Favors from Nobles and a New Ally

I was more than aware that entering the affluent world of the nobles in Kanae Estuary is easier said than done. They always have heavily armed bodyguards around them whether they are at their own home or travelling somewhere and they are very picky with who they allow to enter in their mansions or castles.

"Is everyone good now?"

"I and my subordinates are now fully prepared, Iwasawa-sama."

Kotori's female subordinates came out of their room while wearing the specially tailored kimonos that came from the last package that came from Kiko. Their vibrant colors and highly intricate patterns will surely be an attraction for the fashion-conscious noble women here.

"How about you, Namikaze-jii and Ayato-"

Before I can even end my question, Ayato opened the door of his room and stepped out with a pissed look on his face.

"Tch! I know that I should look like a thug, but this is too much!"

"Ahahaha!!!"

"Wow, Captain Ayasaki! It fits you! Kuhaha!"

"Shut up!"

Ayato was wearing miner pants with a heavy belt buckle while he wore nothing on his torso save for a thin and slightly damaged haori coat usually worn by farmers while harvesting rice.

"Oi, Kotori! This isn't what you said my clothes will look like!"

"Ehe…"

"What do you mean "Ehe"?!"

"N-now, now… Can you calm down for a moment, Ayato-kun?"

"Argh… I will. I apologize for raising my voice, Iwasawa-sama."

I cleared my throat, not wanting to let even a giggle to escape that might agitate Ayato, before speaking to him.

"I know that I asked a pretty heavy thing for you and the others to pull off, but as you may know, you are one of the integral foundations of whether what we will do will be a success or not."

"…"

"So, make me proud, Ayato-kun!"

"Haah… I have already sworn to do whatever you want me to do when you saved my life, Iwasawa-kou-sama… Anything you ask of me, I will do."

"…Thank you."

I then turned around and looked at the people who will be the closest to me during our operation.

"You… look a bit healthier with those clothes, Minori-kun."

"Please, Kou-sama. We both know that I look fat because of these…"

Minori was wearing a business suit not unlike a modern office worker's clothes. He took off the coat and under there, in various pockets and secret compartments, are handguns and throwing knives that must've weighed about 10 kilograms.

"Maybe I should've told the tailor to add metal struts on your coat's back so you won't hunch down with that much wait around your torso."

"This is nothing, Iwasawa-sama. I carried heavier weapons before."

I then turned to Kurumi and Reiha and both of them are wearing kimonos and light make-up that came from Kiko as well.

"Does it look good?"

"Yeah. It fits both of you."

I already knew that without their animal appendages such as ears and a tail, both Kurumi and Reiha look like humans with no blemishes or flaws due to their mythical race. But it was only now that I fully appreciated their natural beauty after it was enhanced by their clothes and facial make-up.

"I guess we're set now."

Everyone nodded to agree to my words and listened carefully to my instructions for today.

"For Ayato-kun and Namikaze-jii, I want your new gang's name to become well-known in these parts. Let both authorities and ruffians to know that someone new just came by and they'll act as they see fit here. With that, I allow you two to act according to your judgement, hurt who you have to hurt and scare who you have to scare. But don't oppress the common folk or destroy their belongings. We have to win over the locals, not distance them further from us."

"""Yes, sir!"""

"Next, Kotori's team. Go and shop around for silk and other tailoring supplies in the town. Although most of our best designer label clothes will be sent here from Kiko, we would surely get orders from interested noblewomen who can't wait for shipments from that far away. Do you get what I am trying to say?"

"""Yes, sir!"""

"Lastly, us four…"

"What will we be doing today, Hiroshi-kun?"

After Kurumi asked that, I took a letter from my pocket and showed it to them three.

"What is that letter?"

"It's from the Imai noble house. Their guards must've reported our arrival to their masters, and those nobles wanted to quickly see if we brought some interesting goods with us."

"Then… this is an invitation?"

"Yep. From what I gather in this letter, the Imai lord is throwing a party for his daughter's engagement to the Handa clan. Although it's an engagement party, the Imai lord seems to be using it as a pretext to invite over businessmen to enrich his land more and possibly curry favor with the Handa clan who seems to be starting some kind of alliance to plot against the Shogun."

"Y-You mean-"

"Yep. Ever since the emperor suddenly gave all of his power to the Shogun, many of the nobles that have close ties and are loyal to the imperial family has been wondering why the emperor suddenly did that. I believe this alliance is some kind of movement to force the Shogunate to confess that they did some underhanded tactic to force the emperor let go of his power."

