The night after Haruhime agreed to become my concubine—
I, accompanied by Haruhime, crossed from the mansion where Ichihime and I were staying to the main keep of Sugawa Castle.
Despite the sky being cloudless and the moon and stars shining brightly in the dark night, a light rain was falling.
We were surrounded not only by senior retainers of the Asai family who had rushed to the scene, but also by 30 named retainers of the Takenaka family.
Isono Kazumasa and Endo Naotsune are leading us, the senior retainer of the Takenaka family is holding an umbrella over me, and Akao Kiyotsuna is holding an umbrella over Haruhime.行燈Andon (Japanese lantern)
Continuing our slow march, we can see the main keep of Sugawa Castle, brightly illuminated by bonfires and torches.
In front of the main gate of the castle, Ichihime was already there, followed by relatives such as Asai Masamoto and Asai Ryochika, waiting for us.
There, you can also see Shigenori, the younger brother of Haruhime, who is still recuperating with the assistance of Higuchi Naofusa.
"We are truly grateful for your visit."
Ichihime quietly bowed her head before us.
At that signal, those who had been waiting in front of the main keep all bowed their heads in unison.
"Now, I will show you around."
With that, Ichihime led us to the large mansion in the main keep of Sugawa Castle—the mansion where the generals would hold discussions in times of emergency.
The place has been thoroughly swept clean and polished to a shine.
Outside the mansion, countless ladies-in-waiting and servants from Sugawa Castle were kneeling on the ground to greet us, a truly magnificent sight.
Indeed, among them in the front row were Ichihime's ladies-in-waiting—and also Tsubaki and her beloved.
The reason was that a large number of people were needed to carry out the cleaning of the mansion , but there was no one who could take charge.急遽Sudden
The soldiers were unfamiliar with menial tasks, and their wives had no experience in commanding others, which is why Tsubaki was chosen for the job.
When I went to the mansion's prison to tell her the news, even though it was still before dawn, I found her sleeping soundly, her clothes in order, and her beloved huddled together to ward off the cold.
He woke up Tsubaki and the others and, in exchange for their pardon, made them prepare for and lead the cleanup.
They apparently never expected to be forgiven, and after a good cry, they went on to work with incredible energy and enthusiasm.
Upon entering the well-maintained mansion, Haruhime and I sat down separately, one on the right and the other on the left, in the room.
So I took another look at her directly.
Her attire consisted of a white kimono, a red outer robe, and a cotton hood.
It was truly the most magnificent attire a woman could wear at a wedding.
Normally, something like this shouldn't happen.
They wouldn't go to such lengths just to take one concubine.
First and foremost, wearing a white wedding kimono is a privilege reserved for the "wife," so there is no way that someone who becomes a concubine could attain such an honor.
However, the one in charge of this whole affair was none other than Ichihime, who was still sitting there in the room.
The decision to hold the wedding ceremony with Haruhime, and the decision to have her wear a white wedding kimono, were both made under Ichihime's supervision.料簡Ryoken
It's all her decision and choice.
However, it would be impossible for Ichihime alone to accomplish such a large-scale project.
Most importantly, they received assistance from the Asai family's senior retainers, including Endo Naotsune of Sugawa Castle, the three generals Kaiseki Ume, Isono Kazumasa, and other relatives of the Asai family.
The common belief among them is that the Asai family's existence today is entirely "thanks to Lord Takenaka..."
They cooperated in every way possible, wanting to repay that kindness.
"Now, we would like to proceed with the ceremony of Mr. Takenaka Osamu entering the room."
Just like during the evaluation, the ceremony was in charge of Ryōshin.
When he bowed, everyone inside the mansion bowed in unison.
It was a reenactment of the marriage ceremony I had performed with Ichihime in the past.
However, while in the past a renowned Shinto priest summoned from Kyoto performed the purification ceremony, this time, due to time constraints, it was the priest of the shrine where the Asai family serves as parishioners.
Indeed, after Ryochika had paid his respects at the monument dedicated to the ancestors and war heroes of the Asai family, Haruhime and I stepped forward to stand before it.
Sacred sake is poured into the cup, and it is drained in accordance with proper etiquette.
Then I took another step forward in front of the monument, bowed, and opened my mouth.
