《Kuro no Senki》


 1-Episode 1 "Chrono"

    *


    Crono follows the ruts with his eyes.


    The ruts stretching out from under his feet lose their contours as he moves away from Crono.


    The grass gradually increases in density, and before long, the rut is half-covered by the rut.


    When I look up, I see a dark, silent wilderness.


    The virgin forest that stretches on the border between the Cepheus Empire and the Holy Argo Kingdom is known as the Coma Forest.


    The Dark Forest is a land of high mountains, where many ferocious wild animals such as wolves and brown bear live.


    It is even said that the demons of the gods lurk here, but there seems to be enough horse and cart traffic to leave ruts.


    It''s probably the result of merchants sparing the time and effort of bypassing the forest and the toll tax.


    The Marquis of Erakis territory, where Crono is located, has high taxes.


    Each time they pass through another territory, they are charged a toll tax each time, so only a small amount of profit is left in the merchant''s hands.


    I don''t understand the nerve of taking money rather than life, but I do understand the idea of having to take a reasonable risk in order to earn a profit.


    That''s why I can understand why the Holy Argo Kingdom is willing to take the risk of crossing the Coma Forest to attack the Cepheus Empire.


    But we don''t know what their intentions are.


    The Cepheus Empire and the Holy Argo Kingdom have had many skirmishes near their borders.


    It is not a very friendly relationship, but why did the Holy Argo Kingdom embark on a massive military action at this time?


    If we ask ourselves, we won''t get an answer.


    In the end, all we know is that the Cepheus Imperial Army was on the back foot, we have to drive the enemy back as soon as possible, and our colleagues and superiors have escaped.


    ''''.........''''


    Crono reflexively tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword as he felt something move deep in the forest, but his subordinates, the seven hundred subhumans, showed no reaction.


    There were no elves here who were experts in the forest, but the beastmen, who made up the majority of his subordinates, boasted a keen sense of smell and hearing.


    You should trust your subordinates more than your own senses, Crono said as he removed his hand from the hilt.


    Reflexively, he reached for his sword, but Crono was not good at swordplay.


    Not only is he bad at swordsmanship, but he''s also bad at horsemanship.


    That''s why he usually traveled on foot, but he didn''t expect to be abandoned by his boss and colleagues.


    If we buy time, reinforcements will come, his boss, Marquis Erakis, said, but according to the scouts'' reports, the Holy Argo Kingdom''s army numbered ten thousand and this one was a thousand.


    Now Crono and his men''s lives are in the wind.


    Perhaps they know that, but the morale of their subordinates is visibly low.


    At the very least, if Crono had been an excellent commander, morale would have been boosted.


    At the very least, there would have been hope.


    Unfortunately, Crono had just graduated from the military school and had no real combat experience, and he was also an inferior student, one who would go down in the history of the military school.


    He was able to graduate thanks to his instructor, who bowed to him here and there.


    In a manner of speaking, Crono made an effort, too.


    Last night, we tried to raise the will to fight by serving a sumptuous meal and drinks, but it seems that people took a pessimistic view of our last meal of our lives and our last drink.


    ''''General, are you all right?'''' (Bummo~, bummo~)


    I''m sorry, I think I''ve shat myself.


    Crono blurted out his true feelings to the deputy who asked him worriedly.


    ''''........General....''''


    The deputy looked at Crono with black, circular eyes and purred sadly.


    The second in command is a bull-headed beastman called a minotaur.


    He is over two meters tall and his body is covered with muscles like steel.


    ''''No, I want to show you that I can afford it, too.


    He''s feeble-minded by nature.


    I hate even arguing with him, but combat command is insane.


    It''s as heavy as if my stomach has turned to lead.


    The slightest stimulus of my stomach peristalsis is going to free my sphincter muscle.


    ''How did you become a soldier like that? (BMO?)


    I was told that noblemen had to go to military school.


    A dull nose ring swings on the tip of the plop and the deputy''s nose.


    The nasal ring is a magic item with the magic of interpretation. Thanks to this, it is possible to communicate with beastmen whose vocal cord structure is different from humans.


    ''''It would be better to run away now, wouldn''t it?��In a battle like this, and moreover, it''s not in the general''s interest to put your shoulder to the sub-race, is it?'''' (BUMO, GOBBLE)


    Well I do, but, you know.


    In fact, he''s right.


    Subhuman is a derogatory term for human-like but non-human creatures, including minotaur-like beastmen, elves and dwarves, and it''s also a derogatory term for subhuman.


    The sub-humans were the natural enemies of humans and were metaphorically represented as gods long ago, and as humans grew in power down the ages, they incorporated the sub-humans into society as a ruling class, as if to relieve their previous resentment.


    In the Cepheus Empire, citizenship is granted to sub-humans if they serve in the military for a certain period of time, but if they are injured to the point of disability, they are forced to leave the military, and even if they get citizenship, it is difficult for sub-humans to get a good job at a good rate.


    Still, the Cepheus Empire''s response is better than its neighbors, and the Holy Argo Kingdom has made the eradication of subhumans its national policy.


    From the point of view of the sub-human lieutenant, Crono is probably a winner enough even if he has nothing to show for it other than being a nobleman.


    ''''I couldn''t leave my men behind and run away,'''' he said, ''''so I failed to escape in earnest.


    ''....General, do you really mean it?


    Crono said with a wry smile, and the Minotaur''s second-in-command sounded dumbfounded.


    ''Of course I''m serious. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I''d be abandoned by my superiors and colleagues, though.''


    ....


    This time, the deputy seemed to be speechless.


    ''And I''m not going to let you die a dog''s death, or let you die a dog''s death.


    "I don''t think you can stop the enemy with a makeshift fence, though." (Bumomobumo)


    Then the deputy stared at the standing fence.


    The fence was set up a short distance away from the forest border.


    It was about three meters high and wide, and the wood was about as thick as a chrono''s thighs.


    The fences are set up at equal intervals and there is a gap between them for people to pass through.


    ''''If this is the case, wouldn''t it be better to set up a guerrilla warfare?''''


    I''ve thought about that, but it''s not going to drive me away.


    With that, Crono glared at the forest.


    If he had a little more time, he could have set up a guerrilla war, but he was too far behind.


    Now is the time to take a chance as they are in a vertical line for the march.


    If the Argo Kingdom Army passed through the Coma Forest, a mere thousand men would not be able to compete with them.


    ''''We have to drive them back.


    Looting and killing will take place, Crono swallowed the words.


    Looting to secure food and loot, and as long as the other side is committed to eradicating sub-humans, there will be sub-human carnage.


    That''s what makes this a religious state.


    Crono spat softly.


    *


    In the Marquis'' mansion in the center of Hachel, in his office located on the top floor of the mansion, Tilia was waiting for the Marquis of Erakis to report to her.


    ''What?��You''re the one who ran away and came back!


    The Marquis of Erakis shuddered in fright as Tilia punched the desk.


    ''''So, but that should buy us some time.


    ""Absolutely!"


    When the big, fat Marquis of Erakis excused himself with a fat sweat, his men followed suit here and there.


    It couldn''t be helped.


    There was a discrepancy in the information.


    If they could be stranded with a thousand sub-humans, he thought, it would be cheap.


    This is why the little girl who doesn''t know the scene of the crime, he didn''t say it, but he even ended up looking at Tilia accusingly.


    It is true that Tilia does not know the field of battle.


    The reason why she can now shout at the Marquis of Erakis, who is as old as her father, is only because Tilia is the first princess of the Cepheus Empire and has the right to the first throne.


    Tilia was even giddy with anger at the attitude of the Marquis of Erakis and the others.


    Thirty years ago, the Cepheus Empire was in a period of turmoil.


    A civil war over the succession to the imperial throne, the independence of the city-states and the invasion of barbarians that took advantage of it.


    The aristocrats, who were greedy for peace and comfort, were unable to cope with the successive abnormalities, and with the help of several mercenary groups, the situation was finally brought under control.


    At this time, the empire should have learned the lesson that ''under an incompetent commander whose only advantage was bloodline, a winnable battle could not be won, and the disaster of war would be spread unnecessarily''.


    That''s why he established a military school in the imperial capital that was open to semi-aristocrats and above.


    Apparently, the adage ''If it''s too hot, it''s too hot to remember'' prevails over the lessons learned at the cost of precious sacrifice.


    Incidentally, the Mercenaries were granted a fiefdom at the southern end of the empire for their efforts in settling the rebellion, and are now called the New Nobility.


    ''''Doesn''t that ''cheap'' include Crono?''''''


    ''''We tried to persuade him to return, but Lord Crono said he couldn''t be expected to abandon his men.


    Tilia gritted her teeth so hard that her back teeth sunk in, stifling the raging passion.


    The Marquis of Erakis would only be one of Crono''s subordinates, the son of the new nobleman, Baron Crawford, but he was a special person to Tyria.


    ''What day is it?''


    What?


    ''How many days until we get reinforcements from the surrounding territories?��Or are you not even asking for help!


    Soon.


    The Marquis and his cronies ran out of the room to escape.


    ''You Crono fool, you fool, you great fool!


    Tilia scratched her mother''s inherited blonde hair.


    Tilia and Crono were classmates at military school.


    Even though they were synchronized, there was no connection between Tilia and Crono.


    They were too different in their positions, the royal family and the new aristocracy, honors and inferior students.


    It was the defeat in a military exercise that had caused Tilia to become aware of Crono.


    In the battle for the military flag, Tyria defeated one enemy after another and took them prisoner.


    Near the end, Crono launched an all-out assault that could only be described as desperate.


    Tyria charged the entire army, and then was easily knocked down by a few soldiers who easily toppled his army flag.


    In layman''s terms, he had been caught in a diversion.


    Now, Tyria was ashamed of her shallowness, but at the time, she was unconvinced and challenged Crono to take it out on her many times in an argument.


    When they talked, Crono was an interesting man. He was a rare type of nobleman who had a unique perspective on things and felt more pressure to fulfill his duties as a nobleman than the privilege of being born into a nobleman.


    He was too comfortable, but that didn''t bother him if he thought of himself as a new noble.......son of an upstart.


    ''''To you, even a sub-human is an object to be protected?''''


    Narrowing her eyes, Tyria muttered softly.


    *


    The moment five heavily armed cavalrymen armed with sheet metal armor plate mail emerged from the depths of the forest, Crono regretted from the bottom of his heart that he hadn''t run away.


    Crono is aware of his weakness.


    His swordsmanship was only a hair''s breadth from an amateur, and he could only learn one magic technique.


    His mind isn''t slow, but it''s not sharp either.


    Nor is he courageous.


    He regretted that he couldn''t keep up his willpower even if he tried to muster up the courage.


    When the Marquis of Erakis said he would use the sub-human as a shield to buy time, Crono thought it wasn''t a bad idea.


    I''m afraid to fight.


    He understands that he is weak.


    He can easily see that if he fights his weakness, he will die.


    All I had to do was smile and nod my head in obedience.


    Only, I couldn''t do just that and lost the opportunity to escape.


    Straining his sphincter, Crono stepped out of the fence.


    The threat of the heavy cavalry, the flower of the battlefield, lies in their mobility and rushing power.


    Their assault in formation is powerful enough to blow away large sub-humans.


    ''''........My name is Crono!��He is the first child of Baron Crawford!��A knight in shining armor, I presume!��It is a disgrace to the last generation to have your head taken by a miscellaneous soldier, and I want a single combatant!


    Drawing his sword from his waist, Crono shouted loudly, and one of the cavalrymen stepped out.


    Like a leader, he was dressed in the most luxurious armor among the five horsemen.


    With his spear at the ready, the cavalryman rushed in while increasing his speed.


    And the moment they reached their maximum speed, the knight''s figure disappeared.


    After a slight pause, a gushy knight fell to the ground from the back of his head.


    He plunged into the rope strung at neck level and fell off his horse.


    ''''..........''''


    They lose a colleague in a sneaky trap and the remaining four horsemen rush forward.


    They slip through the ropes.


    Now!


    I was stabbed through by a wooden stake that jumped out at Crono''s signal.


    The mobility and rushing power of the cavalry is a threat, but if you know they''re going to push forward in a straight line, there''s no opponent that''s as easy to take advantage of.


    Hmph, Crono wiped off his cold sweat and returned next to his lieutenant.


    ''''........Don''t you have that pride of a nobleman?''''


    I''d be very proud to fight if it worked. Yeah, I''ll keep the body.


    Swallowing down the nausea that was building up, Crono looked around.


    The light was back in his eyes, despite the accusatory gaze.


    *


    It was some time after killing the cavalrymen that the enemy''s main force appeared.


    It was the Argo Kingdom Army that moved first.


    They must have been alarmed when they saw that the five cavalrymen were trapped.


    The commander wearing a crimson tassel let the infantry move ahead.


    The archers fired arrows over the fence, but the enemy commander advanced the infantry as if to say it was within his expectations, and the white army battle began.


    Swirling, angry shouts, soaring dirt smoke, and the smell of choking blood.


    ''''Push back!'''' (BUMO!)


    Oh!��and his men responded to his second-in-command.


    A dwarf spears the infantry attached to the fence, and a minotaur crushes the enemy infantry trying to get through the gap in the fence with a giant hammer.


    For now, for now, it''s going well.


    Perhaps the rumors of the Coma Forest helped, but the enemy rushed in without bypassing the fence.


    Additionally, the enemy infantry is so densely packed that they don''t have arrows and magic cover.


    ''''Bypass the fence!��Attack from behind!


    The enemy commander shouted irritably, but the soldiers of the Argo Kingdom just looked at each other.


    ''''Bypass the fence!''''


    .....


    Some of them jumped into the forest at will.


    They proceeded to wade through waist-deep bushes and then suddenly disappeared.


    ''''Gii, hiiiiiiiiii!''''


    The next moment, a hair-raising scream echoed across the battlefield.


    The bushes shook violently and blood splattered.


    Soon, a human head popped out of the silent forest.


    ''''Hey, there''s something out there!''''


    Run!


    The panicked soldier tried to return, but was dragged into the bushes.


    Once again, the screams rang out.


    ''The laird!��Calm down!


    You can''t contain the panic if the seeds are cracked, Crono said, the corners of his mouth hanging up.


    Panic propagates.


    As the weapon fell from the hands of an Argo Kingdom soldier, and the soldier nearly went backwards.


    ''Crimson and god of destruction!


    Gosh, d*mn it!��and the flames exploded above the soldiers of the Argo Kingdom.


    The flames were extinguished in an instant, but that was enough to stifle the panicked soldiers.


    The divine power art........the art of manifesting the power of the gods that govern fire, water, earth, wind, darkness and light.


    There are some disadvantages, such as only being able to use the power of the gods you believe in and the possibility of becoming crippled by excessive use, but even if the surgeon doesn''t understand the logic... for example, you don''t have to be a medical expert to heal a wound... ...The benefits exist.


    ''Relax, our forces are overwhelmed.


    The commander''s orders are overridden by a blank head.


    ''Push off!''


    Oh, whoa!��And the soldiers of the Argo Kingdom barked in unison.


    Crono clicked his tongue in a small way.


    The enemy commander declared that he wouldn''t go along with Crono''s little tricks.


    The Argo Kingdom army, which had regained its composure, was strong.


    No, the level of soldiers wasn''t high, and they wouldn''t become stronger just by regaining their composure.


    This is the opponent''s ring...............................We were dragged into a war of attrition.


    The infantry attached to the fence and the sub-human speared it.


    Minotaurs and Lizardmen hammer the infantry who try to get through the fence.


    The process repeats itself.


    Little by little, little by little, fatigue builds up and the number of wounded soldiers here increases.


    We ducked the spears I thrust out and were thrust back.


    The gap between our stance is exploited and the enemy scrapes past the sides of the minotaur and lizardman.


    The beastmen who were waiting for them attacked them, but the beastmen were also one of the wounded soldiers.


    Then, after receiving countless spears, one of the Lizardmen falls down.


    ''''General!''''


    All right!��Quickly plug the hole!


    The deputy fills the hole in the lizardman, but one soldier from the Argo Kingdom Army is over the fence.


    His target was Crono.


    ''''General!''''


    ......


    Crono tried to draw his sword at his second-in-command''s shout, but it was faster than the enemy swung it down.


    The powerful impact shook his brain and made him feel nauseous.


    His skull was quite strong among the bones.


    Unless you use magic or a combination of divine power arts, it''s impossible to cut off a single blade from head to groin.


    Even so, the miscellaneous soldier''s sword took half of his vision.......Crono''s right eye.


    Biting his back teeth, Crono swallowed a scream.


    Even though it was only in name only, if the commander screamed here, he would be pushed aside.


    ''''........Tensukagura!


    With the chanting of the bootstraps, the magic formula imprinted on the unconscious layer of the brain thaws and a jet-black sphere is born above Crono''s head.


    Magic is a technology that gives laws and attributes to the power that living beings are born with.......magic power and transforms it into physical phenomena.


    It can be learned by imprinting the magic formula on the unconscious layer of the brain using drugs, but it requires mastery to operate effectively.


    In addition, the power cannot be adjusted at will, and the attributes of the magic that can be learned and the number of times it can be used depends on the individual''s talent.


    When Crono swung his right hand down, the jet-black sphere wrapped around the miscellaneous soldiers'' heads.


    ''''.........Territory designation, forced transfer!


    In response to Crono''s manipulation, the jet-black sphere disappeared with the miscellaneous soldier''s head.


    There was no sound, no light, and the jet-black sphere had transferred the miscellaneous soldier''s head into another space.


    The heart must still be beating.


    Blood gushed out of the section of his neck like a fountain, staining Crono''s face red.


    A pillar of fire rose beyond the forest, and that''s when the miscellaneous soldier''s corpse tilted.


    ''''Nah!''''


    "Cardinal Music!


    Crono activated the Heavenly Cardinal Kagura and released a jet black sphere at the enemy commander who had stopped moving.


    The jet-black sphere slipped between Crono''s subordinates and the enemy soldiers, wrapping around the commander''s right arm.


    Area designation, forced transfer!


    The same way he killed the miscellaneous soldiers, he made the designated area disappear.


    Blood gushed out from a section of his right arm and the commander fell off his horse.


    However, his eyes were not on the annihilated arm, but rather on the pillar of fire that was still rising intermittently.


    ........After a slight hesitation.


    ''Crimson and god of destruction!


    The commander burned out a section of his arm to stop the blood.


    Roll out!��You must protect your highness!


    That was a start.


    A soldier given a reason to run away is fragile.


    In addition, there was no reason for the soldiers of the Argo Kingdom to risk their lives here.


    In a flash, the Argo Kingdom''s army was crushed.


    "General, are you okay? (BUMO)


    Except my right eye has become useless.


    Crono sat down on the crate and ruffled his hair in frustration.


    He used the pain-relieving herbs to mask the pain, but the impact of losing his right eye was great.


    ''A lot of them are dead. And a lot of wounded soldiers.''''


    Crono gritted his back teeth to hold back the nausea and pain.


    There were more than a hundred dead, and all the rest were wounded.


    He hadn''t expected them all to survive, but assumptions and reality were different.


    Over a hundred sub-humans had died under his orders, and he had killed people himself.


    Crono''s plan was simple.


    Seven hundred men would hold the enemy back, and the remaining three hundred - elves skilled in magic - would attack the enemy''s main camp.


    Crono had won the bet.


    However, he still couldn''t let go of the thought that.


    If the pillar of fire had risen earlier, no one might have died.


    If the elves had played their cards right, no one would have died.


    Yes, because the elves were goofballs.


    It wasn''t my fault.


    I didn''t do anything wrong!


    Somewhere along the line, the assumption was bound to become a defense, and then it was going to become fact.


    "Hey, general, the other guys are back.


    .....


    Crono looked up at the sound of his second-in-command''s voice, and he was lost for words... in his own defense.


    There were three hundred elves, and there were not fifty of them left.


    Their entire bodies were covered in blood and they had many wounds.


    ''''I''m sorry, too.''''


    Oh.


    As she fell down, the elven woman knelt at Crono''s feet.


    She was probably about twenty years old.


    Her eyes were sharp, and she had a smart body line reminiscent of a cat-like predator.


    His short silver hair was disheveled and his brown skin was smeared with blood and mud as a testament to the fierce battle.


    ''''Enemy, the pressure in the main camp is so tremendous I''m sorry.''''


    ...Oh, yeah.


    That''s right.


    We sent them out as a death squad from the start.


    Who did?


    It was me.


    I made the plan and sent the girls to their deaths.


    Crono walked over to the brown elf with the gait of a sleepwalker and knelt there.


    I''m the one to blame.


    And yet, what a shameless thing to do.


    ''''I''m ... sorry.''''


    What?


    Grabbing her bloody hand, Crono muttered in a shaky voice.


    I''m sorry, he repeated, and Crono cried out.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    It was the evening of the next day when Tilia rushed in with a reinforcement force.


    Her figure, with her white and silver armor gleaming as she spearheaded the charge, was truly a goddess of salvation.


    As soon as Tilia dismounted from her horse, she ordered the wounded soldiers to be transported and the position to be built.


    The soldiers on his side began to move in a hurry, where Crono let out a breath of relief.


    Although they had driven off the Argo Kingdom Army, everyone, including Crono, was exhausted.


    If they were bad, they would have been destroyed even if they had been attacked by bandits.


    ''''I guess........''''


    I see.


    When Crono finished his report, Tilia poked his cheekbones, looking mortified.


    Crono and Tilia are the only ones in the tent.


    I think it''s careless, but that''s how much he trusts me.


    It''s a disaster, isn''t it?


    Tyria said slowly, as if she was choosing her words.


    Closing his eyes lightly, Crono thought of his dead subordinate.


    He mourned his dead subordinate, angry at the Marquis of Erakis for running away, and hated his own unworthiness.


    ''''Well, you know.''''


    Crono returned it shortly, letting the various emotions sink to the back of his mind.


    ''What do you think about this case?''


    I''m guessing it''s some sort of succession battle within the Kingdom of Argo.


    Crono replied with a sigh.


    ''''Your Highness,'''' that commander had uttered.


    The king of the Argo Kingdom is old.


    The successor to the throne has already been decided, but there must be many royalty and their cronies who are not convinced.


    So the First Prince of the Argo Kingdom tried to make a track record to silence those who were not convinced.


    In fact, winning a war is a very straightforward achievement.


    Of course, that''s if you can win.


    ''I don''t think the Argo Kingdom will be invading for a while. The centripetal force of the poorly warring prince who led 10,000 troops to defeat should certainly decline. If his national power diminishes due to the dragging of his feet, all the better.''''


    Oh.


    Tyria exhaled admiringly.


    ''But we have to be prepared.


    Yeah.


    Tilia ran her pen over the parchment and added her signature at the end.


    ''Is that all right?''


    Yeah, thanks.


    Crono took the parchment from Tilia and smiled.


    ''Don''t bother getting that stuff.


    These things are important.


    Crono cowered his shoulders and said to Tilia, who said with a somewhat mortified expression.


    The parchment states that sub-human wounded soldiers are to be treated indistinguishably from humans.


    It was signed by Tilia, of course.


    It was pathetic, as if the tiger had been trampled, but I wouldn''t feel safe if I didn''t do this.


    ''Then I''ll go.


    Outside the tent, vaguely Crono looked at the sky.


    ''''........It''s already been three years?''''


    Crono........Hisamitsu Kurono let out a deep sigh as he looked up at the heavens.


    Three years ago, he was unexpectedly surrounded by a sense of floating and found himself in another world.....................in the middle of a field.


    I happened to help an old nobleman.......Baron Crawford, and since he had no heirs, I was adopted.


    ''....no cheats, all I have is the status of a lord''s son and knowledge that may or may not be useful.


    Aristocracy is a cheat, Crono was grateful for his good fortune.


    If he hadn''t met the old baron, he might have been sold into slavery or killed by bandits.


    It was one of the greatest good fortune to be adopted and to learn the language.


    Still, I wonder if there''s anything I can do.


    Looking up at the sky, Crono muttered softly.

 2-Modified version of episode 2 "Half Elf Leila"

    *


    It had been almost a week since they had driven out the Argo Kingdom Army.


    Perhaps it was because Tilia and the Marquis of Erakis were on high alert near the border, but apparently there was no sign of another invasion.


    The only remaining concern was about the treatment of his men, but thanks to the orders Tyria had written for them, they all received the same treatment from the doctors as the humans.


    Since there were too many of us, we were forced to occupy the hospital and the surrounding lodgings, but this couldn''t be helped.


    ''I knew I couldn''t see anything.


    Looking up at the hospital''s flimsy ceiling, Crono muttered in a gloomy mood.


    According to the doctors, a high-level divine technique could cure him, but since the number of high-level surgeons in the country is limited, it''s synonymous with being sentenced to blindness.


    ''''Well.......it''s better that I didn''t contract an infection.


    The treatment Crono received was limited to painstakingly washing the wound with water and stitching it up, but it was a decent method of treatment compared to that, since it was said that until the early modern era in Europe, boiling oil was poured into the wound to disinfect it and a burnt iron rod was pressed against the wound to stop the blood.


    Crono slipped out of bed and quickly changed into his military uniform, which was black.


    As soon as he slipped out of sickbay, Crono bumped into his second-in-command, Minotaur.......Mino-san.


    ''''Are you visiting me again?'''' Bumpy?


    I''ve got nothing else to do.


    Bufu~, the deputy let out a loud snort as if he was dumbfounded.


    ''''..........I''ll be there for you.'''' (Bummo~)


    Yeah, thanks.


    For some reason, the deputy scratched his head in embarrassment.


    He accompanied the deputy down the stairs.


    The hospital is a solid stone building.


    The first floor is a hall with nearly a hundred beds and the second floor is a private room.


    In a separate wing, meals are made, laundry is done, and doctors and apothecaries sleep in it.


    You''re thinking about the people of the realm with that thing, Crono tried to revise his assessment of the Marquis of Erakis, but it seems that the city of Hachel has developed not only in this hospital, but also in the city of Hachel, from the first generation to the third generation.


    After the fourth generation, as the generations went down, his reputation also declined, especially the current generation.......the seventh Marquis of Erakis has a bad reputation.


    It seems that he can do whatever he wants, such as buying luxury goods, raising taxes, and stopping donations to the poorhouse.


    It''s like the bad part of the feudal system has come to the surface, but even such a man is superior to Crono.


    The noisy voice grows clearer as he descends the stairs.


    The moment Crono stepped into the hall, the conversation stopped with a snap.


    Does he hate me?��And at first I was depressed, but now I''ve gotten pretty used to it.


    Well, I guess this is the normal attitude towards nobles.


    To put it bluntly, the second-in-command has too much of a crushed attitude towards Crono.


    ''''How are you doing?''''


    ''Hahi!��Hey, I''m not doing well!


    When Crono calls out to her, the dwarf (loli girl) replies with a blatant twitch of her face.


    ''''Well don''t hesitate to tell me if you need anything.


    Ha, ha!


    As Crono moved to the bed next to him, he heard the Lori Dwarf sigh in relief.


    He went around to talk to his men in the hall, and all is well, all is well.


    The beastly man also curled his tail and looked somewhat frightened.


    Later, when I moved to another wing and approached the doctor, I got the same response.


    *


    Hachel is surrounded by a fortress with a diameter of about one kilometer.


    Originally built as a military base, it has a very intricate structure.


    The center of the city is the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion, with a hospital, commercial and industrial areas and residential areas surrounding it.


    The busiest area is the commercial and industrial district.......The merchant associations that have branches in the Cepheus Empire have set up shop, and the even narrow streets are lined with stalls that fill up the even narrower streets.


    ''''Do you still want to continue?'''' (BMO?)


    I need to get to know my men at the inn.


    As I was laddering up the inn where my men were, the second in command said in a disgusted tone of voice.


    ''''Could it be that the general is insensitive?''''


    No, I know I''m trying to impress my men.


    "I know that.


    Bummo~, the second in command slumped his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    ''''Well........next to last?''''


    The last remaining silver-haired elf Leila.


    ''You don''t like Leila?


    I didn''t mean to, but I was wondering if you didn''t like it.


    Leila is so cool that Crono has trouble reacting to her.


    It''s hard to face her, partly due to the fact that he''s tried to hold her accountable.


    How about a gift, what do you think?


    As I looked around, a girl selling flowers caught my eye.


    She was a human girl, probably about ten years old.


    Her hair is brown and her skin is sickly white.


    She''s not beautiful, but she has a strange and charming face.


    However, the color of fatigue is darker now.


    Her dress is dirty and unraveled at the sleeves and hem, as if to show her poverty.


    As someone who knows the children of modern Japan, my heart hurts.


    ''Hey, can you sell me some flowers?


    .....


    When Crono called out to her good-naturedly, the girl''s face twitched, as did her subordinate''s.


    ''''Duh, one copper, sir.


    Thank you.


    When I handed her one copper coin in exchange for a bouquet of flowers, the girl looked dumbfounded.


    ''''Hm?��And Crono turned his back on her, tilting his head.


    After a short walk, they arrived at the inn where Leila was staying.


    Correctly, the first floor was the tavern and diner, and the second floor was the inn.


    I tried to arrange a better room, but Leila didn''t seem too keen on the idea, so I ended up here.


    "I''ll be waiting here.


    Yeah, nice to meet you.


    As they entered the tavern-cum-diner, the eyes of the sparse patrons focused on Crono, but they quickly turned their gaze away.


    He doesn''t want to have much to do with the nobility.


    ''Baron, today?''


    Visiting. Oh, and landlady.


    He wasn''t a baron since he wasn''t a governor, but he didn''t dare correct himself and Crono poked his elbow into the counter.


    Zuzaah!��I was impressed by the fact that the customers on both sides of the room left at a tremendous rate.


    The landlady was in her thirties.


    She doesn''t have any children and her husband died five years ago.


    She must have gone through a lot of trouble to run the restaurant with only one hand, but she had kind eyes that belied this.


    Her body is fleshy and has a mature and s*xy look to it.


    The slender nape of her neck and back hair are high points.


    ''''How do you think my men are doing?''''


    I don''t think you have anything to worry about, since you didn''t leave any food out.


    Okay.


    Crono took out a gold coin and let the landlady hold it.


    ''Here, what is this?''


    ''''I want you to feed Leila something nutritious with this. No, of course, I''m not under the impression that the landlady is feeding her something shoddy... but please, please.


    Yeah, that''s right, yeah.


    The landlady received the gold coins with an air of half joy and half trepidation.


    A soldier''s salary is two gold coins a month, so the landlady must have an unexpected income.


    By the way, the exchange ratio of money is about one silver coin for ten copper coins, and one gold coin for twenty silver coins.


    Furthermore, there were brass coins below the copper coins, and the exchange ratio was one copper coin to ten brass coins.


    Climbing the creaking wooden staircase, Crono continued down the dimly lit corridor.


    Leila''s room is at the end of the second floor.


    Knocking on the door as a courtesy, Crono opened the door.


    As it was, Crono froze.


    The first thing that jumped into view was brown skin.


    The freshly stitched wound was painful, but the brown skin was shiny enough to make one shudder.


    Layla wipes her body with a wet cloth to avoid the new wound.


    ''''........Crono-sama?''''


    Seemingly noticing us, Leila covered her chest with her arms.


    ''''.........''''


    Leila bit her lip as Crono swallowed raw spit, and she bit her lip as if in fear.


    Realizing immediately that she was being frightened, Crono ran out of the room.


    He slammed his body against the hallway wall several times.


    Geeeeeeeeeeeee!


    He rolled down the stairs.


    ''Sir Baron!��Are you hurt?


    I''m fine. I''m fine.


    Controlling the running matriarch with his hand, Crono stood up, making sure she wasn''t hurt.


    He couldn''t get a passive strike, but there didn''t seem to be any major injuries.


    It seems that the body that has been trained for nearly three years is stronger than Crono thought.


    ''''........ouch.''''


    Yes, Baron.


    Yeah, no worries. I''m sorry, but can you give me a hand?


    The pale landlady trembles and supports Crono''s body.


    ''Because I want to get up there again.''


    Yes, sir.


    The landlady was shaking so badly that she didn''t know which one was holding her body up.


    Anyway, with the help of the landlady, they reached Leila''s room again.


    Crono knocked on the door and waited for Leila''s answer.


    When he entered the room, Leila was silently staring at Crono.


    No, is she staring at him?


    Even though it was an accident, it was a natural reaction since she had seen him naked.


    ''''Landlady, would you mind stepping away for a moment?''''


    Yes, sir.


    Crono handed the landlady a bouquet of flowers and looked at Leila.


    ''....Leila.


    ....


    Leila didn''t answer.


    Crono walked up to Layla quickly, thrusting both knees into the dirty floor and rubbing his head against it.


    He is on his knees.


    ''Hey, what are you doing!


    It''s called getting down on my knees, and it''s the highest form of apology in the country where I was born.


    Crono explained matter-of-factly to a flustered Leila.


    ''I''m sorry for seeing you naked!


    "What!


    As Crono rubbed his head against the ground, Leila and the landlady came together and shouted.


    ''Ya, please stop!''


    I won''t stop getting down on my knees until you let me!


    Crono resisted Leila''s hesitant arm pull and continued to get down on his knees.


    ''Wow, I get it!��Okay, I forgive you, please stop the dogeza!


    ....


    Crono stood up silently at Leila''s screaming plea.


    ''A bouquet of flowers, mistress,''


    Yes, sir.


    Crono took the bouquet from the landlady and held it out to Leila.


    ''Ko, what is this?''


    It''s a bouquet for a visit. It was awkward for me to come empty-handed, so I bought some on the way, but I wondered if something more substantial would have been better?


    Accepting the bouquet, Leila bit her lip as she held back tears.


    For ten or twenty seconds, tears finally spilled out of his golden eyes as he couldn''t hold back.


    ''''........wow, like me, a half-elf, why?''''


    Half-elf?


    If you ask me, I think Leila''s ears are shorter than those of other elves.


    I don''t need to explain, but half-elves are half-elves and half-humans.


    Half-elves are often discriminated against and persecuted by both humans and elves in fantasy novels.


    The reason for this is that elves are perceived to be pureblooded, or that half-elves are perceived as children born after the elves were humiliated.


    But in the case of the Cepheus Empire, the elves belong to the ruling class, and the elves accept that as a fact of life.


    If you ask them directly, they will probably give you an answer similar to what you would get in a fantasy novel, but in reality, they want an existence lower in rank than they are.


    People in miserable circumstances are relieved by the existence of people who are in more miserable circumstances than them.


    Crono himself has a familiar feeling.


    ''You didn''t know, did you?


    Yeah.


    When Crono replied, Leila gave a sad smile.


    Oh, I''m sure he was kind to me because he thought I was an elf.


    How could I be a half-elf anyway?


    It''s a smile that conveys such emotions.


    ''I ... no, I think Leila is a very brave woman. Knowing you''re a half-elf doesn''t change this feeling, and I''m proud to have a subordinate like you.


    .....


    Leila stumbled as if she had been hit with an invisible stick, covered her face and began to cry.


    ''''........Crono-sama.


    Leila, I''ll come back to visit you.


    Prompted by the landlady, Crono left Leila''s room.


    Leila''s sobs, which seemed to have been stifled, could be heard through the cheap door, and Crono wanted to turn back at once.


    ''You mustn''t, Baroness.


    Okay.


    The landlady took his hand and Crono had no choice but to return to the first floor.


    The gazes of the guests were focused on him, but it was only for a moment.


    ''''Baron-sama, if you don''t mind, would you like to have a meal?��What, "Yeah, let''s have one.


    Huh?��The landlady''s face twitched in a grand manner.


    ''No, you mustn''t make fun of the poor.


    I''m not kidding.


    A scene and painful silence dominates the area.


    ''Yes, sir, I understand!��Look, you guys, the Baroness is going to eat, so get out of there!


    ''No, they were sitting first, so you can take a corner of the counter.


    Crono took a seat at the end of the counter with the landlady at his side, who was about to kick the other customers out.


    ''Hi, I''m here for the vegetable salt soup and the bread.


    "Mm.


    Without a pause, the simmering vegetable soup and completely hardened bread are placed on the counter.


    Crono takes a sip of the vegetable soup with a wooden spoon.


    ''How do you like it?''


    Hmm, salty.


    Crono dips the hardened bread into the soup and chews on it, which has softened a bit.


    I would have liked some pepper, but spices of any kind are precious.


    He gobbled up the ingredients and


    Mwah!


    Can I help you?


    Crono wiped his mouth roughly.


    ''I''m sorry but I''ve got my deputy waiting outside, could I have some of my men''s portion?


    ''What?��Oh, the day before yesterday, I almost stepped through the floor!��One moment, please.


    The proprietor transfers the soup from the large pot to a smaller one and walks out of the counter.


    ''I''ll take it,''


    The Baron?


    Hmm, I suppose it makes sense for me to take it.


    Arguably, Crono took the pot from the proprietress and went to his second-in-command, who was waiting outside the restaurant.


    ''I''m sorry to keep you waiting. We''re eating now, so you can eat and wait too.


    General! (BUMO!)


    Shoving the pot at his second-in-command, who peeled his eyes away, Crono resumed his meal at the counter.


    All the food was devoured, and Crono was intoxicated with a sense of fullness.


    ''How much is it, landlady, I wonder how much?''


    No, no, no, I can''t take money from a baron.


    ''Well no, status has nothing to do with these things.


    ''''Lucky!?'''' thought Crono, but he disciplined himself and held out a silver coin.


    ''''Hah, the Baroness is different, isn''t he?''''


    Hmm, I think I''m pretty normal, don''t I?


    This is a bit of a lie, Crono thinks.


    Crono''s values are shaped by concepts that do not exist in the Cepheus Empire, such as freedom, equality and human rights.


    That''s why he often acts outside the norm in this world, and it''s not uncommon for him to be called a freak.


    Even if the landlady doesn''t tell me that now, Crono knows that much too.


    ''''...Landlady. I''ll be back.


    Yes, yes, I''ll be waiting for you.


    When Crono left the store, the deputy was standing with an empty pot in his hand.


    ''I''ll give it back,''


    "I can''t let the chief do that much. I''ll leave the pot here, captain!


    The deputy opened the door and placed a pot near it.


    ''Come on, slurp.


    *


    "The chief is a strange man after all.


    ''Yeah, the landlady told me that. But, all of a sudden, what''s going on?


    I was halfway to the hospital when the lieutenant cut him off.


    No, I''m impressed. I thought you were lying to me. Because, you know. You''re a pawn, selling out your life for a single gold coin. So I talked to the princess, and after seeing his wounds, I finally decided to believe the chief.


    The deputy said in a sleepy voice and muttered.


    ''It''s not that much to be thanked for... that?''


    What''s going on?


    You know, did you just say a gold coin?


    "Yes, so what?


    The soldiers of the Marquis of Erakis territory are not the private army of the Marquis, but the soldiers of the illustrious Cepheus Empire.


    Their salaries are paid by the Empire, and their monthly wages should be two gold coins, whether they are human or sub-human.


    So that means.........


    I need to be sure, so follow me.


    "Hey.


    Crono ran to the center of the city, the Marquis of Erakis Mansion.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this as well.


    The Marquis of Erakis'' mansion consists of a castle and four towers made of natural stone.


    The central castle is a four-storey building, similar to an English country house.


    This is where the department in charge of accounting is located.


    Crono opens the door and pushes forward to the accounting officer.


    ''Oh, look who''s here.''


    ....


    Crono punched the accounting officer silently as he sat up.


    The papers on the desk crumble and the accountant falls unceremoniously from his chair.


    ''What, what?''


    ....


    Furthermore, Crono silently kicked the accountant''s pigeon tail and looked down at him silently as he spread vomit all over the place.


    The accounting officer, who had blasted all the contents of his stomach, looked up at Crono with an obviously frightened look on his face.


    ''..........Let it out.


    I don''t know what you''re talking about.


    Can you see my hand?


    Crono indicated a trembling hand to the accountant.


    Why can''t you see why my hands are shaking?��I''m angry!��I''m so angry that my hands are shaking!��I''m desperate to wring your chicken-skinny neck, and I''m desperate to restrain myself from it!��So let me out!��You traitor!


    Kicking and screaming at the scattered papers, the accountant screamed and pulled a stack of papers from his desk drawer.


    Crono took the bundle of papers offered to him with a shaky hand and poured over the contents.


    ''So I told you I''m mad at you!


    Crono kicked the accountant in the groin.


    ''Okay?��I''m going to say it so your bird-head can understand it. Bring out the other ledger!


    Dripping bloody piss, the accountant took a bundle of papers from a locked drawer.


    ''Wha, I''m on the Marquis'' orders.


    Embezzlement of public funds is a death sentence.


    Muttering briefly, Crono takes the bundle of paper from the accountant and compares it to the bundle of paper from earlier.


    The bundle of paper is a ledger.....It''s called a double ledger.


    Apparently, he really was embezzling public money.


    ''Take this guy into custody.


    "Hey ...........��What the hell is going on?


    The bottom line is that the Marquis of Erakis has been cheating on your paychecks.


    The deputy twisted his arm up and the accountant was paragraphing like a sinner awaiting the death penalty.


    ''If you think it''s noisy, what are you doing?''


    ''Hi, Tilia. Are things better in the Argo Kingdom?


    Don''t answer a question with a question.


    When Crono asked, Tilia crossed her arms to emphasize her ample breasts.


    ''''The Holy Argo Kingdom is fine. According to multiple sources, the first heir to the throne was seriously injured in the recent incident, and now they''re in the middle of a factional battle over the succession to the throne. It''s just as Crono expected. So, what about you?


    I just got proof of embezzlement.


    Taking the ledger from Crono, Tyria skimmed it briefly.


    ''Good work, Crono.


    I hope you can deal with the reward later, but I hope you deal with it soon.


    Yeah, sure.


    Grinning, Tyria laughed and walked out of the room.


    *


    Tilia was quick to act.


    It was as if she had been aware of the embezzlement from the very beginning, and with deftness she detained the Marquis of Erakis, his family, his subordinates and his servants for being involved in the embezzlement and sent them to the imperial capital.


    In addition, he''s thorough enough to let Tyria''s vassals rule by proxy until his replacement is chosen.


    Crono can only hope that the Marquis of Erakis'' successor is a decent man.


    The next day.


    ...phew.


    Looking up at the flimsy hospital ceiling, Crono let out a sigh of gloom.


    ''''Well I have to get up and go check on my men.


    Climbing out of bed, Crono quickly changed into his military uniform.


    ''Good morning, General.''


    Yeah, good morning.


    Leaving sickbay, Crono exchanged greetings with his second-in-command.


    ''''General, do you have something to report to me?''''


    What''s going on?


    ''''Oh, well, I''m afraid that''s very hard to say.''''


    When Crono asked back, the second in command was unusually stagnant.


    ''''Just now, Leila said she''s quitting the army.


    Huh?��What do you mean?


    Unsure of the meaning of the words, Crono''s voice flipped over.


    ''''Whatever.......I''m not a woman who can make Crono-sama proud, or something. Do you understand what that means?''''


    Crono was shocked by his second-in-command''s words, as if he had been punched in the head.


    The words he told Leila yesterday were Crono''s true intentions.


    If that wasn''t his true intentions, there would be nothing in Crono''s life that could be called genuine.


    ''Oh, that?��Um ... well ... anyway, we''ll keep them back!


    He''s got his citizenship now, so I say, "Screw that!


    When Crono let out a scream, his deputy bent his upper body as if he was pressured.


    ''''I''m afraid you might say that, sir,'''' he said, ''''but I''m restraining you downstairs.


    "Gugabe!


    Crono gave a thumbs up and ran to Leila as she rolled down the stairs.


    Surrounded by a large number of sub-humans, Leila stood in the center of the hall.


    Worn clothes and a single bag, that was all Leila had to offer.


    ''''........Leila.


    Master Chronosphere.


    When Crono called her name, Leila''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''''How could you suddenly quit the army?''''


    ''Because I was in the military to get citizenship. As long as I get my citizenship, there''s no point in being here.


    Leila uttered a string of sounding lines with a Noh mask-like blank expression.


    ''''Then why ... why ... why do you say I''m not a woman to be proud of?''''


    Who gave it to you?


    He realized he''d heard it from his second-in-command.


    Leila stared at the deputy standing near the stairs.


    ''I need you to tell me why. Otherwise, I won''t be convinced.


    Just the way it is. I was born in the slums of the Imperial City. I was born to an elf mother who was a prostitute and a client. I was roughed up many times before joining the army and being stationed here by the Marquis of Erakis. How could I, a filthy half-elf like that, be your pride?


    Leila smiled sadly.


    Too harsh.... even the harshness of it could only be imagined by Crono, who was born and raised in Japan and adopted by a nobleman of this world... but in life, Leila had given up a lot of things... I suppose.


    Leila must have convinced herself every time she was in pain because she was a half-elf, because she was the daughter of a whore, because she had been violated so many times.


    So, this time, Leila was ready to give up again. Before Crono found out about her past and came to an unhappy end.


    Crono couldn''t say anything. He had to say something, even though he knew that if he didn''t, he wouldn''t be able to keep Leila around.


    Crono''s thoughts were spinning out of control, and Leila slowly walked away.


    And.


    Goodbye, Mister Crono.


    .....


    Crono reflexively grabbed Leila''s wrist.


    ''Let me go, let me go!''


    Leila shouted, but Crono didn''t let go of her hand.


    ''It was nice of you to say those words. But when I''m with you, I feel miserable. We were born and raised so differently. What do you know about me?��It''s just hard to be nice to me without any evidence to back it up!


    It''s...


    Crono muttered quietly as Layla wound him up one way or the other.


    ''''Huh?''''


    ...the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.


    Crono half panicked as he desperately recalled what he had been taught in middle school.


    ''Um, all humans are born free ... and equal in terms of dignity and rights, was it?''


    I''ve never heard of a Sekaijin Kensengen.


    Leila muttered in confusion, and Crono panicked this time.


    ''You may not believe this, but I''m from another world.


    Are you going to lie to me?


    ''Not so!��I really do come from another world!��In the original world, there wasn''t a nobleman or a commoner or anything like that, and I was raised in a way where I was taught not to discriminate against anyone, or hit them, no matter who they were. So, so.....


    Crono struggled to speak, but at the same time he felt tremendously helpless.


    He was from another world or something too ridiculous.


    If he hadn''t been in this situation, he couldn''t believe it himself.


    I can''t help but feel like I''m being made fun of.


    ''''Why, for my sake ... even spouting such lies.


    ''Well, you don''t have to believe that I''m from another world, but I''m not going to lie about my desire to keep you around. I just want you to believe that much.


    Layla looked at Crono with eyes moist with tears.


    ''Can I ... stay?''


    Stay here.


    Crono nodded quietly.


    ''I''m a half-elf, the daughter of a whore, and I''ve been violated many times and yet...''


    ''But still. It''s not your fault that you''re a half-elf or that you were born the daughter of a whore, and how can that possibly determine your worth or your life? You were the victim of a violent assault, you were the victim of ... oh, I''m sorry, I can''t really explain it.


    Tears run down Leila''s cheeks.


    ''''........Crono-sama. Please give me a little, just a little time to collect my feelings. I want to think about it carefully for one night, and then I want to answer Crono-sama''s feelings.


    Crono let out a breath of relief at being able to keep his men back, feeling unreasonable at the sight of Leila''s flushed cheeks.


    *


    That night, in his room at the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion Crono was lying on his bed, passing the time idly.


    ''''You''ll spend the night thinking about it. I was relieved earlier, but it''s not a given that you''ll stay in the army. But if Leila has thought about it and come up with an answer, we have to respect it.


    As Crono was muttering to himself, there was a knock on the door.


    Who could it be at this hour?��I opened the door while tilting my head, and Leila was standing with her head down.


    ''''........Ah, that Crono-sama.


    What are you doing here at this hour?


    Crono asked, and Leila''s shoulders narrowed as if she were frightened of something.


    ''Could it be that you snuck in?''


    Yes.


    A clatter, clatter, clatter of footsteps sounded.


    Unfortunately, Tilia''s vassals aren''t as inconsiderate as Crono.


    If they found out that Leila, a soldier, had snuck into the Marquis'' mansion, they would detain her and at least interrogate her.


    ''''Come in.


    Yes!


    Leila entered the room and Crono closed the door behind her.


    ''You said you''d take the night to think it over,''


    Well I''ve been thinking about it for a while now.


    Leila jumped into Crono''s chest as if she''d made up her mind.


    ''Wow, me too!��I think I love and adore Master Crono too!


    What?


    Crono reflexively asked back.


    ''What is it?''


    How did that happen?


    Are you bothering me at this hour?


    No, no, not at all.


    How can I clear up the misunderstanding?��And Crono pulled away from Leila and sat down on the bed.


    ''Um, Master Crono?''


    Oh, yeah, just sit down at random.........


    More sulking!��And Crono looked at Leila sitting on the bed.


    Leila looked at Crono anxiously.


    What a cowardly girl!


    You look like you''re about to cry like that, and besides, make your ears droop like a puppy!


    How long had they been sitting on the bed?


    Their shoulders suddenly touched, and Crono moved his gaze.


    There were moist, golden eyes.


    As if fascinated by the golden eyes, Crono couldn''t move.


    ''''Um, Crono-sama.......I don''t mind being one of your mistresses, please let me stay by your side. My love........is yours alone.


    .....


    That was a tome.

 3-Modified version of Episode 3 "The Marquis of Erakis"

    *


    Tyria was waiting for Crono in his office on the top floor of the Elakis mansion, grumpily.


    ''So, what do you want?''


    You''ve grown rather brazen, haven''t you? If it weren''t for you, I''d have you put to death for impudence. I-I don''t want to see that.


    Her cheeks flushed with vermilion, and Tilia cleared her throat.


    ''''........The Marquis of Erakis'' replacement has been selected.


    With a grin, Tyria gave a wicked grin, as is typical of the royal family.


    ''It''s you, Crono,''


    What about Baronet Crawford?


    ''No problem. Baron Crawford will be able to remain on active duty for a while, and if the need arises, we can have a deputy.


    Do you want to create a faction?��Crono looked at Tilia, who nodded in satisfaction.


    The current emperor of the Cepheus Empire has two sisters with his rightful wife and one boy with his concubine.


    The rightful heir to the throne is Tilia, but there is a faction that promotes the concubine''s son.


    I don''t know how powerful the faction that should be called the Anti-Tilia Faction is, but Tilia probably wants to keep as many allies as possible on her side.


    It''s annoying.


    More and more, I feel like I''m moving away from the peaceful life I had envisioned as a frontier nobleman.


    But even though I didn''t make it in time, Tilia came to help me with reinforcements, and she''s also taken care of my men.


    ''What do you think, Crono?''


    All right. So, how much do you get for your budget?


    There is none.


    Clearly, Tilia stated.


    ''''Well I guess I didn''t hear it right?��Your Highness I would like to ask you to provide us with some immediate funds to take over the Marquess of Erakis?


    ''''So, no. After all, I gave Crono the Marquess Domain on my own accord. I can''t set up a special budget from now on, and I can''t lend him a loan from the treasury. But the funds to maintain the army will be paid monthly, so you can rest assured of that.


    So I guess we''ll have to rely on the Marquis of Erakis'' vault.


    ''I paid severance pay to a servant who fired a bunch of people and there''s not a single copper coin left in the vault.


    Come on!��And Crono was shocked as if he had been hit with a blunt object.


    ''How do you expect me to run a fiefdom without any money?


    "It''s a shameful thing for an Imperial nobleman to worry about money all the time. You should be a little more proud of yourself as a nobleman.


    If I could live off the haze, I''d be proud of it. Anyway, I''ll find my own budget for the time being.


    Crono let out a sigh and left the office.


    *


    General, where do you want this statue to go?


    Just lay it out in a random order for me to see.


    ''Heh,'' the deputy replied with an interminable reply and placed the statue on the hall floor.


    ''Is that the last one?''


    "Hey, this is the last statue that was in the treasury.


    But you''ve been hoarding a lot, haven''t you?


    I said, and Crono looked at the art and magic items that filled the hall.


    A life-sized nude statue of a nude woman carried by a deputy, an expensive looking vase and painting, an assortment of weapons that look magical or venerable, and something that looks like a magic item.


    ''I''m sorry, guys,''


    Crono called out to his subordinate sub-humans.


    There were eight sub-humans under him, including his second-in-command.......two werewolves with white and gray hair, one man lion with a golden mane, one lizardman and one minotaur, one dwarf, and finally, Layla.


    ''''General, what do we do with this?


    ''I hope you won''t tell me until I officially announce that I''m going to rule the Marquess of Erakis.


    Oh~, the eight men shouted out.


    ''''That''s fine, but we have no funds for our activities at all.......We''ve decided to sell off the property of the Marquis of Erakis.


    ''''Oh~,'''' the eight subordinates shouted disappointedly.


    ''''.........General.''''


    You don''t have to tell me. Of course, I want to act like a nobleman so that everyone can be proud of me, but I don''t have the money to pay the Marquis of Erakis for his clothes. But if I don''t have the money, I can''t even pay the Marquis of Erakis for the clothes he wore.


    With a pop, the deputy tapped Crono on the shoulder to comfort him.


    ''So, I''ll make an inventory first. Leila!


    Yes, Mr. Crono.


    Crono handed Leila a board with paper on it, an ink pot and a quill.


    ''I''ll give you a name as you see fit, write that name down.


    Excuse me, Master Crono?


    Leila called out to Crono with a puzzled look.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    "General, Leila doesn''t know how to write.


    When Crono shifted his gaze to his second-in-command, he looked awkwardly to the side.


    ''I''m sorry I can''t help you,''


    Crono took the writing utensils from Leila and went to the statue at the far end.


    ''Number one, the nude statue ... number two, the vase.


    It''s all the jars that I would say.


    '' ... twenty, ah, Paul Axe?


    ''Master Crono, it seems to have been given a magical power.


    Crono said with a tilt of his head, and Leila said with a bit of pride.


    ''What effect?''


    I''m sorry, sir, not that much.


    Hmm~, Crono looked at the pole axe.


    The length of the pole axe would be just under three meters.


    The metal handle is also metal, reminiscent of the tin cane from Kiyomizu temple where you went on a school trip to junior high school.


    Mino-san, can you hold it?


    That''s about right.


    Saying, the deputy lightly lifted the poleaxe.


    ''Well then, this is Mino''s.''


    "General, are you crazy?


    If it''s a weapon, why don''t we put it to good use?


    I''ll try to sell it, but it''ll be a quick leg up...'''' Crono looks coldly at his deputy, who shudders in admiration.


    ''''Next........glass?��No, crystal?


    It''s an item that allows you to talk to someone far away.


    When Crono picked up the transparent spheres contained in the wooden box, Leila immediately answered.


    Inside the crate, there are twenty or so transparent spheres.


    ''''What''s the effective distance?''''


    I''m sure ... it could have been used anywhere in Hachel.


    Crono handed the sphere to his subordinate, saying that it could be used to communicate with his men.


    ''I''ll give it to you as a means of communication and now the bow.


    Crono picked up the bow and looked at it carefully.


    Apparently, this bow was made from a combination of multiple materials.


    ''''It''s a.......synthetic bow. It''s a bow that has quite a bit of range, but the manufacturing method is kept secret.''''


    It was the dwarven centurion who answered.


    It seemed that the standard course for dwarves living in the Cepheus Empire was to acquire skills as craftsmen in one way or another before joining the army.


    ''''Can you mass-produce them?''''


    ...if only I had a workshop.


    I''ll raise the money to build the workshop, so set up a mass production system.


    At any rate, Crono handed the dwarf a synthetic bow.


    It doesn''t appear to be enchanted.


    Technically, it doesn''t sound like much of a stretch, does it?


    So how much are we talking about?


    ''Mmmm,'' Crono snorted as he joined Leila and the dwarf.


    ''Master Crono, we are not merchants.


    ''''If we don''t know what the right price is, they''ll buy it for a couple of bucks. We''ll figure out the selling price later, but let''s complete the inventory first.


    Vase, vase, vase, plate, plate, plate, painting, painting ... a mallet of hidden magic power to a lizardman centurion ... a great sword of magical power to a man lion ... And any armor and swords that might be used are returned to the treasure room.


    Two hundred pots, three hundred plates, fifty paintings, ten large sculptures and fifty small sculptures, for a total of six hundred and ten... I must have accumulated a lot of work.


    By the time Crono finished his inventory, the sun had finished its day''s work and was about to set.


    *


    The Pyx Chamber of Commerce is a large merchant association with branches throughout the Cepheus Empire.


    Nicolas, who is in charge of the branch of the Marquis of Erakis, is an old merchant member, but his talents as a merchant were poor.


    Although he had spent more than twice as much time as anyone else to get to his current position, Nicolas himself thought that he would never be able to rise further in his career.


    In short, the Marquis of Erakis branch was like a penal colony for people like Nikola.


    Nevertheless, Nicola did not corruptly and diligently perform the work of the Chamber of Commerce.


    He didn''t discriminate against any partner and properly took care of his apprentice merchant members.


    It was almost dusk when a noble-looking young man and a half-elf woman came to Nicola''s door.


    The aristocratic-looking young man would be no more than twenty years old.


    He had a lean build and a large scar from the right forehead to the cheek, probably from the war.


    His eyelids were closed, and he had apparently lost the sight in his right eye.


    The half-elf woman was maybe over twenty years old.


    However, it''s dangerous to judge their age based on their appearance alone, since they are the blood of elves who are said to live nearly twice to five times as long as humans.


    This one is smartly built........a little undernourished and dressed shabbily.


    A nobleman and his prostitute, or perhaps a prostitute he bought for fun.


    What can I do for you?


    "I want this girl to mend her clothes.


    When Nicola responded with a sales smile, the aristocratic-looking young man said bluntly.


    Then how do you like our clothes?


    Nicola held out a deep indigo skirt that could be mistaken for black, a beige tunic, and a vest of the same color as the skirt.


    ''Would you mind if I tried them on?''


    Yes, this will be your fitting room. Vell, show our guest here.


    Nicola called the apprentice merchant member, Vel, and had him show the half-elf woman around.


    ''How much will it cost?''


    Yes, that''ll be five gold pieces.


    I thought he was going to be bargained for, but the young man handed the price to Nicola.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    "....shopkeeper, can I have a word with you?


    What is it?


    To tell you the truth, I''ve been ordered by a very important person to sell some art. I''m having a hard time finding the right price.


    Haha, Nicola felt as if she had touched on one of the reasons for the young man''s good money.


    Perhaps the young man was a subordinate of the Marquess of Erakis''s prot��g��.


    ''''If it''s okay with me, I''ll be happy to discuss it with you?


    Oh, right!


    In less than an hour, Nicola regretted her decision to consult with the young man.


    He had been asked to appraise more than six hundred items, and the actual sale was scheduled for the next day.


    *


    The next day, Nicolas left the branch in the hands of his trusted subordinates and went to the Marquis de Erakis mansion with apprentice merchant member Vel.


    Suddenly, Vell began to speak as they pulled the carriage into the grounds of the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion.


    ''''Branch Manager, Branch Manager!''''


    What is it?


    We''re not gonna get killed, are we?


    Huh?��And Nicola sounded bareheaded at Vel''s words.


    ''Like I don''t have any more use for you now that I know the market!


    I don''t think so.


    I split up with my subordinates and held up a box full of gold coins and entered the hall to find a large number of sub-humans and humans.


    The sub-humans stood around the hall, and the humans..............................the leading merchants of the Marquis of Erakis.


    ''''Nah, what is it?��I mean, is there going to be an executioner standing on that platform?


    Shut up for a minute.


    After a while, the young man of yesterday stood on the platform.


    ''Gentlemen, I am Crono Crawford. I have been entrusted with the governance of the Marquess of Erakis.


    The young man Mr. Crono broke off the words.


    I am going to sell off the remaining property of the Marquis of Erakis to fund my future endeavors. You will all be familiar with the method I have in mind... bidding!


    A ridiculous aristocrat, said Nicola, looking at Mr. Crono with a half-amused, half-impressed look.


    Perhaps Mr. Crono had approached someone else besides Nicola.


    It would seem to be a good idea to sell to the merchant with the highest price, but Mr. Crono is aiming to raise the price further by adopting the method of bidding.


    Even if they don''t sell, it''s impossible for him to reel in two or three pounds now that he understands the market price.


    ''First of all, a statue of a nude woman made by a sculptor from a group of free city-states in the north!��We''ll start with four hundred gold coins!


    Four hundred and ten!


    Four hundred and thirty!


    Five hundred!


    Sold!


    Next, a hundred-year-old Sadar ware vase!


    At first, they were calm in their dispatch, but whether it was the heat of the moment, Mr. Crono''s good agitation, or the psychology of wanting to sell face to the new ruler, the bids were sold for more money than Nicola had expected.


    The auction lasted for two days, and Nicola and the others were forced to sleep in the Marquis'' mansion.


    They were allowed to go out, but conversations between merchants ... possible collusion ... were prohibited.


    We didn''t get much of that.


    Well, it''s not much of a stretch, sir.


    Nicola replied to Vel''s words without effort.


    There was a surplus of money, but that was because Nicola was too bullish to attack it.


    Nicola was able to buy only sixty small items such as vases and plates.


    The high priced sculptures and paintings were bought up by another trade association.


    ''The Pics Trading Company!


    Excuse me?


    It was at that moment that Nicola was about to get into the carriage when she was approached.


    ''Master Crono wants to see you,''


    What do you want?


    I don''t know what Master Crono thinks.


    The half-elf woman replied in a puzzled manner.


    Nicola was led by the half-elf woman and stepped into the reception room on the third floor of the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion.


    ''''Hi, the Pix Chamber of Commerce,''''


    My name is Nicola.


    Nicola, make yourself comfortable.


    Nicola sat down on the superior sofa and confronted Mr. Crono.


    What a young man he is, he seems to be everywhere.


    To say the least, he seems like a good-natured guy.


    ''''How did the bidding go?''''


    I''m sure the Chronosphere knows the outcome.


    Yes, said Mr. Crono with a big smile on his face.


    You can''t help but laugh at the fact that you have earned more than 30,000 gold coins in just two days.


    Nicolas was looking at 20,000 gold coins.


    Nicola swore in her mind that this young man had done this to her.


    ''What do you want from me?''


    ''That''s the thing, but rather than the Pix Trading Company I thought I''d ask Nicola to be your errand boy.


    Huh!��And Nicola involuntarily lifted herself off the sofa.


    ''Why me?''


    Because of the service.


    Mr. Crono smiled and glanced at the half-elf woman.


    Judging from the fact that the half-elf woman''s cheeks were shyly stained, it seemed that the assumption that she was an amorous woman was not wrong.


    ''Food for the soldiers, for starters?��Roughly six hundred and fifty men, how much is that?


    Yeah, in that case.


    Mr. Crono nodded with satisfaction as Nicola explained the price of wheat and offered a sum of money.


    ''At that price, how about a five-year contract?��When we have more subordinates, it''s like we''re going to increase the amount based on that amount.


    ''Then ... wouldn''t it be my loss during a bad crop?


    Nicola almost nodded, but quickly stopped to think about it.


    Dangerous, dangerous.


    Despite his good-natured air, this young man is strong.


    ''''But it pays off when there''s a good harvest, doesn''t it?''''


    Now the market is ... average, if you can call it that.


    Nicola quickly recalculated that stockpiling wheat during a bumper harvest would reduce the risk, and she quickly recalculated.


    Then.


    As long as you can keep the quantity and the quality above a certain level, we won''t say anything about May.


    Mr. Crono added, as if he could see through Nicola''s thoughts.


    ''''I understand. But still, is Mr. Crono really a nobleman?''''


    If I could turn around and run a fiefdom, I would.


    This man is not normal, Nicola corrected her impression again.


    *


    ''The proceeds from the auction were 30,000 pounds of gold, and the unpaid salary was 6,000 pounds of gold, so there are 24,500 left. The tax is not due until October, so there''s plenty of time for that.��But we have to build a workshop, too.


    I have to collect servants, and it''s hard to do everything by myself, Crono said as he plopped down on his desk.


    ''''I''m sorry for not being able to help you.''''


    Hmmm, well, it''s the only way to go.


    It can''t be helped, Crono replied to a pitiful, powerless Leila.


    What good will your studies do for you in the future?


    The question everyone living in modern Japan has asked at one time or another, and the answer is the circumstances surrounding Leila and the sub-humans.


    If you only wanted to live one day at a time, you wouldn''t need to study.


    But if you look ahead to five or ten years from now, you''ll need a minimum amount of study.


    Immediately, Crono made up his mind and wrote twenty-six letters, similar to the alphabet, on a piece of paper.


    The grammar of the language used in the Cepheus Empire is the same as English, the only difference is that the pronunciation is spelled as it is.


    "...Master Crono, will you not make love to me tonight?


    Leila, sit down.


    Standing up, Crono sat a bewildered Leila down in a chair.


    ''Um, this,''


    ''I''m going to start teaching you letters and arithmetic tonight. I don''t think you know what you need to study for now. But for Leila in five or ten years I want you to learn letters and arithmetic for you in a hundred years.


    If Leila asks for it, it''s love to respond to her request.


    But I think it''s also love to think about Leila''s future.

 4-Modified version of Episode 4 "Woman and Flower Seller"

    *


    Kaaah!��Kaaah!��and the sound of hammering echoes from a corner of the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion - one of the towers surrounding the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion........


    There is a furnace there, an anvil, a pile of coals, and dwarves walking around in a hurry.


    ''Oh!''��Master Crono, we''ve been waiting for you!


    Centurion, can I ask you a question?


    Crono looked up at the tower, wondering where to start asking.


    ''Master Crono has built a wonderful workshop for you!


    That''s what happens when you spend a thousand gold pieces.


    Hahaha, Crono and the dwarf laughed.


    ''''So, how''s the synthetic bow?''''


    I''ve got the right ingredients, but the actual construction.


    I''m not asking for quick results, but I didn''t build the workshop for fun either.


    Crono looked at the centurion, wondering if he was being a little harsh.


    ''I''ll certainly try to live up to your expectations.


    I''m counting on you.


    This is my untrue intentions.


    If we can make weapons and armor in this workshop, it will save us a great deal of money, and if we develop weapons and armor of better quality than we have now, we might be able to save our men from dying.


    ''''Crono-sama, actually I had an idea for armor when I was younger.


    ''No problem. Of course, it''s a matter of life, so we''ll do a thorough endurance test and if that doesn''t hurt, we''ll switch to that new type of armor.


    ''Yes!��I''ll get right on it!


    ''You''re so motivated,'' said Crono, looking away from the dwarven centurion.


    ''Crono, you''ve gotten better with sub-humans before I''ve seen you for a while.


    What, Tilia?


    It''s my fault!


    Tilia stood next to Crono with a mortified expression and turned her dismayed gaze to the workshop and Crono.


    "You''re giving sub-humans magic-impregnated weapons, building them a workshop, well, as is, taking that half-elf to bed every night, you''re spoiling the sub-humans too much, aren''t you?


    I only have a subhuman under my command.


    Speaking of which, where did Marquis Erakis'' men my colleagues and human soldiers go?


    ''And especially not the half-elf. I don''t know what you think you''re doing indulging in b-, b-, and lewd acts with a half-elf, but a half-elf is a half-elf who can''t be a human or an elf. I''m sure he''s going to whisper his love and pick back his fortune. Do you hear me, Crono!


    Sorry, I didn''t hear half of it.


    I''m saying this for your own good!


    Have you ever been duped by a half-elf marriage scammer or something?��And Crono looked at Tilia.


    ''But if this is the normal feeling towards half-elves, then they are too unrewarding.


    ''When you understand, give that half-elf a handout and get rid of him.


    "...Tilia, I''m not going to get rid of Leila.


    Huh?��And Tilia''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''Sure, I think Leila has a little bit of a head start. But I''ve given up a lot of things because I''m half-elf, and now Leila wants me. I think that was a very brave decision.


    That''s just your imagination.


    ''Yes, maybe. Even if Tilia was right and Leila was deceiving me, I promised Leila I''d believe her.


    ...you are...


    Tilia''s face contorts.


    ''You''re an idiot!��Stupid, I thought I was an idiot, but I''m a huge idiot!


    Hey, Tilia.


    Don''t touch me!


    Tilia hit him and Crono punched him in the ass.


    ''Good?��I''m busy. I can''t stay away from the imperial capital forever. Hurry up and hire a new servant and send me back to the imperial capital!


    Turning her back on Crono, Tilia walked wildly back to the Marquis of Erakis mansion.


    ''''Crono-sama, is it alright?''''


    I feel like I cut my mouth open.


    You have a cut lip.


    Crono frowned at the iron-smelling taste that spread in his mouth.


    ''Truly, Crono-sama loves Leila, doesn''t he?


    In my own way.


    Wiping the blood off his military sleeve, Crono stood up.


    ''Where are you going, sir?''


    Tyria wants to return to the Imperial City, so I thought I''d go find a servant.


    No guesses, though, Crono said, looking up at the sky.


    If accounting is essential, how many people do you need to manage the Marquis'' mansion?


    He tried to remember his foster father''s mansion, but he couldn''t remember a thing.


    ''''In the meantime, let''s ask Mino-san if there are any soldiers who want to change jobs. We''re supposed to be training outside the city today, is this not a good look for you?


    Although I told him I was going to look for a servant, Crono didn''t think he could easily hire a servant without any connections.


    If that''s the case, I changed out of my military uniform and into normal clothes to combine it with an inspection of the city.


    I''m wearing a commoner''s style tunic and linen pants.


    However, since I''m small and clean for a commoner, I might have the impression that I''m a rich man''s bonbon if people see me.


    I bought some dried fruit at a stall, and after wandering aimlessly, I negotiated with a peddler to have it placed on the back of a carriage.


    The commercial district from the Marquis of Erakis mansion seems to be reasonably safe, but there are also vagrants, vagrants, and women who look like prostitutes.


    ''....There are a lot of vagrants, aren''t there?


    The Marquis of Erakis ruined the poorhouse. But those guys aren''t trying hard enough, so there''s no need to feel sorry for them.''''


    Crono muttered, and the peddler didn''t even try to hide his contempt as he said.


    ''Spit it out,'' is the best way to describe it.


    ''I see,''


    Of course, if people always thought like that, there would be no decrease in vagrants and vagrant children.


    "I heard the priest of the Yellow Earth Temple has been offering them food, but if you beg for food, they''ll just get lazy.


    Well, he''s a religious man.


    Not wanting to be kicked out of the carriage, Crono matched the conversation appropriately.


    The others are ''Crimson and the Goddess of Destruction'', ''Blue and the Goddess of Life'', ''Green and the Goddess of Currents'', ''Pure White and the Goddess of Order'', which was worshipped by the commander of the Argo Kingdom, and his wife ''Jet Black and the Goddess of Chaos''.


    The reason why they are called by such long names is that it is forbidden to call them by their god''s name without good reason.


    In addition, it is said that only those who have mastered the art of divine authority are able to know the name of the gods as their representative.


    Although the Six Pillar God is also worshipped in the Cepheus Empire, the political influence of the temple is not great.


    This is what the first emperor of the Cepheus Empire said, ''''Don''t let the temple get involved in the mundane world! And because of the thorough suppression of the situation.


    That''s enough.


    Bye, Bon!


    As Crono jumped down near the gate, the peddler spoke his parting words in a violent manner.


    ''Well, the one I was using for training.


    Crono relies on his memory to get to the parade ground.


    Fortunately, the training grounds........just a wasteland with wooden stakes to target.......were quickly found.


    Since they had just been discharged from the hospital, it seems that today they are practicing kumite, sorcery and archery for each race.


    In training that assumes actual battles, they form troops in units of a hundred men, but that''s not possible with no cavalry or archers.


    ''''Hmmm, this is really powerful.


    Werewolves and man lions teaming up is powerful, but the dangling ones are minotaurs and lizardmen teaming up with each other.


    I would never want to duplicate a fistfight with a wooden stick like a log.


    He must have noticed Crono.


    The second-in-command leaves the supervisory role to the lizardmen and walks up to Crono.


    ''''General you have a cut lip.


    I fell down.


    The general has a tendency to be devious. Did you come to see Leila today?


    ''I''m thinking of hiring a servant, but I was wondering if there are any of my men who wish to retire.


    The second-in-command exhaled through his nose.


    It''s a good thing that the treatment has improved, so we don''t want anyone who can move and wants to leave the military. It''s just that some of my subordinates were slow to heal and had residual injuries.


    How many?


    "Elves and dwarves, 20 of them in all. Well, the dwarf men were all trained in blacksmithing, so we had to reassign them to the workshop, but not the dwarf women and elves.


    I''m sure it will pay less than the military, but I''ll hire them all.


    Are you sure?


    I can''t just throw him out. Where''s the elf by the way?


    "I''m a woman only.


    Crono glared at his second-in-command, "It''s true I wanted to ask you about the ratio of men to women," he said.


    ''General, who built the workshop?''


    I wasn''t thinking about it as a move, so it''s a happy miscalculation.


    I would have increased the budget if I had assumed that much from the beginning.


    ''''General, aren''t you going to see Leila?��Hey, we''re just in there.


    When I looked in the direction that the second in command pointed, I saw Leila drawing her bow.


    In view of the points that the other elves missed, Leila seems to be an excellent archer.


    Leila is very good with a bow.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''re ready to go. I''ve been a beneficiary of Leila''s magic many times, and if it were up to you, you would be my second-in-command.


    Crono''s eyes narrowed as he wondered if it was because he was a half-elf.


    ''''Of course, I.......the people here also take it for granted that Leila has become the commander of the Fifty.


    So that''s why you kept Leila around, Crono felt strangely satisfied.


    ''I should be happy,''


    "Absolutely.


    In the end, Crono left the parade ground without meeting Leila.


    *


    Feeling a bit peckish, Crono decided to stop by the diner and inn that Leila used to recuperate in.


    The diner was deserted.......there were no customers except Crono, and the landlady was wiping the counter with a rag, as if she was used to this situation.


    ''''Ah, Baroness ... what''s that outfit?''''


    I''m on a sneak tour of the city.


    Huh. Then it would be better if I didn''t call you Baron.


    Right. Now, Black, "Boy!


    Crono sat down at the counter, wondering if he looked so effortless.


    ''We only have bread and soup, would you like some?''


    ''''Mm, Ting, "No, you can''t, you''re a little boy now.


    I''m just touring the city, not playing rich bong play....


    ''I don''t want to keep acting like a pompous brat and all that - landlady, bread and soup!


    Hey, little man.


    The proprietress nodded with a theatrical motion and placed the same black bread and boiled vegetable soup on the counter as before.


    It was a little lacking in saltiness, but Crono sipped the soup without complaint.


    ''How''s the economy, landlady?''


    It''s not good. Lately....well, there''s been some strange taxes since the Marquis took over. The furnace tax, the firewood tax, and a small shop like mine is losing money because I finally set up a shop with my dead husband, and we''re in debt.


    It was heavier than I thought it would be, so Crono bite down on his bread in silence.


    ''It''s not your fault, little man, so don''t look at me like that. Yes, I have some good news. I heard that the Marquis of Erakis was caught for embezzlement, and a new lord is coming.''''


    Hmm, Crono pretended to be unconcerned.


    They say that you can''t build a door in a person''s mouth, but they say that a certain amount of secrecy is maintained.


    ''''Come to think of it, what about that half-elf''s daughter?''''


    Leila is fine.


    Heh," said the landlady, smiling like a mischievous child.


    ''The boy was obsessed with that girl, you know.


    Frankly, I''ve got a mistress.


    Oh, you don''t mind admitting it, do you?


    The proprietress said in a disappointed tone.


    The more angrily you deny this kind of thing, the more you become a figurehead.


    If I were ten years younger, I''d run for mistress.


    ....


    With a glare and a hungry beastly stare, Crono hastily gulped down his soup.


    His feeble-mindedness made him sensitive to threats.


    Hey, boy.


    Letting out a rather indulgent voice, the landlady sat down next to Crono.


    That pampered voice sounded to Crono like the snarl of a predator.


    Even though it flashed across his chest, it was only like he was sharpening his claws.


    I''m here to eat, Crono said, taking the bread... and failing to take it, dropping it.


    He grabbed my outstretched arm to take the bread.


    "...Hey little man?


    What is it?


    You''re embarrassing a woman, aren''t you?


    Why do you want to sit on me?


    ...You can do what you want with it. So, Pat, "That, I can''t.


    Huh?��The landlady nodded her head as if she didn''t understand.


    ''So, Patro, "So, you can''t,


    ''Whew,'' said the landlady, returning to her seat next to him in a blank stare.


    ''''You''re an aristocrat, kiddo. So I thought I''d help.


    He''s a nobleman.


    There are more than 23,000 gold coins left in the vault of the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion, and to some extent it could be used at Crono''s discretion.......but since this is what the Marquis of Erakis squeezed out of the people of his domain, it cannot be used lightly.


    As a matter of fact, Crono receives a salary as an officer, but he also receives money sent back from his adopted father, so he has money at his disposal, but


    I don''t like being a dirty old man, you know?


    You don''t mind that I don''t mind!


    Crono looked at the landlady with a lick and leaned forward.


    ''I''d do horrible things to you if money got me into that kind of relationship.


    ...if it''s going to save the store.


    I''ll put him in the dungeon first.


    Scary!��What are you thinking about?


    The landlady hugged herself with a pale face, as if imagining it.


    ''Landlady, what is the total amount of your debt?''


    No, I don''t want you to do that!


    ''Tsk,'' said Crono, rather seriously, clicking his tongue.


    ''So, what do you owe?''


    "....a hundred gold pieces.


    I can''t be a patron, but I can put you in touch with a good paying job.


    What''s it like?��Oh, and I''m not going to have a job where they keep me in the basement!


    The landlady drew back her body to warn Crono.


    ''The cook of the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion.


    "Don''t be stupid," he said.��I''m just trying to protect my husband''s store!


    ''I suppose working as a cook and paying off debts is an honorable way to protect your restaurant, too.


    ''Ugh,'' the landlady choked out.


    ''Will you let me think about it for a moment?''


    ''Good, but I''d like an answer by tomorrow or the day after. When you have an answer, come to the Marquis de Erakis Mansion. Tell him I''ve been summoned by Chrono Crawford and the gatekeeper will send him for you.


    Okay, okay.


    The landlady replied quietly.


    *


    The landlady may have hated her, Crono said as he walked home.


    It was the landlady who seduced him, and since she tried to prey on Crono, she should at least be forgiven for that.


    ''''The landlady is supposed to be here, so the problem is accounting.


    Munching on the dried fruit, Crono slumped his shoulders.


    Considering the literacy rate of the Cepheus Empire, it''s going to be difficult to secure people who can be haphazardly left in charge of accounting.


    I don''t have any connections to pull from elsewhere, and I don''t want to do anything that would make me an unnecessary enemy.


    It''s not realistic to train them yourself. I don''t want to owe you anything, but maybe I should talk to Nicola-san about it.''''


    As I was thinking about this, I spotted a girl selling flowers sometime ago.


    With a wobbly, feverish gait she tried to sell the flowers, but she was not taken seriously at all.


    After being rejected by several opponents, the girl wandered down the street, where a carriage came crashing in at a terrific pace.


    ''''What?!''''


    Crono ran to the girl as fast as he could.


    ''Uriyah!''


    Too much enthusiasm, woo hoo!��but Crono caught the girl diving just before she was run over, rolling around on the ground and escaping to safety.


    I''m sorry for the head bang.


    ''Are you okay?''


    ''......��Oh, my!��Oh, the flowers!


    Escaping from Crono''s arms, the girl scrapes up the flowers that have been trampled on so cruelly.


    ''Dangerous!''


    But the flowers I have to sell them all.


    Rattling, the flower-selling girl shuddered and bit her nails as if she were in some kind of withdrawal.


    What passed through Crono''s mind was Andersen''s fairy tale, The Girl Selling Matches.


    ''I''ll pay for the flowers and the basket,''


    Crono didn''t wait for an answer, but pulled the girl closer.


    Her skin peeked out of her collar, sickly white, and her body was so skinny that her collarbone floated.


    Her legs, coated in mud and blood, were also painfully thin.


    ''''Oh, Master Crono!''''


    When I turned towards the direction of the voice, I saw that Nicola was about to jump down from the carriage.


    Apparently, the carriage that tried to run over the girl belonged to the Pix Chamber of Commerce.


    ''''I''m sorry, Crono-sama,''''


    Yeah, I''m not too badly hurt.


    Crono smiles to reassure Nicola.


    At least we can fix the wound on his lip and his forehead.


    Well, then, can he be with us?


    Nicola stared at the girl and narrowed her eyes sadly.


    ''Yes, of course.''


    *


    With branches all over the Cepheus Empire, the Marquis of Erakis branch of the Pix Chamber of Commerce is built in the equivalent of a prime location in the commercial district.


    Although the size of the building is inferior to the other merchant associations, the customer service of the employees is a step or two above the others.


    Crono had secretly decided that this was the place to go when it came time to buy Leila''s clothes, underwear, underwear, and so on.


    The office of the Pix Trading Company was very cozy as Nicola showed him around.


    ''Well, Crono-sama,''


    You might want to get her patched up first.


    Goodbye. Vel, Vel!��Bring the first aid kit!


    Yes!��And Vel ran into the office with a first aid kit in hand.


    ''Vel, you need to treat this girl.


    Yes, Manager!


    Vel makes the flower-selling girl sit on a chair and treats her with an awfully familiar motion.


    But it''s only a treatment that involves pouring water on the girl and applying a bandage.


    ''''Yes~ Next, Baroness.


    Vel wrapped a bandage around Crono''s head and quickly went back to work.


    ''You''re a clean girl in a way,''


    ''I''m sorry. Vell hasn''t been a merchant member for very long and his manners are not perfect. Ah, how about some tea and refreshments?


    Yeah, nice to meet you.


    She expected a golden confection, but unfortunately it was just ordinary tea and confectionery.


    The girl fearfully sipped on the tea and devoured the pastry.


    ''You can have some of mine.''


    Oh, thank you.


    Slowly, Crono sipped his tea, this time while watching the girl eat the pastry in a reserved manner.


    When she looked at the top of the desk for some reason, she saw a bundle of paper on it.


    ''''........Paper?''''


    ''It must be unusual around here, but Master Crono is very knowledgeable.


    I''ve seen them at the Marquis of Erakis'' house, but are they so rare?


    Yes, they''re imported from the Free City States of the North and the production process is kept under wraps.


    Can we make it in the workshop?


    If it could be made within the Cepheus Empire, it would be cheaper for the lack of transportation costs, and the Marquis'' territory of Erakis would be enriched.


    ''''Crono-sama, what do you think of our work?


    The soldiers'' food situation has visibly improved, and the workshop is fine for now.


    Huh, and Nicola let out a breath of relief.


    ''This is going to be a personal ... territory management issue, is there anyone who can do accounting?


    ''When a person is educated enough and trustworthy enough to do accounting,''


    That''s right~, Crono looked up at the ceiling.


    ''If you don''t mind the means, there is only one way.


    Like what?


    ''Gohon,'' said Nicola, coughing awkwardly.


    ''We are in slavery. However, we don''t deal in slaves, so we have to be an intermediary.''


    What kind of an educated slave is that?


    For the life of me, I can''t connect the two, cultivation and slavery, in Crono''s mind.


    ''''Slaves have their own set of circumstances.


    Well, I think I''ll let you be the go-between.


    Crono wasn''t keen on the idea, but it doesn''t look like Nikola is too keen on the idea either.


    The sun was setting as we left the Pix Chamber of Commerce after our detailed correspondence.


    ''Where do you live?��Can I walk you home?


    Over there.


    The girl took Crono''s hand and started walking away.


    She didn''t pay, so maybe she''s trying to keep Crono from running away.


    ''Who do you live with?''


    Mom.


    Crono asked, and the girl answered shortly.


    ''Why are you working?''


    "...because my mother is sick. I work so hard, but I''m just trying to eat, I''m just trying to make ends meet.


    The girl realized that Crono was a nobleman, and she hurriedly reiterated it.


    The girl took him by the hand and Crono went to the outer edge of the city.


    ''''Brother........but are you a nobleman?''''


    You can be my brother. And he''s a nobleman, for one thing.


    Mu," the girl said, wrinkling her brow and stifling her silence.


    ''You don''t like the nobility?''


    ''I hate.........��And, but I like my brother, he bought me flowers.


    As the girl struggled to make up her mind, Crono could only smile bitterly.


    ''Why do you hate the nobility?''


    ''Mother, I used to work for the Marquis of Erakis, but I got sick and he kicked me out.


    If you talk to people in town, all you''ll hear is bad words about the Marquis of Erakis.


    ''I don''t like the soldiers either. But I love the dog soldiers, they are white, fluffy and always ready to help. They''re white, fluffy, and always willing to help.


    Good job, my man!��And Crono admired his men in his mind.


    When the sun had gone down, Crono finally reached the girl''s house.


    It was a shabby house, worthy of being called a barracks, and the houses around it were similar.


    ''''It looks ... unsafe.''''


    Hey, bro.


    In less than three seconds, my fears were proven true.


    A hooligan-looking man called out to me.


    ''Stop it!��I don''t have any money to give you!


    Godd*mn it, you little shit!


    Why do I have to add fuel to the fire!��And Crono shielded the girl from the old man.


    A dull shock hits the chest.


    If it''s an opponent of this level, you could subdue it with your bare hands, but it''s impossible to do so while protecting the girl.


    ''''Hey, is there anyone out there?


    It wasn''t just a thug, or maybe it was just a thug, but people were coming out of the darkness in a sluggish manner.


    While defending the girl, Crono bit his teeth at the inability to use the magic he had acquired.


    The Heavenly Cardinal Kagura has too much killing power.


    The next moment after the old man raised his arm, a single arrow stabbed at his feet and a white wind passed right by Crono''s side.


    White fur, the werewolf centurion.


    The werewolf centurion overpowered the old man in the blink of an eye, threatening the men who came out of the darkness.


    The men tried to stamp out, but


    General, shall I kill them all?


    ''I don''t have to kill you, if you''ll just leave without doing anything.


    The huge body of his second-in-command and Crono''s words made me run away from him.


    ''Master Crono!''


    Leila. Thank you for saving my life.


    Wary of her surroundings, Leila leaned in close to protect Crono.


    ''''Crono-sama, this area is one of the least safe areas in Hachel.


    I have experienced firsthand.


    A cold sweat runs down my spine, as if it''s too late now.


    ''''Mino-san, Leila I have an errand to run, so can you wait for a moment?''''


    That''s right. The general''s orders.


    I will risk my life to secure the exit.


    These two would be able to handle a bunch of thugs hanging on to them.


    ''Would you mind letting me meet your mother?


    Okay, but why?


    *


    The girl''s mother was doing needlework in bed, but as soon as she saw the bandages wrapped around the girl, she jumped off the bed.


    ''Ariston!��What''s wrong with you if you''re late getting home?


    ''I almost got run over by a carriage, and my brother saved me.


    Quickly, Alyson''s mother looked at Crono.


    ''I don''t know who you are, but thank you for helping my daughter.


    No, I was just doing the obvious.


    After that, the conversation stopped and Crono looked around.


    The house has dirty walls and a leaky ceiling, and it lacks even the bare minimum of furniture.


    There are even those who try to steal money from the children, just like the man before.


    ''Now I am looking for a servant.


    I''m very, very grateful for the offer, but I''m sick at the moment.


    Tightly, Arisun clings to her mother.


    Alyson''s mother seems to be confused by the unbeatable treatment, but there''s no other way but to have her trust Crono for this.


    ''''........I understand.


    After a few moments of thought, Alyson''s mother accepted Crono''s suggestion.


    *


    Quickly packing up, Crono took his second in command, Leila, the werewolf centurion, Alisun and her mother to the Marquis'' mansion.


    Crono pulled Alisun''s hand and the deputy dressed to pick up Alisun''s mother.


    Leila looked enviously at Alisun as she and Crono held hands, but she didn''t complain.


    Leila was the one who noticed the oddities in the Marquis Erakis mansion the earliest.


    ''''Lady Crono, someone is making a scene at the gate.


    Is it the landlady?


    Crono''s premonition was true.


    The landlady and the gatekeeper were engaged in a shoving match at the gates of the Marquis of Erakis'' residence.


    ''''That''s why I said Master Crono called you here!


    ''Don''t lie to me!��Baron Crawford wouldn''t have summoned a woman of your caliber!��Get the hell out of here!


    Well, at least give Mr. Crono a call.


    The landlady was an aggressive person, Crono revised his first impression of her, including today''s incident, significantly.


    ''Ahhh, you guys,''


    Baron Crawford!


    Snap!��And the gatekeeper straightened up.


    ''The lady is right. I''m sure Tilia has told you that I''m looking for a servant.


    I told you!��I was sent here by Master Crono.


    May, woman!


    ''What?��How about one word of apology!


    ''Well, well, well,'' said Crono, interrupting between the landlady and the gatekeeper.


    ''Any answer, landlady?''


    ''I''d save your husband''s shop, I''d be his cook or his mistress.


    You!��And while quieting the excited gatekeeper, Crono let out a sigh in his mind.


    Well, how should I put it......It seems to be a long way ahead.

 5-Episode 4.5 [Leila] Modified version

    *


    When she visited Crono''s room, Leila struggled to stifle her fears.


    She might be rejected.


    She might be disappointed.


    She might be raped by force.


    These thoughts were all that swirled around her.


    It took a long time to get to the act.


    Little by little, he closed the distance - and from there on, everything was new to him.


    She was happiest when her lover held her in his arms, according to her dead war buddy.


    Leila had come to realize what that meant, though.


    Even last night, Crono-sama did not love me.


    With such frustration, Leila shot arrows one after another.


    Even in this situation, the skills acquired through blood-soaked training did not dull, and the arrows hit their targets without fail.


    Since you are allowing me to share the bed, it shouldn''t be inevitable.


    There shouldn''t be any lack of attractiveness on my part, nor should there be any decrease in Crono-sama''s s*xual desire.


    Finishing the arrow, Leila checked on her men.


    The three hundred elven and half-elven archers had been reduced in number to fifty in the battle of the Coma Forest.


    It was a frightening number of deaths, but if they had fought on the plains, a thousand of them would have been destroyed in less than a few hours.


    There''s no doubt that the ''study'' has become a great burden.


    However, Crono-sama doesn''t seem to want me to stop ''studying''.


    What is the kind of love that Master Crono is talking about?


    Captain Fifty has been pining for Master Chronosphere.


    We''ve been going at it every night. We''ve been going at it hard.


    As Leila let out a deep sigh, the two elves next to her said mischievously.


    Both of them had blonde hair and blue eyes, the average characteristics of elves, and they looked exactly like them in the mirror.


    As it should be, they........Deneb and Alideed are twin sisters.


    They''re one of the few friends I''ve had since the day I was assigned to them now, but that doesn''t mean they don''t want me to intensely seek them out, so I''m bothered!��I can''t say back.


    ''Will you invite us too, Master Crono?


    It would be a lot easier to be Master Crono''s mistress, wouldn''t it?


    "...I don''t think becoming a mistress is going to be easy. I''ve been under strict orders not to behave like a big shot to my colleagues just because I''ve become a mistress.


    Leila said, and Deneb and Alydead blinked at her curiously.


    ''It''s not like my image~''


    Yeah, well, it''s like night and day are reversed, isn''t it?


    Deneb and Aridid looked at each other.


    "So, what''s the real story?!


    I crowded Leila with a sense of curiosity.


    ''What do you mean?''


    ''''So, since you get out of the barracks every night, every night, and come back in the morning, are you fierce, Master Crono?��Stubborn?��Or do you feel like you''re going to come at me hard and not fit my face?


    Well, you see, Crono-sama is very, very gentle and careful with me.


    Pressured by the two swordsmen, Leila replied with a hushed voice.


    ''''... gently?''''


    ...polite?


    Leila''s words seemed surprising, and they looked at each other.


    ''After all, I want to be Crono-sama''s mistress.


    Yeah.


    They murmured sincerely, as if they were trying to get a glimpse of their past male history.


    *


    I''ve been feeling a little tight around my chest and butt lately.


    Me too. The others have been saying similar things, but what about the Fifty-Man?


    I don''t need to.


    On their way back to their quarters after the morning''s training, Deneb and Alideed mentioned such a thing.


    It was hard to tell because they both wore leather armor, and Leila wasn''t aware that her breasts had grown, but it did occur to her.


    I see, that''s why Crono-sama was staring at her breasts and wanted to touch her buttocks.


    ''I guess it''s because I can now eat three meals a day?


    ''You''ve had two meals before. You''ve been paid your unpaid wages and stuff, and suddenly you''re being treated better.


    The treatment has improved, and that''s what every soldier must feel.


    When the Marquis of Erakis was alive and well, there was a clear difference between subhuman and human soldiers.


    However, it seems that human soldiers weren''t as privileged as Leila and the others now, either.


    ''''Even the dwarven centurion was happy to have his own workshop.


    ''''I heard that was Crono-sama''s own money. Do you know what it was for, Captain Fifty?


    ''I''m sure it was built to make a new type of bow but I don''t know what Master Crono has in mind.


    Leila replied as she said to Nicola of the Pix Chamber of Commerce.


    I don''t know what Crono-sama is thinking.


    If I continue to ''study'' like this, will I be able to understand Crono-sama''s thoughts?��And that meaning that he loves her in his own way, Crono-sama.......


    ''''Isn''t that guy from the Pix Trading Company?


    What''s he doing?


    They looked at the carriage parked near the barracks and said.


    From the looks of it, it looks like they came to deliver the food.


    Until now, the merchants had only left the food, but since the change to the Pix Chamber of Commerce, they started to check the actual number of food.


    Even though it''s called checking, the soldiers can''t read or even do rudimentary arithmetic, so Crono is doing it.


    ''''Leila-sama, where is Crono-sama?''''


    I''m sorry, but I''ll be with you in a minute.


    Asked by Nicola, Leila took out a communication crystal.


    ''''Leila, can you do it for me?''''


    What?


    ''I just need to make sure that the delivery note and the actual numbers match. Oh, and I''m going to ask you to briefly explain it to me, so let Nicola take over.


    As he handed her the crystal, Nicola seemed to exchange two or three words with Crono.


    ''Now, Lady Leila I will explain the numbers to you and ask you to check the numbers.


    Hey, Fifty-Five.


    Alideed sounds pathetic, but Leila feels the same way.


    ''This way,''


    Leila patted her chest as Nicola handed her the delivery note.


    Because all that was written on the delivery note was the name of the item and its number.


    ''Well, let''s start with the barley first.


    It''s the one in the middle.


    The confirmation process wasn''t as difficult as I thought it would be, but it took more than twice as long for Crono to confirm it.


    ''Everything is there, I''m sure of it,''


    Now, would you please put Lady Leila''s name here?


    Hey, hey!


    Deneb, or is it Aridaid?��let out a distressed scream.


    Nicola nodded in satisfaction as Layla finished signing.


    ''''Hey, hey, hey, Captain Fifty!


    What is it?


    Alideed, looking like he was about to cry, crowded Leila.


    ''When did you learn to read or do arithmetic or something?''


    I''m interested, too.


    Apparently, Deneb had no intention of sending out a ship to help, so he and Alideed got together and crowded Leila.


    ''''Well Master Crono told me about it.


    What?��Huh?��Master Chronosphere is a busy place.��You''re training during the day, too, and where do you have time for that?


    Well, you know, every night in the Crono''s room.


    Leila felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.


    ''Didn''t you go out and f*ck every night?''


    Well, you see, I was going to do that, and I was going to do that, Mr. Crono.


    Leila replied sullenly.


    ''How many times have you f*cked her?��You didn''t just sneak into the mansion and teach me to write, did you?


    Well, there''s only two times in two weeks.


    Slumping her shoulders, Leila held up her index and middle fingers.


    ''''Less!��Did you even ask him out properly?


    Come on, you''re not asking me out.


    Just answer the question!


    I thought I''d asked nicely, sir, but... if you''re going to teach me what I''m supposed to be doing ten years from now, or what we''re supposed to be doing a hundred years from now... still, you know, I think I''d be more than happy to oblige if you put the squeeze on me. Please.


    Poppycock, and the two of them are dumbfounded.


    I thought he was different, but it''s like, I don''t know, I''ve been rushed off the edge of my imagination.


    Captain Fifty do you really think they love you?


    ''Master Crono says he loves me in his own way, but I''m a fool and I don''t really understand the love of Master Crono.


    Slowly, my vision was blurred with tears.


    ''''Leila-sama is deeply loved by Crono-sama, isn''t she?


    "What?��Why, after hearing what you just said, you''re getting that impression!


    ''Do you know what Master Crono really meant!��Tell me about it!��What is it about Master Crono''s love?


    The three of them crowded together and Nicola cleared her throat.


    ''It''s only a guess, if that''s all right?''


    Leila was straightforward, and Deneb and Alideed reluctantly backed away from Nicola.


    ''I think that Crono-sama is thinking of five or ten years after Leila-sama.


    Why?


    The conversation was suddenly broken and Nicola cleared her throat.


    ''''For example ... this is just an analogy, but let''s say, for example, Leila-sama quits the army and looks for another job.


    What?��There''s no way we subhumans can find another job that easily.


    ''If you remain uneducated you will find it difficult, I must say. However, if you can read, write and do arithmetic, it''s a different story. If you have the minimum academic skills, I can recruit you as an apprentice merchant member at the Marquis de Erakis branch in my custody.


    Nicola replied firmly to Alideed''s accusatory words.


    ''''It will be a struggle at first, but once you''ve achieved success, no one will be able to complain. It''s not impossible for you to be entrusted with a branch office or to start your own business association independently. There is also the option of opening a private school.


    Deneb and Ariddead listened to Nicola''s story as if they were dumbfounded.


    It was as if a dream-like choice was presented as a real problem.


    ''What will we be in a hundred years?''


    ''''Well I''m being quite personal, but isn''t Crono-sama trying to improve the status of sub-humans?''''


    Huh?��And Leila, Deneb, and Alideed could barely hear back.


    ''''If you are successful in business, your influence will naturally grow, and the students of Lady Layla who opened the private school might be active in various fields. It might not be possible in ten years, but in fifty years or a hundred years?��Maybe in a hundred years, sub-humans and humans will be on an equal footing.


    What good would it do Master Crono to have that much trouble?


    I guess it''s love because it doesn''t seek profit.


    Layla asked in a snatched voice, and Nicola answered with a serious face.


    Her knees trembled as she wobbled.


    Leila was even afraid of Crono''s love, which was too grand.


    But her heart was hot.


    Surely, this is Crono-sama''s love, isn''t it?


    Leila put her fist on her chest and smiled a small smile.


    Even though the food situation has improved and his pocketbook has warmed up, the nights in the barracks are early due to his long life of poverty.


    As a rule, nighttime is not forbidden, but we are basically not allowed to go out.


    Because I''d rather have a cheap drink in my room than pay for it in a tavern and get sarcastic comments from the owner or get tangled up in other customers.


    As usual, Leila slipped out of the barracks with a brilliant hand and climbed over the high walls of the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion.


    Her breasts and buttocks seemed to have grown, but her physical abilities themselves seemed to have increased than before.


    Is this also due to the improved food situation?


    Forming a fist, Leila ran along the walls and through the gardens of the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion.


    ''Who''s there!''


    .....


    Only today, your instincts are very keen.


    It''s not surprising since I''ve been playing chase for two weeks, but it''s not me who gets caught by a soldier who''s never been in battle before.


    Leila slipped into the tower where the door was open and tried to get past the soldiers.


    ''Oh, is it tonight too?''


    Please be quiet because the soldiers will hear you.


    As he spoke, Leila glared at the dwarven centurion.


    ''They have no real combat experience, you know. I''m sure they''ll go unnoticed.


    It''s just a matter of when.


    Just as the dwarven centurion had said, the soldiers on patrol went in a misguided direction without noticing Leila.


    ''''After all, it seems that Princess Tyria''s vassals have no real battle experience. Speaking of which........why aren''t you returning to the barracks?


    ''A synthetic bow, new armour I don''t want to waste time making paper.


    Paper?


    When Leila looked at him, the dwarven centurion was happily soaking the branches and roots in a wooden vat.


    There is not one wooden vat, but more than ten.


    ''Isn''t the paper ... made from ... animal skins?


    Crono-sama said that you can make it from plants too. If you jab the juice from plants with a wooden frame, something paper-like will remain or not. Crono-sama himself seems to have a vague recollection of it, so that part was by trial and error.


    I''m not sure, but good luck with that.


    Leila parted from the dwarven centurion and climbed up the trees and broke into the castle through the window.


    It''s fine to guide the soldiers at random, but the trick to sneaking in is to change the infiltration method each time.


    The sound of footsteps in the castle increases the chances of detection, but it''s easy to read the signs here too.


    ''Hey, what are you doing?''


    .....


    When he turned around and unleashed his back fist, the person caught Leila''s fist lightly.


    ''''Madam ... why you?''''


    That''s because I''m working tonight.


    What are you wearing?


    Fufu, the landlady laughed like a girl and lightly lifted her short skirt.


    By the way, the chest was wide open, revealing about a third of her substantial breasts.


    It''s been a long time since I''ve worked for a castle, so I got into it. I''m going to set up a night crawl for Crono-sama with this outfit, but is it ok?


    How old are you, landlady?


    Pow!��And instead of a reply, he was slapped.


    I was quite wary, but it seems that this landlady is more skilled than Princess Tilia''s vassals.


    ''''I''m.......I''m still only just over thirty.


    Why does your voice get smaller at your age?


    It''s fine. It''s fine.


    ''Mmm,'' said Leila, glaring at the landlady.


    ''But with the first one here, I think we should stop for the day.


    How did you know that?


    Of course Master Crono told you.


    The landlady bit down on her absent-mindedness and easily withdrew.


    I don''t think Crono-sama will fall that easily, but.......no, she will fall.


    I don''t have any proof, but I judge that Crono-sama''s defense is less than cloth clothing.


    Regaining her composure, Leila aims for Crono''s room.


    Apparently, it seems that Princess Tilia is not there.


    I heard that they studied at the same school, but would an imperial princess visit the room of a nobleman with that much intimacy?��Now that I think about it, it''s funny how they reacted when they saw a naked Crono-sama and me.


    Huh, and Leila smiled.


    Even if Princess Tilia had special feelings for Crono-sama, their positions are too different.


    Even if Crono-sama achieved a standing promotion, that was a long way off.......


    Sleekly, Leila crept into Crono''s room and let out a breath of relief.


    ''Shall we start again tonight?''


    Yes.


    Sitting in a chair, Leila listens to Crono''s words and follows the words in the book with only her gaze.


    The book is a myth of the Six Pillar God.


    Once upon a time ... a story written about the age of the gods.


    Perhaps because he had read it for so long, Crono reached for his cup.


    ''''Um, Crono-sama what do you think about a hundred years from now?


    ''I wish sub-humans were treated better than they are now. If you think about the history of the world I was in, I know that''s a difficult path to follow, but if you could do it in that world, there''s no reason you can''t do it in this one... maybe.


    He added, unsure, because he himself wasn''t sure.


    ''''........Um, Crono-sama.


    Tightly, Leila clenched her fists tightly on her knees.


    ''''Um, I........I finally understand what Crono-sama said about love. For a long time, I didn''t know what it meant, and I was worried that I wasn''t being asked for it, but after the Pix Chamber of Commerce told me about it, I really had to realize it on my own.


    Leila spun the words, almost crying at her own poor performance.


    ''You have given me, Master Crono, a future for us, haven''t you?


    I figured that if I could get a minimum level of academics, I''d have more options,


    Lady Crono!


    Standing up, Leila jumped into Crono''s chest.


    ''''........I''m shallow. Crono-sama is thinking about a hundred years from now and I''m not happy that Crono-sama doesn''t love me.


    You''re not satisfied?


    Leila muttered, and Crono said in a polite manner.


    ''''Look I''m a lord, I''m serious about my future, but I''m not as respectable as Leila thinks I am. It''s not like I''m petty or anything, I''m still in the Pix Trading Company today.


    The dwarf centurion instructed me to make a paper.


    ''Nicola said it was imported, so I thought it would be profitable to make it in the Marquess of Erakis. Hopefully we''ll reduce the number of vagrants but that''s not all I''m thinking about, so if I make a mistake, or if I''m about to make a mistake, feel free to point it out.


    Leila was amused by Crono''s humility, and she almost blew it.

 6-Modified version of Episode 5 "Slave Market"

    *


    Why am I in this place?��And Elena Graffitius hugged her knees in the darkness.


    It''s a narrow space, closed in by darkness, where if you spread your arms out, your fingertips would touch the craggy wall and you would be blocked from going before you had even taken three steps.


    Elena Graffius was born the daughter of a semi-aristocrat.


    A quasi-aristocrat is just a title given to landowners and wealthy farmers, but her father steadfastly ran the estate and amassed a fortune that surpassed that of a lowly nobleman.


    My father was an old-fashioned man, but he was also a flexible thinker.


    Because of such a father, when Elena, at the age of 14, decided to study abroad, he gladly sent her away.


    Elena learned a lot in one of the free city-states she studied in.


    Foreign languages, customs and culture, and arithmetic were among the areas of interest.


    Three years passed and Elena was told of her father''s death.


    Elena returned home without taking anything and was busy grieving and dealing with the aftermath.


    Eventually, her uncle took over from her father.


    At first, no, nothing went wrong from the beginning to the end.


    My fianc��, Philip, whom I hadn''t seen in three years, had been kind to me, and my uncle had cared for me.


    Finally, just as she was recovering from her father''s death, Elena was kidnapped.


    The bandits attacked the house.


    The bandit cut down all the servants and sold Elena to the slavers.


    The slavers had many girls like Elena who had been kidnapped.


    At first, I think they had some human emotions left in them.


    They cried and screamed, sometimes even resisted.


    But after being beaten again and again, they were losing hope.


    Elena resisted to the end.


    After being beaten and beaten with sticks, the slaver changed his attitude towards Elena.


    The slavers began to beat Elena for no reason.


    When the violence and pain became normalized, Elena realized that she was being made an example of.


    ''....I just want to die already.


    My body hurts all over and I don''t know where it hurts.


    It still has some value as a commodity now, but I don''t know what they will do to me if it remains unsold.


    They will probably rape me.


    They might cut off parts of me.


    ''I''m scared, Phillip,''


    Elena held her knees and let the tears fall.


    *


    Master Crono, today''s breakfast is soft white bread and fish soup.


    The landlady let out a pampered voice and laid the food on the table.


    For some reason, the landlady was wearing a maid''s uniform with her breasts wide open.


    ''''Ku, Crono you have no discipline in your servants.


    You''re not ready for it.


    Tyria, sitting opposite him, has an expression on her face that looks like she has chewed up a dozen bitter worms.


    It''s the same with Tyria''s maidservant, who glares at the landlady with displeasure.


    Would you like me to feed you, Mr. Crono?


    I can eat it myself.


    Crono cut the bread into small strips and brought it to his mouth.


    ''Is it good?''


    It''s weird. I can''t taste it.


    Oh?��And the landlady hugs Crono after him, touching him caressingly.


    ''I need to ask you a favor, will you do me a favor?''


    If you''re just asking.


    Raise your salary and "No


    The landlady stopped caressing him in a flash.


    Your salary is rejected.


    Tsk, the landlady clicked her tongue and moved away from Crono.


    ''It''s good that you heard me out.


    You signed up for one gold and ten silver pieces a month.


    Sure, but even if you pay off all that debt, it''ll be five years or more before you can get the shop open again.


    Crossing her arms behind her head, the landlady''s lips twitched in frustration.


    ''Wait until next spring to negotiate a wage increase, okay?''


    "Master Crono''s stingy!


    Spouting defeated lines like a child, the landlady walked out of the dining room.


    ''You''re too naive to take advantage of me, even the commoners.


    That''s why I''m so good.


    The proprietress has been running the restaurant for many years and is very good at what she does.


    She knows the rudiments of arithmetic and reading, so she can be entrusted with the management of the foodstuffs, and she is motivated to reopen the restaurant, so she takes her job seriously and has the desire to improve her culinary repertoire in preparation for the reopening.


    The problem may be that he tries to create a myth at any moment and demands a pay raise in connection with it.


    By the way, are you free today?��If you''re not busy,


    ''I have an appointment with Nicola from the Pix Trading Company today.


    ''I see,'' muttered Tyria, ruefully.


    ''But what kind of promises are you making to the merchants?


    "Buying Slaves.


    What, slave?


    Tilia''s eyes widened in surprise and she lifted her hips from her chair.


    ''I''m looking for someone who can do accounting, but I don''t have any connections, and they''re hard to find. So I decided to hit it out of the park and see what I could find.


    Well, I''ll be d*mned if I''m not.


    Crono sipped his soup, wondering if they thought he was buying a slave for dubious purposes.


    According to Nicola, slave trading is not frequent in the city of Hachel.


    The reason seems to be that there is no large-scale demand, but since there is a constant demand, a slave market stands once a month, apparently.


    Guided by Nicola, Crono arrived at one of the taverns in the commercial district.


    Normally, the wealthy people of the Marquis of Erakis territory use it as a gentleman''s social hall.......in short, a high-class whorehouse.......to relieve their daily fatigue.


    Nicola talked to the armed gatekeeper and Crono entered the building.


    Passing through a lobby with an expensive looking carpet, he found himself in a hall.


    There was a full-fledged counter bar, several pricey-looking sofas, and a little stage.


    Prompted by Nicola, Crono sat down on a sofa near the stage.


    ''That''s a pretty good seat,''


    I suppose it''s because he knows I''m close to Master Crono.


    Since Nicola, who had never bought a slave before, would be participating in this, it was only natural to doubt Crono''s existence.


    If the proprietor of this brothel had any honest business sense, he would at least be prepared to sell his face.


    ''''Isn''t that Baron Crawford there?''''


    No, sir.


    Called out in a rather acting tone, Crono immediately denied it.


    ''''Haha, even if you don''t hide it you have a commoner''s style of appearance, but anyone who can''t recognize Crono-sama by looking at your right eye is not a businessman.


    Tracing his fingers over the scars, Crono let out a sigh.


    ''He''s the proprietor of this ballroom, and his name is Miles.


    You''re a pushy person, Crono said, looking at Miles.


    His age was somewhere in his late thirties.


    He was smartly built and somewhat muscular.


    His eyes were so sharp that he didn''t look like a businessman, and his brown hair was worn all back, making him look like a man of his line.


    ''What kind of slave would you like, Master Crono?''


    "....an educated slave.


    But if Master Crono seems to be buying a slave for the first time, isn''t it difficult to achieve your goal?


    Crono chuckled at Miles'' blatant sales pitch.


    ''Would you be willing to explain and help me with my purchase?


    Of course, I will do my best to help.


    With a strong statement, Miles sat down next to Crono.


    ''Speaking of which, where do you get your slaves from?''


    I''m just providing a ''place'' so I can''t know the details, but the slavers seem to use various contacts to stock up on them. Some daughters are sold in the form of debt, and not a few are sold without knowing it. But compared to other slaves, s*x slaves are probably a better category.


    Miles is right to say that he is right, but unless he has a very miserable life, the one being sold doesn''t think so.


    One seat, and then another, was filled while Crono talked about other things with Nicola and Miles.


    The slave auction began when the seats were half-full, and soon Crono regretted that he should have left it to Nicola.


    A slave girl emerges from the side of the stage, accompanied by a man who appears to be a slaver.


    She is wearing a single piece of cloth, perhaps to show the girl''s development.


    It looks like a show, but the girl''s eyes are stained with grief and despair.


    It increases with each step the girl takes, culminating in her being stripped naked on stage.


    ''''What about ... the unsold slaves?''''


    ''If there are prospects, then we will stand in the next city. If there are no prospects you know what I mean.


    Miles gave a cruel smile.


    ''The more time that passes, the worse the odds are, because the guests will leave once they''ve served their purpose.


    ''Well, next time ... I''m afraid I won''t be able to meet Master Crono''s expectations.


    *


    ...Philip, Philip, Philip, Philip, Elena muttered her fianc��''s name over and over again, and she became convinced that it was Philip who would open that door.


    As a lower class nobleman since he was a small child, he had learned swordsmanship, so he should be able to cut down easily if it''s only a rogue.


    So it''s Philip who opens that door.


    It was an engagement decided by my parents, but there should have been love between us.


    The torchlight burned her retinas, and Elena smiled thinly as she saw Philip''s fantasy there, but it was the slaver''s men who opened the door.


    ''No, don''t come!''


    The slaver''s men punched Elena on the cheek in a troublesome manner.


    The iron-smelling taste irritated her tongue, and Elena realized the meaning of the beating.


    Elena had no commercial value, the slaver''s subordinate must have realized from years of experience.


    Elena moaned in despair as she looked at her excrement-stained feet.


    I didn''t have a grip on reality.


    I shouldn''t have been so stubborn.


    If they bought me as a slave, I had a chance to escape.


    Even if I couldn''t escape, I would have had a chance to explain the situation.


    I blew it myself by being petty and stubborn.


    There was a slaver standing at the top of the stairs with a disgusting smile on his face.


    ''Please, let me bathe, no one is going to buy me dressed like this.


    It doesn''t make much difference if you bathe in the water. Look!


    As she was pushed away, Elena looked at the mirror and her reflection in it.


    ''''This ... this is awful.''''


    Elena''s reflection in the large mirror was a shadow of her former self.


    Her hair was shaggy, her skin was darkened by bruises, and her left eye was half-blocked by a swollen eyelid.


    ''You may have thought yourself clever, but the other slaves were many times smarter than you were.


    ''That''s what happens when you don''t listen to me,'' laughed the slaver.


    Now, get up on stage. If no takers are forthcoming, I will strangle you myself.


    Elena stood on the stage, even her tears dried up in despair.


    It''s over, Elena looked vacantly at the audience, of which there were less than ten left.


    Hmmm, Miles'' fingers stopped as he rolled up the roster.


    ''''Well the next one is the last slave, but...''''


    What''s so weird about it?


    Miles showed Crono the roster, which was probably a trade secret.


    The name ''Elena'' and the name of ''Elena'' and her excellence in language and arithmetic were written on the roster, but other descriptions were slipped out.


    ''Slavers are the greediest of merchants, preeminent among them. Even an ordinary merchant would spare no trouble if his goods could be sold for any price. Since they seem to be sparing that hassle, it just feels somewhat unnatural.


    ''I see,'' said Crono, impressed with Miles.


    ''''Last but not least, I thought this slave would serve Crono-sama''s purpose.......!


    What are you...


    Crono and Miles lost their voices when they saw the last slave.


    It would be the same for the other guests.


    The last slave........Elena was a wreck.


    Her skin was covered with a throbbing black bruise, and an eerily swollen eyelid blocked her left eye.


    The blood and dust smeared hair is indistinguishable from its original color, and there is a nauseating stench.


    The remaining guests turned away from Elena and awkwardly left their seats.


    After she finished walking on stage, Elena was stripped of even her crude clothes and stared into the void.


    ''Apparently, this girl Elena was not a good commodity for the slavers.


    ''Huh,'' Miles let out a sigh.


    ''Do you want to buy it?��Or do you want to wait for the next opportunity?


    ''All right, I''ll buy that slave. Nicola!��Get the carriage ready at once!


    Yes!


    Crono took out a communication crystal and contacted the Marquis of Erakis residence.


    *


    Crono carried Elena to the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion in the Pix Trading Company''s carriage and left her to be treated by the doctors who were waiting for her.


    According to the doctor, the wounds were shallower than they looked and although they were quite debilitated, they were not life-threatening.


    While sitting in the chair, Crono looked at Elena, who was sleeping as if she were dead.


    ''''Crono-sama~?''''


    You won''t be able to negotiate a pay rise until next spring.


    I''m not that flippant.


    The landlady''s lips twitched in frustration and she crossed her arms to push her ample breasts up.


    ''Then why?''


    I thought I''d come to check on you, since I think Master Crono is devastated.


    I''m sorry I''m worried about you.


    Hah~, the landlady let out a sigh that couldn''t have been deeper than this.


    ''''It''s fine to be nice to you, but there''s no need for Crono-sama to be concerned about this girl.


    I don''t feel responsible for it, you know. It''s just...


    Just what?


    Placing his elbows on his thighs, Crono crossed his hands.


    ''I figured I was taking the slave thing too lightly. Trying to buy a slave without thinking too much about it I feel like I''ve been struck by reality, just like the landlady said.


    Mr. Crono.


    When she looked up, the landlady''s lips blocked Crono''s.


    The landlady''s tongue intertwined with Crono''s, laying waste to his mouth.


    The landlady finally stopped kissing Crono when he felt his breath catch.


    ''I can''t negotiate a pay rise, can I?


    ''I wouldn''t do that!��It''s just that Crono-sama is so cute, I was just kinda moved by him, kinda!


    Crono laughed because the landlady''s red face and shouting was so childish.


    ''''Well thank you, the landlady has made me feel better.


    You don''t want to get serious with that vulnerable smile on your face, do you?


    With one last touch, the landlady left the room.


    *


    The awakening was vague.


    It was unclear how long she had been regaining consciousness, and the next thing she knew, Elena was looking up at the unseen ceiling.


    He didn''t die, did he?��And Elena was amazed that she had survived.


    By the time she was put on stage, Elena''s commercial value must have been close to zero.


    ''Good, you''re awake,''


    When Elena looked at the direction of the voice, she saw a young man there.


    His age would be about twenty years old.


    His hair is black and his eyes are also black.


    Although he seems to be good-natured, a large scar runs down the length of his right eye.


    "You ... well, you bought me?


    I need an accountant to handle the books.


    Elena asked, and the young man mocked himself.


    ''But that''s all right. Once your wounds are healed, I''ll have someone I know take you home, and I want you to take care of yourself and get well. And also ... if there''s anything you want or need done, don''t hesitate to tell me.


    Will we ever get home?


    Of course.


    The young man smiled at Elena to reassure her.


    I can go home.


    I can see Philip again.


    But, Elena looked at his bruised, floating arm.


    ''My hair is all mussed up and I haven''t washed myself in days.


    ''Please, let me bathe.


    I''ll have someone come for you.


    A short time later, the young man returned with the maid and the minotaur.


    ''''........Are you going to let the sub-humans carry them away?''''


    The landlady can''t help you.


    Isn''t this man a nobleman?��Elena tilted her head inwardly.


    Minotaurs are sub-humans who are made to do hard work and should not be touched by nobles and semi- nobles.


    The fact is, you''re not usually using a minotaur like you, general, but an elf or dwarf.


    You don''t have to worry about that much, do you?


    "Well, if the chief says so.


    The Minotaur lightly picked up Elena and carried her to the bathroom on the same floor.


    ''I guess I''ll take it from here. Men, get out.


    ....


    The maid, called the landlady, drove out the young man and the minotaur.


    Come on. Can you stand up?


    I need your help.


    What?��You''re not a child, walk alone!


    Elena dragged her aching body, took off her negligee and went into the bathroom.


    The bathroom was larger than that of her parents'' house.


    Elena approached the tub filled with hot water to remove the grime as quickly as possible.


    Wait!��We''re using this tub, so wash up first!


    Ugu, and as Elena knelt down, the landlady roughly poured hot water on her.


    ''Oi, you''re hurting me!''


    Pain is a sign of life!


    Ugugu, Elena endured the humiliation.


    ''''It''s ... dirty. How long have you not been allowed to bathe in the water?


    You don''t know that.


    The landlady washed Elena''s hair and body roughly.


    At first the water was stained reddish-black, but after repeating the process over and over, it began to flow clear.


    ''What is that man?''


    Are you Master Crono?


    Hmmm, the landlady snorted thoughtfully as she washed Elena''s hair.


    ''An uncharacteristic aristocrat, eh?��He''s very friendly to us commoners and aliens alike.


    ''That''s just not sensible. There''s no need to worry about humans or even subhumans. Subhumans are inferior to humans. That''s what history has proven.


    Okay!


    What are you doing?


    Elena shouted as she was splashed with water as hard as she could.


    ''Do you mind, lass?��I don''t mind you looking down on sub-humans, but don''t spew words like you just did in front of Crono-sama!


    All right!


    Yelling back, Elena slowly soaked in the tub.


    *


    It had been a month since Elena had been bought out by Crono.


    The doctors were good, the swelling in her left eye had gone down and the bruises had faded considerably.


    Her body, which had been weak, has recovered to the point where she can walk around freely.


    However, his going out was on the condition that he would be accompanied by someone else.


    I often clashed with the landlady, but it was strange to think that I had only a few more days to live.


    As I was able to walk around, I noticed that the maids in the house seemed to enjoy working with the sub-humans more.


    If anything, the humans are more nervous...a bit pompous and the atmosphere is bad.


    Apparently, this is due to the fact that sub-humans and humans have different employers.


    Crono Crawford, the man who bought Elena, was quite good-natured, as was the case with the one I spoke to.


    He granted Elena''s desire to write to her, and he was willing to read her books on his own terms.


    If there was a flaw, it was.


    I didn''t think you were messing with a half-elf.


    When she went to return a book she had borrowed, Elena happened to see a brown half-elf sneaking into Crono''s room.


    To top it all off, she heard a stifled gasp, which was completely unknown to Elena, who had been studying all her life.


    ''Are you awake?''


    ''......��Yes!��I''m up!


    Crono peeked through the doorway and Elena raised herself up.


    For some reason, the landlady is with her.


    ''Teh, where''s the letter?''


    Well that''s about it.


    Crono looked uncomfortable and sat down in the chair next to the bed.


    ''''You know what the Pics Trading Company is?''''


    Yeah, I''m famous.


    ''I tried to get someone from the Pix Trading Company to deliver your letter to you but apparently you''re supposed to be dead.


    Huh?��And Elena didn''t understand what Crono meant by that.


    ''Why, why, I''m alive!


    ''You''re supposed to have been killed along with your servants when the bandits attacked you.


    We have to clear this up immediately!


    .....


    As soon as she got off the bed, Elena was grabbed by Crono''s arm.


    ''Hey, let me go!��You said you''d send me home!


    I''d love to let you go, but things have changed.


    A chill creeps up Elena''s spine.


    A person who is officially supposed to be dead.


    Could it be that this person........is planning to turn me into a s*x slave?


    Master Crono, why don''t you tell him the truth?


    The landlady ruffled her hair in a troublesome manner.


    ''What''s the truth?''


    ''Ha, you seem to think you''re smart, but you''re a bottom-feeding idiot.


    The landlady uttered the same words as the slaver in disgust.


    ''Landlady!''


    Ready?��Your letter arrived at your uncle and fianc��''s place. Why would two people who should be happy to be true deny your survival?


    ...it''s


    Elena''s clear mind quickly came up with an answer, but Elena herself couldn''t say it.


    ''If you won''t tell me, I''ll tell you. You''re the "landlady.


    Crono interrupted the landlady''s words.


    ''I''ll tell you where to go from there.


    Crono sat back down and let out a deep sigh.


    ''Elena, you were tricked by your uncle and your fianc��.


    Why are they sending me here?


    It''s all about the Graffiass family fortune. Your uncle is in charge of the estate, but you are the official heir.


    Whew, where''s Philip?��If you marry me, he gets the entirety of the Graffiass family fortune!��He doesn''t have the advantage of screwing me over!


    As she said it, Elena found herself talking about her interests.


    ''''You were studying in the Free City State group, right?''''


    Yeah, so what?


    ''He must have thought of it this way, didn''t he?��He said, "If you marry her, you''re smart enough to know that you''re not going to leave the management of your property to yourself. Perhaps your uncle has offered you an accomplice in this, saying that if you marry his daughter, the property is yours.


    Oh, no.


    Elena felt her feet crumble away beneath her as she realized that what she believed to be a rock was nothing more than a castle in the sand.


    ''Oh, mother!''


    He''s dead. I can''t be sure, but I''m sure he was killed.


    This time, Elena was speechless.


    ''There''s no one to prove you''re Elena Graffius with this. All the servants have been killed, and you''re going to be killed when you leave.


    I''ll tell you why, get out!


    Elena could barely scream at that.


    In the night, Elena woke up.


    Apparently, she was tired of crying and had fallen asleep.


    ''It''s time for dinner,''


    No.


    The landlady let out a sigh and placed the silver tray on the desk.


    ''Whew, Dokoi-sho.''


    Put the tray down and get out.


    The landlady sat down in a chair next to the bed, looking like she was in a billion years.


    ''Have you thought about gesturing yourself a bit?''


    I can''t think in these circumstances. My uncle and my fianc�� betrayed me, sold me into slavery, and even my mother...I don''t know, I just don''t care anymore.


    Elena buried her face in her pillow and answered in a tearful voice.


    Even Philip, the man who had held her heart and soul together, was her enemy.


    Now that she thought about it, why did she think she could love him?


    You have a lot of heart for your mother''s murder, don''t you?


    You don''t know what you''re talking about!��Of course she wants revenge for her mother''s murder!��But now I have nothing. I don''t have the status of a semi-nobleman, or the money, or even the means to prove that I''m Elena Graffitius!��How do you expect me to get revenge on you for this!


    Elena shouted angrily, and the landlady let out a disgusted sigh.


    ''Is your head a decoration?��If there''s nothing else, then we''ll figure out a way to get revenge!


    Think?


    Elena felt as if she had seen a glimmer of light in the landlady''s words.


    She had lost everything, but the knowledge she had gained during her three years of study abroad was still intact.


    The landlady was gone, but Elena took her time to plan her revenge.


    It''s a roundabout way to go, and there''s also a big element of luck that comes with leaving it to others.


    But


    Uncle Phillip, you will regret cheating on me to the death.


    With a twinkle in her eye, Elena sipped the soup, which was now completely cold.

 7-Modified version of Episode 6 "The Bandits"

    *


    In the Marquis of Erakis mansion the former accounting officer''s room Crono listens to the exchange between Elena and the landlady.


    He''s really just listening, though, lying on the sofa and looking at the stack of papers on the table.


    I tilt my gaze up and look at Elena.


    Her bruised skin has regained its translucent whiteness, and her blood and dust-stained hair has regained its original color.......dark blonde.......


    He''s more skinny than smart, his eyes look cocky, and the freckles around his nose make him look like a hated character from a long ago cartoon.


    Elena has spent the morning devouring the ledgers in order to keep track of the financial situation of the Marquess of Erakis.


    Her eyes sparkle with the same gleam in them as the landlady''s when she seduced Crono, and frankly, she''s scared.


    I guess she''s thinking about revenge or something, Crono let out a heavy sigh.


    If so, one could wickedly guess that the collar that Elena voluntarily wore had some kind of intentions as well.


    ''''........What is this hearth tax and firewood tax?''''


    ''It''s just like you read it. There''s a tax here for the hearth, for the firewood, for the bridge, for the newlyweds to have their wedding night.


    Elena asked with a dubious look on her face, and the landlady replied with a look that said, ''What''s the norm?


    ''How could you not revolt like this? Taxes, taxes, taxes, taxes from cradle to grave, it''s disgusting, lord of this place.''


    They didn''t pay so much money they didn''t have to revolt. But for some reason, I don''t know why the number of customers has been dropping. Now I''m in debt to the tune of 100 gold coins.


    The landlady let out a deep sigh as she remembered the time it took to pay off the debt.


    If taxes are raised, consumption will be suppressed, and if consumption is suppressed, the income of producers will also decrease. If everyone can''t afford it, customers won''t come back.


    Crono said to the landlady while remembering the sales tax and cigarette price increase.


    So what are you going to do about it?


    I''ll repeal taxes that don''t make sense, and I''ll lower other taxes if they''re too high.


    Why didn''t you become my lord earlier?


    Crono said, and the landlady bit her teeth in frustration.


    ''''Then ... your tax revenue will be reduced by thirty thousand gold coins, just over sixty thousand.


    Elena is staring at the ledger with serious eyes, but she doesn''t seem to be too unhappy about it.


    ''It''s July now and the wheat is being harvested, and the taxes will be paid in October, so as long as it''s not too much trouble, we''ll be fine.


    Hopefully, we can get the handover done by the end of the month.


    Crono picked up the paper prototype and held it up for no reason.


    ''''........I mean, is paper that rare?''''


    ''Nope. I made the paper in our workshop, so I figured out how to mass produce it.


    Huh?��And Elena hurriedly approached Crono and picked up a sheet of paper on the table.


    ''''..........Shh, I can''t believe it!


    There''s a lot of paper in here.


    Elena''s eyes widened in surprise, but the landlady didn''t seem that interested.


    Still, perhaps curious enough to walk up to Crono, the landlady also picked up the paper on the table.


    It''s just a matter of time before you get the chance to see it.


    ''The paper process is supposed to be kept secret, but a dwarf made this?


    ''I gave you a very simple explanation but that doesn''t fall within the description, so it''s all the centurion''s fault.


    The paper is made by jabbing the plant''s boiling water.


    Crono isn''t shameless enough to take credit for such an explanation.


    ''But how?''


    ''The centurion said you steamed the bark from the tree, or dipped it in water, peeled it off, and then boiled it in water mixed with wood ashes... all sorts of things, and then mixed the cottony bark into the water, and then zabbed it in a wooden frame, and that''s what you got?


    The dwarven centurion has given me a detailed explanation of the process, and I''ve saved it on paper, but this is about all Crono can explain without looking at anything.


    ''Huh, I didn''t know paper could be made from tree bark.


    But it''s expensive, isn''t it?


    ''I don''t think so. If I employed ten men for a single daily silver coin, if I could make two thousand four hundred pieces of paper, I could get my money''s worth for a single brass coin.


    Not a third of a parchment.


    If you miss a note, you can easily remake it, so that''s more convenient than parchment.


    With Elena at his side, Crono took the paper from the table.


    It looks and feels just like washi paper.


    Crono has never had anything to do with washi, no matter how many times it is said that he came from Japan.


    Since such a me is having Washi made in another world, there was a strange connection.


    ''An........not, what is Crono-sama thinking about?


    ''As a lord, he wants to enrich his domain, and as a boss, he wants his men to be happy.


    Little man ouch!


    Elena said in a disdainful tone of voice, and with a pop, the landlady poked Elena in the head.


    ''Why, you''re hitting me!''


    ''Don''t listen to Master Crono.��What''s the matter with you, my lord who''s this good-looking, what''s wrong with you?


    ''It''s not this guy ... it''s Master Crono''s lack of ambition that frustrates me!��Even ''paper'' is a product that can make huge profits!


    Elena shouted, pointing at Crono.


    As an avenger, Crono, who had little ambition, would be a difficult opponent for Elena to use.


    If he had put a little more of his vengeance in his teeth and hid his vengeance, he might have been made to be a part of the revenge, but from Crono''s point of view, the current Elena is a very easy servant to handle.


    It was at that moment that Leila''s voice sounded from the communication crystal.


    ''''Crono-sama!''''


    I''d rather let Leila handle the food, okay?


    She must have been smart to begin with.


    In just one and a half months, Leila is able to read and write simply and do first grade level arithmetic.


    If she keeps this up, she might be able to acquire an elementary school graduation level of academic ability in half a year.


    ''''No, it''s not!��A peddler was attacked by thieves!��It looks like it was only a superficial wound, but Princess Tyria''s vassals are at the filling station right now, asking about the situation.''


    I''ll be there in a minute.


    Jumping up, Crono ran out of the room.


    *


    I told him I would be there soon, but the stuffing station on the outer edges of the city was too far away.


    For some reason, the stables of the Marquis'' mansion are devoid of horses.


    When Crono arrived at the filling station, a merchant was coming out of the filling station looking exhausted and exhausted.


    ''''Oh, Master Crono!''''


    As soon as he saw Crono, the merchant knelt in place.


    Not many merchants knew Crono''s face.


    The merchant who had sold the Marquis of Erakis'' property, the man involved in the Pix Chamber of Commerce, Miles the brothel owner, and the slave-trader who was now clutching Crono''s hand and weeping.


    ''Master Crono, all of our goods have been taken by the bandits!��Please, please, please get your goods back!


    Yeah, yeah, I''ll do my best.


    "Stolen slaves...


    Crono could only give a vague answer to the slaver who described the characteristics of the stolen slave with gestures. It''s difficult to explain that her tits are big, her ass is big, and so on.


    Still, the reason Crono can''t treat it indefinitely is because the slaver is a straightforward merchant.


    As someone who knew Elena, who was ripped to shreds, it''s painful for me, but this man follows the laws set by the empire and pays his taxes properly.


    ''''Please, please,'''' the slaver said repeatedly before wandering off in a huff.


    ''''........Master Crono.''''


    "Thank you for reporting back to me, Leila.


    No, no, it''s my duty.


    When Crono stroked her cheek and played with her pointed ears, Leila''s eyes narrowed in comfort.


    The gap between the cool exterior and the delirious interior is unbearable.


    I would have liked to play with her ears forever, but Crono removed his hand from Leila''s ear.


    The twin elves were looking at Leila enviously from the shadows of the building.


    Immediately Leila came to herself and looked down in embarrassment.


    ''Are there a lot of bandits around here?''


    Since I was assigned to the Marquis of Erakis, the bandits have only been defeated once.


    Crono crossed his arms, saying that it was rare for merchants to be attacked outside the city.


    As far as his reputation was concerned, the Marquis of Erakis didn''t seem to have a good government, and there was probably a predisposition for a bandit gang to be born.


    ''''After all, is the matter of the Holy Argo Kingdom also a factor?


    What do you mean by that?


    The question was returned with a question, and Crono chuckled.


    ''They were defeated once, and I think the reason the bandits didn''t form a clique until now is because they were wary of the army. But then the Marquis of Erakis escaped, so maybe the bandits'' vigilance was loosened.


    Crono cowered his shoulders, "It''s only an expectation, though.


    ''You''re late, Crono!


    I didn''t have a horse.


    He turned around with an excuse and saw Tyria resting her ample breasts on the crummy window sill of the stuffy room and glaring at Crono.


    ''It looked like you were talking to that half-elf over there?


    Leila turned her head down as if she was frightened when Tilia gave her a swift look.


    ''Leila, I''m sorry I stopped you,''


    Oh, excuse me.


    Crono called out softly, and Leila bowed and ran to the twin elves.


    Why was he hitting Leila so hard?��Crono nodded his head.


    ''What are the details of the case?''


    We''ll talk about it when we get inside.


    The eyes of Tyria''s men focused on Crono as he entered the stuffing station.


    It wasn''t a friendly atmosphere, but Crono pretended not to notice it and sat down on an empty chair.


    ''''My men interrogated them and they said the merchant was attacked by cavalry. Yeah, and when I say cavalry, I don''t mean heavy cavalry. They said he was wearing dirty leather armor.


    Tilia didn''t even check herself, but her heart was pounding in her chest.


    Burrrrr!��The boobs dazzle as they assert themselves.


    ''Are you a mercenary crumbling, or are you faking it?''


    Why would you need to fake it?


    Crono muttered, and Tilia tilted her head curiously.


    ''My colleague was missing. Worst of all, I thought he might even be duping himself into a bandit.''


    ''Shouldn''t we assume the bandits attacked us rather than think they were disguised as thieves?


    ''Yeah, but ... maybe Tilia doesn''t know what happened to my colleague?''


    I don''t know. I had my hands full organizing my own vassals.


    Tilia said as if it were someone else''s business.


    ''Huh, I''ll have to ask the Marquis of Erakis?


    He''s dead.


    Huh?��Crono couldn''t help but ask back.


    I said that the Marquis of Erakis took poison to die. A so-called suicide by poisoning.


    I wish I didn''t have to embezzle public funds before I killed myself.


    Crono could only let out a sigh, "That was a surprisingly fragile place, wasn''t it?


    ''Totally. Well, thank goodness it saved me a lot of torture.


    It was probably a good idea to kill yourself.


    Crono crawled a finger over the wound in his right eye and muttered softly.


    *


    When Crono returned to the former accountant''s room, he found Elena struggling alone with the ledger.


    There was no sign of the landlady, perhaps preparing lunch.


    ''What happened to the bandit?''


    Actually....


    Crono briefly explained the situation.


    You''re not gonna like what you did to me after all those times you beat me up!��Slave-traders, yikes!


    That''s Elena''s reaction.


    Suck it up!��Bummer!��Crono plopped down on the sofa with a sideways glance at Elena who repeated, "I''m not too happy about it.


    ''As for me, I''m not too happy about it.


    Why?


    Elena raised her eyebrows grimly and glared at Crono.


    ''The flow of goods and money would be slowed down if word got out that bandits were going to be on the streets.


    Hmm.


    Elena let out an impressed voice and sat down on the sofa where Crono was lounging.


    ''''Are you really an aristocrat?''''


    An aristocrat.


    ''Adopted, though,'' Crono added in his mind.


    ''''To be honest, I can''t see how Crono-sama is a nobleman. It''s not like a nobleman to treat both commoners and sub-humans equally, and I can''t believe that he would buy me, who was such a wreck, to have a half-elf as his mistress.


    Elena leaned forward and looked at Crono.


    ''Here, I still think I''m grateful to you for this. So ... you know what I mean?


    Elena whispered in a flirtatious, seductive way.


    But Crono didn''t miss the moment when Elena''s eyes lit up.


    ''It''s enough that you do the accounting work for me.


    ''What?��You''re messing with a half-elf and you don''t want to f*ck me!


    Elena grabbed her by the chest, and Crono made her body tense up.


    ''''Even if a woman with an apparent ulterior motive makes a pass at me I''m going to be deflated.


    It''s okay.��You''ll get to f*ck me, a quasi-aristocrat, without a second thought!


    Women are so scary, Crono held such an impression as she rocked back and forth.


    Hah, hah, Elena pauses, breathing in her shoulder.


    Through the gap, Crono raises his body and lays Elena on top of him.


    ''''.....��What?


    Elena''s eyes are black and white in surprise, but it''s not that difficult.


    There is simply too much of a difference in strength between Crono and Elena.


    ''''What do you want?''''


    I was just trying to show my gratitude.


    Didn''t I tell you that I can see the ulterior motive?


    Elena let out a small scream as Crono lightly pulled on the collar.


    ''Kuh, you can pull the collar, but please don''t hit me. Hey, hey?


    For a change, a color of fright comes into Elena''s eyes.


    Being so blatantly frightened like this, on the contrary, stimulates my sadistic desires.


    ''I won''t hit you,''


    ...Hi!


    Elena screamed exaggeratedly and shuddered as Crono traced his index finger down her neck to her navel.


    ''But I''ll bite. Olesama, omaha, markajiri.


    When Crono bit into her neck, Elena let out a scream without a trace of s*x appeal.


    It was only a sweet bite, but it was too much of a reaction, probably due to her experience of being ripped to shreds by the slavers.


    At first, Elena was about to push Crono away, but soon enough, the strength left her arms.


    When Crono let go of her body, Elena was breathing raggedly.


    ''When you learn from this, don''t provoke me too much.


    Okay, okay, okay.


    Hey, here, you pervert!��And Elena stood up to push Crono away, and before she had taken three steps, she was on her ass.


    ''Are you okay?''


    Oh, you bit me and I''m losing my shit!


    Did I scare you too much?��And Crono once again laid down on the sofa and looked up at the ceiling.


    ''''Well you''re a bandit, you''re going to be in trouble.


    Crono''s fears were right on target.


    *


    They had testified that they had been attacked by cavalrymen in flimsy leather armor as they rode down the street, so it was safe to assume that they were the same culprits.


    ''Why!��Why can''t you catch the thief?


    When Crono was summoned to the office, he shook his beautiful blonde hair and looked at Tilia, who was reprimanding her subordinate with a sigh.


    Tilia had a big picture view and abilities that far surpassed Crono''s, but when it came time for her to become a party to the situation, her vision suddenly narrowed.


    ''''Tilia, calm down,''''


    I am calm!


    ''You''re on the verge of fire?


    Tilia seemed to regain her composure as Crono made a light comment.


    ''''Well that was a little too emotional, forgive me.


    Ha!


    Tilia looked mortified and sat back in her chair deeply.


    ''Crono, do you have an opinion?''


    I''ve been waiting to hear that for a week.


    ''And I don''t blame you!��The cavalry are my men, and you''ve been running around the people like a busy man!


    Crono let out a sigh, ''I guess that''s what we''re doing now, going up to the shipyard with more boatmen, I guess.


    ''Thanks to you, I''m ready to take over, and it looks like I''ll be able to start the paper workshop.


    I don''t know what you''re talking about, but what would Crono do?


    First, I''d start by reinforcing the patrol on the streets.


    I''ve already done that.


    Tilia said as she spat out.


    Well, he knows that he can''t cover the entire city road with his limited men.


    ''''If that doesn''t work, we''ll find a bandit stronghold.


    How?


    ''As you know, taking care of a horse is a lot of work. They need stabling, they need food, they need clean water.


    Hmm, so there are only a few bandits in the area.


    ''That''s what I mean,'' Crono smiled.


    ''As soon as we find out where the bandits are based, we''ll take care of it all at once!��Crono, get ready now!


    It''s all set.


    Huh?��Tilia blinked at him in surprise.


    ''I''d heard about it from an old soldier and had my sights set on it. I didn''t know where the bandit''s spies would be mixed in, though, so it took me a while to get ready for it.


    Are you really a chrono?


    Unbelievable, Tyria looked at Crono.


    *


    Crono''s men and Tyria''s vassals left the city of Hachel under the shade of night.


    Their destination was an old fort about a hundred kilometers from Hachel.


    According to the deputy, the fort was built on a tree-covered hill and there was a small village at the foot of it.


    In order to save time and conserve strength, Crono''s men are divided into ten carriages.


    ''''Hmph, it''s getting cold at night, isn''t it?


    I''m not cold.


    ''I''m cold!��You''re keeping warm in your half-elves!


    Tilia called out in the back of the covered carriage.


    ''''Well Master Crono, I''m not cold either.''''


    It''s warm, but it''s cold inside.


    Crono and Leila are both wrapped in one blanket, and the twin elves are wrapped in the same way.


    Aside from the larger lizardmen and minotaurs, the two human-sized sub-humans are using one blanket together.


    ''''........Crono-sama, may I come a little closer?''''


    Before Crono could reply, Leila pressed her body close together.


    ''Ku, Crono!��Yep, that half-elf looked at me and smiled!


    Crono checked Leila''s expression, only to see her cheeks stained with embarrassment.


    Woo~!��And Tilia snorted in frustration and wrapped herself in the blanket alone.


    ''Crono, do you think we have too few people to attack the castle?


    ''''I''m not going to attack you. This time there have been no deaths, and I''m going to suggest that you surrender.


    You''re too soft!


    Tyria shouted and jabbed a finger at Crono.


    ''If sinners are not brought to justice, no one will follow the law.


    "Your Highness.


    "Shut up, half-elf!


    ''Your Highness, Lady Crono has advised you to surrender.


    Leila met Tilia''s gaze squarely on her without taking a step back.


    ''What do you mean?''


    If you won''t surrender, we''ll give you food. According to my lieutenant, there is only one gate to the fort. Of course, I''ve been preparing to fight it, too.


    By "ready," you mean the bow?


    Tyria looked at the bow held by Leila and the twin elves.


    The bow was shaped like a ''��'' and had a pulley attached to the tip called a rim.


    ''''It''s a strange bow. I''ve never seen a bow with a pulley on it before.


    I made a synthetic bow, but I couldn''t pull the strings with my elven muscles.


    It nearly drove the dwarves to the brink of overwork, but thanks to the pulley, a new type of bow with long range and high power that could be drawn down even by elven muscle power was perfected.


    I think I''ll call it a machine-gun bow.


    Get a jacket.


    Crono chuckled.


    ''How much do you think I invested in making a single machine-building bow?


    Wow! I''m the princess. Give it to me.


    "What''s wrong with the princess is wrong with her.


    Tilia snorted and turned away in a huff.


    ''Leila, get some sleep,''


    As I held Layla in my arms and stroked her hair and ears, the twin elves looked at Crono and the others with envy.


    ''Eh~ What is it?''


    I''m so cold inside, I''m afraid I''m going to freeze to death.


    They hummed beautifully and closed the distance between them and Crono on all fours.


    ''So, I hope you guys can pet us too,''


    If that''s what you want.


    Crono stretched out his free arm and gently stroked one''s head.


    ''Mi, pet their ears and ... their names.


    That''s not fair, Deneb!��Oh, I''m Aride!��I''m next, so I''m next!


    The one you''re stroking now is called Deneb, apparently.


    "...Deneb.


    ....


    He called out softly and played with his ears, and Deneb turned away from the meekness to hold back his tears.


    ''Next, me!''


    Alideed pushes Deneb away.


    ''....Ariddead.


    Heh.


    Unlike Deneb, Alideed smiled ticklishly.


    After a round of stroking, they returned to their original positions, seemingly satisfied.


    ''Master Crono, your hand has stopped.


    Oh, I''m sorry.


    That night, Crono continued to stroke Leila''s hair and ears until she was satisfied.


    *


    Early the next morning, the strike team arrived at the village.


    It was a remote village with only about fifty houses.


    You can see the silhouette of a fort at the top of a tree-covered hill in the back.


    I''m not sure what to expect.


    "Mr. Minot, Leila, stay here, and be flexible in case of bandits.


    Isn''t that a toss-up?


    Yeah, I''d say so. Rizad, Deneb, and Arid, follow me. Tilia doesn''t look like she''s going to wait.


    Of course.


    Tyria, clad in white and silver armor, nodded hawkishly.


    As Crono led the way into the village, the villagers hurriedly closed the door panels.


    In the blink of an eye, there was no one left, and Crono stopped in the center of the village.


    ''What do we do now?''


    ''Crono, you had an idea, didn''t you?


    Crono looked around, "In an RPG, it''s where the village elders come out," he said.


    ''Master Crono, someone''s coming up to you?


    Kill?��Or do you want them alive?


    I don''t see that talking is an option.


    Controlling the two men who held their bows, Crono walked up to the old man.


    ''''As for which nobleman,'''' he said, ''''I''ve heard a rumor that there are bandits around here?''''


    When Crono interrupted the dialogue and said, the old man looked blatantly surprised.


    ''Can you tell me a story?''


    Come to my house.


    The old man led them to a leaning house...more like a hut...more like a hut....


    With Rizad and the twin elves waiting outside, Crono and Tyria entered the house.


    When Crono and Tilia sat down on a crude chair, the old man also sat down on the chair, as if reluctantly.


    ''''Well it was two months ago that the bandits came to that fort.


    When Crono smiled, the old man began to tell the story of what had happened so far.


    It seems that right after the bandits took over the fort, the villagers were wary of them.


    Some villagers had tried to appeal to the lord, but they decided to remain quiet rather than get angry and get everyone killed.


    They figured that since the robbers hadn''t taken any food or taken any of the village girls away, they would leave after a while.


    A month passed and a change occurred.


    The bandits on horseback joined them.


    Again, the villagers did nothing.


    None of them did anything that could be called real harm, and they paid us properly to buy fodder for their horses.


    One day, the bandits brought a group of young women with them.


    This was the only time the villagers were upset.


    But the bandit asked them to leave the women in the village.


    If you ask them, they said they were daughters enslaved against their will.


    They couldn''t afford it, but the villagers decided to hide the girls.


    It is a remote village.


    Once, some villagers would have sold their daughters to slavers.


    That guilt made them hide their daughters.


    ''I understand the situation, but we have to take out the bandits,'' he said, ''and in some cases you are guilty of it. ''I understand the situation, but we have to take out the bandits. But I don''t want to do that. So, would you mind giving me a chance to talk to the master of the bandits?


    Yes.


    The old man dropped his head helplessly.


    ''Will you give us a chance to talk?��That was a threat.


    As they left the old man''s house, Tilia mimicked Crono''s lines.


    Anything unusual?


    ''No, girls in this village have big breasts, don''t they? And her ass, too.


    I mean, we''ve gotten a little bigger, but we''re still a little insecure.


    Crono chuckled when he heard their impressions.


    A few moments later, the old man came out of the house.


    The old man looked at Crono for a moment and started walking towards the fort.


    ''Mino-san, Leila you need to move the troops to the bottom of the hill.


    Taking out the communication crystal, Crono gave the order.


    *


    Crono positioned himself to block the road connecting the gates of the fort from the foot of the hill.


    The vanguard was a sub-human led by Rizad, and the rear guard was a mixed force of elves and half-elves led by Leila.


    Tyria''s men are waiting further back in case they are left out.


    The old man came back from the fort when he had finished his brief lunch.


    ''''Well if you''re coming with a small group, I''ll listen to you.


    Crono, it''s a trap.


    If you don''t go into the tiger''s den, you won''t get any help from the tiger.


    Just as Crono looked around, Leila stepped out.


    ''Crono-sama, please take me with you.


    Crono almost stuck his tongue out at the thought.


    If this was a trap, a small group of people would be left stranded inside the fort.


    Crono, being a man, would only be able to get killed, but Leila wouldn''t be able to just get killed.


    So, even though they had decided not to take any female soldiers with them.


    ''I understand Master Crono''s concern, but I''ve been prepared for it since I left the city of Hachel.


    Leila drew her dagger and addressed it to her neck.


    ''This body belongs to Master Crono, down to a strand of hair. I would rather die than be defiled by someone else.


    Leila said matter-of-factly, without even a hint of euphoria.


    Crono struggled to control his anger.


    It wasn''t anger at Leila, but anger at his own inability to force her to make such a determination.


    ''Layla, put the dagger away.


    Ha!


    Crono traced a finger over the wound in his right eye.


    Leila, Lizad, follow me.


    Ha!


    Yes, sir.


    He led them up the hill.


    The road that stretched to the fort was finally wide enough for two horses to pass.


    The slope is quite tight, and even large sub-humans could be blown away if a reverse drop is set up.


    When Crono and the others arrived, the gate opened with a creak and a creak.


    The inside of the gate was wide, and about fifty horses were eating tame leaves in the crude stables.


    Gazes tinted with hostility and excitement stabbed at Crono and the others...the former at Crono and Rizad, the latter at Leila.


    He spotted a familiar face among the bandits, but Crono ignored him.


    It''s a small group, just like we promised!


    As Crono raised his voice, the door of the fort in the center - which was only one stone building - opened and a man came out.


    The man walked up to Crono with a large stride and smiled wildly.


    His age may or may not reach the age of thirty.


    He was a head taller than Crono, and his steel-like muscles covered his entire body.


    His red-copper-colored skin was etched with many scars, as if to tell the number of shuras that he had gone through so far.


    No matter what kind of vicious face he had, his eyes were sharp, but his overall appearance was refreshing.


    ''''I''m the head of the bandit gang, Kane. I''m actually a mercenary as well........You''ve got something to talk about, come inside.


    At Kane''s urging, Crono and the others stepped into the fort.


    The inside of the fort was not separated by walls, just a large table in the center and a bed at each end.


    Perhaps they had restored a fort that had been discarded in a much older era.


    With a single glance, Kane evicted his men from the table and sat down in a plop.


    ''Why did you come here?''


    Kane said, folding his hands.


    ''It''s a surrender notice,''


    An ordinary nobleman would just go at it without a word. An ordinary nobleman would attack without saying a word. A cunning nobleman would say, "Give me your money so I can let you off the hook," but you''re the first nobleman to say that.


    Grinning, Kane smiled.


    ''Why?''


    ''I don''t want to kill anyone. So I''m willing to mitigate my crimes if you''re willing to surrender here.


    What, you think you''ve already won?


    That''s right, you''ve lost.


    Crono said, and the expression disappeared from Kane''s face.


    ''All we have to do is watch the entrances and exits of the fort and wait for you guys to starve to death. You know that, and that''s why you agreed to discuss it, right?


    They were just pretending to get you to come along, you know?


    Face to face, Crono and Kane laughed.


    ''You weren''t as dumb as I thought you were. You''re right, we''re done when we''re hardened in the foothills.''''


    Kane cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    ''But I''ve got to convince my friends to come, so give me time until tomorrow.��Of course we won''t make you wait for free. I''ll make it worth your while.


    All right.


    Exhaling, Crono sat up.


    ''I''ll be waiting for you at the gates of the fort tomorrow, this time.


    Yeah, I''ll pick her up on my own.


    Looking over his shoulder at Kane, Crono walked out with Leila and Rizad.


    ''....Crono.


    Yeah, you.


    Crono stopped in his tracks when his name was called.


    ''''I heard you drove away the Argo Kingdom Army...''''


    How did you... become a thief?


    "When the Marquis of Erakis fled, I realized that the nobles of the Cepheus Empire were no longer capable of defending their country. I realized that the nobles of the Cepheus Empire were no longer capable of defending their country.


    ''You''re a nobleman too,'' Crono muttered in his mind.


    ''Hey, even Crono realizes that, right?��This country is screwed. So it should be rebuilt anew. A country where hard work is rewarded.


    What''s the point of raising money for that?


    ''''It''s a tiny bandit group now, but if you help me out... Oh, no, you''re in charge of the Marquess of Erakis, aren''t you? But will you think about it?


    If you just think about it.


    Outside the gate, Leila leaned closer to Crono.


    ''Do you want to get on that story now?''


    I''m not getting in.


    Crono replied, and Leila let out a breath of relief.


    ''What did Leila think?''


    ''Compared to that man''s story, I have more faith in Crono-sama''s story that he came from another world.


    I didn''t believe it.


    Oh, it was such a rash thing to say.


    Leila looked down apologetically.


    ''Well, I have to get ready for tomorrow.


    *


    The next day, Crono started up the hill of the fort at the appointed time.


    The formation of the strike force remained the same as yesterday, but they had decided how to handle the emergency.


    ''''Yo, I''ve been waiting for you,''''


    When Crono finished climbing the hill, Kane was standing alone at the gate.


    He was dressed in a clean-cut outfit, with his stubble shaved off, as if he had made up his mind to do so.


    The gates were opened as if to show their intent to surrender, and many of the bandits were staring at Kane with a divine look on their faces.


    However, about twenty bandits were dressed in heavy equipment and mounted on horses.


    ''''Don''t worry about those guys on horseback. They''re just in case you don''t keep your word.


    Yeah, well, if I break my word.


    Yeah, and if you don''t get enough of my head, they''re going to fight you.


    And you''re ready to run away, aren''t you?


    What....?


    Faster than he could say, Crono stood to protect Kane.


    In the next moment, the arrows fired by the cavalrymen pierced Crono''s chest.


    Taking that as a signal, twenty cavalrymen rushed to the gate.


    Unable to understand the situation, Kane''s men were leapt off.


    ''''d*mn it!��I didn''t give you this order!


    Kane tried to stop the cavalry with one body, but the weight was too much for him.


    The assault spear closed in on Kane.


    Crono grabbed Kane''s arm in the nick of time and jumped into the bushes.


    They tangled together and rolled down the slope.


    After all, Master Crono''s prediction was correct.


    I''m coming.


    "Lads, get your shields up!��You''re ready to go, Leila!''


    Of course.


    Leila stood in front of the shield ... in the front row and quietly waited for the moment.


    The bandit''s horse is a warhorse trained to not be frightened when it hears loud noises.


    From what I saw yesterday, they were well cared for, and if they used their momentum down the hill, they could easily break down the enclosure the large sub-human was building.


    The cavalry galloped down the hill and


    Flame Dance!


    The spell imprinted on her brain unpacked.


    The letters slid down her vision like a waterfall, and the completed spell converted Leila''s magic into a physical phenomenon.


    Explosions and crimson flames blasted out from right below the warhorse.


    No matter how well trained they are, a horse is a horse.


    The sudden sound and flames caused by the sudden sound and flames caused them to panic and rampage as if they wanted to shake off their riders.


    ''''Crush it!''''


    " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " "


    Following the orders of his second-in-command, the large sub-human rushes forward with his shield at the ready.


    Losing speed, the rampaging horse was pushed by the shield and turned into a pole.


    As the large sub-human pushed the shield in, the horse lost its balance and fell with its rider on top of it.


    But only five horsemen were knocked down.


    The following horsemen tried to scrape their way through the turbulent enclosure, but the next moment, one was blown off his upper body, and the next the entire head of his horse was crushed to the bone.


    He was hit head-on by his second-in-command, Paul Axe, and by Rizad''s mallet.


    ''Wind!'' (BUMO)


    "....thunder.


    A blade of wind arising from the poleaxe cut through the remaining cavalry, and the lightning born of the mallet pierced the cavalry.


    The ten horsemen turned into corpses in the blink of an eye, and the remaining five horsemen ran up the hill, forgetting what they had even done.


    ''''Got it!''''


    Deneb and Alideed rose up from the bushes and fired arrows at him.


    The cavalryman didn''t take any evasive action and was shot straight through and fell to the ground.


    If the arrows fired by the two of them had not been from the machine gun bows, the armor they wore would have prevented them.


    The remaining three planes were blown up the hill by the countless barrels that rolled down the hill in a heap.


    I thought I was going to die.


    Yeah, I''m sorry about that.


    Crono walked down the hill, lending a shoulder to Kane, who had hurt his leg.


    Both of them rolled down the bushes and were covered in scrapes, but their lives were not in danger.


    As we descended the hill, the battle - a one-sided killing spree that it was ridiculous to call it that - had already ended, and three men were surrounded by sub-humans.


    One was the man who had called out to Crono, and the other two seemed to have met face to face at the Marquis of Erakis mansion.


    ''''Master Crono, ya, the arrows!


    Oh, this?


    Crono pulled out the arrow sticking out of his chest.


    I''m not hurt.


    The arrow was pierced at the tip, but thanks to the armor and the chainmail underneath it, Crono is unharmed.


    ''''Crono Crawford!��You''re going to have to take me on!��If I win, you''ll miss me!


    Rizad, get him.


    The enclosure cracks as Kane is pushed against Rizad and Crono raises his hand.


    Crono confronted the man and pulled his sword from his waist.


    ''Before we duel, I need to ask you something. Did you mean what you said yesterday?


    Yes. The day the Marquis of Erakis fled, I realized. Aristocrats, those pompous aristocrats, they don''t care about the people, they just want to exploit them. I''m not going to die for them!


    How far were you planning to run with the money you stole?


    Free city-states. If only they had the money, they could live in the lap of luxury. The other guys were thinking the same thing!


    ...Archers.


    Crono raised his hand, and all at once the archers raised their bows.


    ''''Crono, you promised wrong!


    ...shoot to kill.


    The arrows that were released rushed into the three men.


    The man writhed with a desperate look, but still, he couldn''t duck and was shot through by the arrows.


    ''''Crono, you, you.


    Crono calmly looked down at the man who was spouting curses in a pool of blood.


    ''''Well Crono, I''ll be waiting for you in hell.


    I''m a Buddhist. I''m going to a different hell than you are.


    Crono sheathed his sword and looked at Kane.


    ''It''s not tight, but I''ll give you my head. I''ll give you my head, but I''ll give you my neck, and you can spare my men''s lives. I''ll give you my head and my men''s lives. They lost their homes, their families, got robbed... yeah, but they were the ones who got robbed.


    Pulling away from Rizad, Kane knelt and hung his head.


    ''How did you become a bandit?''


    It''s a common story. When we couldn''t pay our taxes because of a bad harvest, my dad and my mom went to the lords to ask for a tax break.


    Is that ... the Marquess of Erakis?


    No.


    Kane shook his head.


    ''They killed my dad and my mom. I heard they were speared to death before they could ask for tax relief. Me and my sister ran away from the village, she died on the way, and a group of mercenaries picked me up, and I was a mercenary and a bandit, collecting guys in similar situations... I knew I was being tricked.


    Caine, can you ride your horse?


    I told you I''m a mercenary too.


    Crono undid his sword belt.


    Kane, look up.


    .....


    He threw his sword belt and sword to Kane.


    What are you doing?


    If you''re going to die, you should come to me. It''s where I wanted someone who could ride a horse, and if you''re familiar with the backwoods business, I''d like to have you come to me for advice.


    I''m a filthy bandit.


    You''re my man. You got the sword.


    This......


    Kane looked at Crono alternately with the emperor''s coat of arms engraved on the hilt of his sword.


    ''''Oh, I heard that was given to the first Marquis of Erakis by His Imperial Majesty.


    What do most noblemen consider a treasure, Crono?


    Crono cowered his shoulders as Tilia, who had arrived before he knew it, prodded him.


    ''Can I hear your answer now?''


    A long, long time passed, and Kane nodded.


    *


    The next day, Crono, after finishing the after-action, retreated to his room and tipped his glass.


    Yes, Crono-sama. Your landlady has come to keep it with you.


    Do you mind if I have a drink by myself?


    These things taste better when you''re alone with them.


    The landlady poured the wine into the glass in her hand and drank it down deliciously.


    ''''Puha~, as expected of a nobleman!��You''re drinking some good wine!


    The landlady poured a glass of wine and rested her weight on the desk.


    ''Well - are you bothered?''


    ''''I think I know I shouldn''t be bothered,''''


    Hey, sweetheart, let me cheer you up. Come on, come here I said come here!


    The landlady suddenly lost her temper and hugged Crono by force and smiled happily with a kerfuffle.


    ''''........Are you possibly drunk?''''


    A little bit.


    The landlady stroked Crono''s head lightly, as if she were petting a child.


    ''Sometimes men need to be pampered too, don''t they?��That''s what makes a good woman a good woman, is to figure that out and spoil her.


    It seems to be endlessly indulgent.


    That''s what makes me a good woman.


    Sometimes a night like this isn''t so bad. Isn''t it?


    Yes.


    That night, Crono was spoiled by the landlady in plenty.

 8-Character introduction & glossary

    Characters


    Crono Crawford / Hisamitsu Kurono 15 years old at the time of the summons �� 18 years old at the start of the story Just over 170 cm tall. He fell into another world for no reason and was lucky enough to be adopted by the Crawford family. The skills (language, reading and writing, swordsmanship, and sorcery) he has acquired since arriving in the other world are. It''s all a result of hard work. His academics are at the level of a junior high school graduate (upper-middle or lower-middle grades in school). He has no martial arts experience, and his athletic ability is barely average (after three years of effort). His hobbies were reading plus the internet, so he has a shallow and extensive knowledge of the subject. He''s timid and good-natured, but is willing to be ruthless in his judgments if necessary. However, he is depressed. He has such low defenses against women that Leila describes him as less than a cloth garment. No swordsmanship, no magic, no classroom studies, no temperament, and no charisma. He has a strong sense of ethics for nothing and is the biggest obstacle to harem development despite being the main character.


    Tilia. 18 years old She is the first princess of the Cepheus Empire and heir to the throne. She has her mother''s blonde hair and ample, firm breasts. She has a big picture view, and is a consummate extraordinaire with talent and a talent for the literary and military arts. She has a tendency to lose perspective when she is in the field. She was the main heroine, but was overpowered by Layla.


    Layla. 20 years old A half-elf with brown skin and golden eyes. His mother is an elven prostitute, and he grew up in the slums of the Imperial City. The half-elf itself ranks at the bottom of the sub-humans. Leila herself was beautiful and was s*xually assaulted in the slums. When she was 15, her mother died and she joined the army to become a citizen. Early in his deployment, he is intrigued by the Marquis of Erakis. His harsh childhood makes him feel unclean. I''m biting the joy of being loved, but I want more than ''now''. He also feels shallow. He boasts excellent skills in physical arts, archery, and sorcery. He misinterprets Crono''s good intentions as being due to romantic feelings. After a run-in, he settles in as mistress number one. As of the first chapter, he wasn''t even named as a supporting character. She becomes the main heroine in the blink of an eye. In a sense, she is the strongest subversive character in this story.


    The female general


    Three years old. Since the death of her husband five years ago, she runs a one-woman restaurant and inn. She has a physical stature that shines through with polish. She speaks to Crono in a way that is a mixture of polite and violent. He has a minimum of academic ability, but seems to have no business sense. He creates a large debt of one hundred gold coins and becomes Crono''s servant to pay the debt. The debt is paid by Crono (without interest) and repaid from his monthly salary.


    Elena. Seventeen years old. She is the daughter of a quasi-aristocrat and studied in the Free City State Cluster.


    Second Commander/Minot. About 30 years old. A Minotaur with a nose ring that has been given the magic of an interpreter. However, it was not an official position to be a congressman. Before you know it, you are pushed into the position of deputy.


    Centurion of the Lizard / Rizad. of indeterminate age They are thermoregulated animals, which makes them susceptible to temperature fluctuations. He answers with words, perhaps because of the different thought patterns.


    Dwarf Centurion/Goldie. About 30 years old. He was trained in the workshop at a young age and has advanced skills as a weapons and armor craftsman. With Cronos support he set up the workshop, but He was commissioned to develop synthetic sheets, machine tool sheets and Japanese paper. After only one month he was forced to work hard and almost died of overwork.


    Werewolf Centurion / White, Hiilo In the middle of the 20s. He has a high degree of loyalty and a heart for the weak, which are the tribal characteristics of the werewolf race. For this reason he is adored by children like Alyson.


    Kane. About 30 years old. The leader of a gang of mercenaries (and thieves). His parents were killed when he was young and he was taken away by the mercenary group. He is a fierce warrior who has gone through many trials and tribulations. Because of his own circumstances he has few prejudices against slaves and subhumans. A very subordinate person.


    Marquis of Erakis. The person who started Crono''s career (and the hardships). A wasteful, misogynistic, not a good lord who does not think of the needs of his fiefdom. He imposed petty (cumulatively high) taxes on the fiefs, and Consumption in the area of the Marquis of Erakis has decreased considerably.


    Deneb and Alide. Elven twins and master archers. She has been friends with Leila since she was assigned to the Marquess of Erakis. He''s had some experience with men, but doesn''t seem to have much experience with being treated kindly. I envy Leila.


    Zion. mid-twenties A junior priest of the Temple of Ocher.


    Place Names & Glossary


    I made this map because I thought it might be difficult to grasp the image. ��The length of the peninsula is about 1200km and the width of the base is about 500km. ��The size of the Marquis of Erakis is appropriate.


    The Cepheus Empire About four hundred years ago, we were just a small country. With the success of the first emperor, it became an empire that ruled the entire peninsula. Thirty years ago, the empire was plagued by civil war, barbarian invasions, and urban independence. The territory is reduced to two-thirds of its size. It has adopted a more tolerant policy towards sub-humans than its neighbouring countries.


    The Holy Argo Kingdom. This is a religious state that adheres to the Six Pillar God. The largest of these gods is the ''God of Purity and Order''. The smallest of the forces is the Goddess of the Black and Chaos.


    free city-state cluster A group of city-states that became independent from the Cepheus Empire during the upheaval thirty years ago. Since the guild masters of the merchant guild now hold the real power of the city. It is difficult for newcomers to enter the market. Anyone of any status can live a life of luxury if they have the money to do so. It is said that any rank can rise in the ranks, as long as it has talent.


    The Old Aristocracy. People who were noblemen of the Cepheus Empire from before the period of upheaval thirty years ago. Some are capable, some are incompetent, but in general they have a strong sense of discrimination.


    The new aristocracy. In recognition of their achievements during the upheavals, these people became the nobility of the Cepheus Empire. They were treated like pioneers in the name of nobility, but It takes more than twenty years to transform the frontier into a rich granary. Loyalty to the emperor is thin and the camaraderie between the new nobles is unusually strong.


    The Six Pillar God The six gods of the six pillars who once brought order to a world that had been undermined by chaos. They are the incarnations of Light, Darkness, Fire, Water, Earth and Wind, but as time went on It also governs concepts that may apply to each of them. Since it is forbidden to speak his name, he is called by his first name. "The God of Purity and Order. The goddess of blackness and chaos. "The crimson god of destruction. The Goddess of Blue and Life. "Green and master of flux. Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility


    divine art The art of borrowing some of the power of a god (by communicating with him). You can only use the power of the God you believe in and risk becoming crippled by excessive use. The advantage is that the person in question doesn''t have to have any specialized knowledge at all. It can heal wounds, improve rough soil, and release plasma. The type of jutsu also depends on the god you believe in. For example, The God of Crimson and Destruction is literally destruction, the The Goddess of Blue and Life is excellent at healing.


    Witchcraft The technique of converting one''s magical power into physical phenomena. Using drugs with a suggestible effect, the technique (spell) is imprinted on the consciousness. Since the spell itself has meaning, it can also be used by the illiterate. Many offensive and defensive magic techniques have been developed, but The magic of healing is completely untouched.


    Flame Dance (Homura Mai) A magic that spreads flashy red lotus flames and explosions. Its ability to kill is low.


    Ice Dance Freezing magic to freeze the target. Its ability to kill is low.


    Tensukagura A type of spatial magic that uses a jet-black sphere to forcibly transfer a domain-designated space. It can transfer any substance, regardless of the strength of the object. Too much killing power and very poor use.


    Subhuman. A term referring to a non-human intelligent species. It is also a derogatory term meaning ''less than human''. All but elves and dwarves are equipped with an interpreter.


    Elf. A sub-human with blond hair, blue eyes, and pointed ears. They excel in magic and have a lifespan of three to five times that of humans. Very low fertility and poor environmental conditions allow it to live a full life Elves are very few and far between. They''re generally beautiful, and they live in unsafe areas. It''s a terrible experience.


    half-elf


    He is half elf and half human.


    He is in a miserable situation with the elves.


    He dies in various troubles before adulthood.


    Half-elves like Leila, who fit in with their aristocratic mistresses.


    Unparalleled in the history of the Cepheus Empire.


    Dwarves.


    What he lacks in height, he has the physical strength to make up for it.


    He is skilled with his hands and produces excellent armor.


    He''s been enslaved in the mines and handled in human workshops.


    Black companies often work in downright blue work environments too.


    Minotaur.


    He has a muscular build and stands over two meters tall.


    He is an omnivore, although he seems to be a grass eater.


    Lizardman.


    He has a muscular physique and stands over two meters tall.


    They are omnivorous, although they seem to eat only meat.


    He is an omnivore, but he is an omnivore.


    werewolf


    They are only slightly taller than humans.


    Loyalty is high.


    Mechanical Bow


    A bow with a pulley at both ends.


    A compound bow.

 9-Modified version of Episode 7 "Tilia Return"

    *


    As Crono changed into his snuggly tunic and left the mansion, Goldie, the dwarven centurion, approached him with his armor.


    ''''Oh, Master Crono!��The new armor... well, it''s a prototype, but it''s done.


    This is Goldie''s armor?


    Crono looked carefully at the armor he had received from Goldie.


    The armor was a standard fantasy breastplate.


    It was a shiny black color, much thinner than the armor of a heavy cavalryman.


    A number of deep grooves ran across the surface, perhaps to increase its strength.


    ''''It''s a new design.''''


    ''It''s not all about looks!��I mean, the material is different!��The iron is forged by wrapping it in charcoal and then heat-treated during the forming process!��This treatment dramatically increases the hardness and toughness of the steel!


    Goldie, foaming at the mouth, gave a tour de force on the making of steel.


    ''Well, I''ve already done the endurance test, sir!


    Huh?��And when Crono looked at his armor again, there were what looked like marks from receiving arrows and swords.


    ''''Attacks with swords were fine, and bows could be prevented from being received at close range if they were conventional, but the arrows fired with the machine tool bow penetrated...''''


    As Goldie hung her head helplessly, another dwarf carried the armor, which was full of holes, to the back of the workshop.


    ''''Well, the armor itself is excellent, just because the mechanic''s bow is bullshit, so let''s switch to this armor.


    Oh, thank you.


    Goldie squeezed Crono''s hand, half happy, half disappointed.


    ''You got the result, so no need to thank me. Well, I''m sorry I didn''t understand how great your armor is and all that.''''


    No, thanks to you, Mr. Crono, I''ve been able to live out my dream since I was young.


    Goldie wiped her tears away.


    Master Crono gives his permission.


    Oh!��And the dwarves responded with authority.


    ''Which way do you think Master Crono will go?


    I''m sorry I upset Tilia again. I thought I''d take a wander around town until the heat dies down. Oh, and speaking of which, how''s the paper?


    I have 50 more for you.


    I''ll just take the ten cards. All right, try not to work too hard.


    Crono received the washi and left the workshop.


    *


    Moving from the Marquis of Erakis mansion to the commercial district, Crono wandered around the stalls.


    The shops in the city of Hachel are mainly stalls, with surprisingly few items.


    It seems that the only ones that deal in a wide range of products are the large merchant associations like the Pix Chamber of Commerce.


    ''''...We don''t sell ''potatoes'' or ''corn''.


    Come to think of it, I haven''t seen potatoes and corn since I came into this world.


    ''''Master Crono!''''


    As Crono walked around eating the dried fruit he bought from the stall, the twin elves - Deneb and Arididid - hugged each other.


    I couldn''t tell which one was Deneb and which one was Arididid.


    ''''Huh?��We''re both....


    I went to take out the bandits the day before yesterday!


    The Chronosphere has given you the day off.


    With that said, Deneb and Alide brought the dried fruit that Crono was holding to his mouth.


    ''''Sweet!''''


    Do you want one?


    When Crono held out the dried fruit, Deneb and Alideed chewed on it without saying thank you.


    ''''Well Leila is off too, right?


    Crono pulled out a communication crystal and stopped to think.


    ''You should have called them.''


    Leila must be tired, and it''s a bit of a stretch to call her out of the blue.


    I don''t think so, do you?


    ''Yes, yes!��He doesn''t mind if you call out to him out of the blue and push him down!


    You''re not such a monster.


    Crono said, and the twin elves tilted their heads in wonder.


    ''''Leila is Crono-sama''s mistress, isn''t she?''''


    Yes, but you can''t do that.


    Deneb and Alydead looked at each other and raised their eyebrows in difficulty.


    ''''Why?''''


    Because I love you.


    "Is that love?


    Deneb and Alideed questioned him back with a straight face, and Crono felt uneasy about his love, but he convinced himself that pushing him down was definitely not the way to go.


    ''It may not be the kind of love you guys and Layla want, but I really want to take care of Layla. Then we''ll hang out some more.


    "Hey, Master Crono?


    Deneb and Alideed let out a sweet sound and hugged Crono''s arms.


    They intertwined their arms and gingerly pressed their breasts together.


    ''We''re bored,''


    ''Yes, yes!��I hope you play with us!


    It''s not purely for fun, but if that''s what you want.


    Yes!��And Deneb and Alideed gave a big smile.


    Crono looked around the stalls, with the two elves in attendance.


    ''Master Crono, buy that one,''


    Master Crono, I want one as well.


    The two of them dragged him away and Crono paid as he was told.


    He was going to refuse if they begged him for expensive items, but he was delicately calculating in choosing cheap food, like grilled chicken legs, dried fruit, or fruit juice.


    As their bellies began to swell and they were begging less and less, Crono stopped in front of one of the stalls.


    ''Dried radish?''


    There were several bundles of dried daikon radish on the floor.


    ''No, it''s a beet,''


    The woman who was sitting on the wooden box smiled at Crono.


    The woman''s age would be somewhere in her mid-twenties.


    Her skin was a healthy wheat color and her dark brown hair was cropped at her shoulders.


    She is wearing a loose ochre robe, but the waistband accentuates the slenderness of her waist.


    His pouty eyes are happy and loose, and looking at him like that makes me feel irresistibly guilty.


    ''''Look who it is, it''s the priest of the Yellow Earth Temple.


    Mr. Deneb?


    ''Boo!��I''m Aride and that''s Deneb.


    Deneb and Alideed hide behind Crono, and after spinning, they return to their original positions.


    ''Now, which one of you is Deneb and which one of you is Arididid?''


    Is this Mr. Arideide?


    ''Boo!��I''m a Deneb!


    When the woman pointed unsurely, Deneb raised her arms and said.


    ''''You do understand Crono-sama, don''t you?''''


    They turned away from Crono again and whirled around in place.


    ''Now, which one of you is Deneb and which one of you is Alideed?''


    You''re Arideide.


    ''Boo!��I''m a Deneb!


    Huh?��And Crono crossed his arms.


    I just gave him a name, even though he said they were twins.


    I don''t think I could have made a mistake by simply going around.


    Crono put his hands on their heads, gently stroking their hair and playing with their pointed ears.


    ''Ehehe.''


    ....


    The one who called himself Deneb laughed ticklishly and the one who didn''t looked up to hold back the tears.


    ''The one who laughed is Aridid and the one who almost cried is Deneb, so it''s right.


    "......


    Crono pointed out, and Deneb and Alideed''s eyes widened in surprise.


    Well, in short, they took advantage of the fact that they were twins and couldn''t tell them apart and told a lie.


    ''Um, Crono-sama, are you mad at me?''


    ''I''m not mad at you. But you have to apologize to the priest.


    Crono smiled bitterly at Alydead, who looked up and said.


    ''''I''m sorry!''''


    No, no, I''m the one who doesn''t recognize them.


    Looking at the priest who seemed to be in a hurry, Crono was honestly impressed.


    Apparently, this person has no prejudice against sub-humans.


    ''''This, Beat, was it?''''


    My father spent decades breeding this fruit according to the teachings of the ''Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility''. These are dried to preserve them, but they are very sweet and nutritious.


    Yeah, but that''s cattle feed.


    Yeah, you don''t have to sell that stuff.


    It was definitely sweet when I bit into the tip of the beet.


    ''''Upper, Crono-sama!��That''s cattle feed!


    ''Yes!��It''s not for humans to eat, you know?


    Master Crono?��.........!��I''m sorry, too!


    Bam!��And the priest tossed his robes and flattened himself with a tremendous force.


    In the Cepheus Empire, the theory that priests are free from worldly power does not apply.


    After all, the first emperor suppressed them as thoroughly as Nobunaga did.


    ''''I''m not great enough to be flattened, but... eh, Priestess?


    My name is Theon.


    Sell me this beat, please.


    Yes, that will be one copper.


    Crono held out a copper coin, and Theon took it with both hands.


    ''''You don''t have to be so jittery, Crono-sama isn''t a terrible person.


    Oh, really?


    Yeah, yeah, rumors are a crock.


    What rumors?


    Deneb and Alideed''s faces twitched.


    He has the ability to captivate even the most discerning of thieves after he joins Kane.


    I don''t have a single one of those.


    If I had just one of those things, my life must have been different.


    ''''I heard that someone from the Yellow Earth Temple is running a soup kitchen, is that you, Zion?


    Well yes it would be a shame to just ask for donations.


    But what about selling livestock food to people?


    ''Huh,'' said Sion, his body shaking like a puppy in the rain.


    ''''Alideed. The only reason Sion-san is opening a stall is to help the poor.''''


    "If you''re poor, why don''t you just work?


    Yeah, like you and me, we''re going to be soldiers.


    Crono could only let out a sigh at the value of the two men.


    ''....Deneb, Alideed.


    We didn''t do anything wrong.


    ''Yes. But even Mr. Zion isn''t wrong.


    Crono knelt down and squeezed Sion''s hand.


    Her palms, which were too hard to be a girl, were probably due to the fact that she did heavy work on a daily basis.


    ''''Sion-san, I''ll revive the Rescue and Poverty Institute in a while. I have a lot of other things on my mind, but since I''m going to make the Salvation Poverty Institute a priority I want you to be patient for a little while longer.


    Mister Crono.


    Theon looked at Crono with moist eyes.


    *


    You''re a priest, but you''re not a woman of color.


    It''s not funny.


    He looks disgruntled, but Deneb and Alideed don''t want to leave Crono.


    It''s hard to walk because they are holding the beat they just bought, that''s the most difficult thing to do.


    ''Could it be, Crono-sama.......that I''m going to pay you and let you do what you want with your body?


    I won''t.


    Letting out a sigh, Crono looked up at the Pix Chamber of Commerce building.


    ''''Should I stay here?''''


    It''s okay, I''m not trying to keep it a secret.


    As Crono entered the building with them, Nicola walked up to him before anyone else.


    ''Master Crono, what can I do for you today?''


    Is this just a business thing?


    Right this way, then.


    At Nicola''s urging, Crono moved to the back office.


    ''Vel!��Hurry up with the incense tea!


    Yes!


    There was a slamming sound and Crono smiled bitterly.


    ''What can I do for you, sir?''


    Today I''m here to sell you this.


    Crono held out a bundle of washi paper, and Nicola took it with a serious look on her face.


    ''What''s this?''


    It''s a piece of paper I was testing in my workshop.


    May I try my hand at writing?


    When Crono nodded, Nicola wrote the words with a quill pen.


    The washi paper in the early stages of development had caught the nibs, but the improved washi had cleared up that problem.


    "Huh, it''s very comfortable to write with. The drawback is that it''s thin, but that''s not a problem if you fix it to the board.


    How much would you sell for, Nicola?


    Since the market price of parchment in the Cepheus Empire is three coppers for one piece of parchment I thought a single copper coin would be appropriate in terms of opening up the market.


    So how much are you willing to give me?


    When Crono asked, Nicola fell silent with a greasy sweat on her forehead.


    It wasn''t a tactic, but because Nicola was thinking about Crono''s physical appearance.


    ''I''m sorry, that was not fair to ask. Over here, a sheet of paper is one brass coin, and if you can get them to buy a thousand pieces of paper, you won''t lose money. But that''s on a labor cost basis. If we switched our raw materials from gathering to cultivation the price would probably jump by more than double.


    Incense tea for you!


    Ban!��And Vel put down the cups for the four of them and walked out of the office.


    Nicola took the cups with trembling hands.


    ''''If the amount of money that Master Crono first mentioned, we would make four gold and ten silver coins a day just from selling them... Why did Master Crono reveal the cost?''''


    I felt that if I didn''t explain it properly, Nicola wouldn''t cooperate with me.


    Well I see, Master Crono isn''t very good at business.


    That''s why I''m here.


    Nicola drank the incense tea in one breath and put down her cup.


    ''Then, for the time being, I will buy the paper made in Crono-sama''s workshop for five brass coins. Is it correct to say that we will set a new price when we build a new workshop?


    Okay, then.


    Crono wrote two consent forms with the same text and gave one to Nicola.


    *


    After a business meeting with Nicola from the Pix Trading Company, they had a light meal at a brothel run by Miles.


    Surprisingly, Miles didn''t show any difficulty with Deneb and Alydead''s presence, and it was a harmonious dining experience.


    ''Master Crono worked rather well,''


    I hate this Miles guy.


    They don''t seem like the popular type. I''m going back to the house, but you two...


    "Take it to bed.


    Crono compared the two men with Beat.


    Do you know any magic tricks to manipulate the cold air?


    We''re elves. We have all kinds of resources.


    Then we''ll go to the kitchen together.


    Crono accompanied them to the Marquis of Erakis mansion.


    This time it''s the elven twins!��Passing over the gazes of the targeted vassals, Crono stepped into the kitchen on the first floor of the Marquis'' mansion.


    The kitchen of the Marquis of Erakis residence is so large that a private home could fit into it.


    There was a huge table, shelves on the wall were lined with polished pans and pots and pans, and something that looked like a stove was installed in the fireplace.


    ''''Oh, geez, Crono-sama.......how did you end up here?


    I was wondering if I could borrow the kitchen for a moment, and I think you have the eggs and milk, right?


    Yeah, that''s right.


    Crono plunged a bunch of beets into the pot and poured the water over them until they were soaked.


    ''What are you doing?''


    It''s a bit of an experiment.


    I put a pot on the fire and let it simmer.


    What are you going to do with all that cattle food?


    I was wondering if you could make sugar.


    "Sugar!


    Deneb and Alideed peered at the pots and pans from either side of Crono, an obviously disappointed look on their faces.


    ''Stand back, it''s not safe,''


    I''ll just boil it for an hour or so, Crono thought, and put the lid on the pot.


    You''re a very knowledgeable man, aren''t you, Master Crono?


    It''s all I''ve read about and heard about.


    Crono doesn''t know how far that knowledge can go, either.


    After about an hour or so, Crono separates the juice from the beet in a colander and cooks the juice further.


    It becomes more viscous, and a faint smell of burning can be heard in the air.


    ''Crono-sama, isn''t it burnt?''


    It''s getting pretty slimy.


    It turned out to be quite sugary, but it would burn if it didn''t.


    Why don''t you fry it in hot water?


    Hot water?


    When Crono asked back, the landlady filled a new pot with a small amount of water and put it on the fire.


    ''I mean to warm up the container with a pot of hot water,'' she said. You don''t even know how to do that, after all, you are a boy. Come on, I''ll do the rest.


    The proprietress transferred the burnt broth to a small bowl and began to ''boil'' the water.


    ''It''s getting a little rough,''


    The landlady stirred the broth with a spatula, and after a while it turned into brown sugar.


    The landlady picked up the brown sugar with her fingers and


    Yeah, it''s definitely sugar.


    "Sugar!


    Deneb and Alideed leaned forward and stuck their fingers into the pot.


    ''Hot!��But it''s sweet!


    This is the sugar of legends!


    Come to think of it, sugar was a valuable commodity too, and Crono shielded the sugar from them.


    ''Master Crono, are you trying to keep it all to yourself?''


    We''re halfway through milk and eggs, landlady, milk and eggs!


    Yes.


    Crono put the sugar, milk, and egg yolks in a new container by eye, and whisked lightly.


    ''''Oh, the sugar!''''


    Holding the container, I moved the metal bowl from the wall shelf to the table.


    Freeze the bowls, both of you.


    ''''Good, but........ice dance!''''


    Sizzle!��And the air creaked, and frost covered the surface of the bowl.


    ''One more shot, just in case,''


    "...ice dance!


    Geez!��and the frost thickened and the cold air flowed.


    Crono held the frozen bowl at his side and poured the contents of the container in one go.


    ''It''s cold!''


    Whisking wildly, the sugar, milk and egg yolk mixture turned into a sorbet-like liquid.


    ''So this is how it is,''


    Crono divided the sorbet onto a plate and offered it to Deneb, Alydead, and the landlady, whose eyes sparkled with curiosity.


    ''''Eat "''Yummy~!''''


    Quicker than Crono could say, Deneb and Alideed were eating the sorbet.


    ''It''s delicious. I''ve never tasted anything so good in my life.''


    The landlady''s face broke into a childlike smile.


    ''What''s your name?''


    "...ice cream.


    After a short pause, Crono replied.


    ''Crono, "There you are, Crono!


    I looked at the direction the voice came from and saw that Tilia had pushed Leila away and was about to come into the kitchen.


    ''Yeah, I was just about to call you both,''


    Crono divided the ice cream into plates and placed them on the table.


    ''What''s this?''


    Thank you, sir.


    Tilia and Leila ate their ice cream at the same time.


    "......


    He stopped moving.


    ''This is ... my God, no, you can''t fool me with this stuff.


    It''s cold, sweet, and delicious.


    Tilia was firmly tricked, and Leila, with tears in her eyes, brought the ice cream to her mouth.


    ''Crono, how did you make it?''


    "Secret.


    That again!


    When Crono smiled, Tyria said in frustration.


    ''Will you promise not to be angry?''


    "Mmm, I swear it in the name of the First Princess of Cepheus.


    Tilia nodded hawkishly, her chest heaving.


    ''First, I''ll take the juices from the livestock feed and simmer them in a pot.


    ''You fed me that stuff!


    Standing up suddenly, Tilia shouted.


    ''''Well it''s over because I broke my promise.


    "Uh, wait ... uhh ... uhh ...


    Tyria snorted as if conflicted.


    I don''t eat livestock feed.


    I said, looking at the ice cream unceremoniously.


    ''Crono, come to my room when you''re done eating.


    The princess is so bold.


    .....


    Deneb and Alideed teased, and Tilia''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''Nah, no!��I was going to talk about the future!


    How many children do you want to have?


    Move out!��Elves!��Huh, disrespect!


    The two of them teased her, and Tilia shouted, her face turning red.


    ''''Crono-sama, please follow up~!


    Carrying the container of ice cream, Deneb and Alideed ran out of the kitchen.


    *


    What the hell is up with those twins? The Crono and I had no idea that we had this... this... child.


    When Crono entered the office after finishing his meal, Tilia''s cheeks were blushing with embarrassment.


    The occasional slackening of her mouth........I wonder why.


    ''''I''m here.''''


    ''......��Guffaw, guffaw.


    Tilia cleared her throat awkwardly.


    ''What''s this?''


    As Crono put down the vial and Japanese paper, Tilia held up the vial curiously.


    ''It''s sugar made from livestock feed. And the paper is a recipe for ice cream.


    Sugar!


    Tilia puts the sugar in her palm and licks it tidily.


    ''Well it''s really sugar. Sugar is only supposed to be made in the south, right?''


    Tyria stared at Crono with swift eyes.


    ''Crono, who are you?��It''s the same with the machine gun bow, the paper, and this sugar!��I should have realized that when we defeated the bandits, no, I should have realized that when I first spoke to you!


    For what?


    Tilia grabbed Crono''s chest and slammed him against the desk.


    ''''Well you weren''t even an inferior student. I ask you again, who are you?��Where did you come from?��What did you sneak into the Cepheus Empire for?


    What if I told you I''m from another world?


    You''re tired, Crono expected such words, but any expression disappeared from Tilia''s face.


    The white blade gleamed.


    Tilia pulled out her dagger for self-defense.


    Well, this is bad!


    Crono desperately resisted, but Tilia swung her dagger down at once.


    Dang!��And the white blade sticks out in front of Crono''s eyes.


    ''Crono, did you tell anyone else what you just said?


    I know you think I''m giving you the benefit of the doubt in front of my people.


    Whew, Tilia let out a dumbfounded sigh and removed her hand from Crono.


    Gulping and shaking his knees, Crono sat up.


    ''Crono, don''t talk about that again.


    Can''t I ask why?


    "...the first emperor of the Cepheus Empire was a dark-haired man from another world. Using his knowledge of the other world, the man conquered the surrounding nations and built an empire in a single generation.


    Tilia ruffled her hair and said grimly.


    ''Same as me?''


    Yes!


    Why are you trying to kill me?


    Don''t you get it?��You ... could be a banner bearer as the reincarnation of the first emperor. Besides, your knowledge of the other world could be poison to the current empire.


    Tilia sat down in her chair and turned over in distress.


    ''Utterly adding to the messiness,''


    I didn''t like coming to this world either, but... come to think of it, what happened to the first emperor?


    Of course he impregnated a normal child and died a normal death.


    Oh, I can usually have kids.


    Crono patted his chest, forgetting that he had almost been killed.


    ''''No way....''''


    Tilia hugged herself warily.


    ''If you''re from another world, how can you expect to have children?


    ?


    Tilia tilted her head as if to say she didn''t understand why.


    ''What are we going to do now?''


    ''''Tomorrow I''m returning to the Imperial City, but I''m going to leave ten or so vassals who are good at paperwork behind. I''m going to have them report your actions.


    Is it safe to assume that there will be no restrictions on behavior?


    ''Hmmm,'' said Tilia, letting out a heavy sigh.


    ''Do what you want. However, don''t betray me.''


    I won''t betray you.


    You''re a really, really stupid person.


    Tilia narrowed her eyes dazedly and muttered softly.


    *


    The next day.


    ...Crono, you''re good at this.


    Tilia, take care of yourself.


    After exchanging a brief greeting, Tilia rode into the luxurious carriage without being escorted.


    There were more than ten carriages and fifty cavalry in the escort...............Tilia''s vassals didn''t seem to be willing to part with anyone.


    The twenty ex-military maids were being beaten up by Tyria''s maids to work, so there was no way they were going to miss the remnants, and the other faces - the centurion, Leila, the landlady, and Elena - had no contact with them themselves.


    ''''Kuh, Crono, if you insist, you can stay behind for a little while longer, okay?


    Come on home.


    Enough! Let me out!


    When Crono responded immediately, Tilia''s face turned red and she exclaimed.


    So long, Crono gave a small wave to the carriage as it started to run.

 10-Episode 8 "Loess Temple" Revised Version

    *


    Thank you for everything.


    ''No, I''m just following the teachings of the ''Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility''


    Smiling, Sion handed the dirty-dressed man a bowl of vegetable broth and hard bread.


    Sion didn''t break into a smile when he touched the man with his fingers, the tips of his fingernails discolored to black, nor did he break into a smile when he smelled the man''s body odor, which seemed to be concentrated in sweat to the extreme.


    It was always the same.


    A cookout on the outer edges of Hachel would naturally bring him into contact with people like that.


    It''s better to just say thank you, many people just accept the food without saying anything.


    It''s only natural, of course, because they are only interested in today''s meal.


    The Mother Goddess of Ocher and Fertility is an incarnation of the earth, and has been worshipped as an agricultural god since ancient times.


    The priests of the Temple of Loess are tasked with spreading agricultural knowledge and skills, but Theon began to question such a system.


    It seems unbelievable to question the existence of the God and the temple, but seeing the palms of his hands tattered by the daily work in the fields makes him unbearably uneasy.


    I wonder if I''m dying like my father, who devoted his life to improving beets and died without any recognition, without any regard for anyone.


    The gun and the dirty looking man kicked the cauldron, and Theon smiled again.


    A week after Tilia''s departure, the sound of hammering echoed today in the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion as new muscular men moved between the workshop and the tower.


    Some were hauling wood, some were carrying bricks, while others were being scolded by a man who seemed to be in charge of the site for trying to skip out.


    The men were building a workshop for the production of washi paper a paper mill.


    ''''At this rate, it should be completed in another two months.


    ''The tolerances, yes. I''m going to get some people to work for me now, teach them the techniques, and by then I''ll have a stockpile of materials...


    I counted down the things I had to do.


    Goldie, I hope you don''t die of exhaustion.


    Ha, ha, that''s all there is to it.


    Crono said, and Goldie slapped his chest as if to say he''d leave it to him.


    ''But was it a line?��I''ve never heard of you splitting up the workload.


    I thought this would be less of a procedure to learn.


    I suggested that the line method would be easy to learn and efficient, but when told by a skilled craftsman like Goldie, I was a bit shy about it.


    ''No, the idea of a line is a wonderful one. It''s an unknown experiment, but I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what the problems are if you try it out on a simulated line before the workshop is completed.


    Well, that''s good to hear.


    If we get it right, we''ll recoup our investment in a year and a half, but I''m sick to my stomach now thinking about what will happen if we don''t get it right.


    ''So, I told you to give me the paper!


    Hysterical voices rang out, and Crono and Goldie looked at the workshop.


    There, Elena was crowding the dwarf.


    ''Really, it''s useless!


    Noticing our gaze, Elena spat out, and this time, she crowded Goldie.


    ''You dwarf there, give me the paper!


    There''s paper in the workshop.


    It wasn''t there!


    Mookie!��Elena exclaimed, turning red in the face.


    Chop!


    Ouch!


    When Crono lightly chopped his brain, Elena let out a scream that wasn''t typical for a quasi-aristocrat.


    ''''Hey, what are you doing!��Speaking of the original, you''re the one with the spare paper!


    Elena.


    Saying quietly, Crono tugged on Elena''s collar.


    ''''Wait, don''t ... oh, I''m sorry, don''t hit me.''''


    You''ve never hit anyone in your life.


    If she wanted to resist, she could, but Elena''s previous attitude was a lie as she showed her frightened attitude.


    ''Goldie, go find me some paper,''


    I think I get it.


    Leaving Goldie to explore the paper, Crono looked down at Elena as she picked at her collar.


    ''It''s not a good idea to talk out of turn,''


    He''s covering for the dwarves!


    With a quick pull of the collar.


    ''I''m sorry, I''m sorry for being so cocky!��Please don''t slap me, please don''t slap me, okay?��Right?


    Elena begged desperately, as her heart seemed to be broken from the beginning.


    ''What is your job?''


    Accounting and administration and accepting business licenses for brothels and slave trading.


    Elena looked at Crono with a flirtatious upward glance.


    Until now, there were no restrictions on prostitution and slave trading in the Marquis of Erakis territory, but from next month onwards, neither prostitution nor slave trading will be allowed without the permission of the lord, Crono.


    Prostitution is only allowed in whorehouses that meet the conditions, and street prostitution is basically prohibited.


    The sale of slaves will also be legal only for licensed slave traders, and slave fairs will also require prior application.


    ''''Isn''t it your job to prepare the paper?''''


    Yes, yes, that''s right.


    For some reason, Elena looked at Crono with moist eyes and rubbed her thighs together sadly.


    ''In the future, don''t speak out against dwarves ... sub-humans.


    When Crono removed his hand from the collar, Elena poked her buttocks on the spot.


    As if she had stepped on a pebble, Elena sat up and shook her body with a bimble.


    ''There it is,''


    Thanks.


    Elena took the paper from Goldie and went back to the Marquis'' mansion inwardly.


    ''''What are you going to do now, Crono-sama?''''


    I''m going on a tour of the city.


    I think I get it.


    *


    Changing into a tunic, which was becoming an everyday outfit, Crono went out into town.


    The number of vagrants was still the same, and the number of women who looked like street prostitutes had visibly decreased.


    Maybe it just looks like less.


    His innate weakness........or rather, his sense of responsibility as a lord spurred his negative thoughts, and he couldn''t help but have a hunch that he had a backstory.


    As usual, Crono chewed on the dried fruit he bought at the stall.


    ''''I can''t wait to reopen the poorhouse.


    I thought lightly that all I had to do was call the director and his staff back and give them the money, and that would be the end of the matter........? ...It''s not the same, apparently.


    According to Leila, they are fed once a day, given a dirty blanket to sleep on, forced to sleep on the floor, and not only forced to work without pay, but also forced to take what little money they have.


    Not only were they forced to work without pay, but they were also ripped off for their miserable money and goods.


    ''We''ll have to hire a new director, won''t we?


    What suddenly crossed my mind was the smile of Zion, the priest of The Yellow Earth Temple.


    ''''I want you to teach me how to grow beets, and if you can read and write, I want you to teach my men how to study, and I want you to teach me about farming around here... if I make you work this hard, you might collapse from overwork...''''


    Crono looked around, "We had a stall around here a week ago," he said, looking around.


    Fortunately, Theon was soon found.


    Sion was sitting on a wooden box just as he was a week ago.


    ''Hey, Sion.''


    ...Oh, Mr. Crono.


    Looking up at Crono, Sion hid the sleeves of his wet robe shyly.


    ''Can you buy me another beat today, sir?��No, no, we don''t need livestock feed, do we?


    I don''t need it at the moment, but "''Yeeeeeeeeeee, yay!


    He was pushed off and Crono rolled on the ground.


    ''Beat it, sell it, sell it all!


    ''It''s a buyout!��Buy up!��The three of us are going to buy everything!


    "...Deneb, Arididid, please calm down.


    It seems that it was Deneb, Arididid, who pushed Crono out of the way.


    Apparently, Leila is with him.


    ''''Um, bi, beet, uh, um, a week ago you said not to sell livestock fodder.


    What?��I told you we''re buying the beat!��I don''t care if you buy up the whole field!��Are you going to sell it?��You''re not going to sell it?��If you say you''re not going to sell it, I''m going to beat you to death!


    Theon let out a small scream as Deneb and Alideed crowded in on him.


    ''''If you don''t sell it, I won''t be able to come and buy it until the next holiday.


    Leila added apologetically.


    ''''Well you guys are robbers.


    ""Master Crono!"


    Crono said as he slurred and blood flowed from his forehead, and Deneb, Arididid, and Leila''s eyes widened.


    But who did this to you?


    We can''t allow that!


    You guys pushed me away.


    Deneb and Alideed are pale in the face.


    Both of them are usually familiar with each other, but they should understand what it means to have a nobleman hurt.


    ''''Be more careful next time.


    "Yes!


    Deneb and Alideed grabbed Zion''s arm and thrust it out to Crono.


    ''''Look, you''re a priest, you should use your Divine Majesty Technique to heal me!


    Yeah, yeah, hurry up!


    Oh, um, I... I...


    Theon is about to start crying now.


    ''''Neither of you would let him use the Divine Majesty Technique with a wound like this.


    After all, you''re at risk of being crippled.


    ''Master Crono, please bend over.


    .....


    As Crono bent down, Leila crawled her tongue over the wound.


    ''Um, Leila?��Does elven saliva have a therapeutic effect?


    I don''t know.


    Leila continued to lick the wound for a while.


    I think we''re going to be okay.


    Oh, thank you.


    My cheeks are hot with embarrassment, but Leila is also looking down in embarrassment.


    ''''The two of you look hot, but we''re extremely cold, right?''''


    Well, what about me?


    Deneb and Alideed took their hands off Theon as if they had lost interest.


    ''''Sell me the beat and you can leave, and-''''


    ''''There''s something I want to discuss with Sion-san, so I don''t want her to leave on her own.


    "Because,


    I''ll buy all the beats, by the way.


    "......


    Deneb and Alydead looked at each other and shrugged at Crono.


    ''Hey, Master Crono?��We need a beat, too.


    You can take it home to your room if you want, Beat.


    ''You can think about it if you carry Mr. Theon''s things to the mansion.


    Yes!


    Clenching their fists, they began to pack up.


    Once they had finished loading, they began to pull the cart.


    Mr. Crono.


    Leila gave her a pestering look, and Crono silently held her close.


    ''Shall we go then?''


    Oh, yes.


    Crono walked along, looking here and there for anything unnatural.


    His steps naturally slowed, opening up the distance between him and the cart.


    But after a few moments of walking, he caught up with Deneb and Alideed.


    It was because Deneb and Alideed were staring at the billboard curiously.


    ''What does it say?''


    Um, this is a public announcement that prostitution and the slave trade are moving to a licensing system.


    Leila was faster than Theon was able to read it out.


    He may have gone to the restroom, or to eat, but there didn''t seem to be a person in charge of reading out the public announcement.


    ''''So........was it good?''''


    Correct.


    Crono stroked Leila''s head and ears gently as she said anxiously.


    With a shake, Leila shook her body comfortably and shook her head lightly to bring her back to her senses.


    ''What do you mean?''


    As of next month, no one can engage in prostitution and slave trading unless they are authorized by Master Crono.


    Leila glanced up at Crono, confidently.


    Why?


    It says that prostitution is to prevent the spread of venereal diseases and the slave trade is to prevent problems after the sale.


    Seemingly unable to understand the meaning of the public announcement, Leila tilted her head in wonder.


    ''''........Crono-sama, what does it mean?''''


    ''I mean that literally, half-elf lady.


    I looked at the source of the voice and saw Miles standing there with a thin plank in his hand.


    ''Master Crono has ensured that all gentlemen can use the brothels with confidence by only allowing prostitution in the brothels where regular medical examinations are conducted.


    Miles broke off the words.


    ''It is an undesirable situation for a purchaser to pay a large sum of money to purchase a slave and not keep it for more than a few days before it dies. Master Crono says he will only grant permission to slavers who properly control their slaves in order to protect the interests of the purchaser.


    Incidentally, Miles explained the part of the construction that Crono was desperately trying to twist out of his mind. Well, Miles seems to have seen through that part.


    ''Hey, did you get the green light?''


    I''m sure Master Crono knows better.


    Miles chuckled and indicated a thin plate with a permit stretched over it in Crono''s handwriting.


    ''Thanks to you, I have the honour of being Permit No. 1. Now, then.


    With that, Miles turned away.


    ''''...maybe you had dinner with him?''''


    "Secret.


    The more you eat, the more you eat, the more you get to know each other, the more rumors you get to hear.


    At such a time, if Miles told them that whorehouses and the slave trade would be permit-based, they would believe him when they heard it.


    Well, he also convinced them to agree to the permit system.


    By the way, the quid pro quo that Miles asked for was that he wanted the convenience of being the first one to be a permit.


    ''''Master Crono you always have very difficult things on your mind, don''t you?


    Not really.


    When he looked over, he saw that Theon was hanging his head helplessly.


    Crono walked off again, not needing to worry about it.


    ''''Ice cream!''''


    Back at the Marquis of Erakis mansion, Deneb and Alideed ran off with all the beats they could carry.


    Apparently, they had no intention of buying their own eggs and milk.


    ''I hope the landlady doesn''t get mad at us but do you want to go too Leila?


    No, let me stay with Master Crono.


    Fine in the parlor, Crono led Sion up to the third floor and sat down on the couch.


    Leila sat down on the sofa with reservations and squeezed Crono''s sleeve.


    ''''Sion-san, please sit down.''''


    Oh, yes.


    Unaccustomed to it, Sion sat shallowly on the sofa and stared at Crono with an upward glance.


    ''''Ah, um, today ... what can I do for you?''''


    ''''I have a few things to discuss with you, but I was wondering if you could tell me about the farming practiced in this area... the Marquis of Erakis?''''


    ''Yes, yes, I understand. Well, the Marquis of Erakis operates a three-plot system.


    "Three field system?


    When he asked back, Theon stiffened with a jolt.


    ''''This is a farming method in which the cultivated land is divided into three parts: the first year is for spring crops, the second year is for winter crops, and in the third year the land is left fallow to restore the ground power and moisture in the field, where livestock are raised. Well, land power is the ability to grow crops, yes.


    ''If you want to restore ground strength, I think you can spread fertilizer, and if you want to restore moisture, I think you can draw water from an irrigation canal.


    Hi, is it fertilizer?


    ''Yeah, maybe we could spread human and livestock dung, food residue, and ashes to nourish the fields so they don''t have to rest.


    They''re supposed to spread cow dung in the fields, and the tailings were buried in the vegetable garden by the next-door neighbors, and I think a cartoon introduced them to the idea that spreading ashes is good for the soil.


    ''Oh, um, where do I get that much feces from?''


    Collecting in the streets, or collecting cow dung?


    ''It''s difficult to transport, and no village has enough cattle to cover all the fallow land,''


    ''We''ll have to start with more cows,'' Crono let out a sigh.


    It''s going to take a lot of money and time to grow the irrigation canals... Oh, um, my dead father told me that growing clover will help the ground to recover its moisture content. People didn''t believe me, but, you know, I''ve proven it by plowing the fields myself and releasing the cows...


    Zion''s voice was shrill at the bottom, and at the end it sounded like a mosquito buzzing.


    ''Then let''s grow clover in the fallow ground.


    What?


    When Crono decided easily, Theon made a barefaced sound.


    Is it difficult to implement it all out of the blue, Crono quickly reconsidered.


    ''''........For now, let''s cultivate clover in ten percent of the fallow land. If we get results, we''ll gradually expand the scope of the project. At that time, I''d like to ask you to give me some technical guidance, is that okay?


    Wow, do you mind if I do?


    ''And....Zion-san did a soup kitchen as well, didn''t he?


    Yes, sir.


    For some reason, Sion nodded with a face that looked like he was about to cry.


    ''''Actually, I''m going to ask Sion-san to be the director of the Salvation Poverty Institute. Of course, unlike the previous Rescue Poor House........


    Crono''s mind suddenly went back to the washi workshop under construction, and he said what he had in mind.


    ''''Unlike the past relief and poorhouse, I''m going to give you a proper job placement and pay you a salary so that you can rebuild your life. Then there''s the beet that Mr. Zion''s father grew, and we found out that he can make sugar. And in the future, sugar...oh, Mr. Zion?


    Suddenly, Sion stood up.


    Crono looked up at Sion, wondering if he had talked too much in one direction.


    ?


    Sob-like words escaped from the gap between my clenched teeth, and tears spilled out in rags.


    ''This isn''t going to work!''


    Sion screamed as if he couldn''t stand it anymore, and began to cry, covering his face.


    ''''Um, Sion-san?''''


    Your father and I worked so hard, and then you did what we couldn''t do, so easily!


    In front of the crying Sion, Crono could only be confused.


    As he looked around for relief, he met eyes with Leila.


    ''I don''t think Crono-sama needs to be bothered.


    But...


    ''Master Crono is a very kind man. But that kindness can be poisonous to those who are less fortunate.


    Maybe so, Crono accepted Leila''s words with shock.


    Crono''s kindness was nurtured by a blessed position ... an ongoing affordance.


    Crono doesn''t know about Leila''s past.


    He doesn''t know how hard she was hit and how desperate she was.


    Crono doesn''t know what Theon has been through.


    He doesn''t know how much he was troubled and distressed.


    ''''Wow, I ... how rude.''''


    Leila, stop!


    Theon went to the window with an abruptness that could only be described as paroxysmal.


    Crono shouted, and Leila soundlessly walked around to the front of Sion.


    Thump!��and Leila''s fist, and Theon''s body floated away.


    Sion crumpled to the ground and


    .....


    She let out an unfashionable sound, Kehu, Kehu, Kehu, with tears and drool smeared across her face.


    ''Ki, I didn''t faint, Leila!


    I just shot my diaphragm.


    Leila came around behind Theon and cooed and tightened her neck ... maybe her jugular.


    Immediately, Theon stopped moving.


    *She was not moving.


    He carried Theon to the bed in the guest room and visited the kitchen on his feet, where Deneb and Arididid were enjoying their ice cream.


    ''''Yum!''''


    Oh, they''re really greedy. Oh, Master Crono?


    Crono sat down in the empty seat and let out a sigh that couldn''t have been deeper.


    ''Meh, you''re depressed?��Well, here''s something to eat and relax about.


    Thanks.


    Crono took the proffered ice cream and spooned it into his mouth.


    ''I used cream instead of milk, how do you like it?''


    I feel like ice cream.


    Is it the difference in ingredients or the difference in skill?


    The ice cream the landlady had made was not like that of the Chronos'' sorbet-like one, and it was properly solidified.


    ''What''s wrong this time?''


    I made Mr. Theon cry.


    What have you done, Master Crono?


    Putting down the empty plates, Deneb and Alideed leaned forward.


    ''He said that if I decided to make farming more efficient and reopen the Rescue House, he couldn''t have done it even if he tried. Leila says my kindness is ... well ... hurting people or something.


    Master Crono is too kind.


    ''Yes, yes, you''re too kind to expect it.


    Deneb and Alideed crossed their arms and nodded repeatedly.


    ''It''s partly because of your upbringing that you''re so kind. The poor man''s life can be a bit heavy at times. But I like your kindness.


    ...landlady.


    When Crono stared at her, the landlady looked away, as if embarrassed.


    ''''Huh, you two, when did that happen?''''


    I mean, that was about a week ago. I was just trying to comfort you at first, but then I got burned.


    The landlady crossed her arms and said with a blush on her cheeks.


    ''''What I''m trying to say is I''ll comfort you if you fail, so go ahead and be kind to yourself!


    Bashin!��The landlady patted him on the back and Crono stood up.


    *


    When I returned to my room, I found Leila sitting in a chair, staring at Sion.


    ''''You look ... quite tired.''''


    Yes.


    Leila stood up silently and Crono sat back in his chair to replace her.


    ''I''m sure it must have been hard for you.


    Crono looked at Sion''s hand and muttered softly.


    He remembered the feel of her hand, which was so hard that he couldn''t believe it was a girl.


    ''''........hmm...''''


    Are you awake?


    Unexpectedly, Sion opened his eyes and Crono called out to him as gently as he could.


    ''......��Lord Crono!��I''m sorry, too!


    I''d be lying if I said I didn''t care.


    Theon sat up and clenched his fists to hold back the tears.


    ''Is there something you want to tell me?��Whether it''s a struggle or a complaint, I''ve come back with the intention of hearing it right.


    ....


    Sion stole a look at Crono''s face and looked down in frustration.


    ''''........My father was a junior priest of the ''Yellow Earth Temple''. The temple he was finally appointed to was located about three hours'' walk from the city of Hashel, surely Crono-sama didn''t know that, right?��It''s a place that''s so battered and ragged that even bandits wouldn''t look at it.


    Sorry, I don''t know.


    Theon clenched his fists and gritted his teeth as if in pain.


    ''All along, my father has been working on breeding beets. If the breeding is done well, I''m sure it will enrich us all. He said that for years and years... but now that he''s finally made some progress, he''s wondering how he''ll ever be able to eat livestock feed. Even the clover thing my father was doing so well for everyone.


    What was contained in Theon''s words was roughly an emotion unbecoming of a priest ... anger and hatred.


    ''''Even I, even I, have tried my hardest!��We had a soup kitchen and we worked so hard for everyone and yet...


    Theon reached for Crono''s forehead the wound that had been created by Deneb and Arididid pushing him away....


    ''''Mother Goddess of ''Ochre and Fertility'', healing miracle.


    There was no light, no sound, and no divine healing miracle manifested through divine majesty arts.


    ''''No way?''''


    Yeah.


    At Leila''s question, Sion gave a broken smile.


    ''''You worked so hard, and now you''ve even lost your Divine Majesty Technique!��Still, keep the cookout going for everyone!��And then nothing!��We couldn''t do anything about it, and you... you!��As if they would sneer at us just for being lords!


    Master Crono...!


    Crono controlled Leila, who was about to pounce on him, with his hand.


    ''Nah, why don''t you just hit her!��If you pitied me like that I''d be even more miserable.


    Theon folded his hands in prayer and let out a sob.


    It was a burden, Crono said, holding his trembling knees.


    Had she achieved results, her life as a priestess would have made her proud.


    But without any accomplishments, living as a priestess had become a burden.


    Living as a priestess was so painful that she couldn''t throw it away and began to hate someone else.


    ''If it''s so hard, I''ll take over for you,''


    .....


    Sion stared at Crono with a demonic look on his face.


    However, Crono didn''t miss Cion''s lips parting for a moment.


    ''''I''ll spread the cultivation of beets and let you plant clover in the fallow land instead of Sion, so Sion-san can figure out how to reform agriculture instead of me, and you can serve as the director of the Rescue House.


    No, no, no.


    Crono smiled and closed the distance between him and Theon.


    He poked his hand and the bed creaked in protest.


    ''You can do it, I''m the lord of the Marquess of Erakis.


    Because if you do that...


    I''m not going to deny everything we''ve done, but you can''t do it all on your own.


    Tears spilled from Sion''s eyes.

 11-Episode 9 "Poverty Salvation Home"

    *


    Following a path that was like a wound carved into the grassland, the wagon was aiming for the ''Yellow Earth Temple''.


    This is to carry the luggage of Sion, who was to serve as the director of the Relief and Poverty Institute in its reopening.


    Since it is an outward journey, there is plenty of room to ride, but it is only a wagon.


    The wheels are just wrapped in iron, and there''s nothing clever about suspension.


    The mere act of climbing onto a pebble sends a thrusting jolt through the back of the wagon.


    As Crono looked out at the scenery in disgust, Kane, who was next to him, slapped his thighs in a reserved manner.


    ''That woman is staring at me, what did you do?''


    ...nothing.


    I glanced over at Sion and saw that she was staring at Crono with a steely look in her eyes.


    When I met her, though, her eyes were loose with a happy look in them.


    ''I must be a porcupine.


    Doesn''t it look bouncy to you?


    Maybe he has invisible thorns wrapped around his body.


    ''He''s a self-destructing bastard who hurts others for good and, by the way, hurts himself as well,'' Crono added.


    ''Oh, that. It''s like when you pretend to be a righteous bandit and throw money at a poor man and that poor man is beheaded.''


    No, not that much.


    I glanced over at Zion and she was groaning on her knees as I stole a glance at her.


    ''Maybe that''s about as much as I''m emotionally capable of doing.


    It''s like you''re doing something good and it doesn''t fit together in all directions.


    Yes.


    Looking up at the heavens, Crono let out a sigh.


    ''We should be able to see The Temple by now.


    As the carriage climbed up the gently sloping hill, a huge rock protruded from the ground about five hundred meters away.


    Rather than a rock, it was a bedrock. It looked as if the bedrock had been shattered for some reason and pushed directly to the ground.


    The height of the bedrock was more than 20 meters, and the ''Yellow Earth Temple'' stood in the shadow of it.


    ''''........It''s not what I imagined.''''


    I''m sorry about the small size.


    Crono had imagined a building like the Parthenon, but the ''Ochre Temple'' was an old brick building.


    From the top of the hill, it looks like the letters of the alphabet ''T'' stacked high on top of each other.


    All around the temple is a field with lush foliage.


    Stopping his carriage near the temple, Crono looked up at the rocks.


    ''Let''s go,''


    Yes?


    Prompted by Sion, Crono and Kane stepped into the temple.


    Naturally........it would be rude to say it, but the inside of the temple was deserted.


    There were no chairs for the faithful to sit on, just a small altar at the back.


    ''''It''s kind of like a chapel.''''


    ?


    When Crono muttered, Sion tilted his head suspiciously.


    ''''........This back of the house is the priest''s living space.


    Excuse me.


    I ducked through the door next to the altar, and there were three doors lined up across the short passage.


    ''No one there,''


    Did you run a soup kitchen by yourself?


    Sion''s lips twitched in frustration and he glared at Crono.


    Perhaps sensing the dangerous atmosphere, Kane intervened between Sion and Crono.


    You have to have a good time. A temple is basically nothing without something in return.


    ''No, sir!��Me and my dad were there for everyone....


    When Kane glared at him, Theon fell silent as if his spirits were diminished.


    Even though he had become Crono''s subordinate, Kane was a man who had gone through the shura as a mercenary and bandit.


    For such a man, it might not be difficult for him to silence a daughter like Zion with just a glance.


    ''''The temple can only do so many things for you if you donate money. Where there is no prospect of donations, we''ll put a junior priest who is only serious. That way, we won''t have to build a relationship from scratch.


    Kukkuk, Kane let out a gruesome, sneaky laugh.


    ''''Well I''ll carry my things, so you two can have the back room, please.


    Fearing that he was going to be a bush snake, Theon went into his room.


    ''Do you have any bad memories of the Temple?''


    That''s right, he was a thief.


    Yeah.


    Crono muttered quietly.


    ''Once, Kane said that his parents were speared to death and his sister died on the way out, but in reality, it must not be a past that could be put into words.


    It''s a long time ago. Let''s just get it over with.


    All right.


    Kane tapped him on the shoulder as if he was concerned, and Crono nodded.


    The room Theon had directed him to seemed to be used as a storage room.


    There were twenty sacks of cut and dried beets in hemp sacks, scythes, hoes and other farm tools, and shelves lined with old books and dirty sacks.


    ''Shall we carry the hemp bags for now?


    I''ll take care of that, and you, Mr. Crono, will get something lighter.


    Grateful for Kane''s concern, Crono picked up the small items on the shelves.


    Originally, because there were so few things, Crono and Kane finished carrying their luggage to the carriage in less time than expected.


    ''''........What should I do about the beat?''''


    Yeah, I''ll have my guys take care of Hatake.


    When Kane replied, Theon''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''I''m a cavalryman now, but when I was a kid, I, and my men, used to plow the fields.


    I''m sorry you had to go through that.


    ...unspeakable.


    Kane smiled sadly, and Theon clasped his hands together as if he was impressed.


    A peasant to a cavalryman is an incredible success story.


    You''re responding differently to me, Crono said as he loaded up his pack and climbed into the cramped loading bay.


    Without any trouble, Crono and the others returned to the city of Hashel.


    It was impressive to say the fact that Theon was giving Kane a glittering look.


    It''s hard to be hated by a girl, Crono said, holding his knees in the corner of the wagon.


    ''Master Crono. What''s wrong with you, holding your knees in the cart?


    Yeah, I''m a little down.


    Crono looked up as the landlady called out to him.


    Before he knew it, he had arrived at the poorhouse.......the building that used to be used as a poorhouse....


    It hadn''t been used for years, so I asked the landlady and her friend to clean it up.


    The relief hospital was made of brick, and like the hospital where Crono was hospitalized, the first floor was a hall and the second floor was a room for the staff.


    The building is usually plastered to save on construction costs or to make it look better, but this building has bare bricks.


    Staggering down from the wagon, Crono stepped into the relief hospital.


    A little later, Sion and Kane followed.


    ''Master Crono is here, say hello!


    ""Yes!"


    In response to the landlady''s voice, the four women who had been cleaning the hall run up to Crono.


    They appear to be the same age as the landlady, or slightly older.


    Well, this is probably because the landlady can use the equipment of the Marquis'' mansion freely.


    ''''........I have a favor to ask, will you do me a favor?''''


    If you''re just asking.


    When Crono took a precautionary step, the landlady let out a sigh of dismay.


    ''''Would you mind hiring these kids as employees of the Salvation Institute?


    Hmm.


    Crono looked at the landlady''s friend.


    ''I''m sure the poorhouse is where some of the less-than-patternly people come to, don''t you think?


    A man can be a brawler, too. That''s why I''m so hungry.


    The landlady pressed her ample breasts against Crono and whispered sweetly.


    ''Can you guys read and write?''


    Yes, I can read, write and do some simple math.


    Is it worth hiring, even if you don''t have a strong arm, or even if you have a minimum level of academic ability?


    ''''I''ll hire you. But I don''t want to leave Mr. Xiong alone, so I want at least one of you to be in the Rescue House.


    Good, boys?��Okay, then go back to cleaning!


    ""Yes!"


    The four of them went back to cleaning again.


    More like a commander and a soldier than a friend.


    ''Have you ever served in the army or anything like that, landlady?


    There''s no such thing.


    Caracalla and the landlady laughed.


    ''Hmm?''


    I felt a look and turned around to see Sion looking at Crono with steely eyes.


    ''''What~ are you staring at Crono-sama with those scary eyes?''''


    Ah!


    The landlady chopped Sion''s forehead without reading the air.


    ''''Wow, I''m a cheater for being decided on everything so easily.''''


    That''s what being a lord is all about!


    The landlady chopped Zion''s forehead again and crossed her arms in a pompous manner.


    ''It might be easy to see from the side, but look at this wound!


    The landlady headlocked Crono and pointed the wound in his right eye at Sion.


    ''Master Crono is defending his territory with his body!


    Me and my dad did our best for everyone!


    Who is this ''everybody'' you''re talking about?


    Rural people and poor people.


    Ha, don''t make me laugh.


    The landlady took Sion''s serious gaze squarely in her face and snickered as if she were making fun of him.


    ''''What you call ''everyone'' is you. Because, isn''t it?��If you''ve been working hard for the peasants and the poor, you can''t just glare at Master Crono for doing what you can''t do.


    The landlady put her arms around her and silenced Crono''s words.


    ''You''re just sulking because you worked so hard for you and it didn''t pay off.


    Wow, my father was trying to improve the breed of beet and he said he could get sugar from the beet.


    I give your father credit for that. But it was Mr. Crono who made the sugar from beets. Your father didn''t know he could get sugar from beets, so why would he breed them?


    The landlady mercilessly takes the escape route away from Theon.


    ''''Well, that''s for ''everyone''.


    Instead of doing that, wouldn''t it be better for ''everyone'' if we steadily taught them how to grow new crops and spread new farming methods?


    Completely crushed in his escape route, Theon paled and pouted.


    ''''Even your father was breeding beets for himself.


    My dad, my dad, my dad is...


    Theon ran out of the poorhouse without saying a word.


    ''''Hey, hey, landlady,''''


    Was that too much?


    The landlady unfastened the headlock and scratched her cheek awkwardly.


    ''You''re overstepping your bounds. You''ve negated not only the efforts you''ve made so far, but your purpose.''


    But if I don''t tell you what you need to know, Master Crono will have a hard time doing it, and my friends will have a hard time working for you.


    Sure, yeah.


    The landlady said, and Kane agreed, stroking his stubble.


    ''''Until ... Kane,''''


    ''You''re asking me to say no to a patron in the first place rather than bite them for personal reasons.��And there''s no reason why it has to be that woman, whether it''s a relief hospital or growing beets.


    No, no, no, no, no. We need them.


    ''''If we steal those beets, we''ll be able to grow them ourselves, and I''m sure we''ll be able to get a cooperative one sent to the ''Ochre Temple'' if we put up the money, right?


    Kane is dry even though he''s been getting so much favor from Theon.


    ''''From here on out, it''s up to Crono-sama''s decision.


    Yeah, I won''t complain if it''s Master Crono''s decision.


    The landlady and Kane laughed nastily.


    Letting out a deep sigh, Crono followed Sion.


    Oh, my God, he''s got good legs for a priest!


    Crono blurted out as he ran along the road to the ''Ochre Temple'' once, which he returned to and from.


    He had received a report from a subordinate that he had left the city of Hachel, and he was proud that if he ran, he would be able to catch up with him, but even if he ran, there was no sign of Theon.


    Just as Crono was beginning to regret in earnest that he should have ridden his horse, he saw a figure that looked like Theon.


    The figure that looked like Sion, perhaps caught in the mud, fell down and did not try to get up.


    ''''Zion-san?''''


    ....


    When Crono finally caught up with him, he called out to Sion, who was plopped down on the ground.


    Sion''s robe was smeared with mud, as if he had fallen many times.


    ''''........Ugu.''''


    Sion groaned as he stifled a sob and picked himself up with shaking hands.


    Slurping slyly and snotty, Sion began to walk with an uncertain gait... and before he had taken ten steps, his feet were in the mud and he fell down.


    His hands, feet, and face are covered in mud.


    Theon picked himself up and began to cry like a child.


    ''A child, you are,''


    He didn''t have a handkerchief, so Crono wiped Sion''s face with the sleeve of his clothes.


    ''Why, why can''t it be for everyone else?


    ''You just didn''t like the idea of chanting "for ''everyone''" like it was a title.��I''m not the landlady, so I don''t know.


    Kefu, Kefu, Theon coughed.


    You fought for the sake of "everyone else", didn''t you?


    ''''Well I thought I stayed on the battlefield for my men, but maybe it was for myself after all.


    Crono traced the wound in his right eye with his finger.


    If you eliminate factors such as position and circumstance, you''ll arrive at the incontrovertible conclusion that it was because you didn''t like it.


    The investment in the workshop, the attempt to mass-produce Washi paper, even the agricultural reform, would all benefit Crono in a roundabout way.


    Because I falsified my own mind, did the ''Mother Goddess of Ochre and Fertility'' take the Divine Authority Technique away from me?


    I don''t know how God feels.


    ''''That''s right,'''' said Sion, looking down as if he was devastated.


    ''''........I''m the worst. I made excuses, sulked, took the blame, didn''t get anything done, lost even the divine power technique, and even pissed off the person who helped me clean up at the last minute. If there''s a hole, I want to be buried in it.


    ''What about being buried,'' Crono pouted in his mind, but he was really depressed that he was about to be buried.


