Chronicles of The Hardships of Komachi in The Sengoku Era - Chapter 65

Chapter 65




1569, early May

In early April, five villages, including Shizuko’s village, were officially disbanded due to the issuance of a red seal by Nobunaga. From now on, a large-scale redevelopment project will begin from the northern area of her village, around Gifu, to the southern tip of the Chita Peninsula. Several port towns will be built around the Chita Peninsula, and these port towns will be connected to villages and other areas along the way by roads. Roadside shrines will be placed every one ri (the length varies depending on the era and region, but in Shizuko’s case, one ri is 4km) as landmarks for travelers, and considerations such as planting trees like enoki will be made to provide resting places for travelers. Furthermore, water sources will be installed every five ri, and teahouses will be installed every ten ri, but only on major highways. The land, including the water sources, belongs to the Oda family’s territory, but anyone of any status is allowed to freely drink water, and there are signs stating that illegal occupation will be eliminated by force. In addition, teahouses are regulated to provide services at affordable prices for travelers.

In addition, there is hidden information about the road guardian deity that ordinary humans cannot understand. The placement of the road guardian deity is managed by latitude and longitude. Latitude and longitude, which are often thought to be unknown without GPS satellites, can actually be determined through observations of the sun and stars at the observation point. All you need is basic knowledge at the middle school level, tools that middle school students commonly use, and a few observation collaborators. Of course, the accuracy at the modern level is not expected, and there can easily be errors in the range of kilometers. Furthermore, it can only measure land coordinates, and to determine the latitude and longitude at sea, a chronometer (a highly accurate portable spring-driven clock) is essential.

In this redevelopment project, the main cities of Owari will be connected by main roads, and secondary roads will be built to connect all other villages to the port city. The main cities connected by the main roads are equivalent to what we would call prefectural capitals in modern times. To match this, legislative, administrative, and judicial institutions will be placed in the center of each city, with industrial and commercial zones to the west, and agricultural and brewing/fishing zones to the east. Additionally, military facilities will be constructed in various locations, including fortresses at the border between Mino and Owari, as well as near the vicinity of Sekigahara.

Indeed, this plan is not something that can be accomplished in just a few years. It may take ten years, or even several decades. It is truly a large-scale national project, as we are starting from scratch to build the infrastructure. However, once the infrastructure is established, it will generate profits on its own. In other words, Nobunaga has decided to take control of the logistics and commerce that were previously monopolized by temples and shrines. Unlike the temple and shrine forces, he will need to experiment and learn from trial and error. Nobunaga does not have the accumulated knowledge and expertise in governance that the temple and shrine forces have developed over many years. Therefore, in order to efficiently gather that knowledge, Nobunaga has instructed everyone in positions of responsibility to submit regular reports, in addition to compiling semi-annual incident response reports that detail the causes, measures taken, and results of any problems that arise.

Nobunaga also implemented reforms in this paper. Nobunaga, who used Mino paper as official paper, noticed the lack of uniformity in paper sizes. Even if standards of measurement were established, they would be meaningless if they were not actually used. Taking this into consideration, Nobunaga issued the “Paper Standard Regulation” which established seven dimensions ranging from A0 to A6, equivalent to modern standards. Of course, along with the establishment, free distribution of rulers produced by Shizuko was also carried out. At the same time, the forced relocation policy of the villagers, which began last year, continued to be implemented.

On a day that could be described as clear skies, thirty early villagers, led by Daiichi, gathered at the entrance of the village.

“Village chief, thank you for everything you have done for me until now.”

Due to Nobunaga’s relocation plan, they are leaving the land they are accustomed to living in. It’s not just the Daiichi family, but others as well.

“Shizuko, I am truly grateful for all your help. To be honest, without you, we would have starved to death.”

Due to the convenience of the defense line, the Nisaku also decided to relocate. Nobunaga had expected difficulties in communicating with the Nisaku, who were mountain people, but there were no major disputes and the conversation went smoothly.

“No, I just created the opportunity. It is because everyone exerted their strength and earned their own place that we are here now.”

“Haha, as humble as ever. It’s alright to take pride in your own achievements a little bit, you know. Well, I can’t imagine the village chief being all puffed up with pride though.”

“I see. If anything, Shizuko-sama tends to casually appear, swiftly resolve the problem, and then leave as if nothing had happened. That’s the strong impression I have.”

Was that a hit? Laughter erupted from somewhere. Shizuko, at a loss for words, forced a smile to cover it up.

“At that time, I couldn’t laugh. I thought, ‘Why is such a young girl doing this?’ If I didn’t achieve any results, I even thought about getting my revenge.”

“Haha, well, I can’t blame you for thinking that way.”

Even if it’s a mistake, they have lived and made a living in this land. So even if a little girl like Shizuko suddenly appears and claims to be the village chief, the villagers wouldn’t easily accept it.

“But you have given us hope to live. You have provided us with food, simplified agricultural work, and brought us peace. However… I can say this now, but it has caused a problem.”

“Problem? Is there something wrong?”

Despite some failures, there haven’t been any major failures that would completely derail the plan. Shizuko, who was puzzled and tilting her head in wonder, looked at Daichi with a face that seemed apologetic as he said this.

“Due to becoming too peaceful, there were some complaints from a part of the village. One of the extremely disrespectful complaints was about the village chief being a woman…”

“Huh? I don’t recall hearing any complaints like that.”

“We managed to somehow suppress it with our team and Aya-sama, but it seems that forcing it down was not the right approach. The number of people who sympathize with it continues to increase… However, we couldn’t possibly bring this to the attention of the village chief. In the end, there was no choice but to avoid it by relocating everyone.”

Here is a summary of the story:

Until the second year, everything was going well, but from the third year, Shizuko became less involved in village affairs. Daichi and the others understood that Shizuko couldn’t be involved because of Nobunaga’s busy work. On the other hand, some people started to become dissatisfied with Shizuko, who was just a figurehead village chief. There were even some who thought of scheming to make Shizuko fail and drive her out of the village. Daichi and these people had many discussions, but they always ended up at an impasse. Daichi, thinking that this situation would eventually affect the tax collection, pleaded with Aya to somehow convince Nobunaga. The result was the sudden relocation of fifty additional farmers and their families to the village. Shizuko, who understood Nobunaga’s hidden agenda, was the one who orchestrated this.

