The light from the indoor lamp, which dimly illuminated the bedroom in the middle of the night, was weakening and seemed about to go out at any moment.
I woke up feeling a gust of wind blowing in through the window on my cheek.
When I tilted my drowsy head, I saw a woman using my left arm, which I had stretched out straight to the side, as a pillow—and breathing softly in her sleep.
(How peaceful…)
Her bangs, soaked with sweat from sex, were plastered flat against her forehead, but aside from that, there was nothing unusual about her—her sleeping face was so innocent that it was hard to believe that just a few hours ago she had been moaning, writhing, and passing out in my arms.
(I finally got to hold this woman again…)
Despite being subjected to various sexual acts from me, she bravely endured it, clinging to me with embarrassment, and finally reaching orgasm while thrusting her hips herself.狂飆Kyohyo
I knew it was a pretty rough sexual act, but tonight I had no choice.
This was because Ichihime had been having her period recently, which had caused a hiatus in their marital relations at night.
During her period, Ichihime had bravely offered to help me by hand.
However, as a man, he simply couldn’t be satisfied until he thrust his penis into her soft, fluffy vaginal opening.
Ever since experiencing the warmth of that honey pot, he seems to have been completely captivated.
Even as Ichihime’s soft, supple fingers squeezed out my semen, my desires, not physically but mentally, were only growing more intense.
Even so, those five days were torture.
And tonight, after Ichihime’s “women’s day” was over, it was perhaps inevitable that I would let my son get aroused and ravage her honey pot.
However, she accepted my barbaric actions with deep affection.
(No matter how you look at it, she looks like nothing but a goddess…)
I thought to myself, trying not to wake Ichihime, as I played with her lustrous hair.
A warm body in my arms.
When I touch it with my fingertips, I sink into it slowly, yet it doesn’t lose any of its elasticity.
It was like the soft rubber balls that elementary school kids use for dodgeball; it was such exquisite skin that I wanted to keep touching it forever.
Unexpectedly, I suddenly found myself taking her as my wife, and yet, just as I had done when I took her virginity, I caressed and cherished this beautiful and endlessly fascinating body of mine again and again.
As I caress Ichihime’s pure white skin, there are times when I feel as if my hand is becoming one with hers.
I can clearly feel the blood pulsating beneath her skin, and I often get the sensation that its pulse is merging with my own heart through my fingers.
It was still like that.
My hand rests on her breast, which is peeking out from the front of her disheveled clothing.
The softest part of Ichihime’s body, which rose and fell with her breathing, was still damp with sweat from their sexual encounter.
I explore Ichihime’s nipples with the fingertips of my right hand.
It had completely softened again, a stark contrast to the hard, stiff state it had been just a few hours earlier.
As I rolled the trembling object between my fingertips, I pressed my lips to Ichihime’s cheek.
Then Ichihime’s face suddenly turned crimson—and I realized that my beloved wife had been pretending to be asleep for quite some time.
“Ichi…
You were awake…
No, I must have woken you up.
I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright…”
Ichihime leaned her face close to my chest and murmured, searching for the best position.
“When I’m embraced by Lord Nagamasa…
and every time he touches me, I feel so happy…”
“Hmm…”
“I recently realized…
that I’m quite clingy…”
I feel like I’ve known about that for quite some time.
However, being a gentleman, I didn’t say anything and instead slowly stroked her waist, which was as smooth as silk.
“Lord Nagamasa…”
“What?”
“While I’m at it, may I ask you just one question?”
“…ah”
“Why does conflict never cease…?
Why does war never cease…?”
“I don’t know.”
If a way to fundamentally resolve wars and conflicts were ever found, it would be worthy of the prestigious international Nobel Peace Prize.
And that Peace Prize would never be awarded again, and it would lose all its value.
“But…it can be brought to an end…”
“I’ll end it…hehe…”
“What?
Did I say something strange?”
“No…
my brother said the same thing…”
“Is that Lord Nobunaga?”
“yes”
Ichihime said, stroking my chest.
“My brother…
used to say all the time that he would end the age of war and create an era of peace…
that he would accomplish it even if it meant turning everyone against him…”
“I see…”
I placed my hand on Ichihime’s cheek, parted her hair to expose her ear, and admired the beautiful lines of her face.