"Then if we get the good graces of the Imai lord…"

"And the Imai lord allows us to enter into that alliance group…"

"Yes. We will get to have a good footing against our fight with the Shogunate."

With everything ready, all of us departed our estate to do our own respective jobs.

Along with Kotori's group, I and my three close companions rode carriages to the capital city of the Imai clan that is situated near the Houshou river. They split apart after entering the fiefdom's capital, agreeing to meet up again after the engagement ceremony was finished, so Kotori and her women can display their items and attract customers at the party after the ceremony.

"Invitation, sir?"

"Here. These three are with me. This is my fiancé, her younger sister, and this man is my friend who has come here as my business liaison."

"Very well, sir. Do enjoy the ceremony."

At the entrance of the palace, I was already made aware of how tight the security was as the walls of the castle estate was filled to the brim with archers and musket men and inside, some other soldiers dressed as attendants or event coordinators are also looking out for intruders.

"Kurumi, Reiha. Don't wander around too much or speak freely. I know that you two have been taught by Inari-sama about formalities, but we aren't really sure if any of that will be accepted here."

"We're aware."

"Huh?"

"So you can sense it too, Kurumi-chan?"

"Yeah…"

I was puzzled as both Kurumi and Reiha looked out of our carriage's windows and spoke about sensing something strange.

"These nobles seem to be harboring the same aura as the one we detected yesterday in that abandoned house."

"You mean that…"

"They have a lot of blood on their hands… You also have that aura, Hiroshi-kun… But theirs' are not like yours which is warm and borne out of necessity as a leader."

"…"

"Theirs' are auras of cold-blooded slaughter. They have committed murders that simply out of whim or boredom… I believe that speaking recklessly with them would be harmful."

"We'll stick with you, Hiroshi-kun. Speak for us if needed."

Being told as such by Kurumi and Reiha, I nodded and agreed to be the one in lead with the talks.

"We're here. I'll be following behind your backs."

"Mm. Keep an eye out for our sake, Minori-kun. We don't know if the green hoods are here too. And there's also the Yomi cultists, they might sense Kurumi and Reiha's mythical aura and target them."

Minori placed his hand into one of his coat pockets and unlocked one of his pistols that made an audible click.

"…Let's go."

We walked out of our carriage and entered the grand hall of the palace where we are led to our seats to watch the engagement ceremony that is just about to start.

"Imai Shizune of the Imai fiefdom… Imai Shizune of the Imai fiefdom. You may now enter the hall."

"All attendees, please stand as per tradition."

We stood up from our seats and watched as the princess of the Imai clan entered the hall alongside her father, Lord Imai Goemon and some of her servants. She walked across the room and sat down elegantly at the cushion in the forefront of the room.

"Handa Ichizuka of the Handa fiefdom… Handa Ichizuka of the Handa fiefdom… You may now enter the hall."

When the prince of the Handa clan entered the room, every attending audience bowed down towards him which we did as well. Maybe because his family is among the most influential ones in Kanae did his entrance needed such reverence. He walked across the hall and sat in front of the Imai woman with only a table separating the two of them.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Imai Shizuka-sama."

"The pleasure is mine, Lord Handa Ichizuka. It is an honor to finally see your visage as well."

So, this is the first time that they have actually met, huh? Arranged marriages has never been out of style for nobles.

The ceremony continued as each exchanged pre-written love poems that they have already memorized before the event. Some obviously hired servants were placed around the area to pretend that they are being emotionally moved with the exchange of words of love which made other onlookers join in as well. However, I was aware of what is happening and looked at in an objective way as the two sides continued with their love poems that was simply narrated with no actual feelings behind it.

As it was obvious, there do is no speck of actual love between the two.

"To officiate the engagement of the two parties, may the two betrothed raise their teacups and say their vows."

The two young people held their tea cups and raised it at the level of their chest before speaking their vows in unison.

""My vow was to my family. My vow is now to you. Through this engagement, let us join our strength and our mind to bring into reality a new tomorrow that will nourish our families and their aspirations.""

"My name is Handa Ichizuka of the Handa Upper Imperial noble clan."

"My name is Imai Shizuka of the Imai Lower Imperial noble clan."