“Oh, I see. So that’s why you took so many out. But if you have any complaints, you should just tell me directly.”

“I thought the same thing, but Lord Oda said, ‘If the village chief wants to do it that badly, I’ll let them do it,’ and allowed them to relocate.”

“Sigh… Is that so?”

“I think they are probably regretting it by now. Oda-sama said, ‘I did not expect Shizuko to be capable of such a feat. Therefore, I demand half of the results achieved by Shizuko. It is half of what you all claimed you could do. If you cannot do this, then I will surely brand you as less than half-baked and exile you,'”

“Wow”

Shizuko understood clearly what kind of demands were being made. Nobunaga doesn’t make impossible demands, but he requires a level of effort that can only be achieved by going all out. In other words, Nobunaga doesn’t make any easy demands of others. However, this is not unique to Nobunaga. In the Sengoku period, life was cheap but responsibility was heavy. Even demands that are unimaginable by modern standards must be fulfilled at the risk of one’s life. In return, there is great reward, and if one has the ability, they can aim even higher.

“It’s tough to follow the orders of the lord. If there’s any doubt, they bombard you with questions, and if there’s even a slight issue, you have to provide a proper response… and if there are still doubts with that response, they ask even more questions…”

“Yes, that’s exactly how I felt when I went to plead as well. I can’t help but respect the village chief who has been doing that all along. However, it’s a problem to always rely on others, and there’s no guarantee that such a thing won’t happen again. Following the teachings of the village chief, we will take matters into our own hands, carve out our own future, and find a place to die. It is for these reasons that we have accepted Lord Oda’s relocation plan this time.”

“Well, at this age, I never thought I would be managing the village together with Daiichi again.”

“Originally, in order to avoid conflicts with the mountain people, the villagers were separated. But in just a few decades, they have returned to their original state.”

The two of them were laughing while saying such things. They couldn’t feel a trace of anxiety about going to a new place. Shizuko was convinced. They would be fine. No matter what difficulties they may face in the future, they would definitely overcome them.

“Haha… Well then, we should be heading off soon. Village Chief… no, Shizuko-sama, thank you so much for everything up until now. I will never forget the kindness I received from you.”

“If you ever have any troubles, please don’t hesitate to call on us. We may not be able to provide much help, but we are always ready to come to your aid as a way of repaying your kindness.”

The two of them simultaneously bowed deeply as they said that. Following suit, the villagers also bowed their heads.

“Thank you all very much. I am a fortunate person to be loved by so many people… Please take care of yourselves. I sincerely pray that everyone here will have a prosperous and happy new life.”

Shizuko felt like crying, but she held back her tears and bowed deeply to them. It was her final duty as the village chief she had managed and served for several years.

Shizuko sees off Daiichi and the others until they disappear from sight. After their backs are no longer visible, Shizuko also turns towards her own home.

As she walked, she thought to herself that human connections are truly mysterious. She had been transported to the Sengoku period through an inexplicable supernatural phenomenon, and now she was interacting with people she would never have crossed paths with otherwise. At first, she lamented her current situation, wondering why it had happened to her. But now, she had come to appreciate the time slip and was grateful for it.

(I have no intention of leaving my mark on history. I’m just curious about how this Sengoku period will change with my involvement… Will the Oda Shogunate be completed, or will history remain unchanged and the Honnoji Incident occur? Either way, it’s pointless to think about whether history will change at this point.)

History is already beginning to change. Nobunaga is actively trying to bring Asai Nagamasa into his camp. Whether this will prevent Asai Nagamasa’s betrayal or if he will betray for another reason remains to be seen. Regardless of the outcome, Shizuko has made a new determination to do what she can.

There is no time for her to indulge in sentimentality. She has been busy with work and two weeks have passed in the blink of an eye. By that time, Nagayoshi, Keiji, and Saizo’s temporary residence had been completed, and Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada)’s temporary residence would be completed in another week. However, whenever they had free time, they would always hang out at Shizuko’s house. Especially during meal times, they would without fail show up. Now, she would even prepare meals for all five of them (Shizuko, Aya, Keiji, Saizo, Nagayoshi) from the beginning.

“…Starving children, aren’t they? Are you planning to devour all the food we have at home?”

While it may not be a level of concern, if this continues, it will be necessary to review the distribution plan for rice.

Especially Owari rice (a type of rice from the Tomonohana series) is amazing. I don’t know what Nobunaga was thinking, but he sent Owari rice, which was presented to him by Shizuko, to Tokugawa, Asai, Yoshiaki in Kyoto, and even to the Emperor. He probably wanted to let everyone know that delicious rice is being produced in his territory. However, the result far exceeded Nobunaga’s expectations. Everyone became captivated by Owari rice. Even Ieyasu, who usually eats barley rice, says he wants to eat this rice every day. The Emperor and Yoshiaki even asked for rice seedlings. However, Owari rice has been bred to suit the environment of the Chubu region of Japan, specifically Aichi Prefecture, so it is difficult to cultivate in the Kinki region. Moreover, information about Owari rice is considered a military secret. Therefore, Nobunaga rejected their requests by emphasizing the difficulty of production. Afterwards, various things were sent to him by the Shogun and the Emperor, as if they were making advance reservations for Owari rice. The three malnourished children (Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi) are among those who eat Owari rice every day.

“If it’s next year, I’ll be able to produce enough to support ten people… but hmm, I guess I’ll have to tighten my belt a bit this year.”

“Well, it’s because the lord of the Oda clan has implemented a permit system for the production of Owari rice. Currently, only Shizuchi has the privilege of possessing seedlings. And as for the permission to produce, is it only granted to former residents of Shizuchi?”

