Year of the Boar, Thirteenth Month, Day 24.

 I am concerned about the lack of a response from Aoki. I know it is too early to expect one but given the circumstances, I have been praying that the gods will hurry things up a little. They have not seen fit to do so but I cannot help but fret over when I might receive a response. It occurs to me that I cannot really leave Silent Thunder until it arrives because I have no idea how it could be sent my way once I have left. Regardless of what they are or are not being paid, no merchant is going to wander around the countryside looking for someone in transit... 

I wish to the heavens that I had never said yes to Grandmother. Why did it matter to me that the House tradition of running spies was continued? After she was gone, I could have let the entire affair lapse but instead of doing that, I doubled down and grew it into a monster. I suppose now that my networks seems to be on the verge of collapse, I could just let things be. I could accept the consequences of the truth coming out and just let it go. It is not as if I have much of a reputation to protect so perhaps it is time I just gave it all up and focused my efforts elsewhere. Kaede would let me stay here and Yuika would certainly have me back, I am sure of it.