◆
In my arms lay the frail body of Haruhime, completely drained of strength.
She wasn't particularly strong physically to begin with.
The owl's attack caused Princess Osamu to fall from her horse, and it seems to have inflicted considerable damage on her.
As if to protect Princess Chihime, a gigantic, pure white insect stood opposite the owl.
天虹蚕Tenko-san...That's the monster I encountered in the jungle during a falconry hunt in Mino, and the one I treated.
The fact that his body is wrapped in bandages, even though it is somewhat dirty, is proof of that.
The scars from the hawk attack haven't disappeared, and its pure white feathers are uneven.
"Piiiiii!"
But despite her physical condition, a tremendous fighting spirit emanates from Tenkosan's entire body.
It's probably trying to intimidate the owl.
With its pure white wings stretched straight out horizontally and vibrating rapidly, it bravely let out a cry to deter its attacker.
"Hoo... Hoo, hoo..."
In front of the Heavenly Rainbow Silkworm, the owl rose with a thud, as if shielding its eyes from the sunlight.
Silkworms chirp, and in response, owls begin to hoot.
It was as if they were having a conversation.
"Peeeeee!!"
"Hoo... Hoo... Hoo..."
Hearing the sound of the rainbow silkworms, the owl turns its head towards the forest in the mountains.
And there, indeed, stood a giant, silently staring at us with vacant eyes.
"W-what the...what is that guy...!!"
I unconsciously tightened my grip on Princess Osamu.
Perhaps feeling pain, Haruhime's eyes, which had been closing, opened slightly.
The giant I see is about 30 meters tall... or maybe even taller.
Standing motionless, with its upper body thrust out from among the trees in the mountain valley, its expressionless form evokes a chilling sense of terror.
Except for its eyes, which are as red as fresh blood, its face is exactly like that of a human being.
Its face, as white as lime, was devoid of emotion, giving it an eerie and unsettling aura, as if it were emerging from the bottom of a well.
His thick, dark hair grew haphazardly, and strands that had poked out were tangled in the surrounding trees.
But its body, while resembling that of a human, is actually quite different.
From the neck down, his skin was completely black, as if it had been painted with ink.
And because it has a shiny, jade-like sheen, it's probably not soft like human skin, but rather hard, chitinous material like an insect's exoskeleton.
Two pairs of arms protrude from its back, and if you add the arms that grow from its shoulders, just like a human, it has a total of six arms.
They were all hard and shiny black, but the chest area was different; it swayed softly.
Its appearance is reminiscent of "Daidarabotchi," a figure from folklore.
" , ..."絡新Jorō婦Spider
"Jorōgumo...?"
As I listened to Osamu's murmuring voice, I stared at the giant that had been called by that name.
Could that possibly be a monster as well?
"Hoo...hoo..."
The owl was groaning and yelling, holding its face in its hands.
Seeing the enormous size of the silkworm, nearly five times its own length, or perhaps hearing its chirping, clearly caused it to become agitated.
"Kyuoooon"
Indra cried.
The owl turned towards us, shielding its eyes.
Standing before the colossal monster, Taishakutsukimo's figure is dignified and beautiful.
She strode briskly towards the owl, shaking her head, then raised her upper body and let out another terrifying roar.
"Ho, ho, hohohohoho..."
"Kyuoooooooon!!"
"Ho...ho..."
"Kyuoooooooon!!!"
"Ho..."
The situation is clear. Taishakutsukimo and Tenkosan are conversing with that monster, the owl.
And not only that, it seems they can communicate at a fairly high level.
Looking back, on his way back from treating the Tenkosan silkworm in the forest, Taishakutsukimo realized he had been able to communicate with the Tenkosan silkworm.
Given that communication is possible between horses and silkworms, which are different species, it's absurd to think that communication wouldn't be possible between horses and owls, and between silkworms and owls.
That means it is proof that the monsters have a firm sense of self, and at the same time—
"Hoo...hoo..."
—This meant that it was possible for them to resolve the issue through dialogue.
After kneeling on one knee, the owl kicked off the ground and soared into the air in a straight line with tremendous force.
The monster, which is supposed to only appear at night, flaps its wings in the sky and flies away into the midday sky.
All I could do was silently look up at her.
"Kyuoooon"
"a..."
I was stunned and frozen in shock by the overwhelming amount of information that was unfolding, when Taishakutsukimo cried out.
Then she approached me, who was holding Haruhime, and shook her head, urging me to turn around.
"Princess... Princessrrrrrrrr!!!"
There, in addition to the men who had ridden their horses with me from the main camp, were members of the Takenaka faction who had followed Princess Osamu, as well as soldiers who had been stationed at the main camp.
"Oh... ohhhhhh... what... what a tragedy..."