“Yeah. So I made a pretty large rice field, so there won’t be any problems next year. On average, about forty to fifty bags per one hectare… So with a total of sixty hectares, that’s a maximum of three thousand bags. Production is not a problem, but it’s a hassle to have them all collected at once.”

Unlike other taxes, Owari rice is collected by Nobunaga and all the goods produced are taken. The process of extracting the tax remains the same, but unlike others, Owari rice is not returned. Instead, for every 1 koku of Owari rice paid as tax, 3 to 4 koku of Gifu rice is given in return. In other words, if 50 koku of Owari rice is paid as tax, a maximum of 200 koku of Gifu rice can be obtained. Fortunately, the Gifu rice that was distributed as a sample was well received by the common people, while the Owari rice was accepted by the samurai and nobles, creating a kind of division, so there was no major confusion.

In fact, there was intense political maneuvering among Nobunaga, Ieyasu, Nagamasa, Yoshiaki, and the Emperor over the Owari rice, which appeared like a comet. Of course, Shizuko is unaware of this, and even if she were to find out, she would likely adopt an attitude of “it doesn’t concern me.” She wouldn’t be able to do anything about it anyway.

Nobunaga may have forgotten, but the management of water for Owari rice is extremely strict. And even though it is said to be resistant to diseases, it doesn’t mean it is completely immune. If proper care is not taken against diseases, it can also be wiped out like other rice varieties. In short, cultivating Owari rice is much more troublesome compared to other types of rice. Moreover, this troublesome aspect is difficult for the local people to understand.

“Well, it can’t be helped if it’s delicious. And on top of that, I never get tired of eating it every day.”

“…Well, if you eat that much side dishes. By the way, Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi), I don’t know where you got that smoked fish, but be careful because those are meant to be sent to Honda-sama.”

In an instant, Nagayoshi’s face turns pale. From his attitude, Shizuko understands that he has borrowed some food that was prepared for Honda Tadakatsu.

“Make sure to talk to Aya-chan later. Now, I wonder if I should use the stone oven today after a long time.”

Since the villa was built, Shizuko started receiving letters from Nohime and the others more frequently. Most of the letters were requests, rather than just regular letters. Among them, there was a request from Nene’s letter saying, “I want a Nanban food called ‘pao’ (bread in Portuguese).” It is possible to fulfill the request, but the problem lies in the natural yeast needed to make the bread rise. In the Sengoku period of Japan, one had to make their own natural yeast.

“I don’t know what to make.”

“If it’s a taste test,”

“Please leave it to me.”

Nagayoshi, Keiji, and Saizo declare together.

“You guys are close, aren’t you? Today we’re going to make the staple food of Nanban. In this case, it’s rice.”

In the 16th century, Europe was experiencing internal divisions due to Martin Luther’s protest against the Roman Catholic Church (the beginning of the Reformation) and rebellions against the Church (such as the German Peasants’ War). As a result of the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church had already begun to lose the political power it had enjoyed during the 11th to 13th centuries. However, the belief that bread is the body of God and wine is the blood of God was still preserved.

However, even if Shizuko misunderstands, it is unlikely that Europe would have had a staple food other than wheat (bread and pasta) without the influence of Christianity. After all, growing rice requires large amounts of water and high temperatures, which are not feasible in Europe’s climate. Additionally, potatoes did not exist in Europe until they were brought over from the Andes during the Age of Exploration. As a result, wheat, which can grow in cold climates, became the main staple.

“Yeah, that’s right… rice, wheat, and potatoes, which are the staple foods of the world. I wonder what I can make with each of them.”

Shizuko, who succeeded in winter cultivation of potatoes, was able to secure a sufficient amount for personal consumption. Although the variety is unknown, it is certain that it is not the male-sterile Irish Cobbler potato, because it produced fruits during winter cultivation. Normally, potatoes are propagated by planting tubers and harvesting tubers, so it is not necessary for them to produce fruits. However, fruits were important to Shizuko because each fruit contains several true seeds. Seedlings grown from these true seeds have the potential to produce superior plants compared to their parents in terms of the number, weight, and size of the tubers.

“When you say ‘potato,’ are you talking about those round things? Honestly, they don’t look like something that can be eaten to me.”

“Huh? I’m pretty sure we ate potatoes just a little while ago, right?”

When Shizuko said that, the three of them exchanged glances. However, none of them had any memory of eating potatoes.

“Look, it’s a simmered dish with chicken, onions, and potatoes. It’s that dish where three people fought over the big serving plate.”

“…! Ah, ah! Is that it? Wait, did that have potatoes in it?”

Nagayoshi said while clapping his hands together. Keiji and Saizo also remembered, and they too clapped their hands together like Nagayoshi.

“I did say it properly, but oh well… Well, first of all, maybe bread.”

Among several natural yeast starters, Shizuko chose raisins. Raisins are excellent as a preserved food and they go well with bread among natural yeasts. They have a slight acidity, not as much as dry yeast, but they rise much better than unleavened bread.

The process is very simple. First, dry the grapes and turn them into raisins. Then, rinse them quickly with water to remove any dirt on the surface. Next, transfer the raisins to a sterilized container and add enough water to completely submerge them. After that, shake the container about four times a day and leave the lid open to let the air in. When all the raisins float and white foam appears, it is done.

If you have natural yeast, all you need to do is make bread. However, I don’t have milk or butter on hand, so I will make a loaf of bread using only sugar, salt, oil, natural yeast, and flour without using them. It took some time to ferment and adjust the temperature of the stone oven, but I managed to bake several loaves of bread.

“After this, I just need to make an egg sandwich and I’ll be done. As for the potatoes, this time I just cooked them with chicken thigh meat and salt koji, so it was easy.”

Before we knew it, evening had come. Thanks to that, everyone’s dinner became a nonsensical menu consisting of egg sandwiches, chicken Nanban with tartar sauce sandwiches, chicken thigh and potato simmered in salt koji, miso soup, and Owari rice. However, the dishes made with bread were well received.

