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As the final deliberations of the Council of State concluded and my vassals all bowed in unison, I was the first to leave the great hall, following proper etiquette.
I didn't have any particular plans for today, but the reality is that I can't just drift through each day aimlessly.
The Asai family had to take the laws within their territory, that is, the laws of their domain , and revise them in part or create new articles for the sake of the zashiki-warashi (house spirit).検Arata
(That's actually the most troublesome thing, even more so than war...)
This is because, in pre-modern societies where laws were not unified, customary law existed in each region and area.
In simple terms, customary law refers to social norms that are mutually recognized and binding by the residents of a particular region.
While some view the territories ruled by Sengoku daimyo as "states" due to the enactment of provincial laws and other regulations, it was virtually impossible to ignore this customary law, and the Sengoku daimyo valued the autonomous norms of the farmers and townspeople they governed.
(Well, that's because otherwise, they wouldn't be able to control them in the first place.)
Simply put, even a feudal lord of the Sengoku period could not intervene in the very norms of life of the local residents.
However, if there were a social convention, for example, that "a zashiki-warashi (house spirit) must be killed on sight, and anyone who violates this rule will be ostracized," then it would also become impossible to stop it.
(Or perhaps, that's precisely why—gathering all the zashiki-warashi together is practically the only solution right now...)
In other words, the zashiki-warashi (house spirits) are purged from communities where long-standing customary laws persist, and moved into newly established communities, thus exempting them from the application of those customary laws.
And the order within that new community would be guaranteed by the Asai family, who held the ruling power, as the source of its authority.
In that case, the zashiki-warashi (house spirits) would at least be able to achieve legal equality "within that community."
(However, that could potentially create a new structure of discrimination.)
Ultimately, the same thing was happening in the modern society I used to live in.
In other words, it is the phenomenon of "segregation" within cities, which is particularly noticeable in major metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, Paris, and London.
This is easier to understand if we take rent, which is the most familiar thing in a person's life, as an example.
When land speculation becomes rampant within a city, those with money inevitably move to areas with high land prices and rents, while those who cannot afford to live there are forced to move to areas with lower prices.
—If this situation continues to develop, economic disparities will effectively rigidify the demographic structure of residential areas, creating common perceptions such as, "People who live in that area are like this."
(But that's a matter for later. It's a challenge that my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren should tackle.)
Without a doubt, the issue of discrimination against zashiki-warashi (house spirits) will never be resolved during my lifetime. I can say that with absolute certainty.
All I can do is to create a breakthrough to eliminate that discrimination—and rescue the zashiki-warashi, who are likely living in terrible conditions, from their despair.
"I'm not omnipotent, I'm not a god. I can only steadily handle what's within my reach—ultimately."
If you reach out to save everyone, all that awaits you is ruin.
Therefore, those in power must know their own limitations and perform tasks commensurate with their abilities.
Otherwise, we will only cause even more people to suffer and cry.
And I know my own limitations very well.
I realized that I could only save the people within my line of sight, and that I was utterly unfit to be a leader who could unite a region.
"Brother! Brother!!"
Perhaps it was because of the thoughts I was having, but Masamoto's voice, coming from behind me, seemed unusually bright.陰鬱depression
Turning around, I saw him, the younger brother of Asai Nagamasa and an outstanding financial bureaucrat.
"...What's wrong, Masamoto? Did you somehow find out that I've been looking for a wife without telling you? I'm sorry, but I haven't heard any rumors about you having an affair, so I was worried that you might have a penchant for pedophiles..."
"No, that's not it—or rather, what kind of look is your brother giving me?!"
Honestly, sometimes I just can't figure out what my brother is thinking—Masamoto said, pressing his hand to his forehead and sounding exasperated.
"Well, it seems like Hisashi has been getting a lot of help from her... so I thought for sure you had feelings for her."
"Please don't say such stupid things!"
Masamoto blushed and became flustered.
