Published at 19th of August 2023 8:05 am

Chapter 362

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Kojirou As A Mother

Shogun’s POV

It’s been some time since Kojirou left to make unadon. There was a quiet air inside the room, not even the sound of rustling clothes can be heard.

I knew that Kojirou was going to quit. However, that was something he always let slip every day for the past few years now.

Although it was bothersome when he let out those remarks, he still properly worked as a swordsman while being encouraged by his sister - Kaede - and his mother - Ouka -.

And although he uttered such indolent remarks every day, he properly completes what he was assigned to do and would give his subordinates a solution if they were to ask for his help without refusing once.

Though his appearance and his speech and conduct stand out, in terms of ability as a swordsman is second to me and there was nothing to criticize about his personality, he is a capable person.

The reason I bestowed him with that sword is that despite saying bothersome things, Kojirou performs his job of protecting the country and training Shuichi satisfactorily.

And not just me, everyone working in the castle must have also thought the same.

Although Kojirou keeps saying things like ‘It is so bothersome, I want to quit’, he still carries out his duty properly.

However, how does the current situation come to? Not only as Shuichi’s guard, but he directly talked about his intention of resigning from his job as a swordsman.

At the start, I thought he had a bit of an argument with Kingasa and Kaeda, and thus he let those words slip out of his mouth.

So I thought, but Kojirou came to this room with a very serious expression on his face and told us that he want to make unadon and open a restaurant.

His eyes were also not his usual lifeless eyes, but eyes that burns with silent determination.

Looking at Kojirou’s eyes, I have come to understand that it was a decision that came from his heart, not from his emotion or any conflict with others.

Be that as it may, the Inaba’s have been serving the Shogun’s family for generations. Although I am the Shogun, I can not easily agree to his request. And besides, it will be regrettable to lose Kojirou for me and I do not want to let him leave.

And so I hurriedly summoned Ouka, hoping she could try to persuade him.

Even Kojirou will change his mind - since she is someone he found it hard to deal with - if Ouka persuades him

And then, Ouka will lecture him as usual again, and then he will return to his job as a swordsman.

Or so I thought, but of all things, Ouka suggested something like this.

「Then, let us do this. As Kojirou said, if the three of us, myself included, can recognize the eel dish then we will approve of Kojirou resignation」

It is not like his resignation was suddenly accepted, but it is clear those were the words Kojirou is waiting for.

To think that Ouka - who was feared and called the Fierce/Demon God (鬼神) in the past - would say something like that.

I have known her for a long time, but I did not understand her true motive for saying that.

It was surprising since I had expected her to oppose it no matter what, even to the point of yelling and sending Kojirou flying or something.

I can not read Ouka’s thoughts.

So I cough and ask, as though to clear away the oppressive atmosphere of silence in the room.

「Ouka, why did you suggest something like that?」

「I - as the present head of the Inaba family - have always acted toward my own son as the head of the family who serves the Shogun family. I gave them the strength to be able to support the Shogun family, so they will not be looked down upon as a commoner’s child like me.....」

Since the Inaba valued their lineage for generations, they have been marrying their descendants to other noble families.

However, Ouka is a commoner who rose up from the battlefield with her sword. Under normal circumstances, she would not be able to enter the Inaba’s. It is said that there was a lot of disagreement over her marriage back then.

In the end, Ouka and her late husband received their consent by showing their determination and accumulating military exploits but still, even now there is still no change in the harsh criticism coming from within the family.

Because of that, Ouka has been raising Kojirou and Kaede strictly so they would have a secure position and not be looked down upon by the people in the family.

As a Shogun and a parent, I could understand that feeling very clearly.

「That is why it is not the best thing to do. Kojirou that child, he had obtained the ability worthy to be a swordsman of the Inaba family, but he has no ambition at all. He is empty inside. Would such a person be able to live within the Inabas through thick and thin?」

When I appointed Kojirou to be Shuichi’s guard, I also thought about that as well something that worries me.

I was wondering if Kojirou would run away at some point?

But, I thought I could dispel that worry by appointing Kaede as Haruka’s guard.

「If so, even if we teach them in that way from now on......」

「If only I treated him as a mother for a bit more, he would turn out to become like Kaede」

So Ouka said in self-deprecation.

Kojirou is Ouka’s first son.

Perhaps, she could not show her tenderness as a mother to him back then like she wanted to, because the eyes of the family had been severe on them.

Indeed, it might be difficult for Ouka to show that side of her now.

「But, Kojirou was not afraid of showing his determination even toward me. It was the first time that child said she wanted to do something of her own volition with such determination in his eyes. Looking at him like that, I wanted to help him as a mother」

That was not the face of the head of the Inaba family, but a gentle face I have never seen before.

Not as the present head of the family, but she wanted to help her son as a mother.

I was able to accept her suggestion earlier after hearing Ouka’s thoughts.

「Though, is it fine doing this? If Kojiorou were to resign, then the whole family will severely......」

「It is fine. As his mother, I have to do my best in that. Besides, if Kojirou succeeds in being a chef instead of just a swordsman, then it will become a new wind for the family」

Her gentle expression tightened and turned into the usual dignified expression when I spontaneously asked her.

The Inaba is a family of people with authority and long history, but the status of the people not becoming a swordsman is seen as lower than those who become one.

It is not like everyone who was born in the family has a talent for swordsmanship, but Kojirou could probably become a new light for those without the talent for swordsmanship.

It’s just that, she is going to try to make a new reform inside the family, not just to support those children.

Looking at Ouka’s reassuring smile, made me feel somewhat relieved.

But, Kinugasa put a damper on the now more relaxed atmosphere.

「Hahaha, Gouki-sama’s worries are unnecessary. There is no way that guy will be able to cook that unpalatable eel properly」

Hearing Kinugasa’s mocking laughter, Ouka’s cheeks slightly twitched.

Why would he make that kind of remark and be unable to read the mood after hearing what Ouka said just now?

It is because you are talking like that, you have a bad reputation in the castle.

I’m worried about my retainer in front of me, different from my worries about Kojirou.

Author Note :

『I Quit My Job And Return Home~ Starting A Slowlife In The Countryside』

I tried to upload what I had been writing and accumulating to Kakuyomu. It’s about a modern slow life.

The scene is at a nostalgic rural home. Doing things like crayfish fishing.

Please do check it out if you don’t mind.

https://kakuyomu.jp/works/1177354054887620988

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