◆
Upon reaching the summit of Chikubu Island, you will find the main body of the Hagoromo Willow tree towering majestically before you.
And at the base of the tree was the aforementioned elevator—and it led me down to the underground lake, accompanied by an interface of otherworldly beauty.
From now on, I suppose I'll be coming to Chikubu Island every year like this, and going to the Water God's place with this monster.
We were silent as we descended into the underground lake using the elevator.
One of the reasons for this is that I had been observing Hagoromo Yanagi with a scrutinizing gaze.
The fact that the entire surface of its body is a bluish-silver color is a clear symbol that it is a non-human being.
In short, her entire body is filled with a luminous glow like fluorite, making her beautiful, doll-like face and feminine body lines even more bizarre.
The interface is, of course, completely naked.
However, there is absolutely nothing obscene about it; it's more like a nude woman depicted in a historical painting.
"that..."
"Nanda"
"May I... hold your hand?"
Hagoromo Yanagi looked puzzled for a moment.
Golden eyes, framed in black, gleam with the whites of the eyes—which are very red—that correspond to the whites of human eyes.
It seems they couldn't quite grasp my intentions.
However, there was nothing to do while descending in the elevator—and above all, the fact that we had been silent to each other up until that point probably played a role.
The interface silently extended its right hand towards me.
"...It's warm and soft."
The feel of the hand was different from what I had expected, not like the fluorite-like texture I had anticipated.
It has a texture so realistic it's almost human-like, and it even evokes a sense of awe.
"What... are you doing?"
Hagoromo Yanagi, whose hands I was playing with, said with a look of exasperation:
"Humans... I really don't understand them... They're all idiots."
Feeling the white gaze of the willow tree, I finally reached the lowest level.
I descended the elevator and emerged into the entrance. Beyond that lay an underground lake, where the water god was likely waiting.
(Perhaps he's fallen asleep again...)
Such a thought briefly crossed my mind, but this time it was definitely different.
A guardian deity created by ancient people.
This monster, possessing the power to easily alter the shape of the land at a mere whim, was writhing its massive body in apparent delight.
The underground lake looks like a stormy sea approaching with a typhoon, with waves violently crashing against it.
Seeing that, Hagoromo Yanagi sighed.
"The wall is crumbling... Stop it right now."
"Hmm...? Ah, Nagamasa at Hagoromo Willow... He's quite late."
The water god, rolling his head from side to side on the island, said gleefully:
"Nagamasa, how was my performance? I based it on one of the visual works that my father—no, the ancients—imposed on my brain to keep me from getting bored... I wonder if I managed to make a deep impression of my presence on the people of the earth."
I couldn't say that it was going too far—so I could only mumble something.
"But I must apologize to you. Those monsters... no, the Jorōgumo is probably not one of them, but at least the Tianhongsan was your friend, wasn't it? That ball of fluff, it said, 'Don't hurt someone important to me!' "五月蠅noisy
"Bontenmaru...?"
"What kind of name is that, it sounds like a man's name... Well, never mind. In any case, that female Heavenly Rainbow Silkworm seems to be completely smitten with you. And the female Jorōgumo is longing for that Heavenly Rainbow Silkworm..."
"Hmm," the water god said excitedly, letting out a loud citrusy sigh.
"This is what my father would call a 'love triangle' in the video works he implemented for me."
No, that's not correct.
I don't have any special feelings for the Jorōgumo (spider demon), so a love triangle shouldn't have been possible.
However, pointing that out would be tactless.
The water god is excited to be outside after such a long time.
Even if you know, don't deliberately point it out.
That, too, is an important strategy for living in society.
Incidentally, Bontenmaru was quickly retrieved after the water god departed into the lake—and now he is sleeping like a log in her hut at the Nagahama Palace, receiving care from Shuko and the others.
His body is covered in bruises and looks painful, but apparently, he'll be fine if he rests and gets plenty of sleep.
As for the Jorōgumo, its enormous size made it impossible to move, and it was unclear how effective the treatment would be, but first aid was being administered by the Asai retainers in the Kanebo Plaza.