    ''Mr. Sion,''


    Huh!


    When Crono tapped both of his shoulders with a bang, Sion looked up in surprise.


    ''''I''m sure Sion-san is having a fight with God right now. Otherwise, God would have given him time to cool down. Of course he did.''''


    Oh, um, earlier you said you didn''t know how God felt.


    ''''If Zion-san can look at her feelings firmly and make peace with God, she will be able to use the divine authority technique as well.......''''


    Popping his mouth open, Sion looked at Crono.


    ''''For now, just keep that in mind. Even if you can''t use the Divine Majesty Technique I still have a job I want to ask you to do, Sion-san.


    Like what?


    "I want the director of the poorhouse to cook for those who don''t want to join the poorhouse, teach agricultural techniques, teach my people to study... and I want to do things like job placement, so please negotiate with all sides!


    Crono stood up and held out his hand to Sion.


    ''''Well you''re rough with people.


    Blurting out, Theon squeezed Crono''s hand back.


    *


    A week later, Crono looked up at the plastered poorhouse with Theon.


    Since then, Theon had worked so hard that his complaints were a lie, and he''d come up with ideas, such as dividing the halls with boards so that the residents could have their own space.


    ''At last,''


    I''m a little nervous, but I''ll feel free to ask for help from the staff and Mr. Chronosphere at that time.


    Theon smiled softly.


    He''d learned to handle his emotions better in the past week.


    No, maybe he''s just happy to see the results of his efforts, or maybe he''s just happy to see the results of his efforts.


    ''Director, we''re opening a resident''s reception!


    Oh, I''ll be right there!


    The staff called out to him, and Sion looked at Crono apologetically.


    ''You don''t have to worry about me,''


    Yes!


    Crono stared at Zion''s back and gave a small smile.

 12-Episode 9.75 [Fay Mullfine]

    *


    The Imperial City of Alfiruk consists of four city blocks called the Old City and eight city blocks called the New City, for a total of twelve city blocks.


    If one were to look down on the Imperial City of Alfiruk from afar, one would see that the Old City and the New City form two concentric circles, and at the center of these circles, the emperor''s residence, Alfiruk Castle, exists.


    As the heart of the Cepheus Empire, Alfiruk Castle is home to the royal family, court nobles, ladies, knights of the Kingsguard, and countless others.


    Apprentice Knight Faye Murifine, who belongs to the Kingsguard, is one of them. However, her job is to take care of the horses.


    ''''You ... how dare you take your job so seriously?''''


    This is my job, sir.


    The hoofworker dwarf said dumbly, and Faye replied as she collected the horse manure in her basket.


    ''Horseman''s dwarf I''ve been friends with Silva since he was assigned to me four years ago.


    ''Don''t you feel ridiculous that your juniors don''t clean up their horse manure and train their riders?''


    Sir, you are the one who has been doing the job, sir.


    Faye pointed out, and Silva placed the box of distorted horseshoes on the ground and let out a sigh of dismay.


    ''That''s because I''m a dwarf. Unlike me, who has no room to choose my job, you''re a human girl, and you''re a baronet.


    "I don''t believe the title of a nobleman of the court is of any value.


    The Murifine family was a court nobleman without a fiefdom and served the emperor as a knight of the Kingsguard, but after Fay''s father died of illness ten years ago, their income was cut off and they were in a fallen state.


    ''''In addition, he''s a good instrumentalist. I don''t need to clean up horse manure in a place like this to find a certain amount of happiness.''''


    Is that so?


    Faye tilted her head and looked into the water trough.


    Her dark brown hair, trimmed short like a boy''s, her thick eyebrows, and her face, which was neither ugly nor beautiful, seemed unrelated to compliments.


    ''''I ... don''t want to end up here. Making horseshoes all day, every day, for some lousy nobleman is just plain wrong. I have a dream. I want to build!��I want to build a building that will go down in history!


    So, you want to be a mason, Mr. Silva?


    ''No!��I''m an architect!


    Silva leaned forward and exclaimed.


    ''But isn''t it difficult to make the transition from horseshoe maker to architect?


    That''s true. Indeed, the Imperials think that dwarves are only good at blacksmithing.


    Silva blurted out, but it''s not unusual for his wishes to not match up with his assignment.


    ''I''ve been granted citizenship, but I don''t have an architect who''s willing to hire me.


    You can''t go back to your old job, sir?


    I could get back into the masonry.


    Is that so, said Faye, nodding divinely.


    Apparently, Silva was working as a mason.


    ''''Unlike my brother, it''s better that I don''t have to risk my life?


    Is your brother there?


    His name is Goldie and he''s supposed to be working as a spearman for the Marquess of Erakis. I hope he''s not dead.


    Silva''s shoulders slumped and he muttered emphatically.


    Four months ago, more than three hundred and fifty sub-humans had been killed in a battle that took place in the Marquis of Erakis'' territory, and it was a famous story.


    Had this been a comparable force, they would not have been able to escape the accusation of incompetence, but since they had defeated ten thousand enemies with just one thousand men, they could even be considered a major figure.


    In fact, the young nobleman who served as the commander was recognized for his achievements and became the new lord of the Marquis of Erakis.


    However, there are many black rumors surrounding him, which is probably another factor that stirs Silva''s anxiety.


    According to him, he went on a dogmatic mission to gain battle success.


    According to him, he treated three hundred elves as discarded pawns.


    They poisoned the Marquis of Erakis for embezzlement.


    According to him, he took a sub-human to bed every night.


    According to him, he holds the First Princess captive to his carnal desires.


    Even if you listen to half of the stories, such as these, he is a big scoundrel who can''t even stand up to the wind of the nobles, and Silva is right to be worried.


    ''''So, what are your dreams?''''


    "To make an order of arms and rebuild House Murifine. If possible, I would like to be gagged with the Knight Commander, Master Leonhardt.


    Leonhardt, the head of the Kingsguard, is the heir of the Duke of Palatium, the son of the Duke of Palatium, who owns a vast territory, is a man who excels in military prowess, is trusted by the emperor, and can even use divine majesty, and is the embodiment of chivalry.


    ''''Huh, that sounds like a dream that will never come true.


    Not at all, sir!��If you work hard, if you try hard enough, it will come true!


    ''''Even if you say so you haven''t even been assigned a horse yet, and you haven''t even been issued the armor of a Kingsguard knight.


    When Faye made a forceful statement, Silva said in a dumbfounded manner.


    ''''I can use the Divine Majesty Technique just like Leonhard-sama!


    What?


    ''God, I want you to bless my sword!


    As Faye pulled out her sword and shouted, a sludgy and viscous magma-like "darkness" flooded from the hilt and covered the blade.


    ''''It''s the Divine Majesty Technique ''Celebration Holy Blade'', "Wait, Gorah!


    Faster than Faye could say it, Silva shouted in a demonic manner.


    ''''You''re not just a blessing, you''re about to be cursed!


    ''We asked God to bless you, so it''s okay to bless you!��Someday I''ll be a holy knight too, "Whoa!


    Again Silva screamed as if to say he was unconvinced.


    ''What is it, sir?''


    Color, color, color, color!��It''s black and disastrous!��It''s kind of like we''re blasting down the dark road, but in a dark knight''s line!��You''re a knight and you believe in the ''goddess of jet-blackness and chaos''!


    Faye sheathed her sword.


    ''''I prayed and the Goddess of ''Jet-Blackness and Chaos'' responded, so I changed my sect.


    ''''Well no, well, I''m not an evil god, but it''s not a holy knight-like color, is it?


    The "Goddess of Blackness and Chaos" is the guardian of sub-humans and prostitutes, and is a very broad-minded god.


    "Are you selling oil in this place again?


    Shocked in the head, Faye almost let go of her consciousness.


    Gritting her teeth, she managed to keep herself conscious.


    When she turned around, bleeding from her head, she saw a female knight with one foot off the stirrup looking down on Fay and Silva from the horse.


    The woman knight''s name was Cecily Hamal the daughter of Viscount Hamal''s family, located east of the Marquis of Erakis.


    Her thin, soft-looking blonde hair was trimmed short, just like Faye''s. Her eyes are more contemptuous than perceptive, and she doesn''t even try to hide it when it comes to low-status nobles like the Fey or sub-humans like Silva.


    The armor hides it now, but the limbs underneath it have not lost their feminine roundness despite the training. Rather, it felt to Faye as if the workout had accentuated her feminine appeal.


    What the hell were you thinking, kicking me out of the blue?


    I can''t hear anything less than human.


    Sliding out his sword, Cecily swung the cutting edge at the level of Silva''s gaze.


    ''''Ki, you''re going to cut?''''


    I''m just trying to get rid of the bugs. This may sound like a soliloquy, but I think bugs have value too, don''t you?


    I wish you wouldn''t do that, sir.


    When she interrupted, Cecily pointed the cutting edge at Faye.


    I''m not a horseshit woman.


    ''Oh my, I thought you were a horseshit woman because you all call me a horseshit woman.


    Cecily pointed the cutting edge at the fey''s eyes and sheathed her sword as if she had lost interest.


    ''''Speaking of which I left a message for you from the Commander to call the horse shit woman to your room. Wouldn''t it be better if we went to the Commander''s room as soon as possible?


    I understand, sir.


    Maybe they''ll supply us with horses and armor, Faye nodded, her chest heaving with excitement.


    Following the tradition that the first emperor had twelve knights, the Order of the Kingsguard consisted of twelve knights.


    Faye was facing the leader, Count Piske, in the office assigned to the Twelfth Order of Knights.


    ''''Don''t you smell horse manure?''''


    ....


    Snorting and sniffing, Count Piske''s mouth twisted in disgust.


    ''''Well, I don''t care if you smell like horse manure.


    What? It''s been four years, sir.


    No wonder it reeks of horse manure.


    Saying, Count Piske picked his nose.


    ''''I have something very difficult to say.


    Count Piske stood up and paced the room, much to Faye''s anxiety.


    ''''There''s something about a sudden reassignment. You''re also aware that there have been incidents of fighting and embezzlement of public funds in the Marquis of Erakis territory, right?''''


    Yes, I know, sir.


    ''Yeah, that''s a quick story and a big help.


    Count Piske nodded repeatedly, as if to say his intentions.


    ''''With the deaths in the war, I had to fill in for the personnel as soon as possible. It''s not the role of the Kingsguard, but we have to get people from the Twelfth Order as well. That means you.


    Count Piske came around and slowly patted Faye''s shoulder.


    ''''Don''t get me wrong, I wasn''t ordered to give you a knight. So, if you''re willing to show a reasonable amount of sincerity, I''m prepared to comply as well?


    ....


    If you''re with the Kingsguard, let them f*ck you!��So that''s it," said Faye, looking up at the ceiling.


    His father had died ten years ago, and his mother had passed away just as Fay graduated from military school. The Murifine family must be rebuilt for the sake of his dead parents, but even if he left himself to Count Piske, the status quo would be maintained at best.


    The current Marquis of Erakis seems to be a rogue, but if he''s lacking in talent, there''s a good chance he''ll have Faye as a knight. Even if he was taken to bed, it seems like there would be room for negotiation.


    If it works, it''s the reestablishment of the Murifine family in one fell swoop!��And Faye clenched her fists tightly.


    ''We will obey the military order!


    "...horseshit b*tc*, you cheeky little b*tc*.


    Count Piske spat evasively and moved away from Faye as if he had lost interest.


    ''How may I be of service, sir?''


    ''Tomorrow, the carriage for the Marquis of Erakis will leave the castle. Pack up and leave today, horsewoman!


    With a hysterical cry at his back, Faye left the office.


    *


    The next day, nearly four hundred sub-humans had gathered in the courtyard of Alfilk Castle.


    The races were, in order of number, elves, followed by large subhumans of lizardmen and minotaurs, beastmen, and dwarves, and the only humans seemed to be fey.


    ''''You''re going to the Marquis of Erakis, too?''''


    Yes, sir.


    Silva exhaled in relief as he carried a large package.


    ''What is that package, sir?''


    I''ve been drawing these plans since I was a mason. I stole the blueprints and observed the details as I carried the stones, and they were my treasure. It''s why I''ve turned my paycheck into parchment. Do you only have one bag?


    Yes, sir.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not going to be able to get a lot more than a few hours of sleep.


    The only things that can be called possessions are a few clothes, underwear and a sword carried from his waist.


    ''''How could you decide, even though the current Marquis of Erakis is someone who is constantly rumored to be black?


    If anything, it will help to revive the House of Murifine. With any luck, House Murifine will rise again in one fell swoop.


    It''s amazing what women can do.


    Silva muttered in admiration as Faye said with a proud smile.


    ''There is only one thing that worries me, sir.


    Plucking at the collar of his clothes, Faye sniffed at the smell.


    ''''I''m afraid the smell of horse manure may have seeped through.


    You''re a woman. Oh, I see you''re getting into the carriage. You can''t get in the carriage with the elves. I''ll see you at the Marquess of Erakis.


    Silva patted Faye on the second arm to cheer her up and ran towards the line of dwarves.


    Faye followed Silva''s advice and got in line with the elves.


    Two hours passed, and finally it was Faye''s turn to ride.


    When she was about to get on the carriage, the soldier who was acting as the overseer tilted his head in wonder.


    ''''Why is there a human here?''''


    "I am Fay Murrifine of the Twelfth Order. Yesterday, I received a military order from Commander Piske to report to the Marquis of Erakis.


    It didn''t matter, the soldier urged him to get into the carriage.


    The carriage was a crude covered wagon, with boards protruding from each side in place of seats.


    ''It''s buried in here,''


    Here.


    I''m with you.


    When Faye went to sit down, the elf and half-elf smiled nastily and said


    ''There''s room next to me, okay?


    As Faye was at a loss, a half-elf beckoned to her.


    The eyes staring at us were as blue as the summer sky, his hair like the soil of the wilderness was short, and his white skin was as smooth as china.


    His age would be about fifteen years old at most.


    His physique, wrapped in filthy clothes, is so thin and thin that it''s impossible to tell his gender, but if you look closely and carefully, you can see that fat like pale snow rests on his thin chest plate.


    Thank you, sir. My name is Fay Murifine.


    I''m a snowflake.


    Faye sat down on the board and shook hands with Snow.


    ''You may not understand, but this is still a girl,''


    Why do you call yourself ''me''?


    ''Hmmm,'' snorted Snow thoughtfully.


    ''I used to live in a slum, and it''s not very safe.


    Slums are snugly located in the Twelfth Street entertainment district.


    Snow gets away with ''very unsafe'', but that''s an understatement as it''s an area where murder and rape are commonplace.


    Security soldiers are looking around, but most of them don''t go deep, and the rest of the soldiers will decide to turn a blind eye if you give them a bribe.


    ''So I''ve been dressing up like a boy and talking like a boy since I was little. There are some perverts who will attack you and say they don''t care if you''re a man, so it''s not entirely safe.


    That''s a lot of work, isn''t it?


    It''s been tough and I''ve been beaten to a pulp before, but I was able to protect myself.


    It may have meant either saving his life or saving his innocence, but Faye didn''t have the guts to question it.


    ''Alright, let''s get going,''


    The soldiers checked the numbers and the carriage began to move.


    ''How long do you think we''ll get there?''


    It will arrive in two weeks, sir.


    So we''ll have lots of time to talk.


    *


    For the next two weeks, Faye talked a lot with Snow.


    It had been a terrible journey for the two of them...no hot water baths, one meal a day, only a flimsy blanket handed to them when they slept...but it was strangely enjoyable.


    ''Sometimes Lord Snow seems to enjoy himself.


    ''To tell you the truth. My mom is in the Marquis of Erakis territory. I don''t mean my real mother, I mean that when I was in the slums, the half-elves got together and made a team to protect themselves, and she was kind to me like my mother was. My mom''s name is Leila, and she has golden eyes. She had a lot of bad experiences when she was in the slums, but is she okay now?��The Marquis of Erakis, the man who would be our boss, the one who takes sub-humans to bed night after night, right?��My mom is so beautiful, I think she''s always going to call me... bo, will she call me too?


    When Faye speaks like this, it''s like Snow returns it tenfold.


    ''''When Snow-dono is called, I will take his place.


    Oh, really?��And, but, duh, no. You didn''t smoke Faye, did you?��I think it''s best to have s*x with someone you really like for the first time, I think. Oh, but you''re not going to get called out for looking like this, are you?


    Since he hadn''t bathed in hot water for two weeks, Snow''s hair was stained with grease and a stench wafted from his body.


    Not only Snow, but also the fey, and the elves and half-elves in the carriage are similarly dirty.


    ''''Someone, here they come!


    The soldier acting as the guru shouted, and Faye tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword.


    ''''M~, five soldiers in black armor?''''


    Staring at a dot like a poppy grain across the road, Snow said vaguely.


    ''Could it be a bandit?''


    Well, they''re wearing the same armor, and they''re dressed nicely, so I think they''ll be fine.


    Gripping the hilt, Faye poked one knee in the air.


    ''I don''t think he''s a bandit, do you?''


    Preparedness is the best policy.


    The shadows like poppy grains gradually grew larger and larger until Fay''s eyes could see the cavalrymen.


    The five cavalrymen passed by the side of the carriage Faye rode in, and after checking out the rearmost carriage, they slowly came back.


    ''''Yo, I''m Kane, the cavalry captain.


    Ha, thanks for your help.


    It wasn''t the Fay who answered, it was the soldier who was the governor.


    ''There aren''t any more bandits around here but that''s part of the job, I''ll lead you to Hachel.


    Just as Kane, the cavalry captain, had said, it was anticlimactic and easy to get to Hashel.


    Despite being so far away from the imperial capital, the Marquis of Erakis territory seemed to be safe and secure.


    After a while, the citadel came into view.


    ''''We have to confirm the number of people, so let''s go to the marquis'' residence in the center of the city. Drop the soldiers off there and get the carriage out as if it''s going around the marquis'' residence.


    The carriage slowed down as they entered the Marquis'' mansion, surrounded by four towers.


    ''''It is going,''''


    Yeah!


    Faye and Snow jumped down from the carriage, luggage in hand.


    ''It doesn''t look like a nobleman''s house, does it?


    Really?


    Leaning to the edge so as not to interfere with the carriage, Fay looked around the Marquis'' mansion.


    The four towers surrounding the Marquis'' mansion......................In one of the towers, dwarves were hammering, and next to them, muscular men were stacking bricks.


    On the other side, humans were working in a line of something.


    They were peeling bark from trees, boiling bark in pots and rinsing wooden frames in a jabbering water tank.


    ''That''s paper, sir.''


    Paper?


    Looking at the paper stuck to the saw, Faye finally understood what they were making.


    ''Isn''t paper made from sheepskin?''


    The paper produced in the Free City States is different. But the way it''s made must be kept under wraps... it seems that the lords here are a tricky opponent.


    It could be a spy for the Free City State group, Fei added in his mind.


    If so, the rumor that the First Princess was a prisoner of carnal desires would be more credible.


    The Free City States are governed by a council of guild masters of commercial guilds, and there is a prostitutes'' guild among them.


    ''''Oooh, brother!


    I''ve missed you, Silva!


    When I heard a rather wild voice, I turned around and saw Silva and a strange dwarf embracing each other with tears streaming down their faces.


    The last carriage passed by and the courtyard of the Marquis'' mansion was filled with sub-humans.


    ''''Let''s get you to the barracks!��Follow the guy with the sign!


    I''m going!��I''ll see you later!


    The sub-people slithered out of the grounds of the Marquis'' mansion, leaving Faye alone in their place.


    ''''Ahh, there were humans in the mix too?''''


    "I am Fay M''Refine, a member of the Twelfth Kingsguard.


    You''re f*cked.


    Dismounting from his horse, Cavalry Captain Kane scratched his head.


    ''''The stables are in the Marquis'' mansion, but the barracks are on the outer edges of the city. At the moment ... there''s only men in there.


    I don''t mind, sir.


    ''I''m in charge, I am. I trust my men, but I don''t think they''ll ever make a mistake.


    Kane took out his crystal ball.


    Mr. Crono, could you do me a favor?


    I can hear you.


    When I spoke to the crystal ball, a muffled voice replied.


    There''s a human.......a nobleman''s daughter named Faye Murifine among the replenishers, and since we can''t take her in the cavalry barracks, could you let me borrow her at the Marquis'' mansion?


    "We''ll have a room set up for you downstairs.


    Yeah.


    Kane put his crystal ball away and looked at Faye.


    ''As you heard, wait downstairs until someone comes to pick you up.


    Yes, sir.


    Then I''ll tell you what we''re doing tomorrow. If you''re tired, get some rest tomorrow; if you''re not tired, you''ve got a joint training session with the sub-humans to attend.


    Yes, where would you like us to gather?


    The stables behind the Marquess'' house.


    Yes, sir.


    Bowing to Kane, Faye stepped into the Marquis'' mansion.


    While waiting upright and immobile, a maid appeared from the corner of the hallway.


    Her age would be somewhere in her late twenties.


    The way she wore her brown hair tied up and wore an apron dress, as if she had been working as a maid for years, was imposing.


    ''You must be Lady Faye Murifine?''


    Yes, sir.


    I''m Alyssa, head maid at the Marquess'' house. Henceforth, you must be acquainted.


    Alyssa bowed politely.


    ''If you don''t mind, I can bring it to you, sir?''


    No, thank you, sir.


    Oh, I''m sorry. I''ll show you to your room.


    Led by Alyssa, Fay proceeded down the corridor of the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion.


    ''''This will be Fay-sama''s room.


    ....


    We were led to a room at the end of the second floor.


    It was a drab room with minimal furniture, but it was larger than the barracks Fei had lived in in the Imperial City.


    ''''Would you like to take a hot bath?''''


    Please, sir.


    Very well. Would you like me to do your laundry for you?


    That is also a request, sir.


    ''I should have given you your luggage from the start,'' said Faye, handing Alyssa her bag.


    ''Then I will show you to the bathroom.''


    After undoing his sword belt, Faye was led by Alyssa to the bathroom.


    Please put your undressed clothes in the basket, and replacements will be provided. When you have finished bathing, please return to your room.


    Bowing condescendingly, Alyssa walked out of the bathroom.


    ''I apologize for being so blissful,''


    Faye took off her clothes and put them in a basket.......and hid her dirty underwear underneath her clothes so she wouldn''t be seen.


    She went into the bathroom and covered her head with lukewarm water.


    The water was wet and the sweat and grime gave off an unpleasant smell.


    ''....Is it soap?


    It was a luxury to have a servant use it, said Faye, picking up the brick-like soap.


    The smell of lavender irritated her nostrils.


    ''It is the height of luxury to have fragrance kneaded into it.


    Faye used a cloth and soap from the bathroom and scrubbed her body roughly.


    The soap''s effect, or maybe it was the effect of the soap, was to remove the grime in a flash.


    If I experienced this kind of luxury, I wouldn''t be able to return to my life.


    ''''So........so it''s just this once and for all.


    Faye painstakingly rewashed her body and carefully washed her hair, trying to wash off every grain of sand.


    Dreamily, she walked out of the bathroom to find a fresh basket with clean underwear and a negligee on it.


    ''This is it, this is it, for once,''


    The thought of Snow and Silva struggling in the sub-human quarters only made her feel guilty, but Faye was on the verge of tears as she indulged in the unprecedentedly generous treatment.


    Returning to her own room, Faye used her bed as an altar to pray.


    ''God, God I have indulged in luxury when my friend was struggling. I hope you will not abandon me.


    Afterwards, Faye ate a bowl of soup with meat and soft bread, and once again repented to the ''Goddess of Jet-Blackness and Chaos''.


    *


    The next day, Faye had come to the stables behind the Marquis'' mansion.


    There were ten horses present now, and judging from the dirtiness of the stables, there were likely to be twenty more.


    ''''........I would be grateful if you could supply me with a horse and armor.


    Is it too extravagant, Faye said, hanging her head helplessly.


    Faye shook her head as the bitterness of the thought passed through her mind that if her father were alive, if he were a nobleman with an estate, he would be a nobleman.


    ''I will have the stable cleaned out and have him remember a little better, sir.


    Composing himself, Faye picked up the cleaning supplies that had been left in the corner of the stables.


    She collected the horse manure, urine-stained sawdust, and leftover horse food from the horseless stables and loaded it into the abandoned cart.


    ''Hey, sis!''


    What is it, sir?


    When I turned around, I saw the three children staring at Faye.


    ''It''s our job to clean the stables,''


    Yes, I''m sorry about that, sir.


    Faye held out a cleaning kit, and the boy, who seemed to be the leader, took it as if to take it away.


    ''Did you hear the instructions properly? Adults can work in the workshop, or collect the ashes in the city, or collect wood...''


    It''s a tree farm outside of town, brother.


    I know what I''m talking about!


    When a little girl who looked like his sister pointed out to him, the boy turned bright red and said, "I''m sorry.


    ''I''m sorry I''ve only just arrived, sir.


    You''re going to clean up the place, you need to get out of the way.


    The boy chased him away and Faye stepped out of the stable.


    "Where do you live, sir?


    The poorhouse, of course. That''s a weird question, sister.


    The boy rested his hands, tilted his head curiously, and said


    ''You work in the poorhouse, sir?


    No, I''m just trying to help you.


    Faye didn''t know what the words meant and opened her mouth with a pout.


    ''Master Crono doesn''t want us to work for him, but that''s just too loud for the guys in town.


    Master Crono said I should study.


    ...Yes, Director Zion-sama will help you study.


    The boy''s sister and the remaining boy supplemented as they cleaned the stables.


    ''Is life in the poorhouse hard for you, sir?


    Not at all. It''s a paradise compared to living on the side of the road.


    ''Master Zion is kind and the others are kind too.


    I''m gonna be a knight someday.


    Well, that would be difficult, wouldn''t it?


    Faye said to the leader boy with a glint in his eye, knowing it was tactless.


    It''s impossible for an orphan to become a knight.


    ''''You really don''t understand, sister. The cavalry captain, Kane-sama, was a mercenary, and even the dwarves have a workshop built for them. This means they''re going to collect from you regardless of your status.


    Sorry, you''re late!


    Just as the boy said it with his heart pounding, Kane came running in, out of breath.


    "''Master Kane!''


    Hey, you kids!��I need you to clean up again today!


    Kane said with a wild smile.


    ''I''ve been discussing your treatment with Master Crono.


    Is that so?


    ''I want you to treat him as a knight, sir,'' said Faye, looking at Kane.


    ''The horse ... is this one okay?''


    .....


    Kane rubbed his stubble and pointed to the black horse in the stable.


    ''May I take this horse, sir?


    Take good care of him.


    Faye approached the black-haired horse as if buoyed by the heat, and touched his neck fearfully.


    Kane and the leader boy seemed to be talking to each other, but that didn''t bother her.


    ''Alright, now for the armor.


    Armor!


    In case you''re wondering, don''t expect a custom-made plate mail?


    Led by Kane, Faye proceeded through the Marquis'' mansion.


    The one that came was one of the towers surrounding the Marquis'' mansion the dwarf''s workshop.


    Are you going to work today?


    Mr. Silva....


    Faye swallowed the words as she saw Silva hoofing it.


    I can''t say that I received a horse.


    ''''Well it''s hard for me to say this to you, but I''ve been hired as an architect.


    Oh, it''s true!


    Ah!��Oh, no, I''ll start out as a stonemason, repairing and renovating the citadel and barracks and all that, and if there''s no problem... it''s a long story.


    Silva scratched her head apologetically, as if she was being reserved.


    ''I have received a horse too, sir.


    Good for you!


    Faye and Silva held hands and rejoiced in each other''s good fortune.


    ''Sounds complicated, dude,''


    Kane scratched his cheeks in confusion and placed the set of armor on the wooden box.


    ''Hey, here''s mine!''


    It''s a belt system, so it''s adjustable to a certain extent.


    When Faye stared at him, Kane cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    ''You may wear it.''


    Ha!


    Faye put on the leg armor, hand armor, and armor with hands that trembled with joy.


    Unlike the plate mail, which she couldn''t wear on her own, this armor seemed to be built to be worn by one person.


    ''I actually wear chainmail... or did you not hear?


    I''m glad to hear it.


    Faye hugged herself with both arms and shook herself with emotion.


    ''When you take off your armour, we''ll have a joint drill!


    Ha!


    *


    Kane led me to the exercise area, which was just a wooden stake propped up, where sub-humans were beating each other with wooden sticks and bare hands.


    ''You''re late, man.''


    I''ve been talking to Master Crono about how to handle this guy.


    It is Fay M Refine!


    The Minotaur stared at her and Faye opened her legs shoulder-width apart and said.


    ''''........Are you a nobleman?''''


    Yeah, Master Crono told me to treat him like any other guy.


    I''ll join you in a minute, sir.


    I don''t mind that, but where are you going?


    Picking up the fallen wooden sword, Fay ran over to the Minotaur who was standing there looking bored.


    ''If you''re not busy, I''d like you to keep the sword company, sir.


    "Let mankind fight one another.


    You''re going to die, said the minotaur, holding up a stick like a log.


    Apparently, he was more temperamental than the minotaur he was talking to Kane about.


    I''ll be fine.


    "Don''t complain about it when you''re dead.


    The minotaur snorted and readied his log.


    Keeping his distance, Faye confronted the minotaur.


    It was the minotaur that moved first.


    At first glance, the movement was slow and sluggish, but the size of its body made up for it.


    Stamping hard on the ground, the minotaur swung the log to the side.


    The log approached the fey with a murky wind noise.


    It was a vicious and powerful blow that could have been fatal, but Fay dove through the log and released a thrust.


    The tip of the wooden sword bites into the pigeontail, but the minotaur swings down the log as if he doesn''t feel any pain.


    The ground shakes slightly as the log pierces through it.


    It is an incredible destructive force, and Fay scrapes past the minotaur''s side and slams the wooden sword into it.


    There''s a pathetic sound, but even with this, he''s putting enough force into it to make his opponent faint in agony if he were human.


    With a large twist of the body, the minotaur unleashes a blow that seems to scoop up the minotaur, but Faye ducks it by running through it.


    A pathetic sound sound sounded again and the minotaur swung the log around like a madman.


    While dodging the attack like a tornado, Faye smiled as she ducked.


    At least, this minotaur sees Fay as an equal opponent.


    I will take it seriously!��And Faye pulled up the speed all at once.


    With a flop, Faye struck the minotaur with her wooden sword.


    Well, I''ll be d*mned!


    Placing the log on the ground, the minotaur raised his hands in surrender.


    ''I mean, are you human?''


    "I don''t know how you managed to let go of such a strong girl.


    Who will be your next opponent?


    Faye looked around and offered to play one opponent after another as their eyes met.


    ''''Mm, I''m broken, sir.


    As I looked around with the broken wooden sword in one hand, I met eyes with a young man with bare hands.


    His age would be around seventeen or eighteen.


    You will find a large scar running from the right forehead to the cheek.


    "If you''re not busy, I''d like you to join me,


    You''ll be fine, but just take it easy.


    It''s a good start, and Fay took a distance from the young man.


    The youth''s stance was too gaping, so Fay decided to give up the first attack.


    As long as I can be useful in the fight, that''s all that matters, and I don''t mind being taken to bed, said Faye, tightening the neck of the young man lying on the ground.


    ''Oh, great.''


    "No mercy.


    I am taking it easy on you, sir. I believe that if you continue to work hard like this, you will be noticed by Mr. Chronosphere.


    No, I think I''ve given you too much credit for that.


    Are you sure?


    Kane gave a big smile and pointed to the ground.


    ''.....while you choke me...''


    Is this the Master Crono?


    Faye removed her hands from the young man.......Crono and prodded him on both knees.


    His vision narrowed in despair.


    ''''Ku, Crono-sama!��Are you okay?


    The brown half-elf rushed over to Crono and stared at the fey in abhorrence.


    It was the second day, and he had lost his place.


    ''Duh, gbo, gbo!


    Mom, next time you team up with me.


    Crono looked up as Snow hugged the brown half-elf.


    ''Oh, mother?''


    No, no, Master Crono!


    Still recovering from the choking damage, Crono stood up and quickly prodded his knees.


    Crono''s eyes busily darted back and forth between the brown half-elf and Snow.


    ''''It''s turning out to be a great development, isn''t it?''''


    That''s a mess.


    ''Master Crono, no!��I haven''t had any children yet!


    Wobbling, Crono stood up.


    I''m your father.


    What?


    When Crono smiled dryly, Snow''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''''Due to some complicated circumstances, I had to leave you guys in the slums of the imperial capital. From now on, let''s live happily together, parent and child together.''''


    Really?


    Lying, of course.


    Hahaha, laughing with a somewhat hollow voice, Crono hugged the brown half-elf and Snow.


    ''''Oh, um, Crono-sama ... it''s really not my child.


    What?


    Finally coming to his senses, Crono looked down at Snow.


    ''''Um, I''m sorry for misleading you. That Leila mom.......she''s just calling me mom, not my real mom.


    Oh, really?


    Crono laughed embarrassedly and left the training grounds.


    ''''Ah...''''


    I''m sorry.


    And you have failed.


    ''It''s no good now,'' said Faye, hanging her head helplessly.


    ''Well, don''t be so depressed,''


    Faye looked up as Kane tapped her on the shoulder.


    *


    After eating and bathing in the hot water, Faye heads upstairs to Crono''s bedroom on the third floor.


    Kane''s words resurface in her mind.


    .........Crono-sama is a kind person, he''ll forgive you if you show him your sincerity.


    In other words, you mean to be held!��And Faye clenched her fists forcefully.


    I think she said something else, but what matters is sincerity.


    ''I don''t want to be called a horsewoman, sir.


    Who are you?


    As Faye stood in front of the door, a gruff voice was thrown at her.


    The owner of the voice was a short girl.


    ''I am Faye Murifine, sir.


    I don''t know your name. What are you doing here?


    The girl crossed her arms and looked up at Faye with a sullen look in her eyes.


    ''I have come to be held!


    Huh?


    Now, excuse me, sir.


    As she was about to open the door, the girl grabbed Faye''s wrist.


    ''What are you doing, sir?''


    You know, it''s my turn to go. I''ve been waiting all week for this and it''s my day to go get the pillow I''ve finally come around to.


    Faye tilted her head, unsure of the meaning of the words.


    ''If you''ve come to get your pillow, I''ll finish my business quickly and leave.


    That''s not what I meant, that''s not what I meant!


    The girl shouted, and the bedroom door slowly opened.


    ''You guys are doing great,''


    Lady Crono, listen to me.


    Faye scraped past Crono and the girl and plopped down on the bed.


    ''Wait, what are you doing?!


    The Master Crono is waiting for you, sir.


    Crono scratched his cheek awkwardly and sat back in his chair.


    ''''You ... this b*tc*.''''


    The girl stared at Faye in frustration and sat down on the bed.


    ''What are you doing here?''


    I have come to be embraced to apologize for my daytime rudeness.


    What do you really want?


    Smiling, Crono smiled.


    Getting off the bed, Faye propped both knees on the floor.


    ''I do not wish to return my horse and my armour, sir!


    Um, is that all?


    ''It''s safer not to tell lies, isn''t it,'' said Faye, looking up at Crono.


    ''''I would like to make an armed service as a knight, or settle for the position of Lady Crono''s rightful wife and reestablish the Murifine family!


    ...the women around me are tough.


    Sticking his cheekbones out, Crono let out a disgusted sigh.


    ''No?��If you can''t get a proper wife, I don''t mind being your mistress. Instead, I would like to ask for financial support!


    No, of course not!��I mean, anta, how much do you think you''re worth?!


    Standing up, the girl pointed at Faye.


    ''I am a virgin!


    You''re an idiot!��Virgin slaves are going to be flocking to the Marquess of Erakis in a sweeping manner!


    ''Elena, I seem to remember you saying something similar?


    Crono let out a dry laugh as the girl called Elena glared at him.


    ''Will you not forgive me, sir?''


    It was a kumite, so I don''t think it''s right to be angry.


    Oh, it''s true!


    Faye crawled across the floor and tightened her grip on Crono''s hand.


    Looking up, Crono awkwardly tore his gaze away from Faye as he looked up at her.


    He hadn''t put on his underwear so that he could get a quick decent look.


    ''You''re not going to ask for your horse and armour back tomorrow, are you?


    I won''t say.


    Faye looked into Crono''s left eye.


    ''May I trust you?''


    You''re a very suspicious person.


    Faye glared at Elena, who put her hands on her hips in a pompous manner.


    ''It''s an opportunity I''ve finally seized.


    If you''re so skeptical, why don''t you write a stroke for him?


    Well, if it makes you feel better.


    Elena said dismissively, and Crono began to write on the paper.


    ''Yes,''


    Thank you, sir.


    Faye hugged the paper she received from Crono.


    ''I won''t ask for my horse and armor back,'' was all it said, but it was enough for Faye.


    The next day, Faye went to the stables before anyone else and brushed her own horse.


    It wasn''t hard to think of it as her own horse, even though it was a task she had repeated for four years.


    On the contrary, a smirk would loosen up his mouth.


    ''Hey, you''ve been working hard this morning,''


    Good morning, Mister Crono.


    Resting her hands, Faye looked at Crono.


    Well, you don''t mean to break your promise, do you?


    ''I got a letter from your former boss... well, I got it when the replenishers arrived.


    What is written on it?


    I gagged and my legs trembled.


    He had thought it was enough to get a stroke last night, but if Count Piske had written anything that could be used against the fey, he could be rebuffed.


    My father was sick, and my mother had to work very hard and I worked diligently for four years.


    Faye could barely support her body.


    Would you go so far, so far, just for refusing to be a mistress?


    How dare you disgrace your mother and father and ruin their chances!


    Well, it''s trash.


    What?


    Crono said with a sigh, and Faye looked up.


    ''I''m not stupid enough to believe a letter like this, I am.


    Then why?


    ''I figured since you''re the kind of person who does this kind of thing, you''d be harassing me in other ways. There may be things I can''t stop them from doing at my place, or they may harass you directly, and I thought I''d let you know just in case.


    ...Lord Crono is a bad person.


    Faye patted her chest.


    Thank you, God, I am grateful, Faye prayed in her mind.


    The sight of Crono slicing and dicing with a knight in white and silver armor passed through his mind, but Faye shook her head and denied it.

 13-Chapter 10 "Achievement" Revised Version

    *


    In early October, Crono''s first tax collection since he became lord of the Marquis of Erakis was completed, thanks in part to a significant tax reduction, and without peasants who could not pay the tax selling their daughters to slavers or inviting rebellion.


    The peasants had a short break before they sowed their winter barley, and the seasonal change in the towns was causing them to prepare for winter.


    The stormy closing procedures at the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion had come to an end, and the results of the stormy closing procedures had reached Crono''s desk in his office in the form of three reports.


    Although he had read through them all, Crono opened the income report again.


    When collecting taxes from the town, it is only necessary to check them against the family register and documents, but when collecting taxes from the rural areas, at least three steps must be taken.


    First, the tax collector must visit each village before the beginning of July to estimate the expected harvest.


    When the tax collectors had finished harvesting, they would return to the villages and take back a pre-determined percentage of the crop, which would then be purchased by the merchants and finally paid to the lord as money.


    Some of the tax collectors were so hard at work that they would report to their lords that the actual harvest was less than estimated.


    Some are doing it to help the plight of farmers who are suffering from a bad harvest, while others are trying to line their own pockets with the difference.


    Crono poked his cheekbones at the desk and looked at Elena, who looked exhausted.


    ''Elena, keep me posted.


    ''''The Marquis of Erakis'' territory has a total revenue of sixty-five thousand gold coins. It was supposed to be a thousand less because the bandits you made under your command complained that the estimate of the harvest was too high, but since the slavers who are making a lot of money thanks to your measures are paying a thousand gold coins in taxes, it was calculated that the amount was reduced to zero.


    Elena frowned in disgust and said in a voice that sounded like she was attacking Crono.


    ''I suppose I should consider it a serious business.


    The bandits?��Or are you talking about the slavers who sold 10,000 slaves worth of gold coins in just one month?


    It''s Kane and the others.


    Crono replied to Elena, who said deliberately, with a sigh.


    The tax collectors of the Marquis of Erakis territory are Tilia''s subordinates, but Crono doesn''t trust them fully.


    That''s why he had Kane and his men, who were well versed in rural life, monitor them under the guise of an escort.


    ''The paper we sold to the Pics Trading Company was 35,000 sheets of paper in a week, with sales of 17 gold and 10 silver coins ... minus seven gold coins for labour costs, and a profit of 10 gold and 10 silver coins.


    Elena explained, trying to stay ahead of the curve.


    ''I was worried because we hired ten more people than we planned, but we haven''t had any trouble, so I guess we don''t have to worry about this amount.


    There are twenty workers working in the paper workshop, all of whom are residents of the poorhouse.


    Crono had thought that ten people would be enough to make paper, but when Goldie checked on the mock line, it turned out that he hadn''t even gotten around to procuring materials ... collecting wood and ashes ... He expanded his recruitment quota.


    ''You''re not too pleased, are you?''


    We don''t have to pay for materials now. We''ll only be happy when the trees are grown successfully and the second paper workshop is opened.


    That''s a very cautious, long-winded story.


    Crono said, and Elena let out a sigh of dismay.


    The cultivation of trees is a preparation against the depletion of resources.


    According to Goldie, the trees used to make paper are native to many parts of the Marquis of Erakis, but if we use five hundred kilograms a day, we won''t be able to harvest them in the not too distant future.


    If we can''t secure a stable supply of the material, we can''t make an industry out of it, and if we cut down the trees too much, we''ll end up with a mishap somewhere unexpectedly.


    Are you really such a worrier?


    ...sort of.


    Yeah, yeah.


    Instead of believing it, Elena looked at Crono with even contempt.


    ''What, you got a complaint?''


    I could go on and on, but I''m not going to say it here.


    Finally, Crono picked up the proposed budget for next year.......next month and beyond.


    ''''As I said before, this year''s total income is sixty-five thousand gold coins, the carryover is twenty-one thousand gold coins, and next year''s budget will be eighty-one thousand five hundred gold coins.......''''


    As if she couldn''t memorize everything, Elena walked over to Crono and looked at the budget proposal.


    ''''I can agree with the increase in the hospital''s operating expenses and the donation to the ''Yellow Earth Temple'', but is it really necessary to repair the citadel and build a new barracks?��In case you''re wondering, building a new barracks isn''t going to get you any money from the Empire.


    I know that much.


    This is still a soldier of the Empire, Crono poked his cheek in the air.


    Imperial soldiers receive a salary and equipment allowance from the state, and are also guaranteed a minimum standard of living in the form of barracks.


    ''''I don''t mind you flirting with the sub-humans, but isn''t it too flirtatious that you''re even giving them a new barracks?''''


    When Crono smiled thinly, Elena turned bright red and looked down.


    ''''It''s not a flirtation, it''s part of a public works project. I''m hoping that the taxes the Marquis of Erakis siphoned off will be returned to the lords, and by the way, I hope it will be an additional income for the peasants who are out of work during the winter.''''


    Crono let out a sigh and leaned his weight against the back.


    ''If you say so, I won''t say anything else. For now, that''s all I have to report.


    Good night, you can take the day off.


    When Crono smiled, Elena''s lips twitched in frustration.


    ''''That''s it?''''


    That''s it.


    Elena looked down at Crono, her face turning red.


    ''So, so.........!


    The next time Elena opened her mouth, there was a modest knock on the office door.


    ''You may come in,''


    "...excuse me, sir.


    ''''Lady Sion and the village chiefs are waiting for you in the conference room.


    All right.


    Crono lightly tapped Elena''s shoulder as she glared at Alyssa resentfully and whispered softly in her ear.


    ''Tu, next time you come to my room, heh, heh, come prepared, bah, you''re an idiot!��You pervert!��Die!��Really die!


    With Elena''s curses at his back, Crono left the office.


    ''Sir, over here,''


    No guidance was needed, but led by Alyssa, Crono headed to the room where Sion and the village chiefs were waiting.


    ''''Why did they set me as the maid head?''''


    Alyssa slowed her pacing a bit and muttered to herself in a muffled voice.


    ''If you don''t want an answer, you''re asking me to ignore it.


    ''I didn''t have anyone with experience as a maid,''


    Is that all?


    Alyssa stopped on the stairwell landing and looked over her shoulder at Crono.


    ''A little sympathy too.''


    I''m so relieved.


    Alyssa started walking again, and Crono followed suit.


    Did she think she had an ulterior motive?��And Crono looked at Alyssa''s back, wrapped in her apron dress.


    Why did she look so s*xy, even though she was only wearing her hair and tie and apron dress firmly in place?


    As I was thinking about this, Alyssa stopped in front of the door.


    A murmur could be heard through the door.


    ''Sir, may I have your permission?''


    I''m ready for you.


    As Alyssa opened the door, the murmur that had filled the conference room turned to silence.


    Crono took a seat as he met the gaze of Sion and the village chiefs.


    ''''Mr. Sion, where are you going with your explanation?''''


    ''Ha, yes, I just explained that the clover restores the ground strength of the field.


    ''Oh, I see.''


    When Crono stared at the village chiefs, they all had a frightened look on their faces.


    Perhaps they couldn''t believe Theon''s words and even complained about it.


    So they are afraid that it will get through to Crono from Sion and cause him displeasure.


    No one wants to offend the lord who cut taxes significantly and had the tax collector''s estimates corrected.


    ''That''s why we want them to grow clover on fallow land. Of course, we''re not going to do it on all the arable land. We''ll start with ten percent of the cultivated land, and if it fails we''ll waive the tax on that cultivated land if it''s twenty percent less than the average yield of the last five years.


    While hiding his face with his folded hands, Crono looked at the faces of the village chiefs.


    ''''Well it would be great if you could run for office if you could.


    Well, we will.


    Saying that, the one who raised his hand was a familiar old man - the elder of the village at the foot of the fort that the bandits had used as their base.


    ''''Then it''s settled. We''ll buy the clover seeds and don''t forget to collect them next year''s planting. From here on out, Theon, it''s a pleasure to work with you.


    Yes, yes, I understand.


    Leaving everything to Sion, Crono watched the progress of the meeting.


    Quite frankly, the agenda this time was about cropping.


    This area has a three-plot farming system where the land is divided into three areas and the villages decide what to grow, but when looking at the territory as a whole, there is a bias in the types of crops.


    The purpose of the meeting is to resolve this bias, solve problems in the villages, and share knowledge.


    Although there were occasional moments where he was at a loss for words, Sion let the meeting proceed without incident.


    ''''Ah, um, Crono-sama I''d like to end the meeting?


    Okay Alyssa, get a carriage and have the chiefs take them to the village.


    At your service, sir. The village chiefs will wait in the courtyard.


    As Alyssa left the room, the village chiefs also left the conference room.


    Only Crono and Sion remained.


    ''''Ha~ I was nervous,''''


    Good night.


    Letting out a sigh, Sion rolled his back.


    ''''Well you didn''t even listen to me when my father and I were there.


    Theon''s lips twitched in a huff as he remembered the old days.


    ''Looks like you couldn''t grow beets,''


    I explained that it''s a good source of sugar, but you have to dig deep into the soil, and it takes a lot of time to add fertilizer.


    I can''t wait to produce a lot of sugar.


    Crossing his arms behind his head, Crono looked up at the ceiling.


    Just over three hundred kilograms of beet harvested from Sion''s field, from which fifty kilograms of sugar could be refined, but it was too much for trade.


    ''''Well I''m trying to grow trees for paper now, do you want me to increase my manpower and grow beets as well?''''


    Are you sure you want to do this?


    Theon leaned forward and crowded into Crono.


    ''But don''t sell the harvested beet to anyone but me. You can use the compost you made to grow the trees, and if you need ashes, you can use them if you talk to Goldie. And you can use the sugar extracted from the pressings as fodder, too.


    ''Oh, thank you!��I think my father will be rewarded for this!


    Theon took Crono''s hand and knelt as if in prayer.


    *


    Crono walked out of the Marquis'' mansion, wondering if he should go check out the slave market.


    The steam of boiling wood bark rose from the new paper workshop, and the sound of hammering, kerning, and hammering, which was becoming a specialty of the Marquis'' mansion, could be heard.


    ''More, bish!��Beep!��And swing the wooden sword down!


    When I looked at the direction of the voice, I saw that Faye was teaching three children swordplay in a corner of the Marquis'' mansion. One of the three was a girl and seemed unmotivated.


    ''''Faye, I thought you had the day off today?''''


    Ha, Master Crono!


    When Crono approached and called out to her, Faye straightened up as if she had been plunged in with a stick.


    ''I was just brushing my horse, and he asked me to teach these boys some swordplay, so I''m teaching them!


    I see.


    Faye even tried to be embraced by Crono, who didn''t even love her, for the sake of reestablishing the Murifine family, but apparently she doesn''t despise anything else.


    ''''In the future, when the Murifine family is re-established, I will take it up with my vassals!��Until then, I hope that Crono-sama will live and leave behind a solid successor!


    So you''re no longer interested in having a child?


    ''Such is the life of a nobleman, sir!


    ''It''s sad, like a lifetime of salmon,'' said Crono, looking up to the heavens.


    ''I think I''ll take a few more tours.


    You will not stop pretending, sir!


    Sitting down on a nearby crate, Faye moved next to Crono like a second-in-command.


    ''''Well I''ve been hearing about your work from Kane.


    Is there a problem, sir?


    No, he complimented me on how diligent I am about my work.


    The new guy''s so serious, he can''t even sleep in!��Kane said, but that would be a euphemistic compliment.


    ''Yo, it''s good to see you,''


    And I got a letter from my old boss.


    With a start, Faye tensed up for a moment.


    ''''What did it say?


    Hmm, same as before.


    It costs no small amount of money to deliver a single letter, but I must say that it''s morbid to keep sending them every two weeks.


    ''What did you do to your former boss?��He tried to choke you to death during training, or beat you to a pulp with a wooden sword during training.


    "I simply refused to be his mistress, sir.


    It''s small-minded.


    By the way, Crono believed the ''I''ll go easy on you'' and got beaten up, but he couldn''t bring himself to defend Fay''s former boss.


    ''''I felt it was rude to keep ignoring him too much, so I wrote on the back of the letter, ''Faye is a good, serious girl,'' and sent it back.


    I am older than Master Crono, sir.


    Crono looked at Faye, who had a mortified expression on her face, saying that maybe she hated him for being too serious.


    ''I knew you didn''t understand, sis.


    "I call you Master when you practice swordsmanship, sir!


    When the boy stopped swinging and cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner, Fei pointed the cut end of his wooden sword and shouted at him.


    ''''Well you don''t understand, Master.


    What don''t you understand, sir?


    Feeling ridiculous, Fei''s willow eyebrows arched up in displeasure.


    ''''Since Crono-sama covered for his master, he should be properly grateful.


    ''I am older than Master Crono, and I am a knight!��We cannot overlook being called ''chan''!


    Crono-sama is not a big sister, she''s better than Master, so you have to let things slide. The lower-ranked ones have to pay attention to the higher-ranked ones.


    To Fay, who was spouting a good argument, the boy told him the theory he had developed during his life as a vagrant.


    ''''........''''


    As if it had occurred to him, Faye fell silent as the boy spoke.


    For five minutes, the boy talked about his theory.


    ''Master Crono, would it have been better to let it flow?


    After listening to the story, Faye asked Crono, looking devastated.


    ''I don''t mind, but I''m sure there are people out there who do.


    Master Crono told me he didn''t care about it.


    I knew he didn''t get it.


    Faye said triumphantly, and the boy waved his index finger from side to side as he said


    ''Well, good luck with that.''


    Leaving Faye and the children in their place, Crono took a detour to the commercial district.


    *


    The rumor that if you want to hold a slave who is satisfied with his body and a prostitute who isn''t sick, go to the Marquess of Erakis is whispered vaguely among gentlemen who want their daily healing.


    Crono poked his cheekbones at the sofa and looked at the slave market, wondering if this kind of thing is also called rumor-mongering.


    The s*x slave girl was walking around the edge of the stage, just as she had been when she bought Elena.


    She was wearing a cleaner rag than she had been then, and any signs of violence were nonexistent.


    The auditorium was packed to capacity, with a standing-room-only crowd.


    The s*x slave girl stands in the center of the stage.


    ''Wow, my name is Maria. I was born and raised in a rural area, so I wasn''t educated, but I learned to read and write simply.


    He gave his guest a nervous look.


    I was afraid I wouldn''t be coming back.


    I don''t want to come over too often, but I have to see it for myself.


    Crono flushed Miles''s sarcasm and chewed the beans, which had turned into bitter worms, with his back teeth.


    ''Looks like the slave market is thriving,''


    There is even talk of holding a slave market twice a week. Of course, that would inevitably lead to a decline in quality, so we don''t do that.


    Is teaching letters part of the quality improvement process?


    Oh, did you know?


    When Crono said sarcastically with a bitter look on his face, Miles smiled admiringly.


    ''If the customer wants a healthy slave, and that''s the minimum requirement, then you have to add instrumental favors, and if health and instrumental favors are the minimum requirement, then you have to add even more value. It just so happens that it was cultivation this time.


    It doesn''t take a special talent to learn to write.


    "Thirty gold pieces!


    Thirty-two cards!


    Thirty-five cards!


    Crono watched the girl''s price jump and moistened his lips with water.


    ''Fifty gold coins!''


    ''Who can put a price on more than fifty pieces?


    The moderator held the quality assurance certificate in the hands of the s*x slave girl and handed it over to the winning bidder.


    The certificate of quality assurance states the doctor''s diagnosis and that she is a virgin.


    This is also part of the service the slavers started to provide to increase sales.


    As a result of Crono''s measures, the treatment of slaves has greatly improved, the slave trade has become more active, bringing huge profits to the slavers and the Marquess of Erakis.


    ''''I don''t know about the others, but my brothel is steadily increasing its sales thanks to Master Crono. Slightly more, slightly more, though.


    I know that too.


    Is he having a bad day?


    When I looked up, I saw a woman standing there with a soft smile on her face.


    Her age may or may not reach the age of thirty.


    Her breasts are large and her waist is thin.


    She is wrapped in a short dress with limbs that exude a lustful atmosphere.


    The dress, which opens wide from the chest to the lower abdomen, is as revealing as the cloth worn by a s*x slave, but it seems to cost about a thousand times as much money.


    ''May I have the pleasure of being here?''


    ....


    The woman sat down on the sofa without hearing a reply, and then shrugged at Crono.


    ''Is this one the Marquis of Erakis?��You''re just as nice as they say you are.


    ''I wish you''d stop acting like this and introduce yourself properly.


    Crono blurted out, and the woman took a turn for the better, a guilty look on her face.


    ''Oh, dear, you know exactly what I mean,''


    You don''t understand.


    The woman tilted her head in wonderment.


    Why are you pretending to get it?


    If you come up to me and say you''re a nice person, everyone will be wary.


    The woman looked away from Crono as if she was in trouble.......really in trouble....


    ''''You''re the one with a low self-esteem?''''


    ''I don''t think there''s any way I''m going to be wooed by a complete stranger.


    If the woman who had approached her so far didn''t have ulterior motives, she could honestly believe it.


    Giggling, the woman let out a small, stealthy laugh.


    ''You''re such an interesting girl.''


    Hi, so who is this?


    "I am the guildmaster of a prostitutes'' guild in the Free City States. Some obnoxious old men sent us to spy on you. Are you surprised?


    That''s not what I meant. I just wanted to get your name.


    Oh?��And the woman rolled her eyes, as if caught off guard.


    ''It''s Elaine, Elaine Sinner. I don''t want you to get the wrong idea, so I''ll tell you, I''m just calling myself a nobleman to provide a foil, a commoner, just a commoner.


    The woman ... the guild master of the Whore''s Guild, Elaine, smiled charmingly.


    ''Why did you come to check on me?''


    ''Well?��Even if you say you''re the guild master of the Whore''s Guild, you''re just an errand boy. I don''t know what those old men are thinking.


    What are your thoughts, Elaine?


    Crono asked, and Elaine crossed her arms as if she were thinking... no, she crossed her arms to emphasize her chest.


    ''Look, you''re making paper in a way you''ve never done before and so on... maybe you''re just worried because some incomprehensible guy is trying to threaten your interests?��And for the record, the process of making the paper is kept secret.


    I see.


    How serious is Mr. Elaine?��Crono tilted his head inwardly.


    ''Hmmm, you''re thinking about it, aren''t you?''


    ''I suppose it would be a little easier if I had someone like Elaine to talk to.


    I''m afraid that if I''m not good at it, he might not just bite my hand, he might bite my arm off.


    ''I''m expensive,''


    Well, how much do I owe you?


    Elaine held up her index finger.


    ''Ten thousand gold coins - I run my own whorehouse, so I don''t need to hire myself out, but would you like to have at least this much?��I''ve got a lot of connections, so if you''re going to do business with me, it''s about as cheap as it gets.


    Good luck with that.


    Yeah, you''re welcome.


    Crono continued his tour of the slave market while chatting with Elaine about other things.

 14-Place name & glossary

    Explanation of Place Names


    The length of the peninsula is about 1200 km long and the width of the base is about 500 km. ��The size of the Marquisate of Erakis is appropriate.


    Cepheus Empire.


    About four hundred years ago, we were just a small country. With the success of the first emperor, it became an empire that ruled the entire peninsula. Thirty years ago, the empire was plagued by civil war, barbarian invasions, and urban independence. The territory is reduced to two-thirds of its size. It has adopted a more tolerant policy towards sub-humans than the surrounding countries.


    Imperial City of Alfiruk.


    The city consists of four Old Town blocks surrounding Alfirk Castle and eight New Town blocks surrounding the Old Town. The 12th district is a pleasure quarter, with slums that are hugely hemmed in.


    The Holy Argo Kingdom This is a religious state that adheres to the Six Pillar God. The largest of these gods is the ''God of Purity and Order''. The smallest of the forces is the Goddess of the Black and Chaos.


    free city-state cluster A group of city-states that became independent from the Cepheus Empire during the upheaval thirty years ago. Since the guild masters of the merchant guild now hold the real power of the city. It is difficult for newcomers to enter the market. Anyone of any status can live a life of luxury if they have the money to do so. It is said that a person of any status can get ahead if he or she has talent.


    Glossary.


    former nobility People who were noblemen of the Cepheus Empire from before the period of upheaval thirty years ago. Some are capable, some are incompetent, but in general they have a strong sense of discrimination.


    The new aristocracy. In recognition of their achievements during the upheavals, these people became the nobility of the Cepheus Empire. They were treated like pioneers in the name of nobility, but It takes more than twenty years to transform the frontier into a rich granary. Loyalty to the emperor is thin and the camaraderie between the new nobles is unusually strong.


    Court nobles. A nobleman in the service of the court who has no or lost his estate.


    Noble class duke marquis earl viscount baronet quasi-aristocrat A peerage is more like a title or qualification than a title. ��It can be given to commoners if they make a military service, but it has no privileges and cannot be hereditary.


    Knights of the Kingsguard Knights directly under the emperor, consisting of twelve knights, following the first emperor.


    The Six Pillar God The six pillars of the gods who once brought order to a world that had been undermined by chaos. Light, Darkness, Fire, Water, Earth and Wind incarnate, but as time went on. It also governs concepts that may apply to each of them. Since it is forbidden to speak his name, he is called by his first name. "The God of Purity and Order. The goddess of blackness and chaos. "The crimson god of destruction. The Goddess of Blue and Life. "Green and master of flux. Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility


    priestly rank High Priest Head of the Temple Organization Chief of the Department of Worship, the high ranking official of the Department of Worship. Divine Officer Priest, head priest''s instructor������ Chief Priest. High ranking priest. Priest The administrator of a temple in a village or town Apprentice priest, chores. devotee


    * The temple organization of the Cepheus Empire and the Holy Argo Kingdom is a separate lineage. In the Cepheus Empire, the political influence is small. He has great influence in the Kingdom of the Holy Argo. The reason for his influence in the Holy Argo Kingdom is because he is tied to power.


    Guild. A union organized by merchants to protect each other''s interests. There is a sort of pecking order depending on the occupation, and the Whore''s Guild has a low rank.


    Guild Master. The Guild''s Chief Executive.


    divine art The art of borrowing some of the power of a god (by communicating with him). You can only use the power of the God you believe in and risk becoming crippled by excessive use. The advantage is that the person in question doesn''t have to have any specialized knowledge at all. It can heal wounds, improve rough soil, and release plasma. The type of jutsu also depends on the god you believe in. For example, The God of Crimson and Destruction is literally destruction, the The Goddess of Blue and Life is excellent at healing.


    Witchcraft The technique of converting one''s magical power into physical phenomena. Using drugs with a suggestible effect, the technique (spell) is imprinted on the consciousness. Since the spell itself has meaning, it can also be used by the illiterate. There are individual differences in the attributes and difficulty level of the magic that can be learned. Elves have the attributes of fire, water, earth, and wind, but Other races are good if they have two or more attributes. In addition, nothingness is a general term for attributes other than fire, water, earth, and wind. Many offensive and defensive magic techniques have been developed. The magic of healing is completely untouched.


    Flame Dance (Homura Mai) A magic that spreads flashy red lotus flames and explosions. Its ability to kill is low.


    Ice Dance Freezing magic to freeze the target. Its ability to kill is low.


    Tensukagura A magic that uses a jet-black sphere to forcibly transfer a region of space. It can transfer any substance, regardless of the strength of the object. Too much killing power and very poor use.


    Subhuman. A term referring to a non-human intelligent species. It is also a derogatory term meaning ''less than human''. All but elves and dwarves are equipped with an interpreter.


    Elf. A subspecies with blonde hair, blue eyes, and pointed ears. There are different subspecies depending on where they live. They excel in magic and have a lifespan of three to five times that of humans. Very low fertility and poor environmental conditions allow it to live a full life Elves are very few and far between. They''re generally beautiful, and they live in unsafe areas. It''s a terrible experience.


    Half-elf. He is half elf and half human. He is in a miserable situation with the elves. He gets into all sorts of trouble and dies before adulthood.


    A half-elf who, like Leila, fit in with a nobleman''s mistress.


    Unparalleled in the history of the Cepheus Empire.


    Dwarves.


    What he lacks in height, he has the physical strength to make up for it.


    He is skilled with his hands and creates excellent armor.


    He''s been enslaved in the mines and handled in human workshops.


    Black companies often work in downright blue work environments too.


    Minotaur.


    He has a muscular build and stands over two meters tall.


    He is an omnivore, although he seems to be a grass eater.


    Lizardman.


    He has a muscular physique and stands over two meters tall.


    They are omnivorous, although they seem to eat only meat.


    He is an omnivore, but he is an omnivore.


    werewolf


    They are only slightly taller than humans.


    They are highly loyal.


    Human-Lion


    He is taller than a werewolf and shorter than a minotaur or lizardman.


    Mechanical Bow.


    A bow with pulleys on both ends.


    Made of wood or metal.


    A compound bow.


    New Armor


    Goldie''s chest armor (Breast Armor)


    It is stronger than the knight''s sheet metal armor (plate armor) because it is made of hardened steel.

 15-Character introduction

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    Attributes: fire, wind


    Specialties: thin, devoted, downward spiraling


    She is a half-elf with brown skin and golden eyes.


    His mother is an elven prostitute and his father is one of his clients, growing up in the slums of the Imperial City.


    The half-elf ranks at the bottom of the sub-humans.


    Leila herself was beautiful and was s*xually assaulted in the slums.


    When she was 15, her mother died and she joined the army to become a citizen.


    Early in his deployment, he is intrigued by the Marquis of Erakis.


    His harsh childhood makes him feel unclean.


    I want to be loved by Crono, but I also want to be happier than ''now''.


    He also feels shallow.


    He misinterprets Crono''s good intentions as affection, and they spend the night together.


    As it is, he settles in as the first mistress.


    As of the first chapter, he wasn''t even named as a supporting character.


    She becomes the main heroine in the blink of an eye.


    In a sense, she is the strongest subversive character in this story.


    The female general


    Age: 3?


    Height: 165-170cm


    Soldier type: cook


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: Motherhood


    She has a fleshy body and is the type that shines when polished.


    She wears a maid''s uniform that is short and wide open at the chest.


    She thinks she''s doing too much.


    Since her husband died five years ago and left her, she has been running a one-woman diner and inn.


    She speaks to Crono in a mixture of polite and violent ways.


    She has a minimum level of education, but she has no business acumen.


    He creates a large debt of one hundred gold coins and becomes Crono''s servant in order to pay off the debt.


    The debt is paid up by Crono (without interest) and is repaid from his monthly salary.


    Elena Graffius.


    Age: 17 years old


    Height: 155-160cm


    Soldier type: accountant, s*x slave.


    Combat: Unlearned


    Attributes: M (masochistic)


    Special: Tsunero


    She is the only daughter of a local landowner and quasi-aristocrat, the Graffias family.


    She has studied in a group of free city-states.


    She is betrayed by her uncle and his fianc��e and sold to a slave trader.


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    Consumption in the Marquess of Erakis has fallen considerably.


    Count Piske.


    Knight Commander in Charge of the Twelfth Kingsguard


    He has a mediocre physique in the Order.


    His background is also mediocre, and he is the lowest ranking member of the Order.


    He has a snooty temperament.


    Cecily Hamal


    A female knight belonging to the Twelfth Order of the Kingsguard.


    The daughter of Viscount Hamal, east of the Marquess of Erakis.


    She is Fay''s junior.

 16-Episode 0 "Confusion" Revised Version

    *


    Thirty years ago, four hundred years into the emperor''s career, the struggle for the succession to the imperial throne, triggered by the collapse of the previous emperor, developed into a civil war that divided the Cepheus Empire in two.


    The barbarians invaded from the north and south, and the cities in the northeastern part of the empire strengthened their military power with the huge amount of money they gained from trade, and one after another declared their independence.


    With the birth of the Free City States, the Cepheus Empire lost a third of its territory and trade routes, and even the remaining territory was eaten up by the barbarians.


    In spite of the threat to the survival of the nation, the nobles on both sides were unable to take effective measures or even to stop the civil war.


    The 18-year-old King Lamar V survived this crisis by recruiting talented people, regardless of their status.


    Overruling the old vassals, the mercenaries added to the shogunate broke the deadlock and led the army under Lamar V to victory.


    Lamar V expelled the invading barbarians to the Areos Mountains and appointed the leader of the mercenary group as the lord of the so-called southern frontier to prevent them from invading again.


    Later, Lamar V settled the chaos caused by the civil war and established a military school in the imperial capital based on the lesson that a war that could be won under an incompetent commander whose only claim to fame was his bloodline could not be won and would needlessly spread the ravages of war.


    Although the birth of a free city-state cluster could not be prevented, there are many who praise Lamar V as a great monarch for his ability to minimize the chaos.


    I remember reading a book once about an animal that looked just like it. What did you call it?


    Fana looked at Ramal V sitting on the edge of the bed.


    No matter how much you try to regulate your life, when you are fifty years old, you can''t hide your physical decay.


    For example, Count Ernat, who is in charge of the Second Kingsguard, has a physique that is no less than that of a large sub-human, but lately he has been working on training his rearguard due to his declining physical strength.


    Even a knight who never misses a training session is like that, so it''s not hard to imagine what happens to someone who has spent years indulging in gastronomy and alcohol.


    .........Se, Sei, did I say walrus?


    The embodiment of this was Ramal V.


    After years of indolence, Lamar V''s neck was buried in fat and his belly was swollen to the point of bursting.


    Ramal V stoked the wine on the bedside table.


    Lamar V drank the finest wine like water and tossed the empty container down roughly.


    Fifteen years ago, Fana had risen to the court as a lady''s maid, and that year she had become the Emperor''s maid of honor.


    It wasn''t that she wanted to.


    She had a fianc�� who had grown up to be like a brother and sister, and she loved him dearly.


    Fana resisted desperately, but her innocence was taken from her by force.


    When it was discovered that she was pregnant, Fana was in deep despair.


    If Vizier Arkol hadn''t reached out to her, Fana might have chosen to die.


    Later, with the help of Vizier Alcor, Fana became the official concubine of King Ramal V, and the child born ... named Alfort with a small amount of malice ... was also recognized.


    Fana continued to work as a woman''s officer after the birth of the child, and while she was counseling and lending her strength to the young mistresses, she rose to the position of head mistress and had many subordinates under her command.


    Ramal V wiped his wine-soaked mouth roughly and laid into Fana.


    I wonder if you''ll let me sleep for good, Fana chuckled in disgust.


    Just then, there was a small sound.


    It was simply a glass falling over.


    Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.


    Ramal V screamed and jumped off the bed and tried to crawl underneath it as if it were a matter of course.


    ''Yoo, forgive me, forgive me, there is, Alfort!��I didn''t want to kill you, I didn''t want to kill you!


    Ramal V is begging for forgiveness from his own brother, who was executed thirty years ago for masterminding a civil war.


    Whether from the effects of alcohol or from a sense of guilt, Lamar V is frightened by the ghost of Alfort.


    Aware that her mind was becoming more and more frozen, Fana looked down at Lamar V.


    A petulant man frightened by the guilt of executing his own brother, that was who Ramal V was.


    According to Vizier Alcor, it wasn''t this bad thirty years ago.


    "Your Majesty, take care of yourself.


    Oh, Fana!


    Ramal V clung to Furna''s leg as if seeking salvation.


    ''I ... how can I be saved?��No amount of drinking, no amount of holding a woman can remove the shadow of Alfort!��Give me my country back, you torment me!


    Of course.


    ''You really can''t help it,'' said Fana, putting a finger to her lips.


    ''''Well then, why don''t you write a letter to Master Alfort saying you''ll give up your country?''''


    Yeah, does that help me?


    Yes, of course.


    ''That can''t be true,'' Fana smiled to reassure Ramal V, as she poked around in her mind.


    ''Oh, oh!''


    Ramal V gave him a look that told him that Mongolia had opened up and ran out of Fana''s room.


    Fana fixed the messy sheets and buried her face in the pillow.


    ''''Well I''m afraid you''ll have to stay alive until you give my child the territory.


    Fana has never thought about making her child an emperor.


    Her son, Alfort, will be fifteen this year.


    He''s her only son, and she''s very proud of him.


    For all intents and purposes, my son is not an emperor''s vessel.


    Letting out a sigh, Fana closed her eyes.


    *


    It is true that the city of Canopus seen from the top of the hill is so beautiful that one might be led to believe that the legend is true, but that alone would not be enough for the king to make an important decision.


    The first king must have judged the terrain to be difficult to attack with a large army, said General Ignis Fomalhaut of the Holy Argo Kingdom Army, gazing at the neat and orderly city of Canopus, and immediately shifted his gaze to the soldiers training in the training grounds.


    Five months ago, Ignis had invaded the Cepheus Empire with the Crown Prince.


    Naturally, he had the intention of expanding his territory, but his main goal was to show the crown prince''s military prowess and reduce the "Temple"''s voice.


    While the neighboring Cepheus Empire thoroughly eliminated the Temple and unified the country, the Holy Argo Kingdom unified the country against the backdrop of the authority of the Temple.


    The theory that kingship was bestowed by the six-pillar gods worked without a problem, at least for the first hundred years.


    However, the Temple has intervened in the affairs of state under the guise of rituals, and now has a voice comparable to that of the kingship.


    The Temple controls forty percent of the Holy Argo Kingdom''s military force and plundered twenty percent of its tax revenue in the name of donations.


    If the invasion goes well, Ignis gritted his back teeth so hard that they creaked.


    ''My lost right arm, my right arm is aching.


    ....


    Ignis looked down silently and saw a beautiful woman of strange age sitting with a bottle of liquor in her hand.


    She was in her mid-twenties at the age of sixteen, dressed in a dress with a wide open chest that no prostitute would wear in this country.


    Her long, wavy hair is jet-black like the abyss, and her eyes are gentle and loose, but her jet-black eyes hold a light that seems to see into the depths of her soul.


    ''''High Priestess, I am,''''


    I''m an ''old lady'' and I prefer ''me''?


    How dare you do that twenty years ago, Ignis gritted his teeth.


    Ignis would be thirty years old this year, but the High Priest of the Jet-Black Temple ... Baba hadn''t changed a bit since they met.


    Even though she is the High Priestess of the Jet-Black Temple, she is a woman who mingles with the people''s grasses and uses divine authority techniques in exchange for alcohol.


    When I was a teenager, I used to resent the hag''s way of life as she squandered her talents, but now I even envy her.


    ''''If you wish, I can regenerate that right arm for you, okay?


    ''Mind your own business, old woman. I lost my right hand because of my incompetence. And besides...


    And?


    The hag narrowed her eyes as if expecting an answer from Ignis.


    ''How am I supposed to get my right arm back when a dead soldier isn''t coming back!


    ''''Hahahaha, you''ve got a mean streak!


    Ignis yelled at her, and the old lady rolled around with her liquor bottle in her arms.


    ''''Well if you don''t rip the ''Temple'' out, this country is going to end.


    I know that, too.


    Suddenly, the old lady said with a serious look on her face, and Ignis returned the words in the general''s manner.


    ''You must have learned a lesson from this one.


    You don''t have to tell me.


    Remembering the battle five months ago, Ignis gripped his right sleeve tightly.


    At that time, they had been ambushed just outside the Coma Forest.


    The fence rendered the cavalry useless, and even if they tried to bypass the infantry, there were enemy soldiers lurking in the forest.


    They tried to push through in numbers, but they could not push through at once.


    While the march was halted, the elven archers attacked the Dauphin.


    ''I suppose that means you should make a steady effort.


    If we could at least make a non-aggression pact with the Empire, we could focus on internal affairs and get rid of the ''temple'' forces.


    We can''t do this as it is now, Ignis crossed his arms.


    We can''t get a clue without a proper war, not a skirmish near the border.


    At least no one would listen to Ignis in his current state.


    Ignis looked up at the heavens.


    Justia Castle is a small castle located half a day''s ride away from the imperial capital, Alfirk, by carriage.


    Because it was designed with habitability as a priority, it is undeniably weak in terms of function, and although it is guarded by 100 elite knights of the First Kingsguard, if it were to be attacked by an enemy, it would fall in less than half a day.


    The low defensive strength of the castle in name only, as well as the fact that it stands as if it were left alone in the grassy field, seems to be a clear indication of the lack of affection her father has for her mother, and Tilia dislikes Justia Castle.


    If you say you disliked it, then you also disliked watching your mother lying on her sickbed in her bedroom at Justia Castle.


    Mother the Empress Astraea used to look out whenever she had time, as if she was waiting for her father to come for her.


    It was hard to see her mother like that, and Tilia hated being in Justia Castle.


    ''''Why don''t you hold a ball?''''


    What do you mean, all of a sudden?


    Astraea looked out the window at Tilia and said in a somewhat interminable tone of voice, "You don''t have a fianc��, do you?


    ''You don''t have a fianc��, do you?��So I thought, why not throw a ball?


    No, I''m not looking to get married.


    In the first place, as a member of the royal family...........................As long as you are born into a noble family, it''s impossible to have a love marriage.


    So, yeah.


    Oh, is that what you mean?


    Tilia realized her mother''s true intentions and her shoulders slumped.


    Perhaps her mother was telling her to hold a ball as a matchmaking event.


    Until now, Tilia had avoided any kind of banquet for various reasons.


    If you have a face-to-face meeting with a powerful nobleman, it''s easier to talk about it until the engagement.


    ''''However, if you''re going to hold a ball, don''t you have to ask for help from Lady Chief Ferna?


    Honestly, Tyria didn''t want to be in the care of Fana the poisonous woman who had cuckolded her father.


    ''I know you don''t like the Chief Mistress but the girl has been very useful indeed.


    I understand.


    Shouldn''t we say excellent, not useful?��Tilia tilted her head inwardly.


    ''Mother, I have a friend I would like to invite?


    Do what you want.


    It''s been a long time since I''ve seen Crono, Tyria said with a small smile.


    It''s like the city just spilled out of the citadel.


    The citadel guarding Hashel........From near the gate, Crono looked at the scene of the foundation construction of the new barracks.


    It seems that the foundation is built by digging up the ground deeply, laying down gravel and pouring concrete.


    I was completely unaware of this until now, but concrete is used in construction in this world.


    It is surprising that it has been used to build the foundations of bridges and castles, not recently, but long ago, when no one remembers it.


    ''When the new barracks are built, the next step is to rebuild the barracks we''re using now.


    Until now, the barracks had been a one-man room for the second-in-command, a two-man room for the captain''s class, and a six-man room for the general soldiers.


    Both the two-man room and the six-man room are about the same four-mat size, and they are equipped with multi-level beds to make the most of the small space, but even so, there is no space left in the six-man room for free use.


    It would be natural to change the treatment based on the role, but Crono wanted to provide the general soldiers with a space where they could stretch their legs and relax.


    Of course, as he told Elena, he also hoped that it would be a tax rebate and a place for the lords to go out of work in the winter.


    ''''........Crono-sama.


    Speaking of which, you''re off duty today.


    When Crono turned around, Leila was standing there in her normal clothes.


    Everyday clothes ... the skirt and vest she had purchased at the Pix Trading Company before.


    ''''Where''s Deneb and Alideed?''''


    Those two are studying with First Officer Mino and the other captains.


    They are.


    I think he had a lot on his mind when he was promoted to captain.


    Crono said, and Leila replied nonchalantly.


    With the replenishment of the soldiers, Crono promoted Leila, Deneb, and Alideed to centurion.


    Even though the centurion was called a centurion, the salary didn''t change, and in terms of treatment, it was just a change from a room of six to a room of two, but it was probably a good motivation for the two of them.


    ''''Crono-sama, if you are able to continue your inspection, please allow me to accompany you.


    I don''t mind.


    Yes!


    Leila replied happily.


    At first it was a field that was being settled.


    Crono moves to the south side of the city along the citadel, tilting his head inwardly, wondering if it''s right to call that a field.


    The ground where his men use it as a training ground is firmly trampled, but the south side of the city is the wilderness itself.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to see firsthand the hardships of pioneering in this place: grass, bushes, and a whole bunch of rolling rocks.


    "Leila, watch your step........!


    Are you all right, Mr. Crono?


    Layla held Crono flatly as he was hobbled by the mud.


    ''Oh, yeah ... Leila, you''re the one with the arm strength?''


    I think it''s normal.


    Leila tilted her head as if to say she didn''t understand the intent of the question.


    Could it be that my strength is low?


    Crono couldn''t resist when they were teamed up in bed, and Crono lost a bit of confidence.


    He walked along the citadel for a while, and suddenly his vision opened up.


    ''We''ve already settled so much.


    It''s great, Mr. Crono.


    The trees they grow are used to make paper, but Leila was understandably surprised to see a field measuring a hundred meters on one side appear in the middle of the wilderness.


    ''''Is that place in the middle of pioneering?''''


    I think...


    Next to the trees being cultivated, there seemed to be a new cultivation going on.


    About ten people were hard at work cutting the grass, hauling stones, and using horses to clear the land.


    ''''Oh, isn''t it Crono-sama?''''


    Goldie.


    I turned around and saw Goldie and his men standing there holding a scythe.


    ''Goldie, what''s that scythe?''


    This is a sickle made of the same material as your armor. It is said to help you to cultivate the land faster, and the improved heavy plough is easier to use... Then!


    Crono looked delicately at Goldie''s back as she ran away happily.


    ''Are you sure?''


    I''m not idle, and I''m the one who ordered the land reclamation.


    At this rate, we should be able to make ten times as much sugar next year, Crono said, looking at the cultivation and smiling.


    Where is it?


    Crono muttered gloomily, and Leila tilted her head in wonder.


    He thought he was being careful, but even on the way home, Crono slipped in the mud and Leila held him back.


    ''''........here.''''


    Okay, so,


    Leila seemed to have come to a point when Crono stopped just as he ducked through the gate.


    That''s where they had been attacked by vagrants...or rather robbers, when they had seen off Ariston.


    The roughness of the place hasn''t changed, but it seems to be less crowded than before.


    ''What do you want in a place like this?''


    Now Kane.


    As soon as I stepped into the favela, Kane emerged from the shadows of the building. He was not alone, but with his impersonal men.


    I''m here on a fact-finding mission.


    It''s still very, very bad in this neighborhood.��Not very much, but with a woman....


    Rest assured. I will protect you, Master Crono, even if it costs me my life.


    Standing next to Crono, Leila turned her challenging gaze to Kane.


    ''From Kane''s point of view, how safe is it around here?''


    It''s better than it was at one time. When I make my rounds, I''m focused on looking around and I''m under strict orders not to take bribes from my men.


    A bribe?


    When Crono nodded his head, Kane scratched his head awkwardly.


    The quality of the soldiers who patrol these unsafe places is also bad. You can take bribes from muggers and prostitutes, miss crimes, and give out information about the rumor mill. So, you''ll have to take a look at this area some other time.


    Okay.


    Kane rolled his eyes, as if he was surprised that Crono obeyed honestly.


    ''Are you sure?''


    It''s a spur-of-the-moment visit. I''m going, Leila.


    Yes, sir.


    Abandoning her tour of the favelas, Crono headed for the commercial district.


    On the way, he noticed that Leila was gone and turned back, and she was looking up at the proprietor''s shop.


    ''Leila, I was surprised to see you gone on the way.


    I''m sorry, too!


    Well, that''s okay.


    Crono stood next to Leila and looked up at the landlady''s dining room.


    Apparently the landlady comes to clean the dining room once or twice a week.


    ''''Well, let''s go then.''''


    You know what?


    When Crono reached out his hand, Leila looked at his hand as if she was confused.


    ''''I was wondering if you would let me hold your hand so we wouldn''t get separated.


    Yes, yes, I understand.


    I wonder if we''ve ever held hands much, Crono said as he began to walk with Leila''s hand.


    When he returned to the Marquis'' mansion after his inspection of the busy commercial district, the sound of hammering echoed from the dwarf''s workshop today, and the steam of boiling wood bark rose from the paper workshop.


    On the other side of the room, Faye was teaching one boy the art of swordplay.


    ''Faye, I''m teaching him today,''


    Yes, Master Crono.


    Faye straightened up when Crono called out to her.


    ''Where are the other two?''


    Lord Theon has taken it from us.


    Faye looked away from Crono and said sadly.


    ''You two seem to have more fun studying, so I don''t blame you.


    But the art of swordplay is important!


    Studying is important, too.


    Uggh, the days of the sword are over, are they not?


    Crono said, and Faye hung her head, her hand trembling in the grip of her wooden sword.


    I think it''s a romantic thing for a man to be able to stand up for himself with a sword.


    The boy interrupted his pretense and said.


    ''''Even Master Crono has risen through the ranks to become a marquis, hasn''t he?


    Yes, sir!��Master Crono should have been able to stand on his sword!


    Encouraged by the boy''s words, Faye looked up vigorously.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work. I''m not sure if it''s a good idea to live by the sword alone, but it''s a good feeling.


    I''m gonna study hard, too.


    Master Crono!��Not good enough!


    The boy easily reversed his previous statement and Faye shouted with tears in her eyes.


    ''''Well, I''ll continue my inspection.


    Crono left Faye alone and fled the scene.


    Then Crono observed the Zion classes being held at the Marquis'' mansion.


    It was a very surreal sight to see his deputy Mino, Rizad, Deneb, Ariddead, Leo, the human lion centurion, and Horus, the minotaur centurion, studying with the children.

 17-Episode 1 "Imperial City" Revised Edition

    *


    When I woke up, I found myself in a carriage.


    Even though it''s a carriage, it''s not the covered wagon or wagon used to move around the territory, it''s the guest room of a box carriage.


    The interior is simple, with only couches facing each other, but there is plenty of room to load your luggage.


    There is an occasional jolt that hits the carriage, but once you get used to it, the carriage journey is surprisingly comfortable.


    The reason why he was in the carriage was because he received a letter from Tilia in the imperial capital.


    The text, written in a flowing penmanship, was wonderfully written and gave a glimpse of Tilia''s deep cultivation, but to summarize it, ''''I''m having a ball in the imperial capital, come quickly!��That''s an order!'' That was it.


    Crono hurriedly packed up his belongings, pulled out the carriage that had been gathering dust in the warehouse, and set off from Hachel.


    On the way, they were attacked by armed bandits, but the subordinates acting as guards.......five cavalrymen with Faye as their captain and archer Leila the archer.....stood their ground without danger and fought off the bandits without causing any casualties.


    No, there was only one subordinate who was about to die.


    It was Fay, the captain of the team.


    Fei had chased the fleeing bandit alone and was ambushed.


    If he had used the divine power technique from the start, the result might have been different, but Fei was surrounded by bandits, stoned endlessly with a stone thrower, and dragged off his horse when he was weakened.


    Here, Faye''s fate could have ended, but she was safely rescued by the four horsemen and Leila.


    Thanks to Faye''s use of the Divine Majesty Technique to defend herself, the rescue team was able to rush over, so perhaps it should be said that there was a divine blessing.


    ''''Crono-sama, please wake up.''''


    Hmm, are you there yet?


    Crono sat up when Layla called out to him.


    ''You sleep well, Anne........!


    Elena interrupted the sarcasm she was about to say with a jolt that hit the carriage.


    Apparently, she had bitten her tongue.


    ''Yo, how do you sleep, Anta?


    I guess I''m used to it.


    Crono replied lightly to a teary-eyed and sarcastic Elena.


    Crono leaned out of the window and checked his surroundings.


    The surrounding area was a wilderness as far as the eye could see, and a gray mass that looked like the imperial capital could be seen ahead.


    ''''........Crono-sama, it is dangerous.''''


    Letting the horse run alongside the carriage, Faye said to Crono with a depressed look on her face.


    Apparently, he had lost his confidence after the incident with the bandit.


    ''''I am........a bad knight.


    Crono patted Faye''s head, but she didn''t seem to have the energy to brush it off and let out a deep sigh.


    Phew, Faye let out a long sigh and dropped back to the back of the carriage.


    Crono walked back into the carriage and settled back into his seat.


    ''Are you still depressed, Fay-sama?


    It''s going to take you a little longer to get back on your feet.


    If you were so worried, you shouldn''t have been so angry.


    With that, Elena looked at Crono with accusing eyes.


    ''If it was my usual mistake, I''d tolerate it, but this time it almost killed me.


    Very often, Faye fails with too much momentum.


    If you team up with your opponent in a military drill, you''ll beat him to a pulp; if you go out to guard the city, you''ll come down too hard on him; if you leave him to guard the Marquis'' mansion at night, it''s because Crono was trying too hard.... They would step into the sleeping quarters.


    In case you haven''t noticed, you''re pretty shady when you''re angry.


    No, you don''t, do you?


    When Crono asked, Leila''s cheeks twitched so small that she had to look carefully to understand, and she looked away from her gaze.


    ''If you''re angry, you should have been furious, but with a gaze like this, like you''re looking at a bug, ''Why did you go after the bandit by yourself? And I don''t know if it''s a good idea to go on and on asking.


    We need to tighten up where we can, or we don''t want to make the same mistakes again.


    He''s just trying to rebuild the house, right?��So maybe that makes you more uptight than you need to be?


    You know your stuff.


    That''s about all the information that comes in.


    Elena looked languidly at the scenery outside.


    ''I do feel sorry for you, though.''


    You can be kind of a jerk, can''t you?


    Well, you know.


    Caressing the wound in his right eye, Crono chuckled.


    ''Hey, what, you just started laughing all of a sudden.


    Come to think of it, we''re a long way from home.


    Elena huddled in the corner of the seat as Crono lifted the corner of his mouth, looking frightened.


    ''Hey, you''re not going to sulk here, are you?


    No, I''m not that insane.


    When Crono denied it, Elena patted her chest as if she was relieved.


    ''''Well Elena, would you mind comforting Faye?''''


    Why do you have to do that?


    Elena''s lips twitched in frustration.


    ''I haven''t yet thanked you for fulfilling my wish to go to the ball with you and for the new dress... so if you''re willing to pay me with your body, that''s fine with me.


    Best smile you could muster, and that''s a shitty thing to say.


    Elena crossed her arms thoughtfully.


    Well you can at least talk to him, since you''re not busy until the ball is held.


    He cowered his shoulders as if to say he had no choice.


    *


    From the carriage''s cabin on the way to Crawford''s mansion in the Fourth Ward, Crono looked out over the streets of the new city.


    While the old town where the aristocrats and wealthy merchants reside is neat and orderly, the new town where a wide range of people from the relatively wealthy merchants to the poor live is quite chaotic.


    There are many two-story buildings of the new town, and although the street is paved with the stone pavement, the buildings built to fit the land and the vacant land of the triangle are dotted because they intersect at an acute angle.


    In such a new town, it is the twelfth district that stands out from the rest of the city.


    Although the bar and the brothel are lined up in the main street, and a certain order is maintained, the back street is loosely ordered.


    A market for stolen goods, cursed drug stores, illegal gambling parlors that make a spectacle out of killing each other, and brothels with prostitutes who are willing to perform outrageous perversions for a few coppers, the soldiers who should be policed are now customers, so it''s out of control.


    I think gambling that makes a spectacle of killing each other would be profitable if the rules were set and made into entertainment.


    While Crono was thinking about such things, the carriage slowly slowed down and stopped in front of the Crawford mansion.


    ''''........We''re finally here.


    Crono let out a sigh and got out of the carriage, opening the door himself.


    ''It''s been a long time since I''ve been here, hasn''t it?


    Crono muttered as he looked up at the high walled Crawford mansion.


    The Crawford mansion is a four-story brick building with no gardens due to the fact that his foster father had built a more magnificent stable than necessary. However, less than ten meters from the gate to the front door is the front yard, so Crono doesn''t mind at all, though.


    ''''........Is my father getting there?��If you don''t stay, I''m going to have to find a place to stay now.


    As Crono spoke of his anxiety, the gates began to open as if he had been watching for the right moment.


    On the other side of the gate................In the vestibule of Crawford''s mansion, an elderly man stood with an elven maid.


    The man.....................His adoptive father, Baron Claude Crawford, would be sixty years old this year.


    He is half a head taller than Crono and has a muscular body.


    He''s also a good friend of mine.


    The contours of his face are as angular as a shield, and his eyes are sharp enough to drown out the impression of his nose and lips.


    It''s a face that fits well with words like vicious and fierce, and when he smiles....well, he looks dependable.


    An elf maid Myra looks like she doesn''t reach thirty at most, but she''s nearly sixty years old, a slave her adoptive father bought her when she began to make a name for herself as a mercenary.


    Her silky blonde hair is tied up in a bun, and her calmness at all times is the very definition of professionalism.


    Not only can she do the work of a maid, but she can also handle accounting, battle command, and even negotiate the price of crops, making her a perfect maid.


    ''''Well Crono, I''ve heard the story.


    His adopted father walked up to him with a big stride and bash!��He clapped Crono on the shoulder.


    ''The quintessential son of mine. You didn''t look like me, you didn''t look like your dead wife, you didn''t excel at all, but you''ve finally developed a talent. Your daughter over here is....


    His adoptive father gave a wild smile.


    I know. Your mistress, right?��One half-elf and two humans........I always thought you weren''t interested in women, but you''re my son. Go ahead and make a cancerous baby so that you can die at any time!��Then Baron Crawford''s house - no, because you''re now the Marquis of Erakis, no, no, no, I don''t care about the details!��The Crawford family is safe!


    Guhahahahahaha!��His adopted father laughed boldly.


    Elena gave him a dumbfounded look and Leila tilted her head in wonder.


    Faye, who was counted as one of the mistresses, looked thoughtful, as if that was not the case.


    ''''I want my men to stay at the mansion, if that''s alright?''''


    Don''t ask me if it''s obvious.


    When his foster father turned to look at him, his subordinate.......Leila turned over slightly.


    ''''Hurry up and carry your things and have them relieved of their long journey. That half-elf girl over there........


    Wow, I''m just going to... well, I have a little money to spare.


    Can we go to the Chronosphere Room?


    Huh?��And Leila''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''I shouldn''t, sir.''


    I''m the one who gave you permission, okay?


    Myra let out a sigh and shook her head.


    ''''Well boy, you have three mistresses, so the two of you who weren''t chosen will be dissatisfied.


    So why don''t you guys just put the four of us in the same room?


    It would be a mistake to ask that kind of caliber from a little boy.


    ...hmmm, well, yeah.


    Myra assured him, and his adopted father nodded crisply.


    ''I''ll leave the room assignments to you, man.


    Very well, sir.


    Myra nodded reverently.


    *


    It was a room on the third floor that was addressed to Elena. Even the cavalrymen of the guards were addressed to a private room, so Elena wasn''t the only one being given special treatment.


    ''''It''s a ... bleak room.''''


    Elena lay down on the bed and spoke her honest opinion.


    Perhaps it was the nature of the landlord, or perhaps it was because of the Crawford family''s short history, but although the house was well-cleaned, it was only equipped with minimal furniture and no ornaments such as vases or paintings.


    ''''Come to think of it, he''s a new nobleman. They''re not similar father and son, but maybe it''s like the family style that treats the servants so well.''''


    If the family culture is one in which it is natural to take care of subordinates and servants, it is no wonder that children like Crono are being raised.


    However, it seems that Crono hasn''t yet reached the point where he can actually understand his father''s teachings.


    Thanks to his inexperience, he is able to attend the ball, so he has to be grateful.


    Even though they have a very special way of socializing, it is the nature of men to loosen their guard as much as the number of nightmares they have had.


    ''Philip, I will never forgive you.


    The slave-trader''s former - how many times had she called his name in that darkened room?


    She didn''t even realize that Phillip was the one who had tricked her into believing with all her heart that he would come to her rescue.


    ''''Well you can ignore Faye,''''


    Whipping her tired body after a long journey, Elena headed to the room addressed to Faye.


    Faye''s room was in the middle of the third floor, near the stairs.


    When Elena knocked on the door, there was no response.


    ''It''s not like she''s sleeping, is it?


    Gently opening the door, Elena looked into the room.


    ''''........God, God, I am a bad knight.


    Then I saw Faye in the corner of the room, holding her knees.


    Well, it''s not hard to understand the feeling.


    For Faye, the sword arm was probably her last stronghold.


    ''''........''''


    Wobbling over to the bed, Faye took off her military uniform....and her simple designed underwear.


    You look good just because you''re working out, said Elena, looking at Faye''s well-trained body.


    Faye wrapped herself in the negligee she took out of her bag and twitched her nose around her two arms with a kunun.


    ''If you''re going to go to a night out, you should take a bath in the hot water first.


    .....


    Faye jumped back as Elena lunged at her.


    ''Are you Elena-dono?''


    Faye''s eyes widened in surprise and she let out a breath of relief.


    ''I am not impressed that you would come in without knocking, sir.


    I did, but you didn''t see it.


    Faye''s lips twitched like a sulky child.


    You''re supposed to be over twenty years old and you''re a little kid, Elena said, sitting back in her chair.


    So, what are you doing?


    I was just about to go and apologize to him.


    In that outfit?


    Holy shit.


    When Elena pointed it out, Faye looked down in embarrassment.


    ''''Since you made such a mistake, it''s not good to show your sincerity, right?


    Wow, I''m glad you understand.


    Faye patted her chest in relief and headed for the door with great enthusiasm.


    ''I know you won''t forgive me for saying, ''I''ll have a night out,'' but...''


    .....


    Faye stopped moving as if frozen, reaching for the door.


    ''How can I be forgiven, sir?''


    You could just say you''re sorry.


    Master Crono would not allow it.


    Faye clutched at Elena''s leg with tears in her eyes, not caring if the negligee was dirty.


    ''So, a night owl.


    Elena crossed her arms and nodded repeatedly.


    Elena was about to offer her purity to help her get revenge, too, but she would have to put herself on the shelf.


    ''Nightlife is a lot harder than you think,''


    Is it really that hard, sir?


    At least you don''t have to think like you do.


    I''m a useless person, useless as a knight and useless as a woman.


    After saying this, Faye hung her head helplessly.


    ''''Father, mother, Faye...Faye is not likely to be able to rebuild the Murifine family. Fugu, fugu, fugu!


    Hey, hey, hey, don''t cry.


    Elena hurriedly called out to Faye as her shoulders shook and she began to cry.


    ''''Kuh, if even Crono-sama abandons you, it''s all over and done with!


    You''re desperate.


    The way she cried, her face mangled with tears and snot, was not at all like a knight, nor did she look like a woman over twenty years old.


    Unavoidably, Elena gave Faye a hug.


    ''''Don''t cry anymore. You say that if they abandon you, but Crono-sama isn''t the kind of person who abandons his subordinates as easily as you think.''''


    Ho, are you sure?


    Faye looked up, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.


    This guy really looks like a child.


    Elena patted Faye''s head and smiled reassuringly.


    It''s true. The reason I''m here ... is because you asked me to comfort you.


    So why is it that you won''t let me go?


    Faye stared at her and Elena let out a deep sigh.


    ''You see, Crono-sama wasn''t angry because you failed, he was angry because you put the lives of his friends in danger by chasing after the bandits to take credit for it. Do you understand?


    Faye gave a small nod.


    ''''Kuh, I am going to apologize to Crono-sama!


    Hey, baby, go get changed!


    Faye ran out of the room and Elena hurried after her.


    When Elena entered Crono''s room a little later, Faye was staring at Crono.


    ''Crono-sama, I finally understand,''


    What?


    When Crono turned his frozen gaze on her, Faye cowered as if she was scared.


    ''''........That is why Crono-sama was angry. I had only thought that Crono-sama was angry because he failed.


    Keep going.


    Prompted to go ahead, Faye continued.


    ''This time, I was driven by merit and acted alone. At the very least, we should have worked together.


    You don''t have to tell me that!��Elena exclaimed in her mind.


    ''Well, yes,''


    Crono gets to his feet.


    I wouldn''t mind if it was a mistake like I usually make, but people''s lives are at stake. You''ll be more careful next time.


    Yes, I''ll be careful.


    Faye straightened up and replied.


    ''So, what''s the outfit?''


    ''I thought I''d be a night owl to ask Master Crono''s permission!��But I was shallow!


    Faye clenched her fists around her chest.


    I will study with Lord Elena and come back to you!


    Uh... yeah.


    Faye had a sunny expression on her face, but Crono looked disappointed.


    Leila left her luggage in the guest room that had been addressed to her and faced Myra in her room on the fourth floor.


    Her room had the same bed, desk, and closet as the guest room, but her room had a tea set and a small table and chairs for a tea party.


    Sitting shallowly in that chair, Leila listened to Myra''s story.


    Claude Crawford was a self-promoting personality who took his family name without a title, and at the same time, he seemed to have a personality that didn''t think about the future, such as planting magic on Myra, teaching her how to fight and making her learn.


    If you teach a slave how to fight, there is a high probability that he or she will try to scratch you in your sleep.


    But apparently Myra has been extremely devoted to supporting Claude when he organized his mercenary band, when he was isolated on the battlefield after meeting the betrayal of his allies, when he joined the curtain of Ramal V, when he fought against the barbarians, and even after he became the lord of the southern frontier.


    After all, it was right to stick it to the master. Even after the master became a nobleman, we had a hard time making ends meet, but now the southern frontier has become a rich granary and our lives are safe from now on.


    Myra finished her thirty-five years of hard work and brought her teacup to her mouth.


    ''''It seems that my little boy is moving up the ranks nicely... and to be honest, I can''t stop laughing.


    Huh?


    Hahahaha!��Leila nodded vaguely, troubled by the reaction, as Myra laughed in a way that was typical of maids.


    ''With a personality like this, life could be fun,'' Leila said, sipping at her herbal tea.


    ''Um, didn''t you have some business to attend to?''


    "Young people shouldn''t be so impatient.


    Myra stood up and pulled a book - more like a bundle of parchment - from a desk drawer and placed it on the table.


    ''Can you read and write?''


    Yes, Master Crono told me about it.


    Quite simply, father and son.


    Myra gave a small smile.


    ''''About that.......I heard that Crono-sama came from another world. Why did Master Claude speak of Crono-sama as if he were his own son?


    The little man is very soft spoken.


    Hmmm, Myra let out a sigh.


    ''Master Claude and his late wife had no children. Of course, Master Claude was deeply in love with his wife, but he felt quite lonely, and it''s like he''s letting off some resentment from those days.


    Myra folded her hands in prayer.


    ''But since Crono-sama''s arrival, I think your husband has softened in character. Perhaps the master has found meaning in the act of entrusting the next generation. Well, I can''t speak for Master either.


    May I read it?


    Yes, it''s yours. Also, from tomorrow until the end of the ball and your return to the Marquess''s estate, I will make sure that you are trained in the basics of maidery.


    I wish I could serve Master Crono as a soldier.


    No!


    Ban!��And Myra tapped the table.


    ''What are we to do with young people without ambition!��Elves should be enthusiastic enough to take advantage of their long lifespans to thrive in the house as servants and leave their influence on the next generation.


    Well I''ll see you tomorrow, please.


    Leila left Myra''s room with the book in her arms.


    *


    Sitting on the sofa in the parlor, Crono faced his adoptive father.


    His adoptive father poured two glasses of wine and handed one to Crono.


    The reception room, like the rest of the room, has the bare minimum of furniture.......only a sofa and a table.


    An ordinary nobleman would have a portrait on display, but as far as Crono knows, the Crawford family owns only one portrait.


    ''''There''s no ''Quicksilver, my son'', is there?


    ''It''s a good thing I think of you like a real son,''


    You haven''t changed, Crono said, sipping his wine.


    ''You look like you''ve been through a lot.


    It''s a lot calmer now.


    His adoptive father tipped his wine and squinted at Crono to see how he was doing.


    ''Unlike me, you ain''t much of a fighter, you ain''t much of a fighter.


    I''m aware.


    If I had to give you any advice, it would be to ''laugh''.


    Saying that, his adoptive father smiled wildly.


    ''Smile when you''re about to shit your pants when you face the enemy, when you slay the enemy, when you''re stuck in all directions and there''s nothing you can do about it, when your subordinates go to their deaths to escape you, and when your men come back in tatters.


    Don''t be ridiculous.


    You do the first three.


    I''ll keep that in mind.


    Crono shared a drink with his adopted father the first night was over.

 18-Episode 2 Revised "Cultivation"

    *


    Early in the morning of the second day of the Imperial City, Leila was in the biggest pinch on the first day of her maid training.


    ''''........''''


    Now, please get dressed.


    When Layla was stunned in front of the clothes she was handed, Myra said as if she wasn''t questioning her actions.


    ''Um, what''s this?''


    It''s a maid''s uniform, but what of it?


    Myra tilted her head as if to say she didn''t understand the intent of Leila''s question.


    Perhaps she didn''t doubt her rightness.


    ''Please get dressed quickly,''


    Yes, sir.


    Leila gave up resisting and changed into her maid''s uniform... she immediately regretted that she should have resisted if there was even the slightest chance of it.


    ''It looks great on you,''


    ''Thank you. But ... this is too short, isn''t it?


    Leila asked Myra, who nodded in satisfaction while holding the hem of her skirt in her hand.


    The maid''s uniform that Myra had prepared was only just barely long enough for the skirt to hide her underwear.


    Even if she bent forward, her underwear could be visible, and she had to make sure no one was there when she climbed the stairs.


    The fact that the chest isn''t wide open is at least a relief... no, the chest isn''t wide open, but there''s so much room in the chest that if you peeked in from above, you could see your underwear.


    Compared to this maid''s outfit, even the maid''s outfit that the landlady always wears would be included in the category of ''modest''.


    ''''I would actually like you to take off your underwear, sir.


    No, no.


    Leila held back the chest and hem of her maid''s uniform and distanced herself from Myra.


    ''Just kidding, just kidding ... tch.''


    Myra clicked her tongue in frustration and stood in front of Leila.


    Answer with ''yes'' and ''no'' in reply, and add ''master'' to the boy and ''grand master'' to Claude-sama. Do you understand?


    Yes, Lady Myra.


    Myra nodded with satisfaction.


    "And you are forbidden to visit the little man''s room until the day before you return to the Marquess'' estate.


    Well that''s it.


    When Layla stuttered, Myra gave a nasty smile.


    ''May I?��Now you''re not even a maidservant, you''re a maid all-works. You are the worst maid in the world. But when you endure this ordeal, you will take your first steps as a maid.


    But, but..........


    I know how you feel. If you really want to sleep with the little boy, then you should forgo the maid training. But it''s a pity.


    Myra turned away from Leila in an acting gesture and muttered sadly.


    It''s not you, not me, but the little boy. If you had learned the basics of being a maid, the little boy would be more proud of you than he is now.


    Leila''s heart beat faster at the word "pride".


    Six months ago, Leila had tried to run away from the idea that she, a dirty half-elf, could not be proud of Crono.


    Now, Leila is proud of herself for healing Crono''s heart as a mistress, and confident that she is gaining a minimum level of academic skills, but it was all given to her by Crono.


    If Crono hadn''t taken Leila''s future into consideration back then, Leila would still be an ignorant half-elf.


    ''''........Can I be proud of Crono-sama?''''


    That''s up to you.


    No, I''ll do it!��No, let me do it!


    Excellent. I knew I was looking at you and I was right.


    Crackle, crackle and Myra clapped her hands.


    ''Then ... you may call me Instructor from now on.


    Yes, sir.


    Louder!


    Suddenly, Myra yelled in a low voice, and Leila stiffened, unable to understand the situation.


    ''Louder, my lord is out!


    Yes, instructor!


    "Speak from your stomach!


    Sir, yes, sir!


    Myra gave a nasty, thin smile.


    First I''m going to clean the vestibule and stables, then I''m going to prepare breakfast, then I''m going to wake the master and the little boy up!


    Sir, yes, sir!


    I''ll be a maid to make Lady Crono proud!��And Leila clenched her fists.


    I clenched my fists........I may have taken the wrong path, Leila immediately regretted.


    After finishing the meager meal, Leila waited for Myra in the vestibule.


    After a while, Myra appeared from the stables.


    ''I have prepared a group of ''lovers'' for you who can''t sleep with the little boy.


    Myra twisted the corners of her mouth and handed Leila a broom.


    ''Your broom is your lover when it comes to cleaning and your knife is your lover when it comes to cooking. Think of that broom and knife as your boyfriend and take good care of them. Never cheat on your lover even if it is your boy.


    Black what happens when your husband asks for it?


    ''Don''t worry. I convinced the boy last night that he would be a hindrance to your maid training.


    Nah!


    Leila glared at her, and Myra proudly puffed out her chest as if she had received a compliment.


    ''Until the day you leave the imperial capital - until the night before, to be precise - the boy will not seek you out. Are you ready?��If you''re comfortable with it, then get on with the cleaning.


    Yes, instructor.


    ''I''m not very loud, what a maid!


    Sir, yes, sir!


    Biting her lip, Leila began sweeping the ground with her broom.


    ''It''s proof that you''re not out of the world, such as trying to win favor with half a man. Sweep the ground more deftly!��It''s going to be evening!


    Sir, yes, sir!


    Shouting in desperation, Leila swung her broom quickly.


    ''Faster and more deftly!��An old lady maid over ninety can move more snappily than an old lady maid over ninety!


    It took only a few moments to understand that Myra seemed to take supreme pleasure in being looked at with hatred.


    ''Your fumbling has left me no time to make breakfast. I prepared it last night to see how this would happen, so I have time to bake some bread but I''ll go wake the little man up.


    Sir, yes, sir!


    Leila followed Myra up to the fourth floor where Crono was......................and ran up to the fourth floor where Crono was.


    It occurred to her that Crono might be someone else........Elena or Elena or Elena......in the same bed?��Anxiety passed through my mind.


    ''Please enter the room quietly and wake the little man.


    Yes, ma''am.


    Leila entered Crono''s room without a sound and let out a breath of relief.


    Crono''s room was just as bleak as the guest room, but there was no sign of his mistress number two, Elena.


    Leila walked over to the bed.


    I need you to wake up, sir.


    He shook Crono, his chest heaving more than necessary at the word "sir".


    ''Sir Instructor, it won''t happen.''


    Keep going.


    Leila reported with a gesture, and Myra answered shortly.


    ''Sir, it''s morning.''


    ...hmm?


    Crono moaned softly as he continued to rock according to Myra''s instructions.


    ''....Leila, good morning.


    Oh, good morning, I mean, sir.


    Aware of the heat in her cheeks, Leila held back the hem of her skirt in an attempt to reduce the exposed area of her thighs as much as possible.


    ''Great,''


    Thank you.


    Leila wasn''t sure what Crono really meant, but she decided to interpret it as a compliment.


    ''It''s almost time for breakfast, sir.


    All right.


    Softly, the hem of her skirt lifted up as she turned on her heel, and Leila hurriedly held it back.


    She suddenly felt a look and turned around to see Crono leaning out of bed.


    It was as if he was trying to get a peek at her underwear.


    ''Hey, what are you doing?''


    I didn''t do anything.


    Oh, really?


    Crono-sama didn''t do anything, Leila said to herself as she left Crono''s room.


    Thank you, Sir.


    Leila nodded, mindful of the hem of her skirt.


    *


    Breakfast was simple: soft bread, egg soup, and an assortment of sausages.


    Despite its simplicity, I could imagine how much time and effort it must have taken to make the soup, and the sausage was good without any unwanted flavor.


    It''s not about what''s good about it, it''s about what''s normally good about it - is that a skill?��And Elena looked at Crono and Claude, who were confronting each other in front of the stables, remembering the taste of breakfast. They both had wooden swords in their hands.


    It was a father-son confrontation made possible by Claude''s words, but Crono seemed to be blatantly uncomfortable with it.


    If only there was that much difference in size, Elena compared their physiques.


    Claude has an upper height and an incredibly muscular body that is unbelievably old at 60 years of age.


    In contrast, Crono has thin lines. Leila and Faye, although slender, have body lines that remind me of a cat or a sharp blade, but Crono simply has thin lines.


    ''''Oh come on, how long do we have to stare at each other?''''


    I''m going after them first.


    ''Oh, come on,'' said Claude, with a fierce smile.


    ''I''ll take the provocation!


    .....


    In the blink of an eye, Claude closed the gap between the two and released a thrust aimed at Crono''s throat.


    ''Heeeeeeeeeeeeeee!''


    I thought he was going to counterattack by letting me set up first, but Crono let out a pathetic scream and ducked the thrust as he rolled on the ground.


    ''You''re getting better at avoiding them, dude!


    Hee!


    Crono ducks and ducks the wooden sword that was swung down with a force that could split your brain, and tries to get behind Claude.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who thinks you can dig up my ass, huh?


    .....


    Crono bends down to let Yokonagi''s slash ... well, a wooden sword ... get away from him, and then crawls to the ground in a desperate manner.


    ''''........not cool.''''


    That''s a fine tactic, sir.


    What do you mean?


    Elena looked up at Faye, who hadn''t asked for it, but explained it to her.


    Faye was upright and immobile, as if a stick had been inserted, and the four horsemen were irresponsibly cheering as they tended their horses.


    ''Master Crono doesn''t have enough muscle, sir.


    So?


    Combined, they could crush you in an instant, or they could crush you bit by bit.


    Well, of course.


    If there''s one thing that Crono has over, it''s probably just his mobility.


    Crono tries to rely on his mobility to get behind him, but Claude swings his wooden sword to check him.


    The rest of the routine is so monotonous that it''s missing.


    Crono dodges Claude''s attacks and Claude continues to swing his wooden sword.


    ''''Crono-sama''s movements have slowed down!


    As Faye pointed out, Crono''s movements had slowed down, and the tip of the wooden sword was now snatching at his body.


    ''It''s about time you eased up!


    .....


    The moment the wooden sword was swung down, Crono jumped towards Claude.


    ''''Oh!''''


    The cavalrymen who had been irresponsibly cheering him on let out an exclamation.


    Crono masterfully scraped past Claude''s side.......no, he rolled through and got behind him.


    Now, Crono should have been able to see Claude''s unprotected back.


    But Crono stopped moving hesitantly and fouled the opportunity he had finally seized.


    The wooden sword danced high in the air.


    It was a blow that Claude scooped up.


    ''''You''ve wasted the chance you had to seize it.


    I just couldn''t imagine beating my dad.


    With an excuse, Crono cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    ''''I''m not going to die anyway, so why don''t you just attack me?


    Next time.


    Crono sat next to Elena and hung his head as if all his strength had been used up.


    ''It''s over, isn''t it?''


    ...you will keep me company, sir.


    Faye picked up the wooden sword and took a swing to check the center of gravity.


    ''''Hey man, you''re quite the wielder, aren''t you?''''


    Claude bared his teeth and smiled.


    Faye held her wooden sword at mid-level, while Claude slackened his arms and refused to hold his wooden sword up.


    ''Who''s stronger, your father or Faye?''


    They''re both an order of magnitude stronger.


    Crono chuckled as Elena put her elbow iron in, and Crono chuckled.


    ''Faye is so horny.


    Your father doesn''t have it?


    Son!��I don''t care if you''re lying to me, just support me!


    When Crono criticized him lightly and harshly, Claude shouted with a desperate look on his face.


    ''It is going!''


    Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    When Faye lightly swung the wooden sword, Claude made a strange noise and swung the wooden sword down like a madman.


    ''''Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!


    After not even holding a round, Faye was forced to defend against the battle, and as if the excitement had taken over, Claude attacked like a furious man.


    ''''Well, I hope you''ll wait!


    Kiiiiiiiiii!


    Faye withstood the stormy onslaught and smoothly scraped past Claude''s side.


    Claude swung his wooden sword to chase after her, but Faye ducked the attack with her brilliant footwork and took a large distance from her.


    ''''........What is that thing?''''


    "I thought I was going to do a quick check, and then he attacked me like crazy, and then I panicked and gave it my all.


    Oh, Faye has a tendency to overstate her abilities, don''t you think?


    And that''s why the bandits dragged me off my horse,'' Elena said, holding her temples.


    ''God, I need you to help me!��The divine robe!


    Darkness rises from Fay''s body like smoke.


    ''''How great is that thing?''''


    "Even if a stone thrown by a pitcher hits you, you''re still going to say, ''Yes, it hurts! I could get away with it.


    Heh~, Elena was honestly impressed.


    ''''Oh, you can use the Divine Majesty Technique?''''


    We''re going!


    A moment later, Faye''s figure disappeared, leaving a trail of thin ink.


    As Elena rolled her eyes in astonishment, Khan!��The sound of "I''m sorry,


    Claude raised his wooden sword as if he were carrying it and received the attack that Faye had set up from behind.


    Fay, who turned behind him in an instant, was amazing, but Claude, who received it, was even more amazing.


    When Claude swung his sword, Faye jumped back as if she had been played.


    ''''Hey, hey, you''re not respectful enough to try to hit such a naive old man from behind, are you?


    No naughty old man screams and attacks me.


    Faye turned around and told Claude, who was licking his tongue, once and for all.


    ''''There''s a difference. In that case, next time, come to the front and do your best.


    Mmm...


    ''God, I want you to bless my blade!��The Sacred Blade!��God, I need a little more help!��The divine robe!


    A viscous magma-like darkness covers the wooden sword, and the amount of darkness that rises from Fei''s body like smoke visibly increases.


    ''''It is going!''''


    I''m here.


    Claude scratched his head on the spot as if he had aimed for the moment when Faye disappeared.


    Thud!��And then there was a crash.


    "Woe is me, I am defeated with all my might!


    Faye ran at full speed, stumbling over Claude and sending him flying through the air.


    ''Uriyah!''


    What?


    Faye flicked the wooden sword Claude threw in the air.


    ''Ullah!


    The moment he landed, Claude kicked him off and Faye was slammed against the wall.


    The damage seems to be small in light of the point where the darkness is rising like smoke.


    ''''Nah, I''m not convinced!��One more round!��I would like to see another round!


    Idiot, the next time you fight, you''re gonna lose!


    Claude crossed his arms in a pompous manner and said to the crowded Faye.


    ''At the very least, I would like your advice, sir!


    ...too much reliance on talent, over.


    I''d appreciate it if you could be more specific.


    Faye grabbed Claude''s arm to stop him as he tried to get back to the mansion.


    ''You''re stupid and inexperienced, that''s all.


    I do not understand!


    Claude let out a sigh of dismay.


    You are strong. You are extremely inexperienced from my point of view, but you are one of the best in your age group. Do you understand so far?


    Kokoro Faye nodded silently.


    ''You don''t try to fight with your head because you unfortunately don''t have much experience of losing due to your talent. That''s why your attacks are easy to read, and you''ll destroy yourself on stupid provocations like just now. At this rate, you''ll easily fall into the trap, won''t you?


    ...Ug.


    Faye grunted in pain as she remembered the incident with the bandit.


    ''That''s not all. You''ve gotten serious since you''ve been outnumbered, haven''t you?��It''s proof that you''re licking your opponent. When you''re dealing with any small fry, give it your all and think properly. That way, you won''t be dumb.


    Thank you for your guidance, sir.


    With a plop, Claude punched Faye on the head.


    ''Why did you hit him, sir?


    Now that I''m feeling up to it, I''ll give you some more guidance.


    Thank you!


    Claude carried the wooden sword and said, and Faye replied happily.


    ''Isn''t it funny how you can laugh at me when you''ve been beaten?


    Dad and Faye are warriors, too.


    With that, Crono stood up.


    Sweep the floor with more finesse!


    Sir, yes, sir!


    With Myra''s attention, Leila sped up the speed of her broom.


    The two of them were sweeping near the stairs on the second floor, and Crono was in the middle of the first and second floor....................in essence, the stairway landing.


    ''''I can''t seem to see it.''''


    He looked up at Leila, who was sweeping the floor as she adjusted her angle, but her skirt was blocking Crono''s intentions with a defensive force that was unimaginable given its short length.


    ''What are you doing, you stupid son?''


    I''m trying to look up your skirt.


    You''re tired of looking at that stuff, aren''t you?


    ''It''s rare for Leila to look shy.


    His adoptive father let out a dumbfounded sigh, but his interest piqued, he sat down next to Crono and looked upstairs.


    ''Where''s Faye?''


    Three times we played three times and I won all three times. I can''t see shit.


    His foster father moved his head up and down and muttered as he spat.


    ''''Well Dad, Leila is my mistress.


    My wife died, so it''s been my wife all along.


    ''Casually and unobtrusively rogue!


    My wife used to tell me that.


    His adoptive father narrowed his eyes nostalgically and stroked his chin.


    What was he like?


    I was the knight in the Empress Astrea''s bodyguard. He was so strong. He cursed me so much whenever I saw him, I thought I''d rape him by force one day.


    You''re screwed.


    It''s not going to be a heartwarming episode, including the current situation.


    ''After the civil war was over, I finally came to my wife just as the barbarians were being chased off to the Areos Mountains and starting to settle the southern frontier.


    You don''t know what you''re talking about.


    ''I didn''t ask for details, but it sounds like Empress Astraea gave the order. The others were the same way, and I guess they meant to give us a nobleman''s daughter to turn tail on. It was a shitty story, and I was going to start one of the rebellions, but I couldn''t revolt because I had the lords,


    Crono sat on the stairs as his adopted father scratched his head on the landing.


    ''But, well, my wife made me happy. It was like a lightbulb moment in my life when all I could do was take and be taken away.


    His foster father smiled shyly.


    ''It was about five years or so that I was given the luxury of a successful pioneering career. The kid couldn''t do it, but I had enough. But I guess I didn''t think I was good enough because when I was dying, I made him say he was sorry he couldn''t give birth to your child. I''ve had plenty of regrets, but that''s the biggest regret of my life.


    His adoptive father''s tone was calm, but his eyes held a light that resembled hatred.


    What did his adoptive father hate?


    That he had been forced to work in the settlement of the southern frontier?


    The fact that I made him spin an apology on his deathbed?


    Or.....


    ''After my wife died, everything was empty, but God gave me a child. I wish he''d come a little sooner, but enough is enough.


    His foster father patted Crono''s head roughly.


    ''Are you impressed?''


    I didn''t think my dad had a sensitive heart.


    Gahahaha laughing, his adoptive father put Crono in a headlock.


    ''And Dad!��God, my neck is chattering!

 19-Episode 3 "Dancing Club" Revised Version

    *


    When the day''s training is over and the civilian soldiers have returned to their barracks, the adjutant and centurion still have work to do.


    No, to call it work is a misnomer.


    They have come to study for themselves without being ordered to do so by anyone.


    ''Why, why, Momotaro!��Wow, we just wanted to live a peaceful life!��Gwah!'''' (BUMO BUMO)


    Okay, I''ll see you next, Leo.


    As Mino read a sentence from the textbook, Theon nominated Leo.


    Leo stood up, his golden mane swaying.


    ''After slaying the demon, Momotaro looted the treasure and returned to the house where his grandfather and grandmother were waiting for him with great enthusiasm.'' (Gau Gau)


    Yes, Mr. Horus.


    Momotaro made his grandfather and grandmother happy with their plundered treasure, but he was terrified that he would be killed like an ogre until he died. ''Congratulations!''


    It''s time to call it a day.


    When Theon announced the end of the class, the deputy and the eight centurions plopped down on their desks as if they had run out of steam.


    Some of them pressed their wet noses against the textbook, but Theon was not angry.


    This was because these textbooks were easy to fix.


    Since the book is simply a piece of paper that is threaded together, it is easy to pull out the dirty pages, and those parts can be duplicated and quickly replaced by a technique called printmaking.


    When Theon learned of the existence of prints, he was speechless with surprise, but apparently the method was common in Crono''s hometown.


    ''''Ugh, I''m tired.''''


    "It''s just a little unbearable to study when you''re done with training.


    "Consent.


    Rizad agrees emotionlessly to the deputy''s mutterings.


    ''So, but we have to do this much, or we won''t be able to catch up with Leila!


    ''Yes!��I''ve got to learn multiplication fast!


    Deneb and Alideed stood up and inspired their second in command and the other centurion.


    Apparently, the two of them felt that Leila''s growth was in danger.


    ''''But what good is studying going to do?'''' (GAWKING)


    "We''ll never become battalion chiefs, no matter how hard we try." (Bumo Bumo)


    The old man at the Pics Trading Company said he''d hire me if I learned my lesson.


    We could open a private school and make a lot of money.


    To a somewhat skeptical Leo and Horus, the twin elves replied with their small breasts.


    ''''I like children, so I''ll open a private school.'''' (Gauha)


    Guffaw, my enemies in business!


    White and Hiilo said, and the twin elves plopped down on the desk.


    After a moment, the twins simultaneously raised themselves up and


    Well, useful or not, that is.


    Ever since Master Crono came, we''ve been different.


    I muttered sullenly.


    ''''Wrong..........'''' (Bumo)


    ''If, as a matter of fact, if Crono-sama gets ahead of himself, will he do this Sekaijin Kensengen thing?


    "That''s a tough one.


    I know. I know that was just a story to keep Leila around but maybe she''ll change things up a bit.


    At those words, the nine sub-humans fell silent as if thinking.


    *


    The core of the palace, the Old City Hall, is basically a simple brick building with hewn stone window frames.


    The new pavilion, built on the east and west sides of the old one, has a mirror-like appearance, which clearly shows the nature of the palace.


    Symmetry.


    Everything in the Ardemiran Palace was built symmetrically around the Old Town Hall.


    Everything is symmetrical, from the cobbled forecourt to the palace gates and the stables halfway between the gates and the Old Town Hall.


    This is due to the fact that at the time the Aldemiran Palace was being rebuilt, King Ramal V granted knighthoods to mercenaries under the shogunate.


    From the point of view of the old aristocracy, which prided itself on tradition and prestige, the new aristocracy was nothing more than a crude upstart, and from the point of view of the new aristocracy, the old aristocracy was nothing more than an incompetent one whose only advantage was bloodline.


    In other words, the Aldemiran Palace became a symmetric structure, with the old aristocracy gathered in the east wing and the new aristocracy in the west wing for the reason that if the old and new aristocrats who despise each other faced each other, there would be bloodshed.


    The boxcarriage carrying Crono and the others stopped in front of the entrance to the old castle building.


    ''''Crono-sama, we have arrived!''''


    Thank you, Faye.


    Faye opened the carriage door and Crono slowly walked out.


    In order to participate in the ball, Crono is wearing a black-based military courtesy uniform, and Faye is wearing a white-based military courtesy uniform.


    By the way, the four cavalrymen are wearing clothes designed to resemble a military uniform.


    ''''The moon is beautiful, isn''t it?''''


    There is always that.


    Crono looked up at the moon floating near the zenith and said, and Faye stated flatly.


    ''No, it''s fine,''


    ?


    When I shifted my gaze from Faye, who tilted her head curiously, to the carriage, I saw my adopted father, dressed in an outfit that resembled a military dress, and Myra, dressed in a black dress, about to disembark.


    Myra is wearing a bustier with shoulder straps and a fluttering skirt that looks like an evening dress.


    ''Really, I feel like my old self again for the first time in a long time.


    Elena came down next, wearing a one-piece dress.


    The dress was decorated with ruffles in various places and the skirt part was spread by the skeleton.


    ''''Da, sir ... isn''t that strange?''''


    The last one to come down was Leila in a dress.


    The dress is of a similar design to Myra''s, but without the shoulder straps and the fabric is white in color.


    Layla is trying to cover her chest area with her hands in embarrassment.


    You can find a lot of people who have a lot of experience in this field.


    If we get into trouble, I''m sure Dad will take care of it.


    It''s very much altruistic, but in times like these, Claude Crawford is strong.


    Well ... well ...


    Crono hugged Leila''s shoulders and walked away with Elena in his arms.


    A soldier in a white military uniform, the sign of a knight of the Kingsguard, stood guarding the door of the old castle hall.


    As Crono and Layla approached the door, the two soldiers nodded at each other silently.


    Wait, this is the lowly half-el........


    As the two soldiers crossed their spears and blocked their path, the foster father grabbed them by their heads and slammed them against the door.


    As soon as the door opened, the adoptive father threw the two soldiers away.


    The two soldiers rolled on the floor and immediately stood up and held their spears.


    ''''Ki, you!''''


    ''You rude man!��You''ve been up to no good knowing that this is Ramal V''s castle house!


    f*ck you!��Don''t talk to me about the people who catch my son''s mistress and call her despicable, rude, violent or otherwise!


    The two soldiers bit their teeth in frustration as their adoptive father blackmailed them.


    The noblemen who were chatting in the hall of the castle pavilion stopped their conversation and glared at their adopted father in disgust.


    But his adopted father smiled ferociously, as if to say that even such a situation was fun.


    ''''Will you wait, Baron Crawford?''''


    Huh?


    A large man dressed in a white military uniform interrupted him, perhaps hearing the commotion.


    His adopted father was also on the tall side, but the man had a physique comparable to that of a large subhuman.


    He was probably about fifty in age.


    His short, cropped hair was a graying brown, his chest plate was as thick as an armored plate, and his arms were thick enough to be able to strangle an ox.


    He has countless scars on his face, but his eyes are round, and the way he scratches his head as if he is weak is strangely charming.


    ''''Oh, isn''t that Elnath?''''


    You''ll always be Lord Claude, won''t you?


    ''''I apologize for my subordinate''s rudeness. As for our........young lady, I''ll notify my men to treat her as a guest, so you can put away your anger as a way to make me look good.


    All right. But if you keep doing the same thing over and over you know what I mean?


    We''re not giving up. You two, back to your posts!


    Perhaps thinking that they couldn''t crush Count Ernat''s face, the two soldiers'' faces returned to their original positions, mending their expressionless faces.


    ''''Lord Claude, is that you?''''


    Yeah, you''re my son.


    Pleasure to meet you, Count Hernat.


    Separating from Leila and Elena, Crono saluted Count Ernat.


    The standard salute in the Cepheus Imperial Army was to hold his left chest with his right fist, and it was customary for the lower-ranking person to salute first.


    ''I am painfully aware of your concern, Lord Crono.


    If you''re in a position to make a decision on whether or not to buy or sell something, you can be sure that you''ll get the best deal.


    The reason why Crono, who has been in the military for less than three years even including his military school days, and Count Ernat, who is a fierce warrior, are of equal rank is due to the military arrangement.


    The Cepheus Imperial Army assigns battalions to bases as the smallest unit of organization.


    Although there is a standardized ratio of troops and types of troops, there are many places like the battalion in Crono''s custody where there are more than a thousand troops but only twenty cavalrymen, which is a biased organization.


    In wartime, depending on the situation, battalions would be summoned from all over the country, or they would be cut out of the ranks to form a legion with more than 10,000 troops, and the head of the army, the imperial commander, would appoint a legion leader, who would then be appointed by His Majesty the Emperor.


    In other words, the highest rank in the Imperial Army was the battalion commander.


    ''''I''ve heard of Lord Crono''s military service. To be honest, I didn''t like being appointed as a lord and commander of a battalion, but when you are Lord Claude''s son, it makes sense.


    I owe much honor to my men. I wouldn''t be alive today if it weren''t for my men who risked their lives for me.


    Count Ernat turned to his adoptive father and gave him a wild smile.

 20-Modified version of Episode 4 "Kousou"

    *


    Palatium Manor was built to occupy a part of the First District where a nobleman''s private residence stands.


    Considering the history that other nobles built their private residences on the place where Palatium Manor used to stand, ''it looks like it''s occupied'' would be appropriate.


    It was once a castle with an artificial moat and solid walls, but now Palatium House is a natural stone castle house with high walls and round towers on all sides.


    Extensive gardens and stables are not unusual in this area, but a mansion with a stone statue in the front yard is quite unusual.


    The statue of a knight holding up a sword is based on the founder of the Palatium family.


    It is said that he was a user of the same divine power art as Leonhardt, and that he used the divine power art''s deepest secrets, "Divine Power Summoning", to protect the emperor on a certain battlefield and turned into light.


    ''''Healing'''', ''''Detoxification'''', ''''Activation'''', ''''Celebration Holy Blade'''', ''''Divine Clothing'''', ''''Light Shield'''', ''''Divine Weapon Summoning'''', ''''Light Wall''''......Even Leonhardt, who can use multiple Divine Weapon arts, cannot predict how he can reach the ''''Divine Weapon Summoning''''.


    ''''........A little too drunk?''''


    Master Leonhardt!


    As Leonhardt walked through the vestibule, enjoying the feeling of intoxication, someone called his name in an accented tone.


    The person ran up to him with his skirt tucked up and stared at Leonhardt with an expression that only he thought was powerful.


    ''You''ve been waiting for me, Leela?''


    Everybody was up and waiting. You should''ve waited for me and Grandpa by now, you know.


    Leonhard patted his head and Leela stuck out her lower lip in frustration.


    ''''Don''t ... treat me like a child. Even though it looks like this, I''m a year older than Leonhardt-sama.


    Yeah, I''m sorry about that.


    Leonhardt cowered his shoulders and looked at Leela.


    Leela was not an ugly woman (shiko), but she had a significantly inferior appearance compared to the noblewoman who had attended the ball.


    She is missing half of her double teeth, which makes her look dull when she smiles with her mouth open, and her suitably coiffed brown hair makes her look needy.


    He can do the job reasonably well, but his harsh accent and lack of education make him unsuitable for customer service.


    As she claimed herself, she is twenty-three years older than Leonhardt, but considering her origins as a poor farmer''s daughter who was taken in as a servant, she is not allowed to have an opinion of Leonhardt.


    However, Leonhardt allowed his servants to speak freely only in private.


    Leonhardt would like to hear words that are pleasant to the ears, but in many cases, valuable information is as bitter as a strange medicine.


    So, if he kept his ears accustomed to the words of his servants in this way, it would not be difficult to listen to the proverbs of his men.


    ''Did you enjoy the ball?''


    I can only remember drinking barley wine (beer).


    Leonhardt tried to remember the ball, but all he could remember was that they had shared a drink.


    ''Ora, I hate the smell of alcohol,''


    So let''s walk away.


    As Leonhardt walked off at a faster pace, Leela stuck out her lower lip in frustration and took a physical hit.


    Leonhardt stopped and took the body hit and proceeded through the vestibule, ignoring Leela, who looked up at him with resentment.


    No matter how drunk he was, Leonhardt didn''t have a soft workout that would make him stagger under Leela''s body hit.


    ''''... sweet.''''


    Master Leonhardt is the bane of my existence.


    Leela''s lips twitched sulkily and she gripped the sleeve of the military dress Leonhard was wearing.


    ''You don''t like the smell of alcohol, do you?''


    That''s why I''m staying away.


    ''I don''t understand this creature called woman,'' said Leonhard as he started walking again, dragging Leela along.


    ''''Well I''ll sleep with you, but don''t ask for it today.


    You never asked for it from me, though?


    That''s a bad idea.


    Leela wrinkled her nose in displeasure as she pointed out the fact.


    One day, Leonhard chuckled, I''d like to have a drink with Leela, too.


    Ugh, my mouth smells like steel.


    Crono sat down on the ground with a frown on his face at the iron odor spreading in his mouth after a battle with his adopted father.


    They say you can''t put a door in a man''s mouth, but the rumors seemed to have spread from Leila to Myra, and from Myra to her adopted father.


    My adopted father didn''t seem to mind at all, but don''t think he''d be able to hoist my ass the moment Crono came around behind me in his swordplay training!��And then he drove his iron fist into Crono''s cheek.


    ''If you cut your mouth, I''ll heal it.


    ''Well I think it''s partly Rio''s fault that my dad beat me up.


    That''s an accusation. It was Crono who tried to rape me and I didn''t like it.


    Rio snuggled up to Crono and said with his cheeks shyly dyed in vermilion.


    By the way, what Rio was wearing was not a dress, but Crono''s normal clothes.


    ''''Your men are making good moves, aren''t they?


    Rio muttered in admiration as he watched his adopted father and Faye fight.


    When Crono looked at him, Fay was in the middle of dodging his foster father''s attack.


    This time, Faye didn''t use the Divine Majesty Technique, but used pure sword skills and body techniques to oppose her adoptive father.


    Fei ducked the attacks and tried to get into his adoptive father''s bosom.


    However, as soon as his adoptive father sensed that Faye was about to sneak into his bosom, he lightly swung his wooden sword to check her.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you''re doing.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with your own body.


    ''''Normally I''d go in for a shove.


    I think it''s time to go on the offensive, don''t you?


    When Fay tried to dive into his pocket, his foster father lightly swung his wooden sword to check him.


    But Faye lowered her posture even lower and increased her speed.


    It''s a speed that can only be described as hazy.


    ''''We''ll do it.''''


    Though short, Rio''s words said it all.


    Faye had convinced his foster father that he wouldn''t use the divine power technique, and he scratched the back of his mind.


    Fay, who let the darkness rise like smoke, came around behind his foster father and released a thrust.


    But Faye''s thrusts cut through the air.


    The foster father twisted his body and ducked the attack.


    The next moment when Fei had a regretful expression on his face, his foster father struck Fei''s forehead with the hilt of his wooden sword.


    ''''........Muhaha!


    ''You''ve got your head in the sand there, haven''t you?��It''s not bad that you tried to get in my pocket like an idiot and patterned your attack on me. Well, if I didn''t know you could use the divine power technique, I would have fallen for it.


    His foster father grabbed Faye''s head and shook it from side to side with a gulp.


    He probably meant to stroke it.


    ''''Then next time you''ll have to deal with him.


    Why me?


    Rio took the wooden sword his foster father had thrown and tilted his head in wonder.


    ''You''ll have to work for using my house as an inn.


    I''m not much of a sword person.


    Rio cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner and confronted Faye in a cumbersome manner.


    ''''It''s nice to meet you, sir!


    Take it easy on me.


    Faye, full of motivation, held the wooden sword at the middle level, but Rio, who seemed unwilling to do so, sloppily kept the cutting edge of the wooden sword pointed at the ground.


    As a matter of course, it was Fay who set it up first.


    Faye closes the gap at once and releases a thrust.


    Although I don''t feel motivated, Rio''s bodywork has reached a first-class, or even higher, level.


    The wooden sword that Rio swung down slowly approached Fay''s shoulder mouth, and Khan!��It was received with the sound of


    "If it''s too much, it''s useless.


    I didn''t mean to go easy on you, but...


    Faye and Rio smiled fiercely as they were locked in a battle of wits.


    The stalemate did not last long.


    Faye pushed Rio away from him with force.


    No, I should say that Rio jumped back to meet Fay.


    After taking a distance of about five meters, Rio softly landed on the ground.


    Particles emitting green light rise up from Rio''s body.


    ''''It''s a divine art ''divine robes''.


    Fluffily, Rio''s body dances up and down to the ground like a feather.


    Apparently, it seems that even with the same divine power technique ''divine robes'', the effect is different for ''Goddess who is jet black and controls chaos'' and ''God who is green and controls flux''.


    ''''........Visually defeated.''''


    No, no, that''s not true, sir!��Please, God, I beg you!��The divine robe!


    When Crono rushed in, Fay used the divine power technique ''divine robes'' to counter it.


    Against Fay, whose darkness rises like smoke, Rio looks like a firefly flying around.


    Unfortunately, visually, Faye is completely defeated.


    ''''Then I''m going to cum?''''


    Rio''s figure disappears with the declaration.


    The wind whips up sand and pebbles.


    Rio flew through the ground thresholds and easily got behind Fay and raised his wooden sword.


    Fay ducked the blow that Crono would never be able to avoid with a lightly warped upper body, and swung her foot down like she was stepping on a bug.


    ''''Hahaha!��You''re going to dodge on the first try and even fight back?


    .....


    As Rio lightly jabs his hand to the ground and jumps up, Faye rushes forward, trying not to let him get too far away.


    But Fay''s attacks only cut through the air.


    This is because Faye is limited in the attacks she can deliver against the freely flying Rio in the air.


    Basically, swordsmanship isn''t made to fight an enemy that flies through the air freely.


    Well, that''s what they usually think, and that''s what they would think.


    ''If the sword can''t reach me!


    Oh, my God, you''re not going to...


    Rio exclaims.


    Because Faye ran up the wall of Crawford Manor.


    ''We will only let you reach it!


    That''s why you''re a simpleton!


    Running up to the vicinity of the second floor of the Crawford mansion, Faye leaps towards Rio.


    ''But alas!''


    Rio takes refuge in a place where the wooden sword cannot reach him without touching the ground.


    ''Bless the blade, ''Celebrate the Holy Blade!��It will grow!


    The overflowing darkness covered the wooden sword and further formed a blade of darkness that could be four times the size of the wooden sword.


    ''''Tsk!''''


    Ha!


    Faye slammed the dark blade into Rio.


    Completely caught off guard, Rio was slammed to the ground, and yet, unable to kill the momentum, he rolled on the ground.


    ''''It is a victory!


    Perhaps it was because he had been losing a lot lately, but Faye proudly threw out her chest.


    ''''Faye, Zanshin!''''


    You mustn''t let your guard down!


    Like Rio, Fei, who was completely caught off guard, hurriedly held the wooden sword at Crono''s words. Well, her mouth is loose, so it seems like she hasn''t been able to make a residual heart.


    ''''........You do it, don''t you?''''


    Rio stood up waveringly and wiped the sluggishly flowing nosebleeds roughly with his sleeve.


    ''It''s worse to be careless, sir.


    Well, it''s better to be safe than sorry.


    Rio throws down his wooden sword, pointing his left arm at the fey as if he were holding a bow, and moving his right arm as if he were squeezing a string.


    In the next moment, a green light blows out of Rio''s left hand like a blazing fire, forming a bow, a string, and an arrow.


    ''''Don''t.......die!


    We can''t have a murder at Crawford Manor.


    Rio smiled madly and Myra whispered in a cold voice.


    Myra stood behind Rio and held a kitchen knife to her throat.


    ''''........Silent Assassination Technique (Silent Killing)!


    ''It sounds nostalgic, but I am now a maid of the Crawford family. Of course, if you insist on dying, Master Rio, I will kill you without a sound, as my two namesake suggests?


    No, I won''t.


    Rio turned off his arrows and bow and cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    ''Then again, I didn''t sense any sign of you at all.


    Hence the Silent Killing.


    He noticed it, though.


    When I looked towards where Rio was looking, I saw Leila, clutching her broom, glaring at me.


    ''''........Is she the heiress?''''


    Yes, the heir to my maid''s path.


    Myra puffed out her chest proudly.


    *


    Four days after the ball ended........after the ball''s aftermath and the greeting rounds to the powerful nobles staying in the imperial capital were completed, Fana finally returned to her night work.


    Well, the point is to be embraced by Ramal V as his mistress.


    I''d like to refuse for a good reason, Fana said as she walked down the corridor leading to Ramal V''s bedroom, relieving the stiffness in her shoulders.


    Several times, she rubbed against the Kingsguard knight in charge of the castle''s security, but the responses were roughly divided into three categories: a cogent salute, a contemptuous look, or a flirtatious glance.


    ''Hello, Lord Furna.''


    Count Chiron, are you in charge of security today?


    When she turned around, Count Rio Chiron approached her with a fresh smile on his face.


    Waiting for Count Chiron to catch up with her, Fana began to walk down the corridor.


    ''''Leonhard-dono''s First Knights and Count Ernat''s Second Knights have gone back to guarding the territory under direct control. Only my Ninth Order and Count Piske''s Twelfth Order are present now.''''


    The Earl of Chiron''s discomfort as he ruffled his hair, revealing a dark bruise.


    ''You''re hurt!


    ''I''m embarrassed to say, but I got caught off guard in a swordfight.


    He was too good a user to let you get hurt.


    ''Crono''s man... or was it Faye, I think he was called Faye?


    Faye?��''That sounds like a name I''ve heard somewhere, Faye, Faye...'' Fana fished through her memory as she walked and finally remembered it.


    ''Could it be, Faye Murifine?''


    Unfortunately, I don''t remember the family name. Do you know him?


    ''''Yes, her mother worked at the court. She was very proud of her daughter and she died just as her daughter graduated from military school and was assigned to the Twelfth Order.


    It must be said that a female officer''s salary is cheap compared to a knight of the Kingsguard.


    The amount of money is enough for a mother and daughter to live modestly, but if you want them to acquire the education and martial arts necessary to become a knight, a female officer''s salary is not enough, and to become a knight of the Kingsguard, you need more connections than your ability.


    It must have required a life-span-shortening hardship to produce knights from the half-fallen Murifine family.


    ''''........Hey, how does your place choose its members?''''


    My place is basically a connection. Oh, but if I see someone at a military school exercise that looks interesting, I''ll give them a call.��Lord Leonhardt and Count Ernat are serious choices. Well, Count Ernat sometimes pulls from other places, though. As for Count Piske I don''t know because we don''t get along very well, but I haven''t heard any good things about him.


    ''Yes,'' said Fana, letting out a sigh.


    ''You don''t need to let out a sigh, but I''ll try to make a serious choice from now on. It was pretty quirky, but Faye was an interesting person to work with.


    Just as the bedroom door came into view, there was a sound like something falling over.


    ''Lord Ferna is here!


    Turning into a knight''s face, Count Chiron kicked down the bedroom door and stepped into the room.


    ''''........Your Majesty!''''


    At Count Chiron''s shout, Fana broke her command and stepped into the bedroom to find the young mistress stunned on the bed and Ramal V collapsing on the floor, completely naked.


    Judging from the fact that the young servant''s clothes are torn and her cheeks are swollen, it''s reasonable to assume that Ramal V attacked her completely naked and was pushed away.


    The problem was........Ramal V only looked dead.


    ''''O ''Green and God of Flowing!��A miracle of healing and revitalization!


    As the green light enveloped his body, Ramal V resumed his breathing like the sound of a whistle.


    ''What about His Majesty?''


    ''''I''m sorry, but you''re just forcing me to stay alive with the Divine Majesty Technique and there''s nothing I can do about it.


    Count Chiron muttered, his face contorted in pain, probably due to the side effects of the divine power art.


    Ramal V looked at Fana with unfocused eyes and slowly reached out his hand.


    Fana squeezed Ramal V''s hand back.


    Ramal V spun out the words at length


    "Yo is capable, therefore he has turned his back on his father, and he has cursed his father because of his goodness. But he did not despise his father, and he did not despise a foe.


    Ramal V let his gaze wander into the void.


    Ramal V exhaled quietly.


    ''.........Who is the one who is making good use of yo?


    In Rio Chiron.


    It''s all right. It was a big deal. I''m tired of being tired. Let me sleep on it.


    "As you wish.


    Slowly, Ramal V''s body relaxed.


    ''''I''ll leave the rest to you, Aruku.


    Ramal V closed his eyes as if he were asleep and whispered in a voiceless voice at the end.


    Phew, I''m sorry.


    Those were Ramal V''s ... last words.

 21-Episode 5 "Jinduo" Revised Version

    *


    Two days after Ramal V''s death, according to his will, the funeral was held quietly in the old castle hall of the Aldemiran Palace.


    Considering his achievements in settling the civil war of thirty years ago and rebuilding a tumbling empire, it was not surprising that the whole country was invited to a grand funeral, but the king''s wish to die quietly was honoured.


    Lamar V''s body was enshrined in the Aldemiran Palace''s old castle hall in the Great Hall.


    The ceremony in the form of the Pure White Temple was completed without a hitch, and after the nobles in attendance had laid flowers, it was time for the funeral and burial.


    Of course, most of the nobles would not learn of Lamar V''s death until after he was buried.


    Lamar V died that night, four days after the ball.


    Many of the noblemen who are now managing their estates are on their way back to their estates, riding fast, but it will take them six days to return.


    Therefore, the only nobles who attended the funeral were either court nobles or nobles who were staying in the imperial capital for some reason.


    It''s a typical way to die. At least, I wanted him to die after giving the territory to his son Alfort, but I failed to say it because his last words were an apology, Fana looked at Ramal V, who was sleeping in a custom-made coffin.


    Ramal V''s face in death was so calm that it was hard to believe that he had been continuously frightened by the visions of his brother.


    I think he had compassion in his own way, and considering his position as a public concubine, he should at least pretend to cry, but I couldn''t feel that way.


    I''ll let bygones be bygones, and I''ll refrain from speaking bitterly about the hardships I''m about to go through, Fana said as she turned on her heel.


    Suddenly, her vision shaded and she realized that the muscular chest plate was right in front of her.


    ''Whoa, that''s a close one,''


    Just before the collision, the big man grabbed Fana''s shoulders with his knotted hands.


    He was in his mid-fifties, maybe not quite reaching sixty at most.


    ''I''m sorry,''


    Oh, never mind.


    The big man looked into the coffin and his eyes widened in surprise.


    ''You''ve put on a lot of weight!


    .....


    The aristocrats who had come to pay their respects widened their eyes at the big man''s irreverent or even outrageous statement.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has gained that much weight, or else you would have died prematurely. Oh, the wretchedness. I thought it was shameful when he almost shat himself and asked me to join his side, and I also thought it was shameful when I failed to stop my brother''s execution.


    He said as he wound up, and the big man turned his back to the coffin and walked away.


    When I felt uncomfortable and left the hall, Prime Minister Arkol was about to call out to the big man.


    Prime Minister Arkol is a small old man who will be 70 years old this year.


    Although his back is not crooked, his hair is so thin that it could be described as bald, and the remaining hair is pure white as if it were a testament to his years of hard work.


    He may not be making up for the thinning of his head of hair, but he has a full beard.


    Prime Minister Alcor is also one of those who rose to prominence during the upheaval of thirty years ago.


    Originally, he was only a petty bureaucrat, but when he was seconded to the army, he was highly praised for his work, and within ten years of the end of the civil war he had risen to the position of Prime Minister.


    His greatest achievements were the establishment of administrative structures that until then had not been clearly demarcated: the Military Affairs Bureau, which was in charge of military affairs; the Finance Bureau, which was in charge of the administration and finances of the areas under its jurisdiction; the Shohusho Bureau, which drafted and issued laws; and the Imperial Household Bureau, which was in charge of the life of the royal family. ...and clarifying the authority and responsibility of each bureau.


    It could be rephrased as greatly limiting the private use of power and allowing for a quick response when trouble arises.


    In other words, it was Vizier Alcor who built the current empire.


    Well, in the sense that he left everything to his capable subordinates, it might be a credit to Ramal V.


    ''''Well you''re a bald man.


    You haven''t changed, have you, Master Claude?


    The big man-perhaps he was the last person Ramal V called in his last days.


    Should I tell him what his majesty said?


    When he was distressed, Claude beckoned to Ferna.


    What is it?


    You''re on your own.��Just in case you don''t want to hit on me, please don''t try to hit on me. I''m still manipulating my dead wife for this.


    Fana laughed as Claude smiled a smile that was not worthy of the Slaughterer''s (Slaughterer''s) two names.


    ''I''m sorry, but the reason I was looking at you was because I was wondering if I should tell you the last words of His Majesty.


    That''s the guy you''re apologizing to, isn''t it?


    "''I''m sorry. I''ve been giving you a hard time'' are my last words.


    ''Right,'' said Claude, scratching his head awkwardly.


    ''Lord Claude,''


    A little sentimentality wouldn''t hurt, would it?


    I''m sorry.


    When Vizier Alcor apologized, Claude cowered his shoulders in a theatrical gesture.


    ''''As for ... the time to sell the wheat,''''


    Leave that to Myra...


    To keep the price from going down...


    Well it would raise the price, wouldn''t it?


    While listening to their conversation, Fana felt as if she had learned an unknown side of Vizier Arkol.


    Apparently, Prime Minister Alcor could adjust the timing and quantity of the crops harvested on the southern frontier to sell by giving Claude his opinion.


    ''''Well the young lady over here is listening to me, is it okay?


    I''ll be fine.


    Prime Minister Alcor stroked his beard and smiled like a good-natured old man.


    ''''On a different matter.......Ramal is dead, but is it safe for us and our late son''s estate?��You don''t do graft, do you?


    ''''It was Princess Tilia''s decision to grant the Marquess of Erakis the Marquess of Erakis, but His Majesty approves of it as well. If we were to seize it, it would bring displeasure not only from the new nobles, but also from the old ones.


    Well, I''d rather set fire to the granary than have it confiscated.


    If you do that, the price of wheat is going to skyrocket.


    As Claude smiled with the ferocity of a predator, Vizier Arcol smiled like a snake ... if snakes could smile, they would smile like this ...


    ''''That''s a situation I''d rather not have.


    Of course, I won''t let them seize my lands, no matter who is crowned emperor.


    They smiled more and resumed their negotiations.


    *


    However, the two of them were not the only ones who had been summoned, but also the heads of the various bureaus, the imperial army chief, the treasurer, the shogun''s chief, and the palace chief.


    For some reason, Count Chiron of the Ninth Kingsguard Order and Count Piske of the Twelfth Kingsguard Order were also called out.


    ''''........Mother, am I going to be killed?''''


    You think too much.


    That''s very likely, Fana smiled to reassure Alfort as she felt it was very likely.


    Her son, Alfort, fifteen years old, has the average features of a nobleman, blond hair, blue eyes, and a slightly out of place look.


    He has a reasonable level of academics and swordsmanship, but he doesn''t have a fighting spirit or a sense of supremacy, and he easily believes what people say.


    Just as Fana lets out a sigh, Princess Tilia and Vizier Alcor, dressed in a black dress, enter the round table room.


    Princess Tilia sat down on a chair with an emaciated look and stared at Fana and Alfort with an abhorrent look.


    Fana turned away from her gaze appropriately, but Alfort was sitting there pale and trembling on his knees, despite the fact that he was sitting there, squirming.


    ''''Thank you. The reason I asked you to gather here today is to decide on a future course of action.''''


    Princess Tyria looked over at the faces in the round table room and let out a sigh.


    ''''As is customary, I see no objection to my becoming the next emperor. Of course, I have no intention of disrespecting the current empire that my father, King Ramal V, has built.


    ''So it''s the status quo for the time being,'' Fana listened to Princess Tilia''s words without any emotion.


    ''''But as you can see from the Marquis of Erakis'' case, we can''t ignore the fact that there has been embezzlement of military funds at the field level.


    Do you intend to purge the order and put your own retainer in office?��And Fana looked at Princess Tilia.


    ''''....Princess Tilia, if that''s alright?''''


    What?


    As Princess Tilia glared at him sullenly, Vizier Alcor slowly stood up.


    ''''As a matter of fact I have been entrusted with a will from His Majesty who has passed away.


    ....


    Vizier Alcor took out an imported piece of paper from his pocket and held it out to Princess Tilia.


    ''''.........''''


    ''His Majesty''s will states that the country is to be given to Lord Alfort.


    Vizier Alcor told her, ignoring the Princess Tilia, whose eyes widened in surprise.


    ''You really did write something about handing over the country to your dead brother,'' said Fana in dismay, but she decided to watch the situation unfold.


    ''''These are indeed ... my father''s letters.


    When Tilia admitted it, everyone except Fana and Vizier Alcor turned their gaze to Alfort.


    Although, Alfort was just about to pat his chest when he realized that he wouldn''t have to be killed.


    ''''What are you going to do?''''


    "As far as I''m concerned, I ask that you abide by the will.


    You''re kidding me.


    Shouting, Princess Tyria slammed the will on the desk.


    ''Then I suppose you intend to revolt like the late Lord Alfort now?


    ...it''s


    At Vizier Alcor''s words, Princess Tilia clammed up.


    If Princess Tilia objects, not a few of the nobles will respond.


    However, it would be difficult to say whether even the soldiers would respond.


    Even if the lord is the commander, the soldiers are the regular soldiers of the empire.


    The order''s priority is on the Imperial Commander and he won''t obey Princess Tyria unless she shows great interest.


    ''''Do you understand?��Count Chiron, Count Piske take Princess Tyria to the main tower.


    When Count Chiron and Count Piske looked at each other in confusion, the Imperial Warlord remained silent for a moment and nodded quietly.


    ''''I hope you don''t feel bad.''''


    It''s an order.


    Count Chiron and Count Piske stood up and closed the distance between them and Princess Tilia.


    ''''So........if it is, it can''t be helped.


    Princess Tilia let out a sigh and leapt towards Count Piske.


    Closing the distance in one fell swoop, Princess Tilia slammed her elbow into Count Piske''s nostrils and snatched his sword away.


    He also saw Count Piske with a magnificent side kick and blasted him to the wall.


    Princess Tilia made sure that Count Piske, who had been slammed into the wall, didn''t move and confronted Count Chiron.


    ''''That''s not what an imperial princess would do, is it?''''


    You guys.


    Princess Tyria, you dream too much of a knight. We''re only loyal to the Empire, not to you.


    Count Chiron cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner and drew his sword.


    ''I see.''


    Yes.


    A white light rises from Princess Tilia''s body, and Count Chiron also rises a green light in response.


    As I thought, it was Princess Tilia who moved first.


    Princess Tilia closed the distance in one fell swoop and released a thrust, but Count Chiron ducked it with a cool smile.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s been in this situation.


    A high-pitched sound could be heard, and sparks were flying.


    Princess Tilia swept away the sword that Count Chiron had swung at her with her sword.


    ''''Hmph, what are you going to do if you take the back of an opponent who can''t move?''''


    I thought I''d give you a gift... a deadly scar.


    Count Chiron''s figure disappears and a green trail runs around Princess Tyria.


    From flat to three-dimensional, the green light forms a cage that confines Princess Tyria.


    ''You can''t follow my form anymore, can you?


    Do you want to try it?


    Suddenly, the green cage disappeared and Princess Tyria flipped around to dance and swing her sword.


    A high-pitched sound of iron and steel clashing sounded, and Count Chiron''s sword slammed against the wall.


    ''''Yes, only the sword.


    ''''Up?!''''


    ''Correct!��But it''s too late!


    Princess Tilia looked up at the ceiling and saw Count Chiron, kneeling on the ceiling and holding a green bow.


    ''''God!''''


    As soon as Princess Tilia raised her shield of light, Count Chiron released an arrow.


    Pish, pish, pish, a fine crack runs across the floor under Princess Tilia''s feet.


    For five seconds, maybe ten seconds, Princess Tilia withstands Count Chiron''s attack.


    .....


    He fell voicelessly to the floor on his back.


    ''I''m a tricky man,''


    Is that a slur for me?


    As Count Chiron landed on the floor, Count Piske muttered sullenly and wiped his blood-stained lips roughly with the back of his hand.


    ''''If it weren''t for me and Princess Tyria,''''


    You should just say it''s a calculation, not an excuse.


    Not amused by the fact that he seemed to have taken the credit for Count Chiron''s work, Count Piske looked mortified.


    ''''.........My, it''s not fair to take me by surprise.


    Princess Tilia looked up at Count Piske and muttered abominably.


    It is.


    ''''It''s the one who loses that''s to blame. Come to think of it, didn''t Princess Tilia lose to Crono in the military school exercise?��Was that not fair too?


    G.........


    Gritting her teeth, Princess Tyria tries to raise her body.


    There was no way she could move, but Princess Tilia was also a user of the Divine Majesty Technique.


    Just as Count Chiron brought Ramal V back from the brink of death, she must know how to move her body when it should be motionless.


    ''No, don''t move,''


    .....


    Count Chiron smiled maniacally and kicked Princess Tilia''s dove-tail, kicked her up and stomped on her head.


    ''''Ah, I had something to say to Princess Tilia. As a matter of fact I''ve been asked to be Crono''s mistress.


    Everyone present widened their eyes in surprise at Count Chiron''s statement.


    ''''Crono you''re the son of Baron Crawford, son of Baron Crawford and lord of the Marquis of Erakis.


    Yeah, he looks great.


    When Vizier Alcor asked him fearfully, the Earl of Chiron clasped his body in his hands and said in the tone of a maiden in love: ''You know, I''ve almost reached it many times just by kissing you.


    ''I''ve almost reached you many times just by kissing you.


    Yeah, what''s it to you?


    Slightly as Princess Tyria raised herself up, Count Chiron forced her legs to kiss the floor again.


    ''That''s right, it was heartbreaking when I was about to be raped by force. But that was only the first time. I asked him to take it one step at a time and he agreed.


    No.....


    Count Chiron smiled a victorious smile.


    ''''Huh~?��Princess Tyria, you can see the damage you''ve done?��Hahaha!


    Hooray!��And Princess Tilia stood up at once and stared at Count Chiron with moist eyes.


    There was no sorrow of the princess who was being robbed of her country, only the passion of a woman who had been cuckolded by a man.


    ''''.........Crono, such a thing.''''


    ''Hmmm, Princess Tilia doesn''t understand him, does she?��To him, I am the same as me, half-elf, sub-human, slave, commoner, nobleman, and princess. That''s why he tries to hold me. No, maybe he''s just lonely.


    Princess Tilia raised her fist.............and collapsed to the ground.


    ''''Well I won''t kill you, I don''t want to make Crono sad.


    Count Chiron smiled and carried Princess Tilia up.


    ''''Count Piske and I will push the princess into the main tower of the castle.


    With that, Count Chiron and Count Piske retired from the round table room.


    ''''Then let''s resume the meeting.


    Prime Minister Alcor assured him as if nothing had happened.


    ''''As Lord Alfort takes over the throne, I think we should come up with a new policy, don''t you?


    When Prime Minister Arkol glanced at him, the Imperial Military Chief nodded quietly.


    Apparently, the rooting had already been done.


    '' ... I demand a review of our foreign strategy. Thirty years ago, the upheavals of the past thirty years have reduced our territory to two-thirds of its original size, but His Majesty would not even allow a war to restore our territory.


    But we''ll need to find a way to reduce the sphere of influence of the Free City States.


    The Free City State''s main fighting force is the Bethel Mountains'' mercenaries. As you know, the Bethel Mountains are unsuitable for farming, and the people who live there have been earning their living as mercenaries for ages.


    It is said that the Bethel Mountains'' mercenaries don''t run away or betray their clients.


    But wouldn''t it cost a fortune to cut down the Bethel Mountains'' mercenaries?��In addition, as long as the free city-states are holding the trade routes, it is inevitable that their livelihoods will be affected.


    The mercenaries in the Bethel Mountains and the occupation of the trade routes this is the main reason why it is difficult to wage war against the Free City States.


    Spices, paper, cotton and glass could only enter the empire through the Free City States.


    ''''Of course, I don''t want to be associated with the Free City States. But I am concerned that we have not been able to even show our displeasure at being attacked by the Holy Argo Kingdom until now.


    Hmm, I suppose I''ll need to take up a sword to protect my people.


    That''s right.


    A heavy silence dominated the round table room.


    "...What do you think, Lord Alfort?


    What?


    Suddenly asked by Vizier Alcor, Alfort''s voice flipped over as if he was surprised.


    ''''Eh, well... the empire has been attacked by the Holy Argo Kingdom many times and has been attacked constantly, so I think it''s better to show our displeasure...''''


    Alfort''s words made Fana want to hold her head up.


    ''Oh!��If Lord Alfort is that determined, then we can talk fast!


    ''What?��What?


    Ignoring the bewildered Alfort, the meeting leaned toward opening the war.


    *


    After the meeting, Fana was facing Vizier Alcor in the empty round table room.


    ''''Well that''s surprising.''''


    What?


    I knew you''d handle the princess Tyria better and that you weren''t a power-hungry man.


    As far as Fana could see, Prime Minister Alcor was a loyal vassal of the Empire, for better or worse.


    ''''I don''t want to increase Empress Astraea''s influence now, so...''''


    ''You gave birth to Alfort for when Princess Tyria took over the throne, didn''t you?


    Phew, Vizier Alcor let out a long sigh.


    If Princess Tilia succeeded to the throne, there was a high possibility that the head of the directorate would be replaced, and the possibility of an autocratic government could not be denied.


    Of course, there is also the possibility that this will not happen, but Prime Minister Arkol''s way is to always consider the worst case scenario and take the best possible measures.


    I will do anything to abolish that woman''s influence. In this case, I only made use of it because it just so happened to be in His Majesty''s will.


    ''You''re just using the nonsense written by a drunken, insane man in his own mind.


    ''You don''t know this but it was the Empress Astraea who caused the upheaval thirty years ago.


    Huh?��And Fana''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''His Majesty ... intended to hand over the throne to Lord Alfort. In fact, the eagles were working that way.''''


    ''Wasn''t His Majesty''s incompetence the reason for the rebellion?


    Vizier Alkor shook his head quietly.


    ''His Majesty was aware that he was incompetent. He decided that it would be better for Lord Alfort to succeed to the throne than for him to become emperor, who was incompetent for the sake of his subjects and for the sake of his subjects.


    Vizier Alcor clenched his fists tightly, as if regretting the past.


    ''''But Empress Astraea has sown the seeds of discord. But Empress Astraea sowed the seeds of discord, and perhaps we were also to blame for our lack of discipline. Just as Empress Astraea had wanted, there was a rebellion and Lord Alfort was executed.


    What did she want to do?


    I don''t know. But at least I don''t intend to make her like the Empire. But I have no intention of making that woman like the Empire, and I will do anything to make that happen. Even if it is not in accordance with your will.


    When Fana questioned him, Vizier Alcor spat out, "Is war one of those ''anything'' things?


    ''I wonder if war is one of those ''everything'' things?''


    ''''If the cause is to win over the enemy, it won''t be difficult to shift to a state system with Lord Alfort at the center. Of course, the intention is to show those around us that the Empire isn''t just fortifying its defenses.


    What do you intend to do with Princess Tyria?


    Don''t worry, I''m not going to kill you. I''d rather marry you off to some other royalty than the one I''m currently marrying.


    Vizier Alcor crossed his arms and snorted thoughtfully.


    ''With that temperament, he wouldn''t be quiet, would he?


    ''If you have a nobleman who is unselfish and has good self-control, I''ll leave him in charge for a suitable reason.


    Maybe the only reason they don''t kill Princess Tyria is because they need it as a precaution in case Alfort goes out of control.


    ''''Well I don''t think there''s anyone like that.


    *


    It was the beginning of December when a letter arrived to Crono from the imperial capital...a month after the ball had ended.


    He had a bad feeling about the emperor''s collapse, Tilia falling ill, frequent letters from Rio, and a letter from his foster father.


    ''''........General, what seems to be the matter?'''' (BUMO)


    Yeah, I thought I''d be the first to call my second-in-command, Mr. Mino.


    Crono sat back in his chair in his office and held out the parchment to his deputy.


    The deputy stared and


    Calling?��''Supply, in charge?'' (More~)


    In short, it''s a call to arms. It''s a summons to go to war with the Holy Argo Kingdom, and I''m going to take 500 men and supply them with 500 men.


    According to the summons, the First, Second, Ninth, and Twelfth Knights of the Kingsguard, eight battalions called up from other territories, and Crono and the others will join them as a supply force.


    If you just look at the numbers alone, it will be an army of 12,500, but the fact that Alfort, Tilia''s half-brother, is the commander-in-chief makes me uneasy.


    So, what do I need to do? (BUMO, BUMO)


    "From Mino-san''s point of view.......is that not fair? I''ll do the troop formation, so I want Mino-san''s opinion.


    The Marquis of Erakis territory has just been invaded by the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    I would like to lead all the centurions, but I have to leave a defensive force behind just in case.


    ''''I have to contact Nicola-san from the Pix Trading Company, I have to pull a doctor out of the hospital, and I hate that there''s so much to do.


    The supply capacity of the imperial army is very poor, just as the Holy Argo Kingdom is.


    In peacetime, the battalion commander''s personal contacts purchase sustenance from the Chamber of Commerce, and this is no different in wartime.


    In other words, there is no system of supply built into the military.


    Just thinking about what we have to do now gives me a headache, but I can''t just hate it.


    Thus, Crono was to go to the battlefield for the second time.

 22-Episode 6 "Liang Mo" Revised Version

    *


    Emperor Nohj''s dominion is located at the eastern edge of the Dark Forest and the sphere of influence of the Free City States, a land where armed conflict has been repeated many times.


    The Second Order of the Kingsguard, which defends this land, has held off the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom, and its leader, Count Ernat, has been given the two names of "Iron Wall" because of his steadfastness as an errand boy.


    However, they must have felt awkward as their fame grew.


    They had to concentrate on defense while possessing the ability to repel the enemy.


    It may have been a feeling shared by the Kingsguard.


    Hence, the morale of the First, Second, and Twelfth Kinsmen Guards is so high that Crono feels that it is in danger.


    However, since he had only been on the battlefield once, the sense itself could be wrong, though.


    Currently, a large frontline base has been built in the territory directly under Nouzi, and 12,500 soldiers called in from all over the country are repeating exercises in preparation for battle.


    The dust cloud that covers the sky, the sound of sword fights, and a sense of urgency that increases every day make you keenly aware of the battlefield, and Crono is suffering from diarrhea, frequent urination, and insomnia.


    Perhaps he is stressed by the long sword and dagger he carries from his waist.


    ''Let''s see, wheat, dried meat ... wine and barley wine (beer) ... herbs ... and that''s it.


    I''ve certainly delivered it, sir.


    Crono signed the delivery note and looked up at the mountain of provisions.


    General, could I take them to the usual place? (BUMO)


    Nice to meet you.


    "All right, lads!��Let''s just get it over with! (BUMO!)


    Okay, okay!


    When the second-in-command gave the order, a minotaur squad led by Horus carried sacks of wheat, crates of dried meat and barrels of liquor to the warehouse.


    ''Oh, I''m just looking at the numbers,''


    "Is it really that hard? Bumpy?


    When Crono showed him the board that served as a clipboard, the deputy rolled up the paper and let out a sigh.


    On the paper, he wrote down the supplies delivered so far, the amount consumed and the inventory.


    ''''The amount consumed per day is not foolish, isn''t it?'''' (Bumot~)


    Two hundred sacks of wheat disappeared in a day and there were people trying to steal military provisions. It would have been bad if I hadn''t kept a tight control over my inventory.


    "That''s what soldiers are for.


    When Crono lamented the low morale, the second-in-command replied in the manner of an old soldier.


    ''We''ve finally secured our rations, and I guess we''ll march on after the new year.


    According to the explanation I received at the tactical conference, they are planning to head for the road that runs east to west beyond the Coma Forest, and once they reach the road, the 2nd Kingsguard and one battalion will block the road to prevent being attacked by the border forts to the east, while the main unit will head west on the road and capture the city.


    It would take four days on foot to get from the front base to the city of the Holy Argo Kingdom, so they would want to secure seven days'' worth of food and fodder.


    Then one soldier would need 130 wagons and 200 wagons including horse fodder.


    Fortunately the Holy Argo Kingdom has many marshes so it is not so difficult to fetch water.


    The wine and barley wine (beer) are for when there is no water to drink, and the medicinal herbs are for when the disease spreads.


    The officials sent by the finance bureau complained about us bringing in supplies just in case or in case, but it was only a small price to pay.


    We''re the carriers of the food and fodder that marches with the main body of troops, but Rizad and Horus'' troops pull the wagons, and Deneb, Aridid and Leo''s troops are the guards. Once the positions are set up near the city, the rest of the troops are supposed to carry the military provisions.


    Who''s transporting the military provisions from the base to the camp? (BUMO)


    Yeah, I''ll take care of that.


    I turned at the sound of a familiar voice and saw Rio standing there, dressed in rugged sheet metal armor (plate mail).


    ''It''s been a month, hasn''t it?''


    ''I''ve been dying to see Crono, to see him, and I''ve almost lost my mind.


    Rio whispered in a s*xy voice and hugged Crono''s arms.


    ''How about now?''


    I''m at work and I''ve changed my perfume.


    No, I changed the way I put it on.


    When Crono said with his nose to his ear, Rio''s eyes narrowed comfortably.


    ''''But since Rio is the leader of the Ninth Konoe Order, doesn''t he have to be on the front lines for the sake of his men?


    ''Because I wanted to be with Crono I''m just kidding, just kidding, you don''t have to look so scared, I''m not that crazy about Crono.


    Rio pulled away from Crono and held up his hands in surrender.


    The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that, although we have fought battles to defend ourselves, we have never fought an offensive battle like this one. There are many examples of this in the history books, but we may have forgotten some of the things we should not forget. That''s why I volunteered for logistical support as a precaution.


    It''s true that a supply corps would be the first to be targeted, and it wouldn''t be fashionable to get cut off from supply at enemy lines.


    Crono regretted that he should have studied military matters in the other world, or at least read a fictional war story.


    The only book that came to mind was the northern version of "Sanguozhi", and the movies were full of things that didn''t seem to have anything to do with supply, such as Japanese soldiers nearly dying on Guadalcanal Island and snipers shooting at each other.


    Even with such poor knowledge, I understand the importance of supply, so I''m grateful for Rio''s offer.


    ''''I''m taking all the steps I can, though.


    "You worry too much, chief.


    I''m a little worried, I''m going to go check on the guys.


    Leaving Rio and his second in command, Crono left the scene.


    *


    I''ve got some other work to do, so I''ll just make a quick lunch!


    The nearly fifty women sped up their work as their vigorous voices echoed through the kitchen where nearly twenty pots and pans were laid out.


    These women were in their mid-twenties to early thirties.


    Since they worked as cooks for the battalion, they were very good at cooking.


    ''''Crono-sama, what do you want?''''


    An inspection...?


    So Master Chronosphere is still Master Chronosphere even after you leave the Marquess'' estate. Why don''t you posture up like a captain?


    When Crono said that, the landlady cowered her shoulders as if she was dumbfounded.


    By the way, the proprietor doesn''t wear a maid''s uniform with a wide open chest, and her hair is just tied up in a proper way with a string.


    It is said that if you make a woman feel too much on the battlefield, she might be attacked by fools.


    This word indicates the mental state of the soldier on the battlefield and at the same time means that the women, including the female commander, serve as scullery maids.


    At first Crono was surprised, but considering the presence of female soldiers, it''s not unnatural.


    If it comes to a situation where they have to retreat, though, I''m going to give them priority and let them go.


    ''What did you ask for?''


    I make them in between jobs, but don''t expect much in the way of flavor, okay?


    Crono picked up the stick-shaped object handed to him by the landlady and gnawed on it.


    With a crunch, he chewed the stick-shaped object and chewed on it again and again.


    ''You made it yourself, what did you have me make?''


    Dry bread.


    I guess I should call it stick bread, or hard bread, since it''s a substitute for wheat kneaded with a small amount of water and baked into a stick shape.


    ''I''d really like some canned goods,''


    According to my hazy knowledge, glass bottles were used before canning became popular, but in this world, both iron and glass bottles are precious commodities.


    In order to make canning or bottling practical, at least mass production of iron and glass would have to be achieved.


    In that respect, dry bread seemed like a good compromise, but the dry bread sold in the other world is like cookies, and to make those cookies, you need butter and sugar.


    The result of many compromises is hard bread.


    By the way, all fifty kilos of sugar are turned into candy and Crono manages it.


    It''s hard to believe that a piece of candy can''t boost morale, but he''s going to give it to his men along with the hard bread.


    What, 15,000?��What are you going to do with all this bland stuff?


    Crono smiled as the landlady made a barefaced noise and smiled at him.


    Feeling threatened, the landlady backed away from Crono as she backed away.


    ''Good luck, landlady.''


    I''d like to do it for you, but I can''t do it for you.


    I''ll pay in a body.


    Don''t do this to me. You''ve baked 15,000 loaves of hard bread and you''re going to die if you do that.


    The landlady looked deeply uncomfortable with Crono''s suggestion.


    ''Well, I''ll make a joke about paying you with your body, but I''ll make sure to give you an extra bonus. And for those who helped me.


    How much do I owe you?��No post-payment or promotion payments.


    The landlady looked sideways at Crono like a grumbling merchant.


    ''''I can give you ten gold coins I can give you up to two hundred silver coins.


    ''Not bad. I don''t think it would be a beehive of luck if you added a little more, but I''ll work it out.


    Thank you, ma''am.


    It''s embarrassing to hear someone say thank you with a straight face.


    The landlady''s cheeks flushed and she scratched her head to hide her embarrassment.


    When Crono tried to kiss her, the landlady quickly backed away.


    ''''I''m ... sorry.''''


    Well, I''m sorry to hear that. There''s a scary little knight staring at me right now.


    When I turned around, I saw Rio glaring at Crono and the landlady from behind a tree.


    *


    For the reason that there is no other suitable land, the training grounds were established adjacent to the frontline base.


    The fact that the land is a clearing that is just a name for a training ground, just like the Marquis of Erakis'' territory, may be a glorification of the imperial army or a tradition.


    In the training grounds, a knight wearing white and silver armor was making a mounted assault (lance charge) on a large sub-human holding a shield.


    Catt and blood came to his head, but Crono barely restrained himself.


    Of course, he wouldn''t restrain himself if the blown-up lizardmen were his own men, but if they belonged to a different battalion, he would have to restrain himself.


    What do you want to do by targeting your friends, Crono thought as he looked at the training grounds.


    I know that the Kingsguard is leading the operation, and I know that they are the only ones who have cavalry in place, but there''s no way this will make them feel camaraderie.


    It''s not that I''m sulking because Crono doesn''t want to deal with me, but I know my position in the military. I know my position in the military.


    ....


    Clinking his sheet metal armor (plate mail), Rio began to ramble on, even though he hadn''t asked for it.


    ''My man ... over there?''


    How do you know?


    Boom, boom, boom, boom, behind the sub-humans and civilian soldiers being blown up, my men seemed to be crouching down and doing something.


    ''It''s a different kind of muscle tone and fur.


    Until now, I had only felt that their bodies had gotten bigger, or that their fur had gotten shinier, or that Leila''s tits and buttocks had increased in volume, but compared to the sub-humans in the other battalions, Crono''s subordinates are macho and look really healthy.


    They also wear chest armor (breast armor) and chainmail, and underneath that they wear special clothing with cloth pressed into various places to soften the impact.


    The elven archers are provided with leather armor reinforced with metal plates for ease of movement.


    If weapons are also combined, they are comparable to the Kingsguard, or perhaps even surpassed if you include the performance aspects.


    ''''Crono-sama!''''


    Deneb and Alideed ran up and hugged Crono.


    ''''We''re all out of work because of Crono-sama''s absence and we''re out of work!


    Don''t just bother with the military bases and leave us alone!


    Oh, I''m sorry.


    They are both a bit teary-eyed.


    ''''Hmmm, who are these two?''''


    My man, my man.


    I thought I was Crono''s mistress. Well, I never imagined that you would have three other lovers besides me. No, no, I''m not accusing you of anything.��I was just getting a little giddy with my possessiveness.


    Rio''s eyes weren''t smiling at all as he smiled lustily.


    ''''Hey, Crono-sama,''''


    Deneb and Alideed pulled on Crono''s arm and crouched down about ten meters away from Rio.


    ''That''s a guy, right?��You have a dick, right?


    How come you never laid a hand on me or the boys?


    I''ve been through a lot, you know?


    ''You''re going to mess with a guy, you''ve got to have a lot of things going for you!


    ''I can only say that there''s a lot going on,'' Crono looked up to the heavens.


    ''If you''re a guy, there''s a time to be a faggot, it''s a different world.


    Yeah, well, it''s a different world.


    I have.


    Deneb and Alideed looked down.


    I mean, there''s no such thing!


    They looked up and plunged into Crono.


    ''So, what are you doing?''


    I''ve been out of work, I''m learning...!


    When they looked up, the lizardman was blown away by the riding assault again.


    ''''Let''s go.'''' (Gah!)


    As Leo runs out, one human tiger (war tiger) follows.


    The two men grab the blown-up lizardman''s arm and wait backwards with a speed that doesn''t seem like it''s holding a large sub-human.


    ''''Warlord!'''' (Gah!)


    "Yes, yes, yes!


    The military doctor who was mixed in with his men - one of the ten doctors Crono had brought from the Marquis of Erakis - slipped in next to the lizardman.


    ''Well, when you have an injury like this,''


    The military doctor took a cloth from a pouch attached to his waist and pressed it against the Lizardman''s wound.


    ''First, hold the wound. If your arm or leg is injured, tying it up with a string to stop the bleeding will help, but if you are a poor amateur, you may end up necrotic, so try pressure tourniqueting first.


    His men listened intently to the military doctor.


    ''''When you first fought with Crono-sama, you didn''t have enough doctors to help you.


    So I thought I''d at least learn how to administer it.


    Deneb and Aridid tapped the pouch attached to his waist.


    It probably housed the medical supplies.


    If you look, they all have pouches on.


    ''Maybe I made them pay for their own medicine?


    I just had it made in Goldie''s workshop.


    No, no, no, it''s okay.


    I leave the management of the workshop to Goldie, and if we are short on money, I try to accommodate him as much as possible if he applies. Of course, the reason I give him this much discretion is because he has such a proven track record.


    But next time you want to report to me. "But next time, I want you to report to me," he said, "because if you tell me the truth, I''ll make the changes that need to be made.


    Yes?


    Deneb and Alydead replied appropriately and went back to their studies.


    ''Are you sure?''


    My men covered for my mistakes.


    To say it''s not fun would be an understatement, but you''re the one to blame.


    From now on, I''ll have regular opportunities to talk with my staff. I hear that the visit wasn''t enough.


    Certainly it''s important to listen to your subordinates.


    Suddenly, Crono''s body stiffened as he was called out.


    Slowly, he turned around and saw Leonhardt standing there, dressed in sheet metal armor.


    He must have been participating in an exercise.


    His curly hair was wet with sweat and his face was stained with dirt.


    ''''Hey, did Leo participate in the bullying too?''''


    ''''Well no, I was participating in a mock battle of the First and Second Kinsmen''s Guard.


    Not understanding the meaning of the words, Leonhardt looked around and said.


    ''''How was your old home?''''


    ''''I could feel that their skill level was more refined than when I was there. Of course, the First Konoe Knights of the Guard, which I''m in charge of, also intend to be as strong as they are, but after all, Count Ernat''s presence is significant.


    Crono was impressed by Leonhardt''s words.


    He had thought since the ballroom, but he seemed to be the type of person who could honestly admit fault and accept the other person''s superiority if he found out he was wrong.


    ''''What''s the matter, Crono-dono?''''


    It''s kind of hard to compete with that.


    ''I''m not the man you think I am. I''ve been told I''m not good enough for Leela the maidservant, and I''m a man who can''t even listen to his subordinate''s words without making an effort on a regular basis. It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what to do with it.


    Leonhardt cowered his shoulders in a frightened manner.


    The gesture has become very good, but Crono did not have the same hostility as when she met him.


    At least Leonhardt is friendly to Crono and seems to be willing to talk to him openly.


    ''''By the way, how is the provisioning of military provisions going?


    We have enough supplies for a seven-day march. The question is, will we be able to get water there?


    Hmm, we can''t rule out the possibility that the military department''s intel is wrong. How are you prepared for that?


    I''ve prepared a bottle of wine and a bottle of barley, but it''s all gone in a day.


    Leonhardt crossed his arms thoughtfully.


    ''Then let''s say that if the information from the War Office is wrong, I''ll send a message and ask the Ninth Order of the Kingsguard to transport drinking water. Can you ask them?


    Of course.


    When Leonhardt gave him a look, Rio readily obliged.


    ''And then I''ll notify them to quit any exercises that make friends a target. It''s good for morale. If you notice anything else, please let me know. I promise to listen to your opinion whenever possible.


    Leonhardt placed his hand on Crono''s shoulder and smiled powerfully.


    *


    I''m a mercenary, not a lord or a civil servant.


    You''re a thief. You''re a thief.


    He''s a former bandit!


    Sorting through the stacks of documents, Kane deals with one case after another that he can handle with the authority given to him. Most of them relate to business licenses for slavers, whorehouses and stalls, and it''s easy for Kane, who is in charge of the city''s security, to make a decision.


    ''''d*mn it, I have to guard the streets and the city as well.


    So why don''t you just divide up the workload?


    Kane glared at her, and Elena glared back with a challenging look.


    ''I''ve got Shiro and Hiilo to guard the city, Leila to take care of the detention group, and Faye to guard the city streets, but I''m not comfortable.


    Since there has been no major trouble, he must be able to do his job reasonably well, but he''s not comfortable.


    This is probably partly because of the fact that all Kane has ever had to deal with is his responsibility to his 20 subordinates.


    In addition, the foul-mouthed Elena, who is in charge of accounting, is fed up with her bad mouth.


    I''m impressed that she has the gall to mess with such a foul-mouthed girl.


    According to what Faye has told me, Crono is the son of Slaughterer Crawford and is even involved with Myra, the Silent Killing, so I''m sure he has a lot of pockets.


    Maybe it''s because of his wide pockets, Kane felt like it made sense to him.


    Kane didn''t trust his subordinates fully.


    That''s why he''s unsettled and unsettled by the reports he receives.


    On the contrary, Crono trusts his subordinates, so in a short period of time, the Marquis of Erakis territory could be made to look like a territory.


    ''''But I''m still restless, right?


    Kane scratched his hair and continued to sign the papers.


    *


    It was half a month ago now that Ignis received a report that there was a disturbing movement in the Cepheus Empire.


    Six generals, including Ignis, and five high priests, not including the hag, were called together to discuss how to deal with the situation.


    Ignis appealed for an army, and two generals agreed, but the three remaining generals and the five high priests decided it was premature.


    The three generals were of the same opinion as the five high priests because of their connection to The Temple.


    Their rationale was that even if they were a small army, as the Cepheus Imperial Army had shown, they could repel the enemy if they made good use of the terrain and set up a camp.


    Of course, that couldn''t be true.


    The reason why the Cepheus Imperial Army was able to hold out was because they were sub-humans with abilities that surpassed those of humans, and even if they made good use of the terrain, it would be nearly impossible to push back ten times as many troops.


    But Ignis, the defeated general, was not given a chance to defend himself, and it wasn''t until the Imperial army''s numbers had grown to 12,000 and the pace of bringing in sustenance provisions had slowed down that the decision to send in the army was finally made.


    As he watched the military fodder being brought in to the city of Markab, Ignis could not contain his gloom.


    He was pleased that the sustenance fodder was being gathered faster than he had expected, but considering the speed at which it was being brought in, he could easily imagine that it was being gathered in a way that was close to forced.


    Perhaps they would continue on the road to the city of Markab.


    ''We could bask in the city if we had a guarantee of rations and reinforcements...'' said Ignis, shaking his head.


    ''Can''t your men be called up yet?


    ''I''m running a fast horse, but you should expect my men to arrive in ten days.


    Ignis replied to the Gigi Officer, who was about to call out.


    The Gigi Officer held the position of General, but he did not prefer to be called a General and preferred to be called a Gigi Officer.


    He has not an ounce of loyalty to the kingdom, and he is Ignis''s superior.


    ''Why are you so slow!


    I''ll have to deal with the three thousand men of the Council of Shinto Religion and a thousand of my men.


    We could have fought with the same number of men if you guys hadn''t interfered!��And Ignis swallowed the looming words and told him only the facts.


    ''What kind of plan does the Divine Lord have in mind?


    "Hun, we will meet the Cepheus Army in the foothills halfway between Markab and the border fortress. If we intercept them in conjunction with the guards guarding the border fortress, the Empire will not be a problem for us.


    Not a bad idea, except that we''re assuming that the pincer attack will be successful.


    There may be fools in the Cepheus Imperial Army, but rather than expecting the enemy''s incompetence, we should give up on intercepting them in the hills and lure them into the canyon beyond.


    Although he may not have seen through our thoughts, the divine officer smiled fearlessly.


    ''''Of course, I''m gathering peasants from the surrounding villages to make up for the lack of troops. They may only be able to gather two thousand or so, but they can be at least a wall.


    An untrained peasant with no training can''t be a wall!��Ignis spat in his mind and left the scene.


    Ignis walked through the streets of Markab, trying to think of ways to win, but all he could come up with was what he hoped was his enemy''s incompetence.


    ''No, betting on the competence of your opponent isn''t a bad idea,''


    Oh, you got a better idea?


    I turned around with my tongue in my mouth and saw that the old lady had been drinking in the bar since midday.


    ''Old lady, what were you doing not attending a meeting?''


    I didn''t get the call.


    The old lady muttered forlornly and fueled her barley wine (beer).


    ''A little bit of a visit to the elven settlement in the Coma Forest.


    Are you doing some reconnaissance?


    Well, I have been advised to evacuate this area because those men from Cepheus'' empire are passing through here.


    The old lady let out a depressed sigh.


    ''''... in vain.''''


    It''s a matter of course. It''s just a matter of persistence. The soldiers of the kingdom burned them down and scattered them to pieces.


    That''s new.


    That''s because you don''t have a twisted sense of morality.


    From the way the old lady talked, it seems that people from the kingdom''s army attacked the elven settlement. Perhaps the men were cut down and killed, and the women were either raped and killed, or raped and sold to slavers after being raped.


    The elves of the imperial army are a fearsome foe with their bows and sorcery, but the rest of the elves are not a threat.


    So Ignis ignored his territory ... even when he found out that there were elves living in a corner of it. No, maybe he simply didn''t want to be the kind of person who would be despised by the hag.


    ''So, is the old lady planning to serve?''


    You can come with me, but I''m here to help every single one of you.


    "Don''t help the enemy!


    The lives of those outside of their commitment are equally valuable or not equally valuable.


    Ignis felt a chill as the hag said it as a matter of course.


    ''''Is that the doctrine of the ''Goddess of Jet-Blackness and Chaos''?''''


    That''s just the way I look at life.


    He wanted to say something back, but Ignis couldn''t say anything.

 23-Episode 7 "Military Regulations" Revised Edition

    *


    In January of the year 431 in the imperial calendar, a legion of 1,000 cavalry, 7,400 infantry, 2,900 archers and 200 Transportation Corps, assembled in the Nouzi Empire, together with Alfort, the bastard son of Ramal V, launched an invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    The invasion plan, drafted by the Military Service Bureau and the Knights of the Kingsguard, passed through the eastern edge of the Dark Forest and reached the East-West Road connecting the Holy Argo Kingdom and the Free City States, then the 2nd Kingsguard and one battalion blocked the road to prevent a pincer attack, and the 1st and 12th Knights of the Kingsguard and seventh battalions as the main force attacked the city of Markab. The number of troops in the detachment was 150 cavalry, 1,300 infantry, 600 archers, and the main body was 850 cavalry, 6,100 infantry, 2300 archers, and Transportation Corps.


    The number of soldiers in the detachment was 150 cavalry, 1,300 infantry and 600 bowmen.


    However, the actual number was a little higher as some of the nobles had servants and prepared their own provisions and fodder.


    Following the Plan of Attack, the Imperial Army left the outpost at daybreak and reached the eastern edge of the Dark Forest a little after noon that day.


    The Coma Forest is a vast virgin forest with several high mountains, but it is not completely free of human influence.


    Even the Marquis of Erakis, the thickest layer of forest, has traces of wagons that have passed through it, allowing the Holy Argo Kingdom to invade.


    The eastern edge of the Coma Forest is the part with the thinnest layer of forest, and because of this, it has a history of being used as an invasion route by the Holy Argo Kingdom many times.


    The place that the imperial army chose as an invasion route had little grass and was wide enough for wagons to pass through........


    "Master Crono, the wheel''s caught in the sand.


    The wheels of the cart caught on the roots of the tree and Horus let out a pitiful scream.


    Horus tried to climb over the roots of the tree under his own power, but the cart was too shaky to climb over the tree roots.


    The planners of the operation hadn''t even considered whether the invasion route was suitable for carrying the Transportation Department, Crono pondered.


    If they had thought that far, there was no way the cart''s wheels would have caught on the roots of a tree repeatedly or fit into a depression in the ground.


    ''The guards, please!


    "Hey." (bumo-bumo)


    Let''s go! (BUMO!)


    A minotaur in crude leather armor pushed the cart from behind at the call of Horus, and the cart made it safely over the roots of the trees.


    ''Guards, stay behind the cart until we''re through the forest!��Deneb, Aridid, and Leo''s troops are on alert for a perimeter!


    "Yes!


    "Ha!


    Despite their casual tone, Deneb and Alideed gave their subordinates precise instructions, keeping them at a distance from the cart and alerting them to their surroundings.


    The military-like tone of Leo''s voice, as if he had decided on a sign, moved his subordinates with just a glance and a gesture.


    ''''General, it''s taking longer than I thought. If I hadn''t been able to get help from the other battalions, I would have been stuck in the middle of nowhere.


    When Crono finished giving orders, the second-in-command muttered as he re-carried the poleaxe.


    Initially, Crono had assigned ten archers and five infantry as guards against ten carts, but he felt uneasy and borrowed about two hundred large subhumans from other battalions.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one who is concerned about this. Bumpy?


    I paid a gold coin a head for it.


    There was no need to hide it, so Crono easily revealed the subject.


    ''''........General, why did you bring so much money?'''' (BMO?)


    Just in case.


    Once we have water, I''ll give you a priority supply of wine and barley wine (beer), Crono decided secretly as he looked at the sub-human he pulled out.


    ''You don''t ride your horse, general? (More?)


    ''I''m not very good at riding horses,''


    It''s not that we don''t have horses, or that we can''t ride them, Crono added excusingly.


    Cavalry is the flower of the battlefield, and with a few exceptions, the captain is dressed in sheet metal armor (platemail) and rides a horse.


    Those few exceptions were Count Ernat and his second in command, Crono and his second in command, Mino-san.


    ''''When you graduate from military school, you usually get a knighthood,''''


    You didn''t get the general? (Bum?)


    ''Which do you think was the reason for your instructor''s dislike of you, your lowest overall grade in classroom and practical skills, or the fact that you beat Tilia in the exercises?''


    "With that many, you won''t get a knighthood.


    I think so.


    It''s not a position to complain about it, since I''ve fallen so spectacularly that I''m in danger of graduating, but it''s also true that I''m not masterful enough to be able to discount it.


    ''''There''s no law that says you can''t ride a horse without a peerage, but it''s shameful to force yourself to fall off the horse, and if you accidentally respond to a single rider and die, you can''t even look at it.


    "I''d rather get covered in mud than fall off a horse.


    As the deputy pointed out, Crono''s boots and pants are stained with mud.


    Well, I don''t think it''s so bad that you should be bothered by it since my men are just like that.


    "If you''re dressed like that, you don''t look like a nobleman, so the enemy soldiers might overlook you.


    I hope so.


    Crono chuckled at his second-in-command''s joke.


    Crono wore the same chest armor and chainmail made in Goldie''s workshop as his men.


    The weapons are a long sword and a dagger, and the pouch at his waist is filled with medical supplies, thirty bottles of hard bread, and about twenty candy balls.


    I thought morale wouldn''t be boosted by just a few candyballs, but surprisingly, my men were overjoyed.


    A child!��However, the market price of sugar is a gold coin for a kilo, and a soldier''s salary is two gold coins for a month, it''s an amount that makes me a little hesitant to buy it.


    I intend to promote the cultivation of beets and make the production of sugar the main industry of the marquis'' territory, but it will take a long time before I can buy candy balls with a child''s pocket money like in the world over there.


    Crono reached for the hilt of his long sword, "Be careful not to die by accident.


    In the end, it was only that evening that we made it through the forest. It was fortunate that we found a pond right after we passed through the forest, but from there on out it took us a long time to position the camp.


    When the discussion was about to escalate into a fistfight, Count Ernat interceded and the position of the camp was decided with the knights of the Kingsguard defending the three sides of the tent of Alfort and the eight battalion commanders defending the surrounding area.


    Crono, who was not allowed to participate in the discussion from the beginning to the end, decided to set up an encampment at an appropriate location.


    I was able to get the camp set up by my second-in-command, while Deneb, Arididid, and Leo were responsible for providing security for the Transportation Department.


    Crono''s men were good at their craft, as if they had been training on a regular basis.


    They assembled the tent and tent in less than an hour, and even started helping the landlady earlier than Crono could give her instructions.


    ''''Well what''s for dinner today?''''


    I''d like my meal to wait a little longer.


    I was sitting on a rock waiting for the cooking to finish when Leonhardt approached me.


    ''What can I do for you?''


    Our scouts have found an Elvish settlement.


    ''Yeah,'' Crono nodded.


    ''I would try to make contact with them to get information about the watering hole, but I''m not sure I have the confidence to establish friendly relations with sub-humans like Lord Crono does.


    OK, I''ll be gone for a bit. I''ll be gone for a bit, and Mino will be home!��Deneb, Arididid, and Rizad, take care of my guards!


    I understand. (BUMO!)


    I was looking forward to dinner!


    Oh, you''re such a jerk!


    ....


    Despite their complaints, Deneb and Aridid moved quickly, and even though they looked slow and sluggish, Rizad''s movements were scary fast.


    ''''Since there was an elven settlement up ahead,''''


    No way. We''re under attack?


    You''re going to have to ask for information.


    Crono replied emphatically as Deneb and Alideed shuddered in fear.


    ''Soldiers loot and attack women, right?''


    He was bleary-eyed and bawling about things.


    What''s the point of antagonizing people who might become subjects of the Empire?


    "Oh!


    ....


    "Hmm, Mister Crono is thinking ahead, isn''t he?


    I said it with enough nuance that the fewer enemies the better, but Deneb, Arididid, and Rizad clapped their hands in admiration, and Leonhard muttered in admiration.


    ''Crono-dono, please take care of me.''


    I''ll try.


    Crono saluted Leonhardt, and Deneb, Arididid, and Rizad followed suit.


    After being seen off by Leonhardt, Crono, who had left the encampment camp, regretted that he hadn''t prepared the lighting before enough time had passed.


    ''''........I should have prepared lighting.''''


    You can''t be seen by the enemy if you do that.


    Yeah, the three of us don''t have the confidence to protect Lady Crono.


    With Deneb and Alideed leading him by the hand, Crono walked down the road at night with a hefty heart.


    If the moon was out, but Crono''s night vision wasn''t excellent enough to walk down the road relying on the starlight.


    ''''........sub-humans are amazing.


    Even elves and dwarves have eyesight and hearing far beyond that of humans.


    ''''Humans are more awesome I mean, humans are more frightening and...''''


    I''m in such a state that I can''t walk without having to ask you to back off.


    Like how scary it is to be in a group?


    To tell you the truth, we''re from around here, aren''t we?


    Crono couldn''t say anything, but he could imagine why the girls said they were afraid of humans, and why they were prejudiced against soldiers.


    ''Trained elves like us now are strong, but elves are so weak. I used to think that if I could just endure it, I''d be able to save my life.


    You know, we were either killed or sold out and we did the dirty work to get to the imperial capital and join the army.


    Deneb and Alideed tightened their grip on Crono''s hand.


    ''Crono-sama is from a world where there''s a guy called ''Sekaijin Kensengen'', right?


    You know, I was expecting... hmm, I think we''re here.


    Deneb and Alideed stopped walking, and Crono was relieved to see that they had reached the settlement before they could finish their lines.


    Can we expect Crono-sama to do a ''Sekaijin Kensengen''?��If asked, Crono would not have been able to answer immediately.


    I can promise you that I will take various measures to improve the status of sub-humans.


    I have done so in the past and I will continue to do so in the future.


    I can also promise that I will make sure that the current system of the Marquess of Erakis is passed down to my son''s generation and my grandson''s generation.


    However, Crono wasn''t ready to do ''Sekaijin Kensengen'' himself.


    That was equivalent to denying the state system of the Cepheus Empire, and he didn''t have the strength to fight the enemies created by it.


    No, he was simply afraid. I''m afraid of dying, and I''m afraid of my men dying for the ideals I stand for.


    ''''Master Crono, we''re here.


    Hmm, there''s no light.


    Removing his hand from Deneb and Ariddead, Crono narrowed his eyes.


    The settlement, Leonhard had said, was just a dozen leaning shacks.


    Crono pulled out a gold ring with an intricate pattern from the pouch a magic item with an interpreter''s magic imparted to it and placed it on his middle finger.


    ''''Master Crono, the Holy Argo Kingdom speaks the language, and...''''


    Say it first.


    Crono took the initiative to step into the settlement.


    ''Well, I''m sorry to disturb you!��My name is Crono, a battalion commander in the Imperial Army of Cepheus, and I am here to speak with the representative of this settlement!��I have no intention of harming you all!


    As he speaks loudly, several elves emerge from their dugouts.


    However, the moment they met eyes with Crono, they quickly hid.


    ''''Crono-sama, shouldn''t you speak in a more aggressive manner?''''


    ''We mustn''t scare him. ''My name is Crono, I''m a battalion commander of the Cepheus Imperial Army, and I''m here to talk to the representative of this settlement!��I have no intention of harming you all!


    The representative of the village came out of the hut when Crono''s voice was snatched.


    The representative of the village was a ship-eyed elf a man about twenty years old.


    His body, wrapped in tattered clothes, was thin and malnourished, his bare arms had old wounds that seemed to have been caused by a blade, there was a burn mark on his chest, and his left ear was cut off from halfway through.


    Despite his condition, the light in his remaining left eye is strong.


    No, if this man was experiencing something like Deneb and Alideed, it was only natural for him to look at Crono, a military man, with hatred in his eyes.


    ''''........What do the soldiers of the Empire want?''''


    ''I''m going to march near here,'' he said. Of course, I have no intention of harming you, nor will I have my men ordered to harm you. I''m going to make sure the other soldiers are thorough but I''m going to ask you to stay hidden because there will always be people who will do something stupid at any time.


    Gritted the man gritted his teeth and looked down in frustration.


    ''All right. There''s no way we''re going to be able to fight the soldiers anyway.


    ''The other is information to the city of Markab. Can you tell me where the watering hole is?


    ''''Well the Holy Argo Kingdom is a lot of wetlands. I don''t even want to know how many soldiers there are, but we shouldn''t have any problems with water, at least not in the water.


    Crono nodded, wondering if the military bureau''s investigation hadn''t been wrong.


    He couldn''t deny that the man''s words could be a lie, but it shouldn''t take much effort to transport the water from the pond that was near the camp''s camp.


    ''Thank you,''


    So get the hell out of here.


    Well, I guess I should thank you for that.


    When Crono tossed the gold ring, the man grabbed it with one hand.


    ''What do you think you''re doing?''


    ''It''s a thank you, thank you. I don''t mean to be venerable, but it''s a gold ring with an interpreter''s magic attached to it I don''t know the price, but it''s a decent amount of money. You can either redeem it and use it as a fund to get through the winter, or you can use it to escape from the Holy Argo Kingdom. If you''re fleeing the Holy Argo Kingdom, come to the Marquis of Erakis and I''ll take care of all sorts of things for you.


    The man looked at the gold ring and Crono in turn.


    ''''Are you going to ... abuse me as a slave?''''


    ''I''m going to say that I''ll receive you as a lord of the Marquis of Erakis.


    Having said what he wanted to say, Crono turned his back on the man.


    He asked Deneb and Alideed to back off, just as he had come.


    ''''Do you think that man will come to the Marquess of Erakis?''''


    I''m afraid it won''t be easy to do right away.


    On the way home, Crono was asked that question, and he spoke his honest opinion.


    ''But you''d be jittery if you stayed here.


    I''m running with a chance to get away with it.


    ''You don''t seem to trust humans, and you can''t be irresponsible on behalf of the settlement.


    The reason Deneb and Alideed could say that was because they knew the reality of the Marquess of Erakis, and for him, it must be the great gamble of a lifetime.


    When we returned to the encampment, Leonhardt greeted us.


    Apparently, he hadn''t even taken a meal and was waiting for us.


    When Crono saluted, Leonhardt returned the salute with a refreshing smile.


    ''The information on the waterfront was in agreement with the War Office that there was a lot of wetlands.


    I see, so that''s why you''ve been on friendly terms with him?


    ''Well, at least they weren''t hostile, I guess. But I can''t rule out the possibility that we''ll do something stupid, so I''ve warned you.


    ''Hmm,'' said Leonhardt, resting a hand to his chin thoughtfully.


    ''Since a futile conflict is not where I want to be either. Let''s make it known that we, as the Imperial Army, will behave unashamedly.''


    Yeah, nice to meet you.


    After leaving Leonhardt and returning to his camp, Crono left Deneb, Arididid and Rizad and entered his tent.


    He took off his armor and lay down on a bed made of a combination of wooden boxes.


    ''''I''ll have to give you some wine and barley wine (beer) and...''''


    Crono went outside, saying that what could be done today should be done today.


    ''Mino-san~!


    What''s the matter, chief?


    The second-in-command seemed to be making his rounds and walked up to Crono along with some beastmen.


    ''''I think I''m going to go and thank the soldiers who helped me out in the daytime.


    I''ve done that. A bottle of wine and barley wine, and a little bit of dried meat.


    You''re very clever, Mr. Minot.


    "Just because I thought that''s what the general would do.


    The deputy scratched his head in embarrassment.


    After hearing the number of drinks and dried meat he had offered as a thank you, Crono went back to his tent and lay down on his bed.


    ''I brought you a meal...''


    Thank you, landlady.


    It was too much trouble to move to the desk, so Crono sat down on the bed and accepted a wooden tray from the landlady.


    On the tray was a large piece of bread, bean soup, and a few slices of dried meat - the same meal as his subordinates.


    I thought a battalion commander was supposed to be the only one who ate good food.


    Wouldn''t it be too much trouble to make one for me?


    Should I be thankful I have a good husband to work for?


    Crono poured the pea soup down his stomach and flattened the bread.


    ''You can''t be proud of ... can you?''


    If Crono-sama was my age, I could be proud of him. He is ten years older than me. If you seduce a naive nobleman''s boy, he''ll be considered a bad girl.


    Bad girl.


    There were some pretty bad girls out there, Crono said, chewing on some dried meat.


    Finished eating, Crono lay down on the bed.


    Joseph had joined the army to escape poverty, as all soldiers did.


    He had grown up in a rather unsafe area, so he took pride in his skill, and he was a reasonably good soldier in his battalion.


    Like most soldiers, Joseph spent most of his paycheck on booze, gambling, and buying prostitutes.


    In addition, he resented being sent off to war, as most soldiers were, and he resented being ordered around by a knight in arms who he had just met.


    When he heard that there was an elf settlement just ahead, the first thing he remembered was the elf whore and then the defeat of the bandits.


    Joseph had slipped out of the encampment, despite orders from his battalion commander not to harm the elves.


    When he found the elf brat in the forest, Josef thanked an unbelieving god and grabbed the elf brat by the scruff of the neck and slammed him into a tree.


    ''Don''t expose the little foul thing,''


    You''re messing with the kids.


    An icy feeling on his neck, and immediately Joseph understood that he had a knife to his neck.


    If he was a new recruit with no real combat experience, he would have pissed his pants, but Joseph was an experienced soldier.


    In fact, he had only taken down bandits twice, but Joseph believed that he was the kind of person who could get out of trouble.


    ''''........I see!


    Josef didn''t miss the moment the knife left him and swung his fist as if to turn around.


    But Joseph''s fist cut through the air, and in return, a cold sensation passed his nose.


    Hot, blood poured out of the wound and Josef held his face and screamed.


    ''Don''t peep and cry like a woman,''


    Really, he''s just a little guy with a little nuts.


    ''d*mn it, why, how could you do this?'' cried Joseph, glaring at the two elves, who looked exactly like him in the mirror.


    ''You''re an elf, dumbass, remember that!


    "Flame dance!


    Bright crimson flames filled his vision, and Josef ran away, dripping piss.


    The elves, the elves, they don''t think they can be forgiven!


    Joseph fled to the encampment and cried to the battalion commander.


    The next morning, Crono''s sleep was broken by the second-in-command''s exclamation.


    ''General!��It''s a big deal! Buh-buh-buh!


    What''s going on?


    "Just come on down! (BUMO!)


    When I arrived at the egregious swordsman''s deputy, I found Deneb and Alideed tied behind his back and seated in the middle of the encampment ... near Alfort''s tent.


    ''What happened?''


    Things got a little awkward.


    Crono asked, and Leonhardt raised his eyebrows uncomfortably as he said.


    ''The elf there cut up my man''s face.


    ....


    I looked at the direction of the voice and saw a battalion commander, about thirty years old, standing with a soldier with a bandage on his face.


    It''s one-sided, Crono was about to open his mouth when a boy...Alfort came out of the tent, his eyes busily moving as if he was frightened.


    He looked to be in his mid-teens or even younger than that.


    Alfort seemed to have trained his body better than Crono three years ago, but from the way he was behaving, his mental level was probably on the same level.


    ''''Alfort-sama, please take a seat.''''


    Oh, thank you, Count Piske.


    Alfort sat shallowly in the chair Count Piske had prepared and looked down at Deneb and Ariddead.


    ''Pi, Count Piske?''


    These elves attacked Joseph, who was patrolling the encampment, and cut his face off. This must be dealt with with severe punishment.


    When Alfort stared upward, Count Piske stroked his thin kaisel beard as he replied.


    It was as if it had been decided from the beginning.......no, it was decided from the beginning.


    Perhaps they are aiming to tighten it up by punishing the offenders.


    In other words, this is a farce with a plot and an ending prepared.


    If it turns out to be so, the game can be reversed.


    It''s an ill-advised bet, no doubt.


    "...oh, please wait!��Mr. Alfort!


    Pushing down his fears, Crono rolled out to cover Deneb and Alideed.


    He went down on both knees and looked up at Alfort.


    ''These two, Deneb and Alideed, are my most important men.


    Hmm, I see why the upstarts love the elves.


    Count Piske said mockingly, but Crono thanked him for his words.


    At least he tolerated Crono''s statement.


    ''Ah, a sub-human,''


    ''''It is true that they are elves, but they have properly acquired their citizenship. But to punish them severely without listening to what they have to say is a violation of the spirit of the Empire.


    When Crono wound up, Alfort turned his gaze to Count Piske as if clinging to him.


    Count Piske turned his gaze to Leonhardt, Count Alcor, and the soldiers who had been gathered for some time, and coughed awkwardly.


    I can do it, Crono clenched his fists tightly.


    ''''Let me allow you to speak.


    Deneb and Alideed looked at each other and hesitantly spun the words.


    ''''Well we only stopped that guy because he was about to rape an elf child, and...''''


    He told me not to harm the elves.


    Count Piske frowned and looked at Alfort as if asking.


    ''''Oh, come on, don''t be silly!


    The man with the carved face let out a violent scream and Crono gritted his teeth.


    Crono had only thought that he could save Deneb and Alideed if he attacked them reasonably.


    But the man with his face carved into the ground was not blocked from speaking.


    And Alfort, who had only the same level of spirit as Crono three years ago, could easily succumb to violence.


    ''I was just making my rounds, and those elves cut my face off!��A sub-human who is merely a slave to a human being can''t be allowed to hurt a human being!��You can''t keep order if you do that!��Right!


    Yes, that''s right, and the guys who seem to be his friends agree with the man''s call.


    They stare at him with bloodshot eyes, and Alfort stiffens for a moment.


    ''''Count Piske!''''


    "As you wish.


    When Alfort ordered him to get away from the pressure, Count Piske even drew his sword and released it.


    For a moment, his mind went blank.


    Something, anything, Crono opened and closed his mouth like a fish washed up on a hill.


    ''''Are you trying to disobey the Commander-in-Chief''s orders, Marquis Erakis?''''


    .....


    Count Piske held his blade against him, and Crono found himself standing there, defending Deneb and Alideed.


    ''Retreat and I will not question you.


    Gagging and shaking at the knees, Crono looked like he was about to defecate.


    Wha, why?


    Because I work for you, right?


    Shit, I don''t want to die, I don''t want to die!


    I can''t...


    What am I?


    I''m, I''m?


    "...I love the Empire.


    Huh?��Crono thought.


    Count Piske, Leonhardt....maybe no one here must have understood Crono''s true intentions.


    That''s obvious. Even Crono doesn''t understand the meaning of his words.


    Crono spoke earnestly about how much he loved the empire and how deeply grateful he was to Lamar V.


    It was a lie that was so grateful that Count Piske was taken aback, and it was a lie that made him want to wrap his head around it.


    ''''Well I love the Empire. So, that''s why I sacrificed my right eye and three hundred and fifty men to stop the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    In the midst of all the lies, Crono was under the illusion that his words were the truth.


    He was in a complete panic, so much so that he could even get away with the remote task of crying and laughing.


    ''None of these men could have done more for the Empire than me, or even us!��What about the man down there!��He plays falsehoods, puts the guilt on my men, the patriots, and lashes out at Lord Alfort, the next emperor!��If you say this is the empire I love then come on, kill me before I kill Deneb and Alideed!


    Crono took off his jacket and walked up to Count Piske himself.


    Zubu and the cutting edge pierced and blood flowed.


    Count Piske looked around in confusion and drew his sword.


    ''''Hey, that''s not true........!


    Silver light flashed and a sword pierced the throat of the man whose face was carved.


    Count Piske threw the sword into the air.


    Count Piske drew his sword from the convulsing man on his back and knelt down to Alfort.


    ''Master Alfort, I have dealt with the fool who spoke out against you.


    Thank you.


    Count Piske hung his head, and Alfort gave a twitching smile.


    *


    Crono sat back down as he returned to his tent, accompanied by Deneb and Alideed.


    Jesus, I thought he was gonna kill me.


    "Well, Mister Crono?


    When they glared at each other, Deneb and Alideed tensed up, as if they thought they were going to be hit.


    Crono hugged the two of them.


    Oh, they''re alive.


    Feeling their body heat, Crono let out a breath of relief.


    ''''Um, Crono-sama I have to march now and...''''


    But maybe a little.


    What are you confused about?


    Crono lightly pushed him away, and they poked him in the ass.


    ''''Not much!''''


    Crono scratched his hump, and this time he let out a sigh.


    ''Don''t be reckless, either of you,''


    But I couldn''t leave it alone.


    ''Yes, but you know what? Make sure you report, communicate, and discuss things properly so it doesn''t happen like this time.


    Yes?


    Deneb and Alideed gave a stilted reply.


    In fact, if they had received the report, they could have discussed it with Leonhardt and taken steps.


    ''''But now I understand where the sub-humans stand on this matter, and the danger of the Legion.


    As commander-in-chief, Alfort is not strong enough to lead the army.


    In addition, he is a general soldier with low morale and low norms.


    If not tied up in fear, the mish-mash army will collapse in no time.


    ''''Ehehe, Master Crono,''''


    Deneb and Alideed laughed like children and rubbed up against Crono.


    ''We''re going to march now, okay?''


    I just want to be pampered.


    Yeah, it''s the first time I''ve had a human cover for me.


    Stroking their pointed ears, Deneb and Alideed narrowed their eyes in comfort.


    ''''We''ll protect you, Crono-sama,''''


    Deneb and Alideed whispered in Crono''s ear.

 24-Episode 8 "Fire"

    *


    On the second day of the march, the imperial army crossed the uninhabited elven settlements and reached the East-West Road, much later than planned.


    There were several reasons for this, but the reason that was obvious to everyone was to secure drinking water.............................The water from the pond had to be boiled.


    This would be drinkable, wouldn''t it?��The water in the pond was clear to the extent that the water was clear, but practicality and face unusually coincided with the fact that if they got sick to their stomachs or contracted an endemic disease after drinking the raw water, they would lose their strength, and if they lost without a fight, it could be a stain on their lives.


    Other than that ... an invisible level of reasoning was the demoralization caused by Joseph''s execution.


    While the First, Second, and Twelfth Knights of the Kingsguard were an elite group, the rest of the battalions were basically a group of predators.


    The noble battalion commander and his entourage maintained a reasonably high morale, but the fact that the soldiers who were forced to come to the Holy Argo Kingdom under orders were subjected to much heavier punishment than they had been in their appointed positions caused their morale to drop.


    The morale was most severely depressed in the battalion to which Joseph belonged.


    It was not surprising that the commander of another battalion had exposed himself to the white blade to protect the elven twins, while his own battalion commander had left his subordinate, Joseph, to die.


    The East-West Road that connected the Sacred Argo Kingdom to the Free City State Group stretched through the wilderness.


    Although it looks like they only stepped on the ground, if they built too many magnificent roads, they could be used by enemy countries, so from the point of view of national defense, it is probably unavoidable.


    Crono looked down at the roadway, saying that blockading the roadway might be a good idea.


    The Holy Argo Kingdom, which is inland, is supposedly dependent on importing salt, so blocking the roadway might reduce the national power.


    Even if there was a vein of rock salt or a salt lake, it should be able to affect the power relations within the Sacred Argo Kingdom.


    ''''Crono-dono, that''s all the sustenance and fodder, isn''t it?


    Yes, that''s all there is.


    Count Ernat looked at the thirty-four wagons of sustenance...or rather, the young man with a sullen expression beside him and smiled bitterly.


    He was probably about twenty years old.


    His short, cropped hair was brown, and if he laughed, he would have a suitably charming face, but unfortunately, his lips were currently tied together in a sullen manner.


    The sight of his massive frame, comparable to a large sub-human, wrapped in white and silver sheet metal armor (plate mail) reminded me of a tank.


    ''''Is that your son?''''


    Yes, he''s a fool.


    When Crono asked, Count Ernat nodded with a reluctant look on his face.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a lot of pride.


    I''m not the kind of decent son that people envy, you know. I dropped out of military school, and I can''t lead my troops without my second-in-command, Mino-san.


    It''s embarrassing to be praised, isn''t it, Crono said, scratching his chinking, itching neck.


    It seems that even if you have a little bit of pride, it''s better than Crono, who was a failure in military school, but it seems that Count Ernat thinks differently.


    ''''........What is important to a commander?''''


    That''s a tough question.


    When I asked somehow, Baron Ernat crossed his arms and snorted thoughtfully.


    ''Is it difficult?''


    The commanders I have found to be competent have little in common. There are those with the military prowess of a demon, those who led their armies with their natural charisma, and those who won the trust of their subordinates with a steady hand, without excelling in anything else.


    Count Ernat clapped Crono on the shoulder with a hand as big as a glove.


    The way I see it, Crono is well equipped to command. I hope you will continue to work hard at it.


    Count Ernat smiled dependably and charmingly, and then turned his back to Crono and walked away.


    ''''Count Ernat, good luck to you!


    Mister Crono!


    Crono shouted, and Count Ernat raised his thick arms in response.


    ''''General, have you handed over the provisions? (BUMO)


    I was hoping to enjoy the afterglow a bit more.


    When Crono looked up, the second in command looked away awkwardly.


    Of course, Crono didn''t mean it, and since they''d known each other for a fair amount of time, the deputy should know that.


    ''I''m going to go look around a bit,''


    Bumo.


    The sight of nearly 10,000 soldiers resting on the streets is quite frightening.


    It''s comforting when you''re with your own men, but the reason for the fear and anxiety of so many soldiers is that you don''t feel a sense of unity.


    No, for the vast majority of soldiers, war is something else.


    They are simply dragged out into the field of battle without realizing the cause of the war, having been chosen to fight it without their knowledge.


    In fiction, great men would try to raise the will to fight and argue loudly for the legitimacy of the war, but in this world, media strategies may be difficult to implement.


    As I was thinking about this, I caught sight of Deneb and Alideed.


    ''''With the Marquess of Erakis, we can have three meals a day, and...''''


    ''I''ve grown a little bit bigger, haven''t I?


    Apparently, he was talking to an elf who belonged to another battalion.


    ''....Deneb, Arididid.


    "Master Crono!


    When Crono called out to them, Deneb and Alideed bounced back and forth happily.


    Although, all but Crono''s men looked at each other as if they were surprised.


    ''''Uh, what''s up?''''


    I''m taking a break, but we''re working hard.


    I know that. I''m just worried that you''ve been harassed since then.


    ''If you''re so worried about it, call me into the tent and we''ll be fine!


    ''Yes, yes!��Our techniques will make Crono-sama ascend to heaven!


    It''s not an auspicious time for a commander to ascend to heaven.


    The exchange was amusing, and Crono''s men let out a laugh.


    The other elves were silent, but they looked at Deneb and Arididid with some envy.


    ''Well, if you feel threatened, you can roll into your tent.


    "Yes!


    Stroking Deneb and Arididid''s ears, Crono went to Horus.


    ''How are you feeling?''


    "The East-West Highway is easy to march on, but you can''t help but be thirsty, you know." (Bumo, Bumo)


    Horus said, drooling sluggishly as Crono asked him in mid-sentence.


    ''Horus and Lysad''s troops are pulling the wagons, you know. Yeah, I''ll tell the landlady to give Horus and Lysad''s troops priority for water when we take a break.''


    "Please.


    Crono smiled bitterly and went to Rizad.


    ''''........''''


    Well, how are you doing?


    I''m fine.


    Lysad replied, his long, slender tongue darting in and out like a snake.


    How the lizardmen are making their voices heard is what I''m wondering.


    "...cold in the morning, can''t move.


    Oh, Lizardmen are just warm animals.


    If I had a hot warmer, I would be the first to supply it, but unfortunately Crono doesn''t know how to make a hot warmer.


    ''''How about heating a stone over a fire and wrapping it in a cloth?


    ....


    If I''m right, that''s how people used to keep warm in the cold winters, and if I''m right, that''s how they kept themselves warm in the old days.


    ....


    Kuni and Rizad gave a small nod.


    ''Well, let''s find a suitably sized stone for when we prepare dinner.


    Copy that.


    Crono knew he was vulnerable to the cold, but he was negligent in not dealing with it, and Crono went to the doctors he had brought from the Marquis'' estate.


    The ten doctors were all ten of them had blue faces.


    ''''You look........pale.


    I should have been exercising on a regular basis.


    Well, how are your guys doing?


    Crono called out fearfully to the doctor, who looked like he was about to vomit.


    ''''Perhaps it''s because they usually take their meals, but Crono-sama''s men are in good health themselves.


    Don''t the other battalions bring their own doctors with them?


    One or two, at the most.


    I see, Crono nodded.


    Maybe the negotiations didn''t go well and they couldn''t take out the doctor.


    ''''Since there''s something territorial about that area.......well, it doesn''t seem to have a good aftertaste to leave it alone, so I''ll talk to Leonhard-dono about it. Then you guys can get on the cart, okay?


    Thank you.


    Crono smiled bitterly as he walked around among his subordinates, "What you''re doing isn''t any different than when you''re in the Marquis'' territory.


    On the third day of the march, the Imperial Army reached the foothills without a single dropout.


    The scouts reported that the hilly terrain was a bottleneck between small mountains, and the Imperial Army was to take up positions in the hills to intercept the Holy Argo Kingdom Army.


    The gently undulating hillside... Crono has no idea what kind of intentions they had chosen, but Alfort and the 1st Kingsguard Knights were at the top of a small hill, with three battalions in the middle, and the 12th Knights and four battalions at the bottom lined up along the slope.


    All of them are arranged with the infantry in the center and the archers on either side, while the cavalry, the key to the attack, waits behind the infantry.


    Crono''s squad is guarding the military provisions behind Alfort and Leonhardt''s main camp.......Leonhardt said something like as a reserve force, but as Crono, he would like to keep his position as a reserve force to the end.


    ''''.........''''


    "General, what about us? (BUMO)


    We have to protect our military provisions and will stay behind Master Alfort and Lord Leonhardt. And of course, the doctor and the ladies.


    Crono replied to his deputy as he used his knife to scrape the tip of the wood.


    Of course, the deputy, and his subordinate who had his hands free, was grinding a log about three meters long a bit of a fine wooden stick.


    ''''Are you going to build another fence?'''' (Bum?)


    I don''t want to go up against a cavalryman in the flesh. I''d really like to make a pit or something.


    "I''ve been thinking about it before, but don''t you plan to fight the general head on? (BUMO)


    No.


    Crono replied immediately as he chipped away at the wood.


    ''Don''t get me wrong, just because I''ve seriously thought this through and it''s tied to the idea of building a fence or digging a pit, doesn''t mean I don''t have the will to fight.


    ''''You were like that when you were studying at the military school, too? (BUMO)


    Yeah, that''s what it was like.


    ....


    When Crono replied, Buchou~, the second in command let out a snort.


    Perhaps he was dumbfounded.


    ''''Most of the instructors hated me, but strangely enough, there was one instructor that I was able to talk to. That guy was a knight and got injured and retired from the line, but he told me all kinds of stories about his struggles on the battlefield.


    It seems that she was treated coldly, so it might be a good idea to invite her to be a teacher, Crono added in his mind.


    The reason why Cronos-sama has fallen short is starting to become clear to me.


    Is Lady Chronosphere a dropout?


    Seriously?


    The second-in-command muttered with a sigh, and Deneb and Alideed leaned forward, their eyes gleaming with curiosity.


    ''Yes,''


    "...and...


    Deneb and Aridid looked at each other awkwardly, as if they didn''t expect to be affirmed.


    ''''No, look, if Crono-sama hadn''t fallen out with us, we wouldn''t have met him.


    Yes, if it weren''t for Lord Crono, those in the Holy Argo Kingdom would have killed us.


    ''Like I''m grateful for the fallout,'' Deneb and Aridid smiled at Crono to cheer him up.


    ''It makes me feel a little better when you say that,''


    Crono arched his back and kept chipping away at the wood.


    *


    General Ignis!��With this, we will not lose to the invaders of the Cepheus Empire!


    ....


    The Shingi Officer stretched out his chest as if confident of victory and looked down from his horse at the soldiers.......seven hundred archers in the front row, five thousand infantry in the middle, and one thousand one hundred cavalry in the back, six thousand eight hundred in total.......


    Looking at the numbers alone, it seemed like a reasonable battle could be fought, but considering that more than fifty percent of the infantry were peasants gathered from neighboring villages, he couldn''t stop his gloomy mood from increasing at an accelerating rate.


    It took them three days to reach the hilly terrain where the enemy would have taken two days if they were regular soldiers.


    That alone should tell you how low their morale is, but it seems that the priesthood officer''s eyes are knotty.


    ''''If that''s the case, then coordination with the border fortress is the key to success?


    He''s already sent one. What? I''ve known the captain of the border guard for a long time. I''m sure he''ll be able to make his move on us.


    I should think that I can''t expect reinforcements, Ignis thought as he looked at the priesthood officer.


    According to the scouts'' reports, the Cepheus Imperial Army was completely unprepared for an assault from the rear.


    In addition, if the Second Order of the Kingsguard, which had repelled the Holy Argo Kingdom Army on numerous occasions, was absent, one should assume that the East-West Road was already blocked.


    Things won''t get better by asking for what you don''t have.


    I have to think about what I can do with what I have and what I can do with the authority I have now, Ignis said, holding a section of his right arm.


    Slowly but surely, the Holy Argo Kingdom Army was approaching.


    At first, the shadows only seemed to be moving, but after a while, he realized that the shadows were being shaped by thousands of soldiers.


    I could hear the sound of enemy soldiers stomping on the ground and breathing heavily.


    Of course, it was an auditory hallucination. Crono''s ears aren''t as capable as elves and beastmen''s, so there was no way he could hear footsteps and breathing.


    I know this in theory, but Crono''s knees were trembling pathetically, and if he relaxed even a little bit, he was going to defecate in a grand manner.


    ''''Crono-dono, are you trembling in a warrior''s quiver?''''


    "General, at least spare me the urge to defecate.


    ''''I heard that........Crono-dono wasn''t in his first battle, but, well, did you divulge it during your first battle?''''


    "I don''t think I shat my pants at the time, but no one really knows the truth.


    ....


    When the deputy said with a sigh, Leonhardt shushed him.


    ''''Count Piske tends to be overly cautious, but you needn''t worry too much.


    Leonhardt tapped Crono on the shoulder as if to encourage him and returned to the main camp.


    ''''Well from Mino-san''s point of view, how do you think this fight will go?''''


    The theory is to stare at each other for a while and then exchange arrows with each other. When the cavalry fired a moderate amount of arrows, the one who loses is the one who breaks the formation by attacking.


    I see, Crono looked at the two armies glaring at each other.


    The Sacred Argo Kingdom Army is a large square and this one is a stack of small squares that form a triangle.


    ''''It''s beginning.'''' (Bumo)


    The exchange of arrows began as if the second-in-command''s dialogue had been the catalyst, but the superiority and inferiority soon became apparent.


    The Cepheus Imperial Army had overwhelmed the Holy Argo Kingdom Army.


    This was not due to a difference in the skills of the archers, but simply a matter of numbers.


    If one battalion has three hundred archers, the front row alone has one thousand two hundred, and if the middle row is included, two thousand two hundred, while the Holy Argo Kingdom''s army has less than one thousand.


