The Japanese archipelago is a somewhat inconvenient space for a large number of people to live in.
I became convinced of this while staring at a map of Japan during my severe case of chuunibyou (eighth-grade syndrome).
First of all, there are many mountainous areas.
Mountains are full of essential elements for human life, such as fruits and spring water.
However, they are also spaces unsuitable for large populations to live in.
For many people to live, there must be flat land.
However, in Japan, such flat land is extremely limited.
In the Sengoku period, the most important thing for strengthening a nation’s power was to “claim plains as our territory.” That was the bottom line.
And, although it was largely carved out by Lake Biwa, Omi was fortunately a region suitable for human habitation.
However, the Asai clan’s territory in Omi Province was effectively divided into two parts, east and west.
One is the area centered around Odani Castle.
The other is the area on the west side of Lake Biwa, centered around Shimizu-yama Castle.
This western Asai territory was formed by the Kamo River, creating a flat plain and giving it a vast expanse.安曇川Adogawa
The Azumigawa River, which flows through this plain, is connected to Lake Biwa, and not only has water transport flourished here since ancient times, but it has also served as an important transit point from Kyoto to the castle town of Odani.
In other words, the Asai family had core regions in both the west and east of their territory, and they had to aim for development while skillfully coordinating these regions.
If that happens, it will become necessary to cut down a large number of bureaucrats.
However, as a practical matter, there were few competent administrators within the Asai family.
Fortunately, within the western territory, there is An’yoji Ujitane, who successfully brokered a marriage alliance between the Oda and Asai families, but we cannot rely solely on him.
Unless we discover and nurture talent, Asai’s development will remain a pipe dream.
And there, right in front of me, stood Masamoto Asai, one of the most capable bureaucrats on the eastern side, arms crossed, groaning, facing me.
“Brother, you really…
say things I would never have thought of.”
Saying that, Masamoto began groaning again.
You can easily imagine what he looked like, as Hisashi next to me was completely frozen in fear.
He was frowning, pressing his fist against his chin, and just groaning.
“So, this is what you mean…”
Masamoto counted on his fingers and asked, glaring intently at Hisa.
“My brother taught this girl arithmetic, and Asai added her to the lower ranks of his retainers…”
“That’s right.”
“Hmmmm…”
Indeed, it is probably beyond his understanding.
In those days, it was quite common for girls to be married off once they had grown up to a certain extent.
Even if one were to go to work as a servant in the castle, they would only be involved in trivial matters of daily life such as sewing and laundry, and would not be allowed to be involved in anything more—that kind of society.
However, what I wanted was to “make Hisa a woman who can do arithmetic…”
In other words, it meant teaching men specialized skills that were the exclusive domain of men, but it is easy to imagine how absurd such a claim would be in this Sengoku period.
Even Oda Nobunaga could only lament about Ichihime, saying, “If she had been a man, she would have become a great general…”
Even with his innovative and flexible mind, the idea of having women acquire specialized skills and “utilizing” them never crossed his mind.
It was only natural that he wouldn’t easily agree, even with my words coming from someone he likely respected as his older brother.
“Brother, but what do you intend to have this girl do with the time you teach her arithmetic?”
Even Masamoto, usually so composed, had a look in his eyes that said, “Unless you explain your true intentions, I cannot accept this…”
There was no other choice.
I told Masamoto the truth, being careful not to lie, and sometimes obscuring the facts.
“Masamoto…
this girl can touch Indra’s moon hair.”
“What?!
Is that really true?”
Masamoto was surprised by that alone.
It was truly an inside joke that only those within the Asai family would understand.
“Taishakutsukimo only allowed me and Hikobei to touch her.
But it seems Taishakutsukimo took a liking to this girl—her name is Hisa.
I heard her parents are deceased, so I couldn’t help but bring her here.”
“That’s…
hmm…
I see…”
Masamoto was intently observing Hisa’s slender body, as if scrutinizing it.
It was now common knowledge among the Asai family’s retainers that Taishakutsukige had surrounded the other horses as a reverse harem and reigned as the leader of that group.
At the same time, it is being recognized that caring for horses is becoming increasingly difficult.
Because the stallions are so attached to Taishakutsuki, the caretakers are forced to get close to Taishakutsuki as an unavoidable circumstance while working.
However, she dislikes that.
And when Taishakutsukige shows signs of displeasure, the surrounding stallions begin to radiate murderous intent towards the caretaker, like country bumpkin delinquents saying, “Hey, my lady doesn’t like it, huh?”
This is the most terrifying thing for the caretakers.
Therefore, they are now forced to let their horses roam freely in pastures located outside the fortifications of Odani Castle.
