Aah, I do seem to recall passing by at least one teahouse in Tamamo territory on my previous visit. It's unfortunate, but I can't trust one of the ayakashi there to prepare for me, so I wouldn't mind sharing a bit of knowledge... In exchange for service.

[He wasn't exactly the most artistic person, but spellcasting was something like an art. In fact, a lot of his skills required at least the kind of careful attention to detail and disciplined learning-by-repetition that ceremony, too, called upon. In archery and in tea, the power was in the focus.]

[Matoba can't help a chuckle at Shylock's affirmation.] Compensation, is it? You're getting quite a deal out of me already. I should think I am the one to be owed a favor.... But teaching a man to fish, as they say, is an investment.