“Father, when Chikumamaru fell from the tree the other day and lost consciousness, I saw two ‘Butterfly Dreams.'”

Motonaga sharply inhaled.

“One was a dream of a distant future.”

“In that world, Japan knew no wars, and goods overflowed everywhere.”

“Goods overflowing?”

“Like the things you’ve been drawing?”

“Some of them, yes.”

“But it was far, far more advanced and convenient.”

“A world without war…”

“As for the other…”

“This is my third life.”

“If things continue as they are, Father will rise up alongside Lord Rokurō and avenge Grandfather.”

“However, Lord Rokurō will betray you.”

“You will be cornered and forced to take your own life.”

“The Miyoshi clan will briefly come close to ruling the realm.”

“But afterward, the clan will collapse as though tumbling down a slope.”

“The Miyoshi family will be nearly wiped out.”

“I lost my father, my younger brothers, and my son.”

“I even killed my own younger brother with my own hands.”

“In the end, I died alone, consumed by regret.”

“Chikuma…”

“I…”

“I do not want a life like that.”

“I want to protect you, Father.”

“I want to protect my brothers, the Miyoshi clan, everyone, and the people of Awa.”

“I cannot forgive Lord Rokurō for betraying you and driving you to your death.”

“But is that truly the truth?”

“Yes.”

“The moment Lord Rokurō becomes Kanrei through Father’s support, he will come to resent Father for not obeying his every command.”

“And he will drive you to your death.”

“I find that very difficult to believe…”

“Lord Rokurō is that kind of man.”

“Because of him, the age of warfare will become even more chaotic.”

“He will bring about countless deaths.”

“In the end, he will die hated by many, with people constantly seeking his life.”

“And the first victim of all that will be Father.”

“…Then what would you have me do?”

“Please distance yourself from Lord Rokurō.”

“That would be difficult.”

“Then please pass the family headship to me.”

“Of course, I am still only a child.”

“Therefore, with Father’s support as my guardian, I would like to focus on domestic affairs and put many things into practice.”

“Could anyone really drag a child who has only just inherited the family into battle?”

“I have already grown tired of a life spent on battlefields in my previous life.”

“Rather, in this life, I wish to devote myself to making this blessed land of Awa as prosperous as the capital itself.”

After saying that, he lowered his small head in a respectful bow.

The son sitting before him, speaking his mind so calmly despite being only three years old by traditional counting, seemed less like a child and more like a seasoned veteran far older than himself.

It was difficult to believe.

Yet as Motonaga looked at the growing pile of drawings depicting all manner of unfamiliar inventions, he could not help feeling that it would be a waste to raise Chikumamaru as nothing more than a warrior.

Compared to Lord Rokurō, whom he had met only moments before, Chikumamaru seemed to possess a far greater vision.

He wanted to see the Awa that Chikumamaru would create.

I see.

If I serve as his guardian, I can keep some distance from Lord Rokurō.

Until Chikumamaru comes of age, focusing on domestic affairs in Awa would not be a bad choice.

Still, it will be impossible to force him to serve the Lord Rokurō he despises so much.

Perhaps it would be better to place him under Lord Ujiyuki’s protection instead.

Now then, what should I do?

I feel somewhat guilty toward Lord Rokurō, but protecting Chikumamaru, who has seen the “Butterfly Dream,” must take priority.

A “Butterfly Dream,” huh?

What a mysterious thing.

I would very much like to see where the dreams this child sees will lead.

Thinking of the future that Chikumamaru would create, Motonaga smiled with deep satisfaction.