Nowadays, the only real work the horse handlers could do was feed the horses.
In other words, ever since Hisamasa killed Hikobei, the Asai family’s management of horses has been in a very precarious state.
Moreover, after the war with the Rokkaku family, the number of horses owned by the Asai family increased, mainly due to the influence of Taishaku Tsukige.
In practical terms, if there were another battle and the number of horses increased, it could affect the Asai family’s supply lines…
At a time when everyone in the Asai family was racking their brains over this problem, my words, “Hisashi can touch Taishakutsukige…”, seemed to have taken Masamoto to heart with considerable significance.
“Brother, is it true that this girl can touch Indra’s moon hair?”
“That’s right.
That’s why I brought you here.”
“I see, I, Masamoto, now understand my brother’s feelings.”
Masamoto, who was quick-witted, slapped his knee and nodded.
“So, you’re saying that you’ll entrust this girl not only with caring for the horses, including Taishaku Tsukige, but eventually with the overall management, including feed costs and facility maintenance…
That’s what you mean, right?
Up until now, the breeding and facility management have been handled separately, which has resulted in a lot of unnecessary expenses.
But by implementing comprehensive management, you aim to reduce financial expenditures as much as possible…”
Oh, okay…
To be honest, I don’t really understand what you’re talking about.
Masamoto seemed to be plotting something beyond my comprehension—but judging by the situation, it looks like everything will be alright.
When I glanced over at Hisashi, her eyes were wide with surprise.
Everything is unfolding beyond her control.
But this is all to ensure your safety, so please forgive me.
Surely Hisamasa never imagined that Hikobei’s relatives would be taken in by Odani Castle under these circumstances.
When hiding something, put it at your feet.
People often don’t notice things in places that are close to them.
“But brother, there’s a problem.”
“This person was born in Hisa.”
Indeed, the Sengoku period was a class-based society.
No matter how widespread the concept of “gekokujo” (overthrowing one’s superiors by others) was, ultimately, human thought was absorbed into the prevailing norms created by Japanese society as a whole.
The most prominent example of this is the system of official ranks in the imperial court.
Those who stage a coup d’état all aspire to obtain official positions in the imperial court.
This is partly to demonstrate to both domestic and international audiences that “my rebellion is legitimate,” but ultimately, it means that their criteria for judging good and evil operate only within the framework of the existing social system.
In any era, people living in Japan have always needed “history” as a basis for making value judgments.
If Hisa were appointed to a high position because she was the daughter of a farmer, people would say, “She’s just a farmer…”, but if she were the daughter of a regent, for example, people would say, “Is that what elegance looks like…?” In the end, it’s just that, but it’s an important thing.
“I understand your brother found her…
But I can’t just hire her as is.
I’ll have her adopted by someone suitable, and then welcome her into our household at the appropriate time.”
Masamoto said that, and for the first time, he smiled.
◇
Leaving Masamoto’s room, I took Hisa’s hand and went into my own room.
There, I ordered my page to “summon Endo Naotsune,” and then I gave Hisa some rice crackers.
However, the girl was so nervous that she was completely stiff and rigid.
Well, I understand how you feel, since you followed me thinking I was “a samurai acquaintance of your older brother,” only to find out I was actually the head of a daimyo family—a situation that’s not exactly funny.
But I have a reason to do so.
This was a matter of belief.
What kind of feudal lord would I be if I didn’t take care of the family of the man who chose to die for me?
I simply couldn’t come to terms with the look on Hikobe’s face that he showed me at the end—that look of resolve.
While this was happening, the door to my room opened, and I heard a voice from the hallway saying, “Endo Naotsune has come to visit.”襖Fusuma (sliding doors)
When I said “Come in,” he glanced at Hisashi for just a moment, then prostrated himself before me.
To me, Naotsune Endo was, above all, a man I could “trust…”
Historically, Naotsune remained loyal to Nagamasa, and the man standing before me was the same.
During our meetings with Kazumasa, and even during the battles against the Rokkaku clan, he always tried to support me.
Right now, when I think about “who should I consult first within the Asai family…”, I think “it has to be Naotsune.”
While I was thinking about that, Naotsune observed Hisashi intently,
“My lord, Hikobei is dead.
Soon, his entire family and retainers will be captured and crucified.”
For some reason, he suddenly said something that was already obvious.
Then Hisa looked at my face and Naotsune’s face, turned deathly pale, and began to tremble.
That’s a perfectly natural reaction for a young girl.
However, seeing Hisashi’s state, Naotsune thought,
“That won’t do.
If you get shaken up by something like this, you won’t live long.”
