My Gang of Swordsmen

The so-called “entering the castle” refers to the common term for entering Edo Castle, where the Shogunate resides.

Due to his low status, Aoto had never entered Edo Castle, which is similar in stature to the Forbidden City of the Tang Dynasty.

“Personally, I believe this is a very positive sign.”

“It indicates that Duke Dashu might be interested in you for accomplishing a remarkable feat and wants to see you in person.”

“If Duke Dashu really calls you into Edo Castle for this reason, then your sudden promotion makes sense.”

“Being highly appreciated by those in power and rising swiftly… there’s a precedent for that currently in the Shogunate.”

“Who?” Aoto instinctively asked.

Arima smiled faintly:

“Lord Katsu, whom you saved earlier, Mr. Tachibana. He was merely from a lower-level Hatamoto background and is now nearly promoted to a new Warship Magistrate.”

Warship Magistrate: A new position established by the Edo Shogunate due to the pressure from great powers after opening the country. Responsible for purchasing, building warships, and training naval technology, mainly to strengthen the navy.

The “Lord Katsu” in Arima’s words is Katsu Rintarō, who Aoto accidentally saved during the “Investigation Office Battle” a few months ago: the Head of the Foreign Language Research Institute and Professor of Cannonry at the Military Academy.

Katsu Rintarō, from a lower-level Hatamoto background, came to prominence and soared high due to the appreciation of the former Senior Councillor Abu Masahiro.

Tokugawa Iemochi, who assumed the Shogunate title two years ago, also highly appreciates Katsu Rintarō and has been nurturing him vigorously.

In terms of the speed of promotion, compared to Katsu Rintarō, Aoto is indeed a small rhinoceros compared to a giant.

It has already been confirmed that Katsu Rintarō is about to be promoted to the new Warship Magistrate, fully responsible for the construction of the Shogunate Navy.

Aoto, who owes a great debt to Katsu Rintarō and the Foreign Language Research Institute, has maintained contact with Katsu Rintarō over the past few months and has visited the Investigation Office a few times during his leisure time.

Despite being a genius with extraordinary talent and history, Katsu Rintarō is very approachable in personality, a gentle and humorous old uncle, and Aoto gets along quite well with him, maintaining a good relationship.

Thinking about this, Aoto suddenly realized: Unknowingly, his connections now seem to have become quite formidable…

Even the future Warship Magistrate has become his friend. He also has quite deep relationships with the scholars well-versed in Western studies at the Foreign Language Research Institute.

“In short—”

Arima continued along the topic, saying:

“As for the exact reasons, no matter how much we think about it dryly here, we won’t come to any conclusion.”

“Let’s let things take their course.”

“In these few days, remember to take your formal kimono out to sunbathe, and if it’s dirty, clean it in time.”

“You mustn’t lose decorum in front of others when you enter the castle on the 28th.”

At this point, Arima seemed to think of something, paused, and then smiled.

“If luck is on your side… you might even get to see Her Highness Tenshōin on the 28th.”

Her Highness Tenshōin… A woman known by everyone in Edo, the dream lover of countless Edo men.

It’s well known that, as the adopted mother of the current Shogunate Tokugawa Iemochi, Tenshōin is a staunch supporter of Tokugawa Iemochi, with the mother and son often appearing together in public.

When visiting Tokugawa Iemochi on the 28th… there’s indeed a possibility of meeting the famous Tenshōin along the way.

“Lord Arima.” Curiously, Aoto asked, “Have you ever seen Her Highness Tenshōin?”

Arima’s status and position just reach the threshold of entering the castle. On the 1st, 15th, and 25th of each month, and during holidays, Arima has to dress in full regalia, enter Edo Castle with other officials to greet the Shogunate and celebrate festivals with them.

“No.” Arima shook his head, “Her Highness Tenshōin rarely attends public events. When I enter the castle, I am usually seated far away, unable to see even Duke Dashu’s face clearly, and have never had the chance to catch a glimpse of Her Highness Tenshōin’s illustrious appearance.”

“Lord Arima, from your tone… do you really want to meet Her Highness Tenshōin?” Aoto asked in a half-joking tone.

“I’m just curious about Her Highness Tenshōin’s appearance,” Arima said flatly, “I’ve heard that Her Highness Tenshōin is exceedingly beautiful. It’s said that throughout Edo, the only one who can compare in beauty with Her Highness Tenshōin is Chiba Sonako from the Little Chiba Sword Dojo.”

—To think there’s someone who can rival Miss Sazanoko in beauty?

Hearing this, Aoto, who previously had no feelings towards Tenshōin, couldn’t help but develop some curiosity about this widow, who is said to still be a virgin.

Noticing the change in Aoto’s expression at this moment, Arima let out a few “hehehe” laughs.

“What? Mr. Tachibana, are you also developing a strong interest and strange thoughts about Her Highness Tenshōin, like those guys who are constantly thinking about comforting the lonely hearts of young widows?”

“Not at all.” Aoto replied irritably, “Just suddenly curious about the looks of Her Highness Tenshōin.”

Aoto paused and then, in a teasing tone, continued:

“I don’t have as much free time as those people, constantly thinking about things that are impossible.”

“I, who just became a Hatamoto Samurai, providing solace to the lonely emotions of the noble Her Highness Tenshōin—could such a thing happen?”

…

…

After the match with Xuanwu Hall, “peace” once again dominated Aoto’s life.

If there’s anything worth mentioning over the past few days…. it should be that after a brief and intense discussion, Aoto’s schedule on August 25th has been fully packed—on that day, Aoto will be attending the fireworks festival with Toshisuke, Kondo, Hijikata, Inoue, Saito, Nagakura, Harada, and Fujimura to watch fireworks.