Chapter 33: The Developing Ōigawa Port

Ōigawa Port – Hisahime

1561. Fall.

When I disembarked from the ship—led by my husband—I was greeted by the most magnificent port town I had ever seen.

Apparently, the first policy my husband implemented after becoming the Isshiki clan’s head was to focus on improving and expanding the Ōigawa Port, a port that already existed in the Isshiki clan’s territory.

I had already seen it from the cabin’s small window, but even though it was still so early in the morning, the port was already bustling with activities, with many ships coming to and going from the port.

“What do you think? Ōigawa Port is Isshiki’s pride and joy. Here, you’ll find a lot of goods—from the local specialties, to goods from all over Hinomoto. You can also find sea products that the people caught nearby.”

My husband held my hand and led me to the shore—ensuring that I wouldn’t fall off the pier.

“What a magnificent port. It’s several times bigger than I imagined.”

“Honestly, I never thought that it’d grow this big myself. The retainers I’d entrusted with the job had done a great job.”

“They must be really capable, then.”

“Indeed, they are.”

My husband nodded with a satisfied look on his face. When we were waiting for our luggages to be unloaded, down the road, some kind of commotion started.

I turned to see what was going on, and there were a group of people on horseback heading our way. Leading the group was a man whose hair had grown white.

“Is that Tokimune? I see, he’s coming to pick us up.”

“Tokimune-sama? May I know who he is?”

“Hikami Tokimune, a senior retainer who has been serving the clan since Father’s time.”

“I see…”

My younger brother once told me that the Isshiki clan had four great retainers known as the Isshiki Four Retainers. He must be one of them. Then there was also Ono-sama, who had been accompanying my husband, Akiue-sama, who joined the Invasion of Owari last year, and lastly, Isshiki-sama, who was the head of a branch of the Isshiki’s main clan.

“Tokimune, the castle is just a stone throw away. There’s no need for you to go out of your way to welcome us like this.”

“What are you saying? There’s no retainer who wouldn’t welcome you back. Everyone wanted to come, but we couldn’t just leave the castle empty, so I came on behalf of everyone.”

“I see. Sorry for the trouble, then.”

“Please, don’t be. Ah, apologies for the late introduction. I am Hikami Tokimune, a retainer of the Isshiki clan.”

Tokimune-sama bowed deeply to me. I quickly introduced myself,

“My name is Hisa. There are many that I don’t know, but I will do my best to support the Isshiki clan from now on. I’ll be in your care.”

For some reason, Tokimune-sama looked flustered. I didn’t know what to make of this, so I tilted my head.

“Have I told you that Mother is the daughter of Ujichika-sama?”

“You have. That, and that the Imagawa clan promoted the clan to be part of its inner circle when your father was the clan head.”

“From our Isshiki’s perspective, you’re just like Mother, Ohisa-sama, someone from outside the clan. Well, except that Mother’s joined the clan with a completely different circumstance…”

At that, Tokimune-sama let out an awkward laugh. From that explanation, it seemed like he just wasn’t sure how to treat me rather than being confused by my attitude.

Come to think of it, I had never met with Hanahime-sama, even during my time as a hostage at Imagawa. Judging by the way Husband and Tokimune-sama reacted… could it be that she was a difficult person to talk with?

Such a thought made me worried…

“Sorry for the interruption, but we’ve finished unloading the luggages, and we’re ready to depart. By the way, it’s been a long time, isn’t it, Hikami-sama?”

“It hasn’t even been that long, you.”

As they talked, I noticed the difference in intensity in Michifusa-sama’s and Tokimune-sama’s tone. Though not a long time had passed, Michifusa-sama had been through a lot. I heard that he’d even talked with Oda-sama back at Okazaki.

“Let’s head back to the castle. I’m a little exhausted.”

“Understood. We’ve prepared a palanquin for Hisahime-sama, so please, my lady, sit on it.”

I didn’t expect they’d go this far. But this wasn’t Okazaki, so I couldn’t just refuse them—I didn’t want them to think that I was a troublesome wife.

Although I felt a little miffed seeing my husband laughing at me. Still, if this really amused him, I suppose I could let it go.

“Thank you for your consideration.”

“It’s my duty.”

Tokimune-sama bowed slightly, then returned to the group that came together with him.

“Would it not be fine for me to ride with you?”

“No can do, not when Tokimune’s gone out of his way to prepare all this. But don’t worry. When we return to the castle, they’ve prepared a small celebration, so cheer up, okay?”

“…Really?”

“Yes, really.”

Seeing Husband laughing with an expression that befit his age erased all the complaints from my heart. For now, I’d just have to accept being seen as a materialistic wife¹Because she’s alone on the palanquin, while Masataka is riding on a horse..