He then reprimanded Hisashi.
Hearing those words, I was certain.
“Naotsune, surely you don’t know that this girl is Hikobei’s sister—”
“Yes.
This is the first time we’ve met in person, but I was certain that you, my lord, would bring your sister to Odani Castle.”
Saying that, Naotsune approached me and Hisashi and said in a low voice.
“I, Naotsune, am already aware at Sawayama Castle that Lord Oyakata possesses Ishiwari Kanemitsu.
I am also aware that Hikobei took Ishiwari Kanemitsu from Lord Hisamasa and was subsequently executed.”
“…Hmm.”
“However, in the first place, Ishiwari Kanemitsu should be in the possession of the lord, the head of the family.
Hikobei realized this acutely just before the battle and merely delivered it to the lord.”
Naotsune said, “A true vassal is someone like Hikobei,” and then…
“Therefore, I am deeply dissatisfied with Lord Hisamasa’s punishment this time.”
He declared this, his face even showing signs of anger.
“If I, Naotsune, had been there, I would have stopped it no matter what…!”
It seemed that Hisashi had finally understood everything.
Her brother had died, and now she finally understood why she had been brought here by me, the lord of Odani Castle.
Large tears began to stream down her face.
“Hikobei’s sister, your brother was a fine man.
No matter what anyone says, you should continue to praise him deep in your heart…
And be proud of him.
The same blood as your fine brother flows through your veins.”
Naotsune said this and patted the girl’s slender shoulder.
Hisa broke down in tears beside me and Naotsune for a while, but thanks to Naotsune’s continued soothing voice, the girl’s tears finally stopped.
Naotsune is surprisingly good at soothing children.
“So, my lord, is the reason you summoned me, Naotsune, related to this girl?”
“That’s right.”
I nodded and looked at Naotsune.
Naotsune was also looking at me with a serious expression.
“I would like to welcome this Hisa into the Asai family.”
“…What?!”
“Well, listen.
Just like her brother Hikobei, Hisa doesn’t show any aversion to Taishakutsukige.
I want Hisa to carry on Hikobei’s will.
I’ve already spoken to Masamoto about this, and he’s given his approval, but he said it wouldn’t be right unless she was adopted by someone suitable before being brought into the household.
So I was thinking of consulting with Naotsune about who would be suitable…”
When I said that, Naotsune’s sharp eyes gleamed brightly, and he slowly curled his tightly pressed lips into a smile.
“My lord, isn’t that—quite simple?”
“what?”
“You can immediately instruct me to take this person in as your adopted daughter.”
It was a smile of pure delight.
Damn, I felt a flutter in my heart even though I had absolutely no such intentions.
That’s how charming and reliable Naotsune’s smile was.
“Among the current members of the Asai family, I probably have the best understanding of the details of this series of incidents.
And I, Naotsune, have absolutely no obligation to adopt the sister of the man who showed loyalty to our lord.”
“I see…I see…”
“And if you come to Odani Castle alone, leaving your family behind in your territory, you will inevitably miss them…
And I only have sons with my wife.”
“I’ve always wanted to raise a daughter at least once.
I’m tired of men.”
After being told that, I had no choice but to bow my head to Naotsune.
Hisashi was staring intently at me and Naotsune with his puffy eyes. This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
Naotsune apparently plans to have Hisa live in a residence within Odani Castle and start studying arithmetic and learning how to care for horses under Masamoto around the day after tomorrow.
As for other matters—such as daily habits and practices—Naotsune will probably personally instruct Hisashi.
That’s all right now.
All that’s left is for Hisashi to work hard and become an independent person.
As I watched Hisashi’s retreating figure, led away by Naotsune, I muttered to myself, “I’ve repaid my debt.”
◇
As dusk began to fall, I had finished my meal and my feet naturally led me to Ichihime’s room.
When I greeted Tsubaki, Princess Ichihime’s lady-in-waiting who was standing in front of the room, she also bowed deeply.
Recently, it seems that Ichihime’s ladies-in-waiting, including her, have finally begun to let their guard down, which made me a little happy.
After all, the ideal situation is for everyone to be smiling and getting along well.
“My lord, are you crossing the river again today?”
“Yes”
In response to Tsubaki’s question, I nodded with a very serious expression.
“But Your Majesty, Princess Ichihime has also traveled to the palace on her ‘Day of Defilement’.”
“So what?”
When I asked that question, the maid seemed a little hesitant—but her curiosity got the better of her, and she opened her mouth and asked me the question.
“Does your lord have any concubines or mistresses?”
“not present”
When I stated it so bluntly, Tsubaki blinked in surprise.
“Oh…Is that so?