He must have been a retainer of Princess Osamu since she was a child. The old general's wrinkled face became even more wrinkled as he began to sob.
And as if the news had spread, the men of the Takenaka faction began to bark loudly.
"Kyuooooon!!"
But as if to dispel that atmosphere, Taishakutsukimo let out a sharp cry.
In front of those light green eyes, there was a group coming down the mountain and charging towards us.
It's likely that the Asakura army saw the current situation, where the Owl has caused so much disruption, as an opportunity.
"These... hyenas...!!"
As I held Haruhime's body in my arms, I gritted my teeth so hard that they were grinding together.
(Oh...how hateful.)
I slowly stood up, straddled Taishakutsukimo, and then, taking her body from the old retainer who had been supporting her, I lifted her into my arms.
Haruhime's face was pale, and she looked very pale.
I can't help but think, "If only I had arrived at her place a little earlier..."
I regret my own naivety. But even more than that, I feel an immense anger at the fact that Princess Osamu has been so deeply hurt.
As my thoughts spun around, my hatred swelled up, as if it had been doubled.
"We will retreat through Lake Yogo to Kinotsu."
I told the men, trying to sound as calm as possible.
"So we'll meet them head-on... I won't let them get away alive... With Osamu in this state... How can I let the enemy go alive?!"
"Yes!!!"
Holding Princess Osamu in his arms and gripping the reins with one hand, he turned around and saw, right there, the enemy soldiers, their fighting spirits heightened.
We retreated straight to Kinotsu, the gateway to northern Omi, accompanied by the Tenkosan silkworms flying overhead.
"..."
And there, standing in the mountains, was a female giant known as Jorōgumo, staring intently at me.
That gaze was as if it were trying to gauge my feelings—
"Ah, that's fine... If you want to see, go ahead and see... and learn."
—I hugged Haruhime tightly, and as I let out a big sigh through the gaps in my clenched teeth, I murmured.
"A man whose woman has been hurt is the most cruel thing in the world...!!"
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In the world I came from, Kinomoto in Ika District of northern Omi Province was a historically important transportation hub.
It is said that a post town developed here as a transit point to Echizen Province and Wakasa Province, and that it was bustling with many travelers.
The terrain is low-lying, with a vast expanse of rugged mountains and forests stretching to the north, leading to Echizen Province.
However, in this world where monsters live, Kinomoto cannot be seen as a prosperous post town.
In the lowlands where post towns and commercial facilities should normally stand, only dilapidated huts of farmers can be seen here and there.
However, unlike near water sources, it's impossible to see any large monsters here.
As for why that is, let's think about that after we've eliminated the immediate threat.
As I retreated to Kinomoto with the soldiers stationed at the main camp and members of the Takenaka faction, Kiyotsuna said to me with fighting spirit:
"Lord Nagamasa! All troops have successfully retreated from Nakanogo to Kinomoto!"
"What about the damage?!"
When I questioned him, almost shouting, Kiyotsuna replied, pointing to a group of soldiers.
"Most of us were killed by that owl. Approximately 60 were killed in action, and about 80 were wounded—but our soldiers are still alive and well!"
"Then, that's good!!"
"All the wounded are being treated at Kuroda Fort! Lady Myo of the Takamine clan is also resting there for the time being! There were 50 soldiers stationed at the fort, but we have just brought in about 250 men from the retreating unit! With this, Kuroda Fort is completely fortified!"
Kuroda Fort is located between Mount Tagami and Mount Oiwa—a small but solid fort.
This military base, built in Kuroda, Kinomoto, Ika District, was positioned to overlook a narrow mountain route connecting Omi Province with the northern region.
However, the fortress was extremely new, having been built in just the last three days.
This base was built under the command of Princess Osamu in preparation for the possibility of the enemy breaking through Nakanogo.
Kuroda Fort was expected to hold off the Asakura army, allowing the troops to regroup or wait for reinforcements from the Oda clan.
Battlefield strategy and military tactics are not solely about moving soldiers.
Civil engineering skills are also an important element that supports the deployment of troops.
And it seems that Haruhime also possesses exceptional talent in that area.
In other words, while having Nakanogo construct a massive number of barricades, she also managed to carry out the construction of Kuroda Fort—and I could only admire her talent.
"...Ah...Uh...Uh..."
But that Princess Chihime—is writhing in agony in my arms.
The impact of hitting the ground so hard must have caused her slender body unbearable pain.
The human body has a structure that offers very little resistance to impact.
If things had gone wrong, Princess Osamu could have been killed instantly, or she could have lost her life altogether.
I often feel like I want to tease her in a sexual way.
However, this is something that arises from affection between a man and a woman, stemming from a desire to see aspects of the other person that are not normally visible.
I have never once wanted to inflict physical pain on anyone, and I don't think I'll ever consider it again.