    ''''Mino-san, do you have a magic item for communication?


    "Well, that''s like a sign of approval from Chrono-sama, so I and the centurion are bringing it with us.


    While Crono was talking to his second-in-command, the archers of the Holy Argo Kingdom had dwindled in number, and a rain of arrows fell on the infantry that were standing behind them.


    The enemy infantry had their wooden shields at the ready, but there was no way they could prevent everything with them.


    Each time arrows rained down, the number of enemy infantrymen gradually decreased.


    ''''At this rate, we may not have a chance.


    Well I hope so.


    Crono''s mood doesn''t feel better, even though he should be overwhelmed by the enemy.


    ''''What''s wrong?''''


    It''s divine art.


    Crono replied to his second-in-command, remembering last year''s battle.


    ''If we''re fighting in a place like this one, we might be able to overturn the battle.


    "We have a Master Leonhardt over here, too, who is a master of divine magic. (Bum?)


    Well, yeah.


    If only I could believe that we could win because of Lord Leonhardt, Crono thought.


    Just as Crono held his lower abdomen, the horsemen of the Holy Argo Kingdom moved.


    As one cavalryman ran down the slope, nearly a thousand cavalrymen also followed.


    The archers quickly switched targets and rained down arrows, but the arrows were too dense.


    If the machine gun bows had been deployed throughout the army, or if they had coordinated well, they might have been able to hold off the cavalry''s rush.


    A crimson light enveloped the assaulting spears (lances) held by the cavalrymen in the front line.


    No, not only the assaulting lance, but the entire body was wrapped in crimson light.


    The crimson cavalryman plunged head-on into the infantry holding their spears.


    For a moment, for a moment, Crono expected the cavalry to be skewered, but the crimson cavalry rushed through as if the infantry didn''t exist and attacked the cavalry of the Cepheus Imperial Army that was waiting behind the infantry.


    The crimson cavalrymen threw down their assault spears and wielded their swords with only their left arms.


    ''''........General, what''s that?'''' (Bum?)


    Last year''s commander?


    Although they had nothing in common except for the ship''s arm, both Crono and his second-in-command were convinced that the crimson cavalryman was their causal enemy.


    ''''General!''''


    .....


    When I moved my gaze in response to my second-in-command''s shout, I saw that the enemy''s cavalry was about to rush into the gap created by the crimson cavalry.


    The infantry of the Cepheus Imperial Army, which hadn''t broken free from the chaos, was helplessly overrun, and then the second wave of the enemy followed suit.


    Once a soldier is totally destroyed, it is fragile.


    Although they could crush the cavalry if they wanted to, they are unable to do so and allow it to be overrun.


    ''''Lord Crono!��Take care of the rest!


    What?


    When Crono turned around, Leonhard rode his beloved horse down the slope.


    ''What do you want me to do, take care of the rest?''


    "I don''t know if I can help it.


    Nevertheless, the enemy must have known that Leonhardt, who was wearing light and rushing down, was a user of the Divine Majesty Technique.


    The crimson horsemen.......and incidentally, the other horsemen.......have begun to retreat faster than Leonhardt can rush in.


    It was the cavalry of the Cepheus Imperial Army who had been beaten one-sidedly by the crimson cavalry here that had regained their motivation.


    They scrambled through the infantry and pursued the enemy.


    Surprisingly, Count Piske seemed to be holding his men back.


    Well, if it was as Leonhardt''s character review, Count Piske must have stepped on the high risk of chasing the enemy.


    Whether it was by reason, experience or character, I don''t know, but Count Piske''s decision was correct.


    The enemy cavalry''s movements were slow and our cavalry''s movements were mixed.


    In addition, our cavalry was galloping up the slope and lined up in a straight line to redeem their honor and vindicate themselves.


    The enemy cavalry flipped their horses'' necks around and attacked as a mass.


    They also attacked while meandering in a zig-zag fashion.


    ''''Master Crono!''''


    The voice of Deneb or Alideed came from the magic item for communication.


    What''s up?��There was no need to ask again.


    Because the enemy ... less than fifty in number, but the enemy cavalry was closing in on the main camp.


    Perhaps they were running their horses while hiding in the hills.


    ''''We''ve been hit!''''


    Crono clicked his tongue as he ran out.


    The enemy had been aiming for this.


    I don''t know if the enemy knew of Leonhardt''s existence, but the battalion commander class here was separated from the battalion by a false retreat and was unable to give orders to his men.


    As soon as Crono joined his subordinates, the First Kingsguard and the enemy cavalry clashed with each other.


    The enemy cavalry rushed in with the least defensive archers.


    The infantry took cover, but the enemy cavalry showed deadly resistance.


    It wasn''t until the situation moved again that Crono realized his intentions.


    ''''Well, the enemy is here again!


    .....


    Deneb and Alideed screamed.


    It was the same for Crono who wanted to scream.


    ''''Mino-san, Horus and Rizad, protect your sustenance and women!��Leo, follow me with a stake!��Deneb and Alideed, cover me!


    Crono carried the extra log and moved to the front of the enemy cavalry along with a hundred beastmen.


    Even though it''s a log, with the tip shaved off, it should be able to be used as a spear.


    Crono placed the log on the ground with a twitch in his cheeks, thinking that he might really pee his pants.


    ''Yo, side by side!��When I give the signal, raise the log!��I''m fine!��A cavalryman is so weak he could take down a man with a single rope!


    Crono didn''t believe his own words as he shouted.


    Thud thud!��And a warhorse like a mass of muscle was approaching, shaking the ground.


    What a bloody foolish thing to do!


    I think so, but running away is not the earliest option.


    Crono and the Hundred Beastmen lined up side by side.


    Now!


    .....


    All at once, they pointed their logs at the enemy cavalry.


    A horrifying wind noise passed by his ears.


    The enemy cavalrymen''s assault spears snatched their temples.


    Immediately after, the impact hit Crono.


    A log had pierced the horse''s neck and pierced the enemy cavalryman''s throat.


    He looked around in a hurry and saw that the enemy cavalryman had been pierced by a wooden stake held by the beastman.


    The enemy cavalry, who had survived the unexpected accident, ran down the slope with their necks around the horse.


    ''That was a hell of a shock, Leo,''


    Turning around, Crono gasped.


    Leo was looking up at the heavens in a big way.


    He was blown away by the impact, Crono told himself.


    ''.........Leo.


    I got up quickly and tried to convince myself that Leo would answer me.


    But he also understood that he couldn''t.


    Leo''s head was half empty.


    Maybe Leo had taken a decent hit from the assault spear that snatched Crono''s temple.


    It felt like something had fallen out of the air with a stomp.


    Crono held the butt of his trousers as he finally defecated, but he couldn''t feel the excrement.


    ''Deneb, Alideed don''t let the enemy get away!


    Copy that.


    An enemy cavalryman running down the slope a fully armed knight was stabbed right through the side.


    Not a rain of arrows, but a barrage.


    Some were pierced by arrows along with their horses, some were killed on horseback, some were thrown from their horses.


    Alone, Crono ran down the slope and pounced on the horsemen who were lucky enough to survive.


    I''m not sure if I should call him a cavalryman, though, since he was shaken off his horse.


    Crono ducked under the sword swung by the enemy cavalryman in a forward passive manner and swung his steel sword down as he turned around.


    With a pop, the enemy cavalryman''s arm flew off as a joke, and Crono released a thrust without thinking twice.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on.


    As they rolled down the slope to tangle with each other, the enemy horsemen''s elbows struck Crono in the temples.


    Crono removed his hand from his sword and struck the enemy cavalryman with a nearby stone.


    The helmet distorts greatly, but the enemy horsemen''s resistance does not weaken.


    Then, Crono struck the enemy horsemen again and again with the stone until they stopped moving.


    When the enemy cavalry finally stopped moving, Crono threw away the blood-stained stone.


    Once the sun goes down, the battle is over.


    Night warfare was an unwritten rule halfway through the day because of the great danger it posed to those who couldn''t see at night.


    The Cepheus Imperial Army would have the advantage if they fought at night, Mino thought as he stared at Leo''s grave.


    ''''General, the night will be cold.'''' (Bumo)


    I just want to stay here for a little while.


    Like Mino, Crono said as he stared at Leo''s grave.


    ''Well, we''ll keep you warm then.


    I can comfort you.


    Thank you. But I''m not in the mood.


    Crono smiled weakly as Deneb and Alideed hugged him from both sides.


    I didn''t mean to say that it was inappropriate, I didn''t mean to say that it was inappropriate.


    Not an enemy, I guess.


    If he had been in Crono''s position, he would have cursed Deneb and Alideed.


    And yet, he couldn''t afford to spare his subordinates........................and he cares about subhumans too.


    Huh!


    Gillian!��And then there was the sound of something creaking.


    When Mino turned around, a man was standing there.


    Judging from the fact that he was hanging his arms from a cloth, it was probably the battalion commander or his second-in-command who had lost a lot of soldiers in today''s battle.


    ''''If you have time to bury sub-humans.......!


    The man couldn''t speak until the end.


    It was because Crono had silently attacked the man.


    ''''General!'''' (BUMO!)


    Just before his fist caught the man''s jaw, Mino was barely able to assemble Crono.


    ''Ha, let go, Mino!


    "General! Enough! (BUMO!)


    How much power was hidden in his tiny body, Crono was trying to push Mino away with a force that made his bones creak.


    ''That guy.................has disgraced Leo''s life, my pride!��I''ll kill you, I''ll kill you!


    Gokin!��And the sound came from Crono''s shoulder.


    The shoulder had dislocated under the force of Mino and Crono.


    It should hurt, and in some cases, the pain should be more than a broken bone.


    And yet Crono kept scrambling.


    ''General, endure it!��Leo wouldn''t want that! Buh-buh-buh!


    Mino''s shout made the strength drain from Crono''s body.


    ''''........Leo was my man.


    I understand. If the Cronos fought a duel right now, what would we do?


    Gillian!��And Crono gritted his teeth again.


    ''''Well f*ck off, I''ll kill you next time.


    Finally realizing Crono''s seriousness, the man ran away from the scene at a trot.


    ''Mino-san, it''s all right now.''


    When Mino let go of his hand, Crono scratched his head on the spot.


    Crono stroked the wound in his right eye.


    ''My dad said that a commander has to laugh when times are tough.


    "...that''s a lot of work for an old man.


    Yeah, that''s a good one.


    I can''t cry now, Crono muttered to himself, as if to remind himself that he couldn''t cry.

 25-Episode 9 "Night Attack"

    *


    The deaths in battle were one hundred cavalry, three hundred infantry, and one hundred archers.......if you include the seriously lightly wounded, they suffered losses equivalent to one battalion.


    Most of these were caused by enemy cavalry, with the battalion commander and second-in-command classes, other than the knights of the Kingsguard, being cut in half in number.


    It''s not that it''s hopeless in terms of numbers, though, and Crono was walking behind the main camp, accompanied by his second-in-command.


    The field hospital set up behind the main camp - just a tent lined with a combination of dismantled fences and tents - has a smell of blood so dense that you can''t smell it any other way, and you want to cover your ears. It was filled with the grunts of soldiers like.


    There is no bed. The soldiers are lying on the ground on cloths laid on the ground.


    Those who have lost their arms, those who have lost their legs, those who have had their bellies cut wide open and are crying out, and those who stare silently into the void while having their bellies ripped open as well...the air in the field hospital is tainted with despair.


    As if to resist such despair, the doctors that Crono brought from the Marquess of Erakis were running around among the patients.


    ''''........Crono-sama....


    When the doctor, whose hands were stained with blood, looked at Crono, he looked down apologetically.


    ''''I have a minor injury, so no treatment is needed. You.........treat sub-humans, humans, nobles and commoners alike. That''s all the orders I, or rather you, have to follow.


    I''m sorry!


    With that, the doctor turned his back to Crono to do his job.


    ''General, is your shoulder all right?'' (BUMO)


    It creaks when you move it, but it''ll be okay.


    It was Mino-san who dislocated her shoulder and set it up with force, but I should swallow my resentment here.


    ''''........and the wound on your temple.''''


    I''m worried about you going bald.


    When he touched his temples, a flurry of dried blood fell away.


    Crono climbed the hill, checking his feet.


    ''''General, your position is out of line with ours, right? (Bum?)


    I got called into a tactical meeting, so I''ll be fine.


    Are you saying that you''ve finally been recognized for what you''ve done in this case? (Bum?)


    ''The battalion commander and his second-in-command were killed in action, and we couldn''t afford to let the fallen ones play.


    Well, I''m going to check on everyone for Crono-sama.


    Wait, wait!


    Crono turned around and stopped his second-in-command.


    ''Since you''re my second-in-command, Mino, you''re going to have to join me in the tactical meeting.


    "General, I''m a subhuman, you know? (Bum?)


    I''m from another world, okay?


    Crono desperately persuaded the deputy who was trying to return to the camp''s position.


    ''''........I understand.'''' (Bumo)


    The First Officer nodded wearily.


    ''I''m going to suggest a night raid at the tactical meeting, do you think that''s cool?''


    "That''s right, we''ve got all kinds of subhumans here, so if they tell us to do it, we''ll do it.


    But," the deputy stagnated while looking down at Crono.


    If you do a night raid, you''ll be called a coward.


    ''I don''t mind that. All I was worried about was whether or not I could do a night raid.


    If a night raid is possible, it will only be done.


    It''s not a good idea for me to say that, General. It''s a good thing that noblemen are a bit more concerned about their pride and face.


    I''m not sure I''ve ever understood aristocratic pride.


    No, I understand that fighting fair and square is aristocratic, and I understand that we have to risk our lives for the sake of aristocracy, but I just can''t understand it in my senses.


    ''''If you''re going to gather your wits in order to reduce your sacrifices as much as possible, and then call me unaristocratic or a coward, I''ll just have to accept it.


    "It''s even more refreshing when you say it like that." (Bumobuumo)


    Crono and his second-in-command walked up the hill to the tent where the tactical meeting was being held.


    ''Why are the sub-humans here for the tactical meeting?''


    ''Count Piske, he''s my second in command. And I''m sure there was no rule against subhumans participating in tactical meetings.


    It was nothing more than sophistry, but Count Piske clucked his tongue and fell silent.


    In the tent, Leonhard, Count Piske, the man who had ranted at Leo''s grave, and the two men stood around the desk, with the deputy standing behind them.


    A female knight standing behind Count Piske especially caught my attention.


    Her age is probably not many years after she graduated from military school.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    You know," he said, "that we lost five hundred men in today''s battle, including the battalion commander. That includes three battalion commanders and four second-in-command one of the second-in-command who died in the battle was under my command.


    Behind Count Piske, the female knight smiled thinly.


    It would be tempting to laugh since he was promoted thanks to his boss''s death in battle, but I wish he would have more sense of place.


    ''''The battalion whose captain and second-in-command were killed in battle will be temporarily reorganized as the custody of the Kingsguard Order, and will be repositioned so that Leonhard-dono''s First Kingsguard Order and my Twelfth Kingsguard Order are swapped with each other.


    I''ll do my best.


    Leonhardt declared, and everyone let out a breath of relief.


    ''It''s a reasonable decision to change the deployment of the squad,'' Crono thinks, too.


    ''''Um, is this the end of the tactical meeting?''''


    What do you think, Mister Crono?


    As Leonhardt said, everyone''s eyes were focused on Crono.


    ''''........I can see that we''re going to reorganize and reposition our troops based on the results of today''s battle....


    Oh, are you doubting Master Leonhardt''s abilities?��Leonhardt, son of the Duke of Palatium, is an unparalleled wielder of swords and divine magic. He is even more skilled than your father, Claude the Slaughterer.


    Count Piske''s second-in-command praised Leonhardt.


    He might just be making fun of Crono by quoting Leonhardt.


    ''''Lord Crono, would you trust me?''''


    ''I''m not talking about believing or not believing, or any of that emotional stuff,''


    Crono was at a loss as to how to start the conversation.


    I know that Leonhardt has enough success in the war to be trusted, though.


    Well, we''ll just have to reopen it.


    ''''........I propose a night raid against the Holy Argo Kingdom Army.


    What are you thinking about?


    ''Yes!��Is there no pride in night raids and other noblemen!


    "You coward!


    Crono said, and Count Piske''s second-in-command and the two battalion commanders leaned forward and shouted.


    ''Leading sub-humans makes you low to the head, doesn''t it?


    The last one was the battalion commander who hung his arms - the man who had tainted Leo''s death - but Crono barely restrained himself.


    Although, he was determined to kill him whenever he had the chance.


    ''''I''m only making a reasonable suggestion. Certainly, Lord Leonhardt would be able to fight evenly with the Crimson Cavalry. However, I believe that the commander should do everything possible to win. At least that''s what I learned from my father.


    "Hmm, if you ask me, Master Claude, you have a point.


    It was a lie. Crono was even physically drilled into the basics of swordsmanship by his adopted father, but Leonhard, who didn''t know that, nodded his head in a divine way.


    ''''No matter what the enemy''s schemes are, it''s the nobles who will crush them head on!


    Don''t think that kind of line should be said until you''re in the line of fire.


    As he spoke lightly, Count Piske''s second in command glared at Crono with an ogre-like appearance.


    ''''What does the son of an upstart know about nobility?''''


    I don''t know.


    ''Of course. Even though he was given a title, the son of an upstart, no, lowly mercenary, could not possibly understand the pride of a nobleman.


    When Count Piske''s second-in-command looked around, everyone except Count Piske and Leonhardt nodded with a follow-up smile.


    ''''Yeah, I don''t understand what you call aristocratic pride.


    ''So,'' said Crono, with a malicious smile.


    ''Will you let the soldiers dying in the field hospital listen to the speech you just gave them?


    What do you mean by that?


    That''s why they''re waiting for a soldier who''s lost an arm or a leg to die with his belly ripped off to the gut. Teach them a lesson in nobleman''s pride. There are ways to limit the damage and fight, but I''d let my men die for nothing for my noble pride.


    Crono''s smile deepened as he realized his cheeks were twitching.


    ''That doesn''t make any sense!


    ''Yes. To a dying soldier, the pride of a nobleman is not worth a single copper coin.


    Con, Con and Crono tapped the desk with their fingertips.


    ''In short, I just don''t want you to bring up words like aristocratic pride and neglect your duty as a commander.


    ''Oh,'' said Crono, nodding repeatedly.


    ''I have a girl under my command, Faye, and you look a lot like her.


    What do you call me, a horseshit?


    Nothing.


    Ignoring her hysterical ranting, Crono turned his gaze to Count Piske.


    He didn''t expect Faye''s name to be mentioned here, but Count Piske looked like he had bitten down on a bitter worm.


    ''''Marquis Erakis, do you have a chance of winning?


    ''Of course. We''ll use this to form a squad of night-eyed sub-humans to work together smoothly.


    Count Piske asked, and Crono took out a transparent sphere ... a magic item for communication.


    ''''That''s quite a bit of preparation.


    ''The plan for the night raid-not much of a plan, as you might call it-is to hide in the shadows of the night, close to the enemy''s position, and have a detachment of men burning their provisions and fodder while the main body of troops are making a scene.


    So they can''t continue fighting without military provisions?


    You can''t fight on an empty stomach. I think that''s a truth that doesn''t matter for the country, the era, or even the world.


    Crono replied to Count Piske, who sniffed uncomfortably, with a smile on his face.


    ''''Tsk....


    Count Piske clicked his tongue and bit his nails in irritation.


    Crono looked at Count Piske, who must be thinking of self-preservation or something.


    ''''Well it seems that this issue needs to be discussed. Lord Leonhardt, I want everyone other than the Marquis of Erakis and his deputy to be sharp for tomorrow.''''


    ''''Pay up,'''' was Count Piske''s conclusion.


    ''Jeez, this is no joke!��Night raids........!


    ''Cecily, I told you to keep your sharpness in check. Or would you prefer to be a janitor in the stables instead of a deputy?


    I''m under orders!


    The other battalion commanders didn''t seem to be amused either, but they wouldn''t do anything like Cecily to defy her.


    Leonhardt, Crono, and his second-in-command Mino-san looked around the remaining tent, and Count Piske sat down in a chair in a thumping manner.


    ''''Marquis Erakis, how is the battle situation from your point of view?''''


    Mino, how do you like it?


    You''re going to shake it for me there? (Bum?)


    The deputy opened his eyes as if he was surprised and let out a deep sigh.


    ''''........Will you forgive me for my statement?'''' (More?)


    ''''I didn''t expect to have to listen to the sub-human''s words...well, no matter. This is how much poison has been given to me. A little bit of extra poison will make no difference.


    Count Piske made a look of deep disgust and urged him to speak.


    The situation doesn''t look good, even from my point of view. It''s a good thing that we won today''s battle, but we can''t replenish our forces, and they can replenish theirs as much as they like. On top of that, their morale is low, so the only thing we can do is to launch a night attack or whatever and quickly attack the city.


    I''m with Mino on this one.


    His second-in-command looked at him suspiciously, but Crono threw his chest out.


    ''Where''s Lord Leonhardt?''


    If it means we get through this, then I don''t mind reshuffling the troops, but we''ll have to play it by ear to achieve our goal.


    Crono''s eyes widened as he didn''t expect Leonhardt to be positive about the night raid.


    ''What''s wrong with you?''


    No, I was expecting Lord Leonhardt to say something about pride in his nobility.


    ''If I were the only one to take the brunt of the fire, I''d continue to be stubborn to the end. There''s only a limit to that when the lives of my men are at stake.


    Count Piske looked at Crono with a probing gaze.


    ''''Well as a nobleman I can''t fully approve of the night raid. But I can tacitly approve of the action.


    So you''re saying that I''m supposed to pretend I did it?


    Isn''t that a little too convenient for you?


    Crono and Leonhardt pointed out, and Count Piske looked down, unable to say anything back.


    ''No, let''s think about things,'' Crono reminded him.


    ''I understand.''


    Lord Crono!


    "Oh, Marquis Erakis!


    Leonhard chided, and Count Piske happily called Crono.


    ''''No, it''s not gratuitous. I want you to promise your wounded men the best treatment and a reasonable reward if the operation succeeds or fails.''''


    No, I''m only a nobleman of the court. I can''t afford it!


    Don''t lie to me, Count Piske.


    When Crono turned around, Rio was standing outside the tent.


    ''Nah, I don''t know what you''re talking about,''


    Oh, you didn''t think I''d know that?


    All right!��I promise the best treatment and rewards for soldiers participating in night raids!


    When Rio smiled cheerfully, Count Piske let out a screaming voice.


    ''Then let this Leonhardt be a witness.


    Well, I guess I''ll have to be a witness, then.


    The two colleagues interrupted him, and Count Piske winced weakly.


    *


    After filling in the details, Crono returned to his men with his second in command and Rio in tow.


    After finishing the meal, his men seemed to be taking a break around the campfire.


    Crono''s eyes narrowed as he felt that the number of his men were increasing.


    I don''t know the number of people in detail, but I have a feeling that the unit has grown by about thirty percent.


    ''''Mino-san, have I ever had so many of my men?''''


    ''''The battalion commander and his second-in-command died, and the sub-humans who were there just flowed in.'''' (Bumobumo)


    If you ask me, I feel like there are poorly equipped sub-humans.


    ''''If you see the general calling out to his subordinates during his break, they''ll usually flow over here.'''' (Bumobumo)


    ''Is this what the army should be like?''


    Crono tilted his head and looked at Rio.


    ''Can Rio be allowed to leave his own Order too?''


    He''s in good hands. Oh, don''t get me wrong, the Lieutenant works at my house as a butler. He''s one of the few people I trust. So I''ll be joining the night raid.


    ''''Mino-san, I''ll go to the tent to get my things, so call the centurion and select the members who will participate in the night raid. Then hand the armor, the sword, and the mechanic''s bow to Rio.


    Crono left them and went to his tent.


    He took a package out of a large wooden box and poked at a corner, and with a bang, the bottom plate of the box came off.


    What was there was a large amount of gold coins and a bottle of wine.


    ''''Well I''m glad it wasn''t broken.''''


    What''s not broken?


    I picked up the bottle and turned around to see the landlady standing there with a tray in her hand.


    ''Ah, the landlady,''


    I''m at a loss as to how to react when a nobleman with a lot of money looks at me with a relieved face. But still, did you really need to bring gold coins to the battlefield?


    Well, I won''t let it get in the way of that.


    Crono picked up one of the gold coins and flicked it with his thumb.


    ''With the money, we might be able to buy supplies in enemy territory, and if we pay the ransom when our men are taken prisoner, they might release us.


    You''re capable of thinking so many negative thoughts, but you don''t think I''m going to steal them?


    Crono fingered the gold coins.


    Are you going to steal it?


    If I did, I wouldn''t even have a voice in the first place.


    ''I see,'' said Crono, putting the bottom board back in place and putting his personal belongings in the box.


    ''So, what are you going to do for dinner?''


    What about Mr. Mino?


    I just had to brute-force it. If you don''t want to be eaten, Master Crono, you''ll eat properly.


    Crono poured the bread and soup down his stomach and wiped his mouth roughly.


    ''I''d like to cook you something a little more elaborate,''


    Well, not this much.


    Crono cowered his shoulders and walked out of the tent.


    When he returned to his men, his second-in-command, Rio, Deneb, Ariddead, and Rizad... Taiga, the human tiger (war tiger) who had been promoted to centurion in place of Leo, was waiting for Crono.


    Crono stared at his subordinates lined up in an orderly line at a slight distance, and his chest heaved as he was aware of his legs trembling with fear.


    ''Mino-san, what''s your choice of men?''


    I''m sure you''ll be glad to know that I''m not the only one. Deneb, Arididid, and Tyga will take care of their own squads, and Lysad, with the help of Onseki, will be in charge of the thirty-four lizardmen who don''t pull carts, along with the fifty men who have come in to join the squad. I''ll be in charge of the newly added mixed beastman/elf squad.


    What''s the breakdown of the mixed forces?


    "Seventy beastmen and 30 elven archers." (Bumobumo)


    Four hundred and eighty-four................................It''s insane to take on a fight with this many people, Crono gave a drawn-out smile.


    ''''Well we''re going to launch a night attack now, but before we do,''''


    Crono rolled over a nearby barrel, splashing water on it and jumped into the muddy ground.


    He looked up, bathed in mud all over his body.


    Excuse me, Mister Crono?


    I''m sorry about my head.


    Deneb and Alydead looked at him pityingly.


    ''Not becoming!��This thing is smearing mud all over your body to make it less noticeable!��Everyone is coated in mud all over!��Those of you with free hands, mow the nearby dead grass and get the string ready!��Time won''t wait for you!


    Yeah, we''re not here to...


    Crono dragged one half of the twins into the mud in a crabby way.


    ''Hey, hey, chest, don''t grab me by the chest!


    You have some nice breasts.


    Perhaps realizing Crono''s seriousness or not wanting to be dragged into the mud, his subordinates furtively coated their entire bodies with mud and camouflaged them with dead grass, and a scene of dead grass bunnies lined up in an orderly fashion.


    I''ll hide on the slope and hide in the grass as I go!


    *


    ''There were no reinforcements at the border fort, but there is always an element of uncertainty in warfare. Considering the heavy losses we inflicted on the enemy, I''d say the operation was a success.


    Ignis''s mood was depressed as he watched the priesthood officer sipping wine at his side.


    He had lost five hundred archers, five hundred infantry, and one hundred cavalrymen in exchange for inflicting enormous damage on the enemy.


    If those wounded who could not endure the battle were included, the damage would be increased by fifty percent?


    ''It is expected to arrive tomorrow evening with reinforcements.


    ....


    At the very least, it would be easy to replenish the soldiers, but as long as they were making peasants into soldiers, they had to be prepared for a significant decrease in tax revenue.


    Ignis left the tent as if he was running away from the priesthood officer who was laying out the optimistic elements.


    I was the bait, and my men, who had approached under cover of the slope, attacked the main enemy position.


    It had worked until halfway through.


    No, he thought, even if it didn''t work, there was no way he would lose a hundred men.


    However, when the lid was opened, the hundred heavy cavalry were wiped out.


    ''''Is this the Empire''s newly developed magic?''''


    Magic that can penetrate sheet metal armor (plate mail)........If such a thing was developed, the nature of warfare would change completely.


    If they couldn''t cope with that change, the Holy Argo Kingdom would be destroyed by the Cepheus Empire or made a vassal state.


    ''''No, we should think about that after we win tomorrow''s battle.


    Ignis went to his tent.


    *


    The Sacred Argo Kingdom Army''s camp was set up adjacent to a forest that jutted out into the hills.


    ''''Surprisingly, you won''t find it.


    ''''Well if they make you dress like this and find you easily, you won''t be able to see it.��And this is not the war I''ve ever known, crawling up to enemy lines.


    It''s okay, because in a few hundred years this will be the world standard. We''ll probably be on the cutting edge of the world.


    We''re less than a hundred meters from the enemy''s lines and the soldiers on guard are walking around, but they don''t even notice us, whether they''re not skilled or their cover is working well.


    ''''So what do we do now?''''


    Me, Rio, Mino, Rizad, and Taiga rush into enemy territory. Deneb and Arididid will hide in the forest and just keep on shooting at the enemy. Deneb, Arididid, are you in position?


    What''s in place?


    I made it to the woods out back, though?


    Deneb and Arideed''s bewildered voices echoed from the communication magic item.


    ''''Deneb, Arididead when I give the signal, shoot the soldiers on guard. After that, we''ll shout out and charge into the enemy lines, while Deneb and Arididid''s troops will cover the main force from the forest. When fighting the enemy, always use more than one, and if you can use fire magic, set them on fire at will. But do not touch the women and the wounded.


    Well, well, that''s very sweet of you.


    ''Because if you try to kill a woman, the enemy might fight back to the death, and the wounded would just be there and burden the enemy with medical treatment and stuff like that.


    I take it back, Crono is a demon of sorts.


    Crono said, and Rio gave a twitching smile.


    Down on the ground, Crono moistened his lips with his tongue.


    ''''... now!''''


    Copy that.


    Deneb and Arideed''s voices rang out, and an arrow that flew at high speed pierced the head of the sentry soldier. When I tilted my gaze slightly, I saw that the soldier on guard who was shot through by the arrow was about to fall slowly.


    ''''Go........General!


    Let''s go! Follow me!��Oooh!


    Crono drew his sword and ran towards the enemy lines.


    ''''Ta, General, you''re in too much of a hurry to live! (BUMO!)


    "...running.


    Running, that is. (Grrrr.)


    No, it''s beyond comprehension.


    Bummies!��Shh!��Goooooooooooh!��Urrgh!��And the shouts of his men push Crono''s back with pressure.


    Finally, a sleepy-eyed soldier emerges from the tent, perhaps recognizing the voice.


    Taiga passed next to Crono, who was running as fast as he could.


    One after another, his men passed him, and in the blink of an eye, Crono dropped out of the lead group.


    It''s all you can do not to be overtaken by Rizad''s team.


    Just when I was biting into the difference in athletic ability, Taiga swung his great sword down.


    The great sword swung down by the sub-human''s physical strength severed the enemy soldier from right shoulder to pigeon tail, and


    Flame! (Gulp!)


    The swelling flames tore the soldier''s body in two.


    ''''Enemy attack!


    The head of the enemy soldier, screaming desperately, falls off.


    A blow from Taiga had severed his head.


    However, the enemy soldier''s act of risking his life was not in vain.


    The enemy soldiers, sensing something unusual, came out of the tent.


    There, the beasties collapsed into an avalanche of them.


    The enemy soldiers, who wore no armor, were easy prey for the beastmen.


    When Crono arrived, one corner of the enemy camp was filled with corpses.


    ''''General, I''ve chilled my liver.'''' (Bumo~)


    Sorry.


    Crono felt somewhat uncomfortable and sheathed his sword.


    ''Fire, as planned! (BUMO)


    "Flame dance!


    "Flamebang!


    Following the orders of the deputy, the two elves unleashed their flame magic.


    One was a sorcery that scattered loud sounds and flames, and the other was a sorcery that sent countless flames crashing into the target.


    ''''I need some wind.''''


    "Whirlwind!


    Crono muttered, and the elven woman - the woman who was talking to Deneb and Arididid - used her magic.


    A whirlwind stoked the flames and sparks of fire rose high in the sky.


    ''Thank you.''


    No.


    Crono stroked her ear and she turned over shyly.


    ''Well, let''s rush through the enemy lines to the forest.


    Crono and the others rushed the enemy lines as one unit.


    As time passed, the enemy soldiers were regaining their composure...and their judgment to the extent of wearing armor, but that was only half of the total.


    The remaining half just stood around in a dumbfounded manner or ran away.


    ''''General, isn''t that strange?'''' (BUMO)


    Do you think he''s asking you out?


    The second-in-command is slaughtering about ten enemy soldiers while commanding a mixed unit.


    The Taiga and Rizad troops have killed more than five hundred enemies, but I haven''t received any reports of any deaths from my men.


    They deliberately lured Crono and the others to retreat.


    That kind of imagination snatched at my brain, but the enemy''s movements are goofy for all the tricks they''re playing with.


    ''''Let''s give it a try.


    What are you doing? (BUMO)


    They''re trying to get their military provisions.��Protect your military provisions and fodder!


    They''re trying to get their military provisions.


    Hurry!��We''re going to have to stick to our defenses!


    Crono shouted behind his second-in-command, and an enemy soldier shouted in response.


    ''Apparently, they don''t have a way to communicate like we do. Deneb, Arideed, the enemy is moving to protect their military provisions and take aim. And make sure you get that message thing in there too.


    You don''t have to tell me!


    I mean, there''s so much shielding, it''s hard to aim!


    The voices that were Deneb and Alideed''s killers echoed.


    ''The enemy seems confused, but charge forward carefully!


    "Yes, that I do.


    Copy that.


    Switching their objective from killing and wounding the enemy to retreating, Crono and the others headed for the forest.


    But that''s where the beast race.......the difference in athletic ability between the races and the fact that they brought soldiers from another battalion backfired.


    They should have been pushing forward in a single mass, but before they knew it, they were stretched long and long.


    The original subordinates were able to hold out with their full equipment and skill level, but the new subordinates were different.


    It was one lizardman who was the first to drop out.


    He was killed by countless spears that flew out from the side by side, piercing his chest and killing him.


    Apparently, the enemy had switched to a policy of attacking from the shadows and splitting up the main force instead of blocking them head-on.


    This tactic was modest, but very effective.


    One by one, another sub-human who had just become a subordinate fell.


    As he ran past the corpses of his enemies and allies, Crono was tempted to cut his head off for his poor outlook.


    A night raid would reduce the casualties of his men.


    As a result of that decision, he sent his men to their deaths that didn''t have to die.


    ''''Deneb, Arideed!��Cover me!


    ''I''ve been working my ass off for a while now!


    There''s too many of them!


    ''Then what''s the withdrawal status!''


    "Taiga Squad and Rizadh Squad are on the ground.��''But, but!''


    ''There are more and more enemies coming in, and the cloakings are preventing me from aiming!


    Shit, I don''t need to hear you whine!��''I''m sorry,'' Crono spat in his mind, remembering that Rio was there.


    ''Rio!��Is Rio over there!


    "...I''m here.


    I can''t take over!


    ''Hey, Crono!��It''s hard work here, but how''s it going there!


    He commanded Lysad to shout at him, and in an easy-going way, Rio replied.


    ''Rio is through the enemy lines, Deneb, to meet up with Arididid''s squad!��Use your divine power arts to blow away any enemies that might be lurking around!


    All right!��It''s going to be a little tougher for you to get out of here with me, but I hope you''ll survive.


    ''Unlucky........hi!


    As Crono ducked the spear that flew out from the side on the bridge, the second-in-command swung his poleaxe down and cracked the enemy soldier''s head.


    ''''General, don''t let your guard down!��Even if the night raid is successful, if the general is dead, we''ll lose.


    You know, I never let my guard down in the first place!


    Crono ducked the enemy''s spear while rolling on the ground in a haphazard manner and swung his sword around bullshitfully while making strange noises.


    The fact that he swung it down without even matching the blade with a fragile blade nearly bludgeoned him to death... his head was deformed and his eyeballs popped out, but Crono continued to run, almost pissing himself.


    Not long after that, Crono realized the meaning of Rio''s words.


    The number of enemies popping up from the side increased, and the number of fallen men increased.


    That included subordinates wearing Goldie''s special armor.


    Apparently, Rio was doing a great job where Crono wasn''t looking.


    ''''General!'''' (BUMO!)


    I know!��But we have to trust Rio!��Rio is ... pretending to be a b*tc*, but she''s the best!


    Oh, that''s the man! (BUMO!)


    As Crono and his second in command were halfway through their panicked ranting, a sound like the sound of a whistle rang out.


    A green light pierced the tent at a slight distance and a burst of light pierced the tent.


    As if it was a scene from a war movie, the enemy soldiers soared high into the sky with a large amount of dirt and sand.


    The enemy soldier, who had been knocked to the ground with a squishy thud, did not move.


    They were dead, blood dripping from their eyes, nose and ears.


    ''''I don''t think there are any b*tc*es, do you?''''


    ''Rio is great!��I love you!


    "No, it''s fine.


    Rio''s support changed the war situation completely.


    After all, Rio blows away the enemy soldiers lurking in the shadows by rooting them out with his divine power technique.


    "Over here, that is. (GASP!)


    Taiga shouted to Crono as he cut down the enemy soldiers.


    The forest is just a stone''s throw away.


    If you run through with all your might, you can escape to safety in less than ten seconds.


    ''''General!''''


    When Crono turned around at his second-in-command''s shout, an elf was blocking his way to the enemy soldiers.


    It was the elf that Crono had stroked his ear.


    She looked at Crono and looked away as if giving up.


    It was as if she was convinced that she would never risk her life for an elf.


    ''''.........''''


    Crono ran. Not to the forest, but to the elves.


    It would be a foolish thing to do.


    Still, Crono didn''t know how to reward his subordinates for believing in him otherwise.


    ''''Heavenly hearse Kagura!''''


    The jet-black sphere annihilates the heads of the enemy soldiers.


    But I can''t be relieved.


    There are still three enemies.


    Crono thrusts his dagger into the backs of the enemy soldiers.


    The remaining two opened their eyes in surprise, as if they didn''t expect him to come to their aid.


    Crono pushed the two enemy soldiers, whose spines were destroyed and dripping piss and piss, at them.


    While the two men reflexively held their comrades in arms, Crono stabbed the enemy soldier in the neck with his long sword.


    ''''Flame-bullet dance!''''


    A mass of flames engulfed the surviving enemy soldiers. The enemy soldier, which flared up like a torch, rolled around on the ground and stopped moving after a moment.


    Crono thrust his sword into the neck of the smoking enemy to stop them, and reached out his hand towards the elf.


    Thanks for the help.


    Just as he was about to spit out such a line, Crono was dragged down to the ground by a powerful force.


    The second in command had laid Crono down on the ground to protect him.


    Then Crono saw the sight of flames engulfing the elf.


    Even the screams were burned out and she fell to the ground as she writhed.


    ''Mino-san, let go!��I can still help you!


    "You''re not gonna make it!��She''s dead, she''s dead, she''s dead! (BUMO!)


    Oh, and my hand relaxed.


    Why?


    Why am I so weak?


    Isn''t it people with special powers that are summoned from other worlds?


    Why can''t you use your sword and magic properly?


    Why can''t you protect even one girl?


    Didn''t expect to see you here again.


    A man emerged from the shadows of the tent.


    He was about thirty years of age.


    His face was unfamiliar, but his right sleeve, waving in the hot wind, eloquently told me who he was.


    He was the man who led the Holy Argo Kingdom Army last May.


    "General, I''ll buy you some time.


    No, we can''t back down here as noblemen.


    Pushing away the astonished second-in-command, Crono confronted the ship-armed man.


    ''I don''t think that''s the word of the man who set up the night raid. My name is Ignis, Ignis Fomalhaut.


    I''m Crono... well, it''s enough.


    It must be.


    Ignis laughed merrily and drew his sword.


    ''God, bless my sword!


    Ignis''s sword is surrounded by crimson light.


    The Blessed Sacred Blade is a divine art that allows the blade to be clothed with the power of a beloved god.


    The blade, blessed by the crimson God of Destruction, easily melts through plate metal armor.


    ''You''re not going to pull it out?��Or are you going to fight with that bottle?


    It''s the custom back home.


    Crono uncorked the bottle and tossed it to Ignis, who looked at me with interest.


    ''Child trickery?''


    Ignis slammed the flying bottle through the air in a gentle parabolic motion.


    The change was immediate.


    The liquid that had rained down on Ignis burst into flames.


    ''''Gu, ah ... kuoh, my eyes, what, what did you do!


    Crono picked up his dagger and held his face to body-slam Ignis in agony.


    ''''Gah!''''


    Ignis'' face twisted in anguish as he thrust the dagger deep into his side.


    If it was an ordinary opponent, he would have lost the will to fight here.


    But Ignis was no ordinary opponent.


    He grabbed Crono by the neck and hoisted him up by a single left arm.


    ''''This, you coward!��Where is the pride of the nobility!


    I fed it to the dogs!


    .....


    Ignis''s strength loosened as he twisted the dagger sticking out of his side.


    Crono took the opportunity to escape from Ignis and shouted as he rolled on the ground.


    ''''Mino-san!''''


    Poleaxe at the ready, his second-in-command shouts and runs towards Ignis.


    ''God!''


    Wind! (BUMO!)


    The red barrier unfolds to protect Ignis, but the deputy takes a full swing at the poleaxe.


    The balance is momentary.


    Paul Axe broke through the red barrier and blew Ignis away like a doll.


    The blade of wind that was released to follow him tore Ignis'' body to shreds.


    Slammed to the ground, Ignis did not move.


    ''''Mino-san, let''s get away!''''


    "General, what was that thing you just did?


    The deputy asked Crono as he ran.


    ''Huh?''


    "The one in the bottle.


    ''That''s just alcohol. I made it with leftover beer and wine.


    Alcohol?��The second in command nodded his head curiously.


    ''How many were killed?


    ...ten people (shoo).


    Twenty men, that is.


    "Your squad is just the elves from earlier.


    Crono jumped into the forest and immediately checked the damage to his army.


    If only he had kept Rio in the forest from the beginning, if only he had carefully discussed it, if only he had thought about organizing his troops properly, if only he had a little more strength, all he could do was regret his poor outlook and helplessness.


    ''''General, what are you going to do?'''' (Bum?)


    ''''Well I guess we could pull out, but there''s one more thing I''d like to try.


    Then Crono laughed.


    The awakening was abrupt. Ignis jumped up from the bed and screamed in voiceless agony at the intense pain that tormented his entire body.


    ''Where am I?''


    A field hospital. Last night''s attackers set fire to the military''s food-gathering cavalry and other installations, but they didn''t touch the doctors or the wounded.


    The night raid, the enemy!


    Ignis was speechless as he ran outside, overcoming the doctor''s restraint.


    The reason was that the tent had been burned more than a third of the way down and the area around the field hospital was full of wounded.


    ''''Yes, General Ignis!''''


    It''s you!


    The man was an old soldier. He was a veteran warrior who had attacked the Cepheus Empire with Ignis last year and returned from the front lines.


    He was kneeling in front of Ignis and crying like a child.


    ''''........Yi, General Ignis, we.......what am I fighting against?''''


    I don''t know if I can just cry about it.


    When Ignis asked for an explanation, he began to sip his nose as he began to talk about the events of last night.


    Last night, since then, the sub-humans had apparently fled into the forest.


    For a while there was nothing to see for a while.


    There was no way they were going to attack us again and again, everyone thought.


    Then the nightmare began abruptly.


    First, a soldier on guard was shot through the leg.


    The man tried to help his comrade who was shot, but he couldn''t.


    He was shot through the leg.


    The man crawled haphazardly across the ground and escaped into the shadow of the tent and had to witness the whole thing.


    The soldier, unable to move, was shot through again and again with arrows.


    As if to torture them, they missed the vital point.


    Anyone who ran up to them was shot through without exception and either killed or made the next target.


    Eventually, no one could move.


    I didn''t want to abandon them.


    But the enemy''s arrows would pierce the shields as well.


    "...you left your friends behind.


    ''I didn''t have a choice!��There was a guy in the woods who was trying to kill some guy who was lurking around.


    The man pointed a trembling finger at the corpse.


    Ignis grabbed the cloth that covered the corpse and gasped.


    The corpse was damaged, as if it had been devoured by a ravenous beast.


    There were no internal organs.


    His mouth was stuffed with eyeballs and his chest plate was inscribed with profanity.


    Crazy.


    Perhaps that man the man with the one eye must have ordered it.


    What?


    What''s with that guy?


    Does the Holy Argo Kingdom have a personal grudge against a soldier?


    I don''t know.


    No, there is no way I can understand that thing.


    There is no way that we can understand it.


    If I understood such a thing, it would be over.


    Ignis could only stand there in a daze.


    Count Piske........Betil Piske was born into a family of knights.


    He has no fiefdoms, and his only claim to fame is that he has served the empire since ancient times.


    When he was young, Betil spent his time training to enliven his family with the power of the sword.


    He believed that he would be rewarded for his efforts.


    The fact that he believed in such a thing for ten years shows how young he was.


    Betil, who had become a Knight of the Kingsguard, was willing to flatter his superiors.


    If there was a faction, he belonged to a faction, and he wasn''t afraid to switch to another faction.


    All in order to raise his status as much as possible.


    There was no reason for Betil to be the way he was now.


    He hadn''t been betrayed by his best friend or girlfriend, nor had he been abandoned by his superiors.


    He is living a reasonably happy life with his wife, who comes from a decent family, so he thinks to himself that he is living a smooth sailing life.


    If I had to give a strong reason, it would be that I am old enough to understand reality.


    Looking back on it now, I think that the way I treated Faye Murifine was a bit too much.


    It would be hard to say that the way he believed that his efforts would be rewarded if he continued to work hard overlapped with his old self.....................well, it''s too late now.


    ''''........Did the Marquis of Erakis do well?''''


    In the end, Betil did not change the deployment of his troops.


    The correct reason was that Alfort wanted to keep Leonhardt close, so he couldn''t change the deployment.


    It''s not hard to understand that feeling, but think about yourself having to fight against those cavalrymen.


    The number of enemy soldiers seems to have decreased compared to yesterday, but since the Marquis of Erakis hasn''t returned, I don''t know if the night raid was successful.


    ''''Eei!��Cease fire!��Follow me!


    Half out of desperation, he rode his horse, and the two hundred or so cavalrymen followed.


    Quite late, the other horsemen moved.


    Bethyl was about to cry.


    It was only when they charged in a group that a mounted assault (lance charge) would show its true value, but even that could not be expected.


    Even so, if they stopped their horses, they would be shot at.


    Bethyl had no choice but to desperately let his horse run.


    Running up the slope, Bethyl noticed something.


    The enemy soldiers didn''t look at Betil.


    When I looked around slightly, I saw a strange group of people standing in front of the enemy soldiers'' gaze.


    To put it simply, they were grass monsters.


    It was a scene that could only be considered crazy already.


    But.


    Oh, the subhumans!


    "d*mn you, you demons!��After all that killing, not enough killing!


    Oh, my God!


    Arrows pierced the enemy soldiers like a rain of horizontal blows.


    I see, Betil agreed.


    They must have been positioned like that to avoid taking revenge on their fellow man.


    But even so, it was an incredibly powerful bow.


    It was powerful enough to shoot an arrow horizontally and penetrate the armor.


    ''''Ni, run!''''


    Heeeee!


    You f*cking animals, what have we done?


    When one of them let go of his weapon, the rest was a total collapse.


    ''We''re going in!��But don''t kill the grass bucket!��It''s on our side!


    Betil plunged into the fleeing enemy soldiers with relief.


    After the one-sided carnage that couldn''t even be called a battle, Bethyl reported the results of the battle to Alfort.


    ''Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!��Count Piske!


    Thank God for happiness.


    Betil knelt down to Alfort and desperately tried to mend his blank expression.


    If it wasn''t in front of Alfort, he would be laughing and rolling over, since he had gained a great deal of battle results and the respect of his subordinates just by deciding to conduct a night raid, he would be laughing at him.


    ''''Oh, when I get back to Alfilk, my reward I''ll talk to Vizier Alkor so that I can have the territory.


    Oh, really?


    Wait, Betil quickly reminded himself.


    Even if Alfort was going to give him a fiefdom, he was only the bastard son of Ramal V now.


    He might become emperor, but there was no way the do-gooder Vizier Alcor would make Alfort emperor so easily.


    Of course, since Alfort said he would give him the territory, he would try as hard as possible, but if he''s not good at it, he could be forced into an uncivilized land like the new nobles.


    In the first place, even if the territory was given to him, Betil didn''t have any subordinates or servants who would help him to cultivate the land.


    He might be able to earn a huge profit, but he might be impoverished to an unimaginable degree.


    I''m not unhappy with my life now, and I can''t afford to take such a gamble, since I''ll have to pay for the treatment and even the rewards of those sub-humans who participated in the night raids.


    After desperately trying to think of a way to get a drop that wouldn''t cost anyone anything, Bethyl came up with a brilliant idea.


    ''With all due respect, Alfort. I can''t give you any details, but it is only through the efforts of the Marquis of Erakis that we have been able to achieve the results of this battle and therefore the estate should be granted to the Marquis of Erakis.


    Okay, okay.


    Betil chuckled inwardly. Because now he had fulfilled one of the promises he had made to the Marquis of Erakis, and Alfort''s heart was better.


    Seeing that the enemy had withdrawn, Crono, with some of his men, visited the place where the enemy''s camp had been.


    The purpose of the visit was to bury the bodies of his dead men.


    However, it is impossible for one person to dig a grave for all of them, so all Crono could do was close his eyelids and fold his hands.


    Crono stood dumbfounded in front of the graves for thirty-one people.


    Perhaps because of lack of sleep, he couldn''t think at all.


    ''''General, are you alright?'''' Bumpy?


    ...I''m fine. More importantly, what about you guys?


    "Hey, our march starts tomorrow, so I''ll let you rest. Well, you do seem to be a little scared of the general, though.


    Well, yeah.


    Crono let out a sigh.


    Last night, Crono had ordered his archers to snipe at the enemy.


    It''s a common tactic in movies.


    Not only that, he even mimicked the desecration of the dead.


    ''''I think I might be crazy.


    Crono didn''t think he was insane.


    The moment you kill someone, you hesitate.


    But he doesn''t feel guilty when he kills someone.


    But the only thing that remains is a sense of leaden fatigue.


    Will I feel guilty if I continue to kill people?


    Will I suddenly feel guilty one day?


    ''''........General?'''' (BUMO)


    ''It''s okay. I don''t care if people call me a coward, or if they''re afraid of me, I''m okay. I''m not afraid to be cruel, no matter how cruel I am. If it saves one of my men from dying, then I''ll be fine.


    It''s okay, Crono continued to mutter.

 26-Episode 10 "Bonfire" Revised Version

    *


    On the evening of the sixth day, the imperial army, having lost its generals in the battle and reduced in size to less than 8,200, had reached a bottleneck beyond the hills.


    Their rations, which were about to run out, were being replenished thanks to the Ninth Kinsman Guard.


    This was despite the fact that Rio, the leader of the group, had thrown away his work and participated in the night raid.


    The old knight, who is the deputy commander of the group, has all-back hair and a full beard, says that the old knight who is the deputy commander of the group has no business being a member of the Ninth Kinsman Guard.


    Crono exchanged a few words with the old knight as he received his provisions.


    The conversation lasted only a few minutes, but it was somehow uncomfortable to feel how much the old knight cared for Rio.


    If you betray Rio-sama, you''ll die, the old knight tapped Crono on the shoulder.


    He had a soft smile on his face, but a horrifyingly icy light was in his twin eyes.


    According to the information I got from such an old knight, the Holy Argo Kingdom has more and more highlands the closer you get to the royal capital, and inevitably the roads will be in the form of gaps in between.


    If it were in spring, we would be able to enjoy the scenery that would make us want to hike, but unfortunately, it is winter now.


    The flowers and plants on the slope are dead and the trees have lost their leaves.


    Yet, despite this, we feel a sense of intimidation as if the earth is closing in on us.


    The reason why we feel that way is probably because we are more vigilant than necessary about the enemy''s surprise attack.


    That''s how easy it is to imagine enemy infantry and cavalry rushing down the slope, or huge rocks rolling down the slope.


    If I were the commander, I would lure them into the bottleneck and hit them where the battle lines are stretched out," Crono said as he sat down on the rock.


    While Crono was thinking about this, his second-in-command was giving orders and setting up the camp, and the subordinates with free hands were beginning to help the landlady.


    As expected of a subordinate who had just become a subordinate, the subordinate was not very handy, but this was managed by the old soldier lending a hand.


    ''''When I come back alive, I''ll have to apply to the Military Affairs Bureau to transfer him to the Marquis of Erakis'' territory.


    The Cronos look so difficult.


    You''re not going to make me do it again, are you?


    As Crono pokes at his cheekbones, Deneb and Alideed lean against a rock.


    Maybe that thing is a sniper tactic.


    ''With that thing, you can cut down the enemy''s forces with fewer troops and lower their morale.


    Well we don''t mind, but we don''t mind.


    It really hurts our morale when they do that, you know?


    Yeah?��Crono nodded his head.


    ''It''s like he was scared of his men torture and mutilate the enemy and mutilate their bodies.


    Deneb and Aridid seem to be doing okay?


    When Crono asked, Deneb and Aridid looked at each other and smiled bitterly.


    ''''You see, we have a rather tragic past and so on.


    That''s why I can move with my mind detached from it.


    If you think about it, even Crono is resistant to hurting people, so the same is true for his subordinates.


    In order to carry out sniper tactics and psychological attacks like this one, does this mean that we also have to overcome the psychological constraints?


    ''''You say so, but that doesn''t change the fact that it''s an effective tactic, does it?


    So why don''t they choose someone who is capable of doing that, like us?


    It''s bad for morale.


    Deneb and Alideed''s suggestion seemed appealing.


    If they were going to continue with sniper tactics, it would be better to organize a sniper squad by selecting suitable subordinates to maintain the overall morale.


    ''''It won''t change the fact that Crono-sama will still be called a coward, though.


    I don''t mind.


    Ehhh,'''' said Deneb and Alideed, puffing out their cheeks in frustration.


    ''''It''s thanks to Crono-sama that we were able to win the battle the day before yesterday in an overwhelming manner.


    I don''t know, I''m not sure.


    That was all thanks to Mr. Mino.


    The only thing Crono did was to take Ignis by surprise and set him on fire.


    I drove a dagger into his side pretty deep, but if it wasn''t for his second-in-command, I would have died there.


    At least that''s what Crono has decided.


    ''''Crono-sama, you''re not thinking about getting ahead or anything?''''


    Not much ... I mean, I don''t think there''s much more you can do to get ahead.


    Even if he was able to rise in the ranks, Crono would choose to manage the territory steadily rather than risk his and his subordinates'' lives.


    ''''........Marquis Erakis!


    "Count Piske.


    Suddenly, he was about to stand up when his name was called, but Count Piske restrained Crono with his hand.


    Count Piske walked up to Crono without his second-in-command with him and looked away from him as if he was in a bad mood.


    ''''Ah~, Marquis Erakis?''''


    What is it?


    Well as a matter of fact, I was summoned by Master Alfort the day before yesterday.


    Huh.


    When Crono replied live, Count Piske cleared his throat awkwardly.


    ''''I was told that you would give me the territory because of the matter the other day. I am grateful for the offer, but it is with great determination that I have recommended the Marquis of Erakis.


    ''''Does this mean that Crono-sama''s territory will increase?''''


    Count Piske scowled uncomfortably as Deneb and Arididid leaned forward.


    ''I was only recommending you, but you can take it as such. Anyway, I think we''ve fulfilled one of our promises now.


    What?


    What, you''re not happy in your own land?


    No, thank you.


    To put it bluntly, Crono was surprised and thanked Count Piske because he thought he was the type to not keep his promises.


    Crono didn''t have a good impression of Count Piske because of his sticky harassment of Faye and his attempts to kill Deneb and Alideed in order to maintain military discipline, but he didn''t seem to be a bad person.


    ''''No, it''s no thanks to you. In the future, I hope to maintain good relations with you, at least for the duration of this war.''''


    Yeah, I hope we have a good relationship.


    Totally.


    After shaking hands with each other, Count Piske returned to his tent with a somewhat light step.


    ''''Master Crono, when did you become so close to me?''''


    He tried to kill us and he tried to kill Master Crono, too.


    ''There was a lot going on when I proposed the night raid.


    Perhaps Count Piske saw the value in using Crono.


    As long as Crono can provide convenience, he''s willing to be used.


    ''''I have a little while before dinner.


    At last, the time has come for me to be invited to the tent of the Chronosphere!


    ''Ehehe, would you be happy to be nice to me?''


    Chuckling, Deneb and Alideed rubbed up against Crono.


    ''We have some time until dinner, so we need a meeting.


    I''m ready to give my body and soul to this thing!


    I don''t know how to get Lady Crono to fall!


    Deneb and Alideed stepped on the ground in frustration.


    His breath smells bloody, and Ignis leaned back against the slope, repeating his breathing with his shoulder.


    The wielder of the Divine Majesty Art........Ignis''s faith in ''Crimson and the God of Destruction'' is, as his name suggests, a god who controls destruction.


    It is the most powerful of the six pillar gods, but its healing power is far inferior to the Mother Goddess of Ocher and the Goddess of Fertility and the Goddess of Blue and the Goddess of Life.


    It''s all you can do to seal up life-threatening wounds as a priority.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    When I looked around while contorting my face in pain, my subordinates were sitting on the ground as well.


    The number........the number of subordinates who had survived was probably less than two thousand.


    Everyone was wounded and in the extreme state of exhaustion.


    Why?


    It''s obvious.


    Because we were attacked by night.


    That night raid had changed the tide of the war.


    More than five hundred men had been killed in a single night, and those who had survived had their will to fight discouraged by the enemy''s despicable tactics.


    The next day''s battle quickly broke up the battle lines, and the surviving soldiers said in horror that the carnage was not even a battle.


    If only Ignis hadn''t been seriously wounded, or at least hadn''t fainted, he might not have had to suffer such a cruel defeat.


    Could he escape?��And Ignis looked at his wounded men.


    It took three days to get from the city of Markab to the hillside.


    Now that he had a wounded soldier, it was safe to assume it would take longer than that.


    ''General Ignis!


    The Gion Officer walked up to Ignis with a screaming voice.


    While receiving a night attack and suffering a heavy defeat, the Jinyu Officer was completely unharmed, with only a little bit of dirt on his clothes.


    The answer is obvious.


    This man had escaped faster than anyone else when he was attacked by night, and he was the first to escape in the next day''s battle.


    ''Why, why aren''t there any reinforcements coming from the border fort, or even from the city of Markab!


    I don''t know.


    The lack of reinforcements coming from the border forts is probably because the roads are blocked, and the lack of reinforcements coming from the city of Markab is probably because someone is trying to unseat the priesthood officers or because they are unable to gather sustenance and peasants from the neighboring villages.


    ''''We must retreat to the city of Markab to regain our position once and for all.


    Perhaps the enemy will catch up with us before we reach the city of Markab.


    Then what do you want me to do?


    The Gion Officer rumbled hysterically and stared at his subordinates, who were sectioned off.


    Ignis couldn''t help but notice the lowly light in his eyes.


    *


    Early in the morning of the seventh day, the Imperial Army resumed its march towards the city of Markab.


    Since the rations had just been replenished, the amount and freshness of the food was improved...a little better than before.


    Crono thinks that even if you can''t hope for freshness, the amount of food you eat is important.


    ''You can''t fight a battle if you''re hungry'' is a given, but the amount of food you eat can make you imagine the war situation and make you anxious.


    At least that''s how Crono thinks of things in a bad way.


    The hard bread was provided for his new subordinates, and Crono touched his pouch.


    He asked the landlady to do the same as last time, but she demanded quite a bit of hassle, as she was known to be in possession of a large amount of gold coins.


    I tried to negotiate that I would pay with my body, but if I discounted it, I''d lose a lot of money!��And the landlady kicked me off.


    How could I be in debt for a hundred gold coins for being so solid?��The moment he stepped out of the way, Crono almost fell over.


    He stumbled over a stone.


    ''''General, are you alright?'''' (Bum?)


    Thanks to you.


    Crono answered his deputy in mid-air.


    If the deputy hadn''t grabbed his belt, he would have fallen.


    Of course, the deputy wouldn''t help him as much as he was about to fall.


    ''It''s a rock,''


    "Well, you''re right.


    Crono stood on his feet and stared at the stones ... not just one or two, but the entire street ... spread out across the street.


    Honestly, Crono''s eyesight couldn''t tell how far the stones were lying around.


    ''Someone must have done it to delay the march.


    Ignis? (BUMO)


    When I looked up, I saw that part of the slope had been burned and gouged wide open.


    ''I hope not. It''s insane that I stuck a dagger in his side and cut him up all over and he''s still alive.''


    "The fireball is coming loose. Well, isn''t it only the users of the divine power technique that receive divine blessings? Bumpy?


    I''m the one fighting for my life, and you''re a coward.


    When Crono spat out, the second in command let out a breath through his nose as if he was dumbfounded.


    ''''Well I don''t know what they''re thinking, but let''s proceed with caution anyway.


    "I understand.


    The deputy nodded and pulled out a magic item for communication.


    Crono stopped and looked around.


    The Imperial Army was advancing in two columns of vertical troops through the bottleneck, which made it difficult to grasp the overall situation.


    ''''We have no choice but to keep in touch with the blisters...!


    He was hit in the side of the head and his vision went blank for a moment.


    Unable to stand properly, Crono poked one knee.


    Blood trickled out.


    The wound he received three days ago had opened up.


    ''Oh, isn''t this a familiar sight?


    Looking up as he suppressed his wounds, Count Piske''s second-in-command.......Cecily looked down at Crono with a mocking smile on her face.


    He must have taken his feet off the stirrups on purpose and kicked Crono.


    I was just letting my horse go ahead as usual. It''s not my fault that a nobleman would never march on foot. Excuse me....you are the son of a lowly mercenary.


    Crono was beyond angry and disgusted by Cecily''s flowing quibbles and sarcasm.


    ''If I''m not a nobleman, then it''s no wonder you''re walking around. So, what''s your apology for kicking the son of a lowly mercenary?''


    If you''re not a nobleman, you don''t need to apologize to me. You''ll just cut me down for making my feet dirty.


    Sliding out of the sword, Cecily''s smile deepened.


    What shall I do?��And Crono looked at Cecily.


    ''''I''ve decided,''''


    Have you decided to go down swinging?


    ''I just thought it was a bad idea to wake up and let a woman die.


    Crono grabbed Cecily''s wrist and pulled her to him with force.


    ''W-what are you doing?!


    A moment later, an arrow snatched Cecily''s neck and stabbed her to the ground.


    ''''Enemy attack!''''


    Crono pulled a stunned Cecily off her horse and they both jumped into a nearby slope.


    No, I should say that he pushed Cecily down a nearby slope.


    ''''Keh, beast!''''


    "I saved you. What a bunch of crap!��I should have abandoned you!


    Covering the rampaging Cecily, Crono shouted into the magic item for communication.


    ''Enemy attack!��Mr. Mino, Deneb, Arididid, and Tyga, get down on the slope with your men!��Rizad, the Horus Squad also moved away from the cart and waited on the slope!��And whoever is nearby will defend the landlady and the doctor to the death!


    Immediately after Crono shouted, a rain of arrows rained down on the street.


    A soldier pierced by the falling arrows fell, and the horse that had been hit by the arrows jumped up on its hind legs.


    Unfortunately, a soldier nearby was kicked in the face and slammed into the slope.


    ''''........gee, gosh.''''


    Hee!


    Cecily screamed as she seemed to get a decent look at the soldier''s face as his jawbone was kicked in and blood bubbled out of him.


    ''Is everyone safe!''


    It''s okay with me! (BUMO!)


    We''ll be fine, I mean, the landlady and the doctor, too!


    "I''m okay too.


    "...safe." (Shoo)


    I''ll be fine, that I will.


    Alright, my men are fine, Crono was relieved as he covered Cecily.


    Meanwhile, a rain of arrows rained down intermittently, causing some soldiers to panic and rush forward.


    Someone stumbled over a stone, and the soldier who ran away from them was knocked down by a general.


    Of course, the enemy wouldn''t miss it.


    The soldier who was hit by the concentrated attack sank into a pool of blood.


    The worst part is that he just sank and didn''t drown.


    "General!��What are you doing? (BUMO!)


    ''When the enemy has shot out their arrows, Deneb and Aridid let loose with a flame dance!��Everyone gather around the flame dance!��Anyway, we''re going to get ready in a circle!


    The arrows stopped with a snap, and an ear-aching silence dominated the surroundings.


    The silence was broken by the voice of the enemy and the explosions of the flaming dances released by Deneb and Alideed.


    The reddish flames explode and swell up.


    It''s about a hundred meters away from where Crono is.


    ''''Look, don''t be stunned, I''m running!


    "I will not have some lowly mercenary''s son touch me!


    Just run!


    Yelling, Crono grabbed Cecily''s hand and started to run.


    He looked behind him over his shoulder and saw that a group of enemies were about to run down the slope.


    There were no more than a hundred of them.


    The soldiers nearby returned fire with arrows, but there were too few of them to kill all the enemy soldiers.


    When the enemy soldiers landed on the street, they raised their voices and attacked the imperial army.


    ''''General, be safe.'''' (Bumo)


    Somehow. She''s looking good.


    Crono successfully joined his subordinates and exhaled when he saw that the proprietresses were safe and sound.


    ''You don''t look fine!��We have to get you out of there fast!


    I don''t think it''s necessary.


    Cecily tried to wave her hand away, but Crono wouldn''t let her.


    ''I''m flailing about with all my energy, but I''ll soon run out of energy and strength.


    "Oh, that''s a commander''s line!


    As Crono had said, the enemy soldiers'' struggle did not last long.


    The enemy soldiers were annihilated so easily that it was anticlimactic.


    *


    What are you thinking about?


    ''Wow, I was just doing my duty as a commander!


    When Ignis grabbed his chest, the priesthood officer turned his voice inside out and defended himself.


    ''''Your duty as a commander, as you say, is to let your soldiers die in vain?''''


    Yeah, yeah!��It''s a commander''s duty to cut down on the small to keep the big alive!


    ''Yes,'' said a lowly gleam in the priesthood officer''s eyes.


    ''''They had deeper wounds than the other soldiers. If we proceeded while protecting them, other soldiers would be sacrificed. I sacrificed them with a desperate desire to protect them. I''m sure they understood that.


    Ignis let go of his hand in dismay as the Gion Officer muttered to himself.


    In a way, his words were correct.


    Since we can''t win without sacrificing a single man, we must do everything in our power to ensure that as many of our men as possible survive and be prepared to sacrifice if necessary.


    Ignis slowed the speed of the imperial army''s progress by blowing up the slopes and covering the streets with pieces of stone.


    Despite the fact that the Gion Officer knew this, he hid more soldiers than necessary on the slope.


    It seems that the Gion Officer deployed six hundred soldiers in five locations, but from Ignis'' point of view, it can only be called meaningless.


    It would have been more effective to select soldiers who are geographically savvy or familiar with the mountain roads and repeat the breakout process, and there is a better chance that the soldiers would have survived.


    But the Divine Officer does not understand Ignis'' true intentions.


    Perhaps they would not understand it even if they spent their entire lives.


    In order not to let their deaths be in vain Ignis chose to reach the city of Markab and regain his position as soon as possible.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    Over the course of two hours after the surprise attack, the imperial army changed ranks.


    Ahead of them was a mixed unit of twenty lizardman heavy infantry led by Crono, fifty beastman infantry led by Taiga, and a hundred elven archers.


    The archers are led by an old elf soldier, a man named Nasr.


    He looks no older than twenty years old, but his real age seems to be about thirty-five.


    His hair is the shade of wheat just before harvest and he has a noble face, but he is silent and unfriendly like an eccentric craftsman.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I''m sure it''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    They are uneducated, or they don''t have a family register until they join the military, so they don''t know their age exactly.


    If you did an age survey in the form of a questionnaire, you would get a very skewed graph with a parade of Kiri''s age.


    ''Crikey, it''s humiliating that I''m marching on foot here.


    Deneb, Arididid, who are your enemies?


    Ignoring Cecily, who had been complaining since the march resumed, Crono spoke to Deneb and Alideed.


    ''''I''m here.''''


    "This one.


    Do you think we can take him alive?


    Deneb and Alydead respond with a stifled voice sound.


    The two ... a mixed squad of elven archers and beastmen led by Deneb and Aridead to be exact ... are on the slope.


    ''It''s tough, but if you''re under orders,''


    Me too.


    ''Don''t push it, and when the enemy numbers are down to a reasonable level, we can take them alive.


    Copy that.


    Sounds ... grunts, sword fights, the sound of steel slicing through flesh and bone, screams ... echo from the magic item.


    Soon, like beasts driven by hounds, enemy soldiers run down the slopes on either side.


    There are a total of fifty or sixty of them.


    ''''Heavily armed infantry, infantry ready to move at any time.......Nasr.


    Nasr gave a small nod and stepped in front of Crono, accompanied by his men.


    Nasr formed a line of battle in two lateral columns so that the front and rear lines did not overlap.


    T-They!


    With a command from Nasr, an arrow was released.


    With a clatter, the enemy soldiers fell and rolled down the slope.


    But only about ten of them were able to neutralize them.


    The enemy ran desperately to avenge their fallen comrades.


    Or if Nasr was a mediocre commander, he might have suffered no small amount of damage.


    ''Back row..................teh!


    The archers in the rear row release their arrows in unison, and the front row releases their arrows again in turn.


    Perhaps the reason Nasr had the front and rear rows change the timing of their arrows is to reduce the time lag until the next arrow is released.


    As Nasr''s aim, the arrows fired incessantly cause the enemy soldiers to fall without being able to close the distance or escape.


    Once all the enemy soldiers were down, Nasr took his own bow and shot through the limbs of the fallen enemy soldiers.


    ''''.........capture them.


    ''Taiga, capture the enemy soldiers, disarm them and just tie them up with ropes!��Be on your guard!��A cornered rat would kill a cat too!


    Taiga and the other beastmen held up their wooden sticks and were inching closer to the enemy soldiers.


    Of course, the enemy soldiers resisted, but they were not able to resist.


    They were beaten by several beastmen with wooden sticks and were captured when they couldn''t move.


    ''''........Deneb, Arididid, what''s the damage?''''


    No injuries or fatalities.


    I have ten minor injuries, but I didn''t die either.


    You two stay there as I have to decide how to handle the enemies I''ve captured. Tyga, follow me.


    Guru.


    Crono took a glance at the enemy soldier, "It''s going to take a long time to catch him, isn''t it?


    ''You, what''s your name?''


    Kyle.


    His voice was low to call a boy and high and hard to call a young man.


    It was hard to tell because of the light dirt, but he might be younger than Crono.


    ''How old is he?''


    Fifteen.


    Crono grunted as his prediction came true.


    ''Are you a regular soldier?''


    No, they didn''t! I was brought here from the village to fight you. My friends were with me. But the last of us, the last survivor they just killed.


    Crono looked up to the heavens and said, "You shouldn''t talk to enemy soldiers.


    ''Why did you attack us?


    Eyes moistening, Kyle said, his voice choking.


    ''What are you talking about!��You guys kept attacking me over and over again, so we just had no choice but to attack back!


    I didn''t, we didn''t do anything!


    Cecily put her hand on her sword, but she crossed her arms as if to mend it, as if she thought it would be shameful to slash her bound opponent.


    ''Quickly take your prisoner!��I''m uncomfortable!


    As Cecily called out hysterically, Taiga and the others hung their ears and tails as if they had no intention of disobeying, and handed over five prisoners, including Kyle, to the Twelfth Kingsguard Knights.


    ''''........What is that, what is that!


    Don''t listen to the son of a lowly mercenary.


    I wasn''t talking to you!��I''m ... I''m talking to myself, with all this anger swirling in my chest!��He-t-ri-go!


    Cecily''s face turned red and she shouted, as if thinking of an excuse had become too much trouble.


    ''''Well what''s going to happen to that girl?''''


    You fought bravely, and you should be treated with honor.


    We don''t torture people or anything.


    What do you know of the nobility of the Empire?


    Cecily''s willow eyebrows arched up in a grim manner as she uttered the words.


    ''Well, I hope you don''t,''


    You can''t do that!


    Crono cowered his shoulders and returned to the front of the line.


    The day''s march was over after preventing a third ambush.


    *


    The next morning, five POWs were dead.


    The soldier who was guarding the prisoners said that their wounds had worsened, but their wounds would not be so bad that their nails would come off, their teeth would fall out, or their fingers would be broken.


    Besides, if that battalion commander with one arm hung up volunteered to go on to the front of the line, any fool could imagine what had happened.


    As the encampment was being cleared out of the camp, Cecily watched the bodies being buried with a pale face.


    ''I thought you weren''t going to torture them?''


    Huh!


    Cecily let out a small scream as Crono called out to her.


    ''This is, nah, there''s a mistake!


    ''Did you torture him for some kind of mistake?��Did you kill him by mistake?��Can you explain it to me in a way that this lowly mercenary''s son can understand?��Or do you want me to explain it to you?


    Cecily remained downcast.


    ''One of the battalion commanders ... must have tortured the soldiers on guard with a gold coin in his hand. Why?��Of course it is. The reason for this is to find out the location of the hiding places and get some good luck in the war, just like I did yesterday. If you''re that flexible, I really wanted you to agree to a night raid.


    Oh, shut up!


    Cecily''s slap lands with a slap to the sky.


    It was easy to avoid it if he was this shocked.


    No, he may not have even had to avoid it.


    ''''Marquis Erakis, could you stop there?''''


    Good morning, Count Piske.


    When Count Piske took one look at her, Cecily hung her head as if devastated and left.


    ''Is it torture, after all?''


    Don''t be so obvious. I was just asked the same question by Master Leonhardt, and he finally retired after I promised to investigate the matter responsibly.


    This is the sorrow of a middle management position.


    ''''Is it like the fact that you killed a prisoner of war after the war is counterbalanced by your war service?


    ''You knew that, and you accused my deputy of knowing that?


    ''He made fun of me so many times as the son of a lowly mercenary that I decided to bully him.


    Count Piske shook his head in dismay.


    ''''But even so, for a man who says he''s proud of being an aristocrat, it''s a preposterous thing to do.


    The pride of the nobility is just a matter of convenience. Those who shout it aloud are either ignorant of shame or ignorant of the world.


    Count Piske muttered with a sigh.


    *


    In terms of results, the battalion commander who hung one arm completed his mission in an orderly fashion, and the next two also completed their missions without causing any significant damage.


    On the evening of the tenth day after leaving the frontline base of the Nauji Empire''s direct control territory, the Imperial Army reached the city of Markab.


    The correct place was the hill at the end of the bottleneck, and if it was daytime, they should be able to view the city of Markab from there.


    ''''........''''


    Crono couldn''t help but feel uneasy as he watched his subordinates set up their encampment.


    Because according to the plans of the Military Affairs Bureau and the Knights of the Kingsguard, they had to reach the city of Markab in four days, but it took more than twice as long.


    ''''General, what''s wrong with your difficult face?'''' (Bum?)


    ''I''m worried. Because even though things aren''t going according to plan, if you just look at the progress, it looks like things are going well.


    That''s what war is all about, if you ask me.


    Crono scratched his hair.


    Sorry!��We''ll change the encampment to near the bottleneck!


    ''Yeah!��I thought I could sleep on the grass!


    I can''t sleep over there with all those rocks lying around!


    Deneb and Alideed quirked their lips in frustration, but soon began to fold their tents.


    The other men seemed to be somewhat disgruntled as well, but they followed Crono''s instructions.


    ''I''ll go check on the city,''


    I''ll take care of this one. I''ll take care of this one.


    Crono headed for the top of the hill by moonlight.


    ''....Wait for me!


    A familiar voice sounded from behind him, but Crono ignored it.


    After a while, a clattering sound came closer.


    Sound.........Cecily passed Crono and reversed with a graceful gesture.


    ''''Why do you ignore it?''''


    "I don''t want to be called a lowly son of a mercenary.


    Wow, I told you to stop.


    It was somehow unreasonable, but it was not hard to understand Cecily''s feelings.


    Those who claimed to be as proud of their aristocracy as he was had committed a certain barbarism.


    ''''Well, it''s unsettling, isn''t it?''''


    What do you mean?


    You don''t realize it, or you pretend not to notice it.


    If the pride of a nobleman is meaningless, then the prestige of a nobleman is meaningless too.


    In short, he realized that he was a woman and he had to protect himself.


    At the top of the hill there were three people ... Leonhardt, Count Piske and Alfort standing at the top of the hill.


    Standing at the top of the hill, I didn''t know exactly how Marcab was doing.


    ''''Oh, we''re going to attack down there tomorrow, aren''t we?


    "Ha, let''s attack Markab as soon as possible and show them the power of the Empire.


    When Alfort asked in an excited tone of voice, Count Piske replied with what he called enthusiasm.


    It was when Alfort turned his gaze from Count Piske back to the city of Markab.


    A small, tiny fire was lit on the outer edge of the shadowy city of Markab.


    The fire spread like a flower breaking out and filled the perimeter of the city.


    There were so many bonfires that it was ridiculous to count them.


    The anxiety was on target, Crono clicked his tongue.


    The Sacred Argo Kingdom had bought time and regained its poise by alerting them to an ambush.


    No, it might be too early to think that way.


    If they had regained their posture, why would they do something that would make the imperial army wary of them?


    A strange sound resounded, and the smell of ammonia and feces drifted through the air like a stinging nose.


    ''''Ah!''''


    "Hold on, Mr. Alfort!


    As Alfort rolled away down the slope, Count Piske ran down the slope after him.


    ''''Well Lord Crono, what do you see?''''


    I think you''re bluffing about the number of bonfires.


    Asked by Leonhardt, Crono gave his honest opinion.


    ''Why do you make that decision?''


    There''s an army down here!��Because I think it''s a poor idea to let them know that.


    At least Crono would pretend that he didn''t have the troops to resist and attack with all his might.


    ''''That doesn''t mean we can''t bluff our way out of it.


    Well, that''s for sure.


    I''ll go on ahead.


    Leonhardt walked down the hill with his usual gait.


    ''I wanted to go too,'' said Crono, looking at Cecily, who was stunned.


    ''Look, don''t be stunned, let''s hurry to the tactical meeting.


    I''m not stupid!


    As Crono called out to her, Cecily quickly started down the hill by herself.


    ''Mino-san, it looks like the wind has changed direction, so be prepared for an enemy attack.


    "...I understand.


    I''ll use the magic item for communications to give them instructions.


    Entering the tent for the tactical conference, the battalion commander and his second-in-command were standing around the table, just as they were last time.


    The difference from last time was that Alfort was participating in the meeting.


    He looked so pale that he looked as if he might faint at any moment, and he rocked back and forth anxiously in his chair.


    The meeting was proceeding in the direction of intercepting the Holy Argo Kingdom Army until the middle of the meeting.


    There must have been an intention to appeal to Alfort for bravery there, but one of the reasons was probably because of the overwhelming victory in the hilly area.


    The morale was so high that Crono felt that they could win this one, and the will to fight was so high.


    However, Alfort''s words changed the direction of the meeting.


    ''''Teh, retreat!��Get out of here!��People don''t see the number of bonfires surrounding the city of Markab, so they say they can win!


    ''Lord Alfort, there is no need to build a bonfire if the enemy has the troops to overwhelm us. That would be a way to buy time. Even if we were to retreat, we should do some damage to the enemy before we do so.


    Leonhard admonished Alfort with a bitter look on his face.


    He couldn''t bluff his way out of the bonfire, but it was also a problem to take it as seriously as Alfort did.


    The worst part was that Alfort, an amateur, was the commander-in-chief of the Legion.


    No matter what plans he made, he couldn''t move without Alfort''s approval.


    At the very least, if Alfort wasn''t here, there was a way to trick him with his mouth.


    ''Ugh, shut up!��Don''t fight me!��He''s a trueborn son of House Palatium, but now he''s working for me!��Don''t tell me you''ve forgotten what happens to those who defy me!


    Please wait!��I can''t defend myself without Lord Leonhardt!


    Count Piske leaned forward and defended Leonhardt.


    Now, the execution of Josef was also a negative thing.


    With that one incident, Alfort only understood the extent of his power.


    ''''.........That Marcab doesn''t need to be monitored?��Whether we fight or run, we need to keep an eye on the enemy.


    Yeah, yeah!��Surveillance!��Even as we do this, the enemy may be closing in on us!


    Crono pointed out, and Alfort exclaimed, as if to say it was a good idea.


    ''I''ll have my men watch over you.


    It was the battalion commander who came forward with his name and hung his arms.


    ''''........I understand. Let''s retreat so that we don''t waste the lives of our soldiers.''''


    Okay, I understand.


    Realizing the folly of trying to convince him, Leonhardt easily broke off.


    After Alfort walked out of the tent, Crono walked out.


    His mouth involuntarily fell open.


    ''''It''s.......weird.


    I''m just chewing on the joy.


    Cecily let out a sigh as she pushed Crono away and walked outside.


    ''Oh my God, are you scared?''


    I''m scared.


    When Crono answered honestly, Cecily looked away in surprise.


    ''I''m not afraid of you.


    I''m scared to death and I''m scared to death of my men.


    Crono shook his head.


    ''Well, you should get to bed early tonight.


    You don''t have to tell me.


    I was going to skip one of the vulgar jokes, but Crono reconsidered.


    ''How did it go, General?'' (Bum?)


    ''''The wind direction is still bad, but thanks to you, we''ll be able to return to the Marquis'' territory. Well, we can''t let our guard down until the end, though.


    That''s right. Don''t relax until you return to the base of Emperor Nouzi''s direct domain, or even to the Marquis of Erakis, Crono told himself.


    The next day, Crono was awakened by the sound of a horseshoe and the screams of the multitude.


    With dagger and long sword in hand, he rushed out of his tent and saw that the cavalry of the Holy Argo Kingdom Army was about to run down the hill.


    It wasn''t a surprise attack.


    Since last night, the enemy had built a bonfire to announce their presence, and the imperial army had set up a lookout.


    The number of enemy cavalry........well over five hundred.


    ''''General, in an enemy attack! (BUMO!)


    I know!��Rizad, Horus, shield in hand, block the bottleneck!��Taiga Squadron, take your spears in case they get passed!��Deneb, Aridid, and Nasr''s troops, take aim at the enemy cavalry!


    It was fortunate for Crono that he turned the camp into a bottleneck.


    ''But why?��I was supposed to be keeping an eye on the city of Markab last night...........Deneb, Alideed!��Is that an elf lying on the hill!


    I mean, we''ve got enough on our plate!


    Human beings, Mr. Crono!


    Oh, God, you''re such an idiot!


    Deploying on the left and right slopes, Deneb and Aridead shouted as they aimed at the cavalrymen.


    The battalion commander who hung his arms hadn''t used an elf as a watchman.


    It all meshed together in a bad way.


    Soldiers fleeing into the bottleneck were struck down halfway up the hill, one by one, and those who resisted were blown away helplessly by the cavalry coming down the slope.


    ''I guess we''ll just have to strike out.''


    If we don''t force the enemy cavalry to retreat, we will inevitably be annihilated, but if we can get rid of the cavalry that easily, there is no need to take care of them.


    The one who overturned the overwhelmingly unfavorable situation was.......as I thought, Leonhardt.


    Dressed in silver and white armor, Leonhardt challenged the cavalrymen with his long sword and struck them down.


    Ten enemy cavalrymen attacked him, but Leonhardt extended his blade and cut down to a single sword, just like Fay did one day.


    The enemy cavalry slows down, perhaps in fear of Leonhardt, who turned the eleven enemy cavalry into corpses in the blink of an eye.


    ''''Now!��Aim and fire!


    "Oh, it smells so mean!


    ....


    Deneb and Alideed complain, while Nasr fires arrows nonchalantly.


    The other elves seem to be less skilled than the three of them, but they don''t screw up to shoot through their allies.


    When nearly 70% of the imperial army had taken refuge in the bottleneck, the enemy cavalry turned their necks around.


    They probably chose to join up with the main army rather than pursue deeper and get hurt.


    Most of the corpses lying on the slope are soldiers of the Imperial Army.


    ''''That''s why I said we should retreat quickly.


    ''We have no time for such talk. We''ll have a special tactical meeting!��Each battalion commander and first officer here!


    Count Piske sat Alfort in his nightgown on a nearby rock and said in a loud voice that echoed throughout the bottleneck.


    ''You''re alive.''


    No, you shouldn''t be alive!


    It seems that he didn''t have time to put on plate metal armor (plate mail), and Cecily is wearing the white military uniform that is the sign of a knight of the Kingsguard.


    Judging from the fact that it was misbuttoned, she must have escaped in very light clothing.


    The tactical meeting did not take long enough.


    The surviving battalion commander and second-in-command were Leonhardt, Count Piske, Cecily and a pair of others, and if the number of surviving soldiers, including the wounded, was less than five thousand, there was no choice but to retreat.


    ''''........I''m not convinced.''''


    Marquis Erakis, if someone doesn''t serve as a lord, we will all die.


    Crono said, and Count Piske replied admonishingly.


    It was like a replay of last year.


    Because the conclusion drawn by the tactical council was that the 1,500 surviving sub-humans ... including Crono''s men ... would hold the enemy back.


    ''''I understand that. But why sub-humans?


    It''s all settled.


    Count Piske turned his gaze away from Crono and returned to the spot where his tent had been, as if to escape.


    ''''Landlady!''''


    Yeah, yeah, I''m here. I was just trying to make a little extra money and now I''ve got a hell of a lot of it.


    I''ll give you as much money as you want, but I want you to bake a loaf of hard bread right now!��ASAP!


    I don''t mind.


    Leaving the landlady, who rolled her eyes, Crono headed to his subordinates.


    ''''........General, is it Ashiraga-dono?'''' (BUMO)


    There are only 1,000 other subhumans. People, we don''t need to fold up our tents!��I''ll pick up the weapons and armor right now!


    Oh, what do you think you''re doing?��Don''t you really have any aristocratic, no, human pride in taking the possessions of the dead?


    Crono ignored Cecily and picked up his weapons and armor with his men.


    An hour, maybe a little more, passed.


    When Crono returned to the bottleneck with his men, the surviving soldiers had finished preparing to retreat.


    Count Piske, Leonhardt, Cecily, and many of the soldiers were staring at Crono.


    I don''t want to die.


    There''s still a lot of work to be done.


    We''re halfway through the agrarian reform, and the paper workshop just went into operation.


    I haven''t even seen the new barracks.


    This is just the beginning.


    I haven''t had enough s*x with Leila and Elena and the landlady and even Rio.


    Oh, I should''ve messed with Faye without looking good.


    Crono swallowed such whining.


    ''''Landlady, when you get back to the Marquis of Erakis, why don''t you try it until you''re hip?


    ''Bah, don''t be ridiculous!��I''ll be dead if you do that!


    Ahaha, Crono laughed and moved away from the landlady.


    ''Are you staying?''


    ''Yes. So the landlady should deliver the letter to the Marquess of Erakis.


    Pointing to the letter tucked into the landlady''s cleavage, Crono turned to his men.


    ''Then I''ll put you on the bill for the hard bread. So you''ll definitely come back alive!


    Of course!


    We''re heading to the dead zone.


    There''s no way you can be sure of getting home.


    My legs are shaking.


    Still, I gritted my teeth and stepped forward.


    "Let''s all get out of here alive!


    Staring at his men, Crono bared his teeth and smiled.

 27-Episode 11 "Birth Voice"

    *


    Ignis looked at the corpses of the Imperial soldiers lying in a heap on the hill and felt something close to relief.


    It was relief that he had been able to defend the city of Markab, relief that he had been able to give meaning and value to the soldiers'' deaths.


    They had done their part.


    Their deadly deeds had allowed four thousand of Ignis'' men to reach the city of Markab before the imperial army did.


    They were heroes.


    They should be honored as heroes.


    Even if their deaths as heroes were of no comfort to those left behind.


    That should buy us some time.


    Because after causing so much damage, the Imperial Army has no choice but to return to their home country in peace.


    ''''But I don''t understand.


    Why did the Imperial Army do so much damage?��And Ignis didn''t know how many times he thought about it.


    Originally, the bonfire was a preparation in case he didn''t make it back alive.


    A competent commander would see the bonfire and hesitate to march.


    Even if it was only for half a day.


    He wanted to buy time for his men to reach Markab.


    The purpose of the bonfire last night was to make them feel alert.


    If we are alert, we will be cautious.


    You try to read our intentions and imagine what we''re trying to do.


    I was going to poke at that, but the Imperial Army hadn''t even finished lining up.


    ''''........Is it a trap?''''


    That madman........if it was Crono, no, Ignis denied.


    That man is crazy, but he''s not the kind of person who can leave his subordinates to die with impunity.


    ''''Well then.........''''


    Just as he was about to mutter, a man was pulled up in front of Ignis by his men.


    It was the man who hung one arm.


    ''Who is the man?''


    Ha, I caught her hiding in a bush.


    Hmm, Ignis looked down at the man.


    The man seemed to be a nobleman, judging from his clothes.


    ''I have a question for you, sir.


    ....


    The man was silent, but Ignis decided to ignore him and continue.


    ''Why weren''t the Imperials in position?''


    "...Master Alfort saw the bonfire and decided to retreat.


    Alfort?��And Ignis repeated the familiar name in his mind.


    ''Oh, it''s Alfort!


    The priesthood officer ran up to the man and grabbed him by the chest.


    ''Is Alfort, the bastard son of Ramal V, here?


    Yeah, yeah!


    The Shinigami Officer removed his hand from the man and smiled maliciously.


    ''Torture this guy!��Get more information out of me!


    Please wait, sir.


    Don''t worry. The priests in the Pure White Temple are very good.


    Could he survive the unending hell of being tortured and healed?��And Ignis watched the man being dragged away by the soldiers.


    ''This is the will of God.''


    Didn''t the Council of Shinto Religion lose an army?


    Ignis asked, and the Divine Officer looked in the direction of the city of Markab.


    ''Did you think you were the only one waiting for your men to arrive?


    ....


    Ignis turned around and saw that the soldiers in formation in two vertical columns were about to come up the hill.


    Although they were made up of only infantry, their numbers were........nearly three thousand.


    Judging from their equipment, the regular soldiers are two thousand and the peasants are about a thousand.


    The Gion Officer said with a twinkle in his eye.


    *


    Four hundred and sixty heavy infantry, seven hundred and ten infantry, and three hundred and thirty archers, for a total of one thousand five hundred men, was the total strength given to Crono.


    The equipment is mixed.


    The older subordinates are equipped with the same design of armor, but the newer subordinates are equipped with subhumans that have been stripped from corpses or struck down to escape as quickly as possible, so there is no uniformity.


    Aside from the old subordinates, a subordinate who just became a subordinate cannot be expected to have a high level of skill.


    This is because it''s hard to imagine that the training content was substantial even though they weren''t provided with decent armor and armor.


    In short, they are a crowdsourced group.


    And yet, it''s no laughing matter, because the role expected of them is to buy time for the main unit to reach the Imperial territory.


    No, in fact, I have no choice but to laugh.


    That''s why Crono tried to laugh.


    ''''General, did you get mad?'''' (Bum?)


    I''m afraid I''m insane.


    Crono stopped stroking his right eye and stood up.


    Crono and his deputy are a few hundred meters from the entrance of the bottleneck.


    ''''Can we go for another blowout like last year?'''' (Bum?)


    ''His Highness won''t be coming out this time, so it will be hard to get a shot at a reversal. The only way to do it is to draw the enemy back in. For now, we need to build momentum.


    "Hey." (Bumo)


    "''So I will lay down my men and blast the enemy with magic!��Deneb, Aridid, are you ready!


    I can''t do that.


    Huh?��Crono''s voice trailed off.


    ''You know that pillar of fire went up with a thumping thump last year?��That''s the thing, that''s the thing, just do the thing.


    ''It''s the fireball dance, isn''t it?��It was Leila who did it.


    ''I mean, Leila is the only one who can use advanced fire magic, right?


    When Crono bit down, Deneb and Alideed said, as they should.


    ''Aren''t elves able to use all strains of magic?


    I can just use the fire, water, earth and wind attributes all over the place.


    That''s only an intermediate level.


    Oh, really?��And Crono laughed dryly.


    ''I don''t want to be told that I can only use it up to intermediate level in this situation.


    ''''Then what are you going to do?''''


    "What?


    Hahaha, Crono, Deneb, and Alideed all three laughed.


    ''''Well this is no time to laugh.''''


    Now I have five thousand gold coins, thirty carts, and ten bags of milled wheat.


    What to do?


    What are we going to do, throw out a few gold pieces to slow them down?


    No, that''s weak.


    We need to win to boost morale.


    They may not look like much of a loss to us, but we need to keep winning.


    You know what? We''re going to stay here.


    Look, we''re women. We can buy ourselves some time.


    Letting out a sigh, Crono looked at Deneb and Arididid.


    ''....Deneb, Alideed, don''t you ever spit that kind of line again.


    "But,


    ''That would be demoralizing, and I don''t want you to die when I''m about to take you to bed when I get back to my territory.


    "Well, seriously!


    He hadn''t planned to take Deneb and Alideed to bed at all, but he''d rather spit out a lie or two than let them both make a tragic decision.


    ''Yeah, but if we can recreate that explosion,''


    Crono scratched his hair he suddenly stopped his hand.


    ''I can!��Mr. Minot, get my box!��Horus, come here!


    "It''s so heavy, how can you keep the bottom up?" (Bumobuobu)


    Crono took the package out of the box and removed the bottom plate.


    There was a large amount of gold coins there.


    Crono grabbed the gold coins and scattered them on the ground.


    ''''Whoa!''''


    What are we gonna do with it?


    As Deneb and Alideed tried to pick up the gold coins that had been scattered around, Crono rushed in as fast as he could.


    ''This is a trap, trap!��Horus, sprinkle wheat flour on the gold!��Deneb and Aridid choose an elf who can use the whirlwind dance and stay on high ground!��I''ll keep you updated on the situation!


    "Don''t waste your time throwing the wheat to the wind.


    Life is more important than wheat!


    Horus covers the place where Crono scattered the gold coins with wheat flour.


    Finally, the gold coins are scattered on top so that the enemy soldiers can easily find them and the planting is over.


    Not only the new subordinates are looking at the sudden oddity, but also the old soldiers are looking at Crono with pitying eyes.


    Still, the military is great when they don''t criticize you.


    It''s too good to be ridiculous.


    ''''General, are there any more gold coins left? (Bum?)


    Oh, yeah.


    Crono thought for a moment.


    Give them all to him. If they get separated, if they can make it to Imperial territory, they can go home.


    "If you give me the gold, won''t he run away?��No, we''ll share our fate with Master Crono to the end.'''' (Bumo?��(More~)


    ''''It''s the blood money of the lords, and I know it may seem like a public/private matter, but this much I want to at least reward my men enough to have some hope. Now, let''s go to the back. Hopefully, I''ll be able to blow their minds in the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Crono smiled and proceeded to the back of the bottleneck.


    One day, a soldier came to the village.


    They said that they were looking for a soldier.


    They promised me that if I became a soldier, I would receive a substantial reduction in taxes for this year and ten silver coins as my salary.


    In addition, if you defeat the enemy, they''ll give you an extra paycheck, and if you work hard enough, you''ll be able to become a regular soldier.


    Kay invited his friends to join him and volunteer as a soldier.


    Ten silver coins would save her family a lot of grief, and she was attracted to the idea that she could make it with just one arm.


    Right now, Kay was carefully advancing through the bottleneck, wearing a rusty floating spear and tattered leather armor.


    At least Kay thought she was proceeding carefully.


    After a few moments of walking, a white powder covered the ground.


    Soon Kay noticed that on top of the powder was a gold coin.


    ''Ki, a gold coin!''


    It wasn''t Kay who shouted that.


    While the idiot was shouting, Kay pocketed the gold coins and clutched the gold coins that were hidden under the powder.


    ''Ho, really!''


    Hey, hey, gold!


    "d*mn it, give me that!


    "f*ck you, that''s my gold!


    The bottleneck was quickly flooded with soldiers.


    They shouted and screamed at each other and fought for the gold.


    Some soldiers heard the commotion and joined in, adding to the confusion.


    ''''Heh, ba-ka!''''


    Kay, who was the first to leave, watched the foolishness as she thumbed through the gold coins.


    Hey, hey, I''m awesome.


    It hasn''t even been half a day, and I''ve won a bunch of money.


    With all this, you can do anything you want.


    Once again, Kay flicked her fingers at the gold coins and noticed a person standing on the slope.


    It was a beautiful woman.


    That''s an elf, Kay muttered, and the next thing she knew, she was standing there.


    "Whirling Dance!


    A gust of wind rushed in and rolled up the powder that covered the ground.


    It was as if they were in a fog, and the red lotus flames painted Kay''s vision.


    It was a hellish sight to see how long he had been unconscious, and it was a hellish sight to see in Kay''s cloudy vision.


    People, his friends, were lying on the ground.


    No, some of them were on their feet, but their entire bodies were swollen and their skin was falling apart.


    The scene didn''t feel real because the sound was as muffled as being in the water.


    Kay tried to get up to escape the hell, but her limbs were twitching and she couldn''t get up.


    Well, no way, me too... Kay tried to scream, but instead of a voice, only a hissing gasp escaped.


    The flames billowed up, followed by a cloud of dirt smoke.


    The earth smoke thinned in density as it rose, and increased in volume by that amount.


    He looked at the earth smoke as if it were a mushroom.


    "Bastards!��''The general has caught the enemy by surprise! (BUMO!)


    Crono started to run behind his second-in-command.


    ''General, what kind of magic did you use?'' (Bum?)


    A moan filled one of the bottlenecks.


    The voice is that of an enemy soldier who was caught in the explosion and turned into a miserable sight.


    The whooshing and zealous sounds must be coming from an enemy soldier who had been burned to his airway.


    The main unit of the Holy Argo Kingdom was on the other side of the scorched road.


    They couldn''t move.


    Perhaps they had been brought from the village like Kyle, but unfortunately, they had abandoned their position as helpless commoners once they had their weapons in hand.


    ''''Charge!''''


    Crono shouted, and the large sub-humans, led by Horus and Rizad, rushed into the main body of the enemy, mercilessly trampling the enemy soldiers as they fell to the ground.


    The enemy soldiers came to their senses when they saw their comrades being trampled to death, and they readied their weapons, but it was the lightning that struck them.


    The enemy soldiers were touched by the lightning from Rizad''s mallet and fell to the ground in a heap.


    Rizad and the others trampled the fallen enemy soldiers and swung the mallet down on them.


    The enemy soldier''s skull was shattered by the hammer, which was swung down with an incredible amount of physical force, and he collapsed like a doll.


    The young man standing in the front row - probably in his mid-teens - who was horrified by his companion being bludgeoned to death right next to him, threw down his rusty floating spear and tried to escape, but he was pushed away by a young man in the second row.


    The young man who was pushed away had his skull smashed by a mallet.


    His eyeballs popped out with great force, and his nose spurted with blood.


    The young man in the second row seemed to have decided to take a chance, and to inspire himself, he let out a strange cry and thrust his spear at Rizad.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    The young man let go of the spear and escaped the difficulty, but the next moment the spear''s stone thrust pierced the young man''s throat.


    The young man must have understood why the stone thrust was covered with metal.


    However, the opportunity to make use of that experience would not come around again, though.


    Next to Rizad, Horus was thrusting his spear at the enemy soldiers.


    Horus only lightly thrust his spear out, but the enemy soldier raised his arms to protect his face.


    Horus speared the enemy soldier in the gut and repeated the same thing with his next opponent.


    A trained soldier would have avoided or received the attack, but the enemy soldier in his near-amateur state reflexively tried to protect his face.


    Horus reversed that reflex action.


    Even the subordinates who had fought straight at first mimicked Horus'' fighting style.


    The increased number of hands seems to be tiring, but if they can lightly raise their weapons to block their opponent''s movements, they should play it safe.


    Now, who is the enemy''s commander?��He looked around, and soon Crono spotted a man inspiring a soldier at a slight distance.


    ''Deneb, Arideed, shoot through the enemy commander. Nasr, when the enemy commander is dead, give him a visit of fire.


    Copy that.


    Two arrows shot through the enemy commander''s head from both sides, and flames rained down on the enemy.


    A scream went up.


    The enemy soldiers, who have been turned into human candles, rolled on the ground to escape the flames that enveloped them, but there was no escaping them.


    Some enemy soldiers were vomiting after inhaling the smell of their comrades'' burning.


    Despite the situation, the enemy soldiers did not run away.


    ''''Don''t run away!��Fight!��Because another man was shouting at him.


    Tan!��And an arrow sticks to the eye of the man who was screaming.


    ''You''ve killed the enemy commander!��Push off!


    The faces of Rizad''s and Horus''s troops shouted a bullhorn in response to Crono.


    This time, the enemy soldiers'' will to fight was frustrated.


    ''''Chase them up!''''


    Normally ... if it weren''t for this situation, I would let it go, but now is the time to pile on the wins.


    However, I don''t intend to go deep.


    That''s why I chose the relatively slow lizardmen and minotaurs.


    The elven archers fired arrows at the defenseless backs of the enemy soldiers, while the lizardmen and minotaurs cleaved off one by one the enemy soldiers who couldn''t escape due to the backs of their comrades.


    The carnage lasted for an hour or so, and the bottleneck was filled with the stench ... the stench of blood, feces and burnt flesh.


    The enemy was nowhere to be seen.


    The commander was gone, so they must have temporarily withdrawn and regrouped their forces.


    The damage inflicted on the enemy is just over two hundred people.


    ''''Crono-sama!��Did you see that?


    I''ve never seen anything like it!


    Deneb and Aridid spread their arms as if to express an explosion as soon as they ran down the slope.


    Crono felt a slight regret at their childlike flailing, but he quickly lifted the edge of his mouth.


    Crono stroked Deneb and Alideed''s ears and turned to his men, who were waiting behind him.


    I blew my mind!


    ''Ooh!��Long live Master Crono! (BUMO!)


    "Master Crono!


    "Lady Crono! (Shhh!)


    The second-in-command barked, and the old subordinate raised his weapon high in the air.


    As if caught in the act, the new subordinate barked as well, his eyes shining with excitement.


    *


    Sitting down on the slope, Crono was taking an early meal.


    He had to give up sitting on the street because of the large stones lying all over the place.


    Sober harassment, right? said Crono, patting a nearby stone.


    The imperial army suffered heavy losses because of this unsophisticated harassment and ambush, so it was not to be underestimated.


    I''d rather abandon the wagons, but I can''t do that either because I have to carry spare weapons and I want to use them as barricades in case of an emergency.


    I guess this kind of humble harassment will lead to victory, Crono stopped moving with his grip on his hard bread.


    ''''........?''''


    I felt somewhat uncomfortable, but I don''t know why.


    ''''General, what''s going on?'''' (Bum?)


    No, it''s nothing.


    Crono shook his head.


    If you''re talking about a strange feeling, then the current situation itself, where they were fighting side by side with elves, dwarves and beastmen in another world, was strange.


    ''''Wasn''t that overly dramatic just now?


    "Under the circumstances, if you don''t get drunk on the atmosphere and yourself, you won''t be able to keep your morale up." (Bumo)


    Crono asked as he chewed on the hard bread, and the deputy replied as he crunched up the hard bread with a bang.


    ''I let you make it yourself, but it''s not very good, is it?


    I have a savory taste, and I like it. (More?)


    "So chewy, it''s almost addictive, that it''s almost addictive.


    Taiga wagged his tail happily as he chewed on the hard bread with a bakkie-bakkie.


    Apparently, the hard bread was well received by the beastmen.


    ''''So, what are you going to do with Deneb and Alideed?'''' (Bum?)


    Oh, I told you two.


    You planning on building a harem? (Bum?)


    Crono''s cheeks relaxed at the sound of the word "harem".


    ''That would be nice, but first we have to survive.


    "The chief will live a long time, I''m sure.


    Crono reached for the pouch, but stopped as his jaw went numb.


    ''Why don''t you lick the candy?'' (Bum?)


    It''s very valuable. What about everyone else?


    "I licked one of them when I was given it. Well, I felt it was a bit of a shame, but I made sure to reallocate it properly, so you don''t have to worry about that.


    Apparently, the candy is being distributed to the new subordinates.


    ........redistribution?


    Crono picked up a stone.


    Why don''t you throw this rock at him?


    "General, you are too abrupt as usual." (Bumo)


    ''Sorry, sorry. I figured if I shot arrows like I''ve been doing, they''d be gone soon. If it''s a stone, there''s a reasonably sized one lying around. The heavily armed infantryman in the front row bends down with his weapon and the heavily armed infantryman in the second row throws the stone. It''s like the third row and onwards pick up the stones.


    "As the days go by, the general''s aristocratic nature diminishes." (Bumo)


    When Crono explained with a gesture, the deputy said in a tone of resignation.


    ''''I''ve never seen an actual nobleman fighting like a nobleman, so I don''t want you to expect it.


    "Lord Leonhardt sounds like a nobleman, doesn''t he? (More?)


    I''m pretty sure you''re going to die in ten ways.


    How many lives won''t be enough for you if you do what Leonhardt did?


    "Bastards!��The general''s orders!��Pick up the rocks! Bum!��Too!��(Mo~!)


    I want you to cut the dead grass on the slope and load it on the wagon.


    The general''s orders!��''Cut the dead grass on the slope!'' (BUMO!)


    When the second-in-command gives the order, his men cut up their meals, collect the stones, cut the dead grass and start loading the wagons.


    With all the competent deputies and serious subordinates, there''s nothing for Crono to do.


    At best, he can only think about what is to come.


    ''''If you make ... three days, no, two days,''''


    The main force would be able to reach Imperial territory.


    ''''Crono-sama, enemy attack!


    Rizad, you''re in the front row!��Horus, hold the cart back!��Deneb, Ariddead, stay on the slope, Taiga and Nasr, collect the stones!


    Rizad''s squad quickly built a wall and the front row of heavily armed infantrymen sat down with a light grip on their weapons.


    The soldier in the second row grabbed a stone ... the size of a baby''s head if he was not good enough ...


    ''Throw it!


    As Crono ordered, the second row of soldiers threw stones at the approaching enemy soldiers in the five ranks.


    However, the stones drew a mountainous trajectory.


    The stone dropped between the enemy soldiers a groan and a giggle escaped from the enemy soldiers.


    ''No, not that kind of throw!


    Crono grabbed a nearby pebble and threw the stone in pitcher-like form.


    It didn''t reach at all, and the enemy soldiers burst into laughter.


    Some even ended up holding their bellies and rolling around laughing.


    A shell in front of Crono the stone passed in front of Crono with a speed that can only be described as such.


    The stone struck the face of an enemy soldier in the front row who was laughing with his stomach in his arms.


    The enemy soldier fell from the back of his head and remained motionless.


    Silence, no one could move.


    Crono smiled as he followed his adopted father''s teachings, and the enemy soldiers retreated as if upset.


    ''Throw them around!''


    Following orders, the lizardmen resumed throwing.


    Although aided in large part by the terrain, the throwing stones were more effective than expected.


    The throwing stones split the heads of the enemy soldiers, shattering their ribs and rupturing their internal organs.


    Some of the tactful enemy soldiers huddled on the slope, but the elven archers showered them with magic, and they fell prey to the stone throwing away from the slope.


    Can you do that?��And Crono clenched his fists.


    *


    Ignis stood beside the priesthood officer and listened to the reports sent in from the front lines.


    Traps and ambushes with gold coins, making the sub-humans throw stones that Ignis had scattered to slow the Imperial army''s advance.


    How dare they do it, one after the other, Ignis was honestly impressed.


    However, if he hadn''t been able to find out Crono''s identity through torture, he would still be calling him a madman.


    ''What are you going to do about it, Lord Shinji,''


    ...nothing is going to change.


    Ignis asked, and the priesthood officer responded with an irritated tone in his voice.


    ''The enemy commander did you say Crono?��Sure, that''s a tricky opponent, but how much planning can you do in this situation?��Ten, twenty, a hundred, or ten thousand?��No, I''d estimate it to be less than ten at most.


    Then, the Divine Councilor cut off his words.


    ''''We just need to break through his schemes from the front.


    ....


    The conclusion the Gion Officer came to was the same one he had reached last year, and now with Ignis.


    ''A day and a half and we''ll be able to kick his ass and capture Alfort.


    It was not an opponent that he would ever be able to win, but inevitably, Ignis couldn''t be sure of his victory.


    It''s this pattern again, Crono glared at the incoming enemy soldiers.


    The stone throwing was producing enough warfare that the enemy soldiers were marching in, avoiding casualties, but the enemy soldiers were coming in one after another.


    It was the same last year.


    Whenever the enemy inflicts damage, they rely on their numbers to break through our plans.


    No matter how much you try to plan, if you are attacked by numbers, you will be overwhelmed one day.


    Is this the difference between strategy and tactics?��And Crono bit his teeth as he inspired his subordinates.


    ''''Master Crono, I''ve run out of rocks, that I have.'''' (Gau)


    "...throw all the stones we have left and then get back to the cart!��Archers fall back to cover!��When you''re done waiting, set fire to the grass in your wagon!


    As the stones were thrown out, the enemy soldiers rushed in with a strange cry.


    Of course, the commander............................towards Crono, the human.


    But the enemy soldier fell forward as it was.


    An arrow pierced the hollow area of the basin.


    He was shot at from the slope.


    ''''Archers!��Don''t waste your arrows!��Block the enemy''s view!


    What a bunch of crap!


    But I understand.


    Deneb and Alideed shouted, flames rained down on the enemy soldiers and gusts of wind rolled up the sand.


    ''Run, run!��Just run!


    "The Chronosphere Runs!


    "Master Crono is in last place.


    Kill, kill, kill, he''s the commander!


    d*mn you, brother!


    Rip him to pieces!


    Crono ran while being cursed by the enemy soldiers.


    ''''Excuse me, that is! (GASP!)


    Before you know it, Taiga and another beastman who was running alongside you grab Crono''s belt and pants and carry him up.


    The two of them are carrying one of them, but it''s faster than when Crono is running alone.


    ''No, yeah, I''m working out in my own way too.


    "I bite my tongue, that I do! (GASP!)


    Deeeeeeeee!


    Tyga and the others tossed him and Crono flew through the air.


    He jumped over the cart and rolled on the ground lazily as no one held him back.


    ''Fire, that is!'' (GASP!)


    "Flame dance!


    "Flamebang!


    Taiga unleashed fire with his great sword and the two elves with their magic, and the ten carts blocking the bottleneck were instantly engulfed in flames.


    ''What is the next point where the stones are strewn about?''


    "We''ve got a long way to go. "We''ve got a long way to go. If we keep retreating at this rate, we won''t be able to fulfill our role as Lord.


    That''s true.


    We have to hold the enemy at a bottleneck for at least two days.


    ''It''s getting to the point where we can''t just keep up the morale with small victories.


    What are you doing? (Bum?)


    Crono crossed his arms.


    ''''We''ll split the squad into two. Mino-san, Horus, Rizad, and Nasr''s squad will use wagons to set up a defensive position, while Deneb, Aridid, and Taiga will join me in a flank attack. Choose a hundred archers and two hundred infantry.


    If the enemy is going to attack us by numbers, we''ll just make sure they can''t.


    ''Mr. Mino, get your wagons up and barricade!��Barricade again at a distance!��And while you''re at it, load up some dead grass... and while you''re at it, cut down the trees growing at the top of the slope and drop them on the enemy soldiers!


    It takes a long time to chop down a tree, doesn''t it? (Bum?)


    ''Chopping down trees later!


    Crono crossed his arms and stopped Rizad as he started up the slope.


    Although there was some hesitation, it didn''t take long for them to be ready to start moving.


    Then build the same barricade at a distance and pile the dead grass between them.


    ''We''ll call the first barricade the first line of defence and the next one the second... There are twenty wagons left, we should have barricaded ourselves with wagons from the start. That way we could have preserved the dust explosion.


    It''s a very selective piece of equipment. It''s hard to believe that people with blood on their hands from the slaughter of their friends will notice the gold.


    Well, yeah.


    Crono let out a sigh and turned his attention to Deneb, Arididid, and Taiga.


    The three of them had already finished selecting their men and were waiting for Crono''s orders.


    ''''Then I''ll be off.''''


    "General, good luck with your war.


    You too.


    I wanted to spit out one of my witty lines, but if I could have done that, I wouldn''t have spit out a line to the landlady like ''Let''s f*ck until we get off our backsides''.


    ''Let''s go, Deneb, Ariddead, Taiga!


    We were waiting for Master Crono.


    Ignoring Deneb and Alideed''s shoves, Crono climbed the slope.


    Along the way, he almost fell down several times, and with the support of the beastmen, he made it up the slope to find an enemy soldier trying to climb over a cart that had been turned to coal.


    ''''Mo, there''s a tremendous enemy?''''


    Don''t worry, it''s not as bad as last year.


    Crono lightly responded to Deneb and Alideed who said in a frightened manner.


    ''''Well Crono-sama, your legs are shaking and-''''


    I''m a warrior.


    Gingerly, Crono advanced to the front of the pack. Deneb and Alideed were laughing at him, but after a moment they were quiet.


    ''Let''s do it here,''


    Crono went forward a few dozen meters and lay down on the ground to check the enemy''s situation, and after several repetitions, he declared.


    He chose that spot because the slope was loose enough for Crono to be able to climb it.


    ''Deneb, Arididid''s squad will wait here, please cover us when we retreat. Taiga Squad, follow me!


    Crono drew his long sword and ran down the slope.


    However, he fell down on the way.


    I don''t know why.


    Crono rolled down the slope and was thrown into the middle of the enemy soldiers.


    ''''Ki, ki-har!''''


    Crono, who used the unfortunate enemy soldier as a cushion to avoid serious injury, stood up and slashed at the enemy soldier with a strange cry.


    Eh?��And with a dumbfounded expression on his face, the enemy soldier was attacked by Crono and crumbled down with a white eye.


    ''''Kyeeeeeeeee!''''


    As Crono wielded his long sword recklessly, three men were cut down without resistance, and a fourth caught the long sword.


    The man''s ability to discard his spear and use his sword, still in its sheath, to catch Crono''s attack with his judgement told me that the man was an old soldier, but


    Sorry.


    What?��Gwahhhh!


    The man let out a wild scream as the beastman slashed him on the back and he fell back on his back.


    Taking advantage of the opportunity, Crono pulled out his dagger and thrust it into the man''s neck.


    ''''This, this........!


    Blood gushed out as he pulled the dagger forward.


    The man grabbed at me, but Crono ducked without difficulty.


    ''''I''ve cooled my liver, that I have.


    In the blink of an eye, Taiga bled out the three enemy soldiers and held his sword up to protect Crono.


    Before he knew it, a circle had formed with Crono in the center.


    At first it was a small circle, but the diameter of the circle widened with each new beastman running down.


    ''''Deneb, Alideed!��Send ten archers to the inside of the circle!


    Copy that.


    ''The diameter of the circle ... lines!��Line up against the enemy!


    When Crono gave the order, the beastmen switched their formation from a circle to two lines.


    Then the elven archers arrived and stood behind the beastmen.


    ''Infantry, focus on the enemy in front!��Archers cover with magic!��Waiting teams, throw rocks and everything!


    "You''re a messenger!


    "Why what?


    A puzzled voice sounded from the magic item for communication, but there was no time to answer politely.


    Until now, he had only been thinking about surpassing the enemy''s attacks, but if he could fight this much, it might be better to repeatedly engage in idle combat to buy time, Crono looked at his subordinates who were slicing and dicing with the enemy soldiers.


    The beastmen slashed down the enemy one after another while being covered by magic.


    Deneb and the Aridead squad were also throwing things from above to cover them.


    Stones, clumps of earth, fallen trees and even dead animals rained down on them.


    The enemy soldiers who had been hit by the stones and clods looked up the slope with hatred, while the enemy soldiers who had been hit by the fallen trees stopped moving.


    The enemy soldier who had been hit by an animal corpse was ridiculed by his surroundings and turned over in shame.


    Crono and the others were gradually forced into a defensive battle, while gaining enough warfare to fill one corner of the bottleneck with corpses again.


    The reason was the difference in numbers.


    No matter how much the beastmen boasted of their superior physical abilities to humans, if they continued to fight, they would accumulate fatigue.


    ''''Retreat for once!��Deneb, Aridid, cover!


    Copy that.


    Arrows were released from the slope, and the elven archers who had been waiting behind the beastmen released a flaming dance to match them.


    While the enemy soldiers were frightened by the flamboyant flames and explosions, the elven archers and Crono were able to evacuate to the middle of the slope, but the few beastmen who had drawn the enemy to the end were not able to do so.


    Surrounded by enemy soldiers, a spear was thrust into the beastmen''s throats.


    Faster than Crono could blurt out a voice, the mortally wounded beastmen jumped at the enemy soldiers and swung their arms and legs around.


    A scream went up, and the enemy soldiers rushed the mortally wounded beastman.

 28-Episode 12 "On the Board"

    *


    It was late January, four hundred and thirty-one on the imperial calendar, and if it was as usual, it wouldn''t be surprising to see snow, but this year was the first dry winter in years.


    Every time the wind blew, the dead grasses made a sound like a tidal wave, and the water surface of the man-made pond, half-closed to the ice, rippled.


    It is not impossible to transform a desolate garden into one brimming with vitality if you use the divine power technique, Activation.


    It is said that some noblemen and merchants donate a lot of money to the "temple" in order to boast of their financial power and make it bloom with flowers in winter.


    It''s not bad to admire flowers in winter, but this is quaint, and Leonhardt was walking alone in the gardens of the Palatium mansion.


    Spending time alone and aimlessly.


    It was a luxurious use of time for Leonhardt, who had the heavy responsibility as the leader of the First Kingsguard.


    ''''d*mn it, I''ll have it!


    ....


    Leela, who was plumper than she remembered, as if she was wearing thicker clothes, tucked up the hem of her apron dress and walked up to Leonhardt in a zippered manner.


    ''I''m wearing light clothes, I''m cold.


    ....


    Leela stood on her tiptoes and rubbed Leonhardt''s cheeks from side to side, as if she were trying to warm him up.


    Her fingertips, overworked by household chores, didn''t convey a flattering, comfortable feeling, but it wasn''t unpleasant.


    ''d*mn it, Master Leonhardt is an old man. It''s a good time to be on vacation, so why don''t you go out and have some fun, instead of holed up in the house?


    ''Is Leela out on her day off?''


    "I just spent some time in the new city a couple of days ago to relax. A traveling entertainer was putting on a play, and Master Leonhardt was in it.


    I''m not in a play, though, am I?


    Is that the part of the play that I''m talking about?��You sure you want to play the role?��I mean, there was Master Leonhardt in the role.


    When Leonhardt asked, Leela proudly puffed out her chest.


    I didn''t know how Leonhardt-sama fought, so I was surprised. I almost cried when I saw him standing up against a huge army to protect Master Alfort.


    ...I see.


    Apparently, the outcome of the war has been arranged and played out in a way that suits someone else''s needs.


    ''''It''s ... too soon.''''


    It''s not unusual for a traveling performer to put on a play about an actual incident, but it''s been less than a week since Leonhardt returned to the imperial capital.


    There was no way that a mere traveling entertainer could reach the level of writing a script, rehearsing and performing in such a short period of time.


    If that were the case, it would be the Military Affairs Bureau or Prime Minister Alcor''s plan.


    With very few exceptions, Imperial subjects have no direct influence on politics, but if the people are unsettled, the economy will be in turmoil, and if Imperial soldiers are judged to be weak soldiers, security will deteriorate.


    Humans are strange creatures, and even the bravest knights and soldiers have a propensity to be swept away by the atmosphere around them.


    If anxiety is propagated, they will act as weak soldiers, if the will to fight is high, they will act as strong soldiers, and if military discipline is relaxed, they will act accordingly.


    In short, he is trying to reassure his people by creating an atmosphere, a play that is easy to understand.


    Of course, he weaves in information that is convenient for him.


    If Prime Minister Alcor is only trying to reassure his people, it would be easier for me too, Leonhard narrowed his eyes.


    ''....Leela, was there a man named Crono in that play?


    Crono?


    Leela tilted her head in wonder.


    The play was Vizier Alcor''s plan, Leonhard was convinced.


    If a mere traveling performer was going to play, he would choose Crono.


    Because the audience is not the nobility, but the commoners.


    *


    Why did Rizad go to his death?��Crono looks up at the ceiling and thinks about that.


    What passes through his mind is Rizad''s last moments.


    While receiving countless spears, Rizad did not stop walking.


    ''''A........token.''''


    His last words were too short to get into Rizad''s mind.


    Numerous deaths pass through his mind.


    Leo''s head was blown off by a spear.


    The female elf who was burned to death.


    The elves and beastmen who were killed by spears and by divine magic.


    Horus who died with his eyes wide open.


    Flashback after flashback of the battlefield scene, Crono clenched his fists and endured a wave of raging emotions.


    ''''Crono-sama!''''


    The door to the room was opened and Deneb and Alideed dived into Crono, who was struggling in his bed.


    ''Look, look, get up and get up,''


    ''Yes, yes!��And if Crono-sama doesn''t wake up, we won''t be able to get our work done.


    Crono slumped to his feet as Deneb and Alideed, dressed in apron dresses, knocked him off the bed.


    Crono was in his own room at Crawford Manor in the fourth district of the imperial capital, Alfilk.


    He''s postponing his return to the Marquis of Erakis territory because he has to go through various formalities.


    There was no way I could miss today''s argumentation award at Alfilk Castle.


    ''''........Deneb, Arididid.


    "What?


    Deneb and Alideed rested their hands and looked at Crono.


    Why is Rizad........


    He tried to ask such a question, but he couldn''t say anything as the two of them stared at him.


    ''''No, it''s nothing.''''


    With that, Crono left the room and headed to the dining room.


    When he entered the dining room, the deputy and his foster father were eating across from each other.


    The deputy is staying at the Crawford mansion as Crono''s bodyguard.


    ''I''ll be in the stables,'' the deputy had said, but his foster father had prodded him and prepared a room for him as a guest.


    ''General, are you feeling well? (Bum?)


    Don''t you worry my men too much.


    As they approached the table, the deputy and his foster father approached Crono.


    ''How would you like to eat, little man?''


    ...lightly.


    ''Yes, sir,'' said Myra, bowing reverently and returning to the kitchen.


    ''You still haven''t regained your appetite?


    Yeah, Crono gave a small nod.


    ''I don''t have an appetite, and when I force myself to eat, I throw up.


    ''Don''t fall over in the middle of an argument.


    I think it''s okay.


    Little man, here''s your soup.


    When I took a mouthful of the soup offered to Myra, the iron-smelling taste spread.


    It tasted and smelled like blood.


    It''s an illusion, Crono told himself, and he poured the soup down his stomach.


    ''Little man, prepare to climb the castle.


    Okay.


    When I returned to my room, Deneb and Alideed were not there.


    ''If it''s those two, I''ll have them clean the stables.


    How are they doing?


    Hmmm........Myra let out a long, long sigh.


    ''I''ve been training maids for a long time, but I''ve never seen maids that poorly. If you clean them, they turn over the tub, if you cook, they pick at you, if you let them do the shopping, they cheat on their change, and if you let them shop, they try to sneak into your little boy''s bed at night.


    Myra pressed her fingers to her temples as if to endure a headache.


    ''Oh, oh my God, bah, bah, bah, bah, bah, bah, bah, bah, bah, bah, bah!


    ....


    From a human perspective, she is a fine grandmother, but I guess there is a kind of female psychology at work in that area.


    Yes, that''s right, I''m a 60 year old grandmother!��We''ve been having sunshine for the past 20 years!��I know people, and I have grandchildren.��And, but you were busy settling the southern frontier, so what choice did you have!


    Is Myra the one who wants to get married?


    No, no.


    When Crono asked, Myra turned to a straight face.


    ''Just in case you''re wondering, what are the conditions of your marriage?''


    ''I''m not particular about my age, but a yearly income of two thousand five hundred gold coins would be helpful.


    What a hurdle to overcome.


    Two thousand and five hundred gold coins per year is the level of a lower class aristocrat with land.


    ''''Come to think of it, little man.''''


    Glinting, Myra''s eyes shine like a hungry beast.


    ''''........tch.''''


    As Crono hurriedly put on his military uniform, Myra blatantly scowled and clicked her tongue.


    Alfort''s emissaries, the Twelfth Knights of the Twelfth Order, came to greet Crono in a two-horse box carriage.


    It was the first time that an imperial-owned carriage had ever driven through the Fourth City District, and the area around Crawford Manor was filled with onlookers.


    Deneb and Alideed were happy to see him off, but Crono was not in a proud mood.


    When the carriage arrived at Alfiruk Castle, it was the job of the mistress to guide them from there.


    Led by the twinkling, clear-eyed lady, Crono finally arrived at the audience chamber.


    During the audience room, Leonhard, Count Ernat, Rio, Count Piske, and the surviving battalion commander were standing in front of that door.


    Hi, Crono.


    "Oh, Marquis Erakis!


    Pushing away Rio, who was about to walk up to him, Count Piske squeezed Crono''s hand.


    ''Thank you for that, Count Piske.


    No, no, no, I''m just keeping the promise I made to the Marquis of Erakis.


    No. You''ve been very helpful.


    This was an untrue feeling.


    Even though it wasn''t included in the promised category, Count Piske had arranged for doctors and medicinal herbs to be sent to an outpost in the territory directly under the Nouzi Empire, so his men could receive proper treatment.


    ''''Count Piske, would you please not interrupt the meeting between lovers?''''


    Hey, sweetheart!


    As Rio nuzzled Crono, Count Piske retreated with his hands on his hips.


    ''I don''t mean to interfere with people''s love lives, but shouldn''t you have a little sense of place?


    I know.


    Leonhardt pointed out, and Rio pulled away from Crono with a disgruntled quirk of his lips.


    ''Lord Crono, you look pale, don''t you?


    I''m not hungry.


    "Hm, if you like, I can have my favorite fragrant tea brought to you.��It has a calming effect on me. It''s great for calming the mood.


    Just a feeling.


    Leonhard laboriously patted Crono on the shoulder and returned to his original position.


    ''Count Ernat,''


    "Lord Chronosphere.


    Crono saluted, and Count Ernat responded with a salute.


    ''Thank you for that time,''


    Don''t thank me.


    Count Ernat patted Crono''s head and gave him a gentle smile.


    ''''May I?''''


    Count Piske nodded, and the guards pushed the door to the audience chamber.


    The door opened with a heavy thud.


    The audience room was bleak.


    It was large enough to fit Crawford''s mansion in the Fourth District, but all that was present was a crimson carpet that stretched out in a straight line and a throne that was placed on a higher level.


    However, the floor is polished like a mirror and the throne is so finely crafted that it might be a fortune in itself, so there is no smell of poverty.


    The remaining two hold the left and right sides of the throne.


    One was a woman about the same age as the matriarch, and the other was a bald-headed old man.


    Again, this was just a guess, but the woman would be Alfort''s mother and the bald-headed old man would be Vizier Alcor.


    Surrounded by the heavyweights of the empire, Alfort sat deep on his throne, a drawn-out smile on his face.


    The term "papier-mach�� tiger" easily comes to mind.


    Well, he didn''t expect to be carried by the contents.


    He proceeded on the carpet and propped himself up on one knee at a reasonable distance from Alfort.


    ''Count Piske, report,''


    "Ha, Prime Minister Alkor.


    The facts are quite distorted, since he can''t report that Alfort was devastated because he was scared of a bonfire, so the facts are quite distorted because he can''t report that Alfort was devastated because he was scared of a bonfire.


    Even so, the reason why it''s not being rammed through is probably because the roots have been put in place.


    "Yes, those who have done exceptionally well must be rewarded.


    Prime Minister Alcor looked at Crono and narrowed his eyes.


    Therefore, I confer upon you the Count of Caddo.


    Ha, thank goodness for that.


    Count Caddo''s territory is west of the Marquess of Erakis.......less than half the area of the Marquess of Erakis, not as much as the southern frontier of thirty years ago, but it is a backwater area dotted with only small fishing villages.


    You can''t afford to play the big game in a losing battle, nor can you casually deny them rewards.


    It seemed that such a true intention could be seen through.


    ''''Well, we''ve just finished the battle.


    ''The next war,'' said Crono, tensing up.


    ''We have just signed a peace treaty with the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Vizier Alcor''s words made Crono''s mind go blank.


    What did he say?


    As you all know, we''ve had countless skirmishes with the Holy Argo Kingdom near our borders. It''s safe to say that this war is a demonstration of our displeasure with them.


    It was impossible for a peace treaty to be signed less than two weeks ago.


    But if the negotiations were going on without Crono and the others'' knowledge, it would explain the true nature of the uncomfortable feeling they had on the battlefield.


    War is a series of humble harassment.


    There are countless other things to do, such as getting the right number of soldiers, training them, and so on, but we were only given a month or so to prepare.


    The accumulation factor was too little.


    We know now that we had no intention of taking over the city of Markab from the start.


    Even if they had occupied the city of Markab, they would have created a situation in which they would have been forced to retreat by cutting off supplies under an appropriate pretext.


    The reason is that Viceroy Alcor''s objective was to make peace with the Holy Argo Kingdom, not a mudslide war. In addition, he even created the achievements necessary for Alfort to succeed to the imperial throne by having the peace treaty signed.


    Everything was just as the old man wanted it to be.


    We were fighting desperately, not knowing that we were pawns on the board.


    We pushed down our fears, covered our guilt, and concocted a plan with the sole intention of not letting our men die.


    Still, he continued to let his men die without reaching out and letting them die.


    The nails that clenched the carpet came off and blood red tears flowed.


    Let''s kill them, let''s kill these guys.


    A large hand clamped down on Crono''s head as he tried to stand up.


    It was Count Ernat''s hand.


    ''Endure, Lord Crono.


    .....


    What passed through Crono''s mind was the image of his subordinates in the Crawford mansion, waiting for Crono''s return at the estate.


    ''''Well, Marquis Erakis, what do you think of this peace?''''


    Crono looked up at Alfort quietly and smiled, desperately.


    ''And I''m sure the subjects will thank Master Alfort for his wisdom.


    It''s a travesty.


    My men died for this travesty.


    ''Wow, my men must be proud to have been a cornerstone of peace.


    It can''t be.


    You must want to live.


    You shouldn''t want to die.


    How can you be proud of yourself for being used and discarded like that?


    Crono hung his head and kept shaking his shoulders.


    His memory was vague until he returned to Crawford Manor.


    It was Crono''s realization that he found himself standing in the front yard of Crawford Manor.


    How stunned was he?


    "Mr. Crono, welcome back!


    Crono stumbled as Deneb and Alideed hugged him.


    ''Crono-sama, I''m fine,''


    You''ve been out of shape for so long.


    They separated their bodies and looked up at Crono.


    ''Look, Crono-sama I know you''re worried about everyone else dying, but...''


    I don''t know about these new recruits, but we''re here for Master Crono.


    Don''t listen, something whispered in the corner of my head.


    I''m sure if I heard it, I wouldn''t be able to go back.


    ''I''d die for Master Crono and...''


    "You know, Crono-sama will do the ''Sekaijin Kensengen'' for you.


    Hee!��And with a small scream, Crono pushed Deneb and Alideed away.


    ''Ouch!��Annihilate!


    We were trying to be cool.


    Oh, yes.


    All along, I kept turning away from it.


    I''ve kept turning away from the influence of the ''Sekaijin Kensengen'' that I said back then to keep Leila around.


    Why did Rizad go to the land of death?


    It''s that simple.


    Because I''ve shown them the ideal world where everyone can live equally well.


    That''s the one time I''ve ever uttered a single word that sent a man to his death.


    No, it even made Deneb and Alideed decide to die.


    Just like Tilia said, Crono.......Kurono Hisamitsu mixed into this world was poison.


    It''s a sick poison that contaminates other people''s thoughts and causes them to die.


    ''''Crono-sama?''''


    Crono let out a strange cry and ran away from Deneb and Alideed.


    *


    I don''t remember where I ran, I don''t remember how I ran.


    I ran and ran and ran and ran with the sole intention of escaping this nightmarish reality, and then the goons caught me, beat me to a pulp and threw me in a back alley.


    He even had his wallet stolen.


    Instead of escaping the nightmare, I couldn''t even get out of the Imperial City.


    Crono laughed at his own diminutive size.


    He couldn''t stop crying that his men had died for him like this.


    He cried with laughter.


    Would he be able to die if he just lay there?��And when he looked up at the sky, he saw someone looking down at Crono.


    A boy, or perhaps a girl.


    Probably not more than fifteen in age.


    He had sallow skin and his eyes were bush-eyed beyond sharp.


    Her dark brown hair was short like a boy''s, the clothes she wore were tattered and her body lines were sharp.


    Kneeling down, the girl explored Crono''s clothes.


    ''''Well I just had my wallet stolen and I don''t have anything of value for money.


    What? You''re alive?


    The girl clicked her tongue and moved away from Crono and came back as if she had come for something she had forgotten.


    ''Why are you sleeping here?''


    ...I failed to escape reality.


    I don''t know what''s going on here.


    The girl sat down on the ground with Crono on the ground instead of her back.


    ''Well, I don''t see why you''d want to run away,''


    The girl clicked her tongue.


    ''Are you a military man?''


    ...yes.


    Crono replied, and the girl nodded disinterestedly, even though she''d asked him himself.


    ''And you?''


    Orphans, orphans.


    The girl looked up at the sky in silence.


    ''''You don''t have to feel sorry for me. There are plenty of kids like me if you look for them in the imperial capital, and being pitied doesn''t change anything.


    The girl ruffled her hair and let out a sigh.


    ''I could have given you the money if they hadn''t stolen my wallet.


    ....


    The girl punched Crono silently.


    ''I told you not to feel sorry for me!��I''m still earning my own food!


    Sorry.


    Wow, that''s really sweet.


    The girl didn''t expect Crono to apologize honestly, or maybe she didn''t expect Crono to apologize honestly, but the girl kept her mouth shut.


    ''Hey, what''s the reality you wanted to escape?��Yeah, you don''t have to answer the question if you don''t want to.


    My man is dead.


    Hmmm, the girl nodded disinterestedly.


    ''Is that something you would care about?


    .....


    His mind went blank, and the next thing he knew, Crono was grabbing the girl by the chest.


    ''I, I killed her!


    Crono let go of the girl.


    ''''Well my surviving men are willing to die for me too.


    I don''t know, but that''s not something you should be worried about, is it?


    The girl corrected her disheveled clothes and said in a mortified tone.


    ''You didn''t ask me to die for you, did you?��If that''s the case, then your men died for you of their own volition.


    ''If I hadn''t spoken of my ideals, he might not have died. If I hadn''t died, married, had kids and ... lived.


    "...you liked my men.


    Crono looked up at the girl''s words.


    ''No?''


    No different.


    I ... liked Leo, Horus and Rizad.


    Can''t you tolerate being discriminated against for being a subhuman?


    That''s not true.


    I just didn''t like the way the people I love were treated.


    Yeah, I did.


    When I saw Leila smiling sadly at that moment, I knew I had to stop it.


    Wasn''t the Universal Declaration of Human Rights an excuse to do that?


    Tears spilled out of my eyes.


    I missed Leo, I missed Horus, I missed Rizad.


    I wanted to see my dead men.


    I wanted to see them and tell them I loved them.


    But they were gone.


    They were dead.


    My heart ached.


    Crono picked at his hair and cried out loud.


    How long had he been crying?


    When Crono looked up, the girl''s eyes were bright red.


    ''''I didn''t get a tear in my eye!


    I know.


    Crono wiped his eyes wildly with his sleeve and slowly stood up.


    ''I don''t know what to say, I''m too stupid to know what to say.


    Yeah, I can kind of see that.


    What can I do for them that I love?


    They wanted a world where everyone could live without division.


    That''s what Crono wanted, too.


    Then there is only one answer.


    Crono dragged his aching body out of the room.


    My name is Crono. What''s yours?


    I''m Verna. I''m just Verna.


    He didn''t ask to see her again.


    Crono walked as if he were dragging himself along, slowly increasing his speed.


    His body hurts.


    But strength, heat, floods from deep within his body.


    The dingy city looks beautiful.


    The air, pregnant with the smell of the set-up, felt fresh.


    *


    When I returned to Crawford Manor, I found Deneb and Alideed standing at the gate looking shabby.


    ''Deneb, Alideed!''


    Master Crono!


    Crono hugged him as hard as he could, and Deneb and Alideed opened their eyes in surprise and put their hands on Crono''s back as if to say fearfully.


    ''I''m sorry about earlier,''


    You don''t have to apologize.


    Like, "Let me fix your wound.


    I finally realized. I''ve realized that I like you guys.


    "Whoa!


    Deneb and Alideed made a strange noise and moved away from Crono.


    ''Tu, finally, this is the time!


    .....


    Alideed slumped and Deneb looked at Crono with an expression on his face as if he was about to cry.


    ''''General, you''re back?'''' (Bum?)


    Welcome home, little boy.


    Mr. Minot, Myra, I love you!


    "What?


    Crono shouted and tried to hug his deputy and Myra as they stood in front of the door.


    BUMO!��And the second-in-command jumped back with a scream that couldn''t be converted even by magic items.


    Eh?��is the voice of Deneb and Alideed.


    Although there is a difference in age, I have no way of refusing if the little boy asks me to do so. Please forgive me, sir. Myra is a weak woman.


    I won''t blame you if you don''t say anything.


    As if he was dependent on me, his adoptive father came outside and said, looking away from Myra.


    ''Dad!''


    Well you don''t have to give me a hug either.


    Pulling away from Myra, Crono looked up at his adopted father.


    You look like you''re back on your feet.


    Maybe ... but I think I''ll continue to worry about it.


    His adoptive father looked at Crono with nostalgic eyes, as if he was reminiscing about the past.


    It''s a good thing that when you''re trying to accomplish something, you have a certain amount of trouble. It''s even more so when there are other lives involved.


    His adoptive father stroked Crono''s head roughly.


    ''To tell you the truth, I thought you were going to run away. You know, I thought you were going to run away, because you think of your men like they are your friends. I thought you couldn''t take your men''s deaths. The values you''ve developed in your world it''s a plague in this world. It''s not just the people around you, it''s also the ones who are going to eat you.


    Master Crono isn''t sick.


    And we decided to die for Master Crono ourselves!


    When Deneb and Alideed shouted, their adoptive father scratched his head as if to say he was annoyed.


    You can''t get rid of him, and he doesn''t even know it. You''re not going to get rid of him.��My son is just following his values. It''s not an ideal. He never wanted to think about it in the first place.


    "......


    Deneb and Aridid stared at Crono as he clung to them.


    ''We can turn back now, eh?''


    ....


    Crono''s answer was already in place.


    *


    In February of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-one, the city of Hashel.......Leila was waiting for Crono at the gate.


    She was not informed of when he would return.


    Nor did she promise to wait.


    And yet, Leila''s feet found themselves facing the city gates, waiting until the sun went down and the gates were closed.


    ''''...Snow?''''


    Leila looked up at the leaden sky, saying that if it fell, it would be too late for Crono-sama to get home.


    But as the snow fell one after another... and covered the ground in a thin layer, Leila''s eyes caught sight of a box carriage.


    A thump and a heartbeat jumped up.


    Gulping down the urge to run to the carriage, Leila waited for the moment.


    The carriage stopped in front of the gate and slowly, slowly the crono descended to the ground.


    He was wearing a black military uniform with a frayed cloak with a frayed hem.


    ''''Master Crono!''''


    Leila?


    When Layla hugged her, Crono hugged her back, confused.


    ''''I was........worried,''''


    I''m sorry. I just wanted to get home a little earlier.


    As Crono turned his gaze, the boxcarriage started to drive towards the Marquis'' mansion.


    ''''Shall we take a short walk?''''


    Yes, sir.


    Crono''s arm is slowly put around Leila''s shoulder as she snuggles up to him.


    With that alone, Leila''s heart quickens to beat like an early bell.


    Leo, Horus, Rizad...she is happy for Crono''s return, knowing that there are many others who have died, and many others who are grieving.


    Though she felt shallow, Leila couldn''t contain her joy.


    ''''I have something to apologize to Leila for.


    What, sir?


    Leila noticed that Crono''s hands were shaking.


    ''Do you remember the first time we met?''


    Yes, sir.


    That time I tried to ... hold you guys accountable.


    Yes, I''ve noticed.


    Crono''s eyes were full of dark joy at that moment.


    Leila had noticed that this was a feeling similar to the relief that the weak felt when they found someone weaker than they were.


    So she decided on the spur of the moment that she could just apologize.


    ''If you''ve noticed, why?''


    ''Since Master Crono loved me enough to wonder if the look he gave me at that time was some kind of mistake.


    ''No,'' said Leila, shaking her head.


    ''Maybe I was simply scared.


    They say there is a bargain in love, but this isn''t even a bargain.


    ''''Is Crono-sama testing me?''''


    No, no. Maybe I was scared, too.


    What?��I don''t ask.


    Leila realizes that her current relationship is the result of her own rushing through without considering Crono''s feelings.


    Both she and Crono were cowardly and distracted from the fact that it was inconvenient for them.


    ''I''m sorry, Leila. I love you.


    ''Yes, I love Master Crono as much as you do.


    Khan, Khan, the sound of hammering echoes through the Marquis'' mansion.


    ''Leila, will you stay by my side?


    Of course.


    In the halls of the Marquis'' mansion stood the deputy, Deneb, Arididid, Goldie, Taiga, Shiro, Hiilo, Kane, Faye, the landlady, Elena, and Theon.


    Crono stood in front of them and repeated a deep breath.


    ''''I have something to tell you all.


    He could feel Crono''s nervousness through his moist, sweaty palms.


    ''I love the Cepheus Empire, but I also hate it.


    The hall, which had been quiet for the most part, is dominated by more silence.


    ''I, you know, I hate it. I hate the empire that despises me because I''m a subhuman or a commoner. I don''t like slavery either.


    ''So,'' continued Crono, ''I''m going to change this country.


    ''I''m going to change this country. I''m going to make it a country where sub-humans, commoners, and nobles are not separated, but of equal value and meaning.


    Are you crazy?


    Unfortunately,


    Crono replied to Kane''s question with a wry smile.


    ''It''s easy to say you''re going to change this country, but what are you going to do about it?''


    ''The basic line remains the same. We will enrich the territory with agricultural reform and trade. A revitalized industry will create jobs, and a stable livelihood will improve the status of sub-humans and commoners alike.


    You know, it makes me feel like it''s easy to do.


    ''No way!��Simply put, no matter how hard you try, you''re just a frontier lord, there''s no way you''re going to change this country!��And even if it works, your grandchildren will be back in business!


    Elena folded her arms in a pompous manner and turned away from Crono.


    ''''........If you''re serious about changing this country, you have no choice but to become an emperor.


    Yes, I think you could aspire to be an emperor.


    Crono said in his usual tone of voice.


    ''''We are going to take a number of steps. One of them will include participating in the war and gaining military merit.''''


    The hall was silent again.


    There is no guarantee that the empire will change even if you give your life. I would rather live comfortably under Crono''s protection than scatter my one and only life on the battlefield.


    But, I think.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    "...Lord Crono.


    Leila pulled away from Crono and prodded him on one knee.


    ''I will be by your side at all times.


    They beat us to it!


    Faye poked one knee in the spot, followed by her deputy, Deneb, Arididid, Taiga, White and Hiilo.


    ''''Oh shit. I should have slept in if I''m going to listen to this kind of talk. Oh, f*ck it.


    You need to decide whether you want to whine or laugh.


    Elena said in a disgusted tone of voice as Kane poked one knee in the air, cursing something.


    ''So what are you going to do about it?''


    I''m not interested in the ravings of changing the country. But I''m his property now, and I''m not interested in giving up my job in the middle of the road, and I don''t have a choice. I''m a bit of an a**h*le if you know what I mean.


    I''m just waiting to pay off some debt.


    I ...


    Elena and the landlady maintained the status quo, while Theon couldn''t give a clear answer.


    ''What we''re about to start is a battle with no way ahead of us. We have no idea how much effort we will have to expend or how many sacrifices we will have to make. You don''t know if it will be worth it. We don''t know if it will pay off, and we don''t know if we can expect God''s blessing.


    It''s an all-out war. In the first place, it''s not even clear if it''s a fight in the general sense of the word.


    Leila thinks as she looks up at Crono.


    We are sheltered by Crono-sama, and we are fighting to get away from that shelter, right?

 29-Modified version of Episode 13 "Cowgirl Charge"

    *


    Far away from the imperial capital, the box wagons proceeded along the road.


    The boxcarriage is escorted by more than a hundred cavalrymen, and if the advance party is included, the total number reaches one hundred and fifty.


    Dressed in white and silver armor, the sign of a knight of the Kingsguard, they are excellent knights, and it would be safe to say that the safety of their journey is half guaranteed.


    Even so, the reason I can''t shake off my unease is because they are not my own men, but Count Rio Chiron''s men.


    ''''What''s wrong with you, with such a Buddha''s face?''''


    Because of the look on your face.


    Tyria glared at Count Rio Chiron, who sat face to face.


    ''Is that so?��I thought I''d be bemoaning the misfortune of being dispossessed by a nobleman of unknown origin.


    I thought you were going to be relocated.


    It should be. Prime Minister Alcor explained to me that he was moving them out of the imperial capital to recuperate in a relocated area.


    Of course, I thought there was something behind it, but I didn''t expect to be dispossessed.


    ''''Wearing a dress like that?��Yes, yes, it''s made of fine fabric, but only a prostitute would wear a dress that large and open-chested.��If you weren''t suspicious, it''s irredeemable bluntness.


    .....


    A licking gaze was directed at her, and Tilia held her chest.


    Even if she didn''t have to do such a maneuver, her dress was so revealing that she could almost see her breasts from the sides.


    ''''You''re being taken to the most perverted place in the Empire. There you will live under house arrest, unable to return to the imperial capital.


    "Uhhhh!


    After more than two months of house arrest in the main tower, and finally being able to get out, the fate of severe humiliation awaits him.


    ''''Hahahaha!��Ouch!


    The devilish loud laughter stopped abruptly.


    The girl sitting next to him lightly struck Count Rio Chiron with the hilt of her sword.


    ''''What are you doing, Viscount Eryl Sardomelik?''''


    Lying is not good.


    The girl called Elil said without taking her eyes off the leather-bound book.


    Viscount Elil Sardomelik is the commander of the Eleventh Order of the Kingsguard.


    Compared to her age of fifteen, her limbs wrapped in military uniforms lacked a lot of ups and downs, making her look even younger than her actual age.


    Her hair is a whitish brown and her eyes are blue.


    She has a pretty face, but her sullenly narrowed eyes ruin everything.


    ''''........This carriage''s destination is the Marquis of Erakis.


    The Chronosphere!


    Tilia was sincerely relieved to learn that the destination was the Marquis of Erakis.


    At least Crono wasn''t the most perverted person in the Empire.


    ''''Why would you tell me?''''


    Well that''s why they picked me to be the chaperone.


    At this point, Tilia realizes what Count Rio Chiron''s intentions are.


    Count Rio Chiron is jealous of Tilia, who lives with Crono.


    It''s the only time we can be proud of our victory. Crono has lost his men in the battle against the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Yeah, what''s that got to do with me?


    Are you serious?


    Count Rio Chiron cowered his shoulders as if to say he didn''t understand.


    ''''If you had inherited the throne, the war wouldn''t have happened, and Crono wouldn''t have had to let his men die, would he?��I''m sure he''s got a grudge against you.


    "Oh, if you don''t betray me!


    If I didn''t do it, someone else would have done it for you.


    Tilia couldn''t argue with that.


    Even Leonhardt, who was touted as the embodiment of chivalry, didn''t give her a helping hand.


    That was because he decided that the disadvantages outweighed the benefits of saving Tilia.


    ''''Eril, don''t you think so too?''''


    I''m not interested. Do what you want.


    What is this lack of loyalty, Tyria even felt giddy.


    Wasn''t the Knights of the Kingsguard an army directly under the Emperor with a noble spirit?


    What the hell did I do wrong?


    Tilia turned over and continued to ask herself.


    *


    The grating sound of a kern, kern, irritated my eardrums.


    At first she wondered what the sound was, but she soon remembered that Crono had set up a workshop in the Marquis'' mansion to make armor.


    There were other buildings that Tyria didn''t remember, where humans and subhumans were working together.


    No, if you don''t remember, then the fields to the south of the city, the buildings outside the city walls, the bustling commercial district, and the alleyways free of vagrants and vagrants were different from the Marquess of Erakis in Tyria''s memory.


    The boxcarriage slowed gently to a stop in the yard of the Marquis'' mansion.


    Then Eryl closed the book he was reading and shoved it into a sack so flimsy that it didn''t look like a nobleman''s possessions, and opened the door of the box carriage and let it go.


    A cold wind blew in, causing goosebumps to rise.


    ''''It''s ... well, it''s cold.''''


    That''s why I wear a dress like that.


    Tyria glared at Count Rio Chiron, but he didn''t break into a lecherous smile.


    This man enjoys it.


    He enjoys trampling on his pride and embarrassing Tilia.


    ''''You don''t like me, do you?''''


    I hate women who woo Crono.


    I wasn''t courting you.


    ''Hmph,'' said Count Rio Chiron, snickering at Tilia''s rebuttal.


    ''Was it my imagination that you seemed to be seducing Crono at the ball?


    ....


    The door of the Marquis'' mansion opens, and Count Rio Chiron''s expression changes drastically.


    From the smile of a cruel and jealous lecher to that of a maiden in love.


    ''Crono!


    Good job, Rio.


    Count Rio Chiron embraced Crono and kissed him passionately, as if to show Tyria.


    Crono was wearing a cloak over an outfit that resembled a military uniform.


    Both were black in color, and the cloak was torn at the hem, as if it was showing its age.


    Around his neck was a necklace. The curved cone shape of it could be an animal tusk or something.


    Suddenly her eyes met with Crono''s and Tilia was pressured.


    The atmosphere that Crono wore was so different from when they parted ways last year.


    Even though Crono had grown up so much, I hadn''t grown up in any way.


    Ah, my current self is only worth the extent of being paid off by the new nobility.


    ''''........Tilia.


    When Crono called her name, Tyria felt a fear that was hard to describe.


    ''Tilia, aren''t you cold?''


    If that''s what you think, then give me the cape!


    After all, a Crono is a Crono, Tilia said, taking the cloak from Crono.


    It''s Crono, especially the part where he''s looking at the chest area.


    ''I wish I didn''t have to wear a dress like that.


    ''You think I like wearing this dress?''


    When Tilia asked, Crono looked away.


    It was hard to forgive her for not completely averting her gaze and glancing at her chest.


    ''''Princess Tilia wears it because she likes it.


    ...Count Rio Chiron, go home.


    Oh, is that the kind of speech you''d give to a loyal subject you''ve taken so much care to deliver?


    ''''Oh well, I''m sure Rio will be tired from the escort and you can relax. I''ll take care of the accommodation arrangements for you.


    Thank you, Crono.


    Count Rio Chiron rubbed up against Crono as if to show him off again.


    ''''Speaking of which, there''s another Knight Commander of the Kingsguard here. ''Eril?''


    ....


    Elil looked at the paper stuck to the wooden board with interest.


    ''Is that paper?''


    ''I run a paper workshop to create jobs. We cut the board of paper into 16 pieces and distribute it for a single brass coin.


    ....!


    Eril walked over to Crono and pulled a brass coin out of the bag.


    ''''I want you to sell as much of that paper as you can buy with this.


    I can be flexible on that.


    There are about twenty brass coins in Elil''s little hand.


    ''Goldie!''


    I heard you loud and clear, sir!


    The dwarf who had been going back and forth between the two workshops ran up to Crono with a bundle of paper in his arms.


    ''This is Goldie he''s in charge of the workshop that also makes weapons and armor and farm equipment over there, and he''s also in charge of the paper workshop.


    It''s a pleasure to work with you.


    Nice to meet you.


    Goldie handed the bundle of papers to Eryl and ran off towards the paper workshop.


    ''''Well I didn''t pay you,''''


    Well, I''ll take it.


    Nodding curtly, Eryl handed Crono a brass coin.


    ''Crono, hurry up and show me to my room.


    Tyria commanded Crono with a shudder.


    *


    The human maid named Alyssa showed me to the former Marquis of Erakis the private room that Tilia had used during her stay at the Marquis'' estate last year.


    The only furniture in the room was a canopied bed, a vanity table, a closet, a desk and a chair.


    It was an uncommon luxury for a lord, but for some reason it looked shabby to Tilia.


    Gazing into the mirror on the dressing table, Tilia involuntarily backed away.


    It''s not so much a dress as it is a cloth.


    It''s not just a matter of how much time you spend in the office, but also how much time you spend in the office.


    If you are wearing it from the side, your legs are bare and your underwear could be exposed at a moment''s notice.


    Tilia opened the closet with the cloak she took from Crono, wondering if she could wear a dress like this.


    ''''........wow, are these my clothes?''''


    When did she carry it in, Tilia reached out fearfully to the white military uniform in the closet and hugged it, feeling as if she had met her lover who had been separated from her alive.


    ''''It''s ... my clothes.


    For some reason, tears welled up in my eyes.


    I remember the first time I graduated from the military academy and wore my military uniform in my sleeves.


    I knew I was being treated special.


    But I was proud of myself.


    I was proud from the bottom of my heart that I could serve my country.


    Oh, you changed?


    I won''t be wearing that thing forever!


    ''Dinner,'' said Count Rio Chiron, with a provocative smile, as soon as Tilia entered the dining-room, dressed in her white military uniform.


    ''You are both in good spirits,''


    ....


    Crono smiles a drawn-out smile and Eryl silently brings the food to his mouth.


    The menu for dinner consisted of soup, herb-grilled chicken and bread.


    ''How do you like your dinner today?''


    A woman in a maid''s uniform with a large open chest for her age....well, what did she say her name was?��.........calls out to Crono.


    ''You''re going to seduce Crono again and negotiate a wage increase,'' Tilia looked at the woman as she brought the shredded bread to her mouth.


    ''The landlady''s food is always good.


    Oh, yeah?


    Crono said, and the woman who was called the landlady popped her voice with joy.


    ''''It''s ... delicious.''''


    You''re making her feel good about herself. Well, it''s all worth it.


    The proprietress laughed, folding her arms to push her bountiful breasts up, carapace.


    Huh?��And Tilia was puzzled by the unexpected exchange.


    What is this........we are communicating with each other kind of atmosphere?


    Tilia continued to eat in silence.


    After cleaning off the dirt from the trip with a soap that seemed to be laced with flavoring, Tilia changed into her negligee and quickly crawled into bed.


    Maybe it was the effects of living in house arrest, or maybe it was the long journey, but she was soon struck by sleepiness... gabba!��And Tilia raised herself up.


    ''''Well I am,''''


    I''d been disappointed because of my stomach, but it was dispensed with.


    Perhaps, or perhaps I should say, Crono would definitely come.


    Crono is not only a half-elf, he''s also the kind of animal who would make a move on that landlady, and to top it all off, on a man, Count Rio Chiron.


    He will charge the royal family like a bull if he is allowed to do with this noble body as he pleases.


    How does he plan to come?��Do you think he''ll sneak in here in the middle of the night?��Or ... oh, I''m sure, like the Beast.


    He pounces on you like an animal, laying waste to you, devouring you profusely, then smiling gruesomely.


    A horrible man, Tyria held herself up.


    He pretends to be harmless, but underneath he has the lust of a beast underneath him.


    ''But I''m not the one you''d like to have at your disposal!


    Even though she had fallen, she was still an imperial princess.


    Even if he was a man from another world, no, he was from another world just like the first emperor, so Tilia couldn''t give in.


    Pang Pang and Tilia slapped their cheeks to wake up sleepy and waited for the moment.


    They waited.


    They kept waiting.


    And then the morning came.


    ''....What?


    Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I looked at the window and saw light shining through a gap in the curtains.


    ''''........Huh?''''


    I scrubbed my eyes, but morning was morning.


    ''Oh, oka, you''re crazy,''


    Didn''t I get dispossessed?


    I thought Crono was going to bare his true nature as an animal and come at you?


    Just as Tilia tilted her head, there was a knock at the door.


    ''''Excuse me, Tilia-sama.''''


    Mmmm, Tilia replied and headed for the dressing table.


    When she got dressed and entered the dining room, she found Count Rio Chiron biting down on a yawn.


    ''Oh, have you had enough sleep?''


    You are.


    It was the unseasonal mosquitoes that kept me awake.


    Hmm, what kind of mosquito would feed on your blood?


    When he returned it with sarcasm, Count Rio Chiron turned his pitying gaze to Tilia.


    ''''Hey, what''s with those eyes!


    Well, if you don''t understand, that''s okay.


    Count Rio Chiron stroked the blood-soaked marks on his neck as if to show off his neck.


    ''What happened to Crono?''


    I wonder if he''s still sleeping?


    Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, Tilia tucked into her breakfast.


    *


    Hmm, you''re free.


    After breakfast, Tilia was strolling around the Marquis'' mansion.


    She doesn''t have to do the lord''s work on his behalf like before, she is only expected to be a woman.


    At least that''s what Tilia has decided.


    She wondered if Vizier Arcol had dispensed himself to Crono in order to strengthen relations with the new nobleman.


    With the successful settlement of the southern frontier, the harvest of crops had greatly improved and the price of those crops could be stabilized.


    No, or should I say that Prime Minister Alcor, who had his own pipeline to the new aristocracy, was now able to influence the prices of agricultural crops.


    However, that influence was only fragile to the extent that it could be lost if the new nobleman''s mood was displeased.


    If it came down to it, they could block off the roads and cut off the supply of salt and other products and threaten to frighten us, but if they sold our crops to the Dorado Kingdom because of that, we wouldn''t be able to look at them.


    If it''s done poorly, the Dorado Kingdom will build a bridgehead to invade the empire.


    Well, in order to do that, we have to do something about the barbarians who use the Areos Mountains as their stronghold.


    ''''........Crono?''''


    When Tyria entered the office, Crono was handing the half-elf what looked like parchment.


    ''Congratulations, Leila,''


    Oh, thank you.


    The half-elf hugged the parchment that was handed to him and said in a tone that sounded like he was about to cry.


    ''What are you doing, Crono?''


    The presentation of the certificate. I''ve been teaching Leila to study for the last year, but she''s so good at it that there''s nothing more to teach her. I needed a break, and I made a certificate to say that she has this level of academic ability.


    Do you need that?


    ''Authority is important. When you leave the military, when you''re re-employed, a certificate issued by your lord will make your employer feel more comfortable.


    Is that the way it''s supposed to be?��Tyria thought, but the half-elf hugged the deed like a treasure.


    ''Well, enough about the deed do you have any work to do?


    Ummm, not really.


    Okay.


    Tilia''s shoulders slumped emphatically.


    ''I''ll ask you to do me a favor when you come up with something, but until then, take your time to rest.


    Okay.


    Retreating from the office, Tilia let out a small sigh.


    Ah, Crono is being a fine lord, isn''t he?


    Hmmm, how miserable I am.


    Even that half-elf is growing up.


    When I stepped out into the garden of the Marquis'' mansion, I heard the sound of hammering, kern, kern, and the dry sound of katsu, katsu mixed in between.


    What was that sound?��And when Tilia went to the stables, she saw Faye and a strange boy striking each other with a wooden sword.


    Oh, and Tilia''s eyes widened at Fay''s leadership.


    The boy''s poor feint, a low attack that takes advantage of his short stature, is being returned with an attack that is just barely enough for the boy to handle.


    The boy thrusts his wooden sword out in desperation.


    Faye ducked it with a light step and swung the wooden sword down.


    There was a dry clunking sound, and perhaps his grip had reached its limit, and the boy dropped the wooden sword.


    The boy immediately tried to pick up the wooden sword, but the wooden sword that Faye held out blocked it.


    ''''It is a match.''''


    ''....Master, you''re going to have to be a little easier on me.


    I''m more than happy to go easy on you. It would be a disaster if my lone disciple ran away from me.


    ''Master has a lot to say, doesn''t he?


    The boy said with a sigh as Faye puffed out her chest.


    ''Hmm, that''s quite a leadership move.


    It''s been a long time, sir.


    Faye pushed the wooden sword against the boy and knelt in place.


    ''''No need to get cocky. As you know, I am ... no longer the First Heir to the throne.


    Is that so?


    Master, you can''t just follow him just because he says so.


    Faye tried to stand up, but stopped moving when the boy pointed out to her.


    ''......


    Feeling conflicted, Faye compares Tilia and the boy, lazy and greasy sweating.


    ''You really don''t have to be so cocky, do you?��Well, it would be nice if you would pay me the least amount of courtesy, but...


    I understand, sir.


    Wiping away the greasy sweat, Faye finally stood up.


    ''''Well yeah, what, what did you do after you left me at the ball?''''


    I was working in the Marquess''s estate, sir.


    Master, that''s not very convincing.


    Mmm, Faye raised her eyebrows in annoyance.


    ''''In the Marquis'' territory I guard the streets, train my apprentices, dine in the city with Lord Elena, and so on.


    Elena?


    Lady Elena is the accountant of the Marquess''s estate and mistress of Master Crono. We should have seen each other at the ball, right?


    ''A slave bought by Crono, huh?'' said Tilia, finally remembering Elena.


    ''Yes, and yet Crono has four mistresses?


    There are not four, but six.


    Six!


    Without thinking, Tyria exclaimed.


    ''''Centurion Deneb-dono and Aridid-dono have just become mistresses.


    ''Well, that''s ... ah, ah, what about you?''


    I don''t know what to do with it yet, sir.


    Relieved, Tilia patted her chest.


    ''No, wait!��Are you going to be Crono''s mistress?


    "I will become Master Crono''s mistress and restore House Murifine to its former glory.


    Tilia felt giddy at Faye''s mannerisms.


    ''You''re okay with that?��A man who has six mistresses-isn''t that too dishonest?


    I don''t mind if the House of Murifine is restored, sir.


    What about that split?��And Tilia looked at Faye, forgetting her situation.


    ''''Master, Crono-sama is the type of person who doesn''t mix public and private, so I don''t think he''ll share the territory with you even if you''re his mistress.


    Is that so?


    Faye tilted her head curiously at the boy''s words.


    ''No?''


    It''s a long shot.


    Faye will be fine, Tyria said as she left.


    *


    After dinner, Tilia waited for Crono in bed.


    She waited.


    She kept waiting.


    And the morning came, after all.


    ''Oh, gee, that''s funny, this isn''t supposed to happen.


    Perhaps it''s because he hasn''t slept for two days, but his rituals don''t work well.


    Crono is the kind of man who would start with a half-elf, take a landlady more than ten miles away into his bed, buy a s*x slave, surround himself with two more mistresses, and even have access to a man, Count Rio Chiron.


    He''s a beastly man who lacks integrity, self-control, guilt, and all the other spirituality that a man should be prepared for.


    ''Wow, wow, do you find me unattractive?''


    No, it couldn''t be.


    Crono had given Tilia''s chest a licking look at the ballroom.


    Before Alyssa arrived, Tilia changed into her military uniform and headed to the dining room.


    ''''Aw, your eyes are bright red.''''


    I couldn''t sleep because my pillow was too hard.


    As Tilia sat down with a mortified look on her face, Alyssa brought the food to her.


    ''Is Alyssa in charge of the food today?''


    The landlady has some very important business to attend to, and she''s off until this afternoon.


    I see, and Tilia brought the soup to her mouth.


    Count Rio Chiron looked at Tilia with a pitying look........


    Oh, yeah, that''s right.


    Tilia tapped the table and stood up vigorously.


    ''Ri, Count Rio Chiron!��You were with Crono the night before last!


    Did you finally realize that?


    There shouldn''t be mosquitoes in this season.


    I mean, this man had been working hard enough to lose sleep with Crono.


    ''Well, well, no way, oh, no way, the landlady, too.


    ''I bet you can''t crawl out of bed by now, can you?


    Nah, what a mess, and Tilia almost fell down on the spot.


    A bloody sense of defeat.......I was defeated not only by the man, Count Rio Chiron, but also by the landlady, who was almost ten years older than me.


    No, it was precisely my attitude of waiting that was the problem.


    Suddenly, the image of my mother in Justia Castle passed through my mind.


    Instead of waiting and waiting like my mother, I should be actively challenging her.


    This is not a battle to defend, but a battle to attack.


    Tilia wiped her tears wildly with the sleeve of her military uniform and poured the bread and soup down her stomach in one go.


    ''''........If I don''t fight, for me to be me!


    If you haven''t reached that point by now


    Count Rio Chiron said in dismay, but Tilia ignored him.


    *


    The next day, Tilia was standing in the garden of the Marquis'' mansion to see off Count Rio Chiron.


    She really didn''t want to see him off, but if Crono said he was going to see her off, she had no choice.


    ''''Then I''m going back to the imperial capital.


    Have a good day.


    Get the hell out of here.


    As Tilia said, Count Rio Chiron cowered his shoulders in dismay and got on the boxcarriage.


    ''''You''d better be careful not to overstretch yourself and get discarded.


    Yeah, you.


    No matter how good the food is, if you eat it on a regular basis, you''ll get tired of it.


    Nuh-uh, Tilia growled.


    ''Go home already!''


    ''Hahaha!��Enjoy your short spring as best you can!


    The door closed and the boxcarriage began to move slowly.


    Kuh, what ... is there any ... stone?


    Tyria looked around and saw Eryl waving at the boxcarriage.


    ''Why are you here?''


    "I''m not only a chaperone to Count Rio Chiron, I''m also a watchdog for Princess Tyria.


    Eril looked up at Tilia and muttered emotionlessly.


    ''''Well nice to meet you.''''


    What about the watchdog revealing himself to be the watchdog?��Tilia tilted her head.


    *


    Despite being the de facto supreme power in the Cepheus Empire, Vizier Alcor''s office is small and extremely clerical.


    Fana looked at Vizier Alcor as he walked over to his desk, making it hard to decide whether it was an appeal or his own taste.


    ''''If you''re talking about a nobleman with selflessness and excellent self-control, shouldn''t you have left it to Master Leonhardt?


    It would not be desirable for the Dukes of Palatium to have power.


    When Vizier Alcor finished signing, he leaned back and rubbed his eyelids.


    ''But did I say Crono?��That boy would have killed my boy if Count Ernat hadn''t stopped him, probably.


    That''s all my son did," said Fana, letting out a sigh.


    No matter how much his own son defecated, he made a mistake in handling the aftermath of the incident and caused far more damage than expected, so there was no way to protect him.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this," he said. The fact that he stayed after his men were killed is not too bad. And the new nobleman............


    The Empire hadn''t rewarded the new nobles with anything since the upheaval thirty years ago, so it was meant to keep them in a good mood.


    ''''What are the chances of Princess Tyria revolting?''''


    As far as I can see, Princess Tyria is just an ordinary woman caught up in the greed of her own flesh and blood. With the man she loves, she wouldn''t think of starting a rebellion.


    Fana felt that Vizier Alcor''s view of women was distorted, but there was a part of her that made sense.


    However, she had no experience of being tied to the man she loved, so it was a matter of speculation.


    ''''I wonder........what do you think?''''


    Fana''s mutterings reached no one.

 30-Place name & glossary

    Explanation of Place Names


    Illustrations (By Miminimin)


    The length of the peninsula is about 1200 KM and the width of the base is about 500 KM.


    The size of the Marquess of Erakis is appropriate.


    Cepheus Empire.


    Illustrations (By Miminimin)


    About four hundred years ago, we were just a small country.


    With the success of the first emperor, it became an empire that ruled the entire peninsula.


    Thirty years ago, the empire was plagued by civil war, barbarian invasions, and urban independence.


    The territory is reduced to two-thirds of its size.


    It has adopted a more tolerant policy towards sub-humans than the surrounding countries.


    Imperial City of Alfiruk.


    Illustrations (By Miminimin)


    The city consists of four Old Town blocks surrounding Alfirk Castle and eight New Town blocks surrounding the Old Town.


    The 12th district is a pleasure quarter, with slums that are hugely hemmed in.


    The Holy Argo Kingdom


    This is a religious state that adheres to the Six Pillar God.


    The largest of these gods is the ''God of Purity and Order''.


    The smallest of the forces is the Goddess of the Black and Chaos.


    free city-state cluster


    A group of city-states that became independent from the Cepheus Empire during the upheaval thirty years ago.


    Since the guild masters of the merchant guild now hold the real power of the city.


    It is difficult for newcomers to enter the market.


    Anyone of any status can live a life of luxury if they have the money to do so.


    It is said that a person of any status can get ahead if he or she has talent.


    Glossary.


    former nobility


    People who were noblemen of the Cepheus Empire from before the period of upheaval thirty years ago.


    Some are capable, some are incompetent, but in general they have a strong sense of discrimination.


    The new aristocracy.


    In recognition of their achievements during the upheavals, these people became the nobility of the Cepheus Empire.


    They were treated like pioneers in the name of nobility, but


    It takes more than twenty years to transform the frontier into a rich granary.


    Loyalty to the emperor is thin and the camaraderie between the new nobles is unusually strong.


    Court nobles.


    A nobleman in the service of the court who has no or lost his estate.


    Noble class


    duke


    marquis


    earl


    viscount


    baronet


    quasi-aristocrat


    A peerage is more like a title or qualification than a title.


    It can be given to commoners if they make a military service, but it has no privileges and cannot be hereditary.


    Knights of the Kingsguard


    Knights directly under the emperor, consisting of twelve knights, following the first emperor.


    The Six Pillar God


    The six pillars of the gods who once brought order to a world that had been undermined by chaos.


    Light, Darkness, Fire, Water, Earth and Wind incarnate, but as time went on.


    It also governs concepts that may apply to each of them.


    Since it is forbidden to speak his name, he is called by his first name.


    "The God of Purity and Order.


    The goddess of blackness and chaos.


    "The crimson god of destruction.


    The Goddess of Blue and Life.


    "Green and master of flux.


    Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility


    priestly rank


    High Priest Head of the Temple Organization


    Chief of the Department of Worship, the high ranking official of the Department of Worship.


    Divine Officer Priest, head priest''s instructor


    Chief Priest. High ranking priest.


    Priest The administrator of a temple in a village or town


    Apprentice priest, chores.


    devotee


    *


    The temple organization of the Cepheus Empire and the Holy Argo Kingdom is a separate lineage.


    In the Cepheus Empire, the political influence is small.


    He has great influence in the Kingdom of the Holy Argo.


    The reason for his influence in the Holy Argo Kingdom is because he is tied to power.


    Guild.


    A union organized by merchants to protect each other''s interests.


    There is a sort of pecking order depending on the occupation, and the Whore''s Guild has a low rank.


    Guild Master.


    The Guild''s Chief Executive.


    divine art


    The art of borrowing some of the power of a god (by communicating with him).


    You can only use the power of the God you believe in and risk becoming crippled by excessive use.


    The advantage is that the person in question doesn''t have to have any specialized knowledge at all.


    It can heal wounds, improve rough soil, and release plasma.


    The type of jutsu also depends on the god you believe in.


    For example, The God of Crimson and Destruction is literally destruction, the


    The Goddess of Blue and Life is excellent at healing.


    Healing


    Literally, heal the wounds.


    Active


    It can prolong the lives of the mortally wounded and make them bloom in winter.


    God''s Clothing.


    He wears divine energy to improve his physical abilities and defense.


    The Crimson God of Destruction''s robe turns the enemy''s arrows into ash in the air.


    The divine robe of the God of Green and Flowing has the effect of making the surgeon float.


    Celebrating the Holy Blade


    Wears divine energy on your weapon to increase attack power.


    The Sacred Blade of the Crimson God of Destruction can melt the armor of enemies.


    Summoning the Divine Weapon


    Summon a weapon called a divine weapon.


    Summoning a divine weapon


    The profound art of divine power manifesting the power of God.


    Witchcraft.


    The technique of converting one''s magical power into physical phenomena.


    Using drugs with a suggestible effect, the technique (spell) is imprinted on the consciousness.


    Since the spell itself has meaning, it can also be used by the illiterate.


    There are individual differences in the attributes and difficulty level of the magic that can be learned.


    Elves have the attributes of fire, water, earth, and wind, but


    Other races are good if they have two or more attributes.


    In addition, nothingness is a general term for attributes other than fire, water, earth, and wind.


    Many offensive and defensive magic techniques have been developed.


    The magic of healing is completely untouched.


    Flame Dance Homura Mai


    A magic that spreads flashy red lotus flames and explosions.


    Its ability to kill is low.


    Flame Bomb Rampage


    A sorcery technique that uses fist-sized flames to hit the target.


    The flames spread when it hits, enveloping the target in flames.


    Bakuganobai


    Magic that produces a huge pillar of fire.


    Ice Dance Icicle Mai


    Freezing magic to freeze the target.


    Its killing power is low.


    Whirling Dance Tsumuji


    Magic that creates a whirlwind.


    It is as powerful as a gust of wind and has little ability to kill.


    Wind Blade Dance


    Magic that cuts up enemies with a blade of wind.


    Tengoku Kagura (Heavenly Jeweled Music)


    Magic that uses a jet-black sphere to forcibly transfer a specified amount of space.


    It can transfer any substance, regardless of the strength of the object.


    Too much killing power and very poor use.


    Subhuman


    A term referring to a non-human intelligent species.


    It is also a derogatory term meaning ''less than human''.


    All but elves and dwarves are equipped with an interpreter.


    Elf.


    A subspecies with blonde hair, blue eyes, and pointed ears.


    There are different subspecies depending on where they live.


    They excel in magic and have a lifespan of three to five times that of humans.


    Very low fertility and poor environmental conditions allow it to live a full life


    Elves are very few and far between.


    They''re generally beautiful, and they live in unsafe areas.


    It''s a terrible experience.


    Half-elf.


    He is half elf and half human.


    He is in a miserable situation with the elves.


    He dies in various troubles before adulthood.


    Half-elves like Leila, who fit in with their aristocratic mistresses.


    Unparalleled in the history of the Cepheus Empire.


    Dwarves.


    What he lacks in height, he has the physical strength to make up for it.


    He is skilled with his hands and creates excellent armor.


    He''s been enslaved in the mines and handled in human workshops.


    Black companies often work in downright blue work environments too.


    Minotaur.


    He has a muscular build and stands over two meters tall.


    He is an omnivore, although he seems to be a grass eater.


    Lizardman.


    He has a muscular physique and stands over two meters tall.


    They are omnivorous, although they seem to eat only meat.


    He is an omnivore, but he is an omnivore.


    Equipped with warm stones, it can work in winter.


    Werewolf War Wolf.


    They are only a little taller than humans.


    They are highly loyal.


    Human Lion War Lion


    He is taller than a werewolf and shorter than a minotaur or lizardman.


    Man-Tiger War-Tiger.


    They are taller than werewolves and shorter than minotaurs and lizardmen.


    Barbarians.


    Humans who are believed to have invaded during the upheaval thirty years ago.


    They use spells that are neither divine or magical.


    They were driven into the Areos Mountains by the exploits of Claude and the others.


    Mechanical Bow.


    A bow with pulleys on both ends.


    Made of wood or metal.


    A compound bow.


    New Armor


    Goldie''s Chest Armor Breast Armor developed by Goldie


    Made of hardened steel, it is stronger than the knight''s sheet metal armor plate armor.


    New swords.


    A new type of sword developed by Goldie.


    It is strong because it is made of steel.

 31-Character introduction

    Attributes: fire, wind


    Specialties: thin, devoted, downward spiraling


    She is a half-elf with brown skin and golden eyes.


    His mother is an elven prostitute and his father is one of his clients, growing up in the slums of the Imperial City.


    The half-elf ranks at the bottom of the sub-humans.


    Leila herself was beautiful and was s*xually assaulted in the slums.


    When she was 15, her mother died and she joined the army to become a citizen.


    Early in his deployment, he is intrigued by the Marquis of Erakis.


    His harsh childhood makes him feel unclean.


    I want to be loved by Crono, but I also want to be happier than ''now''.


    He also feels shallow.


    He misinterprets Crono''s good intentions as affection, and they spend the night together.


    As it is, he settles in as the first mistress.


    As of the first chapter, he wasn''t even named as a supporting character.


    She becomes the main heroine in the blink of an eye.


    In a sense, she is the strongest subversive character in this story.


    The female general


    Age: 3?


    Height: 165-170cm


    Soldier type: cook


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: Motherhood


    She has a fleshy body and is the type that shines when polished.


    She wears a maid''s uniform that is short and wide open at the chest.


    She thinks she''s doing too much.


    Since her husband died five years ago and left her, she has been running a one-woman diner and inn.


    She speaks to Crono in a mixture of polite and violent ways.


    She has a minimum level of education, but she has no business acumen.


    He creates a large debt of one hundred gold coins and becomes Crono''s servant in order to pay off the debt.


    The debt is paid up by Crono (without interest) and is repaid from his monthly salary.


    Elena Graffius.


    Age: 17 years old


    Height: 155-160cm


    Soldier type: accountant, s*x slave.


    Combat: Unlearned


    Attributes: M (masochistic)


    Special: Tsunero


    She is the only daughter of a local landowner and quasi-aristocrat, the Graffias family.


    She has studied in a group of free city-states.


    She is betrayed by her uncle and his fianc��e and sold to a slaver.


    The landlady''s sermons and Crono''s persuasion change his mind.


    He works tirelessly as the director of the poorhouse.


    Fay M''refine.


    Age: 22 years old


    Height: 170cm


    Cavalry


    Combat: S


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Special: Thin, Effort, Command Effect -, Future Vision


    She is the only daughter of a court nobleman, the Murifine family.


    Her father died of illness and her mother died when she was 18.


    She is an apprentice knight in the Twelfth Order of the Kings.


    As a result of being a stable boy for four years, she is known as "The Horse Dung Lady".


    Believed in the "Pure White God of Order".


    The Goddess of Darkness and Chaos


    Leonhard Palatium.


    Age: 22 years old


    Height: 185cm


    Troops: cavalry, commander.


    Combat: S+.


    Attributes: ��Light��.


    Special: Charismatic Strength, Strong Luck, Command Effect+, Future Vision


    He is the heir of the Duke of Palatium, the second largest estate after the royal family.


    Second in command / Mr. Mino.


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavily armed infantry


    Combat: A+.


    Attributes: unlearned, wind depending on the item


    Special: Command Effect +, Experience


    A minotaur with a nose ring that was granted the magic of an interpreter.


    It wasn''t an official position to be a deputy, though.


    Before you know it, you''ll be thrust into the position of second-in-command.


    Centurion of the Lizard / Rizad.


    Age: N/A


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavy infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned, wind depending on the item


    Special: None.


    They''re thermoregulated animals, which makes them vulnerable to temperature changes.


    He responds with words, perhaps because of the different thought patterns.


    Dwarven Centurion/Goldie.


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: 150cm


    Type of service: industrial engineer


    Combat: B


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Blacksmithing, Dexterity


    He was trained in the workshop from a young age and has advanced skills as a weapons and armor craftsman.


    With Crono''s backing, he established the workshop, but


    I was ordered to develop a synthetic bow and Japanese paper.


    After only a month, he is forced to work hard and nearly die of overwork.


    Werewolf Centurion / White, Hiilo


    Age: Mid-20s


    Height: just under 6''3


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Terrain effects, loyalty.


    He has a high level of loyalty and a heart for the weak, which are the tribal characteristics of the werewolf race.


    For this reason, he is adored by children like Ariston.


    Silva.


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: 150cm


    Type of service: industrial engineer


    Combat: B-


    Attributes: unlearned


    Specialties: masonry, architect and horseshoe mason


    Trained in masonry and dreams of becoming an architect


    Elaine Sinner.


    Age: Nearly 30 years old


    Height: 170cm


    Type of Army: prostitute & schemer


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: connections, greenfield purchases


    Guildmaster of the Whore''s Guild of the Free City State Cluster.


    Marquis of Erakis.


    The person who started Crono''s career (and hardships).


    A spendthrift, womanizing, no good lord who doesn''t think of his fiefdom''s needs.


    He imposed petty (cumulatively high) taxes on the fiefdoms, and


    Consumption in the Marquess of Erakis has fallen considerably.


    Count Piske.


    Knight Commander in Charge of the Twelfth Kingsguard


    He has a mediocre physique in the Order.


    His background is also mediocre, and he is the lowest ranking member of the Order.


    He has a snooty temperament.


    Cecily Hamal


    A female knight belonging to the Twelfth Order of the Kingsguard.


    The daughter of Viscount Hamal, east of the Marquess of Erakis.


    She is Fay''s junior.

 32-Modified version of Episode 1 "Bet"

    *


    "Whoa!


    Deneb and Alideed ran into their room, screaming.


    ''New furniture!''


    Brand new sheets!


    Deneb stood in the center of the room and stared at the new furniture ... a bed and a set of desks, a bed, and Alideed rubbed his cheek on the brand new sheets.


    They weren''t the only ones who were happy.


    Gau gau, bumo~bumo~, sha sha sha~, and other voices filled with glee echoed through the new barracks.


    No wonder they''re happy.


    In the old barracks, second-in-command had a private room, the centurion had two rooms, and ordinary soldiers had six rooms, but in the new barracks, the centurion and above had a private room, and even ordinary soldiers had two rooms.


    Since the retreat a month ago, the five hundred soldiers who have become Crono''s subordinates have been sleeping in the old barracks, but with rooms for two, and new furniture installed, no one has ever complained outwardly about it.


    ''''I can''t believe we''re allowed this kind of luxury!


    Master Crono, you''re the best!


    Crono said something like a public works project as well, but even with that, ''''Master Crono, you''re the best! It is.


    I''ve had this luxury.


    We''ll never get our lives back, will we?


    Five years ago, when I was posted to the Marquess of Erakis, it was terrible.


    The multi-bunk beds made a pounding sound when you turned over, the sheets were tattered and covered with insects, and the only meals we had twice a day were hard bread and soup as thin as water.


    That seems awful now that the treatment has improved, and at the time we were content to have guaranteed food, clothing and shelter.


    Well, it was only satisfying to the extent that it was better than playing vagabond or being taken care of by the Rescue House.


    ''Speaking of which, where did Master Crono go?


    Hmm?��It looks like he''s gone to visit Caddo.


    Well, it doesn''t look like it''s worth it.


    Count Caddo''s territory is located to the west of the Marquis of Erakis, a territory given to Crono, who was successful in the war a month ago.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what to do with it.


    ''What do you mean by use value?''


    Deneb and Aridid looked at each other.


    "I could eat fish every day!


    A menu will be added, Deneb and Alideed rejoiced as they raised their hands in the air.


    * *


    The wagon pushes north and north along the seafront road.


    The hoods keep the wind from blowing in from the sea, but they can''t hope to travel as comfortably as the box carriage.


    Tilia and Leila scowl uncomfortably at the smell of the shore.


    The same goes for Silva and Faye, who rides her horse and is wary of her surroundings.


    The only exception is Viscount Eryl Sardomelik, who is quietly reading a book, but in her case, she seems to be blocking out outside information by immersing herself in the book.


    ''''So this is Count Caddo''s territory. It''s an appallingly empty place.''''


    ''Isn''t the ocean enough for you?��If you have the ocean, you can catch fish and make salt fields. And, of course, the port. Eventually I''d like to try my hand at pearl farming.


    As Tilia pointed out, Count Caddo''s territory is an empty place, but since he doesn''t have to go through another territory, he should be able to get fish and salt cheaply.


    ''''... wait, Crono. Are pearls something that can be farmed?


    According to the books I''ve seen on the other side, when impurities are mixed in with the shell, they are coated and created.


    Oh," said Tilia, nodding admiringly.


    No, that''s not right. If pearls can be made with just a few impurities, there is no need to farm them. Even if this theory were correct, wouldn''t it take decades to establish a method of cultivation?


    He said as he reconsidered.


    ''Hmm, it won''t happen overnight. We''ll have to establish a way to farm the shellfish, and it''s going to be a long road to get there.


    Master Crono, what is a salt field?


    "It''s like making salt. I would repeat the process several times to collect the sand. Pour seawater into the collected sand and boil it down in a pot to get the salt out.


    ''''With the method Master Crono mentioned, won''t the seawater just seep into the sand?''''


    When Crono explained the content of the history of manga Japan as he recalled it, Leila tilted her head and said.


    ''Crono, your knowledge is missing a crucial point.


    Uh, I''m sorry.


    Then you should be able to prevent seawater from seeping in.


    It was Silva, who was sitting in the guru''s seat looking out to sea.


    He''s Goldie''s brother, an expert in architecture ... a fledgling architect, but a veteran stonemason with more than a decade of experience in his career.


    ''''........What exactly do you do?''''


    We could build a concrete frame and that would be the end of it.


    Hmmm, Tilia groaned.


    Could it be that simple?��I''m not sure what to say.


    ''Silva, did you find any terrain that looked good?''


    ''I have no idea. It would have been nice to have a bay or an estuary, but it''s only a gentle curve at best. We''ll just have to rebuild the terrain.


    According to Silva, the best way to build a harbor is to have a concave terrain surrounded on three sides.


    That''s going to cost a lot of money.


    No, it shouldn''t cost that much.


    Silva moved to the back of the pack and took out a washi paper and began to draw a diagram.


    We''ll start by driving wooden stakes along the shoreline to prevent gaps. We''ll start by driving wooden stakes along the shoreline, drain the water, harden the ground and reclaim the land, and then we''ll have a quay. Then we can build a breakwater by throwing stones into it one after another, and it will take shape, right?


    ''How do you drain the water?��A tub?


    It uses a pump. It''s kind of like a spiral staircase with an elongated tower. It''s not fixed in place. The spiral staircase is designed to rotate. When it is turned like this, the water is drained out of the spiral staircase.


    Tilia asked, and Silva replied with a gesture.


    ''''The logs can be cut down from the trees in the Coma Forest, and the stones.......I think we can make it work if we cut down the rock pile that was near the Ochre Temple.


    I just don''t have enough people to do it.


    Ahhh, Crono grunted.


    ''''Hmmm, can''t we ask our men to do the work?''''


    That would be difficult, wouldn''t it?


    Let''s talk to Mr. Mino, Crono thought of his second-in-command''s face.


    *


    Night.........Crono returned to the Marquis of Erakis and called out to his deputy, who had just finished Zion''s class.


    ''''General, that''s impossible.'''' (Bumo~)


    Yeah, I know.


    When Crono consulted with him, the second-in-command replied without a word.


    Currently, there are just over one thousand three hundred and seventy soldiers in the Marquis of Erakis territory.......Five hundred of them are new subordinates who fought together in the retreat battle, and out of the remaining eight hundred and seventy, three hundred and fifty are new soldiers who have been assigned less than half a year ago.


    Even if Kane''s men were included, less than forty percent of them could be called old soldiers.


    Of course, Crono knows that training should be a higher priority than building the port, too.


    ''Mino-san, do you know anyone who is unemployed or something?


    ...I''ve got an idea, but I''m not sure if he''ll listen to me honestly.


    We''ll deal with that in person.


    *


    Baron Bowties'' territory was three days'' drive south from the Marquis of Erakis'' territory by carriage.


    The settlement where the deputy''s acquaintance lived existed half-buried in the forest at the foot of a mountain to the east of the Baron Bowties'' territory ....


    The size of the settlement was estimated to be about fifty houses at most.


    There were no wells, but there was a stream running nearby, so they didn''t seem to have to worry about water.


    The houses are like huts, but they are strangely large in size.


    The windows, incidentally, are also high.


    Since this is a settlement where the deputy''s acquaintance lives, the residents are likely to be minotaurs.


    Considering that, the size of the door and the height of the window are not unnatural.


    To the east of the settlement there are several mountains........not too high, but the slope is so steep that the white surface of the mountain is bare and scary.......


    "General, we''re here." (Bumo)


    ''I''m tired of travelling in a carriage every time.


    Dismounting from the covered wagon with the help of his second-in-command, Crono stretched out to relieve the stiffness in his body.


    ''What about lodging, sir?''


    We''ve got plenty of preserves on board, and we''ll have plenty of time in the field.


    It was already evening, and if they bothered to return to the city, the sun would be setting.


    ''Hard bread, dried meat and a barrel of wine will not be a problem,'' Crono replied to Faye.


    ''I hope you''ll be relieved to know that I''ll be taking a sleepless night.


    Dismounting from his horse, Faye said with a proud smile.


    ''''Well it''s a lonely village, isn''t it?''''


    "This is what a subhuman, beastman community looks like.


    The deputy said as if to let out a sigh and stared at the village.


    The village, dyed in the dusk, looked somehow languid.


    For generations, my family has worked at the stone quarry........When we say we work, all we do is quarry and carry stones from morning to evening, that''s all we do.


    It''s called "just a job", but I got the feeling that something more than just that was included in the words of the deputy officer.


    ''''........I joined the military because I didn''t want to live like that'''' (bummo~)


    Would it be an insult to him to say he could tell?


    Cut down the rock pile and carry the rocks.


    It''s a dangerous job that could result in death if it''s done poorly.


    You work from morning to evening and then suddenly you die in an accident.


    You work and work and work and work, and then you die.


    He was tired of his father''s and grandfather''s work, which had been repeated for generations.


    As I wasn''t sure what to say, I heard the sound of something falling over.


    I looked in the direction of the sound and saw a minotaur standing near the doorway of the hut.


    There is a tub lying at his feet.


    ''Brother!'' (PUMO!)


    "Aria." (BUMO!


    As the deputy rushed out, a minotaur woman called Aria ran out a little later.


    ''''........Brother!��Why, why, why did you leave?'' (PUMO~)


    "I''m sorry, Aria. I''m.......no, I''m.......


    The deputy hugs Aria and utters an interrupted apology.


    ''It''s an emotional reunion, isn''t it?''


    ...Yeah, it''s impressive.


    "Mom!��Brother Mino is back!'' (PUMO!)


    "Mi minos! (PUMO~)


    Aria shouts, and an old.........................minotaur woman appears from the hut.


    ''Mother!'' (BUMO!)


    "I was worried about you, Mino." (Pumo)


    The deputy hugged his old mother and tears spilled out of his polo ralph lauren eyes.


    ''It''s an emotional reunion, isn''t it?


    ....


    When I gently looked at her face, Faye''s eyes were moistened.


    ''''It''s Mino!'''' (BUMO)


    "Minos? (More~)


    The minotaurs jumped out of the hut, buzzing and screaming.


    It seems that their work at the quarry was finished, but after a while, a group of minotaurs appeared from the mountains, and a corner of the village was filled with minotaurs.


    ''Lord Mino has adorned his hometown with brocade, has he not?


    Yes.


    Mino! (BUMO!)


    "Dad! (BUMO!)


    The one-eyed minotaur scrambled through the other minotaurs and walked up to them and slammed his fist into the deputy''s side.


    Glari and the deputy''s body shook.


    ''''Father, where''s my brother?'''' (Bum?)


    "He''s dead. Shortly after you left home, I got caught in a rock fall." (Bumo)


    Oh, no," said the lieutenant, stumbling.


    "Where the hell have you been hovering around all this time? (Bum?)


    "I work as a soldier in the Marquess of Erakis." (Bumo)


    ''Soldiers, soldiers ... bumo bumo and the minotaurs repeated.


    ''Fay, bring the bags in the wagon. We''ll keep the food intact.


    Crono scraped through the minotaur and stood next to his deputy.


    ''''What the hell, you are.'''' (Bumo)


    ''''I am Mr. Mino''s superior, the lord of the Marquess of Erakis, and my name is Crono. I''ve always been indebted to my second-in-command, Mr. Mino.


    Deputy?


    "My son ... is not a man." (Bummo Bummo)


    Yes, but he''s been my second-in-command for a long time, and he''s been there for me.


    Let us through.


    Faye scraped past the Minotaurs and the others and placed a pile of luggage on the ground with a don.


    ''''Well it''s not much, considering what Mino-san did for me. Faye.


    I understand, sir.


    The minotaurs let out a gasp as Faye opened the package. What they found there was an antique, magic items for lighting, and hair ornaments for women.


    ''''Well Mino-san, I''m sure you have some stories to pile up, so why don''t you take it easy with your family today?


    May I? (Bum?)


    Yeah, I don''t want you to worry about it, so we''ll be sleeping in the carriage.


    When he returned to the covered wagon with Faye, the deputy was surrounded by minotaurs and met with a barrage of questions.


    ''To even prepare a gift for you, Master Crono, you are so concerned about Lord Mino, aren''t you?


    That was just in case the recruiting failed.


    I tried to catch him with things because he wouldn''t be living a very good life.


    ...Crono-sama is a bit of a thing.


    I would too if it was just words. I wouldn''t be able to cut you off from your current life without a handout.


    Crono cowered his shoulders, "And I can''t promise you any profit.


    ''''What does Master Crono intend to have your acquaintance do to you, Lord Mino?


    Port construction... when the port is complete, we''ll move the cargo from the ship to the warehouse, leave the transportation to them, that sort of thing.


    And I''d like to leave the salt field to you as well," Crono said, slurring his words.


    After all, the bottleneck is that we can''t promise a profit.


    It''s not clear how far Crono''s knowledge can be used to build a salt field.


    ''''Crono-sama is thinking too much on his own,''''


    ''If someone else''s life is at stake and you don''t think about it, it''s irresponsible.


    I said, "You''re thinking too much by yourself.


    Faye cut off the words.


    ''Master Crono is weak.


    That''s weak.


    Crono''s abilities are not even close to the feet of the fey. He can manage to win against dwarf and elf recruits, but with beastman recruits, there''s too much of a difference in strength to win.


    ''''Crono-sama can''t do everything by himself, sir.


    Well, you know.


    It''s like the security of the territory is kept up because Kane is patrolling the streets, and the security of Hashel is kept up thanks to Shiro and Hiilo.


    Without Elena, the accounting would have been a monkey, and without the officials, the slaves and brothels couldn''t be licensed.


    Without the landlady, without Alyssa, without Theon, without Goldie...the more I think about it, the more I am reminded that I can''t do anything by myself.


    The reason for this is Crono-sama, but when he was told about it, Mino-dono also thought about many things. He thought about what was important to his family and decided that he wanted them to come to the Marquess of Erakis.


    ''Well you''re right.


    Crono narrowed his eyes and looked at his second in command, surrounded by his acquaintances.


    *


    Declaring herself to be on sleepless duty, Faye devoured a piece of hard bread, rehydrated herself with grape wine, and set off into the world of sleep.


    If you''re just going to fall asleep, why not use your escort target''s thighs as a pillow?��Crono''s gaze is glued to Faye''s chest as he says it.


    He regretted that he should have messed with Faye during the war or something.


    Just as Crono twisted a cryptic argument to say that it had been a slip of the tongue, Faye woke herself up.


    ''Faye?''


    I think I feel people.


    Faye reached for her sword.


    ''''........Are you awake?'''' (PUMO?)


    I''m coming.


    When the curtain of the wagon was opened, the one standing there was Aria holding a pot.


    ''''Um, I heard from my brother that he only brought preserved food with him.......I don''t think it would suit the palate of a nobleman.


    No, I''m glad.


    When Crono received the pot, Aria happily returned to the house.


    Crono scratched his hoof to hold the pot and grabbed the soup with his hand to eat it,.


    Master Crono, you have no manners.


    I don''t have a spoon.


    Apparently, Aria is a bit of a goofball.


    The next day Crono woke up to a clamor.


    Rubbing his sleepy eyes, he crawled out of the covered wagon and found his deputy almost blown up by his father, who beat him to the ground.


    ''''........Father, listen to me!'''' (BUMO!)


    "You''re kidding me!��You''re back after a long absence, and you''re going to sell us out... you''re going to sell out your family! (BUMO!)


    A chattering and angry voice shakes the atmosphere.


    ''What''s going on?'' the minotaurs lean out the window.


    ''It''s not!��I''m ... I''m going to think about everyone else!'' (BUMO!)


    ''Isn''t that what you''re thinking about, a career? (BUMO!)


    "Dad! (BUMO!)


    The deputy shouted, but the one-eyed minotaur started walking towards the mountain as if he wouldn''t listen.


    ''''........Don''t let me see your face again.'''' (Bumo)


    A minotaur slithered out of the hut, followed by his deputy''s father.


    ''Mr. Mino,''


    "I''m sorry, General. I tried unsuccessfully to convince you.


    It''s the injuries I''m worried about?


    As Crono pointed out, the second in command wiped the blood from his nose with the back of his hand.


    ''''This much doesn''t count as an injury.'''' (Bumo)


    ''I''m sorry. I could have decorated my hometown with brocade because of me.


    "No, it''s not the chief''s fault," Bumo said.


    The second in command stood up and stared at the mountain.


    ''''General, can''t you leave the persuasion to me?''''


    Okay.


    Crono wasn''t sure if he should let his second-in-command take the brunt of the arrows, and decided to respect his decision.


    *


    It should be said, of course, that the deputy''s persuasion was not a straightforward process.


    He was repeatedly beaten, cursed, and reloaded.


    Even the villagers, who had been friendly at first, were beginning to turn on the deputy, as if dragged by their father''s swordsmanship.


    Even in the midst of all this, there were a few who remained friendly, or were interested in the deputy''s story.


    It was Aria, his mother, or the relatively young Minotaur.


    Though they seemed unable to support their deputy outwardly, though.


    ''''Mino-san, are you alright?''''


    "This is nothing,


    Despite the fact that his face was deformed from being beaten so much, the deputy replied in the same tone as usual.


    ''''........Mino-san, let''s give up now.


    "General, at least that''s something I''ll make sure to convince you of!��So just give me a little more time!'' Bum!��(Bumo!)


    I think that reaction is the opposite.��And Crono looked at his pleading deputy.


    ''I''m glad you''re so desperate, Mino, but I''m not sure it''s hard to get you to do that much.


    I''m not trying to persuade you just for the sake of the general. General, take a look at this village.


    Crono looked at the village.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for," he said, "because as you can see, this village is poor. Even if you work hard in the morning, you can''t even eat.


    But you have a stonecutting job?


    "Of course, stones from the mountains are used as building materials, but not all of the lords are people like Lord Crono and Lord Claude.


    Does this mean that no matter how much profit they make, they don''t give back to the minotaur?


    No, maybe they don''t even take care to make sure they can work safely.


    One in four children will die of disease before they reach adulthood. They are sold into slavery or die from injuries.


    I can''t promise you a profit.


    "I don''t want the promise of profit. "I don''t want the promise of profit, I want my dad to dream. Tomorrow could be a good day. It doesn''t matter if it''s just a dream.


    Tomorrow could be a good day.


    It''s more of an expectation than a dream.


    But I can''t even have that kind of expectation.


    I can promise you that.


    That''s right! (BUM!)


    I looked towards the mountains and saw a lone minotaur about to run into the village.


    He was frantically going around the houses, calling out to them.


    ''What''s going on?''


    "Fallen rocks! (BUMO!)


    Crono started to run with his second-in-command.


    *


    When Crono and his second in command arrived, the quarry had turned into a hell no less than a battlefield.


    A mighty minotaur lay on the ground and a bum~, bum~ scream for help echoed through the quarry.


    As soon as he saw the huge plate-like rock, Crono could easily imagine what had happened in the quarry.


    Perhaps he had tried to cut out the rock above and failed.


    The plank of rock fell to the ground, and the shattered pieces of stone struck the working minotaur like a shot.


    The result was a nightmarish chain of accidents.


    ''Calm down!��All those who are safe, bring the seriously injured to the hospital!��Minor injuries must be evacuated to safety on their own!


    Crono shouted to the minotaurs that they should prioritize rescue now rather than trying to figure out the cause of the problem.


    The Minotaurs stopped moving and started to follow Crono''s instructions.


    Normally there is no reason to follow Crono, but the panicking Minotaurs don''t have time to think that far.


    ''''Mino-san?''''


    ''....Dad!��Dad! (BUMO!)


    Mr. Mino, calm down!


    Crono called out to his second-in-command while almost being blown away.


    ''''........Ta, General.'''' (Bumo)


    ''Calm down. If Mr. Mino freaks out, you won''t be able to save what you can save. You know that, but my command skills are full of holes.


    The second-in-command repeated a deep breath and looked around again.


    ''''General, I''m fine now.'''' (Bumo)


    I''ll help you.


    Hey," the deputy nodded emphatically.


    The rescue operation turned into an orderly affair as the deputy regained his composure.


    Although there was some friction, the deputy would say that the people of the village trusted him.


    ''''Well you shouldn''t have sent Faye out to buy something.


    "It''s a little late for that, isn''t it, Chief?


    Crono blurted out, and his second in command said comfortingly.


    A group of severely wounded minotaurs lay far away from the rock pile.


    The minotaurs, who appeared to be family members of the seriously injured, were nursing them, but they could only suppress their visible wounds.


    ''I hope the rescue is over,''


    Mino!��Your father!'' (BUMO!)


    When I went towards the voice, I saw the deputy''s father a one-eyed minotaur trapped underneath a huge rock.


    A rock ... a piece of rock that had been hewn into a slab.


    Perhaps it wasn''t a direct hit, but was caught in the falling rock.


    I''m not going to be able to get my hands on any of them.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to get away from it. The rock fall is still going on.


    When I looked up, I saw pebbles falling.


    ''''........General, please.'''' (Bumo)


    I can''t just let Mr. Mino''s father die. Everyone step aside!


    Celestial Kagura, Crono muttered quietly.


    It activates the magic multiple times, just as it did when it destroyed the Breaking Hammer in that war.


    In the blink of an eye, your vision is filled with letters, and your brain screams as it is forced to operate beyond its limits.


    My vision turns red and my nose bleeds with a throbbing noise.


    I am aware that I am putting my life in danger.


    It''s not only a headache, but it''s also accompanied by bleeding.


    If you think this is nothing, you''re either a true idiot or an optimist.


    ''''.........Heavenly Cardinal Divine Music!


    Crono shouts, and the jet black sphere moves to the rock.


    As the soap bubbles disappear like a pop, the rock that should have been there is also gone.


    ''''Thank you, General!''''


    Don''t thank me. Just get the hell out of here.


    Crono stepped out and bent his knees.


    Huh?��A goofy voice leaked out.


    ''''General!'''' (BUMO!)


    Moving only his eyes, he looked up and saw that a rock was falling towards Crono.


    The rock wasn''t that big, but a direct hit would kill him.


    I was prepared to be killed on the battlefield or die on my stomach, but I wasn''t prepared to be crushed to death.


    ''God, bless my blade!


    The jet-black blade cut through the rock that was about to crush Crono.


    The rock split off to the left and right and rolled down the slope, avoiding Crono.


    ''Thank you for your help, Faye.''


    I''ve come back with a bad feeling about this.


    Crono stood up, borrowing Faye''s shoulder.


    *


    It is said that the divine power art of the "Goddess of Darkness and Chaos" is not suitable for healing, so we have no choice but to rely on the person''s energy.


    By the time the transportation of the dead and seriously injured was finished, the sun was leaning heavily to the west.


    The Minotaurs had gathered in the square in the center of the settlement without having indicated it.


    ''''Everyone, listen to me.''''


    It was the second-in-command who initiated the conversation.


    ''''Right now, I''m........working for Crono-sama here as his second-in-command. The reason I came back to the village is because Crono-sama needed manpower to build the port.'''' (Bumobumo)


    When the gaze of the Minotaur''s group was directed at them, Fay stepped out to protect Crono.


    But Faye looked like she was about to fall down from the recoil of using her divine power art to the limit.


    ''''Of course, that''s not all. If you stay here, there''s no way to go.'''' (Bumo~)


    ''If I go to that person, will I be better off than I am now? (More?)


    ''Yes, doesn''t that just make life more miserable than it is now? (PUMO?)


    The second-in-command met the gaze of the objecting minotaurs head-on.


    ''I can''t guarantee a profit. After the port is built, it''s a gamble. That''s right, I''m sure Crono-sama will do everything in his power. But there is a possibility that he may not be able to reach his power.'''' (Bumo, Bumo)


    ''Betting is irresponsible,'' the minotaur rasps.


    ''Let me ask you the opposite. Do you think you can get out of this situation without making a bet?��One in four children born will die. They can be sold into slavery. They can die in a falling rock accident like today.'' (Bummo, bummo~!)


    At some point, the second-in-command''s voice had reached a fever pitch.


    ''You have to bet that we''re going to get out of our lives now.'' (Bummo)


    The image of Myra with a high smile passed through Crono''s mind.


    Maybe Myra had told him about her views on life at the Crawford Mansion in the imperial capital.


    ''''I bet on Crono-sama. On top of that, I want to support Crono-sama to the best of my ability.'''' (Bumo)


    A silence descended.


    There is no way to stay here.


    I can''t make a decision even though I know that I will only be forced to live on the edge and be used up as a labor force.


    ''''........I''m willing to bet on it.'''' (Bumo~)


    "Dad! (BUMO!)


    When the deputy called out, the ship-eyed minotaur turned away, looking embarrassed.


    ''''Even if you have an ulterior motive, there........Crono-sama tried to save us instead of running away. Isn''t that alone worth the bet?'''' Bummo?


    Slowly, the one-eyed minotaur spoke to the inhabitants of the settlement.


    Silence descended again, and


    "Yeah, you bet.


    As one minotaur raised his voice, it spread throughout.


    The next day, the three seriously wounded died without waking up, and the seven woke up.


    It was just after the three had finished burying the three men that the lord came to the settlement with his guards.


    The lord.........Baron Bowties was dressed in frilly and decorated clothes.


    His age was in his mid-forties, and his kaisel beard was aristocratic if you could say that he was aristocratic.


    ''''I heard there was a stone fall accident and came to inspect, but for that, it''s no problem. Go back to work at once.''''


    Baron Bowties said as he looked down at the Minotaurs from his horse.


    ''''Please ... wait.''''


    Who are you?


    I''m Crono, the ruler of the Marquess of Erakis and the Count of Caddo.


    Baron Bowties'' eyes narrowed in satisfaction as Crono poked his head down on one knee and hung his head.


    ''And what is this Marquis of Erakis like for me?''


    As a matter of fact, I need a favor from you, sir.


    Crono gestured and talked about the plight of the territory.


    He lied about the chronic shortage of labor and the lack of progress in cultivation, and he also remembered that an upstart like himself would be humbled if he didn''t have the help of the old nobles.


    ''Huh, you seem to have a lot of dignity for a new nobleman. Very well, I promise to help you as much as I can.


    ''Thank you. Now, I''m afraid I''ve only just received your kind words, but I''d like to ask you to give me the Minotaur of the land.


    ''Hmm,'' said Baron Bowties, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully.


    ''I don''t claim it for free. ''Fay.''


    I understand, sir.


    Faye places the box she took out of the covered wagon on the ground and crunch!��The sound echoed.


    Crono opened the box and tipped the box so that Baron Bowties could see the gold coins contained within it.


    ''''There are ........four thousand coins, albeit insignificant.


    "Oh, oh.


    Baron Bawties'' eyes lit up.


    ''Very well, I will give you the Minotaur for four thousand gold pieces.


    Thank you.


    There are less than two hundred minotaurs living in this settlement, and the price of slaves is around twenty slaves each, and the only thing we can expect as a labor force is five or sixty people, so it''s calculated that we''re paying a sufficient amount of money.


    However, if you consider the added value, it''s about as cheap as it gets, but Crono didn''t dare to point it out.


    The journey with less than two hundred minotaurs lasted seven days.


    The minotaur who had been severely injured was recovering well with the Fey''s divine magic, but even so, they couldn''t maneuver him to walk.


    When they finally reached the Marquis of Erakis'' estate and ducked under the gates of Hachel, a slaver ran up to Crono.


    ''''Oh!��Master Crono, we''ve been waiting for you!


    Oh, it''s been a while.


    ''When I heard that Master Crono was in need of labour, I gathered the slaves.


    Crono tilted his head, wondering where the story had leaked from.


    ''See,''


    No, I''m watching.


    A slaver ordered his men to remove the planks of a box carriage.......not a passenger box carriage, just a slave transport carriage with a small window......and a lizardman was staring at Crono.


    ''''It was an urgent matter, but we have gathered about fifty lizardmen. Of course, I didn''t assault them, and I''ve had a medical certificate written up at the hospital in Hachel.


    What if I don''t buy it?


    You''ll be sold as a mine slave.


    Crono asked, and the slaver replied with a big smile on his face.


    ''How much?''


    I''d like to say 30 gold coins per head, but since I collected them without asking Master Crono, how about 25 gold coins, minus the nuisance fee?


    Hmmm, Crono grunted. He needed labor, so it might be true to say that he was crossing over, but he didn''t like the fact that he was apparently being pushed around. If you don''t buy it, it''s going to have a bad aftertaste.......


    Okay, I''ll take it. But next time you do something you don''t want to do.


    Of course, sir.


    How much do you know, the slaver answered immediately.

 33-Modified version of Episode 2 "Prototype Shiota"

    *


    If it was as usual, it would have been a long winter...if you sowed the winter barley seeds in November and made the preserves, you would have had free time until the following March, but this year''s winter seemed a little short.


    This was because the repair of the fortifications in the city of Hashel and the construction of the new barracks had sent relatively young villagers out to work, so there was more work for the villagers who had stayed behind.


    Although there was some frustration, it wasn''t a bad experience to be relied on for physical fitness after so long.


    The villagers who had gone to work had brought back a not inconsiderable amount of money, and some had brought back more souvenirs than they could hold in their hands.


    There was something very amusing about the sight of a young migrant proudly giving clothes and hair ornaments to his lover.


    When the bandits occupied the abandoned fort last year, I was chilled that they would be killed when the new lord''s death squad arrived, but the bandits seem to have changed their minds and are working diligently.


    Well," the village chief said, getting up from his chair.


    We can''t just sit back and relax.


    There is a lot of work to be done.


    The fields must be ploughed and the clover seeds must be sown in the fallow ground.


    In March of the year 431 on the imperial calendar, the countryside of the Marquis of Erakis was peaceful.


    It was near the Coma Forest that Silva had chosen as the site for the port.


    The coast was about two meters below the flatland and covered with rounded pebbles.


    It is said that the water depth rapidly deepens when you get away from the coast a bit.


    Incidentally, the procedure for building the harbor is the same as Silva described in his wagon: drive wooden stakes along the shoreline at right angles to drain the seawater, build a concrete foundation, and then reclaim the beach.


    A place to build the harbor has been chosen, and the labor force has been assembled... but first we have to build the houses rather than the harbor.


    So the rhythmic sound of thumping nails echoed off the coast.


    However, there is a big difference between a minotaur''s house for a family to live in and a lizardman''s house for a work team organized by Silva to live in.


    He is trying to make a prototype of a salt field while Crono is traveling back and forth between Baron Bowties and the Marquis of Erakis, and he is trying to make salt with his friends.


    ''''Well?''''


    ''I don''t think I''m doing it wrong, but I don''t feel like I''m being very efficient.


    Saying this, Silva looked at the prototype salt field.


    The prototype salt field is a 20-meter square concrete frame filled with fine sand.


    It''s winter time.


    ''It''s not a good idea for mass production if that''s what''s causing the production rate to be so drastically affected, is it?��I want to be able to mass produce salt, regardless of the season. As it is now, we''ll have to make up for the inefficiency with the number of salt fields we have.


    I don''t want to see the forest go away or anything.


    If we''re going to clear the forest for harbor building and settlement, I feel that destroying the forest just to make salt is going to have a bad effect on future generations.


    ''Maybe we should think of a new way to do it.


    Yes.


    I should have studied a little more, Crono said to the heavens.


    Perhaps because they had to cook for two hundred and fifty people at a time, lunch was a mish-mash of vegetables and fish, cut into appropriate pieces and stewed in a mish-mash-like soup.


    Crono sat down on a suitable rock and savored the rustic flavor.


    Is it because he is Japanese that he wished there was soy sauce or miso?


    ''Crono-sama, how do you like the taste?'' (PUMO?)


    It''s good.


    When Crono replied with a smile, Aria, who had a magic item for translation in her ear, looked down in embarrassment.


    Aria, the deputy''s sister, is surprisingly...well, that''s a preconceived notion, but she likes to be domestic.


    Even after the house is completed, the lizardmen will have to continue to cook for the lizardmen, so they will have to ask the women of the Minotaur to cook for a while.


    ''''........I heard from my brother that you''re building a harbor, what is it for?'''' (PUMO?)


    ''You want to enrich your territory. A harbor will bring people and goods together, and when that happens, we''ll have a place for the powerful minotaurs and lizardmen to work.


    Crono sipped the salty soup.


    ''Of course, tax revenues will go up. When the tax revenue goes up, I''d like to do some bang-bang public works projects and increase the size of the poorhouse ... and build a school.


    Is it human? (PUMO?)


    No.


    Crono shook his head as a fearful Aria asked him.


    ''It''s a place where both humans and sub-humans can study together. There''s only a limited number of people who can spend time studying in the middle of the day, so I''ll be flexible with night school, or for rural people, winter when there''s no farm work, or Sunday school, or having teachers patrol the grounds.''


    "...it''s like a dream." (Pumo)


    For now.


    Crono drank the remaining soup and handed the empty wooden bowl to Aria.


    *


    Muttering "efficiency, efficiency," Silva went around the prototype salt field.


    Occasionally, as he remembered, he would face the paper and do something that looked like a design, but no!��More efficiency!��He screamed and rolled around on the ground.


    You don''t have to be so efficient as to scratch your hair, Crono thought, but the expression on Silva''s face scared him to say it.


    ''''Well you don''t have to think about anything so much.''''


    ''We think so too, but if I were actually in Silva''s position, I think I''d be like that~''


    I looked down and saw a dwarven girl sitting on the ground.


    She was short, as all dwarven men are, but her width was incomparably thin.


    She may have been stoking wood in the hearth, but she had short red-copper hair like a boy, and her skin was almost entirely covered in soot.


    I think he was no more than twenty years old, but the dwarf''s appearance was as unreliable as that of an elf.


    ''''We''ll never have a chance in our lives to have our own workshop. That said, there is a limit to how far you can rise through the ranks with spear work, and in that respect, the Goldie Centurion has done well.


    If you have something you want to make, I can budget for it, but?


    The dwarven girl looked up at Crono and grinned.


    ''Hmmm, not quite, eh?��I want you to be a patron when I set up my workshop one day. So I hope you''ll remember my face and name.


    Oh, I see.


    Crono finally realized that the dwarven girl wasn''t doing this out of the goodness of her heart, but rather to get a chance to talk to Crono and help Silva remember her face and name. Perhaps the others would be similar.


    ''My name is Paula, nice to meet you,''


    Nice to meet you.


    When she looked up, Silva stopped moving and her eyes were wide open.


    ''''This, this is it!''''


    When Crono turned around, he saw a minotaur and a lizardman bundling straw.


    It was the next evening when Crono returned.


    I must take care of you, Tilia said as she waited in her room for Crono to finish his work.


    I''ve come a long way in many ways, but I''ve been reborn, Tilia said as she headed for Crono''s room.


    Gently.


    It was better not to use force.


    Gently work on Crono he''ll be tired, so he''ll have to sleep with her.


    Well, well, I might comply if asked, but I''ll have to restrain myself from that.


    Tilia knocked on the door and waited for Crono to come out.


    When Crono didn''t come out at all, Tilia quietly opened the door.


    ''''.........''''


    When I opened the door, I found Crono asleep.


    That, too, was on Leila''s lap pillow.


    When Tilia quietly entered the room, Leila seemed to notice immediately and looked up.


    ''Tilia-sama, what can I do for you?''


    You''ll know it when you see it.


    Leila and Tilia spoke in a whisper so as not to wake Crono up.


    ''I''m sorry, Master Crono is tired,''


    Yeah, I understand that.


    Isn''t it my job to give Crono a knee jerk reaction?��And Tilia looked at Leila, who smiled.


    No, you just decided to care and labor gently, Tilia decided to hand over the role to Layla.


    ''''Tilia-sama.......I''m sorry, but I''d like to ask for your cooperation in coordinating your schedule when you serve as Crono-sama''s night owl.


    Scheduling?


    ''Master Crono doesn''t know it, but we discuss who and when will serve as Master Crono''s night owl in order to avoid unnecessary conflict between mistresses. Of course, Master Crono is often away, so we have been re-arranged.


    For a moment, Tilia was stunned, but she was strangely convinced.


    ''''Well the day Tilia-sama was bound with fetters and blindfolded was originally the day I was supposed to serve as a night owl.


    How did you know you were blindfolded?


    Now, why is that?


    Leila smiled so small that you had to look into her eyes to see it.


    Gunnu, Tilia snorted.


    She wanted to say something, but she was confident that if she was told what was done to her face or mouthed to her, she would be in agony.


    ''All right. I''ll be in on the talks next time, remember that.


    "Yes, thank you.


    Tilia quietly slipped out of Crono''s room and clenched her fists tightly.


    ''''........Discussion?''''


    I suppose it''s better to adjust profits than to kill off Crono''s favor, but how do you talk about it?��Tilia tilted her head.

 34-Episode 3 "Teacher"

    *


    Arthur Wiseman was a teacher''s aide at a military school.


    His role was not to assist teachers, but to take care of failed students at the military school.


    He taught supplementary classes, attended training in swordsmanship and horsemanship, consulted with them, and occasionally told them stories of heroism from the past.


    I spent twenty-five years like that, and before I knew it, I was fifty-five years old.


    Of course, he''s proud of his work and has a certain amount of pride in his skills and accomplishments as a teacher, but the looks he gets from those around him are cold.


    Perhaps this is due to the fact that Arthur is from a lower class nobleman and was transferred to his current workplace due to an injury.


    He chuckled, wondering if the change in the meaning and value of the knighthood was one of the reasons.


    Even though Arthur could boast that he was a knight, to the students and graduates of the military school, a knighthood was only worth as much as a commemoration of having attended the military school.


    Arthur crossed the grounds of the military school with his staff and let out a loud sigh at the gate.


    When he turned around, the military academy building rose up to look down on Arthur.


    The military school was a renovated old fortress built when there were only four city blocks in the imperial capital of Alfirk, and it bordered the Third, Ninth, and Tenth Avenues.


    Arthur Wiseman was an assistant teacher at a military school.


    Yes, past tense.


    When he finished his day''s work, he was called into the principal''s office and told to fire him.


    The principal said a lot of things, but the bottom line is that other people didn''t think highly of Arthur.


    Now, what to do?��And Arthur placed his haphazardly bulging bag on the ground.


    I wish I had a nobleman who could hire me as a tutor, but I don''t have those connections.


    There''s nothing ahead of me to open a private school.


    Suddenly, my vision shades.


    When I looked up in wonderment, I saw the owner of a physique comparable to a Lizardman or a Minotaur standing in front of Arthur.


    ''''.........Taul!''''


    Arthur, it''s been a long time.


    Count Taul Hernat gave a wild smile.


    ''''All I know is that you''re in Nauji''s direct domain.


    I''ve got some business to attend to in Alfiruk. So I thought I''d stop by your office while I''m at it.


    ''Oh,'' said Arthur, hanging his head helplessly.


    ''I''m not at work anymore. I just got laid off.''


    ''''Well you can''t see that I would fire a teacher like you.


    Let''s walk a bit," Taul said, casually carrying his bag and walking slowly to match Arthur''s crippled gait.


    So much has changed, Arthur thought as he stood shoulder to shoulder with Taul.


    Arthur and Taul''s association goes back thirty years ago............................to the time of the Imperial upheaval.


    In those days, Taul was a man who would lash out at his allies when he was angry.


    The turning point for him was an encounter with the mercenary Claude Crawford.


    In one battle, the battalion to which Arthur and Taul belonged was saved by a group of mercenaries led by Claude Crawford.


    However, at that time, the blessing of the Six Pillar God had been lost, and all I could think was that an army of demons had rushed in.


    The Claude Crawford of those days was so inhuman that he could harbor such ridiculous delusions.


    In spite of the fact that he was a devilish man, Claude Crawford was surrounded by people who adored him.


    There was no one beside Taul.


    While he used his massive frame and monstrous power to save his friends from their plight many times, Taur was alone because of his roughness.


    I don''t know what Taul thought about it.


    However, it was certain that the encounter with Claude Crawford had an effect on Taul.


    After that day, Taul stopped being violent to his allies.


    After a series of countless failures and small changes that made him cringe to watch, by the time five years had passed, Taul was no longer alone.


    The loss of this leg had not been in vain, Arthur still believed.


    ''Yo!��Elnat, Wiseman!


    Suddenly, he called out to me and when I turned around, I saw a big man - Claude Crawford - standing near the dining room.


    ''Why don''t you come over here and have a cup of tea with me?��I got kicked out of the mansion for being in the way of packing, and I had nothing to do.


    ...Arthur?


    I''m in no hurry.


    Once in the dining room, Claude sat down with a thud in the back of the room.


    Arthur sat down next to Taul, but Taul drove him away and his body stuck out of the table halfway.


    It would have been a similar situation if he had sat next to Claude, though.


    ''You''re making a sour face, Dr. Weissman,''


    "Does Lord Claude know Arthur?


    That''s because he''s my son''s teacher.


    Mr. Crono...


    In twenty-five years of teaching, Arthur had never seen him fall as far as Crono had.


    He couldn''t help but feel unhappy for the seriousness of his own personality.


    ''''As for Mister Crono, I''m sure he had excellent grades.


    ...it''s


    "Ha-ha, that''s my son.��Of course you''ve fallen down in the history of the military school, of course.


    I''m glad you''re laughing at me.


    I''m a failure at school, but I''m doing very well in the military, and I''ve got two estates. And you have a mistress, and I can''t wait to see my grandson''s face.


    Within a year of graduating from military school, he was promoted to battalion commander and given two fiefdoms.


    It''s nice to see one of my students rise through the ranks, but at the same time, Arthur felt as if his inexperience as a teacher was being pointed out to him.


    I have more to worry about myself than I do about my son. In April, the barbarians are coming down from the mountains and we have to meet the new battalion chief. I''ll just hand over the governorship to my son and retire.


    The empire dispatches troops to various locations to shoulder the costs that each lord has to bear in order to maintain security.


    This is to prevent the lords from having their own military force, and to quickly put down any rebellion they try to start, or when they do, but naturally, the lords are dissatisfied with the situation as if they have a dagger at their throats.


    In order to alleviate that dissatisfaction as much as possible, a close relative of the lord would be dispatched as a battalion commander.


    However, that''s only for the old nobles, and since the new nobles who have risen in one generation have few close relatives in the military, a soldier with no ties to them is sent as a battalion commander.


    The Empire is that much more wary of the new nobles.


    It fears the new nobility that led the imperial brotherhood to victory in the uprising thirty years ago, drove the barbarians into the Areos Mountains, and turned the southern frontier into a granary in just twenty years.


    Suddenly, he realizes that the headmaster may have been afraid as well.


    Crono may have been sharpening his fangs while playing the role of an incompetent.


    He may have been looking at the opportunity with an eagle eye.


    Knowing this, Arthur must have kept quiet.


    That''s what I''m talking about, Master Claude.


    I know that the new battalion chief is your son.


    When Taul cut him off apologetically, Claude bared his teeth and laughed.


    ''My son Gaul he''s like the eagle he was when he was younger, a fool.


    Taul said with a sigh, but his son, Gaul, was an excellent student.


    At least in Arthur''s memory.


    ''I try to tell the vigilantes not to get into trouble, but if they go too far, even I can''t keep them down.


    ''No, I''d like to believe I''m not that stupid.


    Remembering his younger self, Taul seemed unsure.


    I don''t think we can keep doing this for long. My family, and most of the others, their grandson has been out of military school for years. If your son makes a mistake, he''s liable to make a scene.


    However, there is a limit to how far the Crawford family can hold back the other seven families.


    Originally, the eight families are distrustful of the Empire to the extent that they organize vigilantes.


    ''''d*mn, I miss the days of the mercenaries when you could solve everything with a single sword.


    Claude spat and drank the incense tea in one go.


    ''''Yeah, I need to retire.''''


    There are those who want to retire but can''t, while others, like himself, are forced out of office.


    Staring at his cup, Arthur let out a sigh.


    ''Hey, hey, what''s going on?''


    Actually, I got fired from my teaching job.


    Okay, I''ll take care of it!��I''ll take care of your next job for you.


    With that, Claude Crawford smiled fiercely.


    Claude Crawford was quick to act.


    He quickly arranged a carriage and sent Arthur off to the Marquis of Erakis after having him carry a letter.


    A little more than ten days after leaving the imperial capital of Alfilk, Arthur arrived in the city of Hashel and visited a dining hall to gather information.


    The reason for choosing that diner was that it was dingy and the fare seemed cheap, but Arthur quickly regretted that he should have gone to another restaurant.


    The only people in the cafeteria were sub-humans.


    Even if Arthur didn''t have any special feelings for the sub-human, the opposite could be true.


    ''''Well excuse me.''''


    Ouch!


    As I turned around and changed directions, I bumped into two elves.


    ''Oh, I''m sorry,''


    Wait, wait, wait, wait. You can''t just say the word, can you?


    Like an apology and compensation are two separate things.


    "...what are we, who have to protect the security, going to do by causing problems?