To them, the Jorōgumo (spider demon) is probably a magnificent hero who stood up against a crisis in Japan.
Not only the retainers but also the local residents gathered at Kanebo, believing it was only natural to repay the favor to anyone who had risked their lives for them, even if that being was a monster.
However, Jorōgumo are rare monsters with a small population, and there is virtually no information about them.
It is said that the Takamine Party, the people of Tomokuni Village, and even Takatora know nothing about it.
It was uncertain whether the carapace, which had been torn during the battle with the dragon, could be repaired.
Even when members of the Takamine Party and Tomokuni Village tried to communicate with the Jorōgumo, she remained unconscious and showed no signs of regaining consciousness.
Therefore, all they could do was wipe their dirty bodies and cool the burned areas with water from Lake Biwa.
"By the way, Water God..."
What's wrong?
"No, I just wanted to talk to you about various things regarding the future."
"As for what's to come... Ah, yes."
First, it was decided that the head of the Asai family would visit Chikubu Island every year on July 13th and then proceed from there to the water god's shrine.
The reason is that the route from Lake Yogo takes too much time to travel.
And the fact that I would be the water god's conversational partner for the night was confirmed over and over again, to the point of being annoyingly repetitive.
Perhaps this ancient relic was so desperate for solitude.
That's enough serious talk for now; the Water God wanted to hear about the world I came from.
I will speak only the accurate facts to the best of my knowledge, without mixing in any fiction.
The country of Japan, its history, and its institutions.
I simply couldn't adapt to the school education system, which is a means of national integration.
And the fact that she lost her parents at a young age, and that she never even knew what they looked like.
While I was spilling all the beans, the water god remained silent and listened attentively to what I was saying.
It seems that the giant dragon's stance is that while it enjoys talking, it also respects what others say.
He's a really good listener, and I've started to talk about the vague feelings I have inside.
I was worried about whether I, someone who never knew my own parents, could truly become a good parent.
I'm worried about whether I'm truly addressing the feelings of women like Ichihime and Haruhime.
In governing northern Omi, there's a worry that there are more things that I'm unable to handle than things that I can.
The water god listened carefully to my anxieties...
Hagoromo Yanagi, too, was sitting cross-legged and maintaining a seemingly uninterested posture, but she was still listening attentively.
Let me begin with the third concern... and offer my own advice.
The water god said, his odd-colored eyes glowing.
≪Such anxieties are natural for those in power. Those in power are constantly plagued by anxiety. They wonder if their power is truly enough to benefit the people, or if their perspective is truly reaching the people...≫
The dragon continued, its tongue flicking like a snake's.
"But that's a kind of healthy thinking. Generally speaking, the more perfect and all-powerful a person is, the less capable they are than someone who is anxious and conflicted. Those who think they are all-powerful stagnate and make no progress. But those who are conflicted can move forward precisely because they are troubled. In that sense, you, as a leader, are healthy."
"Is that how it is...?"
That's just how it is.
The water god blinked his eyelids.
"You don't have to do everything yourself. Put the right people in the right places and let them perform their duties appropriately. It's okay if you don't know something. Consult with those who do know and accept their advice and assistance. That's a simple fact that leaders have always followed."
I decided to organize my thoughts while listening to the water god's words.
For example, there's Louis XIV, the "Sun King" of France, who always appears in textbooks.
He was a monarch who reigned during the height of what is known as absolute monarchy, but he was not able to do everything himself.政Festivals and rituals
It was precisely because he sincerely listened to the advice of his close associates, including Finance Minister Colbert, and because he reformed his military and bureaucratic systems, that he was able to form a relatively powerful centralized state in Europe.
"...Huh?"
What happened?
Having considered all of that, I came across a question.
It is well known that Europe was called "[ ]" during this period.南蛮Nanban
In fact, when I was making crepes during our newlywed days, Ichihime had a firm grasp of the concept of "Southern Barbarian" cuisine.