Shizuko had been thinking about conducting a certain experiment this year. The experiment she planned to do involved two methods: “bucket cultivation of rice” and “aerial cultivation of crops”. Bucket cultivation, as the name suggests, is a method of growing rice using buckets. It may not be very efficient, but it is a valuable teaching material that allows children to learn about the process of rice cultivation through hands-on experience.

On the contrary, the main focus is on aerial cultivation of crops. This is also known as upside-down cultivation, where plants are grown suspended above the ground. The advantage is that there is no need to clear and cultivate barren land, and it allows for more efficient use of space compared to traditional soil-based cultivation. The disadvantage is that it requires more water than conventional cultivation due to its low water retention capacity, and there is also the need for soil replacement after cultivation. However, the benefits of being able to grow crops in places where conventional farming is not possible, such as in mountainous areas, outweigh the disadvantages. Satsuma sweet potatoes are considered to be the most suitable crop for this aerial cultivation method.

Usually, Satsuma potatoes are grown in flat areas, but the method of growing Satsuma potatoes in multi-layered shelves is called aerial cultivation. Depending on the level of the shelves, up to 20 kilograms of Satsuma potatoes can be harvested per square meter. With a castle that can draw water from underground water veins, a large amount of Satsuma potatoes can be cultivated. Even in a siege where supply routes are completely blocked, a certain amount of food can be self-sufficient. By incorporating facilities that process soldiers’ feces and urine into compost, a recycling environment can be established. Alongside pine trees, aerial cultivation of Satsuma potatoes is perfect as a precautionary measure. Shizuko’s experiment is to investigate the most efficient plan for aerial cultivation of Satsuma potatoes. The ideal environment is one where a small amount of soil and compost can yield a large harvest, and water consumption is minimal. Shizuko continues to take measurements every day in order to find that ideal environment.

And a little time passed, just before entering May, and Shizuko, who was staring at the numbers every day, received a shipment of tea leaves. It was tea that corresponded to the first flush tea, considering the season, but the tea leaves that were delivered were not matcha (dried and powdered tea leaves without kneading). They were divided by cultivation method, and three types were prepared: sencha (steeped tea), Gyokuro (a type of high-quality green tea), and Kabusecha (a type of shaded green tea). Sencha is grown without blocking sunlight from the time new buds appear until they are picked. Gyokuro is grown using covered cultivation (covered with shading cloth) from around the time new buds appear until about three weeks before picking. Kabusecha is grown using covered cultivation, with a lower shading rate than Gyokuro, from about ten days to a week before picking.

The reason why shading the tea plants to prevent photosynthesis is related to the taste. When tea leaves undergo photosynthesis, the bitterness component called catechin increases, while the ratio of the umami component called theanine decreases. In other words, by suppressing photosynthesis, it is possible to control the increase of catechin in tea leaves and increase the ratio of theanine. As a result, sencha is known for its moderate bitterness and refreshing aroma, Gyokuro is known for its sweetness, richness, and unique covering aroma from shading cultivation, and Kabusecha has a taste that is a combination of sencha and Gyokuro.

“You’ve sent quite a lot. Should I think that it was a bountiful harvest?”

After opening the lid of the pot, Shizuko said the following as soon as she saw it.

“Would you like to taste some tea?”

“Yeah, of course I’ll do it. Oh, even if it’s cold, please serve rice and pickled plums.”

“That is…? Ah… yes, I understand. I will serve you cold rice.”

“I’m curious about what’s going on during that time, but oh well. Anyway, since the hungry children will probably notice the smell and come over, please prepare enough for five people, including Aya-chan.”

“I understand. Please wait a moment.”

After bowing to Shizuko, Aya headed to the kitchen to prepare.

The reason she is sent tea leaves is quite simple. Shizuko does not own a tea plantation, but rather she has made a contract with a farmer who already owns one. In the Sengoku period, while tea was considered a luxury item, there were both high-quality teas like Uji tea and lower-grade teas. Although Gifu has Mino tea, it is not as famous as Shizuoka tea, Uji tea, Sayama tea, or Kagoshima tea, which are counted among the three major teas in Japan. Therefore, it is possible for Shizuko to make a contract if things go well, especially if she can use Nobunaga’s name. However, whether or not she can successfully negotiate the contract depends on Shizuko’s persuasive skills.

While checking the condition of the tea fields, Shizuko ultimately entered into an exclusive contract with four farmers. However, the contract was not formal or strict in nature. It was more like an agreement where the farmers would follow Shizuko’s instructions to maintain and cultivate the tea plants, and process the harvested tea leaves according to her specifications. As it was an exclusive contract, Shizuko would naturally receive all the tea leaves from the first to the fourth harvest. However, instead of paying for the tea leaves, Shizuko would send food supplies such as rice and salt to the farmers as compensation.

The reason she entered into an exclusive contract with the tea plantation farmer was because she was begged by the fishing village for help with “not knowing what to do with the small fish.” At first, she considered using them as fertilizer for the fields, but the supply of small fish was not stable and varied from day to day. After understanding that making “fish meal” by pressing and removing the fat from the fish, drying it, and then grinding it into powder was difficult to find a use for, Shizuko thought about what crops fish meal could be efficiently used for. As a result, she entered into an exclusive contract with a tea plantation farmer to let them use it. In other words, if the fishing village didn’t have trouble with the disposal of small fish, Shizuko would have had no intention of entering into an exclusive contract with a tea plantation farmer.

Thirty minutes later. Keiji, Saizo, Nagayoshi, and even Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada) and his elderly mentor, who somehow heard about it, gathered for a tea tasting.

“What on earth is going to come out today?”

Nagayoshi, unable to hide his anticipation, asks Shizuko.

“…Today, I’m going to try steeped tea leaves for sencha . By the way, it’s quite different from the matcha ceremony that uses matcha powder. In sencha, we use a teapot to pour hot water over the tea leaves and drink it, so it’s quite different from the tea ceremony that everyone is familiar with.”