"She's my lovely student! Nothing more, nothing less! Besides, I would never approach her with such feelings—"邪wicked
He kept insisting on emphasizing his point, but as a man, I know better.
Every man has probably imagined at least once the scenario of "being a private tutor, becoming close to a cute female student, and having a fun, romantic time with her . "憧Akoga
"Hisashi is certainly talented. Yes, she has the potential to be a government official, and I have the highest hopes for her future. However! However! The only reason I take an interest in her is for that reason alone, and I am certainly not attracted to her cute appearance or her lively yet somewhat introverted, and pure and innocent personality! It's impossible! Brother, do you understand that point?!"
"...Ah, yes. So that means you don't like Hisa, do you? Then I'll introduce you to a woman who is the complete opposite of her—"
"—No, that's not the case, and I'm fine with that."
When someone says that to me with such a blunt look on their face, I honestly don't know what to say in return.真剣Seriously
However, it's said that the marriageable age for women during the Sengoku period was around 12 years old—so if you think about it, Hisa, or perhaps Myo of the Takamine clan, were certainly "adults."
That's because, naturally, people of that era tended to die young from the perspective of modern people.
"...Brother"
After clearing his throat, Masamoto looked me straight in the eye.
Hmm, even from my perspective as someone who used to live in modern times, he's definitely handsome. He has the kind of face that would suit thin glasses and that looks like he'd enjoy being a sadistic top.
But from a modern perspective, this is considered pedophilia... In other words, a handsome man with thin glasses who brutally abuses an innocent girl—which would undoubtedly be a crime in modern times.
"Well, let's put aside such trivial... yes, that's right, 'trivial talk' for now... actually, there's someone I'd like to introduce to you."
"Hmm, I see."
The way he emphasized the phrase "it's a trivial matter"—I thought it was kind of cute and virgin-ish—and I glanced at the man who had been introduced to me with the words, "Here he is."
" My lord... He is a powerful local lord from Ishida Village in Sakata County, near Nagahama where we are currently building our castle, but he is no ordinary local lord. He has studied both Japanese and Chinese literature and possesses an extremely deep education, so I would be grateful if you, my brother, would take him into your fold."石田正継Ishida Masatsugu
The middle-aged man who stepped forward at Masamoto's urging was very short. Although short, he appeared to be slightly overweight.
From his forehead to the back of his head, the logging of the black forest seemed to have progressed considerably, but his bald head was very rough, yet...強面Intimidating
Speaking of Masatsugu Ishida—
(—Isn't that the father of Ishida Mitsunari, as everyone knows...?)
Incidentally, Ishida Mitsunari had an older brother named [name missing], who was also said to be a highly capable bureaucrat.正澄Masazumi
In historical accounts, only Mitsunari, who was promoted by Hideyoshi and suffered a defeat at the Battle of Sekigahara, is often highlighted—but in the end, the Ishida family was a family of capable bureaucrats, father and son alike.
"I am Ishida Masatsugu. I have long known of Lord Bizen-no-kami's name—"
"Hmm. Actually, I've known about you for some time. I was planning to collect from you eventually, so I have to say this is extremely convenient for me."
"That's true..."
However, they probably thought I was just being polite. Masamoto and Masatsugu let out smiles that seemed to say they were somewhat relieved, or at least somewhat at ease.
But that alone isn't interesting to me,
"So, Masatsugu, are Yasaburo and Sakichi doing well? Oh, and I seem to recall you had a couple of daughters as well... I wonder if they're doing well too?"
Indeed, Masamoto and Masatsugu parted their mouths slightly, then expressions of surprise appeared on their faces before covering them completely.
What he initially dismissed as mere lip service turned out to be something else entirely—he must have suspected that I was actually conducting a background check on Masatsugu Ishida in order to promote him.