But this world is different from the world I came from.
It's easy to imagine that Europe, too, is quite different from the world I know...
(Now's the time to ask.)
I decided to ask the Water God about something that had been bothering me ever since I came to this world.
"Water God, you know about... the Southern Barbarians, right?"
"Of course."
"This might be a strange question, but where are they from? Do you happen to know what the situation is like in their home country?"
Then the water god laughed in a low voice.
"I see, so that's what you want to know... Well, alright, I'll tell you. It's something that's very much related to the Hagoromo Yanagi that's over there."
When the water god turned his attention to the feathered willow tree, she shrugged.
Apparently, as long as they're not directly facing me, they're quite expressive emotionally.
"In this world, humanity barely survives in the Southern Barbarians—the Europe you know. Very barely, but… To survive the attacks of monsters, they have formed a unified nation. It is called the Kingdom of France—but it seems its destruction is imminent. Cities throughout the land have fallen, and recently, the capital city of Paris was burned to the ground. The people of the kingdom are seeking a new land to survive. And some of those who have reached this Japanese archipelago are what you call Southern Barbarians."
That's probably real-time information.
Just as I was about to ask how he knew such a thing while in Japan, the Water God preemptively revealed the inside story.
Just like how I revealed everything to her earlier.
"I am able to obtain such information all thanks to Hagoromo Yanagi, who is there. Without her, I would not know anything about the world outside of Japan."
Hagoromo Yanagi shifted her posture, resting both elbows on her knees and her chin on the clasped hands.
≪The basis of Hagoromo Yanagi is the very thing that the ancients called the 'World Tree.' The monsters said to inhabit Japan are also modeled after the World Tree, but...let's leave that aside for now. This gigantic monster in the form of a tree possesses the power of a god itself. I don't even know if I could defeat it. Even if I fought alongside Hagoromo Yanagi, the best we could hope for is a mutual kill.≫外神foreigner木蓮Magnolia
There's always someone better out there.
I stared in amazement at the water god who casually said such a thing.
A being even greater than the monsters that can easily alter the landscape of Japan.
If such a monster—no, an external god—were to attack, there would be absolutely nothing we could do.
"Now, calm down, Nagamasa."
"Haa..."
Apparently, I must have been acting very suspiciously.
A sigh could be heard from the willow tree, and the water god spoke in a voice like a parent urging their child to exercise self-control.
"Fortunately, the World Tree has little interest in humanity. That Outer God simply exists there, reigning supreme while communicating with the outer universe."
"No, but..."
There's something in the Water God's words that just doesn't sit right with me.
I couldn't calm down until I confirmed that.
"So, you're saying you're not very interested...? What exactly do you mean by 'not very interested'?"
"Ah...that is indeed a difficult question for me, who considers herself a lady, to answer."
The water god said, wriggling his massive body.
Apparently, they're embarrassed.
"But to put your mind at ease, I must tell you this: The only thing the World Tree is interested in regarding humanity is its 'method of reproduction.' To put it bluntly, it's nothing more than the act of reproduction."
"picture...?"
I heard some incredible words, and it seems I didn't mishear them.
≪For the Outer Gods, who are "perfect beings," the very idea of leaving behind offspring does not exist. If they are supreme beings, they can simply erase the concept of lifespan and continue to exist indefinitely. From the perspective of such a World Tree, the very act of dividing into male and female sexes, and going through the wasteful energy of sexual intercourse—to create offspring that may or may not even be possible—is sheer madness.≫
However, the water god continued.
The World Tree became interested in the very act of madness itself. And above all, it was interested in the act of 'having a foreign object thrust into its womb, accepting it, nurturing and giving birth to that foreign object within its womb, and attempting to raise it.' That's when the World Tree began to interfere with humanity.