“My brother and Lord Nagamasa…
they might be quite similar…”
“That’s not right.”
Holding Ichihime in my arms, I murmured.
“I’m just an ordinary person…
I can’t possibly make enemies of everyone.”
“Lord Nagamasa…”
“But I will protect you…
No matter what happens, I will protect you…
When the time comes.”
“Even if it means turning everyone against you…?”
“…ah”
I pressed my lips to her forehead and said:
“I absolutely must save you…”
◇
Odani Castle in northern Omi Province, along with Kasugayama Castle in Echigo Province, the base of Uesugi Kenshin, who was hailed as a god of war, and Gassan Tomita Castle in Izumo Province, the stronghold of Amago Tsunehisa, who was feared as a master strategist, is a famous castle that is known as one of Japan’s Five Great Mountain Castles.
This mountain castle, which utilizes the natural uplift of Mount Kotani and unfolds vertically, was also a space that was continuously expanded by Hisamasa and Nagamasa.
There is one day each month when the retainers of the Asai family are summoned to this mountain castle.
In other words, it is “[ ]”.評定Hyōjō
This was a forum where Asai Nagamasa, the head of the Asai family, would personally attend and discuss the family’s situation and policies with his retainers.
Morning of February 5th, 1567 (Eiroku 10).
As soon as I entered the great hall of Odani Castle, all the retainers present immediately bowed their heads in unison.
Generally, the closer you are to the seat of honor, the higher-ranking the vassal, while those of lower rank sit in the back or corners of the room.
Still not used to the bizarre scene, I sat in the seat of honor and called out to my retainers, “Raise your heads.”
At that point, Ryochika Asai, the person in charge of coordinating the evaluations, finally raised his head and declared, “Now, let us begin the evaluations!”
“First, we would like to hear from Mr.
Masamoto regarding last month’s income and expenses.”
“Go ahead and say it.”
“Hah!”
Masamoto, the second son of the Asai Five Brothers, bowed to me and presented me with a scroll.
When I unrolled the scroll, I found a detailed financial report of the Asai family written in neat handwriting.
“We thought that the recent invasion by the Rokkaku family would temporarily decrease the tolls, but thanks to my brother’s efforts, it seems they judged that ‘the Asai territory is actually safer.’ As a result, the number of people passing through the Lake Biwa checkpoint has increased, and tax revenues have risen accordingly.
Also, the tribute payments from the ‘guilds’ remain unchanged.”
“Hmm…”
Incidentally, a “za” (座) can be simply described as a “guild or association of tradespeople that is connected to power.”
The guilds, in exchange for paying money to powerful forces such as feudal lords and temples, monopolized economic activities such as business and sales.
In other words, the existence of a guild prevented merchants from coming from other regions to conduct business.
“Furthermore, please note that there are extraordinary expenses incurred for the repair of Sawayama Castle, which was damaged during the recent invasion by the Rokkaku clan…”
Masamoto explains it to me, but to be honest, it’s a rather difficult topic for me to understand, as I don’t know much about the currency of that era.
However, according to Masamoto’s report, it appears that the Asai family’s finances were in the black last month.
“That is a noble cause, Masamoto.
I have nothing more to add.”
“Hah!”
I dismissed Masamoto and straightened my posture.
“Lord Nagamasa will now explain the future policies of the Asai family.
Listen carefully, everyone!”
The men in the great hall all prostrated themselves at once.
Asai’s senior retainers, such as Akao Kiyotsuna, Kaihoku Tsunachika, Amamori Kiyosada, and even Endo Naotsune and Isono Kazumasa, were all bowing so low that their heads were practically touching the tatami mats.
“Okay, you guys, lift your heads.”
When I said that, the men in the hall slowly raised their heads.
The sight of nearly 100 retainers gathered in the hall moving in unison is visually astonishing.
(And I must survive this turbulent era with these people and bring prosperity to Omi.)
A heavy responsibility weighs on my shoulders, but that’s what it means to be a feudal lord.
Taking responsibility and bearing it is my job.
And—protecting them will, in turn, also ensure the safety of myself and Princess Ichi.
Considering all that, I couldn’t possibly give in to this level of pressure.
“I previously spoke to you about our Asai clan’s path to supremacy, our goal of enriching the country and strengthening the military.
