A note delivered to the house of Lord Takeamada

[Mariko]

*Umeko hands a note to Lord Takeamada after throwing herself to the ground and bowing*

Takeamada-San:

Please forgive this hastily written note, but my presence has been requested by the Empress this very evening and I must obey. As no indication of an escort was mentioned in the summons, I am humbly requesting one be provided for the journey to the Imperial Palace and back.

If this is not possible I will endeavor to make the journey with Umeko acting as escort, bravely and without fear.

Respectfully,

(Signed but not sealed)

Mariko

[Daimyo Hirk’oto Takeamada]

*A note is carried by the messenger boy to the Okiya from Lord Takeamada*

My dear Lady Mariko, an escort shall be provided you by either one of my trusted men or myself.

*signed and sealed*