"Today, on this auspicious day, I am truly delighted to be able to perform the ceremony of entering the chamber before the spirits of my ancestors. I humbly pledge to uphold the way of men and women, to share both joys and sorrows for the sake of the Asai family and for the sake of Japan, and to become the foundation for a peaceful world. — Asai Bizen-no-kami, Nagamasa"
"Takenaka, Osamu"
From the side of the Takenaka family's retainers, the sound of men sobbing could be heard.
I wonder if the hardships he's endured so far are flashing through his mind.
In particular, Shigenori, whose body had not yet fully healed, was forcing his wounded arm to move, covering his mouth, and sobbing, large tears streaming down his face.
After hearing Princess Osamu speak her own words to complement my oath, I offered the sacred branch before the monument, bowed twice, clapped twice, and bowed once more.
Then, when Ichihime, who was acting as the matchmaker, offered a sacred branch just like I had, the attendees all bowed twice, clapped twice, and bowed once in unison.
Afterward, sacred sake is offered to all attendees, and it is dried according to custom.
Seeing that everyone's cups were empty, Ichihime stepped forward and declared the ceremony over, facing the monument—and everyone inside the mansion rose to their feet and bowed.
Once Ichihime has given her congratulatory speech, all that will be left is for Haruhime and I to follow her and leave the mansion.
Seeing food and drinks being brought into the mansion as the guests left, it seemed the feast was about to begin.
The night breeze feels soothing on my body, which is flushed from the alcohol.
With the ladies-in-waiting and servants lined up outside the mansion seeing them off, Ichihime walked on, carrying a lantern, and Haruhime walked behind her.
It turned out that we were headed to an annex of the mansion where Ichihime was living.
It seems that Princess Haruhime will now be moving to a separate building to live in.
In short, it's a consideration to make it easier for me to go to her whenever I want.
"Princess Haruhime"
As they reached the front of the detached building, Ichihime suddenly cried out.
When Haruhime and I glanced at her, Ichihime continued speaking without turning around.
"I have something I'd like to ask you."
"...What is it?"
When Haruhime let out a confused cry, Ichihime slowly turned her head towards us and asked a question.
"If, hypothetically, Princess Haruhime could choose between being Lord Nagamasa's principal wife or his concubine, which would you choose?"
In response to that question, Princess Haruhime clutched the front of her white wedding kimono tightly.
To be honest, I didn't understand what Ichihime was saying.
His principal wife is Ichihime, and his concubine is Haruhime. That fact will never change.
However, Haruhime seemed to understand exactly what Ichihime was saying.
"That was decided from the beginning."
Haruhime faced Ichihime with a resolute expression.
"Either is fine."
Haruhime took a deep breath and replied in a clear voice.
"Whether I am the principal wife or a concubine, there is no difference in that I serve by Lord Nagamasa's side. And to me, that is more important than anything else... So it doesn't matter. I don't need power, wealth, or honor. I just want to be by Lord Nagamasa's side and support him."
"a..."
I involuntarily opened my mouth and let out a stupid sound.
There was absolutely no hesitation, doubt, or uncertainty in Haruhime's voice.
"...So that is your answer."
"yes"
Ichihime had nothing more to say, and a look of contentment spread across her face.
"Lord Nagamasa"
"...What?"
"Please take this."
With those words, Ichihime handed me—it was none other than the box that Nobunaga had given me.
That item, which passed from Haruhime to Ichihime last night, has now, through a series of events, come back to me.
" This is the 'Box.' As for how to use it, all you have to do is open the lid of the box. Once you do that... the magic will continue until you try to close the box. So, if you could return it tomorrow morning..."写録Sharoku
"A, a photo record...?"
They must have realized that I didn't understand it very well.
Before I could even ask her, Ichihime explained it to me herself.
As expected of my wonderful wife.
"This is a box imbued with magic that records a certain space as an image. When you open the box, countless spheres will fly out, but they have no physical form, so there is no danger of being hit."
I was reminded of the "box" I had seen before at Princess Osamu's castle.腔片Kohen
That one also had something pale and bluish solidified into a spherical shape... I wonder if it's the same thing.靄Mist
"Then, when the sphere unfolds, it begins shooting from every conceivable angle. Of course, footage from all angles is recorded, but the great thing about the 'Record Box' is that it has a function to 'edit the footage into an appropriate format for later viewing.'"
hey hey....
I suddenly felt cold sweat trickling down my cheeks.
