Chapter Nineteen: Go Find the Perfect Son-in-Law, Gowie

Having just traveled from the future world to the Warring States period, Gohime was still unaccustomed to the grand scenes she would later witness with ease.

No matter how gifted Gohime was, she was no match for the astute Akechi Mitsuhide, who seemed to have eight hundred cunning tricks up his sleeve.

Under Mitsuhide’s coaxing and cunning, Gohime refrained from revealing her origin from the future. However, she recounted everything else—the Shikon Jewel, Inuyasha, and the fact that she was the reincarnation of Kikyo—all in meticulous detail.

"I see."

Closing his eyes in thought, Mitsuhide rapidly categorized the information Gohime had shared. Meanwhile, Hojo Akitoki’s confidant, hidden outside the tent eavesdropping on Gohime’s words, feverishly took notes, ready to report back to their lord.

"By the way," Gohime cautiously asked, noticing Mitsuhide was deep in a mental storm, "where is Lord Hojo Akitoki?"

Mitsuhide didn’t answer immediately, still organizing his thoughts. So this was the situation. Opening his eyes, he fixed his gaze on the girl with a rare gleam of opportunity in his eyes.

No wonder that demon had attacked the seemingly ordinary Maple Village, and why, despite having such a perfect chance, it chose to spare Lord Hojo Akitoki and instead target the girl in front of him.

On the path of seeking unparalleled power, whether it was the reincarnation of Kikyo from fifty years ago or the Shikon Jewel that could grant unknown strength, Gohime’s value was immense.

Putting aside any disrespect towards Lord Hojo Akitoki, objectively speaking, Gohime was indeed more important.

Then...

A flicker of delight crossed Mitsuhide’s mind as he recalled the suggestion from the previous day.

"Marginally feasible," he murmured unconsciously.

"What do you mean by ‘marginally feasible’?"

Gohime, puzzled by his aloofness and cryptic remark, looked at Mitsuhide with questioning eyes.

"No, it’s nothing," he replied, sheathing his blade and lightly coughing behind his fist, slightly embarrassed by his slip of the tongue.

But feeling embarrassed was preferable to confessing to Gohime that he intended to have her become Lord Hojo Akitoki’s concubine.

If Gohime were merely a shrine maiden with some power, he could have been frank. After all, in this era, for someone of Gohime’s status to marry Lord Hojo Akitoki was already reaching beyond her station.

The position of principal wife was out of the question; even becoming a concubine would be a great honor.

Yet, considering she was involved with reincarnation and the Shikon Jewel...

Mitsuhide stepped forward and motioned for the girl to follow.

Then, with a barely perceptible glance, he swept over Gohime’s modest yet notable figure as she trailed behind him.

For the sake of his lord’s grand ambitions and the Hojo clan’s quest to unify the realm, he would proceed carefully.

Meanwhile, as Mitsuhide deliberately took a longer route, leading Gohime through the Hojo army camp towards Lord Hojo Akitoki’s location, the confidant outside had already delivered the intelligence to his lord.

"Well done. You may leave now," Lord Hojo Akitoki dismissed the messenger with a wave, having long been familiar with the contents of the report.

With this information, he could now instruct his warriors accordingly.

Otherwise, in pursuit of personal power, he would inevitably have to interact with Gohime and her companions in the coming days.

If he showed excessive friendliness towards Gohime without cause, his retainers would be baffled. They might suspect him of being a man obsessed with women or that he neglected his warriors out of fear of her formidable power.

Though Lord Hojo Akitoki was fearless, unnecessary troubles were best avoided.

"Status, rank, class," he murmured. "The Warring States era of Japan is fraught with countless hidden rules and constraints."

"Samurai can be hard to please. Heaven knows why Oda Nobunaga lost his temper and berated Akechi Mitsuhide so harshly over a poorly organized banquet."

"Even if there were conspiracies, would Mitsuhide harbor resentment to the extent of attacking his lord at Honnoji?"

Shaking his head, Lord Hojo Akitoki feigned a thorough reading of the report, and before Gohime’s arrival, casually tossed the papers into the fire.

When Gohime arrived, she saw Lord Hojo Akitoki acting warmly, serving food with a bright smile to his vassal samurai, exuding the air of a harmonious camp.

"Lord Hojo Akitoki," she greeted.

Gohime’s perception was once again reshaped by his demeanor. In her own time, politicians courting votes would often engage in such displays of camaraderie. Some candidates, especially those with gender advantages, were even known to resort to scandalous means to secure support.

Gohime should have been immune to Lord Hojo Akitoki’s act, but perhaps due to preconceived notions or the stark difference in eras, she found herself moved to tears as she observed his closeness with his warriors.

"Our lord has always been like this," Mitsuhide added, embellishing to boost Gohime’s impression of Hojo Akitoki, "which is why so many Hojo samurai regard him as their sovereign and father."

"Moreover, his kindness extends beyond his warriors to the common folk under his rule."

"In this Warring States period, only those under his governance can enjoy two full meals a day."

"And during festivals, they even get a salted fish."

Touched, Gohime wiped away her tears. Having witnessed the daily provisions of the Maple Village villagers, she could tell their lives were not harsh—at least not here.

"Lord Hojo Akitoki, Miss Gohime wishes to see you," Mitsuhide said, knowing when to stop now that his goal was achieved.

He brought the girl to Lord Hojo Akitoki’s side and bowed respectfully.

"Oh, Mitsuhide, and Gohime," Hojo Akitoki greeted them with a smile. "Come, try the porridge I made."

He cheerfully ladled two bowls and, after a brief word with the cooks and samurai, sat down with them.

Seated on the ground, it was impossible to discern that Hojo Akitoki was a powerful regional lord.

He behaved naturally, eating heartily while listening to Mitsuhide’s report.

"I see," he said, wiping his mouth and looking at Gohime.

Noticing his gaze, Gohime nervously set down the half-finished bowl of porridge.

"You are Gohime, not Kikyo," he affirmed in a single sentence.

The words brought tears to Gohime’s eyes.

Since arriving in this era, leaving behind familiar surroundings, and cherished family and friends, Gohime had been uneasy in this strange world.

Yet, Maple Granny and Inuyasha kept calling her Kikyo, their eyes always filled with longing for that lost figure.

But deep inside, Gohime did not want to be Kikyo, nor a substitute for her.

I am myself—I am Gohime Higurashi!

Not Kikyo, the shrine maiden who guards the Shikon Jewel!

"I will handle the shards of the Shikon Jewel," Hojo Akitoki said.

"There’s no need for you to shoulder such a heavy burden. At your age, a young woman like you should be seeking a worthy husband."

Before Gohime could fully absorb the kindness, Lord Hojo Akitoki spoke words fitting for this era.