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Atai (post-Taika reform hereditary title often given to regional administrators)
「直」 has other readings with different meanings.
直で行けばもっと早く着くはずだ。
If you go directly, you should arrive faster.
彼は直に会って話したいと言っていた。
He said he wanted to meet and talk in person.
この道を直に進めば駅に着きます。
If you go straight down this road, you'll reach the station.