Could it be that...?
"Therefore, I would like Lord Nagamasa to use this 'Record Box' to record the details of the 'Consort's Wedding Ceremony. I apologize for the trouble, but I would appreciate your cooperation."
"I-Ichi... but that is..."
"Ideally, when my husband and his concubine consummate their first night together, I, as the principal wife, should be present."
That's certainly true.
The principal wife, who is in a position to control the concubines, needs to determine whether the concubines are properly fulfilling their duties to their master.
What Ichihime is saying is perfectly natural in the Sengoku period, when sexual activity held significant importance.
As a modern person, I can only describe it as "weird."
"However, I trust Princess Osamu. Even if I don't oversee it, I'm sure she won't do anything disrespectful to Lord Nagamasa."
"My lady..."
At Ichihime's words, Osamuhime trembled and let out a cry.
"Therefore, I will not be involved in the 'bedtime ceremony' tonight. In return, I entrust this box to you."
"After seeing that, I will make my final decision on whether she is a suitable person for Lord Nagamasa," Ichihime said.
As she smiled quietly, Haruhime, clinging to her in her white wedding kimono, asked a question.
"Why... why do you trust me so much...? Why..."
Ichihime gave a wry smile at Haruhime's words, as if to say, "How can she not understand something so obvious?"
However, there was no hint of contempt in her voice, and Ichihime slowly asked, placing her hands on Haruhime's shoulders.
"In that case, I would like to ask Princess Osamu a question. What does it mean to trust a human being? Where do you come from for that value judgment?"
"Th-that's..."
To the formidable military strategist, one of Japan's greatest, who was at a loss for words, Ichihime said clearly:
"I am Lord Nagamasa's wife. At the very least, my initial assessment criteria will be based on Lord Nagamasa's."
A truly proud smile spread across Ichihime's face, and it blossomed into a full-blown grin.
"In order to live in Omi tomorrow, hand in hand with Lord Nagamasa, we need to be in step with each other and support each other as one. When we share values and try to move forward towards tomorrow... what good will it do if I don't trust the people that Lord Nagamasa trusts from the very beginning?"
"..."
"What we, who gather under the banner of the Asai family, need most is the unity to resist the situation to the very end. That is why we trust each other. Never forget that..."
After saying that much, Ichihime narrowed her eyes mischievously.
"And then... well, if I had to say, it would be because Princess Haruhime is in love with Lord Nagamasa. If Lord Nagamasa had brought you here against your will, I think I would have considered it a little more."
"a..."
Haruhime let go of Ichihime's hand and cowered, her face bright red.
As I gently patted her shoulder, Ichihime gave me a suggestive look and then returned to the mansion.
The annex and the main house are not far apart.
The moment Ichihime turned her back to the annex, Kaede and Sakura, who must have been watching us all along, rushed out, bowed to us, and went after their master.
We stared at the scene in stunned silence, but a strong night breeze brought us back to reality, and we looked at each other.
The detached building is illuminated by torches, and its entrance has already been opened by the ladies-in-waiting from earlier.
"Ah... Osamu"
"yes..."
I don't know how to describe this embarrassing feeling.
Now I think I understand the feelings of all the innocent gentlemen across the country who hesitate before being alone with their girlfriends.連れ込み宿Love Hotel
It's that feeling of "If you go in here, you're gonna do it!" that gets you down. In many ways.
"Well, shall we go in...? It's not good for your health if it gets too cold."
"Y-yes..."
I put my arm around Haruhime's shoulders, and as she nodded, we entered the detached building.
Indeed, the interior is smaller compared to the mansion where Ichihime and I live.
Nevertheless, from the perspective of Princess Haruhime using it alone, it could be said that it was already spacious enough.
There is an earthen floor, and stepping up from there leads to several rooms with tatami mat flooring.
It appeared that the room at the very back was the bedroom, and a futon had already been laid out there.
The indoor lanterns cast a soft light, creating a rather moody atmosphere.
I swallowed hard and instinctively tensed my arms—and then Chihime placed her hand on my chest and leaned her body against me slightly.
"Your Majesty..."
"Yeah... I know."
I parted her bangs and kissed her, then picked up the "Box of Records" that Ichihime had entrusted to me.
When they opened it, a pale sphere rose up like mist—and then it tore apart into countless smaller spheres, which scattered throughout the room.
