Yuuma leads the way to the Merchant district eventually arriving at a two story building a young boy bows Yuuma and Hitomi into the building " I will fetch the master" he said in a small voice looking at the ground "Please wait here Samurai-samas" he said bowing as he backed away.

Kasumi gave the place the once over.

The store front had several shelves, filled with items from across the empire Crane silks, ornamental fans from the Dragon lands, spices supplied by the Unicorn. It looked as if it catered to the tastes of Samurai giving a taste of Empires bounty, or a remembrance of home.

Kasumi waited patiently.

The servant boy returned with a well dressed Scorpion who quickly bowed deeply towards Yuuma "Greetings Bayushi-sama it is always a pleasure to see you" he glanced in Kasumi's direction and then returned his attention to Yuuma. "How may I be of service today?"

"I am here to check the books and discuss the next round of acquisitions" Yuuma explained "I also wished for my Fiancé to have the opportunity to see our businesses" He indicated Kasumi "This is Kakita Kasumi" he said and then introduced the merchant as "and this Kakita-san is Shen. He manages this business, which as you can see imports goods from across the Empire for the wealthy of the city"

Kasumi bowed politely to Shen.

"Of course Bayushi-sama, Kakita-sama then please join me in my office" he said indicating the direction he had appeared from "If it would please you, I shall have tea brought up for us?" he asked as the group entered his office.

It was richly decorated in silks and tapestries, all of the furniture was also decorated. He showed the two Samurai to seats and then collected the paper work to present to Yuuma.

Kasumi sipped her tea and watched what was happening carefully.

"As you can see profits are up, despite the competition and the higher tools" Shen explained "The Mantis continue to supply what we ask for at a very reasonable price"

Yuuma nods as he examines the papers and the frowns slightly "But I see that you are spending more funds on security?"

"Ah.. yes well the docks are fractious at the moment " he explained hurriedly.

"Oh? What is happening?" Kasumi asked.

Shen looked at Yuuma for a moment before answering after Yuuma nodded "ah well Samurai-sama the competition for goods in the docks is fierce, and some of those who are less than scrupulous engage in underhanded means to ensure it is their goods that make it to market. The Thunderguard of course keep the peace, but they can only be in so many places at once" he explained "we  need to hire our own guards to protect our interests"

"That seems simple enough," Kasumi said.

"It is but recently things have got worse,  hence the increase costs" Shen explained.

Yuuma examined the documents and the took his seal and stamped the papers "These look reasonable and I'll agree to the extra guards"

Shen bowed low "Thank you Bayushi-sama"

Kasumi did her best to keep her face blank like her fiancé.

The discussion continues for a short while and the meeting finishes and Shen escorts the two Samurai from the building.

"That was interesting," Kasumi said.

"Ryoko Owari can be a bit strange to outsiders" Yuuma said "But I hope setting goes things work here well help to put you at ease"

Kasumi chuckled.

"From what I heard, I was expecting there to be a lot of bribing."

Yuuma nods "Yes, I can imagine" he said "While I would be lying if I said such things do not happen,  it's not as common as one would think." He indicates the path to the next business.

"I suppose it's best not to go solely on rumour," Kasumi said.