Episode 96 - Sotomura


　After breakfast, I took a short nap and headed for Yoshioka Shrine in the afternoon.

　It was not Shohei (my son) but Juzo (my father) that I had to see that day.

　Juzo had been the Shinto priest of the Yoshioka Shrine for many years and was well acquainted with all the villages in the area.

　In this respect, there are many things that only he can consult with.


How is it?　How is the situation in the Outer Village?

　I asked Juzo, the priest of the village, when I arrived at the Yoshioka Shrine.

"Well, it's not looking too good.

　That's right.

　The reason I came here today was to consult with you about the Outer Village, which has been rather disadvantaged by the construction of the new port.

　Sotomura is a small village (population 50) located at the outskirts of the territory, the largest of the seven villages.

　Although it is small, it is the only one that faces the road that leads to the highway on the north side of the mountain, and it is also the most direct point of access from the land to other parts of Duangyun.

　They took advantage of this position to trade with other territories ......, that is to say, they sold surplus products from their territories to other territories and purchased daily necessities from other territories to sell in their territories.

　Especially for Toun, who had only a ramshackle port, Sotomura, the gateway to the land, was the key to trade with others.


　However, when a new port was built there, the story changed.

　The port had originally been built for ships, but now conventional liners were coming to the new port, and even large ships that had previously passed through the port were asking to dock there.

　Merchants from the Far East also began to stop by Tuan Yun from the sea.

　On the other hand, the outer village, which was the gateway to the overland route, would have to compete with the merchants coming from the sea.

　It was for this reason that none of the outer villages participated in the reclamation of the harbor.

　We have to make up for that somehow and improve our relationship.

That's why I'm going to ask Gaomura for 40 horses.

"Yo, 40 horses? ......!

　When I asked him to give a message to Tonomura, Juzo Yoshioka's eyes widened.

I'm not sure what to make of it.

"Well, I was thinking of forming the vanguard of the militia with 'cavalry'. So we need strong horses, not ordinary ones.

　I don't know anything about quests," said Juzo, scratching his head.

I don't know anything about quests," Juzo said, shaking his head. "Well, give my regards to the chief of the Outer Village. And .......

　I lit a cigarette and took a drag before continuing.

I'm going to keep the sales channel in the outer village as well, even if the goods come in from the port.

"Oh. Is that so?

Yes. It's better to maintain multiple channels of commerce.

　Moreover, according to Garcia's research, the Outer Village affects not only trade with other countries, but also the flow of goods within the territory.

　If the outer village is suddenly damaged by trade with the outside world, it may have a ripple effect on the economy of the territory.

I'll try to control the market so that it can be separated by land and sea as soon as possible, so just casually inform them of my intentions at .......

"I see. I see. - Casually.

　I learned last time in Teito that what a third party says casually is more credible than what the person himself says.

　And Juzo is well aware of this.

　Perhaps this is what is called "seniority.

Juzo. Your broad-mindedness is always a big help.

"No, not at all, sir.

　Juzo scratched his head vigorously.

I'm counting on you. Let me know if there's anything else you notice in terms of human relations in the territory.

　When I patted him on the shoulder, Juzo clammed up and said something like, "In that case, .......

"What's wrong?

What's wrong?" "Oh, no. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

"...... Really?

　It was indeed a shock to hear such a thing.

　However, if you go through Juzo, you can hear frankly the dissatisfaction that you can't say to me directly, and you have to listen to the painful things (rather than the painful things) with gratitude.

　It's better than continuing to be antagonized by the people without you noticing.

So, where did everyone say they were unhappy?

"Yes. That is, the engagement between the lord and Etsuchan.

That's it?

　In addition, Juzo has a close relationship with the Igarashi family, so he has to make sure to pretend to be engaged to Igarashi-san.

I don't know. "Are you saying that I'm getting a lot of flak from the guys because I took Igarashi-san?

No, it's not like that. ...... It's rather the opposite.

　According to Juzo, a lord must treat the entire territory fairly to some extent, but it is not good for him to stay at the Igarashi house and make out with them all the time, as he is doing now. (Actually, they're not really flirting, though!

　In other words, "Aren't you only favoring the Igarashi family? In other words, the Igarashi family is being favored by the other villages.

I think you should give consideration to the other villages and families.

"Consideration?

　When I puzzled, Juzo Yoshioka said.

"Yes. I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more information on this subject in the future.

　............?

What are you talking about?

"What are you talking about?" ......

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a little nervous about this. If a powerful lord can make a child with a village girl, each village will be at ease. The power relations between villages and between families will be settled.



"f*ck you. Of course you don't want to do that!

　I say, exhaling a cloud of cigarette smoke.

"Don't be so selfish, please understand. I understand that the lord likes Etsuchan, but if things continue as they are, there will be more and more friction between the Igarashi family and the other villages and families. That is why you are complaining to your lord.

"Ugh. ......

How about this as a duty of the lord?

　The priest of the Yoshioka Shrine said with a mysterious look on his face.