Year of the Boar, Ninth Month, Day 30.

At the same time, I feel relieved and yet somewhat affronted that Seira appears to be capable of running my House better than I have ever been able to. She seems to actually enjoy the daily meetings with the Diplomats and manages to bring about resolutions and conclusions as if they are the most obvious solutions; no one argues with her. It is quite something to behold; she has a gift of making people believe that it is they who have come up with an idea and then they walk away smiling. It is a gift I wish I had. Then again, perhaps if I cared about the daily minutiae, perhaps I would manage them considerably better.
I have decided to make her my Chief Diplomat. I think I will have to conceive a different title for her since I can hardly make the second in line to the throne of another House a mere Diplomat, chief or otherwise... I think she would accept the position anyway since she has no reason to go home. I shall have to allocate some staff to her and find her a more appropriate chamber; perhaps I can move her next to mine. I shall also have to consider the fact that her presence here will not go unnoticed for long and that I may make an enemy of Pale Twilight because of her. I do not care too much about what Tokiko and Masaru think of me but I could do without the inconvenience of fending them off while Shigeru threatens me with a siege.
All has been quiet at the border but I cannot help but be afraid that it is only a matter of time before Fallen Sakura's soldiers begin their incursions into my Lands.  I have lain awake fretting about an invasion for nights on end but my scouts have seen nothing. Shigeru is not one to renege on his promises; I know he means to take my House... it is just a matter of time. I suppose there is still the option of the Summer House or perhaps a messenger to Lady Iyo but I fear that particular ship has sailed... Seira does not know about anything that happened at Kenta's funeral; perhaps I should take her into my confidence and see if she has any sensible ideas... The thought of Shigeru being anywhere near me makes me so sick. If only I could have a pipe...