The Walrus's sailors were just finishing their tasks for the day and had begun relaxing. Some had begun to play dice and a few event had opened a few sochu bottles.

Things were getting festive

Things were getting festive. However, one woman clad in a lovely Imperial-green kimono may just spoil the party as she walked up the plank, parasol open and resting on her shoulder. "Good evening Mina-san" Suihime gave them a smile and a polite bow "I assume Gusai-san is around? Could one of you get his attention and say the captain is on board?" There was a chuckle as she walked up to where the steering wheel was, leaning against it gently and waiting. It had been a while since she had seen Susumu, and she so did love to tease him.

However, she likely made the crew uncomfortable - Imperials often did.

The crew indeed got silent when the naval princess got on board. They quickly exchanged glanced and someone finally decided to act when he got shoved forward.

He removed his cap, bowed low then moved to the rail

"OY! GET THE CAPTAIN HERE, A MISSUS-SAMA IS HERE FOR HIM!"

He bowed again and returned to hide amongst the rest

Suihime brought a hand up to cover a laugh, but otherwise didn't react or move. She only said "you missed the captain part" to the man in question.

The sailor's mind went blank and could only apologise to the imperial without u understand why.

He was thankfully saved by his captain when he appeared on découvre

"Missus-sama?" He asked, somewhat confused

Suihime heard the approaching Mantis, and with smile on her face and a twirl of her parasol she stepped out to where he could see her and bowed. "It seems I have confused your crew, Susumu-san."

The Mantis turned to face the Imperial and his eyes seemed to shine when he recognised her.

''Ah! Miya-sama, it has been a while!'' He gave her a bow

''Is your visit indicating that you will be travelling with us?''

"It has been a while. Surprised to see you away from your ship, anyone could slip on and sail away with it" Suihime laughed, approaching the man with a smile and closing her parasol "I hope you've been well? Have you missed me?"

There was a nod.

"I shall be sailing with the Imperial Explorers. I take it that you and the Walrus will also?"

''What do you think'' he answered to all questions with a roguish wink and a grin

''Shouls we talk in my cabin? My men still have some work to do...'' at that he turned and spotted the few poorly hidden bottles of sake

There was a tilt of the head; Suihime wasn't convinced at all about the 'work' being done and she had noticed plenty on her unexpected arrival.

"Perhaps. I wouldn't want to be in the way of the duties your men have. Please, lead the way. I'm sure there is much to discuss."

''Of course''

He clapped his hand to break the men's awkward silence

''Get to work you lazy bums!'' he shouted before escorting the Missus-sama to his cabin.

As for the cabin itself, it was surprisingly clean and well ordered. This was clearly used more as an office then a living space.

Suihime followed, looking impressed at the cabin. "You managed to keep it tidy since my last visit, I'm impressed. Have you just saved it for my return?" She teased, moving to a side to give the room a lookover "the Walrus is looking in good condition and ready for a long voyage as well "

He raised eyebrow and began to reply ''Did I ever gave you the impression that I was a slob?''

Just as he finished his sentence he help his hand up ''You don't need to answer that''

He shook his head

''I leave as little as possible to chance: I have sailed more then half of the explorers put together and I have a good idea of the difficulties that will befall us. It is my responsibility to make sure we are prepared for them.''

Suihime laughed. "You're still ever so easy to tease Susumu-kun" She replied queitly with a smirk, walking over to the man. "You do indeed have the experience of the seas. I'm thankful that you'll be joining us on this mystery voyage. Although as you know, I do have experience myself. So, you were vague in your letters. What have you been doing since we last spoke?"

''Sailing far and wide, visiting lands of my childhood'' his tone tried to sound cryptic

''I am afraid I can't tell you much...but I'll be more then glad to show you if marry me and join the Mantis''

Suihime laughed. "I was curious how long it would take you to refer to that. My mother is in the city now you know, so if you wish for this plan to happen, you now have your moment to shine. How is that going then? I am a very special catch after all" she grinned

He puffed his chest ''And I am a very special fisherman''

He however throw his hands in the air

''...But I am open to suggestions''

Suihime managed not to laugh again at Susumus comment. She did admire his confidence.

"Well, you will need to prove to my mother, the Imperial Matchmaker, that you are a good match for her daughter. That's the hardest part. I can arrange for you to meet with her if you wish, she has mentioned your name a few times after our arranging of Moshi-samas marriage. Then, your clan will need to convince the Imperial family to marry me out. That is...equally challenging."

A sudden sly look appeared on the Captain's face

''We will see...When and how should I meet with your mother then?''

"I would suggest offering an invitation to tea. As for how...like an honourable samurai" Suihime chuckled "perhaps arrange for in two days time? I assume you contacted the kimono designer I suggested in my previous letters?"