"Buddha! This white snow blanketing Ezo Land is truly magnificent. No matter how I look at it, I never tire of the sight!... It is only a pity that I have been away from my home in Wakasa for too long. I can no longer clearly remember the autumn radiance of Mikata Goko when I went boating there with my grandfather in my youth... I only remember hunting with my father at Kehi no Matsubara when I was young!... I suppose they have both been waiting for me in the Underworld beyond the Sanzu River for a very long time now?..."
"Old friend, this time too, it was thanks to you that you made a trip to the So Clan of the Wakasa Takeda Clan for me, and said those old words I could hardly bring myself to speak... Old acquaintances have withered away almost to the last. Now that I am about to die, only you, my old friend, can still stay by my side!..."
Takeda Nobuhiro smiled peacefully and squeezed Morino Kiyoshi's hand. Morino Kiyoshi's eyes reddened, but he only smiled and said, "Lord Nobuhiro, I have seen Mikata Goko for you. The autumn scenery was exquisitely beautiful, just like the bright mirror in a bodhisattva's hand! And under the revival brought by the family head Motonobu, the Wakasa Takeda Clan's learning and culture now flourish beyond those of every province... Old friend, you need not worry. You built everything from nothing and have never owed the Wakasa Clan anything. As for your father and grandfather... it is they who owed you a debt!..."
"Haaha! What debt is there or not? It is all in the past. When I meet them again before long, I imagine it will be a happy thing..."
Takeda Nobuhiro smiled, drew out his