May 4, 1567--
It had been almost four months since I was transported to this world.
In my original world, I was completely alone, but now I have an irreplaceable family in the form of Ichihime and Haruhime.
But the fact that I was able to survive this far with them was truly nothing short of a stroke of luck.
A world overrun by monsters, where history doesn't unfold as I know it.
I had been constantly preoccupied with internal and external troubles until now, but finally, an environment had been created where I could concentrate on domestic affairs.
In other words, the Oda clan, Ichihime's family, seized control of southern Omi Province, leading to a power struggle between them and the Rokkaku clan, their rivals.
Now that the Oda clan has acquired southern Omi, the Asai and Oda clans are complete neighbors.
This meant that if they provoked the Asai family, who were related to the Oda family by marriage, reinforcements could be dispatched immediately.
This must have made it more difficult for the Asakura family to interfere in northern Omi.
It's a shameful thing to admit, but the Asai family was, after all, only a mid-level power.
Moreover, the Asakura family had seized control of Wakasa Province in the chaos of the previous battle, meaning the Asai family was at risk of invasion from both Wakasa and Echizen Provinces.
To take on a powerful force like the Asakura clan, it was absolutely essential to have another powerful force, like the Oda clan, backing them up.
"Princess Haruhime, now we'll move your body a little. It might hurt, but please stay strong."
"Ah... uh, uh..."
This is the rented house at Sugawa Castle where Ichihime and I usually stay.
Thereupon, Ichihime slowly lifted and rolled over the body of Osahime, who had been lying down for recuperation.
It was practical wisdom for living in order to prevent the formation of a coma in Haruhime's body, who had been bedridden for some time .褥瘡bedsores
A pressure ulcer, simply put, is a "bedsore."
When you are bedridden, areas like your lower back and buttocks are constantly compressed, which can impair blood flow.
This meant that the cells were not receiving enough nutrients and oxygen.
This can cause the skin to become red, and it can easily bleed or get injured.爛just
The Sengoku period was a time of poor sanitation.
If a bedsore develops and bacteria enter, causing the affected area to become infected and suppurate... there is a risk of immediate death.
"I'm sorry, Princess Haruhime. Please bear with me a little longer."
While Ichihime was lifting Haruhime's body and encouraging her, I was changing the cushion that was underneath her with a new one.
Unlike the world I came from, we can't prepare sterilized sheets here.
However, considering how badly she had injured herself in the previous battle, our desire to at least have her use sun-sterilized items every day was the least we could do to show our concern.
If I lack the skills, at least I can have a strong heart... That's what I believe.
"I'm so sorry... My lord, my wife..."
Leaning her back against the new mattress as if collapsing, Princess Chihime apologized, breathing heavily.
"It's because of my...clumsiness...that I've caused you so much trouble..."
"Please don't say things like that."
Ichihime stroked the cheek of Chihime, who was contorted in agony, and said in a reassuring tone.
"Princess Haruhime is not foolish. She was trying to do what she had to do for Lord Nagamasa, wasn't she?"
Then, Ichihime gazes at me softly.
"Oh, that's right."
I nodded to her and gently took Haruhime's hand.
"You are a source of great pride for me... for the Asai family, and for me. And no matter what you think, you are an irreplaceable woman to me. Please don't forget that."
To be honest, there's a lot I want to say to her.
Things like easily throwing away one's own life, or having extremely low self-esteem.
However, I absolutely could not have complained about that at that point.
Now, we must rouse her spirit and strengthen her yearning for life.
They say illness is all in the mind, but at the same time, it is ultimately one's own will that heals illness and other physical ailments.
You can scold Haruhime after she has recovered.
As I stroked the head of the silently weeping Haruhime together with Ichihime, I groaned at the sensation in Big Sun, which had become intensely aroused by her scent, and gritted my teeth.
"...Lord Nagamasa"
Ichihime seemed to understand a lot of things after looking at my face.
Rather than blushing and looking embarrassed, she looked genuinely worried.
"Now, Osamu... get some good sleep. If you don't sleep, your body will heal more slowly."
"Your name..."
"Don't worry, I'm by your side. Or rather, Ichi is."
Gently wiping away the tears streaming down her cheeks with my index finger, I softly kissed Haruhime's lips.
A gentle kiss, just a light touch, so as not to put any burden on them.
"You are not alone. Please never forget that."
"...yes"
"Goodnight, my beloved Osamu..."
He kissed her forehead, then pulled away and smiled at Princess Osamu.
Then, he placed his hand over her tear-stained eyes, obscuring her vision.
But I didn't intend to stay like that forever. Slowly, I gradually moved my hand down towards my chin.
And when my hand finally left Princess Osamu's eyes...
Her eyelids were closed, and she had begun to breathe softly, preparing to fall asleep.
"...Lord Nagamasa, I have something I'd like to discuss with you."
"ah"
After confirming that Haruhime had fallen asleep, Ichihime said to me in a low voice.