    The two elves ... they must be twins because they look exactly like each other in the mirror ... when the two elves ... who were both disgruntled, their lips twitched in frustration as they closed in on Arthur, the brown half-elf said in a cold tone of voice.


    ''''Jeez, I was just kidding!''''


    Yeah, yeah.


    Ehehe," the twin elves laughed as they mended.


    Then I apologize.


    I''m sorry.


    Prompted by the half-elf, the twin elf uttered an apology ... though he didn''t feel an ounce of remorse.


    ''''Well I was careless too. What do you think, would you be willing to let me buy you a meal as a form of apology?


    "''Ugh!��Pops, you''re super nice!


    The twin elves'' eyes lit up happily, though they just decided it would be less of a hassle to listen to the conversation while eating rather than going to the trouble of finding another diner to gather information.


    They took an empty seat and briefly introduced themselves.


    The twin elves introduced themselves as Deneb and Alideed, and the brown half-elf as Leila.


    All three were assigned to the Marquis of Erakis territory six years ago, and the elf twins were said to have participated in His Highness Alfort''s parent conquest.


    ''''Old man, they''re nobles.''''


    I thought you were a commoner for not acting so high and mighty.


    They don''t come from a prestigious family.


    In fact, it''s not much of a family.


    ''''What business did you have in the Marquess of Erakis?''''


    "...I was actually laid off from the job I was working at and an old friend offered me a new one.


    So you''re saying you know the Grand Master?


    Arthur couldn''t understand who the Grand Master was referring to.


    ''You are an acquaintance of Master Claude, aren''t you?


    Yeah, well,


    Arthur nodded.


    ''Most importantly, I don''t know if I''ll be able to get you to hire me without seeing you, Crono.


    Mr. Crono?


    Oh, I''m an assistant teacher at the military academy, and I teach Mr. Crono''s no, no, I teach Mr. Crono to study.


    Arthur hurriedly added as Leila''s eyes narrowed suspiciously.


    ''''Oh~, Crono-sama''s teacher,''''


    ''I understand the situation, but Master Crono is on his way to inspect Count Caddo''s territory, so I don''t expect to see him anytime soon.


    Since I still have some money in my pocket, I''d like to stay somewhere suitable...........cheap lodging and wait for Crono-kun''s return.


    The cheapest place to stay in Herschel is here.


    But they''re also a getaway.


    Ah~, Arthur let out a voice.


    It''s not uncommon for a diner to serve as an inn, and it''s also rather common for a diner to serve as a bring-in inn or brothel.


    ''''Uhehe, it might be too noisy for you to sleep.


    ''You didn''t mind sleeping here with Leila?''


    No, not really.


    He''s blushing slightly, so it''s not like he wasn''t bothered enough to say it with his mouth.


    ''''You went into Crono-sama''s room right after that, right?


    ''You were whining about how you couldn''t understand the love of Lord Crono.


    I mean, you know, not in public.


    Leila squirmed and looked down in embarrassment.


    Apparently, Leila was Crono''s mistress.


    It doesn''t sound like he''s messing with her for fun, since he''s that sincere Crono.


    ''''Oh, well, that''s new.''''


    But do I long for a bit of that?


    The twin elves looked at each other.


    Hehe, does that mean you want to run away?


    Like sometimes you just want to keep Master Crono to yourself?


    Heh, heh, heh, the twin elves let out an eerie laugh.


    ''''Let''s not.''''


    ''It''s enough as it is I''d rather not have any time between you and Crono-sama if you''re alone with him.


    Apparently, both Deneb and Alideed are also Crono''s mistresses.


    As for that sincere Crono... what has happened to him in the past year?


    Arthur revised Crono''s assessment downward significantly in his mind.


    ''''........I can''t leave Crono-sama''s mentor alone, can I?


    So why don''t you ask Alyssa to help you?


    You''re the head maid of honor. I''m sure they know what they''re doing.


    ''Well,'' said Leila, taking out a transparent sphere ... a magic item for communication and announcing her errand.


    I''ll prepare the guest room for you, so please check your letters and other documents just in case.''''


    I understand.


    Leila looked at him and Arthur took the letter that Claude had given him from his bag.


    ''Oh!��Paper!


    "Mmm, this feels like paper from the Marquess of Erakis!


    The twin elves took the letter from Arthur and said in an acting tone.


    Claude''s letter was made of paper rolled into a tube, wrapped in string and sealed with wax.


    ''This paper is in the Marquess of Erakis?


    I remember that Mr. Crono knew how to make it and he built the workshop to ensure employment.


    Arthur sighed in his mind, wondering why he had fallen away with so much knowledge.


    ''It seems to be a letter from the Grand Master, no doubt about it.


    How do you know?


    Leila said, and the twin elves tilted their heads in wonder.


    ''''Because when I trained as a maid, my instructor showed me the Crawford family crest and the Inji,''''


    Do I get to see any of that stuff?


    Do you feel like you''ve been pissed off a lot?


    The twin elves again tilted their heads curiously as Leila pointed her finger at the pattern pressed into the sealing wax.


    ''Didn''t they both train as maids?


    I did, but that''s about it, cleaning, cooking, shopping, that''s it.


    "As a maid likes to do, she tries to sneak into Master Chron''s bed and is discovered and chased.


    Huh, Leila let out a sigh and returned the letter to Arthur.


    *


    Arthur was guided by Leila, Deneb, and Alideed to the Marquis of Erakis mansion, and from there, a human maid showed him to his guest room.


    The human maid is called Alyssa, and she was protected by Crono when she was sick and in need, and now that she''s recovered, she''s working as the head maid.


    The rooms were larger than the rooms Arthur had rented in the Imperial City, and the furnishings that were installed were of the highest quality.


    Arthur felt the weight of his wallet unreliably heavy, wondering how much it would cost to stay in an inn of this level.


    ''''Well I''ll have to rent a house once I get a job.


    Later, Arthur went to the bathroom to scrub off the grime of his journey and returned to his room to open a book.


    It was a book about past tactics and Arthur added sentences to it based on his experience and knowledge.


    A short time later, Arthur sat up when the dwarven maid informed him that the meal was ready.


    The moment he stepped into the dining room, Arthur couldn''t believe his eyes.


    As soon as he was convinced of the person''s identity, Arthur threw down his staff and knelt down on his knees as Princess Tyria carried the soup to her mouth.


    It was a knight''s.......vassal''s courtesy.


    ''''........Princess Tyria.''''


    Who are you?


    Arthur felt weak at Princess Tyria''s words.


    ''My name is Arthur Wiseman, I''m an assistant teacher at the military academy.


    ''Mu,'' said Princess Tyria, raising her eyebrows thoughtfully.


    ''''Princess Tyria doesn''t remember, does she?


    Oh, you''re Faye, Faye Murifine, aren''t you?


    Ugh!��Faye was at a loss for words.


    ''Even you don''t remember that.


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Faye hung her head apologetically.


    ''''I have heard that you have not been in good health since His Majesty Ramal V collapsed, why are you in the Marquess of Erakis?


    I''m not sure why.


    Princess Tyria was deprived of her right to the First Crown and exiled to the Marquis of Erakis.


    When I looked at the direction of the voice, I saw a girl bringing a small piece of shredded bread to her mouth.


    ''''........Viscount Eryl Sardomelik?''''


    Do you know who I am?


    Arthur nodded as Elil''s eyes widened in surprise.


    So to speak, Viscount Elil Sardomelik was a child prodigy.


    Born a commoner''s son, she was adopted by Viscount Sardomelik, a court scholar, who had discovered her talents.


    Elil studied with him and her interests turned to witchcraft.


    She developed several magic techniques that had never existed before, techniques that used multiple activations of magic that were inherently life-threatening in a relatively safe manner.


    However, many people argue behind her back that the reason she was able to accumulate so many achievements is because she was a favorite of the former Emperor Ramal V.


    Normally, this would end up as baseless gossip and a laugh, but in her case, there is a part of her that cannot be denied.


    Despite the fact that she is the leader of the Eleventh Order, she has never even been enrolled in a military school, let alone experienced in actual combat.


    ''''Why is even Erill-sama in the Marquess of Erakis?''''


    I''ve been sent to watch over Princess Tyria.


    Arthur couldn''t understand why Eryll had been chosen as a watchdog.


    At best, it was a decoy to distract her from the real watchdog role, or perhaps he had been forced into an appropriate role because he was having trouble treating her after losing his backing.


    When Arthur was silent, he lost interest, and Eryl resumed his meal.


    Well, that''s why I''m in Crono''s good graces.


    ...Any knights in the Kingsguard?


    Princess Tyria shook her head weakly.


    Why?��And such words loom up to my throat.


    Why did I overlook the usurpation?


    Are you saying that the meaning and value of a knighthood has changed, and that the meaning and value of a knight has changed as well?


    ''Assistant teacher Arthur, no, Knight Arthur. I am flattered by your feelings, but I had it coming to me that I lost my claim to the throne. I only thought that as a princeess I would be able to get her to pledge her allegiance to me.


    ...arrogance.


    Elil blurted out, and the Princess Tyria smiled bitterly, as if to say she had been hit in a sore spot.


    ''Yes, I was arrogant.''


    Princess Tyria rose from her seat and knelt there so that her gaze was locked with Arthur''s.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has been loyal to the empire," she said, "I''d rather question your name than work on your loyalty to the empire, even after you''ve suffered so many wounds. I had no right to be emperor from the beginning. Nevertheless, if I may be allowed to say this as the daughter of King Lamar V I am pleased with your loyalty, Knight Arthur.


    ...Oh, Princess Tyria.


    Arthur cried aloud.


    With those words, he felt as if his life had been rewarded for all he had been through.


    ''I''m sorry to be watered down, but can''t you eat it sooner?��Your food is getting cold.


    I''m sorry, ma''am.


    After apologizing to the woman who had been standing behind her for some time, Princess Tilia sat back down in her original seat.


    ''''The landlady''s food is quite good,''''


    Not bad. I suppose it''s a compliment to the princess, but I don''t feel like I''m being complimented.


    Princess Tilia elegantly cut up the chicken and brought it to her mouth.


    ''''Don''t worry, the landlady''s food is very good.''''


    That''s a nice thing to say.


    Service, service, the landlady added the chicken to Eryl''s plate.


    *


    The next day, Arthur was accompanied by Princess Tilia and went out to Count Caddo''s territory.


    Princess Tilia and Faye were on horseback, while Arthur and Eryll were traveling in a covered wagon.


    It felt chilly when they left the Marquis'' mansion, but after a while it didn''t matter.


    I don''t dislike the freezing winter air that irritates my tweaked nostrils, but I also don''t dislike the warmth of spring that makes me feel like I''m floating.


    ''You''re giving me a carriage for someone like me,''


    Princess Tyria only wants to see Lord Crono.


    Gohon and Arthur cleared their throats.


    If you ask me, I feel like I''ve been too buoyant when I haven''t even gotten a job.


    ''''Viscount Sardomelik, what does Princess Tilia look like to you, Knight Commander of the Kingsguard?


    Just call me Eryl. And no need for a salutation.


    Eril replied without moving his gaze from the book.


    ''Princess Tyria is a very disappointing person.


    ....


    A few more words would be better, Arthur thought.


    He wanders around the city without work, trains in swordplay when he feels like it, and writhes with his head in his hands the day after he shares a bed with the Marquis of Erakis.


    Princess Tyria was with Mr. Crono?


    I got pushed down on the fifth day.


    Princess Tyria?


    No. The Marquis of Erakis was overpowered by Princess Tyria.


    Even though it was hard to imagine Crono attacking Princess Tilia, it was relatively easy to do the opposite.


    Very, very, very disappointing.


    Eril let out a long sigh, and Arthur almost let out a sigh as well.


    It''s better than being depressed and losing the will to live, but isn''t that too penetrating for an imperial princess who was deprived of her right to the first throne and washed away to the frontier?


    No, Princess Tilia is learning again.


    She is in the midst of searching for what is important to the emperor, to the person in charge.


    ''''The ... positive thing is...''''


    You''re going in the wrong direction.


    There was no island to get to.


    The sound of a cone, cone was heard just as Arthur was about to open his mouth to defend Princess Tyria.


    Moving from the cart to the guru''s seat, Arthur''s eyes widened in surprise.


    More than a hundred sub-humans-most of them lizardmen and minotaurs, but a few dwarves mixed in here and there-were working on the construction.


    The lizardmen would take several men to carry the logs and the dwarves would cut them down to make wooden stakes ten meters long.


    The wooden stakes were carried into place and carried to the shore by a rather diminutive minotaur.


    The sound of a cone, a cone, came from the sea, about a dozen meters from the shore.


    There was a huge scaffold with a hole in the middle - a combination of barrels, small boats and planks supported by logs stretched out from the shore - that had been built.


    There were four minotaurs on the scaffolding floating in the sea, one supporting the stakes and one swinging the mallet.


    The remaining two were holding the stepladder and looking bored.


    After finishing driving the wooden stake, the minotaur wielding the mallet sits down on the spot, and the minotaur waiting on the shore pushes the log to move the foothold.


    The wooden stake is carried to the scaffold by a human... perhaps a man from the fishing village who has been hired... and the minotaur receives it.


    The Minotaur threaded a new wooden stake through the hole in the middle of the scaffolding so that there would be no gap between it and the wooden stake he had driven in earlier.


    What is he going to do?��And as Arthur looked at the wooden stake that protruded more than five meters above the surface of the sea, the two minotaurs, who looked bored, placed a stepladder across the hole and supported it from both sides.


    The minotaur holding the mallet climbed onto the stepladder with a familiar motion, sat down on the top part of the stepladder, and swung the mallet down.


    Conn!��Cone!��and the sound of stakes being driven echoed off the shore.


    Apparently the same work is being done in two places instead of one.


    A right-angle line is drawn across the sea with wooden stakes, now about fifty meters in all.


    Further away, minotaurs were throwing rock after rock into the sea.


    What about you, Crono?��Arthur looked around and noticed a figure that looked like Crono standing near what looked like the frame of the house.


    It seemed to be the same for Princess Tyria, and she quickened her horse''s gait a bit as she approached Crono.


    As the covered wagon approached Crono, the full extent of what appeared to be the skeleton of the house was revealed.


    It wasn''t the skeleton of a house but if you ask me what it was, I can''t help but nod my head.


    It was a cube made of wood with a lattice set up on the inside of it so that the lattice was parallel to the ground.


    I could guess that it wasn''t a house by itself, but why there were bundles of straw tied to a grate and a concrete cistern underneath it was beyond comprehension.


    On the outside of the mysterious building there was a stairway-like structure built perpendicular to the sea.


    I describe it as a stair-like structure because only half of it was stair-like and the other half was a water tank.


    I don''t know why, but the number of water tanks and stairs is not the same.


    If you go up the ten steps of the steep stairs, you will find the next water tank, as it were.


    A log-like object was placed to connect the water tank to each tank, which was also beyond Arthur''s comprehension.


    ''Crono, what did you build?''


    Oh, you''re here.


    When Crono turned around, Princess Tyria dismounted from her horse with a flourish, and the Fae followed her lead.


    ''''Here they come.''''


    Ehem, Princess Tyria puffed out her chest like a child.


    For a moment, Crono''s expression relaxed, but Arthur pretended not to see it.


    ''''The Marquis of Erakis is obsessed with Princess Tilia''s breasts. I don''t understand why he is so obsessed with a mere lump of fat.''''


    Eril squinted grimly. Maybe she was simply squinting due to poor vision, but she looked grumpy anyway.


    ''So, what''s this?''


    ...Prototype salt field number two.


    It was not Crono who answered, but a dwarf who appeared from the shadows of the stairs.


    ''Silva-san, you are jaded, aren''t you?''


    No, I''m fine.


    The dwarf laughed as he gave a subtly disagreeable answer.


    It wasn''t a laugh caused by external stimuli, but rather resembled the laughter of a soldier who fought on a battlefield where there was no water, no food, and no hope of reinforcements.


    When I was working on the first prototype salt field, I was troubled by its inefficiency. After worrying and worrying and worrying and worrying and worrying, I saw a bundle of straw to be used for the roof. And I got the idea of this three-dimensional salt paddy.


    Dwarf........Silva ran out like a madman and reached for the log propped up against the water tank.


    Turning a lever at the end of the log, water overflowed and filled the stair-stepped water tank.


    ''Seawater!��Dripping down through the straw!��The sea breeze evaporates the water, and the seawater increases in density to the cistern below.��Pile up!��If we repeat and repeat this, and boil down the thick seawater produced, we can make salt efficiently, effectively, efficiently!


    The sight of her running down the stairs as if she were tumbling down and screaming with her eyes bleeding was maddening.


    It''s a pity that Silva-san has become such a disappointment. However, if his name will be remembered in history as the Silva-type 3-D salt field, Silva-san must be eagerly waiting for it.


    ''It''s just lack of sleep, I''m sure it''ll go back to normal once you''re asleep.


    Next, we''re going to set up silva-type salt pits in each fishing village.��I''ll be overseeing the construction of the port, too, and I won''t have time to sleep!


    Silva shouted and started to run towards the shore.


    ''Can you sleep, that dwarf?''


    I''m going to try to convince you that being knocked down makes you less efficient or something like that.


    Princess Tyria pointed out to him, and Crono replied with a sigh.


    ''''Crono, you have a guest here, don''t you?''''


    "...slavers?��Or Miles, the whorehouse manager?


    Suddenly, I met eyes with Crono.


    ''Wow, Dr. Weissman!''


    Hey, long time no see. Crono you.


    After some hesitation, Arthur called him Mr. Crono.


    ''Really, it''s been a long time!


    ....


    Crono ran up to the covered wagon and clasped Arthur''s hand in both of his hands as if he was overcome with emotion.


    My heart is burning.


    I wonder how many graduates of the military school are like him, who call Arthur their teacher.


    ''Crono-kun, what is that wound?''


    It''s my first battle.


    Crono covered the wound in his right eye with his hand, looking embarrassed.


    ''I''ve been through a lot, but the only reason I''m alive like this is because of Dr. Weissman.


    ''Crono, Knight Arthur was just making up for the fallen, wasn''t he?��What part of this is thanks to Knight Arthur?


    Crono looked at Princess Tilia sullenly.


    ''Tilia, punishment.''


    Phew, that''s what I want!


    As Bosori and Crono muttered, Princess Tilia arrogantly threw out her chest.


    ''''After all, no spanking,''''


    What the f*ck?


    Why is Dr. Weissman here?


    Crono said, ignoring Princess Tilia, who was raising her voice.


    ''I think the sooner you get this looked at, the better.


    Yeah, it''s my dad''s.


    As Arthur handed him the letter, Crono untied it and looked down at it.


    ''''I think it would be quicker to learn from Dr. Weissman.


    With that, Crono directed the letter to Arthur.


    There was one word in it: ''Hire! The only thing it said was.


    *


    They must have been very careful.


    Crono gave a few instructions to the dwarves, and then he and Arthur were to return to the Marquis of Erakis in a covered wagon.


    After explaining how he was dismissed from the military school and arrived at the Marquess of Erakis, Crono said he would immediately hire Arthur as a teacher.


    His monthly salary had increased by one gold coin from his time as a teacher''s aide at the military school, to three gold coins and ten silver coins.


    If you would like, I can give you a room in the Marquis'' mansion.


    No, no, I''m not that good to you.


    It''s an unbeatable treatment that I couldn''t have hoped for just to be hired at a higher salary than the military school.


    I can''t afford to be indebted to you any longer.


    How''s the harbor construction going?


    It''s been a lot of trial and error. Well, the prototype Shiota No. 2 has finally settled into that shape, so I think it will reduce the burden on Silva a bit.


    If the Silva-type salt pits spread to the fishing villages of the Count of Caddo territory, the people of the territory would be able to earn a stable income.


    After that, Crono could buy the salt and sell it, or he could leave the transaction to a trusted merchant to collect the tax.


    It''s not defrauding, nor is it charity.


    The idea of revolving around profit is not like an aristocrat, but I foresee that it will therefore be successful.


    ''Mr Crono, what am I to teach you?


    ''''Yes, that''s right. Right now, I''m asking the priest of the Ochre Temple to teach me the basics ... reading, writing and arithmetic, but I hear my day job is pretty busy.


    Oh, I see.


    Since it''s almost time for farming to begin in earnest, it''s only natural that the work of the priests who serve the ''Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility'' will increase.


    ''''Since we can leave the agrarian reform of the territory, the management of the Rescue and Poor House, and the negotiations with the headquarters to them,''''


    ...Crono, I think you''re working them too hard.


    We''re short on people.


    Oh, Arthur nodded.


    Running a fiefdom requires manpower.


    An old noble would be able to rely on his relatives, but Crono, an upstart new noble, had no relatives to rely on.


    ''''I thought I''d ask Dr. Weissman to train my subordinates, as well as train my personnel.


    ''So you''re saying we have to give them a basic education and train their officers.


    Well, something like that, please.


    Crono''s reply was vague because he himself didn''t have a clear answer. Either way, if we don''t recruit and train people who have the basic education, we won''t be able to manage our territory well.


    While he was relieved to find a job, Arthur had to work hard in his sleep.


    First of all, he had to find a place to live.


    Although he made it look like he couldn''t be taken care of until he had a place to live, it was difficult to find a residence in a strange land, and he had to rely on Crono.


    That''s because I was able to refer to the curriculum created by Crono and the Priest Zion of the Yellow Earth Temple.


    It was only a matter of grasping the whole process, though, and he had to figure out how to teach them on his own.


    The one thing that bothered Arthur to the end was about officer training.


    Since Crono''s goal was to secure the personnel to run the territory, he felt that there was no point in educating officers in a military school style.


    After much deliberation, Arthur decided on a policy of training people through tactical education.


    As soldiers, their tactical education would not be wasted on them.


    Arthur chuckled at the thought that in the future he would like to select the right people from among the soldiers who had been given officer training and increase the number of teachers.


    ''''Well now, let''s get some sleep for tomorrow.


    Arthur cleaned up the desk and crawled into bed.


    Arthur quickly fell asleep, feeling exhausted.


    In April of the four hundred and thirty-one years of the empire, Crono''s territory was peaceful.

 35-Modified version of Episode 4 "Between Reason and Instinct"

    *


    Even if you only prepare the surface, it''s useless if there is no substance to it.��I can''t help but think that, but formality is rather important.


    It was around June of last year that he bought me, so ten months have already passed.


    I''ve gotten used to the accounting work, and the nightlife...mentally, but physically, dammit, he''s betraying my feelings.


    I don''t hate the guy.


    He saved my life not once, but twice, and he even took care of my business.


    It''s because of my academic background from studying abroad that he entrusted me with the accounting department, and while he did help me with the job, it was my ability that made it work.


    Well, even if you put that aside, there''s not much to dislike about it.


    Honestly, if it were a story, it would have a happy ending.


    There''s a semi-aristocratic daughter who was sold to a slave trader, and the new aristocrat, an upstart, rescues her.


    And then he avenges her, and that''s usually the end of it.


    She doesn''t want to help me avenge him, and I tempted her, hoping that she wouldn''t avenge him for free, but I was wrong... but she still got laid.


    When I was writhing in agony over the incident with the nightclub.


    Objection!��Half-elf!


    Yes, Princess Tyria?


    Calling it a tayun, or maybe a blun, Princess Tilia stood up with a chest-shaking momentum and pointed at Leila.


    Well, I can''t help but understand Leila''s feelings.


    When there were only three mistresses, Leila, the landlady and I, Leila had a monopoly on that one.


    The proprietor of the house is a step or two backwards when it comes to nightclubs, and I... don''t go out for pillows that often.


    At best, it was once a month, or maybe once every half month, or maybe once or twice a week.


    ''Times!��Why is it that I''m in there once and you''re in there four times?��And I don''t like the order of things!��Why do I have to be the last!


    ''If you do this with Master Tilia, Master Crono will be too tired to work the next day.


    Leila spoke of construction as if she were stating a fact.


    It''s not a lie that it interferes with your work, but the construction is just as important as the formality.


    ''''Oh, Leila, you don''t take a step back, do you?


    It''s like the last thing you want to do is give in and fall back to the ends of the earth.


    Don''t you guys have to do this a lot?


    I asked the twin elves next to me as they nibbled on dried fruit.


    These guys ... Deneb and Arid have just become mistresses.


    They''re content to have one night a week with these guys.


    "We''re in love.


    Like I''m just happy to have an arm pillow.


    The guy who acts as a night owl in pairs is done with love and all that.


    ''d*mn, that was the first time I wore Crono out!��And I''m refraining from doing it a second time.


    The latter part of his voice was toned down, especially the ''I''m holding back'' part, and he seemed subtly unsure of himself.


    ''....I see.


    Yeah, what''s with the subtle, winning smile?


    I narrowed my eyes and looked at Leila''s mouth, but there was no trace of a triumphant smile on my face.


    "I''m not triumphant, sir?


    ''No, you''re winning. Hey, like this, you''re feeling superior, like you taught Crono to be a woman, a technique I taught him...!


    If anything, I feel that Princess Tilia is just tormented by a sense of inferiority.


    To see Leila''s shadow in that guy''s, kisses and caresses, isn''t Princess Tilia too conscious of it?


    ''''As far as Princess Tilia is concerned, Leila is like a love interest.


    ''I have a feeling that Princess Tyria''s decline began after she cuckolded Lady Crono.


    Deneb and Alideed explain, even though I didn''t ask for it.


    ''''Dude, by and large, if it''s going to interfere with your work, why don''t you cut back on the frequency?''''


    But unlike Princess Tyria, I can control myself.


    Why is there a pause?


    ''Mmm, it''s a woman''s battle, isn''t it?


    Faye said as she ate her garishly refried beans.


    ''Why are you here?''


    I''m observing the conference for later study, sir.


    I got a handful of refried beans from the bag Faye was holding, as much as I could fit in my hand.


    Speaking of which, I heard that you gave your turn to Princess Tilia?


    I''m sorry, sir.


    You need to think a little bit more because I''m the one who set this up for you. Isn''t it your dream to rebuild a dead house?


    When I ate a piece of refried beans, Faye turned her mouth upward and chewed on it.


    I''ve thought about it.


    Well, that''s okay.


    The guy is serious in a weird way, so he wouldn''t give up his territory just because he''s a mistress.


    But he would at least support us.


    ...Leo-san, Horus-san, and Lizard-san are dead.


    Polly Faye muttered.


    ''Is that why?''


    ''I thought it would be dishonest to serve as a nocturnal nurse when my heart was not completely turned towards Master Crono.


    Yeah.


    In your case, since your goal is to rebuild the house, shouldn''t that guy be a secondary consideration?��But I responded in a casual manner.


    You''ll be able to get a good idea of what a fool she looks like if you make a mistake, and I like her candor.


    As long as you''re working for Crono-sama, you''ll get your chance.


    You''ve been on standby.


    The reason Faye became a standby group is because she needs cavalry to maintain security.


    The Marquis of Erakis territory is large, after all.


    In order to cover such a large area, the mobility of the cavalry is essential.


    ''''........We have an extra ten horses, but now that our territory has increased, it''s a waste of time.


    More territory is a good thing, sir.


    It''s a matter of degrees, degrees.


    Right now, the Marquis'' territory of Erakis and Count Caddo are short of men.


    That''s because, well, that guy''s men have increased, but the number of cavalry hasn''t increased and the officials are short.


    At the very least, it would be easier if you could save yourself the trouble of writing the paperwork.


    When I suddenly turned my gaze to look at them, Princess Tilia and Leila were glaring at each other silently.


    It was then that the sound of panting and clapping of hands echoed.


    By the way, it was the landlady who clapped her hands.


    ''''It''s already late at night, so why don''t you make a quick decision?


    I understand. We''ll change the order and tomorrow we''ll have Princess Tyria as our guardian for the night.


    "Gosh, you''re not going to give away the times?


    Will you increase the frequency if Princess Tyria deems you capable of restraining yourself?


    Look at me, half-elf!��I will serve as a worthy nightshade!


    Beep!��Princess Tyria declared, pointing at Leila.


    *


    The next day, I was rubbing my sleepy eyes as I worked on the paperwork.


    The next day, I was rubbing sleepy eyes as I worked on the paperwork, renewing my license to sell slaves and operate a brothel.


    I know.


    It''s been endorsed as being properly managed, and the hospital in the Marquess of Erakis even makes them undergo a medical examination, so it''s hard to blame them for the death of their purchasers, even if they die from rough treatment.


    In fact, since I''m taking that much effort, I can proudly say that even the slavers are doing a decent business.


    ''''.........But even so, the number of slavers has increased. With fifty of them, how can you make a profit from a weekly slave market?


    I''m horrified that I have to make permits for fifty people.


    ''It really sucks to be one of the slavers when you''ve been sold into slavery yourself.


    Lady Elena, I have brought you your meal.


    Faye walked into the room without knocking and put two plates on my table.


    ''What''s this?''


    It is the landlady''s creative cuisine.


    There is a spindle-shaped piece of bread on the plate.


    This alone would be just harassment, but there is a slit in the center of the bread, and a sausage is in between.


    It''s probably mustard on top.


    By the way, the theme is ''easy''


    I think that''s the wrong word for ''cutting corners''?


    I don''t have a fork and knife," said I, confused, as Faye grabbed a handful of her creative food and took a bite out of it.


    I grabbed it and put it in my mouth, afraid to eat it like that.


    As I bit through the sausage, I felt the hot juices...hot, hot!


    It''s delicious with just the right amount of acidity.


    ''''Well yes, this kind of meal is good sometimes.


    We could use a little more than that, sir.


    It wasn''t enough for Faye, who moved her body on a daily basis.


    ''Speaking of which, can I ask you something?


    What is it, sir?


    ''There are fifty slavers, how can a business be viable with so many of them?


    Not all of us have participated in the slave markets.


    Faye said as she stacked the plates.


    ''What do you mean?''


    There are not many slavers who are based in Herschel. But when they leave Herschel for a few days to stock up, they make less money.


    Well, they''re the kind of guys who sell 10,000 gold coins worth of slaves in a month.


    So they stand in for them while they are away, or buy slaves from other slavers and resell them.


    So it''s got their permits in it?


    I don''t buy and sell it myself, I buy it from other places and sell it myself.


    I''m sure other merchants are doing something similar, but I can''t explain it.


    ''Oh, God!��It''s so messy!


    What is it, sir?


    I shouted, and Faye tilted her head in wonderment.


    ''It''s a pain in the ass to fill out the paperwork!��The same sentence, many, many pages of the same sentence... it would be a little easier if I didn''t have to write so many documents.


    We''ll save you the trouble, sir.


    Huh?��I looked at Faye.


    ''How?''


    It''s easy to do with a printing press.


    Where is it?


    You will be guided through.


    Khan!��Khan!��And the sound of hammering is depressing.


    ''This is it,''


    Is this the printing press?


    If I''m not mistaken, the printmaking machine resembled a table.


    Or perhaps I should say it was a combination of a desk and a bookcase, with a sliding board added.


    There was no partition in the bookcase, but an iron bar carved at an angle through the center of the bookcase.


    In addition, there is a wooden rod extending right across the center of the grooved bar, and a wooden board-like structure is attached to the end of the rod.


    ''How does it work, this?''


    First, a metal plate is placed on a sliding board and then the paper is placed on top of it. Then the board is pushed in and a wooden stick is moved.


    When Faye pulls the wooden rod, the slightly grooved carved iron rod and the plate go down.


    Perhaps as she moved the wooden rod in a semi-circle, the board attached to the grooved iron rod would press against the paper and metal plate.


    ''''Great, great invention, this!��Why didn''t you tell me that!


    He didn''t ask for it, sir.


    It was, but I couldn''t contain my excitement.


    It would save a lot of time and effort to write a permit, and it would also save slavers and brothel owners a great deal of time if they had a sheet of paper with all the necessary items filled out to create a registry when they applied for it.


    ''How can I help you with your printmaking machine?''


    I need to use this.


    The dwarf in the workshop, Goldie, called out to me and I pointed to the printing press and said, "You can use it for free.


    You are welcome to use it as you wish. Of course, if you bring me the original artwork, I will engrave it for you.


    I clenched my fists.


    ''I''ll have to ask Crono-sama for the rest.


    Master Crono is on his way to visit the slave market.


    I thought that I didn''t need to go all the way to the Slave City, I could just wait until he came back, but that guy was busy.


    I wouldn''t be able to look at him if he went to inspect Count Caddo''s territory right after he finished his inspection of the slave city.


    However, to be honest, I don''t want to go to the Slave City.


    Recalling the feces and urine stained body and swollen face from that time, I feel like I''m going crazy.


    ''''........Faye, will you come with me?''''


    I don''t mind.


    *


    The slave market is held at Miles'' brothel, which is located in one of the commercial districts.


    As much as it bills itself as a gentleman''s ballroom, Miles''s whorehouse is smaller and cleaner than the rest, and it seems to hide its pretensions.


    ''''Excuse me.''''


    As I was about to enter the brothel with Faye, the gatekeeper crossed his spear and blocked my way.


    "I''ve come on an errand for Master Crono, sir.


    As Faye stepped out to protect me, the gatekeeper slowly drew his spear, as if he remembered her face.


    ''''Come in, please come in.''''


    Is this another formality?��I walked through the lobby and opened the door to the hall.


    As soon as I opened the door, I felt a rush of heat.


    My legs shook involuntarily.


    ''I''m with you, sir.


    Well, yeah.


    I took Faye by the hand and looked for him.


    The stage in the center of the hall deliberately averted my gaze from the slaves who walked on it, and I spotted him.


    He was sitting at the front of the stage with a long-haired, whore-like woman sitting next to him in a special seat.


    I walked up to her.


    Oh, you are...


    You''re in my way.


    I glared at Miles and sat down next to that guy.


    What''s going on?


    "Well I''ve come to ask a favor of you. Drinking in the middle of the day?


    Hmm, water.


    As I said, Crono-sama lightly raised his cup.


    ''''........Are you being harassed?''''


    As much as we try to give you the best of our hospitality, Master Crono won''t accept it.


    Miles countered, as if to say he was out of his mind.


    ''I think you''re too uptight to come to a whorehouse and leave without even holding a woman.


    I''m just visiting.


    Seven ... one of them is absent because he''s a man ... but he has a mistress, so he just doesn''t have time to mess with a whore, does he?��I thought, but I kept my silence.


    "So what have you come to ask for?


    I need to use the printmaking machine from the dwarves'' workshop to make permits and applications.


    A printing press?


    It wasn''t Master Crono who leaned forward, it was the whore sitting next to him.


    ''I didn''t mean to say that to you, did I?''


    It''s okay.


    The whore smiled at me, showing no signs of being offended.


    ''A printmaking machine is a tool for printmaking.


    What''s the point of printing with a tool?


    Well, maybe it''ll come in handy one day.


    When the prostitute looked up and asked the question, Master Crono said unsurely.


    ''Hey! Answer my question!


    You''re a very impatient girl.


    Guru, I snarled like a dog and glared at the prostitute.


    ''You''re so cheap for a whore. You should at least tell me your name.


    Elaine, it''s Elaine Sinner.


    I''ve heard that name before, I said, repeating her name in my mouth.


    ...the guildmaster of the Whore''s Guild?


    You know me so well.


    ''I only remembered it because a bunch of dumb men were making a lot of noise when I was studying in the Free City State cluster.


    The fact that I knew the name of the guild master of the Whore''s Guild doesn''t help.


    As this woman said, it''s only a matter of ''you know him well.


    ''''You''ve studied abroad, haven''t you? But aren''t you a bit cavalier for a slave?''''


    It''s like that for both of us.


    ''A whore and a s*x slave there may not be much difference between them. But there''s a big difference between us. Isn''t it, Elena Graffius?


    Elaine''s voice was gentle.


    ''I chose to be a whore myself, but you did not choose to be a slave yourself. I am proud to be a whore, but what about you?


    ....


    That''s because you''re successful, I wanted to tell her.


    But Elaine was full of confidence.


    Even if she wasn''t successful, I''m sure she wouldn''t change even if she wasn''t successful.


    ''Can''t you see what you looked like when you sat next to Master Crono?��Yeah, even when I said, ''Don''t even hold a woman,''


    Giggling, Elaine gave him a condescending look.


    ''Smile of relief, my dear. I''m a slave, I can''t help it.''


    I''m on my own.


    d*mn it, you were reminded at the slave market (here) that you have no power.


    I was beaten and torn to pieces to make an example of myself.


    If I''d stuck to my guns to the end, I could have talked back.


    But I snapped.


    I even pleaded with the slaver to let me bathe in the water.


    You are still a slave. You''re still a slave, just like she is walking the stage.


    .....


    I stared at the stage, and I straightened up.


    And so did my opponent.


    The moment our eyes met, we stretched and looked down from one side to the other.


    "...her name is Westa, her age is 18, she is the daughter of a bankrupt merchant family.


    I didn''t ask for it, but Miles explains his identity.


    I know.


    Wester was about a finger taller than me.


    He was always sleepy-eyed and carefree.


    But he wasn''t insensitive.


    He had a problem with large breasts, and he always walked hunched over.


    Why?


    Elaine must know that I was friends with Westa.


    Even if she knew, she didn''t expect it until I got here.


    "He''s a decent guy, well educated. I know it''s a bad idea, but I''m a virgin.


    Westa''s voice echoed as he finished going around the stage.


    ''''Westa, sir. I''m from a free city-state group, and I''m not very good at arithmetic, but I think I''m reasonably well educated.''''


    A voice that seems to be fading now.


    ''''Well I can''t keep up with the topic, can I?''''


    If you asked me a question, I would have answered it.


    ''I thought it might be a good idea to interfere after Elena picked a fight with you.


    Crono-sama said in a voice that showed no trace of tension.


    ''''Then we''ll start with twenty gold coins!


    Twenty-one gold pieces!


    Twenty-three!


    The amount of money rises in small increments.


    At the point when the price exceeds twenty gold coins the opportunity to help Westa was lost the moment twenty-one gold coins were priced.


    I''m saving to buy myself back.


    The money I''ve saved in the past ten months was twenty gold coins.


    Thirty!


    Thirty-one!


    What a fun way to get the audience going with a bang.


    ''....a hundred gold coins.


    With that one voice, the hall fell silent.


    ''''........What do you mean by that?''''


    ''Hmmm, we''re short on staff at the whorehouse, so I thought I''d fill in for you.


    You gotta be kidding me.


    Westerners don''t get to be whores.


    ''I mean it. I''m proud to be a whore, but I''m not of such a generous nature as to allow myself to be scorned and smile.


    d*mn it, this woman is disgusting.


    I''m sure this woman will do anything to hurt me.


    Master Crono, I would like to request a loan from you.


    Why?


    I''ve decided I want that slave. I need you to lend me a hundred gold pieces.


    I reflexively turned to Faye and I almost cried out.


    ''''Of course, I wouldn''t say for free,''''


    Faye removed her sword from her sword belt.


    ''It is a memento of my father,''


    They''re worth about a pound of gold.


    Miles shook his shoulders as Faye held out the hilt of her sword, and he shook his shoulders as if to hold back a laugh.


    ''I am always at the request of Master Crono, am I right?


    By the way, I''m prepared to give you up to a thousand gold pieces.


    Faye glared at Elaine.


    No upper limit, please.


    Then I''ll give you a hundred and one gold pieces.


    Crono-sama raised his hand in a reserved manner.


    ''''Then I''ll........a hundred gold coins.


    Mr. Elaine.


    What is it?


    When Crono-sama called out, Elaine replied with a gentle smile.


    ''''Umm, I''d like to get along with Elaine-san?''''


    ''Oh, me too. But, as I said before, I''m not of such a generous nature as to allow myself to be scorned and to smile.


    ''The feeling is ... I don''t want to say it because I''d be offended if I said I could understand it, but I think this is a watershed moment.


    What does it mean?


    Elaine crossed her legs gracefully and narrowed her eyes to see what Master Crono meant.


    ''Can we get along or not?''


    What if we don''t get along?


    ''It''s going to be a shame. Oh, I don''t want to threaten you or anything, but I''m afraid you''ll have to be flexible enough to step back here to get along.


    Master Crono leaned forward and looked at Elaine.


    ''What if we could get along?''


    I''m building a harbor now.


    Master Crono said as he sank down on the sofa to cut through the small talk.


    ''Yes, I know,''


    ''I''m thinking of selling the rights to use the port on a monthly or yearly basis, but I''d like to do some trade myself!


    So?


    Elaine leaned forward and looked at Master Crono.


    ''Is it right to call me a hired manager, or is it kabushikigaisha?''


    Kabushiki, Guy, Shah... what''s that word?


    First, let''s say that Elaine is going into business. But she doesn''t have any money. So she seeks investors.


    Elaine and Miles both tilted their heads in wonder.


    ''After all, that''s not debt. I''m not sure what the prerequisites are, but there''s no way you can borrow money without collateral.''


    ''So I''ll lend you money against your business rights. I''ll get a share of the profits, and I''ll interfere in all sorts of ways with the management of the business, but basically, as long as you make a profit, I won''t complain.


    ''Hmmm,'' Elaine snorted.


    ''So you''re saying that Gabushiki Gaisha I''m just supposed to be in charge of management?��You have the right to fire me, and you must pay your share until you give up your rights or I buy them back.


    Intrigued, Elaine turned her gaze to Master Crono.


    ''''What''s your share?''''


    Not just half of the profit, but 30 percent?


    My share is going down!


    I''ve reduced my share.


    Oh, so you''re getting 30 percent.


    Elaine leaned forward and shouted, but she felt the deliciousness of her share being seventy percent, and sat back shallowly on the couch.


    ''It''s an interesting story, but I don''t see your true intentions,'' he said. Because if I can come up with that much money, I''d better start my own business.


    Sure, I have money, but I don''t have any connections or experience. Well, in terms of investors and hired managers, there''s a hierarchical relationship, but in the sense that they make up for what they don''t have, it''s a relationship of equality.


    Are whores and noblemen equal?


    Yes, as equals.


    Elaine and Crono-sama looked at each other with a smile on their faces.


    ''''I understand. I''m not going to forgive you for being scorned by the slave there, but I''ll put up with it because I want to get along with you. Now, here''s the business. As for the kabushiki gaishas, I want to move now.


    You''re a quick study.


    "Sold for a hundred and one gold pieces!


    After Master Crono and Elaine''s bargaining session, the host man announced the winning bid.


    *


    I.........it was after dark that me, Faye, Master Crono and Westa returned to the Marquis'' mansion.


    Since then, Crono-sama had decided to invest in Elaine using the kabushiki-geisha method, and it took some time to discuss it.


    When I went to the dwarf workshop to pick up the permit to become the source of the edition, I found Elaine receiving a large box from Master Crono.


    The amount of money that Master Crono is investing in Elaine is 10,000 gold coins... I know there are more than 50,000 gold coins of indeterminate use left in the vault of the Marquis'' mansion, but the sight of that was unbearably frustrating to me.


    As I stared at Elaine, who was riding away in her carriage, "d*mn it," I was beckoned by Master Crono.


    ''''Elena, from tomorrow, I''m going to put Westa in support.


    Do I have to take care of it?


    ''Yes, you will. I left my room next to Elena''s.


    Well Elena, it''s nice to meet you.


    Wester was wearing Master Crono''s cloak and crossing his arms to hide his chest.


    ''''Follow me as I show you to your room.


    I showed him where the work area, bathroom, and toilet were, and showed Wester to his room.


    The room was clean, but minimally furnished.


    ''For now, go change your clothes,''


    Yeah, I''m sorry.


    Lacking alertness, Wester changed into the prepared dress with an irritatingly slow movement.


    ''But thank goodness. Elena-chan is with me.


    No, not well.


    I looked down and shook my fist.


    ''Slave, slave!��I''m the property of Master Crono, and so is Westa!


    d*mn it, I said, scratching my hair.


    That woman reminded me that I''m a slave because of her.


    ''''Um, Elena-chan, I''m sorry for the terrible thing I did.


    I glared at him and Westa looked down as if he was frightened.


    ''He did that to me, man, a lot of things. At first I was so scared that he was going to hit me, and I felt miserable, and I was disgusted... and that wasn''t all.


    I always thought I was a masochist, but was that really all I had in mind?


    What I was really afraid of was the possibility of being dumped.


    That''s why I was relieved to know that I was worthy of being a woman, even though I said I didn''t like it.


    I thought I had gotten a place by myself, but I think I was just under the protection of Crono-sama from the moment we met.


    ''''........my room is next door.


    Elena!


    Ignoring Westa''s voice, I went back to my room.


    Then I spent some time in a daze.


    I had a meal in the servants'' dining room and was hanging around the Marquis'' mansion because I was somehow having trouble getting back to my room.


    ........


    Princess Tilia walked lightly in front of me.


    The smell of soap softly tickled my nostrils.


    Why does she look so happy?��As I stared at her back, Tilia said, the princess stopped dead in her tracks and came back in front of me.


    ''What can I do for you?''


    I''m not here for anything. I just thought it would be fun.


    Mm, fun.


    Princess Tilia turned her chest back to show off her size.


    ''You don''t sound like fun. If it''s okay with me I''m sorry. As you know, I must now serve as a nightie. But if you''re willing to give up your turn at nightgown duty, I''ll be happy to discuss it with you.


    Hmmm, I groaned.


    I don''t think I''ll get any sympathy from this man if I ask him for advice.


    I feel that counseling is something you do because you want comfort and affirmation of yourself, and if you don''t get any comfort or affirmation, you''ll suffer even more damage.


    ''Yes, would you be willing to talk to me about it?''


    Mm, I''m on it.


    Maybe it was out of desperation that I decided to talk to Princess Tilia about it.


    A place where I could talk to her calmly I thought of my work room.


    I showed Princess Tilia to her work room and arranged the chairs so that they were facing each other.


    "What the hell is bothering you?


    ''I had a fight with a nasty woman today, and I was reminded of my position. I''m a slave, protected by Master Crono, and I''m so helpless that I can''t defend my friends or be stubborn.


    ''Mu,'' said Princess Tilia with a difficult look on her face.


    ''''Mmmm, what''s wrong with realizing your helplessness?''''


    ''I''m a slave. I''m Master Crono''s property, protected, and I thought I''d earned my place on my own without even realizing it.


    Mmmm, said the Princess Tilia, raising her eyebrows.


    I regretted from the bottom of my heart that I had asked the wrong person for advice.


    ''''Well you''re Crono''s slave and in charge of accounting for Crono''s territory, right?��As a slave, you''re Crono''s property, and as an accountant, you''re a vital person in the management of the estate, so isn''t it only natural for Crono to protect you?


    I''m afraid that Master Crono will leave me if he torments me, but I feel safe when he holds me.


    That''s just the way it is.


    Huh?��I opened my eyes.


    ''When Crono locked me out of the room, I was terrified, you know. I was afraid of being tied up and blindfolded, and I was afraid of being compared to other women. But when they hold me, I feel safe. Isn''t that normal?


    I don''t think it''s normal to be tied up or blindfolded.


    ''Mm-hm,'' said Princess Tilia, nodding repeatedly.


    ''''The reason I''m afraid is because I''m serious. When I serve as a nightgowner, I can''t use my bloodline, my ability to study, my skill with swords, my ability to use divine arts... all the things I used to rely on. When it comes to nightlife, I''m a one-man race on my bed. It doesn''t matter if I''m a slave, half-elf, or commoner. So it''s fun and scary.


    ....


    This man is more serious than I thought.


    He is seriously in love with Master Crono and really wants to compete with us.


    Elaine said she is proud to be a whore.


    I''m not proud of being a slave.


    But I''m serious.


    I''m sure the woman had to go through some hard times to get to where she is now.


    But I''ve seen hell, too.


    I''ve suffered setbacks that have made it impossible to hold on to anything.


    I may be a slave, but I''m a survivor.


    That''s something I''m not going to let you deny.


    The rest is history. Faye seems to think of you as a friend. It''s a relief to have someone who loves you in your situation. Well, I''m leaving. Crono is waiting for me. And then you''ll have to keep your promise to give up your turn at the nightlife.


    Princess Tyria said as she wound up and left the room.


    *


    The next day, I used the printmaking machine to print up the permit.


    The actual printing was done by Wester, but it was so convenient that I wondered if there was a need to make a printmaking machine.


    I felt that hand printing was enough without a printmaking machine.


    Well, we can''t have a newbie westerner do complicated things, so it''s best for him to learn the flow of work while doing chores.


    I took the printed permit and headed for Crono-sama''s office.


    Since Crono-sama''s bedroom is upstairs, I ran into Princess Tilia, who somehow walked with a slight inner-temperedness.


    ''....Oh, what do you want?


    Well, it doesn''t sound like fun.


    With a huff, Princess Tyria smiled.


    The Cronos looked like they were having fun.


    Where is Princess Tyria?


    I can''t believe they even gagged me!


    Princess Tilia collapsed to the spot and held her head in her hands.


    It was almost like she could hear a lament like that, "Ororo~n, Ororo~n.


    ''''Wow, good thing I can''t say it back, obscene, obscene words!��Nuh-uh!��Cow, of all people!


    Princess Tyria seemed to have stood up to it on her own and was cruelly defeated.


    Probably she was told that she had breasts like a cow, or this spoiled milk, or something like that, like a cow would be better than a cow just to produce milk.


    Leaving Princess Tilia writhing in agony, I went to the Crono-sama''s office.


    "I''m coming in.


    Come in.


    When I entered the office, Master Crono was working diligently.


    ''Sign the permission slip,''


    Okay.


    As I put the stack of papers on the desk, Master Crono set aside the stack of papers he was reading and began to sign.


    ''What''s that?''


    ''Hmmm, didn''t Dr. Arthur start officer training?��So they turned in a report on the ideas that came up in class.


    Heh, I replied appropriately.


    ''''Well, I''ve got some interesting ideas,''''


    Hmm. I just saw Princess Tilia earlier... do you have something against Princess Tilia?


    "During a drill at the military academy, a fully armed Tilia chased me with a horse. We weren''t even given a proper armament and then they backhanded us and that thing was definitely going to kill us.


    Yeah.


    I was going to cover for you last night because you were a sounding board, but there''s no way to follow up if you''re holding a grudge.


    How''s Westa doing?


    Don''t expect it to be an instant success.


    Well, I''ll wait patiently.


    There was the sound of crunching letters.


    I wasn''t sure if I should say thank you, but I didn''t say anything.

 36-Episode 5 "Senior Officer Education"

    *


    Arthur Wiseman was an assistant teacher at a military school.


    His main job was to take care of failing students, which was a reasonably busy job, but not so busy that he didn''t have time to take a break.


    It was in the past that he was an assistant teacher and wasn''t busy.


    Now Arthur was the only person in Crono''s territory who made a living as a teacher, and he spent his days teaching studies from morning to night and preparing for classes until midnight.


    His employer, Crono, wants to train people, but he is clueless as to what kind of people are needed to run the estate and how to train them.


    After much deliberation, Arthur decided on a policy of training officers through tactical education, and he intended to give officer training to his second-in-command, Layla, Deneb, Alideed, White, Hiilo, cavalry captain Kane, and cavalryman Faye, and teach reading, writing, and arithmetic to Taiga and Nasr, who were promoted later than them.


    Incidentally, Goldie, a dwarven centurion, had acquired minimal academic skills during his apprenticeship and was in the process of training his workshop work and his men as artisans, so he excluded them from officer training.


    His officer training for the eight men is progressing well, but if he doesn''t, he will have to give up his days off to work.


    The reason is that they are busy.


    The result is as expected.


    Even an idiot could understand that this would happen if he tried to teach five hundred and twenty soldiers to study by himself.


    Of course, even Arthur knew this, but even if he knew, there were things he had to do.


    To begin with, it all started when one beastman asked me to teach him how to study.


    That beastman was an old soldier who had become Crono''s subordinate last May ... around the time the Holy Argo Kingdom had invaded beyond the Coma Forest.


    Arthur was more surprised than impressed by his willingness to learn.


    No, it would be more accurate to say he was puzzled than surprised.


    When Arthur puzzled and asked for instructions, Crono easily allowed him to teach him to study.


    Can my friends come with me?��He asked, and Arthur nodded without thinking too much about it.


    That was a bad idea.


    Friends called friends, and before he knew it, their numbers had swelled to five hundred and ten.


    They had been looking for an opportunity to get an education for a long time, apparently, but it was difficult for them to ask Crono to teach them to study, and they didn''t feel comfortable asking the priest of the Yellow Earth Temple to do so.


    He could have refused, but his guilt was stimulated by the sight of the beastly man hanging his tail without power with Kyu~n.


    Then he saw them happily calling Arthur, sir, sir, and made the decision to go with the flow and die.


    Afterwards, Arthur bowed to the people and got ready for class.


    Since they were working as soldiers and could only study on their off-duty days, he decided to hold the classes in the morning and afternoon so that even those who had been in charge of the night shift the day before could attend the classes.


    From their point of view, it was only a half-day class once a week.


    Next, with the help of an apprentice clerk, Wester, I printed the textbooks.


    Since it was difficult to print enough textbooks for all the students, we decided to print forty-five textbooks at a time, including the number of students in the class and a few extra ones.


    The textbooks were easy to make because we had a version of them.


    Momotaro, Old Man Hanasaka, Mt. Kachi Kachi, Monkey Crab Battle... According to Goldie, who kept the editions, Crono created them, but I wondered why the characters were so strangely miserable.


    He had prepared a sand box to practice his letters and a stone to memorize numbers... and finally, he had gotten his appearance in order.


    Looking back on those turbulent two weeks, Arthur entered the classroom.......one of the rooms in the Marquis'' mansion.


    It was a room that Crono had opened up as a classroom, with two rows of long desks lined up in the center, two horizontal and three vertical rows of chairs and bookshelves.


    The eight cadets are provided with free quills and ink and are allowed to take books out of the room.


    ''''........Sensei, it''s too late~''''


    I''ve gotten tired of waiting.


    It took me a little while to prepare.


    Arthur replied to the boo-booing and complaining twin elves, scratching his head.


    The girls were seated in the second row on the corridor side beside him.


    If you don''t have enough help, I can help.


    Yes, sir.


    It was Leila and Faye sitting in the front row on the corridor side of the room who made the honors statement.


    ''''No, I''m sure you guys are tired, too.


    It is a fact.


    They are soldiers, they train and exercise from morning to evening, even instructing recruits, and at night they receive officer training.


    ''Where were we yesterday?''


    "Thirty years ago, the upheaval was at an end." (Gawgaw!)


    "Get rid of the barbarians." (GAW!)


    White and Hiilo, sitting in the front row by the window, bark at the desk.


    A book is placed open on the desk.


    This book is also a supply. The book, named a notebook, has no writing in it, and the candidates write in the material Arthur has prepared and the content of the class.


    At the military school, they had to memorize the contents of the lessons, but this is an idea unique to the territory of Crono, where paper is a speciality.


    ''''Ah, barbarians, barbarians. The barbarians who invaded the empire during the upheaval are a matriarchal society and have a different culture than the empire.


    "Do you not believe in the Six Pillar God?


    They believe in the six-colored spirits.


    The answer to Faye''s question came from Kane, who was sitting in the last row by the window.


    ''They seem to think ... that every stone lying around out there has a genie in it.


    You know your stuff. They also use a special kind of magic called engraving.


    What kind of magic is the Mark of the Transfiguration? Bumpy?


    At the end of the corridor side, the second-in-command ... Mino said.


    ''Is it close to a tattoo?��Normally you can''t see it, but when I use the imprinting technique, a glowing pattern emerges.


    It was as if space itself had been torn apart, as if they were carving life into the world.


    I thought it was beautiful.


    Knowing that it was the light that gave him death, Arthur was still struck by the sight.


    ''Depending on the color of the imprinting technique, different attributes can be manipulated. For example, red would be fire, green would be wind, and black would be a significant enhancement to your physical abilities.


    The barbarians, the ones that Master Crono''s father chased off to the Areos Mountains, right?


    I''m amazed you can get rid of these people.


    ''Sure, they used different magic than the Empire, but they weren''t as numerous. Of course, it wasn''t just the difference in military strength, but also the fact that they could only get their sustenance from hunting and looting.


    The Cepheus army required 1,000 grams of wheat, 150 grams of meat and 12 grams of salt per day for each soldier. 5,000 grams of barley, 4,000 grams of hay and 4,000 grams of straw per day for a horse.


    Cepheus'' empire hadn''t fought in any wars for decades and therefore tended to take provisions lightly, but Arthur''s own experience had taught him the importance of provisions.


    ''''You don''t need to fight to eat a meal.'''' (Bumo~)


    Oh, and I thought I was going to die hungry all the way back to the Empire.


    Being hungry makes you feel drained... I mean, Master Crono is a weak man, but he was cheering everyone up right up to the end.


    Mino, Deneb, and Alideed said sincerely.


    ''It was bad enough when the heavy cavalry came around us in the hills, wasn''t it?


    I''m not to be underestimated, horse.


    Well it''s not only horses that are to be reckoned with, sir.


    Faye''s lips twitched in frustration.


    In fact, you can''t underestimate the mobility of a horse.


    ''Oh!��That is, if we archers are on horseback!


    ''You''re super invincible at long range with your horse''s maneuverability and long range attacks!


    It''s a childlike idea, Arthur said, looking at Deneb and Alideed.


    But the idea of an archer with the mobility of a cavalryman was interesting.


    ''But is it okay for a sub-human to ride a horse?


    I''m sure Crono-sama will take it easy.


    We have an extra horse.


    The number of horses in the stables of the Marquis'' mansion is thirty, twenty-one of them belong to the cavalry, but the remaining nine horses are in the air.


    ''''That''s good. To tell the truth, it''s been tougher to make the rounds since we gained territory. The more men who can ride horses, the better.


    Kane agreed with Deneb and Alideed''s suggestion.


    ''Dr. Arthur, please give Master Crono my best wishes!


    "Dr. Arthur, I''d like to try my hand at making something alcoholic.


    As an added bonus, Mino also said to Arthur.


    "Alcohol?


    "With the flaming water that Master Crono made.


    They went off on a tangent, wanting to do this or that, but Arthur didn''t interrupt them.


    If they were indulging in chit-chat, but they were serious about it.


    Rather, isn''t it my role to make use of their ideas?


    The next day, when Arthur left lunch early to visit his office, Crono was staring at a paper that looked like a report with a difficult look on his face.


    ''What are you reading, Mr Crono?''


    Silva''s report. Apparently, we didn''t get a good response from the territorial residents to set up the Silva-type multi-storey salt field.


    That may be the case, Arthur nodded.


    The Silva-style three-dimensional salt field is a wonderful invention, but the idea is too new to be accepted by the lords of Count Caddo''s territory, I guess.


    ''''If it fails, I think I''ll be compensated for it.......but it seems that the Caddo Count territory had never made salt before, so it''s difficult to draw a line between where it''s a success and where it''s a failure.


    Yeah, that''s a tough one.


    From Arthur''s point of view, Crono has a sweet disposition, but he doesn''t seem to be naive enough to promise compensation when he doesn''t have the numbers to judge success or failure.


    ''''Then why don''t you leave it to the lizardmen and minotaurs who are engaged in port building first? I don''t like to say it this way, but if they know it''s going to be profitable, I''m sure the territorial residents will be willing to help themselves.


    I knew it would take some time to catch on.


    Crono let out a sigh and shifted his gaze from the report to Arthur.


    ''By the way what can I do for you?''


    Actually, I''m thinking of creating a new kind of army to maintain the security of the territory.


    Is this a new breed of weapon?


    Crono''s eyes widened in surprise.


    He had made some minor suggestions in the past, but a new type of soldier seemed to be out of the realm of his imagination.


    ''''It was Deneb-kun and Aridide-kun''s idea. An archer with the mobility of a horse I''m going to call it an archer-cavalryman....................


    Arthur said, and Crono crossed his arms thoughtfully.


    ''Where''s Kane?''


    Kane, you know I''d have your blessing.


    If he agrees, I don''t see why I should object.


    Can it be such an easy decision?��And Arthur couldn''t hide his confusion at Crono''s quick decision.


    ''''Well then, Mino, you want to make alcohol.


    Alcohol?��Well, it''s relatively easy to make if you boil down wine or beer in a distiller... but are you going to use it as a weapon?


    Crono punctuated his words as if he was thinking on the way out, as if he had an idea.


    ''Yes, that''s not a problem either.''


    To be honest, Arthur was disappointed when the creation of the new breed of soldiers and the refining of alcohol was approved so easily.


    ''''The distillers are in Goldie''s workshop, so please use them with caution.


    I''ll be careful.


    After retiring from his office, Arthur went to the workshop in the garden of the Marquis'' mansion.


    Khan, Khan, the sound of hammering.


    ''Lord Wiseman. What can I do for you?


    He asked to borrow my stills to make some alcohol.


    ''Ooh, a distiller!��I''ll bring it to you in a minute!


    As soon as Goldie entered the workshop, he returned with a metal vessel in his arms.


    ''This is a distiller?''


    That''s right.


    Arthur held up the distiller he had received from Goldie.


    The teardrop-shaped distiller had a box-like component attached to the tip, with a tube extending downward from it.


    ''How do I use this?''


    If you put the liquor in here and heat it up, the alcohol will come out the end of the tube.


    It heats up ........In other words, you can''t use it indoors?


    That said, I''d prefer not to build a fire inside the Marquis'' residence.


    It''s a portable oven.


    Oh, hello there.


    The next thing that was handed to me was a cylindrical metal vessel.


    However, it was not a complete tube, as part of the sides had been cut off.


    ''Here''s the frame.


    This is all over the place.


    The last thing they gave me was a metal frame to support the distillery.


    It was originally used to extract the essential oil used to perfume the soap.


    Yeah.


    You make weapons and armor, farming tools, paper, printmaking machines and everything else, Arthur said as he left the workshop.


    After his afternoon class, Arthur was building a fire in the garden of the Marquis'' mansion using a portable furnace.


    He poured the liquor he had been given to share from the kitchen into the distillery and sent the wind towards the portable furnace.


    ''This portable hearth will make it a lot easier for us to build our encampment.


    "''Ugh!��Doctor, it''s too early today!


    The first to arrive were the sisters Deneb and Alideed.


    They were both covered in dust and smelled somewhat sweaty.


    ''If you don''t mind, I can take your place?''


    Yes, please.


    Instead of Leila, who was covered in dust, Arthur stood up and twisted his hips lightly.


    ''What are you doing, sir?''


    "Moonshine?


    I was making alcohol.


    Seeing the drips almost dripping from the end of the tube, Arthur hurriedly caught it in his cup.


    ''Oh!''��That''s alcohol!


    It burns!��Fire, I''ll bring the fire!


    Deneb and Aridid took the cup from him and brought the thin, lit tree branch closer.


    A bobbing blue light came on and quickly disappeared.


    ''Whoa!��Super neat!


    I mean, it''s amazing how much water burns!


    With a sideways glance at Deneb and Alideed, Arthur catches the alcohol dripping from the tube with his replacement cup.


    ''''I''m sorry for the delay.'''' (Bumo~)


    He was followed by his second in command, Mino, Shiro, Hiilo, Faye and Kane.


    "Mmm, we''re late.


    You can''t blame them. It''s important to have an officer''s education, but it''s the end of the world if you neglect your day job. You graduated from a military school and received a knighthood, but you don''t have much to learn?


    I''ve never enjoyed military school so much, sir.


    Faye''s lips quirked up in a sulk as Kane scratched his head in rebuttal.


    ''You had an officer''s education at the military school, didn''t you?''


    The lessons are different from here. It was more like a review of the swordsmanship and horsemanship that they had learned. I think they also learned about the consumption of military provisions and military horse fodder, but mainly they learned about the manner of nobility.


    Faye puffed out her chest proudly.


    ''''What do you mean by ''aristocratic savvy''?


    ''On the battlefield, the nobleman must fight valiantly and stay on the field of battle to the end of his honor!


    "''It''s a lie!��And it''s super false!


    Faye said, and Deneb and Alideed leaned forward and shouted.


    ''Ugh, it''s not a lie!


    We got sidelined in a fight last year!


    ''''I mean, he pushed me around on the last battlefield, too!


    Mmmm, Faye was silenced by the two swordsmen.


    ''''Ku, Crono-sama remains,''''


    No, Master Crono... right?


    Yeah, I''ll make an exception.


    Deneb and Alideed gesture to move something to the side.


    The alcohol is ready.


    "Fire, fire, fire, I''m lighting a fire!


    He divides the alcohol in half, places one half on the ground, and passes the other to one of the twin elves.......he can''t tell if he''s Deneb or Ariddead.......


    When I bring the fire closer, a bobbing blue flame lights up.


    Oh~!��All of them shouted in admiration, "How can you convert it into a weapon?


    ''How will you convert it into a weapon, sir?


    "That''s because we''ll set it loose and then set it on fire with magic.


    ''Then why don''t you just use witchcraft without making alcohol?''


    ''Mmmm,'' the three earnest men groaned as they looked down at the pale flame.


    ''''You could use it to replace the oil in the lamp, couldn''t you?''''


    ''Why not just throw a lamp wick into a jar filled with alcohol?


    How easy is it to break a jar? Bumpy?


    But glass bottles are expensive.


    ''All three of us only think of using it as a weapon.'' (Gawgaw)


    White rushed into the three of them as they ignored Kane''s suggestion and proceeded with the discussion.


    ''''........Guh!


    It wasn''t long after that that I heard a cry of anguish.


    When I turned around, I saw that one half of the twin elves had nearly fallen to the ground.


    ".......My throat is burning!


    What are you doing?


    Leila runs up to one half of the twin elves, who are holding their throats and thrashing about.


    ''Oh, I drank alcohol and then suddenly I started suffering!


    Have you been drinking?


    Faye, the art of divine might!


    God, we ask for a miracle of detoxification!


    Kane shouted, and Faye held out her hand to the elf holding her throat down.


    Gopo, gopo, and black bubbles spilled and popped from the palm of Faye''s hand.


    ''Nah, it''s kind of poisonous that way, too!


    That''s not very polite!


    ...something about my stomach and my cheeks are hot.


    Limping, one half of the twin elves lay on the ground.


    ''Hey, it''s not working!


    Is this a new kind of poison?


    I''m going to die. I''m alive.


    For God''s sake, we''re all alone!


    The twin elves held each other''s hands tightly.


    ''''Well I had a rogue life, but meeting Crono-sama saved me a bit?''''


    He smiled a transparent smile.


    ''I guess my regret is that I didn''t get to be godfather to Lady Crono and Leila''s child. Since they''re both children, how about Chlorella?


    How''s that?��If you ask me... I''d like you to name it something a little more appropriate.


    Why, you look so healthy!��Like this greenish!


    The other elf, the one who was safe, stared at Leila with tears in his eyes.


    ''''When I die, you will complete the observation diary of Crono-sama that I am writing...........................proof that I lived.


    "Hey, that''s a typo in the cover title!��And future generations will remember my name as an idiot!


    Hey, switch the cover!


    O~n, O~n, White and Hiilo howled to the heavens.


    ''''Well what are you guys doing?��Even though it''s spring, it''s still cold at night. Ahhh, it''s warm.


    What a pacey way to go!


    As soon as Crono left the Marquis'' mansion, he warmed himself up with a portable fireplace.


    ''''Master Crono!��This is no time for warmth!


    "Deneb wants to meet Aride.��Anyway, I''ve been drinking a lot of alcohol! (BUMO!)


    "He is in pain!��Since it doesn''t seem to be dying easily, I''ll ask Master Crono to intervene!


    Master Crono''s arms will only prolong your suffering.


    Crono rolled his eyes in surprise as he received an all-out attack from the four of them.


    ''''What?��Did you drink that much?


    Half a cup, Mr. Crono.


    That''s not going to kill you.


    It''s not too late to be a relief.


    ''It''s not comforting,'' said Crono, waving his hands from side to side as if in denial.


    ''Alcohol, in short ... is the intoxicating component of alcohol, you know?��That''s right, if you drink too much, you''ll die, but half a cup won''t kill you.


    General, you''re not going to die? (Bum?)


    It won''t kill you. I''ll have a drink if you want.


    The air was reassured by Crono''s words, and the air relaxed at once.


    ''Well, seriously, are you sure you''re not going to die?��And I don''t want to be pocked off tomorrow morning!


    So you''re not going to die.


    However, the person who drank it seemed to be anxious and stuffed Crono.


    ''Alideed is a worrier, isn''t he?''


    I could tell the difference!


    Master Crono, you are not to be underestimated!


    The twin elves backed away as if they had been touched by something hot.


    ''Where''s the point of telling them apart? (Bum?)


    ''Arideed is the one who gets carried away quickly and Deneb is the one who is a little more thoughtful. Is it Arideed who drinks alcohol?��I''m just trying to trick you.


    Mino asked, and Crono cowered his shoulders and said.


    The next day, the training of the bow horsemen began.


    Leila, Deneb, Aridid, Nasr.............................and four other elves and half-elves were chosen as the arch cavalry.


    Kane will be in charge of training the bow cavalry, and in his absence, the Fae will lead the cavalry.


    This was to give Faye some experience from now on, and to prepare for the increase in cavalry.


    After the first day''s training, Leila, Deneb, and Alideed looked dirtier than yesterday.


    ''''Seh, my back hurts.''''


    Huh, my thighs.


    ....


    Deneb and Alideed were propped up on their desks and complained of pain, and Leila looked somewhat emaciated as well.


    ''''How''s the alcohol?''''


    ...We made the weapon with Leila''s input, but...


    "The jar is unbreakable.


    "We are the Fireworkers.


    Mino, White, and Hiilo, whose body hair was scorched, hung their heads helplessly.


    ''It''s going to be years before I''m able to ride and fight on a horse.


    ''But Leila was able to ride, wasn''t she?��Did Master Crono teach you horsemanship privately?


    ''I understand that Master Crono is not very good at horsemanship.


    He wasn''t good at swordplay or sorcery as well as horsemanship, but Arthur kept silent, considering Crono''s face.


    ''We''ll just have to sit back and take our time, won''t we?


    In the meantime, you will think up your archer''s tactics.


    I''m thinking about it.


    Deneb and Alideed stood up, pulling and shaking, as if in pain.


    ''''The secret technique I opened my eyes to after repeated idle battles with Crono-sama!


    You know, Master Crono has a plan.


    Maybe it was Aridid who was high on tension and Deneb who plunged in.


    ''''Secret technique!��Pretend you ran away!


    ".............................


    Despite being indoors, an icy wind passed by.


    What a very Crono-like strategy.


    ''''First, we will attack the enemy!��And then the enemy will come after us!


    Just fight and run!


    Run, run and lead them to the ambush point!


    We''re all going to attack!


    What happens if the enemy turns back on the road?


    Of course we''re going to turn around and put an arrow in his unprotected back!


    When Kane plunged in, Deneb and Alideed said it was obvious.


    It''s hell to go forward and hell to go back.


    It''s a typical Crono strategy, after all.


    "Do this on horseback.


    Like we could damage the enemy''s army and disrupt the formation at the same time!


    ...It''s not a fair fight, is it?


    Faye muttered, and Deneb and Alideed looked at each other.


    ''And I can''t say cowardice or anything else to survive!


    The Cronos aren''t going to be happy to see us dead.


    Bash!��And Deneb and Alideed slammed the desk.


    ''Be prepared to die for Master Crono!


    ''That''s how I''m going to survive!��This is our loyalty!


    Oh!��And all of them, except Deneb and Alideed, clapped their hands in admiration.


    ''No, if you say you''d die for Lady Crono,''


    It''s like a shocked Master Crono ran away from me.


    It''s a typical response to say that it''s typical of Chrono.


    *


    When I left class that day, I walked out of the classroom to find Eryl standing there.


    ''What can I do for you?''


    The Marquis of Erakis has asked me to give him a message. Teacher Arthur Wiseman is to report to his office after class.


    When he finished, Eryll turned his back on Arthur as if he was done with his business.


    Arthur hurried to the office, sticking his wand in the air, thinking that since he was calling him to the office at this hour, he must have something urgent to do.


    As he knocked and entered the office, Crono exhaled heavily and looked at Arthur.


    ''I''m sorry you''re so tired,''


    I don''t mind.


    A silence suddenly descends.


    As I was thinking about that, if it''s hard to say, I should cut it out of my end, Crono took out a letter from his desk drawer.


    ''''Actually I have an order, or rather a request, for you to participate in the defeat of the barbarian tribes on the southern frontier.


    It''s a funny story.


    It is orders that are used to summon soldiers like Crono, not recommendations for voluntary action.


    ''''I also received a letter from Count Ernat......This is something like recommending me for the defeat of the barbarians.


    I see, Arthur agreed.


    Well, it may be that the psychology of not wanting to cause a backlash from the new nobles by giving orders to Crono, who suffered heavy losses in the January war, is at work.


    ''''If you don''t like it, you can just say no, right?''''


    ''I''ve thought about that, but I have my father''s estate on the southern frontier, and I owe Count Ernat two large debts.


    Apparently, Crono is going to follow his admonition.


    How many soldiers are you going to take with you?


    ''''Umm, it doesn''t say how many people should come.


    Late April of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-one.......Crono went to the battlefield again.

 37-Episode 6 "City of Flowers"

    *


    In May of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-one.......Crono was looking at the fields to the south of Hachel.


    There were three fields a hundred meters on one side, one with tree branches growing out of it, and the remaining two were beet fields.


    The seeds had been successfully sown and lovely green leaves were growing out of the ground.


    Huh?��Crono tilted his head.


    Strange.


    There are two beet fields even though they were used to grow trees for paper material.


    ''''........Mr. Sion?''''


    How are you doing?


    When Crono asked, Theon also tilted his head curiously.


    ''''What about growing clover?''''


    Yes, it''s not a problem. But there''s a rumor going around that feeding clover to cattle improves their growth, and, you know, there are other things that can improve milk production. I didn''t check it out that well when I tried it.


    Theon looked down and shook his shoulders, as if he was blaming himself.


    ''I don''t understand the logic, but I guess I shouldn''t worry about it.


    Is that so?


    As Crono looked out into the field with Sion, there was a small click.


    When he turned around, he saw Tyga standing there, fully equipped.


    His armor was new, and two pouches were worn on his waist belt.


    The contents of the pouches are a set of first aid tools and hard bread.


    "Crono-sama, we''re ready to leave, that we are." (Gau)


    ''I''ll be there in a minute. Mr. Zion, you take care of the fields and run the poorhouse.


    When I walked out to the place where the gate was along the city wall, there was one box wagon, ten covered wagons, and seven cavalrymen lined up to surround the area.


    Six of the seven horsemen were light cavalry led by Fay, and the remaining one was Leila, who had made a brilliant job change from archer to archer cavalry.


    Leila is equipped with a short machine-gun bow, which Goldie had stored in the workshop''s warehouse.


    Compared to the machine-crafted bows equipped by archers, the range and destructive power are inferior to the machine-crafted bows equipped by archers, but it is said to have the power to penetrate steel armor at close range.


    I don''t expect just one archer cavalryman to affect the outcome of the battle, but Leila has excellent eyesight, so she would work perfectly as a scout.


    In addition, there are forty infantry led by Taiga and ten elven and half-elven archers.


    ''''Mmmm ... why do I have to stay home?


    Tilia, do you understand your position?


    Tyria walked up to Crono and her lips twitched in frustration.


    ''''My role is to strengthen our relationship with the new nobility.


    ''No, I think that''s probably on the same level of construction as a relocation treatment. But if they haven''t assassinated you, do you think they''re swimming in use value?


    Hey, you can''t just sit here and tell me to assassinate me in front of him!


    Tilia''s face turned red and she yelled at him.


    ''For the most part, you''re not delirious!��Last night!��Even last night you could have been a little nicer to me.


    Tilia''s cheeks tinted with embarrassment and she muttered in frustration.


    ''I can''t wait for you to come back,''


    It was Kane who approached me next.


    I won''t be back for at least two months.


    As Crono said, Kane let out a deep sigh and scratched his hair.


    ''''Why don''t you leave the acting lord to Dr. Weissman or the Princess over there?


    It''s Kane who says such things and does his job well.


    ''If you''re such an industrious person, how could you be a bandit?


    Don''t worry about me. Just come back alive.


    I''ll be fine.


    It was Faye who responded to Kane''s line.


    ''Crono-sama is mine to protect.


    You got beaten up by bandits for saying that?


    It will not be the same as it was then!


    Faye said, thumping her chest out on the horse.


    ''Come on, let''s get on with it.


    Opening the door to the boxcarriage, the landlady, who was less exposed than usual, said.


    ''You''re fired up, aren''t you?''


    Crono said as he got into the boxcarriage and looked at the landlady.


    ''It''s been a long time since I''ve been home, you know.


    Is the landlady from the southern frontier?


    I don''t remember telling you. I met her husband who was a soldier when he worked at the castle. I was transferred to the Marquis of Erakis, so I chased him down and seduced him. I was also young at the time.


    Crono looked at the landlady who looked embarrassed, wondering if the two of them had built the restaurant together after struggling from there.


    ''''Well I''m sorry I did that to your husband.


    Why should you feel sorry for yourself?


    We were in love for the first time in a long while and I couldn''t get along with her.


    Crono stared at her and said, and the landlady''s face turned red and her mouth snapped up.


    ''Nah, nah, what are you talking about!


    The landlady turned away from Crono.


    ''Come on, let''s get going.''


    Crono muttered, stroking his right eye as he closed the door to the boxcarriage.


    *


    The ten city-states that exist in the northeast of the Cepheus Empire, between the Bethel Mountains and the sea, are collectively called the Free City-State Complex.


    The establishment of the Free City-States dates back to the 400th year of the imperial calendar.


    At that time, the Cepheus Empire was divided into two factions, the Imperial Brotherhood and the Imperial Brotherhood, which were waging a civil war, but the ten noblemen who ruled the territory in the northeastern part of the empire did not want to join either camp.


    They only made their move after the barbarians invaded the empire, adding to the chaos.


    No, even before that, they had been making preparations behind the scenes to fulfill their objectives.


    That goal was independence from the Empire.


    But they are no fools.


    They understood that even if they controlled a key point of transportation and possessed vast wealth, it would mean nothing if they didn''t have the ability to defend it.


    First of all, they pigeonholed the troops stationed there.


    However, the army at that time was maintained by the lord''s private funds, so they raised the terms of employment to avoid turning to the empire and only eliminated those who were likely to betray them.


    Next, in the name of self-defense, he hired barbarians who lived in the Bethel Mountains as mercenaries to increase his strength.


    Apparently, there were not a few who rebelled because of their historical history of being driven into the Bethel Mountains at the dawn of the Cepheus Empire, but they chose to live as mercenaries to escape poverty.


    Then they declared their independence.


    They formed economic and military alliances and built up a power that was called the Free City State Cluster.


    Later, of the ten noblemen, some prospered as merchants, some took the daughters of merchants as their wives, and some fell and were deprived of their positions.


    Considering the fact that all the nobles had close ties to the merchants, it is easy to see who really wanted independence.


    Based on the above, it could be said that the sphere of influence of the economic and military alliance is the free city-state group.


    Well, these people might say that they are the free city-state cluster, but Elaine met the eleven pairs of eyes with a gentle smile.


    Yimei, the city on the eastern edge of the Free City State Cluster, was a city that had long prospered in the trade of spices and silk.


    Elaine is in a room in a mansion in the center of Ymay.


    The mansion is also the residence of Soke, a former nobleman of the Cepheus Empire and the ruler of the merchant guild in Ymay.


    A spacious room with a dizzyingly high ceiling and even a chill in the air.......A horseshoe-shaped desk is placed in the center, and Soke is seated in the center of the Free City State group, with ten men sitting solidly on either side of him.


    The ten men, including Salk, are the heads of each city-state and the guild masters who control all the merchants of the city-states.


    Although there are differences in the products they handle, what they do is basically the same.


    They surround the artisans and control the merchants, setting the prices of their goods in the name of coexistence and co-prosperity, and exiling any artisans and merchants who disobey them in any way possible.


    That''s what the guildmaster of the merchants'' guild is like.


    By the way, there is no seat for Elaine.


    Elaine is not the head of the city-state, and it seems that the theory is that even if you say guild master, you are only uniting the limited profession of a prostitute.


    If that logic is correct, the guild master of the mercenary guild would not have the qualifications to sit in the seat, but prostitutes and mercenaries are said to contribute differently to the free city-states.


    Elaine didn''t crack a gentle smile as she thought that she should just say that she didn''t like the fact that prostitutes were standing shoulder to shoulder with them.


    It would be more convenient now if they thought she was defending her position, and she wasn''t going to give even the most trivial information to the old men of the sea and mountains.


    Information is worth as much as money.


    Even now, she is still doing the same things she did when she was a mere prostitute, only on a larger scale.


    She gathers information from the Free City States and the breathtaking whorehouses in the Cepheus Empire and sells it to someone who will buy it at a high price.


    ''''........How was the situation in the Marquess of Erakis?''''


    Not much has changed.


    ''I wish you''d say one of those laborious words,'' Elaine replied to Salk.


    ''That is not what I am asking!��I''m asking you how the paper was!


    The old man sitting on the edge of the desk turned red and shouted.


    The old man........Trowa Craft exports paper to the Cepheus Empire.


    They don''t only deal in paper, but they recognize Crono as a business enemy.


    ''''I don''t think we need to worry about it.��When I say I make paper, I mean I have a small workshop in the garden of the Marquis'' house.


    Now, Elaine added in her mind.


    The paper workshops in Crono have a limited amount of production, but if they set up a larger workshop than they do now, or if the process is made public and they start producing paper all over the Empire, no one will buy paper from Trowa.


    ''''I heard you also make sugar?''''


    Salk says, and wham!��And someone shuddered.


    ''Yes, it sounds like they''re making it. From what Miles has told me, they''ve surrounded the priests in the Ochre Temple with them.


    Not only that, but they make salt, Elaine adds in her mind.


    Neither of those things is a problem right now, but if the area of the fields that produce the vegetables used to make sugar increases, the guilds that deal in sugar will be hit hard, and if they start exporting salt to the Holy Argo Kingdom, the guilds that deal in salt will also be hit hard.


    In other words, the more Crono made his territory prosperous, the more the guilds of the Free City State group would decline.


    ''''........I heard that Marquis Erakis is a womanizer?''''


    Yes, it''s an erotic boy.


    ''He doesn''t come up to you when you ask him out, but he''s looking at your breasts and your thighs and stuff,'' Elaine replied to Salk.


    ''But you do seem to have some sense, though, don''t you?


    He''s a hard man to deal with.


    Yes, she''s sweet enough that even slaves can''t be disciplined, but she understands what she''s owed, and she''s a devilish girl who will do anything for it. One look at those creepy, cold eyes and you can''t be at peace in a place like that, Elaine maintained a gentle smile.


    A painful silence descended.


    ''Well, well, you don''t have to look so serious, do you?


    The one who broke the silence was a big, fat, middle-aged man.


    The man with the cloth wrapped around his head is a slave trader.......he doesn''t only deal in slaves, he also runs a moneylending business.


    In a sense, this man may be the symbol of the free city-states.


    He has risen from a mere merchant to the position of guild master thanks to his brilliance and a little bit of luck.


    Unlike other guild masters, this man probably believes that the development of Crono''s territory will benefit him.


    ''''There''s no point in discussing the treatment of the Marquis of Erakis here. Elaine, step back.


    Yes, I will.


    Elaine left the room with a serene smile on her face, even if she said a single word of exertion, it wouldn''t be a bee in the face, she thought.


    Elaine walked down the white, just white, lifeless corridor with Elaine maintaining a gentle smile.


    Elaine stopped.


    What do you want from me?


    Yes, I want to talk to you about the Marquess of Erakis.


    Originally made up of the tribes of the Bethel Mountains, they took in mercenary groups, drifters, and unemployed people, and began to mediate jobs for the mercenaries who belonged to the guild and take a commission from them.


    Sif, the guild master, was in his mid-thirties, his skin was tanned and his body was tight and toned.


    He wears an unglazed plank from his neck and has an amulet tattooed on his right cheek to ward off evil, giving him the appearance of a barbarian warrior, but the light in his eyes is extremely rational.


    ''''It''s not something I can talk about here.


    Then we''ll come back to it.


    Yeah, I''ll meet you at the shop.


    It''s a lot of work to get back to the city from here, Elaine blurted out in her mind.


    In the free city-states, anyone of any status can live a life of luxury as long as they have money, and anyone of any status can get ahead if they have talent, but peasants are taxed even if it''s a bad harvest, and if their lives are impoverished, they are forced to reduce their mouths.


    Reduced mouths........Elaine left the village where she lived when she was fifteen for reasons that could be found anywhere.


    I still don''t know if it was parental love that gave me some money without selling it to the slavers at that time, or if I just wanted to tell them that I hadn''t abandoned my children, but there''s no doubt that the money given to me became the basis for my actions.


    Before the money ran out, Elaine chose the city of Viola, which was the second closest distance from the village.


    Viola was a well-developed port city, and Elaine looked for a job, deciding on a cheap end-of-the-line hotel as her immediate home.


    But it was difficult for a country girl with no connections, no education and no skills to be proud of to find a job.


    She quickly ran out of money and was forced to choose between becoming a beggar, a slave, or a prostitute, and she chose to become a prostitute.


    At least she was able to work in a reasonably honest brothel.


    I was paid a decent wage, and I was never violated for no reason.


    The first few months were hard.


    I cried many times and wanted to leave many times, but I was determined that there was no place to return to.


    Then I watched the older whores carefully and learned that it takes a lot of education to get the upperclassmen.


    A customer who is not overly pompous and rough around the edges has a certain level of education, and I needed that same level of education in order to get to them.


    It took no small amount of money to become educated, but without this investment, they wouldn''t have realized the value of the information.


    As an educated prostitute, she approached the powerful and influential merchants and offered them a bit of information for free.


    This was part of the investment.


    Once my reputation as an informed prostitute was established, I had more opportunities to show up at their gatherings.


    I also took care of my juniors properly.


    Not out of the goodness of my heart, of course.


    He needed the handmaidens to get a wider range of information.


    After doing that and building a fortune, he quit the shop with his juniors and began to run his own brothel.


    After I became a manager, I had fewer opportunities to take customers myself, but I had more and more opportunities to get advice from prostitutes and street prostitutes who worked in other shops.


    He was feted into a representative position while consulting with them without being evil, assisting his juniors to become independent, taking care of country girls who were at a loss to know their right and left, selling information, and by the end of the decade, he had taken control of the city of Viola.


    It was around this time that I met Miles and the Guildmasters came in contact with him.


    The requests from the guild masters were all unpleasant jobs, but thanks to them, I was able to set up my own shop in a city other than Viola, so I can''t help but say it was a relatively good job.


    ''''Well as long as you don''t look down on me as a whore at every turn.


    There was a knock at the door when Elaine poked her cheekbones into her beloved desk and blurted out.


    ''Come in,''


    Excuse me.


    Sif stood in the middle of the room and glanced at the bed in the next room.


    ''Is it so hard to understand why there''s a bed next to your work room?''


    ''I can''t reply. I don''t want you to take it as sarcasm and stop selling me information about the Marquis of Erakis.


    Elaine asked, and Sif said in a tone that didn''t sound too troubled.


    ''So what do you want to ask me?''


    It''s about the Marquis of Erakis and his estate.


    Sif walked over and put the bag on the desk.


    He didn''t make a move to check the bag.


    ''What kind of man?''


    It''s a porno kid.


    Sif scowled uncomfortably as he answered immediately.


    ''If you don''t have enough time to enjoy a light-hearted remark, you''ll get your foot in the door.


    Let''s take it seriously.


    Sif said, keeping his mouth shut.


    ''It''s true that he''s an erotic boy. But he has a certain amount of sense and knows how to play the game for someone so young. Sometimes he gives me the creepy, cold eye.''''


    The One-Eyed Demon. That''s what you call him, isn''t it?


    It''s a bit of a mystery, isn''t it?


    His father is the Slaughterer and his son is the One-Eyed Demon.


    And his grandson is the Demon King.


    What about the people?


    ''I think they''re doing a good job of that. The number of vagrants has noticeably decreased, and the security situation is improving. They''re also putting a lot of effort into cultivation and industry development...maybe they''re trying to make a sale?


    Huh, Sif exhaled through his nose.


    ''''Aside from the Mercenary Guild, the Confederation of Tribes is considering that option as well.


    The tribes of the Bethel Mountains have become richer since they began working as mercenaries, but it''s hard to ask for more wealth than they have now.


    As long as the pie is limited, it is only logical that the larger the organization, the less profit will be distributed to each individual.


    If the pie can''t be increased, then the mercenary guilds must seek work outside of the Free City State Cluster to distribute enough profit to their mercenaries.


    ''''As a coalition of tribes?��You''re scaled down.


    ''We''re going to need people to help us pioneer and grow our industry.


    Well, it sure sounds like you''re chronically understaffed.


    ''We want to move to a land of plenty. We''d like to ask you to be that intermediary.


    Now you''ve just said something so plainly awesome.


    Elaine struggled to keep a look on her face.


    ''There''s a limit to how much we can live off of hunter-gatherers. But even if we tried to cultivate the fields, there''s not much land in the Bethel Mountains suitable for farming.


    By the looks of it, the old guys are refusing to let me work for them.


    Well, if they can produce their own food, there will be no reason to work as mercenaries, so it''s only natural, Elaine looked up at Sif.


    But if I don''t know, that means I''m only talking to the old guys, right?��Are you trying to bring me down or are you trying to make me an accomplice?


    Yeah, but either way, I was going to call out to her.


    It''s not until that girl has come to think highly of me... hmmm, well, I guess I should sell my debt rather than be resented here, Elaine decided.


    I''ve taken care of the mediation. However, there is something I need you to help me with.


    Except for the money?


    Yeah, besides the money.


    Elaine rested her weight on the backrest.


    ''Well that girl said she was a turnip-geeisha or something, but it''s good to be in a union. In the union. Actually, the Marquis of Erakis asked me to be the manager of the union. Something like the Marquis of Erakis investing in a mortgage on the rights of the union.


    It''s the first time I''ve heard of it.


    Yes, I''ve never heard of that before. You have to keep paying 30% of your profits until you buy back the rights to the union, and you get dictated to in terms of management and human resources, but it''s good to have the lord''s approval to do business with him.


    The day I was told about Kabushiki Gaisha, I made the securities and I signed the employment contract.


    I''ve also received a business license.


    Now the kid is building a port, and Viola is a port city by turns.


    I''ve never heard of it.


    Yeah?��The slavers were selling fifty lizardmen, and I''m sure the other old men have the information.


    While boasting about coexistence and co-prosperity, the old men only have their own interests in mind.


    ''''I intend to trade with Count Caddo, the Kingdom of Dorado, and the Free City States, connecting the three sites.


    But the spices are held back by the soak.


    You could have just bought it before Yimei.


    ''Hmm,'' said Sif, holding his mouth down thoughtfully.


    ''What''s on your mind?''


    I don''t know what to do to help.


    How many former craftsmen do you have under you?


    I see.


    Sif nodded as he finally got the point across.


    The old men excluded the merchants and artisans who turned against him, but those who were excluded were not gone.


    Some may have been killed, some may have committed suicide, but they live on as beggars, slaves, mercenaries, and prostitutes.


    ''Bringing the former artisans back to stiffness will increase the profits distributed per mercenary, and I can keep the artisans around. Once Count Caddo''s port is completed, you''ll need an escort to bring in supplies, and if you work diligently you''ll have a chance to ask for help, of course.


    Yeah, great idea.


    Now, what are they going to do to us?��And Elaine crossed her legs gracefully.


    Should he build a new ship or use his connections to buy a second-hand one... After much deliberation, Elaine decided to buy five second-hand ships.


    He thought that if he built a new one, one ship would blow a thousand gold coins, then it would be more profitable to buy five used ships for seven hundred gold coins.


    Elaine looked at the five ships docked in Viola''s harbor.


    The five ships were shaped like a slightly sleeker version of a barrel, twenty-five meters long and eight meters wide, with a large amount of cargo to carry and a small number of people to handle, with masts standing on the bow and in the middle of the ship.


    It''s folded up now, but the triangular sails are stretched over the mast.


    Originally, it was a technology from a country located in the south of the Dorado Kingdom, and by adjusting the angle of the sails to match the direction of the wind, it seems to be able to advance even in a headwind.


    ''''........maybe I should have learned about ships as well.


    Elaine walked the streets of Viola, biting down on her absent-mindedness.


    She could drink until dawn if she felt like it, but Viola''s streets would only come to life in the evening and late at night.


    At least that was how Elaine remembered it.


    But now Viola''s streets are beginning to come alive during the daytime as well.


    This is because the mercenaries and prostitutes have begun to work as stiff ... artisans.


    Some spat it out now, some lamented that their skills were slowing down, some choked at the prospect of returning to stiffness, but they are making a desperate effort to regain their former skills.


    Seeing them like that, I feel like a ridiculously evil woman.


    I''ve driven a number of people to ruin or been a part of it, so I feel like it''s too late now, but I can''t shake the uncomfortable feeling.


    ''''........Elaine-sama.


    What''s going on?


    The pale faced whore walked up to Elaine, rubbing her eyes, as if she had just switched the rhythm of her life and wasn''t used to it.


    Her name was Sianna she was one of the prostitutes that followed Elaine when she left her previous brothel.


    ''The stocking of materials has begun to slow down. Currently, only 70% of what we ordered has been delivered. They say they will pay as ordered if you add on the price?


    Give him a shove.


    Yes, Siana said shortly, and turned her back on Elaine.


    They are an easy bunch of old men to understand. The fact that they are harassing us so openly means that they have information about the port and even the union. I suppose they are trying to take my place by making it impossible to supply goods, said Elaine, ruffling her hair.


    If the union can''t supply the goods, and the old man and his crew try to sell them she might just cut me off. The purpose of that boy is to enrich the territory, so as long as money and goods come in and jobs are created, Elaine lightly moistened her lips with her tongue.


    I see. It could be anyone but me, but it''s preferable to have someone else who is breathing down your neck.


    ''''........At this rate, it looks like the old guys are going to have their way.


    When Elaine returned to her brothel, a large, fat, middle-aged man the slaver was waiting at the door.


    ''I''ve been expecting you,''


    I don''t even think we''re open yet.


    With a sigh, Elaine let the slaver into the shop.


    The prostitutes working in the brothel either rent a room nearby by themselves or go there from a room rented in Elaine''s name.


    ''Could I have some water, please?''


    Huffing, Elaine let out a sigh and walked over to the counter and offered him some tepid water.


    ''So, what can I do for you?''


    I''m sorry to say that I have heard that Lord Elaine is having difficulty and I have come to bring you the ingredients. No, no, I''m very sorry for the inconvenience. Since you''ll be ordering next time, I thought I''d offer you a special price.


    ''With pleasure, sir,'' the slaver trailed off.


    ''''I think it would be better to let your colleague be the intermediary with the Marquis of Erakis.


    ''Of course, I would ask for that as well, but I would like to use Viola''s port.


    The slaver smiled good-naturedly as he pretended to wipe sweat off his face.


    That''s right, Elaine nodded.


    The slavers'' base is inland ... a city-state near the Bethel Mountains.


    Naturally, there are no ports, and even if they wanted to let us use the ports, the other old men are not happy with the slavers.


    That''s why the slavers are forced to trade by land.


    You don''t want a free ride?


    "If I''m going to be allowed to use the port, I''m willing to pay a reasonable royalty and materials from the Holy Argo Kingdom as well as the city-state I govern,


    Good. But only if it''s properly negotiated.


    Elaine looked at the slaver.


    *


    After bathing in the hot water and changing into her business negligee, Elaine collapsed into bed with exhaustion.


    The negotiations with the slavers had lasted for several hours.


    It was more like a profit adjustment than a negotiation, but it required carefulness in determining the drop-off point.


    ''''Well for now,'''' he said, ''''the union can now operate.


    ''The question is, how far can I trust Sif and the slavers,'' Elaine muttered as she turned over.


    ''I would have felt a little more comfortable if they had settled on a mistress.


    It was a great advantage to be able to voice your opinion to a nobleman, and others would assume that he wouldn''t be indifferent to his mistress''s request.


    Some slaves didn''t understand how much they were benefiting from it, though, and Elaine turned on her back and folded her hands to hold her belly.


    ''You''re so cheap for a whore,'' Elaine said, her lips hanging up as she remembered the slave''s line.


    That slave''s line is spot on.


    It is understandable that people with extremely common values would not have good feelings about the profession of a prostitute.


    However, what could a country girl who has no money, clothes, education, connections or anything else that can be called an asset do?


    I have been slapped by the mistress of a brothel and beaten to the hilt by a servant with firewood.


    I''ve also been beaten up by a customer for being unfriendly.


    I fell in love with a man who was kind to me and dumped me severely, and I have many other bad memories.


    And yet, I''ve struggled to live my life.


    Gritting her teeth, holding back tears, pretending that normal happiness was something she didn''t have a chance with.......she became a guild master, even if she was feted at first.


    That''s why Elaine is proud to be a whore, and she''s proud to be a whore.


    Otherwise, I feel bad for what I''ve sacrificed, for the juniors who followed me like this.


    ''You look a bit tired,''


    Perhaps it''s because I''ve been lying in bed, but I can''t even keep my eyes open as the fatigue overwhelms me.


    To some extent, it would be easier once the framework of the union was in place, but for now, they were only just beginning to procure materials.


    Crawling into bed, Elaine closed her eyes.


    A clattering sound downstairs made Elaine tense up for a moment, but it soon quieted down.


    The next day, when Elaine went down the stairs to make herself presentable, she found a girl who was a servant ... an apprentice prostitute who hadn''t yet been allowed to take customers ... meticulously sweeping the floor.


    Elaine immediately understood what had happened from the iron smell that lingered even with the window open and the girl''s pale face.


    ''''........Thanks for your help.''''


    He told her briefly, and Elaine went down to the ground floor and further down to the basement.


    The white light of the magic item illuminated the walls of the basement, but the whole place felt dim and chilly.


    As he approached the innermost room, the thick smell of blood irritated his nasal passages and a muffled scream irritated his earlobes.


    It''s not like guests with a taste for torment or addiction are engaging in perversion.


    When Elaine entered the room, the gagged man let out a breath of relief.


    The man was restrained by what looked like a metal plank.


    His hands were on either side through small holes at each end of the board, and his head was protruding from a hole in the center.


    His feet were secured at the ankles and knees, and he was dressed to open his legs.


    ''You may continue,''


    If you make them suffer too long, they will become numb.


    Siana placed the bloody tool on the desk and rubbed her eyes sleepily.


    There were a few fingernails on the desk and a few teeth.


    ''So how many were there?''


    There were three of them. I figured one was enough, so I took care of two of them.


    Elaine sat down in her chair and crossed her legs gracefully.


    ''I wonder who asked me to do this?''


    He''s being extraordinarily tight-lipped.


    When Elaine looked at him, the man shook his head in denial.


    From the reaction, the man must have spit out the information honestly.


    If the mastermind is dumb enough to let the perpetrator know his identity, he has no trouble.


    ''''I''ve got some work to do, so I''m going to take care of it.


    All right. I''ll leave it up to you to find out how.


    When Elaine stepped outside, she heard the sound of water splashing against the walls and a muffled scream.


    He didn''t seem to have the idea of making it easier.


    ''''Well I think it''s a bunch of old men out of ten, but I wonder if they''re having an internal dispute.


    Sif and the slavers turned, and the remaining guildmasters may have been divided into hardliners and moderates.


    ''''If the union makes a profit, the old guys will want to do business in Count Caddo''s territory, too.


    Suddenly Elaine stopped in her tracks.


    ''She could really be a demon, you know.


    If the old guys enter the market, Elaine plans to lower the prices of her products. That would force the old guys to lower their prices.......and this price war could start a row among the guild masters.


    Maybe I''ve been caught by a very nasty man, Elaine took a step forward.


    In June, four hundred and thirty-one years of the imperial calendar, Claude Crawford sat down on a stump and looked down on his estate.


    The field of wheat was visible from the sheer cliffs.


    The winter barley, sown last November, had grown safely and produced ears of grain.


    The wind blew and the ears of wheat swayed.


    The ears of wheat swayed in the waves, and the sound like a rumbling tidal wave gently stimulated my ear folds.


    At dusk, the world, colored to represent the end of the world, is somehow languid and languid.


    When had it become possible to accept this scene not with anxiety and frustration, but with relief?


    When he was given the southern frontier as a territory, his subordinates had an anxious expression on their faces.


    Even that Myra was the same.


    Well, it was no wonder.


    As far as the eye could see, the virgin forest stretched out.


    Just the thought of the effort of cultivating it was daunting, and neither Claude nor his men had learned the art of cultivating anything.


    So Claude cut down the trees that grew on the cliffs.


    Begrudgingly, he slammed his axe into the tree again and again, cutting it down.


    Don''t freak out.


    I can chop down any number of trees," he said, I think he said something like that.


    A shoddy dugout, food like pig food, slow progress in cultivating the land, I thought I''d get away with it soon, but I''m used to being poor, said Elua, and she took the initiative to work.


    It took twenty years of clearing forests, planting fields, increasing livestock, and living a noble life.


    I don''t mean to be smug about my power.


    Alcor, whom I had met during the upheaval, had helped me put aside the money I needed for the settlement, and Ort, who had been the chief strategist for the mercenary group, had promptly settled the trouble.


    Myra sold our crops at the highest possible price.


    The mansion was renewed.


    He also bought a separate house in the Imperial City.


    I wanted to give you good food, drink, and clean clothes, and not just five years, but all the time I wanted you to live in luxury.


    A mere five years of luxury is not worth all the hard work I''ve done.


    At the very least, if he had lived until Crono came to this world he wouldn''t have made me cry on my deathbed.


    ''''........Dad, what are you doing sitting here?''''


    ''I was here, looking down on my territory and taking pleasure in it.


    I turned around and saw that my son my son Crono was about to get off the boxcarriage.


    ''Don''t sprain your foot again,''


    That was a once-in-a-lifetime mistake.


    If I hadn''t sprained my leg back then, I wouldn''t have thought of taking Crono to the mansion, and I wouldn''t have thought of taking care of him.


    ''''........Life is funny.


    I want to live a quiet life, but


    I''m saying that, but I don''t think there''s anyone who''s lived a life as blown up as this guy.


    Claude smiled ferociously.

 38-Modified version of Episode 7 "Southern Frontier"

    *


    The border between the Areos Mountains and the southern frontier is a wilderness.


    There is not a sinister name like the Coma Forest in the north of the Cepheus Empire, nor even a legend of a divine demon dwelling there, but the people of the territory do not want to go near the forest.


    Neither the sinister names nor the legends hurt people.


    They were mere superstitions for a courageous young man or a greedy merchant, if he was so inclined.


    The only reason people don''t go near this wilderness is because the barbarians are a more real threat than wolves and bears.


    The main camp was protected by a hundred heavily armed cavalry, with seven hundred heavily armed infantry and infantry in front and two hundred infantry fortified on either side of it.


    Countless bonfires have been lit, and the view is secure.


    Tonight, tonight is the night, tonight is the night I''m going to make it a bloodbath, Gaul said, putting strength into his hand holding the spear.


    The power is filled to the ground.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get the best out of it, even if your father would never admit his own strength.


    ''''You guys, are you ready!


    As Gaul raised his voice, his men raised their weapons high and shouted.


    The morale of his men was high.


    ''''They''re coming!''''


    A light is lit deep in the virgin forest.


    Red, green, and white - a tri-colored light cuts through the darkness, drawing a complex trajectory as it approaches the main camp.


    The light separates.


    The small grains of red, green, and white light grew larger in the blink of an eye and pierced the bonfire.


    The light was a spear.


    It was a barbarian spear made of broken black shiny stone and strapped to the end of a stick.


    The spear wrapped in light flickered violently as if to warn them.


    ''''Move away!''''


    The moment Gaul shouted, a light burst forth.


    Flames, wind, and light swirled around the spear as it started, blowing away the subordinates who approached unprotected.


    In the blink of an eye, the ranks were disrupted, and then the barbarians jumped in.


    Three sallow-skinned women.......covering their bodies with what little cloth they had and scaled armor that could only have been ripped from the Lizardmen.


    The barbarian women dance.


    It''s a graceful dance, as if they don''t feel their weight, but they must not be mesmerized, no matter how beautiful they are.


    It is death. It is a dance of death with beauty in it.


    Every time the women move, their men are blown away by fire, wind and light.


    Some of them were ready to fight to the death, but they were beaten away by the arms of the barbarians, who were not thick enough.


    ''''Whoa!''''


    Gaul ran through his men and thrust his spear at the barbarian woman.


    The thrust, which he had repeated countless times since his childhood, only slightly snatched the woman''s armor.


    The woman wore a red light.


    The red light twisted around her entire body, penetrating the cloth and armor even though it wasn''t an intense light.


    The imprinting technique ... an evil method for assimilating the spirits that the barbarians worshipped.


    As the woman spreads her arms out, flames dwell in her left and right hands.


    It''s not a hallucination. Gaul is feeling the searing heat.


    I''m not going to be able to get the same amount of money for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time as I did for the same amount of time.


    The woman raised her arm and Gaul reflexively ducked to the side.


    A moment later, flames blew out of the ground.


    If you are defensive, you will lose, and Gaul launched his spear while being seared by the flames.


    But the woman ducked the spear with a light step and jumped into Gaul''s bosom.


    ''''Don''t lick it!''''


    Gaul stepped in hard, threw down his spear and thrust his fist out.


    The response was as if he had struck a block of iron.


    But Gaul shook off the fist.


    The woman is blown away.


    Apparently, the weight doesn''t change.


    The woman rolled on the ground and used the momentum to get up.


    ''It''s an assault!


    Boom-boom!��and the heavy cavalry charge at the white and green woman.


    A few, it seems, infantry were involved, but it''s better than being killed.


    ''A reversal of fortunes, eh?''


    ....


    Gaul said, and the woman smiled lustily.


    And piggyback!��Piggyyyy!��The sound of livestock cries of bumo~, bumo~ echoed in the distance.


    By the time I realized it was a diversion, it was all too late.


    The light popped.


    A powerful flash of light burned his eyes, and when Gaul regained his sight, there was no one there.


    The area that stretches to the southern end of the Cepheus Empire, at the foot of the Areos Mountains, is called the southern frontier.


    Both the Marquis'' territory of Erakis and the Count''s territory of Caddo, which Crono governs, are no doubt frontiers, but they are not called the northern frontier.


    Crono glares that the reason for this is the conflict between the old and new nobles, but aside from the origin of the name, if I said I was from the southern frontier when I introduced myself, most of the nobles assumed I was a countryman or the son of an upstart, so it helped me during my military school days.


    Crono''s background is laced with lies.


    If he''s poorly interested, he''ll have to tell lies, and if he tells one lie, he could fall into a vicious cycle of one lie after another.


    In that respect, the title of being from the southern frontier came in handy as an excuse.


    It''s been a year since I graduated from military school and it''s been three years since I''ve slept in this bed, Crono said as he turned over.


    He could hear the sound of wooden swords clacking together with a click, click, click.


    His adoptive father and Faye must be practicing swordplay.


    Count Ernat''s son I have to meet up with Battalion Commander Gaul.


    I''ll have to go greet the other lords as well, Crono said as he raised his body.


    He looked next to her, but Leila wasn''t there.


    She must be tired after a month long journey and she had to have her deputy handle the deputy''s duties....................so she held back.


    ''''Well it''s a lonely night sleeping alone.


    May I be your escort for the evening, if you like?


    I said jokingly, I heard a voice from right next to me.


    ''''Myra...''''


    It''s my job to wake the little man up.


    How is it possible to enter a room without knocking?��I looked at her and Myra replied without taking offense.


    Yes, but, Crono said, he got out of bed.


    He washed his face and changed into his military uniform.


    He wears a necklace made from Rizad''s fangs.


    ''Your little boy has grown into a man, hasn''t he?


    Well, compared to when I came to this side of the world, I suppose.


    When he had arrived in this world, he had been small and overweight, but now he was a fine, thin macho man.


    Kurono Hisamitsu had never even been involved in sports, let alone martial arts.


    He had maintained reasonable grades at school and cram school, but because of his physical inferiority, he had become a jerk who cared more about his grades.


    His mother had told him that if he was physically inferior, he should pay her back with his studies, and Hisamitsu Kurono believed her, but Kurono thought that was not true.


    He achieves results in a field he''s not good at.


    For example, after being made fun of for getting a terrible result in a physical fitness test, and then using that humiliation as a springboard to improve your ranking in the next physical fitness test.


    The guy who made fun of you probably won''t remember it, but the fact that you worked hard and got a result in a field you''re not good at gives you confidence.


    I could do it!��And confidence.


    Even though I dropped out of military school at a high rate and was ridiculed, I feel like I''ve learned how to be proud.


    "And the men?


    ''We have been given the use of the guest rooms as instructed by the boy. There weren''t enough beds, but I think you were able to rest your body compared to the camp. As for the boy''s mistress, she used the room by herself, so don''t worry.


    Thank you, Myra.


    No, it''s part of my job.


    I''ll see how my men are doing and then we''ll eat.


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Crono left his room, leaving Myra hanging his head reverently.


    The eleven-year-old Crawford mansion was a three-story castle house built with the most advanced technology and trends of the time it was built.


    It looks like a natural stone castle from the top, but it is not as sturdy as it should be because it was built for livability.


    Although it is said to have been built for livability, there are not many furnishings, and most of the furniture is utilitarian with little decoration.


    This is not my foster father''s taste, but that of his wife, Elia Flond.


    It''s not clear if she said that she valued practicality more than appearance, but according to her words, the infrastructure was given top priority, and once that was in place, the territory was run with the priority of the people of the territory.


    When I think about it, even the bleak corridors are filled with memories of the deceased... my adoptive father''s feelings for his late wife, and it makes me feel warm and fuzzy.


    As I walked down the stairs in the center of the mansion and out the front door, I saw that breakfast was being prepared in the garden.


    Ten portable fireplaces were set up and my men were sitting around them.


    Furthermore, the maids were busily walking around.


    ''Where are Leila and Snow?''


    I looked around and spotted Leila and Snow near the house in the corner of the garden - the old Crawford House, which was a bit of a magnificent shack.


    ''It''s about time we had breakfast.


    Master Chronosphere.


    Master Crono, what''s this?


    What Snow is looking at is a bicycle with a metal frame and wheels.


    It''s not a mountain bike or road racer either, but a school-designated bicycle as heavy as a block of iron.


    It had been left there for four years, so the air had fallen out of the tires and the bike was a little rusty.


    ''Is it a tool of some kind?''


    ''Are we going to turn the handle here around?''


    Snow tilts his head curiously and turns the pedal, but the rear wheel only moves.


    Crono squeezes the brake and the rear wheel stops.


    ''It''s a ride called Jitensha,''


    "A vehicle?


    With a grin, Crono straddled the bike, raised the stand and pedaled hard.


    The seat felt low and he felt dizzy at first, but he circled around his men without falling over.


    ''Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!��Hey, can I get on that one?


    Snow!


    Crono lowers the bike stand.


    ''It''s a bit tricky, but I think you''ll learn it quickly.��Well, we''ll practice after breakfast.


    Master Crono, Snow has a job to do.


    Yeah, I know.


    Leila pointed out, and Crono scratched his head.


    ''Then you''re free to use it when you''re done.


    Mother?


    If you say so Master Crono but you must take your job seriously.


    Snow asked with a superior look, and Leila allowed it with an attitude that said she had no choice.


    ''I have something to talk to Crono-sama about, so please take your food first.


    Yeah!


    Leila looked over at Snow and let out a deep sigh.


    ''Where''s the landlady?''


    Apparently my parents are close by, so I could ride out early in the morning.


    A landlady could ride a horse, Crono said, depressed at his poor riding skills.


    ''How''s the deputy''s job?''


    I''m not going to lie, it''s a lot of work.


    Whoa!��And his men cheered.


    During the march, the landlady had been cooking ingeniously to keep them from getting bored, but her men were apparently hungry for fresh meat and vegetables.


    ''I''ve known Snow for a fair amount of time, so I''m not sure if I should act as an elder or treat him as a subordinate.


    Well, yeah.


    If you are a soldier, there is no problem with feeling like a friend, but if you are in a position to give orders, you have to draw the line somewhere. However, the longer you have been in a relationship with them, the more inseparable they become.


    ''''How is Crono-sama doing?''''


    I''m not a very good judge of character, am I?


    In the first place, a guy who could draw the line well wouldn''t make his subordinates his mistresses, Crono added in his mind.


    ''I guess we''ll just have to find our own way. Well, that''s about all I can say, isn''t it?


    "...I''ve learned to read, and I''ve looked through various books, but maybe I haven''t grown up.


    Leila muttered sadly, her eyes downcast.


    ''I don''t think so.''


    Is that right?


    No, not that kind of thing, Crono poked himself in the eye.


    ''''It''s not just the training of new recruits, but also negotiating with the Pix Chamber of Commerce together with Mino-san, estimating the necessary sustenance, and thanks to Leila''s help, it''s a lot less of a burden.


    "...Thank you, Mr. Crono.


    Crono stroked her ear, and Leila''s eyes narrowed as she was enthralled.


    *


    After finishing a meal with the same menu as his subordinates, Crono accompanied Faye, Leila, and Snow to the frontline base in the southern part of the Crawford Baron''s territory.


    Originally, the outpost was located at the northern end of Baron Crawford''s territory, but it looked like it had been pushed out due to the success of the settlement.


    ''''I almost missed my breakfast, sir.


    Pok-pok, the black-haired horse advanced, and Faye said in a nervous tone of voice.


    ''It''s a soldier''s duty to keep time,''


    I''m sorry, sir.


    With Crono in between, Leila chided Faye as she advanced the red-haired horse.


    You''re a nobleman, Master Crono, but you can''t ride a horse?


    I can ride, but not in a fight.


    Crono rolled his back and answered Snow''s innocent question.


    ''Your mother got to ride right away,''


    I tried, too, you know.


    Whether it was a difference in talent or determination, Leila had learned to ride a horse in a week, and in a month''s journey she had mastered the art of horsemanship and had grown up to fend off bandits on her own.


    The same is true for Crono-sama. I''ve been practicing with my bow, but I''m not getting any better. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this as well.


    Snow looked down at the dagger he carried from his waist and said in a slightly trembling voice sound.


    ''''I don''t know. But if the elves are brought into close combat, they will be pushed aside, so an archer who can deal with close combat is valuable.''''


    ''Ehehe, is that right?''


    Yes, precious, precious.


    Crono patted Snow''s head, who looked embarrassed.


    ''Master Crono!''


    What''s going on?


    Leila shouted, and Crono tightened his grip on the hilt of his long sword.


    ''''A group of people who look like night thieves are surrounding the outpost.


    Yeah, they''re going around in circles with some kind of flag or something.


    It''s the Ekron family crest, isn''t it?


    Snow and Faye supplement Leila''s words.


    Squinting, Crono can''t see anything.


    Faye, did you have that good of a vision?


    It is the art of divine revitalization. After much experimentation, I have discovered that it can also improve eyesight.


    Ahem and Faye puffed out their chests.


    ''Master Crono, what is the Ekron family?''


    House Ekron is the new nobleman next door.


    Incidentally, there are eight fiefdoms on the southern frontier, all ruled by the new nobles, the Barons Crawford, Ripaios, Kagachi, Zirant, Beor, Gennou, Ekron, and Levy.


    ''You don''t mean to tell me you''re treasonous?''


    I don''t think so.


    The lords and lords who have experience in actual warfare should be in their fifties and sixties, and it would be suicidal to cause treason with vigilante-level forces.


    ''''........Be vigilant, and if I deem it dangerous, I''ll run away.


    We can kick the shit out of them, sir.


    "Don''t be overconfident, and the motto is ''Cherish Your Life''.


    Crono tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword so that he could fight at any time, but when he saw the surrounded frontline base and the soldiers of the Ekron family, he wondered if he should switch his strategy to ''Let''s go for guns''.


    There were only fifty people raising the flag of the Ekron family, and about twenty armed, and their equipment was at best leather armor, and the weapons in their hands were at the level of a knife tied to the end of a stick with a string.


    The frontline base is also terrible.


    It is just a row of huts standing inside a fence that would break if kicked.


    The hut in the center is reasonably fine, but it is also marked with a proviso that it is compared to the surrounding huts.


    ''''It looks like you''ll win, even if you value your life.


    Why don''t we value other people''s lives as well?


    Why?


    Crono muttered emphatically, and Snow tilted her head in wonder.


    ''''No, isn''t it wrong to kill people?''''


    Why not?��They have weapons, too, and if you injure them halfway through, they''ll get back at you.


    The values were too different, and Crono almost knelt in place.


    Leila had been assaulted many times in the slums just because she was a half-elf.


    If the security was that bad, the perception of murder would be different.


    ''''Well I guess it''s because I don''t want to see Snow killing people,''''


    But I''m a soldier.


    ''Yes, but what can I say, emotionally,''


    I don''t think I''m convincing, Crono thinks.


    If you don''t want people to be killed, just make them quit as soldiers, and in the first place, Crono himself, who talks about the importance of life, is sending many humans to their deaths.


    ''It just feels wrong, doesn''t it?


    I''ll try not to kill you if Master Crono says so.


    ''If it''s defending yourself and your friends, or if it''s a war, you''ll have to do it, but other times I hope you can find a way to avoid killing them.


    Snow nodded in disapproval.


    He stopped the covered wagon outside the fence and Faye and Leila lightly dismounted from their horses.


    Once inside the fence, the cavalrymen who had been running around the frontline base stopped, and the gaze of the Ekron family''s soldiers....who looked like thugs.........concentrated on them.


    Perhaps reading the air, a young man approaches Crono.


    He is probably one or two years younger than Crono in age.


    He may be a farmer by profession, but his skin is tanned and he has a toned body.


    His eyes are bad and his hair is upside down.


    ''My name is Johnny, and I''m the best dagger wielder in the Barony of Ekron.


    He didn''t read the air.


    In addition, his name is Johnny.


    ''Heh, if you want to go to Miss, you''ll have to beat me before you go!


    Johnny drew his dagger and switched daggers from right to left and left to right as if he were playing coy.


    Giggling, Snow clung to Crono''s waist.


    When I looked down at him for something like that, I saw Snow''s eyes gleaming like a hound that had found its prey.


    Eh?��What?��And Crono''s gaze wandered around to find salvation, but both Faye and Leila had their weapons at the ready.


    ''''Well I''ll go for you.


    Controlling the three of them, Crono approached Johnny.


    ''I''m here to see Battalion Commander Gaul?


    ''I told you, that''s a pear on the nose.��If you want to go, go ahead and beat me first!


    ...But if you beat them, aren''t you going to let the others attack you?


    Kah, I''m not doing that!


    Hmm, Crono crossed his arms.


    He could win even if they fought normally, but with the smell of small things, it could actually be like........


    ''''Huh?''''


    What?


    Crono muttered, his gaze swimming, and Johnny moved his gaze to catch it, too.


    The dagger slipped through Johnny''s hand and stabbed into the ground.


    ''...............................


    With Johnny distracted by a dagger stuck in the ground, Crono closed the distance and raised his fist in the air.


    Johnny crossed his arms as if he thought he was going to be hit.


    That reaction wasn''t a bad one but Crono kicked Johnny in the groin.


    Time stops.


    Crono pulls his foot away, but Johnny doesn''t move.


    The greasy sweat sizzled and held his crotch, and Johnny fell to the ground without a word.


    ''Jo, Johnny!''


    ''Oh, God d*mn it!��How dare you, Johnny!


    What the hell did you do?


    The goons of the Barony of Ekron''s baronial domain don''t attack him while verbally accusing Crono.


    It was hard to determine if he was keeping Johnny''s words or if Johnny was really the best dagger wielder in the Barony of Ekron, not just a mouthpiece.


    As Crono stepped out, the goons of Baron Ekron''s baronial domain retreated with Jonny in their arms.


    Layla and Snow were on either side of Crono, while Faye stood firm behind him with her hands on the hilt of her sword.


    ''''What do you think?''''


    ''''I''m sorry Master Crono, but they''re weak.


    Oh, yeah.


    I''ve experienced a few real battles and I think I''ve grown up in a good way, but Crono is only good enough to win against elven and dwarven recruits.


    By the way, even the same recruits are no match for beastmen and large sub-humans, and they are at a level where Layla can shut them down with a pair of hands and the fey can''t even touch them.


    ''''Ha, you can''t even catch one of them while talking so much about how you''re going to exterminate the barbarians!��And yet, you''re in good standing, not even an apology!


    Huh?


    Crono thought he heard the landlady''s voice and looked into the hut.


    Across the table in the center of the hut, a man in a white military uniform and a woman in leather armor were staring at each other.


    The man.......................Gaur, the son of Count Ernat.


    His brown hair was trimmed short and his mouth was tied up in the same sullen manner as before.


    The woman must be in her mid-twenties.


    She has brown hair, slightly droopy eyes, and her face and voice are similar to the landlady''s, but unfortunately, she has no breasts.


    In addition to Gaul and the landlady''s look-alike, there were two other people in the hut.


    One was Cecily, who was the second in command of the Twelfth Order, and the other was a man with a scar on his lip.


    The man was probably about thirty years old.


    His face is wild and yet somehow graceful, and his behavior is seamless.


    You''re going to keep your mouth shut?��We''re annoying, you know. Who the hell do you think you are, sitting in your own fiefdom like you own the place?


    The landlady''s resemblance doesn''t seem frightened when Gaul glares at her.


    Is she suicidal?��And Crono had to be dismayed at the insensitivity of the landlady''s lookalike.


    ''Sis!''


    When Crono called out to her, the landlady''s lookalike turned around in surprise.


    ''What?��Who are you?


    ''No, sister. It''s Baron Crawford''s son, Crono. I haven''t seen him in years, have you forgotten him?


    What?��Baron Crawford has no son....


    The landlady''s lookalike interrupted the dialogue.


    For the man with the scarred lip approached and gave her an earful.


    ''Ah, there you are. I got carried away with what I did with sister Canaan, and I inadvertently forgot my precious brother''s face.


    ''Your sister Kanan was a great help to me when I was little. I''d like to talk to Sister Kanan a bit more, but I''m here on business. I''d like to talk to Battalion Commander Gaul, so could you leave for today?


    Go home now if you want to live.��''I don''t know,'' said Crono, feeling as if he were praying.


    ''I can''t help it. ''It''s a favour from my lovely little brother. I''m going home!''


    Hey, miss.


    The landlady''s lookalike and the man with the scarred lip stepped outside.


    Miss Natsy put a pear on it!


    Way to go, Miss!


    I heard a cheering voice.


    Gaul''s face was reddish-black, and he was about to draw his sword and slash at any moment.


    We''re going home, boys!


    Crono patted his chest as he watched the Baron Ekron''s gang of goons run off.


    ''''Well Marquis Erakis, what do you want?''''


    ''The War Department asked me to assist Captain Gaul''s battalion commander.


    I don''t need a hand up. Get out!


    There was no island to be found.


    "Count Ernat has asked me to do the same.


    When Crono took out the letter from Count Ernat, Gaul snatched it away roughly.


    Did I step on a mine?��I''m not going to be able to get the same thing done," Crono thought as he looked at Gaul, who was shaking his head and shoulders.


    I''m not going to admit to you how far you''ll go.


    Gawl crushed the letter with a crush.


    I see, Crono immediately understood the situation.


    Gaul must have come to the southern frontier believing that his father would approve of him if he succeeded in defeating the barbarians.


    And yet, knowing his son''s inadequacies, Count Ernat asked Crono to support him.


    In other words, I''m caught up in a father-son disagreement?


    No, Count Ernat stopped me in the audience room, and I should do my expected role to repay that debt, Crono inspired himself.


    ''''Would you like me to assist you in repaying Count Ernat for his kindness?


    ....


    Gaul glared at Crono, gritting his teeth in frustration at the last minute.


    ''What do you say?''


    You''re on your own!


    Gaul slammed his fist on the table, and the hut shook with the impact.


    ''I''m going to bed for a barbarian night attack!


    Crono silently looked away from Gaul and shifted his gaze to Cecily.


    ''Oh my, if you think you smell like horse manure, aren''t you a horse manure woman?��Do you clean the stables in the Marquess of Erakis, too?


    Cecily tore her gaze away from Crono and smiled sarcastically.


    ''I have received my horse and armour and am working properly, sir.


    ''Faye''s doing fine in the cavalry.


    Faye said musingly, and Snow tried to give her a covering shot.


    Cecily turned her gaze on Snow as if she were looking at an insect and drew her sword.


    ''''Oh, I can hear the sound of insect wings, can''t I?


    I''m not a bug!


    Cecily lightly moved her arm, and Faye stepped up to protect Snow and put her hand on the hilt of her sword.


    ''Cecily-san, I would like you to put the sword away.


    You''re gonna do this shit?


    "Mr. Snow is a friend of mine,


    Thinly, darkness rises from Fei''s body and sword.


    It''s the Divine Wielding Technique ''Divine Clothing'', ''Celebrating Holy Blade''.


    ''''Stop!''''


    Crono intervened between Faye and Cecily, who were about to start slashing each other at any moment.


    Aside from Faye, Cecily is not to be trusted, so her life is on the line.


    ''''Can you stop provoking your subordinates needlessly like that?


    I''m just telling you the truth.


    ''Cecily, I''ll forgive you for at least a kick, but I''m not generous enough to forgive someone who crosses the line, am I?��I could put you through more misery than the POWs of that time if you wanted, you know?


    When Crono smiled, Cecily backed away with a look of mixed fear and disgust on her face.


    ''Are you trying to scare me?''


    No way, I''m just telling you the truth.


    Crono cowered his shoulders.


    ''Well, I''ll leave then.''


    As Crono urged Faye and Snow out, Leila exhaled in relief and pointed the bow she had been holding at the ground.


    ''I thought my heart was going to stop.


    Tucking the arrow into her quiver, Leila held her chest.


    ''Me too,''


    Oh, brother!


    They left the hut and within ten steps, Johnny was kneeling at Crono''s feet.


    ''I thought you were going home?��I mean, what''s your brother?


    "I want you to make me my brother''s prefect!


    Huh?��I let my gaze wander uncomprehendingly, and Johnny praised Crono as he wound up.


    ''Please!''


    Well, that''s okay.


    Crono nodded, "I''d like to know some information about the Baron Ekron family, too.


    ''''Then take care of the gentleman.


    Yes, sir!


    Johnny ran happily toward the covered wagon.


    *


    Sometimes I wish I could go back to that world, even though I should have decided to live in this one.


    At dusk, when I''m walking through a field of wheat, like I am now, my chest tightens up and aches.


    I''ll never see my family again.


    I am reminded that I will never get to the life I envisioned in middle school.


    ''Brother, if you''re holding back your piss, I''m going to stop you. Or are you a big sissy?


    It''s ruined.


    According to Johnny''s story, those goons are vigilantes of Baron Ekron''s territory.


    Even though they are from Baron Ekron''s territory, the only person who has a predecessor mercenary group member as a relative is Robert, who has a scar on his lip.


    Those goons have no experience in actual warfare, nor have they ever been in the military.


    They usually help out in the family business, chase escaped livestock under the guise of duty, break up fights..............................They are surprisingly real vigilantes.


    "The rest........is just to go complain when the soldiers make a mistake or misbehave.


    I feel dizzy.


    He was impressed that he hadn''t been cut down and killed well until now.


    Until now, he might have been rooting around, saying that he was trying to relieve the dissatisfaction of the people of the territory or something, but as far as Crono could see, Gaul was seriously angry.


    The new battalion commander........well, that doesn''t mean he''s in charge of the southern frontier. There are six other battalion commanders, and he''s only in charge of the area between Baron Crawford and Baron Ekron.


    ''''So that means there are garrisons between each territory. Hmmm, I guess that''s enough to keep an eye out for barbarians.


    The barbarians will have a stronghold, and there will be an invasion route.


    ''''I''m seeing my brother''s mansion.


    Yes.


    When he entered the mansion, his men were in the middle of a braiding session.


    Crono dismounted from the covered wagon.


    ''Well, let''s take the horses to the stables and then we''ll do some training.


    Yes, sir!


    ''Sounds like a pastry...'' said Crono, looking at Johnny, who was taking his horse to the stables.


    ''He''s gone!''


    Okay, let''s mingle with the team.


    You want me to shut them down?��I''m not an enemy of Johnny the Dagger Man.


    Johnny challenged Tyga with a large-legged thug walk.


    ''I''m not going to smear you, hang on,'' he said.


    I can''t do it.


    I think so.


    As it turned out, Johnny was beaten to a pulp.


    He got knocked down by Tyga in one shot, thrown by Faye, and shut down by Layla.


    It''s amazing how much he was beaten up and not blown away by the winds of cowardice after being beaten up so badly.


    Oh, my God, it''s me?


    Reluctantly, Snow approached Jonny and held his fists up.


    For a moment, Jonny regained his energy.


    Apparently, he thought that Snow could beat him.


    But Jonny lost to Snow.


    ''Y-yeah, I never won.


    I didn''t like it.


    Jonny''s face was soggy with tears, and Snow, who had no abhorrence for murder, looked like he was in a quandary.


    ''....Johnny.


    Crono tapped Johnny on the shoulder and called out softly.


    ''You''re weak,''


    No, but I''m not a... vigilante.


    I''ll reiterate. You''re weak.


    Johnny''s eyes widened in surprise.


    I should have been a little more selective with my words, Crono regretted now.


    It was only a few hours of socializing, but Johnny was not a bad guy.


    He''s like a naive or badly made younger brother with a simple heart.


    ''You''d better not try to provoke the regulars for no reason.


    Is it because we''re weak?


    ''I don''t have a problem with you guys ... deciding what to do with your own lives. But if you mess with the regulars and things get complicated, it''s going to be tricky. Worst case scenario, the Baron Ekron family will be cut off.


    They are even coming out under the banner of the Baron Ekron family and their blood relatives.


    There was no excuse, and the vigilante''s family members could be executed.


    Johnny began to tremble, as if he hadn''t thought that far ahead.


    ''I have a mission for you now. This is an important mission, so listen to it with an open mind.


    All right, bro.


    Johnny''s eyes sparkled as if he had found hope in his despair.


    ''You''re going to go back to work like nothing happened and make sure the vigilantes don''t go off the rails. I''ll leave it up to you to decide how to do it. You can tell them what I said in passing, or you can just tell them that regular soldiers are strong. Or you can cry to your sister Canaan.


    Okay, okay!��I''ll defend the Barony of Ekron!


    Clenching his fists tightly, Johnny ran out of the Crawford mansion.


    ''Master Crono, is he all right?''


    You''ll tell me if it doesn''t work.


    Crono replied lightly to Layla.


    To be honest, I don''t expect that much from Johnny.


    Crono looked at Johnny as he moved away, wondering if he should talk to his adoptive father to get the situation straightened out.


    *


    While the proprietor occasionally rolls out surprises like hot dogs, Myra creates an orthodox but complete dish.


    At first glance, it appears to be just a soup, but its mellow aroma and depth of flavor betray your expectations in a good way.


    That''s a common trait in Myra''s cooking, but unfortunately, her adoptive father, Claude, is not a gourmet, and neither is Crono.


    The two of them eat together with delicious, delicious food, and drink the incense tea after the meal and feel happy.


    Sipping the fragrant tea, Crono put his cup on the table.


    ''Dad, can I ask you something?''


    You just finished eating and you want to talk about work?


    While complaining, his adopted father met Crono''s gaze head-on.


    ''''It''s about the frontline base, but isn''t it too cut and dry for a frontline?''''


    That''s good enough for the barbarians now. Oh, don''t get me wrong.��Even now the barbarians are strong as hell. That hasn''t changed, but they don''t have the power to attack us now.


    What do you mean?


    When Crono asked, his adopted father scratched his head in a troublesome manner.


    ''''........In other words, the barbarian tribes of the Areos Mountains have not recovered from the damage they suffered during the period of upheaval and settlement.''''


    Myra, who was standing diagonally behind her adoptive father, added an explanation.


    ''But the damage is done, isn''t it?''


    We used to chase them off as hard as we could.


    ''''Since we have negotiated that in exchange for allowing the imperial army to be stationed in the city, we will make up a reasonable amount of money in the event that the regular soldiers cause trouble or are damaged by the barbarians. Of course, it''s not just Baron Crawford''s estate, but the other seven families also allow the imperial army to be stationed on the same terms.


    Hmmm, Crono groaned. ''I don''t feel a sense of desperation to chase them away or make up for the damage.


    ''Could it be that you haven''t suffered much damage?


    "Idiots!��It''s a matter of life and death for them to take away your cattle and pigs in the early days of pioneering!


    Your husband was pulling a wheeled plow after his oxen were stolen, wasn''t he?


    His foster father stood up with a terrific swagger, and Myra said with a faraway look in his eyes.


    ''Instantly the talk got smaller.


    Not really. The barbarians are acting like cattle rustlers, but they''re still too strong for the average soldier to deal with. If we destroy them, they will be on a fast track to success.


    Crono crossed his arms, ''So the damage is less, but a threat is a threat?


    ''But if the Empire is going to compensate us for the damage, why would the Barons of Ekron have to protest?


    That was a pose.


    By protesting resolutely, we are assuaging the grievances of the Lords.


    I think that was a bit much.


    The faces in that place didn''t seem to understand, especially Johnny, and if they kept protesting at that flippant pace, I feel like they''ll cross the line at some point.


    ''The Baron Ekron family''s vigilantes looked weak, what about ours?


    I have other elves that I''ve known for a long time besides Myra. I''ve hired a few people with military experience as vigilantes to fill in the gaps, about fifty of them.


    Although reliable compared to the Baron Ekron family, the Baron Crawford family is not above the level of vigilantes either.


    ''''Supporting Battalion Commander Gaul, while suppressing Baron Ekron''s vigilantes, defeating the barbarians.


    Hmmm, Crono groaned again.


    ''Look, Dad. If you don''t have the strength to attack us, can''t you negotiate with the barbarians or something?


    That''s impossible.


    His adoptive father shook his head as if to say, "Nonsense.


    ''''We kill barbarians too, but the barbarians do the same thing.


    Crono couldn''t say anything back to his adopted father.


    ''I have to make my rounds again tomorrow, so don''t set me up too much!


    I know what you''re doing, miss!


    "Missus killed our new battalion chief!


    Oh, you''re too scared to say anything!


    Leaving the vigilante at the village''s only tavern, Canaan accompanied Robert to the mansion.


    He made a series of strong statements to the lords who approached him and entered the mansion, leaving the horses to the servants to take care of them.


    The Ecron mansion is built around a brick building like the Aldemiran Palace, which has been repeatedly built and expanded.


    The huts used during the settlement are still buried in the gardens, and my father, who has retired, invites his friends over to imitate the teaparty.


    Upon entering the hut, Canaan strips off his leather armor and


    ''No more!��You can''t talk like that!��I feel like I just ran into a pile of horse manure!


    He broke down in tears, remembering how he had behaved during the day.


    ''''My lady, even though the Empire will compensate you for the damage, the dissatisfaction of the Lords will only grow.


    I know!��But why don''t you go and protest more politely!��Um, the new battalion commander was looking at me with a very scary look in his eyes!


    You get licked for being polite.


    Robert straightened his back and said in a manner that was a model of propriety.


    ''But, but if you''re acting like that, you''re just late in your marriage.


    He is twenty-five years old and there is no talk of a marriage proposal.


    The man is too scared to come near me.


    ''It''s another reason my sister will elope!


    I haven''t been home in a long time and I get to hear you complain about it.


    Sis!


    Miss Shelah.


    Canaan''s eyes widened in surprise when he saw the figure coming down the stairs, and Robert bowed like a butler.


    Canaan looked up at his sister Shayla Ekron, whom he hadn''t seen in ten years.


    ''Sis, where have you been and what have you been doing?''


    ''Since then I''ve been married in the Marquess of Erakis. "I''ve been running a small restaurant in the Marquess of Erakis. Well, her husband died and she was in debt to the Marquis of Erakis for a hundred gold coins, so now she''s the cook and mistress of the Marquis of Erakis.


    The Marquis of Erakis?��And Canaan tilted his head at the unfamiliar name.


    ''It refers to Baron Crawford''s son, sir.


    Robert explained, and finally Kanan remembered the young man he''d met at the garrison.


    ''You mean mistress?��Sister!��What do you think you''re doing, seducing a young girl like that!


    ''Don''t say anything inappropriate!


    Shera blushed in embarrassment and turned away from Canaan.


    ''I was just trying to comfort you a little, at first. Of course, you know, I feel sorry for him.


    Shera''s face turned bright red and she squirmed and rubbed her thighs together in embarrassment.


    ''It was, like, momentum, you know? I guess I didn''t have the right momentum. I was desperate and cute, and then I got into the swing of things, and then I just fell into the deep end.


    Are you being smitten?��I''m well behind in my marriage because my sister ran off, and I''m surrounded by all those hoodlums, and I''m playing with those, those young girls..." this time Kanan broke down in tears.

 39-Episode 8 "The Oath" Revised Version

    *


    A shabby hut on the outskirts of the village is the base of the Baron Ekron''s vigilante group.


    I don''t know the history, but it''s owned by Baron Ekron''s family and is packed with around ten vigilante members the third and fourth sons of some house who were walking around and were recruited by a Missus to help them.


    Whenever there''s trouble, such as a livestock runaway or a fight, I''ll rush over before anyone else to solve it, and if the barbarians steal the livestock, I''ll go and complain on behalf of the Barony of Ekron.


    That''s my main job.


    I never questioned it until now.


    Miss Miss protests to the battalion commander with her shoulder to break the wind.


    It was painful to see successive battalion commanders shushing each other, unable to say anything.


    But, I think now.


    Crono''s brother was terribly strong.


    He was so strong that he couldn''t understand beastmen, humans, and even childlike half-elves.


    That rookie battalion commander''s men must be as strong as Crono''s men.


    If that was the case, then how strong were the barbarians?


    No, the only thing more frightening than the barbarians would be to be repulsed to death by the military guys.


    I''m afraid that the Baron Ekron family will be demolished because of me.


    "Oh, come on, Johnny. Are you worried about getting beaten up yesterday?


    That was a coincidence. You just happened to miss your dagger and landed a swift and painful kick.


    It wasn''t. My brother went easy on me.


    Hey, could we stop this whole messing around with the military now?


    Johnny looked up at the ceiling and suggested to his friends.


    *


    Why would you go to see Battalion Commander Gaul when you were told to go home?


    It''s my job.


    Crono replied to Snow, whose lips twitched in frustration at the governor''s seat.


    ''I don''t want to see that woman. She made fun of Faye and called me a bug and tried to cut me down.


    Me too.


    Cecily can pass off sarcasm and provocation as much as she wants, but Cecily is going to use her power.


    If a sword is drawn, Crono will have to protect his subordinates, and Leila and Faye will have to raise their weapons to fulfill their duties as guards.


    Yesterday, I was just there to greet them, but I almost got a blade wound.


    Maybe we should be more wary of Cecily than the barbarians we haven''t seen yet.


    The first thing that comes to mind is that Crono-sama doesn''t like it either. Then let''s go home.''''


    Yeah, well, I can''t just work like that, you know.


    ...and so are the nobles.


    ''The nobles too,'' as they say, so Snow must be aware that work is something he has to do even if he doesn''t want to.


    ''''Nobles also have a hard time. Court nobles lose their income when their master dies.


    Faye said, letting her horse run alongside the covered wagon ... or more accurately, the groom''s seat.


    ''''Fay is a fallen aristocrat, you know.


    We are not at the end of the world, sir.


    Snow muttered sincerely, and Faye''s lips twitched in frustration.


    ''What difference does it make?''


    The chance to rebuild the house.


    I think it''s a worthy downfall when the income has been disrupted, but it''s better not to point this out because the only thing you can get from making Faye cry is a bad aftertaste.


    ''How is Faye going to rebuild the house?


    Of course, you must do your duty.


    Snow tilts his head curiously, as if he doesn''t understand the relationship between rebuilding a house and setting up a military service.


    The nobles get money and territory when they set up a military service. If you can get your face remembered by high and mighty people, you can be appointed as a battalion commander, and as a battalion commander you will have connections in various fields. Depending on how you do it, you can earn more money than your salary.


    ''It''s a bribe, isn''t it?��When I was in the slums, the soldiers on patrol would take money and miss the pickpockets.


    I wouldn''t do that, sir.


    Faye said grimly, but according to Kane, who is the acting lord in the Marquess of Erakis territory, there are many cases of accepting bribes instead of overlooking crimes in unsafe areas, according to Kane.


    Incidentally, bribes are used for promotion and transfers, and sometimes they are passed upwards.


    ''Didn''t Master Crono take any bribes?''


    I strictly order my people not to take bribes because of the total negative impact, and I''ve said no myself.


    The bribery is being strictly enforced by the clerical people who used to work for Kane and Tilia.


    ''Total negative?''


    ''''If you let crime go unnoticed, the security will deteriorate, and if you favor one particular merchant, the other merchants won''t be able to make money, and the commercial district will become desolate. See, if you look at the territory as a whole, you''re clearly losing money.


    Snow''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''Master Crono is amazing.''


    I haven''t been a lord for a year, you know.


    Crono''s chest heaved as Snow gave him a look of respect.


    ''I thought Crono-sama was just a naughty person, but I guess I was wrong.


    Snow!


    Reprimanded by Leila from the other side, Snow cowered her shoulders as if she was frightened.


    ''''Because........I heard in the imperial capital that you were taking sub-humans to bed every night, every night.


    Indeed, rumors of Master Crono have spread to the Imperial City.


    New revelations to be revealed now!


    He''s calling out his mother and the Deneb centurion and the Arid centurion, and so on.


    ''No, no, I don''t force you. Oh, no, I do make a few unreasonable requests, but I basically respect your wishes.


    Kohon and Leila coughed awkwardly.


    ''Snow I serve as Lady Crono''s night owl of my own volition. Deneb and Alideed are the same as me.


    Although she said it matter-of-factly, Leila turned over a little bit, looking embarrassed.


    ''''Does Crono-sama like your mother?''''


    Of course.


    Crono answered immediately.


    ''What do you like about it?��I''m half-elf and so is my mom.


    Master Crono, you don''t have to answer.


    Leila''s eyes sparkle with anticipation as she says this.


    ''''Is it a little hard to answer that question?''''


    ....


    Leila pretends to be disappointed.


    ''I think there was a misunderstanding or momentum at first,''


    If Leila hadn''t misinterpreted Crono''s decision to keep her in the military as out of love, they wouldn''t be in the relationship they were in now.


    ''But Leila was so painfully desperate I was willing to believe her. Even though Tilia cursed me out a lot.


    I''ve never heard of it.


    It''s not really something to talk about, you know.


    Crono replied to Leila, who cowered her shoulders and rolled her eyes.


    The dwarves working in the workshop must have witnessed the scene of being beaten and cursed by Tyria, but it seems that even if you can''t put a door in a person''s mouth, you can put it in a dwarf''s mouth.


    ''''Master Crono has made love to Princess Tyria by turning her into an enemy, hasn''t he?


    Mr. Crono.


    Leila''s eyes welled up at Faye''s words, as if she was impressed.


    ''It''s about time.''


    We reached the front-line base and parked the wagons and horses outside the fence, just as we did yesterday.


    The Baron Ekron''s vigilantes were gone.


    The battalion was in the middle of a training exercise.


    Gaul was soon to be found.


    Gaul Battalion Commander was clutching his wooden sword and teaming up with a large sub-human.


    The wooden swords were struck together.


    His opponent was a minotaur, but he didn''t seem to be going easy on him.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    ''Is Captain Gaul Battalion Commander strong?''


    ''''He''s a competent person who could be called a candidate for the head of the Kingsguard. There aren''t many people in the Kingsguard who can overpower a large subhuman without the use of magic or divine power.


    With a thud, the minotaur falls to the ground.


    Captain Gaul looked down at the minotaur and exchanged a couple of words, and then the next person stepped up.


    Crono stared at the training scene and commented that he didn''t seem to be interested in troop management.


    Many of the soldiers had not been treated for their wounds, and many of them were poorly groomed or thin.


    The problematic soldiers are all sub-humans, so maybe they are assigning supplies to humans first.


    ''''........Someone is here....


    Isn''t that Cecily?


    The cavalryman, armed with plate metal armor (plate mail), stopped in front of Crono and the others and jumped up his visor.


    ''''Oh, aren''t you Fey-san?''''


    Apparently, I''ve stopped calling Faye a horseshit woman.


    Cecily''s gaze darted deliberately back and forth from Faye''s face to her feet.


    ''You haven''t been provided with proper armour or a horse, have you?


    This armor was made with great care by Goldie and his men. The Black King is a fine horse.


    Hoon and Cecily snorted foolishly.


    ''It''s quoted that cavalrymen wear sheet metal armor (plate mail).


    ''''Fey is a light cavalryman and can use the Divine Majesty Technique, so there''s no need for it.


    The Fay who can use the Divine Wielding Technique is a light cavalryman, but boasts a rushing power greater than that of a heavy cavalryman.


    If he linked up with other cavalry, he would be able to act like General Ignis of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Cecily stared at Crono with a devil-like appearance and humph!��I sniffed and went back to training.


    Was Cecily always like that?


    ''I was often beaten up by other knights for my poor cleaning skills. Nevertheless, I continued to clean the stables, believing that my efforts would be rewarded.


    The other knights were wary of Fay, who had outstanding abilities, and Count Piske probably stepped on the fact that it wouldn''t benefit him to bring out the fallen nobles.


    ''''........I would like to meet up with them.


    I don''t mind.


    It feels like Battalion Commander Gaul is ignoring us, and if only Faye would take a cue, Crono allows him to do so~.


    ''''Gaul-dono, I ask you to join hands with me!


    ....


    Gaul looked at Faye in confusion.


    ''....Hey, give him the wooden sword.


    Thank you.


    Receiving the wooden sword from the nearby beastmen, Faye lightly swings the wooden sword as if to check its condition.


    Out of the blue, Gaul and Faye hold their wooden swords.


    Gaul is at the upper level and Fay is at the middle level.


    Gaul uses his blessed physique to unleash an attack of maximum power, and Faye is probably for dealing with any situation.


    Fay has learned to deal with tactics such as bluffing, bluffing, and bluffing, techniques that do not exist in regular swordsmanship, and anticipation cultivated by her vast combat experience, and Fay has learned to be flexible in order to fight her adoptive father, who uses all kinds of moves.


    It was Gaul who set up first.


    Gaul closed the distance in one fell swoop, and without any hesitation, he swung his wooden sword down.


    Gaul''s wooden sword cut through the sky.


    Faye ducked Gaul''s blow by diving diagonally forward instead of sideways or backwards.


    Attacks from the upper level are limited to a trajectory of ''swinging down'' and if the attack is ducked, there is a disadvantage of not being able to immediately move on to the next attack.


    If it was an ordinary opponent, the game would have been won as soon as we ducked.


    However, Gaul slashes upwards diagonally from the state of swinging the wooden sword down to chase Fay.


    That''s also faster than Fay can attack.


    Faye didn''t receive the wooden sword and ducked with a light backstep.


    If you''re using the divine power technique to improve your muscle strength, you still can''t compete with pure muscle strength.


    If he was brought into a battle with a sword, he would definitely be crushed.


    As it was, Fei tried to jump into Gaul''s bosom, but he stopped suddenly just before he could.


    In the meantime, Gaul leisurely resumed his upper level stance.


    Crono couldn''t understand why Fay didn''t jump in.


    Then, just as before, Gaul swung his wooden sword down, and Faye ducked lightly.


    Gaul attacks and Fay ducks, a fight that looks like a routine job.


    Moreover, even though Gaul showed an obvious opening, Faye didn''t attack.


    He just stops when he thinks he''s about to attack.


    After more offense and defense, Crono finally understands why Fay can''t attack.


    A feint.


    The moment Fay was about to attack, Gaul was moving his arms, shoulders and gaze to block her movements.


    I''m not an arm strength idiot, Crono thought rudely to Gaul.


    If that''s the case, then it''s a speed game..................I have no choice but to strike the wooden sword faster than Gaul.


    Faye is the first to set it up herself.


    I wonder if the reason I ducked so greatly was to prevent him from jumping into my pocket.


    The attackers ducked, and Faye held her wooden sword at mid-level.


    Again, Gaul''s stance is the upper level.


    Fay and Gaul were smiling.


    It was a smile colored by the joy of being able to clash their techniques at the same level as themselves.


    ''''Whoa!''''


    Gaul lets out a yell and swings the wooden sword down in one go.


    It''s an all-out strike that makes his body look a size or two bigger.


    Faye catches Gaul''s wooden sword as it is swung down with his own.


    No, just before the wooden sword was about to collide, Fay tilted the wooden sword at an angle.


    Gaul''s upper body swims.


    The blow that he fired with all his strength, and the fact that he was swept away by it, caused him to lose his stance.


    Faye kicked the ground and slammed the wooden sword into Gaul''s side in a scraping manner.


    ''''........Wow, I''ve won.


    Crono''s muttering may have represented the feelings of everyone who was there.


    The scene and the surroundings fell silent.


    Guillory and Gaul stared at Faye.


    Ha-ha-ha, you''re awesome.


    He laughed with pleasure.


    "You''re the strongest woman I''ve ever met. What''s your name?


    Fay M''Refine, sir.


    Well, why don''t you come work for me?


    You son of a b*tc*!��You''re going to pull our precious cadets out of the ground!��And Crono tried to run up to him.


    ''''I''m ... sorry, sir.


    I don''t want to force you, but why?


    ''Mmm,'' said Faye, raising her eyebrows with difficulty.


    ''There are many reasons.


    Well, then, I guess I''ll have to do it.


    Gaul looked at Crono and clicked his tongue in displeasure.


    ''What a day,''


    No, I''m just trying to support you with food and medicine.


    ''You bastard,'' he thought, but Crono replied with an affectionate smile.


    ''No, I don''t want it, go home.''


    ''No, no, no, I don''t want to be told to go home I feel like I''m going to get angry from above if I go home empty-handed.


    I''ll write you a stroke, and you can leave Faye alone.


    No, no, no, no, I just thought, you know, if I have to go home, I''d like to have a record of assisting you.


    ''I''m not going to leave, though,'' Crono adds in his mind.


    ''....tch, do what you want.


    Thank you. Well, I''m sorry to bother you, but I''m going to need to check on the deliveries of goods in and out of the city, and I''d like to see the delivery receipts and account books.


    Come with me.


    Thinking he''d be told to look for it on his own, Gaul started to walk away.


    As I reached Gaul a little later, Layla and Snow flanked Crono.


    ''''Crono-sama,''''


    How did it go?


    Crono asks as he walks away.


    ''Yes. Battalion Commander Gaul''s reputation is not so bad. The last time he engaged the barbarians, he rushed in to support the collapsing front line and held them back.''


    Hmmm, but people want to eat their fill. When I told them that I worked for Master Chronos, they were envious when I told them that they got to eat and drink a lot of wine.


    I see, Crono nodded.


    Entering the room in the center of the forward base, Gaul brought a box from the back room and set it down on the table, slamming it down on the table.


    The box was stuffed with a mess of parchment, and it was impossible to tell which was which.


    ''For now, shall we arrange the sustenance and the rest of it by month?��Leila, help me.


    I understand.


    Gaul rolled his eyes as he spread the parchment out on the table.


    ''I''ve never heard of a half-elf reading,''


    I taught him one-on-one.


    Crono replies as he separates the parchment more.


    ''I think Leila knows more about market prices than I do, don''t you?


    Yes, sir.


    As Crono handed over the delivery note for sustenance, Leila quickly looked over the new delivery note.


    ''The market rate?''


    We have a second-in-command and Leila in charge of receiving rations and negotiating with the merchants.


    "....grain is about 20 to 30 percent more expensive than the market price. If we assume that we buy our food at an increase of twenty-five percent over the market price, we will only be able to buy 80 percent of what we need.


    The military expenses to maintain the battalion are provided by the Empire, and the battalion commander is given a great deal of discretion as to what to use it for other than labor costs.


    However, the military budget is an amount of money that would be insufficient if they did not purchase armor and protective gear at a reasonable price and food at a price close to market rates.


    In other words, the amount of money that can be spent freely is very little.


    Crono pays for everything but his salary and provisions, so his men enjoy one of the best living conditions and food habits in the Imperial Army.


    ''As far as I can see, the ratio of humans to subhumans in this battalion is three to seven. If we allocate rations to ensure that humans have enough to meet their needs, the rations allocated to the sub-humans will only be 70 percent of what a soldier needs per day.


    ...I see.


    I knew it was a good decision to hire Dr. Weissman, Crono thought as he listened to Leila''s report.


    ''''I suppose we can get the sustenance we need if we have a merchant from Baron Crawford''s or Baron Ekron''s estate make an estimate.


    What are you going to do?


    Gaul seems to be unfamiliar with every negotiation.


    ''I show him the quote and ask him to give me the same or lower than this. If it''s the same, continue with the deal, if it''s even a little higher, we''ll just deal with another merchant the next time. Do you know of any other places where we might be able to get a better price?


    When Crono was checking the market price with Layla, Gaul looked dismayed.


    ''''Everyone, now you''ll be able to have a full meal.


    .....


    Gaul glares at Snow with a demonic look on his face.


    He stepped on a land mine!��Faye, where''s Faye!��I looked around and saw that Faye was not in the hut.


    Don''t think it''s your job as a boss to make sure your men have a full meal.


    Crono looked at Gaul as he moved to shelter Snow.


    His legs trembled as if he was about to sit down with a wobble.


    ''''Well you''re right. It''s my fault for starving my men. There''s no excuse for it.


    Crono patted his chest as Gaul frankly admitted his disapproval.


    *


    Back in his room at the Crawford mansion, Crono laid out the delivery note Gaul had left him on his desk.


    ''Sounds like it was a fruitful negotiation.


    "Thank God Battalion Commander Gaul can talk.


    Crono sat back in his chair, making a light remark to Myra, who had been creeping up on him before he knew it.


    ''Myra, where is this Bailey Trading Company?''


    ''The Bailey Trading Company is a fairly large trading company with a branch in the Earl of Burkmeier, north of the Barony of Crawford.


    I asked, pointing to the name of the trade association on the delivery note, and Myra replied matter-of-factly.


    ''So, what''s your reputation?''


    I hope we''re all dead, sir. What is it?


    Myra gave a smile that sent a chill down her spine.


    ''What have they done to you?''


    That''s it!��Every time I sold my crops, I was priced out!��Once the reclamation got going, though, I switched to a different trade association and did it!��Uhahahahaha!


    ''You''re stressed out,'' Crono said, turning away from Myra, who was smiling high.


    ''Sometimes, boy.''


    What can I do for you, Mr. Myra? I have a job to do now, don''t I?


    Before I knew it, Myra was hanging on to Crono.


    ''.........tch, I think someone''s coming.


    Will you excuse me?


    Bang!��The door opened and the voice of the landlady, who sounded very much like Kanan, was heard.


    The landlady walked over quickly and sat down at her desk.


    ''Long time no see, landlady.''


    I know it''s early days, but I need a little favor from Master Crono.


    ''I''m willing to negotiate a pay rise. You''re a good worker, how about five pieces of silver plus?


    This is not the time.


    The landlady shushed awkwardly and looked at Crono.


    ''No, my business.''


    It''s not even what you think it is.


    ''Ah, but patience is bad for you,'' said the landlady as Crono sat up, shoving her away.


    The vigilante of Baron Ekron''s territory said something about driving out the army. Can you help me out a bit?


    Crono held his head in his hands.


    Yesterday, today, there was an emergency.


    Did I underestimate the vigilante''s hostility towards the military too much?


    ''''I''ll cooperate with you because I don''t want the relationship between Baron Ekron and the military to become sullied, but where did you get that from?''''


    This is Lady Shera, daughter of the Baroness Ekron.


    How can you remember that when you''ve only seen each other once or twice?


    When Crono asked, Myra easily revealed the landlady''s identity, and the landlady............Sheela scratched her head as if to say she was overwhelmed.


    ''''........I see, and that you have a similar atmosphere to Kanan-san in the street.''''


    I thought it might be the other way around, but now I should move.


    ''Landlady would you rather be Shelah?''


    I don''t mind.


    Cohon and Crono coughed.


    ''Well, then, Shelah,''


    Do you know, I get embarrassed when people say my name.


    Shera''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.


    ''Shera, do you know what route the vigilantes use and when they arrive?''


    Yeah, I showed up on the route with Canaan. Johnny''s guy is supposed to delay it as long as possible, but the evening is the limit.


    If you can convince them, that''s the best thing you can do, but even if you do, it''s an armed uprising.


    You have to be prepared for a certain amount of blood loss, and in the worst case scenario, you might have to kill all the vigilantes.


    ''''Well I don''t want to take any chances.


    Crono stood up and gave the order.


    *


    Hugu, I can''t believe this happened as soon as my sister came back.


    Even if I say I won''t go, she will probably go off on her own, saying something like ''Miss, please wait for good news''.


    Huh-hey, they would be wiped out easily and I would be responsible for their deaths, and I would be locked up.


    The dirty guards would rape me by force, like they were going to entertain me before I died.


    Wheeeeeeee!��And Canaan fainted at his own delusion.


    Of course, he wouldn''t show his face.


    As usual, he rode his horse with a miserable expression on his face and led the fifty vigilantes.


    ''''Ah, Miss!''''


    More poop!��I''m going to leave you behind if you don''t come up with something to do!


    I''m sorry.


    Johnny went apologetically and jumped into the bushes.


    Oh, poop. I feel like an a**h*le for shouting such a vulgar word in public but you''re okay, sister, right?��I''m sure you''ve been able to convince Crono that he''s right.��And if you can''t convince them, if you''re ever in doubt, or if the guards are that many?��.........and Canaan couldn''t bear his own delusion and almost fell off the horse.


    ''Johnny!��It''s not over yet!


    Canaan shouted, but there was no reply.


    It''s funny, earlier, he always answered when I called him.


    No. Did he get away?


    Somebody go check on Johnny!


    Ooooh!


    A vigilante with an old sword strapped to his waist parted into the bushes.


    The bushes ... both sides of the path are covered with waist-high grass.


    Step by step, the vigilante takes a step forward.


    The moment he takes the tenth step, the vigilante suddenly disappears.


    Zazazaz!��And all at once, the grass shook.


    ''Hey, there''s something in there!''


    What do you mean "something"?


    The vigilantes scream.


    ''Ta, help!''


    A vigilante emerges from the bushes, having gone to check on Johnny.


    ''Chi, blood!''


    True to his word, the vigilante emerged from the bushes and was covered in blood.


    ''Ta, help, help!''


    Pow!��and the bloody vigilante falls over.


    No, he was grabbed by his ankles and dragged down by a yellow and black hair-covered arm that stretched out from the bushes.


    ''Ahhhh!''


    Leaving claw marks on the ground, the bloodied vigilante was taken away behind the bushes.


    ''Chi, d*mn it!''


    Hey, what the hell''s going on?


    Miss, we''re surrounded.


    What?


    Zah zah zah!��and the grass swayed and the beastmen and elves stood up.


    When they turned around, the retreat was blocked by the beastmen.


    Hey, sis, I''ve convinced you, haven''t I?��And Canaan looked around in fear.


    ''Tsk!��I''m going to run through it all at once, boys!


    Just as Kanan was about to run his horse, an arrow that flew out of nowhere pierced the ground.


    ''Who are you?��Stop hiding and come out!


    I''m not trying to hide, though.


    Waveringly, the landscape ahead flickered, and a black-haired young man...Crono...appeared.


    He was accompanied by a silver-haired half-elf and a human woman.


    ''''Miss!''''


    At Crono''s feet was Johnny, bound with a rope.


    Don''t let go of Johnny!


    But if we let him go, how will your sister Kanan attack the base?


    Canaan was at a loss for words.


    Even if Canaan promised, the vigilantes might renege on their promise, saying that as long as there were no hostages.


    It''s not a bad idea, but it''s not a bad idea. It''s a good thing that we are neighbors, and we don''t want to leave a grudge by shedding blood. So, why don''t we just have a duel like noblemen?


    A duel?


    Crono nodded and smiled.


    ''If I lose, I''ll give Johnny back, and I won''t interfere with sister Canaan. If I win I''ll give Johnny back either way, but I want sister Kanan to return to Baron Ekron quietly. You can stand in for me if you want, ok, I''ll stand in for you too. Win or lose, you either surrender or you won''t be able to fight.


    What if I say no?


    For now, I''m going to chop Johnny to death and kill all of Sister Canaan''s men and make Sister Canaan regret being born a woman.


    Scary!��And Canaan couldn''t help but scratch himself.


    He has such a pretty face and his eyes are serious.


    This girl is seriously going to make me regret being a woman in her eyes.


    ''I''ll take it. Robert, rub it in!


    Fay, win.


    Robert silently drew his sword and released it, and the woman called Faye drew her sword in response.


    *


    I''ll take it. Robert, give him a good rubbing!


    Fay, win.


    Okay, he accepted!��And Crono clenched his fists tighter.


    He doesn''t show it to his face, but stands in human form with his arms crossed.


    A duel is a brilliant way to sacrifice little because the winner is obvious to everyone.


    He could have been shoved, but it would have been good to surprise him and make him panic halfway through.


    Splashing that vigilante with the blood of livestock would have worked well, too.


    It''s a nice miscalculation that the magic I acquired to sneak into Elena''s room was useful, and I have to give Eril credit when I get back to the territory.


    The odds are against us.


    Johnny, the best dagger user in Baron Ekron''s territory, is at that level.


    That man with a scar on his lip called Robert would not be an enemy of Fay either.


    After all, Faye is learning her adoptive father''s real-world swordsmanship in addition to the regular swordsmanship.


    But such was Crono''s intentions.


    ''God, bless my blade!��"Celebration of the Holy Blade!


    It was shattered by the yellow light that covered Robert''s sword.


    Yellow is the color that symbolizes the ''Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility''.


    ''Master Crono, since you have ordered me to win, I will win even if I have to pay with my life.


    Darkness rises from Faye''s body like smoke, and in response, particles glowing in yellow are released from Robert.


    Robert points the cutting edge at Faye.


    The composition is a stab........but the distance is too wide open.


    In the next moment, like an unleashed arrow, without any warning, Robert had instantly accelerated to top speed.


    Squeak!��And sparks flew in Faye''s chest.


    Robert''s sword snatched at Faye''s armor.


    Why?��And the thought flies in the face.


    It should be impossible for him to launch an attack with no motion, even if he strengthens his physical body with the Divine Majesty Technique.


    But even though Robert hasn''t moved his feet, he explodes on the ground and unleashes another bodily thrust at Faye.


    As soon as the second thrust was released, Faye sank to the ground.


    In the blink of an eye, the distance between Faye and Robert was closed and something exploded between them.


    As if it was a bullet, the two men separated and held their swords at the ready.


    When they reached this point, Crono understood why Robert was able to accelerate with no motion.


    Robert had made the ground explode with his Divine Majesty Technique, and the reaction to it made it possible for him to make a no-motion stab.


    If this was the ''Crimson and the God of Destruction'', he would have been able to detect the true nature of the technique right away because of the grand flames.


    I''m used to fighting, Crono realized that he had misjudged Robert''s abilities.


    But the truly frightening one was Faye, who ducked the first blow and found a way to deal with the second.


    Faye realized that Robert''s acceleration was a reaction to the explosion, and she saw a weakness in Robert''s ability to advance only in a straight line.


    So Faye held her sword in a low position so that Robert could plunge in and wound himself.


    Robert must have realized that he had spotted the weakness and exploded on the ground just before he was attacked, putting distance between him and Faye.


    Faye chased after Robert, not wanting to let him get away.


    However, Robert used his boxer-like footwork to get around to Fay''s side and swung his sword down just to return the favor.


    Ginn!��And a metallic sound echoed.


    Like Gaul, Faye raised her sword from her swinging stance and surpassed Robert''s attack.


    ''God!


    In response to Robert''s shout, or no, prayer, a stone spear extends from all directions to skewer Fay.


    ''''Nah!''''


    Faye flashed her sword, spearheaded by a stone spear, destroying part of it and narrowly escaping.


    ''God!''


    Don!��Boom!��Boom!��And by prayer to Robert, stone pillar after stone pillar towered up, blocking Faye''s path.


    If he had hesitated even a moment, the stone pillars would have launched Faye''s body or crushed her jaw.


    But Faye escaped the onslaught of the stone pillars as if she had foreseen the future.


    Robert swung his sword down and Faye ducked with a light step.


    ''God!


    The sword extended as Robert released a slash of sidenagi after Faye.


    Unlike the darkness that Faye had extended the darkness that covered the blade against Rio before, the blade itself extended.


    ''''The Mother Goddess, who is the yellow earth and controls fertility, is the earth god.


    Then what wonder is it that the iron born from the earth grew out of the earth through his prayer?


    ''''Ha!''''


    As soon as he could, Faye held her sword vertically and caught Robert''s blade, but kink!��And with a clear sound, the sword snaps and the hilt falls from her hand.


    The broken blade sticks to the ground as it spins around and around.


    ''''Oh!''''


    Robert swung the sword, which had grown to a size greater than the large sword, at Faye.


    Faye didn''t move as she slumped back down.


    That posture was similar to that of an iaidou.


    But Faye was missing her sword.


    What do you call pulling out of it, from which only the scabbard exists?


    ''''Divine weapon summoning, pull out sword!


    Darkness bursts forth.


    Out of the exploding darkness came a sword that shone jet black.


    A sword of the most exquisite workmanship, it cuts Robert''s sword without any resistance, slicing deep into his upper arm.


    The sword falls from Robert''s hand.


    But no blood flows.


    For a second or two, just when he suspected that the slashing of his arm was an illusion, blood gushed out of Robert''s arm like a nightmare.


    ''Robert!''


    Canaan runs over and supports Robert, who is about to collapse.


    ''Come on, come on, use your divine art to stop the blood!


    Miss, I''m afraid I''ve used my divine power too much.


    Struggling, Robert breathes on his shoulder.


    ''Retreat!��They''ve got Robert!��I''m pulling out!


    My brother!


    Godd*mn you, my brother!


    Remember that!


    The vigilantes shouted at each other and headed back the way they came from.


    Well, they winked at us, so Robert would never die.


    ''Fay!''


    When Crono looked at Faye, she was slumped on the ground.


    ''Um, Faye?''


    My father''s sword has been broken!


    Hawaawa, Faye clenched her sword with an expression full of despair, as if the end of the world had come.


    *


    A nobleman''s mansion, its treasury, is often thought of as a place where gold and silver treasures and the like are stored, but in the case of the Crawford mansion, it''s simply a warehouse.


    ''''Leila, was it over there?''''


    No, what about Snow?


    No. Where''s Johnny?


    I don''t have one either!


    What Crono, Layla, Snow, and Jonny are doing is looking for a sword for the Fae.


    ''Hmmm, I thought I had a sword or two.


    The only things the four of us were able to find after a desperate search were a spear, a shield, and some chest armor (Breastmail).


    ''Hey, son!��What the hell are you doing without food!


    Faye''s sword is broken and I''m looking for a replacement.


    What?��A sword is just a consumable item.


    ''No, actually...''


    As Crono explained, his adoptive father gave him a pained look.


    ''''You don''t have a spare sword with you?''''


    ''There are some but what can I say, the fey dents are not half as bad as they could be. I thought something like one of the master masters would cheer me up.


    It''s a childish idea, even for me, Crono said with a bitter smile.


    ''d*mn, that''s no use. Wait for me.


    And with that, his adoptive father walked out of the warehouse.


    ''Oye, give him this,''


    When his foster father returned a short while later, he held out a sword to Crono.


    It was a splendidly crafted sword, though it was not quite as good as the divine weapon that Faye had summoned.


    When pulled out of its scabbard, the blade shines wetly and is chillingly s*xy.


    If it were just the blade alone, it would have a presence that rivals that of a sacred artifact.


    ''''What is this?''''


    My wife was Elr''s. I don''t know how it came to be hers, but it must have been quite a feat.


    Are you sure?


    My wife''s memory is right here.


    Don!��''I don''t know,'' said his foster father, thumping his chest.


    ''The old Crawford house in the garden, the fields, the bridge. The estate itself is my wife''s mementos, if you ask me. So go ahead and hand it over!


    Thanks, Dad!


    Hugging his sword, Crono ran out of the warehouse and headed for Faye''s room.


    He knocked, but there was no answer.


    ''Faye, are you coming in?''


    ....


    When I entered the room, the lights were off and the dimness filled the room.


    Is he asleep?


    No, Faye is sensitive to signs.


    Even if she was asleep, she would have woken up the moment Crono entered the room.


    Crono sat down on the bed and stroked Faye''s head.


    ''Faye?''


    ....


    Faye didn''t answer.


    ''Spee, spee,'' he heard a peaceful sleep.


    ''You''re sleeping!''


    What was that, sir?


    When he pouted, Faye raised herself up in surprise.


    ''Kuh, Master Crono, yo, are you crawling at night?''


    No, it''s not that, it''s just I was depressed and I needed a replacement sword.


    Crono held out the sword, and Faye sat upright on the bed and took it.


    ''This is a wonderful sword, isn''t it?''


    Faye said, pulling the sword out of its scabbard a bit.


    ''Yeah, it''s my mom''s ... well, I''ve never met her, but it seems to be a memento sword.


    Shouldn''t you be allowed to take something so precious?


    ''Dad said the memories are in his mind, but I think he wants Faye to use them because they''re important to him.


    Faye is busily comparing swords with Crono, seemingly unable to tread on them.


    ''''Okay then.''''


    Oh, you are angry, aren''t you?


    Crono took the sword from Faye and stood in the center of the room.


    The pale moonlight brought up a corner of the room.


    ''Fay, fay m''refine.''


    Yes, sir.


    Faye jumped off the bed in a panic and knelt at Crono''s feet.


    Crono drew his sword and released it.


    In the moonlight, Elua''s sword shone.


    ''My departed mother by the sword of Erua, I make thee my knight.


    .....


    Crono touched Faye''s shoulder with his sword as her eyes widened in surprise.


    Faye''s oath surprised Crono this time.


    As the words go, the knight must keep his vow.


    A lifelong, unchanging love........love is neither constant nor eternal.


    To such uncertain emotions, Faye said she would stake everything on it.


    ''The sky may fall, the earth may split open, and the sea may swallow us up, but our vows shall never be broken.


    When Crono held out his sword, Faye reverently received it with both hands.


    ''''........''''


    Wordlessly, Faye stared at him and Crono swallowed raw.


    A lifetime of unchanging love and loyalty.


    It''s a heavy, too heavy pledge.


    That''s why Crono must respond to Faye''s feelings.

 40-Episode 9 "Barbarian"

    *


    Bailey''s Chamber of Commerce the Chamber of Commerce, which gathered Myra''s hatred all together, was quick to act.


    As soon as Crono sent the letter, they admitted to the mistake in the estimate and came to deliver the missing sustenance.


    However, it was only this time that he admitted.


    I wanted to push him a little more, but I couldn''t push him any further because Gaul, the battalion commander, had stopped me from doing so.


    Whether we continue to do business with the Bailey Chamber of Commerce after next month depends on the estimate, so it might be a wise choice.


    If you just follow them because they are powerful, they will eat you up.


    I felt that I had caught a glimpse of the resilience of such merchants.


    Bag after bag of wheat was brought into the pantry one after another.


    It was confirmed that one hundred and fifty sacks were brought in, converted at sixty kilos per sack.......Leila checked with her eyes, calculated by rote as a reaffirmation, and ran up to Crono.


    The sub-humans and humans who were under Gaul''s command looked enviously, while the heavy cavalrymen, who were also humans but from the noble class, looked at Leila as if they were looking at a rare animal as well.


    After all this time, the literacy rate in the Cepheus Empire was low.


    Since only those who can afford it have the opportunity to become educated, Leila will seem like a different world to the uneducated sub-humans and humans.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    ''''Crono-sama, we have confirmation.


    It''s Battalion Commander Gaul who signs.


    ''I''m sorry, Battalion Commander Gaul. I need your signature.


    Yeah.


    Slightly puzzled... in fact, it would be the first time in his life that a half-elf would be asked for his signature.


    Gaul wrote his signature and returned the delivery note to Layla, also confused.


    Layla checked the signature firmly and ran to the person in charge of the Bailey Chamber of Commerce.


    ''''Well that''s a useful half-elf.


    I''m not going to let Leila go.


    Crono glared at Gawl, wondering if he was going to recruit Leila to follow Faye.


    ''Don''t look so scared. Neither do I intend to mess with someone else''s mistress.


    Are you on my left, sir?


    Crono dented as he imagined himself being discarded, saying that Leila was willing, but if she cheated on him or dumped him, he would have a serious distrust of people.


    ''But I''ve never seen a half-elf as intelligent as that one.


    ''I''m sure it was partly due to his qualities, but I taught him to read, write and do arithmetic properly, and he''s still learning under Mr. Weissman.


    ...Weissman?��Oh, you''re Assistant Teacher Weissman.


    Apparently Mr. Weissman didn''t impress Gaul, even though he graduated from military school.


    Crono doesn''t have many teachers he remembers other than Mr. Wiseman, but maybe this lack of bite on the topic is the difference between honor students and inferior students.


    ''''You say you taught it, did you make that half-elf become educated?''''


    I''m just trying to be useful in the future.


    Hmmm, Gaul crossed his arms and snorted.


    ''''Oh, you don''t carry that miserable sword at your side, do you?


    That''s when Gaul was about to open his mouth when he heard such a voice.


    The owner of the voice was Cecily, and the one being entangled was Fay.


    The stinging sword is probably a memento of Fay''s father that was broken in the fierce battle with Robert.


    When Crono tried to stop him, Gaul controlled him with his hand.


    ''If a man can''t see a man for three days, he has to scrape off his feet,'' and that''s exactly what he does.


    Does that mean he''s grown up?��And Crono looked at Faye.


    It was the same Faye as usual to look at, but she seemed to be more dignified than usual.


    Remembering the incident in the bathroom, Crono''s chemistry broke down.


    After finishing the fight, Crono dared to make a surprise attack against Fay.


    He broke into the bathroom just to return the favor in the morning.


    He then asked Faye to flush his back.


    Of course, he didn''t ask her to flush his back in the usual way.


    Because now Faye is Crono''s knight and mistress.


    When Crono asked, Faye froze as if shame and loyalty were playing a tug of war.


    In the end, loyalty won out, but it was only a victory for thin ice, a prelude to the next battle.


    Faye, while painstakingly washing Crono''s back, stiffened as if she suddenly came to herself, and yet, she still did what she asked.


    Unfortunately, the battle that Faye had risked her entire life for was only a call for the next battle, and for now, there were no two words for the end of the war in Crono''s dictionary.


    ''''This sword is a memento of my master''s wife, Elua-sama, who is also Crono-sama''s mother.


    You''re calling it an antique, aren''t you?


    Faye took a step forward, and Cecily retreated as if to match it.


    It wouldn''t be a conscious act.


    Cecily''s face was twisted in humiliation as evidence of this.


    As if she couldn''t forgive herself for retreating.


    ''Huh, it''s unpleasant!


    Spitting out, Cecily turned on her heel.


    From the side, though, it looked like she was pressurized and ran away.


    Crono felt a sense of deja vu at the sight.


    Where could it be?��I nodded my head.


    I knew the answer right away.


    He looks just like Crono, who met Leonhardt at the ball.


    Perhaps Cecily recognizes Faye''s ability.


    But acknowledging Faye''s ability was tantamount to admitting that she was lower in rank.


    That''s probably why Cecily tries to undermine Faye.


    It''s true that humiliating Faye might make her feel superior, but it''s only temporary.


    Soon she would be brought back to reality and would have to repeat the same thing.


    Maybe that''s why Cecily is so aggressive towards Crono as well as Faye.


    Well, in short, I guess it''s just taking it out on her.


    Even if it was the same eight-grind, Sion-san''s was prettier.


    At least he hadn''t felt his life in danger because of Sion-san''s eighteenth strike, and Crono looked up at the sky.


    So, is it because the only part of me that''s winning is being a venerable old nobleman, that I''m the new nobleman, that you''re loudly claiming aristocratic pride and looking down on me, the new nobleman, more than necessary?��And Crono analyzed Cecily''s behavior in his own way.


    ''Maybe it''s just a bunch of inferiority complexes,'' Crono smiled.


    ''Don''t smile wickedly next to me,''


    Rude.


    Crono gently covered his mouth with his hand.


    I don''t know.


    In the last war, the Twelfth Order also suffered heavy losses.


    They should need competent subordinates to rebuild the knights, so I don''t think Count Piske will let go of Cecily.


    Well, I think that Count Piske would easily let go if there was no merit in retaining her.


    ''''The barbarians will attack us again today or tomorrow. You and your men will be invited to join us in defeating them.


    ''I don''t want it, just the other day,'' he said to me, ''I don''t want it, go home''?


    Gaul looked at the forest with his arms crossed.


    ''I''ve changed my mind,''


    Are you on my left, sir?


    Gaul easily reversed his previous statement.


    I guess he took the fruit rather than the face.


    He said that Count Ernat was a fool, but not very foolish.


    ''My father ... what did he say about me?


    ''I was a good, honest kid when I was a kid,'' he said in the past tense.


    ''Gugu,'' growled Gawl in displeasure.


    ''What do you think of me?''


    ''My first impression was horrible, and my current impression is that it''s not very foolish...''


    As if expecting a better assessment, Gaul turned over and shook his shoulders as if he were enduring anger.


    ''What do you think I''m missing?''


    ''The ability to run the troops and care for them, and calcium by the way. Drink milk and eat lots of small fish.


    Gaul''s trembling grew louder.


    His whole body was trembling, not just his shoulders.


    ''Then I have to get ready.''


    It was too much trouble to be yelled at, so Crono collected Layla, Faye, and Snow and ran away from the scene.


    *Sigh.


    And so we had to fight the barbarians.


    When Crono explained what had happened so far in the garden of the Crawford mansion, his subordinates had two different reactions.


    Those who tightened their expressions and those who looked at Crono anxiously.


    The former were those with actual combat experience, like Layla and Tyga, and those with a high appetite for battle, like Faye, and the latter were new recruits with no actual combat experience, like Snow.


    ''''I think the faces here are new to fighting barbarians, including me. That''s why I''ve invited people who have experience fighting barbarians as special lecturers. First up is my father, Baron Claude Crawford.


    Crackling, Crono clapped, and his men clapped to match.


    Welcomed by the applause, his adopted father stood in front of his men.


    ''''Father, what do you need to be careful about when fighting the barbarians?''''


    It''s the Marking technique. I don''t really understand, but they use a spell called the Marking technique. It''s a good idea to raise the level of your physical abilities and, well, I don''t really understand this either, but it can cause magic-like phenomena. You have to be especially careful when the spear is covered in light.


    The subordinates nodded in unison at my foster father''s words.


    They are throwing spears wrapped in light. If you come close to the spear, a few seconds later, boom!


    The subordinates gasped as their foster father opened his clenched fist at the chest position to express the explosion.


    So, if you''re going to fight, it''s at close range or a long distance. If you''re at half distance, they''ll blow you to pieces!


    Crono stood next to Myra at a slight distance.


    "Share information and allay fears.


    For example, suppose a stone falls from an empty space.


    There are many scientific explanations, but even if there is no scientific explanation, human beings try to dispel their fears and anxieties by creating an imaginary creature.


    Do you think the barbarians are human, little boy?


    Are you human?


    Myra shuddered begrudgingly as Crono assured her.


    ''Little boy...''


    Myra, it''s your turn.


    I''m sorry, sir.


    My adopted father stood next to Crono as he replaced Myra.


    ''''Not a bad move. It''s not a bad move. In a fight or killing each other, the one who loses is the one who has the wind of cowardice blowing against him. If we knew what kind of enemy we were, we wouldn''t be more scared than we had to be.


    So my foster father cut off his words and smiled ferociously.


    ''''Well, what''s the use of knowing what kind of enemy you''re dealing with if you can''t handle it?


    That''s the problem, isn''t it?


    The image of Faye passing through my mind after hearing her foster father''s words.


    If it''s Faye right now, it seems like she can fight the barbarians head on.


    Huh?��And Crono stopped moving.


    ''Why are the barbarians so strong?''


    ''What?��You''re not listening to me. I told you it''s because they want to use this Mark of Damocles magic.


    ''Oh, yeah, I remember that one,''


    Physical enhancements, exploding spears... maybe it''s just a different name or method of activation.


    You mean the Marking technique?


    Oh, for God''s sake, where did you get that conclusion?


    ''''No, because they''re talking about six-colored spirits and evil laws that assimilate with spirits, but that''s the Empire''s theory, right?


    Witchcraft is considered to be a crude imitation of divine authority arts. So what is divine wizardry, then, and what are the six pillar gods that are the objects of faith in the first place?


    It''s something systemic that maintains this world, Crono glares at me.


    Well, it doesn''t matter if it was flown in from outer space, created by an ancient civilization, or came into existence by accident.


    Shenwei-jutsu communicates (accesses) the six pillar gods (systems) and downloads a jutsu (program), and sorcery imprint (installs) the jutsu (program) created based on Shenwei-jutsu into the brain by means of a hypnotic drug and activates it by certain keywords.


    Just as the empire changed the divine authority art into magic, the barbarians changed the divine authority art into a form of imprinting art.


    It was also more like Divine Majesty Art.


    ''''If all of them are all users of the Divine Majesty Art, then they should be strong. But if we know that they are all users of the Divine Majesty Technique, we can deal with them.''''


    Does it work that well?


    Yeah, well, maybe.


    As soon as his adoptive father rammed him, Crono suddenly felt uneasy.


    The weakness of the Divine Majesty Technique was that excessive use would cause the surgeon to go insane.


    Maybe the imprinting technique has a similar weakness, but if I had to improve it and overcome the weaknesses, I wouldn''t be able to do anything about it.


    ''If it doesn''t work I''ll run away.


    I don''t know if you''re a bad-ass or a good-ass. As long as you play the right cards, I don''t mind.


    Crono is not going to risk his life for Gaul or Count Ernat.


    ''Of course, for the sake of the barbarians.


    ''It''s okay, maybe.''


    So Crono replied to his adoptive father.


    Night there were several flickering bonfires to light up the darkness.


    The only reason you can tell it''s a bonfire, small as a sesame seed, is because you''ve been told of Gaul''s plan.


    Gaul''s plan is simple and straightforward.


    Form a formation and intercept the barbarians.


    It''s a legitimate way of fighting, but that''s like giving the enemy the initiative.


    This time, Crono''s plan to participate as a detachment was to form a squad of five men, four infantry and one archer, and if the barbarians appeared, the nearest squad would hold them back while the other squads would join up and beat them to death.


    I''m not comfortable with stones, though, so I''m also setting a trap.


    ''''Hey, Crono-sama?''''


    What is it?


    Sleeplessly, Snow moves next to him.


    ''You don''t have to form up like they do over there?


    I''m not.


    Currently, Crono is covered in a mud-stained cloth and hiding in the bushes near the corral.


    His men must be hiding in the bushes in disguise as well, but the disguise is too perfect for Crono, who knows the layout, to find them.


    ''Can you see the rest of the squad?''


    "You can smell it, to some extent.


    I called out to the beastman next to me and he replied with a twitch of his nose.


    ''Master Crono, where is the fey?''


    Hmmm, where is it?


    The light horsemen and archers are hidden by Faye''s divine power art.


    It seems that the power of Faye''s belief in the ''Goddess of Jet-Blackness and Chaos'' can also distort the light and hide itself, so it''s difficult to locate her.


    ''''It looks like a battle has started over there.


    I guess so.


    Snow told him, and Crono narrowed his eyes.


    A red and green light larger than a bonfire was running through the night darkness, and the soldiers were beginning to move in a hurry.


    ''''........Crono-sama, they came from before.


    Yeah.


    Ahead a red light lights up in the darkness of the forest a hundred meters away.


    "Only one enemy?


    ''There are already two of them. One of them is about the same age as your mother and the other one is about the same age as me?


    Is she a woman if she goes out of her way to metaphorically refer to Leila and herself?��I remember Dr. Wiseman teaching me that barbarians are a matriarchal society," Crono stared at the red light.


    Leaping like a grasshopper, the red light grew larger in the blink of an eye.


    When she stopped about fifty meters away, a red light the barbarian woman stopped moving.


    Her feet are buried in the ground up to her calves.


    The trap Crono had set.....................was caught in the mud.


    The closest lurking elven archer stood up and fired arrow after arrow at the barbarian woman who had stopped moving.


    The red light that adorns the woman''s body increases in brilliance and the arrows flare up.


    No, the arrows evaporated like the Ignis of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    But the elven archers will not give up.


    I''ve already given them information about the barbarians from my foster father and Myra.


    They can''t give up just because what happened as they were informed.


    The barbarian woman walks slowly through the mud.


    It seems that she can''t evaporate the water in the mud, despite the insanity of vaporizing an arrowhead.


    No, she might be able to tolerate the flames and heat she gives off, but she might get burned by the hot steam and boiling water.


    d*mn, I don''t understand the rules of the imprinting technique, Crono bit his teeth.


    The elven archers kept firing arrows, and arrows flew in to cover them.


    Leila.


    Leila was shooting arrows from over a hundred meters away from the barbarian woman.


    As the barbarian woman flashed her arm, fireballs rained down on Layla one after another.


    It was like an enhanced version of a fireball dance.


    But the fireballs failed to catch Layla.


    That''s because Layla was riding a horse and not staying in the same place for a moment.


    ''Can we go?''


    The moment Crono muttered, a green light lit up the darkness of the forest.


    Not a leap, but a flight.


    The woman lifted up her kindred, who were trapped in the mud, and closed in on the bushes.


    ''It is a surprise!


    .....


    Suddenly, Fei appeared from the void and swung a blade enhanced by the Divine Majesty Technique ''Celebration Holy Blade'' at the two flying barbarians.


    It was a brilliant surprise strike, as if he had used an instantaneous movement, but in reality, he only disarmed the disguise with the Divine Majesty Technique the moment he jumped and attacked.


    Fei''s blade stopped.


    The woman of the Red Marking Technique and the woman of the Green Marking Technique stuck out her arms and prevented the blade in some way.


    As if in response to Faye''s will, the darkness that covers the blade explodes.


    As Faye forcefully swings the blade away, the red imprinted art woman is slammed to the ground, and the green imprinted art woman lands wobbling in the middle of the bushes.


    Dizzy, Green Marking Technique Woman the Green Marking Technique Woman.....................The Green Marking Technique Woman shook her head lightly.


    Then Taiga attacked her.


    The Midori imprinted martial artist''s eyes widened in surprise and she flew backwards in a wide flight.


    Taiga''s great sword cut through the sky, and the Midori imprinted magician unleashed a blade of wind.......not invisible, but shining in the green.......


    The grass flew through the air and the blade of wind cut shallowly through Taiga''s body.


    But Taiga''s eyes glowed brightly, and he attacked the Midori imprint artist.


    Honestly, it''s scary, like a tiger attacking a human.


    The Green Marking Artist spread his arms and spun around.


    In the next moment, a wind of equal force to the blast blew the beastmen away.


    The beastmen immediately stood up and attacked the Midori Imprinted Artisan again.


    An arrow was shot at the Midori''s Marked Artisan who had risen to escape to a safe zone.


    ''''.........''''


    Midori''s imprint artist kicked the arrows away with a blast.


    ''''I can do it!''''


    This time, Crono clenched his fists, confident that he would win.


    He shifted his gaze to Faye.


    Faye had Leila''s backup and was overwhelming the red imprinted martial artist.


    There was a difference in the level of attrition between the red imprinted martial artist who kept using the power of the imprinting technique to guard against flying arrows, and Faye, who only focused on the enemy in front of her.


    ''''Crono-sama, what do you plan to do with those two?''''


    I''m trying to get him to stay alive, but


    It would be difficult, Crono judged from the combat power of the imprinted magicians.


    After all, they are the ones who can control fire and wind with a single swing of their arms.


    They would need a sturdy dungeon to restrain them, and they might even give themselves up rather than become prisoners of war.


    The red and green imprinted magicians-their imprint flickers violently and their movements are visibly slowed down.


    Crono raised his body to ask for a truce.


    It was then that the spear pierced the tip of Crono''s nose.


    Tongue-tied, Crono grabbed Snow by the collar and kicked the ground as hard as he could.


    The beastmen next to him fled from the spot with a more vivid hand than Crono.


    Darkness exploded just as his feet touched the ground or not.


    Wasn''t black just to enhance his physical abilities?��And Crono rolled on the ground with Snow in his arms.


    Shit, my head is gung-ho and I feel nauseous, Crono said as he got his upper body up, the girl was standing there.


    It was a girl of about fifteen years old.


    Her face was young, but there was a certain dignity to it.


    Sharp eyes, drawn back lips.


    Her skin is sallow and dark, and her hair reaches to her shoulders.


    A jet-black imprint shone as if to emphasize the immature body line.


    ''''Crono-sama, run away!''''


    Pumph!��And a light flashed in front of the girl''s nose.


    Snow slashed at her with a dagger in one hand.


    But the girl leapt and leapt over Snow and carried Crono up.


    ''''What?''''


    Crono couldn''t help but let out a voice.


    ''''Ta, help me~!


    The girl leaped, carrying Crono.


    ''Master Crono has been kidnapped, sir!


    "Ta-oh, my goodness! (GASP!)


    Fei and Taiga stopped their hands, and the Red and Green Marking Artist also fled from the scene.


    *


    When I woke up, I had been rolled onto the dirt.


    The back of my head hurt so badly that I must have been knocked unconscious by a blow to the ground.


    ''Um, no arms.''


    Both the long sword and the dagger were confiscated and tied behind his back.


    They didn''t take off their armor and cloak for a reason that only the barbarians could understand.


    The place was a cone-shaped space.


    In the center of the space, there was something like a hearth, and the walls were made from a combination of tree branches.


    ''''A........pit dwelling?''''


    When I came to this world, it was a bit of a culture shock, but there are no pit houses.


    The level of civilization has passed the Middle Ages and is in the Jomon period.


    ''''Well, even if we don''t have any weapons, we can still use magic to make a rope.


    Crono tried to activate the Heavenly Cardinal Kagura and quickly changed his mind.


    The Heavenly Cardinal Kagura is aimed and controlled by his eyes.


    Tied up behind his back..........If he fails, he''s not going to lose his hands.


    What should I do?��And as Crono was at a loss, someone walked in.


    It is the girl who kidnapped Crono last night.


    Her clothes are covered with a band of leather across her chest and waist.


    ''''........''''


    ....


    The girl sits across the hearth, facing Crono, and gurgles and polishes the grass that was hanging there with a board and round stone.


    ''Oh, hello, would you like me to go home?


    ....


    I should have worn my magic item for interpreting, Crono regretted.


    ''I''m Crono, what about you?''


    ....


    The girl rested her hand and looked at Crono.


    ''''Ole, Sue. Rouxian no-curse doctor.


    It''s a double voice, just like when you''re talking to your deputy.


    Why is that?��Crono nodded his head, but his doubts were quickly put to rest.


    Perhaps this clay tablet was a magic item for interpretation.


    The letters engraved on the clay tablet were not alphabetic, but a combination of vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines.


    ''Do you want to go home?''


    "No. No. You, Yalkot, Al.


    Sue snuggled up to Crono on all fours like a beast.


    ''''What is it?''''


    The seed is out.


    Sue stuck out her hand.


    ''''Even if you ask me to give it out, it''s not so easy to give it out. You have to be in a state of mind like this.


    "Sawanaka?


    Yes,


    Dr. Wiseman said it was a matriarchal society, but I wonder if it''s an Amazonian-style culture?��And Crono raised his body.


    According to Crono''s fuzzy knowledge, the Amazones were a tribe made up entirely of women, and when they had children, they would attack men, or throw them away if the child born was a man, or cut off one of their breasts to handle the bow.


    You''re not a prisoner of war, you''re a stallion. But they shouldn''t be easily killed if they''re worth using, right?


    Sue stared at Crono and grabbed the spear that was standing on the wall.


    The tip of the spear had a piece of black shiny stone attached to it, which looked more painful than an iron spear.


    ''''Come. Chief, meet.''''


    All right.


    Sue held out her spear and ordered Crono to do the same.


    Leaving the pit dwelling, Crono looked around.


    The pit dwellings were lined up shoulder-to-shoulder in an area the size of a cat''s forehead.


    ''It really is Amazons, isn''t it?


    I look to my right and to my left, but all I see is women and no men.


    And, incidentally, there were no children in sight.


    It seems that the part about hunting and gathering that Dr. Weissman had taught me was correct, and there was no livestock.


    Instead, there was a skinny dog.


    Since it is said that dogs are mankind''s oldest friends, it seems that the Roux people also have a tradition of keeping hounds.


    ''....walk.


    Sue speared Crono''s back.


    He was wearing a cloak and armor, so it didn''t hurt.


    There was a cone-shaped tent at the end of which he was taken away after being speared.


    The tent was made of leather and was larger in scale than a pit dwelling.


    ''''........Chief.''''


    I''m in.


    When I entered the tent, a woman was sitting in a chair.


    She was probably about thirty years old.


    Her skin was dark and sallow, like Suu and the other women.


    Her hair was long enough to tangle around her upper body, and her eyes peeking out from between her bangs were razor sharp and glistening like a hungry beast.


    Although she was slender, she was well exposed where it came out and was a bit difficult to look at, partly because of the high level of exposure.


    Like Suu, he has a band of leather covering his chest and waist, but perhaps it''s because he''s a chief, but the leather at his waist is as long as a pareo.


    The chair the chief sits on seems to be made of wood and leather.


    ''''Why did you come to Renrete?''''


    You are a roo. We need a new blood.


    The clan chief scratched his hair in frustration.


    ''''My clan is stained with blood?


    "We are vital. We need new blood. Lu, naknar.


    I''m not sure, but it seems that the Roux clan is on the verge of extinction and is in need of new blood.


    ''Mourai.''


    "...I''ve made a mistake.


    Sue said in a voice tone that sounded like she was holding back tears and speared Crono''s back.


    Returning to the original pit dwelling, Sue took the powder out of the earthenware vessel and began to knead it with water.


    Sue threw the finished product into the hearth, and when it was moderately cooked, she took it out and threw it to Crono.


    ''''Foodie.''''


    I''d like you to untie me first.


    Mph, Sue stuck out her lower lip.


    After struggling for a while, Sue put the stone knife in her mouth and untied Crono''s rope.


    Maybe she was going to cut Crono''s head off if he got out of control.


    ''Ahhh, my shoulder hurts.''


    ....


    Sue sat down face to face again, and this time she took something in the shape of a stick out of an earthenware bowl and threw it to Crono.


    It seemed to be smoked or dried meat.


    Crono alternately nibbled on the biscuit and dried meat made from the mysterious powder.


    The biscuit was light and dry, and the meat was rather salty.


    ''How are these biscuits made?


    "Crush the nuts. "Crush the nuts. Water, crush it. Crush it.


    I thought he would ignore me, but Su replied lawfully.


    ''''You said that........the blood has lost its vitality, what do you mean?''''


    ....


    Pui and Sue turned away.


    ''If you tell me why, maybe I can help.


    ....


    Sue glared at Crono and snarled like an animal.


    ''It''s fine if you don''t want to answer,''


    ....


    Sue finished her meal and began to grind the dried grass with a stone again.


    Since there was nothing to do, Crono scratched his head and asked Sue a question.


    As a result, the chief of the Roux tribe must be a woman.


    He found out that a spell doctor was the job of mixing medicines and poisons and applying imprinting techniques.


    It seems that the chief also has knowledge of medicinal herbs and the imprinting art, so this may be an aspect of not ceasing to have knowledge and skills.


    ''''Omae, Oshaberi. Less, shut up.''''


    Yes?


    I had no choice but to rummage around, and a Roux woman was watching Crono from the entrance.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I''m curious ... maybe it''s called curiosity since there are no men around.


    When I boldly waved my hand, the Roux woman hid herself as if surprised.


    After that, the Roux woman came to visit Crono.


    For some reason, Su''s mood was getting worse at an accelerated rate.


    When the sun was setting, the Lou tribe''s women finally stopped coming.


    ''''.........Omae, Oreno, the prey.''''


    I see.


    For Sue, Crono is like prey.


    ''Night, Sleeping''


    I knew it. You''re gonna tie me up.


    With a familiar motion, Sue bound Crono''s limbs and lay down on the fur.


    She was grateful for the presence of the cloak.


    *


    The next day, Crono was woken up as the night was turning white.


    The rope was untied and Crono was tied to a tree as he was speared towards it.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this. You wait.


    I think I could use another nap.


    Leaning against a tree, Crono watched Sue collecting medicinal herbs.


    ''''I wonder if you''ll be okay without your underwear on?''''


    Master Crono, you look like you have a lot of room to maneuver, don''t you?


    Bosori and Myra whispered in his ear.


    ''You''re well aware,''


    "We know where the barbarians live at all times.


    Don''t cut the rope. I don''t think even Myra could get away with it with me.


    I want to make killing Sue a last resort.


    What''s the situation inside?


    ''The civilization level is Jomonjidai, the chief is a woman, and there are no men in the settlement. They say that the blood has lost its vitality and that''s why they kidnapped me. You''ll have to ask Leila about the Jo-monjidai.


    ''Jowls, jowls, jowls,'' Myra repeated.


    ''I''ll explore it some more. Maybe there''s some room for negotiation.


    ''Master Crono, we''ve been killing each other for years.


    I know. But I''m not risking my life in here.


    Myra''s presence disappears.


    "Next, salt, take it.


    Sue strapped a leather bag swollen with medicinal herbs to her spear and untied Crono''s rope.


    Next they took him to a cave.


    ''You can get rock salt,''


    You wait.


    Jet-black patterns emerge on Sue''s body.


    ''''I''m not tied up, but if I escape, I''ll be in distress.


    Rock salt. Crono looked up at the sky, ''I suppose if we get on friendly terms with the Roux, my adopted father won''t have to buy expensive salt, and I''ll be able to trade with the Dorado Kingdom.


    ''I suppose I''m not a party to the idea that we should just get along,''


    Crono gritted his teeth as he recalled the events in the audience room.


    A war that had been set up from start to finish.


    Leo''s head was blown off.


    An elf swallowed by the flames.


    Horus, who died with his eyes wide open.


    Rizad, who rode alone into enemy territory.


    Many died.


    Thinking of their deaths, Crono almost went mad with rage.


    I could have killed Alfort then.


    It''s self-satisfaction.


    The dead want nothing to do with it.


    Still, even though he knew it was self-satisfaction, he wanted to remind them.


    Crono ruffled his hair.


    I know.


    You can''t let your emotions get the better of you and throw it all away.


    I know that in my head, but my heart is easily gripped by hatred.


    If not for Count Ernat''s restraint on my head at that time, Crono would have been destroyed by the collateral damage to his subordinates and the people of his domain.


    He is trapped in his own hatred, hoping that he will be able to put aside his past grudge and get along with them.


    Crono scoffed to himself at the contradiction.


    After waiting for a while, Su came back with a second bag strapped to his spear.


    ''''Return.''''


    I''ll take it.


    Sue was silent as she guessed the truth and untied Crono''s rope. Then she removed one of the bags from the spear and pushed it to Crono.


    ''''Susumu.''''


    You don''t need to poke me with a spear.


    Good thing I''ve been working out, Crono said as he climbed up the mountainside with his sack.


    He didn''t know the lay of the land, though, so he almost went in a misguided direction and was speared.


    When the Roux settlement came into view, Crono opened his mouth.


    ''Speaking of which, you said that the blood has lost its vitality, what do you mean?''


    ....


    When I looked over my shoulder, Sue looked down in a sour mood.


    ''''........Long ago, man, Ita. You can''t get rid of it. Bad wind. Men die. I''m the last child of my family.


    Why?


    "You don''t understand. "You do not understand.


    Sue said in a voice that sounded like she was about to cry.


    That''s probably true, Crono thinks.


    People die.


    With sickness, with old age, with wounds, whether it''s magic, divine power, or imprinting techniques, death itself cannot be overcome.


    The Roux are diminishing in number.


    Surely, the last one left behind will be the youngest Suu.


    Knowing this, Su is afraid of the loneliness that will eventually come.


    ''How have you been making babies?''


    "A long time ago, all of us except the Roux were in contact with each other. Now, nai.


    ....


    What went through Crono''s mind was the law of recessive inheritance.


    Recessive here refers to genetic traits that do not appear superficially, while genetic traits that appear superficially are called dominant.


    Rather than focusing only on the laws of dominant and recessive inheritance, there is a larger perspective... from the point of view of competition for survival, the rule is added that individuals with traits that are advantageous for survival will remain and individuals with disadvantageous traits will be eliminated.


    If it is a group with a large number of individuals, there will be no problem.


    But if the population is small, genetic traits that should be selected for are preserved, increasing the likelihood that traits unfavorable to survival will emerge.


    The closed environment of the Areos Mountains and the large number of deaths in the battle may have resulted in repeated incestuous marriages or similar actions, which may have prevented the Roux from having children among each other.


    However, this is only Crono''s imagination, and it is possible that the Roux themselves have lost the ability to bear children.


    Dakara, Sire, Decease.


    ''No, even if I help, it won''t be the next or the generation after that, will it?


    "The Roux, the End.


    Sue stopped and slumped her shoulders without effort.


    A painful sight.


    It''s not my problem, so much so that I can''t prod it.


    With a buzz, Sue shook her head.


    ''''Mot, kidnap.''''


    ''No, no, no, no. We just need to get along with the Empire.


    The spear swung around and was thrust into Crono''s throat.


    ''''.........you guys, take away our land!''''


    ''But if we don''t, the Roux will be destroyed. If we get along with the Empire and build up friendly relations, we won''t have to kidnap a man, and the blood will restore our vitality.


    The tip of the spear wavered to indicate Suu''s conflict.


    ''''It''s impossible. You can''t do it, you can''t say it.


    I know it''s hard, but we have to do it.


    Crackling, Su blinked repeatedly.


    ''''........What, Sul?''''


    "Let''s just see you get along for the ride. "and give me a magic item for my translator.


    There is self-preservation, and there is also an intention to cut down the Roux tribe.


    Crono smiled at Su while feeling a bit of self-loathing.

 41-Episode 10 "Trial of Death"

    *


    What is Chrono for me?��Myra sometimes thinks about it.


    To be honest, Myra didn''t like Crono.


    Four years ago, Crono had shown up at the Crawford mansion.


    He took Claude, who had sprained his leg, for a bizarre ride.


    Ault, his comrade in arms and colleague, had thanked him for saving Claude, and Myra thought it was okay to thank him, at least a little.


    He thanked her and gave her a few gold coins.


    Myra''s idea of gratitude was such, but Ault seemed to be interested in Crono.


    Unlike Myra, Ort is the kind of man who focuses his efforts on acquiring knowledge while working as a mercenary, a profession that has no idea what tomorrow holds.


    A gem of a man who could have attained a good position if he had been dexterous in his manners, the reason why he stayed in the southern frontier was because it was a place where he could put his knowledge into practice.


    In fact, his knowledge had contributed so much to the development of the southern frontier that even Claude could not ignore his opinion.


    As it turned out, Ault''s hunch was correct.


    Crono was a man from another world, and his possessions proved this to be true.


    However, except for the fact that he was Claude''s benefactor and came from another world, Crono was a mediocre... no, he was a no-good person.


    He couldn''t use swordsmanship or magic, he was a small, fat man, he had knowledge that may or may not be useful, but he couldn''t speak the language of the empire, and he was a breadwinner who couldn''t write.


    As an added bonus, Crono cried a lot. He cried when Claude put him on sword practice, cried in the middle of the night when he cried, and when I went to wake him up in the morning, he was wetting his pillow.


    He also had the incomprehensible quirk of sticking a wooden stick in the air in the middle of a field.


    The only thing I could appreciate was the part where he would eat whatever was served to him without saying what he liked or disliked.


    Claude, Myra, and Ault agreed that if they let him go, he''d be dead in a month.


    Claude and Ort agreed that it would be a bad aftertaste to throw him out with a lot of room to spare, even if it was during the pioneer period, and Myra had to raise Crono.


    And the once bad boy grew into a fine male after four years.


    That youthfulness was poison to Myra, who hadn''t been a man for twenty years.


    Speaking of which........why was he sticking out a stick to the sky?��And Myra opened the door.


    When she entered the room, she was met with four pairs of eyes - Claude, Layla, Faye and Gaul.


    ''Was my son safe?''


    Yes, Myra replied shortly.


    Is it okay if I don''t have to wear underwear?��I''m not going to tell you what Crono was muttering about.


    ''According to Master Crono, the barbarians'' level of civilization is that of the Jomonjidai. It also appears that they kidnapped Master Crono because the man was gone for some reason.


    What''s a striped bass?


    It was Gaul who asked that question.


    Leila stood up quietly as Myra gave her a look.


    ''''The Jomonjidai is a division of history, a time when humans lived in houses made of a combination of tree branches and hunted with weapons crafted from stone.


    I can''t imagine. How long ago was that?


    Master Crono said it was 10,000 years ago.


    So that''s what you call an inferior civilization.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    You must have an idea since he has been boiled and kidnapped Chrono many times before.


    ''''How about organizing a small, elite rescue team?''''


    Hey, these barbarians know the Areos mountains inside and out. Even in my prime, I couldn''t be that reckless.


    Myra felt almost convinced that Master Claude and herself in their prime would be able to help Crono.


    But it''s impossible for them to do it now.


    It''s not because I''m old.


    The hatred that burned like a fierce fire back then, even when they were having an affair, is not there now.


    Claude''s and Myra''s strength was strength without having it.


    That''s why he could surrender to the madness of the battlefield.


    But the straightforward days of clearing the virgin forest, tilling the earth, and growing crops had robbed Claude and Myra of their hatred and madness.


    How could they surrender themselves to hatred and madness when they had something to rely on, to be loved, and to protect from their lordships?


    ''Then I guess we''ll have to mobilize all the forces on the southern frontier to rescue Crono.


    There''s no other way.


    Claude nodded at Gaul''s suggestion.


    But.


    ''With all due respect, Master Crono has a plan to make the barbarians reverent.


    Myra uttered a falsehood.


    ''What scheme?''


    I don''t know, sir.


    Mobilizing our troops on the southern frontier would allow us to rescue Crono.


    But Crono said that there might be room for negotiation.


    If Crono wants to negotiate, I will only support him as a maid, as someone who has been his trainer.


    A silence descends.


    I''m sorry, but I don''t feel like making a bet right now. Myra, you can tell your son. If you want to keep the barbarians in line, you''ll have to deal with them before we''re ready.


    Very well, sir.


    Since Gaul couldn''t move the entire army on the southern frontier on his own, he would have to seek permission from the Imperial City.


    Assuming permission is granted immediately, the time given to Crono would be about two weeks.


    He could buy a little more time if Ault, who is in the imperial capital, lent his strength, but he wouldn''t do anything that would put the next head of the family''s life in danger.


    ''''Then let''s send a messenger to the imperial capital right away.


    Gaul got up and left the room.


    ''I''m sorry, Grand Master,''


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Leila and Faye looked down with a sadness in their eyes.


    If Crono was asking for help, they could take the fight to the barbarians alone.


    ''''Well, don''t worry about it. I don''t know why they wanted my son. I''ve had the opportunity to kidnap a man before.


    Isn''t it because Master Crono looked so weak?


    Myra replied, and Claude, Leila, and Faye nodded their heads in agreement.


    *


    Returning to Sue''s residence, Crono took off his armor.


    He took off his jacket stuffed with cloth to soften the impact and put his cloak over his underwear.


    Thank you.


    Crono held the clay tablet around his neck.


    What can I do for you anyway?


    "I''ll fetch you water.


    Okay, okay. Get some water from the earthenware.


    "Coco.


    Sue tapped the barrel she''d made by scraping the stump.


    Would that one, which was somewhat old, be sanitary?��It makes you think.


    Where''s the water?


    "Omaha, son of a b*tc*.


    Are you trying to tell me that I can''t do anything like a child?


    ''Well, this is what it''s like at first,''


    ....


    Sue''s lips twitched in frustration as she led Crono to a watering hole.


    The watering hole was located on the cliff that protected the back of the village.


    There was a large crack in the rock, and water flowed from it in a choppy stream.


    The Roux woman who was fetching water there backed away with a scowl on her face when she saw Krono.


    She backed away with a scornful look on her face when she saw Crono. I''m going home.


    Copy that. Copy that.


    Crono passed the gaze of the Roux women, fetched water in an earthenware container, and returned to the Sioux residence.


    After a few repetitions of this, the barrel was full.


    ''Is there anything else to do?''


    "Nye.


    Sue bundles the grass and hangs it inside the pit dwelling.


    ''Does Sue live alone?''


    "I''m not a child, no. I''m alone, of course.


    I''m not sure, but apparently Sue is considered an adult in the tribal sense.


    "I''m a woman, Natta. I''m going to accept the ceremony. It''s natural to fight.


    What ritual?


    "This.


    A shining jet-black pattern ... an imprint emerged.


    The jet-black light ran along his spine and stretched out to tangle with his chest, shoulders, upper arms, and thighs.


    Whatever the principle, it penetrated the leather, despite the fact that it wasn''t an intense light.


    ''The coming of age ritual means it hurts, doesn''t it?''


    "Time is not enough to die.


    Apparently, the imprinting technique involves the risk of death, but it''s well worth the risk.


    At least for Crono.


    The reason is simple.


    Crono knows that he is an ordinary man.


    And he realizes that no matter how hard he tries, he can''t reach the realm of geniuses and heroes...Tilia, Leonhardt, Rio, Faye, his foster father, and Myra.


    But with the Marking Technique, he might be able to step into the realm of geniuses and heroes.


    It''s a shallow and despicable idea.


    He''s abandoning his efforts to become strong and using a girl who is worried about her family''s future to gain power.


    I''m sure she will regret herself if she goes to that extent to gain power.


    "Eraser.


    The jet-black glow faded as Sue declared.


    Crono brought his face close to Sue''s back and stroked it with his fingers.


    ''''.........!''''


    Bikun and Sue look up.


    ''I can''t tell them apart at all.


    How could you know just by touching it, Crono laid down in a suitable place and watched Sue work.


    ''You said it was natural to fight... but why would you steal livestock?''


    "No, I''m not stealing. "Fight. Cattle, horses, dead. You people are trouble. We''re full.


    It''s true that when cattle and horses are killed, it''s a hindrance to plow the fields and carry the goods, but it''s really only ''troubling'' now that they''ve been successfully settled and compensated for the damage by the Empire.


    We can''t rule out the possibility that they''re even deliberately having their old cattle and horses killed to claim money.


    Crono greatly agrees with Dr. Wiseman''s opinion that the reason for the barbarians'' defeat is the difference between their troops and supply capacity.


    War is about numbers.


    I believe that quality is important, but in the end, the one with more troops, supplies and money that can be invested wins the war.


    The Roux have no chance to win.


    They may win in battle, but they will never win in war.


    ''''I''m going to go out for a minute.


    Crono scratched his head and headed for the watering hole he had just left.


    At the watering hole, two women he had seen somewhere were fetching water.


    One of them had short hair.


    Her age would be about twenty years old.


    Her skin was as sallow as Su''s, but when she looked into her eyes, she saw several thin streaks of scars running through it.


    The protection provided by the imprinting technique must not be perfect either.


    His body line was smart, muscular and his abdominal muscles were cracked.


    His eyes are more than sharp, and he''s bush-eyed.


    The other one has long hair.


    His age is in his mid-twenties.


    He may look older than his actual age because his eyes are kind and calm, and he has an air of serenity about him.


    She has a fairly buxom body, and the leather belt that covers her breasts is a bit engulfed.


    ''''What da?''''


    ....


    The two of them didn''t wear clay tablets, but since they were able to communicate, the spellcasting tool they borrowed from Sue seemed to work fine.


    ''''Haven''t we met anywhere?''''


    "I saw it. You''ve been kidnapped. Sue, you''re half full. You''re not strong enough.


    "...I see...


    ''Oh, I''ve seen you around,''


    The short haired one was a red imprinted martial artist who had been beaten by Fay and Layla, and the long haired one was a green imprinted martial artist who had been attacked by Taiga and the beastmen.


    ''''What da?''''


    I mean, I don''t really want to... I just want to have a little chat.


    "I don''t care about you.


    ....


    The Green Marking Artist is silent, but he seems somehow interested in it.


    ''''That''s right, I''m weak. The only reason I can give orders to my subordinates is because I was able to graduate from military school.


    ...Gunn, Gacko?


    ''It''s biting,'' said Crono, looking at the Midori engraver who tilted his head in wonder.


    ''Yes, the military school. When the nobles of the empire are old enough, they learn to fight at a school in the imperial capital.''''


    "I am a warrior. No.


    Are you sure about that?


    Crono leaned forward and said to the red engraver.


    ''Oh, no, I''m not going to deny that fighting builds up a warrior, you know?��But wouldn''t it be great if we could learn how to fight without spilling blood?


    ....


    The Red Marker doesn''t answer.


    ''Even you guys learn knowledge from your parents, right?��Well, the knowledge you learn will become your flesh and blood through trial and error. Still, there''s a big difference between knowing and not knowing.


    The more knowledge you gain, the more options you have.


    That''s something I''ve learned since Crono became a lord.


    ''''Kizoku?''''


    The most important person in the empire is the emperor, but the most important person in the empire gives you the land and the position of the land and the nobility. The most important person in the empire is the emperor, but from the most important person comes the land and the position of nobility. That land and position is passed from parents to their children and then to their children''s children.


    As Crono explained as he drew a diagram on the ground, the Midori imprint artist leaned forward and the red imprint artist glanced at him while turning away his face.


    ''''However, just because you''re a nobleman doesn''t mean you can do whatever you want.


    When Crono cowers his shoulders wide and shows him a playful smile, the Midori imprint artist chuckles.


    ''I have to think about many things for the people who live on my land. It''s a good idea to cut down the forest to create fields, or to communicate with other people in the area to stimulate commerce.


    "Hatake?��Shogyo?


    The Green Engraver wondered.......after all, apparently words not in the vocabulary are not interpreted like magic items in the Empire.......he tilted his head.


    ''''A field is a place where we grow our own edible plants, and commerce is like an advanced version of bartering?


    "Grow up?


    ''Yeah, we grow them. A lot of conditions come into play, so you don''t always get the same harvest, but you get to eat relatively consistently.


    Commerce, you know, and just as Crono is about to open his mouth, Zudon!��The sound of an explosion rang out.


    The red engraver activated his imprint and stepped on the ground.


    Even if I say stomped down, it was powerful enough to plunge into the ground up to the ankles.


    If Crono were to be attacked by the red imprinted magician, he would die.


    ''''..........Omae, spirit, denial sitire!


    I''m not denying it.


    Crono replied as he tightened his anus, almost free with fear.


    ''I can''t really feel what a genie is, but I know that a lot of things keep me alive. But just because you''ve done it before doesn''t mean you have to do it again in the future.


    The red imprint artist''s expression grew grim, but Crono stepped in place. Honestly, I want to run away.


    ''''Well not only do I have to accept everything as it is, I have to change.


    "You shut up!


    The red imprint artist shouted as he stepped on the ground like a child.


    The imprint shone all the more strongly and a hot wind rushed into Crono.


    Oh, shit. I made him mad with the intention of convincing him, Crono regretted now.


    The red engraver reached out his hand, but his hand did not reach Crono.


    A spear thrown by someone had pierced the space between Crono and the red imprinted martial artist.


    ''''.........''''


    The red imprinted martial artist came to himself, erased the imprint and knelt in place.


    The Midori imprinted martial artist also followed the red imprinted martial artist.


    The chief walked over leisurely and pulled out his spear.


    Apparently, the clan chief threw the spear at him.


    ''Sonono man haomaeno prey de hanai.


    That''s it, genie, deny it!


    Although his intonation is a little peculiar, the chief''s words are relatively fluent.


    I''m not going to be able to tell you what to do. It''s the one who catches the prey and does no harm to us.


    The Chief stared at Crono, the edges of his mouth hanging up.


    ''''Good Ina, Sue.''''


    "I live by the rules.


    Su emerges from the chief''s shadow.


    He must have sensed the swordsman''s mood and went to call for the Chief.


    The chief''s skill is brilliant.


    It''s because he listens to Su''s wishes while not neglecting to put the nail in the coffin.


    ''''Return........''''


    Okay.


    Back at the residence, Sue sat on the ground and began to polish off the medicinal herbs.


    It couldn''t be my imagination that the sound of stones rubbing against each other sounded sullen.


    ''''........Omaha, you idiot.''''


    I''ll do better next time.


    Sue''s lips twitched in frustration as Crono replied while lying down.


    ''Omae, good friends, I say. You''re a liar. Lara, I''m angry.''''


    ''The Red Marker is called Lara. And the other one?


    "...Lili.


    For some reason, Su''s mood was deteriorating at an accelerated rate.


    ''''Lara, strong. You''re dead.''''


    I''ll try to get around a little better.


    I''ve pissed him off this time, but it''s better than not getting him interested.


    ''Ooh, wacky.''


    ''You can''t have a friendly relationship without being a little reckless for all the times we''ve killed each other.


    ....


    Sue rested her hands and looked at Crono.


    I''ll make the food.


    ....


    Crono fished out the memories of yesterday, took the nut powder from the earthenware bowl and poured the water over it.


    ''Is it a bit watery?''


    "...you''re a son of a b*tc*.


    Su grumbled and added the nut powder.


    ''''Water, little sizuzu, come in.''''


    I see.


    Crono nodded, "So that''s why you add a little water to adjust the hardness of the dough," he said.


    Carelessly, he threw the biscuit dough into the hearth.


    A short time later, the result was.


    Mmm, you''re getting burnt to a crisp.


    "Omaha, son of a b*tc*.


    Well, it''s a good start.


    Crono chews on a burnt biscuit and pours it down with water.


    Sue does the same, pouring it down with water.


    ''Omae, Solebakari,''


    Didn''t I say it was the second time?


    Crono replied to Sue as he nibbled on the dried meat.


    ''It''s only the second morning I hope you''ll see a little more of it.


    ...minutes.


    After a silence, Sue nodded.


    *


    The protagonists of survival comics and movies I read in the other world had a hard time finding food.


    That''s because the protagonists of those stories have, by definition, no knowledge or experience of survival.


    Otherwise, it would be less interesting as a story, but I don''t think there were more than two of them, and only one of them had the knowledge and experience of survival, Crono looked at Sue.


    Sue''s hunting skills were superb.


    Even though his physical abilities were enhanced by the imprinting technique, he still threw his spear with tremendous force and killed the deer with a single shot.


    How is it that he doesn''t have a bow and arrow?��But with the power of the imprinting technique, the spear would be enough.


    Su used the stone knife to slit the deer''s throat to drain the blood out, and then with a familiar motion, he slit its belly and pulled out its internal organs.


    ''''Omae, child domo.''''


    Yeah, you can''t do anything as a kid.


    Crono didn''t do anything.


    If only one of them had the knowledge and experience of survival, this was why, Crono agreed.


    It was going to take some time before Suu was able to carve up the meat.


    ''''Are those the only Roux people?''''


    As far as Crono could see, the total population of the Roux tribe is a little over a hundred people.


    Su was the youngest, and the oldest was in his mid-thirties.


    ''''A long time ago, Mot, Ita.


    How long ago?


    "When the land was taken from them there were many Luu. Mountain dwellers. Many villages deer. Spring and summer are coming. We''re stealing from each other.


    Apparently, the Roux tribe was also fighting among their own people.


    Even if it wasn''t a war between villages, they were definitely exposed to a harsh competition for survival.


    Nevertheless, how is it that the Roux tribe, which lived deep in the mountains like this, was able to attack at the worst possible time for the empire?


    It seems that they had interactions with other tribes in the past, so maybe they had received information about the Empire''s civil war via those tribes.


    Whether there is a mastermind or not, Crono''s goal remains largely the same.


    It is to get the Roux to stop fighting.


    If they can''t do that, then even if only some of them break away, they will create room for negotiation.


    It''s shameful to say it''s not for the sake of the Sioux, though, but to protect themselves.


    ''You''re trying to use it to protect yourself,'' Crono said, staring at Sue''s back.


    ''Can''t we get a couple more of them?''


    "Eat, drink, and be merry.


    No, it''s more of a sharing thing, and it might be a conversation starter.


    Sue stopped dismantling the deer.


    No. I have a code.


    I only take what I can eat, that''s my rule.


    If you ask me, the Roux are all engravers.


    The number of animals that become the prey decreases drastically if such women hunt prey more than necessary.


    It is probably because of the convenient art of the imprinting art that the civilization of the Roux people is at the level of the Jomon Era.


    It may be said that the imprinting art took away the room for civilization to develop.


    ''''It''s ... hard.''''


    Persuade him with words alone.


    For a moment, the word "pickup" passed through his mind, and Crono felt his confidence rapidly diminish.


    ''How am I supposed to pick up someone who doesn''t like me?


    I felt like asking myself for an hour or so why I was so confident this morning.


    ''Omaha, meat, luck Bu.''


    At least.


    Crono carried a lump of meat on his back and followed Su.


    ''''Wouldn''t it be easier if you used the Marking Technique?''''


    "It''s a curse, it''s a good thing.


    It''s hard to determine if it''s a rule or just Sue''s rule, but I''m sure there is some basis for it.


    It was past noon when we returned to Sue''s residence, and in the afternoon we started making dried meat.


    The meat was cut into pieces, salted liberally and dried in the shade for about two weeks, and then the dried meat was ready.


    It''s easy to say, but actually doing it was a lot of work.


    Sue did the peeling, but after the meat was cut up, Crono had to work alone, so it took extra time.


    The sun was setting as we finished hanging the carved meat in the shade.


    ''I''m going to go outside for a bit,''


    As I walked out of Suu''s residence and walked around at random, I met up with the red imprint artist.......Lara.


    Apparently, she was also carrying a large chunk of meat on her back, as if she was returning from a hunt.


    ''Retreat.''


    Would you like to have a word with me?


    "No.


    She raised her eyebrows in displeasure as Crono blocked Lara''s path as she tried to bypass and advance.


    Lara''s hand flashed and a stone knife was held at Crono''s throat.


    Crono held up his hands as he felt cold sweat run down his spine.


    ''You don''t have to stick a knife at me, do you?''


    "I don''t like you. I hate it. I hate my eyes. I need to see it.


    No, yes, I looked at her with a disgusting look. Because my breasts, my boobs, they''re like this, squeaky, leather bands digging into them, Crono defended himself in his mind.


    ''I guess I''m interested in you too,''


    .....


    When Crono tried to hold her hand, Lara backed away as if she were going ballistic.


    ''Ole, omaha, I''m not interested!


    Lara yells at him and walks past Crono''s side with a footsteps that seem to be stepping through the ground.


    No, no, I don''t want you to walk past me here, my plan!��And Crono followed Lara.


    ''How old is Lara?''


    ....


    What''s your favorite food?


    ....


    The red engraving is beautiful.


    "...rude, dirty Luna.


    Undaunted, Lara brandished her stone knife as Crono continued to speak to her.


    The women of the village turn to look at him to see what''s going on.


    Crono speaks to them and Lara angrily waves the knife around.


    While repeating this, Crono arrived at Lara''s dwelling at the edge of the settlement.


    ''''The sunset is beautiful, isn''t it?''''


    ....


    Lara doesn''t answer.


    She realizes that wielding a knife will only temporarily get rid of Crono, so she silently cuts the meat into pieces.


    ''There''s my dad''s territory at the foot of this mountain.


    ....


    There''s a big, scary field of wheat, and when the wind blows, the ears of wheat make a rumbling sound like a tidal wave.


    A year ago, Crono was thinking about ending his life as a commonplace lord or something, and Crono looked at the sunset.


    ''''Wow!''''


    Crono reflexively turned up to speak to Lara.


    Something passed in front of him.


    It was a tree branch that passed in front of Crono''s eyes.


    When he looked in the opposite direction of the tree branch, he saw Sue glaring at Crono unhappily.


    ''''Rice, make it.''''


    Suu''s lips twitched in a sultry manner, and she withdrew her hand from Crono''s.


    The arm strength that hadn''t been strengthened by the imprinting technique wasn''t enough to move Crono on its own.


    Bye.


    "Uhhhh!


    Waving to Lara, Sue snorted grimly and tugged on Crono''s arm with a giggle.


    Back at the residence, Sue let go of her hand and sat down with her back to Crono.


    Crono kneaded a small amount of nut powder with a small amount of water, though it was probably because he was trying to be friendly with Lara.


    It was easy to determine the cause of the problem if he was so blatant, but he couldn''t tell if it was because Sue saw Crono as a man or if it was because she couldn''t tolerate her prey interacting with others.


    I bake up biscuits for both of us and take the dried meat out of the earthenware bowl.


    ''Sue, it''s ready,''


    "...I''m not a part of it.


    I could have made it well, but Crono didn''t force it, thinking that I could make it well.


    He finished his meal alone and laid down the cloak as a bed.


    The cloak given to him by his adoptive father is surprisingly useful.


    Well, I guess that''s why my adoptive father loved the cloak, because it was useful.


    Perhaps it was because he woke up early, but sleep came promptly.


    A shallow sleep, vague as to whether he was dreaming or awake.


    When Crono noticed something moving and made Crono tense up, something ... Sue stopped moving, as if surprised.


    Sue laid down the fur next to Crono and lay down on it.


    *.


    On the third day, just as the night was turning white as the day before, Crono was woken up by Sue.