""Sup on my cup, my dearest. And may the heavens bless our engagement."

They extended their arms towards each other and placed the teacups near each other's lips as they tilted it and drank from each other's cup.

"Ahem… The ceremony is now over! Everyone, applaud the two and give them blessings for a better future!"

"Banzai!"

"Banzai!"

The audience clapped and cheered as the two stood up and bowed towards us. After stepping down from their platform, the two joined hands as they slowly walked across the hall leading to the courtyard where the party will be held.

"Alright, everyone. Let's look good now."

"Mm!"

"I'll behave as you told me too, Hiroshi."

"I'll be guarding you from nearby, sir."

We four walked down to the courtyard and exchanged greetings with the merchants who are also here to attract some nobles to become their customers. But the main purpose of our trip here seemed to be already aware of our presence, because as soon as we entered the courtyard, three men wearing exquisitely tailored clothes and has the air of a high-born noble approached us with a question.

"Are you the one sent by Consul Edogawa of the Kashima merchant alliance?"

"Why, yes I am, my lieges… My name is Miyazaki Hiro, close confidante of Consul Edogawa Gin of Hashidate province and his head business ambassador to the Imperial capital. To whom do I owe this pleasant conversation, sir?"

"Ah! How refined! How noble!"

"I expected someone from the lowlands to not know any formality. Oh, how surprised I am to see someone like you, Mr. Miyazaki."

"The honor is all mine, my lieges. Now, may I ask to what purpose I have been approached, sirs?"

"Ahaha! Well, I and my wife came to the event hall early and when you and your group entered the hall, my wife's eyes were caught by this young ladies' clothing."

The nobleman spoke a reply and showed his wife who had an extravagant set of clothes on her hiding her interested smile behind a folding fan as she closely inspected the clothes of both Kurumi and Reiha."

"Oh! Ahaha… Where are my manners? This young lady is my fiancé, Kuromine Kurumi and her younger sister, Reiha. Their clothes came from a renowned designer company that our merchant alliance was able to form contracts because of my long and painstakingly difficult negotiations with them."

"Oho? A designer company, you say?"

"Yes, my liege. This kimono that is being worn by my fiancé belongs to the "Moonlight Maiden" designer set that I gifted her during our engagement. Believe it or not, it costed me a year's worth of my salary just to even reserve a slot on the list of clients who can have it once it comes out."

"H-huh? Wait a moment. Are you saying that-"

"Yes, my liege. These very special clothes are made solely by its own designer from the cutting of the silk cloth to the packaging. Because of that, only two of them are made every year."

"W-what?"

"Such elegance and rarity!"

My lies seem to have made the actually commonplace formal clothing that came from a factory in Kiko into a legendary status symbol here in the imperial capital. But in truth, this is partially true. Not many merchants from our lands have reached this far into the central plains yet and seeing these uniformly made stitches that are made by a sewing machine and the prints that are so intricate to the eye that it seems to be already there when the cloth was weaved, made them buy my words more.

"T-then, how much did it actually cost you, Mr. Miyazaki?"

"It is-"

"1.5 million Kan."

Instead of me, it was Kurumi who cut me off and answered the question.

"O-one…"

"One and a half million?!"

"I-It really is an exquisite fashion piece!"

I almost held my breath when Kurumi gave that outrageously large number. I was planning to say that it was just half a million Kan overall, but her interruption tripled that. I gave her a look and she gave me a wink, silently saying that I should just carry on.

"T-Then, what about young lady Reiha's clothing?"

"Ah! Reiha-chan's clothes belong to the "Midsummer Dreamer" designer set for pre-teenage women. These are less rare because it belongs to a designer that exclusively makes clothes for young ladies, but what it lacks in a luxurious price tag or rarity, it makes us with its philosophical meaning."

"Philosophical meaning?"

"Like a poem, Mr. Miyazaki?"

"Yes, My madame. Each article of clothing in the Midsummer Dreamer set comes with a different mindset from its designer. This kimono carries the words "The gentle sunbeams carry the sweet and pure elegance of its wearer. A beauty that is neither explicitly endearing nor seductive, but one that the beholder wishes to nurture and protect." As you can see from the design of the prints, these words are true since its intended wearers are young girls that are as pure as the undriven snow."

"Wow…"

"Such thoughts placed in something like clothes…"

"Have we underestimated the elegance of the lowlanders?"