Otherwise, it would be impossible to explain how Asai Nagamasa, the man who ruled northern Omi, could accurately recall the names and number of children of someone from a family that was nothing more than a local powerful clan... at least, that's how it seemed to them.
Masatsugu hastily bowed his head again, and spoke with cold sweat dripping down his face.
"Yes... neither Yasaburo nor Sakichi have suffered from any major illnesses...!"
"In that case, it's fine."
I said this, placing my hands on Masatsugu's shoulders.
"From now on, you should make full use of your abilities under Masamoto. I had anticipated that you would be a capable official, and in addition, Masamoto also has high expectations for your abilities—there is no way that assessment will be wrong. If you prove to be incompetent, it will cast doubt on our judgment of character—so do your best."
"...I will definitely live up to your expectations!"
"That's the spirit!"
Of course, I didn't see the Ishida family firsthand.
However, as a historical fact, I only know that Masatsugu had sons and daughters—what I've just said is basically a pack of lies.
However, in order to win the hearts and minds of the people as a ruler, such "bluffing" is absolutely necessary—and indeed, Masatsugu trembled with emotion at the realization that "Lord Bizen had been looking out for me all this time without my knowledge...!" His eyes welled up with tears, and his body trembled slightly as he desperately tried to hold them back.与Azuka
However, while watching that old man, I was thinking about something completely different.
Something suddenly came to mind.
This old man is from Ishida Village in Sakata District, near Nagahama.
And in Sakata County, there is a village that could be said to be one of the most important in Japan.
Yes, this is Kunitomo Village, at the forefront of gun manufacturing in Japan.
(Perhaps, just perhaps, this is the greatest opportunity ever...)
Indeed, Kunitomo Village was a settlement whose specialty product was firearms—and therefore, it possessed high combat capabilities and, consequently, a very high degree of autonomy from its lord.
In short, Kunitomo Village was a community located within the Asai family's territory, but not necessarily under the full control of the Asai family.
Basically, the inhabitants of rural areas during the Sengoku period (Warring States period) placed the utmost importance on familiar relationships, and they carried out production, consumption, and their lives within those relationships.
It's possible that Masatsugu, a powerful local lord who governs Ishida Village in Sakata District, might have connections to Kunitomo Village.
And if they could monopolize the production of firearms in Kunitomo village using that pipeline, the Asai family would be able to gain an advantage over other Sengoku daimyo.
(Even against the Oda family...)
In short, Oda Nobunaga, who reigned as the conqueror of the Sengoku period, was a warlord who used firearms with extreme effectiveness.
Due to media coverage and promotion in Japanese history textbooks, Nobunaga is widely considered the quintessential figure of the Sengoku period, and it's no exaggeration to say that the image of Nobunaga being synonymous with firearms is deeply ingrained in Japan.
And it was none other than Kunitomo Village that supplied Nobunaga with firearms.
It is for these reasons that Kunitomo Village is considered one of the most important villages in Japanese history.
If they could control gun production in this village and place orders through the Asai family, they would be able to seize a tremendous amount of currency from other countries.
"Therefore, Masatsugu, there is something I would like to ask you..."
"Yes, please tell me anything that I know."
"Yes, that refers to Kunitomo Village..."
Upon hearing this, Masatsugu's face suddenly clouded over.
"Are you referring to Tomokuni Village? Yes, that village of the zashiki-warashi (house spirits)..."
"...what?"
Even though I knew I shouldn't, I instinctively asked again.
In this world, it seems that Kunitomo Village does not exist.
And Masatsugu seemed completely baffled as to why I was asking him to repeat himself, even though he had stated what he considered to be "the most obvious fact."
"No, I'm sorry... As Masamoto already knows, I've decided to keep a zashiki-warashi (house spirit), and now I have to figure out how to handle it. That's why I react so strongly to the word zashiki-warashi, I'm sorry."
"No...that's not the case..."
I admit, it's a rather weak excuse.
