Chronicles of The Hardships of Komachi in The Sengoku Era

r>Nagayoshi was also lying on the floor with Keiji and the others, but Shizuko decided to leave the three of them alone because she didn’t want to deal with the hassle.

“You’re amazing, Mitsu’o-sama.”

Tsuruhime gazed at Mitsu’o, who was declaring victory with a large cup in hand, with a blissful expression.
It was unclear what she saw in Mitsu’o, but Shizuko thought it would be uncouth to meddle in other people’s love affairs, so she decided to watch from a distance.
She kept her true feelings, that it was more enjoyable to observe from afar, deep in her heart.

“Shizuko, are you drinking? Ah, right, you can’t drink.”

Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada), who was already drunk, approached Shizuko, who was grilling skewers in silence.
In the Sengoku period, after reaching adulthood through the ritual of genpuku, the commoners and samurai class would join organizations called “wakashu” or “musume nakama” in farming and fishing villages to receive the necessary training before being allowed to drink alcohol.
However, no matter the era, underage individuals would always secretly drink alcohol to experience the feeling of being an adult.

“You’re drinking properly.”

“Yeah, I don’t get many chances to drink.
I’m already drunk, and there’s no one here to bother me!”

Laughing, Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada) tilted the sake cup he was holding.
He was drinking with Ashimitsu and seemed to be enjoying their conversation, paying little attention to Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada).
It was not unreasonable for Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada) to think that he wouldn’t be bothered if he didn’t say anything.

“Even if I get a hangover, I won’t care.
Mmm, these clams are delicious.
It was a struggle to bring them alive, but they’re worth it.”

“I like grilled chicken skin.
The only downside is that it makes me hungry.”

“Eat some vegetables too.”

“Hahaha, but I refuse.
By the way, I heard you had a meeting with the Christians in Kyoto.
What did you do?”

“It’s still a secret.
Well, it wasn’t that great of a conversation anyway.”

The day before returning from Kyoto to Owari, Shizuko had a meeting with Fróis.
Originally, her purpose was to meet with Fróis and make a certain deal.
Both sides achieved their goals without any major conflicts.
From a worldly perspective, Fróis gained greater benefits.
After all, what Fróis obtained was information about a treatment for scurvy.
It was known that scurvy could be cured by taking vitamin C, but the relationship between vitamin C and scurvy was not discovered until 1932.

Compared to Fróis, who had knowledge and technology from over 300 years in the future, what Shizuko obtained was a promise to “provide assistance for the importation of various varieties of crops without hesitation.” In simple terms, it meant that the Jesuits would take responsibility for bringing the crop varieties and animals that Shizuko desired to Japan.
Among the varieties Shizuko requested were pepper seedlings cultivated in Southeast Asia, Arabian horses, the oldest breed of horses in the world, and hops, which are used as raw materials for beer.
There were other varieties she wanted, but due to the lack of progress in her side’s treatment, she limited it to these three.
Of course, she secured a promise to provide assistance if there were results in her side’s treatment.

(But if a cure for scurvy is established… it could accelerate colonialism.)

Shizuko felt a slight unease and decided to convey the cultivation of bean sprouts using sponges as a cure for scurvy, rather than the parsley sugar-coated tablets, which were the original cure.
Bean sprouts only required water, sunlight, and mung beans.
On board the ship, water and fresh vegetables were valuable commodities, but using highly absorbent sponges eliminated the need to dilute water for cultivation.
On the other hand, parsley sugar-coated tablets were made by mixing parsley, oil, honey, and bamboo vinegar and wrapping them in granulated sugar.
The reason for wrapping them in sugar was to prevent moisture and to counteract the bitterness that made them difficult to swallow.
They could be preserved for nearly a year with proper storage and provided quicker results than bean sprouts.
Shizuko feared that the efficiency of cultivating parsley sugar-coated tablets on board the ship would accelerate colonial rule, so she kept them secret.

While eating the grilled clams, Shizuko casually spoke to the still frowning Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada).

“Well… there are various things, various things.”

With Nobunaga’s pacification of Ise, the surrounding countries became restless.
It wasn’t just the neighboring countries.
Now, powerful local lords like Mōri in the west and Takeda and Hōjō in the east, as well as local lords throughout Japan, were closely watching Nobunaga’s movements.
Even the temple and shrine forces and the imperial court were naturally keeping a close eye on his actions.

