When I escorted Ichihime to her room, her ladies-in-waiting greeted us.
The ladies-in-waiting looked extremely surprised to see me escorting Princess Ichi.
That was only natural, if you think about it.
For warlords of the Sengoku period, their wives were nothing more than an adornment, and the vast majority viewed them that way.
Moreover, those ornaments are replaceable and can be thrown away at any time—a truly sad state of affairs.
That's why the attendants are surprised that I'm treating Princess Ichi with such respect.
Incidentally, according to historical fact, Nagamasa was forced to marry the daughter of a vassal of the Rokkaku family, who was a bastard of the Rokkaku family , and when he challenged the Rokkaku family to a war of independence, he sent his wife back.平井定武Hirai Sadatake久政Hisamasa
This woman's name is unknown, and it is said that she loved Nagamasa with all her heart, and Nagamasa also had feelings for her. Family circumstances and war brought Nagamasa and her together only to tear them apart.頼子Yoriko
Even after Yoriko was sent back to the Rokkaku family from the Asai family, she continued to think of Nagamasa, never marrying into another family, and became a nun. She died alone in a small hermitage, never allowing another man to lay a finger on her. This is a tragic part of the history of men and women in the Sengoku period.
As a modern kid, I can't believe someone could do something so cruel, but there's nothing I can do about it.
The Asai War of Independence happened before I took my place, and more importantly, what would happen if the current Asai family, who have taken Ichihime as their legitimate wife, were to bring back the former legitimate wife?
That would mean that Yoriko, his former wife, would have to be treated as a concubine.
For women of that era, it was undoubtedly a very cruel, merciless, and utterly miserable experience that would make them want to die.
...There's really nothing we can do about this.
As I parted ways with Ichihime, I whispered in her ear, "Make sure you're well-prepared tonight," and she turned bright red, knelt down in the hallway, and bowed to me with her hands clasped together.
Thinking that this was not a place to do it, I left Ichihime in the care of the ladies-in-waiting and proceeded down the corridor.
I glanced back and saw that Ichihime still had her head bowed.
...What incredible bravery.
Facing the biggest challenge of the day, "[ ]", I felt a slight sense of relief.一門評定Ichimon Hyoujo
◇
"So you've come, Nagamasa."
As I entered the hall, a large, well-fed man called out to me.
Moreover, he was sitting in the seat of honor.
Nineteen men are waiting in the lower seats.
From the big man's demeanor and aura, I instinctively knew that this man was Nagamasa's real father.浅井久政Azai Hisamasa
This is a room called the "Fukuryu no Ma" (Hidden Dragon Room) located in the main enclosure of Odani Castle, a special space where only blood relatives and family members of the Asai family are allowed to enter and exit.
Today marked the end of the three-day marriage ceremony with the Oda family, and the men associated with the Asai family gathered under the pretext of offering congratulations to Nagamasa, in order to discuss the future of the Asai family.
That is called "family council."
"...What happened to Ryochika?"
As soon as I sat down, Hisamasa asked me a question in a scolding tone.
It seems that being forced into retirement has made the father-son relationship quite strained.
"I've entrusted the work to them."
I gave a blunt reply so as not to be intimidated by Hisamasa's pressure.
He clearly didn't like my reply, and continued speaking with a reproachful tone.
"...Is it so bad that you can't even show your face at the family council?"
"Yes, it concerns the future of the Asai family."
The relatives gathered in the hall looked at each other with a change of expression.
Of course, that's what they came here to discuss.
There is a theory that the Asai family had few relatives, and therefore experienced fewer internal conflicts among relatives like those seen in the Oda and Takeda families... but this is definitely a lie.
Although not widely known to the general public, the fundamental reason for the downfall of the Asai family in historical fact was the betrayal of the family and its relatives.阿閉Atsuji
"Brother, I have something to discuss with you."
A clear, resonant voice could be heard from the hall. It was Nagamasa's younger brother, an administrator who was said to be in charge of managing the finances of Odani Castle.浅井政元Masamoto Azai
Incidentally, and this is another fact not generally known, Nagamasa had four younger brothers, including Masamoto, and three sisters.
"What is it, Masamoto?"
Hisamasa asked in an ill-tempered voice.
