Year of the Boar, Tenth Month, Day 22.

The frontrunners arrived this afternoon with the news that Rani will be at the gates tomorrow. Apparently travel makes her tired and so rather than push the horses and arrive this evening, she prefers to rest a night in an inn on the way. I am glad of that decision as it gives me at least a few more hours to decide what to do about Yuika.
I have asked Ryouko to deal with her because I simply cannot have yet another argument about this delegation. Ryouko is under instructions to do whatever she needs to do in order to make sure that Yuika bathes and is suitably attired and made up by the time Rani arrives. She is also to ensure that Yuika presents herself in the Hall to offer tea as is appropriate. I believe I have the measure of how Yuika's mind works and I have no doubt that left to her own devices, she would let Rani wait for sticks on end before deciding to show her face.
I do wish that Dying Crane were not to be Rani's first impression of the Ninth Kingdom but since it is, I cannot allow it to be a disaster. It should not bother me since Dying Crane is not my House but I feel it is a matter of personal pride. There is nothing to be done now other than to wait... and hope that Ryouko manages to make Yuika at least presentable by the morning...

Year of the Boar, Tenth Month, Day 21.

I am exhausted. It is very late, although I could not say for certain what the hour is, but since Rani's delegation will arrive imminently, I felt that I should not leave anything to chance and have had the House made entirely ready. I rose somewhat before dawn and I must admit that I did not enjoy that even one little bit. The weather is crisp and the mornings have a particularly icy feel; I do not believe I was made for these temperatures, much preferring the languid, sultry heat of the south but I must get used to it I suppose, for it will be a long time before I am ready to return to Pale Twilight. If indeed, I ever do.
I have had shouting matches with several Diplomats and ground my teeth at more than a few of the servants about the House today. Yuika's behaviour has been entirely unhelpful and I am half inclined to present myself as the Lady of the House when Rani arrives; it is not as though she will know any different and if the scouts tell her different, then I can say that it was a ruse since we did not know their intentions and that I had always planned to reveal myself upon Rani's arrival. Since the servants refer to all of us as 'MiLady' rather than by our names, they are hardly likely to give the game away by accident... Hmm.. I wonder...
I am glad that I can report that the House is completely ready other than the welcome banquet which cannot be prepared until the delegation has arrived anyway so perhaps I can turn my attentions back to Yuika for a day or two. She has refused to move from her veranda for the past day or two and despite my best efforts, could not be forced to eat in the Hall. Ryouko seems to think she may have taken some tea and fruit on her veranda at some point but it will scarcely keep her fit and well for Rani's arrival... I shall allow myself the luxury of rising late and taking breakfast in my chamber tomorrow and then I intend to plant myself in Yuika's chamber until she either sees sense or is so sick of me carping that she acquiesces.