Many local lords felt a sense of disgust towards Nobunaga’s rise, but they only watched from a distance.
Honganji Temple and Mount Hiei’s Enryakuji Temple, while finding Nobunaga’s demands for tribute troublesome, did not view him as an enemy because his policies were benefiting them.
The imperial court was mostly in a subservient position, and it was clear that if they were to antagonize Nobunaga, it would ignite their own domestic issues.
Therefore, they had no choice but to wait and see.

The only ones clearly showing a hostile attitude towards Nobunaga were the Miyoshi Trio and the Asakura clan.
As a result, the Asakura clan, which had close ties with the Asakura clan, experienced a family dispute that split the family in two due to a secret letter sent by Yoshiaki.
Now, there were those who prioritized their relationship with the rapidly rising Nobunaga, and those who followed Yoshiaki’s secret letter and allied with their trusted ally, the Asakura clan.
The former was led by Asakura Nagamasa, and the latter was led by Asakura Hisamasa.
Hisamasa, who had been forced into retirement and had lost most of his authority, was able to wield power due to the influence of his pro-Asakura retainers.

“No matter how many secret letters the shogun sends, it’s hard to imagine the surrounding countries easily moving.
The Ashikaga shogunate is now just a decoration, and it’s hard to imagine any local lords obeying the shogunate’s orders.
Rather than antagonizing the Oda clan, which refuses to recognize any authority other than its own, it’s better to keep a reserved attitude for now.”

In short, the Nagamasa faction’s basic stance was to “wait and see for a while.”

“The shogun’s intention is to eliminate the Oda clan.
If the contents of the secret letter are true, we have a just cause.
And if we defeat the Oda here, the Asakura clan can increase its influence over the shogunate.
Think about it, the current Oda clan refuses to acknowledge any authority other than its own.
If we continue like this, the Asakura clan will eventually be forced to submit, and if we refuse, we will be destroyed.
In order to preserve the Asakura clan, we must ally with our trusted ally, the Asakura clan, and defeat the traitor Oda.”

On the other hand, the Hisamasa faction’s opinion was to “follow the secret letter proactively.”

Both sides were unwilling to compromise on their opinions, and the relationship between the Asakura father and son deteriorated day by day.
Most of the retainers were in the Hisamasa faction, but the Nagamasa faction was supported by the Omi Province merchants’ alliance.
The situation was a back-and-forth struggle, but there was also the danger that the balance could be tipped by trivial matters.

“That’s the current situation in Omi Province.”

“Hmm, as expected.
Reward the spies generously and let them rest for the next task.”

After receiving the report from Omi Province, Nobunaga nodded in satisfaction and praised Takigawa Kazumasu.
His Sixth Division was an intelligence agency that conducted information gathering in other countries using spies as part of their duties.
At the moment, they were investigating the internal situation of Omi Province according to Nobunaga’s intentions.

“Accurate information can sometimes surpass the power of thousands of troops.
I’ll rely on you for future endeavors as well.”

“I am honored to receive your praise and appreciate your kindness.”

After Takigawa Kazumasu left, Nobunaga pondered while recalling the report.

(Now we know who the enemies and allies are.
Next, I should select the incompetent individuals from the Hisamasa faction and request that they warmly welcome the Omi Province merchants’ alliance.)

There was no middle ground for Nobunaga.
It was either enemy or ally, regardless of whether they were allied countries.
He investigated the internal situation of the Asakura clan to distinguish between enemies and allies.
Once the enemies were clear, the next step was to select the incompetent individuals from among them.
Treating the incompetent individuals as capable individuals and repeatedly giving them a warm welcome would eventually grant them strong power within the organization.
However, if an incapable individual gained power, the organization would eventually collapse.
If it collapsed, it would become Nobunaga’s possession.
By inviting capable individuals and punishing the incompetent ones, there would be no lingering issues.

(Now is not the time to take risks.
We should focus on gathering information and be prepared for when the time comes.)

Nobunaga never had a moment of rest, even at the end of the year.

After finishing her work, Shizuko washed away the dirt from her body and headed straight to the bath.

“Aya-chan, I’m going to wash off the dirt, so you can go ahead and take a bath.
We’ll have our meal afterwards.”

“Understood.
I’ll bring your change of clothes later.”

“Thank you.”