I’m terribly sorry for being so rude…”
“Well, that’s fine, but…
why would you do that?”
“I am so sorry, please forgive me…”
As the maid bowed deeply, I simply said, “I understand,” and opened the sliding door, entering Princess Ichi’s room.
A futon had already been laid out there, clearly showing Ichihime’s “expectations” of me.
But then, once the act begins, she gets embarrassed, which makes things complicated.
Lately, I’ve started to think that “I still don’t really understand women’s hearts…”
“Ah—Lord Nagamasa”
As soon as she saw me, Ichihime bowed to me with her hands clasped together, just like she always does.
Normally, I would admire her gentle smile before starting a conversation and then move on to the night battle—but it seems things are different today.
Ichihime took a letter from her desk and handed it to me—it was a letter.
I opened the letter feeling a little nervous.
A characteristic of letters from the Sengoku period (Warring States period) is that they primarily use Chinese characters, but these characters were significantly different from those used today and were known as ” shi-ji” characters.所謂so-called崩Trash
Incidentally, when I was going through my “chuunibyou” phase, I thoroughly studied the contents of a “dictionary of cursive script” that was in the library, so I can still read it to some extent.
Here’s a summary of the letter.
“To Lord Asai Bizen-no-kami”
Hello, how are you doing?
I’m doing alright, too.
Well, just the other day I received a letter from my younger sister.
If it had been something like her husband bullying her, I was thinking of going and punching him, but it seems they are getting along well, which is a relief as a brother.
By the way, it seems Lord Bizen-no-kami would like to exchange my collection of fluorite armor for yours.
I don’t mind at all.
I’d also like to hear about what my sister’s been up to lately and other things.
I’ll finish conquering Mino soon, so how about we meet up for tea then?
Lord Bizen-no-kami is welcome to come to Mino, or I may go to Omi.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Well then.
Nobunaga.”
Incidentally, Nobunaga’s letters were generally written in a very polite and courteous manner, regardless of who he was addressing.
And he’s also the kind of guy who naturally inserts funny things, lessons, or even terrifying things into his writing.
The letter sent to me this time is also a humble and polite message, but—it’s still scary.
Especially since it involves Ichihime, there’s a strong feeling that if I do anything wrong, they’ll “absolutely no mercy.”
It is well known that Nobuyasu, the eldest son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, was forced to commit suicide on Nobunaga’s orders.
Incidentally, it is said that the background to this was a marital crisis between Nobuyasu and Tokuhime, Nobunaga’s daughter, which certainly shows that Nobunaga was paying very close attention to his family.
In other words, if I were to get into a fight with Ichihime—I would immediately make an enemy of Nobunaga.
Just thinking about it is terrifying.
“Um, Lord Nagamasa, what did my brother say?”
“Ah…
so they’re telling me to get along with Ichihime.”
“Hehe…
My brother is quite the worrier…”
Suddenly, Ichihime let out a smile.
“Also, Lord Nagamasa, did my brother say anything about fluorite?”
“Oh, they’ll exchange it…
Thanks, Ichi.”
Ichihime had sent a letter to Nobunaga himself proposing an exchange between the Ishiwari Kanemitsu, a sword that “the Asai family had to keep hidden,” and the fluorite armor that Nobunaga possessed.
I put the letter down somewhere nearby, then hugged Ichihime.
“But…
I am Lord Nagamasa’s wife.
I would do anything for Lord Nagamasa’s sake…”
Seeing my beloved wife say such things so naturally and attentively, my heart still flutters today.
Her kimono today is cherry blossom pink, which suits her calm and gentle demeanor very well.
When I whisper that to Ichihime, she gets embarrassed and slaps me back, but even that is adorable.
But despite that, when I pin her down, all her cuteness vanishes and she starts to exude a mature sexiness, which is irresistible.
I took Ichihime’s hand, which was still continuing its slapping attack, and pulled it towards my chest.
Ichihime’s hair fluttered gently, and her slender, large-breasted body settled softly into my arms.
Her scent wafts gently from her neck, and her pheromones, transmitted through the mucous membranes of my nose, cause increased blood flow to my lower body.
“Hey, Ichi…”
“Y-yes…”
She must have noticed the bulge in my crotch, because her cheeks flushed red as she looked up at me with her eyes.
To be honest, it was bad for my crotch.
And then—as I skillfully pushed my wife down onto the futon, I realized something.
Even though it’s been about a month since Ichihime and I became husband and wife, there’s something I’ve always wanted to try but ended up forgetting.
(Tonight’s the night…)
As I kissed Ichihime’s neck, a dark desire began to creep into my heart.