"Lord Nagamasa, Lord Nagamasa"
My body was shaken gently along with a pleasant voice, and my consciousness surfaced.
I got up from the damp, sweat-soaked futon, yawned widely, and stretched my back.
Looking to the side, I saw Ichihime sitting cross-legged beside the futon, smiling brightly.
"...Good morning, Ichi."
"Yes, good morning."
Ichihime said this, then bowed her head with her hands touching the ground.
She appears to have already finished getting ready, and is dressed in a beautiful, brand-new kimono.
It's as if they're about to perform on a grand stage.
...Was there something special happening today?
Well, it is our first morning together as a married couple, but still...
" It is so."御冷Ohiya
"Oh, thank you."
The maid hands the ladle to Princess Ichihime, who then respectfully presents it to me.
I took the ladle and gulped it down in one go.
I must have sweated more than I expected because I exercised intensely yesterday.
Water seeps into every part of my body.
The cold water awakened my consciousness, and I remembered something important.
"Hey, Ichi"
"Yes, what can I help you with?"
With her fingers still bowed, Ichihime responded in a soft voice.
What a wonderful wife she is. I wanted to brag about her to all the married people in my old world.
Well, I think it'll be fine since he can sit properly in the seiza position, but it might be better to ask just to be absolutely sure... I am actually a little worried.
As I returned the ladle to Ichihime, I asked:
"Are you alright? Are you in any pain?"
"-- Ah"
With a loud bang, Ichihime's face turned bright red.
Wow, last night was amazing!
Even though it was our wedding night, she came multiple times, and in the end, she even climaxed in sync with my ejaculation.
However, that fact must have placed a considerable strain on her body, as she was still a virgin.
That was exactly what I was worried about.
"I was worried because you fainted last night. But you seem to be okay."
"I-I'm so sorry! It's unforgivable that I went to sleep before Lord Nagamasa—"
"No, it's fine. Don't worry about it."
As I stroked Ichihime's head, who was desperately bowing and begging for forgiveness, I was reminded once again of the customs of this era.
That's right—in the Sengoku period, it was absolutely unacceptable for a wife to go to bed before her husband.
There are several reasons for this, but the most prominent example is assassination prevention.
For example, even the most muscular and courageous general becomes defenseless while sleeping. That's something you can easily imagine.
Assassinations of warlords during the Sengoku period (Warring States period) were, as expected, often carried out in the middle of the night.
If that's the case, who will protect the defenseless man? The answer is actually his wife. It seems like an impossible game once the intruder has entered his bedroom, but in those times, this was a very serious belief.
In other words, a wife sleeping with her husband before him is a foolish act that deserves to be scorned as the act of a wicked woman who has failed to fulfill her duties as a wife.
This was the biggest mistake that Princess Ichi, who married into a feudal lord family during the Sengoku period, could ever make. That's why she was apologizing so desperately.
"It's partly my fault for bullying you too much, so don't worry about it."
"Lord Nagamasa, but...!"
It seems Ichihime cannot forgive herself.
While this was understandable given the ethical standards of that era, there was still a significant gap between their sensibilities and mine as a modern kid.
I don't know what to do if someone asks me to punish them for something I don't care about...
Wait a minute, though?
I had a good idea and put my hand on Ichihime's shoulder.
"I understand, then I will punish you."
"--yes!"
She's made up her mind, and with her big, round eyes, she's looking at me intently. She's so cute.
I think Ichihime definitely has dog-like traits.
—Thinking these things, I said in the lowest voice I could manage.
"Tonight, I will hold you again."
"...Huh?"
With a bewildered expression, but quickly understanding the words, Ichihime flinched in .俯Down
I whispered in her ear.
"Ichi, be prepared. I'm going to give you a good beating tonight..."
"Ah... ahh...!"
Remembering the shameful events of last night, Ichihime covered her face with both hands.
She's so cute. I want to pull her onto the futon right now and make her moan to her heart's content.
However, that's not going to work.
After all, the "presentation ceremony" awaits us today.
The "presentation ceremony" is, quite literally, an event in which the head of the household and his wife, who have become husband and wife after spending their wedding night together, meet all of the retainers.
In short, the goal is to get the vassals to accept the woman who will become the legitimate wife.