Generally, the term “chado” refers to the practice of using matcha in tea ceremonies, while “sencha” refers to the practice of drinking steeped tea using a teapot. The sencha tradition, which originated in Chinese culture, was introduced to Japan in the early Edo period by Ingen Ryuki, the founder of the Obaku sect of Zen Buddhism. During the Sengoku period, the sencha tradition was considered a mysterious and unfamiliar cultural practice. It is worth noting that in modern times, the practice of chado is mainly led by the Senke school, while the sencha tradition does not have a dominant school and is characterized by various factions.

“Actions speak louder than words, so I have prepared a complete set of teapot and utensils. We will drink sencha, followed by kabusecha, and then gyokuro.”

Although Shizuko is not specialized in the study of sencha , the basic idea of sencha is to enjoy drinking it without being bound by formalities. Therefore, as long as you keep in mind the three points of not using boiling water, not rotating the teapot, and not pouring the hot water all at once into the teacup, there should be no problem. As for the temperature of the water, sencha is generally brewed at around 80 degrees Celsius, while Kabusecha and Gyokuro are brewed at around 60 degrees Celsius.

I start by filling the cold water cooler with hot water and letting it cool down. While it’s cooling, I prepare the tea leaves. Once the preparation is done, I pour the cooled water, which is around 80 degrees Celsius, into the teapot and wait for the tea leaves to open (approximately one and a half minutes). I also prepare Gyokuro and Kabusecha in the same way.

“Well, first try drinking some tea. By the way, Keiji-san, I’ve been watching that cold rice you left over there, but I’ll serve it properly later.”

Keiji, with a guilty expression on his face in response to Shizuko’s words, quickly drank a whole cup of Gyokuro to divert the attention from the other two.

“Hmm, how should I put it? It’s a sweet tea even though there’s no sugar in it.”

“Savor and drink it. Hm… indeed, the taste is different when drinking tea in the tea ceremony.”

“I’ve never experienced the tea ceremony, so I don’t understand, but this is delicious, Shizuko!”

“Delicious, that’s all I can think of.”

“For the elderly, the tea ceremony can be tiring, so they prefer this alternative.”

Satisfied with the decent reputation it had gained, Shizuko served rice in a bowl, poured tea, and added a pickled plum on top. This is what is commonly known as ochazuke. Even if hot water is poured instead of tea, it can still be called ochazuke, but when hot water is used, it is referred to as yuzuke to distinguish it. The origins of ochazuke are said to date back to the mid-Edo period when bancha and sencha became popular and tea became a common beverage for the common people. Sencha contains a small amount of umami component (sodium glutamate) and had a better taste than hot water, but the common people generally ate it with bancha (mature leaves, not young leaves like sencha).

“Oh, it’s not a hot bath, but ochazuke. So there’s this way of eating too.”

“But why did you serve such a dish again?”

“…I wonder when it was. There were about four people who were saying it was unfair when I made a prototype and ate it.”

In an instant, Keiji, Saizo, Nagayoshi, and Kimyomaru (Oda Nobutada) averted their eyes.

In early May, Shizuko received a letter without a sender’s name. Aya, suspicious if it was a prank, noticed that the paper used was of high quality and the prank seemed elaborate. Despite her doubts, Aya finished checking the letter and handed it to Shizuko to seek her final judgment.

“This is hōshogami, isn’t it? So if you’re using this to send a letter…”

Shizuko, realizing that it is a formal document paper from its texture and thickness, opens the letter to read its contents. This thick paper is made from kozo (mulberry) fibers and has a similar basic structure to Tsubaki paper, but it is different in that it is mixed with fibers from the yellow hollyhock root and white clay to give it strength and thickness. This paper has been produced since the Muromachi period and was referred to as “housho” paper, meaning “order paper,” as the Muromachi shogunate used it for official documents.

“Hmm… hmm hmm… mmm mmm…”

“Um, who is it from exactly?”

With a furrowed brow, Shizuko reads the letter while Aya timidly asks her. Aya feels a slight unease at the expression that Shizuko has never shown even when reading Nobunaga’s letters, but Shizuko doesn’t answer her question and says this instead.

“Aya-chan! You can spend as much as you want, so please clean my separate house in Gifu! Oh, and I’ll gather various ingredients, but wait for me to review them before sending them!”

Aya, who understood that this was no good, swung down a chop on Shizuko’s head without changing her expression.

“Gyafun”

“Have you calmed down, Shizuko-sama?”

“It hurts… Oh, now that I’ve calmed down, I would appreciate it if you could lower your hand.”

Shizuko quickly shielded her head and took a few steps back when she saw Aya raise her hand. After letting out a deep sigh, Aya quietly lowered her hand. It was a scene where it was unclear who was the master.

“So, who did you receive the message from? I can’t really imagine someone who would make Shizuko so excited that she forgets about me.”

“Just to clarify, this is not a decree from the lord. I have no business with the lord.”

“Yes, I am aware of that. Besides, I don’t think His Excellency would go out of his way to send a letter to Shizuko-sama.”

“Well, if you’re going to send it, it should be addressed to the lord of the mansion. And as for who it’s from… hehehe, prepare to be surprised. It’s from the current head of the Konoe family! See, the seal is in the style of a samurai, not a court noble. Konoe-sama has been using a samurai-style seal for almost ten years now, so there’s no mistaking it.”

“(It doesn’t make sense to ask how I know about these things…) I apologize, but is it true that the current head of the Konoe family was involved in the murder of the older brother of the shogun…?”

“Yeah, so?”

Aya, who asked a question, stumbled over her words in response to Shizuko’s attitude that seemed to imply “What’s the problem?”

“I know more about the situation around here than Aya does. But you know, even considering those bad rumors, the Konoe family is worth incorporating into the Oda faction.”

“I understand. If Shizuko-sama speaks so highly of you, you must be a very capable person.”

“Well, yeah. But still, I wonder why they suddenly decided to listen to me when they completely ignored my letters until now. Well, there’s no point in thinking about it. Anyway, I need to wrap up this conversation and try to get the head of the Konoe family to join the Oda faction.”