At that moment, I realized that Masamoto, my younger brother who was by far the most talented of all my brothers, was not well-liked by Hisamasa.
However, Masamoto bowed as if he were used to it and turned to face me. Hmm, he's quite a handsome guy.
"Regarding what we were just discussing, specifically about the future of the Asai family..."
A murmur rippled through the hall.
I'm sure even his relatives hadn't anticipated that he would jump straight into the core issue without offering any congratulations to Nagamasa.
However, I could tell from Masamoto's eyes and face that he was seriously thinking about something.
...I like your determination to have a discussion even if it means disregarding convention.
I leaned forward and looked Masamoto directly in the eye.
"I believe we should take this opportunity to further strengthen our ties with the Oda family."
The moment Masamoto said that, it broke.
The hall was clearly divided between those who condemned Masamoto and those who praised the courage of his words.
"Don't say such foolish things, Lord Masamoto!"
A tall, muscular man hurls insults.
井上経親Inoue Tsunechika...He is a respected figure, being the sworn brother of the previous head of the family, Hisamasa, and a cousin of Nagamasa.
"A family led by such a fool will soon be destroyed! The thought of forming any further ties with a former magistrate makes me sick! What will the Asakura family say to us?!"
A murmur began to fill the hall.
It's no surprise, considering the "family council" started with disagreements right from the beginning, but... I still can't understand why they're so concerned about the Asakura family.
Do they perhaps think that the Asai family were vassals of the Asakura family?
However, I can somewhat understand why Keishin made that statement.
The truth is, the Asakura and Oda families were distantly related by marriage, and the Oda family originally hailed from Echizen, which was also the Asakura family's base.
The Asakura family was a powerful family known as the Shugo (provincial governor)...the Shiba family, but they were the Shugodai (deputy governor), and the Oda family were also Shugodai of the Shiba family.
The two families were roughly of equal social standing, but Nobunaga's origins become the issue here.
This is because the Oda family to which Nobunaga belonged was a branch of the Oda family that served as shugodai (deputy governors), but it was not the main branch of the family.
In other words, they were merely relatives of the Oda family, the shugodai (deputy governor), but they rapidly expanded their power and eventually replaced the main family.
That was the reason why the Asakura family viewed the Oda family, led by Nobunaga, as their enemy.
From the Asakura family's perspective, a family they had been on friendly terms with was being suppressed, while another family was now acting arrogantly as the "Oda family." It was only natural that they would feel resentful.
"Don't get carried away with emotions, Keishin."
An old man gently, yet with considerable force, restrained them.
田屋明政Taya AkimasaHe was the adopted son-in-law of the first head of the Asai family as a Sengoku daimyo , and was the first heir to the Asai family until Hisamasa was born.亮政Suemasa
He remains Hisamasa's rival to this day, and they often clash.
"Now, Lord Masamoto, let me hear your opinion."
"Hah!"
Masamoto bowed again and addressed the relatives in the hall and me.
"It is true that Lord Nobunaga came from a collateral branch of the family, but what significance does that have in this world anymore?"
A surge of anger erupted from some of them.
Of course, authority is absolutely essential in any era. For a samurai family, neglecting it would be unthinkable.
However, Masamoto crushed that anger with a single fact.
"Above all, our grandfather, Asai Ryomasa, built our power by eliminating the Kyogoku family, who were our protectors! If we lack power, we have no choice but to accept death!"
"But however!"
He served as a close attendant to Hisamasa , and said with growing anger:浅井惟安Azai Koreyasu
"Lord Nobunaga still hasn't been able to conquer Mino, and it's been seven years already. I hear that the Saito family has recently begun to regain its strength. The Asakura family is also assisting the Saito family. Do you really think the Oda family is powerful under these circumstances?!"
"—I suppose so."
All eyes were focused on the old man who looked like he was about to collapse from exhaustion.
浅井長頼Azai Nagayori...He is the third son of Ryomasa, and has witnessed the history of the Asai family from its founding to the hardships caused by the Rokkaku family's oppression, and up to the present day—a living encyclopedia of the Asai family, an elder general.
Coughing, Nagayori spoke to those around him in a faint voice.