I have absolutely no sadistic tendencies or sexual perversions whatsoever.
"Osamu..."
And I don't have the ability to relieve Haruhime from her suffering.
I was so powerless. Pathetically powerless.
All I could do was hold her gently, making sure not to disturb her body, and firmly grasp her muddy hands.
"Ah... uh..."
"Osamu...damn it..."
However, he couldn't hold Princess Osamu in his arms forever.
Meanwhile, the Asakura army is pursuing us and closing in.
That's that, and this is this.
Those of us in positions of responsibility, like myself, who are responsible for the lives of many people, must consider things on an individual basis.
Otherwise, as in historical fact, the Asai family will inevitably be destroyed.
"...The Takenaka forces will remain here and fortify the outer perimeter of Kuroda Fort! We must allow Osamu into Kuroda Fort and defend it at all costs!"
"Yes!!"
"You... you...
"The rest of you, follow me—you foolish invaders who have dared to penetrate deep into our hearts...we will crush you to the bitter end!!"
"Yess
Calling out to the soldiers and taking the utmost care, he entrusted Princess Osamu's body to an elderly retainer of the Takenaka clan from horseback.
"Please... take care of Osamu. Let him rest as much as possible and keep him in bed. Don't move his body as much as you can."
"Ah...!"
The old retainer, with tears welling up in his eyes, lifted his mistress, Princess Haruhime, into his arms.
Then Princess Osamu turned her mud-covered face towards me and weakly extended her trembling hand.
"Ah... na... uh..."
"Don't worry, I'm fine."
I took her hand and gently stroked her muddy hand to reassure her.
"I'll be right back. Osamu, there are a lot of things I need to tell you... Just wait patiently. Take care of yourself."
"...Uh..."
Releasing her hand, I drew the blade of my Ishiwari Kanemitsu sword and raised it above my head with one hand.
A shimmering blue-silver light spreads with the sunlight, raining down upon the soldiers.
After fully capturing their attention, I opened my mouth wide.
"Listen, brave people of northern Omi!"
They must have been eagerly awaiting my words.
All the soldiers' faces were turned towards me, and my every move was being observed.
To them, who rely on the power of the Asai family, I am a symbol, everything.
If I stand up, they stand up too; if I fall, they all fall too.
And if I lose the will to fight, my soldiers will abandon the Asai family and try to cling to other powers.
Ultimately, what is required of a feudal lord is the willpower to always look forward and move ahead...
No matter how arduous the path that choice may be, and how much sacrifice it may require.
In the unpredictable, warring states period, they wanted to believe.
They believed that the leader of their own group was the one who would bring an end to this chaotic era—or at least protect their own peace and the well-being of their families.
Yes, that's what I wanted to believe.
(And this is also an opportunity...)
The soldiers believe in me.
And while they were warriors, they were also men living in northern Omi.
What they saw and heard during this battle will likely be passed on to their wives, relatives, and comrades in peacetime, spreading throughout Omi Province.
(Even if we are cornered and facing certain death, there is always a way out... We must seize this opportunity.)
In other words, if an intelligent and powerful monster like an owl were to appear on the battlefield, it would be virtually impossible for humans to control it.
And the only thing that can stand against such monsters, regardless of whether they are powerful or not, is another monster of the same kind.
Instilling these two ideas in the soldiers will undoubtedly lay the groundwork for them to accept future policy directions aimed at coexisting with monsters and zashiki-warashi (house spirits).
"This battle opened up a new path for us people of Omi, who have continuously surrendered ourselves to the turbulent waves of the Warring States period ."道標signpost
Pointing the tip of my fluorite sword towards Lake Yogo, I addressed my soldiers.
"In this world, there are mysterious beings... monsters. Faced with beings that cannot be harmed by human hands, we could only blindly cower in fear and keep our distance."
But, I stopped speaking and swung Ishiwari Kanemitsu with great force.
The blue-silver flash streaking through the air would surely appear vividly to the eyes of the soldiers.
"We cannot continue to turn a blind eye forever. Some of you have surely witnessed it. My Indra Moon, and the Heavenly Rainbow Silkworms flying above our heads—how they repelled that owl through dialogue."
A murmur rippled through the soldiers.
And when my colleagues saw me nodding in agreement with what I said, surprise quickly spread across their faces.
"It has now become clear that monsters can communicate with each other... This also means that by interacting with monsters, we can avoid harm from them."
Of course, there's nothing you can do about irrational monsters like hawks—he added, but the soldiers were still shaken.
I once again used the blade of Ishiwari Kanemitsu to guide their gaze, pointing its tip towards the giant silkworm monster flying overhead.
"Do you see the bandages clinging to that Sky Rainbow Silkworm's body? That's a monster I treated once. It probably came because it couldn't bear to watch this battle any longer..."