    He went to the watering hole with an earthenware bowl and found Lara and Lili fetching water.


    ''Hey, good morning,''


    ....


    "Oh, yeah.


    Lara ignores Crono as hard as she can, and Lili smiles awkwardly.


    ''It''s another beautiful day, isn''t it?''


    "Good weather.


    Lara didn''t answer, but Lili did.


    I''m having a hard time deciding if she''s simply being social or if she has another agenda.


    ''What are you two going to do today?''


    "You''re half a man, I''m half a woman.


    ?


    When I turned around, not knowing what he was talking about, I saw Su glaring at Crono resentfully from the shadow of the pit dwelling.


    ''''........Ki, I''d like to talk to you guys.


    With a vesicle, something hit the back of Crono''s head and he fell to the ground.


    When I turned around, I saw Sue clutching a tree branch and glaring at Crono.


    ''''Hmph.''''


    Lara crossed her arms and smiled triumphantly.


    She didn''t like the idea of Crono talking to her, but she didn''t feel bad about Sue being so possessive.


    They could throw rocks at me, Crono said, and he concentrated on fetching water.


    Back at the residence, Sue turned her back on Crono and was brushing the grass.


    ''Why did you throw a tree branch at me?''


    ....


    Sue doesn''t answer.


    ''''If we don''t get along with the Empire, the Roux tribe will be destroyed, right?


    "You''re no good at this, you''re no good at that.


    ....


    Crono couldn''t argue with him.


    There was no way he could talk back, since he was trying to cut down the Roux tribe while claiming to establish friendly relations.


    In the first place, the idea of trying to cut them down from within is hardly friendly in itself.


    Negotiating with them after taking away their options is not a fundamental solution.


    "Omae, talk to me, Sinai,


    Because...


    Crono certainly hasn''t talked to Sue.


    Because he knows that the Lou tribe is on the brink of destruction and that Sue has no choice but to help for the future of the tribe.


    It is here that Crono realizes his mistake.


    Sue is worried about the future of the tribe, but she doesn''t stop to think there.


    ''''I..........................You''re spouting lies.


    "I''m no good to you.


    Suu rested her hands on polishing grass and her shoulders relaxed as if she had been struck down.


    ''''..........Child Domo, live marenai. You can''t fight, you have no power. We''re going to die.


    I''m sorry, but I don''t think the Lu''s have any fight left in them.


    Sue''s eyes widened in surprise as Crono said ruthlessly.


    ''''You guys were satisfied with attacking the livestock, but for us, it''s just a little bit of damage that''s causing us a lot of trouble.


    You''re lying to me!


    Standing up, Sue shouted.


    ''If we don''t deny Crono''s words, we''ll be admitting that our fight is a farce.


    ''Well, I think my dad''s generation fought hard. �� Well, my father still thinks the Roux are a threat, and I think they are a force to be reckoned with, but they are not unbeatable. But they are not unbeatable.


    ...your...


    ''''For now, I''ll prepare ten thousand highly skilled soldiers. I have less than sixty men, and with just this, I could hunt down two Rou Clan Marked Artisans, so if we have a hundred to one troop gap, we can win an overwhelming victory, I''m sure.


    ''That''s about all I could think of right away, like setting fire to the Areos Mountains, or splitting the army in two and attacking it all morning and night.


    It was self-preserving, but I think what I was trying to do was good for the Lou people in its own way. At the very least, it would have helped the Roux to have me on their side.


    You ... are a terrible person.


    ''I suppose it''s better than telling a lie. So what do we do now?


    Sue was at a loss for words. Crono offered two options: either they would be destroyed or only some of the Roux tribe would be saved.


    ''''.........Lara, nasty guy.''''


    Yeah?


    Suu turned over and said in a sound that sounded like she was spitting blood.


    ''''Lara, half a man, I say.''''


    Sue clenched her fists.


    "I don''t want to die, Lara, I don''t want to die.


    Is that Sue''s choice?


    Sue activated the engraving and dragged Crono down, then plunged the stone knife into his neck.


    "Sioux, find a way to kill alive!��You think you''re a good idea!


    Do I think?


    The stone knife dug into his skin and Crono raised his hands in surrender.


    ''Whether you''ll accept it or not, I think you could run away to the Kingdom of Dorado.


    "We''re going south, we''re going places.


    I guess that means we''ve already tried it.


    ''''Then I guess Sue will have to convince the Rouxes to do something about it.��And if Sue can convince me, I think I can cover for her too.


    Really?


    ''I don''t have the guts to lie to you in this situation. I could take you back to my estate, but you''d have to step up to me first.


    "You are a terrible person.


    ''I feel sorry for Sue, and I feel sorry for the Lou people''s situation. But I''m not going to put my life on the line for you guys.


    I really feel sorry for the Sioux and the Roux.


    But it is also true that he can''t risk his life for the Sioux or the Roux.


    I can risk my life for the sake of my men and the people of my territory.


    Maybe at that time, I''ll be frightened, regretful, and have to make up my mind while crying and screaming.


    "I''ll convince him.


    Good luck.


    Come on, man!


    As his cloak was pulled, Crono had no choice but to follow Su.


    Naturally, the first place Su headed to was the chieftain''s place.


    ''''Omae, wait!''''


    Can I go home?


    Crono asked, and Galle!��Sue snarled like a dog.


    ''Half a man, o''moriori, it suits you.''


    I''m not a good luck charm.


    When Sue entered the chieftain''s tent, Lara said mockingly, as if she was trying to find the right moment.


    ''''Sue, what, Sitel?''''


    Lili nods her head curiously.


    ''I''m negotiating with the Chief for the Roux.


    "....you''re not a good guy. Can''t you just talk to me?


    Lara said a little frustrated.


    ''''.....��.........!''''


    "Huh!��.........!''''


    Suu and the chieftain''s voice sounded from behind him.


    ''''Half a man, what, Sitel?''''


    Like, "Let''s stop fighting and get along with the Empire.


    Lara took out a stone knife out of nowhere and pointed its tip at Crono.


    ''''Omae, what, cita?''''


    Nothing.


    Crono cowered his shoulders.


    ''Have I given you a bit of information?''


    What?


    The information that the Roux are no longer capable of resisting the Empire.


    Lara grabbed Crono''s chest and gritted her teeth as if to endure her anger.


    Lili lowered her eyes sadly.


    ''''Ore, we''re fighting!��We''ll win it all!


    I know.


    The battalion led by Gaul was overwhelmed by the three Rouxes.


    But that''s because Gaul formed a camp and tried to attack them from the front.


    In addition, Gaul''s goal was to defeat the barbarians, while the Roux''s goal was to take their livestock.


    The only thing I can say is that Gaul was spinning on a grand scale.


    ''''I wonder if Lili noticed?''''


    "We''re going to win everything. We''ll win everything.


    Lili said in a devastated little voice sound, as if she had a chance to see the territory of the southern frontier.


    ''Didn''t you notice Lara?''


    ......


    I don''t know if she was aware of it, but Lara''s hand relaxes from her hand.


    ''''Anata, doussel?''''


    ''''I was going to use you guys to cut down the Roux tribe, but now they know. Well, I guess the rest of us can count on Sue to do her best?


    Crunchy and Lara moved her mouth like a fish washed ashore.


    ''Omaha, you''re disgusting!��Scum!


    ''No, no, no, I was just hoping to make good use of it, it''s not that I wasn''t interested in it at all.


    That''s the worst line I''ve ever heard, and Crono agrees with Lara''s abuse in his mind.


    ''''.........doushite?''''


    ''Just a change of heart, eh?��Oh, no, I guess that''s not true either. I''m not a good fighter to begin with.


    Crono replies as he collects his thoughts.


    ''I didn''t feel comfortable killing them all just because they''re barbarians, and I thought it would be best if we didn''t have to fight them.


    Lara and Lili''s eyes widened in surprise.


    "You''re crazy.


    Just as Crono was about to open his mouth to say, "I''ll take that as a compliment," Sue jumped out of the tent.


    No, it wasn''t an easy thing to jump out of, it was fired horizontally as if it was a shell.


    Sue was slammed from her back and fell to all fours like a beast, killing her momentum.


    Although it wasn''t as hard as the cobbled and paved road, the ground that was trampled on was also reasonably hard.


    Painful wounds were carved on his back and thighs, and blood was soaked in.


    The Chief leisurely stepped out of the tent and took a glance at Crono, but he immediately lost interest and looked down at Suu.


    ''''.........Chief, Ore, we, battle power, nai.''''


    "Dakara, do you wish to surrender?


    No," muttered Sue.


    I have lost the power to fight, I have lost the power to raise my children, and I am not seeking your friendship. Your words of encouragement are not for your servitude.


    .....


    "We have been deprived of our land, and we have fought and gone into slavery.


    The chief''s words have a point, Crono thinks.


    "You don''t have to understand, it''s good to take the herb for a demonstration.


    The Chief turned his back on Su and went back to the tent.


    ''''I........give up.


    Suu roughly wiped away the tears that were about to spill out.


    *


    Crono put his back to the tree, saying that the chief''s words made sense.


    The reason why the Empire has not carried out a full-scale defeat since the period of upheaval is because of the strength of the Roux people.


    It is highly doubtful that the Empire would respond to the current Roux tribe''s offer to build friendly relations with them.


    They are likely to invade the country just because their forces are down, or force them into servitude by forcing them to accept unfavorable conditions.


    I''m sure it''s not impossible to get them into my territory, but if the chief doesn''t believe me, I can''t do anything about it," Crono said, looking at Suh, who was gathering herbs.


    It seems like it would be good to ignore the chief''s orders, but Suu is seriously collecting herbs.


    ''''Well... what is it?''''


    Mr. Crono, what is your progress?


    Myra whispered behind a tree.


    ''The idea of cutting it down from the inside is dead, easily exposed.


    ''The Master says he will cooperate with Captain Gaul''s battalion to rescue Master Crono. In less than two weeks, the barbarians will be destroyed. Boy!


    Suddenly, Myra grabbed him by the shoulder and Crono tilted his head slightly. Before he had time to wonder what was going on, a spear was thrust into the tree Crono had been resting his back on.


    ''Socomadeda!��The Invader''s Pawn!


    The chief''s voice rings out and the Roux warriors descend to the ground.


    Each one of them shines their imprint and holds their weapons at the ready.


    ''Looks like they''ve been swimming in it.


    After all, he''s not as capable as he was in his prime.


    Is it the kind of thing that tends to happen in a series of RPGs where the main character''s level drops because they weren''t fighting?


    ''Myra, can you get away with it?''


    I thought this would be a time to prepare for things rather than run.


    I see, said Crono, standing up.


    There are less than fifty warriors of the Roux tribe.


    If he hesitated here, the probability of Myra''s death would increase by that amount.


    ''''Well let me take care of this place.


    It''s the ''death frenzy'' that the little man taught me about.


    No, no, no, I don''t plan on dying, not one bit!


    Activating the Celestial Shinraku, the jutsu scrolls at high speed, and the jet black sphere floats a short distance away from Crono''s hand.


    ''Boy, boy, there is no need for you to risk your life.


    How can I ever repay you if I don''t have to?


    Crono laughed, almost crying.


    ''Well, then, promise me if you can safely return to the mansion, I would like you to tell me the origin of this strange dance of poking the heavens with a wooden stick.


    Why would I put up a death flag if I said I wasn''t going to die!


    Lili flies at the same time as Myra runs.


    ''Let her!''


    The jet black sphere went forward like an unleashed arrow, and Lili twisted her body to duck it.


    ''''Sweet!''''


    Crono manipulated the sphere, tracking Lili.


    The moment the jet black sphere touched Lili''s hair, Crono clenched his fist.


    Boom!��And I could almost hear such a sound.


    ''''.........''''


    Lili stays in the void, looking at her hair dancing in the wind.


    ''''Omae, what, shita!''''


    Spatial transference. It''s the only offensive magic I can use. I don''t know what the imprinting technique is capable of, but no one can live with their head and heart erased.


    Crono replied to Sue, who shouted at a considerable distance.


    ''''Areha, sore hododod number!


    Normally, yes.


    I glanced behind me.


    Although Myra''s figure is not visible, Crono activates the celestial cardinal divine music multiple times, a large amount of sorcery fills his vision, and he has a severe headache and vomiting sensation as if his arms were plunged into his brain, and incidentally, his nose is dripping blood.


    Magic cannot increase its power at the will of the magician.


    It is because it is designed in such a way that it does not place an excessive burden on the magician.


    Or if the magic formula itself can be changed, it may be possible to safely perform multiple activations of magic.


    ''''Tentacles.......Kagura!


    Jet-black spheres emerge around Crono.


    The number of them easily exceeds twenty.


    Crono confronts the warriors of the Roux tribe.


    To be honest, Crono is stuck at this point.


    If the Roux warriors attacked all at once, Crono would be killed before he could take aim.


    But the Roux don''t understand that.


    Because they don''t know, they can''t move from the spot, and because they don''t know, they increase their anxiety and fear.


    The chieftain also seemed to have fear and anxiety about the multiple activations of magic.


    It would be easy to charge the warriors, but the Chief fears that the warriors will die.


    The standoff continues.


    Five minutes, or maybe enough, it was Suu who stepped through the thin ice.


    Sue held her spear and glared at Crono.


    ''Stop it, Sue. I don''t want to kill you.''''


    "You''re lying. You''re hiding your power to fight.


    He really didn''t want to kill Sue.


    However, Su didn''t listen and rushed at Crono with his spear at the ready.


    Cursing something, "d*mn it," Crono manipulated the jet black sphere.


    The distance between them is more than ten meters.


    The jet-black sphere rushed at Su like a piranha and scraped through her body.


    It killed a person.


    In his first battle, defeating bandits, killing both enemies and allies in the battle against the Holy Argo Kingdom... he couldn''t make the decision to kill the barbarian girl he had spent only a few days with.


    ''''Don!��And a shock pierced through his entire body.


    Sue''s spear pierced through Crono''s right shoulder.


    I don''t know why, but Su might have hesitated as well as Crono.


    ''''........Omae.''''


    Crono makes the jet-black sphere disappear while enduring intense pain.


    The surrounding trees fall one by one.


    Suu and the warriors of the Roux tribe are safe.


    ''''Doushite?''''


    When asked why, Crono had no way to answer.


    Crono thought desperately as he was sweating fat from the intense pain.


    He stroked Sue''s cheek and her hair.


    ''''I don''t know.''''


    I remember my foster father''s advice not to be stubborn at the wrong time.


    ''But I''m sure this is who I am.


    With the repercussions of the multiple activations of magic and the pain of being pierced in the shoulder by Sue, Crono''s consciousness was easily darkened.


    *


    The wind was whistling.


    When Crono vaguely regained consciousness, he found himself in a room covered in stone.


    Or should I say, a room made of huge chunks of rock.


    The word "stone room" flashed through Crono''s mind, but he couldn''t be sure if it was correct knowledge.


    Crono''s upper body was naked and his arms were bound.


    The leather extending from both wrists was connected to two logs driven into Crono''s sides, making it impossible for him to move.


    He looked up and saw the Chief looking down at Crono.


    ''Omaha, what are you thinking about?''


    Crono thinks.


    However, his thoughts were as scurrilous as if he was drunk from the effects of multiple activations of magic, but....


    Are you trying to seduce me, Sue?


    The Chief''s face twisted in disgust.


    ''The Roux are ... stuck. We can avert their impending destruction now, right now.


    "So you''re not proud to be here?��I told you, you didn''t take our land, you didn''t take our land!��You have stolen my land and forced me to live a life of birds and beasts!��You will never be able to walk together, will you?


    Crono felt a giddy despair at the chief''s words.


    Even with the imminent destruction of the empire, the chief would not be reverent to the empire.


    But at the same time he sympathized with them.


    Even if he knew that reverence to reason is the only way to avoid destruction, his emotions would not allow him to do so, even if he weighed the advantages and disadvantages and found that the advantages were greater.


    A war where the drop-off point was set from the beginning.......subordinates died for such a thing, and without knowing it, Crono scrambled to save as many of his men as possible.


    Crono harbored a hatred for the next Emperor Alfort.


    That time........Count Ernat held Crono back.


    So that''s what I mean.


    Unreasonableness is something that will come in like a cloud haze if you live, and you''ll have to make a choice to let go of the present.


    Even if you are a party, you are required to have a cold perspective, as if you were a third party.


    That''s why Crono has a hatred for the Chief.


    He wondered what you are doing when you have swallowed hatred for the sake of your subordinates and the people of your domain.


    ''''If you''re a chief, you should swallow your anger.


    Crono told the chief with a thought that made him vomit blood.


    ''''If you can convince the Roux tribe, then everything will be settled in the end!��Sue said she wanted a future!��Even Lili understood the difference in power between the Roux and the Empire!


    Shut up!


    The chief''s reaction was caustic.


    A slap of power that caused his vision to halate, striking Crono in the cheek.


    Twice, three times, by the time the taste of blood filled his mouth, the Chief stopped hitting Crono.


    ''''..........you understand. It''s a shame that people of your own race can''t take each other''s food and kill each other''s children.


    The chief shouted.


    ''I am now proud of my wife''s hatred of me!


    There was no way they could understand each other.


    There was no way they could understand each other, Crono was clearly aware that his heart was about to break.


    It was too late.


    The Lou people hate the Empire.


    They believe that the Empire is the cause of all kinds of suffering and have relied on it to survive until now.


    ''''I know you hate the Empire!��Still, we have to endure to keep more alive!


    It''s impossible, I think.


    Even Crono couldn''t suppress his hatred.


    Still, there are things you can say because you''re not a part of it.


    "You are trying to steal the future away from Sue.


    Shut up!


    A slap so strong that it nearly cut off his consciousness caught Crono''s cheek.


    The Chief was breathing wildly in his wobbly vision.


    ''I can handle it now, I can handle it on my own.


    ...the faithful virgin.


    As he said this, the chief crossed his arms as if he were thinking.


    How long had he been thinking about it?


    It is not my intention to lead my clan to destruction. It is not my intention to lead our family to destruction, therefore...you must undergo the ordeal of death. You will not be allowed to live as long as you wish, but you will not see yourself as one of us.


    Is that... a compromise?


    "Souda.


    The Chief turned his back on Crono and walked out of the stone room.


    It was about an hour or so later that the Chief came back.


    The chief was accompanied by Sue.


    ''''Koreoriori ''Trial of Death''.


    The chief unfolded the leather he held in his hand, rolled up into a tube.


    Housed inside it was something bone-like and stone-like with a sharp point.


    ''''........What is the ''Trial of Death''?''''


    "One night to perform the Mark.


    What''s the survival rate?


    "Nine out of ten will die in pain after one night of engraving.


    Crono glared at the chieftain, "Isn''t that like telling him to die?


    ''Doucet, death. Naraba Gekero.''''


    "You mean, if I don''t go through the ''death test,'' you''ll execute me?


    When Crono asked, the Chief smiled sadistically.


    "You are never too good.


    The Chief clutched something bone-like and thrust the tip of it into Crono.


    The moment Crono thought it wouldn''t hurt.


    .....


    Intense pain hit Crono.


    His consciousness receded into the distance, but he couldn''t pass out or scream because of the intense pain.


    ''Good Kinna-dake yell buga yi.''


    The Chief didn''t crack a smile, as if to say it was comforting.


    *


    I remember reading in a comic book that whipping is painful.


    It''s also said that you can''t lie down or sleep because of the intense pain.


    I''ve seen videos of flogging on video sites and the sight of the red-black lines running through each whip was so painful.


    Perhaps now Crono is the only Japanese who can sympathize with flogged sinners.


    ''Humph, ethaka resistant.''


    Crono repeated a shallow breath.


    From the Chief''s words, I guess this isn''t the end of the ''Trial of Death''.


    Crono repeated his shallow breathing.


    Just the slightest movement and a large breath of air can make Crono torment him with an intense pain that drives him insane.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this in the future.


    You will be able to find out more about this. I will take care of you," he said. I forgive you for your pain.


    ....


    Leaving Suu behind, the Chief left the stone room.


    ''''........''''


    Sue didn''t speak. There was no time to talk to Crono either.


    In order to endure the intense pain of The Trial of Death, Crono decided to think of something fun to do.


    He''d heard that maintaining positive emotions in humans boosted their immunity and resilience, but within an hour, he had fallen short.


    It was impossible to think of something fun in such an extreme situation.


    Instead, it was anger and hatred that dominated Crono''s mind.


    First against the Roux, then the Chiefs, Lara and Lili, Sue... and then he hated his adoptive father, Myra, Tyga, Faye, Snow, and even Layla, who was supposed to be concerned for Crono''s safety.


    I resented them all, hated them all.


    Why didn''t they help me after what I''d done to them?


    Why didn''t you come and save me after I cared for you?


    It''s a recrimination.


    Crono didn''t think it was a shameful idea.


    To Crono it was all about not helping, and everything that didn''t help him was anger and hatred.


    Crono continued to spin the curse.


    It wasn''t until the intense pain eased and he was able to sleep, albeit shallowly, that normal perception finally returned.


    Coasting to the point of a headache, Crono was tormented with regret.


    It was the regret of lashing out at Su, who was taking care of him worthily, and the regret of spinning a curse on people who should still be worried about him.


    As soon as he could no longer afford it, Crono was devastated by his own shallowness in spinning a curse on his mistresses as well.


    ''''The ... sixth day.''''


    What''s going on?


    It hurts, but I manage to speak calmly now.


    ''''Trial of Death, half, six days, live kill. Seventh day, mark, erosion, beginning mar.


    Erosion?��And Crono stares at the engraving that should have been carved into his body.


    When I look into his eyes, I can''t help but feel that there is a thin line running through it.


    ''Drink Me''


    Painkillers?


    Poison. Poison.


    Sue placed the black pill on the ground.


    ''''No, because one out of ten of them will survive, right?''''


    "Words, reason, are lost. You''re alive. Man is speechless.


    Crono was horrified.


    The Chief had no intention of helping Crono.


    He didn''t think he could endure such a thing, a pain so intense that it could erase his personality.


    I''m not going to be able to get to know you. I''m sorry.


    Hey! I''m not ready to die!��You don''t have to live without what you want to do, or what you want to do.......!


    The engraving glowed with a jet black glow.


    The imprint grew thicker and thicker in the blink of an eye, robbing Crono of his calm thoughts.


    Is it similar to when the anesthesia wears off?


    When the anesthesia was working, you didn''t feel any pain, but as soon as it wore off, the pain shot through your nerves, straight through your brain.


    The flesh of Crono''s flesh was gouged out and the bones in his arms were broken, but he didn''t care if it was gouged out and the bones in his arms were broken, he tore off the cord that held him in place and reached for the poison pill.


    The thought of not wanting to die had been blown away somewhere.


    He just figured that anything to escape this pain would be good for him.


    Crono grabbed the poison pill with his broken arm and chewed it up.


    I can die.


    Quickly, quickly, I want to die as soon as possible, even if it''s just for a minute or a second.


    He suddenly met his eyes with Sue.


    For a moment, his calm thoughts returned.


    In that moment, what passed through Crono''s mind was the images of the people he had met before.


    Crono spat out the shattered poison pill, stuck his fingers in the back of his throat and vomited.


    Crono slammed his head on the stone room floor in intense pain, so intense that he wanted to die himself.


    ''Omaha, poison, drink!


    Sue made the imprint shine and pressed the new poison, but this time Crono resisted.


    ''''No, no, no!��I don''t want to die!


    Crono shouted, dripping piss, as he drifted off.


    I wanted to live, no matter how feckless, no matter how dirty, I wanted to live.


    I didn''t want to die.


    ''Leo, Horus!��I am!


    Crono shouted as he slammed his head on the stone room floor.


    ''Rizad!''


    The jet-black imprint shone strongly and Crono reflexively grabbed the necklace.


    *


    The sky was abominably clear that day.


    Claude did not reprimand Myra, who had returned alive due to Crono''s sacrifice.


    He just prepared to fight with terrifying finesse.


    In just eight days he had gathered half of the troops held by the southern frontier the new nobility.


    Gaul also rallied the imperial army on the southern frontier four thousand, more than half of the imperial army on the southern frontier knowing that it was an act of overriding authority.


    What colored Gaul''s face was remorse.


    He had risked Crono''s life by repeatedly fighting in vain to make his own achievements.


    Crono''s men were terrifyingly quiet.


    It wasn''t because they were frightened or anxious.


    They were prepared to die.


    With less than four thousand five hundred troops, they might be able to win, but it would be difficult to rescue them.


    ''''.........''''


    Dressed in the equipment of his prime, Claude wore a chilling killing spirit.


    ''''The barbarians, they''re here!


    Who was the first to shout? The soldiers moved in unison to prepare for the barbarians.


    I''m carrying Master Crono!


    It was four barbarians who made their way through the forest.


    Two of them were carrying Crono in something made of wood and leather.


    The remaining two - one was a woman with a long skirt of leather covering her lower body, and the other was the girl who was with Crono.


    The barbarian placed Crono at a distance from the army.


    ''Master Crono!''


    Leila was the first to run out, followed by Claude.


    Faye and Snow followed, and Myra ran up to Crono with caution.


    Crono was dirty.


    He smelled of sour sweat, his trousers were stained, and his forehead was cracked open and a stain of dead leaf-colored blood stained his face.


    ''Oh, whoa!''


    Claude held Crono in his arms and wailed.


    It was no longer the figure of the man who was called the Slaughterer (Slaughter).


    It was the figure of an old man, a father who had lost his only son.


    "My son, my son, how dare you!


    As soon as Claude drew his sword, Layla, Faye, and Snow held their weapons at the same time.


    Silently, Myra drew her dagger and waited for the moment when Claude slashed at her.


    ''....Wait a minute...''


    Claude dropped his sword and turned at the voice he had heard behind him, a voice he thought he would never hear again.


    ''Live and let live?''


    Claude hugged Crono with tears in his eyes.


    ''Dad, can I stand up?''


    Crono stood up on Claude''s shoulder and beckoned to the barbarians.


    The two barbarians who weren''t carrying Crono responded to the beckoning were the two barbarians who weren''t carrying Crono.


    ''Stow your weapons,''


    Okay.


    At Crono''s command, Leila lowered her bow. It was ready to be drawn down at any time, though.


    ''Chief, I promise,''


    "Do you want me to rub your fingers on your chest?


    Sure, we''ll protect that one, but the other one.


    Reluctantly, the barbarian ... the woman who was called the chief stared at the soldier.


    ''Hear me!��The Descendants of the Invaders, Domo!


    The scene fell silent.


    ''We, the Luu, accept the word of our compatriot Crono and choose to walk together with the Empire.��I am defeated!��Reverence and servitude!��We''re going to find a way to live together.


    Hmph, sniffing grimly, the Chief glared at Crono.


    ''''Kore De Liinodaro?��"I am my people.


    ''I feel like we''ve been fighting for nothing, and we''ve got a lot of problems... but for now, the fight is over.


    The Chief turned on his heel and suddenly stopped.


    ''''Suu, Crono no Geni Ke.''''


    ....


    The girl called Sue silently walked over to Crono and stopped at a bit of a distance to see if he smelled it.


    ''''What''s your heart?''''


    I''m going to marry her. She will conceive a son, and will inherit the wisdom of the tribe. In the near future, the pure Narcissus will remain among us. When the time comes, you will be defeated.


    It''s a far-reaching invasion plan.


    You say wife, but your mistress.


    I''m going to tell the first lady. She will be pregnant. You can have my daughter.


    ''Sarah said something awesome!


    Snorting happily, the Chief sniffed happily, and went back into the forest.


    ''This time, it''s over.''


    Crono let out a sigh and just passed out.


    ''''........Now they won''t be able to lick the money off the Empire, right?


    Yes, thanks to Mr. Crono.


    Myra smiled as she looked at Crono, who hung his head helplessly.


    Four years ago, the no-good man who had appeared before Myra had done what no one else had been able to do.


    Myra looked up at the sky.


    The sky was abominably clear, foreshadowing the arrival of a new era.

 42-Modified version of Episode 11 "Later Day Talk"

    *


    In the middle of June of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-one, two weeks have passed since Crono overcame the ''Trial of Death''.


    Thinking about the future, the construction of the port, the spread of the new salt field, and the management of the joint-stock company can never be neglected.


    However, since Crono is an amateur, most of his attention will be focused on the progress.


    There are things that carry as much weight as those.


    Count Caddo''s territory is a land that faces the sea.


    And Crono has his mistresses........Leila, the landlady (Shera), Elena, Rio, Deneb, Alideed, Tilia, and Faye.


    Even if Rio can''t, as he''s the leader of the Ninth Konoe Guard, he wants to go swimming!��I thought.


    I wanted to samurai my mistress and enjoy a lazy, decadent, unproductive swim in the water.


    I wanted to see the sight of wet cloths sticking to my eyes as we splashed each other with water.


    I wanted to enjoy the cackling, woofing and blazing bathing.


    And yet, instead of returning to his domain, Crono was now recuperating in his foster father''s house on the southern frontier.


    Crono lay in bed and watched the smoke billowing into the room.


    When he sat up and looked at the source of the smoke, he saw Sue sitting on the floor burning some medicinal herbs.


    According to Su, the herbs he was burning had a calming effect.


    She was also given a decoction of other medicinal herbs that were said to have pain-relieving effects.


    ''''Well it does relax me, but that''s not a bad herb, is it?


    I''m safe.


    I don''t want to be a drug addict when I survived my ''trial by death''.


    Geez!��And his muscles creaked, and Crono moaned on the bed.


    It hurt if he moved poorly, and it hurt even if he didn''t.


    This unimaginable pain had kept Crono from leaving the bed for two weeks.


    On top of that, the imprint would activate at a moment''s notice.


    Still, it''s much better than the first week.


    The pain itself has eased, and the imprint doesn''t activate on its own anymore.


    Dr. Wiseman taught me that the imprinting technique is a magic technique that allows you to control attributes based on color, but in reality, it''s a bit different.


    The basic function of the imprinting technique is to enhance physical abilities.


    No, should I describe it as drawing out physical abilities to the physical limit?


    Naturally, if you draw your physical abilities to the physical limit, your muscles will be damaged.


    In other words, the true nature of the pain that has been plaguing Crono for two weeks is extreme muscle pain.


    Crono looked up at the ceiling, saying that he couldn''t come up with a single reason for that now about the imprint.


    If you compare it to the magic of the empire, the imprint should be the equivalent of an art form, but it looks like something that could be imprinted on your brain using drugs.


    Crono twists the logic that seems to be the case, saying that the engraving might not be just a program, but something like a computer peripheral.


    Does the driver come with the engraving, or did Crono have something like a standard driver?


    That''s what I''m thinking about.


    Master Crono, it is time to eat.


    Yes, sir.


    The door is opened and Myra and Faye enter the room.


    I''m always sorry.


    That''s a promise I won''t tell you, sir.


    She helps Faye up and gets Faye to bring the food to her mouth.


    Myra is at a slight distance, playing a supportive role for Faye.


    ''Omae, Akachan.''


    So, who''s to blame for all this?


    For the past two weeks, Faye has been Crono''s caregiver.


    The reason is twofold: one is that Faye would be able to get through Crono''s activation of the Mark unscathed.


    The other is because she is tall enough to support Crono.


    ''''Ole, Omaeno, wife.''''


    Well, yeah.


    "Me, wife, wife ... wife.


    Sue repeated, as if she liked the word "wife" as she ruminated.


    ''I have only eight other mistresses.


    .....


    Sue looked at Crono in surprise.


    ''''Omae, worthy nai.''''


    Yes, it''s worth it!��Ouch!


    Pissed off, Crono shouted and moaned at the pain in his body.


    ''Master Crono is worthy,''


    Faye said proudly and proudly.


    ''''Lady Crono is a nobleman with a fiefdom. Elena-dono has informed me that last year''s tax revenue was sixty-five thousand gold coins, and when the port is completed in Count Caddo''s territory we can expect further revenues.


    You know your stuff, Faye.


    Of course.


    Since he didn''t seem to be interested in such things, it was surprising to say the least.


    ''''........Crono-sama?''''


    Yes, Miss Myra?


    Myra smiled and nodded her head lightly.


    ''Do you want to surround yourself with another mistress?''


    It''s not too late.


    Master Crono, you''re in the middle of your meal.


    I''m sorry.


    I feel like a period drama a sickly father and his filial daughter in a poor tenement.


    "I will work hard, sir.


    That''s encouraging.


    He helped himself to a cup of soup with Faye''s help.


    ''So I hope you will help me rebuild House Murifine.


    What?


    ''What?��It''s not.


    When Crono asked back, Faye said without seeming to be offended.


    ''A knight is loyal to his lord, and his lord is the one who protects the knight.


    Yes, I feel like I''ve been given the same love and loyalty for a lifetime?


    I do not ask a price for love, but I do ask a price for loyalty.


    ''It wasn''t a set,'' Crono regretted now.


    ''Come to think of it, if Faye gives birth to my child, there will be inheritance issues, won''t there?


    Even if a child is born to Lady Crono and Princess Tyria, the issue of inheritance and title will still arise. I don''t want them to fight with each other as half-brothers.


    That''s a graphic expression~ and Crono finishes his meal.


    ''''For your information, for Faye, the revival of the Murifine family.......or rather, what is the specific purpose of this?''''


    That''s a difficult question.


    Faye raised her eyebrows thoughtfully as she stacked the dishes and handed them to Myra.


    ''''To be honest, the Murifine family isn''t a respectable one. You might be able to say that they have returned to their former ways if they can get a so-so position in the Kingsguard.


    ''''We can make it work if we ask Lord Leonhardt or Count Ernat, but we don''t want Faye to get out of it. Bright territory planning-wise.


    Leonhardt or Count Ernat''s men would definitely allow Faye to re-establish the Murifine family.


    But it would be very difficult if Faye could get out of it. At the very least, Kane would be overworked and beaten down.


    ''''Mm, I guess we''ll have to leave the Murifine family''s rebirth until my son''s generation.


    ''''So isn''t that why you''re a demon, ''I''ll let you join the Kingsguard, and you''ll have to work your way up from there?''


    Assuming that the Marquis of Erakis, Count Caddo, and Baron Crawford''s territory will be my territory in the future, Crono thought of the territory.


    ''''Hmm, is it in order to leave the Baron Crawford''s territory, which will be an enclave?��Ahh, but even Kane can''t be a cavalry captain forever, and I want all the cadets to be involved in running the territory, right?


    I can''t tell you anything specific because we''re at the stage where we have to figure out what kind of organization we''re going to have rather than what kind of position we''re going to get.


    ''The cadets will be direct vassals of Crono-sama, right?


    I won''t know if he''s willing to be a soldier until he''s sure he''s willing, but he can''t be a soldier forever, either.


    Even if you don''t want to be my direct vassal, I''m going to fully back you if you want to do something.


    ''''Hey, I can''t make any concrete promises right now, but at the very least, I''ll do my best to make sure that me and the Fey kids get into the Kingsguard, why not?''''


    Yes, sir.


    Faye patted her chest in relief, as if she had expected her demands to be rejected.


    I was about to spit out one of the coolest lines, but while I was thinking about it, Faye and Myra had left the room.


    When I looked at them, I saw that Su was decocting some medicinal herbs.


    ''''Drink Me.''''


    Bitterness, isn''t it?


    As he drank the dark liquid, the effect was immediate.


    It was as if he was buoyed by the heat, and Crono''s consciousness gradually faded away.


    When he woke up, the smoke in the room had faded.


    His hair and neck were coated with sweat, and Crono frowned in discomfort.


    Curious, he looked at the floor and saw that Sue was asleep, wrapped in a cloth.


    ''''Can I move if I force myself?''''


    Gritting his teeth, Crono moved away from the bed.


    His body creaked and creaked, but he could manage to walk along the wall.


    Toilet, toilet, repeat.


    Even if you''re a subordinate and a mistress, you don''t feel comfortable having someone else (Faye) take you to the bathroom or let you change your clothes.


    ''''It''s not a knight''s job, you know.


    He moved along the wall to the door with a slither and reached for the doorknob.


    But before Crono could grab the doorknob, the door opened.


    ''I''m glad to see you''re well.''


    "...Captain Gaul, what can I do for you today?


    ''Hmm,'' said Gaul, crossing his arms.


    ''There was something I wanted to discuss with you about the barbarians, or rather the Roux. I thought it was selfish of me, but I decided to hold a meeting with the chiefs to discuss it.


    ...when?


    It''s today. Yeah, don''t get me wrong. Ostensibly, it''s supposed to be a dinner party for fellowship. Well, you know what? It''s called politics.


    The bottom line is that the parties involved are planning to pack up where they can before the Empire intervenes unnecessarily.


    Regardless of the reality, the fact is that he has freed the Empire from the threat of the barbarians.


    If we concede that achievement, I''m sure Gaul would be willing to divide his power for the Roux tribe.


    ''''Actually I have two requests.


    That''s fine.


    Excuse me. Please take me to the bathroom.


    I thought he was going to say no, but Gaul took me to the bathroom.


    He looked like he''d bitten down on a bitter worm, though.


    Even when Crono left the bathroom, Gaul maintained his expression.


    ''You ... I don''t know if you''re a big shot or just an idiot.


    I was trying to go to the bathroom by myself and you were talking to me.


    So what''s your other request?


    ''I''m going to give away my achievements, so I''m hoping that I''ll be able to give the Roux the benefit of the doubt... or at least not be at a disadvantage.


    ''Mu,'' snarled Gaul, looking at Crono.


    ''Are you an idiot?��Persuading them to hand over their accomplishments to me and protect the barbarians while risking their lives.


    I''m thinking of myself, well, I''m thinking of myself but I''d rather have Captain Gaul in the line of fire instead of handing over my achievements.


    Gaul ruffled his hair as if to say he didn''t understand.


    ''And what do you get out of it?


    ''Self-gratification ... rubbing the Chief''s boobs hard enough to leave fingerprints on them, and then the harem man.


    Gaul let out a sigh of dismay.


    ''''You ... you risked your life to rub the Chief''s, oh, boobs and make a mistress?''''


    ''You don''t have to force me to say boobs or anything like that ... well, as it turns out.


    I''m not going to be able to get my hands on any of these things.


    I''m going to take that story to heart and let you have a weak hand?


    I don''t like to talk about it that way.


    Grinning, Gaul smiled and Crono cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    Crono didn''t trust Gaul wholeheartedly, and Gaul would be no different.


    ''It''s probably true. I''m sure your proposal has some merit, but it''s also going to be a hardship. Or at least, more hardship than we have now.


    What do you mean by "more"?


    "While you were sleeping, I was not idle. I''ve been going to the Roux settlements to continue our discussions for today.


    ''More and more like a fool,'' Crono said, looking at Gaul.


    ''I''m glad the Chief listened to you.


    He wouldn''t listen to me at first. I had no choice, so I had to make my own arrangements with a Roux woman.


    Why?


    I didn''t lose.


    When Crono asked, Gaul replied with a mortified look on his face.


    Apparently, Gaul was rooted in the fact that he had been beaten by the Roux tribe many times.


    ''So let me ask you... what did you do to Lara?''


    Oh, I see.


    It seems that the Roux woman that Gaul has matched up with is Lara.


    She has a rather upright personality, so it seems possible.


    ''''I tried to seduce Lara and Lili to divide the Roux tribe internally, but because of Suu, I failed big time... I honestly revealed my true feelings.


    You''re an a**h*le, aren''t you?


    Gaul said without a pause.


    ''''Well no, no, no, I tried to take down the Roux tribe myself to take credit for it!


    Maybe I''m a bastard, Crono almost admitted for a moment, but then reconsidered and argued with Gaul.


    ''''I fought to win your father''s approval, to free the Empire from a threat. I didn''t do it shamelessly like you.


    I wanted to minimize the damage, just in case.


    Whatever the motive, it''s not an action for a nobleman to take.


    Crono gave up trying to convince Gaul that it was going to be impossible to get another evaluation.


    ''So, do you accept my proposal?''


    ''Yeah, I''ll accept that. At least they are trying to compromise with the Empire. If we can prepare for an invasion of the Kingdom of Dorado, they won''t treat the Roux with impunity.


    Wasn''t the Kingdom of Dorado the country to the south of the Empire?


    Why is the Kingdom of Dorado relevant?��When Crono nodded his head, Gaul''s shoulders slumped in dismay.


    ''''The Empire and the Kingdom of Dorado aren''t hostile, but they aren''t friendly either. Then it''s only natural to be prepared for hostility.''''


    The Roux know all about the Areos Mountains but you''ve finally made friendly relations with the Roux and now you''re talking about the next war?


    Without that war story, the Lu''s will be treated with impunity.


    Is this supposed to be a card to negotiate with the Imperial City?��And Crono looked up at Gaul.


    ''Of course, neither of us has any intention of putting the Roux in the line of fire. I intend to win the advantage by demonstrating that the Roux are useful to the Empire.


    Unintentionally, Crono applauded Gaul. He had made up a plausible theory in just two weeks.


    ''Well, even if everything goes well, the Roux will still be in danger of perishing. They''ll either fight and perish, or they''ll perish without fighting, or they''ll be taken in by the Empire, the only difference is the process.


    ''Yes, but I''m sure the outcome would be a little different if the process were different.


    Eventually they might be taken in by the Empire and disappear, but the Roux had the opportunity to leave their blood and culture to the next generation.


    Crono tightened his grip on his necklace, thinking that it would be a far better end than being destroyed and forgotten.


    ''Yeah, well, it''s self-satisfying after all,''


    I don''t approve of your methods.


    Gaul muttered, and Crono looked up at him reflexively.


    ''But I have a feeling I can acknowledge your beliefs. Don''t get me wrong. It''s only your beliefs.


    ....


    Crono almost blurted out a little bit, "Are people in this world all tsundere?


    If all the people who spout the line "don''t get me wrong" are tsundere characters, then the chairman of a certain boxing manga and a rival character in a world-famous fighting anime are also tsundere characters.


    ''''........pfft.


    Why are you laughing?


    No, no.


    Gaul shifted his gaze to the window.


    It''s time for the dinner party. Let''s go.


    Am I in on this?


    And who would do that without you, the guest of honor?


    I still can''t move my body, sir?


    Gaul picked up Crono in his arms, saying he had no choice.


    In the princess''s arms.


    Ignoring Crono''s cries, Gaul started to run furiously.


    When Crono and Gaul arrived in the garden, they were greeted with a cold stare.


    Lowered to the ground, Crono covered his face, unable to bear the shame.


    It was Faye who tapped Crono''s shoulder as if to comfort him with a pop.


    ''''With........Captain Gaul....


    Who would do that?


    He didn''t seem to be trying to comfort her.


    ''But,'' he said, ''it hurts, it hurts!��I heard him scream, ''Gently, gently.''


    I was shaking so hard it hurt!


    That''s a very vulgar expression, sir.


    It''s not indecent!


    Oh, God.


    His adopted father walked up to Crono, scratching his head awkwardly.


    ''When you''ve lived on the battlefield for so long, you can''t help but run to your manhood.


    No one wants to hear about my dad''s experience!


    If I''m not mistaken, you had the Commander of the Ninth Kingsguard as your lover, didn''t you?


    Yeah, well, that''s the way it is.


    I remember saying to Deneb and Arideed that since it''s another world, they can be homos*xuals, but Rio is half woman, or rather, Crono is physically ''offensive'', if not mentally, Crono is physically ''offensive''.


    ''.........Crono-sama.


    "Leila.


    Gently, Leila gripped the sleeve of Crono''s clothes.


    Ever since she had been given the imprinting technique, she had ordered him to stay away from it until she had gained control.


    ''I trust Crono-sama,''


    ''That sounds like a sign of disbelief to me, doesn''t it?


    I believe in you.


    Giggling, Leila tightens her grip on the sleeve of Crono''s clothes.


    "...when will we be ready to stand, son-in-law?


    The chieftain walked over to Crono leisurely, with Lara and Lili on either side of him.


    Crono thought that he had good guts, like grooming the person he sent to the edge of death, but he decided to keep quiet.


    ''Well then, let''s go to the dining room.''


    Wouldn''t you like to use the cafeteria today?


    Crono said, and Myra interrupted him.


    ''Are we going to have a barbecue in the garden?''


    ''I don''t know what the word means, but I''m going to roast a pig in the garden.


    Well, is that possible?��Crono thought. The Roux tribe ate by hand-grabbing, so perhaps a hearty meal was better than a meal that used different dishes.


    ''''Well, let''s get ready for a quick meal!


    The voice of the proprietress (Shera) is heard, and the taiga carry bricks and wooden sticks.


    I hope it will be a harmonious dinner party~, Crono thought, but it was only a fleeting thought, akin to a prayer.


    The smell of roasting meat wafted through the air, and the flames intensified as the fat dripped down and intensified.


    Myra, Myra, Gaul, the Chief, Lara and Lili are silent as they watch the scene.


    The air is especially tense between my adoptive father, Myra and the Roux tribe.


    It''s an atmosphere of a flash in the pan.


    If you know that, put a damper on it.


    Mmm, it''s a tough one.


    Faye raised her eyebrows thoughtfully.


    ''Well, I''ll tell you a little joke I had an old man living in the house next door.


    There is no house next to the Marquess'' house, sir.


    ''I''m making this up. Eh, you have to be nice to old people.


    It''s important to have the spirit of respect for the elderly.


    Crono waved the story around, and this time Faye read the air and matched it.


    ''Oh yes!��He had a cold one day and looked like he was in pain.


    I put a choke on his neck and made him feel better, didn''t I?


    ''No, no, he had a cold and looked like he was in pain, so I didn''t make him feel better or have a shred of respect for him!��They''re strangling me and being strangely specific!


    Sometimes death is our salvation.


    ''That''s a bleak and respectful spirit, that!


    It''s a good punchline, and Crono poked at it in his mind.


    Oh, I''ve been bedridden for two weeks with this whole ''trial by death'' thing.


    Kusuri and the Chief let out a laugh, but his adoptive father returned it in a dossy voice.


    ''Father, don''t you dare pick a fight!


    Master Crono, he bit you.


    You''re very good at tsking, my knight!


    I am delighted by your praise.


    Crono pointed out, and Faye responded with a salute.


    ''Myra, stop it!''


    I wanted to support my master as a maid.


    You have a time and place for this!


    ''''To tell you the truth, although Crono-sama covered for me, I was chased to death by a few Markers and almost died.


    ''I''m sorry I''m not good enough!


    No, Master Crono was fine.


    Myra writhed in embarrassment.


    ''But isn''t it hard for us to suddenly get along when we were in a relationship that was actually killing and killing?


    ''Yeah, well, you know, that''s true. If someone doesn''t put up with it, the cycle of hate won''t stop.


    "...hmmm...my son-in-law, do you want to put up with me rubbing my breasts?


    Screw you, b*tc*!��Of course you''re going to rub it enough to leave a finger mark!


    Crono shouted out to himself. But he quickly regained his composure as everyone''s eyes focused on him.


    ''''Souka, Naraba thought, rub it in,''''


    ''d*mn it, I''m rubbing you. I won''t stop rubbing you when you cry and apologize!


    As he held and opened his hands, Crono thought about the cycle of hatred.


    Was this urge to rub the chief''s chest a sign of hatred?


    The chief''s chest swayed in front of him.


    Ah, boobs.


    Those hateful and unhappy, sinful tits.


    "Ah, ah!


    Crono crawled on all fours like a beast and sobbed.


    I want to rub my boobs.


    I want to torment the chief.


    But if this urge is due to hatred, I will resist.


    Master Crono, boobs and hatred are not the same thing.


    Thank you, my knight!


    The rebooted Crono glared at the Chief''s sinful boobs.


    ''One day, I''ll rub it.''


    "...Souka.


    The chieftain twisted as if he was trying to escape Crono''s gaze.


    ''Silly son, is that what you want?''


    It''s all good.


    There is hatred for the chieftain.


    But none of my men died, and I survived the ''death ordeal'' myself.


    I''ve lost nothing.


    It''s arrogance for someone who has lost nothing to speak of hatred.


    I don''t understand the hatred between my father and Myra, or even the tribal hatred of the Lu tribe. I don''t know, so I will stop the cycle of hatred.


    I suppose the ideal would be for someone who knows everything to stop the hatred, but if that''s not possible, then it should be stopped by someone who doesn''t know anything.


    Ideals, even if you spout bloodless logic and despise someone who lives with hatred.


    Look, Master Crono, look!


    Next time, I''ll ride.


    When I looked at the direction of the voice, I saw Snow riding a bicycle.


    Sue is dutifully waiting for her next turn.


    The air flows softly.


    You can also have a look at the following information Daga, we have not yet shown you our benefits.


    ''I''ve had a few conversations with Captain Gaul about that.


    Crono explained the contents of his conversation with Gaul.


    It''s a good thing that you are a warrior of the empire. You will be able to find out more about this by looking at the following information


    I''m trying to win the loyalty of the Roux to the Empire. What the Chief said before, about winning the Luu over to our side.


    And," Crono said, cutting off the words.


    "The southern frontier your father has the advantage of being on good terms with the Lou.


    What''s in it for me?


    ...salt.


    Crono says, and his adopted father''s eyebrows jump for a moment.


    ''There are veins of rock salt in the Areos Mountains. We won''t know the reserves until we get a closer look at them, but that''s enough to benefit us, and I think it would benefit us to be able to harvest medicinal herbs.


    When Crono turns his gaze to her, Myra gives a small cough.


    ''''As Crono-sama said, there are many medicinal herbs growing in the Areos Mountains. Also, although it''s a very delicate matter, I thought that if we could obtain salt without having to go through Count Burkmeier''s territory, we could be somewhat bullish on the center.


    Until now, the southern frontier had been suppressed by the Empire in terms of salt access routes.


    Cultivating new salt access routes should weaken the influence from the center.


    ''''Hey, I don''t have any intention of antagonizing the Empire. I also owe that bastard from Arkol some assistance in the settlement of the southern frontier. I don''t want you to get the wrong idea.


    As he said this, his adopted father smiled ferociously.


    ''''Well, not bad, though.''''


    It''s one thing to have salt, but it''s another to have a reasonable price for it.


    I guess we''ll just have to talk about that area until we''re satisfied.


    I looked to the side and saw Gaul''s expression as if he had bitten down on a bitter worm.


    ''Why didn''t you tell me you had salt?''


    They didn''t ask. So what about Captain Gaul?


    Gaul clicked his tongue abominably.


    ''Gaul, eat.''


    Lara.


    When did it burn, Lara held out a chunk of pork to Gaul.


    ''''Do you want to compete today?''''


    ''Of course. It''s not settled.


    Gaul took the meat and looked down at Crono.


    ''What are those eyes?''


    I just figured out why.


    Gaul clicks his tongue in displeasure.


    ''Answer me?''


    My response is, ''If you eat poison, you get a plate''.


    Gaul bit into the pork with gusto.


    *


    I haven''t had a full meal in ages.


    Crono lay down on the bed, which smelled of herbs, and looked up at the ceiling.


    His body ached, but his mood was strangely calm.


    ''''After ... a full meal...''''


    I thought it was time to get horny.


    Doesn''t the idea of falling asleep ever occur to you?


    Crono looked up at Myra, who had been standing by the side of the bed before he knew it.


    ''No, sir, what is it?''


    I''m not very good at controlling the mark.


    ...I see.


    Myra nodded somewhat unhappily.


    ''Then I''d like to know why you were sticking a stick up in the air in the middle of the field.


    ''I was just going to go home. See, I felt like I was floating when I came to this world, so I thought if I stuck a stick in the air, it would make a hole.


    It was an utterly futile effort, but I was serious at the time.


    ''After all, it''s unrequited?''


    We have family over there.


    Would you like to meet him?


    Crono couldn''t answer Myra''s question right away.


    ''I miss you. I miss my dad, my mom and my sister.


    The back of my eyeballs go numb, and I feel like tears are about to spill out.


    ''Do you want to leave?''


    I''ve killed a lot of people in this world.


    Running away from this world doesn''t change the fact that I killed a man.


    "I have a mistress. The ideal of a world where everyone can live equally has been raised.


    I would like to ask you to give me one of the reasons why Master Crono cannot return.


    Where Myra held it is an eternal secret.


    ''No, the imprint. It''s not stable, or rather, it''s unstable.''


    You don''t mind if I leave Master Crono alone?


    I had a bad feeling about this.


    What a handful of premonitions.


    I didn''t feel it at all with Tilia and it hurt, but if you have a premonition, it''s a different story.


    ''''However, if Crono-sama refuses, I have no intention of forcing you to do so.


    What?


    Stopping her hands from moving, Myra said with a perfect maid-like expression.


    ''''Crono-sama, you have a regretful look on your face...''''


    What''s the shame?��And Myra resumes the attack.


    I have a bad feeling about this.


    My survival instincts are sounding the alarm.


    ''Huh, fugue.''


    ''''You sound lovely, but I''m not going to force you to do anything.


    Myra stopped moving as she waited for Crono''s answer.


    And Crono.....


    He would later realize that his premonition and survival instincts had been correct.

 43-Modified version of Episode 12 "Knights"

    *


    Quite simply, it''s just one question after another.


    Vizier Alcor leaned back and said with a sigh.


    The subject is missing, but I don''t need to ask to know that his line is to Crono, Baron Crawford''s son.


    You don''t have to be Vizier Alcor to want to blurt out that he was kidnapped by a barbarian and that the barbarian was persuaded to offer him a peace offer.


    ''''Why don''t you just shove the barbarian''s offer?


    I don''t like the idea of you walking up to me and shaking hands with me.


    Originally, Vizier Alcor was a woodworker.


    He was heavily used by Ramal V and achieved an impossible ascendancy, but now that he doesn''t have the backing of an emperor, his position is not as solid as it could be.


    ''''Wouldn''t it be the same if I accepted the barbarian''s offer?


    That''s where Count Hernat is making his ''rounds''.


    Since he doesn''t try to stop that ''flashy'' rooting, Vizier Alcor must be planning to go with the flow created by Count Ernat.


    However, I don''t know what Count Ernat''s true intentions are.


    ''''Wouldn''t it be a problem if the barbarian threat disappeared?


    The Kingdom of Dorado will be our virtual enemy, and we will respond by building a fort in the Areos Mountains.


    It''s not the new nobles of the southern frontier that will be troubled by the loss of the barbarian threat, but the old nobles of the empire, including Vizier Arcol.


    If the new nobles on the southern frontier started trading with the Dorado Kingdom, the card of restricting logistics would no longer be available.


    ''''How is His Majesty the next Emperor?''''


    It''s like you''ve been convinced you have power ever since that pro-conquest.


    ''I think it''s only a matter of time before they try to meddle in politics,'' Fana added in her mind.


    ''I hope they understand the fear of power, too.


    But I must warn you, though.


    I wonder if His Majesty was a great monarch in that one, Fana tried unsuccessfully to picture Ramal V''s face.


    All she could manage to recall was the stench of alcohol and his breath and his frightened appearance at his dead brother.


    I don''t know if it''s a good idea to throw everything to a competent subordinate, but if you only look at the results, you can say that Ramal V ruled the empire peacefully.


    Ramal V knew what he was doing.


    He knew the horror of power and, incidentally, his own incompetence.


    Alfort, Fana''s son, was different.


    Alfort doesn''t know the horror of power or his own limitations.


    His son is in danger of being taken advantage of by someone''s naivet�� and might exclude Vizier Alcor.


    Wouldn''t it have been better to let Princess Tilia take over the throne?��But it would be difficult to say whether Viceroy Alcor would be able to trust the daughter of the woman who caused the civil war.


    It seems that the old ways are losing their way, Fana said, looking at Vizier, his brow wrinkled in difficulty.


    The room was filled with smoke.


    It was being used differently than it was originally intended to be used today, arising from the burning of a sedative herb that had a calming effect.


    Suddenly, the smoke swirled around.


    The windows in the room are closed.


    If a person moved, the smoke might move, but it wouldn''t move like it does now.


    Standing in the center of the smoke is Su, who has activated the Mark.


    The smoke swirled around Suu, creating a spindle-shaped, smokeless space.


    "....I''m going to tell you the place. I will make my will known to you.


    I see.


    Apparently, the imprinting technique had other uses besides increasing physical abilities.


    Lara was covered in flames and Lili was also flying, so it''s not like it''s a new thing now.


    Crono tightened his grip on the necklace and activated the imprint.


    His body creaks with a creak, and he imagines the smoke swirling around him as he endures the pain.


    The smoke flows gently at first, like a thread unraveling.


    After a while, it''s completed, and unlike Suu, it''s a twisted spindle in many places.


    ''''My body still hurts as usual?''''


    "Omaha, nai.


    Hmm?��Crono nodded his head, but he quickly agreed.


    Since falling into this world, Crono trained his body.


    He is proud of his efforts until now, but his training method is fundamentally different from that of the Roux, who grow up exposed to the harsh natural environment.


    There is too much of a gap between Crono''s original muscle strength and the muscle strength that is able to be demonstrated by the imprint, and this is probably putting a strain on the body.


    ''''.........Can''t you become stronger for fun?''''


    "I''m sorry, I can''t.


    He who lives by the sword doesn''t perish by the sword, but it''s probably not a good idea to rely on useful power, Crono said, drawing his sword.


    ''''Place, keep.''''


    Yes, sir. Otherwise, we won''t be able to use it in the field.


    If that''s the case, we''ll have to train steadily.


    Crono swung while maintaining the ''place'' and soon realized the difficulty.


    When you swing, the "field" is disrupted.


    "Place, maintain, think esugi.


    "Maintaining a ''place'' without being aware of it?


    ''''Omae, no.''''


    It''s tougher than a normal swing.


    Crono''s imprint flickered erratically.


    Somehow with a bad feeling, Crono stopped the imprint.


    It shouldn''t have been much of a workout, but his whole body was coated in sweat and he was shivering small.


    ''That''s not very fuel efficient.''


    Crono wiped the sweat off the cloth and placed it on the back of the chair.


    ''Hey, ventilation.''


    The moment Crono opened the window, the wind rushed in from behind him, pushing the smoke from the room outside.


    ''''.........''''


    Aren''t you gonna say my name?


    I turned around and saw Rio standing near the door of the room.


    ''Rio, why?''


    I was told that this is the Imperial City of Alfiruk and that you had almost died.


    Rio sat down on Crono''s bed and crossed his legs gracefully.


    ...who are you?


    Grul and Sue pointed their spears at Rio and snarled.


    ''I''m Crono''s mistress. What are you like that?


    "I''m your wife!


    Wife?��And Rio''s eyes narrowed sullenly.


    ''Well, that''s fine. ''Well, that''s fine, but I got to know Crono before you did, you know?��You could treat me with a little respect, couldn''t you?


    ...minutes.


    Sue honestly lowered her spear.


    ''''I love an obedient child.


    While saying that, Rio''s eyes aren''t smiling at all.


    No matter how I look at it, they are not the eyes of a human being who loves children.


    Perhaps Suu sensed Rio''s danger with her animalistic instincts and pulled back.


    ''''Would you mind leaving the room for a moment?


    "Ooh, yeah.


    Well, I love an honest child. It would be great if you could keep on loving them.


    Rio gave Sue an icy look as she walked out of the room.


    ''So, what do you want?''


    Do you need a reason to see your girlfriend?


    Crono sat down in his chair and looked at Rio.


    ''Just kidding. I''m here to inform you that I''m the one who will be escorting you to the castle tomorrow.


    I''ll finally be able to get back into my own territory.


    Crono is staying at Crawford''s mansion in the imperial capital for the sake of argumentation.


    To tell you the truth, I don''t want to see Alfort.


    ''''I''m happy to make achievements, but aren''t you too reckless for being weak?


    I''m trying to think of something to say.


    Did you think it through when you messed with Faye?


    ''Ugh,'' said Crono, at a loss for words.


    ''I knew it, do you understand?''


    He has no gaps in his behavior and his movements are more expressive. He was strong when we met before, but I''m sure he''ll be even stronger.


    Rio crossed his legs gracefully and smiled to himself as he mocked himself.


    ''I thought you''d grown up too, but I''m relieved to see you haven''t changed.


    If it''s so easy to grow up, you can''t keep dying.


    I''m sure.


    What fun, Rio laughed out loud.


    ''Back to my first question, I came here because I wanted to tell you something about the treatment of the barbarians.


    What''s going on?


    ''It''s not something Crono needs to worry about. Thanks to Count Ernat''s rooting around, I''m sure he''ll be able to get you and Gaul to drink in most of your claims.


    Relieved, Crono patted his chest.


    ''What I''m worried about is whether you can stand the argument.


    "...what are you talking about?


    If I''m not going to fall for it, as long as the Chronosphere needs me, I''m not going to fall for it.


    Rising from the bed, Rio hugged Crono from behind.


    ''I''m willing to cut your highness'' head off if that''s what you want. I''m the type of person who will do everything for you.


    Well that''s a bit of a stretch.


    I''m happy for Rio''s feelings, but it''s even more frightening.


    It may be easy for Rio to kill Alfort.


    But if he did that, not only Rio, but also his family and his men would be punished.


    There was no way he could say that he wanted them to sacrifice everything to serve him.


    ''Sometimes I feel insecure. I don''t feel like the happiness I have now will last.


    Rio rested his weight on Crono and whispered to him.


    ''''Do you think ... Rio thinks there''s a price to pay for happiness?''''


    ''I think it''s easier to understand and more reassuring that way. It''s easier to understand and more comfortable, I think. I mean, it''s just too good to be true, isn''t it? I mean, it''s so good to be able to go to a ball and have them not be surprised to find out my secret.


    Crono scratched his cheek, though the shock of seeing a minotaur or a lizardman was greater than the shock of seeing a hermaphrodite.


    ''And on top of that, it''s a joke that they''re from another world.


    Did you know?


    Oh, you''re really from another world?


    Crono felt like sticking his tongue out.


    ''''Don''t look so grumpy, please. I was told by Lord Leonhardt once that the first emperor was a dark-haired man from another world.''


    Tilia said to keep it a secret, though?


    Of course, it will be insane.


    Crono nodded, "That''s right, too.


    ''Well, I''m going home then.''


    Would you like to have dinner with me?


    I''ll take you up on your offer.


    *


    Orto was the chief of staff of the mercenary corps led by his adopted father and Myra''s comrade in arms.


    It is difficult to describe his background and accomplishments, but if we limit ourselves to his appearance, one word will suffice.


    He is a butler.


    His white hair, hardened into an all-back haircut, gives him the appearance of a butler.


    The monocle on his right eye looks like a butler.


    The straight backbone is butler-like.


    The slit eyes, thin lips, and cold-heartedness are butler-like.


    Orto straightens his back and stands at a diagonal back of Crono.


    ''''It''s kind of chaotic, isn''t it?''''


    Yeah?


    Crono looked around the dining room when Rio asked him about it.


    Leila, Faye, Snow, Sue, and the landlady (Shera) are there.


    Leila and the landlady are devoted to serving, though.


    ''''I wanted to invite Taiga and the others as well, but the dining room is too small.


    Are the beastmen in the barracks?


    I''m staying at the inn Ault arranged for me. The innkeeper didn''t like me, so I had to rent out the inn.


    No honest innkeeper wants to rent a room to a sub-human.


    Looking over his shoulder, Ault threw out his chest lightly and said in a flat, emotionless voice.


    ''We''re guests over here, okay?''


    I suppose it''s more frightening to have a reputation for not being a proper inn.


    I understand the logic, but it''s not very interesting.


    Crono propped his elbows on the table and nibbled on his sausage.


    He glanced at the landlady.


    It''s not a good idea to look at me like that, but my shop was never going to have a choice of customers. They couldn''t afford it, so they used us like a tavern.


    So that''s where you''re keeping Leila, a porter.


    Crono hung his head helplessly.


    ''''Well I wasn''t complaining at the time.


    ''It seems somewhat wrong to compare it to the barracks at that time.


    He even embezzled a soldier''s salary, and Crono let out a deep sigh as he remembered his old boss.


    ''''Maybe so, but that was natural for us back then... no, Crono-sama took incredible care of us then and now.


    Then Leila smiled sadly.


    ''''Apparently, I''m not the only one who''s feeling anxious, huh?


    Rio smiled wickedly.


    It was ironic, though, that Leila, a half-elf, and Rio, a nobleman of the Empire, had similar feelings for him.


    ''''What about the fey?''''


    Wonderful?


    I looked at Faye and saw her mouth full of food and her cheeks puffed out like a hamster.


    ''I''ll wait until you''re done eating,''


    Mokyuu swallowed the food, Faye drank the incense tea and let out a small breath.


    ''Doesn''t Faye feel anxious or anything?''


    I feel it, sir. I''m afraid they''re going to take away my armor and my horse and put me back in charge of cleaning the stables. And then, on my night duty to Master Crono.


    Goggle, Faye muttered something.


    I''ve got a nervous breakdown, sir!


    Bang, bang!��I slammed the table.


    ''Well, I didn''t mean to do anything so disgusting.


    Was that it, or did you not want to play in the bath?��Was it that embarrassing to play bubbly?��Did you not like the licking look he gave you?��And Crono broke out in a greasy sweat as he recalled his many lewd acts.


    ''A bring-in inn ... that''s a bit curious.


    ''Really?��I don''t have a good image of it.


    Dim lights, a bed that creaks when you sit down, a dingy bed and poorly dressed to disguise your identity....


    Ha, ha!


    Hey, what''s going on?


    Crono exclaimed, and Rio''s eyes widened in surprise as he said


    ''I''ve got a great idea,''


    What''s your idea?


    ''How about Rio acting in a dodgy inn, in shoddy clothes?


    Pocan~ Rio opened his mouth in dismay.


    So you''re just going to play hooky and guest?


    ''Exactly!��The master and his maid are hard to get rid of!��Or a female knight in captivity!��It''s a dream come true!


    You''re one hell of a good actress.


    Rio held his temples as if he were trying to hold back a headache.


    ''Answer me?''


    Well, I''ll think about it.


    ''You mean you''ll consider it positively,'' said Crono in a small gut-punch.


    ''I just said I''ll think about it, okay?��Crono, are you listening to me?


    "An ambiguous answer will be interpreted in a way that suits you.


    He heard Faye''s pitying voice, but Crono pretended not to hear it.


    *


    The next day, the Ninth Kinsman Guard came for Crono in a two-horse carriage.


    Rio, dressed in white military dress, was enthrallingly dignified.


    This was the second time the imperial carriage owned by the imperial family stopped in front of the Fourth District........Crawford''s mansion, but the surroundings were filled with onlookers.


    ''''Crono-sama, your majesty.''''


    Yes, sir.


    Maybe even a costume for a horse.


    It felt like a mixture of non-praise, but Crono didn''t go into it and got into the carriage with mixed feelings.


    Unlike last time, this time he didn''t sacrifice anyone.


    Considering that, it would be nice to feel a little proud, but the feeling of not wanting to see Alfort was stronger.


    After the carriage arrived at Alfilk Castle, it was Rio who led Crono to the audience room.


    Maintaining a reasonable distance from Crono, Rio was knightly as he walked through the castle.


    ''This is a soliloquy, though. I''m not going to lie about the words I told you yesterday in your room.''''


    "...do you have any demons in Rio''s family?


    d*mn it, Crono cursed in his chest.


    Unlike that time, he had someone he could rely on this time.


    Moreover, there''s even a cause to regain the succession to the throne from the usurper Alfort to Tilia.


    As long as you are prepared to split the empire in two, you can avenge him.


    ''''You, you don''t look well.


    I don''t feel so good.


    Gaul said with concern as he joined them in front of the audience room.


    His stomach peristalsis and nausea crept in.


    Can I open it?


    The door opened with a heavy thud before my mind was ready.


    The audience room was just as bleak as it was then.


    Even though it was summer, the audience room was even chilly, and Alfort was at the end of the carpet that stretched out in a straight line.


    He sat deep on his throne, just as he had done then, with a twitching smile on his face.


    Crono kept pace with Gaul and propped himself up on one knee at a reasonable distance from Alfort.


    ''Battalion Commander Gaul, report.


    Ha.


    Prompted by Vizier Alcor, Gaul explained what happened this time.


    During the operation, Crono had been kidnapped by the Roux.


    However, this was Gaul''s plan to persuade the Roux to join the operation.


    Crono was lied to, saying that he had accomplished his mission in spite of several accidents.


    ''''Why didn''t you take out the barbarians?''''


    ''With all due respect, this is a transitional period in the reign of His Majesty King Ramal V and His Highness Prince Alfort. Now that our relations with the Holy Argo Kingdom have improved after many years of skirmishes, I thought it was time for us to make peace with the Roux to show His Highness Alfort''s prestige.


    Gaul replied to Vizier Alcor''s question with a knightly attitude.


    ''''Hmm...''''


    Prime Minister Alcor turned his gaze to the court nobles in the audience room.


    Thanks to Count Ernat''s rooting, no one objected.


    ''''Very well. Now that the Dorado Kingdom is experiencing unrest, it is to the Empire''s great advantage to bring in barbarians who are skilled in fighting in the mountains. But we can''t ignore the fact that the barbarians have had a long hostile relationship with the Empire.


    Crono almost clucked his tongue, wondering if autonomy would be difficult after all.


    ''''Then, after we build a fort in the Areos Mountains, I''ll keep an eye on both the barbarians and the Dorado Kingdom.


    The court nobles look around at Gaul''s words.


    It''s not a bad suggestion.


    At least Gaul was not supposed to be a new nobleman-leaning person.


    I wonder if this had already been rooted out, Vizier Alcor nodded without showing any sign of surprise.


    Is it a sign of caution not to give the Areos Mountains to Gaul as a territory?


    ''''I will accept that proposal. In recognition of this time''s achievement...''''


    With all due respect.


    Gaul looked at Alfort.


    Such anxiety swirled in Crono''s chest, wondering if Gaul would betray him.


    It was because he risked his life to work for us that the Roux tribe agreed to make peace.''''


    ....


    Vizier Alcor does not answer.


    Perhaps Gaul''s opinion was unexpected to him.


    However, he can''t remain silent.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m the one who decides on the matter of retribution.


    Picun and Vizier Alkor''s eyebrows jump up.


    This is also unexpected........or should I consider that it happened earlier than I expected?


    "Yes, the Marquis of Erakis, who made great strides in the last battle, has shown his respect for the barbarians this time as well, to show his authority.


    Crono gritted his teeth so hard that they creaked.


    ''''Therefore, I would like to appoint you as the commander of the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard.


    ....


    When Vizier Alcor''s eyes narrowed, Alfort made a small motion.


    ''''If Your Highness insists, I will establish the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard and appoint the Marquis of Erakis as its leader.


    Oh, and the court nobles groaned.


    But Crono didn''t miss the thin smile Alfort had on his face.


    Do you think I gave you the honor or something?��Or do you think you''ve got a pawn in the future to fight Vizier Arkol?��And Crono was giddy that he was still being treated as a pawn on the board.


    He suddenly moved his gaze and his eyes met with Rio''s.


    Command me, he said, a light that resembled madness in Rio''s eyes.


    It was an irresistibly sweet temptation.


    But how could I, who had proclaimed the greatness that a chief should swallow his anger, be able to take advantage of the temptation?


    He should endure it now.


    Rising from his throne, Alfort walked up to Crono.


    With each step, and each step Alfort took closer, Crono had to desperately resist the urge to spring up.


    The closer Alfort got, the more successful the assassination would be.


    The moment his toes came into view, Crono''s heart was beating so hard he thought the sound would leak out.


    With an awkward gesture, Alfort drew his floridly decorated sword.


    It was unmistakably a sword with a graceful warp.


    ''''With the treasured sword handed down from the fathers, I appoint thee as the leader of the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard.


    The sword touches Crono''s shoulder.


    It''s like a sinner waiting to be beheaded, Crono thinks to himself, as if he were someone else.


    False oaths are uttered.


    No, I offer them.


    I''ll give you my sword and my armor.


    But.


    ''My heart and my soul are dedicated to all those I love.


    I can''t just give you this heart and soul, Crono glared at Alfort.


    Whatever he saw in Crono''s eyes, Alfort backed away.


    ''Though the sky may fall, the earth may split open, and the sea may swallow us up my vow shall not be broken.


    Alfort returned his sword to its scabbard and wobbled back to his throne.


    ''''Your audience with Your Highness is now concluded.


    As Vizier Alcor''s declaration echoed in the audience room, Rio looked at Crono seductively.


    ''''........Rio.


    What''s going on?


    Crono called out, and Rio''s eyes sparkled with happiness.


    ''I''m still not in my element. Would you mind giving me a shoulder?''


    I don''t mind.


    Borrowing a shoulder from Rio, Crono stood up on shaky legs.


    As he left the audience room, the door closed with a heavy thud.


    I''ll carry you if you''re not feeling well.


    I''m sorry, but that''s what I do.


    ''Hmm,'' said Gaul, looking at Crono and Rio in turn.


    ''There''s a lot to talk about, but I guess we shouldn''t talk about it here.


    Shall we set up a proper venue?


    Gaul crossed his arms thoughtfully.


    ''Let''s not. Prime Minister Alcor''s decision is an expected event. Then we will simply act as originally planned.''


    It would have been good if the Areos Mountains could have been made an autonomous region for the Roux, but he was also thinking about what would happen if he couldn''t do that.


    Well, even if Crono was in the position of Alcor Prime Minister, he wouldn''t grant autonomy to the Roux tribe.


    At least not while he was not assessing the situation.


    It''s not a matter that can be concluded today or tomorrow, and the Roux have no choice but to learn about the empire through exchange until a conclusion is reached.


    Well, if we say this is also ''as planned'', it''s as planned.


    ''''........Hey.''''


    He stared at his glove-like hands, then Crono looked up at Gaul.


    ''What?''


    Handshake.


    Crono shook Gaul''s hand, almost blowing up at his blunt manner.


    ''''Well it seems like it''s a bit late for that.


    I didn''t have time to shake your hand.


    Really?��Crono nodded his head.


    ''I hope to see you again.''


    "Just make sure you don''t go off on a rampage or get stabbed by a woman so you can see her again.


    Hey, you bastard," Crono said, squeezing Gaul''s hand with all his strength.

 44-Modified version of Episode 13 "Haruka Amami"

    *


    Part of the landscape, to Tyria, the crono was nothing more than a military school building and the trees that grew on its grounds.


    If there were butterflies flying around there, you could recognize them as flying.


    If a flock of winged insects formed a pillar, you could recognize the wings as being there.


    Crono''s position was out of bounds.


    He had black hair, and compared to the aristocrats who flocked to him, he had a reasonable presence, but it wasn''t until he experienced a painful defeat that he was recognized as an individual.


    Defeat........Tilia had a modicum of confidence in his own skills.


    She had trained in swordsmanship from a young age, learned various tactics, and was even able to use the divine power technique of the ''Pure White and Orderly God''.


    Although he couldn''t reach the level of Leonhardt, the leader of the First Konoe Knights, he could play an active role on the battlefield so far, right?��I thought.


    His reasonably well-founded confidence was shattered by a single defeat.


    He was defeated by Crono.


    Because of the pride of having an overwhelming advantage.


    Tilia was intensely aware of Crono.


    Time and time again, she blasted Crono with arguments, knowing that he was being played for all the right reasons.


    I had made a friend for life.


    I felt like I had a friend for life.


    Surely this man would be with me.


    Even if he usurped the throne or cast into purgatory, Tyria believed that Crono was the only one who would stay by her side, even if he was usurped from the throne or cast into purgatory.


    But the reality was harsh.


    The man she believed to be her lifelong friend was cuckolded by a half-elf a half-human, half-elf who could not be considered a human or an elf.


    Even though she''s a widow, you were held by a man other than Crono, what kind of face is she holding?


    Elena ... well, that''s what slaves are for.


    Slaves are Crono''s property, so it doesn''t matter how they are treated.


    It''s not a problem, but it''s somehow unexplainable.


    Elven twins.......three?��What do the three of us do?��I''d like to spend an hour lecturing you on how you''re an animal.


    I can forgive you so far.


    I can''t forgive you, but I can stand it.


    But how can you mess with a man, the Earl of Chiron?��I even want to talk all night about the humiliation of being won over by the Earl of Chiron, a man.


    Pride ... as a royalty, or as an imperial princess, or, more fundamentally, oh, the pride of being a woman, was hurt.


    She was tied to Crono, restored her wounded pride, and was quickly knocked down.


    Tilia writhed in her bed, writhing in her bed, as she was bound hand and foot, and said a lot of things to her while she couldn''t speak...it was hard to keep her pride as a woman.


    After writhing for a while, Tilia slowly raised her upper body and looked at the room in a daze.


    ''''........''''


    It''s something you get used to, Tilia said as she moved away from the bed and moved to the vanity table.


    As she looked at her grumpy face in her sleep, there was a knock on the door and Alyssa entered the room.


    Good morning, Princess Tyria.


    Nodding, Alyssa walked over and began combing Tilia''s hair with a familiar motion.


    Tilia looked into the mirror and lifted her own breasts with her hands.


    The speed at which she combed her hair slowed slightly, but Alyssa didn''t let her surprise show on her face.


    Yeah, the size, the tautness... at least they beat Count Chiron.


    Mi, no milk, but not enough to be called spoiled milk.


    ''There shouldn''t be,'' said Tilia, putting her hands back in place.


    ''You''re not Crono''s handiwork, are you?


    With a snap, Alyssa stopped moving.


    After a while, Alyssa started combing Tilia''s hair again.


    ''''Your husband ... is a sensible man,''''


    Okay.


    He didn''t raise the end of the word because of the pause.


    I guess Alyssa doesn''t think Crono is a sensible person, or that he''s a sensible person.


    Even if she thought so, she''d probably still feel like she owed him a debt of gratitude for hiring her.


    ''What are your plans, Princess Tilia?''


    "Hmm, we will train until noon. Then it''s off to visit with the elven twins.


    If I don''t master Divine Weapon Summoning, Tilia recalls the battle with Count Chiron and renews her resolve.


    Summoning a divine weapon is the art of summoning a weapon with divine power, and it belongs to the highest rank of divine power arts, except for summoning a divine weapon.


    ''''It''s over.''''


    When Tyria changed into her white military uniform and left the room, Viscount Eryl Sardomelik was sitting in the hallway with his knees in his hands.


    He''s a guy who never gets bored at all, and Tyria half-ignored Eril, who called himself a watcher, and continued down the corridor.


    ''''........''''


    I hear you were given preferential treatment by my father?


    A former subordinate I heard from my former subordinate who now does paperwork in Crono''s territory.


    ''I''m very indebted to you.''


    Mmm...


    Tyria almost let it slip that he was now the vizier of Alcor''s vizier''s dog while being indebted to his late father, but he weighed himself.


    ''There is no more Your Majesty. We need to figure out the most efficient way to live.''


    That''s true too, Tyria thinks.


    Some die for pride and honor, while others pursue their own interests, even if they are condemned to ingratitude.


    In the end, to reward is to show or give what you seek, isn''t it?


    Swing the wooden sword.


    He swings the sword mindlessly.


    I repeat the kata that I have repeated thousands, tens of thousands of times today.


    I move my body with the image of my enemy.


    I still have to have an opponent.


    I don''t like it.


    When Tyria turned to look at him, the boy stopped pretending and said with a heartfelt disgust.


    The boy, who was a disciple of the Fay, continued to practice his swordsmanship diligently.


    I''ll go easy on you, okay?


    No.


    I looked around and saw Viscount Eryl Sardomelik reading something in a book.


    ''''Would you like to fight me?''''


    Eril looked up at Tyria disinterestedly.


    ''''No thanks. If I really fight, the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion will be destroyed.


    Well, let''s move to the barracks.


    Eril''s eyes widen in surprise.


    However, Tyria grabs Eril by the scruff of his neck and heads to the training grounds.


    ''''.........I''ll walk by myself.


    It wasn''t until they were nearing the outer edges of the city that Eril began to walk on his own.


    Once outside of the city, Eril narrowed his eyes.


    Out of the corner of his eye was a field.......a beet field created by Crono''s orders.


    It looks like they''re growing other trees that I don''t understand.


    ''''At this rate, it won''t be long before we can have ice cream again.


    Sugar imported from the Free City States is not a luxury for Tyria.


    It''s just something that she would be happy to have, but she can only tolerate it if she didn''t have it.


    ''''It''s ... a shame. The Marquis of Erakis is trying something entirely new.


    ?


    When Tyria turned around, Eryl took his gaze off the book for a moment.


    ''Essentially, sugar is made from sugar cane. Sugar cane is a crop grown in the south, in warmer regions, and was not supposed to be made in the Empire.


    What do I know about that?


    Elil let out a deep sigh.


    ''The Marquis of Erakis is trying to make sugar in a different way than we have traditionally done. This is an act of destruction of vested interests.


    Where have I heard that line before?��Tilia tilted her head.


    If she recalled it well, she felt like she had spouted a similar line herself.


    ''''........Marquis Erakis is a creator and a destroyer. The same goes for the paper he makes in the Marquis'' territory and the Silva-style three-dimensional salt field. It could destroy the order that existed until now.


    Mu, mmm~, Tilia snorted with her lips twitched.


    It is an abnormal situation when you are the legitimate heir to the throne, even if you are said to be capable of destroying the order that existed until now, when you are the legitimate heir to the throne, you are in a relationship with a classmate from the military school and a man and a woman.


    On top of that, he has been bound hand and foot, gagged and verbally abused.


    Compared to this unusual situation piled on top of this unusual situation......................no, yes, this is not normal.


    ''''You hold Crono in high regard, but that guy can''t do anything on his own.


    As I noticed when I went to inspect Count Caddo''s territory, Crono''s knowledge of the other world is full of holes.


    ''''I feared that Crono would be a bad influence on the Empire, but... yeah, Crono isn''t that big of a man.


    Princess Tyria thought he was right.


    No one does Crono justice better than I do.


    Tilia crossed her arms and heaved her chest.


    ''In the first place, since Crono has the interests of his ... own territory in mind, isn''t it natural for his interests to be in conflict with someone else''s?


    ''He is trying to educate the sub-humans and improve their status. This could shake the ruling system of the Empire to its very core.


    The Cepheus Empire is considered to be more tolerant of sub-humans than the surrounding countries.


    This is to ensure a workforce by incorporating them as a governed class, but if the sub-humans get a big say in the matter, the ruling system of the Empire will be forced to change.


    ''Crono has only given the sub-humans a chance. If the ruling system of the Empire is shaken, it''s not Crono''s fault. The sub-humans thought for themselves and tried to win their rights. That''s all there is to it.


    Maybe, just maybe.


    The sub-humans and humans in Crono''s territory are probably in the midst of touching an opportunity that should come in a few hundred years.


    Surely, in a few hundred years, the commoners will have power.


    That faint, careful, cautionary, and even more cautionary foreshadowing that could be missed....yes.


    Once, he wanted to stick a dagger in Crono''s face because he had a feeling that it could destroy the present.


    Maybe the current circumstances aren''t so bad, Tyria laughs now.


    She had been deprived of her right to the throne, but she had been spared from becoming an enemy of the common people.


    ''''No, no, Crono is a great man.


    ....


    The sub-people were training on the training grounds.


    The smell of blood irritated his nostrils.


    They didn''t cut corners because Crono wasn''t there.


    Both the new recruits and the old soldiers are beating each other up with the same spirit as in a real battle.


    ''''Princess Tilia, what''s going on?'''' Bumpy?


    I''ve come to meet with Viscount Eryl Sardomelik.


    Crono''s second-in-command''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''When you''re done with your handlers, we''ll borrow the elven twins.


    "I don''t mind, but Deneb and Arid don''t belong here, they''re off duty.


    Yeah?��And Tilia looked around the training grounds.


    ''''It looks like they''re not training for horsemanship today.


    ''''Rest!'''' (BUMO!)


    Crono''s second-in-command shouts, and the soldiers, confused, abort the formation.


    A circle of people forms as if the tide is receding.


    It''s a pretty big circle, but Eril looks somewhat unhappy.


    ''''We''d better get farther apart.''''


    Isn''t this enough?


    Eril gave a small nod.


    "Activate Virtual Personality, Catalog of Tactical Styles, Select ''Flamebullet Frenzy'', Change Trajectory and Number of Bullets.


    Huh!


    Tilia''s eyes widened in astonishment.


    If it was Flame Bullet Ranbu, Tilia knew about it.


    It is the middle level of flame-based magic, and the effect is to release flames the size of a clenched fist.


    The trajectory is straight and easy to read, and the number of flames produced at one time is ten, so it has the disadvantage of being difficult to sweep.


    However, Eryll''s flame-ball orgy was different from the one Tyria knew.


    The flames rained down in the center of the circle.


    There were thirty, forty, or even fifty or more.


    Not like the rain.


    If a vat full of water was instantly reversed, it might look like this.


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    For a moment, I thought I saw a figure. And by then it was all too late.


    Princess Tilia leaps out of the dust that is already rising.


    ''Impossible.''


    While Eril was surprised, Princess Tyria was swinging her wooden sword down.


    Eril looked at the wooden sword in amazement....


    *


    And I thought I was gonna die.


    Tilia stopped the wooden sword just before it touched Eril and wiped away the cold sweat.


    Me too. But this won''t help me on the battlefield.


    I didn''t think that they couldn''t even react to an attack.


    From my point of view, you''re a threat.


    You''re in charge.


    Eril''s ability to attack over a wide area can be a threat in group combat.


    However, if you have a defensive measure like the Divine Majesty Technique and the conditions of a one-on-one match, it''s not beyond the realm of nuisance.


    ''''What would you do?''''


    "I''d be able to partner with the heavy infantry and place them in the front row, in the middle of the line." (Bumobu)


    Why not make the cavalry?


    ''''If they make that much noise, it''s easy for the horses to panic. Even if you''re only shaken off, if your allies'' actions are interfered with, you can''t expect them to see anything at all.


    I''ve never seen a minotaur speak so logically before.


    Tyria drew her wooden sword, wondering if it was the result of her education, or if she had a high level of aptitude from the beginning.


    Then Eryll collapsed to the spot like a puppet whose strings were broken.


    ''''Either way, it''s hard to have the guts to pass out when you''ve skittled it out.


    That''s a bit of a tough one to answer.


    You can handle it.


    Leaving the unconscious Eril on the spot, Tyria returned to the city of Hashel.


    Perhaps because it was coated in dirt and dust, the gazes of the residents stabbed at her.


    ''''Gahhhhhh!


    I''m off duty and the princess found me!


    Screaming like cattle on the verge of being slaughtered, the twin elves run as fast as they can to get away from Tyria.


    But Tyria is not naive enough to allow them to escape.


    She easily catches up with them, grabbing them by the scruff of the neck and heading for the stalls.


    ''''You''ll have to accompany me on another inspection today.


    "Master Crono, help me!


    Ignoring their pleas for help, Tyria goes from stall to stall... or to use a common expression, she hustles from stall to stall.


    After hustling through about ten stalls, the twin elves fill out something on a piece of paper with a quill they took out of their pouches.


    ''What are you doing?''


    I''ll claim the amount the Princess offered me as an entertainment expense.


    I mean, don''t you feel guilty about letting some poor guy like us buy you a drink?


    Tyria was at a loss for words for a moment as the twin elves crowded her.


    ''If you''re going to charge Crono for it, that''s fine with me.


    What a line!


    Like he never learned, never worked, and had no intention of doing so!


    ''I was going to read a book when it rained. It''s the basis of a man''s life, isn''t it?


    Feeling like she was being called a bad person, Tilia said back.


    ''And there''s no way I''m going to read a book when it''s raining!


    ''''It''s like the priests of the ''Yellow Earth Temple'' are the only ones who can afford to live like that!


    They stepped on the ground in frustration.


    You''re not going to have a problem with this situation, princess?


    Do you have any ambitions as a member of the royal family to... well, to reclaim your claim to the throne, frankly?


    ''No, not at all. I''ve had a lot of things to beat me up about at first, but now I''ve got every day to live up to.


    "...phew.


    When Tilia replied with her heart, the twin elves let out a sigh as if to say they were dumbfounded.


    ''''Be, it''s fine. Just by being here, I''m playing a political role in strengthening the relationship with the new nobles.......In the first place, will you guys fight with me if I call on you?


    "I decline!


    After being cheerfully refused, Tilia felt a slight dip in her own lack of popularity.


    ''No, you see, Princess-sama is an interesting person.


    Like it''s not worth risking your life for.


    A clown, I am!��And Tilia''s shoulders shook as she hung in a paragraph.


    ''Master Crono, or Count Ernat or... er, that guy, he''s tall.


    I''m thinking of something like Lady Crono''s mistress, Count Rio Chiron.


    Wait. Why do the names of Count Ernat and Count Chiron come up?


    The twin elves looked at each other curiously.


    ''''That''s right, Count Ernat gave us a last-minute retreat during the retreat, and...''''


    ''Count Chiron is... well, like the guy you fought with in the mud?��I''m sure he was trying to appeal to Crono-sama, but he also used his divine power technique to heal my wounds.


    Tyria was even more depressed that Count Rio Chiron was being favored by a sub-human while I was imprisoned in the main tower.


    ''He''s a man, and he''s Crono''s mistress.


    Yeah, but there aren''t many people you can really trust with your life on the battlefield.


    We''re stupid, and if you''re nice to us, we''re going to fall for it.


    The twin elves laughed sadly.


    ''''So, like the princess should be nice to us, too.


    ''If you''re nice to me, I might do my best for the princess.


    Mmmm, Tilia snorted with a pout on her lips.


    ''....Dismissed.


    Why?


    The twin elves cried out, their eyes wide.


    ''It''s because they''re going to trample over the kindness I''ve invested in. Besides, I have less confidence to invest than Crono.


    No, no, no, I didn''t ask for more money than the Chronosphere to invest.


    Like, yeah, like you need to stop taking him around for a bit.


    When Tyria stared, the twin elves tried to escape.


    Immediately, Tilia grabbed them both by the scruff of the neck.


    ''''Well that''s dismissed. We''ll go to a few more stalls and then we''ll go drink some incense tea.


    Our investment is being defeated!


    Tyria cut back on the amount of food she ate, hoping to refrain a little, but the twin elves were slowly losing their strength.


    By the time they reached their usual dingy dining room, the twin elves were limping.


    ''Three fragrant teas,''


    I''ll take the cheapest one.


    We''re both okay with water.


    After a few moments, the elf waiter placed the cups on the table.


    There were three cups, and although the scent was much lighter, it looked like incense tea.


    ''''Well are you guys poor?''''


    It''s not.


    Like I''m in the middle of saving for the future.


    Both of them are propped up on the table, so sometimes all you can see is the back of their heads.


    ''Hmm, what are you going to do?''


    You know, it''s not like you''re building a house.


    "To save up for an ice cream stall.


    Tyria brought her cup to her mouth, wondering if this was another result of her education.


    ''So why don''t we just rent some land near the port?


    I don''t know what''s going on.


    Tilia put her cup down on the table, although she felt she could sell the rights at a higher price when the port developed.


    ''Come to think of it, the port was taking shape.


    Tilia muttered softly, remembering the other day when she had gone to inspect the site.


    Construction began in March, and now it is August.


    The quay and breakwater are already completed, and the lighthouse is nearing completion.


    ''''.........You get used to it.


    Tilia muttered with a sigh. She had expected to be a little more depressed, since she was leaving her first man.


    No, she was lonely, worried, and depressed, but she could act as she always did.


    ''Master Crono has returned!


    Such a voice was heard when Tilia finished her incense tea and placed her cup on the table.


    ''''.........''''


    Tilia was rushing out, driven by an urge she didn''t understand.


    Sheesh. It''s been a long time since she''s seen Crono and she''s still dressed in a dingy outfit.


    I don''t care, Tilia continued to run along the flow of people.


    She scrapes and scrapes through people and passes through a wall of people as she falls down.


    Their gazes cross.


    It''s too good to be able to cross gazes the moment you get off the carriage.


    With all my heart--.


    ''''........gbooooooooooooooooooo!


    Tilia slammed her fist into Crono''s stomach.


    Crono didn''t fall while bending at a right angle to the fist''s base point.


    ''Tee, Tilia?''


    ''Well how much do you think I was worried about you?��Yeah, of course I know what you''re like!��But but but!


    Tilia stared at the strange girl on the carriage, and glared at Faye, who looked confused.


    ''It''s growing!''


    Beep!��And then there was a sound, and Tyria pushed Crono away as quickly as she could.


    The tip of the spear passed by at the same time as the fingertips left.


    ''Crono, wounded, forgive me, sanai!


    Who are you?


    Keeping a guarded distance from the girl, Tilia reaches for her sword.


    ''Ole, Sue. Crono, no, wife da.''''


    ''Wife-da, wife-da,'' said the girl who called herself Sue, repeating the words as she ruminated.


    ''I''m Tilia, Crono''s ... rightful wife!��The first lady!


    Bouncing her chest, Tilia replied to Sue.


    ''''Mm, it''s Shura.''''


    Faye lightly dismounted from her horse and stood to protect Crono.

 45-Place name & glossary

    Beor family


    House of Gennou


    Ekron family


    Levy family


    court nobles


    A nobleman in the service of the court who has no or lost his estate.


    Noble class


    duke


    marquis


    earl


    viscount


    baronet


    quasi-aristocrat


    A peerage is more like a title or qualification than a title.


    It can be given to commoners if they make a military service, but it has no privileges and cannot be hereditary.


    Knights of the Kingsguard


    The Order of Knights, directly under the Emperor, consists of twelve knights, following in the footsteps of the first Emperor.


    The 13th Order of the Kingsguard is newly added at the suggestion of Alfort.


    The Six Pillar God


    The six pillars of the gods who once brought order to a world that had been undermined by chaos.


    Light, Darkness, Fire, Water, Earth and Wind incarnate, but as time went on.


    It also governs concepts that may apply to each of them.


    Since it is forbidden to speak his name, he is called by his first name.


    "The God of Purity and Order.


    The goddess of blackness and chaos.


    "The crimson god of destruction.


    The Goddess of Blue and Life.


    "Green and master of flux.


    Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility


    priestly rank


    High Priest Head of the Temple Organization


    Chief of the Department of Worship, the high ranking official of the Department of Worship.


    Divine Officer Priest, head priest''s instructor


    Chief Priest. High ranking priest.


    Priest The administrator of a temple in a village or town


    Apprentice priest, chores.


    Rouxian


    A part of the barbarian tribe that overran the empire during the upheaval thirty years ago.


    They have a history of being driven from their lands by the first emperor.


    Machine-Bow.


    A bow with pulleys on both ends.


    Made of wood or metal.


    A compound bow.


    New Armor


    Goldie''s chest armor (Breast Armor)


    Made of hardened steel, it is stronger than the knight''s sheet metal armor (plate armor).


    New swords.


    A new type of sword developed by Goldie.


    It is strong because it is made of steel.

 46-Character introduction

    The half-elf ranks at the bottom of the sub-humans.


    Leila herself was beautiful and was s*xually assaulted in the slums.


    When she was 15, her mother died and she joined the army to become a citizen.


    Early in his deployment, he is intrigued by the Marquis of Erakis.


    His harsh childhood makes him feel unclean.


    He was ashamed of himself for being shallow enough to ask for more than he was getting now.


    He mistook Crono''s good intentions for affection and spent the night with him.


    As it is, he settles in as the first mistress.


    After that, the misunderstandings were cleared up and he accepted Crono''s cowardice.


    Increase your love and loyalty.


    Crono taught me to study, and I learned basic academic skills.


    He has undertaken negotiations with the Pix Chamber of Commerce and other matters.


    He is so highly regarded by Gaul in Part 3.


    He is skilled in administrative skills.


    As of the first episode, he was a supporting character who wasn''t even named.


    She becomes the main heroine in the blink of an eye.


    In a sense, she is the strongest character in this storyline.


    She gains the title of Apprentice Maid in the beginning of Part 2.


    In the third part, she changes jobs from an archer to an archer''s horseman.


    She uses the range of her bow and the mobility of her horse to taunt her enemies with her attacks.


    Landlady *Real name: Sheela


    Age: 3?


    Height: 165-170cm


    Soldier type: cook


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: Motherhood


    Title: Daughter of Baron Ekron


    Item: naughty maid outfit


    She has a fleshy body and is the type that shines when polished.


    She wears a revealing maid''s outfit, but thinks it''s too much.


    Since her husband''s death, she has been running the diner and inn by herself.


    He creates a debt of one hundred gold coins and becomes Crono''s servant in order to repay the debt.


    The debt is paid by Crono (without interest) and is repaid from his salary.


    She is a big sister, and takes a step backwards when it comes to deciding on the order of a night out.


    She is a bit of a pushover, and is unable to give in to Crono''s demands.


    Often times he is pushed out of the way.


    He is fed up with Crono''s infidelity, but he is not satisfied with it.


    In the third part, it is revealed that she was the daughter of Baron Ekron''s family.


    The relationship is so good that Tilia thinks she and Crono are communicating with each other.


    Attributes: fire, water, earth, wind


    Special: twins, threesomes.


    Title: Bad Maid


    Item: Mechanic''s Bow


    Elf twins and master archers. They are also together at nighttime.


    Arideed is quick to get carried away.


    Slightly more modest is Deneb.


    He''s from a village on the border of the Cepheus Empire and the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    He had a tragic past and that he wasn''t the one who had a terrible experience.


    They are acting out each other to tell each other.


    but it was never revealed.


    We are now in the fourth part.


    He has had some experience with men, but not much experience with being treated kindly.


    Leila and I have been friends since we were assigned to the Marquess of Erakis.


    He takes the initiative and makes an effort if there is an understandable advantage.


    He begins his studies late to Leila.


    She is fond of Crono''s foolishness.


    He is a righteous person who tries to repay the favor he has received as much as possible.


    He often speaks up on the spot, but


    The two men''s remarks lead to the creation of a new branch of military service called the Bow Cavalry.


    Alideed writes a diary of Crono''s observations.


    I''m thinking that in a few hundred years it will be discovered and...


    The name comes from the star in the constellation Swan.


    Zion


    Age: Mid-20s


    Height: 160cm


    Soldier type: Priest


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: ��Earth��.


    Special: Thin and resentful


    Title: Priest


    Item: Secrets of the Earth (Erotic Book)


    A priest who can be used by the "Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility".


    However, he is currently unable to use the divine power technique.


    His father was the priest in charge of the temple of the Marquis of Erakis.


    He passed away without any appreciation for his improved breed of beats.


    For a time, he resented Crono.


    The landlady''s sermons and Crono''s persuasion change his mind.


    He works tirelessly as the director of the poorhouse.


    Fay M''refine.


    Age: 22 years old


    For this reason, he is adored by children like Arisun.


    Human Tiger (War Tiger) Centurion/Taiga


    Age: Mid-20s


    Height: just over 180cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned; flames depending on the item


    Special: None.


    Item: The Great Sword of Fire


    ~ A human tiger (Wartiger) who speaks in a gothic tone.


    Snow.


    Age: About 15 years old.


    Height: just over 150cm


    Armor: Archers, daggers


    Combat: Bow B, Dagger B+


    Attributes: fire, water, earth, wind


    Special: Multi-voiced (talkative)


    Item(s): Aircraft bow, bicycle


    A half-elf girl soldier who adores Leila as her mother.


    Sue.


    Age: About 15 years old.


    Height: about 150cm


    Soldier type: spearmen, cursed doctor


    Combat: B+ (when activated by the mark: A+)


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Special: knowledge of herbs, knowledge of spells, engraving technique Lv3


    Survival, wild intuition.


    Title: Daughter of the Chief, Crono''s wife


    Item: Stone spear, no bread


    A barbarian loli who speaks in one language.


    She worries about the future of her family, which is no longer producing children.


    He kidnapped Crono, who looked weak, and tried to take his offspring.


    Underneath his loincloth, he was wearing no pants and no pants.


    She has a rather possessive personality, and when she calls herself Crono''s wife, she


    I''m going to trip a little bit.


    Arthur Weissman.


    Age: 55.


    Height: 170cm


    Soldier: Teacher


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    I''m basically a laid-back person.


    She walks hunched over, concerned about her large breasts.


    Her name comes from Westa, the Roman goddess of fireplaces.


    Lizardman Centurion/Lizad.


    Age: N/A


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavy infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: None.


    Item: Warm Stone, Thunder Hammer


    They''re thermoregulated animals, which makes them vulnerable to temperature changes.


    He responds with words, perhaps because of the different thought patterns.


    He dies in Part 2, Episode 11, "Birth of a Child".


    The tusk, a memento, is used as a necklace for Crono.


    Human Lion (War Lion) Centurion/Leo.


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: just over 180cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: None.


    Item: The Great Sword of Fire


    Death in Part 2, Episode 8.


    Centurion of the Minotaur / Horus


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavy infantry


    Combat: A+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: None.


    Item: None.


    He died in Part 2, Episode 11, "Birth of a Child".


    [Cepheus Empire]


    Leonhard Palatium.


    Age: 22 years old


    Height: 185cm


    Troops: cavalry, commander.


    Combat: S+.


    Attributes: ��Light��.


    Special: Charismatic Strength, Strong Luck, Command Effect+, Future Vision


    Title: Knight Commander of the 1st Kingsguard, heir of House Palatium


    Item:.


    Son of the duke of Palatium, a son of the duke of Palatium, a man of vast estates.


    He is the leader of the First Order of the Kingsguard.


    He is a fierce fighter who raises the head of an enemy general in his first battle and cuts down a cavalryman while dismounting.


    He is skilled in the art of divine power and has the sincerity to listen to his subordinates.


    He returns to save Crono, who serves as a lord in the second part of the battle.


    He was supposed to go toe to toe with General Ignis.


    You can stay here from the start!��By the author''s inner cry of


    He lost his biggest showpiece.


    He''s gay and interested in Crono, who treats him as an individual.


    I''d been thinking about the possibility of them becoming more and more attracted to each other.


    Those attributes were taken over by Rio.


    The surname is derived from the etymology of the word Palatium, the holy knight (paladin).


    Taul Hernat.


    Age: 50 years old


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Soldier type: heavy infantry, commander


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Humanity+, Recruit+, Experience+, Command Effectiveness+, Connections+


    Titles: Knight Commander of the 2nd Kingsguard, Ironclad, and Count Ernat


    Item:.


    He is a warlord who has prevented the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom in the territory directly under Emperor Nauji.


    He is unable to use divine power or magic, and has no outstanding personal combat skills.


    His ability to make his subordinates'' abilities stand out through his steadfast military service and his own personal virtue.


    It''s about getting more out of him than he can handle.


    She is worried about her son''s going.


    His name is a cow and his last name is derived from the star in Taurus.


    gaul


    Age: About 20 years old.


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Soldier type: heavy infantry, commander


    Combat: A+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Humanity-, Uselessness-, Command Effectiveness-, Temper


    Title: Son of Count Ernat


    Item:.


    He was the son of Count Ernat, who was trying to get his father to recognize his abilities.


    He decides to defeat the barbarians on the southern frontier.


    Leela.


    Age: 23 years old


    Height: just under 160cm


    Maid of Honor


    Combat: Unknown


    Attributes: unrevenueed


    Special: illiterate, plump, and nocturnal


    Title: Servant of the House of Palatium


    Item:.


    She was the daughter of a poor farmer, taken in by the Palatium family as a servant.


    Her breasts and ass are wasted and fleshy, and her belly is a bit flabby.


    She is reasonably good at her job, but her lack of education makes her unsuitable for customer service.


    Alfort.


    Age: 15 years old


    Height: just over 160cm


    Type of military: crown prince


    Combat: Unknown


    Attributes: unknown


    Special:.


    Title: Cepheus'' next emperor


    Item:.


    The bastard son of Ramal V.


    He was considered by his mother, Fana, to be unfit to be an emperor.


    He was brought up to be the next emperor through the machinations of Prime Minister Alcor.


    In the second part, he was spooked by the bonfire and decided to retreat.


    He sent a number of generals to their deaths due to the mistakes of his subordinates.


    Appoint Crono as Commander of the 13th Kingsguard.


    Fana.


    Age: Over 30.


    Type of service: female officer


    Combat: Unknown


    Attributes: unknown


    Special: Command Effect +, Sweet Talk


    Title: Concubine of King Ramal V


    Item:.


    She is raped by Ramal V by force and carries Alfort.


    With her malicious suggestion, Tyria is deprived of the First Throne.


    Alfort became the next emperor.


    Alcor Prime Minister.


    Age: 65 years old


    Height: just over 160cm


    He has the guts to honestly admire bravery, even when it is an enemy.


    His family name is "With a firey name because he uses fire.


    And for the simple reason that I thought.


    Haggard.


    Age: ? Age, appearance, mid-twenties.


    Height: 160cm


    Type of soldier: High Priestess


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Special: Command Effect -, Charisma -, Humanity +, God''s Blessing +


    Title: High Priestess


    Item: Sake bottle


    The High Priestess has not aged since Ignis was a child.


    He is always drunk with a bottle of alcohol.


    Between Ignis and Leonhardt in the second part of the film, a one-on-one battle ensues.


    He was supposed to break in and put the fight to rest, but he lost the show.


    As a young man, he worked as a diligent priest-soldier.


    He''s been called a hero, but


    The harder I worked, the more I tried, the more I saw of the things I wanted to protect.


    I stepped back from the line when I realized I was becoming invisible.


    I have a past like that, but now I''m a jolly drunk.


    [Neutral]


    Claude Crawford.


    Age: 60 years old


    Height: just over 180cm


    Troops: infantry, cavalry, commander


    Combat: S+ in its prime -> now A+


    Attributes: unrevenueed


    Special: Experience+, Hatred+, Charisma+, Strategy, Spartan Education+.


    Title: Slaughterer, Baron Crawford


    Item: My favorite sword.


    He lost his family to warfare at an early age and grew up with a variety of crimes.


    He became a mercenary and established a mercenary group after his name was sold in a reasonable way.


    Thirty years ago, at the behest of King Lamar V, he was hired by the Imperial Brotherhood.


    He was willing to kill, even kill, to end the civil war as soon as possible.


    The price given for leading the imperial brotherhood to victory was


    They were the title of barons, uncivilized lands, and the daughters of a lowly nobleman.


    They were angry at the ways of the Empire, and even thought of revolting.


    He swallowed his anger for the sake of the lords who adored him.


    He married a female knight who served as Empress Astraea''s bodyguard.


    Despite the red poverty, he transformed the southern frontier into a rich granary.


    Incidentally, his association with Vizier Arcol dates back to the period of upheaval.


    She received various kinds of assistance during the pioneer era.


    The female knight was unable to bear a child due to an epidemic disease she contracted when she was a child.


    There are no children who are related to him by blood, as he had become


    He carried his beloved sword from his waist and looked down at his domain, which was stained by the setting sun.


    He is a romantic old man who thinks about the past.


    Myra.


    Age: About 60 years old.


    Height: about 165cm


    Troops: infantry, archers, assassins, and


    Combat: S+ in its prime -> now A+


    Attributes: fire, water, earth, wind


    Special: Assassination ++, Maid +, Herb Knowledge +, Upward mobility +, Brazenness +.


    Title: Silent Killing, Perfect Maid


    Item:.


    Thirty-five years ago, he was bought by Claude, who was beginning to make a name for himself as a mercenary.


    He is a slave to the elves, and is drilled into his combat skills and minimal education.


    Even after Claude sets up his mercenary group, he follows him like a shadow.


    He continued to support him in the shadows and in the sunshine in the settlement of the southern frontier.


    The reason for his continued devotion and support wasn''t because he was in love with Claude.


    Because I had calculated rather calmly that it was not a bad bet.


    After our successful settlement of the southern frontier, we didn''t have to worry about life.


    You were right to put it on your husband!��Hahaha~!��And days of high laughter.


    It struck Crono, who had just survived a death ordeal and was unable to move.


    Alt.


    Age: 55-60 years old


    Height: 175cm


    Troops: infantry, cavalry, and general staff.


    Combat: Heyday A- �� Present B


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: knowledge+, information gathering+, rooting+, and


    Darkness ++, Connections +, Humanity -


    Type of Warfare: Engraver


    Combat: A (when activated by the mark: S)


    Attributes: ��Fire��.


    Speciality: poor breast


    Title: Roux Warrior


    Item: Stone Spear


    A female warrior with a fire imprint.


    She wasn''t full of it when she was seduced.


    He cursed Crono for his true intentions.


    Lili.


    Age: About 20 years old.


    Height: 160cm


    Type of Warfare: Engraver


    Combat: B+ (when activated by the mark: A+)


    Attributes: ��Wind��.


    Special: breastfeeding


    Title: Roux Warrior


    Item: Stone Spear


    A female warrior with a wind imprint.


    She took an interest in the Empire and was friendly with Crono.


    She has a thoughtful personality and has been in many battles.


    I''ve noticed the difference in power between the Roux and the Empire.


    Canaan Ekron.


    Age: 25 years old


    Height: 165-170cm


    Type of warfare:?


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: resentment, acting


    Title: Baron Ekron.


    Item:.


    Because her sister, Shelah (the landlady) has eloped.


    I was reluctant to take over the reins.


    She speaks in a similar tone to the landlady, but this is an act.


    He is essentially feeble and sincere in nature.


    Even though his own marriage is well behind schedule.


    I''m seriously dented by my sister''s comments as if she were surrounding herself with young mistresses.


    Last name is associated with the seven deadly sins of "binge eating".


    Robert


    Age: 30 years old


    Height: 180cm


    A guard knight in the service of Astraea, Tyria''s mother.


    He and Claude met during the civil war, though they belonged to the same camp.


    It was not a very friendly relationship.


    She had an epidemic and her body was incapable of bearing children.


    She becomes Claude''s wife by Astraea''s orders.


    She apologizes for not being able to bear Claude''s children.


    Drawing breath.


    Salk.


    He is the head of state of the city-state of the eastern edge of the Free City State Cluster, Yimei.


    Trowa Kraft.


    He is the head of state of a city-state in the Free City State group.


    He exports paper to the Cepheus Empire.


    Sif.


    He is in his mid-thirties and has a tattoo on his right cheek to ward off evil.


    He''s the guildmaster of a mercenary guild.


    He is also an agent of the Confederated Tribes of the Bethel Mountains.


    He asked Elaine to act as an intermediary in exchange for her help.


    Slavers1


    I deal in slaves in the Marquess of Erakis.


    The home base is a group of free city-states.


    By the way, he is not the same person as the guildmaster.


    Slavers 2


    He is one of the heads of state of the Free City States.


    He is in the slave trade and money lending business.

 47-Episode 1 "Silva Port"

    *


    Oh~, Crono let out a voice.


    It wasn''t the empty shore in front of him, or the lizardmen carrying cut down logs or the minotaurs hammering logs into the sea, but a completed harbor.


    What had once been a beach has been reclaimed and firmly pressed into place.


    Since the logs had been used as they were, it had a handmade feel to it, but the five-hundred-meter-long quay had the power to blow it out of the water.


    The same goes for the breakwater, which was built by throwing rocks into it.


    Suddenly Crono remembered the war with the Holy Argo Kingdom the bottleneck that led to the city of Canopus.


    There is a difference between natural and man-made.


    The difference in scale is also obvious.


    But it changed the terrain, albeit very limited.


    I wasn''t really aware of it, but this is what being an aristocrat is like, Crono realized after all this time.


    With a single decision, they can change the terrain.


    With this much power, even if he lacks charm as a man, a woman will woo him.


    Crono was grateful to his mistresses for making a distinction between public and private when it came to relationships between men and women.


    ''''Well Tilia was awesome.


    ''''.......Maybe we should have a banquet or a ribbon cutting to commemorate the completion of the port?''''


    I don''t understand the meaning of the word "tepukkat," but it''s important to take care of everyone, isn''t it?


    As he muttered as he walked up the stairs, the fey who had preceded him said loudly, perhaps to reach Crono''s ears.


    The stairs..........The port is about two meters lower than the flat ground where the worker minotaurs and lizardmen settlements are located.


    It used to be bare dirt, but it has been piled with stones and stairs, albeit quite steeply sloped.


    ''There''s something about the difference, isn''t there?


    After climbing the stairs, Crono let out his thoughts as he looked at the port city.


    ''Well, it''s not just that,''


    ...?


    Faye tilted her head curiously.


    ''How does the memorial building look like a whorehouse?''


    It''s a licensed establishment, sir. It''s a whorehouse.


    They built a whorehouse first!


    Crono bent his knees on the spot.


    No, he knew it was strange because the ground floor was shop-like.


    ''''Well you''re dealing with a sailor. Miles'' shop looks upscale, so I guess he''s aiming for a buying merchant, but I think he''s too much of a gamble.


    Crono stood up and brushed the sand from his hands and trousers.


    ''Life is like a gamble, Lord Mino said.


    I never said that!


    He said that the only way out of this life is to gamble.


    The loser loses everything, the winner gains everything and the owner is enriched with shoba money regardless.


    So the analogy makes me your boss?


    Now I know exactly how Lord Myra feels. It was the right decision to bet on Lord Crono. Exactly!��It is.


    Faye smiled high on her chest.


    ''Yeah?''


    I''m afraid we''re in the red right now.


    Crono asked, and Faye sounded unsure.


    Apparently, it''s best to refrain from playing bath.


    ''All joking aside, it seems that Mister Mino''s family is winning the bet.


    I''d like to go with you for a minute to talk about your future plans.


    When they got to the settlement, it was mealtime, as expected.


    As Crono went to line up at the back of the line with Faye, the Lizardmen approached Crono.


    ''Ah, now that the port is complete, we''ll release you as promised.


    "...trouble.


    The lizardman, who seemed to be the leader of the group, replied as he chittered his tongue in and out.


    ''''Huh?''''


    The Lizardmen are slaves to Crono, but they are paid a salary, and they take care of their food and housing.


    The meals are thrown to Aria and the others, though, and the housing was built by them themselves.


    ''So you mean you want to work here?''


    .....


    The Lizardman nodded silently.


    ''....Wait a minute...''


    Crono, accompanied by Faye, distanced himself from the Lizardmen.


    ''What do we do now?''


    I''m going to have to do something, sir.


    Crono looked at the ''union'' office building and


    I wish you were here.


    It is, isn''t it?


    He went to the ''union'' to secure a new job for the lizardman.


    *.


    The official name of this world''s first joint stock company is the ''Sinner Trade Association''.


    I''m sure the person who governs it will be the ''union leader'' since it calls itself a ''union''.


    When Crono entered the union president''s office on the third floor of the company building, Elaine was looking out to sea.


    ''I thought it was about time you came in.


    Yeah, hi.


    Elaine turned around and smiled lustily.


    She was still as exposed as ever, but her blood color seemed to be getting better.


    ''Quickly, though, would you mind hiring a lizardman and the minotaurs?


    We haven''t seen each other in a while and this is about work?


    Elaine held her temples with her index finger as if she were trying to endure a headache.


    ''It''s been so long since we''ve had each other that I think we should talk about work?


    That''s true. ''I''m afraid I''m going to have to be brief, but the association is doing well. We''ve done a good job of recruiting the ex-craftsmen and, thanks to the help of our partners, we''ve managed to get through the old man''s harassment. All we have to do now is hope that the goods arrive safely.


    Even with such an explanation, Crono has no idea what''s going on.


    ''You don''t buy a product cheap and sell it to the highest bidder.


    It''s not that simple.


    That''s about it, Crono thinks.


    Well, it''s true that the companies that are called major manufacturers in the other world had their own factories, so the idea is to enclose the craftsmen in this world.


    ''''So, what do you think?''''


    ''''Well yes. I haven''t made a profit yet, and I''m thinking that maybe I should hire you here as a favor to you.


    It''s a doozy, Crono chuckles.


    It''s easier to do when it''s clearly stated as one thing you owe than a redundant bargain.


    But there are some things that bother me.


    Even though the port is complete, there is not a single stevedore in the ''union'' company building.


    Perhaps Elaine had intended to hire the lizardmen from the beginning.


    But even if he hired them normally, he wouldn''t be able to make a loan.


    ''That''s one thing you owe me.


    ''Yes. It would be nice to owe you a favor.


    I stroked my right eye, saying that a bargain is a bargain even if it''s not redundant.


    It''s not a bargain to present benefits like Crono has been doing so far, but a bargain to operate your hand most effectively.


    ''Let''s talk about the future, shall we?''


    I looked towards Elaine''s attention and saw a bed in the next room.


    ''I don''t know how far this is an act, but I don''t want to talk about anything important in bed.


    Oh, that''s a shame.


    Elaine gives off a ''scent'' similar to Myra''s.


    ''''Well, let''s move downstairs.''''


    Elaine leads me to the ground floor.


    It was cramped compared to Miles''s, but it was reminiscent of an exclusive, members-only club.


    ''I''ve never been there, though,'' Crono added in his mind, and took a seat at the far, far end of the empty shop.


    ''I wonder how many lizardmen I should hire, fifty lizardmen and how many minotaurs?


    Maybe ten?


    Oh, is that all you got?


    Crono said, and Elaine''s eyes widened in surprise.


    There are about two hundred Minotaurs, but there are about fifty pure laborers.


    And I want forty of them to do what I want them to do.


    ''Have you seen the Coma Forest?''


    Yeah, that''s a nice tree that got chopped down.


    Silva reports that they used 3,000 logs to build the harbor, and the actual number of logs cut down was more than that, as not only were the trees suitable for use, but they also had to be cut down for smooth transportation.


    It''s a really rough calculation, but they cut down two hundred meters square of trees.


    I couldn''t just leave the land lying around, so I thought I''d better clear it out.


    So you want them to make salt until the frontier is up and running.


    Well, sort of.


    It is said that it would take 20 people to manage a field of 200 meters square, so another 200 meters of forest will be cut through and the cultivation will be done.


    Incidentally, the source of information was Zion.


    The reason I''m discouraged that one person can only manage about thirty meters square of land is because Crono knows about mechanized agriculture.


    ''''Is there any reason not to let a lizardman farm?''''


    ''It''s a mutable animal. Even in the winter, if you wrap a warmed stone in a cloth and make them wear it, they can move normally.


    Crono replies, remembering the march.


    ''But?''


    ''We''d have to replace the stone, and I don''t think it''s good for winter farming.


    Which means I''ll have to get a winter coat, too.


    Isn''t it the union president''s duty to provide a good work environment?


    Elaine said with a sigh, but Crono returned it flatly.


    ''That''s true too,''


    Elaine nodded naturally, though she thought she would be denied.


    ''What, those eyes?''


    I thought it was surprising.


    Exhaling a small puff of air, Elaine crossed her legs gracefully.


    The length of her dress was short, but it didn''t look like it was visible.


    She suddenly felt a look and looked next to her and saw Faye staring at Crono as if she wanted to say something.


    ''''No, it''s just like a man''s instincts,''''


    I didn''t say anything, sir.


    When Faye nodded her head curiously, Elaine let out a sneaky laugh with a chuckle.


    ''Everyone says it''s not their fault,''


    It is deep, isn''t it?


    Women communicate with each other!


    I thought you two didn''t get along!��And Crono exclaimed in his mind.


    ''And was I talking about the market rate for our whores?��Depending on your rank, if you want to take him around for the night, you''ll get one gold coin. Of course, you have the food and drink.


    That''s surprisingly expensive.


    We''re an exclusive brothel. "We are a high-class brothel, where you can enjoy games and pseudo-romances with educated prostitutes. It''s not like those brothels you see at the end of the market.


    Elaine proudly puffed out her chest and gave a cynical smile, perhaps sensing Crono''s feelings.


    ''I think I know what you mean, but class is important. It''s difficult for a mere prostitute to get a higher clientele, but if the shop itself has a high level of prestige, the clientele will also be in line with it, won''t they?��That''s why we try to differentiate ourselves from others and make it easier to grab the top customers.


    ...I see.


    I suppose it''s the added value, or branding.


    Not with good intentions.


    Not with good intentions, but branding........the added value of being an educated prostitute should be an efficient way of earning money that Elaine discovered the hard way.


    It''s true that if they did it systematically, the profits would be greater, but if they were made independent, the know-how would leak out.


    No, is there a need to do it systematically in the first place?��And Crono confronts a fundamental question.


    Cultivation is power.


    An educated whore will realize that she is the one being exploited.


    If that''s the case, then it''s better to let the whore remain ignorant, even if her efficiency drops.


    So isn''t that a good intention?��Isn''t it because you have compassion for others?��Crono thinks to himself.


    Elaine ruffles her hair.


    That''s not the only reason, but even with this, I think I understand the importance of the work environment and the conditions of employment.


    ....


    Crono didn''t answer.


    It seemed dangerous to have a sense of camaraderie right now.


    "Crono-sama, Faye-sama, come in." (Pumo)


    I''m sorry.


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Sitting down on a log that was lying around, Crono and Faye accepted a bowl of soup from Aria.


    The soup, which contained chunks of fish, was scalding and salty.


    I remember hearing that people who work in hot places or engage in professions that involve sweating profusely take salt tablets, so this soup must be for lizardmen and minotaurs.


    ''Did they catch the fish themselves?''


    "No, the lizardmen." (PUMO)


    I looked out to sea and saw that the lizardmen were sunning themselves near the quay.


    ''The salty taste is working, isn''t it?


    ''Oh, yes!��''''Thanks to Silva-san, I won''t have to save salt.'''' (Pumo~)


    When I looked closely at it, I saw that minotaurs were working in the Silva-type three-dimensional salt field away from the port.


    The fact that Crono was absent may have contributed to the low penetration rate, but the idea was too new.


    ''In the winter, lizardmen can''t dive, so they also make salted fish?


    Aria hung her head apologetically as she remembered that Crono was a nobleman.


    ''Salting, huh? I''m sorry, but could I have a barrel?''''


    "Yes, sir! (PUMO~)


    Aria''s eyes sparkled with happiness.


    ''You guys have a lot on your mind, don''t you?


    To be honest, I never imagined I''d be making salted fish.


    ''''Well if we plow now, we should be able to get it in time for the winter wheat harvest, and it looks like we have a lot to do.


    Hatake? (PUMO?)


    When Crono looks at the Coma Forest, Aria looks in the same direction.


    ''I made a promise to Mino-san. Tomorrow might be a better day than today. He said he''d make sure we could have that kind of expectation.


    He had been rooting around through his deputy, but apparently, the story hadn''t gotten to Aria.


    It''s a little hard to determine if Crono simply doesn''t trust them, or if he kept quiet with Aria and the others because he would discourage them when the conversation fizzled out.


    ''I''m sure it''s your first time working in the field in earnest, so I''ll assist you as much as I can.


    When Crono said it, Aria''s eyes welled up as if she was impressed.


    A light thumping sound sounded, and that was the moment Aria opened her mouth to say something.


    The sound could be heard from the harbor.


    Crono gulped down the remaining soup in one gulp and headed towards the port.


    At the top of the stairs he could see what looked like a large fishing pole from what looked like a large fishing pole.


    Running down the stairs and taking stock of the whole thing, Crono realized what it was.


    ''Ooh, Crono-sama!


    Goldie!


    Crono looks at it.


    It was reinforced in many places with metal, and at the root of it was what looked like a reel made of metal gears.


    Moreover, it even has a stopper attached to it.


    ''Could you possibly have built a crane?


    "Master Crono is very knowledgeable. My brother Silva asked me to build a crane to make unloading more efficient, and I''m in the process of installing a prototype.


    With its wheels, this crane looks like it''s mobile.


    Probably, it hooks the load from the tip of the crane, and then turns the handle to lift it up.


    After that, the dimensions would be to rotate the pedestal and turn the handle to lower the load.


    ''Speaking of which, where''s Silva?''


    Silva collapsed as soon as the harbor was completed, so he''s in the work shed.


    A work shed?��When I looked around, I saw a leaning hut in a corner of the harbor.


    It''s a hut that looks like it was built just for the sake of it.


    ''Isn''t it too much of a hack job?''


    Well, I''m not going to live here.


    It was a dwarven woman who answered.


    She was short, as all dwarven men are, but her width was incomparably narrow.


    ''By any chance, have you forgotten?''


    ...Paula, right?


    After a moment''s pause, Crono said, and Paula patted her chest in relief.


    ''Good. There''s no point in volunteering for this job if you''re forgotten, right?''


    You will talk to Lady Crono too much.


    Yes~, Paula replied in an appropriate manner.


    Is there a suitable topic?��As Crono was thinking, Silva jumped out of the work shed.


    ''Look at this port!


    I''ve seen more than enough. Good job, Silva.


    Hmmm, just a word to Silva and Paula, who have worked themselves to this point, isn''t it enough to say a few words to Silva and Paula.


    That said, a single golden seal is too cheap, and Crono looked at Silva.


    ''Is there anything you want me to do for you?''


    ''I''m ... if you let me continue to work as an architect, that''s enough for me.


    It''s a line that can only be described as greedless or workaholic (workaholic).


    Mr. Silva''s dream is to build a building that will go down in history.


    That''s right. I want to make history with my buildings. I want to leave a testament to the existence of the dwarven architect that I am.


    Silva follows Faye''s words.


    ''Well, let''s name this place the Port of Silva then. When it becomes a port city, we''ll call it Sylvanian or something like that.


    .....


    Silva looked up at Crono in surprise.


    ''No, I don''t want you to burn out just because your dream came true.


    Of course. That''s my first step as an architect!


    Raising her fist high in the heavens, Silva collapsed on her back as it was.


    He had a look of contentment on his face, like he didn''t have a shred of regret in my life or something like that.


    ''What about Paula?''


    What, me?��Hmm, I''m in a bind. Well, I''ve always wanted to build a workshop in the future, but that would be too high a demand, and I''d probably get pushed up against it by my friends.


    Paula crossed her arms and roared.


    ''Yes!��So we''re not just rewarding me, we''re rewarding the entire dwarf race!��We could hold a fair once a month or so........oh, no. If you think it''s worth it to Master Crono to hold a fair that''s open to anyone, not just dwarves,


    Money, Paula muttered reservedly.


    She seemed to have an open mind, but she wasn''t comfortable asking for money.


    ''Well, I guess that''s okay then?��It''s not that easy to build a workshop, so it''s like budgeting.


    That''s enough!


    We have to export as well as import, Crono thought as he looked at Paula, who was gutted.


    The ship arrived eight days later.


    Surprisingly wide, Crono thought as he watched the cargo being unloaded from the ''union'' ship.


    How many masts did the ship have in the comics he''d seen on the other side of the world?��And while fishing through his memory, he looked at the center of the hull and the mast protruding from the bow in turn.


    ''The sails on the bow... no, but that''s a cartoon, and I don''t know enough about them to compare them in the first place.


    How''s the ''union'' ship?


    It''s a little awkward.


    Elaine''s cheeks twitched as Crono let out his honest opinion.


    ''''It''s used, but it costs seven hundred gold coins?


    I understand that, but just one ship?


    The boxes and barrels carried out to the deck with a sturdy netting are put together and moved to the wharf by a crane.


    The crane was operated by a muscular minotaur.


    As instructed, the lizardmen take the cargo to the ''union'' warehouse.


    After that, they are supposed to take it to the union''s shop in Hachel.


    I''ve surrounded myself with craftsmen and experienced sailors, but the rest are amateurs, myself included. The rest of us are amateurs, including me, and we don''t even know what to do with them. You didn''t do everything right the first time, did you?


    I''m not doing so well.


    I was complaining a little too much, Crono reflects.


    ''''Well come to think of it, we didn''t talk about the toll tax, did we?


    Are we getting any tolls?


    ''Oh my, that story about abolishing the toll tax was true.


    Did you know about this?


    Of course I do.


    Elaine''s chest heaved with pride as she pulled away from Crono.


    ''''I abolished the incomprehensible taxes when I became a lord.


    And isn''t that what lords are for, to be able to overrule them with a single thought?


    Is this the general perception of the aristocracy?��And Crono looked at Elaine with more than a little disgusted.


    ''''That''s right, if it''s to protect the industry of the territory, we''ll put a toll tax on it, but if we take a tax every time we pass through the road, the territory will go round and round and decline.


    For yourself?


    ''They say rational decisions are like kindness. Well, I don''t think everything is rational.


    Crono stroked his right eye, "And some of it I got because I didn''t make a rational decision.


    ''I''d better get going,''


    Why don''t you just take your time?


    I''ve got plans tomorrow.


    I have to meet with the merchants of Hachel regarding the use of the port.


    Although, knowing this, Elaine is probably telling him to take it slow.


    The next day, the second shop of the ''Sinner Trade Association'' in the commercial district of Hachel was crowded with many shoppers.


    Unlike the first store in Silva Port, the second store was a renovated branch of the trade association that withdrew from the Marquis of Erakis'' territory.


    The location isn''t good and the building has an old-fashioned feel to it, but the number of customers doesn''t stop.


    Crono inspects the store in his normal clothes...although he spends more time in his military uniform these days.


    ''''Mm, it''s cheap, isn''t it?


    Faye wearing normal clothes is so refreshing.


    Normally Faye wears military uniforms, but today she is dressed in a lace-decorated blouse and tight pants.


    The fact that she wears a sword belt around her waist is typical of Fay.


    But when it comes to buying it, the price is a bit steep.


    Well, at least compared to some of the other restaurants.


    Perhaps it''s because they don''t go through any other fiefdoms.


    For example, let''s say that to pass through one territory, a tax of five percent is charged based on the price of the goods.


    Then twenty-five percent of the price of the goods would disappear just by passing through five territories.


    Naturally, the merchant would reflect the tax collected in the price of the goods, so that even the highest price of the goods would be even higher.


    The prices of the goods are written down in a kind way. And the way the products are arranged is new.


    Really?


    Faye looked around the shop, and after a moment of silence, as if she couldn''t find the right words, she said.


    ''This place with its clothes adorning it like sheet metal armour is new!


    Oh, mannequins.


    It''s not unusual for Crono, but mannequins - wooden dolls with clothes on them - seem to be unusual.


    It seems that Faye is not the only one who feels this way, and the customers stop and stare at the mannequin with interest.


    Then a female clerk in her late 30s or 40s calls out to the customer.


    It seems that her stance is to be proactive in talking to the customers and to be conservative in her suggestions.


    It seems that they are more conservative in their suggestions.


    Faye looked somewhat depressed and headed for the shelves.


    ''''Mmmm, it''s cheap!


    One gold and ten silvers.


    Faye said as she picked up the unadorned tunic.


    It seems too cheap to say that it didn''t go through any other territory.


    ''''Well you didn''t do anything bad or anything.''''


    No, I didn''t.


    When Crono reflexively looked next to him, Elaine was standing there with a mortified expression on her face.


    Unlike yesterday, she was much less revealing.


    Her hair was in a tight bun, and if she wore a tight skirt with it, she could pass for a modest office worker.


    ''What''s the reason for the cheapness?''


    It''s what you do in your workshop.


    For a moment, the image of Goldie passed through my mind.


    ''In case you''re wondering, I''m the one making the paper. I noticed that some of the kids were thrown out at the apprenticeship stage when we were enclosing the artisans and it just hit me.


    I''ve incorporated line work into my dressmaking.


    Even if you''ve taken a break from your artisanal training, you''ll get used to it as long as you know how to make clothes.


    ''I can''t make you do complicated decorations, and I can''t make you do it because of the conflicts with the other craftsmen, but maybe this will be your main focus in the future.


    Hmm, I don''t know.


    ''If we had a mechanized spinning machine or a sewing machine,'' Crono added in his mind, ''it would be possible to mass produce, though.


    ''I''m fumbling with everything, but I can''t stand the feeling of being on the cutting edge.


    ....


    I''m glad I didn''t touch you, Crono said, patting his chest as he looked at Elaine''s expression.


    *


    Everyone''s face is pale, Crono looked at Nikola''s face in the Pix Trading Company and had that impression.


    If you look at the price of goods from the ''Sinner Trade Union'', it''s no wonder they''re pale, but I guess it was also poorly done to leave the territory open without issuing instructions about the permission to use the port, Crono rested his weight on the sofa in his office.


    ''''Well Crono-sama, regarding the use of the port.


    Yeah, that''s the thing.


    Crono let out a deep sigh.


    We built a harbor, but I don''t know how much to set a fee for its use.


    Last year, the slavers paid a thousand gold coins in taxes.


    They are collecting 10% of their sales as tax, but if we use this as a basis, I think Elaine, who is exempt from the harbor rental fee, will win alone.


    I don''t know how you boiled the story down to realizing the port fee now.


    On top of that, I''ve even been taken in for verbal abuse... No, but since thirty percent of the profits are going to be mine as a shareholder, and since Lizardmen and Minotaurs will also be hired, there''s no way I''m going to win alone, Crono regrets and quickly changes his mind.


    ''''In other territories, how much is the fee for the use of the port?''''


    ....


    Nicola''s face visibly twitches.


    I''ve already heard from other merchants, so I have an idea of the market price.


    He''s probably wondering if he should tell the truth or tell a lie.


    ''It depends on where you are, but on average it''s about two percent of the goods you carry on your ship.


    It''s the whole ship.


    Is the monthly usage fee the drop-off point?��And Crono remembered the merchants'' reaction.


    ''How about two hundred gold coins for a month?��The port and the use of the land on which the warehouses will be built, combined ... the land area is the same as the ''Sinner Trade Association''.


    Nicola patted her chest in relief.


    ''''But isn''t two hundred gold coins an inverse of an unbeatable price?''''


    Well, we''re going to make that part of the deal a one-year contract.


    Not bad, Crono thought.


    What do you think, Master Crono?


    A little harder, please.


    Yes, Leila replies and presses her thumbs on Crono''s waist.


    Her whole body starts to flutter as the finger pressure is applied, and she almost closes her eyes.


    ''''Well are you used to guarding the streets?''''


    Yes, sir.


    Unlike Crono, whose riding skills haven''t improved despite the fact that more than four years have passed since he came to this world, the eight people selected as archers have even mastered the art of archery.


    Among them, Leila''s improvement is outstandingly fast.


    The second-in-command has also become more inventive since his actual experience and knowledge have been combined.


    ''How is the port, Master Crono?''


    They must have decided that it was more profitable to pay two hundred gold coins rather than having to pay a toll tax every time they passed through another territory.


    Five merchant associations using the port, a thousand gold coins in a month, twelve thousand gold coins in a year.....This alone is equivalent to twenty percent of last year''s tax revenue.


    ''''Doing public works, building a school, increasing the donations for the ''Yellow Earth Temple'' and developing it, buying horses and enriching our cavalry and archers........................Ah, a dream come true.


    ...about that.


    Leila rested her hand.


    ''If the Chamber of Commerce started using the port to transport goods, wouldn''t that reduce the tax revenue of the territory that had been used as a transit point?


    Yeah, I know.


    After all, they won''t be able to collect the tolls.


    Not only will they not be able to take it, but if the merchants decide that there is no point in doing business through there, they will be in a very short time of decline.


    Not only that, but I think the peddlers without ships will be at a great disadvantage.


    No, it''s not... what do we do?


    ''Oh, no, it was just an idea. And ... was it the guild?��If the peddlers unite with each other, they should be able to do the same thing as the Chamber of Commerce, so there''s no reason for Master Crono to worry about it.


    Hmmm, Leila is so smart, Crono was reminded of her awesomeness once again.


    ''There''s a chance she hasn''t noticed, so I''ll check in with Miles tomorrow.


    Will he tell the truth?


    Miles is basically on Elaine''s side.


    Leila must think that he would never divulge information that would be to Elaine''s detriment.


    ''He wouldn''t tell a lie because it would be to Elaine''s detriment, would he?��You don''t want to give out information like if the peddlers form a guild with each other... but worst case scenario, we''ll secretly set up a new company to transport the goods on our behalf.


    It''s hard to put into words, but Master Crono is amazing.


    You''re giving me too much credit.


    While humbly saying, Crono broke the chemistry.


    I''m only throwing a stone and the rest is up to each of us to take it from there.


    I think so, but I''m still glad to be praised.

 48-Modified version of Episode 2 "Now there is something"

    *


    Crono has been busy lately.


    I wonder if he''s settled down to go check on the harbor, give the merchants permission to use the harbor, and so on.��But then he is working tirelessly in the city of Hachel and granting permission for the use of the port to representatives of the organization formed by the peddlers.


    The city of Hachel is bustling with activity.


    Prices of clothes and spices have fallen, and the consumption activity of the territory''s residents has increased.


    There is no doubt that this is thanks to the port.


    After all, the use of the port is cheap enough to pay for the organization that the peddlers hurriedly created.


    However, the merchants'' true intentions may have been forced to reduce the price because of the ''Sinner Trade Union'', though.


    Even if there are a few complaints, the city of Hashel........Crono''s territory is changing for the better.


    The elf twins were also happy that their clothes were cheaper.


    They didn''t seem to understand much of the logic, so when I explained it to them, they rolled their eyes at the fact that it wasn''t just about being able to eat fish.


    On the other hand, the stalls - especially those related to groceries - have not changed in amount at all.


    Since they don''t benefit from the port, it can''t be helped.


    With that in mind.


    Well that''s not very helpful.


    Tilia closed the book and put it back on the shelf.


    Tilia was reading a book about the Six Pillar God.


    It wasn''t raining, but Tilia was reading in a room that Crono was opening up for officer education.


    Not to improve her education, but to become stronger.


    What suddenly passed through his mind was the battle with Count Rio Chiron.


    In that battle, Count Piske had taken him by surprise and defeated him.


    It''s a bitter, too bitter memory.


    Not only did he lose, he was stepped on by his head.


    But I also think that even if I had continued to fight, I would not have been able to defeat Count Rio Chiron.


    You''ll be able to see that you''re not the only one who can get away with it.


    If I can summon the same kind of "divine weapon", I''ll be able to bring the fight to an even match.


    That''s what I thought, but I don''t know how to summon the "divine artifacts".


    Even Tilia doesn''t think she can learn it by reading a book.


    Even so, I was looking for a clue, but as I said, I didn''t find any description that would give me a clue.


    If he recalled carefully, the former Marquis of Erakis owned numerous works of art.


    Most of them had been sold off by Crono with great fanfare, but these books in his collection were also probably purchased as if he were collecting art.


    Maybe it was because they were collected in that sense, or maybe it was because he and the former Marquis of Erakis didn''t have the same taste, but the books that Tilia enjoyed... were... there.


    Very flimsy, a story about the world Crono was in.


    When I asked Crono how Momotaro must be teaching the importance of good and evil depending on his position and Mt. Tickle must be teaching the importance of the law, he gave me a subtle look.


    The door opens with a clatter, and


    Geeeeeeeeeeeee!


    Why do you keep talking about us when we''re off duty?


    The twin elves turned away and ran away, and Tyria gave chase, for the moment.


    What the hell?


    And it''s split in two on one, two, three!


    The aisle splits off to the left and right.


    Apparently, the twin elves chose to sacrifice one of them, but the other one survived.


    ''''One, two, three!''''


    ....


    Tilia silently follows them.


    The reason why I can continue to chase them even though the aisle is divided into two sides is simple and obvious.


    ''Why are we running in the same direction!��Left and left!��Deneb is left!


    Arideed is the one who should have gone left!


    They both made their way down the aisle to the right.


    The twin elves flapped their limbs as Tyria grabbed them by their collars.


    It looked more like a child flailing about than resistance.


    After a while, the twin elves grew quiet, as if they had given up.


    ''Uhehe, Princess. What do you want?


    Well, we just bought some clothes and we''re feeling a little lonely.


    The twin elves smiled in obedience.


    ''I didn''t have any particular business to attend to, but since you guys ran off, I just kind of went after you.


    You''re a bear!


    Apparently, bears have a habit of chasing people who are trying to escape.


    "You?


    No, heh, like a figure of speech?


    Yeah, yeah, we worship her a lot.


    The twin elves said in a tone that lacked a shred of credibility.


    They had eyes that were plotting how to mend and escape.


    When Tyria let go of her hand, the twin elves patted their chests in relief.


    ''''Well, we''ll take it.''''


    Tyria silently looked away from the twin elves, who smiled oddly at her, "Uhehehee.


    ''''Well yes, come to think of it, you have the right person.


    *


    Khan, Khan, and the sound of hammering echoed through the yard of the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion today.


    In the usual place, the Faye is teaching her apprentice swordplay.


    What was different from the usual was that Fay''s apprentice was wearing new clothes.


    Yeah, he must have bought them from the ''Sinner Trade Union'', Tilia looked at Fay.


    ''Princess Tilia, what can I do for you?''


    ...actually.


    Tilia was a little unsure if she should consult with him.


    As far as Tilia knew, Fei was an extremely talented swordsman and a user of the Divine Majesty Technique.


    Although he is one step ahead of Leonhardt in swordsmanship and Count Rio Chiron in the Divine Majesty Technique.


    Hmmm, even Faye hasn''t arrived at the ''summoning of the divine weapon'', so there''s no point in discussing it with those who haven''t, right?


    No, I read the book in the hope that it would give me some clues, so why not just give up when it doesn''t work?


    ''''Actually, there''s something I wanted to ask you. How can I reach the Divine Weapon Summoning Technique?


    Mmm, that''s a difficult question.


    As I expected, Faye raised her eyebrows in difficulty and snorted.


    ''''.........First of all, we must sit down like this.


    Yeah?


    Faye sits back and forms a fist on the hilt.


    It''s a gesture as if he''s clenching something, but there''s nothing there.


    ''''Divine weapon summoning, drawn sword!


    Darkness bursts forth and a jet-black sword is born to match the action of pulling out Fay''s sword.


    The extremely finely crafted sword manifested itself for a moment - the blink of an eye before it was released from its sheath and swung away.


    Immediately the jet-black sword lost its presence and disappeared as if it were melting into the air.


    ''''.........''''


    Tilia''s eyes widened to the extreme in surprise.


    She had never dreamed that Faye was beyond her.


    ''''I, when?''''


    "It was during a duel on the southern frontier that I discovered my true calling. My father''s sword broke, and as I was spinning in circles, it fell to me like a stone.


    I have no idea.


    But if it''s called a duel, it must have been serious.


    In the middle of a duel, the sword breaks.


    Yeah, it''s a situation that could be called the worst.


    Perhaps the extreme circumstances pushed Faye to a higher level, Tilia concluded.


    ''I mean, it''s concentration.


    In a situation of crisis, a human being can display a terrifying power.


    Tilia mimics Fei, sitting back and lightly clenching her fists.


    ''''Divine weapon summoning, drawn sword!


    Tyria pulled out her imaginary sword, but the light did not explode.


    It felt like an icy wind blew through the pu~ruri.


    My cheeks were hot.


    I screamed as hard as I could.


    But nothing happened.


    This is embarrassing.


    It''s incredibly embarrassing.


    When I glanced at the situation with a side glance, Fei''s apprentice turned away awkwardly, and Fei had a somewhat dumbfounded expression on his face.


    Focus.


    Assume an extreme situation.


    Exhaling, Tyria thought of the extreme situation ... the fight with Count Rio Chiron.


    In front of you is Count Rio Chiron.


    No, no, I can''t, I can''t.


    I should be concentrating now.


    Oh, speaking of extreme situations that was days before Crono left for the southern frontier.


    That night, Tilia visited Crono''s bedroom.


    Crono was in his room doing paperwork and Tilia was lounging in bed.


    Well, have some juice...........................or maybe they would have told her.


    As she was told, Tilia drank the juice.


    It was delicious, and since Crono had recommended it, she drank it in a fit of pique.


    And then Crono tied her up.


    He was already a guy who had no choice, and half resigned, half affectionate.......it was a disaster.


    What you drink has to come out.


    It''s the law of nature.


    But what do you do when you want to get it out and you can''t move?


    Defy the laws of nature and be patient.


    Tilia persevered.


    When she couldn''t resist she asked.


    She asked and she didn''t, so she got angry.


    I got angry and it didn''t work, so I shut up.


    Extremes, those were the extremes.


    I tried to resist, but I couldn''t.


    There was no way I could defy the laws of nature.


    "Ugh!


    Tilia remembered the moment and bent her knees.


    ''What is the matter, sir?''


    "....pot...


    A jar, sir?


    Holding her head, Tilia grunted.


    ''Master, what do you mean by that?''


    ...adults have their own problems, sir.


    Master, you shouldn''t be fooling around just because you don''t understand something.


    No.


    I have to concentrate, otherwise I won''t be able to Summon the Divine Weapon.


    If I want to get rid of the humiliation of having my head stepped on by the humiliation of losing the man I fell in love with to the man of all men, I must win in every way possible against Count Rio Chiron.


    Tilia stood up and sat down just like before.


    ''''........Focus, Tilia.


    Once again, I have a vision of Count Rio Chiron.


    The landlady ... I should be a little better than her.


    Even if we were losing in size, I have tauter skin.


    You didn''t get tied up at the time.


    Yeah, I tried.


    It was my first time, but I did my best.


    And he looked at me with a disappointed look on his face.


    And he was gentler than usual.


    Tilia sat down and hugged her knees.


    She looked like she was going to cry a little.


    It''s a sad memory now that I was able to refrain from verbal abuse with my chest that day.


    ''I sat down on my knees, man.


    Mmm, you''ve seen the darkness in my heart.


    ''''The Divine Majesty Technique depends on talent. Those who can master the higher-ranking techniques can learn them, and those who can''t can''t learn them.


    Even as Faye and her apprentice boy stared in amazement, Viscount Eryl Sardomelik did not move his gaze from the book.


    ''''I became available in the middle of a duel, yes?


    That''s the kind of talent he had.


    Mmm, that''s a cruel word.


    Talent is such a thing. The haves and have-nots can sum up their accumulated efforts in one word: talent. You could call it a disconnection.


    Holding her knees, Tyria stared at Viscount Eryl Sardomelik.


    ''''........talent?''''


    Muttering, Tilia realized for the first time the horror of the word "talent".


    Until now, Tyria had never been frustrated.


    She was able to do most things if she tried hard enough.


    So it was more strange that there were people like Crono who couldn''t do it even if they tried.


    Disconnection ... a true disconnection.


    Tilia and Crono couldn''t sympathize with each other on the one point of can or can''t.


    No, this is a dangerous idea. Giving up when there''s still room for effort is the thinking of a loser!


    Princess Tyria, your master wants to see you.


    I''ll be there in a minute!


    Turning around, Tilia replied cheerfully to Alyssa, who had been coming for some time.


    *


    ''I have to tell Tyria something.


    When he entered the office, Crono was awkwardly silent and then opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind.


    Why do I have to use a silent tone?��Tilia tilted her head.


    ''Actually ... there have been complaints.


    Who''s that?


    The accountant it''s from Elena.


    ''That slave, or so I thought, I bought him to take charge of accounting,'' said Tilia, crossing her arms.


    ''''I''ve been reimbursing Tilia for the amount she''s made Deneb and Alideed buy for her, under the guise of entertainment expenses, but don''t make me go through the hassle of a procedure for not much money,''''


    You are a rude little slave. You should be chastised.


    Huh~, Crono let out a grand sigh.


    ''I''m short-handed in my territory. Well, it''s gotten a little easier since I started making documents on the printmaking machine.


    Surely that was a great invention.


    After all, if you make the original plate, you can print the same thing over and over again.


    It''s easier than writing by hand, and there are fewer mistakes because the necessary items are engraved on the plate.


    ''That''s why we''re introducing an allowance system. This will be a one-time process.


    I don''t want to.


    Why?


    Tyria glares at Crono, who gives her a strange look.


    ''Wouldn''t you know if I didn''t tell you?''


    If you don''t tell me, I won''t know.


    Mu, mmmmm~, Tilia snorted.


    ''I''m ... well, I''m going to be your full-time wife, in a manner of speaking.


    Oh, that''s what it comes down to, isn''t it?


    Is that what you''re saying?��You stole my innocence!


    Walking up to her, Tilia tapped the desk.


    ''''Well I remember being raped by force?''''


    ''Rest assured. I have memories of spending a night with Crono, too, when I was young and furious.


    Tilia covered her mouth.


    ''I''ve lost my right to the First Throne and I often wonder if I''ll ever be able to stand when Crono despises me.


    You''re rather sensitive.


    Sometimes I can''t stand it when I hear about other women being arm-mugged or being nice to me.


    ''Mm-hm,'' Crono nodded, not seeming to understand at all.


    ''I think I''m contradicting myself, but because of the situation, I want to be on an equal footing with Crono. If I get an allowance from you, then we wouldn''t be equals, would we?


    ''No allowance, but you don''t mind having them take care of your food, clothing and shelter?


    "It''s a man''s responsibility to provide for his wife.


    ''Besides, you work as a wife,'' Tilia muttered quietly.


    ''''Well, what about the second idea: I''ll put aside the money at Tilia''s disposal, and we''ll settle for the amount spent at the end of the month as entertainment expenses?


    Rejected!


    ''Ehhh,'' said Crono unhappily.


    ''''All right. I''ll spend the money myself, so I don''t mind following Crono''s lead from there.


    ''No debt, okay?��And you''re not allowed to sell any of the equipment in the Marquess'' house.


    I know.


    Leaving the office, Tilia was at a loss.


    If she could make money that easily, she would have no trouble.


    What was to be done?��And as I was pacing around the Marquess''


    Well, don''t, not again!


    We''re running out of luck today.


    Once again, the elven twins escaped, and Tyria caught them without a second thought.


    I need to talk to you guys.


    Yeah, well, we''re not tipping Mr. Crono off.


    Well, yeah, I didn''t say that the accountant is giving me a hard time every time I''m off duty.


    This is your fault!��But it was also true that there was no one other than the twin elves with whom he could feel free to talk to.


    ''Let''s go to my room.''


    Oh, our days off are long gone.


    I didn''t do anything wrong.


    Tyria takes the twin elves to her room and throws them on the bed.


    Geez!��I made a froggy noise, but I ignored it and closed the door.


    ''Ooh~ It''s more luxurious than Crono-sama''s room,''


    Wheeze, it smells so good.


    The twin elves sounded impressed on the bed.


    ''Really?��I don''t think even a single piece of furniture is adequate.


    I don''t envy you.


    I''m perfectly happy in my room.


    The twin elves pouted sulkily as they got off the bed.


    "So, what do you want?


    ''I have to make money without selling my debts and the furnishings of the Marquis'' mansion. Give me an idea.


    When you''re asked for it, and then you just pop an idea.


    We didn''t have to be soldiers.


    ''Hey~,'' the twin elves looked at each other and nodded.


    ''''Useless. Yeah, do you want me to call that barbarian girl too?


    ''Oh, Suu goes to the Coma Forest to get herbs and make and sell medicine.


    That''s the thing. When you have a job in your hand, you can live anywhere.


    Tilia felt a slight dip.


    She hadn''t expected the barbarian lass to have a better life than her.


    ''''Well how about this kind of idea?��Make a square in the harbor of Count Caddo with string.


    What''s your heart?


    Tyria nodded at the elven twins'' reaction.


    ''I will claim this is my land and lease the land to the merchants.


    ''''The land in the Count of Caddo''s estate belongs to Master Crono, so that''s impossible.


    Crono felt like he could snap, but after all, it might be difficult to claim the land as his own.


    ''''How about........killing the bandits?''''


    I can''t!


    Tyria said, a bit modestly, and the twin elves leaned forward and exclaimed.


    ''And the Princess didn''t get Kane last year!


    ''It''s impossible for a princess like that to slay a bandit who''s on the run from Kane!


    Tyria snorted at the twin elves'' swordsmanship.


    She wanted to argue back, but the fact was that she couldn''t catch Kane.


    ''''I mean, you don''t have to push yourself, Princess-sama.


    We''re making our way in life, and the Chronosphere is kind.


    The twin elves folded their hands together to support their heads and said cumbersomely.


    ''It''s a matter of pride,''


    Ugh, princesses are such a pain in the ass.


    And what does it taste like to us?��It''s a story I''m not even close to.


    Is this another disconnection?��And Tyria looked at the twin elves, who were not feeling motivated.


    ''''Ahh, then, since it seems that there are bears or something in the settlement of Count Caddo''s territory that are in trouble, what about exterminating them and selling their furs and meat and such?''''


    What''s an "what"?


    ''I don''t know. I just overheard my deputy blabbering on about it.


    One half of the twin elves said troublesomely.


    Hmmm, Tyria snorted.


    I don''t know what''s coming up, but as Crono''s legitimate wife, I can''t just overlook the fact that the people of my domain are in trouble, and if I can make some money.


    Even if the other party is an animal, if I gain experience in actual combat, I might be able to get a clue to ''Summon the Divine Weapon''.


    ''''Let''s adopt that idea. Let''s go!


    We can''t.


    It''s past noon and I''ve got work tomorrow.


    Dar~ and such a sound could be heard at any moment, the twin elves are not motivated.


    ''''Gugunu, even Momo Taro had three companions.


    We''re not selling our lives for dumplings.


    Oh, that. You know, Momotaro''s a rougher than a slaver.


    Apparently, the twin elves have no intention of working for Tyria.


    The next day.


    ''Huh?��Why are we with the princess?


    You feel like you''ve been at work today?


    The twin elves on either side of Tyria''s wagon muttered now.


    ''Because Princess Tyria asked the Marquis of Erakis for help.


    Viscount Eryl Sardomelik, who was reading a book in a corner of the wagon, looked up and muttered to himself.


    ''''You and the Marquis of Erakis think you''re on good terms with Princess Tyria.


    ''What?��We only get along when we''re off duty.


    She was more than an acquaintance, less than a friend.


    Viscount Eryl Sardomelik squinted thoughtfully.


    ''Going out together on your days off is considered a sign of good friendship.


    "I have been selected to be your bodyguard, that I have been chosen to protect you.


    The beastman held his greatsword and muttered in the back of his pack.


    ''For now, you''ve beaten Momotaro.


    Tyria muttered as she looked at the elven twins on horseback, Viscount Eryl Sardomelik and the beastly man with the great sword in the back of his pack.


    ''''What can I do for you, that you can do for me?'''' (GASP?)


    I need to see your sword.


    Viscount Eil Sardomelik tucked the book into his Zuta bag and approached without waiting for the beastman''s reply.


    ''''I judge it to be the work of a canuthi.


    "Who are you, that you are? (Gulp?)


    Viscount Eil Sardomelik''s eyes narrowed sullenly and he let out a small sigh, as if he had no choice.


    ''''Kanuchi is a family name. It''s said that he was called by that name when he struck a sword for the first Emperor. At first they only made weapons, but in time they began to make magic items.


    Viscount Eryl Sardomelik muttered something and tapped his fingers on the scabbard with a conk. Then what looked like a blue-white glowing formula emerged around the great sword.


    ''''A magic formula, that is?'''' (GASP?)


    "A magic formula carved into the sword itself by granting magic.


    When Viscount Eryl Sardomelik taps his sheath, the formula.......the magic formula disappears.


    No, maybe the magic formula was constantly unfolding, and Viscount Eryl Sardomelik had visualized it in some way.


    I wanted to ask what kind of principle it was, but Viscount Eryl Sardomelik resumed his reading in his original position.


    ''''I am lonelier than Momo Taro.


    Tilia propped her elbows on the edge of the wagon and looked at the newly completed port.


    Nevertheless, the current Silva Port is in the middle of a building rush.


    I''m sure that the brick structures are warehouses, and the wood structures are either shops for the Chamber of Commerce or houses for the Chamber of Commerce to sleep in.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to do with it.


    The wagons that Tilia and the others ride in rub against the battered wagons.


    My eyes follow the carriage, which is so full of cargo that I think the axle is going to snap off, and then I turn my attention back to the port.


    There are a lot of people working in the harbor.


    Minotaurs, lizardmen, and other sub-humans, of course.


    If you look hard enough, you can see that there are two kinds of sub-humans as well.


    There are two kinds of sub-humans: the relatively small, neatly dressed sub-humans and the dirty looking sub-humans.


    The former would be Crono''s people and the latter would be the rest.


    ''''Well if Crono sees them, he''s going to frown.


    And yet, he owns two s*x slaves, so it''s a good thing he''s not saying or doing anything.


    In Crono''s territory, slave trading is a permit system, and owners are not supposed to inflict harsh punishments on their slaves.


    The reasoning behind making slavery a permit system is to prevent trouble after the transaction, and the reasoning behind not giving harsh punishments is that if a slave gets injured or dies, it will reduce productivity and negatively affect the territory''s economy.


    Even there, it hasn''t led to a dramatic improvement in treatment.


    It''s built into the structure of society, so this is all we can do to continue our efforts.


    Further north from the port, minotaurs were pulling out stumps and digging up the ground.


    There were probably about forty of them.


    All of them have magnificent physiques.


    ''''You guys, what do you look like?'''' (Bumo~)


    One of the minotaurs rested his hand and stared at Tyria as he said.


    He was a ship''s eye, as if he had been in the army, and he was powerful to look at.


    Giving instructions to the Gentleman and stopping the wagon, Tilia stood up and stretched her chest.


    ''''I heard that the beast was in trouble and I came to help. Of course, I''ve properly said no to Crono.''


    But,'' said Tilia, crossing her arms.


    ''Well I don''t think we''ll be needed.


    "Princess, these people are non-combatants.


    He can''t fight, because he''s not trained in combat like you and me.


    The twin elves dismounted from their horses and waved their hands from side to side with a patter.


    ''Even though your arms are so thick that you could strangle a cow or a horse?


    "If you''re untrained, you''ll reflexively cover your face, that is.


    We had a lot of enemies like that during the retreat, didn''t we?


    ''Yeah. In hindsight, maybe the guys in the Holy Argo Kingdom were on the edge of it.


    The beastman and the twin elves nodded with a divine look on their faces.


    ''''Princess Tyria, we should have a plan.


    It''s a beast. Why don''t you just hit them where they come from?


    Tyria can use divine magic, and even Viscount Eryl Sardomelik can use magic.


    The twin elves and beastmen are the fiercest fighters of all time.


    It''s a shame that they didn''t have the help of the Minotaur, but I don''t think they''re a face that can fall behind the beasts.


    ''''That''s why the Marquis of Erakis beat me in the exercise.


    No, no, don''t gouge the wound.


    Glaring at Viscount Eryl Sardomelik with Guillory, Tyria repeated a deep breath.


    ''''........Well, well, you have a point. First, we need to gather information!''''


    Ew!


    "All right, that I do.


    The twin elves looked cumbersome, the beastmen in their own right, and Viscount Eryl Sardomelik sat down on a nearby stump and began to read a book.


    ''You''re not going?''


    "...people have their advantages and disadvantages.


    How could this be the leader of the Kingsguard?��And Tyria looked at Viscount Eryl Sardomelik.


    There''s nothing to talk about, Tyria said, watching the settlement.


    Just watch, really.


    Her knowledge of agriculture is scarce, and what is needed here is practical knowledge and a sense of applying it.


    After a while, the elven twins and the beastmen returned.


    However, the information obtained was nothing.


    At best, large shadows have been seen near the Coma Forest in the early morning and evening.


    Have they raided their territory, or are they planning to use it as a new feeding ground? Yeah, thinking about it doesn''t get us anywhere.


    Do you want me to stop that hit-or-miss mentality?


    I owe it to you for our lives. You need to think a little harder.


    After listening to the twin elves, Tyria moves to the edge of the Coma Forest.


    At the head of the pack, of course.


    The Coma Forest is dark even at noon.


    Because the branches of the trees blocked the sunlight like a canopy.


    That''s not all.


    The dense, thriving vegetation absorbs the sound and is therefore dominated by a terrifying silence.


    A beastman a werewolf peeks out of the bushes with a bang.


    ''''Were the minotaurs not the only ones engaged in settlement?


    As Tyria tilted her head, the werewolf slowly stood up.


    Big, Tyria looked up at the werewolf.


    It was probably a head taller than a lizardman or a minotaur.


    That''s how tall it was in real life, since it was hunched over.


    The most striking thing about it is the length of its arms.


    The arms are so long that they almost touch the ground, and claws that look like knives are sprouting at the tips of them.


    ''''Giiiiiiiiiii!''''


    ...that''s a banded wolf. It is depicted in an old natural history book. Since there have been no sightings of it, it was thought to be an imaginary monster.


    Well, what are the weaknesses and how do you attack?


    Tyria drew her sword and held it in the middle.


    ''They thought I was an imaginary monster, I said.


    You mean, you don''t know.


    Instantly, the arm of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf) became hazy.


    His aim was Tilia.


    Tilia bent down and ducked a sideways blow and closed the distance at once.


    He thrust out a cutting edge, but the body hair of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf) is hard and does not pierce easily.


    Through the gap, the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf) opens his mouth to stick his fangs into Tilia.


    Gasp!��And the mouth of the barbarian sword wolf (Banded Wolf) closes in front of me.


    Tilia jumps back and ducks the blow that was released with a creeping wind noise.


    ''''Apparently, the banded wolf seems to fight with its long arms buzzing around.


    ''I mean, I can''t believe I''m going at it with that guy without using divine majesty.


    Frankly, I thought the princess was going to die.


    Rude twin, said Tilia, dodging the barbarian sword wolf''s (Banded Wolf) attack and closing the distance between them.


    ''''God, bless my blade!


    Cut!


    The shining blade cut both sides of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf)''s body.


    Despite this, the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf) swung his arms around.


    The upper half of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf)''s upper body flips over and falls to the ground with a gut-wrenching sound.


    ''''It''s just a beast, after all.''''


    Well, I want you to do something about that, too!


    Hang in there, Princess!


    When I looked up, I saw that a barbarian sword wolf (banded wolf) was sticking its head out of the bushes.


    There were twenty or thirty of them.......a lot of them anyway.


    ''''Oh, there''s no shortage of them for them!


    Tilia exercised the divine power technique "divine robes" and "activity", a white glow enveloped her entire body.


    ''''Virtual personality activated, jutsu inventory deployed, jutsu selection ''Thunderbolt Ranma'', range change.......activated!


    A blue flash of lightning ran through the forest.


    The radiating lightning strikes made the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf) lurking within its range stand upright by some action and burst from within.


    Watching the banded wolves falling one after another, Viscount Eryl Sardomelik activated his next magic.


    ''''Articulation choice, ''Bombastic Flame Dance'', change range, power, and number of bullets.......Activate!


    Pillars of flame towered.


    Like a volcano erupting, the pillars of fire rose up one after another, overwhelming the already devastated pack of Banded Wolves.


    Some are blown away and others are burned to death.


    It was a sight that showed why Crono''s second-in-command had called it a threat.


    ''''Jutsu selection ''Flamebullet Rampage'', range, power, number of bullets change.................Activate!


    Even more huge chunks of fire poured down.


    The moment the lump of flame touches the ground, it spreads like a liquid and is tied together as if to shake hands, becoming a carpet of flame.


    ''''Jutsu-style selection ''Ice Dance (Ice Dance)'', change range, power, number of bullets.........................Activate!


    Ice and snow were blowing and swallowing the flames.


    It''s going to be a good field, said Tyria, staring at the corpses of barbarian sword wolves (banded wolves) scattered all over the place.


    Hmmm, that wasn''t much money.


    "Ten gold pieces is a lot of money, Your Highness.


    Khan, Khan, the sound of hammering could be heard.


    In one corner of the Marquis'' mansion, Tilia muttered as she remembered the amount of money she had earned, and the twin elves were quick to rush in.


    As it turned out, the corpse of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf) was sold for ten gold coins.


    They wanted to raise the price a bit more, but since they didn''t know the monetary value of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf), they couldn''t raise the price as long as they didn''t know the monetary value of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf).


    ''''We''ve accomplished our goal, but I didn''t think we could even get a clue to the ''Divine Weapon Summoning''


    What are the three of you doing here?


    Umm, even if I talk to Crono about it, Tilia looked at Crono.


    No, even with this, Crono is still a strong man of the past.


    ''''I''m trying to figure out how to get to the Divine Weapon Summoning technique ''Divine Weapon Summoning''.


    ...why?


    Tilia said, and Crono tilted his head in wonder.


    ''To beat Count Rio Chiron!��You must surpass him in every way to avoid the humiliation of having your head stomped on!


    ...You two don''t get along very well, do you?


    You''re the one who caused this!��And Tyria swallowed the words that had started to come up to her throat.


    ''It''s frustrating, but Count Rio Chiron is a fearsome user of the Divine Majesty Art.


    ''''Even with your new Divine Majesty Technique, you can''t beat Rio, can you?


    What?��What is it about me that makes me inferior to Count Rio Chiron?


    Glaring at him, Crono lightly raised his hands in the air.


    ''I take it back before, maybe I can beat Tyria now, too.


    Crono smiled provocatively, and all at once the blood came to my head.


    It''s true that Crono is a strong man of all time, but he is a step or two inferior to Tilia in sword skills.


    ''''Gugunu, aren''t you getting on top of things now that you can use the Marking Technique?


    Hmm, do you want to try it?


    I''ll take it!��Deneb, Aridid, be the judge!��One game!


    ''Crono-sama, if you want to stop it, I think it''s now or never?


    I don''t want Master Crono to get hurt.


    While saying this, the twin elves handed the wooden sword to Crono.


    ''''Well, I guess it''s okay, right?''''


    ''Hmmm, I''m going to remind you that you can''t beat me with the Marking Technique.


    Tyria took the wooden sword from the twin elves and checked it for crafting, striking the cut end against the ground to see if it was crafted.


    ''Oh, I can use the imprinting technique?��Tyria can use the divine power technique too.


    "No, no, no, get ready!


    Crono lazily distances himself from Tilia and holds his wooden sword at the lower level.


    The imprint ........ a jet black light appears on Crono''s body.


    ''Often, I''ve gotten better at using the imprint, haven''t I? I think I can take it in the ''field'', at least with Tilia''s sword.


    Go!


    Tyria jumped out of the way as soon as the twin elves announced the start.


    In one fell swoop, she closed the distance and swung her wooden sword down from the top step.


    Along the way, she felt as if the wooden sword was being pushed back by something.


    Little wishy-washy!


    Tilia didn''t care and swung her wooden sword down.


    Crono''s eyes widened in surprise as if he was confident in the ''place''.


    The wooden sword strikes Crono.


    Unfortunately, it''s not the head, but the shoulder.


    Either by luck or by sheer strength, Crono slightly tilted her head to avoid defeat.


    ''''Ouch!��''Place'' through and through!


    Hmmm, regret will not precede regret!


    Honestly, the winner was arrived at the point of putting the blow in.


    At least that''s what Tilia judges.


    With Tilia''s blow, Crono is no longer able to hold the wooden sword with both arms.


    However, Tilia doesn''t hold back.


    She sets up a furious strike to take away Crono''s strength.


    He thought he could win immediately, but Crono seems to be growing up, and it''s hard to become an effective strike.


    ''What''s the matter!��You weren''t supposed to beat me!


    .....


    Crono rolls haphazardly across the ground and ducks Tyria''s attack.


    The movement itself has incredible speed, but unfortunately it is too wasteful.


    Crono runs around incessantly, and the jet black imprint begins to flicker.


    I''m not sure, but there seems to be a time limit on the imprinting technique as well.


    Crono rolls around on the ground and takes his distance from Tilia.


    His rough breathing shows Crono''s limitations.


    Crono holds his wooden sword at the lower level as he did at the beginning, while Tilia holds her wooden sword at the upper level to intercept him.


    Crono kicked the ground.


    The ground explodes and accelerates like an unleashed arrow.


    However, the battle strategy that relied on the ability of the imprinting technique was easy to read.


    So easy that he could easily swing the wooden sword down as he moved.


    Tilia swung the wooden sword down without mercy.


    She feels the slightest resistance, but she puts her strength into the wooden sword as if she had repeated it many times.


    However, the wooden sword doesn''t move.


    No, it slips off into space without Crono as if it were sliding.


    By the time I understood everything, it was too late.


    A shock occurred at my side.


    In a moment of confusion, Crono slammed the wooden sword into Tilia''s side.


    ''''........I''m at my limit.''''


    Rolling on the ground with a flourish, Crono stopped moving.


    ''Now you''re talking!


    Oh, you got one.


    Crono stands up on shaky legs like a newborn fawn.


    He doesn''t seem to have the will to fight, and the imprint is gone.


    ''It''s not fair, Crono!


    It''s a plan. It''s a plan.


    Grinning, Crono smiled.


    Crono was able to prevent the wooden sword in ''Place''.


    However, by not daring to prevent it, he made Tyria think that he hadn''t mastered the imprinting technique.


    ''''Then do it again!��We''ll win next time!


    No.


    Crono replied with a big smile on his face.


    ''I''m going to win and get away with it.''


    Nuh-uh!


    Small, what a small man, Tyria was aghast.


    Maybe he was planning to win just one victory.


    ''''Well what can I say, it doesn''t mean much to me that we can win with this or that,''''


    Crono returned the wooden sword to the twin elves and said languidly.


    The truth is, we don''t have this or that all the time. That''s why we have to mobilize everything we have.


    Making the most of what there was, Tilia felt strangely satisfied.


    I believe that we can only reach the heights by making the most of what we have now.


    *


    I guess you could say it''s a milestone.


    ''Is this all you think about?��This place ... isn''t meant for this kind of thing.


    Tilia threw the wet cloth into the tub and glared at Crono.


    We''re staying in today, that we are.


    Not that way!


    He lost.


    Crono defeated me.


    ''I will ... keep this victory alive, until I die.


    Nuggaaah!


    Tilia rolled around on the bed with her head in her hands.


    Small, what a small man.


    But the fact is that this man has beaten her to it.


    ''I''m going to bed!''


    I need to get some sleep too, but can you move a little closer to the side?


    She moves as she is told, and Tilia grits her teeth just in time.


    ''Tilia, you''re scaring me, stop grinding your teeth.''


    Turning her back to Crono, Tilia stopped grinding her teeth.

 49-Modified version of Episode 3 "Knights Party"

    *


    Only people who can believe in God without any doubt can enjoy the happiness that seems to have fallen, Rio thinks.


    Normally, he doubts.


    Whether it''s real or fake, whether it''s going to disappear soon or forever, it''s normal to wonder.


    Then it''s normal to accept it.


    But some people doubt it relentlessly.


    As a result, what was happy becomes a wreckage.


    We look down at the wreckage of happiness, curse our folly, regret, and yet feel a deep sense of relief.


    There is no way to save it.


    I can''t believe it.


    I have an image of happiness, but I can''t believe that I can be happy.


    Happiness is something that has nothing to do with me.


    If such a thing is so easy to get, then what has life been all about?


    I''m sure it''s just a convenient dream.


    The real misery is that the have-nots get it by some mistake.


    At least that''s what Rio Chiron thinks.


    ''Well, I suppose you''d call it a happy affair.


    When Rio finished his lengthy consideration, the deputy opened the boxcarriage door as if he had timed it correctly.


    I''ve known the deputy for a long time.


    Originally, he served the Countess of Chiron.


    I don''t know about his background before that, and I''m not interested in it, but given the fact that he holds a knighthood, I''m sure that he was standing on the battlefield as a knight.


    Being an old type of knight, he was inflexible and did not get along with Rio''s father.


    However, Rio liked his inflexible personality.


    When Rio became a Knight Commander, he was his second in command.


    If it wasn''t for him, Rio would have been removed from his position as Knight Commander long ago.


    Rio got off the boxcarriage and stretched taller to relieve the stiffness in his entire body.


    I don''t have to dress up like I did last year.


    Rio replied to his second-in-command, biting off a lack of expression.


    ''Then again, it seems like it''s been a long time since you''ve been to the Aldermiran Palace.


    The Alderamin Palace, on the outskirts of the imperial capital of Alfirk, is a building of morbid symmetry.


    The last time I was there was probably during the funeral of King Ramal V.


    If anything, the ball was more memorable, and for Rio, the leader of the Kingsguard, the impression was that it was the venue for a banquet that took place once or twice a year.


    I wanted to set up a suitable excuse to skip it, Rio said as he headed to the old castle building.


    ''''Hey, can you open it up for me?


    "Ha, Count Rio Chiron!


    As if they were practicing, the kinsman knights standing on either side of the door replied at exactly the same time and opened the door with a single, seamless movement.


    A deep melancholy tone greeted Rio as he opened the door of the East Wing, which was the venue for the banquet, after passing through the old castle building.


    Eating food in a standing-room-only style, drinking to the point of not exposing the abomination, and indulging in pleasantries is the way this banquet should be.


    Unfortunately, the reality is different.


    Many of the Knights of the Konoe Order commanders come from famous historical families, and as such, there are many ties to them.


    Even if it is too obvious to find a marriage partner for your child, you have to maintain a relationship with them to the point of not being isolated.


    And this banquet has another meaning for the knights who accompany the Commander of the Kingsguard.


    It''s the perfect opportunity for a knight of low family status to sell himself to a nobleman from a prominent family.


    Even in such a situation, few Kingsguard knights would approach Rio.


    There is no doubt that the incident of chopping his colleague to death has a strong influence on him, but his relationship with Crono must have had no small effect on him.


    He doesn''t want to be hired even if it''s to sell himself.


    However, it''s not uncommon for a man with special tastes to be sunk by his second-in-command before he even gets close to Rio.


    First, it''s Leonhardt of the First Kingsguard.


    As soon as he met eyes with Rio, he approached in a straight line.


    The shortest distance he can travel is because the Kingsguard Knights avoid Leonhardt.


    In my heart, I would like to be close to the Palatium family, but I''d say that I''d feel uncomfortable selling myself to Leonhardt, who is called ''The Holy Knight''.


    ''''........Didn''t you wear a dress today?''''


    Last year, Rio attended the banquet in a dress, and Leonhardt is probably referring to that.


    Right now, Rio is wearing a white military uniform.


    "Even so, I''m a strong man.


    Yeah?��Leonhardt raises one eyebrow dubiously.


    ''''I can''t use my eyes on another man when I have a lover, can I?


    That''s good to hear. Because I don''t want to see the shenanigans between the leaders of the Kingsguard.


    Leonhardt swam his eyes for a moment and said, mending them.


    ''If Crono was coming, I would have dressed up and escorted him out.


    ''I''m sorry, but he needs his rest. He''s hard at work for the Holy Argo Kingdom, the southern frontier and the Empire.


    He certainly needs a rest.


    Crono is too reckless for his weakness.


    Again, he almost died.


    It''s not hard to understand how Crono feels.


    However, Rio thinks that he should value his life a little more.


    ''Hey, what are you two talking about?


    I was just catching up with a friend, Viscount Hamar.


    Why would he talk to me?��Rio replied to Viscount Hamal.


    Viscount Brad Hammar, Commander of the Fifth Order of the Kingsguard..............He is a young man with a soft face, contrary to his bloody name.


    His temperament is also gentle, and he is also someone who is difficult to imagine fighting.


    The Fifth Order of the Kingsguard is a battalion built primarily of cavalry.


    In wartime, they are expected to play an active role as heavy cavalry, but in peacetime, they make use of their mobility as light cavalry to guard the roads that connect the imperial capital, Arifilk, to the Free City States.


    Although Brad is not a skilled swordsman, he is the most skilled cavalryman in the Cepheus Empire.


    The term "one man and one horse" might be for him.


    ''''I wish you wouldn''t do that, Viscount. I just inherited the viceroyalty, and I haven''t been able to return to the territory because I''ve been prioritizing the work of the Kingsguard knights. In fact, I''ve left the management of the estate to my father, so he''s a viscount in name only.


    Brad said with a sigh.


    ''I''d rather spend my time on the estate taking care of my horses, though.


    Brad''s character is evident in the fact that he doesn''t say he wants to work as a lord, or that he wants to work as a lord.


    He loves horses.


    Many people of the Viscount Hamal family are fascinated by horses, and the Hamal Viscount''s estate is famous for its good horses.


    ''''It''s a good thing your father is alive and well.


    Oh, yeah?


    Brad replied with a subtle look on his face.


    The expression on his face was because he knew that Rio and his parents had a bad relationship.


    ''''Uh, um, do you mean your two friends, the Marquis of Erakis?''''


    You''re also my girlfriend.


    When Rio replied immediately, Brad swept his eyes in a grand manner.


    Apparently, he''s not as tactful as Leonhardt.


    That''s odd, Rio thinks. The fact that Rio is dating Crono and Leonhardt is close to Crono is a well-known story, so there is no way Brad wouldn''t know about it.


    ''''Well, it''s not something I''m too concerned about, but...lately, yeah, it''s really recent, but the number of merchants passing through our territory has been decreasing.


    You know what?��As if to say, Brad looked at Rio and Leonhardt with downcast eyes.


    Ah, I see, Rio finally understood why Brad was talking to him.


    Viscount Hamal''s territory was located to the east of Crono''s territory.


    Brad thought that because of Crono, the number of merchants passing through his territory had decreased, so he came to inquire.


    Although he didn''t tell us the specific number of people, since he went to the trouble of coming to inquire, the number must have decreased considerably.


    I remember hearing that you are building a port.


    I know that.


    I can see Brad''s point.


    He doesn''t think that the number of merchants passing through the territory will decrease visibly just because a port is built.


    ''''...I think he said something else...''''


    Do you remember?


    As I recall, he said something about starting a business or investing in a union or something like that.


    I think he said something about being this world''s first turnip-geisha, or gunning for public works, or creating a school for the people of the territory to attend, or something else.


    ''''Since you''re Crono-dono, wouldn''t you have made the port available to everyone?


    I''m sure the merchants will jump at the chance.


    If anyone could use the port, a merchant who was intelligent in his interests wouldn''t bother paying a toll tax to pass through Viscount Hamal''s territory.


    Looking at his face, Brad''s face was visibly pale.


    Anyone, or rather, any nobleman who was seriously thinking about the territory, would be like this if they were told that the tax revenue of the territory was going to drop drastically from now on.


    ''''Even if a decline in tax revenue is inevitable, we can still take the next best step.


    What do I do?


    It''s easy. We''ll just eliminate the toll tax.


    When Rio said that, Leonhard nodded as if to say that he was right, and Brad retreated as if he was dizzy.


    ''''But what''s the point if they tax us when we leave the Marquis of Erakis'' territory?


    ''Lord Crono is a disciplined man, you see. If we promise not to tax the cargoes that pass through each other''s fiefdoms, he will keep it as long as he can.


    It''s difficult to align with all the nobles who govern the fiefdoms between the Free City States and Viscount Hammar''s territory.


    Even if they knew in theory that not charging or reducing tolls would lead to protecting their interests in a roundabout way, if one of them betrayed us, that was the end of it.


    Compared to that, it is more realistic to make a promise to one Crono to open up a new trade route.


    I''ll give it some thought.


    ''If it''s a gift, it''s a horse,'' Brad muttered, heading towards the balcony.


    ''''Hmm, if it''s a horse of Lord Brad''s choice, Lord Crono will be happy with it.


    I don''t think someone who doesn''t like to ride would be bothered by a gift of a horse, though.


    Leonhardt''s eyes widened in surprise as he stared at Rio.


    ''''.........Lord Crono....


    Crono is not good at riding.


    Brad is the best connoisseur of horses in the Empire, as well as the best horse handler.


    There is no doubt that he will give the best horse, but there is a chance that Crono will not understand the value of the horse.


    ''I''ll tell Lord Brad,''


    I don''t think we need to go that far, though.


    It''s my nature, you know?


    As soon as Leonhardt started walking towards the balcony, one of the girls saw him tackle her furiously.


    ''''Leonhard-sama...''''


    Hmm, Lady Aina.


    Leonhardt took the girl ... Aina and stroked her head with an eagle.


    It''s not a surprise attack.


    Only the Silent Killing Myra in its heyday could surprise Leonhardt.


    In other words, Leonhardt did not avoid the girl knowing that she was approaching him.


    ''''Oh dear, Aina. You''re bothering Leonhardt-sama.


    A woman with a slow pace and a soft smile walked up to Leonhardt.


    ''''Baroness Nam Korne. It''s been a while.''''


    Yeah, it''s been a while.


    Baroness Nam Korne, Commander of the Tenth Order of the Kingsguard, tilts her head lightly and her smile deepens.


    Her long blonde hair, which reaches her waist, is gently waved, and her horizontal hair bounces inward, framing a thin outline.


    His eyes are blue, almost black.


    His limbs, wrapped in an off-color priestly uniform, are fleshy, and his face is rather young and droopy-eyed.


    Her age should be in her late thirties, but for all intents and purposes, she looks like she''s only in her twenties.


    It is rumored that she retains her youthfulness because she was stripped of her ''ageing'' due to being in too deep a communion with the gods, but the truth is not certain.


    Baroness Nam Korunu is the priestess of the Goddess of Blue and Life, and is the guardian of Emperor Kai''s direct domain to the west of the Imperial City of Alfiruk.


    Emperor Kai''s Territory is a land where the belief in the Goddess of Blue and Life is flourishing, which is probably the reason why she was chosen for her appointment.


    The Empire doesn''t allow temples to interfere in politics, but it doesn''t prohibit them from being used for politics as well.


    Aina is fifteen years old, with a physique so skinny that I doubt she is really Nam''s daughter.


    Her blonde hair is cropped around her shoulders and her eyes, the same color as her mother''s, have an innocent light in them.


    She''s not a kinsman knight, but she has a crush on Leonhardt and frequently shows up at banquets.


    Well, I guess her mother (Nam) has an intention to have Aina marry Leonhardt.


    ''''Leonhard-sama... I want to go visit Leonhard-sama''s mansion next time...''''


    That''s a very flattering offer, but after the feast is over I have to return to my post.


    Ehhh, Aina''s lips twitched in frustration.


    Incidentally, Leonhardt''s place of appointment is Justia Castle and its surroundings, which is about half a day''s ride away from the imperial capital by carriage.


    ''Aina, you mustn''t be reckless.


    So when would you be available to meet?


    She seems to be chiding her daughter, and in fact, Nam is on her daughter''s side.


    It''s a small play, knowing that Leonhardt can''t treat women in an evil way.


    ''It''s about time,'' says Rio, stepping out.


    ''I think you had something important to say to Lord Brad, didn''t you?


    Are you sure, Master Leonhardt?


    Aina looked like she was about to start crying when Rio said it.


    ''If you have something important to talk about, it can''t be helped.


    But it seems that Nam has chosen to retreat gracefully.


    ''''I''ll make this up to you eventually.


    You could have just walked away without saying a word, Rio said bitterly, looking away from Leonhardt with a bitter smile.


    Once Leonhardt and I parted ways, I was finally alone in earnest.


    I used to enjoy wearing dresses and behaving strangely, but...


    ''Well, I suppose that''s a luxury affair too.


    Once you get to know the warmth of people, it''s a lot harder to be alone.


    Rio watches the party while tipping his wine by the wall.


    ''''..............................Little boy.


    What can I do for you?


    The second-in-command announces in a whispered tone of voice, wondering how long he''s been here, or if he''s been near Rio since the beginning.


    ''There is someone named Philip of the Eighth Kinsman Guard here to greet you, sir.


    Of course you said no, didn''t you?


    Of course I do.


    Rio leans his back against the wall and turns his gaze to the center of the hall.........Count Lucas Lesato, the leader of the Eighth Order of the Kingsguard.


    There is a huge hunk of meat there.


    It would look great if this were muscle, but it is a mass of flabby flesh.


    It smells when you''re near it, and it makes a weird pupi~ sound if you talk to it.


    His hair is thin and always wet and shiny.


    He has just turned fifty and counting, but he feels as if his health is failing and he is going to die in the near future.


    Not only does he look like a man, but he is also irredeemable inside.


    Count Lucas Lesato openly accepts bribes.


    That''s why the Eighth Kinsman Knights led by Count Lucas Lesato has a reputation for being weak and undisciplined.


    The reason why such a person is the head of the knights is because of the bribes and the contacts he has developed through them.


    It''s strange to say that he hasn''t had any scandals in his long tenure as the guardian of the mining city of Kinza, southwest of the imperial capital of Alfirk.


    ''''Oh, Lord Rio,''''


    Count Ernat, it''s been a long time.


    The one who approached with a glass of wine in hand was Count Ernat, a large man who is also known as the Minotaur.


    Count Ernat is still the guardian of the territory directly under the Emperor Nauji after signing a peace treaty with the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    "Fofo Fofo, don''t you have a greeting for me?


    Hello, old man. You''re still alive, aren''t you?


    Laughing ruefully, Count Ralph Libra, the old man, handled his white beard.


    He had a skinny dwarf physique and a balding head with long eyebrows and a long beard, as if trying to make up for it.


    Count Ralph Libra was a military commander in the imperial army during the civil war, and is now the head of the Seventh Order of the Kingsguard.


    Although his reputation as a military strategist is not good, he is not incompetent, as he did not let the imperial army at that time fall apart.


    He is now in charge of the security around the imperial capital, Alfirk.


    It''s a delicate position that although he has the ability, he can''t afford to treat a person of low reputation in the world so generously, nor can he casually despise them.


    ''''I''m sorry for the trouble I''ve caused you, Rio-dono.


    It''s just I''m a dedicated guy. No need to thank me.


    I think it would have been enough for Leonhardt and Count Ernat alone, but Rio also cooperated with that.


    ''''I''ve heard there''s been a lot of noise in the palace since His Majesty''s death,''''


    ''Oh, old man''s ears don''t get any farther with age, do they?


    I wonder if that rooting around was grandfather''s way of putting things in place.


    It wasn''t much of a force, but Count Ernat and Grandfather, who was hurting from the civil war, probably wanted to pick up the uncertainty.


    No, they said something about the palace being noisy or something they hadn''t heard, so Rio''s eyes narrowed as he tried to get one problem out of the way before the mess started in earnest.


    ''I would have liked to live on the road, but that''s not going to happen if the Empire is in turmoil.


    Oh, you think your grandfather can regulate his own mortality?


    I''ll be a piece of cake in my time.


    Ralph bared his teeth and laughed when Rio made a light comment.


    ''And yet, Miss Eryl hasn''t come?��I don''t see the third Argena, the fourth Roy, or the sixth Neige coming either?


    ''Eril is at Crono''s. I don''t know about Arjena and Roy, but I think Neige is feeling down.


    You don''t have to be there because they''re troublesome guys, Rio added in his mind, and the sound of a wine glass shattering echoed the moment Rio added in his mind.


    ''''........Are you trying to pick a fight with me?''''


    Now, it looked to me like you were trying to pick a fight, didn''t it?


    When Roy, the young man with the red hair upside down.......the leader of the 4th Kingsguard Order, said, the young man with glasses......the leader of the 3rd Kingsguard Order, Argena, smiled a smile that could be considered gentle.


    Both of them are tall, muscular and yet slender.


    It''s the leader of the 4th Kingsguard, Roy, who has a similar physique, but has a bad edge.


    Roy is good at fighting with a spear.


    Of course, he is strong even with his bare hands, but with his bare hands, Argena is stronger than him.


    It''s a good thing that Rio is a pain in the ass because when they meet, they both fight, but they quickly make up and drink together, and when they get along, they start beating each other up again.


    ''You two are having a party today to deepen your friendship, though.


    Leonhardt, perhaps finishing his advice to Brad, interrupts them.


    In a one-on-one, Leonhardt would be the one to go, and in a two-on-one, Roy and Algena would have the upper hand.


    ''''You''re really a goody-two-shoes since you''re even interrupting the joke.


    This is the way of Mr. Leonhardt, and I have no desire to imitate him. But if another good fellow joins us, we can make it.


    Count Ernat, who had been ridiculed as another softie, grabbed Roy and Arjena by the collar and lifted them lightly.


    ''I know how you feel. When I was a young man, I too was a lively man. But a general does not swing his fist lightly.


    When Count Ernath smiles, the quintessential Roy and Arjena also become meek, as if they have been drained of their venom.


    Leonhard silently salutes Count Ernat.


    It sounds like a well-done play, I think.


    I guess this makes the Commander of the Kingsguard look like a full complement.


    ''Except for Viscount Eryl Sardomelik and Count Neige Hyades. No Count Piske in sight. I doubt we''ll ever see each other again.


    ''Eryll will be hard to do,''


    Originally, Eril was from a commoner''s background.


    Even though he was a governor, the Viscount Saldomelik family was a family of court scholars and didn''t have much wealth.


    In the first place, it was reckless to have led the Eleventh Order of the Kingsguard when he had never even been enrolled in a military school.


    It was Ramal V who had let that recklessness pass, and now that Ramal V has collapsed, it''s only a matter of time before he''s dismissed as the head of the Knight''s Order.


    You''re not going to be able to get a good idea of what you''re looking for. If that''s true, that''s quite a story.


    A little research will reveal Eril''s background, and it''s also brutal.


    Eril was welcomed as an adopted daughter.


    But if she was welcomed as an adopted daughter and took over the family, she should be able to take in the family.


    Why wouldn''t she do that?


    The answer is simple.


    Eril was sold to the family.


    As a test animal for testing new magic.


    ''I was a little curious. Adding artificial attributes to a sorcery-controlled virtual persona is a terrible idea. What''s even more inescapable is that the person who went that far is jealous of the talents of the experimental animal, so he or she cut off the life of the animal, so I can''t see what''s going on.


    Maybe it was just a lab animal, or maybe it wasn''t, so he couldn''t go back to his family, but anyway, Eril had nowhere to go.


    ''''Well you talk about people''s misfortune so happily, Lord.''''


    No, no, no, no. I have a certain amount of sympathy.


    Ramal V must have been trying to protect Eril.


    When you''re the Emperor''s favorite, you won''t be subjected to unnecessary scrutiny.


    But.


    ''What''s really going on?��Maybe Her Majesty wanted it to happen. Or maybe he didn''t know it was so and admitted it.


    My imagination wouldn''t be far off, Rio thinks.


    Everything has been taken away from him, and he will lose even the position of Commander of the Eleventh Kingsguard that he gained in exchange for it in the near future.


    All that''s left is a tattered sack and a position of nobility.


    ''''........A life of being taken advantage of? It''s nauseating.


    I don''t think that''s a given.


    If it''s still there, they''ll use it to their advantage.


    Rio tilts his wine glass, though if he stays with Crono, he''ll be able to avoid only the worst, he says.


    But it''s beyond that that Rio is interested in.


    Whether he''ll accept the good fortune that has fallen, deny it and destroy it, or try to be happy of his own accord, he''s curious.


    ''But, well, may I pray for you?��Please give that girl the blessing of the Six Pillar God.


    Rio lightly raised his wine glass and placed it on the table, now empty.


    A silence descended as if on cue.


    The playing stopped.


    After a slight ... obviously deliberate silence, what is played is a heroic tune.


    A strong, strong sound, strong enough to inspire morale.


    In the midst of it all, the incoming Emperor Alfort walks with his heart pounding.


    His mother, Fana, Count Piske, followed by the imperial chief of the army, the treasurer, the shogun, and the chief of the palace.


    But there was no sign of Vizier Alcor.


    That''s a bad move that''s close to the worst, Rio said, struggling to hold back a laugh.


    For Alfort, he may feel to the extent that he was left out of the group, but it''s like he''s brawling with Vizier Alcor that he can''t come to terms with Vizier Alcor.


    The knights of the Kingsguard will naturally try to get the other nobles to join Alfort.


    After that, there will be a power struggle.


    Ramal V might really have been a great monarch.


    Ramal V had suppressed the factional warfare by delegating full power to the Vizier of Arcol.


    If the administrative structure became subject to outside influences, it would be difficult to maintain its current functioning.


    Alfort smiled a drawn-out smile as he stood in front of the Konoe Guards as he dragged his luxurious cloak behind him.


    ''''..........Yo, Yo, I''m glad to have met a kinsman knight who is loyal to me.


    I haven''t sworn an oath, though, Rio pouted in his mind.


    Rio''s loyalty is only to the Empire.


    He has no intention of swearing allegiance to Princess Tilia or Alfort.


    The other day, I founded the 13th Kingsguard. I appointed you to head it, the Marquis of Erakis, who is recovering in his estate.


    There''s a murmur.


    Crono is a new nobleman.


    Although his rank is high, he is a lowly nobleman.


    It''s hard to decide whether to take it as Alfort''s heavy use of those with ability regardless of their rank or as a dark lord who decides on his own.


    ''''Pi, Count Piske?''''


    "Ha! My sword and my armor are for your highness!


    Don''t dump it on me!��I''m sure you can hear such a voice in your mind," exclaimed Count Piske with a sense of desperation.


    Count Piske is very good at finding weaknesses.


    In other words, it means that he can accurately gauge our abilities.


    If you give Alfort the benefit of the doubt, you''ll get some good soup in your own right, but you''re sure to get yourself into an awkward situation.


    Count Piske doesn''t think he can handle that awkward situation by himself.


    But that doesn''t mean he can''t leave Alfort.


    It''s because I don''t know what they will do to me if they judge that I''ve been betrayed.


    Yes, I want to make the Empire a great country. All of you, can you help me?


    True flat-headedness!a Rio poked one knee in the air while thinking, "I''m sorry.


    It''s fine to be ruined for Crono, but I don''t want to get caught up in a child''s tantrum and die with my men.


    Crono sounds dumber, but he''s more convincing, Rio bites down on a laugh.


    I''ll build a port to increase our income, I''ll use it to build a school, I''ll gum up the public works, I''ll improve the status of subhumans.


    Your Highness, Your Highness, and Alfort was surrounded by kinsmen knights.


    I wondered if he was happy to be pampered by such people, but Alfort seemed happy.


    ''''I wonder if he''s happy to be pampered by those guys?''''


    I wish you wouldn''t ask me that question.


    When asked by Fana, Rio cowered lightly.


    It''s kind of a messy one, isn''t it?


    It''s not that they look messy, it''s just that they''re messy.


    Fana didn''t seem to like the current situation and spat it out.


    ''She''s on a roll, and no one''s going to chide her.


    Isn''t that what mothers do?


    I''m chiding you.


    Fana said, a little unhappily.


    ''What do you think?''


    I think you should have been on good terms with Vizier Alkor.


    Yeah.


    Alfort has made the worst bad move of all, but Vizier Alcor has a hand left to play.


    He will bring Princess Tilia back to life.


    Although he will almost certainly be punished, the ideal scenario for Viceroy Alcor is to use his political power to survive, to retain his influence and to step down.


    If there''s any room for error, we should try.


    ''Of course I''m trying to do that. So is Count Piske.


    Apparently, Count Piske is thinking of repairing the relationship between Alfort and Vizier Alcor.


    It will be impossible, but Rio immediately decides that it will be impossible.


    Even though he has played out so many blunders in the parent conquest, Alfort doesn''t seem to be afraid of failure.


    Perhaps, to Alfort, the dead soldiers are just a number.


    That''s why he doesn''t feel that he has sent more than 5,000 generals to their deaths.


    As long as he doesn''t have any real feeling, he doesn''t feel sorry for his failure.


    ''''The Marquis of Erakis.......I''m sure he''ll resent what was done to him by his lord.


    ....


    Maybe Fana doesn''t understand it either.


    Crono hates those who have used up the lives of his men for such a thing, a war with a prepared ending.


    No, Rio denies it in his mind.


    Maybe Crono sees his former self in Vizier Alcor and Alfort.


    That''s why Crono''s hatred is so caustic.


    ''I feel like I''m inexplicably missing you,''


    ....


    Now it was Fana''s turn to shut up.


    The party was not yet over.

 50-Episode 4 "If you stop by three people..."

    Carrying a tattered sack on my back, I headed to the room of Princess Tilia.


    The brown half-elf, not Princess Tyria, would have been the one who served as last night''s night owl.


    The half-elf called Leila is the oldest mistress, and it seems that Princess Tilia is aware of her for some reason.


    But Count Chiron says that Princess Tyria feels that the half-elf has cuckolded the Marquis of Erakis.


    So, if we say that Princess Tilia is only aware of the half-elf Leila, I can assure you that this is not the case.


    First of all, she is clearly hostile to Count Chiron.


    Recently, he is also wary of Fay Murifine.


    She often competes with Sue on the same level.


    She is unhappy about the Marquis of Erakis having an affair with his slave, Elena, but does not complain too much outwardly.


    Whatever the selection criteria are, the landlady, the cook of the Marquis'' mansion, and the twin elves seem to be out of the realm of consciousness.


    The landlady, who is the cook, has breasts no less than Princess Tilia''s, and the twin elves.......I don''t know what it is, but they seem to be stupid, and because of their stupidity, they seem to be close to the Marquis of Erakis.


    ''''Well I''m not sure what the criteria are.''''


    Like animals living in a herd, a hierarchy exists, and Princess Tyria may be hostile to an opponent of higher rank than her.


    ''The twin elves are convinced, the landlady needs to be tried.


    Those breasts are inferior to those of Princess Tyria''s, they need to be examined and if I was wrong, I need to change my perception.


    Eril stopped in front of the open door and gently peered into the room.


    A cone-shaped tent was pitched in the center of the room.


    ''''What da?''''


    I''m not here for you.


    When Elil replied, Su swung his spear to check his condition.


    ''''Ole, herb, take it.''''


    All right. I''ll tell the Marquis of Erakis I''ll be back by noon.


    Eril guessed it was around noon as Sue pointed straight up.


    She has divided into the Coma Forest and sells the medicinal herbs she collects for cash income.


    Why wouldn''t the Marquis of Erakis touch Sue?��Eril looked at Sue.


    He had the body of a boy, but when he looked into her eyes, he noticed a slight undulation.


    And he''s not wearing pants.


    What was the standard for the Marquis of Erakis to mess with?��Eryl tilts his head inwardly.


    ''I''m going to go. Good?


    I don''t mind.


    Sue carried a hand-made spear and went out the window.


    Elil went through the corridor, up the stairs, and sat down on the chair placed in front of Princess Tilia''s room..........


    The chair was something that the Marquis of Erakis had ordered his servants to prepare for him.


    Most of Marquis Erakis'' servants are ex-soldiers, most of whom were unable to continue as soldiers due to the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom that occurred last May.


    These women seem to feel indebted to the Marquis of Erakis in their own way, and they take their jobs quite seriously.


    Elil pulls out a paper, a board, a quill and ink from a tattered bag and prepares a report.


    Making a report is a laborious task.


    Princess Tyria is always playing around, so the content of what she writes makes her struggle.


    On sunny days, he''s touring the stalls in the name of practicing swordsmanship and inspecting, and on rainy days, he''s holed up in the Marquis'' mansion, reading a lot.


    Wardenship of Princess Tyria is a quiet job that he deserves, Eril concludes as he writes his report.


    He''s taught himself military knowledge, but he''s not sure if it will translate to actual warfare.


    He has no expertise in organizational management, is unqualified as a general to lead an army, and even as a soldier, he has the disadvantage of being too specialized in magic to operate.


    I think that developing magic formulas and manufacturing magic items would yield results, but as a nobleman in name only, it''s difficult for Eril to even transfer to his desired workplace.


    If you follow Vizier Alcor''s orders, you will get your chance someday, Eril thought, resting his hand.


    No, he should obey Vizier Alcor''s orders and sell his favor so that he can receive assistance from Marquis Erakis.


    ''''We should take all the steps we can.


    You can''t go wrong in thinking about how to behave, maybe.


    *


    After being released from her imprisonment, Princess Tilia was in a depressed mood until she came to the Marquess of Erakis.


    After arriving at the Marquess of Erakis, she had been emotionally unstable, and the day after she served as a night owl, she was red-faced and writhing in agony.


    Princess Tilia''s steps are light as she heads to the dining hall.


    So light that she couldn''t remember what she looked like when she was feeling depressed.


    Eril entered the dining room in silence and waited to be served.


    Occasionally, she cooks some outlandish dishes, but for all that, the landlady''s food is delicious.


    The landlady serves first Princess Tyria and then Eril.


    Today''s menu is soup, bread, and whitefish meuniere.


    Fish and shellfish have been added to the menu since Count Caddo''s domain was added to the territory.


    ''''Is there anything in there that you don''t like?''''


    ...the landlady''s cooking is excellent.


    ''You''ve got something to say to me. On the other hand,


    The landlady turned her attention to Princess Tilia and let out a conspicuous sigh.


    ''''Mm, the landlady''s cooking is so wild and fresh.


    Of course. Thank you.


    The landlady bent her lips in a sullen manner.


    ''Landlady, I need you to bend over a bit.


    ?


    The landlady bends her knees, tilting her head curiously.


    Elil silently buries his face in the landlady''s chest and closes his eyes.


    ''''W-what''s going on?''''


    ...to make sure.


    Burying her face, Eryl lifts the landlady''s chest.


    They''re as heavy as bread dough.


    It''s probably because it''s hot in the cooking area.


    Her skin is slightly damp and smells a bit of sweat.


    ''''I ... understand.''''


    I don''t know what I''m getting at, but I''m in trouble when someone suddenly grabs me.


    Eril walked away from the landlady.


    It''s okay. I won''t do it again.


    Is the Lord Commander at an age where he misses his mother?


    The landlady patted Eril''s head roughly and returned to the kitchen.


    Eril brought the meal to his mouth while stealing a glance at Princess Tilia.


    Princess Tilia described it as wild, but the landlady''s food was somehow nostalgic.


    When Elil finished her meal, Princess Tilia stood up from her seat.


    ''....Princess Tilia.


    What. I''m busy.


    I need you to bend over a little.


    Princess Tyria turned her gaze on Eryl as if she were looking at something she didn''t understand.


    ''Are you trying to cling to my breasts?''


    This is very important.


    ''Mu,'' moaned Princess Tilia.


    ''But I refuse!


    That''s a shame.


    Eryll follows the wild-footed Princess Tyria, wondering if she should have cited the Marquis of Erakis.


    It''s a pity that he didn''t touch Princess Tilia''s breasts, but I''ve been informed that the Marquis of Erakis is interested in women''s breasts.


    I wonder if the Lady Knight Commander is old enough to miss her mother, the landlady said.


    The answer is obvious.


    ''.........Princess Tilia.


    What?


    ''Princess Tyria''s breasts are not motherly enough.''


    Princess Tilia stopped and turned around in a motion reminiscent of a giggling and creaking of hinges.


    ''''Hey, what do you say ... wow, I''m a size bigger than you. Yeah, and I''m younger.


    ''I agree that Princess Tilia is younger than the landlady, but I judge the size to be the same. If the breasts degrade and lose their value with age, I don''t see why the Marquis of Erakis would have the landlady as his mistress and still have her serve as his nightdress.


    Princess Tilia''s mouth snapped up like a fish washed up on a hill.


    ''I judge that the Marquis of Erakis takes the landlady as his mistress because she has a value that will not be compromised by age. Namely, motherhood.


    Your landlady doesn''t have any kids, do she?


    ''It doesn''t matter. Princess Tyria should change her mind.


    Princess Tilia''s eyes widened in astonishment.


    ''What do you mean?''


    "Princess Tyria''s breasts have no value other than being large.


    Gun!��''Oh,'' said Princess Tilia, looking up as if she had been struck with a blunt instrument.


    ''Bigger breasts are not always better, as the Marquis of Erakis'' actions show.


    Princess Tilia looked devastated, and headed upstairs with an awkward step.


    ''''........''''


    Eril watched as Princess Tyria disappeared from view and returned the way he came from.


    When she entered the dining room, the landlady was clearing away the dishes.


    ''''Are you hungry already?��You''ll have to wait a minute. I''ll make you something appropriate when I''ve put the dishes away.


    I''m not feeling hungry. We need to talk.


    Eril sat down in a chair and waited for the landlady.


    Sorry to keep you waiting.


    I don''t mind.


    The landlady moved her chair around and sat down next to Eryl.


    ''''I have a question about the Marquis of Erakis.


    But if I could answer some questions, I would.


    ''Why hasn''t the Marquis of Erakis laid a hand on Sue?


    The landlady rolls her eyes as if she was caught off guard.


    I don''t understand.


    ''Then I will change my question. The Marquis of Erakis has not even touched Snow. Why is that?


    That''s because he doesn''t know what a woman looks like.


    Eril tilted his head.


    Neither Sue nor Snow had a feminine physique, but they should be able to accept the Marquis of Erakis.


    In other words, would the Marquis of Erakis have some criteria, and if they met those conditions, they would recognize them as women?


    But Count Rio Chiron is a man.


    That means that as long as he meets the conditions, he could be considered a man and a woman.


    ''''Well that''s very helpful. I thank you.


    ''Does little Miss Eryl like Master Crono?''


    The landlady asks, and Eryll thinks about what she thinks of the Marquis of Erakis.


    The answer came immediately.


    ''I don''t give a d*mn. I wish I could use the Marquis of Erakis as I think about the future. I''m gathering information for that purpose.''''


    What a piece of cake that is.


    Of course, life is hard.


    Eril left his seat and left the dining room.


    He figured it would be easier to sell his favor if he knew what the Marquis of Erakis liked, but it didn''t seem to be that easy.


    But there was a harvest.


    It seems that the Marquis of Erakis has no intention of messing with Sue or Snow, although he also messes with men.


    Perhaps Eryll isn''t part of Marquis Erakis'' preferences either.


    It should be unlikely that he would be attacked as soon as he approached.


    Eril walked up the stairs to the Marquis Erakis'' office, which was located on the top floor of the Marquis'' mansion.


    Upon entering his office, the Marquis of Erakis was staring at his papers.


    Looking around his office, he saw that it was decorated with plates, vases and other furniture.


    Other items such as large and small wooden boxes, clothes and shoes were piled up against the wall.


    ''What can I do for you?''


    ''Sue has a message for you. She''s going out to the Gloomwood to pick up some herbs, but she''ll be back by noon.


    Thank you.


    As Eril delivered the message, the Marquis of Erakis began to stare at the papers again.


    ''''I thought the Marquis of Erakis wasn''t interested in the furnishings.


    ''Hmmm... it''s like... when the port is completed, I''ll look at the work of my subordinates who want to be artisans, and if I like it, I''ll make a promise to fund it.


    It seems that the result of trying to keep a promise to the law is the current office.


    ''''Marquis Erakis hasn''t touched Sue or Snow. Why?''''


    Eril picked up a nearby jar and asked for it.


    Slowly, the Marquis of Erakis looked up.


    ''I''m not sure Snow had any romantic feelings for me before I started messing with her.


    ....


    Eril recalls Snow''s behavior.


    It is true that Snow seems to have a fondness for the Marquis of Erakis, but she does not seem to have any romantic feelings for him.


    ''I heard that Sue is the wife of Marquis Erakis.


    ''She''s your wife, but I get the feeling that Sue doesn''t understand what a wife is. And ignoring either of them seems to have a bad aftertaste.


    The Marquis of Erakis poked his cheekbones.


    ''''I ... understand.''''


    It seems that the condition for making a move is that the other party has romantic feelings for the Marquis of Erakis, and that the other party understands the situation he or she is in.


    At one point, he seems to be thinking about the other party as well, but he doesn''t want to have a bad aftertaste.


    ''''........I do not have romantic feelings for the Marquis of Erakis. If I get my hands on him, I''ll have a very bad aftertaste.


    Well, you don''t have to tell me that.


    The Marquis of Erakis smiled bitterly as he nailed it down just in case.


    Elil put the jar back in place.


    "I can make magic items. Can I get help if it''s deemed profitable?


    I''m trying to help you, though.


    The Marquis of Erakis gives a meaningful glance.


    ''....Marquis Erakis is concerned about being manipulated, I judge.


    ''''Would you want me to return to the imperial capital after I''ve given you as much help as I can?


    If you take it at its word, the Marquis of Erakis does not seem to perceive the Empire as a virtual enemy.


    ''''As I think about the future, I want to establish a cooperative relationship with the Marquis of Erakis. This is not a falsehood.


    I want to believe it.


    The Marquis of Erakis is still poking his cheekbones.


    ''What is the Marquis of Erakis wary of,'' thought Eril.


    ''''I have been ordered by Vizier Alcor to keep an eye on Princess Tyria and report back to her on a regular basis.


    I know.


    Of course not, I suppose.


    No other orders were given.


    ''What does Prime Minister Alkor have in mind?''


    The Marquis of Erakis said as he let out a sigh.


    ''I do not know. But I can guess.''


    Some of the moves that Prime Minister Alcor played after the end of the civil war were meaningful, some were meaningless, and some are still to be determined.


    ''Princess Tyria could be considered a preparation for the next Emperor Alfort in the event of an outburst.


    You stole the First Throne from Tyria yourself?


    ''If it''s worth it, we''ll use it. That''s all I''m saying.


    The Marquis of Erakis leaned back and folded his hands on his stomach.


    ''....Pieces on the board. That''s no fun.''''


    Use what''s available. That''s called politics.


    If we''re talking about preparing for the next Emperor Alfort to go out of control, then Prime Minister Alcor needs to be on friendly terms with the Marquis of Erakis.


    At the very least, he would not visibly do anything that would harm the interests of the Marquis of Erakis.


    Why would Eryl want to be friends with me?


    "You are a fool to limit your options.


    ''I see, I see,'' muttered the Marquis of Erakis quietly.


    ''All right. I believe you.''''


    Thank you.


    Saying that, Eryll doesn''t take the Marquis of Erakis''s words to heart.


    The Marquis of Erakis shouldn''t trust Eril either.


    ''''A test ... well, a test. As a condition of my assistance, I need you to make a magic item for communication. Oh, and Eryll''s got to come up with the cost of the materials.


    I understand. I don''t expect you to believe me with just words from the start.


    Be patient. I don''t set a date.


    With a small nod, Eryl left the office.


    *


    ...Activate virtual personality and deploy the catalog of magic.


    In response to Eril''s mutterings, a virtual personality is activated and a catalogue of jutsu formulas is deployed.


    ''''Surgical Selection........Surgical Editing.''''


    When you select a magic formula, the magic formula used to manufacture magic items for communication fills your vision.


    If you memorize a magic formula using drugs, you cannot edit it, but you can if you have a virtual personality.


    ''Edit magic formula, end of magic formula inventory deployment...............shift to a virtual personality dormant state''


    Finish editing the magic formula and move the virtual personality into a dormant state.


    ''''The ... problem is...''''


    Eril stared at the coins on his desk.


    Thanks to the Marquis Erakis mansion, I''m able to save on food and housing costs, but there''s not much money left on hand.


    I glance at the bookcase.


    When I was addressed to the room, there wasn''t a single book, but now there are fewer gaps.


    ''Knowledge is necessary, not a waste,''


    The Marquis of Erakis said he would not set a date, but Eril is not a child enough to take that into account.


    Elil fits the coins into a small bag.


    ''''........I should have a right to it.


    When I walked out with a tattered sack on my back, I saw Princess Tilia wielding a wooden sword in the yard of the Marquis'' residence.


    She has a devilish look on her face.


    No one called out to her, as if her life was in danger.


    ''''Princess Tilia.''''


    What!


    Bun!��And brandishing her wooden sword, Princess Tyria glared at Eril.


    ''I''m busy!


    I''ve come for my share.


    Share?


    Princess Tilia leaps her shoulder eyebrows up in a grim manner.


    ''''I helped her defeat the Banded Wolf.


    "No!


    I''m a bit miffed, but I know by heart that this is the kind of woman Princess Tilia is.


    ''Of course, I wouldn''t say for free. I have the knowledge.


    Really? What do you know?


    ''Knowledge of Courtly Love. Love is all about tactics.


    Uh-huh. So?


    Princess Tilia nodded with interest, as if she had an idea.


    ''''Don''t give everything in the beginning. Men get carried away when you give them everything.''''


    Well, when I''ve given you everything, what do I do?


    Princess Tilia awkwardly averted her gaze.


    ''You just have to make them realize that not everything is as it seems. Pretending to be sullen or cold-hearted is considered effective.


    Okay.


    Princess Tilia nodded repeatedly and smiled sloppily.


    ''''..........share.


    Let''s see.


    With that, Princess Tyria turned her back on Elil and walked away.


    She must be planning to go to the Marquis of Erakis.


    Since she had no choice, Eryll peeked into the dwarven workshop to see if there was anything that could be used as material for magic items.


    His impression of the workshop is miscellaneous.


    Although it is funded by the Marquis of Erakis, it doesn''t seem to deal in any kind of glass or jewelry.


    ''''What can I do for you?''''


    "I''m looking for materials for my magic item. Glass or jewelry would be ideal.


    The dwarf who spoke to me Goldie crossed her thick arms and snorted.


    ''I''m afraid we don''t deal in glass or jewelry at the moment.


    I understand.


    Merchants try to surround themselves with skilled craftsmen.


    This is not only for profit, but also for the aspect of monopolizing skills and knowledge.


    ''....go to the commercial district.


    I think I get it.


    Feeling like he was missing something, Eril headed for the commercial district.


    Since the opening of the Port of Silva, the city of Hashel has become more vibrant with each passing day.


    Among them, the area lined with stalls is full of chaotic activity.


    ''I''ve sent word to the Marquis of Erakis.


    "Minutes.


    Eril sat down on a nearby wooden box so as not to disturb Sue.


    ''''What do you want?''''


    What are you two doing?


    When I looked up, I saw Snow standing in front of Sue''s shop.


    ''''Soko, retreat.''''


    I''m sorry.


    When Sue glared at her, Snow crouched down in front of the crate where Eril sat and chewed on the sausage in her hand.


    ''Half today ... not with Leila?''


    Mom''s busy. Ah!��Not only your mother, but Faye too. Well, you see, the wheat harvest is over and it''s time to pay the taxes, right?��But Captain Kane has been all over the place.


    I understand.


    Eril interrupted Snow''s words.


    The tax collectors toured the rural villages in early July to estimate the harvest, then toured the villages again in August to collect a set percentage of the crops, and finally the merchants bought the collected crops and cashed them in.


    The reason why Kane, the cavalry captain, still patrols his territory is because the collection of the crops is taking so long.


    If you think about it, Kane, the cavalry captain, was working as the acting lord until the Marquis of Erakis returned in August.


    It''s only natural that it would take longer than usual.


    Of course, the Marquis of Erakis would understand that, and he would also understand the need for an overseer like Kane to ensure that the tax collectors did not collect crops based on estimates.


    ''What is Eryl doing here?''


    I''m looking for glass and gems to make a magic item. If I make the magic item, I can get help from the Marquis of Erakis.


    Yeah,


    Snow finished his sausage.


    Isn''t glass and jewelry expensive?��I thought Ellil didn''t have any money because he wasted so much money?


    ''It''s not a waste of money. Knowledge is very important.


    Out of mind, I guess.


    ''I can lend you some money if you want?��Oh, don''t worry about paying it back. I''ll lend you the money with the intention of never coming back.


    Eril looked at Snow.


    ''Why?''


    Hmm, I think money is important. Where I live, lending and borrowing money can be a life-and-death struggle. But I don''t want to do that with my friends and I don''t want to complain about it, so I lend money as if I will never get it back.


    I''ll just take my feelings.


    I didn''t know what I was doing, but I felt like I shouldn''t be borrowing money here.


    ''Yeah?��Well, I''ll just give you an idea. Come on, come on, Sue, don''t look at me like you''re not involved, just come up with an idea.


    ....


    Sue reluctantly sat back down to face Eryl and Snow.


    ''''.........''''


    ....


    "...talk...


    When Sue pouted, Snow scratched her head in embarrassment.


    ''''Ehehe, how about helping out in the shop?''''


    It''s not efficient.


    If you''re making a little extra money, that''s probably a good idea, but it''s too inefficient to buy glass and jewelry.


    ''But I see no problem with the idea. We just need to find a store that''s efficient and makes money.


    ''The most efficient places to make money are... no!��That kind of store is a definite no-no!


    Snow exclaimed, turning blue in the face.


    I had a vague idea that such a shop would be a whorehouse or similar establishment.


    I''m going to hunt. I have a lot of prey.


    Sue looks at the people around her with predatory eyes.


    ''''That''s no good either.''''


    "Weak and evil.


    That kind of logic doesn''t work in Crono-sama''s territory. If you get caught doing that, you''ll get beaten up badly.


    Snow said, looking as if she was about to cry.


    ''I''ll follow Princess Tyria''s example and hunt animals in the Coma Forest.


    I know where it is.


    Are we gonna be okay?


    Snow is a worrier, Eryll thinks.


    Sue goes into the Coma Forest every day to gather herbs, and even Eryll and Snow can use magic.


    But it is also true that it cannot be dismissed as an unfounded fear.


    Aside from Suu, Eryll and Snow are amateurs in the forest.


    Snow is trained as a soldier, so he can manage it, but Eryll is not confident in his physical strength at all.


    Thinking about it calmly, it seems like a suicidal act that would pass for an adventure.


    ''''........I need to reconsider once and for all.''''


    The idea of making money by helping out isn''t a bad one, but it''s not efficient.


    Efficient work is unethical.


    In the first place, it''s questionable whether you can make money efficiently in such a store.


    ''We can run such stores ourselves. If it''s unspecified, then we can limit it.


    Is that the problem?


    Efficiency and ethics are in order.


    Liquor can be purchased cheaply through the landlady, and ingredients for cooking can be purchased cheaply from the stalls.


    The three of us will deal with the Marquis of Erakis.


    You know, I don''t want my mom to hate me.


    ''We just wear thin clothes and serve drinks and food. I mean, entertaining.


    It felt like something was wrong, but Eryl dismissed it as a trivial matter.


    ''I''ve been looking for you!


    The owner of the voice was Princess Tyria.


    Princess Tyria looked down at Eril with what she said was a furious look.


    ''''I did what you said, and you made me bare!��What''s the ''effective way to pretend to be grumpy or cold-hearted''!


    ....


    ....


    ....


    Eril, Snow and Su looked at each other.


    ''''As long as it''s a bargain, Marquis Erakis will also set up.


    If they interrupted him from doing serious work and gave him a sullen demeanor or a cold attitude, even if he wasn''t the Marquis of Erakis, he would be curt, and Eryl now understands the importance of timing.


    ''''What''s that move?''''


    I gave you knowledge, and I demand a price.


    Elil held out her hand, and Princess Tyria''s cheeks twitched as she held out her hand.


    It''s a legitimate right.


    Princess Tyria crossed her arms and turned away from Eril.


    ''Alright. So what are you going to buy?


    "Glass and jewels used to make magic items. You can help us by making a magic item for communication.


    Huh~, Princess Tilia let out a deep sigh and threw something at Eril.


    It was Su who grabbed it before it hit Elil.


    ''''A stone?''''


    Scrap jewelry from a dubious street vendor.


    The stone Sue is holding in her hand it''s colorless and transparent and as big as her thumbnail.


    ''''A stone of this size cannot communicate over long distances.


    I don''t mind the short range.


    Eril was aghast.


    She was told to make a magic item for communication, but no distance was specified.


    ''You''re too hard-headed to be a child, aren''t you?


    ....


    I was a little miffed, but Eryl didn''t say it back.


    *


    Crono places the magic item for communication the scrap gemstone given to him by Princess Tyria on the desk in his office and looks at Eril.


    ''You can hear me correctly. As promised, I will assist you.


    ...thank you.


    Eril was relieved to hear those words.


    ''You said it was pertinent to the future, but what kind of help does Eril want?''


    "I would like to work as a scholar. I will manufacture the magic items that the Marquis of Erakis desires.


    Suddenly, Eriel trailed off.


    Do I really want to work as a scholar?��The reason for this was because I had a question now.


    ''I just decided that working as a knight was not the way to go, so I wanted to move to a department that studies magic and makes magic items, not that I felt I wanted to work as a scholar.


    I''d like to explore a life outside of knightly pursuits. I will be contracted to manufacture magic items, and I will require money to match it.


    I don''t know what the market for magic items is right now.


    I know what the Marquis of Erakis means.


    Even the magic item for lighting costs ten gold coins.


    I suppose he is wondering how much is a fair price for his labor.


    "Three gold pieces per month.


    Is that even when you''re not working?


    Ellil nodded.


    Also, when I buy a book, I demand payment.


    I''ll have to top that up.


    Three gold pieces.


    The Marquis of Erakis poked his cheekbones and turned his gaze away from Eryl.


    We provide food and shelter, can''t that be a gold coin or something?


    I assumed that the Marquis of Erakis would bargain for it.


    That''s why I said three gold coins, but I didn''t expect him to bargain for two gold coins.


    However, it''s great to be paid for the book.


    I''m even willing to make a big concession if I can get him to accept this condition.


    ''Two gold coins.''


    Eril holds up his forefinger and middle finger.


    ''One gold coin and ten silver coins in between.


    ....


    Elil turned over and looked at the Marquis of Erakis.


    ''If you promise to provide food, clothing and shelter and pay for my books, I''ll take care of it for that amount.


    ''I feel like there''s a condition added to it?''


    ''Mmmm,'' the Marquis of Erakis groaned deliberately.


    ''Alright,''


    Thank you.


    What are you going to have them make, Eryll waits for Marquis Erakis'' instructions on the spot.


    ''''Well I need you to make me a magic item for communication.


    Those instructions are too vague.


    ''Right,'' said Crono with a bitter smile.


    ''Well, if I were to make a magic item for communication, would you tell me what kind of thing I could make?


    Yes, sir. I''ll have it in tomorrow.


    Eril turned his back on the Marquis of Erakis and walked away.


    The moment he left the office, he wondered if he was just anxious about the days when he had more time on his hands.��The question passed.


    ''''I''m sure that''s just as well,''''


    Muttering softly, Eryl left the office.

 51-Modified version of Episode 5 "Greeting"

    *


    Huh, someone made a voice behind me and stretched out a missing stroke.


    I know who was absent.


    The cavalry is early in the morning.


    To guard the streets with a limited number of people, they have to start moving early in the morning, and trying to look around to the edge of the territory would take several days just to do that, so the restraining time would be long.


    I''m not going to work with them or let them work with me, but if I''m going to be blindsided by every little thing, my men will be demotivated.


    On the other hand, if you don''t pay attention, your subordinates will lose their sense of urgency.


    In short, it was a matter of degree.


    Now that I think about it, Captain Kane was good at spooning that kind of information to his men.


    ''''Oh, the work of an archer-cavalryman is so hard!


    We all work for a living.


    I looked behind me over my shoulder and saw Deneb and Alideed leaning back with what I would call exhaustion......although they hadn''t actually been working that long.......


    The remaining nine subordinates didn''t seem to be very tired.


    However, if they are complaining of fatigue, then one must assume that the other subordinates are also suffering from no small amount of fatigue.


    I don''t blame them. We''ll take a break in the village ahead.


    Yes, sir!


    It is probably because he is not as lax in character as he is in word and deed that he does not disrupt the ranks while replying cheerfully.


    After a while, we arrived at the village........a village that Captain Kane used to take care of.


    The villagers are friendly and have even prepared chairs and tables for us to rest on.


    When I sat down on the chair after dismounting from my horse, Deneb and Arido were biting into a piece of hard bread.


    The hard bread was adopted as portable food at some point in time......it is a bread-like product.


    ''''Come to think of it.......the number of merchants coming from the Eastern Roads has decreased.


    Leila said it was the port.


    ''Baki, baki, baki,'' said Deneb and Alideed in an easygoing tone as they chewed on the hard bread.


    ''Why, West Street,''


    Can''t you just focus on that?


    It''s not just about security, sir.


    Faye said with a bit of pride.


    "What do you mean?


    We''re doing our job well, and that includes beating the crap out of you if you try to pull a lick.


    I see.


    Whether they understood or not, Deneb and Alideed nodded.


    It wasn''t until Faye had made a mistake that she realized what security meant, so she couldn''t say anything great, but security was being maintained through steady efforts anyway.


    ''It''s time to get back to work, sir.


    Oh, almost!


    You see, I didn''t even finish my hard bread!


    *


    The wooden sword is swung down.


    After a day''s work and being educated as a cadet, fatigue has built up to a level that can''t be ignored, but Faye has enough time to duck the wooden sword to the side.


    If you move back, you can easily be pursued, but if you duck to the side, your opponent can''t immediately move on to the next attack.


    This is because you have to change the direction of your body.


    However, if Faye is serious, it''s easy for her to leap into a position where she won''t be chased, or to counterattack before her opponent changes her body direction.


    There is such a difference in ability between Fay and Crono.


    A slight, enough time passed for Fay to deliver a killing blow, and finally Crono released a sideways strike.


    His upper body swims.


    Just as Faye is exhausted after a day''s work, Crono is also exhausted.


    Crono is weak.


    First of all, he has no strength.


    Secondly, he has no skills.


    Lastly, he has no talent.


    With all this pittance, it would be a good idea to give up, but he doesn''t do that either.


    When I take a step back and duck the wooden sword, Crono, as if he stepped on an opportunity, lunges at me from his shoulder.


    I ducked Crono''s body hit with only fluttering and footwork.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    Crono threw the wooden sword as he turned around.


    ''''.........''''


    However, it was Crono who widened his eyes in surprise.


    This is because Faye flicked Crono''s wooden sword with his own.


    Crono bends his knees lightly, and this time, he sets up a body strike from a low position.


    The real deal is the short wooden sword in his belt.


    When fighting Crono, you have to be careful where you do things you wouldn''t normally do with impunity.


    The same goes for throwing a wooden sword at you, or having a short wooden sword hidden in your hand.


    Honestly, I don''t think it''s a good idea to do something like a deceitful maneuver, but this attitude is the only thing we should learn from.


    Faye lightly swung the wooden sword at Crono.


    The wooden sword struck his arm beautifully and Crono dropped the short wooden sword.


    ''''I have won,''''


    While pointing the tip of his wooden sword, he urges Crono to admit defeat.


    I''m not going to let my guard down.


    Because before, when I was caught off guard, Crono punched me in the face.


    ''''........I surrender.


    It''s true, isn''t it?


    With his hands raised, Crono spins on the spot.


    He indicates that he has no weapons.


    ''I surrender, sir.''


    This time, Faye let her guard down.


    ''I knew you couldn''t win.


    I''m troubled that I don''t have a compliment to give. If I had to choose, I''d say...


    Faye clipped the words.


    I admire your commitment to the art of swordplay.


    You''ve waited a long time.


    Crono drank the water he had prepared without seeming to be offended.


    ''It''s already September?''


    Time flies, doesn''t it?


    Crono looks up at the heavens.


    ''...............Swimming, I wish I could have gone.


    It''s a water drill, isn''t it?


    ''No, it''s not a water drill you''ll be dressed in a light costume, and we''ll do some water splashing and lounging on the beach.