"...Is it already recorded?"
"Probably"
When I tried to close the box, perhaps sensing the slightest force, the countless spheres once again merged into a single pale blue mass and returned to the box.
As I stood there bewildered, Haruhime gently took the box from my hand and turned it inside out.
Indeed, there was something like a mirror or a lens attached to it—and when Haruhime stroked it with her fingertip...a faint light was emitted, and a three-dimensional image appeared.
(hey hey...)
There is no doubt about it.
It was indeed a holographic image—something familiar from science fiction.
(So, this is a "box" that combines a holocamera and a holoprojector?)
If this can be mass-produced, it could trigger an information revolution.
I asked Haruhime excitedly.
"Hey, Osamu. Where are these 'magic' and 'boxes' made?"
"Lord Nagamasa... what exactly are you talking about?"
In response to my question, Haruhime gave me a puzzled look.
"Boxes imbued with magic cannot be made by human hands. We are simply using boxes that are discovered by chance. Although these are supernatural beings that can be manipulated by human hands, it is impossible to artificially create the supernatural beings themselves... so..."
"No... sorry, that was a strange way of putting it. What I meant to say was, I wonder who was behind making something like this."
If I immediately offered such an excuse, Princess Chihime would bow her head and apologize, saying, "It seems I misunderstood your intentions..."
But my mind is becoming increasingly confused.
(So, 'magic' and 'boxes' weren't created by the people of this world...? They're things you find...? That's just like—)
However, there's also the matter of Princess Osamu's presence.
I quickly sifted through my mind all the thoughts I had about this matter.
For now, all we can do is accept it—at least for now.
"You...?"
When Haruhime uttered such a puzzled voice, I panicked inside—but outwardly remained calm—and stroked her cheek before touching her lips.
Having your lips stroked is actually quite ticklish.
Indeed, Princess Osamu also flinched and her body trembled.
"Sorry, I was just thinking... how I could give you a wonderful dream."
"...Ah, ahh"
I opened the "Box of Records" once again, and as I unleashed its mysterious mechanism, I gently seated her, dressed in a white wedding kimono and blushing with embarrassment, on the bed.
If you cannot think, then you have no choice but to die.愉Tano
To the best of our ability. For example, yes—
"Like an erotic doujinshi. Like an erotic doujinshi."
"--picture?"
When Haruhime let out a silly-sounding yell, I finally realized that my thoughts had been spilling out uncontrollably.
...Now that you mention it, I feel like something like this has happened before.
I believe that was during my wedding night with Ichihime.
"Um... well, Lord Nagamasa? What do you mean by... erotic... doujin? You don't mean it's related to magic, do you...?"
"Ah... that's right. It's a means of salvation, a way to guide humanity."
As usual, my mouth started babbling away in a manner that sounded plausible.
However, in the sense that it serves as a nighttime companion for ladies and gentlemen across the country, and also provides a livelihood for its writers, it is truly a magical work for the salvation of humanity.
So many people gather in the promised land a few times a year just to secure copies of doujinshi (self-published comics).
What else can you call that but magical?
"Th-that's... incredible..."
However, Princess Osamu, who knew nothing of this, was wide-eyed with bewilderment.
Sometimes I think to myself, "This kid is naturally intelligent, so she doesn't have to blindly believe everything I say..."
"Well... I guess I'll teach you as a special favor."
I kissed Haruhime's cheek and then whispered softly in her ear.
"Ultimately, it is love that will lead humanity to salvation. And from now on, the one who will love you is—me. Remember that well."
"Oh, you... ah!"
It was an incredibly illogical and nonsensical statement, full of loopholes and gaps—yet, Princess Chihime's eyes welled up with tears, and she clung to my waist.
But it's good to remember that.
Even the most popular host, who earns nearly 100 million yen a day, whispers completely random and unrelated things to his customers.
A female friend of mine went to a host club for fun, left her smartphone's recording function on, and recorded the conversation—and later, she broadcasted it to everyone, causing a huge laugh, so there's no doubt about it.
What's important is the mood, the tone of voice, and who the woman is speaking to.
"Okay, let's begin... Osamu."
"...yes!"
When I called out to her, Princess Osamu looked truly happy—still dressed in her pure white wedding kimono and cotton hood, she bowed to me with her hands touching the ground.