Remembering that fact, I finally understood why Ichihime was wearing such a gorgeous kimono.
Honestly, I'm really hopeless... To think I'd even forget something like this.
Slightly disgusted with myself, I called out to Ichihime, who was writhing in agony with her face hidden.
"Hey Ichi, it's about time, isn't it? Let me bring my clothes here."
"Ah... yes! I will take care of it right away!"
Ichihime bowed to me again, placing her hands on the ground three times, and then began giving instructions to her maidservants.
Incidentally, Ichihime's ladies-in-waiting were not members of the Asai family, but rather had accompanied her from the Oda family, essentially serving as her personal retainers.
Normally, she is in charge of attending to Princess Ichihime and providing security, such as keeping watch outside her bedroom to make sure no intruders come in—she is a behind-the-scenes supporter.
...Wait? Does that mean that the sweet words between me and Ichihime last night were overheard?
No, I'm not embarrassed at all, but Ichihime's embarrassing voice, which was so disheveled despite her being a virgin—maybe those women heard it all?
As I watched Ichihime giving orders briskly and the ladies-in-waiting listening intently, I crossed my arms and groaned.
As expected of women from the Sengoku period, they are strong.
I would absolutely hate it. If I heard my boss making such explicit moans—I'm sure it would be incredibly awkward and I wouldn't be able to talk to him the next day or later.
Eventually, the lady-in-waiting received the kimono that my page had brought in, and then respectfully presented it to me in front of Princess Ichi's room.
However, as a modern kid, I have absolutely no idea how to wear a kimono.
I can't afford to make a mistake in a place like this.
"Ichi, please put it on me."
"Y-yes! I understand!"
I tried to appear as dignified as possible to the maids, and said it in a manner that sounded appropriate.
Ichihime hurried over to me and, looking very happy, began to help me get dressed.
The ladies-in-waiting watched in astonishment.
Well, the ladies-in-waiting's reaction was understandable.
If you organize the situation, it becomes clear. In short, after spending the first night with Ichihime, I stayed in her room instead of returning to my own, had the clothes I was supposed to change into in my own room brought to me through someone from the Oda family, and then, unbelievably, had Ichihime, my wife, help me change, something that should have been done by someone of lower rank like a page...
Hmm, what an unreasonable person.
Nevertheless, Ichihime is still Ichihime.
Far from showing any displeasure, she seemed quite pleased. She produced a damp cloth from somewhere, placed it beside me, took off my jacket, and began gently wiping my skin.
"What do you think, Lord Nagamasa?"
"...Ah, that feels good."
"That's great... I'm so happy."
Ichihime diligently cleaned my neck, shoulders, and back with a cloth, then began wiping my chest and stomach.
Indeed, in the Sengoku period, when showers didn't exist, the only way to wipe away night sweats was to wipe them with a damp cloth.
But this is something that should really be done. Even I know that much.端女hashitame
But—
"I used to be very kind to my older brother."
"Lord Nobunaga...?"
"Yes... My brother suddenly barged into my bedchamber and urged me, saying, 'Ichi! It's hot! Wipe me off!' But when I wiped his back with a damp cloth, he praised me, saying, 'Well done!'... Hehe."
With a smile, Ichihime gently wiped my arm.
"I've always dreamed of being able to do this for my future husband on our first morning together... I'm sure he'll be just as happy as my brother was."
"I see..."
"Yes. I am aware that it is indecent."
Ichihime put down the damp cloth and began to skillfully help me get dressed.
That was truly a brilliant technique. I was genuinely amazed. I checked the fit of the kimono and hakama that had been put on me so quickly, marveling at the result.
You're better at dressing than my pages!
"Thank you, Ichi. Shall we go now?"
"Yes, I understand."
And so, I, accompanied by Princess Ichi, headed towards the great hall where my retainers were gathered.犇Hishi
◇
There are countless men.
Everyone was bowing their heads.
It was a scene similar to the day I tripped.
However, the difference from that day is that Ichihime is now beside me.
However, she too had bowed deeply to the retainers of the Asai family.
Of the hundreds of people in the great hall, I'm the only one with my head held high.
I don't think I'll ever get used to this feeling, no matter how many times I do it...