Like a mother who has to reluctantly give sex education to her teenage daughter after being confronted with her daughter masturbating, Mizuchi said:
The World Tree "moved" humans from all over the world, had them engage in sexual intercourse with each other, and recorded the results, analyzing their preferences. It then investigated what facial features and body types were considered attractive in males and females throughout the world. The World Tree was interested in how humanity reproduced, but not in the act of reproduction itself. The World Tree's bodily fluids were present in the phalluses of males and the wombs of females freed from its influence. Ancient people analyzed these components and used them to create monsters.
"So that's how the Hagoromo Yanagi was born?"
"It was a failure, but..."
Having skipped physical education class and remaining in a detached, observational stance of her classmates, Hagoromo Yanagi made her announcement.
"I'm not as strong as the original... I can't even come close."
That's correct.
The water god nodded.
Of the numerous "imitations" created, the most "well-made biological weapon" was Hagoromo Yanagi. This female individual was the only one capable of manifesting the spatial teleportation ability possessed by the World Tree. However, it could only teleport itself.
Hagoromo Yanagi hugged both of her legs and buried her face in them.
Her bluish-silver breasts were crushed between her legs, mm.撓Tawa
"You saw it too, didn't you? The Hagoromo Yanagi, who was supposed to be in Lake Yogo, appeared on Chikubu Island. The generation of the interface there is also a manifestation of the World Tree's power. Although the original can generate a large number of interfaces... Hagoromo Yanagi was no match for it. Nevertheless, it is more than enough fighting force. That is precisely why the ancients, in order to properly control and manage their forces, implemented a human personality in Hagoromo Yanagi."
"...Seriously, this is ridiculous."
With her face buried between her knees and chest, Hagoromo Yanagi whispered:
"I wasn't looking forward to it... I didn't want to live this much... I want to die, I want to be at peace..."
That must be Hagoromo Yanagi's true feelings.
I don't have the words to say.
Because I know that clumsy sympathy will only lead to resentment from the other person.
It seems we've gone off on a tangent.
The water god's arm, which had tormented the Jorōgumo, was pulled from the water and gently embraced the Hagoromo Yanagi.
"For now, that's all I know about the Nanban and the Nanban people. The Nanban people came to this archipelago seeking a chance to survive. That's all you need to remember."
"...thank you"
I can't help but look towards the willow tree, but I offer my thanks to the water god.
"Furthermore, regarding the anxieties you first and second revealed, I cannot offer accurate advice. The main reason my consciousness was imprinted on this body was—because I was an orphan, and still only five years old. Hagoromo Yanagi and all my fallen comrades were also orphans. And while I was thrown into a cultivation chamber and my consciousness was being synchronized with a monster's body...the ancient people perished on their own. That's why I think I understand the nuances of the human heart, but I don't really."
One of the main reasons I want to talk to you is that you are a human being with real emotions.
The water god said that, and then continued in a gentle voice.
"Oh, and also—but if possible, I'd like you to speak with Hagoromo Yanagi, along with that fox horse, if you get the chance. This is a request from me as her friend."
"That's unnecessary, you're being a nuisance..."
As I watched the interface, which was shivering with its knees hugged to its chest, I unconsciously nodded.
They are alive.
That fact was more important than anything else, and it was precisely what I should emulate in order to dispel my anxieties—I felt this as I recalled the warmth of Hagoromo Yanagi's hand.
◆
After that, I talked to the water god about various things.
I was asked if, if possible, I could show them the baby's face on July 13th of next year—and I agreed, wondering what Ichihime would say, and the conversation dragged on as we discussed various things, including Osamuhime's physical condition.
And before I knew it, dawn had long since broken, and by the time I emerged onto the island with the Hagoromo Willow interface, it was already past noon, around 3 PM.
By the way, I'm holding huge dragon scales in both my hands.
It was something the water god had given me, like peeling off a scab, telling me to take it home as a "trophy of war."
Humans, in their own way, are creatures with a materialistic mindset.
The guardian of the underground lake had thoughtfully considered that it would be easier if there was a deity to worship.
"Just... go home..."
As if her tears had never been there, Hagoromo Yanagi, with a composed expression, flicked her finger...
With a tremendous noise, the dome-shaped magma that had covered Chikubu Island began to disappear.