After waving her hand lightly, Shizuko headed towards the hot spring.
Shizuko didn’t desire power, but she was determined to never give up the privilege of taking a bath every day.
The comfort of bathing was essential for surviving in the Sengoku period, she believed.

Just as she was about to lightly rinse off the dirt and enter the bath, Shizuko’s ears caught the sound of barking.
When she turned around, she saw Wittman and the others running towards her.
They circled around her and made affectionate sounds.

“Do you need shampoo too? Are you guys going to get in the bath?”

Whether they understood Shizuko’s words or not, Wittman and the others let out a light bark.

“Alright, I understand.
I’ll have to lower the temperature of the water a bit today.”

Dogs and wolves use their scent as a means of self-expression, so they strongly dislike having their scent disappear.
Especially for wolves, whose scent conveys various information, the disappearance of their own scent is a matter of life and death.
However, for the sake of hygiene and disease prevention, it is necessary to shampoo them once or twice a month.
Excessive shampooing can damage the skin, so caution is required.

“Hehehe~ But when did baths become okay for you guys? Barti was fine from the beginning, but Wittman and the others didn’t like it.”

Water seemed like something to drink, and no matter how much Shizuko asked, Wittman and the others refused to get in the bath.
However, Barti, with her easygoing personality, accepted Shizuko’s shampoo without hesitation.
Seeing that, Wittman and the others burned with jealousy.

Originally, the Wittmans were not afraid of water, but they were scared when they first entered the bath.
They thought that Barti saw through their fear.
They started with training to dive underwater, and then continued to swim underwater on their own.
The efforts they made, which cannot be described without tears, finally allowed the Wittmans to grow to the point where they could dive three meters.
They continued to make efforts in secret from Shizuko, and finally they were able to confidently enter the bath without fear.
The impression of shampoo that they tasted after such efforts was simply the best.

“Towels, check.
Everything is ready.
Ugh, it’s cold… Let’s get in quickly.”

After taking off their kimono and underwear and putting them in a basket, Shizuko carried the bath set and entered the women’s hot spring.
After quickly washing her head and body, she diluted the Mukuroji powder and shampooed the Wittmans.
They all sweated when shampooing everyone at once, but they rinsed it off with hot water.

“Phew… This is paradise.”

Shizuko thought that the pleasure of soaking in the hot spring was incomparable.
The Wittmans soaked in the lukewarm bath (about 37 degrees) reserved for them.
Their relaxed faces did not seem like wolves with mysterious beauty.

“Come to think of it, I wonder if Friar-san liked the futon and other gifts I gave him.”

Through Nobunaga, Shizuko received various things from Friar-san, so she thought it would be bad to just receive them and gave him a “dotera” (a padded kimono), “kotatsu” (a heated table), “futon” (a Japanese-style mattress), and a “wooden barrel bath” to help him withstand the cold winter.
If people knew, they would think that these were tools to corrupt the missionaries like Friar-san, but for Shizuko, it was just a way to cope with the cold.

“Japanese winters are cold, you know.
A warm bath is the best.”

While enjoying the scent of the highest quality Kiso cypress, they relaxed and healed their tiredness in the pleasantly warm hot spring.
The Wittmans also leaned their heads on the edge of the bathtub and let out relaxed voices.
Seeing their blissful faces, Shizuko also crossed her arms and rested her head on the edge of the bathtub, closing her eyes.

“My chest feels tight.”

Shizuko opened her eyes and looked down at the tightness in her chest.
In her eyes, she could see her own chest being squeezed between the edge of the bathtub and her body.

Shizuko, who hunted deer with a compound bow, unknowingly trained her pectoral muscles.
In archery, both arms and muscles in the lower body and upper body are used to shoot the bow.
As a result, not only arm strength but also shoulder muscles and back muscles are trained, but the most trained muscle is the pectoral muscle.

The pectoral muscles in women support the breasts, and if they weaken, the shape of the breasts will be distorted.
However, it is difficult to train the pectoral muscles in daily life, and they usually weaken with age.
But with a bow, the pectoral muscles are moderately trained, and it can have a bust-enhancing effect.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that everyone will have a bigger bust just by handling a bow, but in Shizuko’s case, she handled a bow a lot during her growth period, and her good diet also contributed to her breasts growing.
In addition, her back muscles were trained, improving her posture, and her metabolism was increased by exercise and rest.

