Sakuya's Gift
~ Chapter thirteen ~
~ Oasis Village ~ The grand, palatial stone manor belonging to Lord Shiroyuki and his siblings.~
Looking around the well-furnished meeting room, Sakuya's mood is pleasant. Though there is but three short weeks to go before the big day and things are busier than ever, she is content.
Why? Because it's a union between her esteemed brother, Lord Reiji of Oasis, and her dearest (albeit long-suffering) friend Yuukina. "It's going to be... beautiful. I'm so happy for them."
Turning her fond expression to each person gathered, through a single nod in his direction she concedes control of the meeting to Shiroyuki.
'Tonight's budgetary meeting is doubling as a family evening and since Shiro is the eldest, it's best order be left to him. My time to speak will come soon. I hope Rei and Yuuki like it.'
~
As her friend Rasa escorts the final representatives to the exit, Sakuya is brimming with anticipation. 'The official discussions took longer than normal, but that's understandable. 'Soon.' She assured herself.
~
Sakuya's news left Yuukina breathless. "You're actually saying the Daimyo himself agreed? That no matter what we build on this allotment, the taxation will be at an eighty-eight percent reduction? That's on top of our already reduced rates? No strings?"
"Indeed I am." Sakuya responded with cheer in her voice. "We pay most of Oasis's taxation through water anyway, but this is a special case."
"Technically we already kept it watered, I just needed ownership. I pulled in one of the many favors our family has accumulated and he agreed. Ten acres, admittedly that isn't especially large, but I imagine there's a lot you can do with it."
"Yeah, No kidding." Murmured Rasa under his breath. "And I thought your joint gift of noble status to myself and Ayame was exceedingly generous."
"And you've both honored your new status well, Lord Rasa" Sakuya said kindly. "The people you represent have nothing but praise for your handling."
"Now, so long as whatever you and Reiji choose to build doesn't exceed the specified limits. There is no expiration, but a council representative WILL drop by periodically to ensure we are honoring our-" she's cut off by a hug. Both her brothers and Yuukina.
"That's an incredibly generous gift, thank you Songbird."
And so the conversation continued. "An all-night Izakaya for sure. That has to be at LEAST part of it." Said Yuukina.
"I agree with my soon-to-be bride. It's locked in." Agreed Reiji. Sakuya didn't miss the hint of excitement in his voice.
"Alright. But even a large diner like that leaves plenty of room. What else?" Asked Sakuya.
Shiro offered his own input. "It's important we drain as much benefit from this arrangement as possible. Perhaps a casino?"
"Oh, you are evil. It's a good idea for sure, but doing so guarantees the Daimyo will regret permitting us this allowance. We'd be rubbing it in. "All but bragging we are denying them access to one of their biggest sources of tax collection." Said Yuukina carefully.
Sakuya is diplomatic. "Yuuki raises a fair point, Shiro, let's not antagonize him or his allies over something so small. Perhaps we should tread carefully? You know "Play Nice". She input delicately."
"Eh, I see your point. I guess that's a no from me." Said Reiji, though it was clear to his siblings he wouldn't mind upsetting the Daimyo.
"Very well. In the interest of "keeping the peace" motion dismissed." Shiro agreed firmly. "Moving on. Perhaps a Pachinko parlor? I don't understand why, but the Daimyo doesn't count Pachinko slots as "gambling" so it should be fair game." Shiro haggled patiently.
As the group chats away, their debate earnest enough, they have no idea that bigger problems are coming the "Wellspring Siblings" way.