Now, I will present the specific measures for achieving that.”
I addressed the now silent great hall.
“First, for the Asai clan to prosper, money is necessary.
We must secure this first.
However, to do that, we will also need to increase our population.
Therefore, what we should aim for is to attract many people into our territory.”
The Asai family was comprised more of people known as “military officials” than “civil officials.”所謂so-called
In the turbulent Sengoku period, this was unavoidable, but it meant that many people were brilliant when it came to one thing, but completely useless when it came to another.戦war政Festivals and rituals
That’s why, while it wasn’t necessary to simplify it to the point of a syllogism, it was important to strive for an explanation that was easy to understand.
That’s the point I need to pay close attention to, and the rest boils down to how I can project a “voice” that can persuade the other party.
“What should we do to increase our population…?
It’s simple: we just need to show that Asai’s territory is the best place in the world.”
A murmur of “Oh…” rippled through the hall.
“If the population increases in the castle town, money will increase, and if the population increases in the rural areas, rice production will increase.
We must increase these two types of people within the Asai territory and welcome them in.
This is the foundation of our strategy for enriching the country and strengthening the military.”
”I see, I see,” the retainers began to nod in agreement.
They are slow to understand, but once they understand, they are quick to grasp.
Because they, too, are human beings living in this era, and they see the people before their eyes on a daily basis.
The warlords of this era did not necessarily live in castle towns; some lived in rural areas.
It wasn’t until the separation of soldiers and farmers—that is, the classification of those who fought and those who didn’t—began that warlords began to seriously reside in castle towns.
Up until then, it was quite common for warlords to cultivate their own land with hoes and other tools.
“In order to make Asai a force to be reckoned with throughout the land, we need an industry with unique characteristics that no other country possesses.
Look at the clothes you are wearing.”
Then the men all began to look at the clothes they were wearing.
Their obedient compliance was truly admirable.
“The clothes you are wearing are probably made of hemp.
Kiyotsuna, for example, is probably wearing cotton…
but I will replace all of your clothes with silk within the next ten years.”
A murmur rippled through the hall.
This is only natural.
Although imports from China began to increase significantly around the Sengoku period, only daimyo or high-ranking retainers could afford them.
They remained synonymous with luxury goods.
“To that end, I will construct a workshop within my territory for sericulture and spinning.
Currently, sericulture is carried out haphazardly by farmers’ daughters, but I will consolidate it.
Raise silkworms, spin the thread, and weave it on the spot.
Then, Asai will distribute silk to every corner of the land.
When that happens, many people will be attracted by the wealth—just like moths drawn to a light.”
By the way, silkworms are also moths…
but my retainers don’t seem to notice my clever joke.
However, one can occasionally see men who keep touching their own kimonos and daydreaming, “If only I could wear a silk kimono…”
Or, there are men who mutter, “I don’t care about myself, but if only I could dress my wife and daughter in it…” Be proud, you are the best father of the Sengoku period.
“By gaining wealth through silk, Asai and Omi will prosper even more.
At the same time, I intend to develop hot spring resorts within my territory.”
A hot spring resort…?
Hot springs…?
The large hall began to buzz with murmurs.
“There are many hot springs in Omi, but most of them are still undeveloped.
I’m thinking of developing them and turning them into an industry.”
Of course, you can use it too—when I said that, the men’s eyes widened and they looked delighted.
How cute.
In those days, it was common practice to dive into cold rivers to wash off dirt and mud from one’s body.
The replacement of this with warm water had a significant impact not only on the common people but also on the generals.
“We will build a bathhouse and develop it into a hot spring resort.
It would be good to also have lodgings for spa-goers nearby.
And…
while we will contribute to the construction costs from our own funds, we are also thinking of soliciting donations of 10 mon each.
Those who donate will not be charged a bathing fee afterward, and their names will be engraved on the walls of the bathhouse along with mine to be preserved for posterity.”
”Oh…!” the men exclaimed.
The allure of the hot springs, combined with the desire to leave their own names behind alongside the name of the family head, had captured their hearts .擽tickle
Apparently, my retainers now consider me a hero for having thwarted the Rokkaku clan’s ambitions with only a small force at Sawayama Castle.
