Yasu quickly found Three Horse Inn and checked in.  He rented his room for four nights and five days. His horse was housed right behind the inn and would be well provided for and protected.  He also requested to have hot water to be brought up to his room every night for his bath.  

After reserving his room and dropping off his belongings, he hired a city carriage to take him to the marketplace.  He bought fresh fruit and some snacks to bring back to his room. By the time he came back to the inn, the dining area wasn’t as packed as it was when he arrived.  Yasu went back to his room to place the fruit and snacks on the table before grabbing a book to read. He then made his way downstairs to the dining room.

“Welcome good sir.”  The handsome server said as he greeted Yasu once he sat down.  “What would you like to eat and drink.”

Yasu chose a table in the corner of the dining area.  His back faced the wall, while his front could see the whole dining room.  To his right was a window that faced the street, letting him people watch while he enjoyed his meal.  

“What’s on the menu today?”  Yasu asked as he placed his book on the table.  

Yasu half listened to the server as his eyes wandered around the room.  The place was tidy and clean. The service was orderly and quick. Yasu could tell the owner was a soldier by the way the inn was ran.     

“I’ll have set A.”  Yasu ordered once the server stopped talking.  “And the best tea you have.”  

“The best tea we have on hand is the Moon Harvest Black Tea.  Will that be alright?”   

“That would be fine.”  

The server bowed to Yasu and quickly left.  Yasu opened his book and began reading while keeping one eye on the guests that entered through the dining room door and the people who passed by the window.  

When his food was served Yasu ate slowly while reading his book.  Afterwards, he drank two pots of Moon Harvest Black Tea before paying and leaving.  

Yasu’s strange actions didn’t go unnoticed.  The soldiers that came into the dining room didn’t pay him any attention.  However the server and owner did. The westren side of the city were usually occupied by soldiers and their families.  

Those that stayed at the inns on the west side of the city were friends and families of those soldiers.  They were more rough around the edges and could hardly read.  

Scholars and their families stayed at the south side of the city.  The inns there were more refined and tailored to their taste. To have a scholar staying in the Three Horse Inn, which was tailored toward soldiers and their families.  Yasu stood out like a sore thumb. His actions made the owner weary of him.  

Yasu rested in his room in the afternoon.  Catching up on some sleep and came down for dinner.  Book in hand he sat down at the same table and ordered his meal and tea.  

Yasu gazed at the soldiers who were there, chatting, drinking and eating.  Although they were at different tables, there were times that one soldier shouted from across the room at another soldier.  Their conversations mixing together as they argued from across the room.  

Although the soldiers came alone or with their friends, everyone knew each other because they all worked together.  

“Sorry for the loud noise.”  The handsome server said as he placed Yasu’s dinner on the table.  

“No worries.”  Yasu said as he thanked the server.  “Their actions makes it more lively and warm.” 

“Yes it does.  They are all lively and healthy soldiers.  So being a bit loud during their time off can be a handful for other guests.  I hope you don’t mind.” 

“I don’t mind.  I understand.” Yasu said as he smiled gently to the server.  

“E--enjoy your meal.”  The server said as a flush of pink dyed his cheeks.  “Call me if you need anything.”  

The server left before Yasu could say anything.  Yasu ate slowly as he looked around the room like a curious tourist.  He opened his book midway and began reading as he ate. His actions brought attention from the table next to him.  

There were four men who sat at the next table.  Three of them stood up and walked towards different directions and began speaking to different people.  The one who stayed behind looked at Yasu for a moment before speaking.   

“Hey scholar.”  The man who sat at the table next to him said as he tapped the table with his chopsticks.  “What you reading?”   

Yasu turned to the man who sat next to him and showed him the cover.  

“Rare Herbal Plants And Its Properties.”   The soldier read outloud. “You’re a doctor?”  

“Not really.  My Dad was. He taught me some of his knowledge while raising me.” 

“Ah, how amazing.  Do you plan to attend the Academy and obtain a doctor’s certificate?” 

“No.  I’m not interested.”  Yasu told him.  

"Haha.  I bet your Dad was mad when you told him you weren't interested." 

