"She's right." He shook his head. "That won't solve anything. More pressure can be put on the Jade Office to seal the rift, but such things are still best kept from the public. Besides, no matter how we shift the narative, there will be some who explore the possibility of what I said and learn the truth."

"It's probably better if they think I am deranged and prone to fatastic delusion."

''Would it and would they?'' he asked

''An Imperial haunted by the visions ghosts of gaijin traitors is a good excuse for delusions...Many would welcome such an excuse as it would strenghten their denial.''

He shrugged

''People often believe just what they want to believe. We can can use the traditionnalists rigidity of thought to help us''

"If shugenja still held respect, perhaps." he sighed. "Regardless, the true nature of my condition is as necessary to keep secret as everything else. I'll consider your idea, but I think it will require greater influence than we have to execute."

"And Hantei-denka is one to easily see through lies, even without Asahina-samas assistance" Suihime commented with a sigh "so, are we to avoid publically being seen with you now? I will assume mother shall inform me at a later point about what she expects of me."

"It would be best." he nodded. "At least until we depart."

The mantis let out a sigh

''Well that's about all a can do.'' he crossed his arms ''What about her?''

"I need to find her before anyone else does." Edogawa answered. "But, as discretely as possible."

''Inukai will find himself on my ship then'' he said with confidence

''Even if I have to load him in a crate''

"If possible." he nodded. "But, there's not much we can do until we get underway."

He turned to Edogawa and observed him for a moment, an air of seriousness about him.

He did not speak but after a moment he put a hand on his friend's shoulder, then nodded.

He rose soon after

Suihime didn't rise. Not right away. This situation had her a little upset, but she was powerless to do anything.

Forget the tea. I want sake.

Eventually she rose, and quietly said "what will you do now?"

"I'll wait for Jama-no-kimi to decide whether I have any value left to him." He rose. "Beyond that, i may try to regain some credibility, as any drunken fool would."

"I see" Suihime nodded, and sighed "I think I need to retire to my room with some sake. Today has been extremely long and taxing."

"That is an understatement." Edogawa sighed. "I hope to spend time with both of you during the voyage, but I am likely not returning to the Empire once I leave. You have both been very important to me. Thank you."

"Eh?!" Suihime was caught out by Edogawas statement "not returning? Why?"

"For you. For mother." he explained. "Not only am I a stain on our name, but I am a danger to those I am close to. If I return, I will be targeted politically and, possibly, physically. I know things I should not. Even if most don't believe me, others won't take the chance that I won't say more."

''There will be ways''

Susumu had an air of resolve

''We Mantises are tricky ones''

"Regardless, things won't be as they have been." he said. "Not between us. Not with mother. Not with Kaiya."

"So Kaiya-chan won't know?" Suihime frowned "what do you want me to say to her? Or will you speak with her."

"I will try to speak with her. But, she has enough threats against her without adding any by association with me." he explained. "Just tell her what I've told you. Tell her I'm sorry."