In any era, it’s only natural for anyone to want to be a part of an event where they can have their name passed down to future generations alongside a hero.
“Furthermore, all the hot spring resorts developed in Omi will be managed by the Asai family.
Probably, many people will flock there from Kyoto and elsewhere.
We will use the bathing fees and related income generated as our financial resources to further develop Omi.”
”I see…!” all the retainers seemed to agree without exception.
If the hot spring resort is developed, many people will visit.
This necessitates the development of accommodation facilities, which raises the question of what kind of food to provide—but that can be covered by purchasing it from farmers.
We would buy the wild vegetables and other things they gather and pay them.
This would allow money to circulate in the rural area and could help supplement their livelihoods.
Moreover, if a hot spring were built nearby, it could provide a respite from their arduous labor.
My retainers probably understood my intentions.
“Of course, these two proposals are only a small part of what I have in mind.
But they are necessary measures to enrich Omi.
If you agree, we will put them into action right away.”
“Are there any objections?” Ryoshin asked the audience in the hall, but of course, no one raised any objections.
Above all, my proposal this time directly relates to their lives, and moreover, it aims to improve them.
Everyone constantly wishes for their current life to improve, but usually sighs, realizing that there’s nothing they can do about it on their own.
However, this time, I, the highest authority in the Asai territory, am proposing to “improve the lives of my vassals.” There was no way they could object.
(But…the problem is what comes next.)
As I gazed at the childlike smiles of my retainers filling the great hall, I clenched my fists, tormented by an unusual tension.
◇
After the assessment, I took out Taishakutsukige, who had been enjoying a reverse harem with stallions surrounding him, and rode along the highway without any companions.
Whenever I think about the person I’m about to meet, my heart aches with a dull ache every time I look at Taishakutsukimo.
長閑PeacefulWe traveled through the rural landscape and arrived at the location that Kiyotsuna had researched for us.
Even without me pulling the reins, Taishakutsukimo stopped moving as if he had a complete grasp of my will.
Located southeast of Odani Castle, at the foot of Mount Nanao今荘Right nowIt was an old farmhouse located in a village
Cracked mud walls.
And a cheap roof made of stacked planks weighed down with stones.
A dimly lit, damp dwelling filled with the scent of earth.
Compared to the houses scattered throughout the village of Imasho, it’s hardly what you’d call impressive.
(So this is Hikobei’s birthplace…)
I remember the face of the man who lived in Odani Castle, caring for Taishakutsukige, and who, after presenting me with the Ishiwari Kanemitsu sword, was executed by Hisamasa.
Currently, Hisamasa is in a state of extreme turmoil at Odani Castle.
Most importantly, the fluorite sword that had been passed down through the Asai family was taken by a man who “took care of my father’s beloved horse,” and its whereabouts remain unknown to this day.
Even though he had retired, Hikobei’s crime was serious: he took the former head of the family’s personal belongings, including the Asai family’s heirlooms, and then allegedly lost them.
Naturally, Hisamasa ordered Akao Kiyotsuna, the head of the Asai family’s retainers, to “investigate Hikobei’s direct relatives.”
However, Kiyotsuna deliberately delayed the investigation and passed all the information he obtained to me.
“I believe it would be better to inform Lord Nagamasa, the head of the family, first, rather than informing the retired Lord Hisamasa…”
Kiyotsuna probably understands the true nature of Hikobei’s actions.
Alternatively, Naotsune, having witnessed me pulling out Ishiwari Kanemitsu at Sawayama Castle, may have learned of Hisamasa’s instructions and whispered them to Kiyotsuna.
In any case, thanks to Kiyotsuna, I was able to visit Hikobei’s birthplace before Hisamasa’s men arrived.
“Excuse me, is anyone there?”
When I called out towards the shabby house,
“Oh, samurai…?”
The girl who appeared, bowing low, was about nine years old.
Its nutritional status is probably poor.
Its entire body is slender, and it has a delicate build that looks like it might break if you squeezed it too hard.
Her skin was quite tanned, which suggested that she worked outdoors on a regular basis.
“You…”
Having said all that, I was at a loss as to how to continue.
“Hikobei has one younger sister.”
Those words of Kiyotsuna come back to me.
This girl is probably the sister of Hikobei, who died for me.
Thinking about it makes my heart race, and I don’t know what to say.
