Tetsuo was surprised at how quickly Chiharu opened up and began talking about personal matters. Nervous as she appeared to be, she was certainly showing great courage and putting her heart into her familial duties. Tetsuo found this to be an admirable trait, but at the same time it caught him a bit off-guard; he was not used to plunging into such deeply personal conversations so quickly. Yet at the same time, this boldness was wrapped in a shawl of such modesty that he found it impossible not to smile at the balance of virtues. He thought it was strange that not even the male heir would be taught the family trade, especially if Shigeru was as masterful in his craft as Chiharu claimed, but he was not so insolent as to criticize, or even question, something he knew nothing about. Perhaps Shigeru simply had higher aspirations for his children; that much was at least evidenced in his offer for marriage into the Aroi family. 

"If we are speaking frankly," Tetsuo said, maintaining the pleasant mood that seemed to be established, "then until this morning I thought I would be receiving the Nakashima family myself, and I was unaware that he had a daughter around my age, doubly unaware of the prospect of marriage. It seems your father is not the only one fond of secrets." He dared a small laugh to show that he meant this as a point of amusement, not of inconvenience. "I can see that you are a kind and loyal woman, and it is good that you show deference to your sibling, but please do not speak so lowly of yourself. Beauty comes in many forms, and I fear that if such self-deprecation continues that I may find my own appreciation of beauty insulted." He looked Chiharu in the eye and smiled as he said this. Perhaps there were some who would be displeased by her small stature, or would complain about the hue of her complexion, but Tetsuo could find no fault there. 

"Wedding a suitable spouse is a heavy responsibility for me as a member of the Aroi family," Tetsuo continued. "My father often reminds me that I am but one misfortune away from coming into command of all of our armies, and every decision I make must benefit my family as much as possible. It is a wonder that I am afforded the luxury of choosing my spouse, but this being the case I will say now that it will take a great deal of consideration before I am ready to make that decision. However, to my knowledge I am free to make friends as I please, and I would gladly share your company at every convenience."

Just then, a pair of servants arrived and announced that their tea was ready. "You are punctual as always, Midori-san. So long as Nakashima -san has no objections, I believe we are ready." With that, the two were lead into another room where a table with all the tea-ware was set up and waiting for them. The room was decorated with various Buddhist imagery, and there was an opening in one of the walls that revealed a lush garden filled with numerous flowers, bonsai trees, and a koi pond. Tetsuo was a bit dismayed that the weather seemed to be taking a turn for the worse, but fortunately the opening faced towards the west, so the cold breeze would not disturb their tea. "I hadn't planned for a formal ceremony, so please make yourself comfortable, Nakashima-san," Tetsuo said as he took a seat. "I believe we are in for a treat. The leaves that are used to make this tea are grown by our own groundskeeper, so it is impossible to find a fresher taste. I hope you enjoy it."