"Actually, he was very understanding.  His only wish for me was to be happy." 

“You're lucky."  The soldier said as he sighed.  "You’re new here.  Are you staying at the inn?”  

“I am.  I just arrived today.”  

“What brings you here.”  The soldier asked.  

“I came here to meet some friends.”  Yasu told him.  

“Are they soldiers?”  

“One of them is.”  

“Ahh, no wonder you picked an inn near the west gate.”  He said as he nodded his head in understanding.  

“You a soldier too?”  Yasu asked.  

“Lieutenant actually.  Lt. Konda Mari.” Konda said as he introduced himself.  “Nice to meet you.” 

“Nice to meet you too.  I’m Yasu. Owner of Black Fox Teahouse in Nijo.”  Yasu introduced himself as he greeted Konda and handed him a Black Fox members tablet.  “If you’re ever in the capital and want to drink some tea, come visit me with that members tablet.  You and your friends or family will be welcomed at anytime.”  

“Black Fox Teahouse,  hmmmm.” Konda said as he looked at the members tablet.  “Where have I heard that name before.”

Konda hummed for some time before he remembered the name.  

“I remember, now!  It’s that famous teahouse that set the capital city into a frenzy.  Only royalty and nobles have membership to the specialized teahouse.  It is said that once you drink tea there, you wouldn’t want to drink tea anywhere else!  They also said that owner designed the teahouse to excite all five senses. To obtain membership to the teahouse, one must pay a high fee and have 10 members to recommend a new member.  Not only that, but members must reserve a tearoom two months in advance. You… you’re actually the owner of that famous teahouse!”  

“Lower your voice!”  Yasu said as he frowned.  He didn’t expect his teahouse to be so famous that news of his teahouse has traveled outside of the capital city.  Although some of the rumors were exaggerated, the gist of it was mostly true.

“Oh… sorry… sorry.”  Konda said as he rubbed the back of his head.  “I was just too surprise please forgive me.”  

“Please don't advertise who I am.”  Yasu told him. “If my identity is found out, my life will not be so peaceful as it is now.”  

“Haha.  That is true.”  Konda agreed. He looked at the members tablet and with a heavy sigh he handed the tablet back to Yasu.  “Thank you for showing me this members tablet. I never thought I would be able to even touch something so precious.  Take it back.” 

“Why?”  Yasu asked.  “I gave it to you to use.”  

“What?!?”  Konda shouted loudly before covering his mouth with his hand.

“Didn’t I just say that if you’re ever in the capital and want to enjoy some tea, that you’re always welcome to Black Fox Teahouse.”  Yasu repeated himself.  

“Ahh… I feel as if I won a pot of gold.”  Konda said as he smiled widely at Yasu.  

“Since you don’t know when the next time you’re in Nijo, you don’t have to worry about reserving an appointment.  Just come to the teahouse with the member tablet and my workers there will show you inside. You and your friends will get to experience what royals and nobles experience.”  

“But… I’m just a soldier… a commoner.  I’m no one special. Will the royals and nobles be alright if I’m there?”  Konda asked.  

“Who cares what they think?  As long as I’m fine with it, why do you or they have to worry about who I invite to drink tea at my teahouse?”  

“Ahh… Sir Yasu, you are a kind person.”  Konda said as he placed the members tablet inside of his robe.  “I will take you up on your invitation and visit you when I’m in Nijo.”  

“I look forward to your visit.”  Yasu said.  

As they continued with their conversation.  Yasu made sure not to reveal too much about himself.  He only said enough that should Ren and Shiro hear about it, they would be interested and investigate.  

Yasu and Konda ended the night over drinks as Yasu bought drinks for him and the rest of his table.  They shared stories and knowledge with each other before turning in for bed.  

Yasu walked to his room drunkenly and once inside he straighten up his posture as if he was never drunk.  Half an hour later, hot water was brought up to his room and the tub was filled.  

Yasu sat by the table watching as the servers did their work.  Once the tub was filled, Yasu took a long and hot bath before crawling into bed.  His first night in Hima passed by peacefully.