lies.
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