July, Tensho 9: Odawara Castle
We were escorted to Odawara Castle, where we each cleaned ourselves up and dressed in formal attire.
The guide will be coming in about an hour, so we should confirm the details of our negotiations with the Hojo family before then.
I reach into my pocket and take out a letter from the old man. There are two major parts to it.
The first is to acknowledge the marriage relationship between me and the Hojo family.
The second is that the main chamber must be related to the current head of the family, Hojo Ujinao, and if a vassal's daughter is to be adopted, only a side chamber will be allowed.
That's about it. I think the grandfather himself is going to negotiate the abolition of the barrier and other details. These are the only two things I'm allowed to do.
Well, that can't be helped. I'm aware of the fact that I'm acting in various ways that are unthinkable for a young child, but I wouldn't think of entrusting politics to a two-year-old, either.
The only thing you can do is to choose your own wife.
That's what the second item, side rooms, is all about. You'll be able to find a girl you like, but you'll have to put up with her in a side room.
Huh. ...... Old man is too quick-witted, isn't he? It's a good thing that you're able to have a good time with them.
You will be able to get the most out of it.
I'm sorry. Sanboshi-sama, may I show you around?
Glancing around, it looks like everyone is ready to go, and it looks like it's safe to be guided around.
I'm looking forward to seeing you.
"Haha.
As I was leaving the room to follow the peasant, the pine tree was beside me and softly whispered to me, "Lord, is it the shadow?
I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I'm sure it's a good idea. It is on the grounds of the Hojo family, but I thought we should be careful just in case.
What? Is this kid a burglar? Yeah, but it's possible. I also have Matsu and Tsubaki as my maidservants, and it's important to have a bodyguard who will never betray you.
I'll be fine.
"...... ha!
Grudgingly, the pine tree to step back. It seems that he is always holding the line, just barely able to take my place.
Well, that's the bottom line. I don't think it's going to be a problem for Tsubaki, since she hasn't reacted at all. This girl seems to be more sensitive to hostility than most people.
It was a bit of a mess at first, but we were safely escorted through to the hall. Inside, all the warlords of the past are gathered, and two men are sitting on the top seat.
If you look closely, you can see the similarity in their faces, so they must be father and son.
As I recall, the Hojo family is governed by the former head of the family, Hojo Ujimasa, and the current head of the family, Hojo Ujinao.
It was good to learn from Shingoro, for one thing. For all intents and purposes, Hojo Ujimasa is on the right side from me, and the left side is probably Hojo Ujimasa.
My vassals were asked to wait near the entrance of the hall, and then me and three direct vassals proceeded to the center.
My stomach churns as I'm exposed to a variety of stares at each step I take. Most of them are curious gazes, but I can also sense some sharp looks from some of them, as if they're trying to figure out what's going on. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about it.
I'm sure you'll be able to find the right one for you.
Slowly but steadily, step by step, we arrived at the place as planned.
This is Sanboshi, sir. To tell you the truth, I am grateful to you for this wonderful visit, regardless of whether it's on a short notice or not. Thank you very much for your kindness. ......
I think my manners are getting better after being squeezed so much by Shin Goro. I'm sure you'll find that your manners are much smoother than when you were practicing, Sanboshi, if you can do it!
My sweat and tears have had more than a certain amount of effect, I feel a hint of confusion from the other party.
"Thank you for coming, Sanboshi-sama. I am the head of the Hojo family, Mr. Shinkuro Ujinao. It is an honor to meet you, Master Sanboshi.
Ujinao welcomed me with a smile. I'm sure he's about 20 years old, he looks like a nice young man. Ujimasa, his father, is there beside me, but he just smiles and bows to me, but doesn't get involved in the conversation.
I'm not sure if it's the head of the family's business to entertain me. It's not just me that's being tested, it's also my son's. ...... It's harsh.
I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not a fan of it. I'm very happy that I have been able to find a new life for myself.
That's the best compliment ever! Please, enjoy your stay.
Ujinao laughed heartily. Everyone is happy to hear praise for their hometown. In fact, it made me happy to be in Odawara again!
"Hmmm, now, let's stop with the formalities. We are preparing a welcome banquet to relieve your fatigue after your long journey!
The food was brought to us as each of us moved to our assigned locations, starting with the command from Mr. Tadashi. Yes, it's a little late to be saying this, but this kind of event is only possible when there is a detailed meeting of the arrangements. If you know what you're going to do in advance, you can act without panicking and prevent mistakes from happening.
It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends and family. ...... It seems like every time we have a banquet, the shingoro's gray hairs are increasing. ......Thanks for all your hard work!
Well, my food, I've finally moved up from baby food to toddler food! I know you're making it for me, I know, ...... but baby food isn't as tasty as it should be.
Well, even toddler food is better to avoid hard foods, but it's definitely more like rice than baby food! Viva one year old!
So, let's have a real meal, shall we?
Let's start with the soup. You hold the bowl with both hands and take a sip, and at that moment the flavor spreads in your mouth. The soup stock made from miso and seafood is a perfect match, and it was so good that you could not help but cry.
The other dishes were all excellent as well. White rice, pickles, appetizers, all of them were delicious, but the best of all would be the nimono.
The taste was light, perhaps because it was just for me, but the flavor was still soaked into the stew, and it was the best thing I've ever eaten, with a hollowed-out taste that melted in your mouth.
The food is very good, Houjodono. Thank you very much.
Well, I'm glad to hear that you like it. We also have geishas on hand for your enjoyment!
I thank you profusely and it's still not this stuff! I got a smug look on my face. I'm sure Ujinao is the type to grow with praise.
...... Ujimasa's cheek is twitching next to me, so I'm going to be lectured later.
I'm not worried about it, and since the food was so great, I have high expectations for the geisha.
I'm going to enjoy myself thoroughly tonight. I'll tell you the hard part tomorrow.
The party continued until late into the night, and I think the Hojo family and the rest of us were able to get to know each other very well.
The Hojo family and the Oda family, regardless of whether they were the Hojo or the Oda family, were all in a state of excitement when we moved on to the retainer's hide and seek contest.
It's not a good idea to have a good time, but it's a good idea to have a good time.
You're going to be able to get the best out of it. I don't want to be treated like a child at a time like this.
I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work for you. ...... I'll have to ask Keiji for details later.
Welcome to the underground, black history will always be with you!