“Wh-What kind of Nonsense is that?” Taken aback by Hirate Masahide's unexpected words, Il-yeong asked again dumbfounded, but Masahide saw it as merely the fluster of someone whose secret had been exposed. “You're flustered. Enough to utter the word 'Nonsense' to me, a Chief retainer of the Family.” “...N-No. That was a mistake.” Il-yeong then realized what he had said and belatedly tried to correct himself, but Masahide was faster. “I investigated your past actions. It was difficult because of these Turbulent Times, but I managed to obtain quite useful Information.” He spoke, looking at Il-yeong with cold eyes. “You entered Japan through Tsushima. After that, revealing yourself as a Ronin from Joseon, you passed through several families, arrived in Owari, and then settled down as a Low-rank Samurai, as if it were your destination. Could that truly be a coincidence?” “...That's. Hmm.” Indeed, from Masahide's perspective, suspicion was warranted. A non-Japanese fellow had wandered around claiming to be a Ronin, only to settle down in Owari. Only then could Il-yeong understand why Masahide harbored such suspicions. “...You suspect me of being a Spy from Joseon.” “Now you understand.” However, there was a blind spot in his words. “If that were the case, there would have been no reason for me to reveal my Joseon origins upon entering here.” If Il-yeong were truly a Joseon spy, there would be no reason to reveal his origin. Masahide seemed unable to think of a particular rebuttal to that point, hesitating for a moment before finally answering. “Perhaps you thought that Status was more suitable for Espionage.” “...Meaning a Disguise within a Disguise. Hah.” Il-yeong shook his head at Masahide's imagination, which was not only rich but overflowing. However, his words weren't entirely incomprehensible. Currently, Japan was in the Sengoku Period, which began with the Ōnin War. In other words, it was an era perfectly described as Turbulent Times (Ransei). If Joseon, backed by the Ming Dynasty, were to launch an Invasion of Japan at this time... 'Of course, there's no Possibility, though.' Not only would such a thing realistically not happen, but Joseon was currently experiencing tremendous political chaos. If Japan was a battlefield, it would be correct to say Joseon was rotting from within. It was the reign of the 13th king, King Myeongjong, and the ongoing aftermath of the Eulsa Sahwa[TL]The Fourth Literati Purge in Joseon Dynasty, occurring in 1545.[/TL], which began in 1545. The Joseon 'Baek Il-yeong', whose identity he naturally learned upon crossing into this world, was a military official disillusioned with Joseon. He crossed over to Japan after a close friend's family suffered ruin in that purge. 'How bad must it have been for the Annals of King Myeongjong to record that it was fortunate the country hadn't collapsed?' [TL] The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty are known for their frank, sometimes critical, accounts written by court historians. [/TL] Of course, it nearly did collapse during King Seonjo's time, but let's skip that for now. His words suggested a possibility but were closer to a highly unrealistic delusion. However, it wasn't surprising. It was fundamental for a Ruler to grasp even the smallest possibilities and prepare for them. Il-yeong grinned, meeting Masahide's gaze that watched him with a cold stare as if gauging his reaction. “So, to summarize Lord Masahide's words, I am one of the Agents dispatched for Surveillance of Owari, and Joseon is currently planning an Invasion of Japan in collaboration with the Ming Dynasty... is that how I should understand it?” Masahide nodded. “That is my thought. It's a sufficiently plausible scenario." “...Well. You're not wrong.” Il-yeong gave a bitter smile. 'Setting aside the Ming Dynasty, that is, if Joseon were in a normal state.' Although born Korean, Joseon in this period was a mess the more you looked into it. Indeed, wasn't the result the repeated defeats in the Imjin War? 