"Consider the fact that Lord Nobunaga of the Oda clan sent Princess Ichi to his lord. Consider the fact that what Lord Nobunaga desired was a non-aggression pact, not a military alliance."
With the assistance of the man standing beside him, Nagayori looked around at me, Hisamasa, and everyone else in the hall.
"This is a sign of Lord Nobunaga's confidence... He will soon conquer Mino. Therefore, he wants us to open the way from Omi to Kyoto... Lord Nobunaga intends to conquer Mino and destroy the Saito family this year. If the Oda family gains control of Mino, we will become a neighboring country of the Oda. Our troops will face off across the border between Omi and Mino. In that case, it is clear that an even stronger relationship will be necessary... I agree with Lord Masamoto. I believe Lord Masamoto's opinion is important for paving the way for the Asai... What do you think, my lord?"
"Yes"
After hearing Nagayori's words, I glared around the hall before looking at Masamoto.
He seems very nervous. Both of his tightly clenched fists are pure white and trembling slightly.
But that trembling is understandable.
In the Asai family, which was divided between the Asakura and Oda factions, he made his own position clear. From then on, he would choose a path that would repeatedly put him in conflict with relatives of the Asakura faction.
However, I want to express my utmost respect for that courage and determination.
Those who show an indecisive and ambiguous stance in politics, domestic affairs, or military matters are simply untrustworthy.
"I assert that Masamoto's opinion is the correct one."
"Nagamasa! Have you been seduced by the Oda princess?!"
Hisamasa yelled angrily next to me.
"Are you trying to jeopardize our long-standing alliance with the Asakura family?!"
"I have absolutely no such intention!!"
I yelled back at Hisamasa.
Hisamasa's eyes widened in surprise, and the hall, which had been so noisy, fell silent.
...I can understand that.
In short, I committed the most heinous act in the Sengoku period, a time when actions were taken on a household basis, by not only defying my "real father," the former head of the family, even though he was retired, but by yelling at him.
Even the elders like Akimasa and Nagayori seemed surprised, and Masamoto was left with his mouth agape. Come on, you're ruining your good looks.
Nevertheless, I continued speaking regardless.
"The alliance with the Asakura family and the alliance with the Oda family are not mutually exclusive. Choosing one will not cause the other to disappear. We should cherish both."
I surveyed the great hall, glancing at Tsunechika and Koreyasu, among others. They quickly averted their eyes from me, though.
"Especially if Lord Nobunaga seizes Mino, road administration will become more important than ever. Improved roads will increase traffic, stimulating the movement of people and goods. We are situated between Kyoto, the largest market in the land, and Mino and Owari, which are comparable in size. No one would be foolish not to take advantage of this."
Masamoto's eyes were shining as he looked at me. I nodded quietly and raised my voice to my relatives.
"I'm sure there are no objections from any of you to deepening our ties with the Oda family."
Indeed, including Hisamasa, the Asakura faction within the Asai family could no longer raise any dissenting opinions.
◇
"Brother!"
"Ah, Masamoto."
After the "family council," as I was walking down the corridor, Masamoto and several other men came chasing after me from behind.
Masamoto bowed to me and then spoke to me with a cheerful expression.
"I apologize for what happened earlier."
To start with an apology instead of a bow before getting to the main point... Masamoto seems incredibly Japanese. Well, he is Japanese, after all.
"No, it was constructive feedback."
I told the truth.
"Those who keep going on and on about Asakura don't seem to be on Asai's side. We shouldn't be trying to please Asakura, but rather we need to determine what's best for us from Asai's perspective..."
"Yes! I agree completely."
Masamoto said this and turned around.
"Although Father may be like that... all of us brothers are determined to do our best for our elder brother and the Asai family. Please look forward to our efforts."
"Ah... that's right."
I nodded, realizing that the men behind Masamoto were Nagamasa's brothers.
If I recall correctly, the names of Nagamasa's younger brothers were, in order from oldest to youngest, Masamoto...政之Masayuki治政Harumasa
He was also Nagamasa's half-brother and became a monk at a temple.岡崎安休Okazaki Ankyu
You can tell someone's age just by looking at their face, and Ankyu is already a monk with a shaved head. As for Chisei, he hasn't even been born yet. Fortunately, I was able to quickly match his name to his face.
