When Ai introduced her, Shizuka bowed low to Takahiro Souma where she knelt, a softly demure smile on her pretty lips as she rose once more. As if she simply could not help herself, the Western woman's gaze flicked upward, searching his handsome face for the space of a heartbeat. But the light in her dark eyes as she peered up to him almost shyly, spoke all she could not for this moment. [i]My sincerest wish is your hesitation at the entrance means only the surprise my presence brings you is a deep and profound pleasure.[/i]

[i]The very match of my own.[/i] 

He had neither attacked her, nor tried to slit her throat, nor gut her which - while not a thing she truly expected anyway? She embraced as a promising sign she might yet do all she came to Japan to accomplish. Souma once had a message for her family. Well [i]she[/i] had one for him alone, and she did so hope to deliver it.

Shizuka's dedication to the art of the tea ceremony was flawless. Every last, least move was a slow, deliberate and thoughtful grace, from putting a scoop of the [i]matcha[/i] tea powder into the tea bowl, to ladling the hot water and setting the ladle to rest once more, and whisking it just so. Artful movements meticulously, mindfully completed, a small prayer, a benediction in every gesture. 

But this performance was not for Souma. Not entirely. In truth, this was for Ai. This was for Raigo, as well. Every last act, every last demure smile and to endear them all the more to the humble, pretty and unassuming Western woman, the teacher come to teach them her language and her ways. 

This was for the message [i]she[/i] had yet to give a proud, cruel man. 

Had this day come even a year ago, Galina's pleasure in this exquisite display would have been truly complete. But she must take what pleasure was left to her now. Shizuka did not speak of course, but simply let her gaze rest on Souma as she lay the exquisite tea bowl before him, the first guest. Shizuka could appear the hopeful young woman, doing all she might to please her dear host, his family and of course, the honorable firstborn son.

But Galina could not help but wonder somewhere in the back of her mind, at the thoughts racing through Souma's head for that one brief, expectant moment. He knew [i]very[/i] well, what happened the last time he took a drink she offered, one prepared especially for him. But he was expected to drink the tea she prepared, and offer her a compliment. Perhaps even receive another serving if he found it to his liking. And Shizuka dared a sideways glance to Ai.