Shizuko clenches her fist and psyches herself up. Afterwards, as she had declared, Shizuko carries the finest ingredients she had chosen into the separate building that Nobunaga had prepared for her. She checks to make sure that every corner of the room is cleaned, just like a good daughter-in-law would do, and if it’s not up to standard, she will redo it without hesitation.

Because Shizuko is known for her flashy movements, it didn’t take long for the news of her meeting with the head of the Konoe family to reach Nobunaga in Kyoto. Normally, Shizuko avoids unnecessary interactions with people and prefers to work behind the scenes, so it was surprising to see her meticulously preparing for this meeting. Nobunaga couldn’t decipher her true intentions either. Furthermore, she hadn’t shared the details with Aya, only repeating that the head of the Konoe family would be a valuable asset to the Oda faction. Nobunaga couldn’t understand what this valuable asset was, which left him puzzled. However, after some consideration, he concluded that Shizuko didn’t harbor any hostility towards him based on her past actions, so he decided to assign a few spies as her escorts.

Around the time when things started to get a little noisy around Shizuko, Konoe Sakihisa, the 16th head of the Konoe family, and Nagaharu (Bessho), a retainer and steward of the Konoe family, arrived in Gifu.

“Now, is the declaration of death a lie or the truth?”

As Sakihisa (Konoe) gazed at the townscape of Gifu, he murmured to himself. Sakihisa , the head of the Konoe family, one of the five regent houses, had a youthful appearance that would not be out of place even if he were said to be in his twenties, despite being thirty-three years old. He exuded a certain kind of dignity that was not typical of a nobleman, and could be described as bold. Sakihisa was a political figure of the highest order in the imperial court, serving as the regent at the young age of nineteen. However, in the eleventh year of the Eiroku era, after Nobunaga brought Ashikaga Yoshiaki to the capital, he was expelled from the court on suspicion of involvement in the assassination of the thirteenth shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru. After his expulsion, he took refuge in the lower residence of Kuroi Castle, and two months later, he resided at Ishiyama Hongan-ji in Osaka, Settsu Province, after being dismissed from his position as regent.

“But… is it really necessary to take what the deceased said in that dream seriously?”

“That’s for sure. However, I can’t forget the crazed look in his eyes. Just the thought of it made me feel more uneasy than when I was at Koga Castle. That’s why we need to have a meeting and quickly put an end to him.”

Ignoring Nagaharu’s advice, Sakihisa laughed boldly while mixing in jokes. However, neither Nagaharu nor Sakihisa himself noticed the single bead of sweat running down his cheek. After touring Gifu for a while, the two arrived at Shizuko’s annex after about half an hour.

“…It’s small.”

Sakihisa ‘s first impression was exactly that. Shizuko’s annex in Gifu is about two sizes smaller compared to the residences of other Oda clan retainers in the vicinity. One could say it is shabby, or on the positive side, it has stripped away excessive decoration and only retains the bare essentials. Shizuko’s annex is a traditional Japanese house with a veranda. Of course, it has also incorporated some advanced technologies such as tiled roofs.

“But it’s not bad.”

Sakihisa was very fond of the house with a deep eave and a visually low center of gravity, giving it a calm and composed appearance. However, he couldn’t just stand in front of the gate forever, so Nagaharu (Bessho) knocked on the gate a few times. It seemed that someone was already waiting near the gate, as it was quickly opened.

“Welcome, Konoe-sama.”

The person who greeted me was Aya. She was dressed in a manner suitable for meeting someone from the nobility, rather than her usual comfortable attire.

“My master is waiting inside.”

Although Sakihisa was surprised by the lack of guards, he nodded in agreement with Aya’s words and followed her guidance. From the moment they entered the house through the gate, Sakihisa couldn’t hide his unease at how eerily quiet it was. There was not even the sound of servants going about their daily tasks, making it feel as if they had entered a place completely detached from the mundane world.

“Shizuko-sama, I have brought Konoe-sama with me.”

Saying that, Aya quietly opens the shoji (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoji).

“Welcome, Your Excellency, from a distant place.”

“…Ah, ah…”

Konoe Sakihisa is not a fool. He thoroughly investigated the existence of Shizuko beforehand. He also knew that Shizuko was a woman. However, he couldn’t understand why someone who was a whole generation younger than him was being valued as an important figure among the Oda clan’s retainers. Despite being at a loss for words, he gathered himself and greeted everyone before taking a seat at the designated place for Shizuko.

“Let me declare this beforehand. Engaging in a battle of wits is nothing but a waste of time for both parties involved. There will be no secrets, let’s speak honestly and openly to each other.”

Of course, Sakihisa had no intention of honestly speaking his true thoughts. Even if he said he wanted to speak honestly, Shizuko believed that he would hide his true thoughts during the meeting. Sakihisa thought that by targeting that, he could take control of the meeting. However, it was ultimately meaningless.

“I see. Well, let me be straightforward. We have two requests here. The first is to have your support for the Oda faction. And the second is to have the adoption relationship with Kyonyo, the eldest son of the Honganji sect’s high priest Kennyo, dissolved.”

Because there is no need to hide your true feelings from Shizuko.

“However, I must say that you have made a long journey and must be tired. We have prepared a meal for you, so please enjoy it if you would like.”

After saying that, Shizuko led the two of them to the guest room on the veranda. Sakihisa sat in the highest seat, while Nagaharu (Bessho) sat facing south on the veranda. After guiding the two of them, Shizuko sat in the lower seat in front of the sliding door. She glanced at Sakihisa and lightly clapped her hands as a signal. Immediately, Aya opened the sliding door and entered the room, placing a tray with tea bowls in front of the three of them with practiced movements.

“Compared to Kyoto, Owari may be considered rural, so I cannot claim to offer top-notch items. However, I have prepared the best that I can offer here. Please start with this.”