"Oh...!"
Monsters... and monsters other than horses, are siding with humans.
That has great significance.
Monsters can kill humans without hesitation—but at the same time, they are also beings that will always protect those they cherish from deadly blades in conflicts between humans.
"But monsters and humans cannot communicate. My beloved horse, Taishakutsukige... I deeply trust and care for this horse, but—I cannot understand its words."
"..."
"But even if I cannot understand it—it is possible for a Zashiki-warashi. Zashiki-warashi can communicate with demons. With the blood of demons within them, they will be able to connect us humans and demons."
"W-What...!"
Shock spread among the soldiers.
But they must have realized I wasn't lying.
Faced with facts I've presented, or facts that have actually occurred, their existing perceptions are shaken up.
"Even if we cannot understand all monsters, we can live as their neighbors without shedding blood—the greatest reward of this war is the hope we can hold onto...don't you think so too!"
"Oh...ohhh...!!"
As usual, I rattled off some plausible-sounding nonsense to the soldiers while keeping an eye on their faces.
But it seems they're mostly going along with my incitement.
That was probably because they had just witnessed a ferocious monster, an owl.
Soldiers have families, they have homes. They have loving wives and children.
If there was a way to avoid fighting the owl, they would undoubtedly choose that option.
And then, at that moment, the light returned to the faces of the soldiers—
"Lord Bizen-no-kami! We have a report, a report!"
—Yashichiro rushed in front of me, almost throwing himself in front of me.
"Lord Bizen-no-kami! With all due respect!"
"Yashichiro... It looks like something's happened. Good, tell me!"
"Ah...!"
With his short white hair and dog ears, he bowed to me with a dignified gesture and then, in a voice loud enough for all 4,000 soldiers gathered to hear, he roared:
"Lord Oda Kazusa-no-suke himself led the Rokkaku subjugation army, and it has been a resounding victory! The Rokkaku family has abandoned their main castle, Kannonji Castle, and fled to Koga, and the main Rokkaku retainers have surrendered. Southern Omi is now overflowing with Oda forces!! Furthermore, Lord Kaihoku and the Southern Omi army have not entered Kinomoto, but have advanced along the mountain range and are already very close to Akagoyama!!!"
Judging from the sheer force of the Oda army, the forces from the southern Omi region probably had no opportunity to intervene at all.
They must have quickly dismantled their position and taken action to intercept the Asakura army from the flank.
Otherwise, they, who were supposed to be in southern Omi, wouldn't have been able to move that far so quickly.
"...Good! Did you hear me, everyone?!"
I gripped the handle of the Ishiwari Kanemitsu sword as tightly as I could.
"This battle... we cannot lose! Live, we must live!! A world where we can live in peace is within our grasp!!!"
"Yes!!!!"
"And completely eradicate the invaders...these unnecessary impurities in our world!!!! Do not forgive them, kill them all!!!!"
"Yess
Without this battle, it would probably have taken a little longer to ease the resistance towards monsters and zashiki-warashi (house spirits).
In that sense, we must be grateful to the Asakura army.
War is always the starting point for social and conscious transformation.
(—But I won't forgive you.)
The person who caused the harm to Princess Osamu.
That feeling seeps out from the depths of my heart like pus, and completely covers my mind.
It's at a level where even I realize there's something seriously wrong with me.
The soldiers' minds were clear as they incited the troops.
But deep down, it's filled with hatred, and you feel like you can no longer control your own emotions...that kind of feeling.
"My lord! It appears that only one unit of the Asakura army has advanced ahead!! The enemy's main force shows no signs of moving yet!!!"
Then, information about the approaching enemy forces was relayed from the watchtower at Kuroda Fort.
"...Then let's strike them down!! Cut down all the enemies!!! Don't be impatient for glory, concentrate solely on eliminating the external enemy!!!"
When I shouted that, Kiyotsuna raised his fist in the air.
"Everyone, raise your spirits! Let out a battle cry!!"
"Yay!!"
"Yes!!!"
"Hey, hey!!!"
"Yess
The morale of the officers and soldiers rises whether they like it or not, and fighting spirit erupts.
The time is ripe.
All that's left is for me to give the order.
"Everyone, charge! This is the crucial moment... For the sake of our future, advance!!"
"Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!"
With me at the forefront, the Asai army moved in unison.
I had never even considered a siege battle at Kuroda Fort.
If they stay inside, the chances of putting Haruhime, who has been brought in there, and Myo in danger will increase.
Moreover, you can slay them without taking such risks.
That primal intuition, almost like a firm conviction, was driving me from my brain to every corner of my body.
and--
"I'm going to end it all, everything about you...!"
—The moment I realized, through my field of vision, that the enemy's banner was that of the Asai clan…
All traces of guilt vanished from my mind.