It would be really bad if you mixed up your brothers' names. Nice assist, Masamoto.
Well, it wouldn't be a bad idea to deepen the friendship between the Asai brothers here.
"Since you're here, why don't you come over to my room and have some tea? We can chat for a while."
"Oh, thank you!"
Masamoto and the others bowed to me.
During the Sengoku period, even brothers engaged in bloody, brutal battles, but conversely, there were also daimyo families where brothers got along well.
And the fact that such daimyo families managed their territories with remarkable stability is well known from examples such as the Hojo family of Kanto and the Shimazu family of Satsuma.
Even if the head of the family is unreliable, if his younger brothers desperately support him, the retainers will naturally follow.
I'd like to get along with Nagamasa's brothers if possible, and I don't want to get involved in any bloody conflicts with them. Because it would be incredibly unproductive.
And so, accompanied by my brothers, I returned to my room for the first time in a long while.
◇
"I see, so that's how it is in the upper regions..."
"Yes, the head priest has been very kind to me."
We gathered in a circle around the tea and sweets that the pageboys had prepared, and mainly listened to Ankyu's stories.
He was a monk who had trained at a temple, so naturally he was well-informed about the situation, and we were able to get a lot of information from him.上方hair
Incidentally, according to historical records, Ankyu was apparently a highly valued monk of the Ikkō-shū sect at Hongan-ji Temple.
"More importantly, Lord Nagamasa"
"What is it?"
Yasushi straightened his posture and faced me.
"The Asai family is currently in quite a difficult situation. I imagine Lord Nagamasa, who leads them, must be under a great deal of stress."
"Well... that might be true."
I sighed.
While reading about Japanese history, I had thought that the reason Asai Nagamasa forced his father, Hisamasa, into retirement was actually a pre-arranged game with an implicit agreement between father and son... but judging from the atmosphere today, that doesn't seem to be the case.
Asai Nagamasa, with the help of retainers who were not members of the Asai clan, silenced Hisamasa and his relatives.
"The current members of the Asai clan are largely divided into the Asakura faction and the Oda faction... or rather, it would be more accurate to say the independent faction. They are clearly split into these two groups."
Ankyu asked me for a brush and paper, so I instructed my page to prepare a brush and paper for me.硯Suzuri
With masterful brushwork, he smoothly drew a map of the factional power dynamics within the Asai clan.
"We Asai clan have progressed by occasionally receiving assistance from the Asakura clan, but there are also those like Lord Nagamasa who do not approve of this and wish to forge our own path."
"As a result of that effort, an alliance with the Oda family was formed," Ankyu said, placing a piece of paper in the center of the circle of us Asai brothers.
"First of all, the Asakura faction includes my father, Lord Asai Koreyasu, Lord Inoue Tsunechika, Lord Inoue Tsunechika, Lord Inoue Tsunechika , Lord Inoue Tsunechika, and many other influential relatives of our family."井上経元Inoue Tsunemoto浅井忠種Azai Tadashi浅井忠政Azai Tadamasa阿閉貞征Atsuji Sadayuki阿閉貞大Atsuji Sadahiro
In response, Ankyu said, showing a map of the power dynamics.
"Among the independent faction led by Lord Nagamasa, besides my brother and me, are Lord Nagamasa, Lord Taya Akimasa, Lord Asai Nagayori, Lord Nagamasa, and Lord Asai Ryochika. The problem is that Lord Inoue, Lord Akimasa, and Lord Nagayori are elderly, and there are many young people, including my brother and me, and few mid-level members."浅井井演Azai Ihiro浅井井伴Azai Itomo浅井政澄Masami Azai
In Japan, the seniority system, a custom whose merits and demerits are unclear, has existed since long before the Sengoku period (Warring States period).
In other words, for now, the elders are holding their own, just like in the "family council" we just saw, but as soon as they die or are gone, the opposition will immediately start to assert their power.
That means that old guy... Ryochika... is in a pretty important position, isn't he? I've really come to realize that.
"Lord Nagamasa's goal should be to further enhance the legitimacy of the independence movement."
Ankyu instructs the monks to impart their teachings to the masses.