The two of them focus their attention on the tea bowl placed in front of them. They both tilt their heads at the tea bowl with an opaque lid, unable to tell what’s inside. They initially thought it might contain tea, but the presence of a lid and a wooden spoon made them think otherwise. When they lightly touch it, they can feel the heat, leading them to speculate that it contains a hot soup or broth.

“Hmm… I’ve never seen a dish like this before. I wonder what it’s called?”

Shizuko responds to Sakihisa ‘s question with a soft smile.

“Recently, it has become possible to make chawanmushi (savory egg custard) in Owari. It is a steamed dish with chicken eggs as the main ingredient.”

Shizuko’s remarks were received, and Nagaharu (Bessho) opened the lid that had been placed on top. The first thing that caught his eye was the smooth off-white fabric. Next, there was the thick black shiitake mushroom that had been placed as the filling. Additionally, there was a reddish-brown substance that appeared to be fish roe, accompanied by something that resembled the peel of a citrus fruit, displaying a vibrant green color. The vivid colors were enough to make Aya anticipate the deliciousness even before tasting it, leaving Nagaharu (Bessho) with high expectations.

“It is best to consume it while it is still hot, but I cannot allow you to eat it without tasting it for poison. If you wish, I can perform the role of a taster. What would you like me to do?”

“I cannot allow that. As for the taste testing, someone else will handle it. I apologize, but I cannot guarantee that you will not tamper with it.”

“I understand, and I appreciate your consideration. We have no intention of raising any objections.”

Shizuko nodded in agreement to Nagaharu (Bessho)’s proposal. After temporarily setting aside the chawanmushi , Nagaharu (Bessho) randomly selected and redistributed them onto each individual tray.

The chawanmushi was placed in front of them, and Shizuko was the first to eat it. She took off the lid and scooped it into her mouth with a spoon. After confirming that she had taken a few bites, Nagaharu (Bessho) looked at Sakihisa for confirmation before opening the lid himself. A delightful aroma wafted through the air and immediately captivated Nagaharu (Bessho)’s stomach. The rich scent of the broth combined with the refreshing citrus fragrance was pleasant. Despite not being very hungry, Nagaharu (Bessho) couldn’t resist his appetite and instinctively took a spoonful, scooping up the creamy part and bringing it to his mouth.

“What incredible softness… even softer than completely overcooked porridge.”

I couldn’t find the words to continue. The moment it enters the mouth, it melts smoothly and lusciously. On the other hand, it leaves behind the rich taste of the broth before disappearing. Experiencing an unknown texture like never before, Nagaharu (Bessho) scoops up another spoonful and brings it to his mouth. He always had the possibility of poison in the back of his mind, but his hand was moving against his will. He bites into the meaty shiitake mushroom. Along with the aromatic scent of the mushroom, the bursting umami overwhelms his mouth.

“What could these reddish-brown particles be?”

Sakihisa , who was removing the lid and examining the contents at the top seat, asks a question.

“This is a dish made by marinating salmon roe, which was accidentally caught in the nearby sea, in soy sauce and letting it mature in a snow chamber. It has a unique taste, but it is a nourishing food. Please try eating it together with egg batter, salmon roe, and yuzu peel like this.”

Nagaharu (Bessho), feeling compelled by those words, glanced at Sakihisa . Sakihisa nodded silently, and with that signal, Nagaharu (Bessho) also scooped up a spoonful of chawanmushi along with soy sauce-marinated ikura (salmon roe) and put it in his mouth. The fish roe, with its strong salty flavor, enhanced the somewhat monotonous taste, bursting with each bite and releasing the umami of the seafood. The citrus peel refreshed and washed away the raw fishy smell. I recognized that this was an exquisitely crafted and delicately balanced dish.

“What about the taste? All you’ve been saying is that it’s soft.”

Nagaharu (Bessho), who is at a loss for words in response to Sakihisa ‘s statement. He wants to respond immediately, but honestly expresses his inability to express his thoughts due to his own knowledge.

“I guarantee that it is the best taste among everything I have ever tasted. However, I do not have the means to express this taste. I cannot even guess similar-tasting foods. First, I will taste everything and act as a taster for you to see.”

In response, Nagaharu (Bessho) once again takes on the challenge of chawanmushi . As he eats his way through, he encounters a different set of ingredients. When he reaches the middle, he comes across an unknown ingredient with a smooth, white surface resembling a polished gem. He furrows his brow in confusion.

“This called a lily bulb. Literally, it is the bulb or root of a lily. Please think of it as something similar to a potato.”

Upon hearing Shizuko’s words, Nagaharu (Bessho) tilts his head in confusion. His understanding of Byakuren (the lily bulb) is that it is a traditional Chinese medicine made from lilies. Thinking that it would be bitter and astringent, he cautiously puts Byakuren in his mouth. The moment it enters his mouth, Byakuren carries a slight bitterness but melts away sweetly and delicately. The sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, and sourness all blend together to create a feast for the taste buds. Having a tongue that can discern flavors, he becomes deeply captivated. Before he knows it, he has scooped up every last piece and is shocked to find himself even shamelessly putting the spoon in his mouth.

“I’m sorry that the season is not right for a perfect chawanmushi , but I’m glad you enjoyed it. It makes me feel that my efforts were worthwhile. Although it has cooled down a bit, would you like to try it soon, Your Majesty?”

As the season approaches, Nagaharu (Bessho) trembles with anticipation, wondering if this dish will become even more delicious than it is now. Finally, Sakihisa , unable to wait any longer, picks up the chawanmushi and scoops a spoonful into his mouth.

(I see… It’s understandable why Nagaharu (Bessho) was speechless. It’s a dish that appears simple, but has an incredible level of completion.)

As Shizuko urged Sakihisa to prepare the next dish, she watched him savor each spoonful of the chawanmushi, which still retained a hint of warmth. It was truly a feast that stood apart from the usual chilled dishes she would normally eat.

“Once you are in a position to eat, I will bring you the main dish.”

Shizuko claps her hands. The sliding door in the back opens again, and Aya appears holding a tray. This time, the dishes are heavy, so they are brought in two separate trips.

Sakihisa recognized the objects that were currently lined up.