We continued to converse with the nobles and from the first three couples who approached us, there was soon about ten of them around us as we sat by a large circle where I narrate to them more items that are being set up by Kotori and her crew in a symposium stall at a corner of the courtyard.

"And you see, these fashion items vary not only to kimonos such as furisode, uchikake, tsukesage and iromuji kimonos for women or Hakama kimonos for men, but also on footwear and private clothing."

"P-Private clothing?"

"Yes, my lady… Private clothing."

As I mentioned that, some of the nobles seemed to be slightly distraught. After all, not many of them are so positive about talking about "those things" out in the open.

"Now, now… I beg your pardon, my lieges and ladies. I know that most of you may raise your eyebrows if I mention such things like the covering of our beloved private parts. But I must remind you, aren't these places the most sensitive and protected parts of ours?"

"Well…"

"Now that he said that…"

"Well then, it seems like my workers have finished our stall, so let me lead all of you to the unveiling of the items that we have in our stock today."

I led the interested nobles to the corner of the courtyard and there, exchanged some words with Kotori who has just finished arranging everything.

"Did you girls arrange it as I said?"

"Yes, master. I believe our customers will highly revere them because of the presentation method that you planned."

"Thanks a bunch, Kotori-chan. I owe you lots with this."

I faced the nobles again and with a loud voice, gave them a showman's greeting.

"Well then, ladies and gentlemen! I bid you welcome to the special wardrobe brought to your eyes by the Kashima merchant guild! May your eyes be fulfilled with the goods we brought to your presence today!"

With that, two female subordinates of Kotori pulled the sheets down and the nobles finally saw the items that we prepared for their perusal.

"T-this is-!"

"Are these clothes of the gods?!"

They can hardly believe their eyes as they looked at the clothes placed on mannequins or the shoes placed inside glass cases to present them as almost untouchable luxury items.

"Wait. This cloth is-"

"An imported weave of special cloth called "Satin", my liege. It has a shiny and bright hue that even though feels hot because of its tight weaving, will look leaps and bounds better that any other clothing."

"Ohho!"

"How about these shoes, Mr. Miyazaki? They don't look like they are made of wood or leather."

"These are shoes made of a material called vinyl, my lady. They repel water and moist mud and unlike leather, does not easily cause one's feet to form blisters because they will bend to the shape of one's feet the more they use them."

"H-how intricate of a material!"

Most of the nobles were content with checking the presented formal clothing and shoe wear, but some seem to have noticed that instead of placing our shelves by the wall, we made a square room using it by placing our shelves outwards.

"Mr. Miyazaki… may I ask why the shelves are arranged as such?"

"Oh… I didn't expect for some to already notice it. Very well then… Do you remember the "private clothing" that I mentioned earlier, my liege?"

"Huh? Oh! I see… So that is the reason why the shelves are arranged as such?"

"Yes, my liege. I wanted to keep it away from the public eyes due to its… risqué nature. Would you like to see it then, my liege?"

The small group of nobles who noticed it talked about my offer and after a moment, told me that they wanted to have a glimpse in it. With that, I told Kurumi and Reiha to help around in presenting our items to the growing crowd of interested nobles as I lead the few to the rear area of the stall.

"T-T-These are-!"

"Strange clothes… yet they are just as luxurious looking!"

Their surprised and blushing expressions was something that I expected as they saw the brassieres, night gowns and other undergarments that are either made for practical reasons or "special nights".

"This thin silk robe… is this meant for "that", Mr. Miyazaki?"

"Yes, my lady. This came from a different designer company that specializes in these kinds of clothes. This belongs to the "Midnight Tryst" set which are composed of seductive undergarments for… special nights. As you can see, the thought in this piece is that even though "those areas" are covered, the thin silk cloth still gives out a silhouette to attract your partner's eyes."

"S-Such subtlety!"

"If I have one of these… maybe he will…"

The ladies seem to be interested with the undergarments with sensual aesthetic as they continued to inspect them. I turned to the men who are looking at the men's area and what seemed to be their subject of interest is a pair of boxer shorts that are quite loose at the thighs.

"How about you, my lieges. Have something caught your eyes?"

"Mr. Miyazaki, can I ask about this undergarment worn by this wooden doll?"

"Why, you sure can, my liege."

"I have been wondering since I looked at it and the others around it. It seems like none of them needed to be tied around like a loincloth."

