Moreover... Aoto is indeed sitting very comfortably now.
Toshisuke is currently facing the corner, with his back to Aoto.
Because he needs to hide Toshisuke thoroughly, Aoto’s back is pressed tightly against Toshisuke’s.
The feeling... is indescribable.
Aoto’s "Gathering Spirit" unintentionally activated.
He focused his whole mind, concentrated all his attention, trying hard to ignore the distracting sensations constantly transmitted to his back.
In short—Aoto’s excuses successfully fooled everyone once again.
Seeing Aoto persistently insisting on sitting in the corner of the bath, Kondo and his group no longer said anything, not forcing Aoto to sit beside them.
Seeing this, Aoto couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
He has never felt so grateful to have a talent for making himself a master of lies.
——Now... just wait slowly for Kondo and the others to leave.
——After Kondo and the others leave, I’ll leave with Mr. Chokata... with Miss Chokata.
Aoto, whilst drafting this simple "operation plan" in his mind, secretly turned his head to peek at Toshisuke, whom he was hiding behind him.
When Aoto looked over, Toshisuke sensed Aoto’s gaze and lifted her eyes.
The two, so close at hand, gazed at each other in this extremely confined space.
Compared to earlier, Toshisuke’s emotions had stabilized significantly, her eyes no longer dazed or confused, regaining their usual lively glint.
Although there was still a hint of embarrassment and helplessness on her face from having her true identity as a woman disguised as a man discovered by Aoto, at the moment their eyes met, Aoto momentarily forgot about these peculiar emotions and expressions.
Because at this moment, Aoto saw a smile slowly emerging between Toshisuke’s cheeks.
It’s the cute face Aoto is familiar with.
Thank you—Toshisuke said so to Aoto with her eyes and her smile.
...
...
To earn back the 2 mon coins spent on the bath fee, Kondo and his group exuded the atmosphere of "we’ll soak until the last moment before leaving!"
Sitting together, they chatted about all sorts of topics.
In places where there are many men, the most common topics are none other than girls and military-political affairs—this is no exception among the people in Shiwei Hall.
As soon as Kondo and the others settled into the bath, except for Saito, who was perpetually expressionless and not fond of talking, the others instantly transformed into spirited "great politicians" and "great military strategists."
"So, is there a chance for that ’Public-Military Integration’ to succeed?" Nagakura picked up the topic they had been discussing in the dining room earlier, "Is Duke Dashu really going to marry a princess?"
"Who knows." Hijikata shrugged, "Anyway, I feel that regardless of whether the ’Public-Military Integration’ succeeds or not, it won’t have much impact on the overall situation at present."
Though Hijikata hadn’t read many books, his level of education just barely reaching literacy, he often uttered some incisive remarks.
Perhaps this is the effect of the "Ghost Heart."
Despite not being highly educated, he had an extraordinary understanding of world affairs.
"If the Shogunate wants to enhance its own authority, the most important thing is to strengthen its own financial and military power."
"All other means are merely ancillary."
At this point, Hijikata paused, then changed the topic.
"Compared to that, I’m more concerned about the factional struggles within the Shogunate."
"I heard from some rumors that it’s a done deal that Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu will be appointed to the position equivalent to ’Vice Shogun,’ dubbed the ’Shogun Guardian Position.’
"Tsk tsk tsk... Once Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu takes the ’Shogun Guardian Position,’ the situation for Duke Dashu and Her Highness Tenshōin will probably become even more difficult."
"Duke Dashu is still too young, lacks prestige, and has inherited the title of General through adoption, so he doesn’t have any foundation in the Shogunate."
"When Ii the Governor of the Imperial Stables was alive, he could rely on Ii’s power to command the ministers."
"Now that Ii is gone, it’s questionable whether the ’Hitotsubashi Faction’ and even the ’Nanki Faction’ will still obediently follow Duke Dashu’s orders."
"Currently, Duke Dashu is practically a lone figure... The only reliable person left by his side seems to be Her Highness Tenshōin."
"So isn’t Duke Dashu’s situation very difficult now?" Kondo asked urgently.
Hijikata nodded, then grinned.
"Duke Dashu’s situation is indeed difficult, but it’s not yet to the point of being completely helpless."
"The method of breaking through the situation is both simple and not, yet quite challenging."
"If he doesn’t want to remain an unused figurehead whose orders are ignored, the most direct and effective way is to cultivate ’his own people’ promptly."
Hijikata deliberately emphasized the words "his own people."
"The biggest issue with Duke Dashu’s current predicament is that he currently lacks a foundation in the Shogunate."
"In that case, building a foundation is necessary."
"Select talented individuals, bring them into his fold, cultivate them vigorously, and train them to become his trusted aides."
"When there are solid and reliable subordinates under his command, his position naturally becomes firmer, and his voice naturally becomes louder."
Kondo, Inoue, Nagakura... to put it bluntly, they’re a bunch of uncultured and inexperienced bumpkins.

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