“A box? Could it contain your prideful Owari rice?”

“Yes it does, but thats not the only point. You may have heard about it, but there was a time when eels were overfished in Kyoto.”

I speak with a slight blush on my cheeks, mixed with a wry smile.

“The result of our research to enjoy the eel deliciously is here. It is called ‘Hitsumabushi’ (eel over rice).”

With that, I remove the lid of the cabinet. Immediately, a violent aroma fills the air. It is the grilled eel, with its belly opened and sauce brushed on top, placed on a bed of rice. The sauce has soaked into the rice, creating a brown landscape. Additionally, a sprinkle of sansho pepper on top adds a refreshing breeze.

“Please go ahead and eat as it is.”

Shizuko herself scooped rice into the bowl. The bowl that was offered contained fatty eel soaked in sauce, emitting a powerful aroma. Unable to resist any longer, she picked up her chopsticks and inserted them into the eel and rice. The chopsticks sank in effortlessly, as if it was expertly cooked. She lifted the rice and eel to her mouth and chewed on it.

“———-!!!!!!”

There was no sound at first. No, Nagaharu (Bessho) had no words to speak. Knowing it was impolite, he picked up the bowl and shoveled the food into his mouth with chopsticks. The fatty eel, rich with flavor, melted in his mouth, releasing a persistent umami that was enhanced by the sweet and savory sauce. While the eel was the star, it was the Owari rice that captivated emperors and shoguns alike. It absorbed the eel’s fat and sauce, while maintaining its own flavor, creating a harmonious and delicious taste. Only Owari rice could provide such a sticky texture and a burst of flavor with each bite, filling Nagaharu (Bessho)’s mouth.

“Next, please enjoy it with condiments.”

In Shizuko’s voice, Nagaharu (Bessho) comes back to his senses. He no longer has his initial purpose in mind and instead focuses on Shizuko, who offers him a new and exciting experience. A bowl with three types of condiments is placed next to the cabinet, and he eagerly takes the bowl. Nagaharu (Bessho) only recognizes the chopped green onions, but he has never seen the thin slices that resemble black paper or the pale yellow-green grated condiment. However, before he can think about what they are, he puts the Hitsumabushi into his mouth.

“This condiment consists of chopped green onions, diced seaweed, and freshly grated wasabi. Please be careful not to put too much wasabi in your mouth at once, as it is quite spicy.”

Shizuko’s voice was strangely memorable, and even though I was just listening, I could understand what was being said. Just before the eel’s fat started to feel heavy as I continued eating and my stomach became full, the condiments came at the perfect timing. The spiciness of the green onions neutralized the fat, the chopped seaweed brought the scent of the sea, and eating it with a small amount of wasabi washed away the heaviness all at once. This dish was a masterpiece with careful calculations of the level of fullness and taste, ensuring that it never became boring until the very end. By adjusting the condiments, the taste could vary infinitely, allowing each person to pursue their own true deliciousness.

“Please also have this ochazuke.”

The rice and eel were piled onto an empty bowl, topped with chopped seaweed and wasabi, and then smoked pickles were placed on top. Tea was poured from a teapot into the bowl. Stomachs growled, and Nagahara was about to put down his chopsticks when the rich aroma of the tea tempted his appetite once again. He wondered in surprise as regular tea wouldn’t have such a strong fragrance.

“The other day, I was able to procure some good tea, so I tried roasting it and making hojicha. It has a refreshing and smooth taste, so I think it would go well with ochazuke.”

(I see… So even tea can emit a good aroma just by steeping.)

Nagaharu (Bessho) realized that his common sense had been overturned multiple times. He took another bite of the tea-soaked rice and the simmered eel. The tea, condiments, eel, and sauce each had different aromas, but strangely, they didn’t clash with each other. Instead, they harmonized and created a comforting taste. As his stomach became full and his tired digestive system started to relax, the tea-soaked rice began to permeate through. Before he knew it, he had finished every last grain of rice without leaving a single one.

“Did the poison kick in? No, it’s fine. I’ll have some too.”

Sakihisa said so, and removed the lid of the container, inhaling the drifting scent to his heart’s content. It had been quite some time since he finished eating the chawanmushi . His stomach was tormenting him, urging him to eat quickly. Just like Nagaharu (Bessho), he quickly polished off a bowl of plain rice. Then, he added one type of condiment at a time, savoring each flavor. Finally, he poured tea over all the condiments and enjoyed a steaming hot ochazuke. He then let out a sigh as if in a trance.

“Since it seems that you are satisfied, I will bring you some tea after your meal.”

With those words, I called out to Aya and together we lowered the tray of chawanmushi and returned with a new tray carrying tea bowls. Unlike when we served chawanmushi, the tea bowls were not covered, and a fragrant aroma wafted from them. It wasn’t just the scent of tea, but also a slightly sour fragrance.

“It may be a bit unusual, but this tea is surprisingly calming when consumed after a meal. Please give it a try.”

While rubbing his satisfied belly, Nagaharu (Bessho) puts his hand on the teacup and takes a sip. Along with a fragrant aroma, there is a soft astringency and the scent of the sea, and finally, the fragrance of plum that envelops everything.

“I am called Umekobucha. It is made by drying and shaving a type of seaweed called kombu, and brewing it together with tea. It also contains dried plum fruits that have been crushed and added.”

After receiving overwhelming hospitality and consideration, Sakihisa realized that it was too early to judge Shizuko. He realized that it would be a mistake to confront someone who had calculated so much even before the meeting, as it would expose his own weaknesses. He understood that he needed to proceed to negotiations after establishing a friendship for a while, or else he would be easily manipulated. Furthermore, building a friendship meant that there would be more opportunities like this. Sakihisa , justifying his desire for food as a necessary part of the deal, broached the subject with Shizuko.

“Lord Shizuko, it seems that I was a bit too anxious. I have duly noted your request. Will it be possible to meet again on another day?”

Shizuko smiled softly and nodded, confident that her hospitality had attracted positive results.