And what immediately caught my eye was—ship after ship, surrounding Chikubu Island, with the flags of the Oda and Asai families flying.
Just as he had said to me, Nobunaga himself took the lead and boarded the ship...
When we left Chikubu Island, I ended up sharing a boat with my brother-in-law.
From that point on, it was a whirlwind of activity.
He showed the dolphin scales to the retainers of the Asai and Oda families, explaining that they were proof of the contract the head of the Asai family had made with the water god.
And the water god made a grand proclamation that he had designated the head of the Asai family as the priest who would worship him.大祝Ohori
The fact that the Mizuchi was an object of worship at the local level also strongly supported my plan.
Donations poured in from all over the country, and an imperial decree was issued from Kyoto for the establishment of the "Biwa Grand Shrine." On July 14th, the shrine was granted the rank of Junior Fifth Rank, Upper Grade, and the enshrined deity, Mizuchi, was also given that rank.一宮Ichinomiya
On July 16th, his divine rank was promoted to Junior Third Rank, on the 20th to Senior Third Rank, and he steadily rose thereafter, finally reaching Senior First Rank on August 7th.
The main hall of Biwa Shrine was designated as the Grand Hall of Ceremonies, and the scales of the dragon were enshrined there—this was truly the moment when the Asai family's ceremonial site became the headquarters of the local religion.
Incidentally, I myself was appointed to the rank of Junior Fifth Rank on July 17th and given a position on the 25th.右近衛中将Turmeric Garden
The imperial court, too, must have been desperately trying to save face in order to deal with the pressing issue of the dragon.
The implication is that it would be unacceptable for the water god's priests to be people without rank or official title.
And then, he appointed me to the position of Lieutenant General of the Right Imperial Guard, an official in the Imperial Guard Office, which is responsible for guarding the Imperial Palace.
That fact alone is enough to understand Kyoto's hopes and intentions.
Of course, not everything went smoothly.
Amidst those hectic days, many things were happening within the family.
It seems that Ichihime and Haruhime thought I wouldn't be able to return from Chikubu Island, so since the 14th, they've always stuck to me wherever I go.
Things have calmed down considerably now, but it was incredibly difficult back then.
Even when I tried to go to the toilet, they wouldn't believe me, saying, "Aren't you trying to go to Chikubu Island?" And while I was doing my business, they both just waited patiently beside me...
Furthermore, even on nights when he was intimate with Haruhime, Ichihime would go to the trouble of bringing her pillow with her to Haruhime's room and sleep there.
The reverse was also true; on the days I slept in Ichihime's room, Osamuhime would come in with a pillow, so there was no privacy left at all.
But, conversely, that meant I had inflicted that much despair and anxiety upon them.
Thinking about that fills me with a truly sorry feeling.
Every night she shakes her hips like a madwoman, and even after dawn, she begs with frenzied eyes to continue the act, clinging to me—
Despite being pregnant, Ichihime would say, "I don't want to forget what Lord Nagamasa looks like," and would try to pin me down and push Big Sun into her womb whenever she got the chance—
—I couldn't bring myself to strongly reprimand him.
"...what goes around comes around"
I murmured those words as I gazed at Ichihime and Haruhime, who were sleeping peacefully beside me.
Today was supposed to be the day I slept next to Ichihime, but now Haruhime has come to visit my bedchamber as well.
In that sense, it's fair to say that the extraordinary circumstances are still continuing.
They were lying on either side of me, their arms gripping the hems of my clothes.
If I were to stand up in this situation, they would immediately jump up as well.
It's a collaborative home management system that would even surprise a computer.
"..."
He let out a small, deep breath that had been trapped in his lungs.
The shoulders of both wives twitched, stiffened for a moment, and then returned to their normal breathing.
(I need to make sure I reassure them...)
Early morning on August 8th.
I was vaguely thinking about such things, but...
Contrary to his heartfelt feelings for his wives, a massive and daunting problem finally came to his attention, even though he had been prepared for it.