While I was thinking about that, that old guy, Ryoichi Asai, raised his head and stepped forward in front of me.
Then he bowed, placed his knees and hands on the floor, and shouted loudly enough for everyone in the hall to hear.
"Lord Nagamasa, I am delighted that the wedding ceremony with Princess Ichi was held without incident. This has further solidified the prosperity of the Asai family and the relationship with the Oda family, and strengthened the bond between the two families. I offer my deepest congratulations."
Then another man stepped forward and, like Ryoshin, began to give a congratulatory speech.
By the way, this old guy is ...赤尾清綱Akao Kiyotsuna
He was the chief retainer of the Asai family and one of the commanders of the Asai army.
When Kiyotsuna stepped down, a super famous figure from the Sengoku period, someone even I know, stepped forward.
海北綱親Kaihou TsunachikaHe was a legendary general, even referred to by Toyotomi Hideyoshi himself as "my master of military strategy."
Truly great people have a different aura. Their words are different. I felt an intense power in every single word they conveyed in their congratulatory speeches.
Who was the last to step forward ?雨森清貞Ame no Mori Kiyosa
He was a brilliant general who handled the affairs of the Asai family while also participating in battles, demonstrating his versatility in both politics and military affairs.
After Kiyosada finished his congratulatory speech, Ryoshin stepped forward again.
(I see, so only those high-ranking officials speak, and everyone else just listens silently to the congratulatory speeches...)
I felt like I had caught a glimpse of the true nature of the Asai family's retainers.
During the Sengoku period, most daimyo families employed a strict class system.
It was customary for hereditary retainers to be valued even if incompetent, while capable newcomers were ignored.
However, I think it's perfectly understandable that this is hindering the development of the territory, and I don't think I need to emphasize that point.
One of the reasons Oda Nobunaga was able to rapidly expand his power and become the ruler of the Sengoku period was, of course, the strong economic power of Owari and Mino, but also because he disregarded the class system and recruited talented people from all over the country.
For example, one of the Oda family's most highly skilled administrative officials was born in the Asai family's territory, but he became disillusioned with the outdated Asai family and moved to Owari.村井貞勝Sadakatsu Murai
In addition, the Oda family had many officials and samurai from Omi Province. Omi has a culture that produces talented individuals, but on the other hand, there is an environment and atmosphere that makes it difficult for them to advance in their careers or to make their mark in that region.
Unless this situation is resolved, the Asai family's territory will never become prosperous.
"With that, we will conclude the 'Presentation Ceremony'."
Ryoshin Asai declared the meeting over in a voice that resonated throughout the entire hall.
(Now's the only chance...!)
I waited until the retainers in the great hall finally looked up, and then I slapped my knee hard.
In no time at all, hundreds of eyes were focused on me.
Yes, the "presentation ceremony" is over. There will be no extension.
However, if the head of a daimyo family were to do something that would attract everyone's attention, it would be like explicitly telling his retainers that "there's more to come."
Not only was Ryōchika shaken, but Kiyotsuna and Kiyosada, senior retainers of the Asai family, were also bewildered, wondering "what's going on?"
Tsunachika was practically the only one who didn't move a muscle; he was intently observing me with sharp eyes.
But we can't let a mere glance like that intimidate us.
I projected an air of authority with slow, deliberate movements, and then, summoning my voice from the depths of my stomach, I projected it so that it would resonate throughout the entire hall.
Now all the men in the great hall are prostrating themselves.
"The Asai family has now become related to the Oda family by marriage. If we join forces with the rapidly rising Oda family, we will be able to overcome all obstacles in no time."
抑揚Good morningHe spoke with a bow, slamming his words down onto the heads of his subordinates.
It is the voice that determines whether or not you can get people to obey you. Voice and intonation are crucial.
No matter how good what you say is, if you're a bad orator, you'll be ignored, and no matter how stupid what you say is, if you're a good orator, you'll be praised.
Throughout history, humans have always been nothing more than that.
However, in order to manage my territory the way I want, I absolutely must win their hearts, no matter what.
"Needless to say, what we need for that is 'enriching the country and strengthening the military.'"
A murmur rippled through the hall for just a moment.
