Chapter 11 Part 2 - Since I was reborn as Saito Yoshitatsu, I'm aiming to hand over the territory to Oda Nobunaga and live longer!
1535 (Tenbun era, year 4)
TL: YuinaEditor: Yuina
External Narrator
Mino Province - Shugo's Residence [1], Edahiro Palace
Simultaneously with the ongoing discussions in Omi Province, at Ehiro Hall, the residence of Yorinari situated at the foot of Mount Mt. Inaba, the preparations for the memorial service were underway.
Although Yorinari had high hopes for Sakon no daibu Norihide's success, he had also been negotiating with the Imperial Court through other channels. The results were favorable, and he received an official notice, through the shogunate, appointing him as Shuri no daibu (Master of the Office of Palace Repairs) and Shugo of Mino.
Consequently, Yorikane believed that he could proclaim himself the successor without waiting for the outcome of Sakon no daibu's negotiations.
"Though I am curious about the results of Sakon no daibu's negotiations, we must first demonstrate to the neighboring provinces who the true successor is. Isn't that right, Yojuro?"
"You are absolutely right. While some in Mino Province remain undecided, once we secure your appointment of Shuri no daibu and take the lead in arranging the memorial service, their opinions may change."
The person addressed was Takatsukasa Yojuro Fuyuaki, also known by the title of Nii-dono (second lord). He belonged to the Takatsukasa family, a branch that emerged from the prestigious Sekkan lineage (families which produced regents), who had transitioned into the warrior class, and he was the lord of Nagase Castle in the Ibi District. He was renowned for his role in handling diplomatic affairs between the Toki clan and the imperial court, and perhaps as a result, he had developed a peculiar habit of intentionally employing a convoluted and somewhat elusive style of language commonly used by courtiers, making his speech somewhat difficult to comprehend.
"Conducting such a large-scale event may interfere with Sakon no Daibu's negotiations, don't you think?"
"Fear not. If my elder brother is dissatisfied, I will personally propose holding the memorial service at Oga Castle as well."
"Hmm..."
Nagai Moriyasu appeared hesitant. Although he belonged to the Nagai clan, he was from a separate lineage, directly serving under the Toki family.
"Elder brother, the preparations are complete. We only need to await tomorrow."
"Thank you for your assistance, Moriyasu."
"Do not mention it. I am no longer part of the Toki family; please consider me your vassal."
Washizu Rokuro Mitsunori, the younger brother of Toki Masayori and Toki Yorinari (and as his name 'Rokuro' suggests, he was the sixth son and Ibi was the fifth son), had been adopted into the Washizu family and now served as a retainer. He, along with Ibi Goro Mitsuchika, had long been loyal to Yorinori, leading to the strengthening of Yorinori's influence in the Washizu and Ibi regions.
"I already hold the true power within Mino Province. Before my elder brother returns, I must firmly establish this fact."
If the sole purpose is to solidify his own position and restrict his elder brother, Masayori, from exerting his influence within Mino Province, then indeed, this timing is undeniably impeccable.
However, the involvement of powerful factions such as Asakura and Rokkaku in the ongoing negotiations posed a challenge. Yet, it would be unreasonable to expect Yorinori, preoccupied with the ongoing memorial service, to directly intervene.
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