But when he turned to look at Masamoto and saw him nod, it seemed that Masatsugu had finally been convinced.
"However, that village is dangerous... I'm sure Lord Bizen-no-kami is aware of this, but it is completely isolated from the outside world. They will only negotiate when it comes to buying and selling firearms... Otherwise, they are completely unhelpful. If you approach carelessly, you'll be hit by bullets... That is why we people of Sakata County never go near Tomokuni Village."
That place is more than just a village of zashiki-warashi (house spirits); it's an extremely dangerous village, says Masatsugu.
Apparently, instead of Kunitomo Village existing in this world, Tomokuni Village has taken over its historical role.
"...Surely, Brother, you're not thinking of going to Tomokuni Village by yourself, are you?"
As if he had sensed my thoughts, Masamoto threw a warning shot at me with a sharp voice.
"...That's ridiculous. I value my life too. There's no way I'm going."
After saying that, I said something random, left the rest to Masamoto, and headed towards the stable where Taishaku Tsukimo was.
Presumably, even now, in the annex, Princess Haruhime is giving Hisa a lecture on military strategy. Hisa was nowhere to be seen in the stables; only the ordinary caretakers belonging to Sugawa Castle could be seen.
"Kyuoooon"
Sensing my arrival, Taishakutsukimo rose from its straw bed and let out a cry.
She was probably taking a nap. Her eyes were a little droopy, and I could tell she was yawning softly so I wouldn't notice.
"...I'm sorry, you must be tired, right?"
"Kyuoooon"
When I stroked her neck, she rubbed her face against my chest as if to say, "That's not true."
However, when I looked at her haystack, I saw that it was soaked with a viscous liquid.
She probably mated with a large number of stallions last night, draining them of their semen.
"..."
"Kyuo... Oun..."
Indeed, the presence of stallions around me, barely breathing but displaying what humans would call an "ecstatic face," confirms the validity of my hypothesis.
What a pathetic bunch of men they are.
Dozens of them ganging up and still not being able to satisfy even one woman...it's utterly pathetic.
"Well, let's go to Lake Biwa before we head to our destination. Your body, how should I put it...it seems like it would be good to purify it."
"Kyuoooon"
I probably deserve more praise for never saying anything about it smelling bad or anything like that.
Riding on Taishakutsukige's back, slightly disgusted by the strong sexual scent wafting from behind, I slowly stroked Taishakutsukige's neck as she made her way out of the stable, avoiding the stallion lying on the ground.
(A lake with Taishakutsukimo...)
The word "date" crossed my mind, and I quickly shook it off.
I'm a human, and Taishakutsuki is a horse.
Mixed martial arts matches held at night—no, whether it's morning, noon, or night—should be strictly avoided.
If we don't do that, we'll cross a line as human beings.
You can tell as soon as you ride it that Taishakutsukimo is in a good mood.
However, its crotch is heavily permeated with the scent of other males' sexual desires—even though it's a horse.
Therefore, I don't feel jealous, and there's no way I could.
I'm a human and she's a horse.
It's normal for horses to mate with other horses, and for me to intrude is literally "abnormal."
(It's because of the smell, yes, it's because of the smell...)
The man's penis has a large, protruding head of flesh.
Ultimately, this serves a purpose beyond simply stimulating the woman's vagina—it's also to scrape out the semen that has already been released into the female's womb and overwrite it with its own.
Indeed, men are inherently creatures who become irresistibly aroused by women who engage in group sex and by the scent of such women.
"But it's a horse."
"Kyuoooon?"
My murmurs get lost in the wind that cuts through Taishakutsukige and disappear.
She must not have heard what I was saying, because she tilted her head slightly—but still continued straight ahead towards Lake Biwa.
蒼blueUnder a clear sky, vast expanses of water stretch out. Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake.blue
As I approached the lakeshore, I was thinking about something utterly irrelevant: "Come to think of it, swimsuits in the modern sense don't exist in this era."