With my hand on my forehead and looking up at the sky, I couldn’t face the girl directly.
Then Taishakutsukimo nudged my back with the tip of its nose.
When I turned around, those light green eyes were staring intently at my every move with a strong determination.
Yes, this girl is not a stranger to her either…
I feel like I’m being scolded with a “Pull yourself together!”
I steeled myself and walked towards the girl down the path that had barely been mowed.
She then recoiled and tried to run into the house.
That was only natural.
In this day and age, it was commonplace for women to be raped by men.
Moreover, I’ve never met her before.
Of course she’s going to be wary of me.
“Hikobei was killed by hand.”
I said this loud enough for her to hear as she ran inside the house.
“Your brother is no longer in this world.”
Then the girl’s face cautiously peeked out from a gap in the wall of the house, and after staring intently at my face, she turned pale and began to tremble.
“I want to talk to you.
Make sure no one can hear.”
Upon hearing this, she nodded slightly, her head trembling.
Entering the dimly lit, damp house, I found the girl standing still in the corner of the room.
When I beckoned to her, she hesitated for a moment, then sat down on the ground, keeping a safe distance from me.
“I have a few questions.
Is that alright?”
“…love”
Seeing the girl nod, I continued.
“Is it correct that Hikobei, who was in charge of caring for the horses at Odani Castle, is your brother?”
The girl nodded again.
“What happened to your parents?
Are you alone in this house?”
The girl nodded.
“No, surely not…
You can’t live on your own.”
“The village headman…
is taking care of my brother’s salary and looking after him…”
“I see.”
Well, I can understand that.
It was common for the eldest son, who had gone to work as a servant in the castle, to entrust his affairs to an influential figure in the village.
Even so, I can’t help but feel that the environment in this house is just too bad.
“Um, sir samurai…”
“what up”
“Is my brother dead…?”
“That’s right…”
The girl’s face contorted, and she immediately began to cry.
In the small, simple space, a girl’s voice echoes loudly.
I rushed over to her and hugged her slender body tightly, holding her close until the girl stopped crying.
“Are you okay now?”
“…love”
The girl sniffled and nodded.
“Did you come to tell me about my brother, sir?”
“That’s part of it, but…”
I hesitated, wondering whether I should say it or not, but realizing that I had no choice but to say it, I told the girl, as if trying to convince her.
“Your brother…
Hikobei, he acted with the sole intention of helping one man, even risking his life.
That man is deeply grateful to Hikobei.
But…
what Hikobei did is something that can never be forgiven by society, and not only Hikobei, but his entire family has been charged with a crime.”ある事…
“…me too?”
“That’s right.
If things continue like this, you’ll end up being hanged.”
“To Lord Enma’s place?”
“ah”
I made the girl stand up and asked her.
“Do you want to die?”
The girl shook her head.
“Then follow me.”
“…Is that okay?”
“If you don’t mind, though.”
Then the girl tightly gripped the hem of my kimono.
“Is the samurai someone your brother knows?”
“Yes, but…”
“Then it’s okay…”
The girl stared intently into my eyes.
“In that case, it’s okay.”
As I left the dilapidated house with the girl, Taishakutsukimo, who had been waiting for our return all this time, let out a cry.
He leaps onto Taishakutsukimo and reaches out to the girl.
That’s when I finally got a good look at the girl’s face.
A simple face that makes you look forward to seeing what he’ll be like in 10 years.
A cute girl I occasionally meet when I go back to my hometown for summer vacation.
That’s exactly how it feels.
“What’s your name?”
“…Hisa”
“It’s been a while…
I understand.
Well then, let’s go.”
With the sister of the man who literally sacrificed his life for me in my arms, I sped back to Odani Castle.
This was the best I could do for Hikobei, who is no longer in this world.
By the way, I’ve already thought about what to do with the girl.
(The question now is whether or not we can persuade them—)
It probably won’t turn out badly.
We haven’t had any meetings about this, but it should work out somehow—no, it *has* to work out somehow.
We bought a nice children’s kimono in the castle town of Odani Castle, dressed our child in it, and then passed through the castle gates of Odani Castle.
And so, under the curious gazes of my retainers, I took the girl’s hand and knocked on the door of the room of the person I was looking for.