"That doesn't mean you have to undermine the opposition. It means steadily building a track record and regaining the trust of everyone in the household. If you do that, even if the opposition tries to regain power, the vassals will be able to keep them in check and prevent them from interfering with Lord Nagamasa's policies."
"Yes"
I nodded to my half-brother, who was speaking in a logical and coherent manner, while sipping my tea.
Well, it seems Nagamasa was blessed with some pretty talented brothers.
"Masamoto, Masayuki"
"Huh?"
I spoke to my younger brothers, excluding Ankyu, who had become a monk.
"From now on, I intend to rebuild and enrich Omi. However, there will inevitably be limits to what I can do alone. At that time, I will need your brothers' help... I'm counting on you then."
"Understood!"
My younger brothers quickly bowed their heads. There wasn't a trace of doubt in their expressions.
My father is questionable, but these brothers are trustworthy... I was convinced of that.
◇
"Well, something like that happened..."
It was around the time when night had completely fallen.
I was in Ichihime's room, recounting what had happened that day, omitting the confidential details.
"I imagine Lord Ryoshin must have gone through a great deal of hardship..."
Ichihime gazed intently at the long bundle of papers I was holding and said thoughtfully:
Yes... After my brothers left my room, Ryoshin came in with a list of my meeting schedule with my retainers.
The Asai family had quite a large number of retainers; in fact, they were among the most numerous.
Nevertheless, Ryoshin managed to organize all of their schedules and create a proper schedule while also considering my political duties.
That old guy is actually quite capable.
"So, city"
"Yes, what can I help you with?"
When I called out to Ichihime, she bowed and responded by placing her hands on the ground.
She does it so naturally that it's easy to fall for it, but there really aren't any women these days who can react like that...
As I reflected fondly on the world I used to come from, I turned to face Ichihime.
"If possible, would you be willing to accompany me to this meeting with my retainer?"
"Huh...? Me...?"
Ichihime said, sounding surprised.
"But I am a member of the Oda clan. I am not affiliated with the Asai family..."
"Hey, Ichi. That's not right, is it...?"
I placed my hand on Ichihime's shoulder and looked into her face as I asked.
"You're my wife, Asai Nagamasa's wife, aren't you?"
"Ah..."
With her face flushed, Ichihime looked at me shyly.
"If you're my wife, you should know my subordinates. They might be the ones who come to your aid if something happens."
"But..."
Ichihime said to me hesitantly.
"I have only been Lord Nagamasa's wife for one day... For a woman like me to disturb Lord Nagamasa's precious time and place would be so rude..."
Hmm, what profoundness and what humility.
Unable to contain myself, I hugged her tightly and whispered in her ear.
"I want you to stay with me. And Ichi, if you're there... the retainers will feel that they are favored by the lord and his wife, and they will be motivated to do their best."
"Please," I whispered, trying to seal the deal, and Ichihime nodded.
As her head moved, her beautiful black hair flowed, revealing her pristine white neck.
The alluring contrast of black and white—
Before I knew it, I was licking the nape of her neck.
I can't help but feel nothing but sensuality when I see the nape of a woman's neck while she's wearing traditional Japanese clothing. It can't be helped.
"Ah... hello... Lord Nagamasa...?"
Shivering in my arms, Ichihime let out a confused cry.
"Um, well... already...?"
"Hey, is this okay? To be honest, I've reached my limit."
I picked up Ichihime and carried her to the futon laid out at the back of the room, where I laid her light, soft body down.
She clasped her hands together at her chest, turned to the side, and fidgeted with her thighs.
She's so cute, I want to pounce on her right now.
"Um, well... Lord Nagamasa..."
"What is it?"
I responded by pinning Ichihime down and pressing my body against her.
Then she turned bright red and said:
"Well... I prepared thoroughly, just as Lord Nagamasa instructed..."
"What...?"
"So... that's why...!"
Ichihime turned her face away, which was bright red, and said in a voice so quiet that only I could hear,
"My body... I've taken a bath and cleaned myself thoroughly... so, please, go ahead..."
He whispered this.
I can't take it anymore.
If you can't get an erection after being told all this, you're not a man. If there's anyone who can't get an erection, they're some other creature in the form of a man.
I slipped my hand into the opening of Ichihime's kimono and began to savor the feeling of her soft skin.