    Apparently, swimming as Crono calls it is an obscene, decadent and unproductive event.


    Well, it can''t be helped.


    I have no choice, sir.


    Crono wiped the sweat off his face and looked at Faye.


    ''You''re sweating,''


    ''Yes, that''s right. I''m ready to take a hot bath, so you can go and work up a sweat for the day.


    Crono shook his head.


    ''Excuse me. I broke a sweat.''


    "I am ready for a bath, sir.


    Crono grabbed Faye''s shoulder.


    I was sweating.


    Are you urging me to sweat it out?


    Crono laughed.


    It was a big smile.


    Faye greeted the morning in a refreshed mood, despite the fact that she and Crono had bathed in hot water together and her fatigue level was at its maximum and her fatigue had been shaken to the limit by the nighttime visit.


    ''''It''s a complicated feeling, isn''t it?''''


    I''m trying to do my job and you''re just sipping on fragrant tea!


    As Faye sipped her incense tea, Elena said grimly.


    ''What are you doing, sir?''


    I''m just prepping the income statement.


    Elena stared at the pile of papers and spat out.


    ''Thanks to all the things that he does for us, our expenses are ... about three and a half percent. Quintuple.


    Did you spend that much?


    Faye''s voice flipped over in surprise.


    If you ask me, it seems like there''s been a lot of work on building new barracks, old barracks, repairing the citadel, the war, building the port, etc.


    ''''Our income has increased, so you don''t have to look like that.


    We do not wish to startle you, sir.


    Faye patted her chest, saying that if Elena said it, there was no doubt about it.


    ''''I would like to see more cavalry if it would increase our income, wouldn''t you? Also, I would be happy if you could allocate a little bit of your power to rebuilding the Murifine family.''''


    Cash. Well, I''m not averse to it, but that''s the thing.


    ''I wonder if I''m being brazen,'' thinks Faye.


    ''Come to think of it, it was Faye''s turn last night. How''s it feel to have your wish come true?''


    ....


    A longing, indeed a longing, Faye recalled last night.


    ''''When it comes to the nightlife... for some reason, it reminds me of a time when I was always making mistakes.


    Yeah.


    Elena ministered with a subtle expression, as if she knew or didn''t understand.


    ''I thought I could do well back then,'' she said.


    ''''When we went to the imperial capital, you tried to show off your decency and got beaten up by bandits.


    Yes, sir.


    It was a series of failures when I opened the lid. I thought I was doing a serious job, but I was just dragging my feet, and my last bastion of military strength wasn''t as good as I thought it would be.


    Even the nightlife........he just closed his eyes tightly and clung to Crono.


    There is no room to enjoy Crono as much as Elena does.


    ''''It didn''t go as well as Elena-dono''s.


    I wasn''t as good at this as Faye thought I was. I didn''t have any work experience.


    Yo, it''s not a nightlife story," Faye says, blushing at herself for associating anything with such a thing.


    Even outside of the nightlife, Elena is amazing.


    The fact that she was robbed of everything, sold into slavery, and yet has achieved her current position is worthy of respect.


    I have a feeling that Faye, when she was seventeen or eighteen years old, would not be able to imitate the likes of Elena and Crono.


    Mmmm, Faye stuck out her lower lip and looked at her palm.


    The skin of her hand was thick and the joints were knobby.


    These hands were Faye''s pride and joy.


    But.


    My hands are just like that.


    You can read minds, sir?


    Anyone who can''t read your mind is a lost cause.


    Snapping lightly, Elena raises her hand to her chest to show Faye the ink stain.


    ''After all, regrets don''t come first, do they? I tried to think about it now or something, but it was in vain. And I didn''t have the aptitude for magic either, so I couldn''t learn it.


    What''s that for?��I don''t ask. Because I know that Elena''s family was killed and it was easy to imagine that she was trying to gain the strength to fight to avenge them.


    ''Let me tell you, I''m not giving up, okay?��I''ve decided to avenge it my way.


    Faye drank her incense tea and sat up.


    When she left Elena''s work room, the Marquis'' mansion was suddenly in a killing mood.


    When there''s no more room, people''s minds are in turmoil.


    The cavalry is also busy, but since the birth of the new military branch, the archers'' cavalry, the burden has decreased.


    One of the reasons is the increase in the number of people, but the main reason is because the search range has increased thanks to the excellent eyesight and hearing of the elves and half-elves.


    As I stepped outside the mansion, the sound of hammering could be heard, Khan, Khan.


    Faye moves to her usual spot beside the dwarves in the workshop who are busy.


    ''Master, it''s late,''


    We were having a women''s discussion.


    Hmm, the apprentice nodded disinterestedly and resumed his bare hands.


    Faye sat down on a nearby wooden box and checked his apprentice''s movements.


    Although he may do randori and kumite, Faye focuses on kata practice.


    This is because he believes that you have to learn the basics properly.


    It''s time for them to practice horsemanship, but we don''t have enough horses.


    It''s better to get them used to the weight of seriousness first, said Faye, patting the handle head.


    It was when Faye stood up that the carriage entered the Marquis'' mansion.


    It''s a box carriage, just like a crono would use for an excursion. For some reason, it has about twenty horses with it.


    The one who came down from the carriage like a deep-windowed daughter was Cecily...Cecily Hamal.


    She was not dressed in a military uniform, but in a dress like the one you would wear to a ball.


    It was white in color, open at the chest, and perhaps padded, with more volume in the chest than Faye remembered.


    Her hair is up to her waist, not because it has grown out, but because she is wearing a wig.


    ''Master, do you know each other?''


    A colleague of mine from my time in the Kingsguard, sir.


    As if she hadn''t noticed, Cecily accompanied her squire to the Marquis'' mansion without even looking at Faye.


    ''''It''s best not to get too close to them, sir.


    I wouldn''t go anywhere near a nobleman if you hadn''t told me.


    Faye stared at her apprentice, "I was approached when I first met you," she said.


    ''''It''s safer to stay away from aristocratic aristocrats like that, you know.


    I was not a nobleman, was I?


    The apprentice looked up at Faye and crossed his arms thoughtfully.


    ''Well... but that''s not what I mean. I''m sure you''re aware of the fact that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.


    ''Mm-hm,'' the apprentice nodded repeatedly, as if to say he''d expressed himself well.


    ''It''s not just the nobles, but those things are relentless and scary, you know. Stray dogs might be resistant, but you wouldn''t feel bad about killing bugs or cleaning up food scraps, would you?��It''s more like, hey, we''re doing good?��The people who try to buy us are better off than the ones who try to buy us.


    The apprentice spat, and Faye felt her face strengthen.


    They were healthy and alive, he thought.


    But on second thought, he could see that.


    Abandoned children.


    If the three of them worked together, they might have managed to eat.


    But what if one of them got sick?


    What if you work but can''t get food?


    ...Master, living isn''t a pretty sight, you know.


    Does Master Crono know of this?


    The apprentice let out a big sigh.


    ''I''m sure he''s heard it from someone else.


    .....


    Faye was at a loss for words.


    While he was proud of the fact that the young man he looked up to as his sovereign was conducting good government for his people, he was even angry with himself for acting like a master without trying to know anything about it.


    To the disciple, swordsmanship was not only a means to rise to the top, but also a way to protect himself from unreasonable demands.


    That''s why the apprentice followed Fei and continued to practice swordsmanship to protect the other two.


    Regret would not come first.


    No, even if he had realized it, he must not have been able to give up on the Murifine family''s rebirth and resolve to raise the three orphans.


    ''''........Master.


    The apprentice looked up at Faye as if clinging to her.


    ''Tony. The least I can do is to teach you how to fight, which is what I have been and will continue to do. It''s up to you to defend yourself with those skills, or to beat up someone weaker than you, Tony.


    You remembered my name.


    Is that what''s so amazing?


    The apprentice.........Faye pouted as Tony rolled his eyes in surprise.


    ''I at least remember my apprentice''s name. The other apprentice is Matthew and the girl is Sophie.


    Faye clears her throat.


    ''I''ll be glad if the skills I teach you can brighten Tony''s future.


    "Master,


    Just as tears nearly spilled out of Tony''s eyes, the door to the mansion opened with a force that almost blew it open.


    Cecily stomped wildly on the ground, even in anger, and was screaming hysterically.


    ''''........It is ruined.''''


    Cecily approached Faye with a provocative smile, though she may not have noticed, but she approached Faye with a provocative smile.


    Sensing the danger, Tony hid behind Faye.


    ''Faye, it''s been a long time since we''ve seen you.


    How are you doing on the southern frontier, sir?


    I quit.


    Pui turned away, and Cecily''s lips twitched like a child''s.


    ''''Locking myself away in a mountain stronghold is a job I don''t deserve. On top of that, I''m not kidding about being a barbarian pleaser.''''


    Is that correct?


    I had some thoughts, but before I decided to transfer to seek better treatment, Faye just nodded.


    ''''What can I do for you today?''''


    ''Master,'' said Tony, tugging at Faye''s clothes.


    ''Your brother has asked me to say hello to the Marquis of Erakis.


    Sir Brad?


    Faye couldn''t help but raise her voice.


    Cecily''s brother........Viscount Brad Hammar is the Commander of the Fifth Order of the Kingsguard.


    He is known for his gentle nature, but I can''t see any connection with Crono.


    ''''Even though it''s only in name, you''ve joined the Kingsguard Order. It''s a heartfelt offer from your brother to prepare your forces with this.


    Do you have one?


    Nodding, Faye was confused by the drop between rumor and reality.


    No, Faye reminded herself that the drop-off was just because she was going through Cecily and that she really cared for him.


    ''Isn''t it ridiculous that you''re away when your brother has taken care of you?


    Master Crono is busy, sir.


    Faye said, and Cecily''s eyes narrowed in displeasure.


    ''You''re a new aristocrat, after all.


    ....


    ''''I''ll come back tomorrow. And then, would you mind taking care of the horses?


    It''s like asking, and it''s a command to take care of the horses, or to look after them.


    ''All right, sir.''


    After wondering what to do, Faye nodded.


    Since she had come to greet him, she decided that she should be welcomed as a guest, and that she shouldn''t be displeased now that she didn''t know Viscount Brad Hammar''s intentions.


    Although he said, "I understand," etc., it was impossible for Faye and Tony to take care of twenty horses.


    With the help of Matthew and Sophie and Silva, who had returned to the Marquess of Erakis after a long time, I cleaned the vacant horse stalls and laid down straw.


    Of course, that''s not the end of it.


    After moving the horses to the stables, water and fodder had to be arranged as well.


    ...The holiday is over.


    You should have just ignored what that woman said. You''re Crono-sama''s subordinate now.


    When I said that while looking at the sunset, Silva said in a dumbfounded manner.


    It''s a good thing that you are a customer of Crono-sama. I''m not going to be able to do that indefinitely.


    Yeah, well, I don''t want to get you in trouble, Crono.


    Silva poked his fork into the ground and said with a mortified look on his face.


    He didn''t want to bother Crono, but he didn''t want to work for Cecily.


    ''Master, we''re going back to the Rescue House,''


    Tony walked out of the Marquis'' mansion with Matthew and Sophie.


    ''Did you buy those boys some clothes?''


    It''s an investment in our future.


    In five years Tony will be a fine young man, and Matthew and Sophie will grow up to be fine.


    ''''They''re ... good kids,''''


    I''m very proud of them.


    *


    The next day, Cecily seemed to be angry.


    It was not unreasonable.


    Anyone would be angry if they were kept waiting in the parlor until evening.


    Even if they didn''t get angry, they would be irritated.


    And Cecily is an old aristocrat.


    In the old aristocratic sense of the word, Crono was an upstart.


    Cecily''s irritation is not only due to the fact that she is waiting, but also due to the awareness that the new aristocrat, an upstart, is despising her as a historic old aristocrat.


    However, the extent to which it is used as a criterion for judgment depends on the environment and family style in which one was raised.


    It looks like he''s going to slash at me at any moment, Faye thought as soon as she entered the parlor.


    ''''Crono-sama wants to see you, sir.


    A word of apology wouldn''t be nice, would it?


    Master Crono said he was sorry to keep you waiting.


    Cecily''s expression grew grim.


    ''I would like you to come to the Oval Office, sir.


    Faye leads Cecily to Crono''s office.


    ''Master Crono, I have brought Lady Cecily with me,''


    .....


    Cecily stiffened for a moment as she opened the door.


    Cecily managed to control her agitation and stepped into the office.


    Faye also enters the room and waits by the door.


    It''s no wonder Cecily is surprised.


    In addition to Crono, there was one other person in the office........Princess Tilia.


    Even though she had lost the right to succeed to the throne, there was no nobleman with a higher rank than Princess Tilia.


    And that''s where Crono and Princess Tilia stood.


    Crono is sitting on a chair in the office, and Princess Tilia is standing beside him.


    To Faye, it is not too much of a stretch to call it normal.


    But what about Cecily?


    Princess Tyria, the highest ranking woman in the empire, is standing up a chrono for some reason.


    It should appear that way.


    Secondly........why is Princess Tyria standing up for Crono, who is only an upstart?��You would think that.


    The answer to this question will soon lead you to the answer.


    The port.


    The completion of the port will bring enormous profits.


    This much thought would explain why Cecily''s brother, Viscount Blood Hamal, gave twenty horses to Crono.


    No, it would explain it.


    ''''I came to greet you in my brother''s name.


    Yeah, I''ve heard about it.


    Crono leaned back against the back of the chair and folded his hands on his stomach.


    Cecily''s face is pale.


    It''s no wonder she''s pale when she realizes that her role was not charity, but asking for a good mood.


    What is the actual situation?��Faye thinks.


    It is true that the number of merchants coming from the direction of Viscount Hamal''s territory is on the decline, but the port of Count Caddo''s territory.............................Silva Port has just opened.


    Even if Cecily was mistaken, I don''t think there is no need for Viscount Brad Hammar to humble himself to Crono at this time.


    Rather, the timing of this time would be such that an equal relationship could be established.


    ''''From now on, well, I''d like to get along with a lot of things. Let bygones be bygones.''''


    Yeah, of course.


    ...Crono.


    It was Princess Tyria who turned on the water.


    ''''Why should you get along with them?''''


    Yeah, well, you got a horse.


    When Princess Tilia asked curiously, Crono slurred her words.


    Princess Tilia turned away meekly as if she were thinking.


    ''Surely we must get along for twenty horses. But how well do you get along with twenty horses?


    For example," said Princess Tilia, looking at Cecily. She didn''t look at him, or stare at him, but saw him as he behaved after he turned away from the mere mortals.


    ''For example. If we were to make a kind of alliance, wouldn''t twenty horses be too cheap a price to pay?


    ''Tilia, you don''t have to be such a foot soldier.


    Princess Tilia''s lips twitched in frustration.


    ''''I''m not looking at my feet. I''m not looking at my feet, I''m saying that in order to have an equal relationship, there must be an appropriate price to pay. If you think you can make a relationship of equality with twenty horses, then you''re being ridiculed.


    Crono sticks his cheekbones out and taps his right cheek with his forefinger as if in thought.


    ''I wonder what Viscount Hamal thinks?''


    .....


    Cecily gasped, as if she hadn''t thought that she would be talked out of it here.


    Cecily was only an agent of Viscount Brad Hammar.


    In light of the fact that he hadn''t correctly grasped the purpose, one should assume that Viscount Brad Hammar had sent Cecily to greet him verbally.


    ''''I don''t know what your brother''s thoughts are.


    Yeah?��Well, I hope you''ll come back next time when you''ve boiled the story down a bit more.


    ''It''s not a child''s errand,'' said Crono, not going into it.


    ''I''m not feeling well, so I''ll have to excuse myself.


    Faye, take her home.


    No, thank you.


    Cecily quickly left the office.


    Faye looked at Crono and Princess Tilia as the signs moved away.


    Ah~ and Crono plopped down on the desk.


    ''''That girl has a short temper and isn''t very good at it.


    And you summoned Princess Tyria?


    Because of his personality, I thought he would be vulnerable to authority.


    It was certainly what Crono had in mind.


    ''You mean as we discussed?


    I didn''t do that.


    Princess Tilia leaned back against the desk and crossed her arms to emphasize her ample breasts.


    ''I''m just saying what I thought. Aside from the alliance, twenty horses are cheap if you want to ask Crono to do something for you.


    It''s more than enough to make change if you just want to say hello.


    Princess Tilia let out a disgusted sigh.


    ''''If I give you a pardon over there, you might only need twenty horses.


    Well, it''s a game, isn''t it?


    ''Yes,'' nodded the Princess Tyria with satisfaction.


    It was hard not to wonder if this much tact could always be demonstrated.


    ''''I wonder what Viscount Hamal thinks?''''


    ''''With the completion of the port, the logistical pathways have been split in two. Maybe Viscount Hamal is trying to strengthen his relationship with Crono to secure his profits?


    Crono looked at Princess Tilia in surprise.


    ''What is that look on your face? I''ve been going to the commercial district to try and gather information, you know.''


    So what do you think is going to happen to Dr. Tilia?


    Hmmm, Princess Tilia tilted her head.


    On what basis?


    ''''It''s because the minotaur who worked at the quarry in Baron Bowties'' territory is gone. That''s one of the most important marble production areas in the Empire. If the workers, who have worked there for generations, are gone, the output will certainly decline.


    Princess Tilia glanced at Crono, saying, "Those workers are engaged in pioneering in Count Caddo''s territory.


    ''''Mm, we should purchase the marbles while we still can.


    ''''I don''t have the confidence to win against merchants from a thousand and one seas and mountains. I''ll work diligently to manage my territory.


    Then Crono let out a sigh.

 52-Episode 6 "Violet"

    *


    A little more than last year, Kane stroked his chin as he stared at the manservants hauling sacks of wheat to the granary ... many of them Crono''s men, but some were hired on a temporary basis ....


    Joli joli and stubble irritated his thumb.


    When he was a mercenary, he used to take care of his appearance there, but since he started working in the Marquis of Erakis, he didn''t even care about his beard.


    It''s also a problem if my boss is too understanding.


    Maybe he just thinks he''s that kind of guy because he had stubble when he met Crono, though.


    Anyway, would you carry out an idea, normally?��And Kane rests his hand.


    Cavalry is an expensive branch of service.


    It''s also expensive to maintain and equip a horse.


    It''s a little late for that," Kane chuckles.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one.


    It''s no use discussing normalcy with such a person.


    ''''You''re kind of serious, aren''t you?


    The foul-mouthed accountant....Elena said as she muttered.


    ''''Well you''re a former bandit.


    I thought he was trying to pick a fight with me, but Kane stroked his chin with a thin smile.


    I know how Elena feels.


    Her family has been killed by bandits or by mercenaries posing as bandits.


    It will inevitably be hard to evaluate someone with a background like Kane''s.


    I''m prepared to take it easy.


    No, I am aware that I deserve to be abused.


    After losing his family as a child, Kane was picked up by a group of mercenaries and his life there was painful.


    He was able to dismiss the mercenary work as a way of life, but he just couldn''t get used to the work of the bandits, so he gathered a group of people who were in a similar situation to himself and set up his own business.


    He went to the Free City State Cluster and joined the mercenary guild and then spent his time as a straightforward mercenary.


    A straightforward mercenary a combination as unlikely as an honest con man.


    At least in the Cepheus Empire.


    The mercenary''s status in the Empire is low.


    The reputation of a mercenary is that he is a criminal who is willing to kill and loot for money.


    However, in a group of free city-states, mercenaries are considered to be a legitimate occupation.


    High demand is one of the factors that boosts the status of mercenaries, but the main reason is the thorough management of the mercenary guilds.


    The role of the mercenary guild is to mediate jobs.


    Of course, it''s not free.


    They earn a brokerage fee by mediating work to the mercenaries and mercenary groups that belong to the guild.


    I don''t mean to call it dirty.


    If the mercenary guild is backed by a mercenary guild, they can take on the work of a large merchant who cannot even meet them on their own.


    If they like you there, they''ll pick you again, and if you do your job without incident, you''ll be reasonably valued by the guild.


    On the other hand, if you don''t do your job properly, you will be hung out to dry, and if you break the rules of the mercenary guild, you can be purged.


    ''''I''m praising you.''''


    ''Well, I''m still from a rural area. If you''re going to call me serious, that''s what''s affecting you, isn''t it?


    Grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather - maybe his own family must have been farmers for generations.


    Even Kane would have been hard at work in the fields if nothing else.


    I''m not complaining about my life now, Kane strokes his chin.


    ''I''m not dissatisfied, but I do sometimes dream about what would have happened if nothing had happened back then.


    ''Speaking of which, where''s Master Crono?''


    He''s just returned from Count Caddo.


    What''s he doing there?


    How could I possibly know that?


    Elena said grimly.


    It''s a good place to take it out.


    ''''Well I''m worried that Elaine Sinner is here.


    Do you know that woman?


    You don''t say you know someone if you know them one way or the other.


    If a mercenary has money, he drinks or buys a prostitute.


    They get drunk and talk about which brothel''s girls are pretty or good.......that kind of thing.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    It''s because ... the more serious the guy is, the more he falls for it.


    You don''t have to worry about that.


    ''''Ahhh, bad.''''


    I find it more annoying when you act like that?


    This guy was also Master Crono''s mistress, Kane scratched his head.


    ''Does that mean you''re inspecting the port?


    No, it''s not like they''re all that rare.


    I turned around when I heard a familiar voice and Crono lightly raised his hand as if to greet me.


    ''''Did you go to Count Caddo''s territory for such a thing?''''


    I think it''s important,


    As Elena''s voice trailed off, Crono said as if to make an excuse.


    ''So, what did you find?''


    ''Hmmm, there were no potatoes and no corn. And pumpkins. But there is rice and buckwheat.


    Potatoes, corn and pumpkins - vegetables I''ve never heard of.


    ''Corn sounds American, but aren''t potatoes and pumpkins native to Europe?


    America?��Europe?


    Again, the name doesn''t sound familiar.


    ''Potatoes were Russian and pumpkins were European,''


    Kane could only cross his arms and tilt his head back.


    ''Do you understand?''


    ''I don''t think we''ve covered all that much otherworldly knowledge.


    Right, Kane nodded.


    In the past, he could have been delusional, but the bicycle and books Crono had brought back from the southern frontier had been convincing enough to prove the existence of the other world.


    ''What the hell is a potato?''


    ''It''s a round vegetable that forms under the ground. It''s cold hardy, can be grown in rough terrain, and tastes great with butter.


    It''s like a root vegetable, Kane imagines something like that from his knowledge.


    ''What about pumpkins?''


    It''s about this big, dark green on the outside but dark yellow on the inside.


    Crono indicated the size with a gesture as if he were holding something.


    ''I don''t know, but if you have some unusual vegetables to show me, do you want me to go show them to you?


    I''ve asked Elaine to do the same, but I don''t want to owe her too much.


    Crono''s shoulders slumped weakly.


    *


    Was it potatoes and pumpkins and then corn?��And Kane walks through the streets of Hachel, chanting the names of vegetables in his mind.


    Most of the interest is in potatoes.


    It''s interesting that they grow in the cold and can be harvested even in the roughest of places.


    If Crono''s story is true we should be able to increase the amount of land under cultivation by leaps and bounds, aside from the availability of labor.


    That''s probably why Crono is also trying to get potatoes even if he has to borrow them from Elaine.


    ''''You don''t think they''re going to have a monopoly, do you?��It''s not even possible.


    Otherworldly knowledge it''s fascinating in bits and pieces.


    If you only touch it a little bit, you might hold an undeserved hope.


    However, if you talk a little bit in-depth with Crono, the plating (plating) comes off instantly.


    Crono''s knowledge is full of holes.


    I have no idea how long and how much time and money it will take to supplement his knowledge of all the holes and put it to practical use.


    I can''t help but think about it, Kane says as he steps into the street.


    The back of his nose ached at the smell of cheap makeup.


    With a thin smile, Kane walks through the entertainment district.


    He waves lightly at the prostitute who uses her s*x appeal and ducks the prostitute who rubs up against him, asking him to serve her when he becomes a customer.


    ''''Well there''s a lot more people here.


    I mutter to myself.


    The city of Hashel is bustling with activity.


    Not only the big merchants, but the peddlers as well, even the commoners with only a crude wagon can make money if they do well.


    When their pockets are warm, they want good food and drink.


    Now that you have made so much money, you are motivated to buy a prostitute.


    It takes courage, a certain recklessness, to buy a prostitute in a strange city, but Herschel''s brothel requires a permit and the prostitutes receive regular medical examinations.


    Even if a prostitute receives regular checkups, she is still infected (infected) when she is infected (infected) with a disease, but the psychological resistance is much less.


    If you want to buy a prostitute who is not sick, go to the Marquess of Erakis, it is whispered, which is one of the reasons why the pleasure quarter of Herschel is so busy.


    In front of one of the brothels, Kane stops and looks upstairs.


    He sees a woman standing at the window and enters the brothel.


    ''This is, this is Master Kane,''


    It''s going up all by itself.


    I handed him a few silver coins and went upstairs.


    Perhaps it was because of the early hour, but we didn''t seem to rub against the other guests.


    I can''t get used to it," said Kane, scratching his neck.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to play with women without losing your shit, but you can''t get used to the air that flows through you the moment you cross paths with another customer or make eye contact.


    You''ll be able to see that you are, at heart, a farmer''s son," he said with a wry smile.


    I''m going to open it.


    The door is already open.


    When she entered the room without knocking, the woman ... Violet said, her narrow eyes narrowing further.


    Violet it''s just Violet.


    Her age is around thirty.


    She has good style for a prostitute employed in a whorehouse of this rank.


    Her face is also reasonable.


    It may be that your eyesight is poor because you always squint, but I have never questioned it.


    If you know what''s going on with the other person, you''ll have compassion.


    Violet might use that to her advantage.


    If she couldn''t afford it, she could push it away, but unfortunately, Kane has plenty of room in his pocket right now.


    The cavalry quarters are rent free.


    Free food, free booze.


    The equipment is of high quality and is provided free of charge.


    Kane, who has no hobbies that seem to be hobbies, has been accumulating money.


    It''s a drab room as usual, Kane looks around the room.


    There''s one bed, two chairs, and a table in the room.


    Kane placed a piece of silver on the table and sat down in the chair.


    ''You''re paying a price that isn''t cheap, so why not play along?''


    Sorry, I''m just trying to do my job.


    Violet didn''t even look at the silver coins on the table, but sat down in her chair and poked her cheekbones in the air.


    ''Are you still collecting information today?''


    Well, you know.


    Violet smiles with an amused smile and recounts the information she has seen and heard in the brothel... much of it is unsupported gossip....


    Kane doesn''t have much hope for the information he can get for a single silver coin, but it''s important to know what kind of rumors are being spread.


    In addition, you can learn a lot about Violet, the person she is, by what rumors she tells us.


    Violet is not a whore-like woman.


    The gossip that Violet tells me is widespread and leaves an ambiguity that seems unreachable and unreachable.


    The lack of interest in the silver coins on the table also makes Kane wary.


    ''''And...I wonder if it''s like this?''''


    Yeah, that''s enough.


    When Kane tried to stand up, Violet stood up faster than she could.


    Violet leisurely walked over and sat down on Kane''s thighs.


    ''Aren''t we going to play?''


    I come here as a job.


    Honestly, I want to play along.


    Couldn''t it be part of the job?


    It''s not so bad, on the contrary.


    Huffing, Violet exhaled and pulled away from Kane.


    ''You''re serious.''


    It''s the only thing I''m good at.


    "Irony, irony.


    You''re right, Kane scratched his neck.


    We sit down at the counter.


    The shop is a bit cramped, and the interior is so grimy that it wouldn''t feel strange to describe it as a place of death.


    The second floor is an inn........a type of inn where you can choose between rest and lodging, and it''s still hard to shake the impression that it''s a restaurant and inn at the end of the day.


    Kane chooses such a restaurant because he can eat in a relaxed manner, and both the owner and the customers maintain a moderate level of indifference.


    Kane''s reputation is high.


    He is considered to be Crono''s right-hand man by the people of the territory because he is the captain of the cavalry, audits the tax collector during harvest season, and even acts as the acting lord when Crono is absent, so he is considered to be Crono''s right-hand man position.


    That''s why it''s impossible to eat in any other restaurant in a calm manner.


    The shopkeeper takes more care than he should, and the serving girls come to him.


    You meet a merchant who you know, but at the end of the meal, you are forced to sit with him and listen to him talk for a long time, and even get a bribe from him.


    When he was young, he might have done something foolish, but now Kane has learned to be sensible with his age.


    However, it''s sensible to the extent that you can rob a client you don''t like of their cargo of slaves.


    At first, I had to put up with it because it was also a way to gather information, but after I got to know Violet, the frequency decreased.


    The aim is not ''me'', but Crono-sama, though, and Kane gulps the barley wine (beer) that has been brought to him.


    Crono is a young man with the inexperience of his age.


    You won''t feel bad about being courted by a woman, and you can''t deny the possibility of being made to feel good by a merchant of the sea and mountains.


    I........we have to get our shit together, Kane bites the bread.


    Protect Crono and make up for his immaturity.


    I owe him a debt of gratitude for saving my life.


    I''m sure I''ve grown attached to Crono''s territory.


    But more than that, Kane felt Crono was like a brother to him.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for, but you''ll need to be able to find a way to make it work.


    ''Uho~ That''s Captain Kane!


    Don''t you eat in your quarters today?


    The twin elves ... Deneb and Alideed sat on either side and patted Kane on the back.


    ''Yo, it''s done.''


    "Uh-huh, Captain Kane, have a drink with me.


    It''s pouring, pouring, pouring.


    Feeling his earlier resolve fading, Kane looks at the liquor-like substance that was handed to him.


    In your mouth, a sour and sweet taste spreads across your mouth.


    ''Is that an apple?''


    Heh, heh, alcohol with juice.


    It''s all the rage for us.


    We''re both drunk with giddiness.


    ''It''s not just burning, is it?


    That''s more than wine or beer.


    Like it would get you drunk quicker!


    ''Uhihihi,'' laughed Deneb and Alideed as they plopped down on the counter.


    ''I don''t see any prospect of converting it into a weapon, though.


    A container of alcohol is thrown, and when the impact of the bullet breaks the container, the flames spread.


    It seems that his second-in-command, Mino, is aiming for such a weapon, but the container doesn''t break or light up, so the results are not as good as they could be.


    After downing the cider, Deneb and Ariddo try to pour the alcohol and apple juice into the bottle.


    ''Oh come on, that''s about as good as it gets,''


    Well, I had to make it all snotty and sweaty.


    Like you want your share of the happiness.


    I appreciate the sentiment, but Kane isn''t that strong of a drinker.


    ''I''ve got to work tomorrow, you know.


    We''re off!


    I know, Kane said, resuming his meal with the two men drinking at a high pace beside him.


    By the time they had finished their bread, soup and stringy meat, Deneb and Alideed were plopped down on the counter, motionless.


    ''Take care of these guys, man.


    Well, we''re all rotten together.


    The owner of the elf shop smiled bitterly behind the counter.


    The owner of the shop was about twenty years old in appearance.


    The word "gentleman" is a fitting description, but the old scars on his arms and chest tell us that he hasn''t lived a life as peaceful as he looks.


    In fact, the shopkeeper... no, not only the shopkeeper... no, not only the shopkeeper, but the female elf who served him is a former Imperial soldier.


    In other words, he is a colleague of Deneb and Arididid.


    He was severely wounded to the point that he was left with permanent injuries from the battle when the Holy Argo Kingdom invaded the Marquis of Erakis'' territory.


    If he were a nobleman, he would be praised as a wound of honor, but the future of a soldier who is no longer able to fight is one of misery.


    The reason the shopkeeper didn''t despair about his future was because he had a sum of money on hand ... the unpaid salary that had suddenly been paid out ...


    After that, he set up a restaurant that doubled as a diner, a tavern and an inn where sub-humans could come without any unpleasant feelings.


    The reason why it also doubles as an inn is because he felt that there was no place to do such things and it was inconvenient.


    ...The air is getting cold, isn''t it?


    After leaving the shop, Kane gave a small shudder and headed straight for his quarters.


    Perhaps because he knows the bustle of the daytime, the air feels even colder than it already is.


    As he walked down the street, he rubbed against a pair of soldiers who were on night watch.


    The beast''s expression is hard to read, but they must not be alarmed by Kane''s lack of change in pace as he approaches.


    Kane strokes his chin, "I used to be a bit more tense," he says.


    When he first arrived here, Hachel was not safe.


    Especially near the city walls, it was so bad that even Kane felt he was in danger.


    In a little over a year, that was a dramatic improvement in the security of the city.


    Of course, the driving force behind this improvement was Chrono''s measures, but we felt proud of our own contribution to the improvement of security.


    Another drink or two would have been nice, Kane said with a smile.


    The next day, when I went to the stables of the Marquis'' mansion with my harness under my arm, Leila was waiting for me, ready and waiting.


    ''''Captain Kane, good morning,''''


    Oh...


    Didn''t Leila have the day off?��And Kane strokes his chin.


    He had just shaved his beard, so he could feel the smoothness of it.


    Leila turned her gaze to Kane to see if he could sense her upset.


    ''Crono-sama has a message for you. He has a visitor today and wants you to be present.''''


    Yeah, that''s fine. I don''t mind. Do you feel good about it?


    ''Yes, I''m fine on my end.''


    Kane asked, and Layla replied in a firm tone of voice.


    In Leila''s case, a firm tone is a curmudgeon.


    As far as Kane can see, Leila is a picture-perfect, serious soldier.


    She is understanding and tactful.


    She doesn''t show her emotions and is reserved in her self-assertion.


    But that''s why it''s difficult to discern where the limits are.


    Should I say that I''m afraid that I''ll reach my limit and fall over all of a sudden?


    You''re not pushing yourself too hard, are you?


    ''Yes,'' said Leila, nodding.


    ''When do you think the guests will be here?


    He told me it was lunchtime.


    Well, let''s hear a lot about Layla, Kane thinks about what he should do now.


    ''I''ll go to Crono-sama''s, but don''t push yourself.


    Thank you for your concern.


    Leila smiled so small that Kane''s concern was amusing, and she almost missed it.


    Leila mounted her horse and walked out of the gate of the Marquis'' mansion.


    ''''Well.....


    I have to see Crono-sama first, Kane said as he headed for Crono''s room.


    Oh, and Kane stopped in the middle of the stairs.


    It''s early morning now.


    Whether Crono is sleeping or not is not a big issue.


    From a standpoint, it should probably be an issue, but if he''s bringing his mistress into his room, that''s more of a problem.


    ''Good morning, Kane.


    Oh...


    As Kane was lost, Crono came down the stairs with a refreshed look on his face.


    ''I was going to go see you now,''


    ''Good timing. Normally I''m in bed, but today I asked Leila to do some work for me.


    For a moment, Kane didn''t understand the meaning of the words, but he soon realized that Crono was in bed with Leila.


    Kane tore his gaze away from Crono and


    ''Oh, it''s not good to have a job, is it?��We''ve been putting you in charge of guarding the streets lately. Well, well, you know, in Leila''s position.


    ''It''s nice of you to be concerned about Leila, but I''m not that unthinking.


    Well that''s the scariest part, having so many women around and being so calculated.


    No, I don''t do the math.


    When Kane donned and prodded him, Crono waved his hands from side to side as if in denial.


    ''So much for the joke, huh?''


    He had a hell of a straight face.


    Kane gave one coughing fit.


    ''So much for the joke ... are customers a nasty guy?


    Hmmm, well, speaking of awkward.


    Crono slurred his words as if he was having trouble saying it.


    ''Shall we move to the cafeteria and talk?''


    Yes.


    Since Crono was apparently asleep at this time of night, breakfast would not be prepared, but they could talk now without being disturbed.


    However, Kane''s intentions would be far off.


    Because when I went to the dining room with Crono, Princess Tilia and Viscount Eryl Sardomelik were drinking incense tea.


    ''''Crono, you''re early today, aren''t you?''''


    Tilia.


    I''m always up early.


    Princess Tilia tilts her cup to enjoy the scent.


    ''What do you think?''


    Master Crono will take care of it.


    Crono snorted thoughtfully.


    I''ll tell you about it here, if you let me.


    As Crono sat next to Princess Tilia, Kane sat next to her face-to-face....next to Eril.


    ''''Well I''m a guest, but I''m the guildmaster of the Mercenary Guild.


    That''s not a good idea.


    What''s wrong with it?


    Huh?��Crono and Kane looked at Princess Tilia who said curiously.


    So what''s wrong with that?��The laws of the Free City States don''t extend to the Empire. We don''t even have a treaty to extradite criminals, so there''s nothing wrong with that.


    With that, Princess Tilia put her cup on the table.


    ''''In the first place, it''s the Marquis of Erakis'' territory that you guys have committed a crime. Even so, it doesn''t matter since Crono, the lord, doesn''t charge you with a crime. What did you do then, Crono?


    He handed the slaves over to the slavers and lightly threatened them not to treat the slaves harshly while settling the matter quietly and with the help of money.


    So it''s not a problem.


    Princess Tilia nodded in satisfaction.


    ''''No, there''s a moral problem with that, isn''t there?''''


    ''Morality?��Now, we''re talking about the law.


    Princess Tilia crossed her arms and said grimly.


    ''When they bring up an unrelated story and make it seem like I might have been wrong, they cheat and draw concessions out of me.


    For some reason, it was an oddly compelling line.


    ''Tilia, I still hold on to the fact that I took a reverse drop.


    ''Phew!�� That was an ordinary match!


    When Crono blurted out a blur, the Tyria Princess excused herself sluggishly.


    ''''........That''s right. You did a reverse drop with full armament against a lower class nobleman who didn''t even have any real armor.


    Well, now that you mention it, I think we may have gone a little overboard.


    A little?��A nice joke, really.


    Crono poked his cheekbones and smiled.


    It was a smile that didn''t think it was a nice joke, not an ounce of it.


    ''I see, so this is how the Tyria Princess is being drawn out for concessions without limit,'' Kane agreed.


    �� You mean that you don''t have to talk about what I did, but you can just shove it in their face when they shove it in your face?


    Well, well, yeah. No, no, Crono!��I''m remorseful.


    Princess Tilia nodded at Kane''s words and excused herself to Crono.


    ''''We''ll talk about the reverse drop when we''re alone.


    Okay, okay.


    ''Oh come on,'' said Kane, uneasy at the sight of Princess Tilia.


    ''But hey, what if they go hardball?


    I hear that the mercenary guild''s punishment unit is an elite group.


    ''''If they can be forced to fight, we''ll have to fight them too.


    Are you sure?


    Kane asked, and Crono poked him in the cheek as if he wasn''t amused.


    ''It''s not good, but if you don''t resist, it means you''ve made your point, and...''


    I''m sorry.


    I truly and sincerely agree. It makes me want to cut my head off at my own inadequacy.


    At noon, the door to the reception room opens.


    A man in his mid-thirties walks in alone.


    His body, wrapped in plain clothes, is toned and toned, and his seamless body language tells us that he is an extremely talented warrior.


    The man''s name is Sif he is the guildmaster of the Mercenary Guild.


    When he was a member of the mercenary guild, Kane had only spoken with Sif once, when he was a member of the mercenary guild.


    It was just idle chitchat, but he thought Sif was a rational person.


    He hadn''t changed his impression of Sif then, nor had he changed his mind now.


    No, I can assure you now that the essence of Sif is reason.


    For a moment, my eyes meet with Sif''s.


    A moment, really.


    Sif turned his gaze away from Kane as if nothing had happened.


    Kane patted his chest in relief.


    He didn''t know what he really meant, but he wasn''t going to do anything about Kane right now.


    ''Please, have a seat.


    ...thank you.


    When Crono urged him to sit down on the couch face-to-face, Sif stiffened, as if upset, and sat quietly on the couch.


    It''s scary that he''s f*cking with the bare minimum, Kane said, struggling to hold back the almost bitter smile behind Crono.


    ''''Elaine-san asked me to meet with the guildmaster of the mercenary guild, and I promised him, but I didn''t get the details of the meeting.


    "We''re going to...


    Sif punctuates his words and hangs his head, trying not to let his intentions be realized.


    ''''Well to put it simply, I''m here to make a sale.


    Oh, I can''t do that.


    Crono rejected Sif''s proposal without an island to cling to.


    ''''Directly, if I hire mercenaries, it might look like I''ve got a private army of people with rebellious intentions.


    But I suppose a merchant needs a bodyguard.


    Certainly, Crono nodded.


    Maintaining security is a lord''s job.


    Crono will have fulfilled his responsibility as long as he can protect the security of his territory, but Crono''s goal is the development of his territory.


    For that reason, it would be a bad idea to be attacked by bandits as soon as you leave Crono''s territory.


    ''''Kane, what do you think?''''


    ''''Isn''t the most realistic way for Crono-sama to authorize the Mercenary Guild to operate and for the merchants to hire their own mercenaries?


    Crono asked Kane deliberately, even though he could have come up with that much himself.


    ''Question number two, can you trust the Mercenary Guild?''


    Aside from the people at the end of the line, I think we can trust the Bethel Range guys.


    The mother of the mercenary guild is a barbarian tribe that lives in the Bethel Mountains.


    Since the Bethel Mountains have little land suitable for cultivation, the men work as mercenaries to earn money and buy food.


    To put it bluntly, they are migrant workers.


    ''''I understand. If Kane says so, I''ll give the mercenary guild permission to operate. But you must pay the taxes.


    I appreciate it. Now, would you like to decide on the broad strokes?


    The discussion between Crono and Sif lasted about two hours.


    Where to base the activities, how many mercenaries to call, and how much tax to pay.


    It was even decided to have a deputy in Count Caddo''s territory to prevent trouble, and in his presence, the merchants and mercenaries would sign a contract, and three copies of the contract would be drawn up, including one for the deputy to keep, and other oddly specific details.


    ''''Well, something like this?��It''s just a general story, so we''ll just kind of boil down the details as we go along.


    I can''t argue with that.


    Limping, Crono leans back.


    ''Kane, see me off, please.''


    Yeah.


    You want to impress me that I''m being relied upon," Kane said as he led Sif to the gate of the Marquis'' mansion.


    During this time, Sif did not open his mouth once.


    I''m not sure if it''s because I don''t want to say I''m silent, but rather I don''t want to imitate the way I''m leaking information inside the Marquis''s mansion.


    After leaving the grounds of the Marquis'' mansion, Sif turned around and looked at Kane.


    ''''Well it was Kane, wasn''t it?''''


    How do you remember all these people when you only talked to them once? Do you have to remember everyone''s face?


    The sound of kernels and hammering echoes through the air.


    ''It just happened. I just happened to be impressed, and I was just curious to find out how they operate.


    ''If you''re trying to extract concessions from Master Crono using me as a story, don''t do it.


    Kane glares back at Sif and smiles.


    ''Why?''


    I''m ready to cut his head off rather than make him look weak.


    Kane is serious.


    Originally, he was going to die instead of having his men save his life.


    He laughs that it''s only now.


    ''''Well we won''t tolerate anyone breaking the guild''s laws.


    You know what I mean?


    Sif is expressionless.


    I''m sure this guy will kill people with this expression on his face.


    ''''It''s because if we don''t work as mercenaries, our people will die. The mercenaries of the Bethel Mountains who are brave and courageous and will not betray their employers even in death they must continue to be perceived as such.


    ''But,'' continues Schiff, ''there are always exceptions.


    ''But there are exceptions to everything. If it''s in our favor, we can overlook those who break the guild''s laws.


    So what about me?


    I challenged him, but Sif was expressionless.


    ''I told you, if it''s in your favor, you''ll miss it.


    I''m so grateful I could cry.


    Sif turned away, not answering Kane''s flippant remark.


    *


    Wordlessly opening the door, Violet greeted Kane as she always did.


    ''Two days in a row and you''ve got nothing new to tell me.


    Yeah, we''re on different business today.


    Kane walked over to Violet and gently stroked her cheek.


    ''Aren''t you working today?''


    I''m sorry. We''re working today. Hey, Elaine Schinner.


    Giggling and creeping laughter, Violet rubbed Kane''s arm.


    ''How long have you been aware of this?''


    You''re sure it was Elaine Sinner?


    Violet ... Elaine Sinner leaned against the window sill and opened her eyes.


    In short, she just stopped squinting.


    ''Oh my God, did you put a cama on?''


    It''s pretty much the same thing.


    Violet handled too much information on a wide range of subjects.


    It was too much for a mere prostitute to handle.


    The fact that she was too skillful in choosing the right information to give and take, was also a factor that made me feel uncomfortable.


    Without a certain level of education, it is impossible to make a good selection of information.


    It is unnatural for a person to become a prostitute while having that much education.


    If an educated woman became a prostitute, it was also unnatural that she didn''t show any interest in money or that she didn''t smell like it even though she worked here.


    ''You were selling information to Sif and Master Crono as well, weren''t you?


    Elaine sold Kane''s information to Schiff as a bargaining chip.


    It''s possible, though, that he was just passing on the information.


    That''s why Sif wasn''t upset when he and Kane met face to face.


    Crono also knew that the conversation wouldn''t get complicated, so he didn''t put any soldiers other than Kane in the reception room.


    Who was acquainted with Crono, Sif, and Kane?


    Violet is the most likely, but Crono doesn''t buy prostitutes.


    Even Sif wouldn''t do anything to buy a prostitute from the Free City State group to the Marquess of Erakis.


    When you think about it, Violet''s true identity becomes apparent.


    That is, the guildmaster of the Free City State Cluster and the head of the Sinner Trade Association.......Elaine Sinner.


    ''''It''s true that I was the one who passed on your information to Sif, but I guess I didn''t use that much.


    I''m pretty sure I''ve given you some pointers.


    As a result, Sif didn''t say anything.


    This was probably because he decided it was more beneficial to negotiate normally than to threaten.


    ''''I mean, didn''t you also know how Crono-sama would respond?


    She''s more discreet than I thought.


    ''Maybe,'' said Kane, scratching his head.


    ''So, well, one last question. Why me?


    Because I''m in love with you.


    "You don''t talk in your sleep.


    Kane said to Elaine, who turned away in embarrassment.


    ''If you''re going to a bar when you don''t drink, or buying a hooker when you don''t cuddle, I''ll know you''re gathering information.


    That''s part of the point of looking for someone with a good ear for words, you know?


    And then," Elaine smiled lustily, "I decided it wouldn''t be a bad idea to get to know you.


    ''I decided it wouldn''t be so bad to get to know you.


    Women are so scary.


    Elaine''s ''not bad'' doesn''t mean it''s an emotion or a mood, it means it might be in her best interest.


    Good grief, Kane turned his back on Elaine and walked towards the door.

 53-Episode 7 "Hands" Revised Version

    *


    Really, your hands don''t look like a lady anymore, I... and I... Elena Graffius stared at her ink-stained hands.


    Pencils have formed on her fingers, and the ink is stuck between her nails.


    Ninety percent of it would come off if I washed it, but the ink that got between my nails didn''t work that way, and before I knew it, this had become a regular occurrence.


    While looking at my own hands, I was remembering Faye''s conversation.


    What we talked about was ... how to say ... the nightlife.


    A lot has happened on the southern frontier and Faye has become his woman.


    Several times, as she performed nightgirls, Faye seemed to have developed an inferiority complex as a woman and felt her hands were not girlish.


    I think it''s weird for me to treat Faye, who is over 20 years old, as a ''girl'', but still, Faye is still a ''girl''.


    I think this is because Faye has recently become more aware of herself as a woman.


    Maybe that''s why I can feel the ''girlishness'' in her normal behavior, and the way she''s embarrassed, I can feel her s*xuality.


    Maybe Faye would immediately answer that she would be proud if asked about her hands.


    What about me?


    If you asked me if I could be proud of my ink-stained hands I wouldn''t have an answer for you.


    "It''s a lot of work, but...


    Huh, I let out a long sigh.


    I''m sure you''ll find that even if you are mainly a sedentary person, you will still be worn out to a certain extent if you are restrained for a long time.


    The tax season is an unaccustomed time for standing work, so the wear and tear is intense.


    The work of the clerical staff, including me, is to check if there is any difference between the numbers on the books and the actual numbers.


    The crops collected from the villages in the territory, the payments for the crops received from the merchants, other taxes and carry-over funds, etc.


    It''s easy to put into words, but when you''re a nobleman with a large territory like Crono-sama, that much is a lot of work. On top of that, there''s a chronic shortage of manpower, so the work is nothing short of grueling.


    And yet, ''I was wrong'' is not allowed.


    I''ve only ever worked for Chrono-sama, but I guess clerical work, including my job as an accountant, is a job that demands infallibility.


    It''s that kind of work, but the guy seems to appreciate it a lot and has given me a raise since last year.


    It''s not just me, it''s all of us who work at the Marquis'' mansion.


    I have 27 gold coins in my possession right now.


    He said he bought me for 20 gold coins so he can buy me back my freedom, maybe.


    But is that really necessary?��I guess so.


    At least I haven''t been inconvenienced since he bought me out.


    I''d like to think that I''m not being inconvenienced right now, dammit.


    Maybe I should ask him next time?��I slowed my pace a bit.


    I reminded myself that there was no place to go if I bought myself back.


    Even if I tried to get revenge, Master Crono would not cooperate with me.


    You can''t waste your life trying to kill Phillip and the others with your own hands, now that you know you have no talent for magic or swordsmanship.


    Philip knows I''m alive and well.


    He must think that I am favored as a s*x slave.


    If Crono-sama becomes a major influence, Philip - even his uncle - will be scared that he will be avenged at any moment.


    To say I''m altruistic and don''t like it would be an understatement, but it''s the only revenge I can take right now.


    I walked into my room and grabbed the stick that was propped up near the door, feeling uncomfortable.


    Then swing the stick around in a circular motion in a circle.


    I''d change places and repeat the process over and over again.


    Ouch!


    Someone shouted as the impact was felt on the wooden stick.


    I raised the stick and swung it down again and again.


    "Ow, that hurts!


    The air is distorted and Crono-sama appears from the empty space.


    He was hiding in my room using a magic called the Kaiyang Corridor.


    ''''How?''''


    I was just swinging a stick around.


    The Kaiyang Corridor is a magic that has the dumb flaw that even the person hiding in it can''t see what''s going on around them, and to an expert like Fay, a single word of ''intuition'' can detect their whereabouts, and even if they''re just swinging a stick around at random like they are now, they can get hit.


    ''''I could use it against amateur vigilantes, though~''''


    Crono-sama muttered to himself, but since he''s done the same thing over and over again, I''m sure I''ll be able to come up with a countermeasure.


    You can''t plan a countermeasure if you don''t repeat it over and over again, so it''s probably a threat to your opponent who doesn''t know about the existence of the open yang corridor.


    "Hit me a little more gently.


    Crono-sama sat deeper into the bed, rubbing his head deliberately.


    I let out a deep sigh as I could read what was going to happen next.


    ''You know, I''m tired,''


    Now I just want to rest anyway.


    Besides," he continues.


    How''s work?


    It''s all right. It''s all right.


    I reported the income and expenditure.


    First of all, the income the money carried forward was 43,742 gold coins and ten silver coins.


    The revenue is sixty-seven thousand seven hundred and fifty gold coins from the Marquis of Erakis and five thousand gold coins from the Count of Caddo.


    The per capita tax on slavers is 12,000 gold pieces, and the fee for the use of the port is 2,400 gold pieces for two months.


    In total, 123,892 gold coins and 10 silver coins.


    There were various expenses, but there were 37,757 gold coins.


    It''s rather unused. Then I''d like to reward my men or something.


    ''I''d better not do that. If they think you''re turning a lent soldier into a private army, you''ll physically lose your head.


    This guy is a pervert who has a number of mistresses around him and wants to see my disgusting face, but considering the successes he''s had in the war and the position he''s in now, there may be a bit of a let-down.


    Well, we can''t deny the possibility that they may decide to crush us before we get out of hand in earnest.


    What about sending a lump sum to the families of injured or dead soldiers in the name of a lump sum?


    I don''t think you can blame me for that, maybe.


    How long ago was it? I thought he was fatally underqualified for command.


    This guy has too much of a sense that each soldier, each one of them has a family and a life.


    If this guy was a mere lord, if he was in a position where he could focus on running the estate, it could be a virtue.


    But this guy is a lord and a commander at the same time.


    He is in a position to divide the deaths of.......subordinates into numbers.


    Because he can''t do that, he suffers.


    He tries to reward his subordinates as much as possible.


    And my men will be even more loyal to this guy.


    ''''Well then, take care of the arrangements.


    What?


    You must be tired.


    Yeah, that''s true.


    I''m tired, too.


    While I was mumbling, Crono-sama said that and left the room.


    I was left alone in the room and I slept unfaithfully.


    The next afternoon, when I went to the office with the three reports, Master Crono was elegantly sipping a cup of fragrant tea as if he had finished his work.


    ''.........It''s the official version of the income and expenditure report. The money carried forward is 43,742 gold coins and 10 silver coins.


    I walk up to him and show him one of the reports - a document that summarizes the expenses from last October to this September.


    Crono-sama pulled his incense tea to the edge of the desk and stared at the report.


    ''''I think I spent quite a bit on war expenses and investing in Elaine-san.


    You''re missing the purchase of slaves.


    These are three things that were not in the budget proposal.


    However, considering what this guy was trying to do, I have a feeling that it was factored in.


    ''''As for the revenue........the tax revenue from the Marquis of Erakis is a little more than last year, sixty-seven hundred and seventy gold coins, the Count of Caddo has five thousand gold coins, twelve thousand gold coins from the slavers, and two months of port royalties, two thousand four hundred gold coins.


    Elena cuts off her words there.


    ''''In total with the money carried forward, there are 123,892 gold coins and 10 silver coins. It''s a paper workshop but things are going well over here.


    Elena piles on the paper workshop''s income and expenditure reports.


    You''ll have your money back in a year.


    You know, that stuff you''ve been worrying about, it''s starting to show.


    This time last year, this guy was worried that the trees used as raw material for paper would dry up, but now that he''s got Count Caddo, it looks like he''ll be fine for a while.


    To begin with, the branches of the trees that are used as raw materials for paper grow even if you cut them down.


    ''''........Next, I want to build a roadway connecting the Marquis of Erakis and Count Caddo territory, I want to explore the area, I want to build a school......my dreams are expanding....


    You should have more paperwork to do first. Paperwork.


    I know it''s not as easy as it sounds, but I went into it.


    The old nobility would be able to gather competent and trustworthy people from their relatives, but in the case of this guy, the only options are to raise him yourself, or to pile up the money and pull him out from somewhere, or to buy a slave like me.


    The choice to raise him is also a crooked one.......for example, Leila the half-elf.


    Maybe Leila would quit the army as soon as Crono-sama told her to, and engage in office work.


    However, if she did that, it would be a hindrance to maintaining security.


    ''''I''ll have to build a deputy''s office in Count Caddo''s territory as well.


    If you''re busier than you are now, you''ll be a stone dead man.


    ''I''ll send a letter to Dad and Ault about that, and ask Dr. Weissman to get Tilia in touch with the former vassals.


    Spitting out a clean, altruistic line, Master Crono stood up.


    ''Are you going out?''


    The ''union'' and the poorhouse. Would you like Elena to join us?


    ''As long as you explain it to the others properly. I don''t want them to think I''m slacking off.


    I''m the accountant in charge of general accounting, but there are nine other people in charge of administration.


    If you count Wester in charge of the office, that''s ten, too.


    Of course I''ll make my rounds.


    Then it''s fine. I''ll wash my hands, okay?


    *


    Can''t we wait outside?


    No.


    When I looked up at the second shop of the Sinner Trade Association and asked, Master Crono immediately dismissed my proposal.


    ''I don''t like him,''


    It''s what they think.


    So you don''t want to see me!��I shouted in my mind, but Crono-sama took my hand and went to the second shop of the "Sinner Trade Association".


    ''..........Hmmm......it''s thriving.


    I didn''t want to meet that woman, so I shied away from her, but the second store of the ''Sinner Trade Association'' seemed to be thriving.


    It mainly deals in clothing.


    There is no third store.


    ''''Oh, you should have called me.


    I thought it would be faster if I went myself.


    Who?��That''s what I thought of the woman I saw Elaine Sinner.


    Her makeup is modest and not very revealing.


    Even her hair is just pulled back.


    ''Have you come to buy some clothes for that girl?


    ''''You''re not going to say that you''re not going to sell your clothes to a slave, are you?''''


    Elaine smiled kindly.


    Probably for business.


    ''No way, I''ll sell it to anyone as long as they pay me.


    So I''ll come back the day you''re not here.


    You''re welcome, but not me.


    When I finished my sarcasm, Master Crono looked dumbfounded.


    ''''By the way, what do you want today?''''


    It''s a bit about the Countess of Caddo.


    Let''s go upstairs.


    Elaine shows me to the reception room on the second floor.


    It''s a simple reception room with just a sofa and a table, but it''s well-cleaned and feels good.


    Crono-sama sits down deeply on the sofa and I sit down shallowly.


    Elaine narrowed her eyes slightly and sat down in front of Crono-sama.


    ''''I''ve decided to set up a deputy''s office in the port of Silva in Count Caddo''s territory.


    Yeah, I''m here.


    It seems that the decision to place the deputy''s office in Silva Port in Count Caddo''s territory was made when he spoke with the guildmaster of the Mercenary Guild.


    The reason it''s not in the Marquis of Erakis territory is because the Port of Silva is a logistical hub.


    The cargo is unloaded into the port of Silva, and from there the merchants take their respective routes.


    ''If you need help, I can introduce you to a whore who''s thinking of retiring, okay?


    You know what? There''s no way I''m going to accept such a proposal.


    I said, and Elaine tilted her head in wonderment.


    Ugh, I''m annoyed.


    Why is that?


    You can''t be trusted. Now that I know who you are, you''re going to get the inside scoop and use it for your business.


    ''''Well I don''t want to do it when I''m found out.


    If the returns outweigh the risks, this guy is going to do it, he''s going to do it.


    ''But I need you to think about it,''


    You are persistent, aren''t you?


    It''s a responsibility. One rejection is not enough to make me back down.


    Elaine looked at me intently.


    It''s a little pressurized.


    ''Some girls go out on their own or end up with rich mistresses, but only a few get lucky. The older they get, the less customers they get, and when they don''t make any more money, they have no choice but to retire.


    Would it be difficult to keep him as an educator or hire him in the ''union''?


    Master Crono said, and Elaine let out a deep sigh.


    ''''Even that is limited, right?''''


    Well, sure.


    Master Crono crossed his arms thoughtfully.


    ''....If I were to hire you, would you be as a teacher?


    They''ll think you''re taking advantage of them.


    But as a teacher, you don''t have a lot of access to information that you wouldn''t want to be known or used, and building a stuffing station for teachers outside of the Marquis'' mansion would reduce the chances of that happening.


    ''Dr. Weissman has been asked to concentrate on administration and officer education, and has been introduced to... eh...''


    Ex-whore. Ex-whore.


    ''It''s like having a former prostitute teach you to read and write and do math.


    I nodded my head, "So it''s a two-step process, basic and specialized?


    "Am I right in thinking that they will hire you?


    I''m still working on it.


    That''s enough.


    Elaine patted her chest as if to say that a little weight had been lifted off her shoulders.


    ''Back to the point, have you decided who you''re going to appoint as your deputy?


    I''m thinking of giving it to Kane.


    Hey," I said, poking Master Crono in the side with my elbow.


    It hurts.


    Since the agency is built to prevent trouble between merchants and mercenaries, Kane, who has experience as a mercenary, is the right person for the job.


    ''''Oh, is it okay to say that?''''


    I''m not in trouble.


    Yeah, well, it wouldn''t hurt you to know.


    I''m late for work.


    ''Yes, I hope you''ll have something concrete about the school by the next time we meet.


    Elaine sees me off and walks out, this time towards the poorhouse.


    Why did this guy bring me here?


    Hmmm...does this mean we should be prepared for this kind of thing?


    With that in mind, I went to the poorhouse, which is halfway between the commercial and residential districts.


    ''''Where is Mr. Zion?''''


    Yeah, the director is upstairs.


    Master Crono asked, and the woman at the entrance pointed up.


    ''May I come in?''


    ''My lord is paying for it, so I don''t have to say no, do I?


    Courtesy, courtesy.


    Okay.


    The woman laughed at what was so funny.


    When she entered the poorhouse, every inch of it was as clean as last year''s.


    Up the stairs and at the end of the second floor, the Director''s room.......Crono-sama stopped and knocked on the door.


    ''''Come in........''''


    Hi. Long time no see.


    When Master Crono entered, Priest Zion of the ''Yellow Earth Temple'' greeted him with a soft smile.


    ''''Master Crono, please wait a moment while I brew some incense tea.


    You didn''t make me some incense tea when I was your age, did you?


    When I rushed in, Sion gave a big smile.


    ''''Crono-sama.......will be donating a large amount of money to us.


    It''s a sadistic world, isn''t it, when priests are paid to be different?


    Crono-sama sat down on the sofa in the corner of the room and I followed suit.


    I thought I was going to go make a cup of tea, but Sion poured the incense tea from the pot in the corner of the room into a cup.


    ''''Yes, Crono-sama,''''


    ....


    I said Crono-sama, but in case you''re wondering, there''s one for me too.


    It''s not funny, as if I''m being treated as an extra.


    How''s the poorhouse?


    ''Thanks to the paper workshop, half of them have left.


    Crono-sama asked, and Sion said with satisfaction.


    ''''Right now, your main focus is to take care of those who are not feeling well and the children.


    If you''re able to work, we''re offering you a job in the paper workshop, and you will.


    Where''s Clover?


    I''m told that the cows are growing up fast and, well, they''ve started to produce milk faster.


    ''I was just trying to regain ground in the field, is that a happy miscalculation?''


    Master Crono looked up at the ceiling and muttered in confusion.


    ''You''re going to be able to make more cheese, so why don''t you think you''ve contributed to the rural community''s increased income?


    ''''If we can see the effect of restoring the land strength of the field, the entire territory will spread clover on the fallow land... so... won''t the price of the cheese go down?


    Why don''t you go sell to another fiefdom, or export to a group of free city-states?


    Doesn''t this guy ever get tired of worrying about it all?


    ''Well, we''ll think about the cheese price drop later. What about the beet?


    Oh, yes, the beets are being harvested. The fields to the south of Hachel are about fifty times larger than the Temple.


    "........two and a half pounds of sugar. Five tons? A kilogram of gold at the terminal price and a gold coin, that''s two thousand five hundred gold coins~. We''ll expand our southern fields and have a steady income.


    Is this guy trying to figure out how to distribute it?


    If I have to spread out any further, I''ll be alone.


    Come to think of it, it''s the same with the Temple that''s short on manpower.


    And that''s why Zion is touring the rural areas all by himself.


    ''More donations means more priests?


    Oh, it''s not about the money, it''s about the faith.


    How much do I have to pay to have a priest sent to me?


    ''Oh, well, Mister Crono, if you could put some more clothes on your teeth.


    About six thousand gold pieces?


    Theon was paralyzed by the lack of faith in the dialogue.


    Shubot~, he could almost hear such a sound.


    ''You''re smirking and weird.


    I wish you could tell me you were smiling.


    On the way back from the Saviour''s Hospital, Master Crono replied, holding his mouth.


    ''So what''s the fun in that?''


    Is it more joy than fun?


    Huh?��And I''m half a step behind Crono-sama.


    "Aren''t you happy about that, Elena?


    So what?


    The wagons that pass by the road quite often, the voices of touts in the distance, the appetizing smells.


    A middle-aged woman is having a trivial conversation on the side of the road, and a group of kids are running right next to her.


    ''''When I ... just became a lord, it wasn''t as crowded as it is now, was it?''''


    Well, they didn''t have ports and they were taxed like crazy.


    I think there were all these furnace taxes and other incomprehensible taxes.


    "There were vagrants in the narrow alleyways and street prostitutes... Leila was malnourished and skinny, and Mino and the others looked like they had bad hair.


    I don''t know what happened to Leila when she was so malnourished and thin.


    So I can''t give this guy the answers he wants.


    I''m happy to see the results.


    But you''re not the only one who can''t take credit.


    Well, you know.


    Did I offend you?��I followed Master Crono, feeling a little uneasy.


    So, thank you.


    .....


    The sound of a gentle voice makes my heart skip a beat.


    ''Oh, I''m not even on my own,''


    Thanks to everyone, including Elena.


    I looked at my hands.


    My hands are stained with ink.


    Infallible work.


    Now, I hadn''t even noticed before.


    The numbers I''ve been facing are the very life of the people.


    When the numbers are down, they are poorer; when they are up, they are richer.


    If I miscalculate, the amount of money I can spend on my fellow countrymen will be less.


    Fortunately, I haven''t made any mistakes until now, and that''s what has led to the ''now''.


    When I think about it, I feel a little proud of my ink-stained hands.

 54-Modified version of Episode 8 "Black"

    *


    Rio was poking his cheekbones in the room given to the Ninth Kingsguard.


    The role of the Ninth Kingsguard is to guard the castle.


    Rio preferred a role that was moderately bored and moderately stimulating.


    If you were to wander around the castle and talk to Fana and Count Piske at random, they would judge you to be doing your job, and if you were a bystander, the bickering of the court nobles would be a fun pastime.


    Lover''s quarrels are especially great.


    It is wonderful to see two people who were lovers until recently cursing each other without shame or offense.


    But lately, I''ve started to feel annoyed by the security work.


    It all started with the incident at Aldemiran Palace.


    Since then, lower class nobles have been climbing the castle.


    The problem is that some of them don''t follow the proper procedures.


    Perhaps they think that if they don''t get an audience with Alfort as soon as possible, other nobles will beat them to it.


    If you don''t follow the proper procedures, you will have no choice but to turn them away, but it is only such a person who curses Rio in a bad way and shouts out that he is an Alcor vizier.


    However, if you leave them alone, they will think you are an Alfortist.


    I''d prefer that they play faction games in a place that has nothing to do with me.


    I can''t help but complain.


    The faction battle between the next Emperor Alfort and Prime Minister Alcor is not fun at all.


    If only he had given me an order back then, I could have cut Alfort''s head off, Rio feels a little bitter about Crono.


    ''''Bo........Rio-sama, please keep your mouth shut.


    It''s true.


    Rio''s shoulders cowered as his second-in-command chided him.


    It''s not funny that he''s interfering in the meeting.


    I''ve heard that Alfort''s pointing out that it worked, but given what he''s trying to build and what it''s all about, it''s not very credible right now.


    Rio let out a sigh and crossed his legs.


    ''Was it a mausoleum?��I wonder what they would do with something like that in the Aldemiran Palace?


    "I am told that you serve the Emperor and unite the will of the old and new nobles.


    What was the word for these things?


    I''m not a learned man.


    I wanted to tell him to stop lying, but Rio weighed himself.


    ''''Uniting the will of the old and new nobles isn''t something that can be done overnight.


    ....


    The deputy does not answer.


    He knows about the civil war thirty-one years ago.


    In that civil war, the nobles of the imperial brother faction were not able to become monolithic despite the crisis.


    Even the old nobles were like that among themselves.


    If the old aristocracy and the new aristocracy could unite their intentions just by building a mausoleum, then there would be no difficulty.


    ''''I have an idea to get the new nobles on board, but would you listen?''''


    Just an FYI.


    ''''We can free up the imperial positions monopolized by the old nobles to the new nobles. Or we can create a system where everyone is fairly valued.


    ''They both mean something similar, though,'' Rio added in his mind.


    ''And so I complied with the Marquis of Erakis'' request,''


    Oh, you mean the knighthood?


    Crono asked him to write a letter of recommendation because he wanted to give his subordinates a knighthood, and Rio wrote a letter of recommendation. Although, it wasn''t just Rio, Leonhardt and Count Ernat had also written a letter of recommendation.


    Rio got to his feet and looked up at his deputy.


    ''''I''m Crono''s lover, you know. You can''t do a lover''s favor in a vacuum. Well, and also ... we''ve fought together.


    Master Rio.


    The deputy''s eyes welled up with emotion.


    I don''t like women who make a pass at Crono, and I don''t like my other mistresses either.


    But I do have sympathy for these women, and I also have feelings of near-fondness for the sub-humans I fought with.


    Well, the main reason is that there was no reason to say no.


    There was a knock on the door with a bang and Rio looked up.


    ''''Enter!''''


    ...Haha!


    When the adjutant allowed, the young knight opened the door and clenched his fists at heart level.


    With a snappy motion, the young knight stood in the center of the room and straightened his back.


    ''Count Burkmeier wishes His Highness Alfort to see you, sir!


    So, have you gone through the proper channels?


    Huh?��And the young knight - I don''t recognize him, so he must be newly inducted into the Ninth Kingsguard.


    ''Count Burkmeier, the southern frontier is...''


    The young knight didn''t even listen, but he blurted out a reasoned one.


    Most of him didn''t listen, but he wanted to say that Count Burkmeier is an aristocrat from a historic family, so he can''t get rid of him indefinitely.


    ''''........Are you an idiot?''''


    I don''t know what you mean.


    Haha, Rio let out a grand sigh.


    You can''t let them into the castle without following the proper procedures, can you? You''ll have to send them away because I''ve given you orders!


    Ha!


    Rio shouted, and the young knight left the room with a snappy motion.


    ''Is that a thing?''


    What is that thing?


    Don''t answer a question with a question. Is that thing stupid?��Or have you come to take a punt on me because you''re going to get a corner if I say no?


    If it''s the former, it''s irredeemable; if it''s the latter, it''s petty.


    Probably the former.


    ''I thought our group members were a bit more sane, though.


    I''m still trying to educate that thing.


    Then the deputy clenched his fists.


    What can I say, it hurts.


    ''I think I''m going to die.''


    If that''s what it takes to kill you, then that''s it.


    ''If this were a battlefield, it would save me the trouble of educating you,'' he seemed to say.


    ''I''m getting a headache. Can I leave it to you?


    "Ha, Master Rio!


    The second-in-command gives a salute that is far more powerful than the young knight''s.


    ''''Wouldn''t it be better if you were the Commander?''''


    Everyone has their minutes. In the meantime, as Master Rio''s second-in-command, I will do my part to make him hate me.


    I don''t think I''m more suited to be a Knight Commander," Rio said, cowering his shoulders.


    Count Piske, are you free?


    Does this look boring to you?


    No, I don''t see it at all. But why do people around me respond to questions with questions?


    In the office of the Twelfth Order of the Kingsguard, Count Piske was about to be buried in a pile of letters.


    The letters were probably sent by the nobles who were seeking an audience with Alfort via Count Piske.


    ''Do you enjoy playing faction?��Yeah, I don''t need a response. I can guess by the look on your stricken face that you''re not having fun.


    ... "I''m still in my element in this one.


    Count Piske propped his elbows on the desk and crossed his hands as if in prayer.


    ''That''s an auspicious gesture, isn''t it?


    ''It is far beyond my share to retain His Highness Alfort and wrestle the real power of the Empire back from Prime Minister Alkor.


    That doesn''t sound like a statement from a core Alfortist figure.


    Count Piske stared at him with bloodshot eyes, and Rio lightly cowered his shoulders.


    ''''Was it His Highness Alfort''s idea to build the mausoleum?''''


    I don''t know. I don''t care.


    Count Piske spat out in desperation, or whether he was trusted to the extent that people thought he wouldn''t snitch on them.


    ''Do you think it is possible to repair the relationship between His Highness Alfort and Vizier Alcor?


    There is no improvement no such fact.


    Ah, Rio nodded.


    Apparently, Count Piske is planning to pretend that the incident at the Aldemiran Palace ''didn''t happen''.


    No, is he planning to pretend that the fact that ''Alfort and Vizier Alcor are not on good terms with each other'' ''didn''t happen''?


    That''s too self-serving a theory.


    Will that be enough to convince Vizier Alcor?��Rio thinks, and realizes that the answer to that question has been given.


    Prime Minister Alcor is already convinced.


    Therefore, Count Piske can assert that ''there is no such fact''.


    Then.........why does Count Piske know that Vizier Alcor is convinced?


    Count Piske, does Vizier Arcole have something on you?


    You can''t help but ask the question.


    Mm-hmm, Rio nodded repeatedly at the correctness of his guess.


    Count Piske was also connected to Vizier Alcor.


    Perhaps it was after Count Piske swore allegiance to Alfort at the Aldemiran Palace that he became part of the two factions.


    ''''So does that mean that His Highness Alfort''s dragging the meeting around and the construction of the mausoleum are factored in?


    I don''t know.


    Let Alfort experience success in the meeting, and let him experience failure in the construction of the mausoleum.


    If he experiences failure, Alfort may become a little more docile.


    The problem would be that it would give people the illusion that Alfort had power.


    ''''........It''s fine, though, because I''m not interested in faction fighting.


    You fought the Queen of Tyria, and now what the hell are you talking about?


    I was obeying your last will and testament, that''s all. I think it''s a big part of it that Princess Tyria personally... although I don''t think she didn''t hate me then as much as she does now... she didn''t like me much.


    Count Piske let out a sigh of dismay.


    Rio smiled bitterly as he said, ''''You fought the Tyria Princess yourself, too.


    ''''Are you judging things based on likes and dislikes?


    It''s my emotions that tip the scales in my favor.


    At that time, Vizier Alcor had the will of Ramal V in his hands, and Princess Tilia had the legitimacy to succeed to the throne.


    ''''Therefore, could you give me an excuse to leave the imperial capital?


    Why did you have to...


    Count Piske interrupts the dialogue midway through.


    Rio is aware that Count Piske is connected to Vizier Alcor.


    ''''Why don''t you go and give Crono''s men a certificate to show that you''ve been conferred a knighthood?


    ...a subhuman with a knighthood.


    I''m a good worker.


    Count Piske poked his cheek with a Buddha''s face.


    ''I won''t deny you that much. I just thought it would be uncomfortable to do something unprecedented.''


    ''I''m sure that''s what the old knights were thinking, too.


    Rio crossed his arms and nodded repeatedly.


    *


    I took off my armor and changed into my military uniform and left the castle.


    The white military uniforms that are the sign of a knight of the Kingsguard would be a bit more noticeable in the old city, but in the new city, it would be quite remarkable.


    It was freaky that I didn''t use the carriage to get to my house in the second city block, and it was for the same reason that I visited the new city.


    It was out of curiosity that I headed towards the human wall.


    According to bits and pieces of information leaked by onlookers, a pickpocket has been captured by the guards and is in the middle of being assaulted.


    At this point, Rio lost interest.


    Even if the sound of the rather unfashionable blows echoed, even if the smell of blood mixed in the air, even if the soldiers giggled and said, "Hey, hey, don''t punch me in the face too much, we have to interrogate you,


    I''m going to have to... f*ck me I''m part of the Marquis of Erakis.


    The line regained his interest and Rio tapped the man at the tail end of the human wall on the shoulder.


    The man turns around uncomfortably and retreats with a guffawed look on his face.


    In a chain reaction, people give way to Rio and a path is born.


    Ahead of them, a dingy-dressed girl was being kicked by two soldiers.


    The girl was probably about fifteen years old.


    Her dark brown hair was short and her skin was dark and sallow.


    Her eyes were bush-eyed.......no pity at all.


    I''m sorry to be in the middle of a serious business, but will you let me take that girl in?


    ...R��o, Count Chiron.


    The two soldiers straightened up when I called out to them in a friendly manner.


    ''Oh, I''m not moving?''


    Yeah, it''s...


    The girl turns over and doesn''t move.


    She pokes her head with her toe, but there is no reply.


    ''Well, that''s fine. ''It''s Midori and the god of flux.''


    When Rio knelt down and held out his hand, a green light enveloped the girl.


    It''s the divine power art ''healing''.


    When the light subsided, the girl looked up with a small moan.


    ''''Hey, I hear you''re Crono''s people?''''


    That''s right. I''m part of the Marquis of Erakis.


    My eyes were swimming as hard as they could, so I could tell it was a lie, but it would be enough of an excuse.


    ''Oh, really?��I''m Crono''s girlfriend. My girlfriend''s people seemed to be getting beaten up, so I came to help.


    That woman is a pickpocket named Verna!


    ''I wish you''d read the air a little more,'' said Rio, standing up and tightening his grip on the hilt of his sword.


    ''But he claims to be Crono''s people, you know?��If it were true, wouldn''t there be a problem?


    So.....


    As the soldier tried to argue with him, Rio drew his sword in one go.


    The soldier was unable to react.


    Rio addressed the blade to the neck of the soldier and closed the distance between them.


    ''I don''t like children who don''t listen. If you''re unhappy, I can find out if you guys were doing your job diligently?


    Yes, sir.


    The soldier tore his gaze away from Rio to see if there was a dark spot behind him.


    ''Can you stand?''


    Yeah.


    Rio said as he sheathed his sword, and Verna replied shortly.


    Her eyes were moving busily, so she must be planning to run away when she sees an opening.


    Rio tapped her on the shoulder as soon as Verna stood up.


    ''If you run away, I''ll kill you, okay?''


    I''m not running away!


    As Rio started to walk away, Verna followed with a little pause.


    They walked for a while.


    How long do you want me to follow you?


    It''s Crono''s house in the old town. I suppose it should properly be called Baron Crawford''s other house, though.


    Rio stopped and looked at Verna.


    ''''Well you''re Crono''s people, aren''t you?''''


    Oh, oh!


    Verna was lazy and sweating like a waterfall.


    Well, it''s no wonder, because once you meet Crono, you''ll be caught in a lie with one shot.


    You know what? What if. What if I''m lying to you?


    Did you lie to me?


    I said, "What if"!��What if I''m lying to you?


    ''Hmmm,'' growled Rio.


    ''Probably a terrible way to die, I think. To the point where you''ll regret being born into this world. That is, if you''re lying to me.


    Well, don''t worry about it.


    Verna gave a drawn-out smile.


    It''s hell to go on, and hell to retreat.


    When she reached Crono''s mansion in the Fourth Ward, she met up with Ault at the gate.


    ''''Isn''t that Count Chiron?''''


    It''s been a while. What do you need today...?


    ''Yes,'' nodded Ault.


    ''''It seems that Crono-sama''s management of the territory is starting to take off, so I was gathering people together.


    The Cronos will be ... pleased.


    ''I hope so, but I don''t want to hurt Master Crono''s pride.


    His voice and expression are cold-hearted itself, but he is probably worried about Crono in his own way.


    ''''What business does Count Chiron have for you?''''


    I''ve got Crono''s people with me.


    ''Huh,'' said Ault, looking at Verna and narrowing his eyes.


    ''Was it Verna?��Does Alt know about her?


    ''I am not aware of all of Master Crono''s friendships.


    That''s a shame, because I have to go to the Marquess of Erakis on business. To tell the truth, I have to go to the Marquess of Erakis on business. This is a very serious request.


    I understand. Until then, I''ll let Ault here take charge of Lady Verna.


    Is this what they say about hitting it? Orto seemed to have figured everything out and bowed reverently.


    ''''If I may say so instead, I would like you to serve as my escort when I send my servants to Crono-sama?


    When the time is right, I''m willing.


    Yeah, I don''t mind that.


    Rio shook hands with Ault.


    *


    ....


    Good morning, Mister Rio.


    The next morning, when I went to the mansion''s reception room, I found Viscount Brad Hammar waiting for me with a fresh smile on his face.


    Indeed, it was a refreshing smile.


    It was hard to believe that Rio had been waiting for nearly an hour before he was ready.


    ''What can I do for you?''


    ''Count Piske has asked me to deliver something to the Marquis of Erakis, along with Lord Rio.


    Rio crossed his arms and looked at Brad''s face.


    Naturally, there was no need for the Knight Commander of the Kingsguard to travel to send out the deed to show that the Knight Commander of the Kingsguard was a warlord.


    Is that all you got?


    I think my sister has made a mistake.


    Failure?��Rio frowned.


    ''We''re neighbours, so let''s get along,'' he said, ''what would we fail to do just to say hello to each other?


    ''''Since we''re going to talk about something important, I think I should have gone out to talk to you. I''m sorry that I''m taking advantage of my position as Commander of the Kingsguard, though.''''


    From the words, Brad must have asked Count Piske to go to the Marquess of Erakis.


    ''''I don''t mind. How long do you want to leave?


    How about the day after tomorrow?


    ''If it''s just packing,'' said Rio, crossing his arms, ''it won''t take long.


    ''That''s fine. Are you planning on taking anyone else with you?


    I''m the only one.


    Since he was enjoying his encounter with Crono, Rio didn''t intend to take his subordinates along with him, but when it came to escorting them, he felt uneasy about his strength.


    There''s no point in worrying about it, Rio said, cowering his shoulders.


    My lady, that''s Hachel.


    ...phew.


    Rio let out a small sigh as he looked at Brad, who was lovingly stroking the horse''s neck, beside him.


    It had been a little over ten days since they left the imperial capital of Alfirk.


    On the way, Verna had tried to escape many times, but other than that, the journey had been smooth without any major troubles.


    Since it was official business, it was also fortunate that they were able to use the military facilities.


    However, even the servants Ault had gathered were able to use the military facilities because Rio and Brad were the captains of the Kingsguard.


    Sins........well, they must be sins.


    Even if it was the result of being entrapped by someone, or stabbing a superior officer to defend himself, or covering for someone else.


    No workplace would employ a woman who was branded a criminal.


    Inevitably, they will fall into a world where they will not see the light of day.


    If you reach out to them there, they will try to repay you for your kindness.


    If they get a decent reputation at their new place of employment, they will be willing to risk their lives to complete their work.


    Rio smiled bitterly as she recalled their conversation.


    From time to time, the girls were uniformly silent and wistful.


    That''s usually when the conversation turned to Crono.


    Crono has a bad reputation.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to see an unexpected side to someone else," Rio said with a small sigh once more.


    Brad is a horse lover.


    I even shuddered at the sight of her cleaning horse manure worthily with eyes like a maiden in love.


    Thinking back, I think Brad talked about horses all the time on the road.


    I''d listened to more than half of it and responded appropriately.


    The city was more crowded than I remembered it to be when I went inside after a brief formalities at the gates of Hachel''s.


    The number of stalls had visibly increased, and the clothes the lords were wearing seemed to have become a little cleaner, mindlessly.


    As I let my horse advance, I heard a faint kern, kern sound.


    It gradually grew louder and louder, and even a sweet smell began to waft through the air.


    Passing through the gate of the Marquis'' mansion, Rio dismounted from his horse halfway down the yard.


    After waiting for a while, the door of the Marquis'' mansion opened.


    ''Rio, what''s wrong?''


    Delivery from the Imperial City to Crono.


    The carriage stopped and Verna jumped out at the same time.


    Rio grabbed Verna by the scruff of her neck and thrust her out to Crono.


    ''Well, can I do whatever I want?''


    ''They called themselves Crono''s people, but you don''t recognize them?��If you don''t recognize him, I''ll take care of him myself.


    Crono looked at Verna in confusion.


    ''No, it looks familiar.''


    Hey!


    Verna has escaped from Rio''s grasp and Dan!��And stomped the ground.


    ''Bah, a**h*le!��My life is at stake here, so just remember it!


    What?


    ''Don''t look so mysterious!��Look, I met you in the back alley.��See, see, I cried for you, didn''t I?


    Verna pointed at herself and made a desperate appeal.


    Yes, yes!


    He tried to take my wallet from me when I was down!


    I want my tears back!


    Verna''s shoulders slumped emphatically as she gave up.


    ''Are you your people after all?''


    I don''t want to be a part of it, but I don''t want to get rid of it.


    All right. Honestly, I just thought it would be a good excuse myself, so I''ll let Crono take care of the rest.


    Rio gently tapped Verna on the shoulder.


    ''.........Marquis Erakis.


    Brad dismounted from his horse and walked quietly over to Crono.


    ''Rio, who?''


    It''s Viscount Brad Hammar, Commander of the Fifth Kingsguard.


    Crono nodded and shook hands with Brad.


    ''Thank you for the horse the other day,''


    ''No, on my part I hope my sister didn''t show any disrespect?


    Crono smiled briskly.


    That was the answer.


    ''So much for saying hello, we can''t just leave these girls alone, can we?


    I looked over my shoulder and saw that the women were getting out of the carriage.


    ''They too?''


    ''The girls were entrusted to me by Ault. He said it would be hard to manage the estate.


    I see, Crono''s eyes moistened with emotion.


    Apparently, Ault''s worries were not unfounded.


    After being ushered into a room in the Marquis'' mansion, Rio wished to bathe in hot water.


    Even though he was able to use the military facilities, considering his peculiarity.......and the absence of a second-in-command who could hide it well, he had to wipe himself in his room.


    Rio laid out a certificate on the desk in the office indicating that he had been conferred a peerage.


    There are eight of them, including the one that was invaded by the Holy Argo Kingdom last May.


    A single piece of parchment like this is enough to be treated as a knight.


    In the empire, a knight is a flimsy existence that can be established in writing.


    Crono carefully places the parchment in a box.


    He must have prepared it himself.


    It''s a box that seems to take ten times as much work as the deed.


    ''Crono has been issued a new military uniform.


    ''Speaking of which, you became a Knight Commander.


    As Rio put down the box of clothes, Crono opened the box, his eyes sparkling with anticipation, and quickly closed it.


    Opening the box once more, Crono takes the military uniform in his hand.


    It''s black in color.


    The fabric is superior to the military uniform Crono had been wearing until now, and the detailed design is different, but the color was black from the front, from behind, and from the side.


    ''''Hey, is this some kind of harassment?''''


    You don''t want me to know.


    It''s really troubling.


    You could give any number of reasons, like because Alfort decided to do it on his own, or because he''s a new nobleman.


    ''''Did Crono have a crush on the Kingsguard knights?''''


    Not really, but it''s not.


    To say it was too much is an understatement.


    ''''Just think of it as the color of the Goddess of ''Jet-Black and the Goddess of Chaos''. It''s a good idea to think of it as the color of the "goddess of chaos", because that goddess protects a wide range of people, even prostitutes and subhumans.


    I don''t believe in the Six Pillars of God, you know?


    That''s the kind of lore that''s called ''hands''.


    Although he is the commander of the 13th Konoe Order, he is dressed in a jet black military uniform.


    Regardless of their origins, if they are to be used heavily, they will be able to attract talented people.


    "If you use those ''hands'', you''ll have to build a temple or make donations.


    It''s a necessary expense.


    Hmmm, Crono groans.


    Apparently, Crono doesn''t want to make a donation to convince the rumor mill.


    ''''Well I''ll think about it,''''


    Crono tucked his new military uniform in and closed the box.


    Well, I guess it''s over for me. What do you want to do?


    How can I still see the sky high up in the sky?


    It''s so healthy.


    Crono, for what it''s worth, returns the question with a question, too.


    ''Well, it''s certainly not healthy to do that in the daytime,'' says Rio, dismissing his line of questioning in his mind.


    ''And Tilia,''


    Yeah?


    When Crono looked towards his gaze, he saw Princess Tilia looking at Rio through the doorway.


    Boom!��And the door opened wildly.


    ''Count Rio Chiron, game on!��To beat you, I have endured the unbearable, endured the unbearable, and honed my swordsmanship and divine arts skills!


    Princess Tilia drew her sword and pointed the tip of it at Rio.


    ''''Why do you think Princess Tilia hates me so much?


    Maybe because I stepped on it?


    When I gave him a look, Crono replied with a straight face.


    ''I''m sorry, but I have no reason to fight.


    "...You''re the one who enjoys meeting up with Crono, but unfortunately, I''m the one who''s going to be the night owl tonight.


    Princess Tilia puffed her chest out for no reason.


    ''Then I''ll be fine tomorrow.


    That''s impossible.


    Is it impossible?


    Rio stared at Crono as the Tilia princess confidently said.


    ''I guess it depends on if you can outsmart Tyria this evening?''


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s not a bad idea.


    I''m sure it''s not a bad idea to think of Princess Tyria biting her teeth while she''s being robbed of her turn.


    Hmmm, don''t think of me as the same as I was before.


    We can''t fight in the office, as expected, so we move to the training grounds.


    For some reason, it''s the order with Princess Tilia at the front, then Rio, and Crono at the back of the line.


    ''''What''s wrong with Eril?''''


    I''ve been holed up in my room reading a book lately.


    Serving as an observer for Princess Tyria is like an excuse to get Eril out of the Konoe Guard, so there''s no problem.


    ''''Come on, let''s play the game in an ordinary way!


    I''m much better with a bow.


    Rio draws his sword and confronts Princess Tilia at a distance of ten meters.


    Princess Tilia stabbed, and Rio stood in an intangible.......natural way.


    It seems to have raised his arms somewhat, and Rio looked at Princess Tilia.


    A white light envelops Princess Tilia''s body.


    The divine power art ''divine robes''.


    Presumably, it is also using ''activity''.


    Rio also activates the divine power technique ''Divine Clothing''.


    ''''Begin!''''


    As soon as Crono announced the start, Princess Tilia kicked the ground.


    Dust rose and instantly accelerated to top speed.


    Rio shifted his center of gravity and ducked the Tilia Princess''s stab in the manner of falling down, and released a blade of wind.


    However, due to the fact that he was adding and subtracting, the wind blade was blocked by the white light that enveloped the Tilia princess''s body and dissipated.


    If I can get a little more distance, I can summon the divine weapon, said Rio, thrusting his sword at the Tilia Princess, who finished releasing the stab and exposed her unprotected back.


    But Rio''s sword cut through the sky.


    Princess Tilia kicked the ground and ducked Rio''s attack by leaping forward.


    Is that why she had left some extra energy to leap?


    No, did she start to think about what to do next?��And while Rio is thinking, Princess Tilia reverses and closes her pause.


    The Divine Majesty Technique ''Divine Clothing'', ''Activation''.......the landscape melts away.


    A super speed that makes it impossible for even myself to see the situation around me.


    You just can''t see it.


    With his sense of hearing, smell, and touch, Rio is aware of everything but sight by the ''God who controls the flow of water'' that he communicates with.


    He walks behind the Princess Tilia and thrusts his sword out again.


    But this was read, and the Tilia Princess flips with a flowing motion, geez!��Their swords bounced off each other with a deafening sound.


    Rio sinks his body to leap for distance and Princess Tilia steps out at the same time.


    For a moment, a moment really.


    Rio was taken aback.


    Without a doubt, Princess Tilia swung her fist down.


    Tsk!��And the fist of Princess Tilia snatched at Rio''s military uniform.


    That''s it.


    Rio jumps back and gets far enough away from Princess Tilia.


    ''''........Didn''t you get slowed down?''''


    Lines like that aren''t meant to be said while looking at your fist in wonderment.


    Princess Tilia must have been sure that she had captured Rio.


    However, Princess Tilia''s fist only snatched Rio''s military uniform.


    So, Princess Tilia stared at her fist curiously.


    Apparently, the trickery hadn''t been exposed.


    ''''You''re growing up, somewhat.


    Hmm, of course.


    Princess Tyria puffed her chest out in pride.


    ''''I''ll make up for the bitterness I felt when I was kicked to the curb back then.


    Isn''t it a grudge for cuckolding Crono?


    Princess Tilia didn''t answer and kicked the ground.


    In an instant, she closed the gap and unleashed a slash that would not let her even get a clue to counterattack.


    It''s an attack that seems to show how much honing has been done since coming to the Marquis of Erakis.


    Although it''s shameful that the root of it is the resentment of being kicked in the leg and cuckolded for a crush.


    Princess Tilia''s attack is slowed down.


    I''m letting her attack this much.


    Even if you don''t even notice the identity of the small tricks, you should still feel uncomfortable.


    As Rio leaps backwards in a big way, Princess Tilia stays where she is.


    Grow!


    A thrust is released.


    A light extends from the sword just like Fei did that time.


    The Divine Majesty Technique ''Celebration Holy Blade'' has this kind of use.


    But the blade of light cut through the sky.


    No, Princess Tilia''s thrust did indeed pierce Rio.


    However, it was only an imaginary image that Rio had created with his Divine Majesty Technique.


    ''''Wha, what........!


    Don''t be surprised.


    Rio sets up his bow and pulls the strings.


    In fact, there is no such thing as a bow.


    ''''Divine artifacts........summoned!


    The arrows are unleashed.


    Green light rushes over the Princess Tilia.


    ''''Gu, gu ... God!


    Princess Tilia deploys her divine Majesty Technique, Holy Shield, but it''s all she can do not to be swept away by the rush of light.


    ''''I''m sorry, but I''m not going to go easy on you!


    The second arrow is released.


    The "Holy Shield" shatters and blows Emperor Tilia away.


    ''''Gugununu, not once, not even twice.''''


    It''s incredibly tough.


    Rio scoffed without reservation at the regretful, teeth-biting Princess Tilia.

 55-Episode 9 "Mangan" Revised Version

    *


    We continue on the road by horse.


    The sun is directly above us and the village we have designated as our resting point is ahead.


    We could stop here for an extra rest.


    I think it''s time for a break, don''t you?


    ....


    I looked next to him silently and saw Count Rio Chiron smiling at me.


    It''s not an order as a nobleman, it''s just a suggestion.


    Leila has the final say.


    ''''I understand. We''ll take a short break here.''''


    Is Count Rio Chiron interested in me?��He dismounted from his horse, remembering his (...) actions.


    The ten men ... the light cavalry in seven and the archers in three ... took the leather bag in their hands and sipped the warm (lukewarm) water.


    Unlike Kane and the Fae, Leila''s responsibility is a small area with Hachel in the center.


    The one who decided on the range was Kane, and I don''t disagree with that decision.


    ''Did you have fun with Crono last night?''


    Yes, Your Grace.


    Count Rio Chiron dismounted from his horse and walked over to Leila.


    He said, "You needn''t be alarmed. �� Don''t be alarmed, I''m interested in you, but as a fellow Chronosphere lover.


    So, you''re saying he followed you around to security?


    Yeah, yeah.


    Count Rio Chiron nodded with a theatrical gesture.


    ''But I''m not sure what to say. After all, the only thing we have in common is that we both love the same person.


    ''I suppose we also share some of the weapons you''re good at and the fact that you ride horses?


    Count Rio Chiron''s eyes widened in surprise and he laughed like a child.


    ''''Hahaha, maybe we have more in common than I thought. Well, then, and this is my advice as someone who is leading a subordinate as well, you had better figure out yourself and your subordinates.''''


    I think I know what''s going on, sir?


    That''s why I was thinking of taking a break in the village down the road.


    ''I suppose so. But your job is to guard the roads,'''' he said, "and you can''t pace yourself without leaving some extra energy in the event of a battle. But your job is to guard the roads, and you can''t pace yourself without leaving some extra energy in the event of a battle.


    ...I think you might be right.


    Apparently, the title of Knight Commander of the Kingsguard is not an honorable title.


    ''''Is there anything else you have noticed?''''


    To tell the truth, the advice I''m getting now is from my second in command. It''s a very old-fashioned type of knight, but experience is not to be underestimated. It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for when you''re looking for it.


    Leila gave a small nod. ''I''ve left Teacher Wiseman''s lecture on paper, so if I read it carefully again I might discover something else.


    ''''So ... did you have fun with Crono?''''


    Didn''t I tell you?


    ''Mm-hm,'' said Count Rio Chiron, nodding repeatedly.


    ''I''ve won your favor'' is not the answer. What I wanted to ask is whether you enjoyed it.


    ....


    Leila doesn''t answer.


    It was certainly pleasurable and spiritually satisfying, but even though they were mistresses, Count Rio Chiron was a man.


    ''Don''t stare at me like you''re so scared.


    I''m not staring.


    Count Rio Chiron raised his hands in surrender.


    Are you sure you don''t have something to ask me?��Like ... aren''t you curious how Crono would love me?


    No, not really.


    Leila replied without raising her voice.


    It was Leila herself who told Crono that she didn''t mind being one of his mistresses.


    Although she has a monopoly, their status is different to begin with.


    Even though he came from another world, Crono is a nobleman in this world.


    It''s also a nobleman with two titles and a fiefdom.


    In the future, he will inherit Baron Crawford''s territory and will have three barons and estates.


    Leila is a half-elf from the slums.


    Lives that would not normally intersect intersect, and Leila is by Crono''s side as his mistress.


    And that too, with an advanced education comparable to that of a nobleman.


    Even if she can no longer handle a bow, she can choose another way of life now.


    Just like Nicola from the Pix Trading Company said, Crono gave me the possibility.


    It might be arrogant, but Leila exhaled quietly.


    I want to take some of Crono''s pain away.


    If that''s not possible, I''d like to make him forget it, even if it''s just for a moment.


    I suddenly look at Count Rio Chiron.


    ''What is it?''


    Mr. Crono has informed me that the Earl of Chiron has written a letter of recommendation for you.


    Count Rio Chiron crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly.


    ''''It''s nothing to be thanked for.


    But still thank you very much.


    Not used to being thanked, Count Rio Chiron gave an awkward smile.


    *


    ...the light.


    In response to a whisper, a magic item mounted near the ceiling lights up and illuminates Leila''s room.


    The magic item for lighting is Leila''s personal item.


    When I bought it, I was very unsure of what to do with it, but now I''m glad I did.


    The white light feels cold, but it doesn''t smell like tallow and doesn''t produce soot.


    I need to review my lecture, Leila said as she collapsed onto the bed, hugging her notes.


    The eyes of others or the nightlife would keep her on her toes, but without either, it was hard to keep her on her toes.


    Even more so if it was after a day''s work and an officer''s education.


    ''''........back then.''''


    Leila''s eyes narrowed and she patted the white sheets.


    ''Leila, are you coming in?''


    You could have at least knocked.


    Leila ran into Deneb and Alideed, who were already in the room.


    That''s us against Leila.


    Oh, yeah, we''ve been friends since I started here.


    ''I think we should be polite, even if we''re close to each other.


    Leila straightened up and stared at Deneb and Alideed.


    ''What do you want?''


    Uh, no, I''m not here for you.


    It''s my free time, so I figured I''d take a crack at it.


    Even though they didn''t answer, Deneb and Aridid brought in what looked like chairs, jars, and nibbles from the hallway.


    Apparently, they plan to have a drinking spree in this room.


    ''So what was Leila minding her own business?


    I heard a voice say, "That was a long time ago.


    ''Huh,'' Leila let out a sigh.


    ''I was thinking back to when I was assigned,''


    Yeah, that was my day.


    We were doing pretty good on two meals a day, weren''t we?


    Deneb and Alideed crossed their arms and nodded repeatedly.


    ''You know, watery broth and hard bread was a staple on the menu. I felt like I was getting something out of it just because it had meat in it that looked like muscle.''


    ''Right now it''s a soup with meat and veggies strewn about, and the bread is soft. I''m happy to see fish on the menu.


    Deneb and Aridid poured a clear liquid from one jar and then a cloudy liquid from another into a cup.


    ''What''s that?''


    Yeah, we''re working on a steady stream of alcohol and...


    "the juice of dried fruit soaked in water.


    Leila fearfully took a mouthful of what looked like liquor that was handed to her.


    The sourness and faint sweetness stimulated her tongue.


    Deneb and Aridid clinked their cups and vigorously stirred the liquor.


    ''''Speaking of which, during the war against the Holy Argo Kingdom. Yeah, this year, not last year, this year.''


    ''I saw some of the guys from the other squad, and they were thin and had bad hair.


    ''I''m sure we were similar last year,''


    Leila looked at Deneb and Alideed in turn.


    Last year ... her treatment had changed so dramatically that she wasn''t sure of the continuity of her memories.


    The events of only a year and a half ago felt like a long time ago.


    As far back as I can remember, a year and a half ago Deneb and Alide.......Leila herself was thin.


    ''You said it was tight around your chest and buttocks or something.


    She plucked at her collar and peered at her breasts, which were more voluminous than they had been a year and a half ago.


    ''How was Leila?''


    I''ve had a few.


    It was Master Crono who noticed first, Leila added in her mind.


    And if it hadn''t been for talking to Deneb and Alideed, she wouldn''t have known what Crono was thinking about when he wanted to touch her breasts and ass.


    ''Some, right, some,''


    Growing up is no match for the landlady and the princess.


    Deneb and Alideed laughed with a kleptomaniacal smile.


    If they could catch up with the size of the landlady and Princess Tilia, even if the food situation improved, that would be more of a threat.


    That''s how big the landlady and Princess Tilia''s breasts are.


    Among Crono''s mistresses, the two of them are at the top of the list, and after the third place, they are greatly separated from each other.


    After the third place........Leila, Faye, Deneb, and Alideed form the second group, with Elena, Rio, and Su forming the lower group.


    However, considering the fact that Count Rio Chiron is a man and there is still room for Sue to grow, it must be said that Elena is by far the lowest of the group.


    Layla brought the cup to her mouth.


    Perhaps it was a result of her research, but the liquor made by Deneb and Alideed was easy to drink.


    ''''Speaking of the proprietress.......''''


    You''re not very aggressive, are you?


    The landlady always takes a step back in the meetings that determine the number and order of nightmares.


    It''s probably because she feels sorry for her late husband, maybe.


    If you''re talking about taking a step back, so are Deneb and Alideed.


    Perhaps noticing their gaze, Deneb and Aried looked at each other.


    ''''We ... well, we like Crono-sama, but ...''''


    Buuuuut, I''m willing to deal with Master Crono on my own.


    By Crono standards, Aridid is the one who is on a roll, and Deneb is the one who is a little more thoughtful.


    If that''s the case, it would be Arididid who spoke up first and Deneb who followed.


    They''ve known each other since they were deployed, but Leila can''t tell them apart.


    Although they seem light, Deneb and Arididid have a way of not letting others (people) step in.


    ''''Ugh, traitor!''''


    I''m not cheating.


    Alideed leaned forward and shouted, and Deneb said with a pout of frustration on his lips.


    ''I think this is the first time I''ve ever seen Deneb and Alideed at odds with each other.


    We fight when it''s just the two of us.


    I mean, we''ve got our own problems.


    Deneb and Aridid poured the drink into a cup.


    ''We were born in a settlement near the border and, well, you get the idea.


    In a place like that, in the midst of all that, pretending to be each other... not that it changes anything.


    Deneb and Alideed looked down at their cups, wondering if it was a little easier.


    Alideed must have come to tell Deneb that he wasn''t the one who had been treated badly by pretending to be Deneb and Deneb pretending to be Alideed.


    ''I don''t have anything like that now. Master Crono is erotic, though.


    Yeah. Men get carried away so easily, but Lady Chronosphere''s unflappable stupidity is like a gift.


    This is the first time I''ve heard of Deneb and Alideed''s experience, but they don''t seem to have much in the way of decent male company.


    ''Was Leila ... there was no one else but Lady Crono?


    Oh, that''s what it means, sweetheart.


    No, sir.


    When Layla responded immediately, Deneb and Alideed stoked their drinks with a subtle expression on their faces.


    ''''Ugh, it''s not very exciting and...''''


    Now that we''re working with Chrono-sama, we can''t seem to get excited about our love story.


    Deneb and Alideed chewed on their crisp, hard bread.


    ''Um, business?''


    We''re all the same to you. What about Leila?


    The Earl of Chiron has pointed out to me that I should take stock of myself and my men''s condition.


    Hmm, surprising.


    Deneb and Alideed spoke up.


    ''And that you should listen to the old soldiers,''


    This didn''t fit with their own vision of Count Rio Chiron, either.


    Deneb and Alideed snorted thoughtfully.


    ''Surprisingly, to say the least,''


    Like the knowledge and experience of the old guard is important.


    So I''m thinking of re-reading my notes.


    Leila stared at the notebook on the bed.


    ''Oh, Leila, you know, I''ve grown to love studying.


    Yeah, I miss the days when you were whining about not being able to win Lord Crono''s favor.


    ''It was ... because I didn''t understand the love of Master Crono.


    Uhehe, Deneb and Arid laughed.


    On the day of the ordination ceremony.......when I entered the entrance of the Marquis'' mansion, Crono was waiting for me in his military uniform.


    No, Crono wasn''t the only one who was waiting.


    Princess Tilia, Faye, Count Rio Chiron, and Viscount Brad Hamal stood on either side of Crono.


    Why am I here?��The expression on his face said, "I''m sorry," and Kane stood a little further away.


    ''''I''m late. Crono-sama what are those clothes?


    I''m now the commander of the 13th Kingsguard.


    Crono is wearing a tattered cloak, and the military uniform he''s wearing underneath it is more elaborate in design than that Leila remembers.


    ''''We''re just in time!''''


    When I looked behind me, I saw Deneb and Alideed almost running in.


    ''''Ugh!��And Master Crono is wearing new clothes!


    Yeah, I''m now the commander of the Thirteenth Kingsguard.


    Deneb and Alideed approached Crono and stared at the military uniform with a gaze.


    ''''Did I hear that the Kingsguard has white military uniforms?''''


    Deneb and Alideed looked at Count Rio Chiron and Viscount Brad Hamal, then back to Crono.


    ''''Harassment?''''


    Yeah, I have a feeling that''s what I''m doing.


    Crono gave a drawn-out smile.


    ''Well, well, that''s why you''re like Crono-sama?


    Black suits Master Crono better.


    "General, we''re late.


    For a moment, the sunlight is blocked by a large figure.


    ''''........General, what are your clothes?'''' (Bum?)


    No!��I''m a Knight Commander of the Kingsguard and it''s forbidden to stay black!


    ''And Master Crono is being harassed and hurt!


    Deneb and Alideed dived at Mino.


    However, it''s Deneb and Arideed who are doing a mane like rubbing salt into the wound.


    ''''We''re late, that we are,''''


    "We''re here.


    I''m afraid you''re the last one standing.


    Taiga, White, Hiilo - finally Goldie arrived and the door was closed.


    ''Well, let''s get started. All of you, in a line there, side by side.


    Leila and the others lined up in a line where Crono had pointed.


    ''Fay, the darkness.''


    Please, God, I beg you.


    As I pray, the shadow of the fey stretches out.


    No, denser than the shadow, it was darkness.


    The darkness overflowed from underneath Faye''s feet and enveloped the entire hall in the blink of an eye.


    ''''........Tilia.''''


    Just as we discussed. Light.


    With the voice of Princess Tyria, a light is born.


    The light illuminates Crono.


    ''''First, Mino-san,''''


    "Hey, hey.


    The light extended. The light created a narrow path from Crono to Mino.


    Following that path, Mino knelt at Crono''s feet.


    ''Ritual, this is a ritual,'' he said.


    ''In May of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty, I assisted my commander in the northwest of Hachel, the Marquis of Erakis, and prevented the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom. In January of 4301, he assisted his commander in the Holy Argo Kingdom, killing and wounding a large number of enemy soldiers and leading a detachment of troops to prevent the enemy from retreating. In recognition of his service, I confer upon him a knighthood.


    After receiving a parchment from Viscount Eryl Sardomelik, who had been waiting for some time, Crono held it out to Mino.


    ''''Oh, thank you, I''m happy.'''' (Bumo~)


    As Mino took the parchment and returned to his original position, the path of light was broken and a new path was created between Crono and Goldie.


    Staggeredly, Goldie approached Crono and knelt at his feet.


    ''In May of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty years, in the northwest of Hachel, the Marquis of Erakis, we stopped the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom Army. After that, he continued to move the battlefield to his workshop, indirectly saving the lives of many imperial soldiers and killing or wounding many enemy soldiers. In recognition of his service, I confer upon him a knighthood.


    We''ll give you more, better weapons and armor.


    Goldie took the parchment tearfully and returned to her original position.


    ''....White.


    Gah!��And White barks.


    He''s quiet, but he must be happy because he''s wagging his tail with a pat on the back.


    ''''In May of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty years, in the northwest of the Marquess of Erakis'' territory of Hashel, you halted the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom Army. In recognition of that achievement, I confer a peerage on you.


    Waving his tail in a thousand pieces, White received the parchment.


    ''''........Hairo.


    Wordlessly, Hiilo walks up to Crono.


    After all, he''s wagging his tail with a pat on the back, so he must be happy.


    ''''In May of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty years, you stopped the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom Army in the northwest of the Marquis of Erakis'' territory of Hashel. In recognition of that achievement, I confer a peerage on you.


    Hiilo looked at Crono and accepted the parchment.


    ''Taiga,''


    ....


    Taiga approached Crono with a jerky motion and knelt at his feet.


    ''''In May of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty, in the northwest of Hachel, the Marquess of Erakis, I prevented the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom. In January 431, he killed and wounded a large number of enemy soldiers in the Holy Argo Kingdom and led a detachment of troops to prevent the enemy from retreating. In recognition of his service, I confer upon him a knighthood.


    The moment I received the parchment, Taiga''s drooping tail stretched out.


    ''''I''ll continue to do my best to meet your expectations, that I will do my best to live up to your expectations.'''' (Gau-gau)


    Tyga proudly threw out his chest and returned to his original position.


    ''Deneb, Alideed,''


    I''ve been called together!


    In May 430 of the year 430, in the northwest of Hachel, in the Marquis of Erakis, he survived an onslaught of enemy troops and killed or wounded a soldier defending an enemy commander, and in January 431 of the year 431, in the Holy Argo Kingdom, he killed or wounded a large number of enemy soldiers and prevented them from pursuing the enemy forces when they retreated. In recognition of his service, I confer upon him a knighthood.


    Deneb and Aridid received the parchment from Crono and broke his face.


    ''Keep up the good work, Knight Deneb.


    The same goes for you, knight Aridaid.


    Deneb and Alideed looked at each other and exchanged a few words.


    Finally, a path of light connected Leila and Crono.


    Crono seemed to be smiling.


    He took a step forward on shaky legs.


    He suddenly remembered his time in the slums.


    No, I don''t really want to remember.


    But I step out.


    I think of my dead mother.


    I think of my mother, who sold her body, broke her body, and died in a leaning hut.


    I think about the days when she was trampled.


    She thinks of the pain of being beaten, the pain of being raped by force, the bond with her fellow slumlords.


    She thinks of the battle.


    She thinks of her dead comrades, those who went to the battlefield with Crono and never came back.


    I think of Crono.


    I think of the day I visited Crono''s room trembling, the time we were united, the day I was frightened because I couldn''t understand Crono''s love.


    With an all-encompassing feeling in her heart, Leila stands in front of Crono.


    In May of the 430th year of the imperial calendar, in the northwest of the Marquess of Erakis''s domain of Hachel, Leila escaped the onslaught of the enemy army, approached the enemy commander and seriously wounded him, causing him to be defeated. In recognition of this achievement, I confer upon him a knighthood.


    Leila took the proffered parchment with a trembling hand.


    It was only a few lines ... just a few lines, but the Empire recognized Leila.


    The light disappears and a hole arises in the darkness.


    A crack runs around the hole, and the darkness that covered the entire hall is lifted.


    The darkness flutters like a sheet blown by a powerful wind and is sucked into the shadow of the fey.


    Seconds later, the hall was back to its usual form, as if the events of the past had been a dream.

 56-Episode 10 "Homecoming"

    As I recall, there........no, my house, Mino rubbed his eyes.


    If Mino''s memory is correct, there was a settlement near the ''Sinner Trade Union''.


    But where the settlement was located, there is only a building under construction.


    I''m sorry. Wasn''t there a Minotaur''s settlement here? (BMO?)


    Yeah, here it is.


    Mino asked, to which the man who looked like a craftsman replied without seeming particularly surprised.


    ''So, where did the inhabitants of the village go? Buh-buh-buh?


    They''ve moved into the woods.


    "Thank you.


    Riding the wagon again, Mino had to suppress his anxiety and agitation until they reached the new settlement.


    *


    Breathing, Mino got out of the covered wagon and found a settlement.


    The house looked sturdier than the one he had in Sylvania, and there, Mino finally felt a pang of relief in his chest.


    Mino trusts Crono, but he would at least be upset if the settlement had moved to another location without his knowledge.


    Even though it has moved, the settlement is relatively close to the sea, and the wind blowing in from the sea is pregnant with two things: freezing cold and the smell of tide.


    A closer look revealed a field between the settlement and the coma forest.


    Out of pure curiosity, Mino passed through the village and headed for the field.


    ''''.........''''


    Mino stared at the field.


    The wheat wasn''t even as tall as Mino''s knees, but for some reason, he couldn''t get the words out.


    ''''........Brother! (PUMO~!)


    When Mino turned around, Aria was standing there.


    ''Aria, where are your fathers?'' (Bum?)


    ''You don''t know, brother?��''Dad and the others are doing the work that Crono-sama asked us to do.'' (Pumo?��(Pmo~)


    Master Crono?��And Mino crossed his arms.


    ''''Oh, you mean that one?'''' (Bumo~)


    In installing a deputy in the Count of Caddo territory, Crono is setting up a magic item for communication between the Marquis of Erakis and the Count of Caddo territory.


    ''''Brother, can you take it easy today?'''' (PUMO?)


    ''''I got a special leave of absence, so I''ll be fine. But I can only take it easy for two days.


    I can''t neglect my job as a deputy, and many of my men can''t go home that easily.


    I can''t relax when I think about them.


    ''''Oh, I bought a souvenir. And also a gift from Crono-sama.'''' (Bumo~)


    "Let me help you, brother." (Pumo)


    He returned to the wagon and split up with Aria to unload the load.


    Youko sat down to help, but sat back down when he saw Mino and Aria unloading lightly.


    ''What is this?'' (PUMO?)


    "It''s ... a thousand tooth treatment.


    What Aria was staring at curiously was an instrument called ''Thousand Tooth Handler''.


    It is shaped like a combination of a giant comb and a wooden frame.


    It could be passed in the form of dozens of long iron skewers at narrow intervals, or even substituting a long skewer for a fork.


    It seems that the ''Thousand Tooth Handler'' was originally a tool used in the world where Crono was. Crono until Leila pointed it out to him.


    It must be one of the obsolete tools because he says he forgot about the existence of the Thousand Tooth Handler.


    "Crono-sama says it can be easily threshed just by passing it between the teeth" (Bumot~).


    That''s so much.


    It''s a great invention!


    It''s a great invention!


    Thud!��And two women dressed in ochre-colored priestess uniforms slipped in front of the ''Thousand Tooth Handler'' at a ridiculous speed.


    ''''Who are you?'''' (Bum?)


    ''''It''s the priest of the Yellow Earth Temple. I recently came from the imperial capital.'''' (Pumo~, Pumo~)


    The two priests stood up and looked up at Mino.


    ''I am Granette, a priestess in the service of the ''Mother Goddess of Ochre and Fertility''.


    The tall woman said, brushing back her long brown hair.


    I''d say she was in her late teens.


    I''m Plum," she said. I''m a priest too.


    The short woman says in a tongue-in-cheek tone.


    Her age is in her early teens.


    ''''You mean the Ocher Temple, are you junior to Lord Zion? (Bum?)


    He''s my subordinate, not my junior.


    Master Theon, in recognition of his many years of hard work and merit, has risen to the rank of High Priestess.


    We''re the only people who work for him, though.


    That''s good, Mino congratulated Theon on his career from the bottom of his heart.


    ''''To be frank, the Marquis of Erakis has risen through the ranks because of the donation.


    No, it''s not!


    A puffy, dry wind blew through Mino''s mind.


    ''''That guy is in a world that is hard to know.'''' (Bumo~)


    Really. But it''s lucky for the Marquis of Erakis, isn''t it?��At least the people above are mundane enough not to think that the Marquis of Erakis donated it with good intentions.


    "That''s one way to think about it.


    It would be safer not to ask why a female priestess was sent.


    ''''That said, the Marquis of Erakis is amazing.


    Granette lovingly stroked the ''Thousand Tooth Handler''.


    ''Why is it so great?'' (Bum?)


    It''s usually a hand job. Yeah, I''m sure it''s a hand job too.


    Granette clenched one hand as if she were grasping something and moved the other as if she were handling something.


    ''You use this like you''d use it to bind wheat together and run it through your teeth, right?


    "I''m sure he said something like that, but...


    Would it be a death sentence to spread this to other areas?


    I don''t want the death penalty.


    Plum clung to Granette with tears in his eyes.


    ''''I''d rather make sure it''s usable than spread it around.'''' (Bumo~)


    That''s true.


    Perhaps regaining his composure at Mino''s point, Granet nodded easily.


    ''''So I wonder if this was given only to your village?''''


    "I''m sure Master Crono would have distributed them to every village.


    Mino added in his mind that he might be thinking of experimenting with it in this village before spreading it around.


    ''So, what do you think of our farm from an expert''s point of view? (BMO?)


    So far, so good.


    "For now? (Bum?)


    ''I''m human and I can''t make absolute promises. Well, the hard part is that I can''t make promises, but I can''t fail so many times.


    Granet said sorrowfully.


    It would certainly be bad form to fail after receiving five thousand gold coins in donations.


    ''''I''m a little relieved.'''' (Bumo)


    Yeah?��Most of the time I get a bad look on my face when I say these things.


    Mino became embarrassed and scratched her head.


    I''m not sure if it''s because I''ve been in the military for a long time, but when people say that I''m a sure thing or a certainty, I worry more about that.


    It''s complicated.


    "Not at all.


    As Mino carried the load, Plum hurriedly held it in his arms.


    ''''The priests will be stationed here? (Bum?)


    I''ll be going from village to village for a while. The Marquis of Erakis seems to want to explore the area, so the frequency may increase, though.


    *


    The new house was far larger and more solidly built than it had been in the Earl of Bowties'' territory, obviously larger than the one near the harbor.


    According to Aria, the new settlement house was built with the help of Silva and several other dwarves.


    ''''.........Mother.'''' (Bumo)


    ''I''m glad you''re back. You must be hungry.'' (Bumo, bumo)


    Mino sat down in a sturdy looking chair, feeling embarrassed and apologetic.


    ''I''m getting old,'' she thought, looking at her mother''s back.


    ''You''re going to be able to relax for a while, aren''t you?'' (BMO?)


    I''ve got work to do.


    Mino stared at the table, barely able to squeeze out her voice.


    I''m sorry because I''m guilty of running away from my hometown I''m guilty of leaving my family.


    I couldn''t bear it, Mino said, clenching his fists under the table.


    ''Really?��I''m sorry to hear that. You have to take care of yourself.'' (Bumo?��(Bummo~)


    "I know, mom." (Bumo)


    "Tell me something, brother! (PUMO!)


    Aria said as she read the air, shaking off the dark, subdued air.


    "...where do you want me to start? ...bumo?


    ''Yes. A fun story is good.'''' (Pumo)


    Mino closed her eyes and remembered what had happened since she met Crono.


    Although he had been in the military for a long time, the days he could call fun were after meeting Crono.


    You''re right. I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I met Crono-sama...


    He spoke slowly, choosing his words slowly.


    Every day since he met Crono, as a caretaker.


    About Crono and Leila.


    About Hachel when it was unsafe.


    That Crono was attacked by thugs along the city walls.


    And how Kane, the head of the bandits, became a reliable companion.


    Little by little, everyone''s efforts made Hachel''s security better.


    ''''You''ve gone through a lot of hardship~'''' (..................bumo~)


    .....


    Mino stared at the soup her mother had put on the table.


    It was a nondescript vegetable and fish soup.


    When I put it in my mouth, the back of my eyeballs went numb.


    ''''.....................Delicious, Mom''s cooking is the best.


    "Flattery won''t get you anywhere." (Bumo)


    Mino scraped the soup in one go, tilting the plate and drinking every last drop.


    ''Oh, you''re back?'' (Bum?)


    "....dad.


    The father didn''t seem particularly fussy......no wonder.


    Mino arched his back and looked upwards at his father.


    Why did they move the settlement?


    What about the field, how about the work that Crono had entrusted him with?


    He couldn''t utter such questions.


    ''''........Did you make a mistake in your job?'''' ...bumo?


    "I''m doing my job well.


    ''Well,'' my father said shortly.


    ''''I''ve left a gift for you from Crono-sama. It''s not just for our house, though.'''' (Bummo Bummo)


    Many of the gifts are all practical items such as farming tools.


    ''''Mino, Crono-sama.......what kind of man is that?'''' (Bumo.......Bumo~)


    "Dad? (Bum?)


    My father scratched his head awkwardly.


    ''I know. I know Master Crono is a good man. He''s helping us finance the settlement, and he''s buying us salt. Salted fish, too. He even helped me find a job in the winter.......honestly, he''s been so good to me that it''s uncomfortable.'''' (Bumo, Bumo~)


    I know what he''s going to say.


    I don''t believe him, to put it bluntly.


    No, I suspect that he has a motive.


    ''Crono-sama.......is that kind of person.'' (Bummo Bummo)


    "So that''s the kind of person you are." (Bumo)


    Something had to be said. Mino looked at her mother and Aria for a moment, her fists clenched under the desk.


    "Dad....I''m a knight now.


    What? (Bum?)


    It was lines like that that reflexively poked out of my mouth.


    ''''Well, brother!'''' (PUMO!)


    "Oh, oh, minnow! (BUMO~!)


    Unlike Aria and her mother, who looked impressed, her father seemed to be stunned.


    ''''You''re a knight?'''' (Bum?)


    ''''My work was approved by Mr. Crono and the leaders of the Kingsguard wrote a letter of recommendation for me.


    I have to go tell everyone. (PUMO!)


    As Aria ran out of the house, a cold wind blew in at that beat.


    ''''.........You''re the knight, huh?'''' (.........bumo~)


    *


    Within an hour after Aria left, it was known throughout the entire settlement that Mino had become a knight.


    It was naturally decided to have a feast, and a log was set up in the center of the village.


    It was a modest feast with alcohol and preserved food brought in, but Mino couldn''t hide his surprise that there was enough room to bring in alcohol and preserved food.


    Ignoring Mino''s confusion, the party went on.


    Honestly, it was uncomfortable to be called the pride of the village and so on, and it was also uncomfortable to be offered alcohol by a girl of her age, or to have a widow use her eyes on her.


    An hour or so passed, and the flames weakened.


    He must have drunk there, but he couldn''t get drunk, and Mino was staring at the fire in a somewhat blank mood.


    ''I''m going to sit next to you.'' (Bumo)


    "...father, where are the others?


    I looked in the direction of my father''s attention and saw several minotaurs lying on the ground.


    Mino was the star of the party, but it was probably my parents and Aria who were spoken to most often.


    It had been fifteen years since Mino had left his hometown.


    At that time, Aria hadn''t even turned ten years old, so she was well outside the marriageable age range.


    Mino realizes that the reason Aria isn''t married is because she was supporting the house instead of herself.


    ''''It''s the house that was in the harbor.'''' (........bumo)


    My father said, staring at the wooden cup.


    ''They gave me money for eviction. That''s right, it''s the house we worked so hard to build. I couldn''t just hand over the place even if he came back later and asked me to give it to him.


    Mino doesn''t answer.


    But in the end, we decided to give it away. It''s not a bad price to pay for something called "something". If it wasn''t for a woman like Elaine, it would have been worthless.


    Mino didn''t know Elaine, but perhaps it was for the purpose of selling her favor.


    ''''I wanted to leave Aria, I wanted to leave her some money. Do you know what?��He wants to open a diner." (.........bumo?)��(Bumm~)


    "Dad, I''m..." (Bumo)


    When he was muzzled, his father lightly tapped Mino on the shoulder as if to tell her not to worry about it.


    ''It''s true that you abandoned your home and left, but this is how I came back. Thanks to you, I''m living a life of hope. That''s good, isn''t it?'''' (Bumo~)


    "Dad, I''m a knight now.


    Too?��My father asked back.


    Mino told a story that she hadn''t told her mother and Aria the story of the war.


    About fighting the Holy Argo Kingdom last May.


    Defeating the bandits the killing of a former colleague of Crono''s.


    In January of this year, you invaded the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Passing through the line of fire with Crono.


    And I know that Leo, Horus, Lysad and many others are dead.


    "Father may doubt you, Master Crono, but I believe in you." (Bumo, bumo~)


    It''s hard to convince. Because no matter how many words you say, it won''t come close to the realization Mino got.


    ''''I see.'''' (Bumo)


    My father''s reply was short. My father seems to doubt Crono, but Mino believes him.


    That''s just the way it is.


    And so the night of the party ends.


    We ate, conversed, and walked around the village with my family.


    That was all it took to make the two-day vacation fly by.


    Now the covered wagon was moving east with Mino on board ... to Hachel.


    I''ve spent two days in vain, but my guilt over my family seems to have eased.


    Perhaps it''s an illusion.


    From now on, that''s exactly what Mino will have to carry the guilt with her until the day she dies.


    That''s just the way it is.


    He couldn''t stand the way his ancestors lived, so he abandoned his family at one point.


    So how could he not feel guilty at all?


    When you get to Hachel, you''ll be busy again.


    And the next time you visit your home town, there will be a new change.


    Maybe there will be a harvest festival in the fall.


    Maybe Aria would set up shop in Sylvania.


    Mino closed his eyes as he thought about this.

 57-Episode 11 "Contract" Part 1

    *


    In late December of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-one, in the reception room of the Marquis'' mansion.......Tyria watched as a contract was exchanged between Crono and Viscount Blood Hamal.


    What kind of intentions do you have, Crono?��And Tilia looks at Crono with a sideways glance.


    The feeling that Tilia has right now is close to confusion.


    Perhaps it''s the same for Viscount Blood Hamal, who sits across from Crono.


    The degree of bewilderment must be stronger for Viscount Blood Hamal than for Tilia, who knew the contents of the document.


    Tilia knows that Crono and Viscount Blood Hamal have been in dialogue with each other for over a month.


    It''s also known that Crono''s building of the port of Silva in Count Caddo''s territory has changed the flow of goods, and the trade routes that had been used up to now show signs of decline.


    Viscount Brad Hammar''s goal is to secure new trade routes, and as a means of doing so, he is asking Crono to eliminate the toll tax.


    This is absurd.


    Of course, Viscount Blood Hamal would understand that he is making a reckless demand.


    So, Viscount Blood Hamal should have been conducting the dialogue with an eye on how much concessions he could extract from Crono.


    ''''........Marquis Erakis, are you sure about this?''''


    I''ve given it a lot of thought.


    Crono cowered broadly at Viscount Brad Hammar''s question.


    ''What would be in your interest?''


    I can''t see any immediate profit.


    Easily, Crono replied.


    Crono accepted the elimination of the toll tax.


    Of course, it was not unconditional.


    There are three conditions that Crono offered.


    The first is that Viscount Blood Hammar would also abolish the tolls, the second is to impose a tax on the paper transported from Viscount Hammar''s territory to the Marquis of Erakis for the protection of industry, and the last one is the unification of the commercial system.


    When I say unification of the commercial system, it''s not a large scale, it''s just that I want the system that Crono has in his territory, where anyone can freely set up a stall as long as they follow the prescribed procedures and pay a certain amount of money, to be implemented in the Hamal Viscount''s territory as well.


    The first condition is that as long as he demands Crono to eliminate the toll tax, Viscount Blood Hamal must accept it.


    The second condition is neither an advantage nor a disadvantage to Viscount Blood Hamal.


    It''s because the amount of money for the toll tax has been added on before the paper is brought through Viscount Hamal''s territory to Crono''s territory.


    That''s probably why Viscount Brad Hammar is puzzled.


    ''''You think it will benefit you in the long run?''''


    If the market expands, maybe.


    I see, Tilia finally understood Crono''s intentions.


    Crono changed the flow of goods by building the Silva Port and made several merchant associations compete with each other to lower the prices of goods.


    The tax reforms and public works carried out by Crono so far have left the fiefdoms with more money in their pockets and increased their consumption activities.


    However, there is a limit to the amount of money the fiefdoms can spend.


    That''s why Crono sought a market.......a place for economic activity in the Hamal Viscounty.


    From this point on, it would be Tilia''s imagination, but if the stalls started generating non-negligible profits, the merchants within the Hamal Viscount Territory would also use the Port of Silva.


    If Viscount Hamal''s territory became rich, and the surrounding lords wanted to build a close relationship with Crono......an economic alliance could be established.


    I see, I see, said Tilia, crossing her arms and nodding.


    If she had thought that far, she would have to raise her reputation with Crono.


    That''s great, Crono!��You''re exactly the kind of man I''m looking for!��And Tilia turned her chest back and puffed out her nostrils.


    What do you say?


    ....


    After a moment of silence, Viscount Brad Hammar exhaled.


    It was a long, long breath, as if to release the tension he had just experienced.


    Viscount Brad Hamal would nod.


    Crono wasn''t making an absurd request.


    He is making a mutually beneficial proposal.


    ''Marquis Erakis, I think you are a trustworthy man. But we have a responsibility to you.


    "In charge of the lives of so many of my men and my people?


    When Crono gave him a look, Viscount Brad Hammar nodded with a divine look on his face.


    ''''You don''t trust verbal promises?''''


    I''m sure the Marquis of Erakis doesn''t put all his faith in me.


    No, I think Crono is rather trustworthy, don''t you?��And Tyria looked at Crono, whose gaze swept over her in annoyance.


    ''''Well there,''''


    Viscount Brad Hammar looks at the door.


    When Crono looked at the door somewhat late, the door opened with a clatter.


    Standing there was Viscount Brad Hammar''s sister........Cecily.


    She had no wig, and her dress was dark and very revealing.


    Cecily kept her face down and refused to make eye contact with Crono.


    She bites her lip and pulls and trembles all over as if to endure the humiliation.


    ''I would like to ask you to take my sister there as an apprentice of manners.


    Change.


    He said with a straight face and Crono twisted his wrist with his thumb and forefinger up.


    ''Haha, just kidding.''


    No, it''s a change.


    Crono says again with a straight face, and Viscount Brad Hammar''s mask comes off.


    ''''Why?''''��My family, Viscount Hamal, is one of the oldest of the old noble families. It''s a good thing that the family that accepts apprenticeships is of high rank, though. On the contrary, it shows how much I love you.


    Change.


    Three times, Crono declared.


    Viscount Brad Hammar grabbed Crono''s wrist with a smile on his face.


    ''''Marquis Erakis, ah, Lord Crono, Lord Crono, are you going to waste a little over a month of dialogue?


    If you can''t make the change, you can take your sister and go home.


    You guys were talking peacefully just now,'''' said Tilia, looking at the two of them who were about to start beating each other up.


    The first thing to say is that I don''t really want my sister to be treated as an apprentice to the manners. You understand?


    I don''t like it when you push me around like that, mistress!


    Guffawing, Crono tried to twist his wrist, and Viscount Brad Hammar put his hand into his hand to prevent him from doing so.


    When he suddenly looked at Cecily, she looked like she was about to cry.


    There''s no ''change'' even though he must have made a tragic resolution in person.


    Or rather, there is no trouble in front of the person in question.


    Your feminine pride is in shards.


    You''ll never get over that.


    ...calm down, both of you.


    Yeah, I have to keep my cool here, Tilia coughed lightly.


    But the two of them don''t even try to listen to Tilia.


    ''''Calm down!''''


    As hard as she could, Tilia slammed her fist into the table.


    The fist, surrounded by white light, caved in the top panel and the table lifted off the floor with the impact.


    ''Tilia, calm down,''


    Yes. Princess Tyria, please calm down.


    I am calm!


    Crono and Viscount Blood Hamal stop grasping each other and point their hands at Tilia.


    ''''Just when we were about to end the conversation amicably, what the hell, you guys!


    As Tilia stood up, Crono and Viscount Brad Hamal sat on the couch face-to-face, as if in fear.


    ''''Change'''' or annoyance........Crono, you don''t understand the heart of a woman!��No!��You don''t understand how hard it is to maintain your pride!


    Tilia barked.


    He barked with tremendous force.


    ''''Mostly, you shouldn''t have added Count Rio Chiron as your mistress. ''''A man, man!��That guy, the day after he slept with Crono, was like, ''I got my blood sucked out by an unseasonal mosquito!��It''s winter now. There''s no such thing as a mosquito!��My pride is torn to shreds!


    Bashfully, Tilia tapped the table.


    Tilia rested her hand on the tabletop where it was full of holes.


    ''''........So, Viscount Hamal''s sister will be the maid with me.


    I don''t know what kind of logic you''re using, but Viscount Hamal?


    I don''t mind.


    When Crono asked, Viscount Brad Hammar nodded with an attitude that felt comfortable.


    *


    Repeat the swings.


    The basics are important.


    I''m not sure if I''ll be able to find a way to get stronger in a heartbeat, so I have no choice but to repeat the basics and get stronger steadily.


    Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, Tilia looked at Fay.


    Normally, she would offer to take up the rampage when her body was getting warmed up.


    No, if it was strange, it was strange that she wasn''t teaching her apprentice, Tony, out loud.


    Faye crosses her arms, tilts her head and looks up.


    Her expression could be described as troubled.


    ''What''s going on?''


    I have some things on my mind.


    Mmmm, Faye groans.


    Lady Crono has informed me that Princess Tyria has made you her maid, Lady Cecily.


    Hmm?��And Tilia tilted her head, unable to read Faye''s intentions.


    ''''Ah, Faye was also from the Twelfth Kinsman Order. Even if you''ve been keeping old friendships alive...''''


    "Those who thrive must fall, and those who are arrogant will not be long in coming.


    Hmm?��And Tilia crossed her arms, sensing something malicious in Faye''s tone.


    ''Master, it''s not cool to get even, you know.


    ''What do you say, my disciple? I am not rooted in the fact that I have been called a ''horseshit woman,'' am I?��The kick in the head is in the past, yes, in the past.


    It was as if he was saying to himself.


    ''''Master, where''s the chivalry, eh?


    Mmm. Chivalry is important, isn''t it? I don''t think it''s against chivalry to renew old acquaintanceships, but...


    Apparently, Faye is rooted in the past for the way she has been treated.


    The smallness of this vessel may be comparable to Crono.


    ''''When Cecily-dono spent all his time training with the Twelfth Order of the Kingsguard, I was working on cleaning the stables,''''


    Glancing at Faye, she looked at Tilia.


    ''I think I''ve come a long way since then, sir.


    ....


    ....


    Tilia looked at Tony.


    Until now, Tilia had assumed that Faye was wooden, but what a black one.


    ''Yeah, yeah, Faye''s come up in the world. Big promotion.''


    That''s right, Master. I''m the XO of the 13th Kingsguard cavalry.


    Is that so?


    Faye scratched her head in embarrassment.


    ''''I would like to address you as Lady Crono''s second lady, sir?


    Yeah, yeah, I guess that means I''m your regular wife, huh?


    I don''t want any bloodshed in the house, okay?


    Cohon and Tilia coughed to amend the atmosphere of the place.


    ''Cecily must be tired today. So maybe we should call it a day.


    Mmm, I don''t think I was very careful.


    It''s tolerance that''s missing, isn''t it?��Tilia thought, but did not speak.


    *


    ''''Ahhh, what are you doing already?''''


    The landlady said in a tone of voice that almost sounded dumbfounded after the food was placed on the table.


    What was splattered on the floor was the main meat dish for dinner.


    ''''.........''''


    The maid who dumped the food on the floor - Cecily stared at the floor in silence, not even trying to clean up the food.


    Cecily was clearly unhappy with the look on her face. Perhaps that was a bad instinct, but the landlady began to clear away the food and plates, which looked miserable with an irritated click of her tongue.


    ''Tsk, is it really that difficult to get the food on the table?


    This is not what I do.


    When the landlady said something sarcastic, Cecily raised her eyebrows in displeasure and said back.


    ''An?��And the landlady glared at Cecily.


    Tilia looked around, but there was no one she could rely on.


    Viscount Eryl Sardomelik is continuing to eat as if it were his own business, and Count Rio Chiron''s eyes are shining in anticipation.


    Crono......................For some reason, he was staring at Tilia.


    No, shouldn''t you be the one to stop it here?��Tilia felt, but gave up and stood up.


    ''Wait, landlady,''


    What is it?


    The bobbing landlady snapped her fingers.


    ''Will you excuse me for this place?��Cecily has just started her job. Tolerance is important in raising people.


    I think it''s important to have a strict system of discipline for a child.


    She almost nodded at the landlady''s swordsmanship, but Tilia managed to stomp away.


    ''''Well it can''t be helped. I''m going to step back this time in spite of the princess, but I also have my limits. I hope you don''t forget that.


    Yes, sir.


    Tilia nodded and returned to her seat.


    ''Landlady, I don''t have any for me, do I?''


    The maid''s mischief is for the master to take care of.


    Ugh!��Tilia was at a loss for words.


    ''Eril, don''t you think this dish is good?''


    ...the landlady''s food is always good.


    Suddenly, Count Rio Chiron began to eat his food with relish.


    Viscount Eryl Sardomelik was expressionless as usual, but he seemed to be eating at a faster pace than usual.


    The landlady''s cooking is adequate.


    Normally Tilia would have been unconcerned even if she couldn''t eat at least one dish.


    However, when she was shown the sight of her food being eaten so deliciously in front of her, she would want to eat it too.


    Noticing his gaze, Count Rio Chiron smiled wickedly.


    It''s a smile that says he''s enjoying seeing Tilia suffer.


    ''''Hmph, if you want to eat the food so badly, you can crawl and eat like a dog.


    Who?


    Tilia turned her head away from the two men who were eating their food with relish.


    *


    I''m tired.


    That''s my bed, for God''s sake.


    Having finished his work, Crono turns to Tilia, who is lying on the bed, rubbing his brow.


    Are you putting up roots already?


    I didn''t think it would be that useless.


    Remembering Cecily''s work ethic, Tilia let out a sigh.


    If she washed the dishes, she''d slip her hands and break them.


    ''It''s only my first day,''


    It''s your first day and this?


    ''Uggh,'' said Tilia, holding her head on the bed.


    ''Crono, take it back,''


    I don''t want to.


    Why?


    Crono let out a small sigh as Tilia stared at him with only her gaze.


    ''''Because Cecily is so strong-minded. She has a sly side to her.''''


    Crono ruffled his hair.


    ''Quite a distinctive bald man, isn''t he?''


    Scars, scars!


    Crono said grimly.


    ''You bald guy I''m glaring at you because Cecily kicked you in the face for leaving a scar,''


    Mm, scars will stay, won''t they?


    Crono did not answer.


    Apparently, despite his own denial, Crono recognizes the scars as baldness.


    And he thinks the baldness is because Cecily kicked him in the face.


    Either way, it looks like it''s impossible to get Crono to take Cecily back.


    ''''Well it looks like she''s not on good terms with Faye either.


    Well, there''s no reason for Faye to get along.


    Crono sat down on the bed, putting his arms around her to relieve her of her stiffness.


    ''That doesn''t mean you''re going to go out and sell yourself a fight, though, does it?


    Did Faye try to do that?


    Tilia said, and Crono''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''No,'' said Crono, stroking his chin.


    ''''Cecily is the epitome of an aristocrat with a thing, so maybe Faye was trying to make her position clear and prevent trouble?


    Is that so?


    What is that thing?��Tilia didn''t ask.


    ''You can''t deny the possibility that he was just trying to make up for years of resentment.


    Is everything okay?


    ''It would be a problem if Faye interfered in a department she had no authority over, but she didn''t.


    Hmmm, Tilia snorted.


    ''Crono, do you have any ideas?''


    ''Faye?��Or do you mean Cecily?


    Both.


    Crono stroked his chin thoughtfully.


    Anything else?


    Maybe we could put them on a team and have them learn responsibility.


    So it''s a joint and several liability.


    Not bad, Tilia thought.


    ''But it doesn''t come as a surprise, does it?


    You scared the shit out of me.


    Crono snorted thoughtfully as he said it.


    ''''Well this is a famous training method for recruits in the army over there. My maids used it too, so I think it can be used.


    Hmm, I guess all good things are good in every world.


    Tilia listened to Crono''s story.

 58-Episode 11 "Contract" Part 2

    *


    Ah, this isn''t the Viscount Hamal''s territory, Cecily said, patting the sheets.


    The bed in the guest room that was addressed to her was uncomfortable compared to the bed used in Viscount Hamal''s territory.


    Even though she had left the army, it didn''t mean that she hadn''t gained anything.


    Cecily gained her brazenness in the army.


    If she wanted to, she could sleep in a crappy bed and endure a crappy diet.


    The room to which Cecily was assigned was, of course, a private room.


    There are few furnishings, and the furniture is simple in structure.


    Cecily''s impression of the room was that it was a poorly appointed one, but in terms of practicality it was a passable one.


    I''m sure that as time passes, my thoughts become clearer and clearer, and I suddenly feel a surge of anger.


    After all, that man is the son of an upstart.


    Since I am the Viscount Hamal''s daughter, and since I am accepting me as an apprentice, I should be on my knees to express my gratitude.


    Change," said the son of the upstart, "I don''t want Cecily.


    In addition to this, he has been forced to imitate a waiter, a son of an upstart, and he must not understand the system of apprenticeship.


    Apprenticeship, like marriage, is a way to strengthen the relationship between families.


    Perhaps, though, my brother is planning to set Cecily up as a second lady or mistress.


    Quite right, your brother is your brother, too. Cecily gritted her teeth at the thought of offering me up to someone who couldn''t tell the difference between a stone and a jewel.


    But Princess Tilia understood, didn''t she? For now, I''m going to take the Princess Tilia''s side and manipulate that despicable mercenary''s son to my will, Cecily says with a dark sense of pleasure.


    Suddenly, Cecily felt the presence of people approaching.


    All she could make out was that there was more than one person, but since they were zipping along, they weren''t going to hide their presence.


    Just in case, Cecily reached for the dagger she kept under her pillow.


    It''s important to be cautious.


    It''s important to be cautious, because if you''re not careful and you''re made to feel like a damaged item, your value will be lowered.


    Boom!��And the door was kicked in.


    "Flame Dance!


    Flashy flames lit up the room, and the sound of an explosion rang out.


    ''''........!''''


    In a sudden outburst, Cecily rolled off the bed with her dagger clenched in her hand.


    Naturally. Even though she was of a lower class, she had never experienced having offensive magic unleashed in a room.


    ''''Get up, get up!��How long are you going to sleep, you d*mned maid!


    The less-than-wormy bad maids, or crappy maids for short, don''t get up any later than we do!


    They were on either side of the room.


    First, it was Princess Tilia who came into the room, then a maid who was a little over thirty.


    The last to come in was also a maid.


    Her age was about fifteen years old.


    She was dark in color and had a bad look in her eyes anyway.


    ''You''re over there.''


    Yeah.


    When instructed, the bleary-eyed maid moves next to Cecily, biting off a sleepy absent-mindedness.


    What''s this all about?


    "Flame dance!


    As soon as she approached Princess Tilia, the offensive magic sparked again.


    Cecily stopped and looked at Princess Tilia.


    ''''Maid education.''''


    I''m an apprentice, not a maid!


    Cecily said, and Princess Tyria beckoned the twin elves to join her.


    The three of them formed a circle.


    ''They refuted me. The note Crono gave me was ... ugh, nothing but cuss words.


    Like I''m not supposed to be a coward!


    We just have to push through it.


    Yeah, I guess so.


    The Kohon and Princess Tyria gave one cough.


    ''''You are ... a maid. From now on you will be educated to be a maid.


    ''I''m a novice!��As a nobleman, I demand to be treated with honor!


    Huh?��The twin elves said mockingly.


    ''You used us as shields to escape, and you make me laugh about honor and all that.


    I mean, he sold you out, but it hurts like a sore thumb.


    ''I''m not for sale!��Take it back!


    Huh?��And the twin elves laid into Cecily.


    ''If you come any closer, I will stab you!


    I''m good!


    The twin elves jumped at her and Cecily quickly tried to pull the dagger out of its scabbard as quickly as possible.


    ''''..........''''


    A jolt of shock and a choking fit.


    The blind maid beside her kicked Cecily''s dove-tail.


    ''Dagger, take it!''


    I''ll rip you off!


    Oh, no!��Instead of the word "kehu," what came out was a kehu, kehu sound.


    Cecily flailed her arms and legs and fought back, but it was two against one.


    Her nightgown was torn off and Cecily stared at the twin elves, hiding her breasts.


    ''''Well, just as well.''''


    Princess Tilia threw the clothes she had received from the maid behind her towards Cecily.


    ''What is it?''


    An apron dress. You don''t have to wear it if you don''t want to. I''ll have you naked then.


    Cecily glared at Princess Tyria.


    I was wrong to think that she understood.


    No, from the beginning, Princess Tilia has been on the side of that upstart.


    ''''Viscount Blood Hamal will be embarrassed. After making so many concessions to Crono, his sister would be kicked out without a satisfactory job. I suppose the contract could be reviewed?


    A chill creeps up my spine.


    I don''t know why.


    ''''Well okay. I''ll change in a minute, would you please leave?


    Huh?��The twin elves asked back in dismay.


    ''I understand,''


    With anger in her voice, Cecily changed into an apron dress.


    ''''Well it was a bit of a struggle, but oh well.


    Princess Tilia said with satisfaction.


    ''''I''m sure you wore your apron dress of your own volition. You''re about to enter your maid training now... but don''t open your mouth unless you''re spoken to!��From the mouth.....


    Princess Tyria looked down at the stack of papers and swept her gaze over them as if she were confused.


    ''''The only two responses are ''yes'' or ''no''!


    ....


    Yeah.


    The answer is ''yes''!


    "Yes!


    When Cecily and the poor-eyed maid replied in a loud voice, Princess Tyria nodded again, this time with a look of satisfaction.


    ''''Then let me introduce myself. I''m ..............................Good for me. Alyssa will be in charge of your training.


    Nice to meet you.


    The maid behind Princess Tilia Alyssa said in a well spoken voice.


    ''''Deneb and Alydead are my training assistants. And I will be in charge of cursing. You can call Alyssa your instructor during training, and she is my senior to all maids except Alyssa and myself. As for me you are to call me ... ma''am.


    "Yes, ma''am!


    ...your wife, that sounds wonderful.


    A blush flashed across Princess Tilia''s cheeks as she became excited.


    ''''Good!��Now you are less than maids you are less than feathers!��You are the most inferior creature on this world!��If you want to be treated as a maid, you''ll have to go through the ordeal!


    "Yes, ma''am!


    *


    I was worried about what kind of punishment I was going to receive, but Alyssa her training as head maid was straightforward.


    The first thing she was taught was to prepare herself.


    In short, she was to be loyal to her master, Crono, and work to maintain the Marquis'' mansion so that she could welcome unexpected visitors, no matter what they might be.


    Next, I will use a diagram to explain where the maids work in the mansion.


    It may have been partly out of consideration for Verna, who cannot read, but the diagram makes it easy to understand where the maids are working and what kind of work they are doing.


    When the explanation is finished, it''s time to practice.


    It''s a good idea to practice the manners of the guests, how to clean the house and how to carry the food while listening to the explanation.


    It''s not a bad idea to practice kata if you put it in the context of kenjutsu or bodywork.


    Oh, that''s good, Cecily thought to herself in relief.


    I don''t know why I''m doing this.


    .... There was a time when I thought that way, too.


    Cecily waved the broom she had named Leonhardt with a trembling hand.


    According to Princess Tilia''s explanation, the broom was Cecily''s lover, who was less than a featherworm.


    ''''What''s the matter?''''��Does it look like we''re slowing down?��Get your head out of your ass!��Move your ass!��We''re losing the sun!��Are you not going to feed me the same way you did last night?


    Yes, ma''am!


    Cecily''s voice rang out in a corner of the Marquis'' mansion.


    It was one of the guest rooms that had been chosen as the place for the maid training.


    It''s a well-cleaned room.


    Even with a broom sweep, there was no visible debris.


    Princess Tilia''s words were tantamount to an accusation.


    "....Princess Tyria.


    What?


    Alyssa seems to have noticed something and gives an earful to Princess Tilia.


    ''Are you going to shake your ass and dance?��Or are you asking a man out?


    .....


    Cecily glared at her, and Princess Tilia laughed as if to say she had been waiting for it.


    ''What''s that defiant look in your eyes?��Okay, so you want to swing your hips that badly?��Then I''ll let you swing it!��Squat!


    Oh, for God''s sake!


    Buh!��''Yes,'' said Princess Tilia, waving her horse whip.


    ''The reply is, ''Yes, ma''am!


    Cecily and Verna carefully placed their brooms on the floor and crossed their arms behind their heads.


    ''Deneb, Alide, count it.


    "One, two....


    As Cecily and Verna began to squat, Princess Tilia began to walk slowly.


    ''''Well you will abhor me like a snake scorpion. But as much as you hate me, you will be closer to your true maids. Do you understand!


    "Yes, ma''am!


    You''re kidding me!��Shout it out!


    He barely squeezed out his voice, but what came back from the Tyria Princess was a curse.


    ''''Yes!��Ma''am!


    Cecily had learned that if she was defiant in a short time, the penalty push-ups and squats would be added on top of the penalty.


    Acting obediently was the right response.


    But even with the right response, Princess Tyria''s abuse would rain down relentlessly.


    ''''Your speed is slowing down!��You''re trying to imitate a newborn foal!


    "No, ma''am!


    Princess Tilia waved her horse whip and smiled lecherously (sadistically).


    ''''Kuhu, kuhu, my mission is to eliminate the useless. Instead of thinking about what I can do for Crono, I''m going to get rid of those useless people who are less than feathers that think about what Crono can do for me.


    Princess Tilia was so impressed that she shook her body.


    ''''Hmmm, you people who are less than a winged insect don''t need a name. I''ll give you a name that you deserve.


    Bishops, Princess Tilia thrust the tip of her horse whip at Cecily.


    ''I''ll call you a spoiled tit. A fitting name for you, with your wasted nourishment in your breasts and your big, wasted breasts.


    Princess Tilia laughs as if she can''t stand it.


    "You''re such a... you''re such a bad tit! You are such a useless teat. Cows are better at producing milk. You are nothing but milk.


    Princess Tyria looked down.


    ''I''m not a cunny!��Chrono-oh!��You asked me to do it, I did it!��I tried so hard!��We did our best!


    Your Highness, calm down!


    Get a grip!


    Ororo~n, Ororo~n, the twin elves supported the sorrowing Princess Tilia from both sides.


    ''''......................''''


    Guck!


    Princess Tilia glared at Verna, who blurted out unbearably, with a devilish look on her face.


    ''''Your name has been chosen!''''


    ....


    Princess Tilia lifted it up with her crossed arms, which seemed to emphasize a fuller bulge than Cecily''s.


    ''''A ... chopping board.''''


    .....


    When Verna''s expression intensified, Princess Tilia nodded in satisfaction.


    She liked the name she had given herself so much that she repeated it over and over again, chopping board, chopping board.


    ''''I will thoroughly adore you!��I won''t let you cry or laugh!��Give me 50 more squats!��If you can''t stand up, do push-ups!


    *


    Late at night my thoughts were fuzzy.


    He didn''t know if someone had guided him or if he had walked by himself, or even that.


    Before I knew it, Cecily was in a room in the basement of the Marquis'' mansion, collapsing onto her bed.


    The room was small and gloomy, just because it was in the basement.


    The furniture consisted of two dingy beds, with a crude table and chairs between them.


    Someone must have brought them in.


    There was soup and bread for two on the table.


    The air in the room was polluted with the smell of dust and mold, and I had no appetite after all that work.


    Sluggishly, Cecily and Verna sat down and mechanically poured the food into their stomachs.


    The cold, hardened grease stuck to their lips.


    The sensation was unpleasant, but if they didn''t take a meal like this, they would get sick and be turned away by Viscount Hamal.


    After finishing the meal, Cecily collapsed into bed again.


    Verna was also in a similar state, squirming on the bed.


    ''''........This isn''t too much.


    You''ll just have to wait until I finish my training.


    As Cecily looked up at the ceiling and muttered, Verna said in a moaning tone.


    ''''I''m a nobleman, you know?''''


    Oh, really? So why don''t you just go home?


    Aren''t you going to get punished when I leave?


    Normally Cecily would have rewarded Verna''s disrespectful dialogue with force, but what if they found out?��The thought of "I''m not going to be punished for this," made me hesitate to resort to violence.


    ''I won''t be punished much, probably.


    Scratching her head in a raggedy way, Verna said languidly.


    Well, there''s nowhere to run. And it''s not much better now, but this place is a paradise compared to the last place you were in. There''s food and shelter. They even teach you how to read and write if you want.


    If you want to, I can help you. Of course, I can assure you that I will provide for you after your escape.


    I don''t want to.


    Verna turned her back on Cecily.


    ''Why?��It''s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a poor man like you, isn''t it?


    The poor are poor for a reason.


    They are lazy and short-sighted.


    That''s why we need to beat their warped natures back in places like the poorhouse.


    At least that''s what Cecily thinks, and I''m sure many of them think so too.


    ''''Marquis Erakis I owe Master Crono a debt of gratitude for taking care of my business. I wouldn''t betray someone who did that for me, who I only met once.


    And besides," Verna adds.


    "I don''t like that you''re using me as an excuse to escape.


    Are you trying to insult me, you poor bastard?��Take it back!


    Hey, man.


    Verna got off the bed and readied her fists.


    ''Are you going to do it, Teme?''


    ''Ha, I''ll tell you what happens when a poor man''s mind is challenged by a nobleman!


    That''s good, b*tc*!


    It was too soon to say, but Verna plunged in with her fists at the ready.


    Perhaps it was due to the lingering effects of the squats and push-ups, but she was staggeringly slow.


    I''ll show you what I''m talking about, Cecily said, holding her fist up on the spot.


    Verna launched her fist at Cecily''s face.


    Cecily bent down and ducked Verna''s fist.


    If he could move as he should, he could have ducked through Verna''s attack and slammed his fist straight into her, but his tired body did not follow Cecily''s image.


    Biting her teeth at her body''s staggeringly slow reaction, Cecily slammed her fist into Verna''s side in an arcing trajectory.


    Verna''s face contorts in anguish.


    But that''s it.


    Either fatigue prevented her fist from being powerful enough, or Verna was too sturdy.


    The moment Cecily slammed her fist into Verna''s pigeontail, if one shot didn''t work, there was a shock to her shoulder.


    Verna swung her fist down.


    Cecily hesitated, wondering if she should keep her distance or stop and strike at each other.


    ''''What''s the matter, nobleman?''''


    I''ve decided.


    When Cecily raised her fist, Verna deflected her upper body.


    She didn''t even know it was a feint.


    Kicking the floor, Cecily collapses and hits Verna in a crumpled heap.


    She wasn''t going to fall down with him.


    No, there wasn''t.


    Cecily felt a severe pain in her head at the same time as the floor was getting closer.


    Verna grabbed Cecily''s hair in anguish...maybe she was aiming for it...but she grabbed Cecily''s hair.


    There was enough time for me to understand that.


    We both fall to the floor.


    Cecily is on top and Verna is on the bottom.


    In a situation like this, whoever is on top has a huge advantage.


    ''''......................This, you coward!


    "There''s no such thing as cowardice in a fight!


    Guffawing, Verna pulled Cecily''s hair to the side.


    A strange sound came from her neck, but Cecily didn''t care and swung her fist into Verna''s face.


    ''Kuh, my arms!


    I don''t want to hear your excuses!


    That day, Cecily and Verna beat each other until they ran out of steam.


    *


    ...you less than a winged insect.


    As Cecily dragged her body through the sore muscles from the squats and push-ups, the damage from the fight, and the exhaustion from lack of sleep to reach the meeting place, Princess Tyria was the first to say those words at the opening.


    If the twin elves were there, they would have been cheered, but fortunately, they were nowhere to be seen.


    ''''You don''t even have the idea of washing your dirty clothes?''''


    Kufu," laughed Princess Tilia.


    Squats and push-ups as punishment.


    "Yes, ma''am.


    When she replied in a flat voice, Princess Tilia raised her eyebrows in displeasure.


    ''''Your voice is so low!��Speak from your stomach!


    "''Yes!��Ma''am!


    When she shouted in half desperation, Princess Tilia nodded in satisfaction, seemingly satisfied with her educational achievement.


    However, as Cecily and Verna began to squat, Princess Tilia''s expression changed to disappointment.


    ''''Well........no more.''''


    I''m so dead.


    It was Verna who raised the sound first.


    ''We''ve made it this far,'' said Cecily, raising the sound with the extra strength she had left.


    ''''Princess Tilia, you both seem to be at the end of your physical strength?''''


    Hmm, yeah.


    Princess Tyria nodded with a divine look on her face at Alyssa''s point.


    ''Crawl down and polish the floor. This hard floor........


    Dan Dan and Princess Tyria pounded the floor with their feet.


    ''Think of this hard floor as a chrono and brush it with your big, flat breasts for no good reason. Serving, if you will. Yes, serve with your breasts.


    Cecily glared at Princess Tilia. Even though she glared with all the hatred she could muster, Princess Tilia was proud as if she was receiving a compliment.


    ''''Are those breasts a decoration?''''


    ....


    Gritting her back teeth, Cecily got down on all fours, thrusting her hips up and rubbing her chest against the floor.


    *


    Well, that''s about it. Tomorrow you''ll wash your clothes properly.


    "Yes, ma''am!


    Cecily and Verna collapsed to the ground as they watched Princess Tilia and Alyssa leave.


    They couldn''t feel their hips after more than half a day in the ass-pumping position.


    ''It wouldn''t have taken me this long if I''d been doing my normal job.


    Crawling to a nearby wall, Verna stood up, relying on the wall.


    Cecily sat down on the floor and looked away from Verna.


    There was no way they could work together after they had just had a fist fight last night.


    However, I can''t sit there forever.


    Cecily stands up, thinking that if she could use her divine power technique at a time like this, she could disguise her fatigue.


    Cecily headed to the room in the basement, stopping on her way.


    Because she heard the voice of that upstart''s son and Verna.


    That upstart''s son must know what the Princess Tyria was doing.


    No, there is a good chance that he will be stopped here and given unreasonable orders.


    That man is the son of an upstart, filthy mercenary.


    ''''Well that''s a tough one.


    I really wish you wouldn''t do that. I mean, it''s all one big deal. I''m doing my job and you''re screwing it up, all right?


    But that man''s voice in Cecily''s ear is terribly calm.


    It could be that he''s trying to get her into bed.


    I hear that man is a womanizer.


    He would like to hold Verna like a skinny chicken.


    Cecily peeked at them from the corner of the hallway to avoid being spotted.


    That man ... he was talking to Verna with a calm expression on his face.


    ''''We''ll just have to be patient for a little while longer.''''


    Yeah, I know, I know. I mean, I''m paying for her to be here, for all I know.


    ''Sorry. I thought it would be better if we were in pairs to help him learn responsibility.


    No, it''s okay.


    Verna scratched her head in embarrassment.


    ''It would be nice if Verna could fill in for what Cecily is missing. ''You know, give her some advice about work or something.''


    But that guy doesn''t seem to listen to anybody. His pride won''t allow him to take lessons from the poor.


    Ha, ha, ha, ha.


    Verna said, and Crono laughed happily.


    What is it, that man?��Such a calm, kind face...what an unpleasant man, Cecily gritted her back teeth.


    She felt a presence and turned around to find Faye standing there.


    Faye scratched her cheek as if she were troubled.


    Cecily turned over and gripped her apron dress.


    The smell of lavender wafted from Faye.


    It must have been after using a scented or perfume-infused soap.


    There is not a single stain on the clothes she is wearing, perhaps because she has just washed them.


    Cecily''s apron dress is dirty and smells badly of sweat.


    ''What do you say?''


    ....


    Faye shushed him as if she was at a loss for an answer.


    ''Isn''t it better if I laugh at the fact that it''s a nice touch?��I''m the one who kept mocking you, calling you a horseshit, and now I look like this!��Or am I not worthy of ridicule?


    Cecily exploded with emotion and crowded Faye.


    But Faye didn''t move an inch and looked at Cecily.


    ''....Why?


    After a painful silence, Faye muttered softly.


    ''''How could it have come to this, sir?''''


    I don''t know!


    Cecily doesn''t understand who Faye is talking about.


    It could be about Cecily''s current situation, or it could be about Cecily''s relationship with Faye.


    Cecily is a hostage in the name of an apprentice of conduct.


    And she''s an unwanted hostage offered up by her brother to impose on her.


    She could still have been saved if she had been asked to be a woman.


    If so, she could have looked down on that man.


    But Cecily was denied her value as a woman.


    Face to face, and also with a strong resolve to be willing to break up negotiations.


    Right now, Faye is the deputy captain of the cavalry of the Thirteenth Kingsguard.


    Moreover, I even hear that she is wanted as a woman by that man.


    He got to his current position by opening his legs to the son of an upstart.


    No, as long as he was given a place to play an active role, Fei was good enough to belong to the First and Second Konoe Order, which was regarded as the most elite of the Konoe Order.


    ''''It is time to go.


    ....


    He wanted to call out to her, but no words came out to stop Faye.


    Cecily clenched her fists.


    The back of her eyeballs are numb.


    If she opened her mouth, she felt like she was going to start crying.


    When she returned to the basement room, the soup was on the table, just as it was yesterday.


    Verna sat in a chair, not touching the food.


    ''You''re late. Well, sit down.''


    ....


    Verna was in such a good mood that it irritated Cecily, as if she was happy to have talked to the man.


    ''Yeah, well, what the hell. I''m sorry I didn''t do it, I was sorry too.


    ....


    Cecily silently sips her soup and brings the shredded bread to her mouth with her fingers.


    ''No, you know what ... can''t we just work a little more efficiently?��If you''re not used to it, I can help you with that.


    Would you please shut up for a minute?


    Oh, oh, hey, I''ll shut up.


    We finished our meal.


    Before I knew it, there was a large tarai and a water bottle in one corner of the room.


    I guess that''s what I''m supposed to do with it, wash my clothes.


    ''Hey, to continue the conversation.


    Please don''t stop. I''m tired today.


    I can''t wait to wash my clothes and go to sleep.


    Cecily takes off her apron dress and throws it on the bed.


    She transfers the water from the water bottle to the tarai and throws the apron dress in.


    ''No, no,'' she says, ''it has to be now. If you want, I can do it while you wash your clothes.


    Would you please be quiet?


    Cecily said, and Verna raised her eyebrows in displeasure.


    ''I stopped!��I was going to take care of you because Master Crono told me to.


    I didn''t ask you to take care of me!


    ''That''s right!��I don''t give a shit about you!


    Spitting out, Verna lay back down on the bed.


    She turned her back on it, as if she didn''t want to talk anymore.


    Cecily rolled her back and washed her apron dress.


    She had been taught how to wash it in the classroom, but she had a knack for it, and even when she washed it as if she were rubbing the fabric together, it didn''t remove any of the dirt.


    At this rate, I''d be forced to do squats and push-ups tomorrow.


    I''m growing impatient, frustrated and miserable.


    After cleaning the dirt to a somewhat better level, Cecily crawled into bed and cried aloud.


    The next day, Cecily''s eyes widened when she saw her apron dress.


    The apron dress had been cleaned.


    Reflexively, she looked to the side and saw Verna with a sullen expression on her face.


    ''''........What?''''


    I don''t know how to thank you.


    Verna gave one tongue-lashing.


    ''I didn''t want you to thank me for it, so it''s fine. If you can''t do a single wash, talk to me. You didn''t get the dirt off, man.


    I did my laundry like you taught me!


    Ha, Verna laughs.


    ''That stain can''t be removed by just washing it off by hand. You have to use a washboard and soap.


    Washboard?


    Looking near the tarai and the water bottle, I saw a board placed on it.


    It was a rectangular board with an uneven surface.


    I don''t remember seeing the same thing.


    ''I wasn''t taught that,''


    That''s because you only taught me the rudiments of the basics. Washing boards are just starting to be used.


    Boribori and Verna scratched their heads.


    ''d*mn, it''s disgusting. Maybe the lack of a washboard and soap was on purpose. They were testing us. Come on, let''s get some food and get to work.


    Okay, okay.


    She felt terribly miserable that she couldn''t do a single load of laundry without the help of a child five years younger than her.


    Cecily changed into her apron dress and sat down to eat her breakfast.


    Soup and bread, the same menu as usual.


    When they finished their meal and went to the meeting place, Princess Tilia looked disappointed.


    Alyssa, who was standing behind Princess Tilia, looked somewhat happy.


    As she began her work, Princess Tilia looked more and more disappointed.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to do this, because Verna warned her earlier than Alyssa could overhear the Tilia princess.


    There wasn''t an ounce of restraint, telling her to move a little more crisply, to sweep that way because there was no way for the two of them to freeze together, or to cooperate because she couldn''t lift the furniture alone, but from Alyssa''s reaction, Verna''s attention seemed to be accurate.


    ''Mmm, boring.''


    Well, at least give me a sense of substance.


    Alyssa chided Princess Tyria for letting out her true feelings.


    ''''You don''t need the ''cursing book'' anymore. You still have half of it left.


    I''m pleased that we''re able to work together.


    Mmm," the Tyria Princess quirked her lips in frustration.


    Alyssa thinks it''s a fair grade?


    I still think we need more training.


    Princess Tyria handed the Book of Curses to Alyssa.


    ''I''ll leave the rest to you,''


    Where are you going?


    ''It''s swordsmanship training. I''ve skipped out on my training by keeping up with you two.


    After saying that, Princess Tilia left the room.


    ''''Princess Tilia has left, but I will strictly supervise her. Let''s work efficiently today so that we can have a warm dinner.''''


    "Yes, instructor!


    Alyssa laughed as Cecily and Verna shouted.


    *


    Alyssa''s words about being efficient were not false.


    Since she had worked as a maid for a long time, Alyssa''s instructions were accurate.


    If it had been Cecily on the first day, she would have spouted one of her rebellious lines, but perhaps because Princess Tilia was that thing, she was able to accept Alyssa''s instructions and attentions with open arms.


    It was also nice to be praised for the little things.


    Like the other maids, she had lunch and went about her afternoon work.


    And in the evening my work for the day ends with cleaning the office.


    ''''Master, I''m here to clean.


    He must have taken the lack of a response as approval.


    Alyssa opens the door to her office and smoothly enters the room.


    Following Verna, Cecily enters the room and sees the man working at his desk.


    ''''Good work.''''


    It''s what I do.


    Cecily braced herself for any kind of harassment, but surprisingly, nothing was done by that man.


    However, he didn''t talk to Cecily at all, but he talked to Alyssa and Verna quite a bit.


    It was depressing how the weather was today, how the condition of the Marquis'' mansion was, how the city was doing, if there was anything that was troubling them, and so on.


    Alyssa and Verna both answer as they clean up.


    Even though he was a new nobleman of an upstart, Cecily felt it was impolite to give a response while working, but the son of an upstart... Crono didn''t seem to mind.


    If he missed a question, he would ask the same question after a while, as he remembered.


    When he was about to leave the room after spending twice as much time cleaning it as the rest of the room.


    Oh, Cecily stays here.


    He called out to her.


    After Alyssa and Verna left, Cecily confronted Crono.


    ''''How''s ... how''s work going?''''


    What''s the matter with you?


    ''Did Tilia fail?''


    Cecily spat, and Crono poked her cheekbones in a boring way.


    ''Oh, my dear sir, that''s not going to break my heart.


    I guess so. I''d have been grateful if you''d run off.


    That''s what you really mean, Cecily said, glaring at Crono.


    Perhaps last night''s incident was just a way to make Verna feel better about working.


    To be honest, I didn''t expect you to work this hard.


    If that''s what you''re thinking, you might want to look a little happier.


    Cecily returned the sarcasm.


    Crono''s words were not a compliment, but a disappointment that he had missed his predictions.


    I defied this man''s expectations.


    That alone makes me feel fine.


    Of course, he will continue to harass me in the future, but I just need to discourage him each time.


    ''''Is the conversation over?��If we''re done with this, I''ll have to leave the room.


    Well, good luck with that.


    Without being told, Cecily turned her back to Crono.


    Crono opened his mouth next as Cecily put her hand on the doorknob.


    ''''Well I''m sure there will be times in the future when your inferiority complex will be stimulated, though.


    Cecily stopped moving and slowly turned around.


    As before, Crono was poking his cheekbones in the same way as before.


    ''This me being inferior?''


    Thud thud thud thud thud, my heart beats like an early bell.


    My head jolts like I''ve been hit with a blunt object.


    ''Cancel it!''


    Cecily exclaimed, and Crono smiled wickedly.


    ''You don''t have to be so distraught to understand ... well, I can imagine.


    What do you mean by that?


    It''s a joke.


    This man is trying to shake things up.


    Cecily is the daughter of the old noble family of Hamar and a former vice-captain of the Twelfth Order of the Kingsguard.


    She has mastered both swordsmanship and horsemanship at a high level.


    What element of inferiority do you have in such a person that makes you feel inferior?


    You should be angry.


    You should not allow any more outbursts.


    Yet Cecily couldn''t say a word.


    I''m watching.


    They are watching.


    Watching Cecily with only one eye.


    No, they were watching her.


    From the first moment they met, Crono had been watching Cecily.


    He had been observing her.


    What was he looking at, what was he seeing?


    It''s fear.


    The fear of not knowing what he was seeing.


    Crono stood up and slowly closed the distance between him and Cecily, as if to fuel the fear.


    He can''t look away from Crono.


    He took a step or two back, and the wall blocked Cecily''s path.


    Bulletily, Cecily reached for the doorknob.


    Crono gently grabbed Cecily''s wrist.


    ''You''ve worked hard, and you''ve gotten there and done well, but no matter how hard you try, you''re not a genius.


    Oh, shut up.


    Her voice trembled miserably.


    Zakzak and Crono''s words became an invisible blade, cutting Cecily''s heart into pieces.


    She tried and got the results.


    But he couldn''t match the genius of a swordsman like Fay, or the genius of an equestrian like his brother.


    A wall of talent that can never be crossed, and yet, you are still expected to achieve what is appropriate for your position.


    ''That''s why I escaped before they gave me credit for it. ''Maybe next time?��You can''t. There''s no point in just changing places when you''re not changing yourself.


    Crono''s tone was kind.


    But the sound of his voice, as gentle as fellowship, gouged Cecily''s heart.


    He ran away.


    He ran away.


    Because I found out that I couldn''t produce the results I deserved as a second-in-command.


    I ran away from the Twelfth Kinsman Guard and from Gaul.


    ''''So then, it''s something different?��That might be a possibility, but you know that, right?��You know that, right?


    Let go of me!


    She tries to shake him off, but Crono doesn''t let go of her hand.


    Crono pulled her hand away and Cecily was pushed against the door.


    Cecily turns over.


    He can''t meet his eyes.


    She was afraid that she would find a definite breakdown in his eyes.


    She could fool herself now.


    Crono pointed to Cecily''s heart.


    ''Even if you go somewhere else, even if you do something different, even if you cling to being a nobleman, even if you look down on others... there''s no escaping your inferiority complex. It''s just you, you know.


    That was the end of it. He turned away and was caught by the one that had been running away.


    Crono removed his hand from Cecily''s wrist as if he''d lost interest.


    *


    We need to keep that man quiet.


    You would kill him to keep him quiet?��I can''t.


    If I do, I''ll lose my honor as a nobleman.


    Escaping to Viscount Hamal''s estate?��If I escape and return home, my brother will think I''m incompetent and unable to handle even a hostage situation satisfactorily.


    Maybe he can even see through what I''m thinking right now.


    I was underestimating him.


    He reckoned that he was the son of a filthy mercenary, an ordinary man with only the same or even lesser talents than himself.


    That man is an ordinary man.


    A man who knew the limits of his talents, and who probably had the same inferiority complex as himself.


    That''s why he understands Cecily''s weakness.


    He observes Cecily''s behavior and compares it to his own experience and drags out the fact that he has been hiding it in the back of his mind.


    What to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do, what to do Ba..., Cecily continued to ask herself in her bed.


    *


    You know what they say about training.


    Yeah?


    It would be good to make it a habit if he would go out with her, but Crono has a section of his mind that thinks it''s a bad idea to leave work in the middle of the day and it''s not likely to happen.


    ''Yeah, what''s up with that training?''


    The famous ''Eiga''... well, it''s based on a story, but in the film, one of the trainees who couldn''t stand the training went insane and killed the instructor, then committed suicide afterwards~


    "...Hey!��Why didn''t you say something so important!


    Tilia exclaimed.


    She had only been told that that training method was famous in the world of Crono, and that the maids of the Barony of Crawford were also using it.


    ''''No, I wasn''t told, and...''''


    "Who''s going to listen to him when he explains it to me like that?


    Tilia tightened her grip on her sword and searched for signs of the surroundings.


    At the same time, he strengthened his hearing with the Divine Majesty Technique ''Activation''.


    The sound of footsteps is getting closer.


    One, or maybe two, Tilia put her hand on the hilt of her sword.


    With a clatter, the door opens and the two maids - Verna and Cecily - enter the dining room.


    ''''I came to clean up, but you were using it?''''


    ''Mr Verna. That language is disrespectful to your husband and your wife.


    Oh, yeah.


    Cecily chided her in a soft tone, and Verna replied in a bemused way.


    ''Verna, Verna,''


    Have you turned off the chopping board?


    Tilia beckoned to her, and Verna approached with a sense of disapproval.


    ''What''s going on with Cecily?''


    ''I don''t know. I thought you''d been talking to yourself lately but then I woke up this morning to find you like this. Well, that''s a good thing. I''ve been working very hard and when I tell him, he just goes along for the ride.


    Crono''s words about having a mental breakdown weighed heavily on Tilia.


    ''Oh~, Cecily, Cecily?''


    What is it, ma''am?


    Tilia called out to Cecily as she touched the hilt of her sword carelessly.


    ''Hmm, what, I was wondering if you had anything against me.


    I''m sure I don''t resent you, ma''am. In fact, I''m grateful to her. She taught me to be humble in spite of my arrogance. I feel like a new person. The sun is shining brightly on me.


    Holding out her hand, Cecily squinted dazedly.


    ''''........Oh shit.''''


    No, it''s a good thing, isn''t it?


    This kind of anomaly would be welcome.


    Well, Verna is looking at Cecily like she''s looking at a bug.


    ''No, no, it''s more like, yikes. It''s a shame you''ve got a bad head on your shoulders.


    ''No problem. Viscount Brad Hammar will thank you, maybe.


    ''I don''t, thanks. Where in the world would you find a brother who''s grateful for his sister''s disappointing head?


    ''Think about it the other way around. The Cecily of the past is the disappointment, and the Cecily of the present is the normal. When questioned by Viscount Brad Hammar, I will insist that this is how it was all along, I will say so. So, you''ll be able to say I don''t know about it, too. You don''t want to lose your job, do you?


    Yeah, that''s true. What if it gets worse?


    We''ll take care of that in due course.


    Tilia brought the cup to her mouth with a trembling hand.


    ''You want a drink too?��Peppermint has a sedative effect.


    Oh, yeah.


    "Funny wife and Mr. Verna


    Tilia turned away from Cecily, who was cooing and laughing.


    Verna has a somber expression on her face.


    ''Cecily, hey,''


    What is it, sir?


    Cecily walks up to Crono with a soft smile on her face.


    That soft smile seemed to be a product of madness to Tyria.


    ''''The mood has changed a bit, hasn''t it?''''


    Yes, thanks to you and your wife.


    Crono smiled wickedly and touched Cecily''s bottom.


    ''No, sir,''


    ''Hmm, good response. Would you like to come to my room tonight?


    Crono!


    Tilia protests, slamming the desk with a bang.


    ''Oh my, your wife is staring at you with a scary look on her face.


    Yeah, I''m scared. But you''re coming, right?��If you''d come....


    Cecily put her ear to Crono''s mouth.


    Cecily''s calm smile froze at what she said.


    Bash!��There was a sound.


    Cecily slapped Crono on the cheek with a slap.


    ''This, you upstart!��The son of a filthy mercenary, he thinks he can do that to me!


    It was as if she heard such a sound with a purr~ruri.


    Cecily looked awkwardly at Tilia and Verna.


    ''Unfamiliar acting, thank you for your efforts.''


    If you know it''s an act, get your hands off me!


    Apparently, Crono didn''t take his hand off Cecily''s ass when he was slapped.


    ''Acting?''


    When Verna turned her voice inside out, Cecily turned away awkwardly.


    ''You were thinking of strengthening your position by pretending to be submissive, weren''t you?��But it''s sweet, prodigally sweet. I''m ready to pass on my kicked-up resentment to my children and grandchildren.


    As usual, Crono is a small human being.


    ''It''s obnoxious!''


    Hey! What are you doing for a living?


    Verna follows Cecily out of the dining room with a rough gait.


    ''Crono, what would you have done if Cecily had been really sorry?


    It''s delicious.


    What were you going to do if you stuck to your act?


    It''s delicious.


    Tilia looked at Crono, wondering if he was enjoying it either way.


    She was curious what Crono had said to Cecily, but Tilia didn''t ask.

 59-The 12th "Reconciliation" Revised Edition

    *


    Cecily woke up in her bed and was relieved.


    Her nightgown was sweaty and uncomfortable, sticking to her skin.


    If this was Viscount Hamal''s territory, he would have ordered his servants to prepare for a hot bath, but right now he was in the Marquess of Erakis.


    Cecily in the Marquess of Erakis is not the former Viscount Hamal''s daughter-in-law.


    Nominally an apprentice of manners, she is actually a maid.


    Lady''s maids, parlor maids, cook''s maids, housemaids...the roles of maids are numerous, but as a newcomer, Cecily is a lowly maid, a maid all-works, who is called here and there to do miscellaneous work.


    As a lowly maid, a morning bath is a luxury that Cecily cannot hope to afford.


    It''s no use shouting out that she''s an apprentice in the morning bath.


    If you want that luxury, you''ll have to move up in the world.


    I don''t know if I''ll be allowed to move up to senior maid and take a morning bath, but at least there''s hope.


    Cecily got off the bed and stretched taller.


    ''''Well it would be more refreshing if you were this blatant.


    The room is a double room, but it''s not that dank basement.


    The room had changed after the maid training ended.


    Sunlight is shining through the curtains.


    The furniture is a bed, a desk, a chair, and a chest of drawers for storing clothes.


    They are simple in construction, yet easy to use.


    Cecily took off her nightgown and shivered with a buzz.


    The underwear provided was uncomfortable to the touch and too simple to look at.


    ''''........spoiled milk, right?��I can''t help but think about it. And it''s none of my business.


    Cecily puts on her apron dress.


    Comb her hair with the provided comb, put on her headdress and she''s ready to go.


    Cecily looked at her partner, who still hadn''t woken up, and let out a deep sigh.


    ''Miss Verna, it''s morning. You have to get up early or you won''t be able to make it to breakfast on time, okay?


    Just let me sleep a little longer.


    I grab her by the shoulders and shake her, and Verna shakes her off, depressed.


    If I were in maid training, I''d beat her up, but the penalty imposed now is enough to get me to skip breakfast.


    ''Well, I''ll go ahead then,''


    After thinking about it, Cecily decided to respect Verna''s wishes.


    They leave their room and head to the servants'' dining room.


    On the way, she passes the accountant who bumps his head gutted against the wall.


    ''That smells delicious,'' said Cecily, twitching her nose, just as someone came running from behind with a flurry of activity.


    ''Why won''t you wake me up!


    I woke you right up.


    Cecily slows her pace and walks shoulder to shoulder with Verna.


    ''Isn''t it polite to wake her up until she wakes up?


    ''I was only respecting Miss Verna''s wishes.


    ''Ahhhhh,'' said Verna, scratching her hair.


    ''Miss Verna, your clothes are in disarray.


    Come on, I just woke up.


    Cecily stopped and corrected Verna''s disarray in her clothing.


    ''''Disorder in clothing is a disturbance of the mind. For the most part, isn''t oversleeping itself proof that you''re not a good enough maid?''


    ....


    What''s the matter with your eyes?


    Cecily asked as Verna gave her a dumbfounded look.


    ''''Well you''re stained by a maid, aren''t you?''''


    Guess what I''m going to say?


    ''Ha,'' said Cecily, sneering at Verna.


    ''''I''m a maid. Even if you try to call me a nobleman or a nobleman, it doesn''t change the fact that I''m treated as a maid. Even if you insist on calling a dog a cat, nyah~ and dogs don''t purr, do they?''


    I don''t know what the word means, but you''ve decided to live as a maid anyway.


    If we''re going to be treated as maids no matter how hard we try, we''ll just have to show our worth as maids.


    I''ve lost the option of running away, Cecily sighed.


    That man''s words are a curse.


    If they are put into words, we must be aware of them.


    * * * * * *.


    Entering the servants'' dining room, Cecily and Verna receive their bread, soup, and grilled fish at the serving table.


    Cecily and Verna are seated at the end of a long table.


    Cecily lets out a sigh and stirs the stew with a spoon.


    ''If you don''t have an appetite, let me have it.


    Verna, you''re so embarrassing.


    Soundly, Verna sips her soup and pours the bread into her mouth.


    Cecily is baffled by her boldness in eating.


    ''How dare you eat that much in the morning?


    You need to eat, otherwise you won''t have any strength.


    You''re going to get fat.


    Cecily shreds a small piece of bread and brings it to her mouth.


    ''Do you mind that I called you a chopping block?


    Wrong!


    It was a figurehead, Verna leaned forward and shouted.


    ''''But I''m hoping for a bit of that.


    When you make it big, you don''t have anyone to show it to.


    Cecily pointed out, and Verna bared her teeth and laughed.


    ''I didn''t think you were going to let that man have you.


    No, I haven''t. But it could happen, right?


    ''It''s hard to have unfounded confidence afterwards, isn''t it?


    I have proof. Yeah, I''ve had the Cronos talk to me a lot, and they''ve given me candy bars and stuff.


    Cecily let out a sigh at the sight of Verna bragging about it.


    ''She''s a cheap woman for a candy bar.


    It''s not cheap.


    You know what, Verna?


    Cecily crossed her legs gracefully and pointed the tip of her spoon at Verna.


    The man is a creature that devours what a woman offers him without gratitude. Moreover, there is an inescapable part of them that thinks they will give you the same amount the next time. If you don''t control the amount you give them, they will suck you to the bone.


    Have you ever been with a man?


    No, I don''t.


    When Cecily assured her, Verna gave her a dumbfounded look.


    ''Awesome.''


    Of course.


    Cecily puffed out her chest.


    Even though she is a maid, Cecily is an aristocrat of long standing.


    She knows how to play the game of men and women.


    ''No, I don''t admire you. I''ve never been with a man before, but I''m just amazed that you can call me names like that.


    I don''t want to be talked down to by a woman who''s being coaxed into doing something with one candy bar.


    What?


    Are you ready to take a stand?


    Verna leaned forward, and Cecily responded by rolling her arms.


    ''Yes~, stop fighting.


    With a pang, the elf sitting next to him clapped his hands.


    He was probably around twenty years old.


    Her golden hair is cut back around her shoulders.


    Her eyes and nose are well-defined, but she looks more charming than beautiful.


    A black eye patch covers her left eye, so Cecily decided to call her an eyepatch.


    ''You''d think I''d be liked by Master Crono too, wouldn''t you?


    ''I know how you feel, but Crono-sama is basically nice to everyone. Even candy canes have tons of sugar in their ingredients.


    Eyepatch crossed his arms and raised his eyebrows with difficulty.


    ''A pile of sugar?��What do you mean by that?


    ''Something about getting sugar from the beets grown near Hachel''s or something... oh, they had a problem with continuing to grow them, so they quit selling them or something.


    Eyepatch doesn''t seem to know the details, but for Cecily, it''s a startling fact.


    Sugar is refined from the juice of a plant called sugar cane.


    The Empire doesn''t have any land suitable for growing sugar cane, so they have to rely on imports, but if they can refine sugar from something other than sugar cane, it''s a different story.


    No, if they could monopolize the method of cultivation, they could make a great deal of money.


    Well, what I''m trying to say is, don''t get me wrong.


    ''I see. But it''s a good place to work if you''re that nice on a regular basis.


    That''s what I mean.


    Is that man nice to you?��And Cecily looked sideways at Verna and the eyepatch.


    ''Do you have something to say to me?''


    Are you crazy to think that man is nice to you?


    When Cecily questioned him back, Verna interrupted him, sounding miffed.


    ''''Don''t return a question with a question. Oh, come to think of it, Cecily hasn''t been spoken to by Master Crono, has she?''


    They don''t just talk to you, they look at you like you''re stupid.


    It would still be more emotional when you''re looking at a stone lying on the side of the road.


    ''What did you do?''


    I didn''t do anything.


    Really?


    Verna looked at Cecily with a stinking look.


    ''You were beating up Master Crono the other day, too.


    ''It is!��Because that man whispered those shameless words in my ear!


    Cecily spat.


    What desire that man had for her.


    It''s horrifying just to remember.


    ''The only person who has ever beaten Lady Crono was not Princess Tyria.


    Heh, you look like you''re good friends.


    They''re, well, they''re good, aren''t they?��Princess Tilia sounds like she''s looking forward to sleeping with Master Crono.


    Cecily let out a sigh. Even if it was, I don''t want to believe that the princess of a country would willingly open her legs to the son of such an upstart.


    ''''That''s amazing. So does that mean Crono-sama is good at it?


    He told me he was very strong.


    Cecily continued to eat, ignoring the excited Verna and Eyepatch.


    *


    The servants'' opinion of Crono is that he is serious, good-natured, kind to everyone, and quite s*xually active.


    But from Cecily''s point of view, it''s different.


    He may be serious, good-natured and gentle, but that''s not all.


    I suddenly remember the corpses of enemy soldiers lying in the hills of the Holy Argo Empire.


    The corpse of the enemy soldier, so badly damaged that you want to turn away from it, it''s obvious what that man did.


    This is the work of the devil.


    Cecily is working with Verna to clean the demon''s office.


    Cecily is responsible for sweeping the floor, while Verna is responsible for wiping down the furniture and furnishings.


    ''Is there something you want to complain about?


    No, no, no.


    Cecily turned and said, "That man... Crono replied with a scowl of displeasure.


    ''I''m grateful to have your office cleaned.


    It was a tone of voice that didn''t feel like it was lacking, thankfully.


    Cecily was irritated by Crono''s attitude.


    ''Oi! Stop slacking off and get your hands moving. I''ve got to clean the bathroom after this, you know.


    With a tsk, Cecily clicked her tongue and resumed her sweeping.


    Looking back over her shoulder, she saw Crono looking at Verna with a kind expression on his face.


    That is, until he realized that Cecily was watching him, too.


    Crono was clearly uncomfortable when he noticed Cecily looking at him.


    That''s not all.


    When he calls out to Verna, Crono''s voice is gentle.


    You have a low, pouting manner when you''re Cecily.


    Aren''t you at least willing to admit that you''re getting used to the job?��And Cecily grits her teeth as she turns her back on Crono.


    Cecily is proud of the progress she''s made in her long legs.


    She can now work more efficiently and can do the laundry on her own.


    Even the head maid, Alyssa, praises her, and the cook maid''s landlady even lets out a breath of admiration.


    And yet, Crono is the only one who doesn''t approve.


    I''m aware of the fact that they don''t like me.


    From the moment they met, they must have had the worst impression of each other.


    We have different values to begin with.


    Crono mocks honor, tramples on the reasoning of the battlefield, and desecrates the dead.


    I can''t tell you how many times I wished him dead.


    Cecily''s wishes are vain, and Crono has made it back alive.


    The first time was in the Holy Argo Kingdom, and the second time was on the southern frontier.


    ''....Why?


    A small murmur.


    Twice Crono had survived from a desperate death zone.


    No, I hear that even the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom, which was the beginning of Crono''s becoming a marquis, he was able to overturn a desperate power gap and prevent it.


    After overcoming three despairs, the new nobleman of the southern frontier the son of the upstart found himself in a position to treat and use Cecily as a maid.


    ''This one''s done, but how about you?


    Verna''s words brought Cecily back to reality.


    ''Yes, it''s all over over here.


    Okay, that''s great. Okay, we''ll move on.


    Good luck.


    Verna scratched her cheek in embarrassment as Crono approached her.


    Once in the hallway, Verna looked at Cecily with eyes that seemed to want to say something.


    Ignoring her gaze, Cecily headed to her next job... the bath.


    ''Oi~ That wasn''t it, was it?''


    I don''t have any choice.


    She''s not being harassed or anything. You''re an adult.��Hold on a little longer.


    ''Gugu,'' said Cecily, at a loss for words.


    ''Even Miss Verna would pick a fight with me, wouldn''t she?


    ''We''re the same, aren''t we, Cecily and I?��It''s not that, it''s just that Lady Crono and Cecily are in different positions.


    I understand the logic, sir.


    Verna let out a dumbfounded sigh.


    ''''Even if you understand it in theory, if you can''t act on it, what''s the point?


    I know that too.


    I know that.


    I know that I''m in a position, that it''s not a friendly relationship out of the blue, and that I should detach my emotions and work as a maid.


    But I''m not emotionally convinced.


    I cleaned the bathrooms without incident, cleaned the kitchen again without incident, and moved the scribbled papers from the office to the paper workshop in the garden of the Marquis'' mansion.


    For reasons that aren''t clear, the failed papers are now pieces of paper when Cecily and Verna collect them.


    Cecily and Verna pack the large number of pieces of paper into Zuta bags and submerge them in a special container set up in the paper workshop.


    The reason I use the word "submerge" is because the inside of the container is filled with water.


    We must not forget to stir the container with a stick to make it submerge quickly.


    After that, the pieces of paper are de-inked and then reclaimed in the paper workshop.


    Since the quality of the reclaimed paper has deteriorated, it is used to write down small things in the office or is issued to Crono''s subordinates, who are said to have been trained as officers.


    ''''Well that''s the other half of it,''''


    Half of it is carrying water from hell, though.


    The servant''s mess hall ... Cecily took a seat at the end and let out a deep sigh.


    Carrying water is the least popular job.


    They had to keep carrying water in tubs from the well to the upstairs and downstairs bathrooms.


    It''s a tough job, but they have to carry water from two different locations, and that''s disgusting.


    Even if they carry the water themselves, Cecily and Verna are the last ones to be able to bathe in the water.


    I can''t wait for the late shift, as I hear that the person in charge of the late shift can bathe in the hot water as soon as he finishes his work, so I can''t wait for the late shift for a little while.


    Well, it looks like Cecily and Verna are going to be the ones in charge of carrying the water from hell even on the late shift, so I can''t be happy about it with my hands.


    ''''........This place is good to handle~''''


    What''s your life like?


    Helping out at the stores around there, picking up and selling trash, and sussing out purses?


    I''m sure we''ve all heard a lot about what a criminal you are.


    ''Yeah,'' said Verna, turning away in a huff.


    ''When I get used to it, I''ll have to learn the letters.


    ''That''s an auspicious sentiment, isn''t it? ''Literature makes the heart grow fonder.


    I don''t care about literature, simply because I don''t want to lose money.


    Verna must have been boiled over and over again.


    Her strange righteousness towards Crono might be influenced by past events.


    I felt like I could help him out a bit.


    ''Unfortunately, Mr. Weissman''s class is booked up.


    It was the eyepatch that called out from the side.


    ''Really?''


    Very serious.


    Verna asked, and the eyepatch replied in a light tone.


    ''''Now it''s the old soldier, then the new soldier.........Verna''s turn is after that.


    Well, it''s free, you know. It''s free, isn''t it?


    Verna crossed her arms behind her head and muttered to herself.


    ''Verna, may I teach you some letters?''


    I remember Cecily being a nobleman.


    He''s still a nobleman!


    Hmmm, Verna groaned thoughtfully.


    I don''t want to. I''m flattered, but...


    Why is that?


    Cecily isn''t very good at teaching. And running off at the same time doesn''t suit her.


    Cecily wasn''t sure which of them meant it, but Cecily decided that Verna was trying to avoid friction with her surroundings.


    ''We don''t care about slipping out or anything, though, do we?


    You do care, don''t you?��We''re new here, so we have to keep pace in the beginning.


    It looks brazen, but Verna seems to have a lot on her mind in her own way.


    I really don''t mind, but that''s part of it. If I were in your shoes, I would be able to read the atmosphere a little better.


    It''s good to be paid well, isn''t it?


    ''Yes. I wondered what would happen when I got hurt.


    Verna crossed her arms and nodded in satisfaction, and the eyepatch muttered in a slightly lower tone of voice.


    ''Come to think of it, you''re an ex-soldier, aren''t you?


    Well. I was an archer, but I got out when I went blind and couldn''t keep my distance.


    Eyepatch patted his eye patch.


    ''It was a terrible battle. I suppose there''s no such thing as a fight that isn''t terrible, but it was a terrible fight anyway.''


    Perhaps it was the result of trying to suppress his emotions, but Eyepatch''s tone was unnaturally calm.


    ''I managed to survive, and I got some treatment... but as soon as I could afford it, I had to think about how to carry myself and stuff. That time was the hardest for me, I think.


    Eyepatch poked his cheekbones and gave him a languid look.


    ''Poof, it doesn''t look like many of the guys are injured?


    Well, by all appearances, yes. In reality, it''s been over a year and the wounds haven''t fully healed, and I still have nightmares. I''m still like this, so I didn''t feel hopeless then. My mind and body functions are so messed up that I can''t even realize that I''ve reached the point of no return... So I was relieved when I heard that you''re hiring me as a maid.


    ''Wasn''t that man the cause of the injury in the first place?


    The expression disappears from Eyepatch''s face, but it''s only for a moment.


    ''I don''t deny that it''s a result of following Crono-sama''s orders, but I try to think of it as a separate issue from this one.


    It''s a bit of a relief, that.


    Hmm?��The eyepatch tilted his head curiously.


    ''Why do you feel safe?


    I''m Lady Crono''s maid.


    You haven''t answered the question.


    Cecily''s lips twitched, unconvinced.


    *


    In the evening, Cecily sat down on the well and inclined her gaze.


    There was Verna, who looked limp.


    ''Miss Verna, shouldn''t you need to build up a little more strength?''


    Don''t compare it to the guys in the army.


    It''s certainly a pity compared to me and the former soldiers. I suppose it makes sense to consult with the head maid here, but......., Cecily crossed her arms.


    Considering Verna''s physical strength, it''s best to have her assigned to a job other than carrying water.


    But considering Verna''s character, it''s not the best choice.


    ''''........I''ll have to work hard for Verna-san.


    I didn''t ask for this.


    When Cecily muttered with a sigh, Verna spat out.


    ''It''s something I do on my own. There''s no need to worry about it.''


    It''s bad.


    Cecily closed her eyes and gave a small nod.


    It was then that she heard the sound of a kang, kang.


    It wasn''t the sound of a workshop dwarf hammering.


    It was similar to the sound of swords being hammered together.


    After a while, he realized it was the sound of a wooden sword being hammered together.


    ''Hey, where are you going?''


    ....


    Cecily relied on the sound of sword fights to get to the place.


    However, the grounds of the Marquis'' mansion were limited.


    Without hesitation, Cecily arrived at the spot and came upon a scene where Crono and Faye were clashing wooden swords.


    Cecily despaired at the sight.


    Faye was beautiful.


    Even the way she ducked the tip of the wooden sword with her gorgeous steps, and even the way she dealt with a forceful blow was beautiful.


    Cecily knows what Faye is capable of.


    No, I was under the illusion that I knew.


    I''m sure you''ve been reminded of the fact that this is the ultimate in swordplay.


    However, Faye''s bodywork had become more fluid than back then, and the trajectory drawn by the wooden sword had become sharper.


    Compared to Faye, Crono''s swordsmanship was inferior to child''s play, such as Crono''s swordsmanship.


    The proof of this is that Crono''s sword can''t even touch Faye.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a good deal more information on this topic.


    The difference in actual strength is obvious.


    Even so, Fay is still looking at Crono seriously.


    I''m not going to be able to get a good idea of what to do with it.


    The reason for this was immediately apparent.


    Crono threw the wooden sword that he had hidden in his possession.


    Faye predictably knocked the wooden sword down and ducked Crono''s body-like thrust.


    The ducking of a full-bodied blow and Crono''s defenseless appearance against Fay.


    This is a dead end.


    At least that''s what Cecily decided.


    But Crono and Faye had a destination in mind.


    A jet-black glow colored Crono''s body like a barbarian''s war makeup.


    It''s the ''imprinting technique''.......a secret art passed down to the barbarians of the Areos Mountains.


    When Crono has finished firing his full-length blow, he unleashes an elbow strike.


    An impossible blow.


    Normally, he would have been elbowed in.


    However, Fay was different.


    He received Crono''s elbow strike with the belly of the wooden sword.


    Crono and Faye leave like a bouncing ball.


    After all, I should say, Faye is quicker to regain her stance than me.


    Faye kicks the ground in order to close the gap between the two, wearing the Divine Majesty Technique "Divine Clothing".


    With a gakun, Fay''s body sinks down.


    The shadows entangled in his ankles blocked Fay''s movements.


    When Fay stepped forward, the shadow was easily shredded.


    With the shadow easily shredded, Faye lost her stance.


    This was a strategy to exploit the belief that the shadow that blocked the explosive acceleration couldn''t be easily torn to shreds.


    It''s an impatient plan, too pathetic.


    But it is also true that this strategy bought about two blinks of time.


    A jet-black glow cuts through the space.


    Crono closes the distance between him and Fay with unstoppable speed with the help of the ''Marking Technique''.


    The next moment, Crono was flying through the air.


    He stumbled over Fay, who jumped under his feet.


    Crono, who had spun so far in the air that it was ridiculous to count it, was knocked to the ground and stopped moving.


    The jet-black glow flickered erratically and disappeared completely.


    It was too much of a resolution.


    It could be described as hapless.


    ''''........Do you surrender, sir?


    I thought we were going to win today.


    Crono sat up and sat there, looking like he was in a billion dollars.


    ''It''s a difference in experience,''


    ''My whole body is defeated'', right?


    "Master Crono is a vicious man, sir.


    Faye''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.


    Crono stands up and walks towards the Marquis'' mansion.


    Stopping in front of Cecily, Crono lazily puts his hand on her neck.


    ''''Did you have a good time?''''


    Yes, it was an exciting show.


    I''ll try again next time to make it a little more fun for you.


    That ended the conversation.


    Cecily followed Crono with only her gaze.


    She stopped chasing him immediately, but she was intensely aware of the signs of moving away and the sound of the door closing.


    ''Why are you picking a fight?''


    I''m not looking for a fight.


    For some reason, I''m pissed off in my chest.


    For some reason, I''m irritated.


    The scene that unfolded in front of me was supposed to be just that, that Crono was defeated while playing a trick on me.


    ''A little more sleight of hand... hee!


    That''s what I''m talking about, trying to pick a fight.


    I was about to call out to Faye when Verna plucked Cecily''s side.


    Or rather, she grabbed it eagle.


    What are you doing?


    No, it''s obvious.


    Cohon and Cecily cough to change their minds.


    The pocan expression on Faye''s face is driven out of her consciousness.


    ''Wouldn''t that make for good practice?


    Training with Master Crono is a learning experience.


    Once and for all, Faye denies Cecily''s words.


    Of course, even Cecily knows that Faye was taking her practice seriously.


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t have paid so much attention to it.


    ''That greed for victory is something to be learned.


    It''s just a trick.


    ''''If the current Master Crono had fought me before I came to the Marquess of Erakis, the result might have been the opposite, don''t you think?


    ''The sword,'' said Faye, stroking the sword she carried from her waist.


    ''It is not absolute power. It''s also a good idea to make sure that you have a good idea of what you''re doing. That''s why Crono-sama''s efforts may bear fruit someday.


    Cecily was speechless.


    She''d felt hopelessly separated, because now she knew it wasn''t as big a difference as she thought it was.


    Cecily finally realizes what the pissed off and frustrated feeling in her chest is.


    Faye is not looking at Cecily.


    The only time Faye looks at Cecily is when someone she knows is about to be harmed, or when someone she knows is belittled.


    Crono was perceived by Faye as more than an equal, even though he was an ordinary man like Cecily.


    Now Cecily thinks.


    She wonders how much potential dwells in the things she has given up, dismissed as unnecessary, and turned her back on.


    Cecily let out a sigh on her bed.


    She had finished the day''s work and had eaten.


    She had bathed in hot water, and now all she had to do was sleep.


    He let out a sigh.


    Cecily''s heart was occupied with regret for running away, and the things she had thrown away...her sword, her position, and the battalion she had been a part of.


    Cecily harbored unrequited feelings as she looked at Crono.


    Crono, an ordinary man, was now recognized as more than an equal to Fay, a genius.


    If I didn''t give up, even I could have reached the realm of a genius.


    .........It''s an unfinished business, Cecily let out a sigh.


    Time is not going back.


    Even if Cecily wanted to return to the military, her brother would not allow her to do so.


    His brother was extremely gentle, but if he had to put the territory or Cecily first, he would put the territory first.


    Once again, Cecily let out a sigh.


    He wanted to ask her.


    What did Crono care about and what made him overcome his resignation?


    But even if she tried to ask, she found herself hated by Crono.


    I don''t know what kind of face to go and see him now.


    ''All you do is sigh, what''s wrong with you?


    I was just thinking about something.


    ''Huh,'' said Cecily, turning over and letting out a sigh for what seemed like the umpteenth time.


    ''Well, it''s about Master Crono, isn''t it?


    You don''t have to look so triumphant to know that.


    ''I''ve seen your rebellious attitude towards Master Crono as a sign of goodwill.


    Verna''s eyes are knotty.


    Don''t look at me like that.


    Cecily couldn''t be sure what kind of eyes she was looking at, but very painfully, Verna muttered.


    ''Why don''t you go and apologize instead of sighing?''


    If it were that easy, I wouldn''t be bothered.


    Cecily is making it difficult for you. I didn''t do anything and I''m in a bad way because of Cecily, so go ahead and apologize! I don''t want to work in a cushy atmosphere anymore.


    Verna said as she rolled around on the bed, right, left, right.


    ''Well, you''re certainly giving Verna a lot of trouble for us,'' said Cecily, reflecting a little.


    ''I understand. We can''t give Verna any more trouble, you know. ''I can''t cause any more trouble to Miss Verna,'' she said, ''it can''t be helped. I don''t like it, but I''ll go and apologize to that man.


    I don''t really want an apology for that, okay?


    Verna seemed to be saying something to her, but Cecily ignored her and got up from the bed.


    She slipped her arms through the apron dress she had prepared to wear tomorrow and combed her messy hair.


    ''''........Verna-san, will you come with me?''''


    "Ew, go apologize to him alone!


    Verna couldn''t have been more disgusted.


    ''Verna-san didn''t tell me to go apologize!


    It was Cecily who caused it!


    ''''I don''t really want to apologize. Since Verna-san says so, I just have no choice but to go and apologize because I have no choice.


    f*ck.


    While saying this, Verna got out of bed with a cumbersome look on her face.


    Glancing at the apron dress she''s going to wear tomorrow, Verna seems to have decided that she doesn''t mind being in her pajamas, and she heads for the door, biting off a lack of expression.


    ''Come on, let''s get on with it and go apologize.


    If you''re so sure, Miss Verna, I don''t blame you.


    Super friggin'' awesome.


    Led by Verna, Cecily heads to Crono''s room.


    The air in the corridor is cold enough to give her goosebumps.


    ''''There''s something I forgot to mention...''''


    What is it?


    Cecily asked, tilting her head.


    ''If it''s an apology, I won''t need it, and I''m properly prepared for tomorrow.


    ''What if we''re in the middle of a night out?''


    Shouldn''t we wait until it''s over?


    In the hallway?


    I think we should wait in the hallway, don''t you?


    Verna made a subtle expression.


    ''''No, I''m not uninterested in it either, but isn''t it bad?''''


    We don''t want to cause any more displeasure, do we?


    ''Well, yeah, but I guess I feel threatened by the idea of visiting a man''s room this late at night.


    Verna doesn''t seem to be on board, after all.


    I don''t think Cecily should visit a man''s room late at night either, but goodness gracious, let''s hurry up, shall we?


    ''''Who are you, sir?''''


    Cecily and Verna stopped when they were approached on the landing of the stairs.


    When they looked up, they saw Faye standing there in her pajamas.


    The fact that she was wearing her pajamas and yet had a sword from her waist was very Fey-like.


    ''''What do you two look like?''''


    No, it''s just...


    I''m just here to see Master Crono.


    Cecily stepped forward as Verna clammed up.


    ''What do you want, my dear?


    What do you want? You know what I want?


    Faye awkwardly tore her gaze away from Cecily and Verna and uttered something in a voice that sounded like a mosquito buzzing.


    ''I can''t hear you,''


    So....


    Faye crossed her arms and turned over.


    It was as if she was trying not to look at him.


    ''Could you say that a little louder?''


    ...a fairy tale.


    A silence descended.


    Perhaps she couldn''t bear the silence, but Faye was leaning back as if she was about to fall apart.


    ''''.......Should I wait until it''s over?''''


    Well, you don''t have to wait!��I want you to get your errands done quickly, and when you''re done, I want you to get away from Master Crono''s room as soon as possible!


    Faye said as she wound up and gave way to Cecily and Verna.


    They face the wall and try not to make eye contact.


    Cecily followed Verna to Crono''s room.


    She stopped in front of Crono''s room and took a series of large, deep breaths.


    ''Verna-san, how many knocks do you think are appropriate?''


    Knock again and again.


    Three times, Cecily knocked on the door.


    There was no answer, so she interpreted it as approval and opened the door, and the white light of the magic item stimulated her eyes.


    Crono was working on something at his desk.


    Crono rested his hand and slowly turned to Cecily and Verna.


    Crono''s eyes widened in surprise, and he immediately turned to look at the usual trivial things.


    ''''What... what do you want?''''


    Cecily regretted it.


    She shouldn''t have wanted to talk to him or think about apologizing for Verna''s sake, rather than giving him this look.


    Hey, you''re going to apologize, right?��and Verna pokes Cecily in the back with an elbow.


    Crono is poking his cheekbones in a sour mood.


    ''''You are.........''''


    Cecily squeezed out her voice.


    Her legs trembled.


    The fear of being able to see through something else rose again.


    Too scared, she shook her head.


    This man had been able to see through his own experience and insight that Cecily was inferior.


    He couldn''t be that inhuman.


    ''How can you hold a sword?��You understand that no matter how hard you try, you will never reach the heights, right?��It''s all scheming and trickery, but still, what''s the point of having a genius try so hard?


    Cecily realized after she finished.


    If she hadn''t given up, she could have reached the realm of genius herself.


    Cecily doesn''t believe in such things.


    It''s just wishful thinking.


    It''s like a prayer.


    Crono quietly strokes his right eye.


    He looks like he''s thinking about something, or he''s trying to find the right moment.


    ''''I know, I know that no matter how much effort I put in, I''ll never reach genius. Sometimes I feel like I''m trying in vain. But it''s better than doing nothing and regretting it.


    Crono said as he let out a sigh.


    ''What are you holding the sword for?''


    For my people, the ones I feel good about. And for myself. I don''t want to be an a**h*le to myself.


    This time, Cecily was devastated.


    Crono continues to strive for what he believes to be worthwhile.


    He stomps on because running away would make him the worst kind of scum.


    Cecily ran away because she was afraid to face her inferiority complex before she was valued low.


    Finally, he put his trust in being an aristocrat.


    But how could she be proud of what she had fled, fled, fled, and clung to in the end?


    He would make every possible effort to bring as many of his men back to life as possible.


    If he felt that way, then his words were right.


    ''''You ... are not the son of a lowly mercenary.


    Yeah?��Crono jumps up one eyebrow in a dubious manner.


    It''s an understandable reaction.


    Even Cecily can''t believe that such a change of heart could happen.


    ''''You are a proud nobleman. Please forgive me for my previous rudeness.


    I don''t mind.


    Now it was Cecily''s turn to raise one eyebrow.


    Would someone who didn''t care harass her so relentlessly?��He felt like questioning her for an hour or so, but it was his own fault, too.


    I think I can get a good night''s sleep now, Cecily said as she left Crono''s room with a light step.


    *


    Crono looks down at Cecily with a wicked grin on his face.


    Cecily sat on the floor and looked up at Crono.


    She put as much hatred as she could into her gaze, but Crono''s eyes narrowed as if even that hatred was comforting.


    Realizing what the evil smile meant, Cecily tried to run away.


    But Crono wouldn''t let Cecily escape.


    ''Yup, it''s a dream, isn''t it?''


    Cecily jumped up and repeated her ragged breathing.


    It''s a horrible nightmare, she said, holding her head on the bed.


    He apologized properly.


    Since she had apologized properly, she shouldn''t be able to be as outrageous as she was.


    But there was no guarantee that the words whispered in his ear a few days ago would not come true.


    What if that was Crono''s true intentions, instead of being whispered in a punitive manner?��And Cecily felt her heart palpitations quicken.


    ''Well it''s not even dawn yet, you know?


    Yes, I''m going to go back to sleep!


    In the end, Cecily couldn''t fall asleep until the night was white and she was forced to work in a sleep-deprived state.

 60-Modified version of episode 13 "Goodwill is like bad faith"

    *


    What''s bothering you?


    Suddenly, Cecily stopped shredding the bread when Verna asked her about it.


    The servants'' dining room was filled with a murmur.


    Perhaps it was the lack of sleep, but the buzzing seemed distant.


    If I wore earplugs or a couple of colourless cloths, I might feel like this.


    ''Nothing, sir, nothing.''


    ''Well, sometimes it''s just easier to talk about it. You can always talk to me about it.


    Yeah, I appreciate that.


    Oh, Verna scratched her head in embarrassment.


    ''How much easier it would be if we could talk about it,'' said Cecily, bringing a piece of bread to her mouth.


    ''What are your plans for the New Year, both of you?


    What''s going on?


    When Verna asked back, Eyepatch let out a breath through her nose.


    ''''Kuhu, we have a series of holidays during this year''s New Year''s holiday. You can take this opportunity to go back to your parents'' house, or you can spend it lazily, or you can work and get a special allowance for New Year''s Eve.


    What did I tell you?


    Verna raises an eyebrow dubiously.


    ''Last year, Crono-sama was busy, too. But this year it''s different. Even if you take a day off, you won''t have your salary reduced, it''s a special leave approved by Master Crono!


    Heh.


    Verna crossed her arms as she thought about it.


    Maybe Verna would choose the third one ... work and get a special allowance for New Year''s Eve.


    Hmmm, I don''t have a home to go back to and I don''t like lingering around, so I guess I''ll have to work to make money. What are you going to do about it?


    I''m a homeless person myself, and this year I''m going to linger. Well, I''m in the minority when it comes to going home.


    Where''s Cecily?


    I wouldn''t be here if I had to leave.


    Okay.


    Verna''s eyes sparkled with happiness.


    Cecily looked across at Verna and let out a sigh.


    I wonder what was on the menu last night, Cecily thought.


    She couldn''t even remember what was on the menu last night, but she could remember every single word whispered to Crono.


    Cecily shook her head, shaking off the memory that brought up an unnamable ache.


    This was the servants'' dining room.


    It would be inappropriate to recall the contents of a dream here, and it was an insincerity unbecoming of a maid.


    Oh, I can''t bear to have Verna look at me with contempt, Cecily let out a sigh.


    Verna is verbally abusive and quarrelsome.


    On top of that, she''s a criminal.


    But despite being a criminal, Verna has a straightforward nature.


    ''''Come to think of it, Master Crono was worried about you.


    ....


    His flaw is that he has bad taste in men he''s not a good judge of men.


    No, no, no, Crono is a man with something to look at.


    I have my beliefs and I continue to work hard to follow them.


    I protect the people I feel like I love.


    It''s easy to say, but how much hard work is required to make it come with results?


    If he is a commoner, a mere lord, it may be possible.


    But he is a commander.


    The path he has chosen is a hopelessly difficult one.


    There are certainly places to look.


    But it is what it is, and this is what it is.


    He''s crazy.


    It seems to me that he is out of the ordinary.


    But what should I tell Verna, who thinks such a man is a good person or something?


    If you tell Verna the truth, she won''t believe you.


    You can''t be sure that you''ll be able to find the right one.


    ''Hey, Cecily?''


    I''m fine!


    No, it''s not.


    Verna waved her hands from side to side in denial with a pat on the back.


    If you look, the number of maids had dwindled.


    The only ones present now are Cecily and Verna, the maids from the night shift.


    ''''Y-yeah, I''ll hurry up and eat.


    Cecily tightened her grip and poured the small piece of bread down with the remaining soup.


    ''You, if you can eat so quickly, you should usually do that.


    If you eat like this, they''ll question your upbringing. Even this way of eating was something I had to learn in the army.


    Cecily quickly stacked the dishes for herself and Verna for two and headed to the corner of the dining room.


    She placed the dishes for the two of them in a large barrel that was placed there.


    I feel a look.


    It''s a lick, a stare that contains evil intent.


    I turned around and met eyes with Crono.


    Immediately, Crono looked down awkwardly.


    Crono''s expression was calmer than it was a few days ago.


    However, Cecily knows what Crono is thinking underneath the calm expression.


    Crono must have been indulging in an out-of-the-ordinary fantasy as he watched Cecily cleaning up.


    What a man, Cecily thought, and she felt her core heat up.


    Cecily was being humiliated in Crono''s mind.


    ''What do you want me to say?


    Another one of those conversations?


    When Cecily asked, Crono poked his cheekbones in disgust.


    ''''Well if I remember correctly, Cecily should have uttered an apology. It hasn''t even been a week since then.


    Yes, I apologize for what I''ve done.


    But," said Cecily, walking up to Crono.


    Glancing at Verna, she was moving a pile of boxes.....items given to her by the dwarves and the city''s artisans.


    Apparently Crono would fund the artisans if he deemed it beneficial to the development of the territory.


    As of yet, no artisans have been funded as individuals, but the artisans present their work one after another for another effect.


    That effect is increased visibility.


    According to Eyepatch''s story, Crono sold off the contents of his treasure house in a big way when he became a lord.


    He even sold off the vases and sculptures that decorated the hallways, which is very thorough.


    Perhaps he thought the corridors were a bit bleak, but recently, Crono began to put up vases and sculptures in the empty spaces and reception rooms.


    The Marquis'' residence is visited by many guests.


    Naturally, those guests ask Crono for details about the works that they suddenly see.


    Crono explains the details of the piece and the craftsman who made it.


    Afterwards, the merchant would visit the artisan himself.


    Be that as it may.


    You''re humiliating me in your head right now, aren''t you?


    ....


    Cecily whispered in his ear and Crono let out a deep sigh and put his fingers to his temples as if he were trying to hold back a headache.


    ''Good thing?��If you try to do to me what you whispered in my ear the other day, you''ll bite your tongue and die?��Of course, if you try to do the same to Miss Verna,


    ''If I put my hands on Verna, will Cecily bite her tongue and die?


    It means I''ll never forgive you.


    ''I have to protect Verna-san,'' said Cecily, glaring at Crono from a breathless distance.


    ''I thought we had a good relationship at last.


    That''s what I thought, too.


    Why do you want to make waves?


    Crono smiles thinly.


    Crono is still underestimating us.


    He''s not serious.


    If he was serious, he wouldn''t be laughing, and Cecily braced herself for that thought.


    ''Wha, what is it?''


    Verna''s looking at me like I''m scared.


    Cecily jumped back and looked at Verna.


    Then Verna looked at Cecily with a frustrated expression on her face.


    ''Don''t slack off,''


    I know!


    Cecily returned to her original position and resumed her sweep.


    Looking behind her over her shoulder, she saw Crono smiling a thin smile.


    *


    The maid''s role is to maintain the mansion.


    The standard that Alyssa, the head maid, requires is enough to not embarrass her master, Crono, even if there is an unexpected visitor.


    There''s no end to it, but as long as you do your job without incident, you''ll be fine.


    . The maid''s role is to maintain the mansion, a never-ending waltz of a job.


    A proviso is added to Cecily''s realization.


    First, she cleans Crono''s office.


    After that, he cleans the bathrooms without incident, cleans the kitchen again without incident, and moves the office trash to the paper workshop in the garden of the Marquis'' mansion.


    Finally, the water hauler from hell.


    When Cecily finished carrying the water, Verna was nowhere to be found in her usual spot.


    When I looked around with a heartbeat, I saw Verna happily talking about something with Crono.


    Noticing Cecily, Crono patted Verna''s head with a thin smile on his face.


    Verna looks happy, embarrassed, and subtle.


    If the man she loves treated her like a child, she might look like that.


    Crono waves lightly at Verna and moves closer to Cecily.


    Crono smiled thinly and lightly tapped Cecily on the shoulder, as if to rub against her.


    ''Are you making fun of me?��Or is there another agenda?��As she was pondering, Verna stood in front of Cecily awkwardly.


    ''Ha, you were early.''


    What have you been talking about?


    Huh?��''Ehehe,'' said Verna, laughing deceptively.


    ''No, we didn''t talk about much. They just asked me a lot of questions about how my work was going and how Cecily was doing and all that. Oh, and I got some candy, so I''ll do it.


    No, thank you. Verna will eat it.


    That''s bad.


    Verna looks apologetic.


    Cecily was angry at Crono for trying to seduce such an honest, good girl with a single piece of candy.


    You should advise her here, even if she doesn''t like it.


    If you do nothing and Verna-san is preyed upon, you won''t be able to forgive yourself.


    ''Mr. Verna, this is my advice to you as a friend, though.


    What?


    What is it?


    There shouldn''t have been any part of her listening back to the dialogue now.


    Unsure of Verna''s reaction, Cecily asked.


    ''Are we friends?''


    And friends, friends!��What do you call it if you live in the same room, bickering, hitting each other, making up with each other, and not calling them friends?


    Cecily shouted, pissed off.


    If you don''t call this relationship a friend, what do you call a friend?


    ''''A ... colleague?''''


    It''s a big deal!


    After a few moments of silence, Cecily exclaimed loudly as Verna tilted her head unsurely.


    ''Then we can be friends.''


    What''s with the annoying tone of voice?��Cha, call me a friend, or I''ll cry!


    No, you''re already in tears.


    Cecily''s heart was failing her.


    ''Assuming we''re friends at a hundred paces,''


    He''s not giving up a step, sir. Not a step!


    Okay, ten paces.


    You just have to admit it''s normal!


    No choice. You''re my friend.


    Why didn''t you just say that in the first place?


    The word "it can''t be helped" bothered her terribly, but Cecily patted her chest for a moment.


    The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that it''s not a bad idea to have a good time.


    It was a brass coin that was received reflexively.


    ''Get me some bread, my friend,''


    You''re running errands!


    Verna clapped Cecily on the shoulder.


    ''Thank God you''re in the groove, man.


    It makes me want to go home for a while.


    So what''s your advice?


    ''I''m beginning to feel like I can abandon you,'' Cecily let out a deep sigh.


    ''Oh, um, I don''t think Master Crono is worthy of Miss Verna.


    ''Oh,'' nodded Verna.


    ''Master Crono would you mind lending me your ear for a moment?


    Cecily uttered the words whispered to Crono in Verna''s ear.


    ''Seriously, that''s half-assed.''


    I know.


    Cecily was relieved this time.


    It wasn''t like she wasn''t interested in that kind of thing too, and she wondered what she would do if Verna said.


    That night, Cecily enjoyed dinner for the first time in a long time.


    The nightmare would continue, but Cecily was able to protect her friend Verna.


    Cecily lay in bed feeling radiant.


    She looked to her side and saw Verna in her apron dress.


    It''s clearly unnatural, even though the situation is that she''s just going to bathe in hot water and sleep.


    ''Verna-san, aren''t you going to sleep?''


    Nope, Lady Crono needs me.


    Nuh-uh!��And Cecily jumped up.


    ''W-why, why do they call you?


    What?


    Last time you said that you felt threatened by visiting a man''s room late at night, and Cecily feels unnatural at Verna''s change.


    No, this is ... this ... the man has tricked me. Even though she is leading a harsh life, Verna is a child. If it''s Master Crono, he should be able to deceive Verna like twisting a baby''s hand. ''I need to say it again with a bang,'' said Cecily, standing up with a sense of mission.


    ''Miss Verna, I''ll go.


    What?


    I''ll go.


    Cecily tapped Verna on both of her shoulders.


    She is more full of energy than ever before.


    When one has someone to protect, one has true strength.


    Changing into her apron dress, Cecily headed to Crono''s room.


    *


    Hmm, bathroom?


    Oh.


    As Verna exited the servants'' bathroom, she was approached by an elf with an eye patch.


    Cecily had called him an eyepatch, so she''d call him an eyepatch as well.


    ''What about you?''


    ''I couldn''t sleep for a bit, so I''m just walking. Speaking of which, did you see Cecily go upstairs?


    I''ve been through a lot.


    Verna puffed out her chest.


    Lately, Cecily had been acting strangely.


    She would wake up in the middle of the night with strange noises and sometimes mutter feverishly with Master Crono.


    The bed was shaking and ... well, even a fool could see that when he did that.


    ''Cecily is in love with Lady Crono, isn''t she?


    Oh, I guess it''s a matter of whether you like it or not.


    It''s a good thing that Crono is also worried about Cecily, so I took a chance on her. I''m sure you''re not the only one who is worried about this.


    She must be that obsessed with Crono.


    ''''Heh~, Verna doesn''t like Crono-sama?''''


    I like it. I mean, I don''t know, it''s just humanly desirable.


    At first, he even thought about being a mistress or something, but then he reflected on it when Princess Tilia told him.


    She said that he should think about what he could do for Crono, not what Crono could do for him.


    ''''But it''s hard for Crono-sama too,''''


    What?


    No, I''m just saying.


    Verna remembered the words whispered in her ear, "I never thought Cecily would have that kind of s*xuality.


    Well, she hadn''t heard half of it, but she shouldn''t have said it for the sake of Cecily''s honor.


    ''Verna''s a good guy,''


    I''m still Cecily''s friend.


    Verna laughed with satisfaction at her friendliness.

 61-Episode 14 "premonition"

    There are those in the world who understand the premise correctly but cannot arrive at the right answer.


    Alfort is supremely straightforward in that regard.


    He leads to incorrect answers because he does not understand the premise correctly.


    There could not be a more seamless logic.


    Why?��That''s the thought.


    Even though he was a concubine''s child, he must have been blessed with a good environment.


    He was properly educated and had enough insight to be able to interfere in meetings.


    And yet, Alfort is always misguided.


    Bethyl let out a sigh, wondering if Princess Tilia had some similarities to him.


    In that sense, it could be said that Alfort is a degraded version of Princess Tilia.


    I guess I don''t understand, Betil judged in light of his own experience.


    When he was young, Betil had assumed that the world worked like gears meshing together.


    Not so now.


    The natural world may move according to the order created by God, but the human world does not.


    It is only on the surface that there appears to be order, and the human world is driven by emotions and interests.


    A knight messes with another man''s wife and is uncooperative for emotional reasons.


    The opinions of the loudest idiots take precedence over reasoned opinions.


    Some people don''t, but they''re very few.


    And the bad money drives out the good money.


    Such human stupidity seems to have amused Count Rio Chiron.


    However, he didn''t want to get caught up in the stupidity of humans since he hadn''t heard from them in more than a month since they ran away to the Marquis of Erakis.


    After all, neither Princess Tilia nor His Highness Alfort understands reality very well.


    For example, starvation, for example, poverty... Betil hadn''t actually experienced it, but he had seen the reality created by starvation and poverty many times.


    You don''t even know how Betil feels writing letters to the families of his dead men.


    Betil may accept bribes and qualify for entry exams.


    If he doesn''t have prospects, he won''t hire them, and if they aren''t useful if he does, he''ll make them horse caretakers and get rid of them as soon as possible.


    Bethyl frowned as he remembered the faces of his former subordinates.


    One was a man of superior skill, but he didn''t like the fact that he didn''t want to understand reality.


    The other was transferred to another battalion at the busiest time.


    ''Pi, Count Piske, oh, by what standards are those who work there employed?''


    We believe it''s the Treasury Department that''s arranging it, but I don''t know all the details.


    I wouldn''t know, I blurted out in my mind.


    Betil is the Commander of the Kingsguard.


    I can guess if it''s a military service bureau job, but I can''t even do that about the other bureau.


    ''''I see. Heh, if only the commoners could be given a job.''''


    I think it''s a good idea.


    Glad to be praised, Emperor-elect Alfort smiled with a sly smile.


    *


    Oh, I''ve been waiting for you.


    "Ralph, Count Libra.


    When Betil returned to his office in Alfirk Castle, he was greeted by a bald-headed old man.......Count Ralph Libra.


    To be honest, Bethyl is not good with Count Ralph Libra.


    It''s because he feels like he''s being probed in the back of his mind even when he''s having a normal conversation.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time in the world.


    ''''Wasn''t Count Libra in charge of guarding the area around Alfilk?''''


    What, you don''t know?��The Kingsguard is being reassigned. By His Highness Alfort''s order, of course.


    Betil almost fell to the ground on the spot.


    As shocking as it was that Alfort had decided to reassign him without consulting him, it was equally shocking that Prime Minister Alcor had approved it.


    Staggering to his own desk, Betil sat down in his chair in a slumped position.


    If it weren''t for the presence of Count Libra, he would have put his head in his hands.


    I''m not sure how I feel about it, but it''s an official order. I can''t refuse.''''


    ....


    The imperial army is arranged like a net.


    This arrangement is based on the assumption that they will be invaded by the enemy, but the key locations are manned by the Kingsguard, which are more skilled than other battalions.


    It sounds good to say that the defenses of the imperial capital have been fortified, but the loss is immeasurable when the harbor under the direct control of Emperor Kai, which is guarded by Baroness Nam Corne, and the mining city of Kinza, which is guarded by Count Lucas Lesato, are taken.


    ''''Count Ernat and Count Lesat aren''t working. We can''t afford to get our heads around it.


    Count Libra handles his beard and smiles like a good-natured old man, but Betil can''t trust the old man in front of him at all.


    There is no doubt that he has the future of the Empire in mind.


    But Bethyl can''t help but see that Count Libra is not genuinely thinking about the future of the empire, but about the future of the empire for his own benefit.


