After All This Time

Ch.15 Trade Secrets

The floods have been kept to the minimal since the rainy season has passed. The crops have been growing back still retaining the good quality it previously had. The farmers were filled with joy knowing that they would live with prosperity and peace for another year. Although everything was going so well Inuyasha made the initiative to go visit the farmlands and marketplace once every month, wether it was formally or in secret.

It is important to know first hand what goes on around your territory especially with fall approaching.

Many citizens don't talk or can't talk about the underground conflicts. Gangs, spies, theft, lords sneaking around trying to do whatever they can to bring Inuyasha down. These were common occurrences. Every leader or official faced this. So it was important to find and see for himself. The only thing that stopped Inuyasha from getting rid of those traitors was the lack of staff they would have. Until they can find an adequate amount of people to replace them they can't take them all out.

But good, trustworthy people. Those were hard to come by. 

Gangs and petty criminals were much easier to deal with.

Just a little bit more till the province could become a better place.

During this formal visit Lord Hashigawa was allowed to come with them. So him and his assistant came too.

An "inspection". That is one way to address it but it was more of showing off then being inspected.

At first it was quite hectic. The back and forth between different farmers and the fields was tiring, then there were the long walks. Albeit no one seemed out of breathe. They opted out of bringing their carriages since it would be so tiring to get on and off of it. So they decided to leave it on the road before the farms begin.

Kouga was tagging along with Moroha, playing, running, etc. They engaged in childish games and to others it might seem a bit mannerless but Inuyasha found it endearing. Two of the most important people to him are enjoying themselves.

Lord Hashigawa and Sir Katashi stayed a few steps back observing.

Down the dirt road was the last farmer Inuyasha and the rest would have to meet before heading back. It was the last house, and it was longest they stayed in one place. Only because that house belonged to the Nakaya family. If Kouga remembered correctly they were the family that let Inuyasha and Moroha stay with them.

As soon as they step foot on their land Ichika had ran out calling the lord's and Moroha's name. She wrapped her arms around Moroha who's face had also lit up the moment she saw her. After squeezing each other they finally let go.

She seemed to have noticed the extra company with them today. She was quick to correct her informalities and bowed respectfully greeting the Daimyo, the princess and the lords.

Inuyasha smiled and pat her head. "No need to be so formal with us." She nodded. "You've grown taller and stronger just like your father." 

Kouga didn't like the way he patted her head. It gave him a burning sensation. 'Does he do this to everyone?'

Ichika seemed so proud of a small compliment. Probably because she knew he meant it. "You think so?" She asked sheepishly wanting to hear it again.

"I would never lie to you." He paused and looked around for the rest of her family. "Is your mom and dad not here today?"

"No, dad is resting since he was complaining about his leg hurting again."
"I hope he didn't overwork himself. He has to stop being so reckless."

"That's exactly what all of us have been saying, but god forbid he ever listen to his family." She rolled her eyes. "Maybe if you scold him as the Daimyo then he would actually listen."