“I know it’s a luxury to worry about it when I don’t have excess fat.
But it’s hard to wrap a sarashi (a cloth used to bind the chest) when my breasts are big.
If I don’t need to hide my face when meeting Friar-san, I won’t have to bear this kind of trouble.”

After sighing, Shizuko rested her cheek on the edge of the bathtub.
For her, having bigger breasts didn’t have many advantages, and she only noticed the disadvantages, such as feeling slightly uncomfortable when wearing a kimono.
She thought it would be troublesome if they grew even more.

“Ah, let’s stop thinking.
It’s better to empty my mind.”

Feeling a headache, Shizuko lightly shook her head and closed her eyes, prostrating herself on the edge of the bathtub.

Friar-san picked up his pen as usual and wrote a report to the Jesuit Order.

“The Headscarf Prime Minister by Oda-sama’s side is terrifying.
He possessed a cure for hemoptysis (hemophilia).
It seems that the neighboring country of Japan has been using it as a medicine for a long time.
The cure is originally a secret recipe, but we were able to negotiate and obtain a secret book that contains the recipe in exchange for certain items.
However, those certain items are Arabian horses imported from India, pepper seedlings, and something called hops.
I have submitted separate documents to obtain approval for this.”

Friar-san sent the approval document first, but he never thought it would be rejected.
Since it is possible to obtain a cure for an incurable disease through animals and plants, he didn’t think the headquarters would show any resistance to importing horses.

“Based on the request, the Headscarf Prime Minister seems to have a preference for animals and plants that cannot be obtained in Japan.
I presented gemstones and goldsmithing as offerings before, but the response was not very good, and some were even declined.
However, since Oda-sama keeps a large eagle, I believe my speculation is correct.
From not owning large animals, I speculate that he prefers small to medium-sized animals such as dogs, cats, and birds.”

After writing that much, Friar-san put down his pen and took a breath.

He also considered this conversation a good deal.
Of course, there is a possibility of being lied to, but he thought that possibility was low.
There was no need for him to lie, and it was easier to answer “I don’t know” than to lie.
He couldn’t imagine that the Headscarf Prime Minister would gain anything by lying to them.

“But if this experiment is successful, we can regain the authority of the Church.
For that reason, we must succeed in the trade with him at all costs.”

If the trade is successful and the experiment is successful, Friar-san will also benefit.
He had long despised the human trafficking of Portuguese merchants.
Not out of love for humanity, but because their actions hindered the spread of Christianity.
However, when he suggested stopping human trafficking, he was told, “There are sellers, so there’s nothing we can do.”

“We must hurry.
This country is different from other countries, as it excels in culture and military power.
If an expulsion order is issued, it may finally lead to the prohibition of missionary work itself.”

After finishing the report, Friar-san felt the urge to send it immediately, but it was an impossible wish.
Even though the security in Kyoto had improved, it was still too dangerous to go out at night without an escort.

“Ugh… It’s getting a little cold.
But as expected of the Headscarf Prime Minister, this kotatsu thing reduces the coldness of Kyoto.
By the way, there was a costume called dotera.
It’s a good opportunity to try it on Atsukan.”

After that, Friar-san put on a dotera and got back into the dug kotatsu.
He enjoyed karasumi (dried mullet roe) as a snack with hot sake, and when he was satisfied both physically and mentally, he got into bed.
Having fully immersed himself in Owari culture, Friar-san added the following to his report the next day.

“The tool called kotatsu that was given to me by the Headscarf Prime Minister, it is a devil’s invention.
It possesses a terrifying power to corrupt people.
Furthermore, if you wear a dotera, resistance becomes impossible.
If the missionaries who read this report and consider visiting Japan, I recommend accumulating virtue.”

Since Sakihisa (Konoe) established a residence in Gifu a few months ago, he had been devoting his efforts to hosting banquets with influential courtiers and powerful figures in the vicinity of Kyoto.
From an outsider’s perspective, it may seem like they are just reciting poetry and drinking, but banquets are important ceremonies in the courtier society and also serve as political gatherings.
Therefore, not only the seating order but also the seats themselves are highly valued.

