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Leaving Tomokuni Village behind, we headed towards Hibariyama, which is just north of the village.
To the south of Hibariyama, there is a river, and a watchtower has been erected on the bridge that spans it, with a single sentry from the Takamine Party standing guard.
That's probably why they were able to find out about my approach so quickly in Hibari Village.
As soon as we approached the river, Myo and Yashichiro came to greet us.
It had been a long time since I last visited Hibari Village, but it had changed dramatically compared to the last time I was there.
Irrigation canals had been laid, and small rice paddies had been restored—the fields had also been reorganized, and white clover had been planted in one section.
Seeing that, Taishakutsukimo made a longing face.
White clover is not a food for humans; it's a plant that horses love to eat.
Unlike the rather lively Tomokuni Village we just passed through, Hibari Village has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Seeing buildings that are different from the houses we've seen so far, such as a community hall displaying the Asai family crest, it seems things are going smoothly for now.
While the zashiki-warashi (house spirits) of Tomokuni Village generally had a wide variety of appearances, there were basically two types of zashiki-warashi living in this village.
Whether they were dog ears or cat ears... that was symbolized by what was attached to the heads of Myo and Yashichiro.
Myo keeps glancing at me, her cat ears twitching...
And as you savor the exquisite atmosphere that permeates the space between Taishakutsukimo, who is gazing intently at it, you suddenly find yourself arriving at the grand mansion.
Taishakutsukimo seemed very interested in the white clover, and when she toddled over to the front of the clover field, she lay down and began to gaze blankly at the pure white flowers in bloom.
Smiling wryly at her, I entered the mansion.
As I sat down in the seat of honor as offered, Myo and Yashichiro sat in the lower seats.
"First of all, Lord Bizen, thank you very much for your visit today. However, if there is anything you need, please just call upon me as your wife does... I will come running immediately."
"...Does the city actually give you a fair amount of work?"
"Yes... In particular, I've instructed Lord Nagamasa and Princess Haruhime to keep a close eye on me. The rest is to investigate the Oda family's affairs and immediately inform me if there is any opportunity to exploit the situation..."
"..."
Yashichiro's response gave me quite a headache.
I never imagined that Ichihime would have such an attitude towards her family.
"Well, let's leave that aside for now."
I said that, looking at Yashichiro and Tae.
"The reason I've come this time is to reward you members of the Takamine Party for your work. I couldn't possibly summon you all for that, could I? I can't ask you to go to the trouble of coming all the way here to reward your work. That's why I came, it's as simple as that."
"Lord Bizen-no-kami...!"
"Lord Bizen-no-kami..."
Yashichiro's face was trembling with emotion, while Myo's face was flushed and she was fidgeting nervously.
Watching their different gestures, I continued.
"Therefore, I intend to give the Takamine faction official positions."
"Job title... well, that is... something like that..."
Yashichiro perked up his dog ears and made a face that showed he couldn't believe it.
For the Asai family to grant these zashiki-warashi (house spirits) any kind of formal position is quite significant.
"Yes, the Asai family has agreed to create the position of 'Oniwaban' (garden guard)."
"The Imperial Guard..."
"That's right."
I said, looking at the two of them.
"I'm planning to build a new shed in the southern garden of my residence at Nagahama Imperial Palace. I'd like at least one person to be stationed there."
"alone..."
Myo glanced at Yashichiro, her ears twitching.
But he was so overwhelmed with emotion that he didn't even notice the female leader's gestures.
"Um...is that really true...? People like us, standing so close to Lord Bizen's residence..."
"It's not that big of a deal. To put it bluntly, it's just about giving you a place to wait, since we've been treating you however we pleased up until now."
"No, but even so, to be in the garden of Lord Bizen's mansion...! It's not a place where outcasts like us should be..."
"Hmm, then let's do this."
I looked back and forth between Yashichiro, who was hesitating, and Myo, who seemed itching to talk about something, as I asked.
"It seems Ichiro has instructed the Takamine faction to keep an eye on me and Osamu, but the closer they are to our mansion, the easier their job will be, right? If I show any sign of going out, they'll notice right away, and if something happens, they can respond immediately... It's all good, isn't it?"
"Uh... hmm..."
Next to Yashichiro, who was standing there with his arms crossed, deep in thought, it seemed that Myo could no longer bear it any longer and raised her hand abruptly.
"Um... um!"
"What's wrong, Myo?"
"A-together...? Together with Lord Bizen-no-kami...?"
I'm not entirely sure what "together" means, but if it means you'll be by my side, then I suppose it means "together."
"Yeah, that's right."
"W-well then... I-I'll be the garden guard!"
"That's strange!"
As Yashichiro spoke in a flustered manner, Myo, though struggling to find the words, pleaded with all her might.
"I'm the leader of the Takamine clan! And I can use the power of cats...! So don't worry! I can protect Lord Bizen-no-kami!"
"No, but..."
Yashichiro is troubled.
But for me, having someone from the Takamine faction nearby would be very helpful in many ways, so I really need them to accept.
Therefore, we must convey what needs to be conveyed.
"Personally, I'd be happier if you guys were closer to me."
"Ah... no, well... is that so?"
"ah"
I nodded and then stood up.
"I want you to think about the Imperial Guard. It doesn't matter whether he's the leader or not."
Having said that, I handed over the remaining drawstring bag containing the roasted beans and left the mansion.
There, Taishakutsukimo squinted, basking in the summer sun, and continued to intently observe the white clover.
A very peaceful scene.
Hoping that it would soon be seen all over Omi, I gently stroked Taishakutsukige's firm, beautiful buttocks—and as she flinched, I told her we were returning to Nagahama.