Chapter 9: The Meeting at Iinoya

Iinoya Castle – Isshiki Masataka

1561. Spring.

“Thank you for going through the trouble of preparing this meeting, Naomori-dono.”

“No need to thank me, Masataka-dono. On the contrary, our Iinoya is honored to be chosen as the host for this meeting.”

“Hearing that from you, Naomori-dono, puts my mind at ease.”

Ii Naomori. In the actual history, he died at Okehazama, and was succeeded by Naochika, his brother’s—Naoaki’s—son, who was the father of the famed Ii Naomasa¹One of the Tokugawa Four Heavenly Kings, remember?.

With him alive, what would become of Naochika and Naomasa, I wonder?

As I pondered this, 

“Father, Matsudaira Motoyasu-sama has arrived.”

“Oh, got it, Naochika. Masataka-dono, this is my foster son, Naochika. He is originally the child of my brother.”

“I see… I’ve heard of his return five years ago. It’s good to know that he’s healthy.”

It was said that Naochika-dono’s real father was framed and killed by an Imagawa retainer, Ono Masatsugu’s father, Masanao. Then, it was said that Naochika-dono opposed Naomori-dono’s decision to make him his heir, and this news reached Lord Yoshimoto’s ears.

Fearing that this would affect his own son as well, Naochika-dono hid in Shinano for a long time. Only after Masatsugu-dono’s father died did he return to this land.

“You even know about that? You truly have keen ears, Masataka-dono.”

“No, I’m just the kind of person who won’t feel safe unless I’m constantly gathering information. I believe if Father had valued information more, he might still be alive, hence…”

“I see. Your father, Masafumi-dono, was the one who saved my life, Masataka-dono… These might not be the right words to say to you, Masataka-dono, but thanks to him, I decided to live my life to the fullest. For his sake as well.”

“Is that so? Thank you for sharing that wonderful story with me. Now, I don’t think we should keep Motoyasu-dono waiting. Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

So that was why Naomori-dono was still alive. Father saved him. But if that was the case, why didn’t he stay loyal to the Imagawa?

Ii and Ono had a history of bad blood. For example, Ii Naochika would later be killed due to Ono Masatsugu’s slander.

After that, Ii would be driven out of Iinoya, while Ono Masatsugu took over Iinoya Castle.

Maybe I could solve everything as long as I kept an eye on Ii’s movements? If we protect them before Matsudaira does, would that lead to a happy ending?

…No, of course not. There was no way things would proceed that smoothly.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“No, we are the ones who made you wait.”

Standing next to Motoyasu was a beautiful woman. This should be his sister, Ohisa-sama.

But… they didn’t look alike at all. I thought they were real siblings, but were they really?

“Isshiki-sama? May I know, is there something on my face?”

“No. My apologies, you’re just so beautiful that I couldn’t help but stare at you, Lady.”

“Is that so? Hehe, thank you.”

Even as she laughed and hid her face, her radiance couldn’t be concealed. My words weren’t a lie, she was truly beautiful. Well, even during the days when Matsudaira served Imagawa, rumors about her beauty had spread far and wide. The question was, why didn’t she get married off sooner, given her beauty?

The answer was because to Motoyasu, she was his trump card. He’d only send her to the clan he thought in the highest regard, so that he could gain the most advantage of

…Thinking of it that way, I couldn’t help but feel honored.

“Naomori-dono, forgive me, but…”

“I understand. We of Iinoya Castle are merely lending you two a room—we won’t intrude further. Please, take your time.”

After saying that, Naomori-dono and Naochika-dono went downstairs.

Now, the real meeting was about to begin.