Chairman and Shihoin[Rio, Tsubine]

An unanswered question was better left unpressed, then. His explanation illustrated perfectly why it might be counterintuitive to reveal this captain's name. He was doing his own due diligence, Rio preferred not to compromise that. He had proven a pleasant man with commendable aspirations, and the Shihoin woman could certainly envision offering her support if he broached the subject.

"Of course, of course. I would have been sick to my stomach if I chose to walk away from a pleasant young lady like Mayumi."

Offering that playful quip with a bright smile in Mayumi's direction, Rio focused on Tsubine's inquiry regarding the Shihoin. They were still holding up relatively well. Rio not allow them to falter to any discernible degree if it lied within the scope of her ability to prevent it, and although she still disliked her sister to a significant degree, she trusted that woman would honor their deceased father by maintaining their family's prestige. As such, her composed response, as she leaned against the chair, was succinctly concise.

"Is that so? An honor, truly. Even with the decline in the noble's hands over almost everything regarding the soul society, we have maintained ourselves relatively well in the aftermath. I take great pride in the Shihōin name, and although I am not the head, I take immense care to assure that everything is running smoothly concerning our affairs."

The conversations had proceeded well from that point onward. Tsubine and Mayumi proved fined company, both equally amicable and respectful. Considering the way their meeting started, Rio found this sequence of events to be far more pleasant. Thoroughly enjoyable, even. Both of them had left a fine impression on her. She would have gladly spent a whole day sharing conversation and enjoying this meal with them, but Tsubine had his own matters to attend to elsewhere.

When everything was properly consumed, their conversation concluded, Rio leaned back against the chair to gaze at the card he handed to her. Rio could certainly handle herself well enough, but she appreciated the gesture nevertheless, offering a warm smile and an affirmative nod of the head. The Shirazumi Rengokai... She would take great care to remember their name.

"Neither do I, really. Still, I appreciate the gesture. If there ever comes a time where I feel unsafe, I won't hesitate to make use of the Shirazumi's services."

When she finished addressing Tsubine, Rio cast her gaze down to Mayumi. An apology was unnecessary. As far as she was concerned, the young lady did no wrong. Rio would have still been conducting a search most likely, browsing through the town until she found entertainment ample enough to hold her attention. With a reassuring smile, Rio patted her head softly.

"Don't worry, Mayumi. As far as I'm concerned, the accidental bump led me here. And I got to enjoy fine company with an upstanding man and a wonderful young lady. We can be friends now, too, so that's a plus, right?"

She reached into her pocket, writing her contact information down, passing it to Tsubine for safekeeping.

"Here. If she ever wishes to visit me, or even you for that matter, I'm never far away. Besides, I wouldn't mind discussing the possibility of offering my resources if we share mutual interests with the Shirazumi. You've raised her well, Tsubine. Keep up the good work, and may our paths cross once again in the future."

With that, she rose from the chair to make her way toward the door. If there was anything else he wanted to say, she wasn't so far away to avoid hearing his voice. If not, she simply walked through the door, returning home to pleasantly reminisce on a good day well spent.