I responded to her in a low voice, and the two of us quietly slipped out of the mansion.
It's still bright outside, daytime.
There were many people inside Sugawa Castle, and occasionally maids who were carrying things or working would notice us and nod.
"What day is it today...?"
"Yeah, that's right. It's been more than five days now."
"That must be so difficult..."
"...Yeah, I guess so."
I was pressing down on Big Sun, which was swollen to its maximum size, through my kimono.
It's been almost three months since our child was conceived in Ichihime's womb.
That had brought about various changes in her physique.
Ichihime's breasts, which were already large, have become even plumper and larger, and her belly has also started to swell slightly.
That meant that Ichihime was seriously trying to become both my wife and my mother.
But to my beloved girlfriend, I stammered as I told her about my current situation.
"Honestly, I want to push you down right now and rape you like crazy. You might have noticed, but... just a moment ago, I almost laid my hands on Haruhime."
"...Yeah"
Yes, ever since I was transported to this world, I've been tormented by intense sexual urges.
This is probably linked to the growing influence of the reptilian brain, but that's not the point right now.
The problem is that Haruhime was injured in the last battle, which means I no longer have a sexual partner.
To begin with, I'm bound by the ethical values of my original world, so I don't really think it's a good thing to have relationships with multiple women.
This is because they believe that men and women should stand on equal footing and be united only by love.
Taking Haruhime as my concubine was a decision I made after much internal conflict and agonizing over the decision, seeking advice from those around me, as I almost laid hands on Ichihime while she was pregnant.
The idea of taking another woman as a concubine because Ichihime and Haruhime are not suitable for me—that kind of thought would never even cross my mind, and I have no connection to it whatsoever.
That's probably why Ichihime, his principal wife, is also troubled.
"Lord Nagamasa"
"What?"
"...Well, even just for one night would be fine. If you were to spend time with a prostitute or other woman..."
"Don't say stupid things, don't say stupid things!"
"But...but! Wouldn't that just cause Lord Nagamasa more suffering?!"
I understand what she's saying.
Eventually, my reason will succumb to my sexual desires, and I will start attacking women indiscriminately.
I vividly remember peeking at Princess Haruhime bathing at Bodaiyama Castle and attempting to rape her, and peeking at my brother-in-law and his wife having sex at Inabayama Castle and indulging in a grand act of self-gratification.
If I let my sexual desires take over, I'm capable of doing something outrageous.
And it was clear that by then it would be too late.
However, that doesn't mean I have a strong aversion to sleeping with women other than my beloved wives.
Firstly, isn't it unfortunate for both the man and the woman to engage in sexual activity without love? That's what I think.
"Lord Nagamasa..."
"What?"
"Please forgive me for my extreme rudeness and for any disrespect I may have caused."
Saying this, Ichihime quietly offered a large amount of money.
"Tonight, please use this money to have sex with a woman."
They were all silver coins, gleaming with a dull light.
"Ichi, you...!"
"This is something my older brother entrusted to me when I got married."
Ichihime stared at me with resolute eyes.
My brother-in-law—his eyes, filled with strong will, remind me of Oda Nobunaga...
When I see that, I'm left speechless.
"So, please understand. It is very painful to watch Lord Nagamasa in his current state. I believe Princess Osamu probably feels the same way..."
"cormorant..."
"This is Oda's money, definitely not Asai's. Please, let loose outside the castle tonight and have a good time... If anything happens, I'm sure the members of the Takamine Party and Taishakutsukimo will protect you."
Tears streamed down Ichihime's cheeks.
She must be frustrated. Frustrated that she couldn't solve her husband's problems herself and had no choice but to entrust them to a woman she didn't even know.
But if I don't do that, I'll go crazy...
She weighed her pride against me, and ultimately chose the former.
"And tonight, even if Lord Nagamasa returns—you will absolutely not be allowed into the mansion. If Lord Nagamasa does not embrace any woman, I will not allow anyone to lay a finger on him from now on."
"city..."
The feeling of having a very dry throat.
Ichihime's resolve was considerable.
And even she probably doesn't mean to say such things.
But they're counting on me not taking any action unless they push me away to that extent.
That assessment is correct.
Seeing my wife desperately trying to smile while tears streamed down her face, and pushing me forward, I realized that there was no other way.
◆
And my figure is above Taishakutsukimo.
Sugawa Castle is now far behind us.
(I ran out because I didn't want to find a prostitute in the castle town of Sugawa Castle... but now...)
I let out a deep sigh and stroked Taishakutsukimo's body.
"I'm sorry, Taishakutsukimo... You were off work too..."
"Kyuooooon"
She neighs as if to say, "Don't worry about it."
But even so, there's nothing I can do about things that bother me.
When I visited the stables in the tethering area, Taishakutsukige was fast asleep on the hay.
However, she was surrounded by stallions that had been thoroughly drained and were now completely parched.
"Kyuooooon"
Indra cried.