"Oh! Now I understand. You see, my liege. These undergarments have things on their waist areas called "garter belts"."

"Garter… belts?"

"Yes, sir. They are elastic bands that adjusts to one's waist size to let them fit snugly onto their wearer. Unlike loincloths, these aren't as hard to take off and put on and they are very comfortable due to their airy leg holes."

"About that, wouldn't that cause some problems?"

"Why, if I may ask, my liege?"

"I mean, the whole point of the undergarment is to protect someone's private parts. With a quite loose hole to pass someone's legs through, wouldn't that expose those parts to the cold air?"

"Ah! I see it now. I believe that using these undergarments are actually better if that is your concern, my liege."

"How so?"

"I believe that the designer of the men's wear consulted a fertility doctor about this, and the doctor actually stated that "by having ample room for one's "jewels" to breathe and move, one can have healthy seeds to confide with his beloved." When I heard about this, I actually ordered a box set since even I am preparing for-"

Before I can finish my words, the noble men held me by the shoulder and arms which caused me to almost put up a defensive stance. But then, I saw a strange expression in the men's eyes.

"Mr. Miyazaki… since you said that you have bought them and are using them… we have a question…"

"Y-Yes?"

"Does… it really help in… "that"?"

Oh… are these noblemen actually…?

"Y-yes… Since I switched from using loincloths into these shorts, I feel less awkward when moving around and I have been able to… feel better during those times."

I lied about the last part. As a doctor, I knew that it does help to have a more loose undergarment for men in those parts, but I haven't actually done the deed even once to actually prove it.

"I see… Then, can I buy some?"

"Me too, Mr. Miyazaki."

"I as well…"

"O-Oh… I understand. I'll arrange for it later, my lieges."

An hour passed as our group continued to get direct sales with the nobles while some wanted to buy the "designer sets" and made reservations. Because of that, we have established a brand in the area, and we believe that as these nobles wear those clothes on other noble gatherings and spread our name, we will gain their respect and probably even their patronage.

"Mr. Miyazaki Hiro of the Kashima guild, I presume?"

"Oh, Your Highness. I am honored to be known."

Because of the ruckus of the nobles who were attracted to our items, the person I expected to come here finally arrived and gave me a neutral greeting.

"Hm. It seems like my reputation precedes me. But still, I wish to present myself. Ahem… My name is Imai Touya. The fief of this land and the father of the lady to whom this party is held."

"Well then, I am Miyazaki Hiro. Business ambassador of the Kashima merchant guild. To what do I owe this honor, my liege?"

"I noticed that your stall are selling fashion items…"

"-!"

No… No way! I didn't think that this would actually happen!

"Why, yes, Your Highness! Each and every article of clothing in our stall are highly refined and strictly critiqued pieces of art that our merchant guild has prided on."

"I can see that. I have never seen these nobles act like children rushing to a bag of candies before. If they are this excited about something like that, I believe it is a heaven-sent blessing that a group such as yours have come to this place. It truly was a right thing to send you that invitation."

"Oh please. You honor me too much, my liege."

I can barely hold down my excitement as I already sensed what his reason to approach me would be about.

"With that in mind, I would like to ask if your group is willing to take on a commission regarding my daughter and future son-in-law's marriage attires."

I knew it! I hit the big jackpot!

"I-It would be an honor to be given a place in such a joyous and special occasion."

"R-Really?"

"Yes! I-If you may allow me, I actually have a catalogue of designs for special orders with me. Can I have the honor of showing them to Princess Shizuka and Lord Ichizuka?"

I'm not going to waste this chance! I expected that this will only catch their ears, but I didn't expect that they would already approach me this early for something like this!

"Well then. If you do are ready, I believe it is not a wrong thing to do it now."

"Ah! Please spare me a moment, my liege. I'll go and bring some samples and the catalogue book with me quickly. I promise not to disappoint."

"As you wish."

I quickly went to our stall, called Kurumi to join me and bring the designs brochure while I carried some boxes that have the best-looking clothes as samples. Once we got near to the platform where the two clans are sitting by, I gave a greeting and identified the two of us before showing them our items.

"Oho…! These designs sure don't look like elementary ones!"

"Rather than clothing, these look like wearable paintings on the most luxurious silk screens!"

"Exactly! They are like exquisitely made paintings!"

The Imai and Handa family members spoke the same words as they looked astonished with the items.