    I am too old. I''m old enough to be your last official post. Speaking of which, where have Count Chiron and Viscount Hammar gone?


    They''re on an errand to the Marquess of Erakis, sir.


    Ho, said Count Libra, narrowing his eyes.


    Perhaps Count Libra would know of their absence.


    Anxiety welled up in Bethyl''s chest as he wondered how much information he had given this old man.


    Count Libra stood up in a grand manner and handled his beard again.


    ''I have a lot of work to do.


    Bethyl let out a deep sigh as he saw Count Libra leave the room.


    ''''Utterly troublesome old man,''''


    Count Libra may or may not have come to explore Betil, but he must be wary.


    I can''t just say I''m not good at this, Betil said, reaching for a stack of paper on the desk.


    Use paper instead of parchment.


    This was another suggestion Alfort had made at the meeting.


    According to Alfort, it was more economical than killing sheep to make parchment.


    I can''t help but wonder if the paper imported from the Free City States is cheaper than the parchment made in the Cepheus Empire.


    When Bettyr visited his office, Viceroy Alcor was in the middle of processing paperwork.


    Since the lifetime of King Ramal V, Viceroy Alcor had been the sole person responsible for the national government of the Cepheus Empire.


    He owed this to Lamar V''s total trust.


    If Alfort formally succeeded to the throne, the authority of Vizier Alcor would be greatly limited.


    Bettyl respects the fact that Prime Minister Alcor continues to work in such a precarious situation.


    Well, there''s also a feeling that Vizier Alcor is the seed that he sowed himself.


    ''''Prime Minister Arkol.


    Is it Count Piske, or is he protesting the way he moved the Kingsguard?


    When I called out to him, Vizier Alcor said as if he could see through Bethyl''s mind.


    He must have anticipated the matters that might be asked.


    ''''Something like that,''''


    How is His Highness?


    Bethyl let out a sigh as he remembered Alfort''s condition.


    ''His Highness must be so buoyant that he can''t see his feet underneath him.


    ''Such a man would take over the throne. Shouldn''t he be able to meditate on a few disadvantages?


    Are you thinking about what happens after your Highness succeeds to the throne?��And Betil looked at Vizier Alkor.


    If he succeeded to the imperial throne, Alfort would have the right to command the Kingsguard Order.


    Even though it was the Kingsguard Order, its maintenance and operating expenses were paid by the Military Affairs Bureau, so it couldn''t move only on the Emperor''s orders.


    However, much of the land guarded by the Kingsguard is rich enough to generate funds to support a thousand generals.


    In other words, if push comes to shove, the Kingsguard can move without a budget from the Military Affairs Bureau.


    Although he understood Vizier Alcor''s intentions, Bethyl felt uneasy.


    The reason for this is because he felt that Vizier Alcor was only focusing on the inside of the Cepheus Empire.


    I''m thinking not only of the inside, but also of the outside. "I''m thinking not only about the inside, but also about the outside.


    Vizier Alcor said as he muttered to himself.


    You mean to say nothing else?


    No, Prime Minister Alcor wouldn''t trust Betil that much.


    ''''The other day, the Holy Argo Kingdom asked me to do something for them. They want us to help them reduce the power of the temple.


    Now I''m not going to let you get away with it.


    Like the Cepheus Empire, the Holy Argo Kingdom is not monolithic.


    The conflict between the royal family and the temple forces is particularly serious.


    It''s so serious that they are willing to take advantage of Cepheus'' empire.


    "Despite his age, King Magnus is not a man of wisdom. He may be plotting a confrontation between the Cepheus Empire and the Temple, pretending to ask for help. I can''t help you publicly.


    At least," continued Vizier Alkor, "I don''t mind cooperating with you in secret.


    ''I don''t mind cooperating in secret, I suppose.


    Cooperation would be a construct, Betil concludes.


    Like King Magnus, Vizier Arcol is also planning something.


    As for who to send, since he''s even talking to Bettyr, it''s probably someone from the Kingsguard.


    Bethyl wouldn''t choose Count Ernat of the Second Kingsguard, Count Roy Akbens of the Fourth Kingsguard, Count Neige Hyades of the Sixth Kingsguard, Count Ralph Libra of the Seventh Kingsguard, or Count Lucas Lesato of the Eighth Kingsguard.


    ''''But to send the Kingsguard knights at the sole discretion of Vizier Alcor,''''


    You could ask his highness for help in that regard. Any cooperation must be done in secret.


    In other words, you want me to go and take a word, and Bethyl judges Vizier Alcor''s words as such.


    It''s not a move you would use against a child, but Bethyl has no reason to refuse to do so.


    ''''Then, as such,''''


    With that, Betil left Prime Minister Alcor''s office.


    *


    I don''t want to have to go back and forth between the two chambers, though, Bethyl said as he headed to Alfort''s office.


    Well, it''s not the first time that the two factions have been batting back and forth between them, but the scale of the story is apparently too big for them to be comfortable with.


    If Alfort''s mother, Fana, were not a member of the Alcor Prime Minister''s faction, she would have resigned from her position.................and refrained from acting even if she didn''t go that far.


    It''s also significant that the deputy commander of the Ninth Konoe Guards will turn away a nobleman who has no plans to climb the castle.


    Could it be that he''s not coming back?��And Betil let out a sigh as he remembered Count Rio Chiron''s character.


    With that man, it''s no wonder he didn''t come back.


    That''s more like Count Rio Chiron.


    Bethyl stopped in front of Alfort''s office and knocked on the door.


    After waiting for a while, the door opened.


    ''''Oh, Count Piske,''''


    Where is His Highness?


    Fana smiles and urges Betil to enter the room.


    Betil enters the room and salutes Alfort.


    Alfort''s office was far larger and more luxurious than Vizier Alcor''s.


    The carpet on the floor is so soft you''d think you could sink your ankles into it, and the desk at the end of it is nothing short of luxurious.


    The same goes for the chairs.


    Alfort buried himself in the chair and greeted Bethyl.


    The reason for the thin coldness is probably because the office is very similar to the room''s owner, Alfort.


    ...


    Hey, Count Piske, what do you want?


    I just wanted to say hi.


    Alfort looked down, clearly disappointed.


    He may have imagined himself solving one problem after another that the Empire had, but if it was a problem that could be solved with a single word from Alfort, other people would take care of it.


    Betil waved an appropriate topic at Alfort.


    He talks about the weather, the progress of building the mausoleum, and praises the idea of using paper instead of parchment where Alfort looks lazy.


    Fana, who had been holding back, looked reluctant, though.


    ''Speaking of which, did you meet with Count Ralph Libra?


    Did he say anything?


    No, nothing.


    Flicking through Alfort''s questions lightly, Bethyl continues the small talk.


    After a good amount of time and seeing that Alfort''s eyes have begun to cloud over with fatigue, Bethyl decides that it''s an opportunity.


    ''''I heard that.......the Holy Argo Kingdom asked for your help.


    Yeah, I haven''t heard anything.


    ''Oh, I see,'' said Bethyl, nodding.


    ''''It''s just unconfirmed information. But for the sake of friendly relations between our two countries, I suppose we can''t let the offer go unchallenged.''


    ....


    Bethyl said, and Alfort nodded with a divine look on his face.


    ''If such an offer was made, would you be willing to cooperate if it was your highness?


    Yeah, yeah.


    I see, Bethyl nods and resumes his small talk.


    On the way, as I remembered, I asked about the selection of people.


    ''''Then, please leave the matter I mentioned earlier, including the selection of the person, to me.


    Count Piske will handle it.


    After a long, long greeting, Bethyl asked, and Alfort nodded, looking completely unaware of the situation.


    Bethyl walked out of Alfort''s office and into the hallway.


    He expected her to follow him, but Fana didn''t.


    I report to Vizier Alcor and return home after finishing my various chores.


    Bethyl''s residence is located in the Third District of the Imperial City.


    The Piske family is a court noble whose only claim to fame is that they are old.


    Even if you unravel the family''s history, it doesn''t look good at the moment.


    They have never reached the height of their prosperity, and conversely, they have never declined to the point of downfall.


    For the most part, the successive heads of the family have performed well as court nobles.


    No, as far as prosperity goes, Bethyl''s generation is the most prosperous in the history of the family.


    My life has been smooth sailing, Bethyl used to feel proud every time he looked up at the mansion, but these days he often let out a sigh.


    My life has been smooth sailing, but it''s been a rough ride.


    Maybe it would be good to act a little more pious, Bethyl opened the front door.


    ''Welcome home, dear.''


    I''m home.


    It was not a maid that greeted Bettyl, but his wife.


    His wife is the daughter of his last boss, and his boss is living a comfortable life on his paltry territory.


    Since my wife has no siblings, the fiefdom should be Bethyl''s, but for some reason, I think that a leisurely life is not so bad these days.


    My wife is ... well, she''s just an ordinary woman.


    She''s not beautiful, but she''s not ugly either.


    Her eyes are a distinctive feature.


    Roughly, she is not a noblewoman, and she goes out of her way to greet Bethyl when he comes home.


    A woman who doesn''t understand well is a thought that I''ve been holding on to since I met her to this day.


    He feels inadequate and keeps his mistress around, but after a while he will have to leave her.


    For some reason, I can''t stay with my mistress for long.


    He keeps his mistress around, he thinks to himself, but Bettyl seems to be in love with his obscure wife.


    ''Would you like to bathe in the water?��Would you like to have a meal?


    Bathing.


    The usual way of doing things.


    Bettyl takes a bath in the right temperature of water as usual and eats a simple but stomach-pleasing meal.


    On days when he finished his paperwork, he had a light meal, and on days when he exercised for exercises, he had a salty meal.


    After bathing and eating, Bettyl lies down on his bed in his bedroom, completely satisfied.


    Feeling his wife''s warmth Betil falls asleep in a happy mood.

 62-Modified version of the first part of Episode 15 "Attack on Myra"

    *


    Myra stared at Claude''s back.


    As Myra must have noticed, Claude sat down on a stump near the cliffs and stared at his domain without getting bored.


    The slaughterer (slaughterer) and the feared mercenary are not there.


    At some point, Claude began to have a calm look in his eyes.


    The same is true for Myra, as well as his comrades who ran with him through the period of upheaval.


    The current Myra is Baron Crawford''s maid of honor, not the Myra of the Silent Killing (Silent Killing).


    Her former companions, many of whom have families.


    They''ve married, had children, and even have grandchildren.


    ...Grandchildren, Myra said, looking down.


    Before I knew it, my friends had grandchildren.


    You can''t get rid of them.


    You guys were doing this and that, but........what?��It''s like that.


    Myra watched the sunset, though her life had never been one for love of color.


    Elves have a long life span.


    Considering the length of their lifespan, it was no wonder they were childless.


    And yet elves of Myra''s age who had never been married were in the minority.


    I''m sure they didn''t have high hopes.


    I was just hoping that it would be nice to have an annual income of two thousand five hundred gold coins.


    No, if you think about it, I might have been a little bit less critical.


    The fact that I was busy at work was not irrelevant.


    I devoted all my energy to exploring the southern frontier without any sense of urgency, and now we have a situation like this.......twenty years of manly shade.


    No, no, no, I''ve done it with Master Crono.


    I''m still young," Myra said, ruminating on the memories of her time with Crono.


    It''s a shame that Crono-sama couldn''t move...no, no, no, that''s a good thing.


    Kufu, Crono-sama''s moist eyes are truly wonderful.


    I couldn''t resist attacking her, but if Crono-sama is on the right track, you can let her attack you.


    Of course, I''ll take the lead, but Myra shook her head.


    I don''t want to do that kind of thing, what I''m looking for is supposed to be love.


    I want a kind husband, a child...........I want a modest but warm home.


    But shouldn''t I also enjoy the process of having a child?��I''m prepared to do whatever it takes if you ask me to.


    No, no!��Not so!��And Myra shook her head, shaking her hair out of her head.


    She should calm down a bit and consider her weapons.


    Myra thought calmly and was shocked at how few weapons she had.


    By all accounts, there was no demand for an elf who was nearly sixty years old in real life, and an ex-mercenary who was feared to be a silent killer (Silent Killing), in addition to that.


    I can only laugh now.


    ''''Uhaha!''''


    You scared the life out of me.


    When Myra laughed in desperation, Claude turned around in surprise.


    Thinking about it, Claude was also married and had a child, even though they were not related by blood.


    The man who was most unlikely to marry was married.


    ''....Huh.


    You must be tired, huh?


    Yeah, maybe.


    I''ve been working hard all this time.


    It would be strange not to be tired.


    Fortunately, it''s a slow farming season now.


    It wouldn''t hurt to take it easy a little bit.


    ''''I''ll take your word for it I''m going to take two and a half months off and go see Crono-sama.


    No, it''s fine.


    Glancing over, Claude had a subtle expression on his face as he stole a glimpse.


    ''Is your husband unhappy with my going to see Master Crono?


    I''m not complaining, but I''m a bit of a parent.


    After all this time, Myra looked at Claude.


    Myra and Claude had been a man and a woman at one time, but it was only a physical relationship.


    ''Take Johnny with you, too,''


    You want me to take that thing in?


    Johnny is a former vigilante of the Baron Ecron''s estate, now a servant of the Baron Crawford family.


    He pretends to be Crono''s little brother and is a bit of an idiot.


    I''m going to be strong to repay my brother for his kindness. He asked me to train him, so I gave him training, and Johnny fell down spewing vomit through his nose.


    I''ve been training him, but I haven''t been able to get him to do anything.


    "Isn''t that good enough for you?


    I don''t think I''d be much use to you otherwise, sir?


    It would be easier to travel alone on horseback, but I shouldn''t disrespect Claude''s concern.


    ''''........I''ll get ready to leave as soon as possible.


    *


    Troubles only come in when you are in a hurry.


    Where have you stored your clothes for going out?��While Myra was wandering around the mansion thinking, Count Ernat''s son.......Gaul came to visit.


    Gaul was a fool when he came to the southern frontier.


    He was skilled, but he was the type who, after being in a hurry for merit, would either protrude too much on the battlefield and die in isolation, or he would neglect his footing and get stuck in troop management.


    The atmosphere seems to have changed, Myra thought as she led Gaul into the reception room.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to rely on your subordinates to be samurai and poised.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more to say about it.


    ''How are you doing over there?''


    This is my new deputy, Nia.


    The boy who was called Nia bailed on his superciliousness.


    His age was probably in his mid-teens.


    He is slender in build and shorter than average in height.


    It''s a young face, and perhaps a quality of shyness, but there''s a glint of fear in his eyes.


    ''Nia is the third son of a merchant family. He''s useless as a soldier, and when we had cavalry, we used to make him take care of the horses, but now we don''t have cavalry.''''


    Perhaps sensing Myra''s heart, Gaul began to tell her why he had installed Nia as his second in command.


    In building the fort in the Areos Mountains, Gaul had reorganized his troops.


    Rather, he was forced to reorganize because his subordinate cavalry was pulled out and so on.


    The reason for this is that there is no need for cavalry in the fort.


    ''Maybe it''s because he''s the third son of a merchant family, but Nia is good with numbers. It''s a good thing that he is a reliable lieutenant who makes up for my lack of stupidity.


    No, Master Gaul.


    Gaul restrains Nia, who tries to sit up and argue with him, with only a glance.


    ''All I need is a glare from you at the bargaining table.


    It''s just the right person for the job.


    Isn''t that right?��Nia''s made it possible for me to feed my men a full meal.


    Myra said, and Gaul gave a manly smile.


    Gaul-sama isn''t stupid, though Nia is the only one who seems unhappy.


    ''How can I help you today?''


    As a matter of fact I''m thinking of stopping doing business with the Bailey Trading Company.


    Myra asked, and Gaul leaned forward to answer.


    ''I thought you were able to feed your men a full meal?


    That''s true, but they''ll have to pay for transportation.


    Is that really all there is to it?��And Myra looked at Gaul.


    Then Gaul raised his hands in the air as if to say "I give up.


    ''To be honest, I don''t trust those guys at the Bailey Trading Company. Well, I know that my stupidity is the reason my men are starving.''


    Gaul smiled self-mockingly, ashamed of his own past.


    Tsk, troublesome way to grow up, Myra spat in her mind.


    If Gaul was still an idiot, he was going to use it well, but this wasn''t going to be able to use it.


    No, Myra reconsiders, if he''s no longer an idiot, then he should sell his debt and build a cooperative relationship with her instead of using her, Myra reconsiders.


    ''''I understand. I''ll have your husband write a letter of introduction for you as soon as possible.''''


    Oh, thank God.


    Please wait.


    Myra left the parlor and paused.


    Now, I wonder where the master is, Myra crossed her arms.


    If it''s evening, the cliffs overlooking Baron Crawford''s estate, the cliffs overlooking the Barony of Crawford, you don''t have to go to the office or your own room to see it.


    You write for me, Claude would say, but it''s important to get permission for these things.


    Speaking of which, Myra walks out.


    The smell of blood reaches her.


    Well, the moment she opens the door, she sees Johnny lying on the ground.


    ''Sir?''


    Is this my fault?


    Claude said as he tightened his grip on the blood-stained wooden sword.


    No matter how you look at it, the culprit is Claude and the murder weapon is the clenched wooden sword.


    ''''My son runs around for no reason, but this guy runs into me for no reason.


    ''Isn''t Master Crono on the run because he''s learned from his past experiences?


    Is Crono cowardly or is Johnny reckless?


    Maybe they were both right, but I''d like to see Claude learn to go easy on him.


    Claude scratched his head like a bum and carried his wooden sword.


    A spurt of blood stained Myra''s apron dress.


    ''So, what''s up?''


    ''I don''t think you''re going to get that line with blood splatter on your apron?


    It''s bad.


    Myra let out a deep sigh.


    ''So, what do you want?''


    ''Master Gaul would like you to write a letter of introduction to the merchants.


    Oh, okay.


    Myra''s eyes widened lightly at the unexpected dialogue.


    ''No surprise there, right?''


    ''Certainly, I don''t think we need be surprised, considering my relationship with Count Ernat.


    Right?��And Claude smiled fiercely and walked past Myra with a fierce smile on his face.


    Myra looked down at the motionless Johnny she pretended not to see and returned to the mansion.


    After handing Gaul a letter of introduction written by Claude, Myra began to prepare for the trip again.


    However, it seems that troublesome things only come in when you''re busy.


    ''''Nanda, sonofacial ha?''''


    I thought you''d be cold.


    Myra said, and the Roux chief crossed her arms to emphasize her ample breasts.


    A band of fur covered his chest and a long, skirt-like strip of fur covered his lower body.


    ''''We, spirit no blessing, Al.''''


    Lara replied with a modest heartbeat.


    Isn''t it simply a case of being skinny?��But Myra didn''t speak of it.


    According to the information I got from Lili with her big tits, Lara is engaged in a mock battle with Gaul.


    Afterwards, Myra is taught what Lara and Gaul are doing, but she doesn''t point it out and doesn''t show it on her face.


    ''Promise no salt to herb da.''


    I understand. In the parlor.


    "Unnecessary.


    I guess that means they don''t intend to get along with each other.


    Every time they have the same exchange, but it''s polite to recommend it even if you know you''re going to be rejected.


    The chief looks at the ground.


    "...do you think it''s okay to let him go?


    ''I haven''t seen anything, but you can take them away if you want.


    "Needs Run


    I''m sorry.


    The price of salt and herbs is food, cloth, needle and thread.


    I could introduce a merchant I know like I did with Gaul, but there is a risk of getting beaten down cheaply, so the Crawford family will sell the salt and herbs to them.


    Considering the labor involved, it wouldn''t be a beehive to get a brokerage fee, but Myra gave up the brokerage fee in a heartbeat.


    His future master, Crono, risked his life to establish a friendship with the Roux tribe.


    In order for Myra to maintain her current position in the future, she needs to be considerate of Crono.


    Once we have a little more interaction, I plan to hire Roux warriors in the Crawford and Ekron families and then get the other six families to understand them as well.


    We''re doing some rooting, but we should not be in a hurry to proceed.


    Myra mobilizes the other servants and piles the cargo into the yard.


    The chief gives them a look, and the warriors who had been waiting for him carry the load.


    After the chief returned to the Areos Mountains, one nuisance after another kept coming up.


    With all of that resolved, Myra gave up looking for clothes for going out.


    When she thought about it, she didn''t remember buying clothes for going out.


    I was working hard, Myra said, and packed her travel bag with underwear and spare maid clothes.


    When I got ready for the trip, I found that I had two travel bags.


    It''s a small amount of luggage that makes you realize how much you''ve despised yourself as a woman.


    If you look around your room, you''ll find minimal furniture.


    No, no, this is what a woman''s room should be like, Myra sheathed the dagger she had finished taking care of.


    She was a perfect maid of honor from morning until night, 24/7.


    Well, I mean nothing else.


    The only flaw I can force up is that I have no experience in raising children.


    When Myra stepped outside, Johnny was sitting up and looking down at his blood-stained hands in wonder.


    ''What''s going on?''


    Didn''t find anything, sir?


    Is there blood on the floor?


    It''s a strange thing, isn''t it?


    Yeah.


    Johnny stood up and drew his dagger and began to make a bare swing.


    What a way to make a swipe, I have no idea what to expect.


    ''I remember you telling me to make a bare swing with the wooden sword?


    I am. But he claimed to be the best dagger user in Baron Ekron''s territory. I just want to be the best with the dagger. So.....


    Johnny stopped his bare hands and stuck his dagger out to Myra as if to show off.


    The cutting edge was pointing upwards, but it didn''t feel very good.


    ''I bought it with my paycheck!��It''s made by Kanuchi, Kanuchi''s!


    Huh.


    Myra let out a sigh, unsure of what to say to Johnny, whose eyes sparkled like a child''s.


    ''Myra, you don''t know Canuchi?''


    I know the name, at least, but it''s a quality I don''t care much about.


    This is true.


    During his time as a mercenary, he often moved around from place to place, so Myra was not concerned with the workshop where he made weapons.


    ''''I''m going to show you how strong I can be to be useful to my brother with this dagger.


    ''You seem to be getting on well with your expensive weapons,'' said Myra, letting out a deep sigh.


    ''I''m going to teach you one lesson, come at me. You may keep your weapons as they are.


    Are you sure?��If it stings, it hurts, okay?


    When Myra beckons him to join her, Johnny seems to have taken the plunge, holding his dagger in a hip pool.


    Wobbling, Myra ducked Johnny''s attack.


    Johnny looked surprised and swung his dagger around.


    As Myra continued to duck the attack, Johnny''s movements quickly slowed down.


    Johnny thrust the dagger at Myra as if in desperation.


    Myra grabs Johnny''s wrist as he grabs the dagger and slams his elbow into it, pulling his hand away.


    Twisting up Johnny''s arm, Myra gets behind him, letting go of his hand and keeping his distance.


    ''Kehhh, kehhhh, kehhhh,'' says Johnny, slumping to the ground.


    ''....Lesson one. It''s third-rate to neglect taking care of your weapons, but it''s an amateur to have an expensive weapon and think you''re getting stronger. Sometimes the stone you pick up is the deciding factor in victory. That''s what real warfare is all about.


    Myra picked up Johnny''s dagger and


    I will confiscate this one. Please get ready to travel quickly.


    *


    A month had passed since they left Baron Crawford''s estate after being seen off by Claude, who had a subtle expression on his face.


    It was a peaceful journey.


    Elves were less likely to be denied lodging than beastmen, which was probably one of the reasons why it was so easy to get a place to stay.


    Myra didn''t mind staying in the field as long as she could wash her underwear, but Johnny adamantly refused to stay in the field. He shouldn''t have been surrounded by wild dogs and chased by bandits.


    ''Oh, that''s Hachel, isn''t it?


    We''re here at last.


    You can see the walls surrounding Hachel,


    Johnny let out a sigh at the guru''s table.


    Myra''s clothes were not even frayed, but Johnny''s clothes were in tatters and his jacket was almost slipping off his shoulders.


    We completed the formalities at the gate and proceeded to the carriage.


    The inside of the walls were crowded.


    It is especially busy in the section lined with stalls and shops.


    In Myra''s experience, a busy city is one where the gap between the rich and poor and the corruption of the officials is severe.


    Even if you are able to mend the surface of such things, it is impossible to cover up.


    As far as Myra can see, it seems to be okay, so Crono seems to be doing reasonably well as a politician.


    I can''t help but smile.


    Although it was only a year''s master and student relationship, it''s still nice to see the growth of my student.


    ''''Speaking of ... disciples...''''


    We suddenly looked at each other.


    The other party also seems to have noticed Myra''s presence and stiffens his body.


    The other party a dozen or so meters away the twin elves stare at Myra, frozen and unmoving.


    The twin elves ... the twin elves ... the one with Deneb and Alydead at her side is Princess Tilia, dressed in a white military uniform.


    Princess Tilia seemed not to notice Myra and stopped and looked curiously at Deneb and Alideed.


    One second, two seconds, three seconds........


    "Geeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    With a strange cry, Deneb and Alideed turned their backs on Myra and ran away.


    It was a brilliant escape through the crowd.


    Myra dismounted from the carriage and threw a stone that had been lying nearby.


    In a fawning parabola, the stone hit one of the twins as it tried to escape into a narrow alleyway.


    The stone hit the back of his head and one of the twins fell.


    Princess Tyria ran to the fallen elf and held out her hand.


    Glowing white particles shot out of Princess Tilia''s hand.


    Probably, Princess Tilia is using the Divine Majesty Technique ''Healing''.


    Myra instructs Johnny to go ahead.


    As Myra stands behind Princess Tilia, the fallen elf wakes up.


    ''Oh, I look like I''m dead?''


    He''s alive.


    It''s not true, and I see the devil in him.


    Do you mean me, the devil?


    Myra asked, and the elf, who had fallen with a gabber, picked himself up.


    ''And I can''t believe you just saw him again and tried to kill him!


    ''And so on!��Like what we''ve done!


    ''Gah,'' the twin elf the spoiled maid ranted.


    ''You faked your change when you were shopping and called me a hag?


    I returned the change!


    I was subjected to a traumatic chastisement!


    I see, is that all you''re trying to say?


    When Myra smiled thinly, the twin elves cowered as if frightened.


    "Yo, come to think of it, maybe we were in the wrong, huh?


    Like there''s no way in hell I could cheat on my change or point out my age or anything like that for real?


    ''Thank you for being so quick to understand. If you could just pretend that the stone-throwing incident never happened.


    ...yes.


    Myra tapped her shoulder gently and the twin elves nodded honestly.


    ''It''s been a long time, Princess Tyria.


    ''Oh, you''re Baron Crawford''s maid. It''s been a year or so?


    When Myra grabbed her skirt and bowed, Princess Tilia replied in a hawkish manner.


    ''''I''ve just received a leave of absence,''''


    ''I see, so that''s why you came to see Crono. I''m sure you have a lot to talk about, so let''s move on to the Marquis'' mansion.


    Myra nodded, "Princess Tyria is quick to talk and helpful," she said.


    Excuse me, Your Highness?��Oh, we are.


    Do you have some time off from work?


    Princess Tilia tilted her head curiously, and the twin elves smiled affectionately.


    ''No matter,''


    "I''ll never forget this, Princess!


    "I''ll buy you a dry incense tea!


    Deneb and Alydead ran off.


    Gratitude seemed too cheap to be an out-and-out incense tea, but Princess Tilia smiled bitterly, as if she had no choice.


    ''If you could tell me how Lady Crono is doing along the way,''


    We''re going to need more time to get to the Marquess'' house.


    Princess Tilia walked away with her arms crossed thoughtfully, wondering where to start.


    Princess Tilia seemed happy because she could brag about her man.


    ''I met Crono at military school.


    Yes, Myra nodded.


    She also knew that Princess Tyria had dared to drop the reverse on Crono during the exercise, but Myra didn''t point it out.


    ''When did Myra meet with Crono?


    Since the day Master Chronosphere was born.


    When Myra made a gesture like she was holding a baby, Princess Tyria squinted her eyes suspiciously.


    Immediately Myra realizes why Princess Tilia is squinting.


    Princess Tilia knows that Crono is from a different world.


    ''''I beg your pardon. I met Lady Crono five years ago.''''


    I see.


    Princess Tyria said with a bit of regret.


    ''''Have you always been like that?''''


    No, he seemed somewhat introverted, though?


    ''Mmm,'' said Princess Tilia, covering her mouth with her hand suspiciously.


    ''''As a result of my strict discipline, Master Crono is as robust as he is now...''''


    What have you done?


    Huh?��And Myra looked at Princess Tyria.


    ''So it was your fault Crono was like that!


    I''m sorry, sir.


    It was only because he corrected that spoiled personality that Crono is still alive today.


    If he had kept that personality, he would have been killed in his first battle.


    ''''I''m sorry.''''


    No, I don''t mind.


    Although predictable, Myra answered without changing her face.


    If it is simply a matter of character, there is no reason to be accused, so it is probably something else.


    It''s a shame, after all.


    If only Crono had been fully prepared at that time, it would have been a different kind of fun.


    "After all that happened at the military academy, we became friends. Then we met again at the Marquess of Erakis.


    Myra listens to Princess Tyria''s story and gives her a suitable counterpart.


    Aside from Princess Tilia''s personal story, Crono seems to be managing the territory with the enrichment of his own territory in mind.


    The establishment of workshops, significant tax cuts, restrictions on violence against slaves, a licensing system for slavers and brothels, the reopening of the poorhouse, the establishment of a paper workshop and the implementation of public works to ensure employment, agrarian reforms, the establishment of a new concept union, the construction of a port, salt fields, pioneering, etc...........................Princess Tilia There may have been things he didn''t grasp or omitted to say, but those reforms must have emitted a synergistic effect.


    It seems that Crono-sama has been blessed with a relationship with people, Myra patted her chest.


    It could only be called fortunate that they had people who were able to institutionalize Crono''s knowledge, which Myra judged to be useless, and yet still manage it correctly.


    ''''Well there was something more I wanted to talk to you about.


    I''ll be here for a couple of weeks.


    Ahead of Princess Tilia''s gaze was a building surrounded by a high wall.


    Four towers, and in the center of it stood the castle pavilion ... not a castle as a military base, but a building for residence.


    ''''It might be a little noisy, but you''ll get used to it.


    No, I thought you wouldn''t mind if I did.


    Khan, Khan, the sound of hammering could be heard.


    As I walked through the gate, I saw Crono.


    There is also a minotaur, a dwarf, and a girl in a white military uniform.


    Crono was in what looked like a workshop, holding a bow in his hand.


    ''''What''s that?''''


    I believe it''s a new tooling bow. It looks like they''ve finally developed a new weapon. It''s a printmaker, a distiller, a thousand tooth handler... no, Crono has a budget for technology development, so it''s okay?


    A word that hadn''t come up in the earlier conversation.


    The Minotaur was handed the bow and succeeded in squeezing the strings without difficulty.


    How strong is the string being strung that Crono can''t move the string at all?


    ''''What''s the matter, a failure?''''


    No, it''s not a failure, it''s just Myra.


    When Princess Tyria called out to her, Crono turned around......................and stiffened up like the twin elves.


    It was a rude reaction indeed.


    We made love on the southern frontier like that.


    ''''Boy(s)..............You won''t run away, will you?


    Well, I''m not running away.


    Exhaling with a bumo~, the Minotaur slowly put the strings back in place.


    ''''General, which one of you is it?'''' (Bum?)


    This is Myra, the maid who works for my father. Oh, he''s my second in command, Mr. Mino.


    "We haven''t seen you for the first time..." (Bumo, Bumo)


    Thank you for being so gracious.


    As Myra and Mino exchanged brief greetings, Crono indicated the dwarf and the girl in the white military uniform with his hand.


    ''''This is Goldie, the head of the workshop, and she is Viscount Eryl Sardomelik, head of the Eleventh Kingsguard.


    It''s always been a pleasure to work with you, Mr. Crono.


    ....


    Don and Goldie tapped their breastplates, and Viscount Eryl Sardomelik only made eye contact.


    ''By the way, what has been done to your bow?''


    ''I tried to see how strong a bow I could make, but as you can see, I can''t pull it off properly. That said, I can''t even organize a squad of minotaurs or lizardmen archers.


    It''s a lot of work to raise an archer from scratch, general. It''s not easy to read the wind like the elves do, so we can''t use the range of our bows well.


    Accuracy is only as good as the numbers.


    But relying on numbers alone can be dangerous.


    ''''There''s probably only a limited number of battlefields where we don''t have to worry about supplies. But that doesn''t mean it''s realistic to have a large Minotaur or Lizardman archer force for such a limited situation.


    Crono, Mino, Goldie, and Eril sat in a circle.


    After exchanging various opinions.


    ''Shelve your bow enhancements until you have a better idea!��Then, on the development of alcohol-based weapons.


    With a peck, Princess Tilia smacked Crono on the back of the head.


    Then Crono turned around and his lips twitched in frustration.


    ''''Since Myra is from the southern frontier, you should give her a proper welcome.


    ''''No problem. I am grateful for the Princess Tilia''s concern, but you are now a nobleman with two fiefdoms. As a maid in the service of the Crawford family, I can''t interfere with your work.


    Oh, yeah?��Then I''ll have Alyssa show you to your cabin.


    Thank you, Princess Tyria. As I will be staying with you for a while, I''m sure you''ll have plenty of opportunities to talk to your son... any number of times.


    Myra smiled.


    Alyssa is said to be the head maid and the maid attached to Princess Tilia.


    Her age would not reach thirty.


    I heard she has a daughter, but she didn''t tell me about her daughter''s father, so she must have a lot of reasons for that.


    Perhaps that''s why Alyssa is so reserved in her gestures.


    It looks like she''s trying to hide her femininity.


    I like that about her.


    If we respect each other''s positions, we can have a good relationship.


    If possible, I''d like to make her stand up for me naturally, but Myra puts her luggage away.


    ''''Well speaking of which, where''s Johnny?''''


    I looked out the window and saw that the carriage was parked in one of the yards, as if it had arrived.


    ''Given Johnny''s character,''


    Is it about time you challenged Master Crono''s men to test your skills and were beaten to a pulp?��And Myra let out a sigh at the thought of a battered Johnny.


    Johnny is so strong there.


    He could do so much better there without the overwhelming disadvantage of size and numbers.


    On the road, when he''s involved in a brawl in a tavern, he''s able to get through it well.


    However, that strength is limited to the general classification of people.


    I''ll be taken care of in a different way than Crono-sama, Myra said as she left the room.


    When she walked out, using her memory, she saw Johnny was about to be carried on his back by a beastman........I believe he was called Taiga........


    The half-elf girl.......................Snow is anxiously accompanying her.


    Perhaps Snow had beaten Johnny to the punch.


    The only people in the yard are Crono and Goldie the dwarf.


    ''''This is what happened when I made them participate in training, that is.


    He said, "I''m serious.


    Apologetically, Tyga laid Jonny down on the ground with Snow''s help.


    Jonny was white eyed and passed out.


    ''You''re back pretty quickly,''


    Master Crono, I have to get back to work.


    Myra let out a sigh and drew water from the well in the garden.


    ''Well, Myra, isn''t that too much?''


    ''I did the same thing when Master Crono fainted, but what is it?''


    Johnny''s extremities twitched as Myra sprayed the tub with water.


    Grunting, Johnny raised himself up.


    ''Oh, brother I showed you a disgusting place.


    No, I''m glad you''re not hurt.


    I told you I meant it.


    Snow said in a voice that sounded like a mosquito buzzing and turned over.


    He wasn''t complaining, but rather worried that Crono would hate him for hurting Jonny.


    From what Layla had told me, Snow adored Layla like a mother to her.


    Maybe she''s afraid that Leila will hate Crono because of her.


    Call me twisted if you ask me, but Myra touched Snow gently.


    Snow looked up at Myra in surprise.


    ''Don''t worry about it. That thing is an idiot, and it won''t learn if it doesn''t hurt you a little bit.


    But I did cry.


    Huh?��And when I looked at Johnny, he was crying.


    ''I''m so pathetic. I haven''t gotten any stronger in spite of all my hard work.


    ''Bo, it''s my fault. I owe you an apology.


    ''''You''d better not do that, that I know. If you apologize, you''ll be even more miserable, that I''m sure.'''' (Gawd, gawd)


    It''s a chaotic situation.


    In the midst of all this, Crono gently tapped both of Johnny''s shoulders and smiled in a caring way.


    ''''........Johnny.''''


    My brother, I, I, I...!


    Crono''s form changes to that of a demon as he stares at Johnny.


    ''''If I could be that strong that easily, I wouldn''t have a hard time!


    Crono screamed.


    It was a scream that ignored the feelings of Johnny, Snow and Tyga.


    It''s not even close to not reading the air.


    ''Mostly, you know how much, how badly it took for me to get this strong!��The first time I held a wooden sword, my dad broke my arm, I puked in Myra''s training, I made it that far, I fell out of military school, and I lost my right eye in my first battle, I''m blind, blind!


    Emphasizing the blindness part, Crono shook Johnny.


    He shook him with this or that.


    When he finished screaming, Crono let go of Johnny''s hand.


    ''Sure, you''ll want to cry, but it''s your choice.


    It was my decision.


    Johnny looked up at Crono and muttered softly.


    ''No?''


    Yeah, it''s your own decision. I''ll do my best. I''ll do my best to be useful to you.��I''m going to go again!


    Johnny got up energetically and ran out of the Marquis'' house.


    Hurriedly, Tyga and Snow followed Jonny.


    ''It was a brilliant pep talk. I thought it was the face of a brother and son.''


    I didn''t mean to give you a pep talk because I knew that would be the end of it if I stopped you with that.


    Crono scratched his head in embarrassment.


    ''Myra, I asked you to take care of Johnny.


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Myra nodded.


    *


    I thought boredom was a problem for me," Myra sat up in bed and let out a deep sigh.


    Myra was a guest, and guests were not to be worked for.


    She could work as a maid if she offered Crono a job, but now that she didn''t know Alyssa''s personality, she would have to avoid it.


    Even Myra would be perplexed if a maid with a longer career than her shows up, and she would be uncomfortable if such an unfamiliar maid worked with her own face.


    You should be quiet for now.


    Of course, I''ll work with Crono, even if I have to.


    As Myra sat up to borrow a book, there was a thump on the door.


    Myra hides behind the door and opens it.


    Entering are a sallow-skinned maid and Cecily.


    Huh?��And Myra''s eyes darted to the ground.


    At one time, Cecily was Gaul''s second in command on the southern frontier.


    She must have been the sister of the Commander of the Fifth Kingsguard and the daughter of Viscount Hamal''s family east of the Marquis of Erakis.......Thinking that far, Myra was satisfied.


    She must have been turned in as a hostage as a result of Crono making some kind of deal.


    ''''Whoa!��Why are you in that place!


    It''s just a habit.


    Really?��Well, it''s no wonder you have a habit of doing that. I''m Verna. Master Crono told me to take care of you.


    Pointing a thumb at herself, Verna said.


    As a maid, she flunked it, but now Myra was a customer.


    It''s not my job to hurt a bad maid so that she can''t laugh or cry.


    ''''It''s Cecily Hamal.


    Cecily said as she let out a sigh.


    Considering Cecily''s origins, there was no reason to be dissatisfied.


    ''What is it?''


    It''s a great thing to be an elf.


    Verna said admiringly.


    You don''t look a day over 60. That''s right, he''s about the same age as Master Crono''s father, right?��And yet you feel like you''re in your thirties?


    Mr. Verna!


    Pocan and Cecily tapped Verna lightly on the head.


    ''What?''


    ''It''s rude to ask a woman her age!


    ''You are rude enough to point that out in front of me,'' said Myra, her cheeks twitching.


    ''Yeah, I was just excited.


    Why does this excite you, Verna?


    In the slums, Claude Crawford is a legend, legend. From war orphan to sword-fighter, he''s a nobleman, a nobleman!


    Verna said, sounding impressed.


    ''''........Legend.''''


    It''s only thirty years ... no, it''s already more than thirty years ago.


    It''s strange that an event more than thirty years ago is being talked about as a legend.


    Suddenly Myra remembered a colleague who was supposed to be in the imperial capital.


    Ault could at least make Claude Crawford a legend.


    I believe that as a result of Ault putting his knowledge into practice, Claude Crawford has become a slum legend.


    ''If you could tell me the legend,''


    That''s part of the job, isn''t it?


    I don''t know.


    Sitting Verna in a chair, Myra listened to the legend.


    All the while, Cecily remained standing next to Verna.


    She tried to get Verna and Cecily to sit on the bed, but Cecily didn''t want to.


    ''By the way, my dear boy, are you doing well?''


    When Verna''s story had died down, Myra cut in.


    ''I don''t know, why?''


    No, you see, you look like Master Claude. I''m worried about your relationship with a woman.


    Well, I think Cecily knows more about that. It''s like I''m on duty again today.


    How did you know, Verna?


    Cecily exclaimed, and Verna puffed her chest out in triumph as Cecily exclaimed.


    ''No, Cecily, you know how Cecily gets quiet in the morning when she''s on duty at night. So I guess that''s why I''m on duty today!


    I mean, I don''t really like it.


    Hmm?��Myra thought.


    Cecily looked like she really didn''t like it.


    ''Can I ask you to elaborate on that area?


    No!


    It couldn''t be helped, Myra said, giving up asking about nightlife.


    It would be enough to know that today was Cecily''s turn.

 63-Modified version of the 15th episode "Attack on Myra"

    *


    I thought I was giving you a lesson, but that might be an unearned predisposition.


    I didn''t expect you to be so impatient and still be so defiant, Myra heads to Crono''s office.


    Myra''s footsteps are light.


    It''s a pity that Cecily didn''t get her way, but the thought of having one more thing to look forward to lightens her footsteps.


    ''''Crono-sama!''''


    Ugh, Myra.


    When Myra entered the office, Crono looked disgusted.


    ''You said you liked him, but I thought your attitude was too much.


    I think Myra was the same. Cecily came to protest.


    Hmm?��Myra wondered.


    It was hard to believe that Cecily, who had been so defiant, would protest.


    ''By the way, Cecily didn''t say anything. She just stood in the corner of the office with her face bright red.


    ....


    She''s an interesting girl to really practice silent protest.


    But it''s not an amusing situation for Myra to have to deal with Crono''s displeasure.


    She should honestly apologize here.


    ''''I''m sorry,''''


    Myra. Please, I beg you.


    When Myra apologized honestly, Crono said pleadingly.


    ''I would like to serve Crono-sama as a perfect maid, but after all, I am a woman too.


    No, I don''t think most people would do what Myra did.


    ''I''m sorry to say, Master Crono, but I think you''re having too many illusions about this creature called a woman.


    I like to treasure my illusions.


    Crono said as he let out a sigh.


    Crono was young and he wanted to take care of how he wanted it to be.


    ''I''m sorry. It was a misleading statement. By all means, I would like Crono-sama to respond to me based on the fact that I am a female with an irredeemable side.


    Myra looked at Crono squarely in the eye and said nonchalantly.


    ''Myra, are you doing this on purpose?''


    Mostly true, sir?


    Crono moaned with half-lidded eyes.


    ''Even if it''s true, I want you to be chaste.


    Do you mean that''s for Master Crono only?


    Well, sort of.


    My heart thumps and my chest heaves.


    ''You mean, Master Crono wants me all to himself?


    Yeah, well, well, I mean, were you going to get some other guy?


    No, I would never do that.


    Crono said dismissively, and Myra hurriedly denied it.


    I want to keep it to myself, and those words sounded fresh.


    I can''t tell you how many men have ever told me they wanted to have it all to themselves.


    Claude didn''t say he wanted to have it all to himself because he owned Myra, and there were many ad hoc relationships.


    ''''Should I put a chastity belt on you?''''


    No, not that much.


    ''I''m sorry. I thought this would be a good opportunity to show my chastity.


    ''No, no, because you don''t feel chaste when you wear a chastity belt. Rather, you''re doing everything you can to show your trustworthiness and lack of chastity.


    Myra''s shoulders slumped, and Crono plunged in.


    ''Then how is it that Master Crono imagines me writhing and writhing as he stares at the keys to his chastity belt?


    ''I don''t know if it''s old or new.....but get away from the chastity belt. End of that story!


    ....


    You can''t look so sulky.


    Myra writhed and pouted her lips, but Crono didn''t take her up on it.


    After a late breakfast, Myra enjoyed her post-dinner incense tea.


    Myra put her cup down, "It''s going to be a disaster when I get used to this state of affairs," she said.


    ''What did you do?''


    What are you talking about?


    If Myra''s memory was correct, Shera must be over thirty years old.


    And yet, isn''t she trying too hard to wear a maid''s outfit with a wide open chest?


    However, I can appreciate the fact that she is wearing a maid''s outfit with a wide open chest.


    It could be said that she rightly understands her weapon.


    ''Look, it''s Cecily, Cecily. You''re staring at you with a scary look on your face.''''


    ''We had a night out together and taught you a lesson in the bathroom?


    That''s what you''re supposed to do.


    Suddenly curious, Myra looks over her shoulder at Cecily.


    I see, Cecily was staring at Myra with a bright red face.


    It''s cute, more like a child on the verge of a tantrum than a scary face.


    ''I thought there was no need to worry about it.


    My father was one of them, but I wonder if these people who have survived the upheaval have hair on their hearts.


    That''s not entirely true.


    When the southern frontier was given to them as a territory, everyone must have felt uneasy.


    If Shelah thought her father was brazen, it was because Shelah''s father was aware that he was being watched.


    ''How did Lady Shelah come to be Master Crono''s mistress?


    It''s all about momentum, isn''t it?


    This was supposed to be a one-time thing, but you''ve gone off the deep end. I know.


    Myra''s point seemed to be correct, and Shera''s cheeks twitched.


    Myra drank her incense tea and set her cup down on the table.


    ''By the way, how do you decide on the order of the nightlife?''


    Basically, it''s a meeting. It''s a meeting, basically, but there''s also a conflict between work and physical condition, so we have to deal with that as needed. Well, Princess Tilia and Count Chiron are fighting for their turn in the ring.


    I see, Myra nodded.


    *


    Right after Myra arrived at the parade ground, Princess Tilia was blown away by a blow from Count Rio Chiron.


    A blow........or should I call it an arrow?


    However, Count Rio Chiron''s attack is not something as simple as a single arrow.


    A scream rises from the soldiers surrounding the two.


    That, of course, was also because Princess Tilia had been slammed headfirst into the hard ground.


    As it was, Princess Tilia fell two or three times...Zuzaar!��and sliding on the ground, trying to regain her stance.


    It was incredibly sturdy and persistent, but in the process of regaining her stance, Princess Tilia ran out of steam.


    Falling to the ground, Princess Tilia gritted her teeth as she fell to the ground.


    ''''Gu-nuh-uh, again!


    No, yeah, I think I''m going to have to settle for losing.


    Count Rio Chiron wiped the sweat on his forehead and stared at the bow in his hand as if he was puzzled.


    The bow in Count Rio Chiron''s hand must be a divine weapon.


    It is an unfashionable weapon with destructive power more than a siege weapon although it is of a size that can be handled by an individual.


    The Tyria princess who is summoning vigorously while being attacked by that divine weapon could be said to be sturdier than the citadel.


    ''''Did you think I would be happy to be conceded the victory!


    ''I was pretty serious about attacking you, though. Honestly, it''s going to be a fight for your life from here on out.


    ''''If Princess Tilia sticks to the game, I''ll take the rights to the nightlife, though.


    Do your best to win. I''ll use this disappointment to push me to new heights.


    Rather than being proud of his victory, Count Rio Chiron looked troubled.


    ''''Then I''ll try next.


    Myra brushed past the soldiers and stood in front of Count Rio Chiron.


    ''I have no reason to fight, though?


    Do I have one?


    I''m saying there''s no merit to it.


    Do I have one?


    When Myra repeated, Count Rio Chiron let out a sigh of resignation and picked up the wooden sword that had fallen to the ground.


    ''''All right,''''


    Thank you. You are a very good ... man.


    Are you sure it''s a man?��Myra''s eyes narrowed.


    After all this time, Count Rio Chiron''s frame and gait seemed different from that of a normal man.


    I have to focus on the fight now, Myra put a lid on her curiosity and distanced herself from Count Rio Chiron.


    ''''Then let''s get started.''''


    Yeah.


    Myra nodded and touched her maid''s clothes.


    She removed her hand, touched it again, probed the pockets, explored the pouch.


    Coming out of the pouch was a colorless scrap gemstone.


    ''''I forgot my weapon, sir.


    ''Maybe the legendary assassin has slowed down?''


    When Myra let her gaze wander, Count Rio Chiron said in dismay and carried the wooden sword on his shoulder.


    Without missing the opportunity, Myra flicked the scrap gemstone in her hand with her finger.


    It''s a technique called finger flicking.


    It''s said that if you''re a master, you can smash through a wooden board with the stone you flicked, but Myra''s is only so powerful that it hurts a little when it hits.


    That''s also at close range.


    The scrap gemstone Myra popped draws a parabolic line and heads towards Count Rio Chiron''s chest.


    And the scrap gemstone emitted a flash of light.


    The light is so intense that it paints your vision white.


    The soldiers who saw the light directly screamed and knelt on the spot.


    The scrap jewelry is a magic item.


    The price is modest for a disposable type.


    Its main use is to dazzle.


    Count Rio Chiron remained standing in place, but he definitely looked directly at the flash of light.


    Myra does her best to close the gap between the two and tosses a throwing dagger for distraction.


    Myra got behind Count Rio Chiron and jumped back as fast as she could.


    The wooden sword of Count Rio Chiron passes by where Myra had been a moment, or even half a second ago.


    ''''Can you see it?''''


    He doesn''t see it.


    Once again, Count Rio Chiron turns to Myra as he takes his distance.


    ''''Then why?''''


    ''They got behind me once. I''ve trained myself to read the flow of air.


    There''s no way you can follow Myra just by reading the air currents.


    ''Crono says that matter is made up of very small particles, and air is no exception. Air is no exception. That''s why I read the movement of the grains that make up the air with my divine art.


    "Let''s see how far you can fight in that condition.


    As Myra loosely held up her dagger, Count Rio Chiron threw down his wooden sword and raised his hands in the air as if to say surrender.


    ''''....I surrender. Yeah, this isn''t an act.''''


    May I ask why?


    I don''t want Crono to hate me. I don''t want to be disliked by Crono, although I''m sure you can win if you just show up. That''s why.


    I thought I could win if I didn''t have to show off. Of course, I have no intention of fighting fair and square.


    With that, Myra put the dagger away.


    ''If you don''t mind,''


    ''No thanks. At least I''ll have Crono all to myself on the bed.


    Count Rio Chiron cowered his shoulders.


    *


    Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!


    ....


    Myra brought the cup to her mouth as she plopped down on the table and looked across at Princess Tyria, who was scratching her hair.


    Princess Tilia''s hair was shaggy even before she scratched it, and her white military uniform was stained with dirt.


    Sheera made a disgusted face as she entered the dining room dressed like that.


    ''''Princess Tilia, is your neck okay?''''


    Hmm, that hurts a little bit.


    When Myra put her cup on the table and asked, Princess Tyria looked up and said, ''''I''m sorry.


    Normally, she would be dead, but the Divine Majesty Technique is so great.


    ''''Well I thought we would win today. Goooooooooooooo, I lost the right I won at the meeting.''''


    Princess Tilia gave her an expectant look, but Myra pretended not to notice.


    But still, where have I seen her before?��And Myra tilted her head, noticing that the Tyria Princess looked very much like the mercenaries who had made a big slice of the bet.


    Well, I wouldn''t dare to point it out.


    ''''What did Princess Tilia like about Crono-sama, so what did she like about him?''''


    I''m just saying where.


    Princess Tyria looked up at the ceiling.


    Where is it?


    He tilted his head as he twisted his upper body.


    ''Crono doesn''t have much to offer, you know. He''s weak, he''s timid, he''s misogynistic...


    Princess Tilia raised her willow eyebrows upside down at the misogyny part.


    ''''Crono is not kind. Guguu, he doesn''t say kind words to me, and wow, he doesn''t recognize my efforts.''''


    I''ll tie you up and spoil you..., said Princess Tyria in a fading voice.


    ''I see,'' said Myra, turning her gaze away from Princess Tilia.


    ''''Your upbringing was bad, wasn''t it?


    No, I''m not trained in that area, sir.


    Myra denied it, and Princess Tilia raised her eyebrows quizzically.


    ''''Isn''t that odd. You were a bit of an introvert when you came over here, weren''t you?''


    Didn''t you grow up with all the tough experiences?


    ''Mmmmmm,'' snarled Princess Tilia.


    ''You''re not growing up. You''re ruined.''


    No, from what I can tell, it''s been an amazing growth spurt.


    ''Harsh experiences can be very dehumanizing, can''t they?


    I agree with you on that.


    Myra brought the cup to her mouth.


    The world would be more peaceful if harsh experiences honed humanity.


    ''Mmmmmm,'' said Princess Tilia, plopping down on the table.


    ''But I like it.''


    ....


    It''s itchy. It''s a line that makes my back itch.


    ''Since when did Princess Tyria show her fondness for Lady Crono?


    After we lost in a military school exercise I thought we were friends with ... well, at the time, and ...


    Blue. Princess Tilia''s cheeks were vermillion in embarrassment, but Myra was almost in agony because she was so blue.


    ''''I realized I had feelings for Crono when Leila became Crono''s mistress. It was a tremendous shock.


    ....


    ''My apprentice, you are a wonderful sleeper,'' said Myra, clenching her fists under the table so that she would not be seen.


    ''Then the landlady, and then who''s next?��Slaves or Deneb and Alideed?��Would Count Chiron come first?��Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!


    ''Since Princess Tilia was the first heir to the throne, didn''t Lady Crono weigh in?


    Just as Princess Tilia considered Crono to be her friend, the possibility that Crono also considered Princess Tilia to be her friend cannot be denied.


    ''''But when I lost my claim to the throne and came to the Marquis of Erakis, Crono didn''t pounce on me.


    Doesn''t that prove that Master Crono was a true human being?


    Princess Tyria stared at Myra, then turned her head away and stared at Myra again.


    ''Huh?''


    Why do you look so strange?��Attacking someone you don''t hate because you''ve lost your position is simply out of character.


    Princess Tyria''s eyes widened in surprise and her shoulders slumped as if she was devastated.


    ''What, did I miss?''


    They attacked Crono.


    A puffy, icy wind blew through Myra and Princess Tyria.


    ''At first I thought Crono was going to attack us,''


    When Master Crono didn''t attack you, you attacked him yourself?


    That''s right.


    Princess Tilia turned over, red to her ears.


    ''''Don''t........shut up. Say something.


    I envy you, Princess Tyria.


    "Don''t lie to me!


    Princess Tilia stood up and bang, bang!��And tapped the table.


    Myra lifted her cup to keep the incense tea from spilling out.


    ''Regardless of how it happened, I thought it was wonderful that you were bound to the person you intended to be with because of your feelings of love. I''ve never had anything like that.


    Oh, yeah?


    Yes,


    As Myra said, Princess Tilia sat down in a chair quietly.


    Princess Tilia was tied to Crono without any subterfuge or bargaining.


    Considering the circumstances, Myra almost rolled over with laughter, but it wasn''t a lie that she felt envious.


    ''''It''s embarrassing to hear you say that.


    Myra added in her mind that she didn''t mean to admire Princess Tilia''s ways, but...


    Myra felt envious of Princess Tilia, and while she had some sympathy for her, she couldn''t approve of the way she lived her life too gracefully.


    Just thinking about a full bet without a look in sight is enough to make her gut break.


    At the very least, I want to spread the risk.


    ''''Princess Tilia, we''re ready to bathe in the hot water.


    I''ll be right there.


    Alyssa called out to her, and Princess Tilia stood up.


    ''We''ll talk again,''


    Yes, you can always reach out to me.


    I drank all the cooled fragrant tea and


    Enjoying a nice, quiet tea party, eh?


    Coming to herself, Myra stood up.


    She was going to find out the order of the nightlife from Princess Tilia.


    When Myra turned around, Alyssa was standing near the doorway to the dining room.


    It was as if she was trying to block Myra''s path.


    Alyssa slowly walked up to Myra and poured the incense tea into her empty cup.


    ''''I''m ... sorry...''''


    The bathroom door is guarded by Verna and Cecily. And Princess Tyria prefers to bathe alone.


    Alyssa told her to sit down and Myra sat down quietly.


    It was a small and clever way to do it, but since she was given the information, not knowing didn''t work.


    ''''It can''t be helped. We''ll negotiate later.''''


    That would be very helpful.


    With that, Alyssa sat down to face Myra.


    ''Alyssa,''


    Alyssa is fine.


    Myra poked her cheekbones and crossed her legs.


    It''s a typical attitude for a maid, but this isn''t the southern frontier, and Myra is on vacation right now.


    Besides, politeness is a liability when you show a willingness to talk through your stomach.


    ''Is Alyssa with Master Crono?''


    ''Your husband is a sensible man. I''m sorry if he doesn''t want to do that to the other person. At least he has never tried to touch me.


    So you don''t want to?


    ''I have a daughter. It was never the pregnancy I wanted, but I love her.


    ''I see,'' said Myra, and she thought she knew who the father of Alyssa''s daughter was.


    ''''How did ... how did Alyssa come to be?''''


    I was ill and dismissed from the mansion, and when I was in need, Master Crono picked me up.


    Some men are terrible, aren''t they?


    Alyssa doesn''t answer.


    Perhaps Alyssa got pregnant after being violated or tossed around by Crono''s predecessor the former Marquis of Erakis.


    Myra wickedly guessed that the reason for her physical condition was also due to that.


    ''''So you don''t mean to?''''


    ....


    After all, Alyssa doesn''t answer.


    Because she''s a mother, because she''s been played by a terrible man, Alyssa tries to hide her femininity.


    ''I respect Alyssa''s wishes, but I''d like you to respect my way of life as well?


    As long as your life isn''t a threat to others.


    Myra smiled at Alyssa''s answer.


    *


    After lunch, Myra let out a deep sigh.


    She had planned to ask for the order of the nightlife while chatting, but Myra''s plan was off.


    After bathing in the hot water, Princess Tilia went to the city to play and did not return to the Marquis'' residence.


    Are you a child, you!��And Myra wanted to rush in, but our Princess Tyria was not there.


    Myra discarded the choice to go looking for her without much trouble.


    She would be able to find her if she took a reasonable amount of time, but it didn''t have to be Princess Tilia, even if it was in the evening to ask for her turn at night.


    Myra sat down in a chair in the guest room and rolled up the pages of a book.


    Suddenly curious, she looked over and saw Cecily and Verna standing near the door.


    Cecily and Verna were supposed to be Myra''s caretakers, but for some reason, they were both armed.


    Cecily''s armor was a metal-reinforced breastplate.


    A wide sword belt that covered her from waist to buttocks, with a single long sword and a dagger strapped to it.


    Verna does not carry a weapon.


    The only armor she has is her metal-reinforced cuirass and boots.


    Well, if you are hit as hard as you can, you will at least break a bone, and if you are stepped on where you fall, you could die.


    Why are you armed?


    I''m trying to protect myself from you!


    Myra asked, and Cecily shouted, her face turning red.


    ''It looks like he''s about to draw his sword and attack me.


    ''I''m, well, socializing,''


    ''Don''t be so heartless!��This is a fight for your own safety!��The rise and fall of our nation will be in this one battle!


    I didn''t have anything to do with it.


    Compared to Cecily, Verna seems to be less motivated now.


    ''''Or, it has something to do with it!��Friends, friends, we are friends!��We''re friends, aren''t we?


    Well, we''re friends, so we''re all dressed up like this and we''re all laughing at each other.


    Verna ruffled her hair and scowled.


    ''LOL?��I''m desperate!��How humiliated I was yesterday and to-day!


    "Just think of it as a dog bite and give it up.


    No dog would ever do that!


    ''If anything, the dog was Miss Cecily, wasn''t it?��I thought he was really doggy.


    Myra pointed out, and Cecily opened and closed her mouth like a washed up fish.


    ''I understand what''s going on, but isn''t it enough to show that you don''t want to do that kind of thing, even if you fight?


    You say that like it''s personal.


    I know you''re just trying to be friendly. You''re not going to fight this thing, are you?��If you win, you won''t get anything. I don''t want to give up my stability.


    ''Uggh,'' moaned Cecily.


    ''Miss Cecily, would you please tell me the order of the nightlife?''


    Why do I have to be the one to tell you this?


    I''ll teach you. I''ll teach you.


    Verna said troublesomely, walking up to Myra.


    ''Isn''t this a secret?''


    ''You can''t keep it a secret when you''re thinking about the next day. There''s the matter of changing clothes, and when the head chef is the night owl, he has to stand in for you. So, I''m going to tell you.��First, tonight....


    Myra writes the order of the nightlife on a piece of paper that was placed on the desk.


    The idea of placing the paper on the desk in the guest room is probably unique to the Marquess of Erakis.


    ''''Is today''s nightgown my apprentice? I don''t think she was in the parade hall?''''


    ''He''s guarding the streets, you know. He seems to be going a bit farther away these days. Has Captain Kane been guarding the neighborhood more often instead?


    Now, will my apprentice be willing to negotiate?��Myra thinks.


    I don''t know if he''s willing to negotiate.


    It will be difficult to wear your position as a shade, and it''s going to be difficult to round up the tip of your tongue.


    "I think we should make a sincere request here.


    ...Isn''t he a master?


    She''s a woman before she''s a master.


    Myra replied proudly.


    Dignity and pride are things you use when it''s convenient for you.


    * * * * * *.


    There were about thirty horses in the stables.


    If you include the ones that aren''t here, there must be about fifty horses.


    There were no soldiers in sight.


    Just three children taking care of the horses.......no, there was one soldier in the stables.


    My apprentice ..................Leila.


    ''Instructor?''


    It''s been a long time, my apprentice.


    When Myra called out to her, Leila''s eyes widened in surprise.


    However, it''s a change that you won''t be able to tell if you''re not paying attention.


    Myra walked up to Leila.


    Verna had told her that she had started going away, but I see, I could smell the dust as I approached.


    Roughly, it would feel like she hadn''t bathed in the water for two to three days.


    Myra looked at Leila.


    She wore a better air than when they met on the southern frontier.


    To put it simply, it would be confidence.


    She is sought after as a woman and recognized as a soldier.


    The fact that he is highly educated and has a practical command of the game is not irrelevant.


    ''I''ve started to look good. I had hoped to replace my maid way, but that may not be necessary.


    No, it was the instructor. The clothes you gave me they come in handy sometimes.


    He said he wears it for a night out?��''I understand,'' Myra replied in her mind.


    ''''Why is the instructor in the Marquess of Erakis?


    I have taken leave of absence to see Master Crono. I have heard, my apprentice you will be the fair-weather attendant this evening.


    Myra placed a gentle hand on both Leila''s shoulders.


    ''Please take over. Of course, in exchange for the rights of Princess Tyria, which I won after a duel with Count Rio Chiron.''''


    ....


    Leila was silent.


    You must be tired too.


    But, however, can you move the hearts of others with such flimsy words, words that even you can''t believe?


    No, definitely not.


    Up until now, he has been instrumental in the development of Baron Crawford''s territory.


    While Myra was working, acquaintances got married and started families one by one.


    On top of that, Claude hasn''t even tried to touch Myra since she got married.


    ''''Well it''s about time for me to pursue my own happiness. To be honest, I do miss the nights when I sleep alone.


    Leila was silent.


    *


    Two weeks went by in a flash, with a lot of time to spare.


    Drinking incense tea with Princess Tilia, talking with her apprentice Leila, chasing after the fleeing Deneb and Alideed... It was a lively and enjoyable vacation, if only for a moment as it passed.


    It had been a really fun vacation, Myra looked up at the Marquis'' mansion.


    When she turned around, Johnny, who was more fearless than he was two weeks ago, was waiting in the carriage''s groom''s seat.


    Johnny has become more manly.


    It wasn''t that his skills had improved.


    Surely, Johnny understood.


    As long as he wasn''t blessed with talent, he had to expose himself to more horseshit than others.


    ''''Well Master Crono, I''m sorry for the loss.


    Myra, you''re breathing so hard, it''s scary.


    Crono said in a trembling voice as Myra hugged her.


    ''''Crono-sama''s words cut through my heart in a way I never thought possible.


    Sorry.


    As Myra pulled away, Crono slowly held out his hand.


    ''.........Shake hands.


    ''Yes,'' Myra nodded and squeezed Crono''s hand back.


    ''See you later.''


    I hope to see you soon.


    No need to come back!��Cecily shouted at her, but she ignored her.


    As Myra climbed into the carriage, Johnny let the carriage go slowly.


    Myra ruminated on the events of the two weeks ... or, more accurately, the memories of the nightlife.


    Honestly, I''m quite embarrassed to remember acting like a lover.


    But the prelude.......kneeling on Crono in bed wasn''t a bad idea.


    My apprentice seems to be living a fulfilled life, Myra nodded.

 64-Place name & glossary

    Beor family


    House of Gennou


    Ekron family


    Levy family


    court nobles


    A nobleman in the service of the court who has no or lost his estate.


    Noble class


    duke


    marquis


    earl


    viscount


    baronet


    quasi-aristocrat


    A peerage is more like a title or qualification than a title.


    It can be given to commoners if they make a military service, but it has no privileges and cannot be hereditary.


    Knights of the Kingsguard


    The Order of Knights, directly under the Emperor, consists of twelve knights, following in the footsteps of the first Emperor.


    The 13th Order of the Kingsguard is newly added at the suggestion of Alfort.


    The Six Pillar God


    The six pillars of the gods who once brought order to a world that had been undermined by chaos.


    Light, Darkness, Fire, Water, Earth and Wind incarnate, but as time went on.


    It also governs concepts that may apply to each of them.


    Since it is forbidden to speak his name, he is called by his first name.


    "The God of Purity and Order.


    The goddess of blackness and chaos.


    "The crimson god of destruction.


    The Goddess of Blue and Life.


    "Green and master of flux.


    Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility


    priestly rank


    High Priest Head of the Temple Organization


    Chief of the Department of Worship, the high ranking official of the Department of Worship.


    Divine Officer Priest, head priest''s instructor


    Chief Priest. High ranking priest.


    Priest The administrator of a temple in a village or town


    Apprentice priest, chores.


    Rouxian


    A part of the barbarian tribe that overran the empire during the upheaval thirty years ago.


    They have a history of being driven from their lands by the first emperor.


    Machine-Bow.


    A bow with pulleys on both ends.


    Made of wood or metal.


    A compound bow.


    New Armor


    Goldie''s chest armor (Breast Armor)


    Made of hardened steel, it is stronger than the knight''s sheet metal armor (plate armor).


    New swords.


    A new type of sword developed by Goldie.


    It is strong because it is made of steel.

 65-Person introduction

    From the third part onwards, they''re bound hand and foot, blindfolded, and


    I''ve had my share of gagging and other distractions.


    She is never described as refusing a night out, perhaps because of a weakness she has fallen in love with.


    She has the blonde hair and ample breasts of her mother.


    Her breasts are half a step larger than the landlady''s, but


    He wins in overall proportions.


    Her name comes from Eustitia, the Roman goddess of justice.


    Leila.


    Age: 20 years old at the start of the film.


    Height: 165cm


    Armor: Archers and archers


    Combat: S for bow only, B+ for swordsmanship and body arts


    Attributes: fire, wind


    Specialties: thin, devoted, downward spiraling


    Titles: Apprentice Maid, Viscount


    Items: mechanic''s bow, mechanic''s short bow, naughty maid outfit, textbooks.


    She is a half-elf with brown skin and golden eyes.


    His mother is an elven prostitute and his father is one of his clients, growing up in the slums of the Imperial City.


    The half-elf ranks at the bottom of the sub-humans.


    Leila herself was beautiful and was s*xually assaulted in the slums.


    When she was 15, her mother died and she joined the army to become a citizen.


    Early in his deployment, he is intrigued by the Marquis of Erakis.


    His harsh childhood makes him feel unclean.


    He was ashamed of himself for being shallow enough to ask for more than he was getting now.


    He mistook Crono''s good intentions for affection and spent the night with him.


    As it is, he settles in as the first mistress.


    After that, the misunderstandings were cleared up and he accepted Crono''s cowardice.


    Increase your love and loyalty.


    Crono taught me to study, and I learned basic academic skills.


    He has undertaken negotiations with the Pix Chamber of Commerce and other matters.


    He is so highly regarded by Gaul in Part 3.


    He is skilled in administrative skills.


    As of the first episode, he was a supporting character who wasn''t even named.


    She becomes the main heroine in the blink of an eye.


    She gains the title of Apprentice Maid in the beginning of Part 2.


    In Part 3, she changes her job from archer to archer''s horseman.


    He was knighted in the fourth part of the game.


    She uses the range of her bow and the mobility of her horse to taunt her enemies with her attacks.


    The landlady *Real name: Shera Ekron


    Age: 3?


    Height: 165-170cm


    Soldier type: cook


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: Motherhood


    Title: Daughter of Baron Ekron


    Item: naughty maid outfit


    Widow. She owned a diner and inn in Hachel.


    He had no business acumen, apparently, and had amassed a debt of a hundred gold pieces.


    To repay the debt, he becomes a servant of the Crono.


    The dining room is rented out to Crono''s former employees at a discount.


    It is a resting place for the soldiers.


    In the third part, she is revealed to be the daughter of the Baron Ekron.


    She has the largest breasts of any of Crono''s mistresses.


    She is concerned about her broken proportions compared to her youth.


    Her only experience with men is her dead husband and Crono.


    I''m not so much experienced as I am experienced.


    She makes up for that with her acting skills.


    She loves her dead husband and has Crono as her eternal number two, but


    It''s getting dyed in the color of Crono.


    After a night out, she wipes her breasts with a wet cloth.


    The reason for wiping her breasts is a secret.


    Elena Graffius.


    Age: 17 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 155-160cm


    Soldier type: accountant, s*x slave.


    Combat: Unlearned


    Attributes: M (masochistic)


    Special: Tsunero


    Title.


    Item:.


    The only daughter of a provincial landowner, the only daughter of a semi-aristocratic Graffias family.


    She has studied in a group of free city-states.


    She was betrayed by her uncle and his fianc��e and sold to a slaver.


    After being severely abused by the slavers, she is bought by Crono.


    Purchased as an educated slave who can be trusted with accounting.


    Gradually, her masochistic qualities have blossomed and she has become a night owl.


    Elena wants to have a healthy relationship with Crono, but


    Crono wants to maintain an unhealthy relationship.


    Because of his belief in the "pure, white, and orderly God,


    He''s reasonably firm in his chastity, but apparently his mouth and ass are OK.


    Since Layla is the submissive type, Elena''s a tsundere!


    And then I became a masochist.


    Kane.


    Age: About 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just under 6''3


    Type of soldier: light cavalry


    Combat: B+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Experience, diligent.


    Title: Former head thief and acting lord


    Item: A sword engraved with the imperial coat of arms


    The leader of a band of mercenaries (and thieves).


    His parents were killed when he was young, and he was picked up by the mercenary group.


    He is a fierce warrior who has been through many trials and tribulations.


    Due to his own circumstances, he has little prejudice against slaves and sub-humans.


    He is a very subordinate person.


    He regrets not being able to protect his sister.


    As a quid pro quo or to protect the Chronosphere.


    I impose on myself.


    In the second and third parts, Crono forced me to stay at home.


    A complaining, diligent former bandit who works diligently and diligently.


    Nice guy who looks good with a scruffy beard.


    Deneb & Alideed.


    Age: 20 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 160-165cm


    Armor: Archers and archers


    Combat: Bow A, Swordsmanship and Bodywork B


    Attributes: fire, water, earth, wind


    Special: twins, threesomes.


    Title: Degraded Maid of Honor


    Item: Mechanic''s Bow


    Elf twins and master archers. They are also together at nighttime.


    She has been friends with Leila since she was assigned to the Marquess of Erakis.


    He is from a village on the border of the Cepheus Empire and the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    He has a tragic past and says he wasn''t the one who suffered the terrible consequences.


    They are acting out each other to tell each other.


    As cadets, they are becoming highly educated.


    Alideed is misspelled.


    By the way, Alideed is a proof of his own survival.


    He wrote an observational diary of the Crono.


    Those observations were discovered hundreds of years later.


    He''s a talented, hard-working man, but this is his first real battle.


    He suffers the first setback of his life when he is beaten to a pulp by a bandit.


    Later, he becomes the apprentice of Crono''s adopted father, Claude.


    He is one of the best in the world at pure swordplay.


    He fights a duel with Robert, the butler of the Ekron family.


    He is victorious, but his sword, a memento of his father, is broken.


    Crono gives him the sword of Elua.


    He pledged his love and loyalty to her forever.


    He has a vision of the future.


    The future of being forced by Crono to play bath.


    It appears to have been impossible to foresee.


    He acquired a sense of shame after he and Crono became a man and a woman.


    Although she believed in the "pure, white, orderly god,


    The Goddess of Darkness and Chaos.


    The name is Morgan Le Fay of Arthurian legend.


    The family name comes from the star in the constellation Centaurus


    First Officer/Mr. Mino.


    Age: About 30 years old at the start of the film.


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavy infantry


    Combat: A+.


    Attributes: ��Earth��.


    Special: Command Effect +, Experience


    Item: Wind Poleaxe


    Titles: Lieutenant, Knight


    An old soldier of the Minotaur. Originally a caretaker for the Crono.


    When the Holy Argo Kingdom invaded in Part 1, Episode 1.


    Crono became his second-in-command when he became commander.


    He has a long military career and has a fair amount of real-world experience.


    Before joining the army, he worked in the quarry at Bowties.


    He left his hometown because he was fed up with the life that was ahead of him.


    Although he decorated his hometown with the third part of his life, he


    He thinks his brother''s death is on him and feels a debt to his family.


    Dwarf Centurion/Goldy.


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: 150cm


    Type of service: industrial engineer


    Combat: B


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Blacksmithing, Dexterity


    Title: Warrior of the Year


    Cecily Hamal


    Age: 20 years old


    Height: less than 170cm


    Cavalry


    Combat: B


    Attributes: unrevenueed


    Special:.


    Titles: Viscount Hamal''s daughter, peerage, service maid (virgin)


    Item:.


    She has a well-trained yet feminine body line.


    Due to a number of deaths from the 12th Order in Part 2.


    He was promoted to second-in-command, but did not play an active role at all.


    He is an old nobleman and looks down on the new nobility.


    He was blessed with talent, but never reached the level of genius.


    He clung to being an aristocrat.


    He wanted to write about Cecily''s service to Crono.


    Part 4, episodes 11-13 will be the Cecily Festival.


    In episodes 14 and 15, Myra attacked me in a s*xual way.


    Hyahhhh~!��Service slave!


    This character was appropriated from my work "Spirit Knight Verna".


    In "Spirit Knight Verna", she was possessed by a spirit.


    He half-kills the heroine and engages in a fight to the death with the hero.


    After being freed from the spirit, she fights the hero with her bare hands.


    Derek in the Epilogue.


    Last name is derived from the star in the constellation Aries


    Verna.


    Age: About 15 years old.


    Height: 160-cm


    Type of military: fighter


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: fire


    Special: Positive, friendly


    Title.


    Item:.


    First appeared in Part 2, Episode 12, from Crono collapsing in a back alley.


    He tried to steal my wallet.


    For being born and raised in the slums of the imperial city, in miserable conditions, he was


    He has a positive personality.


    In Part 4, where he''s being beaten up by the Imperial Guard.


    He is discovered by Rio and taken away by the Marquis of Erakis.


    Height: under 160cm


    Soldier type: Priest


    Combat: C+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special:.


    Title: Priest


    Item:.


    A priest sent by Crono after he paid a large donation.


    He is somewhat cynical. His main job is to teach agricultural techniques.


    He cannot use divine authority arts due to his lack of talent for communicating with gods.


    Plum.


    Age: Early teens


    Height: 145-155cm


    Soldier type: Priest


    Combat: C-


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special:.


    Title: Apprentice Priest


    Item:.


    A priest sent by Crono for a large donation.


    He speaks with a lisp. His main job is to teach agricultural techniques.


    He is unable to use the Divine Authority Technique due to his lack of talent for communicating with gods.


    Lizardman Centurion/Lizad.


    Age: N/A


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavy infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: None.


    Item: Warm Stone, Thunder Hammer


    They''re thermoregulated animals, which makes them vulnerable to temperature changes.


    He responds with words, perhaps because of the different thought patterns.


    He dies in Part 2, Episode 11, "Birth of a Child".


    The tusk, a memento, is used as a necklace for Crono.


    Human Lion (War Lion) Centurion/Leo.


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: just over 180cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: None.


    Item: The Great Sword of Fire


    Death in Part 2, Episode 8.


    Centurion of the Minotaur / Horus


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavy infantry


    Combat: A+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: None.


    Item: None.


    He died in Part 2, Episode 11, "Birth of a Child".


    [Cepheus Empire]


    1st Knights of the Kingsguard: Leonhard Palatium


    Age: 22 years old


    Height: 185cm


    Troops: cavalry, commander.


    Combat: S+.


    Attributes: ��Light��.


    Special: Charismatic Strength, Strong Luck, Command Effect+, Future Vision


    Title: Knight Commander of the 1st Kingsguard, heir of House Palatium


    Item:.


    Son of the duke of Palatium, a son of the duke of Palatium, a man of vast estates.


    He is the leader of the First Order of the Kingsguard.


    He is a fierce fighter who raises the head of an enemy general in his first battle and cuts down a cavalryman while dismounting.


    He is skilled in the art of divine power and has the sincerity to listen to his subordinates.


    He returns to save Crono, who serves as a lord in the second part of the battle.


    He was supposed to go toe to toe with General Ignis.


    You can stay here from the start!��By the author''s inner cry of


    He lost his biggest showpiece.


    He''s gay and interested in Crono, who treats him as an individual.


    I''d been thinking about the possibility of them becoming more and more attracted to each other.


    Those attributes were taken over by Rio.


    The surname is derived from the etymology of the word Palatium, the holy knight (paladin).


    2nd Knights of the Kingsguard: Count Taul Hernat


    Age: 50 years old


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Soldier type: heavy infantry, commander


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Humanity+, Recruit+, Experience+, Command Effectiveness+, Connections+

 66-Episode 1 "Daikan"

    *


    In March of the Imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-two the peasants begin to plow their fields at this time of year.


    Well, if Kane''s memory is correct.


    Kane was a farmer more than twenty years ago.


    My memory of those days is pretty faded, and I can''t even remember how to hold a hoe now.


    The hope is that holding the hoe will bring back the clarity of my memory, but I feel more like it''s too late now.


    I can''t just throw my work away, Kane said, scratching his hair.


    This is an important year for the success of agricultural reform.


    Kane knows about the three-field system - in short, the fields are given a break once every three years.


    The fields that are rested are used as grazing land, meaning they don''t produce crops.


    Otherwise, the land would be ruined and unable to produce crops.


    Crono''s agrarian reform is to grow clover in fields that would otherwise be left to rest.


    I don''t understand the logic, but it is said that by cultivating clovers, the land strength of the fields will be restored.


    Originally, this idea was proposed by the father of Priest Zion of the Ochre Temple, but the peasants refused to listen to his words.


    Well, well, that''s just the way it is, Kane thought.


    Farmers can''t fail.


    Whether it''s a natural or man-made disaster, a single failure can cost a farmer everything.


    Kane''s parents were killed trying to appeal directly to the lords for tax relief during a bad harvest year.


    You can''t blame the farmers for that.


    Theon''s father''s idea finally came to fruition when Crono promised to waive the tax on Clover''s arable land when it failed.


    Right now, it''s only being introduced on a trial basis, but if it''s successful, it could spread throughout the entire Marquis of Erakis'' territory, or perhaps even the entire Cepheus Empire.


    The effects of the agrarian reform are beginning to show.


    A village that grows clover on fallow land - a village that once became a nuisance to Kane when he was a bandit - apparently the cows are now producing more milk.


    The village is said to have been able to produce more cheese than the previous year, so the village is richer.


    Well, one of the reasons is that they can easily set up a stall in Hashel.


    It would be too soon to be convinced of the success of agrarian reform just because the cows are now producing better milk.


    I think agrarian reform is going to be a success.��And Kane can''t hide his smile.


    Kane is more content than ever before.


    It''s almost as if he hadn''t been alive before.


    While thinking about this, Kane was facing Crono in the office of the Marquis'' mansion.


    As usual, Crono seemed to be busy.


    After all, he is the lord of the Marquess Domain of Erakis and the Count of Caddo.


    In a few more days, the communication magic item connecting the Caddo Count territory and the Marquis of Erakis territory will be completed, so he will be able to reduce the number of visits a little.


    ''''What''s the good news?''''


    Never mind. So what''s the story?


    Well, come on.


    At his beckoning, Kane walked up to Crono.


    ''''From today, I appoint Kane as the deputy of Count Caddo''s territory. By the way, Kane has been retired from the Cepheus Imperial Army.''''


    Kane''s smile disappeared.


    The sense of contentment he had been feeling on the verge of feeling was gone somewhere.


    I wasn''t sure I was alive.


    ''Why me?��Mino and Leila you wouldn''t be without a choice of fey, would you?


    ''We won''t be able to keep the battalion together without Mino-san, and Leila and Faye....there are seniority implications.


    Kane stroked his stubble.


    Even if Mino was unavoidable, Leila was quite capable, and considering her family''s background, it was no wonder that Faye was chosen.


    Rather, I don''t understand why they would appoint Kane as a deputy.


    ''''But, do you think the other guys will be satisfied with seniority?


    ''If seniority isn''t enough for you, maybe a performance evaluation?��Kane acted as acting lord while I was away.


    It was a good office job, not me.


    Twice he served as acting lord, but the first time he tried to do everything himself and failed.


    The second time I just cut corners where I could, and as a result there were no major problems.


    ''What''s the real reason?''


    I don''t like the idea of having my mistress as my deputy.


    Crono swept his gaze awkwardly across the room.


    ''What if I say no?''


    There will be an unemployed thirty-something.


    I don''t think that''s a good idea.


    Kane stroked his chin.


    What can I say, the word unemployed makes me uneasy.


    I can''t imagine myself not working.


    ''I get that there''s no one suitable for the job. And I know that if I refused, I''d be unemployed. But will those guys agree?


    "They?


    Kane muttered, and Crono tilted his head curiously.


    ''Of course he''s my man, right?''


    My people said they wanted Kane to be happy.


    Are you already on the ground?


    They''d say that.


    I mean, aren''t they too good at it?��Kane put his head in his hands.


    ''By the way, what am I supposed to do?


    Your main job is to witness the signing of contracts.


    After all, that''s the main reason to make me a deputy, Kane scratched his neck.


    When he was a mercenary, Kane got into trouble with the guild.


    He had taken slaves from the slavers.


    Normally, he could have been subject to a purge, but Sif, the guild master, said he would let it go if it was in his interest.


    ''''I understand about the deputies. So, how much of a subordinate are you going to put on me?


    ....


    Kane asked, and Crono looked down apologetically.


    ''C''mon, what do you want me to do on my own?


    That''s Kane''s caliber.


    I''ve got a bunch of happy-go-lucky people in my kitty.


    ''Of course, I''ll give you the money as much as is sensible, and if you have one or two, you can pull the clerk out.


    How much is a common sense range?", Kane was about to poke his head in, but stopped himself.


    Originally, it was a seed I sowed myself.


    ''When do I need to get people together?


    The deputies'' office is scheduled to start on April 1.


    Only two weeks to go, Kane let out a sigh.


    What are you doing here?


    When Kane visited his office on the first floor of the Marquis'' mansion, Elena, the owner of the room, said so at the opening.


    Elena glares at Kane through a stack of papers.


    Elena''s attitude is stinging, but Kane takes it for granted.


    Until he joined the mercenary guild of the Free City State Group, Kane had been a member of a mercenary guild posing as bandits.


    It''s not as if he had no choice but to live.


    If he just wanted to live, he could have just begged for money.


    Kane chose a life of being a taker.


    Since he chose that life for himself, he has no right to talk back. At least that''s what Kane thinks.


    Kane moved to the window and picked up the vase that was placed there.


    ''....Good flower petals.


    ''It''s a cheap one I bought at the Pix Trading Company. The flower died, but it''s just sitting there because it''s a pain in the ass to clean up.


    You''re a thief and you can''t even understand that?��I was going to start with small talk, but when I thought about it, Kane is not the kind of person to make small talk with Elena.


    I was going to start with small talk, but on second thought, Kane didn''t have a relationship with Elena to make small talk with.


    Kane put the vase back in place and looked at Elena.


    ''I have a favor to ask you.


    No, I don''t want to. You don''t have much time.


    I''m going to be the Count of Caddo''s deputy. Do you know any clerks who can pull it off?


    When Kane ignored him and said it, Elena looked like she''d bitten down on a bitter worm.


    Perhaps Crono had instructed her to cooperate.


    ''''The only one who can pull it off right now is Wester.


    Wester?


    Kane asked for the name back.


    He was close to the office staff there, as he was a tax collector as well as a street guard, but he couldn''t remember Westa''s face.


    ''She''s the girl (Ko) with the big chest and always walking hunched over.


    Oh, that stinky-looking bastard.


    It''s that dumbass-looking guy.


    Elena spat out, as if it wasn''t funny that she found out just how big her breasts were.


    ''Is he a useful guy?''


    He doesn''t have a lot of experience and he''s not very good at it, so he''s a janitor.


    Better than raising them from scratch?


    Kane stroked his chin.


    You can gain practical experience from this.


    If you don''t like the way things are done, you will have to do more than others.


    Let''s talk to him.


    You have Master Crono''s permission to pull him out, right?


    Just in case. But if you don''t talk to him about it, he''ll leave a bad taste in your mouth.


    You''re not just a hard worker. You''re also a disciplinarian.


    Kane said, and Elena gave a sarcastic smile.


    ''Wester is Master Crono''s slave, right?��Well, so do I.


    You''re not my slave. Bye.


    With that, Kane left Elena''s office.


    *


    Janitorial work.......that is to say, the menial tasks related to the office.


    Some of the chores include transporting documents.


    After asking where he was going in the office, Kane ran into Westa in front of Crono''s office.


    He''s definitely big-chested and hunched over, Kane thinks as he looks down at Westa.


    Westa looks up at Kane anxiously.


    His age is probably before twenty.


    His chest is huge.


    He hugs his papers to hide those breasts and is hunched over, as if trying to look as small as possible.


    He has a rather childish face, giving him a loose impression.


    Her hair is bright brown, and she keeps it in one bun, perhaps because it gets in the way of her work, but it''s tied up in a very appropriate way.


    The eyes that look up at Kane are also brown.


    The emotion in them is frightened, or perhaps anxious.


    Kane doesn''t intend to dress to be frightened, but since he didn''t shave his beard for the good of not being pointed out by Crono, he might feel uneasy.


    Kane stroked his chin, wondering if he had to worry about looking better than before since he was now a deputy.


    ''''Yo.....


    Why, sir?


    I''ve frightened him, and Westa puts his arm holding the papers in a strong position.


    ''''I''m Kane. This time, Count Caddo''s ... actually, I''m witnessing a contract between a mercenary guild and a merchant in Sylvania, but I''m going to be a deputy anyway.


    Kane, I''ve heard of you. Elena told me.


    Isn''t that a bad idea?


    Westa shook his face and denied it.


    ''I hear you''re a serious man.


    Really?


    Yes, Westa nodded.


    He couldn''t imagine where Elena was evaluating him.


    Through Westa''s subjectivity, the innuendo could be a compliment.


    ''The others, and Crono-sama, say so too.


    Yeah?


    Hearing a compliment from someone else''s mouth is an embarrassing thing, Kane scratched his neck.


    I don''t think it''s a good idea to go out of your way to tell him.


    ''Well, what do you want from me?


    Sorry. Sorry, but I digress. I''m going to be a deputy and I need someone to support me in my work.


    Westa tilted his head curiously, as if he didn''t understand.


    ''So I called on you for support.


    ''I can''t work like Elena, can I?��And what will Master Crono say?


    ''Master Crono will be fine. As for the job don''t worry about it because I''m just starting out with a hobby. To be honest with you, I''m not sure I''m up to the task, either.


    Kane laughed, and Westa laughed awkwardly, as if caught in the act.


    ''A little surprising,''


    I''m surprised you think so. Anyway, I''m not so sure. You''re doing a completely different job than what you''re used to, and that''s all the more reason to be anxious. But, if there is someone who is good at office work, it will allay some of your fears.��So I called out to him.


    Westa blinked at him in surprise, as if he wasn''t used to being in a situation where he was needed.


    ''What will you do if I say no?''


    There''s no problem. You just keep your paperwork on, and I''ll take care of myself.


    Are you sure you''re okay?


    You''re biting off more than you can chew, Kane said, looking up to the heavens.


    But all you can see is the ceiling.


    ''If you''re asking me if I''m okay, I''m not okay. But I''m not expecting that much from the start.''


    Don''t you need me to do it?


    When Kane cowered lightly, Westa said in a slightly sultry tone.


    ''More or less, I said.��But yeah. I think there''s a difference between being thrown out on the battlefield unarmed, or being thrown out with a single knife, and that''s about the extent of it.


    I''m not sure, sir.


    Well, picture it. This is a battlefield and you only have a knife. If you look around, you''ll see a lot of people with swords and spears.


    I don''t think the knife is going to help.


    ''Yes. But one knife might save your life.


    Kane pulls up his sword belt.


    There is a sword engraved with the imperial coat of arms and a dagger forged in Goldie''s workshop.


    ''Let me hear back to you in a couple of days.


    Tapping Wester''s shoulder lightly, Kane left the scene.


    *


    A little overdressed, Kane heads for a late lunch in the dining room - not the dining room of the Marquis'' mansion or barracks, but the dining room run by an ex-soldier of the elves - to have a late lunch.


    My footsteps are heavy.


    After parting with Wester, I approached the Wiseman teacher, the head of the office, the landlady, and even Goldie, but with no success so far.


    Especially surprising was the head of the office.


    He looked like he was going to cry, just to get Westerns pulled out.


    ''Oh, are you eating now?''


    "You?


    When Kane frowned, Elaine smiled lustily.


    I looked up and saw a sign for the ''Sinner Trade Association'' - I usually avoid it, but I guess I was too absorbed in my thoughts.


    ''Do you enjoy disguises?''


    I''m just using different things.


    Kane looked at Elaine.


    Unlike when she called herself Violet, she was less exposed.


    Her hair and her clothes are clean but plain.


    ''''I''m taking a break now too. If you want, we can have dinner together.


    I''m sorry...


    ''It''s settled,''


    Hey.


    Pan!��And Elaine clapped her hands together and pulled Kane''s arm back.


    She could have shaken it off, but there were too many people watching her.


    Kane was taken upstairs to the second floor of the shop, unable to put up any kind of resistance.


    The room that Kane was taken to was probably being used as a resting place, with chairs arranged around a large table.


    This time of day seemed to be a late hour for the clerks working at the second shop of the ''Sinner Trade Union'', so there were no clerks taking a break.


    ''''I''ll get our food right away. But don''t expect much in the way of taste.''''


    Oh.


    Gui-Yin tugged up her sleeve and left the rest stop.


    Poke~ Kane waited for Elaine''s return in a rambling manner.


    Elaine came back just as Kane poked his cheekbones to think about work.


    The only thing on the menu was soup and bread.


    Naturally, it was prepared for two people, but the amount was greater than the one offered to Kane.


    Kane brought the soup to his mouth, thinking that this kind of caring presentation would fool the man.


    ''How''s that?''


    It''s not that bad.


    Yeah?��I''m so relieved.


    It was easy to imagine what would happen next, so Kane silently scraped his soup and munched on his bread.


    Unlike Kane, Elaine continued to eat quietly.


    She ate elegantly, like an aristocrat.


    For a moment, the image of Fay stuffing her mouth full of food with munchies and Princess Tilia buying and eating at a stall passes through my mind, and I correct myself in my mind that this is a more elegant way of eating than a nobleman.


    ''''That''s a classy way to eat,''''


    I''ve been studying.


    Kane said when he finished eating, and Elaine wiped her unstained mouth with a napkin.


    Why did I have to eat with this guy?��And Kane let out a sigh.


    ''If you keep sighing all the time, your happiness will escape you. You''ve just come up through the ranks, haven''t you?


    How do you know this?


    Master Crono told me.


    ''That bastard,'' said Kane, clenching his fists.


    ''Don''t be angry. She''s thinking about you in her own way.


    I know what you''re talking about.


    I guess he appointed Kane as a deputy and leaked the information to Elaine to keep Sif in check.


    ''It''s not easy being your brother when you have a well-made brother.


    He''s the boss.


    ''But you''re in the mood to be my brother, aren''t you?��A bit wild for your brother, though.


    "Don''t be a seer. Yeah, you''re right. I don''t think he''s too smart for his age.


    Kane admitted honestly, and Elaine snickered, as if to say it was funny.


    ''I think your brother''s in trouble, don''t you?��For example, we''re short-handed or something like that.


    Elaine makes a lash and looks at Kane in the stream.


    It''s a creepy, s*xy gesture, but Kane''s instincts are alarming.


    ''If you can read, write and calculate, I can introduce you to someone who can read, write and calculate.


    You''re not going to charge me for this in the White House, are you?


    Elaine also has the face of an informant.


    There is a high probability that the person he was referred to will pass on information to Elaine.


    ''They don''t trust you.


    It sounds like you''re asking me to be suspicious.


    It looks like he''s checking my reaction, though, Kane added in his mind.


    Maybe I''m falling into Elaine''s trap when I''m thinking about such things, though.


    ''So what do we do now?''


    ''You could buy a slave. But that doesn''t mean you should try to blend your own people in, does it?


    I wouldn''t do that. After all, who would buy a guy you''re blending in with?


    You''re going to root for the slavers, aren''t you?


    I don''t have that much time. Besides, it''s not hard to get the information we need to deal with the agency when we''ve got people standing in the harbor.


    ''Excuse me,'' said Elaine, puffing out her cheeks like a child.


    ''''If you ask me, that''s true. You can even find out the amount of money to hire a mercenary if you want to. Let''s just release the information to the public.


    The role of the mercenary guild is to mediate work for the mercenaries in the guild, but this includes negotiating the amount of compensation with the client and dealing with problems.


    ''''Won''t the mercenary guild stare at you?''''


    If it was Sif''s people, it wouldn''t matter.


    Sif''s people the barbarians of the Bethel Mountains, the mother of the mercenary guild, are so sanguine and disciplined that Kane would shudder.


    If Sif would bring them to them, it wouldn''t be a problem to release the information to the public.


    Even if there was a problem, Sif would take care of it.


    ''If there''s a problem,''


    What?


    Kane said, and Elaine leaned back slightly.


    There was a cold light in Elaine''s eyes that priced Kane out.


    ''That''s where I don''t quite understand Sif''s purpose. I get that it''s about opening up new markets, but I get the feeling that he has other purposes.


    Hmm, Elaine nodded disinterestedly.


    Since it was Elaine, she would have some information about that area.


    ''''Just in case, could you tell Sif that, please?


    It''s about disclosure. I''d like to say I understand, but that''s a request that assumes I''m in contact with Sif, right?


    Isn''t it?


    It''s the same.


    Kane asked back, and Elaine giggled.


    ''So I wonder if you''ll hire my men?''


    At least two of them.


    You''re just saying that.


    You don''t have a choice. You don''t know how many people you''re gonna need.


    Well, that''s okay.


    ''Then don''t say it,'' said Kane, glaring at Elaine.


    ''At any rate, I''m glad my man has gotten a new job.


    Oh, really?


    Kane stood up.


    Thanks for the food.


    I thanked him and left.


    *


    In the meantime, Kane headed back to the Marquis'' mansion to report.


    At the gate of the Marquis'' mansion, Kane stopped as he bumped into a woman.


    A woman ... a pair of women.


    Their clothes are plain, and their makeup seems to be heavy.


    They don''t seem to be carrying concealed weapons, but their walk is somewhat awkward, perhaps because they are nervous.


    After wondering whether he should call out to them or not, Kane decided to leave them in silence.


    Of course, he was going to ask questions about the pair of women when he reported to Crono.


    He walked up the stairs and opened the door to the office, where Crono and Teacher Weissman were in the middle of talking about something.


    ''Should I come back out?''


    This won''t take long.


    Oh," Kane nodded lightly and stood by the door.


    Crono and Teacher Weissman seem to be discussing education.


    Kane half-listens to their conversation, saying that if he pushes his work any further, he''ll die of quicksand, and Kane half-listens to their conversation.


    Teacher Wiseman Arthur Wiseman is the only teacher in the Crono territory.


    His flaw is that he is too good-natured, and because of this, he has to teach Crono''s subordinates more than five hundred subhumans to study.


    The Wiseman teacher works diligently.


    It can be described as a great effort by the lioness.


    However, inexplicably, there is a shortage of people, and the demand to be able to read and calculate is only growing.


    Well, part of the reason for this is the twin elves.


    Those two are already so happy about it that they boast about their cultivation.


    ''''Then, please.''''


    I''ll have it in shape by the end of the week or so.


    Kane''s eyes widened in surprise.


    There was a whole stack of papers that Crono had handed to Teacher Wiseman.


    Oh, he''s dead, Kane had a feeling that Teacher Wiseman was dead.


    He was still working, looking like he was going to die.


    If he worked any longer, he would die.


    Humans are not as stubborn as dwarves.


    But it would be a bad idea to give Crono an opinion in front of him.


    Especially since Teacher Wiseman is an old-fashioned knight.


    Kane resisted the urge to complain, and as soon as Teacher Wiseman left the office, he packed up with Crono.


    ''Oh come on, if you make him do that amount of work, Teacher Wiseman is going to die, right?��Is that it, or do you have a hobby of making your mentor overworked?


    Well, relax.


    Oh, was I out of line?��And Kane reflects.


    Crono''s hands are shaking in small increments.


    In short, he''s scared.


    ''Sorry, I was out of line. But hey, Dr. Weissman works too hard, you know?��If you work any more than you do now, you''re dead for sure.


    ''Well that''s about it, I''ve decided to hire a new teacher.


    I don''t have to use honorific language, but... is it true?


    ''Yes, it''s true. They have no experience as teachers, so I''m going to ask Mr. Weissman to take a two-week break from teaching the girls.


    Yeah, those are the ones who crossed me. How did you find people like that?


    When Kane asked, Crono looked down.


    An unpleasant feeling........For some reason, what passed through his mind was the image of Elaine smiling high.


    ''''Are you Elaine''s man?''''


    Yes, that''s right. No, no, I thought about it, but I couldn''t bear the increasing demands of my subordinates and the exhaustion of Dr. Wiseman, who was getting more and more emaciated every day.


    Are you sure you have the information you need?


    ''Oh, that''s no problem. I''m going to convert one of the main towers into a school, and I''ve instructed the clerical people to take any paperwork they''ve missed out on to the workshop immediately, just in case.


    ''You could have physically kept them away,'' Kane chuckled at his lack of imagination.


    ''How''s the gathering going?''


    ''I don''t see any immediate results. Well, I think we can expect a good response from Wester. Other than that, I''ve decided to hire a slave and ... Elaine''s men. Oh come on, don''t look at me like that.


    I haven''t seen him.


    Crono turned away, and Kane couldn''t bear to look away either.


    There was a strange sense of defeat, like being rolled in Elaine''s palm.

 67-Modified version of Episode 2 "Rona of the Trash Pickup"

    My mother taught me to read and write and my father taught me swordsmanship.


    However, her father just wanted to relieve his sorrow by practicing swordsmanship.


    At the age of fifteen, Rona began working as a mercenary.


    Not because she was confident in her skills, but because she couldn''t find a legitimate place to work.


    No legitimate manager would hire someone who had a profligate family member, and Rona was too young to understand that.


    After five years of being a mercenary, Rona was known as a ''scrap picker''.


    It meant that he was doing the kind of scrap-like work that a fledgling mercenary would do.


    Rona didn''t mind such mockery.


    Rona''s goal was to earn enough money to live modestly with her family of three, and in fact, she was earning that much money.


    But life wasn''t getting easier.


    Instead of making it easier, it spurred my father''s profligate spending habits.


    I fought with my father about it countless times.


    I was miserable, arguing about money as often as we fought.


    After a quarrel, it was my father who would break first.


    Rona forgave her father when she had no choice, and, again, he repeated his mistakes.


    She never had a lover.


    There were people who took favors for her, but when they found out about her father, they left Rona.


    In that way, the most glorious period of my life passed, and when I was thirty years old, my mother died, and shortly afterwards my father died too.


    There were no tears in my eyes.


    Rona took the first step in her new life with a refreshed feeling that her father would never bother her again... and she fell into slavery because of the debts he left her.


    Once the bid was awarded, Rona was moved to another room.


    It was a reasonably large room, and the slaver and his men were with her.


    The slaver and his men didn''t say anything, perhaps happy that they had sold for an unexpectedly high price, but the slaver and his men didn''t say anything.


    After a while, the sound of a door opening sounded.


    Reflexively, Rona looked up, but her vision remained blurry due to the lack of glasses.


    ''''Well you''ve kept me waiting.


    No, no, no, not at all.


    The slaver responds with an uncomfortable cat-stroking voice.


    The man who seemed to have bought Rona handed the slaver a gold coin and signed the contract.


    ''''Well you''re squinting, but...''''


    ''Oh, he has bad eyesight. If you don''t mind, I''ll give you a pair of glasses for one gold coin.


    ''Huh,'' the man let out a disgusted sigh.


    ''It''s his anyway, isn''t it?''


    It''s mine now.


    No choice.


    The man took the glasses from the slaver and immediately let Rona hold them in her hands.


    As he put on the glasses, his vision brightened.


    The blurred world regained its contours and Rona looked at the man who had bought her.


    The man was probably over thirty years old.


    He wore clothes that resembled a military uniform, and even through his clothes, she could tell that the man''s body was well-trained.


    His face was reasonably well-defined.


    He seemed crude, but the thin smile that floated around his mouth gave the man the impression of being frivolous.


    ''I''m Kane. Well, what the hell, I''ll be your boss. And then your position will be... ah, you''re going to be a fixture?


    The word "supplies" made Rona giddy.


    It is treated as an item.


    I''m not sure if that means I''m going to be raped by a man as an accessory.


    You''ll need to wear this for now. The carriage is waiting outside.


    Yes, sir.


    Kane took off his jacket and handed it to Rona.


    The jacket was plain in appearance, but it was well sewn.


    ''Follow me,''


    Yes.


    As soon as Rona put her jacket on, Kane started walking.


    He was trapped in the cage, and his body ached as his feet creaked with each step he took.


    As he stepped out of the building, the sunlight irritated the back of his eyeballs painfully.


    Rona looked around, wondering if she could escape, and quickly gave up.


    I don''t know where I am now.


    I don''t even know how much power Kane has over me.


    There was no way she could escape without knowing everything.


    ''That''s my.......carriage, anyway.


    ....


    There was a fine box carriage parked a short distance away.


    Rona let out a breath of relief, glad he hadn''t run away.


    Since he possessed such a boxcarriage, Kane''s status must be high.


    At the very least, he must be in a position to move a lot of people.


    ''You''ll meet my boss afterwards. My boss is called Crono, the lord of the Marquis of Erakis and the Count of Caddo next door... well, he''s a good guy.


    At Kane''s urging, Rona climbed into the carriage.


    It was the first time she had ever ridden in such an expensive carriage, which made her feel more than a little uplifted, but she felt depressed when she remembered that she was a slave.


    Perhaps I was being held by a man named Crono and then paid off by his men.


    Couldn''t he manage to get in on it, Rona wondered desperately as he rocked the carriage.


    ''''........I''m going in.


    Kane opens the door.


    The man ahead of him was around twenty years old, maybe even under twenty.


    That''s how young he was, a young man with dark hair.


    His youthful face is in the category of cute from Rona''s point of view.


    But it would be too early to call it cute.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this in the future.


    Perhaps the young man has experience of standing on the battlefield.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    Here you go. Her name is Rona, and she''s an ex-mercenary of the Free City State Army.


    Kane, let her change her clothes.


    Since he''s reporting, the dark-haired young man must be Crono.


    For a boss, Kane''s tone of voice is familiar.


    Maybe Kane and Crono are half-brothers.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    ''''I thought you''d have to report first.


    I won''t complain if I''m a little late reporting.


    Rona became impatient with Crono''s attitude, which was too calming.


    Rona didn''t have any male experience, but she did have experience of being on the verge of it.


    Overall, judging from the little experience and the knowledge I''ve overheard, a man is a beast of a creature.


    He is a creature that talks about love and breathes hard.


    No, if you think about it, Crono is a nobleman who governs two estates.


    He can choose any woman he wants.


    Couldn''t such a man buying a s*x slave be considered to be due to a special.......bizarre preference?


    The fact that he went out of his way to buy an ex-mercenary could also be the result of him being judged to be difficult to break.


    A lazy and disgusting sweat gushes out.


    ''''Oh, you look pale?''''


    The results of the physical are supposed to be good.


    Crono pointed out, and Kane looked at the parchment the doctor had apparently given him from the slavers...................and the doctor''s diagnosis.


    ''Maybe he''s tired.''


    I just wanted to ask you to say hi.


    Rona cowered as Kane and Crono stared at her.


    ''Greetings must be a cryptic word meaning to make them do something.


    ''I think it''s important to say hello, though.


    ''Yes. We''re going to be friends for a long time now, so you need to take care of your body.


    Long time friends........Kane and Crono don''t plan to use Rona easily, but it''s scary to think about what they''re going to do to her.


    ''Get some rest today,''


    Crono''s voice was kind, but that kindness was terrifying to Rona.


    *


    The room that the maid calling herself Alyssa showed me to was more magnificent than Rona''s house in the Free City State cluster.


    Since this was a servants'' room, I was reminded of how poor I was living.


    ''''If you need anything, I can bring it to you?''''


    No, I don''t.


    Rona cowered.


    Alyssa is Crono''s maid.


    If she asked something unwise, she would be reported.


    But if you don''t ask anything here, you can''t even be prepared.


    ''''What kind of person is Crono-sama?''''


    ...a fine man.


    There was a slight pause before Alyssa answered.


    The fact that there was a pause before she answered meant that there was something to it.


    ''Are there any inconveniences to women?''


    I don''t think it has been...


    Alyssa slurred her words, as if it was hard to say.


    ''I''m not crippled, but I guess you could say I''m not satisfied.


    ''What will happen to me?''


    ''I don''t know what Master Crono thinks, but I suspect he will be transferred after he''s been trained through the process.


    Education ... is it to make them know their place?


    Is the destination to be moved to the basement, or is it the stables?


    No, if Crono is a man with bizarre tastes out of the ordinary, there is a line of torture in the dungeon.


    ''''Please take a good rest today.


    Yes.


    In the end, Rona was not prepared for any of this, and she hung her head.


    *


    The moment the door opened, Rona reflexively picked herself up.


    Alyssa was stiff in the open door position, as if she had startled her, but she walked out and stood by the bed as if nothing had happened.


    ''Good morning. Are you feeling better now?


    I''m a little hungry.


    Rona leaned forward and grunted.


    Her shoulders and back felt heavy, but otherwise nothing else.


    In short, it was a temporary illness.


    But when she said it out loud, she felt like her stomach wasn''t feeling well for some reason.


    ''If you don''t feel well, may I call a doctor?


    No, no, it''s not really worth it.


    Picking herself up, Rona hurriedly denied it.


    ''I see. It''s your precious body, so don''t take it easy.''''


    Yes.


    Rona thought she heard Alyssa''s voice as if she had to entertain Master Crono for forty-one gold coins.


    ''''If there''s no problem then after you bathe in the hot water, Master Crono will explain to you about Master Rona''s work.


    In the morning?


    Don''t worry, we''ll have time for you to eat.


    Oh, I don''t feel safe at all, Rona said as she got out of bed, feeling melancholy.


    *


    Bathing in hot water ... literally, bathing in hot water.


    Naturally, in order to bathe in hot water, you have to carry water and boil it.


    Soaking in a bathtub requires more effort than bathing in hot water.


    Even in the free city-states, only the wealthy could spend that much effort on getting rid of dirt.


    In Rona''s case, as a poor man, he was limited to washing himself by drawing water from a nearby well or occasionally using the public baths.


    So it was new to Rona to bathe in the bathrooms set up in the nobleman''s mansion, or to use soap laced with fragrance.


    Scared, Rona stood in front of her office with the smell of the fragrance in the air.


    I''ve given them this much luxury.


    What would they do to me after this?


    I was scared and scared to death.


    Looking to the side, Alyssa was waiting for Rona to open the door with her back straightened.


    Oh, I''m sorry.


    My stomach really hurts.


    Could you let me rest in my room for a little while longer?��Eh, no?


    Right, Rona plays a monologue in her mind.


    When she opens the door at will, Crono is sitting in a chair and Kane is leaning against the desk.


    Rona stands in the center of the office.


    ''It looks good on you,''


    Yeah.


    .....


    Rona cowered and twisted her head.


    The clothes that wrapped around Rona''s body were not the clothes given to the slavers, but a knee-length skirt and an unadorned jacket.


    By the way, the underwear is also unadorned.


    ''''Well Rona, about your business.


    It was Crono who opened his mouth first.


    ''Wow, I can handle a sword!��In the Free City State group, my rank wasn''t high, but I was a mercenary!


    "Rank?


    ''''It''s like a mercenary rating. The guild judges the number of times you''ve done the job, the success rate of the job, and so on, and then they rate you.


    When Crono looked up, Kane briefly explained.


    Apparently, Kane had a certain amount of knowledge of the mercenary guild system.


    ''''It''s not hard to understand how you feel, but the reason I bought you wasn''t to make you do those things.


    Crono leaned his weight against the back and smiled bitterly.


    Rona scolded herself for seeming to be trapped in despair.


    She listened to him.


    If she could show him how to use it beneficially rather than using it up, she might be able to survive.


    But Rona was unable to speak.


    At the very least, she was educated.


    She''d chosen a safe job, but she was used to roughing it.


    But she didn''t know what to appeal to.


    ''''I''ll do anything.''''


    You have a great work ethic.


    ''Mm-hm,'' Crono nodded with satisfaction.


    ''At least, gently.''


    ''It depends on whether you find it kind or tough, because it depends on the individual. I honestly don''t even know how much work I''m going to have to do,


    I don''t know how many people I''m going to have to deal with.


    That alone makes it tough for Rona.


    It''s hard not to be judgmental.


    ''I thought an ex-mercenary would be fine.


    No, I''ve never done anything like this before and, well, I don''t know if you can believe it, but I''ve never been a man before.


    No, no, no, I don''t need to have any male experience.


    Oh," Rona croaked in despair.


    ''....Hey, Master Crono.


    What?


    When Crono asked, Kane tilted his head suspiciously.


    ''''Am I the only one who feels like we haven''t been having a subtle conversation since just now?


    ''If you ask me ... that last part in particular doesn''t really mesh.


    Kane and Crono looked at each other and stared at Rona.


    As they stared at each other, Rona let out a small scream.


    ''My question is, Rona what do you think they''re going to make you do?''


    ...with a man.


    Ahhh," Crono croaked, and Kane looked up to the heavens in confusion.


    ''Kane, did I explain it to you?''


    I didn''t. I mean, I know you were trying to explain it here.


    Yeah, but...


    Crono cleared his throat awkwardly and straightened his residence.


    ''Rona, what I want to leave you with is paperwork.


    Is that some kind of code word?


    Yeah, yeah, actually... it''s just not true!


    Rona cowered at Crono''s exclamation.


    ''''Well Master Kane says I''m a fixture.


    Kane?


    ''I couldn''t find a better way to describe it. You, too, have positioned your slaves as the property of their owners.


    When Crono glared at him, Kane said excusingly.


    ''No, well, I don''t want to treat it like an object, but there''s the laws of the empire and slavers and... things, you know.


    Gogol and Crono are also excused.


    Anyway, Rona''s job is office work. I''ll pay you a decent salary and if Rona wants to buy herself back, I''ll comply. Then you''ll have to sign an employment contract...


    Crono took a bundle of paper from the drawer a contract.


    *


    It''s something~, Rona brought a piece of bread to her mouth in a corner of the cafeteria.


    It''s a good thing that you didn''t become a s*x slave, and since you got a legitimate job, it would be nice to feel a little more comfortable, but it''s just a feeling.


    I know why.


    Rona longed for a straightforward job, but that was before she became a mercenary.


    After spending nearly fifteen years as a mercenary, she gave up on the idea of getting a straight job.


    That''s why he was more confused and anxious than happy.


    Huh~, Rona let out a sigh.


    Forty-one gold coins.........Even if she paid back one gold coin a month, it would take three years and five months to repay.


    She had given up on marriage.


    No, I was a little hopeful that if it wasn''t for my father, there would be someone old enough to take me to wife, but I don''t think there are any men who would be willing to take me as a slave.


    I looked over and saw that the elves were eating their breakfast.


    No, there was one elf with an eye patch and the remaining two were humans.


    Even for that human, he was younger than Rona.


    If he was that old, Rona let out a sigh.


    If he was ten years younger, he could have found relief in his current situation.


    Ah, I hate youth, Rona said, bringing the soup to her mouth.


    ''''...Rona-san, is that all right?''''


    Rona finished her meal, and after a moment, she was approached by a reserved voice.


    When she looked up, she saw a small, fat, middle-aged man standing across the table.


    He was probably a little over forty in age.


    His hair, which was a mixture of gray hair, was thin and dense, with much of the ground showing.


    His face is greasy, but he looks good...no, he looks frail.


    ''My name is Sitter. I am in charge of the affairs of this, Master Crono''s estate.


    Thank you.


    For being in charge of the office, the sitter was low profile for being in charge of the office.


    ''''Since Rona-san is going to be working as an administrative assistant at Count Caddo''s territory, it was Crono-sama''s intention to have her work as an apprentice until then to get the big picture.


    Oh, yes, I understand.


    Rona stood up, hiding her anxiety.


    *


    That night, Rona collapsed into bed as soon as she returned to her room.


    She had thought she could be of some use until she was transferred to her workplace, but her first day had made her realize her inadequacies.


    It was already a mess, from carrying documents to the wrong place, to standing in front of the merchant who came to apply for the documents.


    ''''When ... when I became a mercenary...''''


    No, it was worse than it is now.


    Back then, Rona had an unfounded confidence that she could be dashing and active, and like now, she was struck by the gap between image and reality.


    ''Let''s stop being so depressed,''


    Rona sat on the bed and stared at the stack of papers.


    Written on the paper was a reminder to do the job.


    Rona relied on its contents and her memory to visualize the whole job.


    She didn''t wish she''d explained it to him first, but that''s where she''d be groping.


    Rona smiled, saying that if she had the chance, she would give him a concrete description.

 68-Episode 3 "Daikansho"

    *


    Late March of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-two.......I don''t know, Kane thought about that as he rocked the boxcarriage.


    From a farmer''s son to a deputy.


    I''m sure you''ll find it hard to believe that, but when you think about the fact that I''ve been robbed twice, I feel like I''m living an incomprehensible life.


    The future always defies Kane''s expectations.


    When he was a mercenary, he thought he''d be killed in the middle of his work one day, and when he was a bandit, he thought he''d be killed by a strike force or die in the wild.


    When he was a farmer''s little boy, he would have thought he would work endlessly and die or something.


    Well, these guys are probably thinking the same thing, Kane said as he looked at the two men in the boxcarriage.


    The one sitting directly in front of Kane was Rona a former mercenary of the Free City State group.


    Her age is thirty. She has a smart body line.


    For a mercenary, he doesn''t have a rough atmosphere and seems rather cold-hearted.


    According to the sitter, Rona seemed to be confused by the unfamiliarity of the job at first, but if you look at the entire training period, it seems that her work style was neither acceptable nor unacceptable.


    Wester, sitting next to her, was fleshy in contrast to Rona.


    Her hips and buttocks are not so much, but her breasts are huge anyway.


    Hey, hey, hey!��The breasts are so big that I say.


    Well, I won''t tell you.


    I''m not in the carriage, but two more people I''m going to be joined by a former high-class prostitute who worked in the brothel Elaine runs.


    The paperwork will be left to Westa and Rona, and the two people introduced will be left in charge of reception.


    I knew it wasn''t a pattern, Kane stroked his chin.


    It wasn''t the feel of prickly stubble on his fingers, but a slippery touch.


    Kane noticed that Westa was looking at him.


    ''Do you have something on my face?''


    You''ve shaved your beard.


    It''s not a good idea for a deputy to have stubble, is it?


    Kane said, scratching his neck, and Wester chuckled at what was fun.


    ''Oh come on, are we about to laugh?''


    I knew you were a serious person, just like Elena said.


    Kane poked his cheekbones, wondering if his attitude had softened a bit.


    Since then, Kane had been talking to Westa every spare moment he could find.


    His steady efforts had finally paid off.


    One thing he didn''t understand now was Rona.


    It didn''t seem to be a quality of shyness, but Rona didn''t try to relate to others and would occasionally let out a deep sigh.


    It''s probably difficult for Rona to accept the situation of being a slave.


    Now, what to do, Kane stroked his chin.


    Kane is also aware of the fact that his own vessel is not big enough to be dependent on him, and his own naivety to not be able to shun him once he knows the circumstances.


    So it''s not a good idea to step in too far.


    What suddenly passed through my mind was my boss........Crono.


    Or rather, that guy doesn''t think about it that much.


    It''s just that in his case, he feels supported by his mistress.


    No, am I crazy to think that I''m supporting him?��And Kane crossed his arms.


    *


    It was Silva who greeted Kane when he arrived in Sylvania.


    Silva proudly puffed her chest out with her back to the House of Delegates.


    ''Look, this is my masterpiece ... the House of Delegates.


    Hmm. Isn''t the harbor your masterpiece, Mr. Silva?


    Faye asked, and Silva smiled as she said she was glad he''d listened.


    ''Every time I build one building, I progress. I learn from the old architecture and create a new one. That''s what an architect does.


    I see.


    Normal for a masterpiece, Kane looked up at the deputies'' office.


    The depot was built on the eastern edge of Sylvania.


    The site was large, with plenty of room for three buildings.


    One was a three-story brick building, the second was a two-story building, also made of brick...a building that looked like it had been built somewhere else, and this one was long and horizontal.


    The last one was the stables.


    Why were they so far apart?��Kane looked alternately at the deputies'' office and the port.


    Sylvania is a city that is developing from the port.


    One day shops and houses will fill the space between the agency and the port, but at the moment there is a lot of empty space.


    Hey, Faye. Why are you here?


    The guardhouse serves as a resting place for the cavalry.


    ''Oh, so that''s why it''s so long on the side.


    No wonder you feel like you''ve seen it somewhere.


    The horizontal building behind the deputies'' office looks exactly like the cavalry''s quarters in the Marquis of Erakis.


    ''''I would be grateful if the Count of Caddo had facilities to stay in his territory.


    I won''t have to bother the people in the village.


    Kane nodded at Faye''s words.


    The guards on the roads could last for several days, and when they did, they stayed in the villages along the way.


    Of course, they had talked it through beforehand and paid the price, but aside from the farming season, preparing a bed and meals must have been a burden for the villages during the farming season.


    ''''........So now Captain Kane is the master of one castle in one country.


    I don''t get paid enough to be a landlord.


    Faye looked at Kane with envy.


    There was no use in raising the amount.


    That''s why he didn''t actively negotiate his salary.


    ''Nevertheless, sir,''


    Saying that, Faye lowered her eyes painfully.


    It wasn''t hard to understand how Faye felt.


    Even Kane feels hazy when he sees a family that seems to be close, or a farmer working the fields with sweat on his forehead.


    He is envious and frustrated that others have what he has lost and what he wants.


    And they also feel disgusted with themselves.


    What should I say to them?


    ''Oh, come on, what are you talking about? Not long ago, I was a horseshoe maker and you were a stable cleaner. Now you are the lord''s architect and the captain of the Kingsguard''s cavalry. We''ve come a long way, too.


    Silva-san is right. You should never forget your original intentions.


    When Silva told her to admonish her, Faye looked up as if she had regained her composure.


    When he was a member of the Twelfth Konoe Order, Faye was a cleaner in the stables, so it could be said that he had risen in the ranks.


    ''''No... well, you should forget your initial thoughts for a bit.''''


    Why is that, sir?


    That''s because you''re so naive at first. Besides, if you''re lucky, you''ll be able to rebuild your house in one go, right?


    Kane smiled bitterly when Silva looked at him as if asking for his consent.


    He would be carrying Crono''s child and reestablishing the Murifine family.


    If this doesn''t have a physical relationship with Crono, it can be just a black stomach, but Crono and Faye are firmly male and female.


    Faye neatly accomplishes her original goal, despite the fact that she says she''ll never forget her original intentions.


    I''m sure you''ll be amazed at how well she''s holding up.


    I didn''t understand anything at the time.


    I don''t mind that, but don''t dump the rest of the story on me.


    Kane said witlessly, and Faye tilted her head in wonder.


    ''No ''why'' and no ''why''. If you were a man, I''d ask you for advice. You''re a woman. I don''t want a woman to broach that kind of topic.


    ....


    Faye turned over in silence.


    I can almost hear the sound of a "dizziness".


    I feel a little sorry for you, but it''s better than being broached on that kind of topic.


    ''''If it''s okay with me, I''ll talk to you about it, okay?


    No, sir!


    I''m sorry.


    I turned around at the sound of a less disappointing voice and saw Elaine standing there with a smile on her face.


    Two women are waiting behind Elaine.


    They were both in their late thirties or so in age.


    One has red hair and the other has chestnut hair.


    They both have pale skin and a little heavy makeup.


    It may be prejudice, but both of them have normal facial features for having been high-class prostitutes.


    They wouldn''t make an impression even if they ran into each other on the street.


    Perhaps there is more demand for a face that makes people think it''s within reach.


    ''The redhead is Mary and the chestnut is Kate. Both of them are educated like aristocrats and are good at cleaning, washing clothes and cooking. And I can dance, too.


    Aristocratic.


    When I looked at her, Faye stared back at Kane with a pouting face.


    I felt even when we ate, but I wonder if Elaine overestimates the nobility.


    Well, it seems likely that the aristocrats close to Kane are substandard.


    ''''Faye, are you good at dancing?''''


    I am not very good at this.


    What''s the etiquette?


    I am not very good at this.


    How''s your education?


    I''m sure Lady Leila can do better than you.


    What are you good at?


    "I''m good at swordplay and horsemanship.


    This guy is a nobleman, Kane felt the urge to grab Faye''s head and offer it to Elaine.


    Of course, he wasn''t going to go through with it.


    ''''Mr. Kane!


    Westa leaned out of the window of the deputy''s office and shouted, as if he had been cleaning up.


    ''What''s up?''


    Master Crono is on the line.


    For a moment, Kane didn''t understand the meaning of the words, but he quickly remembered that the Ultra Long Distance Communication Magic Item was now available.


    The Ultra Long Distance Communication Magic Item connected the Marquis of Erakis and Count Caddo''s territory.


    To be precise, it''s between Chrono''s office in the Marquess of Erakis and the Count of Caddo''s office.


    There are several sets of communication magic items, each with the ability to send, receive and relay messages.


    Crono focused on the relay function...if the number of communication magic items were arranged in a straight line, wouldn''t it be possible to communicate over long distances?��I thought to myself.


    ''I''ll be there in a minute!''


    Kane went to the Substitute''s office.


    *


    "Hello, can you hear me?��Hello!


    When Kane reached the second floor of the deputy''s office, Crono''s voice echoed from the sphere placed on the pedestal.


    Except for the magic item for ultra-long-distance communication and the pedestal on which it was mounted, there was only a desk and chairs for three people.


    ''You don''t have to shout that loud to be heard,''


    "Good. "The magic item seems to be working well.


    Crono said, sounding relieved.


    Even though the objective includes technological development and job creation through public works projects, Crono is investing a lot of money.


    It would be a quandary if it ''failed''.


    I don''t know what the technicalities are, but it''s convenient, Kane thinks.


    You can get in touch with them in an instant without having to run your horse.


    ''How''s it going there?''


    "Elaine''s here with a girl she hired at the deputy''s office to say hello. I didn''t tell her anything because she called me right away. Come to think of it, I didn''t hear that you were going to have a barracks attached to the deputies'' office?


    "...because I forgot to tell you...


    Well, I don''t mind.


    "And there''s one more thing I forgot to mention: I''ve hired a new maid to work at the agency. Her job is cleaning, laundry, cooking......well, a maid all-works.


    I see," Kane countered suitably.


    To be honest, I''m not sure how I''d react if someone told me they hired a new maid.


    ''''You don''t seem to be interested.''''


    We''re not done.


    ''I think Kane would love it. First of all I''m in my mid-twenties, unmarried.''


    ''If you''re in your mid-twenties and you''re not married, that means there''s something wrong with you,'' said Kane, sitting in the chair and crossing his legs.


    ''He''s tall and has a large chest.''


    Hmmm, Kane stroked his chin.


    From Crono''s words, what Kane imagined was a thin, beautiful woman.


    ''''With chestnut hair and dull eyes...''''


    The dull-eyed one?


    "The Minotaur.


    The Minotaur!


    Standing up, Kane shouted.


    The thin, beautiful woman he had imagined quickly turned into a minotaur in a maid''s uniform.


    ''Is that statement racist?''


    No!


    ''So who do you like?��Rizako, the cool kid with the black eye win?��Adorable and amiable Warren?


    You have a thing for beastmen!


    With a flash of his arm, Kane shouted.


    Sure, the Lizardman is a black-eyed winner, but not if it''s cool.


    ''I received a letter from a listener the other day asking if there are any beastly women under Master Crono.


    Who are the listeners?


    "...I''d like to do some radio stuff in the future, what do you think?


    What''s a radio?��What''s a radio?


    When Crono said something incomprehensible to him, Kane shouted in desperation.


    ''''Well, all kidding aside...''''


    Are you sure you''re joking?


    ''''Oh, no, I''m not kidding about that last part. I''m seriously thinking that even commoners should be able to use magic items for ultra-long distance communication.''''


    It''s not easy, is it?��It''s not always possible for them to talk when we want to talk, and after all this money and effort, the only two people who can use it are the two people on the edge.


    Could it be military?��Kane asked himself.


    ''If we put them on the border, even if it''s at the border, we can get the word out faster and more accurately than the wolfsbane when an enemy nation takes action.


    In that sense, it seems to strike a good balance between investment and effectiveness.


    ''''Hmm, how about writing down the contents of our conversation over here and carrying them over there like a letter or even if not carrying them, how about keeping them in storage?


    It should be useful for the military, but Crono doesn''t seem to think that far ahead.


    Maybe he''s missing out on the process due to his understanding of completion.


    ''Not bad.''


    ''You don''t seem to be very interested in it, but whatever.''


    Hey, I have a question for you.


    Kane stared at the clear sphere on the pedestal.


    What do you do when you''re not using it?


    What?


    Huh, Kane let out a sigh and put a hand to his forehead.


    Oh, come on. You''re just saying it''s all over the news.


    It''s all so tense all of a sudden, isn''t it?


    I didn''t want to sound that serious, I thought, but Kane didn''t say anything.


    ''I have no taste for poking around in the bushes when there might be snakes out there,'' he said.


    ''Why don''t we just put a cloth over it for now?


    ''Then put it on you. I''ll basically stay in the office until evening, and if I hear voices at night, the maids will let me know.''''


    Oh.


    There wasn''t a suitable cloth, so Kane took off his jacket and put it over the pedestal.


    Exhaling through his nose, Kane sat down in a chair.


    ''You''re good together, aren''t you?''


    It''s not bad.


    When I looked up, I saw Rona standing there.


    When Kane poked her cheekbones, Rona looked down awkwardly, as if she thought she was in a bad mood.


    ''I''m not mad at you, Rona. I was just embarrassed to have that stupid conversation overheard.


    Yeah?


    Rona seemed a little relieved, though she wasn''t convinced.


    ''Did they look so close?''


    Yes, they''re really close brothers.


    ...a brother?


    When Kane asked back, Rona''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''Aren''t Kane-sama and Crono-sama brothers?''


    We don''t have any blood in our veins.


    Kane quipped.


    If he had been Claude Crawford''s biological son, he might have had at least a drop of blood in him, but Crono was a man from another world.


    Crono is not blood related to anyone in this world.


    It''s not every day you get along with your half-brother, is it?


    Saying that, Kane gave a bitter smile.


    It seemed more likely that a half-brother who was close to him would be more likely than a lord who had a former bandit as his deputy.


    ''''Master Kane is amazing.''''


    No way. That''s about as good as it gets.


    Rona seemed to think that Kane was appointed as a deputy on merit, but Kane doesn''t overestimate his own abilities to that extent.


    His arm strength is adequate, and his ability as the leader of a mercenary group is also adequate.


    The only thing that''s left to do is to get the job done.


    Kane stood up slowly.


    *


    Let''s get the job done quickly............................but the equipment is already being brought into the barracks and the deputy offices.


    Unlike Westa and Rona, who have to organize the equipment and keep track of where they are stored, Kane''s work is not much.


    ''''........You seem to have a lot of time on your hands, don''t you?


    Well, you know.


    In my spare time, I was wandering around the deputy''s yard - a mere empty space surrounded on three sides by the deputy''s office, the barracks and the stables - when I was approached by Faye.


    Apparently, Faye doesn''t have a lot of time on her hands either.


    How''s your handiwork?


    You''re getting tired of killing time, aren''t you?


    There are two wooden swords in here.


    Faye picked up the wooden sword that was propped up against the wall of the barracks and threw it at Kane.


    There was an option to not take it, but Kane grabbed it as it flew in a straight line.


    ''''Well come to think of it, this is the first time I''ve fought Captain Kane, isn''t it?


    That''s what I''m talking about.


    Faye distanced herself from Kane and slowly held her wooden sword at mid-level.


    ''Why is that, sir?''


    Win or lose, you looked like a pain in the ass.


    ''Mmm,'' said Faye, her lips twitching in frustration.


    ''It is going!


    Oh!


    I tried to be enthusiastic, but the first blow numbed my arm, and from there it was a defensive battle.


    I''m not sure if I have one chance to counterattack after surviving five of Faye''s attacks.


    For the umpteenth time already, a shock is felt in Kane''s arm.


    He''s too fast and can''t react in time.


    Shit!��Kane cursed in the back of his mind.


    At one point, he could see Fei''s attack, but he couldn''t react.


    Therefore, Kane was using the wooden sword as a shield ... an obstacle to block the attack.


    You''ll be disgusted," Kane said, as he tightened his grip on the wooden sword.


    I learned to fight to survive, to avenge my family.


    The only thing he was made to understand was that there is an upside to being an upside down fighter, and that Kane didn''t have the talent for overcoming barriers.


    The Fae are strong.


    Even when they met, Faye''s skills surpassed Kane''s.


    Kane felt that the skill was perfected at a high level, but Faye is still growing.


    He didn''t react to the feint.


    He would do something bargaining-like to confirm Kane''s skills.


    You clearly understand the difference in ability, but you don''t let your guard down.


    Is it because you''re dealing with Crono-sama?��Crono''s willingness to change hands, change products and somehow pick up a win is worthy of goodwill.


    Well, if he was being accompanied by himself, he would feel differently.


    Kane staggered as Faye attacked him.


    Deciding to take a chance, Faye attacked like a rage.


    Fay''s wooden sword snatched Kane''s arms and shoulders.


    Somehow, Kane managed to keep his distance from Fay and repeated his breathing with his shoulder.


    ''''Captain Kane is defending himself!


    Okay, go for it!


    I noticed that the twin elves the archers and light cavalry were gathered together.


    It''s a relief that the stakes aren''t high, at least.


    ''Shut up for a minute!''


    Faye set it up at the same time Kane finished yelling at her.


    He could have set it up while he was yelling at her.....................Anyway, it must be an opportunity.


    Faye closed the distance and swung her wooden sword down.


    It''s fast, but the stab Kane unleashed is just as fast.


    The wooden sword held by Faye stopped just short of touching or not touching Kane''s forehead.


    In the same way, Kane''s wooden sword also stopped just short of touching or not touching Faye''s neck.


    ''''Fii, you''re getting tired of the quicksand.''''


    Mmm, is it an act?


    Kane exhaled grandly, and Faye raised her eyebrows quizzically.


    ''It wasn''t an act that I was defending myself. It was an act, though, when you breathed on my shoulder and all that.


    If you were in a situation where you could expect your friends to support you, you could focus on getting past the attack, but unfortunately, you can''t win a game by playing defense.


    ''''Did you make them attack while leaving them with enough energy to deliver the best blow?


    It''s not that big of a deal, is it?


    It''s one of those little tricks to beat a higher-ranked opponent.


    Even though it''s a small trick, it has a pretty high success rate, but there''s no need to explain that much.


    When Kane drew his wooden sword, Fei drew his wooden sword to match it.


    ''''So, who wins?''''


    There''s no way I''m going to end up with a vague idea of what happened.


    ''''Faye won. It''s a draw without a divine technique.


    ''Don''t make me say it,'' frowned Kane.


    ''Mmmm, is it?''


    ''Convince me. Well, I don''t want you to be overconfident in your abilities.


    It''s not unusual for a guy who was unbeaten in training to easily die in his first battle.


    Faye has experienced real battles, though, so I''m sure she''ll be fine in that area.


    Evening the white light of magic items illuminates the barracks mess hall.


    Around the table are Kane, Westa, Rona...........................and a bunch of cavalrymen.


    The reason why they are in the barracks is because there was no mess hall in the deputy''s office.


    There may be other reasons, such as it''s less complicated or more efficient to set up a place to live in the barracks, but all the facilities that are considered necessary for life are in the barracks.


    I''m not complaining, though," Kane said, scooping up a spoonful of soup ingredients.


    It''s just like country cooking, but it doesn''t taste bad.


    It''s probably one of the better dishes I''ve ever had.


    ''''Do you like it? (PUMO?)


    Yeah, it''s not that bad.


    It''s good, isn''t it?


    It''s not that bad.


    It''s too pretentious.


    Aria ... apparently the sister of Crono''s second-in-command Mino ...'' question was answered by Kane, followed by Faye, Deneb and Alideed.


    ''So what do you guys think?''


    Like I''m just happy to have a hot meal!


    Hard bread is good, but it''s like that!


    How is it, hard bread?


    It''s super good!


    Or the despair you feel when you''ve eaten all the hard bread!


    Kane said with a scowl on his face, and Deneb and Alideed leaned forward and shouted.


    ''''Just you guys, three meals of hard bread?''''


    What harassment!


    A feeble-minded child would cry!


    Apparently, Deneb and Alideed didn''t like the three meals of hard bread either.


    Afterwards, they enjoyed a reasonable conversation and Kane headed to his room in the barracks.


    *


    The next day, Kane was awakened by a violent banging on the door.


    Master Kane!��The voice calling out "I''m sorry," was Rona''s, and she seemed to be in some kind of hurry.


    Kane jumped out of bed and opened the door, though he was awake in his sleep and his thoughts were hazy.


    No matter how hard he had been banging on it, he opened the door and Rona jumped in.


    Kane reflexively held Rona in his arms.


    ''Master Kane!''


    Shouldn''t there be time for work to start?


    "Well the people of Sylvania would like to say hello to Master Kane.


    Kane said, biting down on his absenteeism, and Rona replied, turning her head away.


    ''Can''t you get her to leave?''


    It must be difficult.


    Well, I guess so.


    I didn''t go to the trouble of barging in to say hello, so there was no way I was going to leave with a straight face.


    ''All right. I want you to work with Wester and hand out papers with numbers on them.


    In that order, sir?


    You''re right. I don''t know if there''s going to be a little bit of a mess, but you came in here when I wasn''t ready. They''re not going to complain too hard about it.


    I understand.


    Looking over at Rona, Kane stroked his chin.


    This one would be bad if it wasn''t shaved properly.


    Afternoon.........Kane leaned his weight on the back of the couch and exhaled heavily.


    He felt a twinge of unease at having a reception room in the deputy''s office, but right now he was grateful for the presence of the couch.


    ''Oh, are you on break?''


    What did you bring us?


    Leaning his weight on the backrest, Kane stared at Elaine as she came in without knocking.


    Elaine was dressed very plainly, as if there was some kind of standard.


    ''I''m empty-handed. If you want a souvenir, I''ll have it ready for you in a minute, though?


    I don''t want it.


    Yeah?


    Elaine sat down on the sofa facing her.


    ''So, have you received your gift?''


    I don''t think so. Besides, they know I don''t take bribes.


    You knew I was trying to bribe you, didn''t you?


    Elaine said dismissively as Kane spat it out.


    Without needing to be pointed out by Elaine, Kane had expected them to come to bribe him.


    But I''m from the xxxxx business association, and my name is ���.


    ''''Don''t you think about a little bit or something?''''


    I don''t think about it.


    Kane sat up and scratched his head with a crunch.


    In my experience, corruption and poverty among officials is a breeding ground for crime.


    And it''s not easy to restore deteriorating security.


    ''You''re really serious,''


    That''s my nature.


    Does that mean she has something to make you work harder?


    I told you it was in your nature, Kane said, poisoning his mind.


    But, well, he owed Crono a debt of gratitude for saving his life.


    I have an obligation to take care of my business, and I owe him a debt of gratitude for making me clean up my mismanagement.


    ''''You don''t have much of a big deal to say what it is.


    ''Good. I''d be questioning my sanity if you told me that the girl had a crush on me.


    It''s not as bad as it sounds.


    It''s true that Crono isn''t the kind of charismatic person to enthrall others.


    ''But, well, I thought for sure...''


    What are you talking about?


    I''m talking to you.


    Last February, Crono made one proclamation in the halls of the Marquis'' mansion.


    Let''s make it a nation of equal value and meaning, where sub-humans, commoners and nobles are not separated," he said.


    I felt shown the way at that moment.


    A third way, not only to live with sadness and anger, but also to live a life that is not dominated by hatred and driven to ruin.


    ''Grin and grin, that''s weird,''


    Let it go.

 69-Episode 4 "Mercenary Guild"

    *


    Kane stood near the pier and narrowed his eyes.


    A ship was anchored to the pier.


    The ship''s sails from Kane''s memory are square, but the ship''s sails are triangular.


    Am I remembering it wrong?��Kane tilted his head.


    But Kane quickly concluded that it wasn''t worth bothering with.


    If it bothered him, it was just the beginning.


    Kane carefully watched the head of the mercenary guild, Sif, standing on the deck, watching his movements.


    Kane reached for the hilt of his sword.


    Earlier, Kane dared Sif to say that he was ready to cut his head off rather than be a liability to Crono, but there was a difference between choosing death from himself and being slashed without resistance.


    Well, it''s not like he''s going to slash me at this time.


    Sif has visited the Marquis'' mansion many times and has been in dialogue with Crono.


    Considering the work that Sif had to do, the dialogue with Crono must have been quite a burden.


    Even so, Sif did not have a substitute.


    That''s how important Sif considers this job to be.


    ''''Oh, are you nervous?''''


    A little bit, yeah.


    Kane glared at Elaine, who was standing next to him before he knew it.


    Today Elaine is dressed in a very revealing outfit.


    Elaine is wearing a dress........or is it a dress?


    No, no, I can''t get rid of the line that it''s a cloth.


    First of all, there are no sleeves.


    Two strands of cloth stretching from her back hide her ample breasts.


    The cloth is so close to the body that even if someone were standing diagonally behind you, you would not be able to see them.


    The length of the skirt is also short.


    If it''s this short, the skirt part is not even necessary.


    Once Kane had finished greeting Sif, he decided to climb the stairs before Elaine and head back to the deputy''s office.


    ''But then again, can''t you get a handle on those onlookers?


    You can''t.


    Kane looked around in disgust.


    A large crowd of onlookers surrounded one corner of the harbor.


    Some of them seemed to be looking at Elaine instead of Sif and the mercenaries, though.


    Well, it''s not hard to see why they''re looking at Elaine.


    Elaine is an attractive woman.


    She is refined in her behavior, even if it''s just one thing she does.


    You will be able to find a lot of people who have a lot of experience in this field.


    "Are you attracted to it?


    That''s why you''re here, man.


    Kane replied flatly to Elaine, who asked mischievously.


    ''I was the bridge between her and Sif, and that ship... well, it''s a ''union'' ship that I run, in case you were wondering.


    I think Crono said that Elaine had introduced him to Sif, but after all, that was months ago.


    ''Why are you next to me?''


    It''s just to show you how close I am to you. It''s obvious.


    Kane exhaled through his nose and looked behind him over his shoulder.


    A shoddy desk was placed somewhat away from him.


    This is where Westa checks the mercenary''s name and Rona is supposed to hand over the permit issued by Crono.


    Westa noticed Kane''s gaze and gave a sly smile.


    Rona''s eyebrows knit together in annoyance and she tensed up.


    Kane reflexively looked at the ship and saw that Sif was about to get off the ship.


    About twenty men followed Sif.


    It''s no wonder that Rona is making her body tense up.


    If these hundred or so don''t cause any problems, we''ll add another hundred, and if they don''t cause any problems for a certain period of time, we''ll give them permission to call their relatives.


    Why are there kids in the mix?��And Kane spotted a child among the strong men and tilted his head.


    He must be about fifteen in age.


    His brown hair was shaggy, perhaps from the boat trip, or maybe he hadn''t intended to get it right from the start.


    His skin is dark and sallow.


    His body is well-trained.


    But the lines are thin.


    It wouldn''t be suitable for head-to-head combat.


    Sif stopped his steps at a distance where Kane''s attack may or may not reach him.


    ''''Well what should I do?''''


    It''s like you''re referring to a list of names and IDs you''ve been given and then handing in your permit.


    It wouldn''t be inadequate to inquire about the list of names and IDs prepared by the mercenary guild, Kane felt, but he didn''t say it.


    ''How useful is that permit?''


    It''s a lot more useful than a tattoo to ward off evil. After all, it''s signed by Brad Hamal, too.


    The Viscount Hamal family is a noble family with a good history, and the head of the family, Brad, is the head of the Fifth Order of the Kingsguard.


    The other nobles should be able to respond accordingly when they see Brad''s signature.


    ''''Well, let''s get the formalities done quickly.


    Okay.


    Kane stood next to Westa and watched the proceedings.


    He was worried that there would be trouble, but his fears were unfounded.


    In the meantime, the child''s turn came.


    Quanto''s eyes were not friendly.


    If I had to put it another way, it''s similar to the way Elena looks at Kane.


    It''s not unreasonable, Kane thought.


    Kane is a traitor to the Mercenary Guild.


    As Kane was thinking about this, a pain shot through his leg.


    Quanto had stepped on Kane''s foot.


    No, I should say, he stepped on it.


    Quanto had a smile on his face.


    It wasn''t a big smile either, but a dark one.


    Kane let out a sigh and raised his arms.


    Quanto reared back and slammed into the man behind him.


    Kane scratched his neck, and Quanto turned over, his face red.


    Quanto took the permission slip from Rona and ran towards the city.


    ''You''re good with kids, aren''t you?''


    I just scratched my neck.


    Elaine let out a chuckle and a sneaky laugh.


    *


    Kane has finished his day''s work and stands in front of his communication magic item.


    Well, even though he has finished his day''s work, Kane hasn''t done much of anything.


    The only thing Kane did was to supervise Westa and Rona''s work and patrol the city to see if there was any trouble.


    ''It''s kind of ... jarring,''


    Kane finished his report to Crono and brought his cup to his mouth.


    ''''You didn''t have any trouble with the acceptance of the Mercenary Guild, did you?''''


    ''Oh?��Yeah, no trouble, apparently.


    Kane tilted his head.


    He had just finished his report.


    Naturally, he also reported on the acceptance of the mercenary guild.


    Well, he didn''t report about being stepped on by Quanto.


    ''''Well, as long as there''s no trouble, that''s fine.''''


    Crono sounded like he had an object stuck in his back teeth.


    Since he''s going out of his way to point it out, Crono must have figured out that Kane had been stepped on by Quanto.


    Does that mean someone else was reporting it before I did?��And Kane thought of Elaine first, but given the time frame, it would be someone who worked at the deputy office.


    ''Kane, good job today.''


    Yeah, good job.


    Kane covered the communication magic item with a thick cloth.


    Well, even if he covered it with a thick cloth, it couldn''t completely block out the sound.


    *


    The next day, Kane was poking his cheekbones upstairs in the deputy''s office.


    It''s a beautiful day.


    On a day like this, riding a horse down the street would be a refreshing change of pace.


    But Kane couldn''t be absent from the magistrate''s office.


    ''You''re bored,''


    You''re not busy.


    Yes.


    Kane muttered, and Westa and Rona agreed.


    At this point, Mary and Kate, who were working as a receptionist downstairs, would probably agree with them.


    The main job of the deputy''s office is to witness the contracts between the mercenary guild and the merchants.


    Without contracts, there would be no work for the deputy''s office.


    In the morning, Rona and Westa had been cleaning and killing time, but they felt like they had cleaned it all up.


    ''''Well it would be nice if you could come and say hello at a time like this. The only thing I did today was clean up a dead rat''s body, you know.


    Kane poked at his cheekbones.


    In the morning, when Kane woke up and looked around the deputies'' office, he found a dead rat in the entrance of the deputies'' office.


    ''''Speaking of which, where do you mercenary guild members sleep?''''


    They''re supposed to sleep in a guild-owned building.


    Kane answered Westa''s question.


    The Mercenary Guild is based in Sylvania.


    Sif wouldn''t have been able to use the connections the Mercenary Guild had cultivated so far, so he would have relied on Elaine.


    ''''What........is the problem?''''


    Yeah, I don''t see any trouble as far as I can see.


    Rona''s eyes widened in surprise as Kane replied.


    ''Did Master Kane make his rounds last night?''


    That''s my nature.


    The hundred or so people accepted this time are the elite of the mercenary guild they are either Sif''s children or, if not, they understand Sif''s true intentions.


    They shouldn''t cause any problems unless something bad happens.


    You can''t afford not to be vigilant about it.


    They are an armed group of a hundred men.


    I''m not getting into any trouble, Kane added in his mind.


    He could feel their eyes on him as he was looking around the city.


    I hope it doesn''t get messy, Kane said, looking up at the ceiling.


    Three days later, a memorable first job arrived at the deputies'' office.


    The mercenaries were hired by the Peddlers'' Guild.


    The Peddlers Guild hired ten mercenaries, and the contract price was reasonable for the amount of ten mercenaries, a small amount for hiring the elite of the mercenary guild.


    Kane made sure that the three contracts were in agreement and wrote his signature.


    One copy would be kept by the Mercenary Guild, the other by the Peddlers'' Union, and the last one by the Substitute Office.


    This is a dimension that neither the Mercenary Guild nor the Peddlers Union can change the terms of the contract at will.


    Kane could do whatever he wanted if he colluded with either of them, but Kane had no intention of accommodating either of them.


    Kane has learned from his own experience that if the policeman is corrupt, the whole thing is ruined.


    No problem.


    Kane said, and Sif and the head of the peddlers'' union left the room.


    They reviewed the contract and handed it to Wester.


    ''Keep it in the vault. Don''t lose it.''


    I won''t lose it.


    Wester''s lips quirked up in a sulk, and he left the room.


    ''Isn''t that too low a price to pay now?��Even if we were to hire the mercenary guild''s elite, right?


    It''s an agreed-upon amount. It''s not our business.


    Kane said to Rona, who looked dissatisfied.


    The reason why Rona could say it was cheap was because, like Kane, she knew the amount of money to hire the elite of the mercenary guild in the Free City State group.


    But, Kane thinks.


    Mercenaries are not considered regular business in the Cepheus Empire.


    The Mercenary Guild is contracted for a decent and profitable amount of money despite the fact that it is no wonder they are underfoot.


    That proves that the Mercenary Guild is not a group of combat idiots.


    ''''........Whatever it is, it would be nice if they were a little busier. It''s like we''re counting on the bottom line of the mercenary guild.


    Kane crossed his arms behind his head and looked up at the ceiling.


    *


    Kane walks the streets.


    Sylvania is a developing city.


    The only place where the ground is paved with cobblestones is near the harbor ... around the buildings of the five merchant associations and the peddlers'' guild, the rest of the city is bare dirt.


    The streets are not sophisticated, but they are hot.


    It''s not a booming economy like Herschel''s, but a fervor as if the city itself has the will to grow.


    It is both clean and cloudy, chaotic and orderly.


    He loved the incomprehensible heat of Sylvania.


    Kane stopped in his tracks.


    He felt eyes on him again today.


    Should I ask him out?��Kane often thought about it.


    It didn''t seem like there was any harm in leaving the owner of the gaze, but the dead rats were bothering him.


    The number of dead rats was increasing with each passing day.


    This morning, Kane cleaned up four dead rats this morning.


    I want to do something about it before it escalates to cats and dogs.


    Kane''s feet naturally turned toward the less popular ones.


    A short walk and he would soon find himself in an unpopular clearing.


    Kane turned around in the clearing away from Sylvania and the deputy office... or maybe I should say the wasteland....


    ''Yo, nice day, huh?''


    It''s a good day for you to die.


    When Kane spoke to her, Quanto was also openly hostile.


    "Why do I have to die?


    You don''t know what you''re talking about, traitor!��You''ve been in the Guild''s care, and you''ve rubbed mud in its face!��That sin must be paid for with death!


    Kane chuckled.


    ''What''s so funny!''


    ''I don''t know what you''re feeling, Quanto. But, you know, my boss is talking to the victim''s merchant, and Sif... seems to have a policy of meditating on what I''ve done, here.


    That''s it," Quanto quipped.


    As I thought, it seems that this case is Quanto''s sole decision.


    ''I''d like to end this quietly somehow,'' said Kane, looking at Quanto.


    ''Well, you feel a little better now that you''ve left a dead rat on the doorstep of the deputy''s office, don''t you?


    .....


    Quanto glared at Kane with a devilish look on his face.


    ''Ugh, shut up!��Big mouth!��Draw your sword!��Game on!


    I''m sorry, but I have no intention of drawing my sword.


    Quanto drew his sword and came at Kane.


    As it appeared, Quanto seemed to be able to move quite well.


    Quanto flashed his sword and Kane jumped backwards to duck the attack.


    Quanto got pissed off and swung his sword around, but each time he did so, Kane ducked the attack from a great distance.


    It''s not a big deal, he thought as he dived.


    It''s a good thing that you can move around for your age.


    That''s just the way it is for his age.


    There are many mercenaries in the guild who are even better than Quanto.


    Kane didn''t understand why Sif had bothered to bring Quanto with him.


    Could he neutralize them with physical techniques alone?��And Kane grabbed Quanto''s wrist.


    Kane grabbed Quanto''s arm so easily that it was anticlimactic.


    ''Let go!''


    It''s that easy....


    Kane''s hand is played.


    No, Quanto played Kane''s arm, not his hand.


    Quanto pulled away from Kane with a ridiculous leap of strength.


    ''''.........The Marking Technique?''''


    Yes!


    Quanto proudly puffed out his chest.


    The black light colored Quanto''s body like a barbarian''s war makeup.


    Quanto''s imprint was different from that of Crono and Suu.


    ''''........And this is my power!


    "Oh, come on, are you serious?


    Quanto''s imprint shone so brightly that Kane''s consciousness was consumed by darkness.


    *


    You can see the fangs.


    I see claws.


    Eyes as dark as the abyss stare at Kane from the darkness.


    Fragmented memories explode.


    Claws tear at his body, fangs digging into his arms.


    The guy heard Kane''s cries and narrowed his eyes in amusement.


    When Kane opened his eyes, he found Elaine staring at him with a worried look on her face.


    It wasn''t just Elaine, but also Westa and Sif.


    ''''........Shit, hell?''''


    There''s no way in hell you can look someone in the face, is there?


    When Kane spat, Elaine''s cheeks twitched as she spat.


    Even if this wasn''t hell, she felt terrible.


    A terrible headache.


    Nausea.


    It was feverish, as if he had a bad quality cold, and his whole body creaked and ached.


    Kane looked around.


    Apparently he was in a room in the quarters.


    Perhaps someone had carried him in.


    ''Sif, what was that?��That kid, right in front of me....


    Kane shook his head.


    He couldn''t believe what he was seeing.


    Anyone would.


    ''She''s turned into a wolf!


    Kane, you probably hit your head pretty hard.


    Oh, come on, don''t look at me like I''m looking at that poor kid.


    Kane gave a weak shove to Elaine, who gave him a pitying look.


    ''Sif, that was real, wasn''t it?��What was that?


    ...the Marking technique.


    Sif said with a sigh.


    ''Really?��In case you''re wondering, I''ve been looking into the imprinting technique too, I''ve never heard of it being able to turn into a wolf.


    When I say I researched it, I only read a book in the Marquis'' mansion, but there was no mention of transformation in it.


    ''''Not many in my clan have the power to transform into a wolf. It''s a bloodline, an unusual ability that manifests itself extremely rarely within a certain bloodline.


    But why is it a wolf?


    "Our family lore states that the spirits are in high places, and when they interfere with the human world, they take on the form of creatures from this world to manifest themselves.


    The reason Sif didn''t assert it was because he didn''t believe the family lore.


    ''So you''re a wolf?''


    ''Oh, whoever expresses this ability gains the power of a transformed creature.


    Does this mean you have the smell and hearing of a wolf?


    That is true. If the lore is correct.


    Kane gritted his teeth and sat up.


    ''Don''t move!''


    Yeah, we''ll take care of the rest.


    What do you mean?


    Sif let out a sigh.


    ''Why do you ask something so obvious,'' he said.


    ''''According to the guild''s rules, I will dispose of Quanto. Of course, I will pay for his treatment and fees. I hope you can put this matter behind you.


    Not bad, Kane calculated calmly.


    Getting rid of Quanto would also serve as a warning to the other mercenaries.


    Kane would be able to clean up the mess without getting his hands dirty, plus he''d get his medical bills and fees.


    ''Do you agree?''


    ...f*ck off, you piece of shit.


    Kane spat and got off the bed.


    ''Kane, you''re not just a mercenary captain anymore, are you?


    I know. I''m a deputy. But, you know, I''m not someone who''s made up for it by letting the kids do me a favor and keeping my mouth shut.


    Wait, this isn''t just about you.


    Sif blocked Kane''s path.


    No wonder he''s upset.


    He is trying to get things under control, even if it means killing his own men.


    ''You''re the one who needs to back off. This is between me and Quanto. Now, get out of the way.


    Kane pushed Sif away and reached for the door.


    *


    As Kane entered the dining room and tavern, the men - mainly the mercenaries - looked at Kane.


    Quanto was among them.


    Kane tried his best to appear frivolous and approached Quanto.


    Quanto stared at Kane with contemptuous eyes.


    To Quanto now, Kane was a hapless loser.


    Maybe Quanto is sure of his next victory, too.


    ''''Oh come on, don''t look at me so scared. ''No, I feel bad about my time as a mercenary, you know. That''s why I''ve come to apologize. I don''t want to be hurt twice or three times, either. Hey, sis. A drink for them and a glass of milk for the kids.


    When Kane wound up, the mercenaries released their stance in relief.


    The woman who served them quickly brought drinks and milk to the counter.


    ''I''ll take care of it, you just do your job.


    Kane took it from the serving girl and handed each mercenary a drink.


    ''I''m sorry,''


    ....


    Quanto was silent, but he was smiling with a proud smile.


    The next moment, the tavern was in an uproar.


    Because Kane flipped his cup over Quanto''s head and showered him with milk.


    What are you doing?


    Of course I''m here to pick a fight, you little shit!


    Kane said back to the milk-soaked Quanto.


    ''This time, I''m going to kill you!��Get out there!


    ''Oh?��You''re an idiot. If we had a run-in right there, we''d be in trouble with all those people who were in the mood to hook you up with a drink. Follow me.


    Kane shuffled his chin and Quanto stood up.


    ''You can bring your friends along if you miss them, okay?


    Who?


    When Kane left the tavern, he headed for the port.


    It wasn''t because he thought the port at this time of day would not bother anyone.


    Kane stopped at a suitable spot and turned to Quanto.


    Perhaps it was because he had walked a bit, but Quanto seemed to have regained his composure.


    ''Come on, draw your sword!


    The kid doesn''t need a sword. I''ll have this one.


    Kane clenched his fist and thrust it at Quanto.


    ''You use the imprinting technique yourself. Well, you won''t win this time, even if you use the imprinting technique.


    I''ll cut you to pieces as you wish!


    Quanto howled to the heavens.


    Jet-black light colored Quanto''s body like a barbarian''s war makeup.


    The jet-black light flickered irregularly and emitted a strong light.


    In the next moment, jet-black light erupted from the imprint and covered Quanto''s body.


    Quanto completed his transformation and turned into a wolf with jet-black fur.


    Kane had no idea what kind of logic was behind the transformation.


    ''''Let''s go........!


    Quanto opened his big mouth and attacked Kane.


    Kane rolled on the ground and ducked Quanto''s mouthpiece.


    Quanto flipped as soon as he landed and attacked Kane again.


    Kane thought he ducked with plenty of time to spare, but pain shot through his shoulder.


    When Kane touched his shoulder, blood wet his fingertips.


    ''''What''s wrong?��Can''t you resist?��If you apologize for crying, I can forgive you, okay?''


    ''Oh, come on, you just made him bleed a little and you''re declaring victory. I''m about to start fighting back.


    Then don''t die!


    Shit, did I piss you off too much?��And Kane regretted it a bit.


    Quanto''s speed completely exceeded Kane''s ability.


    Kane could only follow it with his eyes.


    ''Why?��Why can''t you kill me!


    Quanto stopped moving and yelled in frustration.


    Kane wiped his chin with the back of his hand.


    Blood was sticky on the back of his hand.


    It''s easy to see why Kane is able to outrun Quanto''s attacks.


    Quanto''s movements are too linear.


    "You''re not much for a big mouth. Oh, is that what I think it is?��Actually, the power of spirits isn''t much of a stretch, is it?��You said you''d get the power of the wolf, but the wolf is stronger than you.


    "Shut the f*ck up!


    Quanto jumped at Kane.


    Kane hung up the edge of his mouth and flicked his finger at the first trump card.


    It emitted an intense light at the tip of Quanto''s nose.


    ''''Gyaaaaaaah!''''


    Quanto failed to land and made a pawing motion to scratch his face.


    Kane hit Quanto with a second trump card.


    The first trump card was a magic item that emitted a flash of light.


    The second trump card was a pepper wrapped in paper.


    ''Gehaha!��You, you coward!


    Shut up!��There''s no such thing as cowardice in a fight!


    Kane kept throwing a second trump card at Quanto, carefully shifting his position.


    Quanto looked at Kane.


    Kane took away Quanto''s sense of sight and smell.


    But Quanto''s hearing was still intact.


    To Kane, it looked like Quanto laughed.


    ''You''re bypassing me!��I still have my ears!''


    Shit!


    Quanto jumped at Kane.


    His aim was his neck.


    Kane reflexively shielded his neck with his arm.


    Quanto''s fangs dug into his arm.


    ''Hahaha!��How about that!��My ears have got you!��Even if you''re blind or nose-deaf, you''re not the enemy!''


    Really?��Then I''ll explain it to you, just in case.


    Kane hugged Quanto with all his strength.


    How in the world can you make a sound when you''re biting into my arms?��And while Kane was thinking.


    The ocean is behind you. Hey, how good a swimmer are you?


    Kane hugged Quanto and jumped into the water.


    I should have thought of that after I jumped into the ocean, Kane said, dragging Quanto along with him to the deputy''s office.


    Passersby turned to look at him, but Kane ignored them.


    Sif and Westa were standing in front of the deputies'' office.


    Westa rushed over to Kane, awkwardly panicking.


    ''Mr. Kane, you''re hurt!


    It''s not that bad.


    Kane reached out to pat Westa''s head, but realized his hand was wet and scratched his own head.


    ''Yo, we won,''


    I don''t expect you to lose. Neither do I, and neither does Elaine.


    Sif said with a mortified look on his face.


    ''Is it a sign of trust not to greet me?''


    That woman (Elaine) left because she was tired of you.


    Oh, yeah?


    Kane removed his hand from Quanto''s.


    There was a thump.


    The impact must have been well deserved, but Quanto remained unconscious.


    ''Take him home quickly.''


    ...Report?


    I''m gonna say it again, because you don''t seem to understand.


    Kane stared at Sif and said slowly.


    ''This whole thing is a fight between me and Quanto. So there''s no need for Quanto to get rid of it, and I''m not going to report the stupid ''I got in a fight and I beat the kid up'' thing.


    ''You understand,'' said Kane, poking Sif lightly in the chest with his fist.


    ''Is that your way?''


    Yeah, that''s what I do.


    *


    The next morning, Kane woke up in physical pain.


    But he feels fine.


    Losing is not a hobby.


    There''s a little more room.


    Well, not today..., Kane threw on his jacket and headed to the front door of the deputy''s office.


    Quanto was sitting in the doorway of the deputy''s office.


    ''What is this a joke?''


    ....


    Quanto doesn''t answer.


    ''Hey, say something,''


    I was...


    Quanto muttered something.


    ''I can''t hear you,''


    Your father disowned me because of you!


    Kane said, and Quanto exclaimed in a rage.


    ''What?''


    Kane looked at Quanto.


    Quanto didn''t look like he was lying.


    ''Who''s your father, father?''


    It''s Sif.


    ''Is that what a certain bloodline is? I mean, what''s a disowned one, a disowned one?


    It doesn''t make sense that Sif was going to kill his own child.


    No, even Kane can see that Sif is that serious.


    ''Of course I''m going to die in the wild if I let this kid go.


    Oh, I''m a full-fledged warrior!


    ''Lie. You didn''t have anyone to turn to, so you rolled up to me, didn''t you?


    ...Ug.


    Quanto grunted.


    Even Quanto wouldn''t think of relying on the person who tried to kill him twice if he had someone else to rely on, or if he had learned how to live on his own.


    ''Let''s get inside, for now. After that you''re going to be short-handed and you''re going to have to work for the magistrate''s office and figure out what to do with yourself.


    I demand to be treated like a warrior.


    Well, when you learn to do something other than fight.


    With that, Kane opened the door of the deputy''s office.

 70-Episode 5 "Child"

    *


    Kane slowly opened his eyes.


    This isn''t Hachel''s, Kane stood up and put on his pants, which he hung over the headboard.


    The structure of the cavalry barracks adjacent to the deputy''s office was the same as the one in Hachel, and the room layout was the same.


    No, there are two differences.


    One is that the furnishings provided are new, and the other is that there is a rule that the men use the rooms on the ground floor and the women use the rooms on the second floor.


    I don''t need to think about why.


    Except when you can''t afford it, you should value decency and discretion when you can afford it.


    Kane left the room, biting down on his absent-mindedness.


    An appetizing smell wafted through the air.


    However, Aria''s cooking suited Kane''s taste buds.


    It was more nostalgic than delicious.


    Kane resisted the urge to go straight to the dining room and walked out into the garden of the deputy''s office.


    Quanto was wielding a wooden sword in the garden of the deputy''s office.


    ''''.....��.........!


    Kane leaned his back against the wall of the barracks and stared at Quanto.


    Three days had passed since Quanto had rolled into the deputies'' office.


    Quanto locked himself in his room on the first and second days, and on the third day he couldn''t stand his hunger anymore and came out of his room.


    Today, on the fourth day, Quanto is working hard on his swordsmanship training.


    He looks like he is hurting himself beyond encouragement.


    ''Hey, Quanto,''


    ''......��.........!


    Even as Kane called out, Quanto was still swinging his wooden sword.


    ''Why are you doing the bare swings?''


    When Kane spoke again, Quanto interrupted his pretense and stared at Kane.


    ''I''m trying to get your father to disown me. As I grow into a warrior, I''m sure he will change his mind. If you understand, then don''t speak to me again.


    Kane thought it was childishly shallow, but he didn''t say it.


    Quanto resumed his pretense.


    ''Are you a virgin?''


    ''......��Hey, hey, what do you say, you!


    Quanto interrupted his bare body, turned red and shouted.


    Apparently, at this rate, Quanto is a virgin.


    Well, in a s*xual sense.


    ''Don''t get me wrong. I meant, have you ever killed someone?


    No.


    Quanto looked down in frustration.


    ''I see.''


    I''ll be giving up my virginity soon!


    ''No, no, keep your virginity. I mean, if you''re too busy throwing away your virginity, you''ll die in your first battle.


    I''m a warrior!��Warriors are not afraid of death!


    ...you idiot.


    Kane spat.


    Fortunately, Kane''s muttering didn''t seem to be heard by Quanto.


    Kane picked up a nearby broom and walked over to Quanto.


    ''You up for it?��I''ll take that!��I''m going to beat you this time!


    Wrong. I told you to pay for three days'' lodging and one day''s food before you train in swordsmanship.


    Quanto snorted grimly as Kane held out his broom.


    ''''Well I''m a warrior.


    What about it?��I''m not sycophantic enough to feed a guy who doesn''t work. Yeah, no, I wouldn''t think twice about it if I said, ''Please give me food and a place to sleep.''


    Give me that!


    Quanto took the broom roughly from Kane.


    ''Leave the wooden sword behind,''


    I know.


    Quanto shoved his wooden sword at Kane and took a wild step toward the doorway of the deputy''s office.


    ''Well, let''s get started,''


    Kane grabbed the wooden sword and began to swing with his bare hands.


    *


    Kane finished his bare hands and went to the bathroom to wash off the sweat.


    Even though it was spring, the air in the bathroom was cold.


    Kane thought that he should have had hot water prepared for him, but he quickly reminded himself that luxury was the enemy.


    There was only one maid in the deputy''s office.


    It felt bad to put the burden on her just to have Kane alone to bathe in hot water.


    When Kane shaved and went to the dining room, Westa and Rona had taken their seats.


    Quanto was also chuffed to be seated.


    Kane took his seat.


    Then Aria brought the food to him at the perfect time.


    Aria was the first to place the food in front of Kane. It was white fish soup and barley porridge.


    Kane ate the food in silence.


    A table without conversation is lonely.


    Even Kane knows that, but he doesn''t know what to talk about.


    It''s easy to talk about if you''re a woman in a cheap inn, tavern, or brothel.


    It''s a business, so as long as you don''t talk about something too crazy, they''ll be on board.


    In the end, Kane finished his meal without saying a word.


    ''''Kane-sama, how was the food today?'''' (PUMO?)


    Yeah, it''s not bad. But it''s still too salty.


    According to Crono''s story, Aria was cooking for the workers during the construction of the port.


    Therefore, Aria''s food is probably seasoned for manual laborers.


    ''''I''ll try to reduce it a little more.'''' (Pumo)


    With that, Aria put the plate on the tray.


    Aria, the miscellaneous maidservant (maid all-works) at the deputy''s office, is a hard worker.


    At first Kane thought it was impossible when he heard that a minotaur was going to serve as a maid, but he came to believe that this could be the case.


    The Minotaur''s Aria can do cleaning, laundry, cooking, and even heavy lifting.


    This ability to do the heavy lifting is extremely useful as a miscellaneous maidservant (maid all works).


    Aria collected Rona''s plate and stopped next to Westa.


    A bit of barley porridge remains.


    Westa came from a wealthy, albeit fallen, merchant family.


    Westa''s palate would be suitably discerning, so perhaps Aria''s food was not to his taste.


    Rona is worried in the opposite way to Westa.


    Rona eats all the food served to her, but does not say anything about her preferences or flavors.


    Hey, Rona, how was the food? Did you like the food?


    What?


    When Kane asked curiously, Rona looked at Kane with a puzzled look on her face.


    ''Just to get a free meal,''


    Rona looked down in embarrassment.


    ''Master Crono doesn''t take rent or anything, you know.


    Crono does not deduct from the servants'' salaries the cost of utilities, food, or clothing worn in the house.


    There are special leave and special allowances for the end of the year and the beginning of the year.


    ''Hey, there!��Don''t try to leave the dining room so quickly!


    Why?��Did you finish your breakfast?


    Kane stopped Quanto as he was leaving the dining room.


    ''If you''ve eaten, help me wash the dishes.


    ''From what you''ve just told me, this Crono guy is just going to feed you, right?


    Wrong. Master Crono is very kind to his men and servants. Are you Master Crono''s subordinate?��A servant of Master Crono''s?


    No.


    Quanto replied grimly.


    ''But I''m a warrior. I demand to be treated like a warrior!


    All right, warrior. Would you mind washing the dishes in lieu of paying for your stay with the hand that always holds the sword?��Cleaning the front door of a government office isn''t even enough to pay for a meal.


    Uguguugu, Quanto let out a strange roar.


    ''....All right. Aria, teach me to wash the dishes.


    "Yes.


    ''It''s Mr. Aria, Mr. Aria. I''m your senior.


    I hate you.


    With that, Quanto walked out of the dining room with Aria.


    ''Mr. Kane, don''t you think that''s a bit of an exaggeration?''


    Kids like that will take advantage of you if you''re nice to them.


    Haha, Westa laughed dryly.


    Kane poked his cheekbones and checked Westa''s plate.


    The plate was empty.


    Apparently, Aria''s barley porridge was good for Westa''s taste.


    Although it''s possible that Westa is holding back.


    Kane went back to his room and changed his clothes.


    He checked in the mirror to make sure he wasn''t unshaven and chuckled.


    It had been almost two years since Kane had become Crono''s man.


    During that time, he had neglected to take care of his beard.


    As soon as he became a deputy, he was concerned about his unshaven beard.


    It''s a bitter smile.


    Kane went to the deputy''s office, and on the way there he ran into Quanto.


    Quanto stared at Kane evasively.


    ''Quanto, did you wash the dishes properly?''


    I did.


    Quanto spat and turned to leave.


    Kane thrust his hand against the wall, blocking Quanto''s path.


    ''What do you need yet?''


    "When the dishes are done, you will clean the barracks and do the laundry. When you''re done cleaning and washing, you''ll be ready for a bath.


    I''m a warrior!��I''m not your slave!


    You should work like a slave before you say anything like that. Besides, you''re a warrior, you''re only half human, and you can''t even feed yourself.


    Quanto stared at Kane with a devilish look on his face.


    ''It''s all right as long as you earn it?''


    Yeah, you pay me and I''ll treat you like a customer. Well, as long as you make your own money.


    Don''t forget those words!


    I won''t forget.


    Quanto brushed Caine''s hand away and walked away with a rough gait.


    Well, I guess I can''t, Kane scratched his neck.


    Kane stopped at the dining room.


    In the dining room, Aria was wiping down the table.


    ''Well, Master Kane!'' (PUMO!)


    Aria looked at Kane and rested her hand on the table wiping it down.


    ''Yo, how was Quanto?''


    ...?


    Aria tilted her head as if to say she didn''t know what it meant.


    I''m just wondering if Quanto is a serious worker.


    ''''Oh, yes, Quanto-chan was working diligently.'''' (Pumo, pumo~)


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make your life easier.


    It''s no wonder that Aria is ten years older than Quanto, so it''s not surprising that she''s attached to the ''chan''.


    ''''.........just'''' (........pumo~)


    Aria put her hand to her cheek and let out a melancholy sigh.


    ''Just what?''


    ''''It seems that Quanto-chan had never done much housework before.'''' (Pumo Pumo)


    Apparently, Quanto wasn''t very good at washing dishes.


    It''s not surprising that he''s not a good washer and dryer, considering he''s the son of the chief.


    "I''m sorry, but can you teach him a few things?


    "...that''s fine, but...


    Aria looks confused.


    ''''I don''t know how serious Sif is, but there''s no harm in remembering that. You can''t just fight, no matter how much you''re a mercenary.


    Combat skills are important to mercenaries, but housekeeping skills are also important.


    Housekeeping in general is a newbie''s job in any mercenary group.


    ''''Yes, if it''s okay with me.'''' (Pumo)


    I asked for it, Kane said as he left the dining room.


    Kane stopped in the middle of the courtyard.


    He suddenly felt uncomfortable.


    In any mercenary group, general housework was a new job for the newcomers.


    And yet Quanto was not good at washing dishes.


    Kane easily assumed that Quanto hadn''t done any housework because he was the child of the Chief, but would Sif treat his own child in a special way?


    If Sif gave Quanto special treatment, there would always be complaints from his old subordinates.


    It wouldn''t be Sif who didn''t notice that.


    ''''.......................Quanto doesn''t have any common sense as a mercenary?��Yeah, no, maybe they were going to educate you from now on, right?


    Kane rustled and scratched his head.


    *


    Naturally, Mary and Kate, the receptionist, were at the reception counter.


    The first floor of the agency is the waiting room.


    The waiting room is a drab room with only a row of long chairs.


    Merchants who sign a contract with the Mercenary Guild are supposed to fill in their names at the reception desk and wait their turn, but there''s no need to wait in the waiting room.


    ''''Yo, how''s it going?''''


    I''m afraid I''m going to be fired with so much free time on my hands.


    I was just thinking about getting a job.


    Mary and Kate let out a gloomy sigh.


    They have rented their own room, so they must have some thoughts about the current situation.


    ''I don''t think they''re going to fire me out of the blue, though.


    I have some reserves, but it''s just ''in its own way.''


    At my age, there are places that will hire me.


    Huh, Mary and Kate let out a depressed sigh again.


    Kane couldn''t say anything to make them feel better and went upstairs to the second floor of the deputy''s office.


    On the second floor of the House of Delegates, Westa and Rona were working on cleaning.


    Westa and Rona were cleaning all the time, so there was no trash that looked like trash.


    Kane took his seat and poked his cheekbones in the air.


    The work of the deputy office basically depended on the activities of the mercenary guild.


    Since mercenary earning is not considered a regular occupation in the Cepheus Empire, it might be natural for the deputy''s office to be bored.


    Kane poked his cheekbones and watched as Westa and Rona cleaned up.


    Westa''s handiwork was poor, as if she had been raised by a young lady.


    Rona''s was a quick and efficient cleaner.


    The cleaning of the upstairs was done in a little over an hour.


    ''Master Kane, we have work to do.


    Oh, excuse me.


    Mary''s voice echoed from the communication magic item on Kane''s desk.


    The communication magic item on Kane''s desk was dedicated to a very short distance between the first and second floors.


    As Sif and the merchant entered the room, Rona took the contract and placed it on Westa''s desk.


    Westa reads the contract and checks with Sif and the merchant to see if there are any discrepancies in the contract.


    Kane signs the contract as a witness and the job is done.


    ''Sif, stay behind for a bit.''


    Okay.


    Sif had a brief meeting with the merchant and the merchant left the room first.


    Sif stood in front of Kane''s desk.


    ''Um, would you like me to take it off?''


    I don''t have much to say to you.


    Kane answered Westa and looked at Sif.


    ''It''s about Quanto, though.


    I disowned that one. Bake it, boil it, peel it, do whatever you want.


    You''re a demon.


    Kane rammed into Sif, who said it without changing his face.


    Well, I guess Sif is sure that Kane won''t give Quanto a terrible time.


    ''Hey, why did you bring Quanto with you, rather than disowned him?


    Quanto is one of the candidates for chief. But I don''t know where he was raised wrong, and it turned out that way.


    Sif crossed his arms and let out a sigh.


    ''''Even though he''s one of the candidates for Chieftain, the future of my clan is bleak with that.


    Well, yeah.


    Kane nodded at Sif''s words.


    ''We can''t talk about this in the Boar Warriors.


    So you disowned me and retrained me?


    ''That''s what I mean. Not that I don''t want you as a parent to see the wider world.


    ''Which is it?'' said Kane, shoving it into his mind.


    ''By the way, where''s Quanto?''


    What the hell, he''s a parent. He''s out there making money as a warrior or something. Well, he''ll be back when he''s hungry, won''t he?


    ''Hmm,'' said Sif, stroking his chin thoughtfully.


    ''Then I guess I wasn''t looking at it wrong.


    Oh, you look like a serious businessman.


    Kane chuckled as he imagined Quanto looking for a job.


    ''Yeah, he was in a cage. Apparently, the slavers have caught him.


    ''You''re not ''yo-yo''!��You''re not just in the big world, you''re in a small cage!


    Kane stood up and slammed the desk.


    ''You seriously abandoned your own child, what are you doing?


    That''s what disowned is all about.


    You''re a real demon, aren''t you?


    Kane ran out of the room.


    He ran down the stairs and opened the door vigorously.


    It''s dangerous!


    Elaine''s angry voice slammed into Kane.


    ''If you''re complaining, I''ll hear about it later!��Quanto is...........................Quanto!


    Kane noticed that Quanto was next to Elaine and peeled his eyes away in surprise.


    Quanto was wearing a rag.


    Underneath the rags, he seemed to be completely naked, or close to it.


    ''Instead of earning a bite, you''re being stripped of your wrapping, aren''t you?


    .....


    Kane patted his chest inwardly, but also sarcastically at Quanto.


    Quanto was about to burst into tears.


    ''Hey, that''s not the way to put it, is it?


    Elaine stepped up to defend Quanto.


    Kane couldn''t hide his surprise at Elaine''s uncharacteristic behavior.


    ''''Would you two please step back?''''


    Sif''s voice echoed from behind Kane.


    As Kane cleared the way, Sif passed in front of Kane without saying a word.


    ''''........Father....''''


    Quanto called out to Sif in a voice sound that invited pity.


    But Sif did not answer.


    It was as if he hadn''t heard her voice.


    ''....Father.


    Quanto said in a stronger tone than before.


    Don''t abandon me, father, Quanto said, his eyes pleading with him.


    Sif looked at Quanto.


    It was not the reaction Quanto wanted, however.


    Sif looked at Quanto as if he were looking at a bug.


    That broke Quanto''s heart.


    Quanto turned over and let out a polo tear.


    ''Oh, what the hell, go back to your room. I''ll have your clothes delivered to you later.


    Quanto obeyed Kane''s orders honestly.


    He walked dizzy and unsteadily to the barracks.


    ''You don''t like children?


    I''m more surprised that you like kids.


    Do you like children?��Though I''m not much for happy families.


    That''s a little distorted.


    Kane muttered sincerely and stared at Elaine with half-lidded eyes.


    ''So you don''t like children?''


    A cheeky little brat like that, you know?


    You have no power, but you''re chic, and you can''t do anything but talk.


    You can put up with it if you''re not near yourself, but when you''re near it, you get irritated.


    ''By that logic, did I say Elena?��Is that girl one of them?


    He''s got a lot on his mind when it comes to being aggressive, don''t you think?


    Hmmm, Elaine gave Kane a meaningful look.


    ''It''s not the cocky kid you don''t like, it''s the old you.


    Maybe.


    Oh, you''re not mad?


    If I was a little younger, I''d be angrier.


    Kane cowered his shoulders.


    ''If you think you''re going to piss me off, don''t bother saying it,'' he said.


    ''I''m going back to work, man.


    Yeah, I have to get back to work.


    With that, Elaine ruffled her hair.


    When Kane finished his work, he headed to the barracks.


    He called out to Aria, who was drawing water from the deputy''s well.


    ''Where''s Quanto?''


    "After that, he didn''t come out of his room." (Pumo, Pumo)


    Okay, all right. I''ll go check.


    Kane headed to Quanto''s room on the ground floor of the barracks.


    He knocked on the door, but there was no response.


    Kane let out a sigh and walked into Quanto''s room.


    Quanto''s room was just as bleak as Kane''s.


    In the dimly lit room, Quanto was curled up in bed.


    ''''Don''t ... don''t come.''''


    I know you''re holed up in there and I''m worried about you, so I came to see you.


    Kane approached the bed where Quanto was curled up and sat up vigorously.


    Quanto freaked out and shuddered.


    Kane didn''t speak to Quanto.


    ''''Well I looked for a job after that.


    Okay.


    Quanto''s voice trembled miserably.


    ''They offered me a job, and I drank some incense tea, and the next thing I knew I was in a cage.


    Kane scowled.


    In addition to slave trading and prostitution, Crono also takes care to make sure that the lordship does not become a slave.


    Outwardly, it''s because he doesn''t want to reduce the productive capacity of the territory, but his true intention is to protect the people of the territory as a lord.


    The merchants who have been with him for a long time should know that, right?��So does that mean the economy is improving and the poor quality people are pouring in?��Kane ruffled his hair.


    ''Father and everyone else knew I was in a cage.


    Oh, come on, you''re a real demon.


    Quanto sobbed as if he couldn''t stand it anymore.


    Neither Sif nor Sif''s men could help outwardly because Quanto had been disowned.


    ''I can''t do anything about it,''


    As Sif expected, Quanto''s heart is broken.


    Quanto must have painfully realized that he would be powerless without the backing of the mercenary guild and his position as the child of a chieftain in this case.


    I have a feeling that he felt the pain so much that he even lost the pride of being a warrior.


    ''''You know, children can''t do anything.


    ....


    Kane patted Quanto''s head.


    ''I can''t really do anything about it, really.


    If he had the strength, if he had the wisdom, if he had some kind of talent... if someone kind had reached out to him, his sister would still be next to Kane today.


    But neither the power nor the wisdom was there for Kane back then.


    The talent is still absent today.


    Nor was someone kind enough to reach out to her.


    That''s why my sister is not next to Kane.


    Kane let out a breath.


    ''Quanto, I''ll keep you safe until you''re ready to stand on your own.


    ....


    Kane tapped Quanto''s head lightly and left Quanto''s room.


    He closed the door behind him and exhaled once more.


    ''Um, how did it go?''


    Kane looked at the direction of the voice and saw Wester standing there with a worried look on his face.


    ''It''s going to be okay, maybe.''


    Um, I was just telling Elena about the slavers.


    Don''t worry, we''ll take care of it.


    Kane tapped Westa on the shoulder and headed for the deputy''s office.


    To report this incident to Crono with a magic item for communication.


    *


    It was late at night when Crono led his men and arrived in Sylvania.


    The number of people is not that many.


    The number of people is around one hundred, and the ratio is two elven archers and eight beastmen.


    The entire command is led by Mino, the second in command, the elven archers are led by Nasr, and the beastmen are led by Shiro and Hiilo.


    "As usual, your footwork is light.


    Kane looked at the wagons that lined the streets.


    ''They say that soldiers are honoured with god''s speed, and I wonder if it''s important not to let them prepare for it~''


    Crono said in a tone that didn''t show an ounce of tension.


    As a boiled-down Kane, he had to chuckle.


    ''Does the selection of people mean anything to you?''


    ''The commander of the sniper squad is Nasr, and I chose White and Hiilo because of the process of elimination... the Minotaur and Lizardman are not small enough, and Taiga''s gain is a great sword.


    Crono cowered his shoulders.


    I was told that I was brought here by the process of elimination, and Shiro and Hiilo would be looking at Crono with lonely eyes.


    ''''General, what''s going on?'''' (Bum?)


    ''It''s just like we talked about in the carriage. I''d take them alive if I could, but if they''re resisting me, that''s not the limit.


    Crono pulled out a communication magic item.


    *


    As it turned out, the merchant who tried to kidnap Quanto was easily captured.


    The merchant didn''t have an escort that looked like an escort, and it seems that he had little experience in roughing things up.


    Even if the merchant had some experience, there was no way he could beat Crono''s men.


    Many of Crono''s men were experienced in actual warfare and had been trained hard.


    The merchant might have been wise.


    After all, the merchant surrendered as soon as White and Hiilo went in with his men.


    That''s why the merchant and his four companions, who tried to kidnap Quanto, are pulled up to a clearing in Sylvania and tied behind their backs.


    ''If you''re going to behead him, you might as well get on with it, right?


    Hmmm, I thought it was a good time to put a nail in the coffin.


    Crono sat down in his chair and crossed his legs.


    He looks like a pudgy lord.


    ''''.........Elaine, Elaine Sinner?��Is this the man Kane is protecting ... the one who tried to kidnap Quanto?


    Yes, I do.


    Crono stood up like a billionaire.


    ''I mean, though?''


    I am a good merchant, sir. I am very, very good at kidnapping people.


    Crono asked, and the merchant who seemed to be the main culprit shook his head.


    ''White, finger,''


    Oh, no way.......hi!


    White walked behind the main culprit and did something about it.


    White ran up to Crono and held out the blood-stained merchant''s finger to him.


    ''''I was going to say break?''''


    I failed.


    White threw down the merchant''s fingers and came around behind him again.


    ''Stop, stop!��I did, I did, I did!


    Aren''t you sweet, White?


    There was an intermittent dry sound of beck and call.


    ''So how do you get rid of it?''


    Yeah, well, it''s my first offense.


    Crono smiled at Elaine and replied.


    His tone was calm, but his eyes were not smiling.


    Crono walked up to the main criminal merchant.


    In the next moment, Crono''s toe was impaled on the face of the main criminal merchant.


    Crono slowly pulled out his toe, and the main criminal merchant, who had lost his support, fell to the ground.


    ''''Well since it''s your first offense, I''ll only save your life. However, all of your property will be confiscated!��If you don''t get out of my territory by the end of the day, I''ll kill you.


    Crono turned to Elaine and the others.


    ''It''s fine to go about your business, but we don''t want lawlessness. I think we all know that.


    Crono cowered his shoulders.


    And that evening the merchant and his companion who had tried to kidnap Quanto returned to Sylvania as a corpse.


    The corpse was severely damaged, as if it had been attacked by a beast.


    I want you to open this box after I leave.


    I''m sure you''ll find what you need for Kane, Crono said as he left Sylvania.


    Incidentally, Kane left the box that Crono had left him with Aria.


    The next day, Kane went to the doorway of the deputy''s office, biting off a lack of growth.


    There is a sign on the entrance of the deputy''s office that says ''We are witnessing the contract''.


    Quanto''s case could be taken to the extreme, but there would be a lot of trouble as Sylvania developed.


    The reason Kane thought of undertaking to witness the various contracts at the deputy''s office was to prevent trouble.


    Of course, he also got Crono''s permission.


    ''''.............................We need to read out the contracts too.


    "Good morning, Master Kane." (Pumo~)


    Kane looked at Aria.


    Aria was standing with a broom and chili picker in her hand.


    For some reason, Quanto was hiding in Aria''s shadow.


    ''''Quanto-chan, say hello.'''' (Pumo)


    .....


    Quanto remains in Aria''s shadow.


    Quanto may have been broken and asked Aria for a place in his heart.


    ''Quanto-chan?'' (PUMO?)


    Okay.


    Quanto slowly stepped out of Aria''s shadow.


    Quanto was wearing a maid''s uniform.


    The skirt was short.


    It was only slightly longer than Elaine''s clothes.


    There were no sleeves and the chest was heavily exposed.


    Quanto''s chest is beyond small and flat.


    Nearly perfectly flat.


    ''You were a woman?''


    Oh, I was a warrior.


    Quanto shyly held her skirt down, squirming and sliding her thighs together.


    Perhaps it was the shame, but Quanto is red to his ears.


    ''''Wait, where were those clothes?''''


    "In the box that Master Kane left for me." (Pumo)


    Don''t just leave me with a bad word to say!


    Kane shouted and suddenly came to his senses.


    ''Bah, a**h*le!��Don''t come out looking like that!��If Sif sees it....


    Father, don''t look.


    Quanto said, looking like he was about to burst into tears.


    When Kane turned at the word father, Sif was standing there, his face pale.


    Sif covered his face with one hand.


    ''Just in case you''re wondering, though. That was Master Crono''s hobby, you know?


    From what I''ve been told, he''s a legitimate guy.


    Master Crono is generally a straight shooter.��There''s a sharp edge to it. Didn''t Elaine tell you that?


    Sif is on the verge of a stroke.


    But it was Sif himself who had brought the situation to the point it was now.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with your friends.

 71-Modified version of episode 6 "Elegant day of Chrono"

    *


    A bit of a let down, Crono said, twisting his head from side to side as he entered the diner.


    Elena''s attack did more damage to Crono than he had expected.


    When I say more than expected, it was Elena''s attack, which she hadn''t trained well.


    The damage is enough to cause some discomfort in the neck.


    Crono took his seat.


    The seats of Rio and Tyria, and Eril, the self-proclaimed watcher of Tyria, are empty.


    As Crono was in a daze, the landlady approached him.


    The proprietress is wearing the same wide open chest maid''s outfit as usual.


    Crono''s eyes narrowed as the cleavage of her breasts dazzled.


    ''''Earlier, I crossed paths with Mistress Elena in the corridor.......what did you do?''''


    Yeah, I''m done bathing.


    Then maybe I should have bathed in hot water too?��As Crono was thinking, the landlady gave him a dumbfounded look and placed the incense tea on the table.


    Crono enjoyed the fresh aroma and took a sip of the incense tea.


    Huh~, he let out a long sigh and put the cup on the table.


    Incense tea.........in short, herbal tea.


    In this world, at least in the Cepheus Empire, tea is herbal tea.


    Crono has never seen tea since he came to this world.


    Not only has he seen tea, he hasn''t seen potatoes, corn, or pumpkins.


    He has tried to find them through the Pix Chamber of Commerce and Elaine''s information network, but with no success.


    Crono began to think that potatoes and other crops may have originated on another continent or in an area far enough away that they were not distributed.


    The Cepheus Empire does not have the technology for distant seafaring.


    The plan has been frustrated from the first step.


    Building a ship that could sail a long distance and develop navigation technology..........was beyond Crono''s imagination.


    ''Columbus was amazing~'' Crono let out a sigh.


    ''Answer my question.


    ''Pocong,'' the landlady patted Crono on the head.


    ''Ah, ah, Elena. No~ I''ve been in a bit of a rut lately.


    Rut?��You were such an innocent little boy when we met, how did you turn out to be like this?


    She taught me a lot.


    ''What?��Don''t say anything inappropriate.


    The landlady crossed her arms and stared at Crono.


    ''Do you remember the landlady comforting you when you were depressed?


    Yeah, I don''t know if that''s true.


    Crono pointed out, and the landlady awkwardly tore her gaze away from Crono.


    ''I also remember when we first met, you sat down and asked me to be your patron,''


    How can you be such a sensible person when your landlady had so much to offer?


    Did you bathe in the tub, by the way?


    Not yet. I thought Elena had a little more in there.


    Blatant, Crono thought, but he decided to take the landlady''s word for it.


    ''Does it smell that bad?''


    Yeah, you know. Yeah, that''s right, go wash up, for God''s sake, in a dry state.


    The landlady blushed shyly and said.


    ''Mufu, do you want it?


    What?��I''m not saying it''s stupid. It''s just a matter of etiquette. If you understand, go take a bath!


    Crono was driven away by the landlady and left the dining room.


    *


    Crono made it to the third floor dressing room without rubbing up against anyone.


    The person in charge of the late shift today, or even last night, seemed to be diligent and Elena''s clothes were put away.


    Crono took off his clothes and opened the bathroom door....and put the clothes he had taken off in the laundry basket.


    ''''........Ahhh, paradise.''''


    After washing up, Crono dipped into the tub up to his shoulders and looked up at the ceiling.


    He pulled his arm out of the tub and tried to make a power bump.


    It''s quite hard and has little or no flab.


    Same goes for his belly.


    He was chubby when he came to this world, but Myra''s training had shaved off the flab.


    ''How come I haven''t gotten thicker with all the training I''ve been doing in swordsmanship?��If I could just get a little more muscle, I could fight in a different way.


    Crono was not blessed with a great physique or talent.


    He has spent less time training than the nobles of his generation.


    It''s a crapshoot.


    Inevitably, in order to compensate for this, he has no choice but to fight in a way that is ridiculed as cowardly.


    ''''Ahh, the imprinting technique is also useless for risking one''s life.


    Crono looked up at the ceiling and grunted.


    After continuing to train steadily, Crono was able to fight with his imprinting technique activated.


    However, he could only fight with the imprinting technique activated for three minutes at the most.


    ''But it''s better than nothing.


    Thanks to the "Marking Technique", the breadth of my fighting style has expanded.


    Compared to the time when I could only use the Cardinal Music, this is a dramatic improvement.


    Thanks to this, I don''t have to put a burden on my subordinates.


    To tell the truth, I''d like to be able to fight while protecting my men.


    When Crono returned to the dining room, Verna was clearing the dishes.


    Apparently, Tilia and the others didn''t wait for Crono.


    ''Oh, you''re quite late. All three of us have finished our breakfast.


    I know that, I know that, but...


    Crono took his seat with some unexplained thoughts.


    The landlady smiles bitterly and sets the food and letter on the table.


    ''Letters?��From whom?


    Miss Eryl gave me this for you. You can read it after dinner.


    Crono put Eryl''s letter away and ate the landlady''s food.


    The soup wasn''t cold, it was solidly hot.


    ''''Ahhh, the kindness of the landlady''s kindness is wearing off.


    What can you say, huh? I''m always giving you a hot meal.


    The landlady took a seat next to her and folded her hands.


    When Crono stole a glance at the landlady''s face, she had a gentle smile on her face.


    ''Do you have something on my face?''


    I feel like a mother.


    Mom!


    The landlady made a barefaced noise.


    ''Sweet mother?''


    He''s way too big for my son.


    The landlady reached for Crono''s head and stopped midway through.


    Perhaps she thought that if her hair fell off.


    ''Well, I haven''t heard anything from Master Crono about his old ... family.


    ''I''m going to be a whiner,''


    Crono shredded the bread and stopped his hand.


    His parents would be worried about him.


    Maybe even my sister.......not just that sister, Crono threw the shredded bread into his mouth.


    ''''Do you still have a crush on your former world?��Like, say, a woman.


    ''No way, I''ve never even been in a relationship. But, well, I guess I''d like to give my family a proper goodbye.


    ''I know you can''t,'' said Crono, wiping his mouth with his napkin.


    ''Thanks for the meal.''


    Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Thanks for the help.


    The landlady stood up and leaned slightly forward to stack the plates.


    Crono also leaned forward to check the landlady''s cleavage, but the landlady held her head down.


    ''Where are you looking, where?''


    Of course, the landlady''s chest... ouch!��Landlady, come on!


    Crono pleaded desperately, but the landlady''s strength was not relaxed at all.


    *


    Crono tucked Eryl''s letter into his pocket and left the Marquis'' mansion.


    The city of Hachel is just as lively as always.


    Ever since the port was completed, the commercial district has also become more lively.


    Crono is glaring at the fact that it''s not just the port, but also the influence of the ''Sinner Trade Association''.


    The second shop of the Sinner Trade Association in Hachel mainly deals in clothing and decorative items.


    Clothes made by line work are still unbeatably cheap, even now that other merchants have reduced their prices.


    The display of products that Faye feels are new has also attracted a lot of attention.


    Not only that, she also changes her assortment drastically depending on the season and tries new things one after another.


    The second Sinner Trade Guild store has brought a breath of fresh air to the stagnant commercial district of Hachel.


    The Pics Chamber of Commerce is the company behind the Sinner Traders'' Association and has been increasing its sales.


    However, the Pics Chamber of Commerce is not doing anything new.


    They are simply responding in good faith and not getting carried away by the booming economy.


    According to Crono''s subordinates, that''s a good thing.


    For what it''s worth, there are many stores that discriminate against sub-humans.


    The Pix Chamber of Commerce doesn''t sit on the sign of an established business, but is sincere and keeps the customers coming back.


    Once you leave the commercial district, you''ll find yourself in an area lined with street vendors.


    If I had to describe my impression of this area in one word, it would be "chaos".


    Food related is decent, but everything else is just about everything.


    If you think there is a shop that deals in decent ornaments, there is a shop that tries to sell scrap jewelry with its mouth, and even a shop that deals in dubious energy pills.


    "Mm, Crono.


    ...Tyria.


    Crono stopped in his tracks when his name was called.


    ''Tilia, we just had breakfast and you''re buying and eating?''


    I''m not hungry for dried fruit.


    Tilia''s chest heaved as if she had no need to be ashamed.


    Her ample breasts pushed up her white military uniform.


    Tilia has spent quite a bit of money on buying and eating, but she has maintained her splendid proportions.


    ''My sun has gone down to earth,''


    What''s that sorry sound in your voice?


    Tilia packed up on Crono as if to say it was out of her mind.


    ''Because, Tilia, you enjoy your freedom too much. She doesn''t learn, she doesn''t work, and she has no intention of doing so. I don''t think that''s right for the princess of a country. By the way, in the world where I was from, people like Tilia now are called NEETs, and the existence of NEETs was a social problem.


    If you ask me, I''ve been studying the life of a commoner. I''ve been training in swordsmanship, and I''ve been doing my best to deal with Crono.


    It''s true ... Tyria stopped being self-centered at nighttime.


    She became a bit spoiled.


    However, Crono can''t be reassured.


    He can''t worry about when Tilia will regain her true nature.


    So I''m tying her up.


    ''Well, maybe it is.


    For example, do you know the Chronosphere?��Since the removal of the toll tax, there''s been an increase in the number of wagons going to Viscount Hamar''s territory. The goods we''re carrying are cheese.


    Tilia wound up shutting down Crono''s objections.


    ''Oh, I heard they started planting clover in the fallow ground and the cows started to produce better milk?


    Tilia nodded in satisfaction.


    ''''In other words, the excess cheese from the Marquis of Erakis'' territory is being sold in Viscount Hamal''s territory. This means that money and goods are starting to flow in, just as Crono wanted.''''


    Tilia crossed her arms and walked in circles.


    ''But that''s not all. That is to say, the peasants are now able to earn an income on better terms. In time, they should be able to buy from Viscount Hamal''s territory, or the peasants should be able to take advantage of the stall system to set up shop in Hamal''s territory.


    Hmmm, wouldn''t that drive up the price?


    ''It''s got to come to a head at some point. There''s a market for things, and there''s a limit to how much money you can spend on food.


    ''Oh,'' exclaimed Crono in admiration.


    ''How''s that, Crono!��I''m learning properly!


    Tyria put her hands on her hips, and this is as good as it gets!��I threw out my chest.


    He shook his chest.


    It''s a wonder the buttons on my military uniform didn''t fly off.


    ''So I hope you''ll tolerate the buying and eating.


    No, no, it''s fine.


    Apparently, Tilia is learning a lot of things that she just hasn''t had a chance to show off.


    Crono wants Tilia to regain her former glow, but I think Tilia is cute now too, if you can call it cute.


    I''ll go rub Master Crono''s shoulder when I''m off duty. By myself, of course.


    I''ll come up with a different plan next time.


    "Bite me.


    Yeah, thanks.


    Crono took the souvenir from Sue and closed the door behind him.


    He leaned his back against the door and let out a long sigh.


    It was fun to say the least, but it was kind of a mentally exhausting time.


    ''''Oh no, until I get dizzy!


    Yeah, I''m kind of tired.


    As Crono stepped unsteadily downstairs, the waitress sounded surprised.


    He stepped outside and let out a loud sigh.


    ''I knew it, it''s Crono-sama!


    It''s like we haven''t seen each other in ages!


    Crono looked up and saw that Deneb and Alideed were about to dismount their horses.


    They ran up to Crono..........................and turned around on the way.


    ''''We''re going home with Crono-sama!


    Like I want you to go home first!


    As Deneb and Arideed said out loud, the waiting light cavalry and archers began to advance.


    Immediately after appointing Kane as a deputy, the light cavalry and bow cavalry were divided into two squads to operate, but they were divided again into three squads because they were still worried about the security of the city streets.


    One of the reasons was that the twenty men who had been trained as archers and cavalry had reached the actual battle level.


    ''''Crono-sama, let''s have a little incense tea.


    Like I want my pretty boys to buy me a drink.


    Yeah, oh, sorry. Hey, not today, please.


    Aridid and Deneb looked at each other curiously and broke face.


    ''It''s not a problem at all,''


    Like it''s enough to dabble until we get to the Marquess'' house.


    Crono patted his chest in relief and began to walk slowly.


    Deneb, Aridid, good job.


    That word alone!


    I''m like, "I want you to stroke my ear.


    I need you to tell me enough is enough!


    When Crono stroked her ear, one of the twins made her eyes water.


    The older sister, Alideed, was ticklish, so it was the younger sister, Deneb, that Crono was stroking her ear.


    If you think about it, it''s been two years since Deneb and Alideed have been together...a little over a year since they became fluffy.


    If you''ve been hanging out with the two of them this long, you have some idea which one is Deneb and which one is Alideed.


    Mostly, the good-natured Arideed speaks first, followed by the slightly more thoughtful Deneb.


    However, these days Deneb betrays Arideed frequently.


    ''''I want to be petted too, and I want to be petted too!


    Hooray.


    ''What a Texan....duh, but still, it''s like I''m happy with myself!


    Alideed clenched his fists and gave him a subtle look.


    ''So, how do you two like the captaincy for the first time in a long time?


    We can afford it. But if you think about it, those of us who served as archer centurions and were even knights...


    ''''When I became a flat bow cavalryman, or a cavalry squad leader... when I was no longer attached to a position, I seriously doubted the possibility of reprisal appointments...''''


    You know some hard words, like retaliatory personnel.


    Crono was impressed that Aridid and Deneb knew the term retaliatory personnel.


    ''Even with this, it''s like we''re learning!


    ''''Lately, I''ve been thinking that serving the development of the territory under Crono-sama isn''t a bad idea!


    I''ll have to work on it, Crono smiled.


    When Crono went to his office in the Marquis'' mansion, a stack of papers was placed on his desk.


    Crono let out a deep sigh and sat down in his chair.


    ''''It''s just a simple job of signing the papers.


    Crono uttered a self-deprecating gag and began to process the paperwork.


    Even though the paperwork was handled, Crono''s role was limited to looking over reports and signing business licenses for the brothel and slave trade.


    The fact that Crono''s work only requires permits and approvals is largely due to the help of the head of the office staff, the sitter.


    The sitter has a dull appearance, but he is the one who can flesh out Crono''s ideas and translate them into administrative tasks.


    For example, when the brothel and the slave trade were changed to a permit system, the sitter took care of everything from how to publicize the switch to a permit system, to the format of the paperwork, to what procedures were used to accept applications and who would check them and turn them in to Crono.


    From Crono''s point of view, the sitter is a competent person, but at his previous workplace..............................it seems that he was treated as one of the clerical staff under Tilia.


    It seems that the reason why the sitter served as the organizer is also because the sitter was the oldest.


    There was a knock on the door.


    As Crono continued to sign in silence, the door opened quietly.


    It was Alyssa who opened the door.


    ''Excuse me,'' Alyssa bowed and walked up to Crono.


    ''Crono-sama, the incense tea is in.


    Alyssa, thanks.


    Crono took the incense tea from Alyssa and sipped it.


    Oh, it''s cold.


    ''Yes. Elven maids can do magic.


    Alyssa smiled softly.


    ''It''s been getting warmer lately, thank goodness.


    ''I''ll tell him Master Crono was grateful.


    Crono tipped his cup, "I like the noise, but I also like this kind of cozy silence," he said.


    Crono slowly drank the incense tea and set the cup down on the table.


    ''Crono-sama, would you like a refill?''


    No, one is enough.


    ''Yes,'' said Alyssa, nodding quietly and walking out of the office.


    ''Well, let''s get on with our work.''


    Feeling refreshed, Crono signs the permit.


    The merchant who reports trouble will return it for incomplete paperwork and demand improvement at that time.


    If the trouble continues, the business license will be revoked.


    Crono had intended to do so, but he had never revoked a business license before.


    It would be a great advantage for the brothel owners and slavers to be able to do business with the lord''s approval.


    It was about a third of the way through the paperwork that the door was knocked on again, when Crono processed the paperwork.


    The door opened.


    Leila pauses as if hesitating to enter the room.


    Apparently, Leila is concerned about making a mess in her office.


    ''Never mind, come in.


    Yes, Mr. Crono.


    Crono leaned his weight on the back and rubbed his eyelids.


    Leila stopped a little further away from the desk and saluted Crono.


    Maybe she was too far away.��I guess, but Leila doesn''t want to make Crono uncomfortable with the smell of dust and sweat.


    The source of information is Leila herself.


    Well, Crono tells her that he doesn''t care about it.


    ''We have returned after patrolling the streets.


    Good night, Leila. How did you do?


    ''''As per Crono-sama''s instructions, I''ve interviewed him about the Mercenary Guild, and the majority of his opinions were favorable.


    Well, that should be about it.


    Crono folded his hands behind his head.


    ''How''s the newly-incorporated bow cavalry doing?


    He seems pretty nervous, but I try to take frequent breaks, so I don''t think it''s a problem.


    Be patient.


    Yes, Mr. Crono.


    Leila replied without seeming overbearing.


    Lately, Leila seems to have a good amount of relaxation in her shoulders.


    It''s probably thanks to the advice Rio is giving her.


    Rio has also softened the atmosphere with Rio.


    Surprisingly, country life might be more suited to Rio''s nature.


    ''''Leila, you''ll have to write down what you hear in your report as well.


    Yes, I understand.


    Leila saluted again and walked out of the office.


    ''Well, I''ve got to get on with it.


    Crono straightened up and began to process the paperwork.


    *


    After finishing the paperwork, Crono took his wooden sword in hand and headed to a corner of the garden - the place where Faye and Tony always trained in swordplay.


    The sun was setting significantly and the dwarves working in the workshop and the workers in the paper workshop were beginning to prepare to leave.


    Good job, Crono said to the dwarves and workers as they rubbed by, and they arrived at their usual spot.


    There, Faye and Tony were discussing their wooden swords.


    No, Faye was giving them advice while letting Tony hammer away at it.


    It''s not surprising, but Faye was handling Tony''s attack without danger.


    Crono began to bare away from the two of them so as not to disturb them.


    Through trial and error, Crono had arrived at an anomalous fighting style that caught the enemy off guard and played tricks on him, but it was useless if the foundation was not solid.


    ''''That''s all for today, sir.


    When Crono was sweating profusely, Faye announced the end.


    Tony sat there without a voice.


    Keeping his body moving was more draining than he expected.


    ''''Mm, Crono-sama is very motivated today, isn''t he!��Shall we begin immediately?


    I''ll have to move around a bit more.


    I understand, sir!


    Faye stood in front of Crono as they faced each other and began to swing in front of him.


    Crono swung his wooden sword to match Fay''s movements.


    Faye''s skill is far superior to Crono''s.


    No matter how much effort........no, no matter how hard he tries, Crono will never reach the heights of Fay.


    Nevertheless, he continues to strive.


    Even if he was taking slow steps below the turtle, he couldn''t stop.


    I don''t want to go on a diet while being abused by Myra again.


    ''''........Crono-sama.


    Okay.


    Crono stopped pretending and wiped the sweat off his face.


    Then, he and Faye got some distance between them.


    Faye is not caught off guard.


    You can see it in his eyes.


    The chances of Crono getting one from Fay are slim.


    One in a thousand or one in ten thousand, there is such a difference in ability, but Faye will do her best.


    That makes Crono happy.


    When Crono activates the ''Mark'', Faye exercises the Divine Majesty Technique to comply.


    A black light rises from Fay.


    Crono kicked the ground.


    He closed the distance in one fell swoop with the muscle strength strength strengthened by the ''imprinting technique'' and fired a sideways blow.


    Faye countered Crono''s attack with her wooden sword.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with your friends.


    It only lasted a few seconds before they were able to maintain their balance.


    Faye pushed him away.


    Crono leapt backwards from him and tried to get away from Fay.


    Faye chased after him as if she wasn''t going to let him get away.


    Crono deployed his ''field'' over a wide area and extended his shadow.


    The shadows extend from under Crono''s feet, from under Faye''s feet, and from the trees in the garden.


    Crono''s swordsmanship skills are greatly inferior to Fay''s.


    Even if you improve your physical abilities with the "Marking Technique", it would be meaningless if the fey used the "Divine Authority Technique".


    However, the power of the technique that applies the ''Marking Technique'' the power of the ''Marking Technique'' somehow manages to get through for a few seconds.


    ''''I need your help!


    The next moment when Faye thrust the wooden sword into the ground, something swelled up and blew away the shadows.


    It was the first time Crono had ever seen ''divine power art''.


    The ''divine power jutsu'' is an extremely versatile jutsu.


    It''s a cheat jutsu that allows you to do many things with your senses, even if you don''t understand the logic at all.


    I''m sure Fay will say that she was able to do that after trying many things.


    I''m ready!


    What''s the matter with you?


    Faye fired a scooping blow and immediately swung her wooden sword down.


    It was a flowing series of attacks.


    Crono haphazardly rolled around on the ground, dodging Fay''s attacks and throwing pebbles at him.


    Faye effortlessly flicked the pebbles away with her wooden sword.


    The pebble was flicked right upwards and bong!��And exploded.


    Faye looked straight up, her mouth open in dismay.


    ''Eat it!''


    Nuh-uh!��It is foul!


    Crono threw every pebble he had at Fay.


    Explosions went off one by one and black flames covered Faye.


    ''It''s gutsy!


    What?


    Faye pierced through the black flames and fleshed out on Crono.


    ''''It is Tenchu!


    Guffaw!


    Faye''s fist pierced Crono''s pigeon tail.


    Crono stopped the ''imprint'' as his body began to scream with a mitching noise.


    Crono coughed repeatedly and then looked up.


    Mmmm, Crono-sama was good up to the halfway point today, up to the halfway point. It''s a big deduction to be careless at the end. A point for the rest of the day!


    ''We tried our best again this time, but yeah, one after the other, they''re going to come up with a plan to deal with it.


    ''Of course, sir!��As Crono-sama is growing, I am growing too!


    Faye threw out her chest as if she was proud of her victory.


    ''''Now, next time, it''s a purely swordsmanship match!


    Yes?


    This time, Crono stood up with a creaking body, saying, "Let''s have a swordfight and then a mock battle.

 72-Episode 7 "Vagrant" First Part-Revised Edition

    *


    Who started saying that elves are the forest people?��Dino spat in his mind and scrambled through the bushes.


    There are many elves who live in the forest.


    But that''s not because the elves like the forest; it''s because the forest has driven them away.


    Elves are a vulnerable race.


    Their eyesight is superior to that of beastmen, but their muscle strength is inferior to that of humans.


    They live like rabbits, Dino spat in his mind.


    They had no way to stand up to the threat and could only run away.


    No, a rabbit would feel nothing if he ran away.


    But an elf was different.


    Elves have a will, an emotion.


    Dino held his left ear.


    Dino''s left ear is cut off from the middle.


    It''s not just the ear.


    There are old wounds on his arms and on his body.


    When he was a child, he was beaten by soldiers of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Still, Dino endured to live.


    Even if the elves revolted against the Holy Argo Kingdom, the defeat was obvious.


    The consequences for the defeated are tragic.


    How wretchedly the humans had killed the sub-race, Dino had learned from his parents.


    So, Dino endured.


    The others in the village also endured.


    If he endured, he would live.


    That was a naive idea, Dino was reminded of.


    The sacred Argo Kingdom had embarked on a hunt for subhumans.


    Dino was troubled.


    There had been sub-human hunts by the Sacred Argo Kingdom in the past.


    The hunt for subhumans might end soon.


    As the head of the village, he couldn''t afford to put everyone in danger.


    Dino stopped and looked behind him over his shoulder.


    There was a large group of people there.


    They were all exhausted from their long journey.


    The women and children in particular could have collapsed.


    There was one woman among them who was in good health.


    She is a human woman dressed in black.


    If you stay in the village, you will die, the woman said.


    If there''s a place to escape to, I''ll even escort you there.


    Dino took the woman at her word.


    And the woman kept her word.


    The woman was strong.


    He easily chased away the vicious Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf).


    He was also well versed in the geography of the Coma Forest.


    Following the woman''s instructions, he proceeded through the Coma Forest.


    Suddenly, his arms felt light.


    They made it through the forest.


    With the last of their strength, Dino and the others reached the street and sat there.


    The relief that they were almost there was short-lived, but Dino noticed a cloud of dirt ... soldiers on horseback approaching.


    ''''They''re unfamiliar to me, and I''m not even familiar with them!


    Like, you''re one of us, but that doesn''t mean you can''t condone it!


    Leading the soldiers on horseback were the twin elves.


    Dino patted his chest.


    The twin elves didn''t seem to notice, but Dino remembered their faces.


    Dino took out a ring from his pocket and held it out to the twin elves.


    ''''I want you to meet the Marquis of Erakis.


    Tell Master Crono.


    Like, it''s time to make good on our promise!


    One of the soldiers turned his head as the twin elves gave the order.


    *


    When Crono went to the dining room after finishing his hot water bath, a sour atmosphere was in the dining room.


    The source of this was Tilia.


    Tilia had an expression on her face that looked like she was about to start clenching her teeth.


    The person in the corner of Tilia''s eye was Rio.


    Rio has unbuttoned the first and second buttons of his jacket and is looking up at his face with his collar.


    It''s not very hot, though.


    ''''Huh, hot, isn''t it?''''


    .....


    Tilia snorted at Rio instead of answering his question.


    Rio laughed as if he was enjoying Tilia''s reaction.


    A nasty smile.


    ''Oh dear, it''s spring and it''s hot and hard. There were huge mosquitoes in my bedroom last night. They sucked me all over the place.''


    Rio stopped looking up at his face with his collar and rolled up his collar to show Tilia something.


    Crono knew what Rio was showing Tilia.


    Naturally.


    It was what Crono had done last night.


    ''Well, well, breakfast, breakfast.''


    Tilia banged the table with a bang and stood up.


    ''Guhnnnnn!��You didn''t have to do anything deliberate like that, I know that you were the night owl last night!��Count Chiron!��You''re trying to insinuate this on me!


    ''Oh?��I was mildly in love with Crono, but how is that a guess?


    Yes, that''s because I haven''t made love to Tilia mildly, Crono narrowed his shoulders.


    He hadn''t been mild with Tilia since the first night.


    That night, Crono was reminded that he was the predator.


    ''Or is that thing?��Does Princess Tyria envy me making mild love to Crono?


    When Rio stared at Tilia''s chest and gave her a mocking smile, she rolled her back and crossed her arms over her chest protectively.


    ''''Hmph, did you figure it out?''''


    After all, something is missing from Princess Tyria''s chest.


    Eryl, who had become part of the background, blurted out.


    ''What do you say is missing from my chest?''


    What the hell are you buzzing about in the morning?��It''s good to fight, but don''t break any of the dining room equipment, please.


    Just as Tyria posed a question to Eryl, the landlady came into the dining room.


    The landlady put the cup in front of Crono.


    Crono picked up the cup and stopped moving.


    The cup was cold.


    ''''...Landlady?''''


    Yeah, breakfast will have to wait.


    No, no, no.


    You mean the incense tea? Alyssa told me that Master Chronosphere was very fond of cold fragrant tea. So I tried some.


    I see, Crono brought the cold incense tea to his mouth.


    The coolness of the incense tea seemed to enhance the fresh aroma of the herb.


    ''What do you think?


    Yeah, it''s good.


    That''s a good one.


    The landlady crossed her arms and smiled with satisfaction.


    Elil looked at the landlady with a sidelong glance, and Tilia looked at her as well.


    ''''After all, Princess Tilia''s breasts lack motherhood.


    Where''s the maternal side of this exchange?


    Tilia tilts her head curiously.


    ''At first glance, the landlady appears to be gruff, but she is trying to please the Marquis of Erakis. The fact that she remembers her conversation with the head maid is proof of that.


    What''s maternal about it?


    Tilia sounded exasperated.


    ''Motherhood is spirituality. Princess Tilia lacks inclusiveness and care. That''s why added value is not provided by Princess Tilia''s breasts. They''re just big.''''


    Nuh-uh!


    Tyria made a rare sound at Eryl''s wry manner.


    Tilia alternated between her own breasts and the landlady''s, letting her gaze wander as if looking for material to deny.


    ''Pfft, hahaha!''


    Rio laughed belly laughing as he couldn''t stand it anymore.


    ''Crono, cover me!''


    You''re going to dump me here?��Well, okay.


    Crono looked at Eryl.


    ''Eril says there''s something missing in Tyria''s chest, but that''s not true. Tyria''s breasts are........


    Suddenly Crono looked down at his hands.


    When he was in military school, Tilia had been out of Crono''s reach.


    Past tense.


    Now, Crono''s hand could reach Tilia.


    Crono could now do whatever he wanted with Tilia''s breasts.


    But is he really satisfied with himself?


    Wasn''t he far more satisfied than he had been when he''d watched Tilia from afar during his military school days, when he''d talked about how those boobs were too much for him to handle?


    ''It was full of dreams, and rambling.


    Why is it in the past tense?��You said yesterday, ''My sun has fallen to the ground,'' and you''re too much these days!


    Crono said with a sigh, and Tilia tapped the table in protest.


    ''What can I say, I feel like I''m seeing things I couldn''t see. Instead, I lost my dreams and my wanderings...''


    How dare you lose your dreams and your wanderings!


    ''Oh, well, I guess you could say my image of a princess has been destroyed.


    Crono turned away from Tilia and scratched his head.


    ''There''s no way a princess can be a mounted assault.


    Uggh, you just need to keep up the mood a little more.


    Oororon~, Tilia plunged down on the table as if she had been struck and abducted.


    Like the fact that she dared to carry out a mounted assault on the first night, but the sturdiness of receiving an attack by Rio''s ''Divine Weapon'' head on and not getting injured seemingly is not princess-like either.


    It''s Crono''s own opinion, but princesses should be able to fight brilliantly.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    But I have something to show for it.


    Really?


    Tilia looked up, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.


    ''To be or not to be,''


    Which one is it?


    Well, it''s a thrill, isn''t it?


    ''Thrill?��What were you getting a thrill out of that?


    Tilia''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''I thought Tilia would reveal her true nature in the next moment as well. I was feeling such a thrill.


    "After all that torture I''m going to have to kill you, Uggh, just kill me!


    Tilia plopped down on the table and writhed, as if she had a flashback of memories of a nighttime visit.


    ''''Well I can ramble with Tilia like this. It''s such a blessing, I''ve been telling myself lately.


    Cover me. Cover me!��All I asked for was cover!��Who told you to go after it!


    As Crono tried to tighten it up, Tilia did a great job of reactivating it.


    ''No, because, when I say backup,''


    All right. I don''t need your help. Count Chiron!


    Just as Tilia glared at Rio, footsteps could be heard coming from the hallway.


    A moment later, an elf man entered the dining room.


    The elf man wore leather armor reinforced with metal.


    His name was Zag.


    He was one of my old subordinates.


    ''''Sorry to interrupt your meal!


    Don''t worry about it. Trouble?


    ''''Ha, while patrolling the eastern road, we encountered a group of about fifty elves!��Captain Alideed and Deputy Captain Deneb said, ''It''s time to make good on our promise.''


    Is the group armed?��What are the characteristics of a leader leading a group?


    ''As far as I could see, they were not armed. It looked like a one-eared elf and a woman in black were leading the group.


    Crono had an idea about the one-eared elf.


    The one-eared elf would be the elf he had met in the parent conquest last year.


    ''''I understand.''''


    Crono slapped his thighs and stood up.


    What''s your job?��I won''t stand in the way of that.


    Sorry, landlady!


    Crono ran out of the diner, accompanied by Zag.


    *


    Crono gallantly ran out of the Marquis'' mansion, but the flow from there was rather goofy.


    Due to the increased number of archers, not a single horse was in the stables of the Marquis'' mansion, so Crono had no choice but to bow to Nicola and Elaine and borrow a wagon.


    The ten wagons borrowed from Nicolas and Elaine were heading east along the city road.


    Crono curled up in the back of the wagons and munched on a loaf of bread.


    The bread was made by the landlady.


    While Crono was talking to Nicola and Elaine, the landlady made a simple lunch and brought it to him.


    ''This bread is a bit salty,''


    Crono almost cried at the landlady''s concern.


    ''''........Crono-sama?''''


    ''Yes, yes, it''s not that I can''t ride a horse. It''s just that I''ve tried a bit, but my riding skills haven''t increased.


    Crono said with a pout of his lips, and Zag''s eyebrows knit together in annoyance.


    His pinned ears drooped powerlessly.


    Apparently, Crono had said something misguided.


    ''''........If it''s as Crono-sama explained to me earlier, the group of elves we encountered are exiles. I don''t think there''s any need for our lord, Crono-sama, to bother greeting them?


    Zag seemed to pretend he hadn''t heard Crono''s words.


    ''Well, I''m the one who asked you out.


    ''Maybe he''ll be grateful if I go to meet him,'' Crono added in his mind, and swallowed his bread.


    ''I''m sure Master Crono''s will will be felt by the exiles.


    ....


    Zag looked serious, as if he truly believed that.


    Crono fell silent, unable to say he had an ulterior motive now.


    ''After all, Crono-sama is wonderful. Even if I''m not very good at riding, I still respect Master Crono.''''


    Well, I mean, I don''t like to be judged too highly.


    ''When did my stock skyrocket?'' asked Crono, donning a high opinion of himself that he couldn''t remember.


    ''No, Crono-sama is a wonderful person. Master Crono always led the way on the battlefield and inspired us during that retreat. He not only provided us with expensive armor, but also gave us the opportunity to become educated. Master Crono is a man worthy of respect.


    Zag''s eyes were shining like a maiden in love.


    I''m not sure if this is how my subordinates think of me when they have little contact with me~ Crono cut a small piece of bread and brought it to his mouth.


    ''Zag, cherish your life.''


    I know, sir. I will use my life for the sake of Mr. Crono.


    Crono had a feeling that his feelings weren''t being conveyed to Zag, but he decided to keep it quiet.


    *


    Shortly after noon, Crono arrived at a rural village.


    It is a village at the foot of the fort where Kane used to base himself about two years ago.


    Incidentally, this is the second time for Crono to visit the village.


    At that time I had the impression that it was a remote village, but now it''s more bustling than it was two years ago.


    Children are running around the village, and women are having well-wishers'' meetings. It''s proof that they have more time to live.


    If I had a little more time, I''d do a tour of the territory, Crono said as he got off the wagon.


    ''''Ugh!��You''re an early arrival, Master Crono!


    He wanted to meet us so badly!


    Arididid and Deneb came running up to Crono with their usual tension.


    ''''........Arididid, Deneb.


    ''Ugh!��Like, a compliment?


    ''You might be happy to stroke my ears!


    Crono decoupins Ariddead as he rubs up against him, and decoupins Deneb with his returning sword.


    ''Ugh!��And it hurts like hell!


    Oh, like what we did to him!


    Did it hurt that bad?��And Crono looked at his fingers.


    ''Alideed, Deneb, make sure you report correctly.


    Well, I mean, you''ve known him for a long time and he wanted to be open to it.


    I''ll be more careful next time.


    Deneb seemed to think that he should apologize honestly.


    ''Again, betrayal!


    I''m not cheating.


    Deneb''s lips twitched sulkily and he turned away from Alideed.


    ''Uhehe, I''ve been remorseful too,''


    Okay, report.


    As Crono urged, Aridid and Deneb straightened up.


    ''Um, we encountered a group of elves while guarding the street, like!


    ''''There are forty-seven of them, armed only with knives and hunting bows and arrows, and the person leading the group is like a one-eared elf they met on their way to the parent conquest!


    ''Mm-hm,'' said Crono, nodding with satisfaction at Alideed and Deneb''s report.


    ''Huh?��I heard from Zag that there was a woman in black?


    It''s about me!


    Crono looked at the direction the voice had come from.


    Then a woman approached Crono and the others.


    It was definitely a black robe, but did she walk from the Holy Argo Kingdom in this kind of clothing?��Crono twisted his head inwardly.


    The woman is wearing a dress with a wide open chest.


    The shape is similar to a Chinese dress.


    Her style is quite good, as she is wearing a very revealing dress.


    She was a strange woman.


    She looked like she was in her thirties or even a teenager.


    Her black hair was down to her waist and hung in gentle waves.


    The woman''s mouth and eyes are loose, as if she is smiling, but her eyes are as dark as the abyss.


    ''You are the Marquis of Erakis, aren''t you?��Dino is down. I''m going to say hello in his place.


    The woman slowly approached Crono.


    Cold sweat ran down Crono''s spine.


    I had a bad feeling.


    I''m not sure why.


    No, he had been exposed to a similar threat once.


    It had to be.


    Before he knew it, the woman was standing right in front of Crono.


    Run, something whispered to him.


    Crono obeyed the whisper and jumped back as fast as he could.


    It was a leap with the "Mark" activated.


    Crono realized the identity of the threat he had encountered as soon as he landed.


    ''''Crono-sama!''''


    Alideed and Deneb also distanced themselves from the woman and held up their daggers.


    "Huh, you''re the best. "Huh, you''re very good.


    ''Aridid, Deneb, look out!��That woman ... from that woman.


    The woman laughed in amusement.


    ''That woman smells just like Myra.


    I''m surprised you haven''t noticed it at all.


    The woman said sadly.


    "Aridid, Deneb, don''t run!��Zag, zag!��Help~!


    ''No, no, no, no!''��We can''t even make it!


    Life is precious!


    You three know better!


    Aridid and Deneb fled into the shadows of the house, and Zag took shelter in the shadows of the house.


    Crono prepared himself and approached the woman.


    ''''Welcome to the Marquess of Erakis. My name is Crono, my lord,''''


    What''s the matter with you?


    No, no, no, not at all.


    Uhehe, Crono responded with a rubbing hand.


    Instinct whispered to him.


    Don''t piss me off.


    Get down and let it pass, he said.


    ''Well, that''s fine. Mm, I''m the High Priestess of the Goddess of Blackness and Chaos...


    What?


    Crono asked the woman back.


    Based on the context, the woman must have given her name.


    As it should be, Crono couldn''t understand the woman''s name.


    ....


    I have no idea.


    Crono tilted his head.


    The woman''s name is heard as a sound, but Crono can''t understand the woman''s name.


    It''s as if his brain refuses to understand.


    It''s a strange thing, Crono decided to think.


    This is a world of minotaurs, lizardmen, beastmen, elves and even dwarves.