I suspect they're asking where I'm going. That's what I think.
That's because all I said after waking up Taishakutsukimo was that I wanted to go outside, and I didn't say anything else.
"Well, I wonder where would be good... Haha, I wonder where would be good, really."
"Kyuoooon"
Taishakutsukimo let out a suspicious cry.
They must have noticed that something was clearly wrong with me.
It stopped moving its legs completely, turned its head around, and stared at me with its light green eyes.
"Hey, listen. Don't laugh, Taishakutsukimo."
"Kyuooooon"
"Well, you see...? The city told me to go out and have a woman keep me company..."
"..."
Taishakutsukimo did not cry.
Straighten your neck and look straight ahead.
But that doesn't mean they're ignoring me or anything like that.
He seemed to be deep in thought, his body trembling slightly.
"It's so stupid of me to cause Ichi unnecessary worry... My brother-in-law even told me that my excessive concern only hurts her... I've been stubborn again and hurt Ichi..."
"Kyuooooon"
"But, Taishakutsukimo..."
I gently leaned forward and hugged her beautiful neck.
A very comforting warmth.
"Is that wrong...? Is it wrong to think that I don't want to be intimate with anyone other than the woman I love, the woman I'm in love with?"
"..."
"I may have made Ichi sad, that's true. But I don't want to be with any woman other than her or Osamu. Hey, Taishakutsukige...is that a bad thing? I don't really understand..."
That was my honest and genuine feeling.
"I'm not really a person of this world, after all. There are just so many differences in how we think. I love Ichi and we should be in love and sharing our hearts... but we're so close yet so far apart, it's frustrating... I don't know what to do anymore..."
I know, I know that's a common problem for married couples.
I am me, and Ichihime is Ichihime.
They are, above all, two individuals, each possessing their own independent self.
They could never become the same being, and I should never have thought that they could.
Ichihime has her own way of thinking, and I have my own way of thinking.
And within that context, there's no other way but to find common ground and make adjustments.
"The city doesn't want to see me suffer. Rather than seeing me like that, I'd rather he be with another woman...that's what he's thinking."
"..."
"But that must be incredibly painful for him... Otherwise, Ichi wouldn't have cried so much..."
"Kyuoooon"
Indra cries.
It was as if they were nodding in agreement.
I let out words that seeped from the depths of my heart, one by one.
"And I didn't want to sleep with any woman other than Ichi. Osamu was proof of the agreement between me and Ichi... By sleeping with Osamu, our compromise was made... and yet..."
Haruhime is seriously injured and will likely need to rest for another month while we monitor her condition.
Naturally, I couldn't embrace her, as doing so could have caused the frail Princess to die prematurely.
Indeed, the Asakura army's invasion did help to unite the nation's opinion against the Zashiki-warashi, but...
However, at the same time, it created a major rift in the "agreement" between me and Ichihime.
And we, unable to find a substitute for the agreement with Haruhime, could only make temporary fixes, hurting each other in the process.
"...Hey, Taishakutsukimo."
I softly whispered as I stroked her lush, soft mane.
"Honestly, I don't want to... I don't want to sleep with a woman I've never met. If I did that, I'm sure I wouldn't be myself anymore."
"..."
"I might as well just..."
This isn't a momentary lapse of judgment; I'm going to speak my true feelings.
"Rather than dealing with a prostitute, I'd rather have you, Taishakutsukimo..."
"Kyu, Kyuoooooon!?"
Unusually, Taishakutsukimo was shaken.
They probably didn't expect me to say something like that.
It's quite rare to find someone who is as caring as an older sister and as gentle and reliable as a mother .狼狽I was flustered.
"I'm serious about this."
Burying my face in Taishakutsukimo's abundant mane and holding his neck close, I continued.
"I don't want to sleep with some prostitute, some complete stranger. If I'm going to sleep with a prostitute... I'd rather sleep with you, someone I trust and love."
"Kyuoooooon!"
Taishakutsukimo's body trembled violently.
I quickly grabbed the reins to avoid being thrown off her.
"T-Indra Moon Hair?!"
"Kyuoooooon!!"
And then, Taishakutsukimo started running at an incredible speed.
Perhaps this is her true potential. A run that seems to have completely stripped away all previous restraint.
"W-where are you...?"
"Kyuoooooon!!"
—We quickly passed through Nagahama and Tomokuni Village, skipped over Kuroda Fort, and after passing through the Shizugatake mountain range, we made a sharp turn, kicking up a tremendous cloud of dust.
Indeed, it was Lake Yogo.
Then, Taishakutsukimo slowed down slightly and headed towards the dense jungle area on the west bank, a place we hadn't been able to investigate before.
"Baoo
A lake dragon, with its head sticking out of Lake Yogo, let out a loud cry.
And it wasn't just one animal, but several, singing as if in chorus.
As an overwhelming roar echoed throughout the Lake Yogo area, I, led by Taishakutsukimo, ventured into uncharted territory.