'But, being continuously misunderstood is unfair.' While Masahide's attitude was perfectly respectable for a Ruler, he couldn't stand being wrongly accused. Hooo. Il-yeong let out a small sigh and spoke. “It seems you're already half-convinced. Is there any reason for me to have sought out Lord Masahide then?” “That is for you to say now.” Thinking he had hit the mark, Masahide instead gestured with his chin, seemingly telling him to speak. “Thinking about it, the fact the Young Lady came to meet me means you were already conducting Surveillance.” “Quite perceptive. No. Should I say slow, since you didn't notice for two months?” Damn it. No wonder things felt too peaceful. But the silence was brief. Il-yeong soon raised his head, ran a hand through his hair as if acknowledging being caught off guard, and spoke. “I am not a Spy.” “Is that so.” Although spoken with sincerity, Masahide turned his head towards the Warriors waiting behind the door as if he expected as much. It wasn't unreasonable for him not to believe. Would a Spy ever admit to being one in the first place? But at that moment. Il-yeong looked at Masahide with a calm face, devoid of any hint of anxiety, and spoke. “Are all these men trustworthy?” To his question, Masahide nodded. “They have all followed me for a long time. So, even if you appeal for sympathy, none will spare you.” Who else would he bring to such a place if not trustworthy men? At his words, Il-yeong gave a brief, bitter smile, then spoke. “You will regret killing or imprisoning me, Masahide.” “Hmm.” At the utterly calm, yet confident voice, Masahide's hand, which was about to give the order, momentarily stopped. When silent permission to speak seemed to be granted, Il-yeong answered. “You asked why I settled in Owari Province.” “I did.” “There is only one reason for my presence here.” Il-yeong's dark pupils met Masahide's. But the person Il-yeong was truly looking at was not Masahide. “Oda Nobunaga.” “...What did you say?” For a moment, Masahide doubted his ears. What had that Joseon Spy just said? Oda Nobunaga. Had he spoken the name of that childish girl who made even him, a Loyal retainer, have doubts? However, Il-yeong repeated himself to confirm Masahide hadn't misheard. “I remained in this Territory because I saw Oda Nobunaga.” “...You're slowly going mad.” Masahide shook his head, dismissing it, and immediately gestured to the Samurai. Immediately, the Samurai opened the door, entered, and approached to cut Il-yeong down instantly. “Did you think praising the Family Head would save your life? Not a chance.” However, Il-yeong spoke, still looking at Masahide with unwavering eyes. “...Lord Masahide, what do you think of the current Family Head?” “......” There was no reply. Then Il-yeong spoke. “You likely think of her as childish, emotional, and failing to grasp the current situation properly.” Step. Shing—. The Samurai drew their Japanese swords in unison, and the chilling gleam of the blades reflected in the moonlight grazed Il-yeong's cheek. They looked ready to instantly cut down Il-yeong for insulting the ruler of Owari Province. “But inwardly, you worry about her more than anyone and are loyal. That's why you've left the Main Family's side and have been supporting her at Nagoya Castle for two months.” At that moment. Masahide stopped the samurai who had raised their swords and looked at Il-yeong with complicated eyes. “You asked why I came looking for you.” Then Il-yeong slowly approached him. Naturally, the Samurai tried to stop him, but Masahide shook his head, gesturing them to let him be. “It's simple. It is partly to prepare for the numerous threats to come, but the most important thing is...” The short distance between them closed too quickly, and soon, having reached him, Il-yeong spoke to Masahide in a flat voice. “I came to persuade you not to commit Seppuku for her sake. Hirate Masahide.” And at that moment. “H-Hiccup?!” Very coincidentally, a familiar voice sounded from the ceiling. "Gasp!" She belatedly covered her mouth, but unfortunately for her, even that sound was too loud in the night's silence. “......” “......” What naturally followed was a dreadful silence. Il-yeong and Masahide exchanged glances, but soon Masahide shook his head, looked up at the ceiling, and spoke. “...Come out, Lord Mori.” “......Yeees.” Thump! When Mori Yoshinari landed in the Courtyard Garden, two honkers shook wildly. At the overwhelming Reciprocating Motion of her Large Breasts, Masahide and Il-yeong turned their heads away, but Yoshinari herself, laughed awkwardly with an embarrassed face, saying, "Hehe." “Ah, hello? Lord Hirate?” Naturally, the silence only grew longer.

Hirate Family (3)