Fates Supports/Saizo Ryoma

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C Support

Ryoma: Saizo, are you there?

Saizo: I'm never far, my lord. How may I be of service to you?

Ryoma: There is a question I would put to you.

Saizo: Ask away, my lord.

Ryoma: You were raised from a young age to take the mantle of Saizo, right?

Saizo: Yes.

Ryoma: Have you had second thoughts on the subject?

Saizo: Never.

Ryoma: No hesitation, I see.

Saizo: Why do you ask?

Ryoma: I was merely curious. If it never crossed your mind, very well. That will be all, Saizo. I'm sorry to have summoned you for so little.

(Ryoma leaves)

Saizo: Yes, my lord.

B Support

Saizo: Lord Ryoma...

Ryoma: Yes, Saizo? What is it?

Saizo: May I ask what prompted your earlier question?

Ryoma: What question would that be?

Saizo: Whether I had any qualms about taking on the Saizo name.

Ryoma: Ah, yes.

Saizo: I wasn't sure what prompted it. Has my work been subpar in some way?

Ryoma: Not at all. Your work is exemplary, as always. No, I wondered because I've been having my own doubts along those lines.

Saizo: Doubts, my lord?

Ryoma: It can't be easy, working in the shadows. Some of your jobs are ethically dubious. But you discharge your duty without complaint.

Saizo: I do what is expected of me, my lord.

Ryoma: But the high risk you undertake ought to merit a correspondingly high reward. And right now our army does not have the funds to compensate you properly. I thought this might be cause for some dissatisfaction.

Saizo: Never, my lord! These things couldn't be further from my thoughts.

Ryoma: I'm glad to hear that. But if you ever do have any such concerns, I ask that you bring them to me.

Saizo: Your generosity is most kind, my lord.

Ryoma: I intend to do everything in my power to reward you for your service. It's only fair.

Saizo: As you say, Lord Ryoma.

A Support

Saizo: Lord Ryoma. When you said I could tell you about any concerns I had...

Ryoma: Has something come up?

Saizo: One minor thing, maybe.

Ryoma: Name it. As I said before, I'll do anything in my power to address it.

Saizo: Then I'll be frank. I want you to do whatever you deem necessary without worrying about me.

Ryoma: ...Is there something you believe you can't discuss with me, Saizo?

Saizo: Not quite. You said before that you don't think I'm paid properly. But from my perspective, I'm very well compensated.

Ryoma: Really? It's not easy to make ends meet on a military salary...

Saizo: I'm not talking about the financial end of things.

Ryoma: But what else could you be referring to?

Saizo: My heart. Certainly, a ninja's work is not easy. And never pretty. I think that's what gives you pause. Though as prince, you needn't give it a thought if you don't want to.

Ryoma: But it's normal to consider the well-being of my subjects. Especially my retainers.

Saizo: You call it normal, but it is not common. The great ninja who have borne the Saizo name pass into legend. Samurai boast that they will die for a truly honorable master, but so too will a ninja. To know ourselves and to serve a master who knows us is our greatest calling. For your part, simply continue to walk the path you have chosen. I find no greater joy than to help you down it from the shadows.

Ryoma: Saizo... Very well. I shall take your wishes to heart. Your reward for your service shall be that I walk a path that meets your expectations. Is that sufficient?

Saizo: Yes. I am blessed to be able to serve you.