"Now, now… The main reason why I brought Mr. Miyazaki here is not just the items he has right now, but one that I feel is better settled now than later. Shizuka… would you like to have his group tailor your wedding clothes?"

"Why do you ask, Father?"

"Well, when I saw his items, I knew that unlike the usual tailors, his thoughts in designs and how it must fit the wearer seemed like the right thing to do to signify the changes that will happen after your marriage."

"…"

I took the design catalogue and with a respectful bow presented it to the lady and her fiancé.

"Look Shizuka… this design looks like it will fit your beauty."

"…"

"How about this? The obi wouldn't be too conspicuous, and you won't feel too uncomfortable."

"…"

It seems like the young lady was being too quiet. Maybe she isn't so positive with everything since she has been practically wed off to someone for political reasons.

"Just do it if you want it, Father."

"H-huh?"

"I will accept what you want to do. I believe your judgement on who will make my clothes in that special day will never be wrong."

"I see… thank you, Shizuka."

"…"

I think I am right. She does feel helpless that she doesn't want to choose anymore because it will remind her that she actually can choose anything when she was forced into this marriage.

"Mr. Miyazaki. I wouldn't want to force you too much. But is it possible for you to come up with a fitting design after two weeks?"

"Hmm… I think that is a reasonable deadline, my liege. It would be enough to come up with a set of designs for the lady to choose from. But production would take about 2 or so months for the couple."

"I don't think that it is an unfair deal. Their marriage is set about four months after this day. Bring us your best products and I will reward you greatly, Mr. Miyazaki!"

"I am honored to receive such a glorious task, Your Highness. You can see to it that you will receive the best items that can ever come into being in this world!"

Night finally came and our group went back to our estate house to rest our tired selves.

"Uhaaa! Dealing with those pesky nobles is tiring-mujina!"

"Reiha-dono… please don't shout like that while we are in the public streets."

"Muu! Let me complain, Minori-kun! I'm tired!"

"Haah…"

Reiha was in her Tanuki demi-human form and speaking with her verbal tic on our way home. As the one tasked with packaging the bought items because of her quick hands, she was the one who deserved the most credit about our sales and with that, complained the most in the carriage.

"Do you think it was the right call, Hiroshi-kun?"

"What?"

"Being the ones to design and make the wedding kimono for the two nobles. That is… quite a heavy task."

"Ah. Don't worry about it. I already have an idea or two on how to do it. After all, I've seen all kinds of clothes in video games and anime that I have been sketching. I can just send a design to a factory in Kiko and ask Gin-kun to send it to us through a special shipment just like the ones we presented and sold earlier."

"I see… although I don't know what that "video game" and "anime" thing is."

After we went out of our carriages, Kotori and her subordinates brought the unsold clothes and mannequins to the storage shed while I prepared to call the clothing factory in Kiko to make my orders.

"A lot of the older women seem to be interested in the night gowns… Haha! Well, since they are already in the age where their bodies are failing them, I don't think it would be a strange order from them."

"Iwasawa-kou-sama."

"Ahh!!! Oh, it's just you Ayato-kun… Argh, you scared me."

"I'm sorry…"

While I was walking at the hallway, Ayato's sudden appearance surprised me and I screamed loudly which he apologized for. It wasn't as strange as it sure did frighten me, but the way he said that was what made me feel worried.

"Is… something wrong, Ayato?"

"…"

"What is it? Do tell me."

"While we are doing as you said, we met a few people who seem to be interested in meeting you, Kou-sama."

"And?"

"Ayasaki-san, let me say it myself."

Suddenly, a tall guy came from the receiving room and faced me which made me step back slightly.

"Who… are you?"

"…Iwasawa-kou-dono. I have a question."

"What is it?"

His question was something that carried more meaning through the way it was spoken rather than what it literally meant.

"What are you buying, Mr. Leon Kennedy?"

"-!"

I was slightly surprised because of the question, but I recomposed myself and answered calmly.

"Four boxes of handgun ammunition and a grenade… amigo."

"Hehe… I was right then with my haunch."

I know only a single group of people who understood that kind of reference in this world where it isn't supposed to exist yet.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Motoyasu Michi."

This guy is someone like me. An Otherworlder. And what he is about to say will be something that will bring me closer to the answer that I am trying to find.

"I am looking for people like the two of us in order to start a rebellion against the Shogunate."