That cooky old monk. For as much as he's always been an oddity to Ryoma and, well, just about everyone around him, he's shown unwavering service to Hoshido. And seeing as how it's now his birthday, samurai finds it in himself to march up to him and wish him well. He deserves more than just weird stares every now and then.
"You have been an asset to Hinoka since the day she employed you. On behalf of her and all the royal family, I would just like to extend my thanks to you, and wish you well on your birthday."
Notice how he doesn't even try to guess Azama's age.
To further emphasize this wish though, he produces his gift for the retainer. It's a simple wooden charm, engraved with the Hoshidan symbol for good luck. As is clear by the okay-ish craftsmanship, it was made by Ryoma himself; a labor of love and one of those 'thought that counts' gifts.
"Here, I'd like you to have this. I know well that you, of all people, need no surplus of good fortune, but it is my sincerest hope that this brings something extra special your way."
Oh. If it wasn’t Big Red himself, Hoshido’s eldest yet living royalty! (... ... the monk doesn't know any different.) Azama beams at him upon being called, his face the very picture of innocence.
He’s prepared to be admonished about whatever brand of foolishness he’s committed lately when-
He sniffles. “Ah… Your-" Majesty, he goes to say, but veers left last second, "Professor… I could almost cry… That may be the single nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me… Ah…”
(Which is funny given he Is an asset to Lady Hinoka, really and truly. He shudders to think what she’d do without him.)
But with the gift that follows, Ryoma manages the nigh impossible, if for a short lived stint: he shuts Azama up.
The monk blinks as he receives the charm. Big Red is right in that Azama has no need for such trifles as good luck charms, not when the wheels of the universe are always set in their perfect, unflinching motion, but…
He’s touched. He won’t say so in that way, no, of course not, but.
He falls into a slight bow, his mischievous smile having taken on more of a cryptic, pondering line as he rises. He clears his throat, smirks. “You are most correct - I’ve no need for luck beyond that which Lady Fate has in store for me. Ah, but, well, as it is a gift from royalty, I suppose I shall have to endeavour to keep it close…” IT’S NOT LIKE HE LIKES IT OR ANYTHING, RYOMA. Gods. Perish the thought. “Good day to your, your majesty - may the stars be with you.”
He starts to turn away, but pauses, glancing over his shoulder. “There will be cake later in the staff room, so I'm told.” Clearly he hasn't been trying hard enough in his quest to prove himself a menace here... All in due time, as they say! “You are welcome to a slice.”