Why? Because the phrase "enriching the country and strengthening the military" did not exist in Japan during the Sengoku period.
The four kanji characters contained a scathing impact. The retainers of the Asai family were struck by it with a sense of freshness.
"To enrich a nation and strengthen its army—these are not things that can be achieved overnight."
Now, the heads of my vassals, who were previously bowing before me, are raised, and they are watching my every move with intense interest.
I continued speaking, trying to persuade them, trying to appeal to them.
"To enrich the country, we need money; to strengthen our army, we need rice... Kiyotsuna!"
"Hah!"
I called out the chief retainer by name and asked him.
"Who in Asai is the most suitable person to make that happen!?"
"it is..."
Kiyotsuna showed a moment of thought before looking at Kiyosada.
"I believe Lord Kiyosada is the most suitable person for the position."
"Kiyosada!"
"Hah!"
He bowed and looked at me with a serious expression.
I slowly and in a low voice, I asked Kiyosada.
"What do you think is lacking in the Asai family right now...?"
Kiyosada was a figure who wore two hats: he was an official in charge of the Asai family's affairs, while also leading an army.
Naturally, his burden is unimaginably heavy.
Why did Kiyosada have no choice but to do that? How did things come to this?
If you ask him "What's missing?", the answer is almost always the same. It's like a leading question.
"We don't have enough people..."
"That's right!"
I mustered all the strength in my voice and said:
"We don't have enough people, we don't have enough talent!"
My loud voice echoed. There was no sound whatsoever coming from the great hall.
Every man held his breath, trying not to miss a word of what I was going to say.
"Today marks a significant day, as the Asai and Oda families are united. We must use this as an opportunity to be reborn. We must enrich our country and strengthen our army... Have you forgotten the days when you endured under the Rokkaku family!? Do you want to go back to those days!?"
Well, I never actually experienced the period when the Asai family was subservient to the Rokkaku family. It was long before the switch of allegiance, and I only know about it as a historical fact.
However, these words apparently had quite an impact on the retainers of the Asai family.
Small, yet passionate voices began to erupt from all corners of the great hall, saying, "That's right," "That's right," "That's right."
"I declare to you all that I will enrich our country so that we will never again experience such humiliation."
But! I shouted. The men in the great hall stretched out.
"That's why I need your help. And I need to get to know you better."
So I raised my fist. The men in the hall also raised their arms. You guys are so simple and cute.
"That's precisely why I want to have individual conversations with you all."
The great hall shook with a resounding "Oh...!"
This is unprecedented.
It was absolutely unthinkable for the head of a daimyo family to provide equal opportunities for individual meetings with their retainers.
However, this is quite beneficial for both the senior retainers of the Asai family and the newcomers.
For the senior retainers, it was an opportunity to reaffirm their connection to the Asai family, and for the newcomers, it was a good opportunity to make themselves known.
And for me, it will be beneficial in two ways.
First of all, since I've just arrived and barely know what my retainers look like, this is a good opportunity for me to match their names to their faces.
And finally— though I know it's wrong—I use the interview process to strengthen their loyalty to me and then draw them in as laborers to manage my territory in the way I envision.性質friend
"Ryochika!"
"Y-yes!"
I summoned Ryochika and ordered him to "arrange interview dates between my retainers and me."
"This is a crucial task that will determine the future of the Asai family," I told him with a serious expression, and Ryochika began to cry, "Such an important job for me...!" He's quite the crybaby, isn't he?
"Alright, Ryochika, I'll leave the rest to you."
I said that and left the great hall with Ichihime.
At that moment, a grimy voice of men shouting "Whoa!!" echoed from behind.
The deafening roar was so tremendous that it could easily be mistaken for a war cry, causing Ichihime to let out a small scream and jump up in surprise.
By now, men whose loyalty to the Asai family has been stirred up are probably pressing Ryochika, each claiming, "I am the first," or "No, I am the first, I am the first."
Either way, the seeds have already been sown.
All that remains is to skillfully utilize their passion to develop the Asai family's territory and bring about a level of prosperity unmatched in Japan... no, even in the world.
Above all, I have the greatest advantage: I've seen history from the future.
I know how economies have historically developed and how societies have changed.
(I'll do it)
Burning with determination, I clenched my fist.