Even though the head of the family had been exiled from Kyoto, the Konoe family still maintained a solid influence.
The courtiers, who were invited to the banquet and couldn’t refuse, initially attended with an attitude of having something up their sleeves.
However, Sakihisa (Konoe) had devised a plan to make them never refuse an invitation again.
It was the temptation of gourmet food, a “deadly poison.” In the Sengoku period, fallen courtiers faced economic hardships and settled in local manors or relied on powerful provincial lords.

Courtiers in dire economic situations were overwhelmed with work to earn income and had no leisure to enjoy entertainment.
For them, the temptation of gourmet food became a strong “deadly poison.” Once they knew it, they could never resist it again.
If they forcibly resisted, they would be subjected to great mental tension.
Gourmet food, a simple strategy, or rather, daily meals, yielded high effects precisely because they were something that was always done.
Furthermore, Sakihisa (Konoe) prepared delicious meals not with expensive or rare ingredients, but with ingredients that courtiers were familiar with.

Sakihisa (Konoe)’s banquets, where dishes that seemed otherworldly were served, spread through word of mouth, and other people were invited and fell into the trap of gourmet food.
The courtier society was gradually invaded by the deadly poison of gourmet food.

“Welcome, please relax and enjoy today’s renga gathering.”

Sakihisa (Konoe)’s renga gathering and banquet could only accommodate a small number of seventeen people.
However, each and every one of them was a powerful figure in the Kinai region and had various connections as influential individuals.

“Konoe-dono, would it be acceptable to use a half-verse (18 phrases) for today’s renga?”

The structure of a renga consists of a 5-7-5 phrase as the upper verse and a 7-7 phrase as the lower verse, and each of these two phrases is called a “ku.” The 18 phrases start with Sakihisa (Konoe) and continue clockwise, with the final person being the 18th phrase, completing the renga.
There are also the “kasen” with 36 phrases, the “Sekichi” with 44 phrases, and the “chorenka” (also called “hyakuin”) with 100 phrases.
Furthermore, the “senku” is a collection of ten works of chorenka.
The collection of “senku” is called “manku.”

“Certainly.”

“As Maro, I think it would be better if it were a little livelier.
No, I am not blaming the Konoe family in any way.”

“Hahaha, I understand.
However, recently the eyes of the Lord have become strict, and even enjoying a renga gathering with everyone is suspected of plotting something improper.
That is why we are in a situation where we cannot invite many people.
If we could invite a few more people, the renga gathering would become more splendid… I apologize, I have said something indiscreet in front of everyone.
Well then, let’s start right away.”

Sakihisa (Konoe) casually brushed it off, but of course, he had calculated even this complaint into his words.
Those who had been poisoned by the food were looking forward to Sakihisa (Konoe)’s banquet more than anything else, to the point of appointing a representative even if they couldn’t attend due to other matters.
This was because they would receive special products from Owari, such as pickled plums, dashi miso, and soy sauce, as souvenirs from Sakihisa (Konoe).
They were addicted to the taste, but maintained a condescending attitude due to their social status.
However, if it was a gift from the Konoe family, they couldn’t disrespect it and had an excuse.

“Hohoho, I haven’t heard anything, Maro.”

The person next to Sakihisa (Konoe) lightly recited a verse while brushing it off.
However, although he appeared cheerful on the surface, internally he was boiling with anger towards Yoshiaki, the current Shogun.
He had been completely invaded by Sakihisa (Konoe)’s poison and was now a soy sauce maniac beyond help.
Of course, he was not the only one.
There were already countless people whose minds had been driven mad by dashi miso and soy sauce.
Using the connections of these influential people, Sakihisa (Konoe) was indirectly approaching the imperial court.

“Indeed, Lord Konoe.
You have obtained excellent cuisine and sake.
The skill of the chef is also remarkable.”

“Maro, this grilled dish is excellent.
It shines beautifully and the sauce on it is so delicious.”

“No, Maro thinks this tartar sauce is also irresistible.”

The influential people praised the dishes at the banquet.
Even though they were well-versed in Kyoto cuisine and had refined palates, they were giving their seal of approval to the point that Sakihisa (Konoe) secretly smirked.

“(Hehehe, indulge in the poison of exquisite food to your heart’s content.
To the point where you cannot resist…)” I am glad you like it.
Today, we have prepared a large selection of sake and dishes.
Please, everyone, enjoy them to your heart’s content.”

Sakihisa (Konoe) steadily solidified his foothold in the imperial court using his own means.