July, Tensho 9: Odawara Castle
After surviving the morning's commotion, I was in conversation with Ujimasa and Ujinao and their son. There were several senior ministers waiting around, but perhaps the banquet last night had a positive effect on the atmosphere in the hall.
Honestly, Matsu's coming out knocked me out, and when I woke up I would be late for the dialogue! I was in a hurry, but conveniently, our schedule was changed around mid-afternoon.
Perhaps the adults were hungover. A few of them, led by Ujinao, still looked pale, and Ujinao was a college student or so, since he was in his early twenties. It's a typical college student doing the same thing, getting carried away and getting badly drunk on their debut at a drinking party.
It's a good thing that Ujimasa is in good physical condition, so he was drinking without any pressure. It's a good idea.
While we were chatting happily for a while, the place began to warm up nicely. It's time to cut to the chase.
Thank you very much for your excellent hospitality and assistance. I, as well as Kashin and the others, had a wonderful time.
It's nothing, we've done what we deserve to do. We are more than happy to hear that you enjoyed it, Master. Besides, it was a good opportunity to deepen the friendship among the vassals.
"Yes, totally!
"I had too much to drink last night for the first time in a long time!
I'm not going to be the only one who can do it. There was no lie in their words, and their laughter seemed to permeate the hall.
It's a good thing that you have a good reputation. If I were to say that I would like to go back to Houjouke for a lecture, I would like to do so again. I had already asked her to give me a copy of her report.
"Top-sama is ......
He must have sensed that I was getting to the point. It's a good thing that you're able to get the most out of it. I'm sure they are very aware of the Oda family's movements, as if to say that they won't miss my every move.
Then, Ujimasa, who hadn't really been involved in the conversation, began to speak to me.
It is a very good idea to have a good idea of what you want to do. The reason for this is because we thought that you are the one who would rule the world. At that time, I asked for the marriage of Shinkuro and your daughter's daughter, but we have not yet made any progress.
In Ujimasa's words, there was a glimpse of impatience and frustration. The impatience is that he knows he can't win against the Oda family, so he thinks they'll be destroyed immediately if they oppose him. Isn't frustration a sign of disdain for the Hojo family? Maybe it's ...... because I'm starting to think so. It's been neglected for almost a year, you know how I feel.
I've heard that part from Shingoro as well.
In other words, he must have appealed to his grandfather that he was in a position to receive the princess of the Oda family by handing over the governorship to Ujinao.
That's how much he wants to deepen his relationship with the Oda family. But the old man didn't go ahead with the relationship and a year was about to pass, when suddenly I, his direct grandson, arrived.
The Hojo family must have been confused, but they must have welcomed the opportunity to find out the intentions of the Oda family.
"...... is in charge of its rights," he said.
"Please tell us at ......
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a sentence. The entire hall is tense, and even the sound of spit is deafeningly quiet.
Then I began to speak politely, word by word.
He said, "I hear that you are looking into a marriage between me and the Houjouke no Hime. I'd love to welcome you to ...... and
The Hojo's side was stunned by my words. I guess that's how unexpected it was.
After all, when I was preparing to get a wife, I was asked to give my grandchild's daughter-in-law to me. What about Ujinao? You can't blame them for wondering.
Ujimasa came to his senses earlier than anyone else and spoke to me with great joy.
I see," he said, "the governorship of the Oda family has already been succeeded by Lieutenant General Gifu. I've been thinking about the future, and as a result, I've decided to marry his son, Sanboshi. ...... Good for you, isn't it good, Shinkuro! Now I must choose a princess worthy of Master Sambodhi!
Ujimasa taps Ujinao on the shoulder and tries to bring him back to his senses. It's a good thing that this was a talk that greatly exceeded the capacity of inexperienced Ujinao. I'm sorry, it's nice to meet you from now on, Father-in-law.
"......! It is indeed true. Since you have appreciated the Hojo family so much, we should respond to you, too.
"Well, what a wonderful match! Congratulations Sir!
"Congratulations!
Ujinao came to his senses, and one after another, his chief vassals screamed with joy. It was a major announcement that would determine the future of the Hojo family, and it's because they know the situation that they are so happy.
Besides, Ujinao is now free because of this case. You will be able to choose a marriage partner and also the old man won't force his partner to marry the princess of the Hojo family since he said he wanted to marry me.
I'm sure he'll say ...... to his side room, but he'll leave the main room to the Hojo family. You can even take the form of an old man's introduction.
I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. For that reason, the Hojo family will be relying on you. I'm counting on you, father-in-law!
And who shall we marry off to Master Sambhala?
Tono is unmarried, so she is adopted daughter. ......
When one of the senior ministers cut in, the hall began to tense up. Surely that's important. If all goes well, it's inevitable that Ujimasa's daughter will become .......
That's what we all know. The problem will be the side room, the old man also wrote that he can have the daughters of his retainers as his side room, and I'm not afraid to deepen my relationship with the Hojo family.
It's a good idea to adopt my father's daughter, since I don't have a daughter, Sanboshi-sama.
Of course. And then, will the hoist be ready?
Then, after some thought, he came up with the person in question. After telling the peasant something, he began to speak.
'I have a daughter named Fuji. She is nine years old, but she is a smart and beautiful girl. I'm sure she will be a beautiful princess in the future.
"I see! Princess Fuji? It's no exaggeration to say that Kanohime is the most beautiful princess in Sagami. I think she is fit to be married to the one who rules the world.
Left-sided, Left-sided, I'm sure Master Sambhogakkara would like it. How enviable it is.
Fujihime ....... I'm not sure if it's a good idea. I'll have to hope for the best.
About ten minutes later, the peasant brought a girl with him.
She has glossy black hair, a face that reminds you of the growth of an adult woman while retaining some childishness, and a beautiful kimono and comb that seems to enhance her charms even more than others. It's just a beautiful girl in a perfect world.
"Excuse me,
When she said this, she sat down next to Ujinao with a light step. I'm not sure if it's a good idea to have the same kind of a person as you.
As I recall, the peony is a peony when standing, and the peony is a peony when walking, and the figure is a lily.
Ujinao greeted Fujihime with a smile and began to introduce me to her.
I'm not going to be able to get rid of it," said Ujinao. The Oda family, who rule the world, is desirous of marrying the Fuji to Master Samboshi. Of course, you will accept them, won't you?
The tone of voice is gentle, but you can feel the pressure to say no to it. But Fujihime, unconcerned with such pressure, gave me a flowery smile.
I'm sure you will. I'd like to ask for your kind permission to use my own hands.
Fujihime prostrated herself in a beautiful gesture. I was stunned by the beauty of it all.
"......! My name is Sanboshi. Fujihimedono, I hope you will continue to look forward to working with us for many years to come.
Thank you. I'm honored to hear you say so.
The Fujihime, looking at me with a big smile, is more beautiful and noble than anyone else in the world.
I've been looking at the appropriate princess for so long that I can hear the distant shouts of congratulation from the senior ministers around me.
I will never forget this feeling, as if our eyes met and our feelings were reciprocated the moment we met.
On this day, I met my lifelong companion.