    There''s no point in worrying about it.


    ''Well, good. You can call me old lady. Call me old lady.


    Is it far from friendly when you call her old lady?


    Then call me what you want.


    Crono gazed at the woman''s chest and gazed at her magnificent legs.


    ''You''re not allowed to name your breasts or legs-related names.


    "Did you read my mind?


    An idiot would have noticed that after seeing all those breasts and legs!


    The woman raised her willow eyebrows back up.


    ''Well, then, I''ll say priestess.


    You don''t have a clue. And he''s a priest.


    ''There''s no point in twisting it in a strange way, and a priest is easier to call on than the High Priestess.


    The priest is prettier than the old lady.


    ''So what do you plan to do with the Marquis of Erakis?


    Oh, you mean, what to do with the elves? In the meantime, they''ll be recuperating in the poorhouse, and the representative of the ... Dino, right?��I guess it''s like asking for advice?


    It''s about time to increase the number of people in the paper workshop, and if they''re willing to engage in the cultivation of the Coma Forest, that''s a welcome thing, Crono thinks.


    ''''Exiles are usually treated harshly, though, aren''t they?


    ''''It seems that me and the Priestess'' normalcy is different. Well, I''m doing well in managing my territory, so I can afford to protect the exiles too.


    Ah, refugees are a problem because we can''t afford to accept them, Crono agreed with his own words.


    If a country that can''t even provide a minimum guarantee to its citizens tries to support refugees, the support for the people will take a back seat.


    It''s obvious that if they do that, the people''s frustration will explode.


    That''s why the refugee problem is not going to go away.


    Can I get in trouble too?


    ....


    Shall I get in trouble for this?


    When Crono was silent, the priestess repeated the same question.


    Apparently, the priestess intended to be a nuisance to Crono.


    Crono looked around for salvation, but he couldn''t rely on Aridid, Deneb, or Zag to help him.


    ''''I need you to promise me one thing.


    Yes, I''ll give you a bed, and I''ll do whatever you ask. As much as I can, of course.


    The priest nodded hawkishly.


    That''s not a priestly attitude.


    A little more profound with the priest, Crono thought, but he didn''t say it.


    ''Please don''t come into bed if you miss your solitary night of sleep.


    What does he think I am?��Well, all right. I promise I won''t sneak into bed if I miss a night of sleeping alone.


    Crono patted his chest.


    *


    Crono handed the village chief a few silver coins as a reward and asked him about the condition of the field.


    According to the village chief, the land where the clover was planted has good wheat growth.


    The cattle grazing on the fallow land where the clover was planted also grew well and produced good milk.


    The village has been able to produce more cheese than last year because of the improved milk production of the livestock.


    The village chief laughed that thanks to the public works, the village has been able to earn cash income during the off-farm season and has been able to afford to live.


    Crono was relieved to see that the agricultural reform was progressing well, so he put the elves on the wagon and left the village.


    Crono and the others were making good progress on the road, but the elves he had protected were exhausted and didn''t seem to have the energy to eat.


    ''''I wonder if this is the opposite.


    With that, Alideed''s lips twitched in frustration.


    Alideed grabbed the reins and poke-poke-poked the horse forward.


    By the way, Crono is behind Arideed.


    ''''Actually, Crono-sama can''t ride a horse or something?


    I''m not sure I can handle two people.


    Crono stared at Aridid''s neck.


    Really?��We''ve never seen Master Crono on a horse before.


    ''If you ask me, you might be right. Rather, Master Crono is like a horse!


    Haha!��And Arid and Deneb laughed.


    It was evening when Crono and the others arrived in Hachel.


    Crono dismounted from his horse in front of the Relief and Poverty Institute and opened the door of the Relief and Poverty Institute.


    The interior of the poorhouse was quiet.


    This is because the number of fiefdoms using the poorhouse as a place to stay is decreasing.


    The people who were there when the poorhouse was reopened had taken regular jobs and left the poorhouse.


    Now, the only people left in the poorhouse are those who are unable to work due to illness or injury, and three orphans.


    ''Ah, Master Crono!


    The first person to notice Crono was Faye''s apprentice.......Tony.


    Matthew and Sophie were nowhere to be seen.


    ''''Where is Mr. Theon?''''


    I''ll get you.


    With that, Tony ran off.


    After a while, Sion and Tony came down from upstairs.


    ''Master Crono, what can I do for you?''


    ''''Yes, I wanted to ask you to take care of the elves who have been evacuated from the Holy Argo Kingdom... could you do me a favor?''''


    ''Of course. That''s what the poorhouse is for.


    Was that an unfair phrase?��Crono regretted a bit.


    The operating expenses of the Relief and Poverty Institute are covered by Crono''s donation, and Theon''s rise to the position of head priest is also largely due to Crono''s donation.


    Theon is in a difficult position to refuse Crono''s proposal.


    However, Theon accepted Crono''s offer with a smile.


    ''''By the way, how many people will be moving into the poorhouse?


    ...Forty-seven, no, one of them is being taken care of at the Marquis'' mansion, so it''s forty-six. All of them seem to be wasting away in their wanderings.


    Then I''d better serve porridge. I''m sorry, Tony.


    I know.


    When Theon called his name, Tony ran to the back room.


    Perhaps Tony had gone to tell the kitchen to get the porridge ready.


    ''Tony''s a hard worker, isn''t he?''


    Yes, thanks for the help. Master Crono, would you like me to say hello to all of you?


    Crono accompanied Theon out of the Rescue House.


    As soon as the elves saw Theon, a look of trepidation appeared on their faces.


    ''''Don''t worry. The Holy Argo Kingdom and the Cepheus Empire''s Temple are separate organizations. We will not harm you.


    The elves seemed to be relieved after hearing the priest''s story.


    The Sacred Argo Kingdom is a religious state with the eradication of sub-humans as its national policy.


    It was not surprising that the elves were wary of the ochre-robed Zion.


    Who are you?


    Yes, I am the High Priestess of the Goddess of Darkness and Chaos. Oh, I''m in the hands of the Marquis of Erakis, so don''t bother.


    Theon''s expression was subtle.


    The priestess was dressed in clothes that made more sense if she called herself a whore than if she called herself the High Priestess.


    ''Alideed, Deneb, help me.''


    We were on a roll today!


    It''s like my stamina won''t last until the night shift!


    As Aridid and Deneb dismounted, the other riders followed them.


    *


    When Crono returned to the Marquis'' mansion with Priestess, Tilia, Rio, and Faye were training in the garden of the Marquis'' mansion for swordplay.


    Tilia and Fay were discussing wooden swords, while Rio was watching, biting off a missing piece.


    Both Tilia and Faye were dripping with sweat, wondering how long they had been discussing wooden swords.


    As far as Crono can see, Faye seems to have more room to spare than Tilia.


    Every time the wooden swords are struck together, the margin is lost from Tilia''s expression.


    If this continues, Tilia''s defeat is inevitable.


    We need to change the flow somehow.


    Do we carefully rebuild, or do we go for a bizarre plan, well, or.......


    At once, there was a loud sound.


    Tilia swung the wooden sword down with all her strength.


    Faye did not drop the wooden sword, but her eyes widened as if she was surprised.


    Tilia takes distance from Fay and unleashes a thrust that utilizes the spring in her entire body.


    However, Tilia''s wooden sword cut through the sky.


    Faye twisted her body and ducked Tilia''s attack.


    Tilia has a lot of gaps.


    But Faye didn''t try to exploit the gap.


    ''''Gunnu!


    Tilia changed direction with force and released a thrust.


    Compared to the first thrust, it could only be described as hapless.


    If Fay had tried to exploit Tilia''s gap, the blow would have turned the tide.


    Faye easily ducked Tilia''s thrust and lightly swung the wooden sword down.


    A light sound could be heard with a pokon.


    Tilia received the wooden sword to her head and collapsed on the spot.


    ''''........Princess Tyria tends to be prone to forcefulness, doesn''t she?


    That''s probably where it is.


    Faye raised her eyebrows in annoyance, and Rio stretched absently.


    ''I think Princess Tyria''s brain is made of muscle, don''t you?


    No.


    Tilia grunted in frustration as Rio criticized her harshly.


    ''''Hmmm, to ''White'', to ''Midori''..........Ooh, there are some of our peers.


    When the priestess said happily, Tilia, Rio, and Faye looked at the priestess in unison.


    ''''Ku, Crono!''''


    Tilia picked herself up and crowded into Crono.


    ''GUNNUN!��You''re going to get more mistresses again!


    ''Tilia, this man is the High Priestess in the service of the ''Goddess of Blackness and Chaos''.


    Tilia turned her gaze to the priestess and made a face as if she had bitten down on a bitter worm.


    ''Don''t lie to me!��Where are these priests!


    "Hmmm, I''m still a priest in this thing, aren''t I?��...in the service of the Goddess of Blackness and Chaos.


    When the priestess said his name, Tilia and Rio looked away from him with a giggle.


    And in the next moment, Tilia and Rio knelt in place.


    ''''Mm-hmm, cultured people are different.''''


    Why are you two on your knees?


    "Crono, you kneel.��This one, no, this one is God.


    God?��Hmm, Crono observed the priest.


    Even if he is called a god or something, Crono doesn''t understand.


    Since he''s a god, I can at least understand that he must be great or amazing.


    ''How does Tilia know that the priestess is a god?


    You didn''t catch my name!


    Crono!


    Rio ran up to Crono in a low position and crouched down with his back to the priestess.


    Crono and Tilia also followed Rio''s lead.


    ''''Crono, you know the side effects of the Divine Majesty Technique, right?''''


    If you use it too much, you''ll be out of business.


    And then there''s the next step.


    Rio gave a nasty smile.


    ''If you communicate too deeply with the gods, they will eat you up. Normally they disappear, leaving only their clothes behind, but sometimes they come back from being eaten. Well, the odds depend on the wishes of the Six Pillar God.''''


    ''''However, they lose their human function. I''m told that''s what happened to Baroness Nam Korne of the Tenth Kinsman Guard. She''s been stripped of her ''aging'' function.


    Did the priest have his name stripped off?


    No, no. No, he has assimilated God and returned to life. That''s why we don''t understand his name, God.


    Tilia said in a low voice, as if she were telling an incomprehensible child.


    ''You''re back, so maybe you''re not God?''


    Make up your mind!


    The Chronosphere, well, it''s unique.


    When Crono fried, Tilia scratched her hair in frustration and Rio gave her a dumbfounded look.


    ''I don''t think you should stop thinking as a human being,''


    What are you thinking about, then?


    As for the identity of the Six Pillar God... well, it''s only a theory and there''s no way to observe it, so I can''t demonstrate it.


    Tilia and Rio gasped.


    I guess the idea of finding out the identity of a god didn''t occur to Tilia and Rio.


    ''Oh, that sounds interesting.


    We will miss you if you don''t join us.


    The priest and Faye crouched down in front of Crono.


    ''And what is a god?''


    "I believe that the Six Pillar God is a collection of information. It might be easier to understand if you think of it as a magic formula on a scale beyond human understanding.


    Magic is an imitation of divine authority.


    Our ancestors discovered that the divine majesty is caused by a formula, and through this formula they created the technology to convert magic power into physical phenomena magic.


    The gods will devour you if you overuse the divine power art. What do you think about this?


    ''I thought that since fire and wind can be expressed in terms of magic, humans must be information too. So I don''t think it''s surprising that they''ve eaten the information about aging, do you?


    The Six Pillar God is said to feed on those with whom he has a deep communion, so maybe he has some sort of instinct.


    Or maybe they have a tendency to take in information about the other person.


    What about me?


    ''''I think the Priestess was extracted from various information and either took that amount from the Six Pillar God or duplicated it from the Six Pillar God to make up for it~''''


    If every time the user used the Divine Majesty Technique, the Divine Majesty Technique would have been unusable long ago if it took away information from the Six Pillar God every time the user used it.


    ''''Kaka!��Interesting!��At your age, and you can''t even use the Divine Majesty Technique, you''ve come to the same conclusion as I have!


    The priest stopped laughing and looked at Crono.


    ''''........Are you human?''''


    Are you human?��If not human, isn''t he a sub-god at best?


    A sub-god is half god, half human.


    ''If you had assured me, I would have fallen in love with you, you unfortunate fellow.


    Good, Crono patted his chest.


    Crono is even a handful for Myra, who is about sixty years old.


    Absolutely, the priestess is beyond Crono''s control.

 73-Episode 7 "Vagrant"

    *


    Oh, I''m sleepy, Crono closed his eyes and rubbed his eyelids.


    He was sleepy last night because he had been working on paperwork until midnight.


    I just stayed up a little late, Crono let out a sigh.


    Perhaps it was because he had been living a relatively regular life since he came to this world, but the day after staying up late was strangely difficult.


    There was no denying the possibility that the monotonous work was amplifying the sleepiness.


    It''s not so hard to sign a sheet or two, but when there''s so much to sign. I mean, why don''t you just make a seal!


    How did I not see this coming!��And Crono was in the mood to poke fun at his own idea.


    In the first place, the documents were not meant to be submitted anywhere.


    Who would complain just because Crono used a seal?


    ''''Oh, but if it''s not kanji, it''s going to be horizontal. And then a family crest?��No, no, no, I don''t want to base it on initials... well, just use kanji.


    When we''re all settled, Crono slapped his cheek, "Let''s go ask Goldie for help," he said.


    That''s when he heard a tap on the door.


    A few moments later, Alyssa opened the door to her office.


    Alyssa, unlike Crono who was sleep-deprived, seemed to be on a normal course.


    ''''Crono-sama, if you''ll excuse me. I have brought you some incense tea and a list of names.''''


    Alyssa placed the incense tea and a stack of papers on Crono''s desk.


    ''A list?''


    The sitter asked me to give you a list of the exiles.


    You''re so clever.


    When Crono was impressed, Alyssa gave a small smile.


    ''What''s the fun in that?''


    ''Sometimes Master Crono looks like a child.


    Such as?


    ''When you''re admiring something, as you are now, or when you''re eating, it''s the same. Especially when they''re eating, they look very happy.


    Alyssa thinks of me as a child, Crono had mixed feelings.


    Even with this, though, I''ve gained experience as a lord, and I''ve been through many deadlines as a soldier.


    Crono leaned back and looked over the roster.


    Alyssa smiles as she watches Crono cross her legs.


    She''s like a mother watching over her child.


    ''I guess the reason there are so many Kiri ages is because you don''t know your own age, right?


    Not many people are educated.


    I can''t wait to build the school!


    Isn''t the school already built?


    I''m working on it, but it''s going to take a little longer.


    Crono groaned as he plopped down at his desk.


    Last month, Crono had told Kane that he was starting a school for his men, but it wasn''t going as planned.


    ''Do you have a problem with the one you hired as a teacher?''


    My bad judgment. Teaching them how to teach is harder than they thought. Well, I''ll take care of that, but what I want to do is create a school for the territorial population.


    Crono leaned back and looked up at the ceiling.


    ''Master Crono, where''s the incense tea?''


    Yes, please.


    Alyssa poured the incense tea into the empty cup.


    Crono picked up the cup, drank half of the incense tea and exhaled.


    ''Well, there''s no point in rushing things. Let''s take care of one problem at a time.''


    Alyssa nodded quietly.


    *


    The sound of hammering echoed through the garden of the Marquis'' mansion today.


    After finishing the meal, Crono looked into the workshop, but Goldie was not there.


    ''''If you''re the Goldie Centurion, you''re out to dinner.


    What?


    When Crono looked towards the direction of the voice, he saw a dwarven woman sitting on a wooden box, her legs dangling.


    The dwarven woman........Paula was a chap who participated in the construction of the port of Count Caddo''s territory in order for Crono to remember her face, and she was also a solid person who made Crono promise to invest in artisans who would benefit the territory.


    ''''There''s no need to sound so unexpected. Even a Goldie centurion would have a meal.


    Yeah, but thanks, man.


    When it comes to Goldie, he has an image of being a hard worker.


    Crono is aware that he is the cause of this, though.


    ''If you need me, I''ll ask you?


    No, it''s not.


    Crono mouthed the idea that Goldie was in charge of the workshop and that he was ordering her over his head.


    Then Paula smiled cynically, as if she had read Crono''s thoughts.


    ''All I do is ask what I want and tell the Goldie Centurion. It''s like a message board.''


    Well, I want you to make this for Goldie.


    Crono handed Paula a piece of paper.


    The paper was an image of a seal that Crono had drawn in a couple of minutes while he was working.


    Paula tilts her head curiously, perhaps because Crono''s drawing was too crude.


    ''''The seal?''''


    That''s close enough, but that''s the one I''m going to stamp on the paperwork.


    ''Ahhhhh,'' said Paula, nodding as if she finally understood.


    ''I see, what is this pattern?''


    It''s a Chinese character that may or may not be used in the Far East, and I''d be happy if it was.


    ''It wouldn''t be a coincidence that a complex character like Chinese characters would occur by accident, but it wouldn''t be surprising if they did, Crono thought.


    ''What else?''


    I''ll leave the materials and decorations up to you.


    It''s the last thing I want to do, so I''ll make sure they know.


    We''ll miss you.


    ''We didn''t have enough contacts to be missed, and it''s Count Caddo''s territory we''re going to.


    Paula waved her hands from side to side as if in denial.


    ''So now we''re masters of a kingdom. It''s been a long, awfully long time.''


    Paula teamed up with her friends to set up a kiln. The investor is Crono.


    Incidentally, the two main points of the selection process were that Paula and her team made practical items and that they worked as a team.


    ''We made a lot of picture plates,''


    That''s what you paid for.


    ''We had merchants who bought the plates, but no merchants who invested in them, and


    Paula''s lips quirked up in frustration.


    Apparently, Paula wanted to win the investment with picture plates rather than the utilitarian ceramics.


    ''Paula and the other maids in the Marquis'' mansion love their plates.


    Hi.


    Crono was about to say that washing the dishes was easier, too, but Paula''s reaction was nowhere near as good, so he stopped.


    ''Well, I''m going to the poorhouse then,''


    I''ll tell him.


    Paula smiled bitterly.


    *


    Crono slowed his pace in an area lined with stalls.


    The area is alive with activity.


    Elena says it''s noisy and disgusting, but Crono likes the festive atmosphere.


    It''s also a good place to hear the voice of the territory''s residents in person.


    ''''That''s why........that''s why. Do they love me?


    "Mm, the Lord is loved. Push and push and push and push!


    Hmmm, a consultation for your troubles, Crono looked at one of the stalls.


    ''''Meaning, Tilia!


    Crono!��Hey, hey, what are you doing here, here!


    When Crono called her name, Tilia turned around in a hurry.


    ''''Oh, the Marquis of Erakis. Are we meeting in an unexpected place?''''


    Priest, what are you doing?


    It''s life advice. Don''t you see the sign?


    The priest replied with pride.


    It was true that the crude sign with a board hammered on a wooden stick said ''Life Advice''.


    Well, there was a small sign next to it that said ''Jet Black Temple, Marquis of Erakis Sub-Branch''.


    ''''Heh, what was Tilia consulting on?''''


    Hmm, that''s...


    Crono asked, and Tyria turned over shyly, squirming and sliding her thighs together.


    ''Mmm, this girl seems to be anxious to see if her Lord loves her.


    But you promised not to tell anyone!


    Is that right?


    The priestess didn''t seem to be offended at all when Tilia yelled at her.


    ''Yes, as a matter of fact I do. Crono, do you love me?


    I love you.


    Huh?��And Tilia looked as if a pigeon had been hit by a peashooter.


    Oh, really?


    I love Tilia in my own way.


    Tilia crossed her arms and tilted her head in wonder.


    ''Yeah, right.''


    Tilia doesn''t seem to be full of it.


    ''So, will you be nicer next time?''


    Tilia is embarrassed and even her ears are red.


    Probably, ''next'' must mean ''next nightlife''.


    ''''I refuse.''''


    Nuh-uh!��Why?��You love me, don''t you?


    When Crono refused, Tilia crowded Crono.


    ''''....Tilia. Although I didn''t say anything, I hear I have a sadistic streak.


    ''It''s too late!��For the most part, you''re....


    Wait, Tilia.


    Crono controlled Tilia''s hand as she tried to vent her frustration.


    ''I think there are three preferences for sadists. The first is the type that likes to be violent and the second is the type that enjoys the reaction of the other person.''


    Yeah?��Tilia tilted her head curiously.


    ''And the last thing you want to do is imagine how they''re feeling.


    What does it matter?


    ''''Tilia has the most noble blood in the Cepheus Empire. I''m sure she was carefully raised as a princess. In addition, she is a beautiful woman with a great deal of talent. I''m sorry to disparage Tilia''s efforts, but I don''t think she had much trouble with her studies and swordplay.


    Well, yeah, I guess so.


    Tilia nodded vaguely.


    ''Tilia, lend me your ear.''


    Okay.


    Tilia turned her right ear to Crono.


    ''I''m sure Tilia...''


    Crono whispered in Tilia''s ear.


    Tilia''s cheeks turned vermilion.


    Not only her cheeks, but even her ears are red.


    ''''Gyaaaaah!''''


    Wow!


    Tyria exclaimed and jumped back with tremendous speed.


    ''Oh, geez, you''re so, so, so thoughtful!


    Tyria held one ear and shuddered with a wince.


    ''You, outcast!''


    Thank you.


    It''s not a compliment!


    Well, that''s just the way it is.


    Crono sat down on the crate.


    ''What did you do with the money to open a stall?''


    See, did you say fey or something?��Get that guy to make a donation.


    Faye doesn''t seem like a very religious person.


    But I guess that''s just the way it goes, Crono thought.


    Faye is a user of the Divine Majesty Technique, and it''s not surprising that she''s grateful to the gods for lending her strength.


    Or rather, he''s a terrible ingrate, borrowing only the power of a god and not being religious.


    ''Kukku, if you tell him he''ll be unhappy if he doesn''t donate, he''ll have one shot.


    What are you doing to my men?


    Crono shouted to the priest, who smiled wickedly.


    ''It''s the one who gets tricked, you know.


    That''s a crook''s line!


    You needn''t be so angry. I understand. I''ll give Faye her money back when I''ve made my money in this business.


    Well, okay, then.


    Crono put the contraption away, feeling inseparable.


    ''But does this job make money?''


    That''s rude. How many times have you been accosted?


    The priest said he was out of his mind.


    ''Surprisingly in demand. What kind of counsel have you received?''


    ''How much is it, sis?'' And talk to me.


    It''s not a consultation!


    Marquis Erakis, the people who have approached me are trying to fill a void in their hearts by holding a woman. Filling the gaps in their hearts. Isn''t that the job of a priest?


    I suppose you have a point, but there''s no street hustling on my estate.


    When Crono glared at him, the priestess playfully cowered her shoulders.


    ''Don''t glare at me with such a scary face. Nothing happened like you imagined. What can I say, we can''t come to terms on the price.


    What I thought was going to happen was going to happen!


    Don''t push it. I told you we couldn''t negotiate a price.


    The priest controlled Crono with his hand as he tried to stand up.


    ''I told him he could leave himself to it if he donated the temple to me. However!


    There''s a whole lot of rambling going on throughout, what''s the rest of it?


    The priest nodded hawkishly as Crono urged him onward.


    ''Are you crazy?��And then they spit on the ground.


    The priestess covered her face with her hands and paragraphed.


    ''Isn''t that too crazy or too much?��I was just casually hurt!


    The priest called out with tears in his eyes.


    ''No, if you ask me to build a temple for the first time, you know. There''s usually a market price for things.''''


    ''Quotes?��How much would you offer me?


    What about lords breaking the law?


    I didn''t tell you to buy me!��I want to know what I''m worth as a woman!


    Well, if that was the case, Crono looked at the priestess.


    Priestess''s breasts are smaller than Tilia''s, but the degree of exposure is more than that of a landlady.


    The fact that she''s not only exposing her breasts, but also her legs is particularly high point.


    ''''I don''t think it''s too necessary~''''


    Isn''t it necessary?��Don''t you want me?


    The priest''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''To be frank, you''re not lacking in women, are you?


    Well, well, well, I''ve got big tits and I don''t age well!


    The Priestess crossed her arms to emphasize her breasts and show Crono her worth as a woman.


    ''Even if the Priestess is immortal, I''m not immortal, and I''m not immortal.


    If you wish, I can give you immortality. How do you like that?


    The priest gave Crono a meaningful look.


    ''I don''t want it. There are going to be pitfalls with that sort of thing.''


    I''m not greedy.


    The priest smiled sadly.


    ''Well, I''m kidding, I''m kidding. I can''t give you immortality.


    Hmm.


    Crono wondered if he could do something close to that, even if he couldn''t get immortality, but he didn''t say it.


    ''I guess I stayed a little too long,''


    If I''m going to Dino''s, I''m going with you.


    As Crono stood up, so did the priest.


    *


    When Crono entered the Rescue and Poverty Institute with the priest, the Rescue and Poverty Institute was filled with the same silence as yesterday.


    It''s an unnatural silence, considering that there are more than fifty users.


    That''s the way it should be, Crono thought.


    The elves had fled from the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    They must be very tired and distrustful of humans.


    There was no way they could make a fuss under such circumstances.


    What about Sion-san?��And Crono looked around.


    The interior of the Relief and Rehabilitation Institute is partitioned with boards to protect privacy.


    It''s about the size of a booth in a comic book store, but the outlook is poor.


    ''Crono-sama?''


    It was faster for Theon to find Crono.


    ''Mr. Theon, where''s Dino?''


    I think he''s better than yesterday, but we shouldn''t talk too long.


    Crono asked, and Sion replied apologetically.


    I don''t intend to stay long.


    This way.


    Theon led Crono to Dino.


    Dino''s bed was at the far end.


    As soon as Dino looked at Crono, he tried to raise himself up.


    ''No, stay where you are.''


    Crono sat down in a chair near the bed.


    ''How can I thank you for only meeting us once?


    You don''t have to be afraid to have an ulterior motive.


    I see.


    A gloomy light dwells in Dino''s eyes.


    ''I didn''t mean to ask you to give me the girl,''


    Yeah, right.


    Dino was clearly relieved.


    ''It doesn''t mean I have to give you a man, you know.


    Oh, yeah.


    When Crono reminded him, Dino looked clearly confused.


    Apparently, Crono had dug his grave.


    ''Marquis Erakis, what do you expect us to do?''


    ''The workforce?��I was just about to expand my paper shop business. I''ll pay you a salary, of course.


    ''I think it''s an excellent suggestion. But I need to discuss it with my colleagues for a moment.


    Okay.


    Dino''s expression was dull.


    It was bad enough to rush him, and Crono stood up.


    When Crono was sent off by Sion and walked out of the poorhouse, the priestess had a nasty smile on her face.


    ''If you''ve got something to say, I hope you do.


    I got dumped.


    Crono ignored the priest and started to walk away.


    ''I''m sober and hurt!


    Is there something else you want to tell me?


    What does the Marquis of Erakis think Dino has in mind?


    The priest still has a nasty smile on his face.


    It''s a smile that says he knows the answer.


    ''....Anxiety or fear.


    Well, they''re not wrong.


    The priest crossed his arms in a pompous manner.


    ''Dino is anxious to take the Lord''s offer, you know.


    Crono tilted his head, not understanding what the priestess was trying to say.


    ''''Dino is a unifier, so you''ve considered the advantages and disadvantages of taking advantage of your Lord''s favor.


    The priest looked up to heaven as if to say he didn''t understand.


    What is given by favor is gone as soon as the favor is lost. I am not saying that you seem to be the kind of person who would return the favor. That''s just the way I see it. It''s just that there are other people who are there to begin with.


    It''s a compromise, I suppose.


    "If we are to be accepted by the strangers, it''s a rite of passage you need to show them you are useful to them.


    Considering Mino''s family and Tony and the others, I feel like the priest is right.


    ''Are you convinced?''


    To the extent that I think I lacked that perspective,


    I haven''t lived long enough.


    The priest turned his chest back and puffed out his nostrils in a proud manner.


    ''On the other hand, if you live long enough, even if you''re an idiot, you''ll be wiser?


    Why do you say the opposite!��This is an honestly impressive place to be!


    The priest shoved at Crono.


    ''I had a feeling I''d better keep it fried.


    We don''t need it!


    No, you need it. It''s as important as where you take it, not here. If you miss this moment, you won''t be able to get it.


    No, no, no, I''m still going to be impressed with you.��You wouldn''t be impressed if you missed this moment, would you?


    ''If you''re a great priest, you''ll get as many opportunities as you want. So I think we should get fried here.


    Really?��But though I have lived a long life, I am not God himself. There is a limit to the number of times I can impress you. Therefore, be honestly impressed.


    ''Does that mean I don''t have many opportunities to admire it?��Tsk, that''s really useless.


    It''s really useless or hurtful!


    Because the only thing I''ve lived long enough to learn is to plunge in.


    "Deny everything I''ve done with my life of loneliness!��Find out what makes me tick before you deny everything.��Here, you have it.��I have a lot of good qualities, don''t I?


    The priest is very flippant, isn''t he?


    Long life... haha!


    On the other hand, if you''re not in a good groove, you''ll live longer.


    ''Endless!��Will our conversations never end?


    Yeah, it''s over.


    Huh?


    The Priestess looked around.


    It was an area lined with stalls ... a place where the priestess''s shop was located.


    ''But maybe we don''t need a priestess.


    "I haven''t been of any use to you, Lord Crono.


    "I want them to think I''m useful.


    Not at all, you two. You''re going to be useful. Have some confidence.


    There, Tilia was consulting with White and Hiilo.


    Tilia''s life advice seemed to be very popular and several customers were lined up behind White and Hairo.


    ''''The shop is being taken over when I take my eyes off it!


    The priest''s shrill cry rang out.


    *


    Under the moonlight, the priest is drinking wine on a cloth on the ground.


    His white throat moves up and down.


    That''s all it takes to make it feel strangely glamorous.


    Naturally, once the glass is empty, the throat stops moving.


    The glass leaves his lips.


    The wet lips are chillingly s*xy.


    Tickle my tongue out and lick my lips. Perhaps.


    It wouldn''t have been much of a meaningful act for the priest, but Crono........


    ''Huh!��Good wine!


    It''s ruined.


    Crono muttered to the side as the priestess wiped her mouth.


    The glamour and coloration disappeared the moment the priestess exhaled.


    Now in front of Crono was a jolly drunkard.


    ''''Would you like to join me for a drink, Lord?''''


    I don''t drink as I have to work tomorrow. By the way, where''s the wine from?


    I''m in the basement.


    Crono let out a sigh.


    ''Can you get drunk, Priestess?''


    You can get drunk. Well, you can''t get drunk, and you can''t get drunk if you''re uptight.


    You drink too much when you''re drunk.


    The priest poured the wine into a glass.


    ''Come to think of it why did you say you didn''t need immortality?


    ''''Umm, well, for a lot of reasons, but I''m not positive enough to enjoy immortality...''''


    I think I can handle the first hundred years or so, but Crono isn''t sure he''s going to enjoy the next hundred years.


    ''No?''


    ''Because the priest doesn''t look like he''s enjoying himself.


    The next moment Crono pointed out, the priestess became expressionless.


    But the priestess quickly smiled and stoked the wine.


    ''Well, it''s not much fun. The people I''m getting along with are dying faster than I am. It used to be ... good.


    The Priestess propped up her glass with both hands and muttered to herself.


    ''It seems like it''s been a tough time for me, but I was most fulfilled when I was fighting as a priest-soldier.


    Wasn''t it all bad?��And Crono looked at the priestess.


    Then the priest shook his head weakly, as if he could see through Crono''s heart.


    ''I was once called a hero, but before I knew it, I couldn''t see what I wanted to protect.


    It''s probably because he''s an ordinary person that Crono thinks that he''s powerful enough to be called a hero.


    The priest hung his head without strength.


    Is it because he is holding back tears that he is trembling small?


    ''''........Priestess.


    Crono called out, but the priestess remained downcast.


    ''Priestess,'' Crono called out again.


    ''I know you''re checking me out with your glass, Priestess,''


    "Tch, you should let your emotions get the better of you at times.


    If you let your emotions get the better of you, you''ll end up a priest.


    It''s a mine woman, Crono said, moving away from the priestess a bit.


    And the priestess is not an anti-personnel or anti-tank mine, but a nuclear mine.


    ''Is there a man somewhere who will share my fate with me?


    That fate is too heavy.


    Crono''s shoulders slumped.


    *


    The next day, Crono was in his office, working on some paperwork.


    ''Yeah, I''ll get my work done,''


    Crono pressed the seal to an improvised stamp stand and stamped the document.


    The stamp stand was made of ink dripped onto a cloth placed on a small plate.


    ''The dwarven craftsmen do a good job~''


    Crono stared at the seal, enthralled.


    The material of the seal is wood.


    It has little decoration and looks like a chess piece.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    It''s a bit of a pleasure to be able to use my name.........................Hisamitsu Kurono in another world.


    ''''Crono-sama, please excuse me.''''


    There was a tap on the door and Alyssa entered the room.


    Crono had hoped that Alyssa would bring him some incense tea, but Alyssa was empty-handed.


    ''Crono-sama, Sion-sama is here.


    What did I promise you?


    We are here with one of Master Crono''s guardian elves. Do you wish to decline?


    No, I''m coming.


    Crono put the seal in the box and stood up.


    ''Where are Mr. Zion and the others?''


    He''s waiting for you in the parlor.


    Alyssa''s a smartass.


    Crono left his office.


    *


    As Crono entered the parlor, Sion floated up from the sofa to get up.


    ''Oh, stay where you are,''


    Crono sat on the couch and stared at Dino.


    Thanks to the ample rest, Dino''s complexion is better than yesterday.


    ''Have you decided how to behave?''


    Yeah.


    Theon looks at Dino with concern.


    Looking at his expression, Theon doesn''t seem to be positive about Dino and the others'' decision.


    ''''I heard from Sion-sama that they''re clearing the Coma Forest,''''


    Yeah, so?


    Crono asked in a low voice, narrowing his eyes.


    It was an act to intimidate him.


    If this is how Dino is going to be pressured, he''s not ready.


    ''I need your help in clearing the forest.


    We have enough people to do the job. Pioneering is hard work. And I think the elves are inferior to the minotaurs and lizardmen in terms of efficiency.


    Dino clenched his fists as if to hold back his anger.


    ''If we''re inferior in efficiency, we''ll make up for it by working longer. If that''s not enough, we''ll hunt and earn our keep. I won''t cause you any more trouble.''''


    ''It would be a pain in the ass if a lot of people got sick or died from working long hours. ''Dino, I''m sure the conditions I offered you weren''t so bad. What are you complaining about?


    I have no complaints.


    Dino looked at Crono and said, looking at him.


    ''Why would you want to work in inferior conditions?''


    We want to take our place in the world by ourselves. It''s not just about enduring. We don''t just want to give. We want something to be proud of for the next generation. We want the fact that we''ve won that something.


    Crono let out a sigh, wondering if this was another rite of passage.


    ''All right. I''ll respect the decision of Dino and the others.''


    ...and thank you.


    Dino hung his head deeply.


    ''There''s one more thing I need to ask of you.


    Well, you tell me.


    Dino straightened his residence.


    ''There are about ten young elves. I would like to use these ten as soldiers.


    ''You can''t hire a private army,''


    I know. And I''ve heard about the system in this country.


    Crono chuckled, "You mean you''re going to pull out after becoming a soldier in the Imperial Army?


    Crono wouldn''t have been able to intervene in a soldier''s personnel when he became a lord.


    Not now.


    Well, it''s not that Crono has any influence in the Military Affairs Bureau, it''s just that he has an idea of the people who might be able to do something about it.


    ''Well, well, nice to meet you then,''


    Yeah.


    Crono shook hands with Dino.

 74-Episode 8 "Imperial City"

    *


    Leonhardt throws his arms through the sleeves of his military uniform.


    The military uniform, which is based on white, is the proof of a Kingsguard Knight.


    The uniform of the newly established Thirteenth Kingsguard Order is black, but regardless of that, Leonhard has been trying to be a person worthy of being a Kingsguard Knight.


    No, I should say that he has struggled to learn how to motivate his subordinates.


    Leonhardt doesn''t understand the feelings of others.


    He can guess from the situation what kind of emotions they are feeling, and he can read the air.


    According to Leela, Leonhardt''s words are white.


    She also said it was especially noticeable in words of comfort and sympathy.


    I had an idea.


    Leonhardt was blessed with a family background and talent, and his ability to empathize with others was low because he had never experienced any major failures or setbacks.


    If Leonhardt had been a mere knight, his low empathy ability would not have been a problem.


    But for the Knight Commander, it''s a fatal flaw.


    In order to bring out the abilities of his subordinates, the element of understanding is essential.


    Well, that is, if Leonhardt''s prediction was correct.


    Leonhardt made up for his lack of empathy by carefully observing his subordinates and listening to them.


    So far, no problems have arisen.


    At best, Leonhardt''s jokes are not funny, or at best, they are ridiculed.


    Crono-dono........that''s an unobtainable quality, Leonhard chuckled.


    Looking at Crono, it made him feel like a commander could be supported by his subordinates.


    Leonhardt strapped on his sword and left his room.


    He must now ascend the castle and meet with Vizier Alcor.


    Considering the rearrangement of the Kingsguard and Count Piske''s malaise, I don''t have a good feeling about it.


    When Leonhardt left the mansion, Leela came running up to him.


    Leela is still as chubby as ever.


    ''''Leonhard-sama!��I want to go back to the country!


    ''Leela, I''m going to be on duty now, aren''t I?


    Leela had said this morning that she was going to take a break in the new city, but going out didn''t seem to be a good way to relax.


    ''A knight''s job is to protect the weak!


    There''s no denying it, though.


    If the weak were meant to be the people of the Empire, then Leonhardt must protect them within his authority and ability.


    ''''Leela, what''s going on?''''


    I went shopping in New Town. I went shopping in the new town, and some drunk guy attacked me.��I can''t shop without worrying about people fighting, and I can''t feel safe!


    Hmm, Leonhard stroked his chin.


    Perhaps the drunk who was involved with Leela was a mason involved in the construction of the mausoleum.


    The construction of a mausoleum is a project that should be left to those who can be trusted.


    Secure the budget and entrust the work to people you can trust.


    It''s simple logic.


    However, in reality, things don''t go according to logic.


    The price of marble, the building material for the mausoleum, had skyrocketed because Baron Bowties had sold the minotaurs working in the stone quarry.


    It was impossible to secure the required amount of marble under these circumstances, while entrusting the construction of the mausoleum to someone reliable.


    It might have been a different story if the officials of the Finance Bureau had been persistent in their negotiations.


    But the Finance Bureau officials solved the problem by cutting the cost of building the mausoleum ... the cost of labor.


    The quality of the laborers they could hire for odd sums of money was beyond question.


    The bill for this is showing up in the form of worsening public security.


    Hmm, I''ll talk to the department in charge about the security situation.


    Really?��I''m going back to the States if you''re lying to me.��I''m in the country, and if I go home, Master Leonhardt won''t be able to sleep well, will he?


    Hmm, Leonhard nodded.


    Honestly, Leonhard could get a good night''s sleep without Leela.


    It''s not that Leela is absolutely necessary when it comes to relieving s*xual desire either.


    In the first place, Leonhard is not a person with a strong s*x drive.


    But if Leonhardt said here, ''I don''t mind going back to the country,'' Leela would be offended.


    Lies are necessary for a smooth relationship.


    ''Leela needs it for my restful sleep.


    Oh, Leonhardt, you don''t have to lie to me.


    ''Mu,'' grunted Leonhardt.


    ''It was a joke, a joke. I was joking when I said I wanted to go back to the country and I was also joking when I said I was going home. There''s no place for me to go anyway.


    ....


    Leonhardt couldn''t say anything.


    Leela is the daughter of a poor farmer.


    My father took Leela in as a servant.


    Ostensibly.


    He played with Leela when he took her in as a servant, and when he got tired of her, he gave her to Leonhardt.


    Leonhardt doesn''t know what his father had in mind when he gave Leela to him.


    Maybe he was worried about his son who wasn''t interested in women forever, or maybe he thought he was trying to get ahead of the game so that he wouldn''t get into poor quality women, or maybe it was both.


    Either way, it''s a bullshit story.


    I''m the one who''s a dumbass, Leonhardt mocked himself.


    I don''t even know what to say to him.


    I''m just joking. "Just kidding," he said, "I just wanted to embarrass Master Leonhardt a little.


    It''s a joke.


    Yeah, I know. I''m sorry I said that. I''m not saying it again.


    I see, said Leonhardt, patting Leela''s head.


    *


    As I thought, Rio-dono''s absence was a big deal, Leonhardt had that kind of sentiment as he headed to Vizier Arcol''s office.


    The Ninth Kingsguard is in charge of the castle''s security.


    As the leader of the knights, Rio was not allowed to enter the castle even if nobles who were not scheduled to come up to the castle came.


    It was to ensure the safety of the nobles, ladies and the royal family working inside the castle.


    But now, even nobles who have not completed the formalities of climbing the castle will be allowed in if they spare some effort.


    Even if the Ninth Kinsguard Knights abided by discipline, not all the nobles working in the castle would respect discipline.


    Vizier Alcor''s office was guarded by two Kingsguard Knights.


    ''''It''s Leonhardt, Commander of the First Kingsguard. I have been summoned by Vizier Alcor.


    What? Come in!


    Leonhard entered Prime Minister Arkol''s office and opened his eyes lightly.


    It was because there was an earlier guest in Vizier Alcor''s office.


    It''s Count Piske.


    It was probably due to heartache.


    Count Piske''s expression was dull.


    When Leonhard stood in the center of the room, Vizier Arcol stopped reading his documents and looked up.


    ''''Today, I have to consult with you about the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Gulp, Count Piske clutched his stomach.


    ''Last year, our country signed a peace treaty with the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Yes, sir.


    Leonhardt replied matter-of-factly.


    He knew now that Vizier Alcor had been working for peace even before the pro-peace treaty, and that the pro-peace treaty was only a means of negotiation.


    If a peace treaty would have reduced the expected damage, it would have been the right choice for the Empire.


    I''ve been in personal contact with King Magnus of the Holy Argo Kingdom. I''ve heard that King Magnus is troubled by the relationship with the Temple.


    Prime Minister Alcor let out a deliberate sigh.


    I know the power struggle between the Holy Argo Kingdom''s royal family and the Temple, even if you don''t explain it to me now.


    I wish to solve King Magnus'' problems.


    Leonhard was in the mood to chuckle at Vizier Alcor''s blatantness.


    He doesn''t use the words "we" or "Cepheus Empire".


    In other words, he is asking me to cooperate with King Magnus in an unofficial capacity.


    ''''Why me?''''


    I consider you to be the most capable fighter and most loyal to the Empire of all the knights in my Kingsguard.


    I''m honored to receive undue praise.


    Prime Minister Alcor''s point is true as far as the former is concerned.


    But when it comes to the latter, it is somewhat off.


    The Cepheus Empire has a high priority in Leonhardt''s mind.


    However, this is not caused by patriotism or loyalty, but by one''s position.


    Leonhardt is the incoming head of the Palatium family.


    The stability of the Cepheus Empire is essential for the protection of his family and territory.


    That''s why Leonhardt didn''t move when he learned that Princess Tilia had been deprived of her right to the throne.


    If Leonhardt had ruled over Princess Tilia at that time, the country would have been divided.


    A civil war would have broken out, even if Princess Tilia or Viceroy Alcor had won, the country would have been devastated and many people would have died.


    If Prime Minister Alcor is assessing Leonhard''s loyalty based on that, then it might be a correct assessment.


    ''''But on my own........''''


    I''ve already selected the right man.


    I see, so you''re saying that you''ve already secured personnel who have no problem with being used up, Leonhard nodded.


    ''''........''''


    Leonhardt?


    When Leonhardt was silent, Vizier Alcor asked suspiciously.


    It would be difficult for the commander to live up to expectations by himself. If you can get some trusted people to support you.


    Well, I''d be happy to do as you wish, Leonhardt.


    First of all, I''d like to see Count Rio Chiron in the Marquess of Erakis.


    Prime Minister Alcor smiled bitterly when he heard Rio''s name.


    ''''Very well. I want you to tell him to return to the imperial capital after this mission is over.''''


    Then the Thirteenth Kingsguard.


    I wouldn''t call it human resources.


    We need him.


    Prime Minister Alcor tapped the corner of his desk with his finger as if in thought.


    The sound of knocking on the desk echoed in his office.


    ''....Very well.


    "Thank you for your concern. This will help the Prime Minister achieve his true objective.


    The real purpose?


    One eyebrow of Prime Minister Alkor''s vizier raised.


    ''It will not be to our country''s advantage if the problems of the Holy Argo Kingdom are resolved.


    Once the issue of the Temple is resolved, the Holy Argo Kingdom will renege on the peace treaty and will once again be hostile to the Cepheus Empire. It''s possible that they won''t be hostile, but we shouldn''t act based on optimistic judgments.


    ''''What do you think, Lord Leonhardt?''''


    "Causing a civil war in the Holy Argo Kingdom. I thought it would be in the best interest of the Empire.


    Yes, I''m aware of that.


    Prime Minister Arkol laughed with amusement.


    Although Prime Minister Arkol probably thought that Leonhard would arrive at a choice that would be in the best interest of the Empire.


    You can''t be sure of that. King Magnus doesn''t believe that I am offering to help you in good faith. I''ve said that I''m open to cooperation in an unofficial capacity.


    Leonhardt nodded, ''You chose me so that I wouldn''t be easily cut off.


    ''Count Piske will outline the operation.


    Ha, I''ll do my best to make you happy!


    Leonhardt straightened up.


    *


    The explanation of the operation was to be held in Count Piske''s office.


    Led by Count Piske, who was holding his belly, Leonhardt made his way to Count Piske''s office.


    When he arrived in his office, Count Piske sat down in his seat as if he were collapsing.


    Leonhardt sat in a chair nearby and looked through the documents.


    Although, half of the material was the history of the knights participating in the operation.


    The operation focused on reducing the national power of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    The forces of the Holy Argo Kingdom''s royal family and the ''Temple'' are opposed to each other.


    In order to do so, they will have knights in the guise of bandits attack the merchants who pass through the East-West Roads of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    ''''I knew it would come to this,''''


    For the record, they''re volunteers.


    Count Piske said in an excusable tone.


    Leonhardt pointed out about the knights involved in this mission.


    ''''Count Piske, I have no intention of letting them die.


    I have no intention of letting them die.


    Count Piske said grimly.


    ''Why did they volunteer?''


    They can''t inherit a viceroyalty and they can''t be knights of the Kingsguard. If you promise them a knighthood without a title, they''ll be happy to volunteer for it.


    Count Piske said in a tone that told you not to listen to the obvious.


    I understand why they volunteered. Then we must train them to come back alive.


    ...I''m not just the training part.


    Count Piske said with a sigh.


    ''''By the way, why does Lord Leonhardt want the Marquis of Erakis?


    I''m buying him, you see.


    Well, I suppose it''s worth a look.


    When Leonhard replied, Count Piske made a subtle expression.


    ''''Of course, that''s not the only reason, though. We need Lord Crono''s help to reinforce the operation. King Magnus won''t be convinced by simply attacking the merchants passing through the East-West Road. In order to convince him, we need to secure new trade routes.


    ...I see.


    Count Piske nodded honestly, as if he had noticed the holes in the operation.


    I wish you could tell me where the real landing place is, Leonhard added in his mind.


    Mister, you need to wake up. Mister.


    Ange, let me get some more sleep.


    With that, Duran turned over.


    The old bed creaked in protest.


    This old bed not only tossed and turned, but also rattled as he sat up.


    Duran was born the fourth son of the Landedge Barons, a family with a fiefdom north of the southern frontier.


    At the time of his birth, there was little or no chance that Duran would be able to take over the family''s position.


    It was not a time of warfare, and his three older brothers were in excellent health.


    Like his three older brothers, Durand had been enrolled in the military school of the imperial capital.


    It was close to aristocratic custom to send a child to a military school.


    However, it seems to me that my father enrolled Duran in the military school not so much to observe the custom as to learn a trade.


    After Duran graduated from the military school, he became a guard of the imperial capital.


    Guarding the imperial capital is a difficult place to work that is hard to appreciate in exchange for being less dangerous.


    Duran scrambled.


    This was his life, and there was no way he could accept it at the age of eighteen.


    He was confident in his sword skills.


    His swordsmanship had always ranked high in military school, so he believed that his sword skills would open up his life.


    No, he dreamed that he could cut it out.


    With unfounded confidence, Duran took the exam to join the Order of the Kingsguard.


    The result was rejection, but Duran was not dented.


    The first year he was able to feed off of his frustration.


    The second year seemed to be the next.


    After three years, his heart broke.


    It was then that Duran met Angier.


    No, meeting someone was not a superlative.


    Duran had been drinking heavily, fighting for trivial reasons, getting beaten to a pulp and sitting on the ground when he was picked up by Angier.


    Angier had a reasonably good-looking face.


    It''s only fair, a bit of a good-looking woman.


    However, it''s hard to wipe away the poor smell.


    Her shoulder-length brown hair was disfigured to look at, and her hands and water work were rough from the fact that she was also working in water.


    Angel''s job was to serve at a tavern and inn in the Twelfth Ward.


    The Twelfth Street is a pleasure district.


    It wasn''t the kind of place Ange worked in, but the owner didn''t blame the waiter for it.


    Waitresses are not paid well.


    Even the owner didn''t want to keep the empty room.


    So that''s what happened.


    When was the last time you remember, Duran might have been more productive if he had been a prostitute?��I asked him once.


    Angier''s answer was, ''I didn''t sell my body for the love of it.


    Duran rented a room in the new town and began to live with Angier.


    It''s an ordinary day.


    Duran concentrates on his security duties and Angier concentrates on housework.


    It was only after a few months of living together with Angier that Duran heard of Crono.


    According to Angier, he''d been the talk of the bar for the last year or so.


    Duran didn''t feel like he could congratulate Crono on his success.


    Duran had never even spoken to Crono, but he knew that Crono was a fall guy.


    On the contrary, Crono was such a famous fall guy that even Duran, who had no contact with him, knew about it.


    Duran felt sorry for his junior (Crono), who he had never even spoken to.


    Anyone would feel sorry for Crono because he had a reputation for not achieving results no matter how hard he tried.


    The man he once pitied was far ahead of himself.


    Duran was devastated by that fact.


    He couldn''t help but feel miserable for himself.


    So, this time around I volunteered for an unofficial operation.


    I might die.


    But there''s a chance you can get out of this situation.


    I don''t mind that. Is he going to be late?


    .....


    That''s right.


    Today is a training day.


    Duran jumps up and changes his clothes.


    He puts on his trousers and a jacket.


    ''Why didn''t you wake me up!


    I woke you up several times.


    When Duran accused her, Angier''s lips twitched in a sultry manner.


    ''.........sir.


    Huh?


    Duran replied to Angier as he put on his boots.


    ''I''m good enough for the life I have now.


    When Duran looked up, Angel was wrapping his hair around his fingers as if he had no place to be.


    ''Hey, hey, if I move up in the world, I can live in a better place and buy you better clothes, you know?


    Duran stood up and looked around the room.


    The furniture was old, and not just the bed.


    The cheap room was drafty in the winter, and the door was poorly erected.


    ''The house and the clothes aren''t worth risking your life for.


    Perhaps, Duran smiled as he realized why Angier wasn''t supporting him.


    ''What''s wrong, mister?''


    ''''Haha~. Angel, you think I''m going to leave you, don''t you?


    ''You''re a cute guy,'' Duran stroked his chin.


    ''It''s not like that,'' said Duran, ''I just don''t want my husband to die. I just don''t want him to die. I don''t want him to die. I just don''t want him to die.


    Angier muttered sadly.


    ''I''ll do well. I''ll come back alive.''


    ''Mister, the Grim Reaper likes to talk like that, don''t you?


    Duran clicked his tongue and ran out of the room.


    *


    When Duran went to the training grounds on the outer edge of the imperial capital, a man was standing there.


    He was a man in a white military uniform.


    He looked like a gentleman, but there were more than twenty men lying at his feet.


    Among the men falling to the ground were some familiar faces.


    One of them was Bruno.


    Bruno is a huge man, as big as a large sub-human.


    Because of his wide width, his movements are slow and sluggish, but he''s strong enough to be struck anyway.


    His arm strength is also quite impressive.


    The man in the white military uniform has beaten down more than twenty men.


    No matter how much the man was a kinsman knight, it''s hard to believe that this is a sudden story.


    But the man in the white military uniform is Leonhardt the knight who is claimed to be the strongest in the Empire.


    It might be possible for the strongest knight in the Empire.


    ''''.........What''s your name?''''


    What?


    Duran was unable to answer Leonhardt''s question.


    ''Oh, duh, Duran. My name is Duran.


    "...Duran?��You''re the fourth son of Baron Landedge, aren''t you?


    You know my name?


    I knew it. He''s one of my men, albeit a short one. I know your name, at least.


    Leonhardt pointed to his temples with his index finger.


    ''''Normally, tardiness is a penalty, but today I''m not going to question it. Now, put your swords at the ready.''''


    Why?


    ''Hmm, others have asked me about that. You''re too unreliable to be involved in an unofficial mission. Fortunately, you have some time before the mission starts. We just want you to be as strong as possible in the meantime.


    Duran was angered by Leonhardt''s words.


    Duran is not human enough to be able to smile at being mocked up to this point.


    I''ll do it, he said, picking up the wooden sword that had fallen to the ground.


    Duran readied his wooden sword and rushed at Leonhardt.


    Suddenly, his vision faded and he realized that Leonhardt was in front of him.


    ''''Mister, reapers like that kind of language, don''t they?''''


    Duran lost consciousness, not realizing what had been done to him.


    Leonhardt''s special training lasted for a month.


    The special training was rigorous, but Leonhardt was an effective teacher.


    After all, he could teach things in a theoretical way.


    Thanks to Leonhardt, Duran was stronger than a month ago.


    I think so.


    Duran sat in a chair and was being treated by Angel.


    ''Sir, could you stop grinning?''


    Oh, bad, bad.


    Although he answered that, Duran couldn''t erase his smile.


    Training is hard, but I feel stronger.


    ''''What makes you so happy to be covered in fresh wounds?''''


    ''I was able to prevent another blow from Master Leonhardt today. Not only that. After blocking the first blow, I was able to fight back. I couldn''t block the second blow, though.


    I''m getting stronger.


    That was unbearably pleasing.


    Duran had worked hard to become a Knight of the Kingsguard, and he spared no effort.


    His efforts were not rewarded and his heart was broken once.


    It was because he realized his limitations.


    ''''Are you training again tomorrow?''''


    Oh, no, I have tomorrow off.


    When Duran mouthed off, Angier seemed to realize what was going on and moved to the front of Duran and knelt down.


    ''Sir?''


    "Tomorrow night we leave the Imperial City.


    No!


    Angier let out a screaming voice.


    Finish saying goodbye to the one you love......I mean, that''s what it was.


    *


    The next night ... Duran took an unpopular road to the parade ground.


    On the way there, Duran looked at his right wrist.


    The ring was swinging on his right wrist.


    It was a ring woven from Angel''s hair.


    This could be the farewell of this lifetime.


    Driven by these thoughts, Duran held Angier in his arms.


    It was the first time he had ever been so encouraged.


    Angier put the ring on his wrist as Duran left the room.


    When Duran arrived at the training grounds, about ten of his friends were already gathered there.


    Naturally, Leonhardt was there as well.


    ''''Hmm, today is right on time.''''


    Master Leonhardt?


    What is it?


    Leonhardt asked Duran back.


    Leonhardt wasn''t in a white military uniform, but an old traveling outfit.


    ''''No, it''s nothing,''''


    I don''t know.


    Duran was pleased with Leonhardt''s thoughtfulness.


    He felt that he was showing himself to be their boss.


    ''Duran, have you finished saying goodbye to the one you love?


    Yeah, well,


    No more juice, Duran couldn''t say, and he slurred his words.


    ''Where''s Master Leonhardt?''


    Hate to say it, but I didn''t have a partner. I''ve been spending time with my maid as usual.


    You must be a beautiful woman.


    She is the maid to the Duke of Palatium''s family.


    It''s no wonder that a nobleman''s daughter is a maid as an apprentice of etiquette.


    So Duran thought, but Leonhard stroked his chin thoughtfully.


    ''She''s not ugly, but she''s not pretty. Your language isn''t quite as refined and cultured as it should be. Also, you''re a bit bloated.


    Leonhardt drew the maid''s bodyline into the void with both hands.


    Duran was pleased to see that he did this kind of thing too.


    ''''Well, it looks like we''re all here. From now on, we will be heading to the Marquis of Erakis. There, we will have a meeting with Lord Crono and carry out our mission.''''


    ....


    Duran heard Crono''s name and stiffened himself.


    He thinks he understands that he is harboring feelings similar to inferiority complexes and that this is a feeling that is tantamount to resentment in Crono''s eyes.


    ''There''s no need to be so defensive. Crono-dono is a man worthy of your trust.


    Leonhardt''s words were off the mark, but Duran didn''t say it.


    He knew it was a shameful sentiment, even for himself, and he didn''t want Leonhardt to despise him.


    A little more than ten days after leaving the imperial capital, Duran and his team arrived in the Marquis of Erakis'' territory ... the citadel city of Hashel without missing a single person.


    Neatly groomed, Duran thought when he saw the citadel.


    Duran let his horse advance, and after a while, he let his gaze wander to scurry around.


    The others were similar.


    Bruno and others are opening their mouths like idiots.


    The Marquis of Erakis territory is rural.


    No, because I thought it was rural, I was surprised at how busy it was.


    The closer we got to the center of the city, the more people we saw.


    The most crowded area was the section lined with stalls.


    Past that point, the popularity diminishes somewhat.


    Nevertheless, the shops were still crowded with customers, and there was a fair amount of wagon traffic.


    That''s not all.


    There was no unpleasant smell in the air.


    It''s a sign that the garbage and manure disposal is working well.


    Despite the fact that the town is so crowded, there are no street prostitutes or vagrants in sight.


    Aside from vagrants, a busy city has street prostitutes.


    At least that''s the way it is in Duran''s common sense.


    The equipment of the soldiers patrolling the streets was also astounding.


    It''s better equipment than the guards of the imperial city.


    That''s what the sub-humans are wearing.


    Moreover, all the sub-human soldiers are wearing the same level of equipment.


    It''s an unbelievable sight.


    Wasn''t the rumor about the fallen soldiers a lie?��Duran had his doubts.


    This is how much of a city they maintain.


    It was more convincing to think that Crono was not given the right reputation for some reason.


    There was a mansion with four towers in the center of the city.


    Led by Leonhardt, Duran and the others walked through the gate of the mansion.


    One of the four towers was a forge and the other was where the sub-humans gathered to do something.


    There were other buildings in the yard of the mansion where humans worked.


    A man stood at the entrance of the mansion.


    It was a man dressed in black military uniform.


    Perhaps this man was Crono.


    Leonhard dismounted from his horse and walked up to Crono.


    ''''It''s been a long time, Mister Crono.''''


    Yes.


    With that, Leonhardt shook hands with Crono.

 75-Chapter 9 "Preparation"

    *


    The story goes back to before Crono and Leonhardt shook hands with each other.


    *


    Crono held up the parchment that arrived from the Imperial City and let the sun see through it.


    He turned the parchment upside down, sideways, turned it over, and roasted it in the fire... He didn''t soak it in water, but he tried every way he could to decipher the text.


    Another battle, that it is!


    Crono admitted that there was no message hidden in the parchment and screamed in his office.


    He was prepared to improve the status of sub-humans and to realize the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but he was still afraid of what he was afraid of.


    ''''............Ugugu.


    Crono grunted with his head in his hands.


    ''No, think positive. This time it''s not a battle between armies. There''s Rio, and Lord Leonhardt, but... oh, I can''t think positively. Uggh, I hate religion.


    Crono can''t understand the situation of the "temple" trying to crush the nation at the moment.


    But even if Crono is not convinced, the Holy Argo Kingdom''s Temple has great power and authority comparable to that of the king.


    ''''Well, let''s agree. That''s just the way it is.''''


    But how do we trigger a civil war?��And Crono thought about the plan.


    Invade the Holy Argo Kingdom and cause a civil war while pretending to cooperate with the king.


    Leonhardt seems to be trying to block the East-West Road and weaken the ''Temple'' by blocking the East-West Road and securing new trade routes to increase the king''s power, but would that be enough to cause a civil war?


    The king will do everything in his power to avoid civil war, so he may end up supporting the king.


    If you''re not good at it, you''ll be defeated as a bandit, and if your intentions are noticed, you''ll be driven out before your mission succeeds.


    ''''I mean, isn''t it impossible to manipulate when you reveal your identity?��I know it sounds obvious, but is there another agenda?


    Crono stopped thinking about it after a while.


    There was too little material to speculate on Vizier Alcor''s intentions.


    But it''s not all bad.


    This operation has a lot of freedom.


    It''s also possible to take advantage of this situation to profit from it.


    If we do it well, Crono lifted the corners of his mouth.


    It was at that moment that Tilia walked into the office.


    ''''What are you planning to do!''''


    You sound awful as soon as you walk in.


    Crono thrust his cheekbones at Tilia and said back.


    ''You say that, but you had an erotic look on your face earlier.


    A dirty look?


    ''Yes. Shortly before you do something horrible to me at a night out you look like you''re imagining how I''m going to react.


    Crono asked, and Tyria answered in a strangely specific way.


    ''So, what''s up?''


    Tilia walked up to Crono and leaned against the desk.


    Apparently, Tilia heard Crono''s exclamation and ran over to him.


    ''It''s another fight,''


    Fighting I''m getting to that point.


    When Crono tilted his gaze, Tilia folded her hands and rubbed her thighs together in embarrassment.


    Tilia''s face was faintly upbeat and somewhat happy.


    ''''So you want to hold me for the last time?''''


    ''No, not the last!��I''ll definitely come back alive!


    When Crono protested, Tilia looked at Crono with pitying eyes.


    ''''Isn''t that the death flag thing you explained to me before?


    ''No!��And the death flag is a fiction!��So-called narrative promise!��You can''t mix up real life and fiction!


    Crono tried hard to dismiss Tilia''s death flag theory.


    ''''Nah, it''s okay. I survived the first battle, the retreat, and even the ordeal of death.''''


    ''The punchline is that there''s no fourth time. Up and up, up and down, one more up and down. Poor quality.


    Heeeeeee!��And Crono screamed.


    ''Calm down, Crono. You''re the one who says you shouldn''t mix things up, but you''re the one who''s messing things up.


    Tilia tapped Crono gently on both of his shoulders.


    ''Is it really that dangerous?''


    There isn''t a fight that isn''t dangerous.


    Crono held out the parchment to Tilia.


    Tilia took the parchment and nodded with a huff.


    ''''Tilia, do you know what Vizier Alcor''s aim is?''''


    I know.


    ''What?��Oh, but,


    Crono almost sat up at Tilia''s unexpected words, but he quickly reconsidered and sat down in his chair.


    ''But what?''


    Tyria, who lost her right to the throne because she couldn''t realize the true intentions of Vizier Alkor, doesn''t have much credibility.


    ''Nuh-uh!��Goofing around about what''s gone wrong!


    ''It''s a bad idea to make the fact that you''ve been deprived of your claim to the throne a thing of the past.


    While making an irreparable mistake, Crono thought.


    On the other hand, he was also impressed that the matter of the succession to the throne had been brought to a close in Tilia.


    ''''Well, no matter. Tilia, what do you think Prime Minister Alcor is thinking?''''


    ''It''s just buying us some time to stabilize the Empire.


    Tilia answered immediately.


    ''Stalling?''


    ''''It''s been almost a year and a half since I was deprived of my right to the throne. It''s been that long and my brother-in-law Alfort hasn''t become the emperor. Maybe Vizier Alcor has a lot of problems he wants to solve.


    ''Well, I don''t know if you want time. I''m not sure how effective this operation is going to be. If I were Prime Minister Alcor, I wouldn''t throw people and money into an operation that I didn''t even know would work.


    Crono said, and Tilia crossed her arms thoughtfully.


    Wouldn''t Crono do the same thing if he were in the position of Vizier Alcor?


    I wouldn''t do that.


    Crono couldn''t help but retort.


    ''With enough money and personnel, wouldn''t it be lazy not to try a strategy that might work?


    Oh, I see.


    Crono almost clicked his tongue.


    ''That''s what I mean. ''I''m sure Vizier Alcor has other plans.


    I see. I see.


    Depending on how you do it, you mean it''s a delicious story, Crono smiled.


    The next moment, Tilia shuddered as if she was scared.


    ''Crono, stop laughing like that.


    ''I''m not bothering Tyria,''


    ''Annoying!��When you laugh like that, it makes my back crawl, like this.


    Yes, yes, Crono sat back in his chair.


    *


    In the early afternoon, Crono accompanied Tilia to the conference room of the Marquis'' mansion.


    ''Should I stand up too?''


    ....


    Rio showed no sign of standing behind his words, and Sue was asleep, propped up on her desk.


    ''''Hmm, they''re not my guys, so stay tuned.


    The line of desks and chairs in the conference room is school-style.


    Crono is seated at the teaching table.


    Tilia is next to Crono.


    Hmph, Tilia turned her provocative gaze to Leila and Rio.


    ''''Sit down!''''


    The subordinates obeyed Crono''s orders and took their seats.


    ''Ew!��Another war?


    Like you don''t want another war!


    Aridid and Deneb plopped down on the desk.


    ''First of all, please take a look at the documents you have at hand.


    "All hands, please look through...


    As he said this, the second-in-command picked up a stack of documents.


    The documents described two operations.


    The strategy sent by the imperial capital and the one Crono came up with together with Tilia.


    The strategy Crono and Tilia came up with is similar to the amendment to the original plan.


    ''''Crono-sama, why don''t we act on the basis of Crono-sama''s strategy?''''


    I''ve been thinking about it.


    Excuse me, Princess Tyria.


    I guess I''ll have to settle with you for once.


    Leila apologized nonchalantly, but that did not seem to amuse Tilia.


    I''m sure it''s easy to understand that you want to secure a new trade route, General, but why do you want to use the "Sinner Trade Association"? Bummo?


    Boo, you can''t just hand your money-making skills to someone else.


    Blah, blah, blah, like the more money we make from trade, the better off we''ll be.


    Alideed and Deneb took advantage of his second-in-command to complain.


    ''I can do whatever I want with the funds, but unfortunately I don''t have any men who know anything about commerce. Besides, my purpose is to trade, not to monopolize the profits.


    It wouldn''t be a monopoly, and Crono cowered his shoulders.


    It''s not a monopoly, it''s a monopoly. I''m sure that if the Sinner Trade Association is profitable, other merchants will follow suit. And the money the merchants make from their trade will come back to me in a roundabout way.


    Crono made a ring with his thumb and forefinger.


    It was a gesture to represent money.


    ''Mmmm, it''s Crono-sama''s signature strategy of pressing down on the root.


    It''s a reminder of the difference between the haves and the have-nots.


    Like the people who can create these structures make money.


    Faye, Alideed and Deneb seem to be in denial about capitalism.


    ''Well, well, it''s in everyone''s interest. The Holy Argo Kingdom is a landlocked country, so we can sell salt, and salted fish. And it''ll give the mercenary guild more work to do.


    "That''ll please everyone in the frontier villages.


    Finally, it''s Silva-san''s turn to use the 3-D salt field. However, if the 3-D salt field is increased, Silva-san will work too hard.


    I''ll ask Kane to oversee it so Silva doesn''t work too hard.


    If they found out that they could make money from salt, the people of Count Caddo''s territory would want them to build a three-dimensional salt field~ and Crono had a feeling that Faye''s worries would come true.


    ''''Crono-sama, one of your strategies is ''cookout'', are you taking Sheela-sama with you?


    "Shelah?


    Leila said, and Alideed and Deneb nodded their heads curiously.


    ''You mean the landlady, the landlady. No, I thought I''d ask Zion to help you this time.''


    To Master Theon?


    Leila tilted her head curiously.


    Even though she said curiously, the change in Leila''s expression and the tilt of her head was minuscule.


    ''''Yes, I thought Zion-san would be more popular with the public than the landlady.


    Is this for the public?


    Leila looked puzzled, but she didn''t say anything more.


    ''General, what''s this skit and handing out leaflets?'' (Bum?)


    I thought the people of the Holy Argo Kingdom might enjoy it.


    The deputy crossed his arms and tilted his head as if to say he didn''t understand why.


    ''What''s the real story?''


    No, no, no. I''ve explained it to you.


    Rio smiled mischievously, seemingly aware of Crono''s true intentions.


    ''Crono, what do you really want?''


    I just thought I''d get some serious work done.


    Crono gave up and explained what the purpose of the soup kitchen, skits and leaflets would be.


    He did not explain the details of the skits, though.


    The three who nodded with a mysterious look on their faces were the deputy, Leila and Rio, and the seven who were pouting were Aridid, Deneb, Faye, Taiga, Shiro, Hiilo and Goldie.


    Crono wanted Faye to understand.


    ''''General, I think it''s new, but...'''' (Bumo~)


    Mr. Crono.


    ''Hahaha, I think Crono is some kind of demon, don''t you?''


    Tilia had a similar reaction to the deputy and Leila.


    ''I thought it was a good idea?''


    That''s the one thing you''re afraid to say.


    Tilia said in a dumbfounded tone.


    ''''Well then, that''s it for the explanation of the operation. Following that, I will announce the members who will participate in this operation!


    Disengage!��Off!


    God!


    Alideed and Deneb were praying earnestly.


    ''Eh~, Rio is confirmed.''


    Well, I''ve been slacking off for six months. I''ll work my ass off.


    Rio said, cowering his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    ''Next, Faye,''


    I will do my best again!


    Faye stood up and gutted.


    The blockade of the East-West Road was left to Leonhardt''s subordinates, while Crono and the others were in charge of crafting with an elite few.


    If it''s a small elite, Fay''s presence is indispensable.


    It''s also necessary in terms of casting.


    ''''Next, Mino-san.


    "General, I don''t think I''m good for anything.


    ''I''d rather have Mino-san around. White and Hi-lo too!


    I''m on it! (GASP!)


    Me too, me too! (Gulp, gulp!)


    White and Hiilo stood up and wagged their tails.


    Crono felt a little guilty at their willingness to do so.


    ''And then, Aridid, Deneb I want you to lead your own squad and take care of the blockade of the East-West Highway!


    Deeeeeeeeeee!��Well, again!


    ''Master Crono''s trust is heavy!��And it''s too heavy!


    Alideed and Deneb screamed.


    ''''Hmmm, the knights sent from the imperial capital will be in charge of blocking the East-West Highway.


    I know!


    It''s like I''ve read the material!


    Aridid and Deneb slammed the desk in protest.


    ''They don''t have any real combat experience, do they?


    Uggh, there''s no such thing as a good luck charm.


    And, besides, a nobleman I don''t think he''d be a good fit.


    Alideed and Deneb writhed on the desk.


    ''''Master Crono, if we pull out this many centurion classes, won''t there be a problem with maintaining the security of the territory?''''


    Taiga and Nauru will be in charge of the city''s security. And then Aridid and Deneb''s hole...


    Just as Crono was about to mention the person''s name, the door to the conference room opened.


    It was Cecily who opened the door.


    ''What do you want?��I have a lot of work to do.


    ''''Eh~, I''ll have Cecily fill in the holes for Arididid and Deneb at any cost. Cecily, I want you to lead the cavalry on a temporary basis while Arididid and Deneb are gone.


    You finally realized my value.


    Crono said, and Cecily smiled triumphantly.


    ''Ooh-ho-ho-ho,'' you can almost hear the high laugh.


    ''Isn''t she out of the army?''


    It''s been taken care of.


    Crono replied to Leila with a dubious expression.


    Once a person has placed himself in the military register, he can be invited if necessary.


    I''ve sent a letter to Count Piske, so there should be no problem.


    ''''Then who is the acting lord?''''


    Kane has some work to do in the deputy''s office, so Tyria will be acting lord.


    Mm, I can handle it.


    Tilia nodded hawkishly.


    ''''Bu, Princess Tilia is the acting lord or something.


    Blah, blah, blah, I''d like to make a good case for a lack of people.


    ....


    "Aridid, Deneb, shut up!��Half-elf, if you have a problem with that, say it!


    Tilia said contradictorily.


    Well, emotionally, it wasn''t contradictory at all.


    ''''Finally, Suu, please guide me through the Coma Forest.


    ...minutes.


    Sue sat up with a munchkin.


    ''''Did you hear me correctly?''''


    "I''m your wife. "I''m your wife, of course.


    I don''t want you to say no.


    Sue has gone into the Coma Forest to gather medicinal herbs.


    We need the help of someone who knows the forest (Sue).


    ''''Well then, each of you should take over before Leonhardt-dono arrives.......dismissed!


    The men rose in unison and saluted Crono.


    *


    In the evening, the area lined with stalls was becoming quiet.


    Many store owners are preparing to close their doors.


    Some of them are trying to stick around a little longer to increase their sales, but they are in the minority.


    The stalls will be busy again tomorrow.


    Crono felt a little bit of desolation as he looked across the stalls.


    The festival is over.


    It''s such a lonely feeling.


    The delicious smell that drifts out of nowhere highlights the loneliness.


    The food of the stall is delicious, but home-cooked food is exceptionally good.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find the right one.


    The ''Jet Black Temple, Marquis of Erakis Sub-Branch'' looked strangely sooty.


    It had only been a few days since the priest had set up his shop.


    The Priestess was propped up at her desk as if to indicate the current state of quietness.


    ''''........Priestess-san.


    Oh, you''re the master.


    When Crono called out to him, the priestess sat up.


    ''Is it paying off?''


    Do I look like I''m making a profit?


    Crono shook his head as the priest asked him back.


    ''Mmmm, I can''t give the money back to the fey at this rate.


    Crono was surprised that the priest was trying to give the money back.


    No, I''m surprised that he''s trying to give me my money back for this job.


    ''Maybe you should work diligently,''


    I''m a straight shooter. I''m a straight shooter.


    Crono snorted.


    I can''t help but wonder if he''s going to give his all to a job that turns his back on the word "productivity" with all his might.


    ''What did you do in the Holy Argo Kingdom, Priestess?''


    I''m a high priest. I don''t have anything to do. I''ve been drinking all day.


    No, you need to work!


    Crono plunged in with all his might.


    ''Priestess... what is the role of the ''goddess of jet black and chaos''?''


    Mmm, I think it''s an acknowledgment of existence.


    The priestess grunted.


    ''Approval of existence?''


    The work of the Goddess of Blackness and Chaos is the recognition of existence. I suppose you could call it loving a daredevil.


    The priestess poked her cheekbones and smiled.


    It was a smile like a compassionate mother''s.............a smile that made me think it was okay to stay.


    I believe that love is an affirmation of existence. But human love is imperfect. Love is found only in relationships between parents, children, lovers, friends, and so on. But God''s love is infinite.


    Crono clenched his fists.


    The Six Pillar God was not the kind of god humans imagined him to be.


    What could the system possibly love?


    I know. I know what it is, and I know better than anyone else that it is not a god. And yet, don''t you think it''s necessary?��Something to affirm your existence...


    ''Yes. We need God.


    Crono naturally affirmed the priest''s words.


    Surely, that wouldn''t change in the world Crono was in.


    ''''........Priestess, I have a good job to allocate?''''


    Huh, beauty is a sin.


    Not that way.


    Crono shoved the priest who ruffled his hair.


    ''Then what do you want me to do with the eagle?''


    ''I''m going to the Holy Argo Kingdom, so I wanted directions and to convince the subaltern to come to the Marquess of Erakis.


    Hmm, you intend to develop your domain by taking in sub-humans. I don''t mind, but how many people can you take in?


    Crono roughly calculates that Mino-san''s pioneer village receives two gold coins per person.


    ''''........as a pioneer, well, about a thousand people.''''


    Thousands!


    The priest''s eyes widened in surprise.


    If he forced himself to, he could accept three times as many ... three thousand people, but he wouldn''t be able to devote his budget to anything else.


    It''s a dilemma.


    I want to do something about the sub-humans of the Sacred Argo Kingdom, but Crono is stuck with his feelings alone.


    ''''When are we going to start?''''


    Why don''t we talk about the details after dinner?


    Do you need anything else?


    I had to run an errand to the poorhouse. Actually, there''s something I need to ask you to do for Mr. Zion.


    Hmm?��The priest nodded his head curiously.


    ''Please?''


    I was thinking of doing a soup kitchen in the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Hmm?��Hmm?��And the priestess seems to be wondering.


    Apparently, the priestess doesn''t understand the significance of Zion holding a cookout in the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    ''''Well, then, that''s the way it is,''''


    I''ll be home ahead of you.


    Crono looked away from the priestess as she whispered, "I wonder what''s for dinner today.


    Perhaps it was the result of Sion''s devotion, but the poorhouse was noisier than it had been a few days ago.


    ''The Marquis of Erakis,''


    Hi, Dino.


    He chose the men who would make him a soldier.


    As Dino looked around, ten boys and girls lined the aisle.


    There were three boys and seven girls in the formation.


    Crono didn''t ask about the criteria for selecting people.


    When there are seven girls you can tell that they''re either potential mistresses or they''ve been chosen to reduce their mouths.


    ''''.........Is it that thing where boys are also casually cute types?''''


    What are you talking about?


    You think I''m good for boys?��Crono swallowed the plunge.


    Crono looked over at the boys and girls........and then looked at one girl.


    What can I say, she was a girl who looked listless.


    ''What about that girl?''


    ...a girl from another settlement.


    Ah, Crono nodded.


    Perhaps the girl had been attacked by the settlement and only one person had survived.


    I should have at least learned a magic trick.


    That''s the best I can do for now, Crono said as he walked up to the elven girl.


    The elf girl looked up at Crono in a daze.


    When Crono tried to stroke her head, the elf girl tried to avoid her.


    Crono grabbed the girl''s head and shook it back and forth, and after a moment, she let go of her hand.


    The elf girl opened her mouth like an idiot and looked up at Crono.


    ''My name is Crono, what''s yours?''


    Shah, Ulla.


    That''s a nice name.


    It shouldn''t be a problem if I praise her, Crono smiled, thrilled.


    ''I''ll be waiting for you to come back.


    Shaura gave a small nod to Cocoon.


    ''What about you, Sion?''


    Master Theon is upstairs.


    Upstairs means you''re at work, Crono tapped Dino on the shoulder and climbed the stairs.


    Sion''s room - properly, the room he used to work in as the director of the Salvation Hospital - was at the end of the second floor.


    When Crono knocked on the door, there was an immediate response.


    ''''........Crono-sama....


    Theon opened the door and his eyes widened in surprise.


    ''Come in, come in. I''ll be roasting some incense tea in a moment.''''


    Crono sat down on the couch and stared at Theon''s back.


    Sion placed two cups on the table and sat down shallowly on the sofa.


    ''Master Crono, what can I do for you today?''


    ''Actually, I''m going to the Holy Argo Kingdom and I''d like Zion-san to do a cookout there...''


    Theon nodded his head curiously.


    ''''Of course, I''ll top up the donation and we''ll have the cost of the soup kitchen.


    What kind of danger is that?


    ...quite a bit.


    Crono uttered an honest prediction.


    If the ''Temple'' of the Holy Argo Kingdom realizes Crono''s intentions, they will start eliminating Crono and the others.


    ''''I know I''m being selfish. Even if Zion-san refuses, we won''t do anything to cut the donations or the budget of the Salvation House.


    That''s a cowardly way of putting it, Crono thought.


    If Crono mentioned the money, it would be a bargaining chip.


    ''If you help me, I''ll protect you as far as I can,''


    What happens when Master Crono is out of control?


    I think I''m going to die.


    Huh~, Crono let out a sigh.


    ''''........''''


    Theon turned over, occasionally looking up to probe Crono''s reaction.


    There was a heavy silence for a while.


    I understand. I''ll work with Master Crono.


    Theon said in a strained voice.


    *


    Well that''s why I need you to tell Elaine what''s going on.


    Well, that''s okay.


    Kane''s voice echoed from the transparent sphere the terminal of the magic item for ultra-long distance communication.


    Crono leaned back in his chair.


    ''You''re in big trouble, man. Hey, are you sure you don''t want me to come back?


    I''d really like to have him back, but without Kane, the deputy office.


    Once trade with the Sacred Argo Kingdom is on track, the mercenary guild''s turn will increase.


    As the mercenary guild''s turnout increases, so will Kane''s work.


    ''''Can you come back before that?''''


    "Oh, sorry.


    Kane said with a grunt.


    Ever since contract witnessing was added to the job, the workload at the deputy''s office has increased significantly.


    For the merchants, contract witnessing was a welcome system.


    After all, for a small fee, they are left with proof of a mutually acceptable transaction.


    The number of witnesses for building lease agreements is also increasing, so the agency is likely to be even busier.


    ''''As usual, we''re short on manpower. It''s also a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    Tilia wants to be my equal.


    "What?��What''s that?


    You have to work for me when I''m not around.


    Oh, but I might be ruining it by enjoying my freedom too much, Crono thought with a hint of concern.


    ''Make sure you take over,''


    Copy that.


    Crono had a meeting with Kane and ended the communication.


    *


    June of the Imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-two.......Crono received a report from his subordinates and waited for Leonhard and his group outside the mansion.


    He did as much as he could in the past month.


    The most difficult part of this was the trade route through the Coma Forest...........................choosing the route and making a rest stop.


    If it wasn''t for Su, who was a mountain expert, and Priestess, who had a sense of being a quitting human, they wouldn''t have been able to accomplish these two things in a short period of time.


    As Crono recalled the month''s hard work, Leonhardt''s figure on his horse could be seen near the gate of the Marquis'' residence.


    Leonhardt passed through the gate, followed by the men on horseback.


    All of Leonhardt''s men were supposed to be knights with knighthoods, but they were not dressed like knights.


    Leonhardt is also dressed in an old traveling outfit.


    Did I get a little too enthusiastic?��And Crono plucked at the collar of his military uniform.


    He had intended to put on the cloak he had inherited from his father, but it seemed he was right not to.


    Leonhard dismounted from his horse and approached Crono.


    The clothes are old, but the air that Leonhardt wears is the same.


    The air around Leonhardt seems to be tinged with light.


    Crono exhaled lightly and brushed off the impulse (...) shot.


    ''''It''s been a while, Mister Crono.


    Yes.


    Crono squeezed back the hand Leonhardt had offered him.

 76-Modified version of Episode 10 "Caravan"

    It just came true.


    Crono climbed over the steps and looked around.


    But everywhere he looked, trees, grass and ivy were all green.


    Crono had also enjoyed walking in the mountains at first, but by the third day, the fun had been blown away.


    The route that Crono chose for the trading route is easy enough to walk to and fro, even if you are not a mountain expert.


    But even so, if you don''t have a strong body, it will be dark before you reach the rest stop in the middle of the trade route.


    That''s the kind of route we''re taking.


    But still, they''re all tough, Crono was frankly impressed.


    The guide, Sue, is ahead of us and is on alert for the surroundings.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them.


    Leonhardt is next.


    With Sue being the guide, Leonhardt is the actual leader of the caravan.


    The Minotaur and the Lizardman use backstraps and each carry a load of three hundred kilograms on their backs.


    By the way, they are not Crono''s subordinates, but employees of the ''Sinner Trade Union''.


    The Minotaur and the Lizardmen are guarded by ten mercenaries.


    The one who unites the mercenaries is not Sif, but a bearded man.


    At first glance, he appears to be a tall dwarf.


    Fay is serving as Theon''s escort in the rear of the caravan.


    Theon is surprisingly fit and healthy, perhaps because he has been trained by years of farm work.


    And Crono and his second-in-command, Shiro, and Hiilo are at the back of the caravan.


    No.........


    Crono, why don''t you give me a hand?


    Why can''t you help me?


    The tail of the caravan is Rio and Mr. Priestess.


    Rio has been stationed at the back of the caravan from the beginning, while Priestess has been inconsistent, being at the front of the caravan, in the middle, or, as in this case, at the back of the caravan.


    ''Let''s both of you climb by yourselves,''


    That''s the way it is.


    I don''t have a choice.


    Rio and the priestess cowered their shoulders and jumped over the steps that Crono had struggled to get over.


    Crono''s shoulders slumped as he wished he''d had a little more trouble climbing.


    ''Hooray, we''re almost at the rest stop.


    How can I walk uphill in those clothes?


    Crono tilted his head.


    The priest''s clothes are not suitable for walking on the mountain path.


    It''s a dress.


    And yet there is not a single stain on the dress.


    ''She''s a demigod, to put it in Crono terms. You can''t blame her for thinking about it, can you?��Well, I''m a little surprised that the Chronosphere is following me.


    "The general is a tough guy." (Bummo~)


    I''m confident in my endurance.


    Stamina, you know?


    Crono said with his chest, and Rio smiled thinly.


    He didn''t laugh through his nose, but it was a curious reaction.


    I always thought you were satisfied, but was Rio unhappy?��And a cold sweat runs down Crono''s back.


    ''''........Um, Rio?''''


    What is it?


    Rio nodded his head lightly.


    ''No, it''s nothing.''


    Do you have someone to talk to?��Crono looked around, but the three people nearby were Mino, Shiro and Hiilo.


    It''s a bit difficult to consult with them.


    While Crono was wondering who to consult with, the caravan arrived at a rest stop.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this in the next few days.


    They are enjoying a short rest.


    I''m not going to be able to relax too much, because I have to prepare for the camp now.


    ''Hmmm.''


    Crono looked around the rest stop and groaned.


    The resting place was a clearing about twenty meters in diameter.......it looked like the space had been carved out with something cylindrical.


    It might look like this if you use the ''Heavenly Cardinal Kagura''.


    ''''Priest~!


    What is it?


    Crono called out, and the priest raised his hand cheerfully.


    ''It''s a rest stop, how did you make it?''


    Of course you blew it up with your divine power.


    The priest said, as he should.


    ''Is it all right?��This way, in a toxic way.


    Crono stared at the ground.


    There wasn''t a single weed growing on the ground of the rest stop.


    No matter how much he had blown it away with his divine power technique, how is it that there are no new weeds growing on the ground?


    ''''Isn''t it okay?''''


    The Priestess doesn''t seem to care that the grass isn''t growing.


    Even though the advantage of the divine power technique is the fact that the surgeon can use the technique even if he doesn''t understand the logic, it''s quite unsettling.


    ''''If you worry about too many details, you''ll go bald.


    Baldy!


    Crono held a hand on the side of his head.


    ''Lord, are you going bald?''


    ''No, I''m not bald. This is an old wound. I just remembered to do some errands, so if you''ll excuse me.


    Crono pulled away from the priest, holding his head to the side of his head.


    He headed over to Theon''s place, which was a short distance away.


    Sion was sitting with his legs stretched out.


    ''Mr. Sion, would you like me to massage you?''


    Oh, could you help me?


    Elaine answered for Sion.


    Elaine was not dressed in a dress, nor was she dressed in an office clerk''s style, but rather a plain traveling outfit.


    ''I''m so sore all over the place.


    Didn''t Elaine ride a backpack?


    Crono asked without looking away from Elaine''s chest as she stretched her back to relieve the stiffness.


    ''Just being carried on your back can be surprisingly draining, you know?


    You don''t have to do that.


    I''d like to do the same, but I don''t have anyone under my command to fill in for me.


    Elaine let out a deep sigh.


    It seems that everywhere is still short on personnel.


    ''''So, can I ask for a massage?''''


    I''ll give you a massage, sir!


    Elaine looked at Faye, who interrupted her from the side, stinking up the side.


    ''Are you okay?''


    It will be fine, sir!��The Chronos-sama has been very pleased with it!


    Well, I''ll take care of that for you.��We don''t want to hurt you too much.


    Elaine seemed to have decided that it was nothing more than a massage.


    ''I''m going to take a piss,''


    "Me too.


    "I''m coming with you.


    Shortly after Crono left the rest stop with White and Hiilo, Pigiiiiiii!��And there was a scream like a pig being slaughtered.


    The bushes rustled and shook as Crono hid in the bushes and finished doing his business.


    ''''Huh?��Hairo, did you go over there?


    I''m here.


    When Crono turned around, Hiilo was standing behind Crono.


    As Crono tilted his head, the bushes swayed again and a wolf''s head appeared.


    ''It''s not White, is it?''


    "Called in.


    White came out of the bushes behind Crono, wagging his tail happily.


    ''White and Hiilo are here. Then who are these people?


    When Crono returned his gaze, the two wolves stood up.


    He opened his mouth with a pout and looked up at the two wolves.


    Wolves are more than two meters tall, bigger than minotaurs and lizardmen.


    The most characteristic thing is the length of its arms.


    ''''Ba, banded wolf!


    "Master Crono, run.


    "Lord, please.


    ''Both of you wait!��If I''m sure of my knowledge, it seems that a ravenous beast will instinctively attack the person it''s fleeing from. When you encounter a beast of prey, you stare at it and...


    Crono stumbled.


    White and Hiilo tugged on Crono''s shoulder.


    Immediately afterwards, the claws of the barbarian wolf passed in front of Crono''s eyes.


    ''''Te, retreat!''''


    "Run away, run away.


    "Lord Crono, I''ll carry you.


    Crono shouted, and White and Hiilo carried Crono up and began to retreat.


    ''''What a fast one!''''


    We''re working out! (GASP!)


    I''m fast, I''m fast. (Gah!)


    ''Not that!��Barbarian wolf!��The barbarian wolf!


    Even though White and Hiilo were carrying Crono, the barbarian wolf was still chasing after them at a speed that was comparable to White and Hiilo.


    ''''Hiiiiii!��There are more of them!


    Hurry, hurry! (GASP!)


    The third and fourth barbarian wolves emerged from the bushes and chased after Crono and the others.


    The number of barbarian wolves increased from five to six, and finally to ten.


    ''''Enemy attack!��Enemy attack!


    As soon as White and Hiilo arrived at the rest stop, they threw Crono off.


    Crono rolled around on the ground with a sense of deja vu.


    Crono quickly stood up and readied his sword.


    However, a barbarian sword wolf divided up and down on either side of Crono passed by.


    Leonhardt cut off both barbarian sword wolves that were in the lead.


    Crono looked around.


    His second-in-command was shouting a bullhorn and wielding a poleaxe, while Fei was overwhelming the barbarian wolf with his flowing bodywork and swordplay.


    White and Hiilo used their brilliant coordination to counter the Barbarian Sword Wolf.


    Suu''s fight was also brilliant.


    Suu, with her imprint floating in the air, was toying with the Barbarian Sword Wolf with her slow and fast movements.


    Su danced as lightly as a butterfly, and when he got the advantage in the attack, he turned around and delivered a sharp blow.


    The mercenary troops formed a circle to protect the non-combatants.


    The air seemed to be wavering under the influence of the mercenaries deploying their ''field''.


    The barbarian sword wolf attacked the non-combatants.


    However, the Barbarian Sword Wolf was unable to even step inside the circle.


    The moment the mercenaries touched the ''field'' they were developing, the barbarian wolf was engulfed in flames.


    His vision faded unexpectedly and Crono kicked the ground with all his might.


    The barbarian sword wolf landed on the ground.


    And in the next moment, the barbarian sword wolf''s head turned into a spray of blood.


    It was Rio''s arrow that blew the barbarian sword wolf''s head off.


    Crono looked around again.


    The barbarian sword wolf has been wiped out.


    Crono silently sheathed his sword.


    After Crono and the others took care of the barbarian sword wolf''s corpse, they began to prepare for the encampment.


    The mercenaries took turns standing guard, while the minotaurs and lizardmen set up their tents with unaccustomed hands.


    Sion was in charge of preparing the meals.


    However, since the resting place this time didn''t have a watering hole nearby, preserved food.......hard bread and dried meat were the main items.


    The hard bread is casually useful, Crono said, looking vaguely at the campfire.


    Speaking of usefulness, the cloak given to him by his foster father is also casually useful.


    Crono narrowed his eyes....


    ''Ha, you haven''t helped me at all since I left the territory.


    He looked up at the surprising new revelation.


    Crono had been working until he left the estate.


    He told the people he knew as a lord that he was going to be away for a while, asked his sitter to take care of Tyria, and then handed over the job to Tyria.


    Of course, I also wrote the script for the skit.


    But what about when he left the estate?


    I''ll leave the guiding role to Sue and the leader of the caravan to Leonhardt.


    Crono isn''t qualified to give orders to the minotaurs and lizardmen, and he hasn''t contributed to the preparations for the encampment.


    Not to mention when it comes to the battle.


    ''''This is like being with a priestess.


    I am very useful!


    Crono muttered, and the priestess quickly rushed in.


    ''''I''m the one who cleaned up the barbarian wolf''s corpse,''''


    That was a scary sight.


    Crono shuddered as he remembered the time when the priestess had cleaned up the barbarian sword wolf''s corpse.


    The priestess''s shadow spread out and the barbarian sword wolf''s corpse was swallowed up.


    If that was all it was, a sound like something being chewed up could be heard from the shadows.


    Considering the situation, the barbarian sword wolf''s corpse was probably chewed up, but it was very curious what was lurking in the priest''s shadow.


    ''''No, let''s think about things. Could it be used to dispose of garbage and human waste?��But how can we bypass it when we don''t know where it''s gone?


    Indeed, you....you think of the Six Pillar God as a system. There''s nothing to be in awe of then.


    Priestess shook her head without effort.


    Priestess should think of the Six Pillar God as a system, just like Crono, but the thoughts she had seemed to be different.


    After all, you have to have faith to use the divine power technique?


    What the f*ck are you talking about?


    The Priestess looked at Crono with a stink eye.


    ''How is it?''


    ''''Hmmm, all I can say is that even if you have the talent to commune with the Six Pillar God, you can''t commune with him if you don''t have faith, and even if you have faith, you can''t commune with him if you don''t have the talent to commune.''''


    I''m not a religious person.


    Don''t you agree?��Hmm, what can I say?


    The priest crossed his arms thoughtfully.


    ''Attention, no, it''s not like a consciousness.


    Consciousness?


    Crono asked back, and the priest nodded hawkishly.


    ''Faith, well, you could say it''s a trump card. Faith is the starting point, and you become aware of God. It''s like, if you have a talent for it then you''ll be in touch with God''s presence.''


    Do you ever lose the use of divine power?


    Of course I am. Well, at my age, they''re always in synch.


    Hmmm, Crono groaned.


    ''I can''t decide now whether it''s like the radio or radio frequency isn''t right, or like the instrument isn''t tuned properly.


    ''How do you deal with it?''


    I have no idea.


    The priestess stated flatly.


    ''In the case of that girl, the problem is solved, right?


    I noticed.


    The priest seemed to know what was going on with Theon.


    "So you feel sorry for that girl because she can''t use her divine power, right?


    Well, sort of.


    Crono affirmed vaguely.


    ''You are a meddler, aren''t you? Maybe he doesn''t mind, do you think?


    ''I think Zion-san is the type of person who cares~''


    If I had to solve the problem by asking for advice, I would have solved it myself.


    Priests are surprisingly dry, Crono thought, but this time he decided to follow the priest.


    *


    Three days after the barbarian wolf attacked.


    We need to get out of the woods.


    I know something about that.


    Crono nodded at the priest''s words.


    The path continued to be flat and the density of vegetation was mind-numbingly thin.


    Even Crono, who was not used to walking in the mountains, could tell that his destination was close.


    ''Lord, have you been talking less?''


    Yeah, well, you''ll have to work with your fate.


    The Holy Argo Kingdom''s collaborator is that General Ignis.


    "Don''t worry about it too much. "Don''t worry about it too much," he said. "Ignis may be a bit of a fool, but when it comes to serving his country, he''ll put up with a nasty surprise or two in the past.


    Is that right?


    If it bothers you so much, I''ll take care of it. I''ve known Ignis for a long time.


    The priest said proudly.


    ''So what kind of fate do you have in mind?''


    ''Oh, no, it''s no big deal. It''s just that I blew General Ignis'' right arm off during his first battle, and then caught him off guard during the parent conquest and stuck a dagger up to the base of his side.


    "General, you are missing the matter of torture and killing of General Ignis'' men.


    Who summoned this guy?


    The priest called the person in charge (Leonhardt).


    ''''I chose Lord Crono?''''


    You chose the wrong man!


    When Leonhardt came forward, the priestess said something supremely straightforward.


    ''''Crono-dono is an indispensable figure in this operation,'''' he said. And Lord Crono is missing an eye and a subordinate.


    ''Mmm,'' the priest shushed.


    ''What about you, Lord?''


    It''s pretty complicated.


    I don''t need to be told what to do.


    Of course, I have my feelings about Ignis.


    He has killed my men.


    But it is also true that Ignis saved the lives of Crono and his men.


    Shortly after noon that day, Crono and his team made it through the Coma Forest, but from there it was rather goofy.


    Because they hadn''t decided on a time and place to meet up, Crono and the others were stuck.


    The Priestess knew the location of Ignis'' mansion, so they could move if they wanted to, but they couldn''t leave the Minotaur and Lizardman behind.


    That''s when the Priestess decided to go and call for Ignis.


    It would make sense for Leonhardt, the commander, to go, but that''s where Crono''s argument that splitting up the force was a subterfuge won out.


    In the evening, Ignis arrived in a carriage.


    He arrived with ten wagons for transporting goods.


    As soon as Ignis got off the wagon, he stared at Crono with a devilish look on his face.


    ''''General?'''' (Bum?)


    I''ll be fine.


    Crono replied to his deputy with a thin smile.


    Of course, the ''Mark'' is ready to be activated at any time.


    By the way, I''m also clutching a dagger under my cloak.


    As Ignis stepped out, Leonhardt stood in front of Crono to check Ignis.


    ''General Ignis Fomalhaut, is this the first time you''ve exchanged words like this? I''m Leonhardt, the leader of the First Order of the Kingsguard. Behind me is Crono, Commander of the Thirteenth Kingsguard.''''


    With that, Leonhardt held out his left hand.


    Ignis wordlessly squeezed Leonhardt''s hand back.


    ''''I''ve heard from Lord Crono. That Ignis Fomalhaut is an ideal soldier.''''


    Ignis gave him a dubious look.


    That was just as well.


    Crono and Ignis had only exchanged words once.


    I trust that Lord Ignis, described by my friends as an ideal soldier, will avoid unnecessary conflict.


    "Thank you for your cooperation.


    Ignis said in a dossy voice.

 77-Episode 11 "Rokujin Sentai Night Ranger! "Modified version

    *


    The wagon continued north.


    Crono rode the wagon and looked out at the scenery.


    Last year, when he visited the Holy Argo Kingdom, it looked desolate.


    That time it was winter and the grass and trees on the slopes were dead.


    It''s different now.


    The rippling hillsides are covered with flowers and grasses, giving off a sense of fresh vitality.


    So, what will happen now?��And Crono looked over the wagon.


    Since Suu and the convoy are separated from the convoy in the Coma Forest, there are five people in the wagon, including Rio, Sion, Elaine, Priestess and Crono.


    Leonhardt is in the box wagon because of his position, his deputy and White, and Hiilo is riding in the box wagon because he doesn''t want to be seen.


    Ignis is also with them.


    We have no choice but to leave the trade to Elaine-san, but do we need to worry about that?��And Crono was a little optimistic.


    The carriage rumbled and shook.


    He must have stepped on a pebble.


    Crono leaned out of the back of the cart and gasped.


    From the top of the hill, they had a panoramic view of the lake.


    Surrounded by small hills, the lake glistened in the setting sun.


    It was like a scene out of a movie.


    There was a town at some distance from the lake.


    The city was surrounded by tall trees, not walls.


    I don''t know why the trees surrounded the city, but the city and nature were in perfect harmony.


    That city is similar to the royal city of Canopus," he said. It''s called the Little City of Kings.


    Oh, I''d like to see the King''s Landing too... why are you looking at me like that?


    When Crono was honestly impressed, the priestess looked at Crono with a stink eye.


    "I just thought it wasn''t like you. See, you''re a no-good person, aren''t you?


    Are you judging me for not being good enough or bullying me in this short relationship?


    You''ve been staring at my chest.


    ''Mph,'' said the priestess, pushing up her chest with both hands.


    ''I didn''t even look away from my chest when the girl over there was straightening up.


    It happens all the time.


    Crono turned away from Elaine with a sigh and coughed out a guffaw.


    ''''........Crono.


    It''s not the same, Rio. No, it''s not different. It''s just a man''s instinct.


    Crono looked up and excused himself to Rio.


    ''Would you mind not coming too close?''


    Saying that, Rio took a distance from Crono.


    ''''Ri, Rio.''''


    You can be so sensitive sometimes.


    Huh?��And Crono turned around and realized a fact.


    The women, with the exception of the priestess, were keeping their distance from Crono.


    ''When did they hate him?''


    No.


    Huh?��When Crono stared at her, Elaine let out a deep sigh.


    ''You haven''t been able to wash yourself since you entered the Coma Forest, have you?


    Does it smell that bad?


    Crono plucked at his cloak and smelled it, but it didn''t feel like a smell, perhaps because it was his own smell.


    Elaine looked at Crono and let out a deep sigh.


    ''It''s not that we care about your smell, it''s that we care about our own smell.


    You don''t have to worry about that.


    We care!


    ''Yes,'' said Crono, pressured by Elaine, and sat back down in the corner of the wagon.


    ''....Rio.


    I don''t know if the military should be concerned about body odor, but I don''t want people to think I stink.


    Rio turned away in embarrassment.


    ''In that respect, I''m perfect!


    It smells like dirt.


    Crono pushed away the priest who was pushing his body against the guiding body.


    ''Tsk, you smell like dirt!''


    If it''s not dirt, it''s dust.


    The priest sniffed his clothes with a sniff.


    ''Mmm, I don''t know.''


    ''I think the priest should be a little more careful with his appearance. Oh, I''m going into town.


    The carriage enters the city.


    Crono looked carefully around the city to assess its structure and standard of living.


    The roads are unpaved and the buildings are mostly wooden.


    There was a slight stench, so perhaps the garbage and fecal matter was not being disposed of well.


    After a while, the stalls were lined up along the road.


    Perhaps because of the time of day, the number of stalls that are open is small.


    There are only a few store-type shops.


    Perhaps it was due to Ignis'' policies, but there were no vagrants in sight.


    ''''Priestess, what''s going on with prostitution in the Holy Argo Kingdom?''''


    You like it.


    It''s not.


    Crono was quick to deny it.


    ''Hmm, let''s put it that way. Well, basically, the diner-cum-tavern wench often doubles as a prostitute.''


    Oh, I thought prostitution was a taboo subject in this country?


    Hmm, it''s a complicated problem.


    Elaine asked, and the priestess snorted with a difficult look on her face.


    The Pure White Temple prohibits prostitution. The Yellow Earth Temple also states that s*xual intercourse that is not for the purpose of procreation should not be done. The other temples are not so negative.


    ''Am I understanding that the situation changes depending on the city or the influential ''temple'' in the territory?


    I guess you could just turn a blind eye to it or shut up about it, huh?


    You can''t run a brothel in your own house?


    What about the colors of "The Temple" being the colors of the city?��''No, well, so I guess it''s a problem,'' said Crono, poking his cheek.


    ''Why is the Holy Argo Kingdom like this?


    It''s a long story.


    I''ll be quick.


    "At the dawn of my kingdom, I solved a lot of problems on the theory that God gave the king the right to rule his country.


    ''Oh, I see.''


    Crono nodded.


    ''So the expedient means of legitimizing the king''s authority is no longer just expedient?


    The theory is that God is above the king, and since he rules the country by that logic, he can''t go to the Temple.


    The priest said sincerely.


    ''When I hear stories like that, it makes me feel like the first emperor of the empire was a visionary.


    "I wish the other ''temples'' would have been more respectful of their position.


    The priestess slumped her shoulders emphatically.


    People aren''t as stout as the priestess, Crono thought, but he didn''t dare to say it.


    Priestesses'' senses are out of sync with those of humans.


    Humans don''t have as much of a long-term perspective as priests, nor are they as good as the priests believe they are.


    No, from the priest''s point of view, humans may be good.


    But that''s the bigger perspective.


    Smaller perspectives ... from the perspective of Crono personally, some humans are good and some are bad.


    Some people think about things in the long term, while others seem to only think about satisfying their immediate needs.


    That''s why the priest couldn''t change the country, though, Crono let out a sigh.


    Crono got out of the carriage and looked up at Ignis''s mansion.


    Ignis''s mansion was at the end of the street.


    The mansion was surrounded by a flat stone-piled fence, with plants flourishing inside it.


    It''s hard to determine if the plants grew on their own or if this is the type of garden.


    The appearance of the mansion looks like the castle itself.


    Considering the fact that it is used as a mansion, it would be better not to expect it to function as a castle.


    As Crono was standing in the garden, Ignis got off the box carriage.


    Leonhardt followed Ignis.


    He was further followed by his cloth-clad deputy, White and Hiilo.


    ''This is my mansion. I''ve already had a room prepared for you.''''


    .....


    Crono jumped up.


    Elaine poked Crono in the side of his head.


    ''What are you doing?''��And when Crono glared at her, Elaine picked at her clothes.


    Apparently, Elaine wanted Crono to ask her to bathe in hot water.


    Crono looked at Rio and Sion for relief.


    Rio just said goodbye and Sion looked apologetic.


    ''General Ignis!''


    What?


    When Crono raised his hand, Ignis said in a dusky voice.


    ''Can I have a hot bath?''


    Oh, I''m sorry. I''ll have it ready for you soon.


    Ignis seemed to have noticed the woman''s presence and uttered an apology.


    ''Could you get me some clothes for my eagle, too?


    ...the old lady.


    Ignis covered his face with his left hand.


    ''That''s an opening. I was prepared for the old lady to never come back.


    I''m just delivering the elves to the next county over.


    Just a little?��It''s important, isn''t it?


    ''That''s not all. We''ve made a deal to accept subhumans as immigrants.


    The priest was proud of his chest.


    ''Old lady, you''re being tricked, aren''t you?��I don''t see how any sycophant would accept a sub-human from another country, even if it''s his own country.


    I''m here.


    Hi. They''re very welcoming to subaltern types from other countries.


    Crono was dragged in front of Ignis by the priestess and bowed his head in a bow.


    ''What''s in it for you to accept a sub-human?''


    We''re hoping you''ll be able to help us settle and trade with the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Once the trade gets going, the demand for minotaurs and lizardmen should increase.


    ''As long as the sub-humans are gone as a result, it won''t be a problem.


    The priest said with a smug look on his face.


    *


    The Night Rangers are six warriors blessed by the Six Pillar God.


    Fight with the power of God and faith, Night Ranger!


    *


    That day, the same calm morning as usual came to the village of Farrus.


    Farrus is a village in the hills of the southern part of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    The villagers keep sheep on the gently undulating slopes to earn their daily bread.


    Many of the villagers were industrious, but the village was poor.


    Nevertheless, there was peace in the village.


    The villagers believed that today would be the same as yesterday, and that tomorrow would be the same as today.


    But the illusions the villagers held were shattered.


    Suddenly, a roaring sound occurred and shook the entire village.


    The villagers panicked and ran out of their homes.


    "Gee, the humans are coming out of the woodwork and they''re coming out of the woodwork! (BUMO!)


    "Dinner is served!��We''re hungry! (GASPS!)


    b*tc*, let me out!��Sell high! (Gah!)


    A vicious minotaur and two werewolves, who seemed to be henchmen, were waiting for the villagers.


    The villagers could not contain their fear.


    The minotaur was covered in thick muscle armor and wielded a log-like club with one hand with ease.


    The two werewolves gave off a three-service-like vibe, but their toned bodies told him that they weren''t just three-servants.


    ''Oh, oh!��You can have the food!��Please, please, please don''t let anyone in the village get to you!


    The village chief, emaciated and emaciated as a dead tree, knelt down and begged the minotaur for mercy.


    The village has its own weapons.


    But the minotaurs were wearing an air that only robbed them of the will to fight.


    ''''Then give us some food, quickly! (BUMO!)


    I''ll take it all out! (GASP!)


    Pile them in the middle of the village! (GASP!)


    Forgive me. This village is poor. If we are deprived of all our food, we will not be able to survive.


    Please, please, please,'''' the village chief rubbed his forehead against the ground.


    ''''I........it''s none of our business! (Bummo!)


    We don''t know! (GASP!)


    "Food, food! (GASP!)


    Oh, God. Save us, the chief prayed.


    But the chief knew.


    But the chief knew that God had never come to their rescue before.


    The Temple, God''s representative, has no intention of helping them.


    Just when resignation was about to take over the village chief''s mind.


    That''s enough, sir!


    A woman''s voice rang out.


    ''Dude, where are you?!'' (BUMO!)


    The minotaur and the two werewolves scurried around.


    ''So much for the violent wolfing of the innocent!


    "Master on the roof! (GASP!)


    People! (GASP!)


    The two werewolves pointed with their fingers, and a woman was standing at the end of it.


    The woman was dressed in a jet-black outfit and covered the upper half of her face with a jet-black mask, perhaps to hide her identity.


    ''''Wha, what is this?!'''' (BUMO!)


    "You will not have a name to call yourself, sir!��Toh-oh!


    The woman landed on the ground with an impressive leap.


    Then four men and women ran up to the woman from the shadows of the building.


    The four men and women were dressed in red, white, green and yellow costumes respectively.


    The man in the red costume was a shipwright.


    ''''Wha, what is this?!'''' (BUMO!)


    When Minotaur asked again, the man in the red costume retreated as if he were frightened and looked to his companions for help.


    ''Name, name, name,'' said the four companions, hurrying the man in the red costume.


    ''Wha, my, my name is, well, Red Knight.


    The man in the red costume........Red Knight''s voice was reduced to a hipscratch.


    Just then, a small pebble flew at Red Knight''s feet.


    Red Knight stared at the shadows of the building.


    "Oh, I am the Knight on Fire!��Red Knight!


    The Red Knight came forward in a loud voice that could only be described as desperation, and thrust his left arm up.


    Shugor, a red light rises from the Red Knight.


    ''''I am the Knight of Light!��White Knight!


    "Knight of the Wind!��Green Knight!


    And this is the earth priest the Yellow Priest.


    Three people dressed in white, green and yellow earth costumes came forward one by one, posing around the Red Knight.


    The white and green light rose up, but the yellow light did not.


    ''''Dark Knight!��It is the Dark Knight!��The Sixth God Squadron!��Night Ranger! It is!


    The red, white and green shone even stronger as the Dark Knight came forward.


    It was a sticky darkness rising from the Dark Knight, though.


    ''''Hey, you''re a Night Ranger?'''' (Bum?)


    "The Knight Ranger is a knight under the protection of the Six Pillar God!��Our main mission is to go beyond the confines of The Temple and engage in vigilante activity!��So, leyed!��It is a night bazooka!


    What?


    With that, Red Knight took out a stack of papers.


    The Red Knight dexterously rolled up the pages with one hand and indicated a section of the page to the Dark Knight.


    ''Momentum is important in these things!


    Okay, okay. Let''s get ready.


    White Knight carried something tubular in a large eight-wheeler.


    All four of them, except the Red Knight, carried it, all decked out in decorations.


    ''God give me strength.


    Red, white and green light and sticky darkness rise up.


    Night Bazooka, it''s a shoot!


    Red, white, and green light and sticky darkness were released from the night bazooka.


    ''''Guhya~! (BUMO!)


    The minotaur screamed far before the light and darkness collided.


    Red, white, green, blue, dark, yellow ... six colors of light blasted out of the Minotaur''s body.


    The Minotaur fell down.


    ''''Master!'''' (GASP!)


    Boys, I remember! (GASP!)


    The two werewolves carried the minotaur and staggered out of the village.


    ''Pull out. We''ll be back in a minute.


    Aren''t you General Ignis?


    The village chief called out to the Red Knight.


    When it came to the man who was blessed with the blessing of the ship arm, the ''Crimson and God of Destruction'', Ignis was the only one the village chief could think of.


    ''''No!��I''m a Red Knight!��I''m not Ignis or anything else!


    The Red Knight ran out to get away.


    *


    Crono greeted his second-in-command, White and Hiilo with a smile as they returned to the boxcarriage.


    ''No! Mino-san, Shiloh and Hiilo, that was a great performance!


    "Why is it good like that? (Bum?)


    The second in command took out a magic item that he had planted in his clothing.


    The magic item is a thing that only emits six colored flashes of light.


    ''''.........''''


    The second in command didn''t seem to be full of it, but White and Hiilo were silent.


    Both of them are surprisingly na?ve in some ways, so they need to follow up.


    ''''White, Hiilo, that was good.


    "We''re the enemy.


    "Sad.


    ''No, the antagonist is important. They''re super important. They''re indispensable to the story. The story wouldn''t be complete without the antagonist.


    Crono encouraged a sullen White and Hiilo.


    It was then that Ignis and the others returned.


    Ignis got into the carriage and slumped back into his seat.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to see that I''m not the only one who has had a lot of fun.


    ''''It was fun, wasn''t it!


    "Faye was in a groove. I''m tired of it.


    I''m tired, too.


    Faye is in good spirits for nothing.


    Rio and Theon seem confused by the unfamiliar skits, but they don''t seem as worn out as Ignis.


    ''''Crono-dono?''''


    What is it?


    Crono straightened up when Leonhardt approached him.


    ''''........If we''re going to call ourselves the Six God Squadron, shouldn''t there be six of us?''''


    The sixth will join us later.


    Hmmm, Leonhard nodded and took out a stack of paper ... a script.


    ''How is it that your team''s name is Night Ranger and you have a Priest?


    The Night Ranger was just a fling, so there''s no deeper meaning to it.


    "And about the theme song, ''Go! Go! Night Ranger''... Earth''s in trouble!��Go, go, go!��Effen Effen!��And after a coughing fit, why is it blank?


    I was trying to write a lyric that sounded like it, but it just fell apart in the middle.


    Crono replied to Leonhardt, who read the lyrics nonchalantly.


    ''And how about carrying the Night Bazooka in a big eighteen-wheeler?''


    What about converting a night bazooka into a disassembled version?


    ''That doesn''t sound too bad, but it won''t be able to be modified quickly. It would be a shame if an amateur messes with it poorly and breaks it. Shouldn''t the main focus here be on sword fights?


    Leonhardt tapped the sheath of the sword he carried from his waist.


    Leonhardt''s weapon... or rather, the Night Ranger''s weapon was a namakaze with a crushed blade.


    The log the deputy was holding in his hand was also a hollowed out hurricane with its contents hollowed out.


    You''re not done.


    Ignis said disgustedly.


    ''This is all about gaining ground to win the people over. The skits and soup kitchens will win the people over to our side, while the trade will win the merchants and lords of the surrounding areas over to our side.


    ''Not only that, though,'' Crono added in his mind.


    ''What good are these people who roll with the profits?''


    ''It''s useful in its own way, I''m sure. You don''t have to be on our side, just enough to be neutral.


    Ignis doesn''t look amused.


    Well, it''s not hard to understand the feeling.


    For Ignis, who was forced to fight with a limited hand, Crono was a cheat bastard for pulling a hand from his territory.


    ''''So, what about the letters to the merchants and lords in the vicinity?''''


    ''Yeah, I wrote to the guys I''m familiar with as you asked.


    ''It would be nice if you could advertise that if you''re friendly with General Ignis, you can get a deal in the market!


    Crono gave him a big smile and Ignis let out a sigh.


    *


    When Ignis returned to the mansion, he retreated to his room without bathing in the hot water or eating.


    He plopped down on his desk and held his head up.


    He had to do three skits after that.


    How could Dark Nai....no, Faye be able to act like that without shame?


    That would be a clown.


    Isn''t he proud to be a knight, Ignis grunted.


    I can stand to borrow the power of the Cepheus Empire.


    I can endure borrowing the power of my former enemy (Crono) and treating him with civility.


    But I find it painful to act as the leader of the clowns.


    ''Oh, are you getting rough?''


    ...the old lady.


    Ignis looked up and stared at the hag - or as Crono called her, the priestess - and stared at the hag.


    The hag is wearing a dress that Ignis has prepared for her.


    ''Hooray, if you have a problem, I''ll listen to you.


    ...actually.


    ''I am the Knight of Fire, Red Knight! Did you?


    Buhhhh, the old lady let out a vulgar laugh.


    Ignis gritted his teeth.


    What was embarrassing was the fact that someone he knew had seen him acting as a clown leader.


    ''I don''t understand why you would willingly do something so embarrassing.


    That''s stupid.


    When Ignis accused Faye, the hag smiled pityingly.


    ''Stupid?''


    Why do you think that little boy has the wherewithal to do that?


    What?


    Ignis nearly rose from his chair, barely restraining himself.


    She repeated the deep breath and regained her composure.


    Surely the old lady was right, Ignis reminded himself.


    Come to think of it, Ignis had been boiled by Crono a number of times.


    First of all, it was a woman named Elaine.


    She is well educated and skilled in the art of negotiation.


    Since she''s following such a woman, Crono should be considered to have a reasonable amount of ability.


    That''s not all.


    Both Leonhardt and Rio seemed to be standing up for Crono.


    The priest of the "Ocher Temple" also seemed to be paying attention to Crono.


    I''m an idiot. Why couldn''t I think that the Fae were so enthralled that they would put Crono''s orders ahead of a knight''s pride, Ignis was ashamed of his own shallowness.


    ''You''re right, hag. I was foolish.''


    Well, Faye''s an astute student, but she''s a natural.


    Old lady!


    Ignis stood up and swung his left hand down to the desk.


    ''Oh. What''s the matter with you, so loudly?��Drink a cup of tea and calm down.


    Ignis sat down in a chair, wondering if it was not mature enough for him to be a quirk.


    ''Ignis, there''s no tea.''


    You make it, old lady!


    Ignis shouted again.


    ''Enough. What kind of man is Crono in the eyes of the old lady?''


    Your passionate embrace will drive me crazy.


    The hag hugged herself and cranked her body fanatically.


    ''Go home, old lady,''


    Where do you want me to go?


    It''s my temple!


    I don''t want to go back to the temple!


    ''Tsk,'' said Ignis, clicking his tongue.


    ''That reaction is hurtful. Well, so much for the joke.....Isn''t that boy generally a good person?


    The good guys?��After you torture my men to death?


    That''s because they were the enemy. What this country is doing to the sub-humans is far worse than what they''re doing to us.


    Ignis shushed him.


    If you ask me, we are both enemies.


    This one also tortured a prisoner to get information, so it doesn''t make sense to blame only Crono.


    If you don''t like the reputation of being a good guy, then you''re a good guy there, a bad guy there, an honest guy there, a calculating guy there, and extraordinary ideas are popping up, but you don''t have the ability and experience to make them happen. In short, an ordinary young man.


    That''s a terrible assessment.


    I''m pretty good at losing to a man like that, Ignis chuckled.

 78-Episode 12 "Gear"

    *


    You guys ready to go?��Like!


    The elven woman screamed, and yeesh!��And her men thrust out their fists.


    Ew~, Duran moaned like a morning hungover and thrust his fist out without effort.


    Duran''s companions also thrust their fists out without power.


    Why are they doing this?��Duran looked up to the heavens.


    The blue sky was visible through the gap between the overlapping branches.


    The East-West Road connecting the Free City States and the Holy Argo Kingdom, the sky looking up from the intervening road was narrow.


    Why are we doing this?��Duran asked himself again.


    The answer is out.


    For the sake of his title, for the sake of his career, for the sake of a brighter future with Angier.


    Duran looked at his wrist - the ring woven from Angier''s hair - and tried to rouse himself.


    But Duran couldn''t rouse himself.


    He knew why.


    It was because the commander was an elven woman.


    It seemed like a poor quality joke to come all the way from the imperial capital and be commanded by an elf woman.


    If the elf woman was incompetent with this, I could have let her quit as commander, but the elf woman was more capable than Duran, who was quickly organizing four or five subordinates in the imperial capital.


    For example, her understanding of strategy.


    Duran thought his role was to disguise himself as a bandit, kill the merchants and take their cargo.


    But the elven woman told him that their role was to load the flow of gold and goods.


    So, she also said, it would be enough to take a percentage of the gold and stuff.


    ''And you''re not very loud!��Like our job is to spook the merchants and drive them to the ambush team!��Like that doesn''t even freak out the things that freak you out!


    The elven woman had split the squad into two.


    The team that Duran belonged to would be responsible for driving the merchants through the East-West Road and the other team would be responsible for ambushing them.


    ''''Bastards, are you ready?��Like!


    Yeah!��''Oh!'' cried Duran, half in desperation.


    ''Like I don''t kill you, I don''t rape you ... like I''m taking a little baggage and money!


    With that, the Elf woman turned her head.


    How''s the economy?��And Crono greets the owner of the stall and heads to the only eatery and tavern in the city, buying merchandise at random.


    Crono is not wearing a military uniform, but everyday clothes.


    The cafeteria-cum-tavern is located in the south of the city.


    Sometimes vomit would be splattered right in front of the restaurant, but fortunately today it wasn''t there.


    Crono entered the diner through the open door and sat down at the counter.


    The restaurant was dimly lit, and a miscellaneous smell wafted through the air.


    Since this diner and tavern focuses on nighttime business, the daytime counter is Crono''s reserved seat.


    However, I can''t expect service at this time of day.


    After a while, there was a creaking sound on the stairs.


    When Crono turned around, he saw a woman coming down from the second floor.


    ''Oh, hi,''


    Mirei is the diner and tavern''s female warden.


    Her face is well-groomed there, but she is always brusque, probably because of the wrong time of day.


    Her long brown hair is in a sleeping habit and her clothes are disheveled.


    ''Yes, please,''


    ....


    Mirei placed the cup on the counter, with a great lack of movement.


    Crono took the cup with a chipped rim to his mouth and sipped the warm incense tea.


    ''''Hmm~ Is it okay if I have some leftovers from last night?''''


    Whatever.


    Okay, yes.


    Crono caught the bread that Mirei threw.


    The bread was hard and grayish on the inside.


    This bread was a mixture of many things.


    Crono placed a few copper coins on the counter and a bracelet woven from brightly colored yarn he''d bought at the stall.


    ''A gift?''


    Well, sort of.


    Milay wrapped the bracelet around her wrist, looking a little pleased.


    ''Maybe you''re trying to hit on me?''


    ''I needed to do some shopping to get to know the people in town. Well, just think of it as sharing.


    ''Sharing,'' said Milay, looking at the bracelet.


    ''Why do you have to get along with the town''s people?


    I need someone to talk to.


    ''Oh, maybe General Ignis isn''t the type to smile and banter. But then again, so is he to his relatives.


    The reason Crono wants to befriend the city''s residents is to gather information.


    It''s the same reason why he uses the cafeteria-cum-tavern.


    Incidentally, ''Relatives of Ignis'' is a title that keeps people from getting suspicious.


    ''''Do you have any interesting stories to tell?''''


    I don''t know if it''s funny, but it''s like the bandits are on the East-West Road.


    Hmm, Crono nodded.


    It seems that the separate workforce is doing its job.


    However, it''s hard to tell if they''re doing their job well just by listening to Milay.


    ''''Yes, soup.''''


    Milay put the plate on the counter.


    The plate was a soup of scrap vegetables and sliced sausage.


    Crono brought the soup to his mouth.


    The food served in Ignis'' mansion was reasonably good, but this soup was not salty enough.


    They must be saving the salt because the price of salt jumps up by the time it is brought to Ignis'' estate.


    Crono nodded repeatedly, saying that one dish could tell you a lot, right?


    Crono ate slowly, gathering information as he ate.


    ''If you come in at night, I''ll serve you, though?


    I don''t like to drink, and Father Ignis was too picky.


    Crono cowered his shoulders and left the diner and tavern.


    *


    Crono retraced his steps the way he came and returned to Ignis''s mansion.


    The development of the sales network seemed to be going well, as he rubbed up against a cart on the way.


    The sound of wooden swords being struck together could be heard from the gardens.


    Crono stitched his way through the overgrown trees to the source of the sound.


    His vision widened rapidly.


    He came to an open area of the garden.


    There, Faye and Leonhardt were meeting their wooden swords.


    Rio was sitting at a little distance away.


    ''''Well Crono, how did you gather information?''''


    It''s like a separate team getting the job done.


    You don''t look very happy for it, do you?


    I knew it would hurt to have no way to contact them. I''m sure Aridid and Deneb would be more than willing to do our bidding.


    In a situation where there''s no way to contact them, Aridid and Deneb are the only people you can count on.


    Alideed and Deneb may be stupid in their normal speech and behavior, but they will act as officers.


    ''What about you?''


    I''ve been practicing my sword since morning. I have my own ideas about what I can do with a sword, but they are exceptional.


    Hmmm, Crono made an appropriate phase and turned his attention to Faye and Leonhardt.


    Faye and Leonhardt are hitting each other''s wooden swords together with great speed.


    It''s a speed that makes me think that both of them are moving with a prediction of the future.


    ''''Well?''''


    From what I see, Faye''s a little outnumbered.


    Crono didn''t know which of them had the upper hand even after Rio''s explanation.


    The only thing he could understand was that both Fay and Leonhardt were on a different level of ability than Crono.


    ''''What about the reversal?''''


    ''It''s almost a pure swordfight.


    In other words, it''s impossible for Faye to reverse the situation.


    Even if Faye tried to turn the tables with tactics and chicanery, it seems like Leonhardt would be able to handle it without a care in the world.


    ''''But it looks like you two are having fun~''''


    As if to say that Faye can''t stand it, Leonhardt has a thin smile on his face.


    ''''Isn''t it the joy of meeting someone as good as me?


    Is that how it works?


    That''s the way it is.


    Rio nodded in translation.


    ''Yeah, it''s about to end.''


    Right after Rio said it, Faye swung the wooden sword down.


    Leonhardt closed the distance as he slid down the side of the wooden sword and thrust the tip of the wooden sword into Fay''s neck.


    ''''I''m saddened.''''


    Hmm, I''ve never been in a situation where I''ve been pushed so hard before.


    Leonhard retreated from his wooden sword and wiped the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his clothes.


    ''''You look happy, aren''t you?''''


    My dream was to fight with Leonhardt side by side in a gag. I am very happy to have this dream come true and to be able to have a swordfight with him.


    When Crono asked, Faye put her hand on her chest and closed her eyes as if she were biting down on her joy.


    ''''Hmm, was it your dream to join the First Kingsguard Order?


    Stop!��No pulling out!


    Crono slid on the ground with a zuzaar, interrupting between Faye and Leonhardt.


    ''''Crono, if you''re thinking about the well-being of your men, shouldn''t you be willing to send them off?


    Ugh!


    Crono grunted at Rio''s words.


    Rio was right.


    It might be happier for Faye to be transferred to the First Kingsguard than to be in the Thirteenth Kingsguard, where she was being treated differently.


    Crono looked at Faye.


    ''''........Faye.


    What is it, sir?


    Well, if the Fae want to transfer to the First Kingsguard, I''ll be happy to send them off.


    Crono said in a trembling voice.


    ''It''s a terribly skinny thing to do, isn''t it?


    ''Of course!��You know how much time and effort Kane and I put into raising Faye!��And a steeplechase kidnaps it!


    Crono called out.


    When they met, Faye was a swordsmanship fool.


    How carefully do you think he raised Faye, who was dragged along by Kane in guarding the streets and was beaten to full height by the bandits?


    ''''Oh, my dear, Leonhard!��d*mn it!��Curse on that name!


    A curse escaped Crono''s mouth.


    Crono clasped his hands together and prayed.


    ''That''s great evil. Something is really going to come out of it.''


    I''m pretty sure an ordinary demon could put him down.


    The trees in the garden rustled, and Rio and Leonhardt reached for the sword at their waists in alarm.


    Hey, hey...!


    You sent for me!


    I''m not calling you!��Go home!


    Crono shouted at the priestess as he jumped out of the bushes.


    ''You called me out and what a mouthful!


    The priest booed and went back to the bushes where he came out.


    ''d*mn, I prayed so hard and only the priest came out.


    Funny. I felt like I could summon a fantasy evil god in Cosmic.


    ''''Lord Leonhardt, can you defeat that thing?''''


    I don''t think that thing is ordinary or demonic.


    Rio and Leonhardt exhaled in relief.


    ''''Crono-sama, you don''t need to worry so much. It was a long time ago that I wanted to gag and fight with Lord Leonhardt.''''


    There''s something sad about being dismissed as an old story, though.


    Leonhardt said sincerely.


    ''I am truly sorry, sir. However, all I want now is to work for Master Crono.


    Thank you, Faye.


    Crono remained on his knees and clung to Faye.


    ''''Well it''s kind of a moment where I can understand how people say things like, ''He has to be without me.''


    Faye made a subtle expression.


    *


    Huh, I''m really tired. It really is a lot of work to negotiate.


    When Crono opened the front door, Elaine approached, complaining.


    Since she even bothered to mention such a thing, the preparations for the wholesale market.......the negotiations with the merchants and nobles of the Holy Argo Kingdom must be going well.


    Faye, Rio and Leonhard-dono didn''t want to hear Elaine-san''s sarcasm, so weren''t they practicing their swordplay in the garden?��And Crono thought of his companions who were still training in the garden for swordplay.


    ''''But the distribution network I worked so hard to create will be successfully used by my peers, won''t it? In total, don''t you think it''s a loss?


    You think it''s a loss, don''t you?��And Elaine drooped to Crono.


    ''So maybe you could lower the price of salt a bit?


    ''Oh!��Little Father Ignis!


    "Who''s my uncle?


    Crono called out, and Ignis ran up to Crono with tremendous speed.


    ''Ah, no, you were set up as my, distant relative.


    Ignis coughed to regain his composure.


    ''You''re back at last, you grain-crusher. Shame on you for not doing your job and walking around aimlessly.''


    You''re talking about breaking bread.


    ''I''m going to call even my own children grainy when they grow up to be grainy. No, I''m going to throw them out of the house before they do.


    ''I really think I''m going to do it,'' said Crono, looking at Ignis, who looked good at it.


    ''So, what do you want?''


    When you are able to successfully host the market, what is Elaine''s reward?


    "The market shovel fee... or was it the entry fee?��for ten years.


    When Crono turned his gaze to look at her, Elaine turned her gaze away from Crono.


    Elaine turned her head away as she tried to get around to view.


    ''Elaine, Elaine Sinner. I hear you''re losing money in total?''''


    ''Oh, my God, did I say that?��My head hurts a bit, so I''m going to lie down.


    Crono looked away at Elaine, who deliberately pressed her temples.


    ''Did you get seduced into waiving a decade''s worth of entry fees or something?


    ''It''s an entry fee in a market that may not last a decade. It''s not something to be regretted. If it''s going to last ten years, Elaine is the biggest contributor. In fact, it''s rather cheap.


    Ignis replied to Crono''s flippant comment in an irritated tone.


    ''Hey, do you have time?''


    I have.


    Let''s move on.


    With that, Ignis started to walk away.


    Crono maintained a certain distance and followed Ignis.


    Ignis entered a room on the third floor - a study or perhaps an office - and sat down in his chair.


    He rested his elbows on the armrests and poked his cheekbones.


    He looks sullen.


    ''This is the first time I''ve ever talked to you like this, isn''t it?


    That''s because I didn''t want to be alone with you. To save our lives.


    An awkward silence descends.


    It''s not surprising.


    Crono and Ignis were enemies.


    Even now, they can''t be considered allies.


    ''''I''m not going to try to kill you.


    Thank you.


    Crono couldn''t read Ignis'' intentions and answered vaguely.


    ''If I kill you now, there is no cause there. It''s merely self-satisfaction.''''


    He''s not a bad person, Crono thought.


    Ignis may be upright, but he''s not a bad person.


    Rather, he''s likeable.


    If they had met in a different way, they could have been friends.


    But Crono remembers.


    How could he forget the moment when Ignis burned an elven woman to death, the moment his men were blown up by Ignis'' divine magic?


    That''s why the story ends here.


    Crono and Ignis have killed too much to let it all go by the wayside.


    Crono and Ignis can''t be friends, they can''t be friends.


    ''I''ll cooperate as long as the situation allows.


    Do you think we''re being pestered?��No. Checking where you stand?��And Crono left Ignis'' room.


    *


    Now, where is Mr. Theon?��And Crono walked around Ignis'' mansion in a dusty manner and found Sion in the ground floor living room.


    Sion was sitting on a faded sofa, reading a book.


    ''Mr. Sion, are you free?''


    ''What?��Well, I''m sorry.


    Theon''s shoulders slumped apologetically.


    Maybe he felt he was being accused.


    ''Well, never mind. It''s my fault that Sion-san is bored.''


    It makes me feel a little better to hear that.


    Zion doesn''t seem to have anything in common with anyone else, so I guess I should have paid attention.��And Crono sat down next to Sion.


    ''You have a lot on your mind when you do this.


    ''Oh, yeah, yeah,''


    Crono ministered.


    ''''Like ... my dead father,''''


    It''s heavy!��Crono barely managed to keep from plunging in.


    ''Have you thought of anything else?''


    God.


    It''s getting heavier!��Crono almost put his head in his hands.


    ''I''ve been trying in my own way, but I''m wondering when I''ll be able to make peace with God.


    Ugu, Crono grunted.


    I''m sure Sion is in a fight with God right now.


    Otherwise, Crono told Sion, God gave him time to cool down.


    That was two years ago.


    ''Have I not been able to look at my feelings yet?


    Crono also said that if Sion-san could look at his feelings firmly and make peace with God, he would be able to use even the Divine Authority Technique.


    Two years ago, Crono was desperate to encourage Sion, but he didn''t think that the problem would not be solved for two years.


    Sion has even lost his confidence, Crono thought.


    Right now, Sion isn''t sure of his own righteousness.


    If he had been able to use the Divine Majesty Technique again, Theon would have been able to believe that the path he had chosen was not wrong.


    To Sion, being able to use the Divine Majesty Technique is synonymous with being approved by God.


    Crono tightened his grip on the necklace.


    I have words to say to Sion.


    But even if Crono admonishes him, I have a feeling that Sion won''t realize the meaning of the words.


    ''''I don''t think what Sion-san has done so far is wrong.


    Is that right?


    Crono looked at Zion, like a super-negative person or like a child who had been separated from his parents.


    I hope this strategy doesn''t have a bad effect on Sion-san, Crono thought now, and got up from the sofa.

 79-Episode 13 "A New Warrior, Its Name"

    *


    It''s easier to be comfortable compared to Japan, but what''s hot is hot... Crono looked up at the sun in a disgusted mood.


    The Cepheus Empire and the Holy Argo Kingdom are less humid than Japan, and you can get cooler in the shade of a tree.


    I''d like to cool off, but it''s my job, Crono said as he headed to the cafeteria and tavern to gather information today.


    Crono entered the diner-cum-tavern through the open door and took a seat at his designated seat.......at the counter.


    ''''Welcome~''''


    Tex.


    Crono ordered from Milay and looked around the diner-cum-tavern.


    The cafeteria-cum-tavern was crowded.


    The seats were probably eighty percent full.


    The people sitting there were not city dwellers, but merchants who had come to buy salt and spices.


    I''m sure you''ll find that the counter is empty, even though it''s reasonably crowded, because the merchants are paying attention to Crono.


    However, the merchants are concerned about Ignis'' relatives, not Crono personally.


    A month has passed since Crono came to the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    It seems that the distribution of the East and West Roads has declined due to the activities of the separate forces.


    It''s unclear how much damage has been done, but it seems that the price of salt and spices have skyrocketed in some territories and the distribution of salt has stopped.


    Arideed, Deneb, aren''t you trying too hard?��Crono felt uneasy, but according to Elaine, the reason why the price of salt and spices skyrocketed and the distribution of salt stopped was because overreacting merchants were reluctant to sell or buy up salt and spices.


    Some people may have been agitated, but the economy is so fragile, Crono felt such an emotion.


    He had an idea of who had agitated him, but he should probably dare to ignore it.


    Come to think of it, I think I heard a story similar to this somewhere, Crono poked his cheekbones and suddenly remembered the history lesson.......the toilet paper riot.


    The toilet paper riot was an incident in 1973 when rumors started that there would be no more toilet paper and panicked people went on a toilet paper hoarding spree.


    Toilet paper riots are said to be caused by anxiety, and the fact that merchants came to buy salt and spices in Ignis''s territory may be an expression of their desire to ease their anxiety by securing new trade routes.


    ''I see~''


    ''What?��What?


    No, no, no.


    Weird, Milay muttered softly and put the plate on the counter.


    It''s not a warm soup, but a hot one.


    The saltiness is perfect.


    ''How''s the economy?''


    As you can see, business is booming.


    Milay smiled.


    Not a very happy one, but a weak smile.


    Crono brought the shredded bread to his mouth and sipped the soup.


    ''What''s going on?''


    Look, a lot of things have changed, and I''m a little confused.


    Milay stroked her threaded bracelet.


    Since the merchants started coming to town, the diner-cum-tavern had become more focused on noon business.


    It''s unsettling to see the situation change when you don''t know what''s going on~, Crono reflected on his lack of thoughtfulness.


    He had asked someone he could trust in his territory to root around, or deliberately let the information out.


    ''Mirei, I''d like to keep this between us.


    What?


    Crono leaned forward and said, and Milay asked back, puzzled.


    ''Will you promise me?''


    I promise.


    Mirei nodded with a serious face.


    If you think about it calmly, you would know that he wouldn''t confide information that had to be kept secret in a public place, but Milay''s mind didn''t seem to be working on the suddenness of the situation.


    ''''........Little Father Ignis is trying to strengthen his influence.


    Influence.


    Milay gulped and swallowed raw.


    ''Why?''


    Yes, little Ignis.


    Crono cuts off the words and looks around.


    It''s an appeal to be vigilant.


    ''Father Ignis seems to think it''s not a good idea for the ''temple'' to have too much influence. That''s why he''s trying to develop trade.


    Milay tilted his head as if he didn''t understand.


    ''You see, if Father Ignis set up a trading post, not only will he make money, but he will also have a stake in the merchants, right?��If they''re not involved, or if they are, they''ll cooperate.


    Does that have anything to do with us?


    Of course.


    Crono puffed out his chest.


    ''If the merchants come, we could make money on the dining room and tavern, rent out the empty rooms and maybe even have an inn. That''s not all. Little Father Ignis is also thinking of spending money for the benefit of the lords.


    That''s right.


    Milay seemed to be dismayed by the size of the story, but there was no accusation against Ignis.


    This was probably thanks to Ignis''s good government.


    ''It''s a secret between us, you know.


    Yeah, Milay gave a small nod.


    Well, even if Milay is silent, the merchants will tell them off.


    It''s because trade that isn''t affected by the ''temple'' is also profitable for the merchants.


    After finishing his meal, Crono headed out of the city.


    When Crono walked out of the city, he found a row of tents there.


    It was a wholesale market that Elaine had made possible.


    The deal was already done and all that was left was to clear the tents.


    Crono was impressed with Elaine''s ability to make the wholesale market a reality in just one month.


    I knew it was probably Elaine''s fault that the price of salt and spices had skyrocketed and distribution had stopped, though I also thought that it was Elaine''s fault.


    Crono looked at the ''Sinner Trade Union Counselor Shop''.


    Elaine had her back to him and was sitting in a crude chair.


    ''''How''s the economy?''''


    It''s all right. God, I thought I''d have a little more monopoly on the profits.


    Elaine is complaining about the merchant''s light footwork.


    Just before the wholesale market was to be held, merchants from the Count of Caddo arrived.


    ''''You''re not the one who gave them the information, are you?


    You''ve made the rounds.


    Elaine''s cheeks twitched.


    ''You little brat,'' she said, a look that could have made her say.


    ''Even if I hadn''t told you, you would have found out sooner.


    I know.


    Elaine spat.


    ''''The ''Sinner Trade Union'' is getting a lot of attention from our peers.


    ''''You could have at least waited until our business was up and running.��We''re taking a risk for free.


    It''s the fate of the trailblazer, I guess.


    ''Normal pioneers don''t have a rival standing right behind them.


    Elaine let out a sigh and shook her head in an acting gesture.


    Ignis has exempted her from the wholesale market entry fee for ten years, but it''s a small advantage.


    ''''........Lady Elaine.


    A voice, like the ringing of a bell, came from outside the tent.


    Crono turned around and saw a woman standing outside the tent, dressed in travel gear.


    The woman was probably younger than Elaine.


    Her brown hair was neatly tied up.


    Her body lines are smart.


    She''s not flashy, but she''s quite beautiful.


    However, her expression is subtle.


    Can we call her a stunned expression?


    If you call her sleepy, she looks sleepy, and if you call her grumpy, she looks grumpy.


    If you say they look happy, they can''t help but look happy.


    ''Elaine-sama, is this all the cargo you have?''


    Siana.


    Elaine called out the woman''s name and let out a sigh.


    Several loaded carriages were lined up behind the woman called Siana.


    ''I''m just curious, what are they carrying?''


    ''Wool. The wool of the sheep raised in the Holy Argo Kingdom is of good quality and fetched a high price in the Free City States.


    Siana explained matter-of-factly.


    If we transported them from Ignis'' territory to the Free City State group via Crono''s territory, there would be no tolls, so we''d make a raggedy profit.


    ''''Elaine, Elaine Sinar?��I thought you said earlier that the economy was in good shape?


    Oh, I just said that''s about right.


    Elaine said without seeming to take offense.


    A chill crawled up his spine and Crono reflexively turned around.


    Then he saw Siana tilting her head slightly to look at Crono.


    Crono retreated without taking his gaze away from Siana and hid behind Elaine.


    What''s going on?


    I have a bad feeling about this.


    Crono saw something ominous in the light in Siana''s eyes.


    How shall I cook this fish?��Siana looked at Crono with her eyes.


    ''Siana, you can go now.


    I understand.


    Elaine said, and Siana gave a small nod and got into the wagon.


    The wagon that Siana rode in went on, and the other wagons followed.


    Crono peeked out of the tent to see that Siana was far enough away and patted his chest in relief.


    ''After all, I wonder if your senses are honed after you''ve ducked under the dead line so many times?


    Just because you can see the danger, doesn''t mean you can''t respond to it.


    That''s true.


    Crono said, and Elaine let out a sneaky laugh.


    ''What kind of person are you?''


    ''Sorry, but I have no taste for exposing my hand.


    I''m sure they''re combat personnel, but just making them think they might have a hand like that would make it hard to bypass them.


    Crono scratched his neck, "There''s not always one combatant," he said.


    ''What about that one?''


    ''A lot of people seem to be anxious about the sudden change. I''ve been giving them a little bit of information, so I think that''s going to ease their fears a little bit.


    It''s not very reliable.


    I''m a soldier and a lord in my day job.


    Crono added in his mind, "Both of them are at a level where they''re managing to serve with the help of their subordinates.


    ''Now we can move on to the next step in the operation.


    Another skit?


    We''re doing a soup kitchen this time.


    Muhu, Crono exhaled through his nose.


    He had been rooting around for skits and cookouts in the surrounding territory until now.


    Well, it was Ignis who actually did the rooting.


    ''''At this rate, we''re going to end up with a faction of General Ignis.


    ....


    Crono smiled, not answering Elaine''s question.


    "Okay, okay, I''ll leave you alone today. Oh?


    When Crono entered Ignis''s room on the third floor of the mansion, he saw the first guest.


    It was a woman with a blue tassel pulled down from her shoulders.


    She was probably about the same height as Crono, or maybe a little shorter.


    She was out where it showed and retracted where it retracted.


    She has a well-built figure.


    His dark brown hair is short like a boy''s, and his horizontal hair bounces inward.


    He wears a military uniform, so he''s a colleague of Ignis''...or maybe a bit closer to him.


    The always grumpy Ignis had a soft expression on her face.


    The woman looked at Crono.


    This is bad, Crono thought.


    After all, Crono was in the middle of a top secret mission.


    There is nothing good about having a military man remember your face.


    Crono took a step or two back, stepped out of the room and hid himself behind a wall.


    However, he only hid the right half of his body.


    ''You always seem to be in a bad mood when you''re with me, Jae, Geraci!


    "...what are you doing?


    Ignis covered his face with his left hand and let out a sigh.


    ''It''s nice to meet you, my name is Crono, a relative of General Ignis!


    Crono quickly closed the distance and tightened his grip on the woman''s hand.


    The woman looked at Ignis with a puzzled look on her face.


    ''Ignis, when did you get more relatives?''


    ''No!��They''re distant relatives, and I only recently found out that General Ignis is a relative of mine too!


    Crono said as he wound up, expecting Ignis to cover him.


    If Ignis is covering us, we can fool him.


    ''''This is the reinforcements from the Cepheus Empire.


    Don''t take the ladder off all of a sudden!


    Calm down.


    Ignis controlled Crono with his hand as he tried to crowd him.


    ''I''d like to introduce you. She''s Aqua Alphard. She''s one of the six generals, and at the behest of King Magnus she''s agreed to help us, albeit unofficially.


    ''Nice to meet you. I''ve heard a lot about you.


    Then the woman........Aqua smiled.


    ''''What does this have to do with the ''Goddess of Blue and Life''?''''


    That''s right. Aqua is a master of divine magic.


    ''Hmmm,'' nodded Crono.


    ''So there''s another Terra of the earth, Wentz of the wind, right?


    What about it?


    ''Nothing,'' said Crono, the corners of his mouth hanging up.


    ''If you have something to say, speak up.


    Ignis, don''t do that. You''re hot. It''s a bad habit.


    Aqua chided, and Ignis obeyed with a sense of reluctance.


    ''Lord Crono, it is a pleasure to meet you.


    Honorable?


    Yeah, I was just curious about you.


    Aqua looked down in embarrassment.


    Crono was in a strangely cold mood.


    ''''It''s an honor on my part. I didn''t expect that a user of the Divine Majesty Technique of the ''Goddess of Blue and Life'' would appear so quickly.


    Crono grinned, and Aqua backed away.


    Aqua, run!


    ''What?��Huh?


    Crono blocked Aqua''s bewildered retreat.


    Well, there was a good chance that Crono would be kicked out by Aqua with a blow.


    ''You, Blue Knight!


    The chrono is zubizzy!��He pointed at Aqua.


    Aqua doesn''t seem to understand what it means and is pouting.


    ''Blue Knight?''


    ''Let me explain!��The Blue Knight is a member of the Night Ranger. By the way, the Knight Rangers are six knights who have received the blessing of the Six Pillar God. Their purpose is to go beyond the confines of the ''Temple'' and engage in vigilante activities!


    Aqua turned her gaze to Ignis.


    Is she okay?��He looks as if to say.


    ''Night Ranger, go!��Before ... how about laying the groundwork?


    Ignis grimaced and lightly tapped the bundle of parchment on his desk.


    ''Heh, that''s going well.''


    How do you know?


    ''No, General Ignis was in a bad mood, so the surrounding lords must have given a good response~''


    Ignis looked like he was about to cluck his tongue.


    ''As soon as you see that it''s profitable, this is it.


    Ignis, you shouldn''t talk like that.


    ''That''s right. I''m not so much concerned with future disadvantages as I am with short-term gains. That''s the way it is with ordinary people.


    When Aqua and Crono said that, Ignis looked more and more reluctant.


    Crono could understand Ignis''s feelings, but he could also understand the feelings of the lord who offered his cooperation.


    Even lords have things to protect.


    If it''s necessary for that reason, he will even flirt with the ''temple''.


    Rather, people like Ignis are in the minority.


    ''''The trade over here isn''t on the right track, so I think it''s a great decision.


    I know that.


    Ignis didn''t say anything more.


    ''Then again ... the Night Ranger sails!


    Crono shouted, and Ignis let out a deep sigh.


    *


    The Night Ranger.


    Lyricist and composer Crono


    Earth is in trouble!��Go, go, go!��Effen Effen!


    *


    The village was under threat.


    Three sub-humans - a minotaur and two werewolves - had appeared and demanded money and food.


    Of course, the villagers resisted, weapons in hand.


    Because if they were deprived of their gold and food, they would have to die or become slaves.


    But the villagers were not able to hurt the sub-humans.


    It was a natural result.


    There are countless hurdles to overcome in order to fight.


    It''s a mistake to think that you can fight just by picking up a weapon.


    The weapons that the villagers unleashed cut through the sky and the sub-human''s attacks made the villagers crawl to the ground.


    No, for the sub-human, it was probably just a little poke in the armor.


    In fact, none of them were seriously injured.


    The sub-human is holding back.


    And that too with all their might.


    That fact easily broke the hearts of the villagers.


    When the villagers were piling up their food in the middle of the village.


    That''s enough, sir!


    A woman''s voice rang out.


    ''This, this voice!'' (BUMO!)


    "Master on the roof! (GASP!)


    He''s here! (GASP!)


    The two werewolves pointed to ... a woman on the roof.


    The woman was dressed in a jet-black costume and had a mask covering half of her face.


    ''''Da, Dark Knight!��You''re in my way again! (BUMO!)


    ''When the innocent are suffering, the Night Ranger will appear!��Toh-oh!


    The woman ... the Dark Knight landed on the ground with a spectacular leap.


    ''Does that mean the Dark Knight is here?'' (BMO?)


    Yes, sir!


    The Dark Knight shouted, and men and women dressed in red, blue, white, green and yellow costumes rushed to the Dark Knight.


    ''I am the Knight of Fire!��Red Knight!


    The Red Knight came forward in desperation and thrust his left arm up.


    Shugor, a red light rises from the Red Knight.


    ''''I am the Knight of Light!��White Knight!


    "Knight of the Wind!��Green Knight!


    ''Priest of the Earth!��Yellow Priest!


    White Knight, Green Knight, Yellow Priest, and Yellow Priest come forward one by one, posing around the Red Knight and another... the woman in the blue costume.


    Since she is wearing a blue costume, she must be a blue certainty, but the woman in the blue costume is looking down in embarrassment.


    ''''Who the hell is that guy!'''' (BUMO!)


    I''m a water........


    The woman in the blue outfit said in a voice that sounded like a mosquito buzzing.


    ''Ahhh,'' the Green Knight said, ''I knew it.


    ''Don''t think about it,''


    Good luck to you.


    It is a fight.


    Uh-oh.


    As the Red Knight, White Knight and Dark Knight encouraged her, the woman in the blue costume turned red and moaned.


    She looked like she was about to start crying.


    A small stone flew at the feet of the woman in blue.


    The woman in blue looked up with a huff and stared at the shadows of the building.


    ''I am!��Well, the water.........


    The woman in blue raised her voice, but it didn''t last long.


    By the time she finished saying her name, her voice had reverted to the buzzing of a mosquito.


    ''''Master, water knight!'''' (GASP!)


    Blue Knight, I said! (GASP!)


    "What!��The Blue Knight!'' (BUMO!)


    The villagers shuddered.


    Sub-humans ... especially beastmen are supposed to have a good sense of hearing and smell, but the two werewolves had heard such a small voice.


    ''''Ah, yes, yes.''''


    Blue Knight looked up happily and posed.


    This was another really shy pose.


    ''Do it!'' (BUMO!)


    Yeah! (GASP!)


    Two werewolves followed the Minotaur''s orders and attacked the Dark Knight.


    ''Nightblazeade, that is!


    The Dark Knight drew his sword and cut loose with the two werewolves.


    The two werewolves were a great combination, but the Dark Knight was one or two better than the other.


    The two werewolves were cut down by the Dark Knight.


    There was no blood, though.


    ''''The Nightblade is a non-lethal weapon!��By God''s grace ... even if you slash it, you will not die!��Reynolds!��Is the Night Bazooka ready enough!


    When the Dark Knight turned around, the other five were carrying what looked like a ragged and decorated log.


    ''''Night bazooka, shoot!''''


    It''s too soon!


    Red, blue, white, and green lights were emitted from the log with the Red Knight''s cry.


    ''''Guhya~! (BUMO!)


    When the light hit, red, white, green, blue, dark, yellow.......six colors of light blasted out of the minotaur''s body.


    As the minotaur fell to the ground, the two werewolves stood up as if nothing had happened.


    ''''Master!'''' (GASP!)


    Boys, I remember! (GASP!)


    The two werewolves carried the minotaur and staggered out of the village.


    The two werewolves carried the minotaurs and staggered out of the village.


    Crono greeted his second-in-command, White and Hiilo with a smile as they returned to the boxcarriage.


    ''No! That was a great performance by all three of you!��Especially the follow-up with White and Hairo was great!


    "We did our best.


    The play didn''t stop.


    White and Hiilo were proudly puffing their chests and wagging their tails.


    After a while, Ignis and the others returned.


    Ignis isn''t as exhausted as she was at the beginning, but Aqua is in a state where she''s finally walking with Ignis'' shoulder.


    ''''After all, it looks like it was the right decision to incorporate a sword fight.


    It takes a long time to prepare for the Night Bazooka.


    Leonhard nodded with satisfaction and Rio cowered his shoulders.


    ''''Mmmm, I wish you had waited for me to return. It''s a failure, isn''t it?


    ''But it was a great sword fight. I was mesmerized by it.


    Is that so?


    Faye looked unhappy, but a big smile appeared on her face at Sion''s praise.


    ''''........Aqua-san.


    Yes, sir.


    Wait, Aqua''s tired.


    Crono ignored Ignis''s words and stood in front of Aqua.


    ''You''ll have to say your name properly. I''m in trouble. White and Hiilo followed through this time, but if you can''t do it properly, I''ll drop you from the role of Blue Knight.


    What?


    Can I quit?��And Aqua looks a little pleased.


    ''In return, you will play the role of an evil female executive.


    Female officer?


    Exactly!


    Crono picked up the script and thrust the setting page at Aqua.


    It''s a simple illustration, as I''m not much of a painter.


    ''Hee!''


    "Bioneer armor!��With the increased exposure, your big friends are going to love it!


    Haha~!��Crono laughed.


    I''m so embarrassed I''m going to die. Oh, please!��Next time, I''ll get it right the next time!


    Aqua paled and clutched at Crono.


    ''You prick,''


    Thank you, that''s the best compliment I could ask for.


    Ignis swore at the illustration of the female executive, but Crono''s chest heaved.


    ''Lord Crono, this is...''


    It''s not really your armor, is it?


    Leonhard drawled, and Rio seemed to think it was none of his business and said in an easygoing tone.


    ''''It''s ... impossible, sir.


    Faye compared her breasts to the illustration of the female executive and blurted out.


    Theon looked down in embarrassment.


    ''Well, since you seem to understand the penalty, let''s go to the next village.


    Wait.


    Crono clicked his tongue when Ignis stopped him.


    He was quite a sharp man despite the fact that he flushed it out so smoothly.


    ''''You mean the penalty is us ... guys too?''''


    Ignis, you''re crazy!


    That''s important.


    Ignis said back to Aqua, whose eyes widened in astonishment.


    ''Well?''


    Men, this is it.


    Crono opened the script and thrust a page of settings at Ignis.


    ''''A ... barrel?''''


    It''s like a barrel.


    It''s a lot of color.


    The men ... Ignis, Leonhardt and Rio muttered as they looked at the illustration.


    On the paper was an illustration of a barrel with a limb growing on it.


    ''''Crono-sama, what is this?''''


    ''It''s a support character. When the men are relegated, they will play this character. His name will be ''Rock'' and the word will end in ''Guess''.


    A shiver ran through the men.


    ''Come on, let''s get on with the next village.


    Crono lifted the corners of his mouth.

 80-Episode 14 "Taking out"

    *


    Sion smiled and handed the man his soup and bread.


    The man was a vagrant.


    He must not have eaten for days now.


    The man''s throat moved up and down.


    I can''t wait to eat.


    He could feel that feeling.


    Sion didn''t blame the man for starting to eat on the spot.


    Humans could only be civil when they could afford it.


    But Theon''s expectations were confirmed.


    The man put civility ahead of satisfying his hunger.


    The man hung his head deeply.


    ''Thank you, Priestess.''


    ''No, I''m just following the teachings of the ''Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility''


    The man looked at Sion curiously, but quickly moved away from him.


    Sion unexpectedly remembered the time when he had been cooking in Hachel.


    The vagrants in Hachel were dressed in dingy clothes, but the vagrants in the Holy Argo Kingdom were wearing tired clothes, but the smell wasn''t so bad.


    They only smelled a little sweaty.


    Theon wondered, but the mystery was soon solved.


    The Holy Argo Kingdom is rich in water.


    There are several wells in this city of Carina, and if you walk a little further, there is also a lake.


    It''s not difficult to keep your body and clothes clean.


    Still, if they are dressed in a dingy outfit, it''s probably because they have a reason for wanting to keep others away.


    There were other questions.


    The vagrants call Theon a priest ''Sama'', and they look at me strangely when I tell them that Theon is following the teachings of the ''Ocher and Fertility Mother God''.


    The mission of the priests of the Temple of Loess is to spread agricultural knowledge and skills.


    The purpose of this mission is to share the blessings of the earth with more and more people.


    As a part of this mission, the Temple of Loess is organizing a soup kitchen.


    The line of vagrants broke off and Theon looked next to him.


    Then, he met eyes with the Blue Knight........and General Aqua.


    General Aqua smiled softly.


    It was as if the surroundings suddenly became brighter.


    It was that kind of smile.


    ''''Good job.''''


    No, it''s my job.


    Aqua''s presence stimulated Theon''s sense of inferiority.


    General Aqua works for his country, but Theon works for money.


    Crono promised that he wouldn''t reduce the donations or the budget of the Salvation Hospital without Theon''s help.


    But Theon was worried.


    If the donations were reduced, Granette and Plum would be transferred to another appointment.


    If the budget of the Relief and Poverty Institute was cut, they would have to lay off staff.


    The poorhouse''s users would be left on the street.


    They would be disappointed by everyone.


    That much had to be avoided.


    Sion glanced at General Aqua and stole a glance at him.


    He''s a beautiful man.


    He also said that he must be a very capable person, since he is serving as a general.


    Why did he become a military man?


    Do you have any regrets about being in the military?


    Do you feel that you made the right choice?


    These words are close to my throat.


    ''Ignis, I need you to help me.


    My job is to oversee soup kitchens.


    When General Aqua''s lips twitched in frustration, General Ignis replied with a mushy expression.


    ''''Yes, well, General Ignis helped me with that, and...''''


    ''You lit the wood for me, didn''t you?


    General Aqua said teasingly.


    Theon was preparing for the cookout when he noticed that the flint was missing.


    He checked it several times, but he forgot to put it in.


    As Theon looked for the flint with tears in his eyes, General Ignis lit the firewood without saying a word.


    ''''How dare you light the firewood with divine majesty techniques? You''re going to get complained about by the people in the ''temple'' again, aren''t you?��What do you think of God''s power?


    Let the people who want to say it say it.


    Even though General Aqua emphasizes the ''also'' part, General Ignis is not a fan of it.


    The Temple warns us not to use the Divine Authority Technique lightly.


    This commandment is easily loosened when donations are made, but using divine authority is considered a lack of reverence to use it lightly.


    ''I have no shame in it. It''s wrong to accuse me of using divine majesty arts for the benefit of a hungry people.


    General Ignis said without moving slightly.


    Such a General Ignis looked one or two times bigger to Theon.


    No, maybe he should say that he was reminded of his own diminutive size.


    From a young age, Theon had felt that he had to become a priest.


    If his mother had lived, he might have been able to consult her, but she had returned to the earth before Sion could remember.


    It was an epidemic disease, apparently.


    When I learned that Theon could use the Divine Majesty Technique, my father was pleased when I decided to become a priest.


    And my father had graciously sent Sion to the imperial capital.


    Sion studied agriculture and theology in the temple of the imperial city.


    It was there that he felt uncomfortable.


    The boys and girls who were apprentice priests were like ordinary children.


    The girls in particular seemed to prefer talking to their peers rather than thinking about God.


    Sion tried to avoid getting involved with such girls as much as possible to study, but he felt that those girls enjoyed life more than Sion did.


    That feeling has become stronger and stronger now that he has lost his Divine Majesty Technique.


    I may have taken the wrong path to go down, Sion let out a small sigh.


    I think I thought of becoming a priest because I didn''t want to disappoint my father.


    If he wanted to live a life other than as a priest, he might clash with his father.


    Fearing that possibility, he simply took the easy way out.


    There is no self-will anywhere.


    If there is anything, it is only the weakness of trying to avoid ''pain''.


    That''s why the Mother Goddess of Fertility and Fertility has stopped lending her strength to Theon and has become dismissive of him, isn''t it?


    Maybe it''s time to consider a way of life other than that of a priest.


    However, Theon realized that he didn''t have the ''strength'' to abandon his faith, and he let out a big sigh.


    Crono looked at Sion from the second floor of the inn, saying that Sion-san is in trouble mode today, too.


    Sion let out a sigh with a gloomy expression.


    The cookout was a success, despite the accidental failure to find a flintlock.


    If I wanted to, I would have liked to have done a soup kitchen in a larger city.


    Crono and the others are in a city called Karina.


    The city of Kalina is a rather large city located north of Ignis'' territory.


    Even though it''s there, it''s bigger and more developed than the city where Ignis''s mansion is located.


    The city where Ignis'' mansion is located does not have a single inn, but the city of Karina has two.


    The number of vagrants who have come to the soup kitchen is just over ten.


    It''s a smaller number than Crono had expected, but the number should increase if they continue to work steadily.


    They might even be able to get the poorest of the poor to join them.


    Crono, why don''t you just let us do our job and find out what we can do for you?


    Well, it sounds like I''m slacking off then.


    Crono turned around and looked at the entrance to the room.


    Then he saw Rio leaning against the wall.


    Today Rio wasn''t wearing a military uniform, but a pair of linen trousers and a loose-fitting jacket.


    The collar of his jacket was wide open, exposing his collarbone.


    ''What was Crono doing in there?''


    I was just carving a plate.


    Crono picked up the wooden plate on his desk and stuck it out to Rio.


    On one side of the plate was a posed Night Ranger, and on the other a carved image of a priest sitting on a king-like figure.


    ''So the Night Ranger is surrounded by an X and the other side has an X on it.


    You don''t need to be able to read to understand this.��All I have to do now is print, color, and scatter them around. Oh no, I had a hard time carving the X''s and X''s!


    Why don''t you just add the circles and x''s after you''ve printed them?��Crono realized as he was carving, but that was a good memory now that it was finished.


    ''Did you have to carve it here?��Besides, you brought the prints with you from the estate.


    ''The one I brought from the estate was the first one, and this print is the second one.


    The first print is by a dwarven artisan and is very well done.


    There are two patterns: one of a priest sitting on the king on all fours, and another of a giant priest eating a commoner with a spoon.


    ''Sometimes I think, Crono is quite versatile,''


    Well, that''s something.


    In case you''re wondering, Crono has almost finished the compulsory education course.


    He can do rudimentary crafts, cooking and sewing.


    However, I don''t feel bad about being praised.


    ''''How was it with Rio?''''


    ''There''s been a lot of talk about the Night Ranger in its own right. Rumor has it that General Ignis is hiding his face and fighting the sub-humans.


    Rio cowered lightly.


    ''''I''m sorry for Ignis, but it''s a shame if the people don''t realize who the Red Knight is.


    ''''Apparently, the information I''ve gathered isn''t much different from Rio-dono''s, is it?


    With that, Leonhardt walked into the room.


    A slamming sound echoed from downstairs, and Leonhard let out a small breath as if to say, "Oh dear.


    Then he moved away from the door to give way.


    ''Master Crono!��It''s a big deal!


    Faye skidded and walked past the door.


    ''It''s a big deal!��Master Crono!


    Faye almost skidded again this time, but she grabbed the vertical frame of the door and stopped.


    Today Faye is not armed.


    She''s not wearing a military uniform, but a skirt.


    ''''It''s refreshing to see Faye in a skirt~''''


    Is that so?


    Faye scratched her head in embarrassment.


    ''You look a little happy.


    ''I''m sooooo uncomfortable, sir.


    Faye picked at her skirt and twisted around.


    ''No, it looks good on you. I''d like to see Faye in a dress too~''


    Mmm, I wish to be of service to Master Crono as a knight.


    Faye, despite her words, does not seem to be full of it.


    Crono was adamant that he would tailor a dress for Faye if he had the opportunity to attend the ball.


    ''Are you sure you''re ready to report?''


    ''Yes, sir!��Master Crono, it''s a big deal!


    Faye seemed to remember her errand at Rio''s prodding and uttered the same line as when she walked into the room.


    ''Yes, what?''


    It is a fake!


    Crono couldn''t understand Faye''s overly straightforward report and asked back.


    ''Of what?''


    It is a fake Night Ranger!


    It''s happening so fast.


    Crono couldn''t help but shout.


    Leonhardt, Rio, and Faye didn''t seem to understand why Crono was yelling.


    The appearance of the fake is a story you see rather often in special effects and anime, not just Sentai stuff, but it''s an episode that should be aired in the middle of the show.


    The Night Ranger has just gotten its members together, and yet the impostor makes an appearance.


    What do you think?


    Of course I''ll crush you!


    Crono bit his teeth, wondering if hiding his face had backfired on him.


    If he pretended to be a night ranger and did whatever he wanted, the mission could be foiled.


    ''Faye, show me around!''


    I understand, sir!


    Leonhardt, get ready to go!


    Crono poked at Leonhardt, who stroked his chin thoughtfully.


    ''Hmm, I think I''ve read what''s coming next, though.


    Leonhardt exhaled as if to sigh.


    *


    Master Crono, it is a fake!


    ....


    Crono was pouting in the town square where Faye had led him.


    Rio and Leonhardt giggled.


    A wooden stage had been set up in the town square.


    Quite a few people were gathered in the square.


    It seems to be a traveling entertainer''s business.


    ''''Crono-sama, are you going to crush them?


    No, it''s not.


    Faye readied her fists.


    As if appealing to his inner fighting spirit, Faye swung his lowered left arm like a pendulum.


    ''''It''s fake, right?''''


    We''ll have to wait and see.


    I understand, sir.


    Faye lowered her fist in a reluctant manner.


    Crono looked at the stage and saw the six actors standing on the stage.


    ''''I am the Knight of the Flame!��Red Knight!


    The Red Knight announced himself high in the center of the stage and raised his fist in the air.


    ''Water Knight, Blue Knight!''


    "Knight of Light!��White Knight!


    "The Dark Knight!��The Dark Knight!


    "Knight of the Wind!��Green Knight!


    ''Priest of the Earth!��Yellow Priest!


    The other five came forward one after another of the Red Knight''s and paused to pose around the Red Knight and Blue Knight.


    Oh oh oh!��And the big friends shouted with delight.


    It was an easy to understand reaction.


    The night rangers on the stage are all women.


    Moreover, the skin color rate is high.


    Their breasts are covered with a long, thin cloth and their lower bodies are covered with pareo.


    You know what I mean!��And Crono shuddered.


    A long, thin piece of cloth was digging into his chest.


    It was biting into it.


    ''You''re f*cked!��You guys!


    Oh, the evil b*tc*!


    Crono shuddered with too much shock.


    The woman playing the role of the enemy was wearing a crown reminiscent of a bull''s horn.


    But it wasn''t the crown that was noteworthy.


    The hostile woman was a bikini armor.


    In addition, she was the owner of explosive breasts.


    Her breasts shook.


    The breasts shook when she stood up hard.


    ''''I am going to complain about it!


    Wait, wait, Faye!


    Crono grabbed Faye''s wrist and tried to keep her back, but the cheating Faye dragged him back.


    Faye stopped after a few meters or so.


    ''That''s a fake, isn''t it?


    Let me finish.


    Crono pleaded with Faye.


    ''Oh, does Crono like big breasts?''


    I like small breasts, too, although I do like them.


    I like it?��And Rio smiled kindly.


    His lips formed a smile, but his eyes were not smiling.


    ''Lord Leonhardt!��Lord Leonhardt would understand how I feel, wouldn''t he?


    He''s back at the inn.


    Crono looked around, but Rio''s words cut off all hope.


    Leonhardt''s instincts seem to be terrifyingly clear.


    As I thought, the man who has it is different.


    ''''Nightblade!''''


    The Red Knight drew his sword and slashed at the Evil Female Executive.


    Ha, the evil female cadre smiled ferociously and greeted the Red Knight.


    ''''Heh, fascinating.''''


    Rio muttered admiringly.


    The Red Knight and an evil female cadre were performing a fancy kill on the stage.


    ''''We look more fake than you do, don''t we?


    Crono had no choice but to admit that the original Night Ranger was defeated.


    If the fake Night Ranger is entertainment, the original Night Ranger is a school play.


    The only thing that wins is the realism of the antagonist and the special effects.


    But why is it the Night Ranger?��Crono nodded his head.


    The Night Ranger has just started working and is not well known.


    I don''t understand why a traveling entertainer who can perform such a mesmerizing killing act would choose a Night Ranger.


    In the future, in order for Crono and the others to feel safe to act, they should check the other party''s intentions.....................whose orders they are working under.


    ''Rio, Faye, let''s move around a bit.


    Crono moved to a corner of the square and bent down in a suitable spot.


    Rio and Faye followed Crono''s lead.


    ''''What''s wrong?''''


    I''m thinking of doing a night raid.


    Rio and Faye fell silent as Crono replied.


    ''Crono, what you''re saying earlier is different?


    I don''t like the word "night raid", sir.


    Faye''s words are harsh.


    ''I just want to make sure I know why you took a crack at the Night Ranger. I suppose we could gather information steadily but...''


    But?


    Rio tilted his head curiously.


    ''The information isn''t always correct.''


    Crono assured him, and Rio laughed with amusement.


    Rio Chiron was inexplicably fond of the negative side of humans.


    ''I don''t even think he''ll answer me with an honest question. That''s why I want to launch a night raid and choke them out with a huge advantage.


    Master Crono, what will you do if you can''t get the back end of the story?


    No problem.


    Mu~, said Faye, looking at Crono with half an eye.


    ''''Crono-sama, it''s not too late to do something. If you can''t back it up, Crono-sama is a criminal who attacked a traveling entertainer in his sleep, right?


    ''Faye, thanks for the casual self-protection line. I would have liked to hear some knightly words if I could.


    Faye looked up into the void thoughtfully as Crono uttered a sarcastic remark.


    ''Master Crono, that is a crime!��As a knight, I cannot overlook the fact that Master Crono is trying to get out of the way!


    ''The admonition hurts my ears!''


    Crono held his ears at the knightly correctness of the argument.


    ''Then what are you going to do?''


    That''s what Crono-sama is good at, laying the groundwork. If you make the necessary arrangements first, there will be no problem even if you accidentally attack a good traveling entertainer.


    Black!��And it''s not like being a knight!


    He might not be blameless, but Faye''s statement was a big deal.


    ''''Authentically, I am a knight of Crono-sama, right?


    d*mn it, you''re right.


    Faye was Crono''s knight in the sense that she knew the ways of the Crono.


    *


    Crono returned to the inn and laid the groundwork.


    He asked Ignis flatly to let his lord pass the story on to him, as he wanted to attack a troupe of traveling entertainers to find out why he had cracked the Night Ranger.


    Sure enough, Ignis made a disgusted face.


    He even clicked his tongue.


    But Crono''s hour-long persuasion paid off, and Ignis sat up heavy.


    Don''t get your hopes up, Ignis said, and headed to the lord''s mansion.


    A short time later, Ignis returned from the lord''s mansion with a reluctant look on his face.


    Was he being sarcastic because the negotiations had failed?��Crono thought, but it was different.


    The negotiations were successful, and Ignis returned with a handful of information about the traveling artist.


    According to Ignis, the lord was willing to accept the request for cooperation.


    Not only that, he said, but he also gave him information about the traveling entertainers.


    Crono left Sion and Aqua at the inn and ran off into the night city.


    Crono and the others lost themselves in the shadows of the night and headed to the inn where the troupe of traveling entertainers were staying.


    ''''It''s about time you got in a good mood.


    I''m not angry with you.


    Ignis replied in an exasperated tone.


    Perhaps Ignis thought that the lord would refuse to cooperate with him.


    However, the lord was willing to cooperate.


    Of course, he didn''t want to cooperate with Ignis out of good intentions.


    The lord''s objective was to maintain the trade routes.


    By going through Ignis'' territory, he could obtain salt and spices far cheaper than when he went through the East-West Highway.


    They would at least pay some convenience.


    Well, maybe that''s not so interesting to Ignis.


    "...here...


    Crono looked up at the building and checked the signs.


    ''Hey, what''s the plan?''


    Let''s hide in here. It''s gonna be quite public.


    Crono stepped into the alleyway between the inn and the next building and stopped at a suitable spot.


    ''Then let me explain the plan.''


    Crono looked over the faces of all of them and said in a low voice.


    ''It''s me, General Ignis and Lord Leonhardt who are going in. On the count of three, I''ll throw this in, and Rio and Faye, please back up.


    What''s that?


    When Crono took out a jewel the size of a thumbnail from the pouch at his waist, Ignis gave him a quizzical look.


    Even if it''s called a jewel, it''s not worth much.


    ''''It''s a magic item ''Stun Grenade'' that generates flashes and explosive sounds. It temporarily deprives the enemy of sight and hearing, disabling them.


    That should be the case, Crono added in his mind.


    ''The stun grenades are prototypes, and we don''t know how well they''ll work.


    ''I''ll throw it in one, two, three, so Rio can make sure no sound leaks out of the room, and Faye can make sure no light leaks out.


    It''s not going to be easy, is it?


    I understand, sir!


    You''re both reliable~, Crono nodded, just as Crono heard a clatter from above.


    Crono reflexively looked up and met eyes with the evil female executive.


    The evil female cadre opened the armor door.


    ''''Three!''''


    Crono!


    You''re missing one or two!


    As Crono threw the stun grenade at the window, the evil female executive turned herself around.


    Immediately after, the stun grenade jumped into the room.


    ''God!''


    Rio and Faye''s voices overlap.


    The stun grenades must be in effect, but there''s no light and explosions.


    ''Enter!''


    Crono activated the imprint.


    A jet black light colored Crono''s body like a barbarian''s war makeup.


    The imprint draws out Crono''s physical abilities to the limit.


    The corners of Crono''s mouth lifted at the corner of his mouth at the temporary beginning of his versatility, but the temporary beginning of his versatility soon disappeared.


    He could only use it for a short period of time because his body would break down, and even if he paid that much risk, he couldn''t match the real thing like Fay.


    Crono alternately kicked the walls of the inn and the adjacent building and ran up to the window.


    Finally, he kicked the wall hard and jumped into the room through the open window.


    Maybe it was too powerful, Crono looked around the room and broke out in a cold sweat.


    The fake Night Ranger and the evil female cadre were down.


    All of them didn''t move a muscle.


    What to do, Crono was at a loss, and looked up at the ceiling.


    At that moment, the evil female cadre rose up like a spring-loaded toy and flashed her arms.


    A silver glow passed in front of Crono''s eyes.


    The true identity of the silver light is the dagger that the evil female cadre held in her hand.


    The reason he was able to duck the dagger wasn''t because of his training, but because he was keeping his distance from the false night rangers.


    Can we successfully neutralize them?��And Crono held up his fist as he heard the gritty, gritty sounds that echoed from inside his body.


    ''Lord Crono, wait for me.''


    Crono released his stance with relief at the sound of Leonhardt''s voice.


    The reason why the evil female cadre didn''t attack was probably because of Leonhardt and Ignis'' presence.


    Crono turned his gaze to Leonhardt and Ignis while being wary of the evil female cadre.


    ''''........You guys are from the Empire, right?''''


    Leonhardt pointed out, and the evil female executive knelt down.


    *


    You don''t have to stare so much, Crono leaned against the wall and turned his gaze away from the fake Night Ranger and the evil female cadre.


    They all stared at Crono with eyes that looked like they were avenging their parents.


    Leonhard-dono is a bad person, too.


    If you knew, you should have told me, Crono crossed his arms.


    However, they didn''t belong to an imperial institution, but rather a troupe of traveling entertainers with a nobleman as their patron.


    They receive funding from the nobleman, perform plays on the themes that the nobleman requests, and tell the stories they hear on their travels.


    In short, they play a part in the gathering and manipulation of information.


    No matter how you look at it, the patron noblemen are from the military service bureau or a similar department, but the girls seem to understand that.


    They say that they are grateful for the support of the nobility, even if there is something behind it.


    "But why are you a Night Ranger?


    ....


    When Crono asked, the fake night ranger and the evil female executive turned away puissantly.


    Apparently, they are rooted in the fact that Crono threw a stun grenade into the air.


    ''''Will you answer me?''''


    Yes, Master Leonhardt.


    "Do you understand that we are at least gathering information?


    I don''t know!��I''d say, "But I don''t want to be noticed in The Temple, so I feel like I''ve chosen a subject that I can get away with?


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to have a good time with your friends.


    It''s not as if this guy isn''t an idiot.


    You''re not going to be able to get your hands on it.


    Why are you asking me?


    No, well, sort of.


    Crono was questioned back by Ignis and answered vaguely.


    Ignis must know that they are agents from their previous interactions, but they don''t seem to have any intention of taking care of them.


    Well, they are agents who talk about themselves in a flippant manner.


    It''s possible that they''re actually good agents, but Ignis may have thought he should use them rather than kill them.


    ''What do you think?''


    ''I don''t know how well it will work, but it might help raise the profile of the Night Ranger, and I think I''ll let him continue in the box office.


    Ignis stared at the false night ranger and the evil female cadre.


    The fake night ranger and the evil female cadre trembled as if they were pressured by Ignis'' power.


    ''I will respect your opinion.''


    Are you sure?


    Isn''t that what you said?


    ''Yes,'' interrupted Crono.


    ''Well, all right. I''ll give you the script so you can link it to our activities. Then I''d like to talk to the scriptwriter.


    *


    The next day, Crono stared at the stage from a distance and gnashed his teeth.


    The stage was just as busy as it was yesterday.


    No, the audience was larger than yesterday.


    The addition of the comedy element had captured a new audience.


    The comedy element is the support characters.


    Their appearance is a faithful reproduction of the illustration, a barrel with arms and legs.


    The face is drawn on the barrel, which could be described as cute, but for some reason, the right eye is an "x".


    This support character, for all his comical appearance, has a ghastly personality.


    He''s a prick who stalks the evil female leadership and tries to attack them in their sleep.


    This magic item would be a prick in one piece.


    The barrel swung his arms around.


    But the barrel lost its balance and fell down and began to roll around in a rumble.


    As it was, the barrel left the stage.


    ''''De, de Gesu~!


    Immediately after I heard a voice inviting pity, a roar rang out.


    For some reason, it''s an idiot''s delight to the audience.


    Master Crono, it was all an act.


    Yes, Crono.


    Faye and Rio tapped Crono on the shoulder.


    The words were caring, but they were both desperately trying to hold back their laughter.


    ''It''s an act, but it feels terribly malicious!��Using my name for that prickly support character is a level of harassment that makes me bellyache!


    Yes, the support character''s name is ''Crono''.


    Crono gnashed his teeth.


    He didn''t ask for copyright fees, and he had to return the favor for providing the script.


    It was an abusive word or two.


    "Play, play, play.


    We''re busy on our own.


    "Rio, Faye, let go!��I won''t be happy unless I say a word to those women!


    Rio and Faye took Crono''s arm and began to walk away.


    Crono resisted as best he could, but Rio and Faye''s speed didn''t change at all.

 81-Episode 15 "Like the plague"

    The High Priestess had already gathered.


    It was just as I calculated.


    Because Albus had adjusted the time to show that he was in control.


    Albus sat down on the top seat and glowered at the four High Priests.


    The four High Priests had beards and good-natured smiles.


    Albus realizes it''s nothing more than mimicry.


    The High Priests are smiling a snake''s smile.


    Smiling, they are looking for an opportunity to swallow us whole.


    ''''........I heard that there were bandits on the East-West Highway....


    It was the High Priestess Flaum of the Temple of Loess that initiated the event.


    The fifth meeting often begins with a chatty exchange of ideas.


    I''ve heard that bandits have been appearing in the East-West Roads, too.


    However, the amount of damage caused is insignificant.


    Rather, the damage caused by hoarding and reluctance to sell is greater.


    This is a problem that must be dealt with at some point, but now is not the time.


    After a somewhat feverish correspondence, it was decided to tell the congregation not to be misled by the quotations.


    ''We have heard that General Ignis has begun trading with you. That too at the same time that the bandits appeared.


    Ha, ha.


    When High Priest Wilidis, the High Priest of the Green Temple, said in a ridiculous tone, High Priest Rufus, the High Priest of the Crimson Temple, shuddered with a jolt.


    Ever since Ignis had become a general, Rufus had been languishing at the bottom of the pecking order.


    Even so, Rufus has maintained his position as High Priestess in the Crimson Temple because no one wants to draw a poor one.


    ''''I''ve also heard that King Magnus has asked for help from the Cepheus Empire.


    "My God, King Magnus is going to sell out his country!


    To rely on a nation of treasonous assassins, of all places!


    Albus said, and Wilidis and Flaum bemoaned the exaggeration.


    ''My country and the Cepheus Empire have a peace treaty. It would not be surprising if King Magnus asked for your help.''


    Albus said in a flat tone.


    There was a feeling of resentment at being declared hostile.


    But there was also a desire to admire King Magnus.


    ''The Temple'' often acts as a mediator when the lords have disputes over tolls and other issues.


    I''m not sure I''m going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    A new trade route could upset that balance.


    In hindsight, this might be why King Magnus did not oppose General Ignis'' transfer.


    ''''However, we cannot deny the possibility that the Cepheus Empire is hiding its true intentions. We must prepare for a contingency. We must gather information for that purpose.


    Well, then, I''ve already taken care of that, sir.


    When Albus looked at him, the High Priest Leum of the ''Blue Temple'' puffed out his nose in a proud manner.


    Leum is the most obvious man among the High Priests.


    To put it simply, he loves color.


    ''I guess power is just a tool for holding a woman in his arms,'' he said.


    ''What steps have you taken?


    Sneaking a spy in.


    Leum grinned.


    ''According to reports, the man I had sent from the Cepheus Empire was Crono and...''


    The man who killed the Gion Officer, Albus almost clicked his tongue.


    At that moment, Albus was greatly reduced in his ability to speak out.


    He was someone to be wary of.


    ''Crono repeatedly pretends to have the sub-humans under his command attack and defeat the village, and that he''s been cooking up a soup kitchen for vagrants lately.


    ....


    Albus couldn''t say anything.


    I can''t read Crono''s intentions.


    No, I can see that he is trying to get Ignis to have more of a say, but I can''t read where it goes from there.


    ''''In any case, we should be vigilant.


    Of course.


    Albus said, and Leum nodded.


    Although, Albus didn''t expect Leum to obey him silently.


    *


    Sion-san started laughing a lot~, Crono looked down at the garden from the Ignis mansion.......the room that was addressed to him.


    Sion and Aqua were chatting in the garden.


    Crono wondered how long they had been friends, and Crono fished his memory as he leaned his weight against the wall.


    If Crono''s memory was correct, it hadn''t been since the fake Night Ranger incident.


    Back then, Crono had left Theon and Aqua at the inn.


    Something must have happened there.


    ''Oh, you''re snooping?''


    It''s not like that.


    Crono turned around and frowned.


    A dull ache ran through his body.


    It''s a reaction to the "Marking Technique".


    Apparently it was a bad idea to run up the wall.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    ''''It''s best not to use the ''imprinting technique'' too much.


    I''ll do my best.


    It''s been a year since he acquired the Marking Technique, but Crono hasn''t mastered the Marking Technique.


    It''s not a good idea to be able to have a good time.


    "While saying that, Crono will probably end up using the ''imprinting technique''.


    No, it''s not.


    Hmmm, Rio replied unenthusiastically.


    He seemed convinced that he was lying rather than suspecting.


    ''Ah~ You''ve been laughing a lot lately, Sion-san, haven''t you?


    When Crono blatantly dropped the subject, Rio chuckled as if he had no choice.


    ''You don''t think that''s a good thing Crono, do you?


    Do you understand?


    I mean, who can tell with a scary face like that?


    Rio got off the bed and moved to face Crono.


    ''Why does Crono look so scared?''


    ...Aqua-san...


    Crono looked at Aqua through the window and remembered the first time they met.


    ''I think Aqua-san is a spy in The Temple,''


    What makes you think that?


    Rio gave an amused smile.


    ''When I first met you, you told me you were interested in me or something.


    ....


    Rio stopped moving with a smile on his face.


    ''No woman has ever approached me with any ulterior motive.


    Crono assured him, and Rio looked at Crono like he was looking at the poor kid.


    ''Crono, you need to get some rest today,''


    ''Because it''s weird. Aqua-san says she''s interested in me for blowing off General Ignis'' arm?


    Oh," Rio nodded, finally getting the point across.


    Aqua was an old acquaintance of Ignis.


    Normally, you wouldn''t treat someone who took the arm of someone you know in a friendly manner.


    ''That''s the way it is. The rest is a process of elimination.''''


    A de facto choice doesn''t mean elimination.


    You''re right.


    Rio was right.


    The two factions of the Holy Argo Kingdom are the King''s faction and the ''Temple'' faction.


    With Ignis, the King faction has no reason to send spies to them.


    There is only one option left.


    "It seems short-sighted to think that the only enemy is the ''Temple,'' though.


    ''Yeah, but if you start saying that, it''s hard to narrow down where the spy is. The only possibility is that he actually hates General Ignis.


    You don''t have to.


    Crono tilted his head, unsure of the meaning.


    ''This is enemy territory, you know. Anyone can be an enemy and anyone can be a spy. I don''t want you to get along with the enemy in that sense.''


    If you know that.


    ''I don''t have a hobby of giving you advice, knowing you won''t like it. Well, if you''re on good terms with someone, you''ll probably give them some advice for once.


    Crono groaned at Rio''s dryness.


    But if Rio was terrible, Crono, who had brought Theon along with him with the intention of using him from the beginning, was even worse.


    As Crono moved away from the window, Rio let out a sigh.


    ''You''re going to go out of your way to make me hate you?''


    I have a responsibility to you.


    He was responsible for bringing Theon to the Holy Argo Kingdom, for knowing that Theon was troubled and leaving him to figure it out on his own, and for failing to be vigilant about Aqua.


    I tried to jump out of the way but.......I can''t warn you if you''re with Aqua-san, Crono hid in the shadows of the tree and waited for the right moment to come out.


    However, Sion and Aqua are happily continuing their conversation.


    Still, they have good smiles on their faces~, Crono thought.


    The Zion smile Crono knew was an understated smile.


    It''s different now.


    Sion turns that smile on Aqua, making him feel that his surroundings have brightened up.


    ''Hey, what are you doing?''


    .....


    Crono reflexively turned around and patted his chest in relief.


    Because it was Ignis who was standing behind him.


    ''Oh, hey. What is it, General Ignis, that you are doing?''


    I''ve been summoned to King''s Landing.


    What?


    Crono''s voice flipped over in surprise.


    ''''You''ve been called to King''s Landing and you''re on a mission on the king''s orders, right?


    The High Priests are harassing us.


    Ignis spat and started to walk towards the gate.


    Crono panicked and followed Ignis.


    Ignis noticed that Crono was following him, and he quickly slowed his pace.


    ''''The operation is working better than I expected. I think they''re planning to put pressure on us.''


    Ignis said with a wild smile.


    The harassment of the ''Temple'' should not be fun for Ignis, but on the other hand, he''s probably also happy to have given the ''Temple'' a whirl.


    ''Does that mean we can''t skip it?''


    ''I can''t. If it was a call from them, I''d ignore it too, but I''m taking the appearance of a royal command. I can''t ignore it.


    It''s getting nasty, Crono frowned.


    I don''t know if the "Temple" is aware of Crono''s intentions, but it''s not a bad move to divide our forces.


    If Ignis isn''t there, that''s enough to hinder our activities.


    Totally, always, always, Crono gritted his teeth.


    Whenever the operation was going well, it was always interrupted.


    ''Don''t worry. When I''m not around, you can count on Aqua.


    I don''t trust that Mr. Aqua, and that''s what bothers me!��And Crono swallowed the words that came out to his throat.


    ''What kind of person is Aqua-san?''


    Well yes.


    Ignis paused and stroked his chin thoughtfully.


    ''Aqua is a respectful colleague. We are both concerned about the future of our country and are like-minded. The rest of us are childhood friends.


    Crono was in a mood to hold his head up.


    Aqua was not suited to be a spy.


    Even Crono, who had never met him before, felt uncomfortable with Aqua.


    Ignis''s eyes could only be described as cloudy.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    But the trust in Aqua is clouding Ignis'' judgment.


    Ignis started walking again.


    The boxcarriage was stopped in front of the gate.


    Ignis got into the boxcarriage and looked at Crono.


    ''As for the matter of deporting the sub-humans out of the country, I''ll advise King Magnus. This should make it easier for the old lady to move.


    ....


    The boxcarriage begins to move.


    Crono could only watch the boxcarriage with Ignis in it in silence.


    When Crono returned to the garden, there was no sign of Aqua.


    He looked around.


    Sion was reading a book on a decaying bench in a corner of the garden.


    Crono approached Sion unnoticed.


    There is a dry sound of cracking.


    He had stepped on a fallen twig.


    I failed, Crono frowned.


    Theon looked up and looked at Crono curiously.


    ''Hey, hey, how are you doing?''


    Okay.


    So what?��The tone of voice is as if to say.


    Crono sat down next to Sion.


    The bench creaked as Crono protested.


    How should he cut it out?��And Crono stole a glance at Sion.


    Sion closed his book and straightened his back.


    ''Well, Sion, you''ve been talking to Aqua-san a lot lately, haven''t you?


    Oh, no, I mean, I''m just asking for advice!


    Sion panicked and waved his hands from side to side as if in denial... or rather, as if to cover up his embarrassment.


    Theon stopped his hand snappily and looked down as if he was ashamed of himself from earlier.


    ''I''m really just asking for advice.


    ''I''ve been too busy to give you much advice either. I knew you''d be able to talk to General Aqua.


    ''''Well, I''m only consulting with you one-sidedly but Aqua-sama was so accommodating!��Oh, sorry.


    Theon leaned forward excitedly and immediately turned over in embarrassment.


    Apparently, Aqua''s stock is surging in Sion''s mind.


    Wasn''t it called being a caterer to deliberately fish out the stock price?��And the scant financial knowledge went through Crono''s mind.


    ''We''re close, you know. It''s a good thing, but we''re in hostile territory.''


    ...?


    Theon tilted his head in wonder.


    Crono felt like holding his head up.


    This was the second time today.


    ''''Well, if anything, ah, Aqua-san is a person who is closer to the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    ''Does Crono-sama think that Aqua-sama is the enemy?''


    Sion''s eyes took a turn for the worse.


    Even two years ago, Sion wouldn''t have stared at me with such a stern look.


    ''''No, it''s not that, but I still think we should be on guard.


    I think, Crono couldn''t finish. Because Theon stood up silently.


    ''''I don''t feel well, so I''m going to go to my room to rest.


    Oh, yeah?��Take care of yourself.


    Theon walked towards the mansion with a rough gait.


    Crono leaned back against the back of the bench and let out a loud sigh.


    When was the last time he''d let out such a loud sigh?��It''s a grand sigh that makes you think.


    ''If you sigh, your happiness will escape.


    I let out a sigh as my happiness fled.


    Crono looked up and saw that Elaine was about to sit on the bench.


    For some reason, the bench didn''t creak when Elaine sat down.


    ''You''re not in a dress today?''


    The one that doesn''t have a negotiation.


    Elaine said as if it were natural.


    Elaine''s dress was erotic, but it was still erotic enough.


    I can feel the eros in her pulled hair.


    ''Did you see that?''


    Yeah, it was a fun spectacle.


    ''Gutsy,'' frowned Crono.


    ''You reacted like a woman with a boyfriend who said bad things about him to a woman with a boyfriend.


    I can''t tell if it''s easy to understand or hard to understand.


    Crono grunted and looked up at the sky.


    ''I was offended when someone said something bad about the object of my dependency. Should I have said that?


    Dependents?


    Crono sat up and looked at Elaine.


    ''Doesn''t it seem like you''ve been through a lot, Priestess-sama?��I was able to tap into that void in my heart. It''s like falling in love with a guy who''s been nice to you for a bit.


    The metaphor is easy to understand.


    Crono sneered.


    ''If you''d been a little nicer to him, the Chief Priestess would be your several mistresses by now, wouldn''t she?


    I don''t like the idea of exploiting someone''s weaknesses.


    Hmm, Elaine gave an amused smile and looked at Crono with an amused smile.


    It''s a s*xy gesture that may be creepy.


    I''m sure you''ve been taking advantage of other people''s weaknesses. Are you now awakened to your conscience?


    No.....


    Crono''s head snapped up this time, thinking about the time with Layla, the landlady, Elena, and, if you think about it, Rio... Arididid and Deneb, and Faye, too, if you say they took advantage of a weakness, you might say that.


    ''Maybe I''m a terrible guy.


    "Maybe.


    Elaine looked at Crono with eyes that seemed to see something incomprehensible.


    ''I''ll be a bad guy.''


    Crono clenched his fists and stood up.


    ''If you try to hug the Chief Priestess right now, she''ll resist. I mean, that''s just rape.


    Yes, sir.


    Crono sat down on the bench as Elaine pointed out to him.


    ''What am I supposed to do?''


    ''The Chief Priestess has made her own decision, so why don''t you just let it go?


    Not so fast.


    It''s a pain in the ass.


    Elaine said with a frown.


    Apparently, Elaine thinks it''s troublesome from the bottom of her heart.


    ''''Well, no matter which one you choose, you won''t get badly hurt, so you can do what you want to do.


    Ideally, it would have been ideal to fit in a circle~, Crono said, standing up.


    Lord Theon is asleep in his room, don''t you think?


    Yes, sir.


    Crono returned to the mansion, ready to go, and was shot down by Faye''s words.


    I don''t know if it was a temporary illness or unfaithful sleeping, but I can''t just step into the room.


    ''Speaking of which, is Faye sharing a room with Sion-san?


    Yes, sir.


    Faye nodded.


    The room assignments were Crono and Rio, Faye and Sion had two rooms, and Leonhard and Elaine had a single room.


    The deputy, Shilo, and Hiilo are not in the guest room, but use the large room for servants.


    ''''Lately, Sion-dono has been spending a lot of time in Aqua-dono''s room, and he only comes back to his room when he''s going to bed. Mmm, I shouldn''t have warned you about this.


    Oh, I''m advising you.


    Crono couldn''t help but say something rude.


    ''''You are the one who takes care of your disciples, Lord Sion. As a master, I don''t want to do anything that would make it impossible for you to face your disciple.''''


    Faye, you''ve grown up.


    Crono muttered sincerely.


    ''What is Faye going to do after this?''


    I was just about to take a swing in the garden, sir. How about you, Crono-sama?


    I''ll go out with you.


    *


    In the evening, Crono headed to the dining room, enduring the pain in his body.


    Faye had said that he could swing with his bare hands, but I should say still, it wasn''t enough to just swing with his bare hands.


    The flailing turned into randori, and the randori turned into mock combat... By the time the swordsmanship training was over, Crono had wounds all over his body.


    "I think I can sleep well today, sir.


    Faye looks great!


    Unlike Crono, Faye is very energetic and full of energy.


    Crono would be able to sleep well if he was this exhausted.


    When Crono entered the dining room, Rio, Leonhardt, Sion and Aqua were already seated.


    Bread and soup were laid out on the table.


    The food was prepared by the servants working in Ignis'' mansion.


    It seems that Ignis doesn''t hire servants with the expectation of skills, so the dishes on the table are home-cooked, or country cooking, or something like that.


    ''''Hey, how are you feeling?''''


    I''m feeling better now that I''ve had some rest.


    Crono asked, and Theon replied in a rugged voice.


    Apparently, Theon was still angry.


    Faye tapped Crono on the shoulder as if she cared.


    Crono sat down in an empty seat and picked up his spoon.


    It was as quiet as a wake.


    Only the occasional sound of dishes touching each other could be heard.


    Crono mechanically moved his hands and mouth to flatten his food.


    ''May I have a moment?''


    As Crono lifted his hips from the chair, Aqua opened his mouth.


    Crono sat back in his chair and looked at Aqua.


    ''It''s planned for the future, but more people are coming to the soup kitchen, and we want to keep the soup kitchen going while Ignis is gone.''


    Aqua looked around to see if he could see a reaction.


    Theon''s eyes are shining, but Rio has a mocking smile on his face.


    Leonhardt has his eyes closed.


    Faye was getting a refill.


    ''What does Lord Crono think?''


    Shall I dump it on me here?" frowned Crono.


    Of course, the answer is no, of course.


    I can''t do anything that would make me fall into the enemy''s trap myself.


    That''s what Aqua understands.


    ''''I''m against it.


    ''Master Crono!��Why is that?


    It was Sion who responded to Crono''s words.


    ''It''s because it''s useless without General Ignis. He will win over the surrounding lords with trade and gain the support of the people with skits and soup kitchens. It''s not for us. It''s to give General Ignis more of a voice, so that he can compete with The Temple. It''s for the benefit of the Empire.


    Crono cut off the words and stared at Theon. It''s not a lie. At least, that''s what it''s ostensibly supposed to be, and it''s working to appear that way.


    ''I''ll say it again, because it''s important. It doesn''t mean anything without General Ignis.


    I don''t think it would be a problem for Mr. Aqua to install the support.


    It''s a problem, and I''m against it!��And Crono was tempted to yell at him, but he barely restrained himself.


    ''Good?��There''s a lot of money at work in this operation. They are spending a lot of money to try to gain the support of the people. If the people''s support is split between General Ignis and Mr. Aqua, that''s how much money we''re wasting.


    When Crono mentioned the money, Sion almost opened his mouth to argue, and he looked down in frustration.


    Aqua touched Sion''s shoulder in concern.


    ''''Is money that important to you?''''


    It''s important.


    Crono answered immediately.


    Theon was muttering something, but Crono ignored him and got up from his seat.


    Crono returned to his room and collapsed onto his bed.


    Anger at Theon and Aqua swirled in Crono''s chest.


    Crono remembered Theon''s attitude and clicked his tongue at the thought of being brainwashed so easily.


    ''Geez, Crono must be very angry.


    I''m not in the mood for flattery.


    Rio cowered his shoulders as Crono picked himself up and sat down on his own bed.


    ''For someone who says he''s not in the mood, you''re keeping up with me.


    Yeah?


    Crono lay back on the bed and looked up at the ceiling.


    ''What did Mr. Theon say?''


    I''m here because I didn''t want to hear it.


    Rio crossed his legs gracefully, resting his elbows on his thighs and poking his cheekbones.


    ''Rio is an expert on the doctrine of the ''Green and Flowing God''?


    As I''ve said before, I''m not a religious man. Are you finally going to cut him off?


    That''s not very polite.


    ''But,'' continued Crono, ''I don''t know.


    ''Do you think we''ll have to do that if we don''t?��I don''t care if it''s just a mission, but the lives of my friends are at stake, too.


    You''re going to get stabbed when you get back to your estate.


    Crono giggled and looked at Rio.


    ''How did you come to that conclusion?''


    Lord Theon is the type of person who thinks things through. He must have felt bitter that he''d been betrayed and... gasp, you know.


    It seemed possible, and Crono could easily picture himself being stabbed by Theon.


    However, Crono could easily picture himself about to be killed by Rio rather than the image of himself being stabbed by Sion.


    ''At any rate, for now, let''s talk about the mission.


    Think about it, Crono couldn''t get the last word out.


    Because Rio held up his index finger near his lips.


    After a moment, there was a knock on the door.


    Crono signaled to Rio with his eyes and slowly approached the door.


    Crono cautiously opened the door and found Aqua standing in the hallway.


    Crono saw that Rio had moved into Aqua''s blind spot and opened the door.


    ''I need to talk to you again,''


    ''I''m done talking. We''re not going to do skits and cookouts without General Ignis.


    ''Yes, I know you''re working to make the mission a success. But I also want you to think about Zion-san.


    Aqua began to speak as if she was seriously concerned about Sion.


    How anxious Sion was in the unfamiliar foreign land.


    How much was Sion suffering from the situation that he couldn''t do anything about?


    And how Sion had finally regained his peace of mind after the cookout began.


    Crono was irritated by Aqua''s words.


    The blatant switching of arguments only seemed to want to piss Crono off.


    ''There has to be something more important than money,''


    For a moment, his mind went blank.


    Crono found himself grabbing Aqua''s chest.


    Just as Crono opened his mouth to curse at Aqua, a faint sound reached Crono''s ears.


    Crono pushed Aqua away and looked down the hallway, but there was no one there.


    No one was there, but Crono could tell who was there.


    It was Theon.


    Just like Crono had Rio lurking in his blind spot, Aqua had Sion lurking in his blind spot.


    ''''Well the story is over.


    Aqua smiled thinly.


    It was a schemer''s smile.


    Crono wondered if he should kill Aqua, but understood that he couldn''t do it right away.


    Ignis trusts Aqua.


    If even King Magnus trusts Aqua, Crono will have to be hunted as a murderer.


    That''s not all.


    The peace treaty could be broken.


    Crono let go of his hand and stared at the back of Aqua, who was leaving with ease.


    No, all he could do was glare at her.


    The next day.


    "General, we''ve got a problem! (BUMO!)


    .....


    Crono was awakened by the wild voice of his second-in-command.


    It was a loud voice that shook the entire mansion.


    When Crono jumped out of the room, the second in command rushed over to him.


    ''''General, General Aqua and Sion-sama aren''t here.'''' (Bumo~)


    Rio!


    You don''t have to call me. I''ll be awake. I''m sure a corpse would wake up if it heard that much hollering.


    Rio sat up languidly.


    ''Is it really that much to worry about?''


    "When White and Hairo heard the sound of the wheel...


    Why didn''t you stop him?��Crono almost shouted, but he weighed himself.


    There was no way he could imagine the worst from the sound of the wheels alone, and now there was something to do.


    ''Rio, wake everyone up and stay in the mess hall!��Mino-san........Mino-san and the others are in the cafeteria waiting!��I''m going to go gather information.


    I''ve already collected information. According to the servants, General Aqua and Lord Theon have left to do a soup kitchen in the city of Karina.


    We have to hurry up and catch up!


    Six hours by carriage to the city of Carina.......Just thinking about where Aqua and Sion are going now makes me feel hopeless.


    There''s also the question of whether Aqua is really going to get to the city of Carina.


    But Crono can''t afford to do nothing.


    ''Anyway, horses!��Horse after horse!��Elaine!��Horse, make the horses available!


    Crono yelled.


    He''s a bad horse!


    Crono looked at the horses gathered in the garden and screamed.


    The four horses gathered in the garden they were all skinny old horses.


    Instead of catching up with Aqua and Sion, they could die just by running as fast as they could with people on them.


    ''''How can I catch up with them with something like this?''''


    ''Excuse me. This was the most decent horse I''ve ever seen.


    Elaine''s willow eyebrows arched up at Crono''s words.


    ''d*mn it, think, think, there must be something we can do.


    ''Crono, I''m sorry to be in the middle of thinking about this,''


    What!


    Rio is unperturbed when Crono yells at him.


    ''Do you need to go help?''


    There must be...


    Crono noticed Leonhardt, who was unperturbed.


    ''Crono wants to help because he has feelings for her. But I and Lord Leonhardt don''t have that much of a feeling for her. At least, I don''t feel the need to put everyone''s lives in danger.


    Crono couldn''t argue with Rio.


    Even Crono had thought last night that he couldn''t risk everyone''s lives by falling into Aqua''s trap.


    That was wavering.


    ''Still, you''re going to help?''


    I ...


    Crono remembered the events of yesterday.


    Theon hadn''t listened to Crono''s advice and had been blind to Aqua.


    ''I''m going to help,''


    Why?


    ''Because I made a promise. I don''t want to be the kind of man who breaks his word.


    How selfish, Crono grumbled.


    People who put the whole thing at risk because of their personal beliefs and convictions shouldn''t be above people.


    Crono knew that, but he couldn''t abandon the people he knew.


    ''I can''t blame him. If Crono says so much, I''ll go along with him. ''What about Lord Leonhardt?''


    I''m responsible for adopting Mister Crono''s plan.


    That''s not an answer, Rio chuckled.


    Apparently, Leonhard is willing to help.


    ''But how are we going to catch up?


    That''s........divine magic!


    With Activation, you can make any horse run like a warhorse. We''ll run out of steam long before we reach the city of Kalina.


    ''Shit, there''s got to be something. Something.


    Crono chewed on his claws as he thought of a way to catch up to Aqua and Theon.


    *


    Theon deftly lit the firewood, saying that he had to make preparations before General Aqua returned.


    Right now, General Aqua was not next to Theon.


    He is going to the lord who rules the city of Karina.


    Sion''s lips twitched as he recalled the events of last night.


    Crono''s attitude is not good.


    That was no way for General Aqua to stand up to him.


    Not only that, Crono had tried to violate General Aqua.


    If I had to do that to myself, I would have backed down.


    But General Aqua was not deterred.


    He said sincerely that he was going to hold the cookout on his own and get Crono''s approval.


    Theon offered to help.


    I''m confident I''ll succeed.


    This is the fifth time that Sion has held a soup kitchen in the city of Karina.


    Lately, more people have joined the soup kitchen and more opportunities to exchange words with each other.


    Crono will acknowledge me.


    If you ask me, Crono had General Aqua waiting at the inn when the false night rangers attacked the inn where they were staying.


    It seemed to make sense if Crono didn''t approve of General Aqua.


    ''You''ve kept me waiting,''


    No.


    Theon looked up and his eyes widened in surprise.


    General Aqua had nearly twenty soldiers in tow.


    The lord was with him.


    For some reason, the lord had his hands tied with a rope.


    The rope was so loose that it looked as if it might fall off at any moment.


    ''''Um, General Aqua?��Who are those people?


    I guess I should apologize first. I''m sorry. I''m a spy for The Temple.


    General Aqua said in a dark, subdued voice, as if he was sincerely sorry.


    ''Lies, right?��General Aqua was consulted.


    "I''m sorry, but I really am a spy. I approached you because I thought it would be easier to fool you.


    General Aqua''s face contorted in pain.


    ''There''s something, some reason, isn''t there?''


    I have my reasons. But that''s it. What I''ve done is unforgivable, and what I''m about to do is unforgivable.


    Theon stared at General Aqua, stunned.


    General Aqua hadn''t changed at all.


    That was excruciatingly sad.


    ''''I''ll at least ask him not to be horrible, but don''t hold your breath.


    The soldiers moved as General Aqua gave him a look.


    Theon turned his back to General Aqua and ran out, a breath later.


    Theon moved his feet frantically.


    He didn''t have time to think about why he wasn''t caught sooner.


    He just kept moving his legs because he was scared.


    I''m desperately trying to move my legs.


    It had to be.


    But I didn''t feel like I was running.


    No, don''t look back, Sion told himself.


    But there was no way to control the anxiety.


    Sion gave in to the anxiety and looked behind him over his shoulder.


    Then the soldiers were about to split up.


    General Aqua had a languid look on his face and his arms were crossed.


    Theon was desperate, but he had only run far enough to be able to check General Aqua''s expression.


    The moment he understood that, the power drained from Sion''s legs.


    Where should he run to?��Theon panted loudly as he was swept away to the easy side again, and this time he didn''t even have a place to return to.


    The back of his eyeballs went numb and his vision blurred.


    ''''..........!''''


    Theon exploded a scream in the back of his throat.


    Several hands reached out from the side of the street and dragged Sion into the alleyway.


    Theon remembered General Aqua''s words and flapped his limbs.


    The alleyway was dimly lit and reeked of sweat.


    ''Be quiet, Priestess, be quiet!''


    ...?


    The voice sounded like it was from somewhere else.


    When Theon stopped his rampage, the owner of the voice let out a breath of relief.


    ''What about you?''


    The other day I had a gift of food.


    ''Uhehe,'' the man scratched his head.


    ''Why me?''


    It''s just a way of repaying the kindness you''ve given me. If we abandon the priest who is in trouble, he will be punished by the gods. We''ll lead you to safety.


    We ... the guy was right, there were a few vagrants lurking in the alley.


    ''Come on, come on,''


    With that, the man began to run.


    Theon wondered if the men were fooling him, but he decided to comply.


    Maybe he was halfway to desperation.


    As it turned out, Theon hadn''t made the wrong choice.


    Sion and his men had encountered the soldiers many times, but the men sometimes lied and sometimes used themselves as bait to keep the soldiers away from Sion.


    When Theon approached the outer edges of the city, the man was alone.


    ''''It''s okay, right?''''


    I know the city like the back of my hand.


    The man smiled happily.


    Sion tilted his head, not knowing why the man was smiling so happily.


    Theon went through the alleyway and fell with a flourish.


    It took a few moments for him to realize that he had been pushed out of the way.


    And those few moments were all it took.


    The man slumped heavily.


    It was more of a reflex than a will of his own.


    He was pierced from behind with a blade, a reflection of that.


    The man falls.


    The soldier roughly pulled his sword from the man and reached for Theon.


    Sion strengthened himself.


    At that moment, a hand reached out from behind the soldier.


    The hand sliced deeply into the soldier''s neck with the dagger.


    Blood gushed from the soldier''s neck.


    The soldier falls down.


    It was Crono who was standing there.


    ''''Crono-sama?''''


    I''m running, Miss Theon.


    Crono grabbed Sion''s wrist carelessly.


    ''Well, wait!''


    He''s too late for that.


    Theon stared at the man.


    The man did not move.


    He smiled a satisfied smile and was dead.


    ''Mr. Theon!''


    Crono shouted and stepped in front of Theon.


    A black light colored Crono''s body.


    It''s a secret art of the barbarians called the ''imprinting art''.


    Sion''s vision blurred for a moment.


    He was struck by a sensation that the air around him had changed.


    The next moment, something flying at high speed snatched Sion''s ear.


    When Sion reflexively turned around, the walls were frozen in place.


    ''''You seemed so close, but you''re relentless.


    You''re here.


    When Theon returned his gaze, General Aqua was standing there with a languid expression on his face.


    Beside him was the lord with his hands tied.


    ''''You there........why are you tied up?''''


    ''I told him to tie himself up. I guess he didn''t want Ignis to think that he was hostile to Ignis or the ''Temple'', did he?


    General Aqua held up his hand.


    The air turned white, and tiny icicles formed a few inches away from General Aqua''s hand.


    The tiny icicles grew to the length of a spear in the blink of an eye.


    Faster than General Aqua could release the ice spear, Crono moved.


    When I say moved, I mean that Crono only twitched slightly.


    General Aqua was not caught off guard.


    He tried to determine the identity of the transparent gravel that Crono had flicked with his fingers.


    Then, a flash and roar burst forth.


    The flash and roar brought Sion''s thoughts to a halt.


    It must have been the same for General Aqua and the others.


    Crono took a moment to pick up Sion.


    Crono''s cloak puffed up and an ice spear pierced its center.


    ''''Let''s run!


    With that, Crono kicked the earth.


    I didn''t think it was a big deal for being able to get through Ignis, but it''s terribly formidable, Aqua said as she followed Crono.


    The distance between Aqua and Crono is not more than ten meters.


    It''s a distance that Aqua should be able to close down easily.


    In fact, Aqua had cornered Crono many times.


    Once, her fingers even touched Crono''s clothes.


    But each time Crono escaped from Aqua.


    Crono used magic items to dazzle Aqua and even threw stones at the wary Aqua.


    It seemed to be an escape move, but then he turned around and attacked.


    Aqua frowned at the dull pain that crawled up from her abdomen.


    Crono''s footprints were clearly left on Aqua''s military uniform.


    Crono kicked him.


    Though Crono is more than Aqua......although he is wounded to the point of dripping blood.


    ''''God!''''


    Aqua produced a spear of ice in her left and right hands and released it at Crono.


    The ice spear thrusts into Crono''s back as if it were sucked in, and when it was almost there, it deviated from the trajectory Aqua had envisioned.


    The ice spear pierces the ground and freezes the area around it.


    Maybe this is the power of the ''imprint technique''.


    Something seems to be deflecting my attack, but it doesn''t seem to have a high level of defense, Aqua narrowed her eyes.


    ''''Let''s ... try it.''''


    Aqua created ice arrows instead of ice spears.


    Ice arrows are less powerful than ice spears, but they are faster and can produce more.


    ''''Go!''''


    Aqua released an ice arrow.


    The target was not Crono, but above Crono''s head.


    As Aqua clenched her fist, the icy arrows fell on Crono like rain.


    The ice arrows were blocked by something invisible.


    Aqua fired the second and third blows at it in rapid succession.


    The second and third blows pierced something protecting Crono, snatching Crono''s arms, his legs, and some of them pierced Crono''s back.


    Aqua felt a sense of satisfaction that his prediction had been correct.


    Something that protected Crono seemed to be more vulnerable to numbers than power.


    It was possible that Crono hadn''t mastered the ''imprinting technique'', but Crono was weak in numbers anyway.


    ''''So you can still move.''''


    Aqua shot an ice arrow at Crono as he tried to escape.


    Crono fell to the ground, and this time he stopped moving.


    ''You almost got away,''


    Aqua looked around and let out a sigh.


    It was outside the city.


    If Aqua had been slow to realize the properties of the ''Marking Technique'', Crono might have been able to escape with Sion.


    ''''General Aqua!''''


    Don''t let your guard down.


    Aqua warned the nine soldiers who had finally caught up with him.


    Well, sometimes it was Aqua who was leading the way.


    Aqua stopped as she felt Crono move.


    Crono was moving.


    It was because Theon had crawled out from under Crono.


    Sion was covered in blood, but there was not a scratch on him.


    The blood would be all Crono''s.


    Aqua was relieved that he hadn''t hurt Theon, but at the same time, he was jealous that Theon was protected.


    Aqua walked up to Crono and Sion.


    That''s when she felt uncomfortable.


    Aqua didn''t know that Crono could use the ''Imprint Technique''.


    When Ignis lost his right arm, did he say that he had been killed by a man who used the ''Marking Technique''?


    Did Ignis get piggybacked by a man who could only use the ''Marking Technique''?��It can''t be.


    If so, how?��And Aqua slowed her pacing without knowing it herself.


    That''s when Crono moved.


    Aqua felt herself in danger and flew to the side as quickly as she could.


    A jet black sphere passed right beside Aqua and touched the soldier behind her.


    In the next moment, a large hole opened up in the soldier''s chest.


    The soldier''s body disappeared along with the jet-black sphere.


    ''''Avoid it!''''


    Aqua shouted, but this was out of town.


    Unobstructed.


    Aqua caught a jet-black sphere out of the corner of her eye and placed her hand on the ground.


    ''God!''


    Water spurted out of the ground and served as a wall to protect Aqua.


    But the jet black sphere approached Aqua as if there was no such thing as a wall of water.


    ''''........God!


    Aqua prayed to God.


    It''s not to use the divine threat art to protect himself.


    It was to use the Divine Majesty Technique to attack Chrono.


    Aqua pulls the jet-black sphere to the very edge, twisting his body and falling to the ground.


    The jet-black sphere touches the military uniform and disappears.


    A hole is left open in the military uniform, but Aqua is unharmed.


    Aqua releases a spear of ice.


    The new jet-black sphere disappears far in front of Aqua.


    Aqua raised her body and patted her chest.


    The spear of ice had pierced Crono.


    Lady Crono!


    Theon crawled over to Crono.


    Crono was pierced by an ice spear released by General Aqua.


    The ice spear pierced Crono''s side and stitched him to the ground.


    Theon tightened his grip on the ice spear to pull it out and pulled his hand away from the ice spear in too much pain.


    When Theon looked at his hand, he saw that a blister had formed on his palm.


    This stuff.........!��Theon realized that the ice spear was a terrifying weapon and gripped it again.


    White smoke rose and a burning pain hit Sion.


    ''''Enough,''''


    ''No!��It''s my fault, because of me, because of me!


    Theon shouted.


    But even though Sion struggled to put all his strength into it, the ice spear did not move.


    Sion sat there with his grip on the ice spear.


    ''''Hurry up and run. I''ll hold them off here.''''


    No!


    Theon cried and shook his head.


    ''Teng........kagura.


    Crono muttered something and a jet black sphere appeared.


    The jet-black sphere split the ice spear apart.


    The ice spear collapsed and Sion removed his hand from the ice spear.


    Theon gasped at the horrific scene.


    Crono pulled off the ice spear by force.


    There was a buzzing sound of something shredding, and blood and flesh poured out of a gaping hole in Crono''s side.


    ''''Master Crono!''''


    Crono was trying to raise his body to support his sword.


    General Aqua and eight soldiers approached.


    ''There was something I had to tell you.


    Crono kneels with his sword in support.


    Crono can''t even stand up.


    ''Humans, you know, are crippled.


    Theon looked at Crono.


    Crippling?��A nobleman like Lord Crono?


    You''re always limited in your options. The future isn''t infinite.


    Crono tightened his grip on the necklace and closed his eyes.


    ''Still, I''m sure it will be worth it.


    There is no such thing.


    It was lost along with the Divine Majesty Technique.


    "There will be bad times and painful times, but...


    It was all bad.


    I''ve been through a lot.


    "You can''t deny it. You can''t say you wish you''d never met him, that he killed you.


    Theon finally realizes this.


    Crono knew people who had lived terribly crippled lives.


    You want to affirm those people''s lives.


    They want to believe that their lives have meaning.


    "...I, I,


    There were things I was happy about, I had fun.


    There were a lot of things.


    So why did I deny it to myself?


    "...Dad.


    Would my father have said anything resentful?


    No.


    He had a peaceful look on his face.


    He wasn''t happy.


    He devoted his life to breeding vegetables and died unrewarded.


    But if he didn''t deserve it.


    My father was satisfied.


    He was satisfied.


    ''''Ten........ra, tensou, kagu......celestial cardinal divine music.


    Jet-black spheres float around Crono.


    Their number exceeds twenty, and the number is growing even more.


    Crono was bleeding from his eyes and nose, wondering how much of a load he was under.


    ''''........Heavenly Cardinal Kagura!


    The number of jet-black spheres exceeded forty and rushed to General Aqua.


    General Aqua attacked the jet black spheres with ice arrows.


    No, no.


    General Aqua''s goal was Crono.


    If Crono died, the jet-black sphere would disappear.


    The jet-black sphere ducked with impressive body movements, but the jet-black sphere changed direction and attacked the General''s body many times.


    One mistake would have been fatal to General Aqua.


    General Aqua must continue to attack Crono without making a single mistake.


    Ice arrows fly in the air.


    Many of them miss Crono by a wide margin, probably due to General Aqua avoiding the jet-black sphere while attacking.


    However, one arrow ripped through Crono''s skin and another pierced Crono''s shoulder.


    After a breathtaking attack and defense, it was General Aqua who won.


    Crono was pierced in the chest by an icy arrow and fell from his back to the ground.


    ''''Crono-sama!''''


    Mr. Theon, I didn''t get away yet.


    Theon tightened his grip on Crono''s hand.


    ''Stupid, people.''


    I''m an idiot.


    Crono smiled serenely, and Sion smiled as well.


    ''Well, it''s finally over,''


    General Aqua, get Lady Crono.


    General Aqua shook his head faster than Theon could ask for help.


    ''I want to let him die a brave man, not a prisoner. Besides, if he dies, I''ll have a good excuse for missing you.


    Oh, my God, somebody!��Somebody!


    Theon desperately needed help.


    He didn''t care about himself.


    He just wanted to help Crono.


    He wanted Crono to live.


    Crono''s hand lightened for a moment, a real moment.


    Death.


    Death was about to take Crono away.


    ''No!��Mr.....


    Theon held his mouth.


    Something touched Theon''s consciousness.


    It was a nostalgic sensation.


    It was a communion with the ''''Goddess of Ochre and Fertility''''.


    Sion was strongly and deeply connected to ''........''


    But it wasn''t the calm communion he had once felt.


    It was despair.


    Sion had communed with ''...'' stronger and deeper than ever before, and he knew what ''...'' was.


    It''s a god in the sense that it''s a being beyond human knowledge.


    But that''s all.


    Emotionless and inorganic, it was not the God that Theon had envisioned.


    God does not love humans.


    That''s natural.


    The system cannot love humans.


    That fact was deeply ingrained in Sion''s mind.


    Oh, Theon panted.


    He was about to be crushed by despair.


    Still, Sion bit his lip and endured the despair.


    ''God, the miracle of healing!


    A yellow light enveloped Sion and Crono.


    The icy arrows that had been piercing Crono''s body disappeared as if they were melting into the air, and Crono''s wounds were rapidly healing.


    ''''I won''t let you!''''


    Mr. ".....


    Theon shouted, and General Aqua took a huge leap backwards.


    ''Get that guy!''


    Stop!


    One of the soldiers approached without even hearing General Aqua''s restraint.


    The soldier collapsed.


    The soldier picked himself up, looked at his legs, and screamed.


    His leg was halfway down and then broken off.


    Could the soldier realize that his leg had rotted away?


    The soldier blackened and swelled before Theon''s eyes, melting and disappearing.


    All that was left was the soldier''s bones.


    General Aqua narrowed his eyes.


    Sion was recognized as an object of elimination for killing the soldier.


    ''God!


    General Aqua unleashes a spear of ice.


    Sion held Crono in his arms.


    But the ice spear did not even touch Sion.


    It evaporated.


    The person who had evaporated the ice spear was standing between Sion and General Aqua.


    General Ignis was surrounded by a red light.


    The red light seemed to block the power that turned the soldier into white bones, and General Ignis stood unperturbed.


    ''''Ignis, didn''t you go to the royal capital?''''


    ''''Yeah, if I didn''t have any help, I would have gone to King''s Landing.


    General Ignis said, emphasizing the cooperative part.


    The image of the bound lord passed through Theon''s mind.


    ''Aqua, are you going to fight me?''


    No way. I don''t have the energy for that.


    General Aqua sat there.


    Crono woke up.


    I knew it, I''m going to hell!


    How dare you show your face to me!


    The priest rushed me.


    ''If it''s not hell, then what is this place?''


    In the house of Ignis.


    Well, sure.


    A familiar ceiling, Crono said as he sat up.


    That was enough to cause him intense pain, and a buzzing sound could be heard from inside his body.


    ''Why, Priestess?''


    Well, when I came back with the sub-humans Ignis asked me to take you to the house. I was surprised to see you, though. After all, your own people have passed away. What did you do to him?


    Multi-stage rocket?


    Crono tilted his head.


    Crono let his horse use the divine magic in order for Rio, Leonhardt and Faye to get to the city of Carina.


    If they were alone, they would run out of power along the way, but he thought that if they used them one by one, they might be able to reach the city of Carina.


    Well, the result wasn''t far off.


    All three of us were out of power, four horses were dead, and Crono was in a bad way, but we managed to make it in time.


    ''Where''s General Ignis?''


    Ignis is in King''s Landing, and Aqua is lying in the basement of the mansion, tied in a bow. Theon is there.


    The priest pointed down.


    Crono looked down and saw Theon there.


    Sion was leaning against the bed, asleep.


    ''Speaking of which, how''s your wound?''


    I didn''t do anything.


    Is that Mr. Zion?��And Crono touched Sion''s bangs.


    Then Sion''s lashes shook slightly.


    Sion opened his eyes thinly and sat up with a bang.


    ''''Crono-sama!''''


    Sion stared at Crono.


    Large tears spilled out of Sion''s eyes.


    ''Thank God. You''re alive.''


    I think we''ll leave this to the younger generation.


    Move it, said the priestess as she left the room.


    He made an obscene gesture just before he left the room, which ruined a lot of things.


    Mr. Theon, have you made up with God?


    Well, you know, maybe I could.


    Theon laughed in annoyance.


    ''I see.''


    Crono ministered to him, but it seems that Theon''s troubles are not over.


    Yeah, well, Crono also has something he wants to ask Sion.


    ''''Sion-san?''''


    What is it?


    The priest told me that Mr. Theon has healed my wounds.


    ''Yes,'' said Sion, nodding with a serious face.


    ''Of course, I think the contents of his intestines came out because he was pierced in the side,''


    ''Huh,'' said Zion, not seeming to understand.


    ''What happened to its contents?��No, I don''t think it''s right to ask for logic, do you?


    Sion turned over with a face that looked like he was going to cry, even though he said that.


    It''s Crono who wants to cry.


    ''''I hope there are no after-effects~''''


    Crono looked up at the ceiling.


    *


    That''s all.


    Mm, you can rest now.


    When Leila finished her report, Princess Tilia nodded her head hawkishly.


    Leila and Princess Tilia are in the Marquis'' mansion.......in Crono''s office.


    Princess Tilia was far more capable than Leila had imagined.


    She was also bright on the life of the common people and the market prices of crops and other commodities.


    Her footwork is also light and she is energetic and conducts inspections.


    As far as Leila was aware, his reputation seemed to be in good hands.


    ''''What''s up?''''


    No, it''s nothing.


    Leila replied calmly, trying her best.


    ''I don''t have the look on my face that it''s nothing. I''m not angry, so just say it.


    ''Princess Tyria is more capable than I had imagined, I thought.


    That''s rude, half-elf!


    Princess Tilia raised her willow eyebrows upside down and slammed the desk with a bang.


    This was an exchange that had been repeated several times before.


    If Leila was silent, that would make Princess Tilia angry.


    But, Leila thought.


    Princess Tilia should be able to regain her throne if she wanted to.


    If she''s completely incompetent, she still has the ability to perform the role of acting lord without difficulty.


    No wonder she would want to get back what was taken from her.


    ''''Princess Tilia doesn''t have any aspirations for the imperial throne?''''


    There is none.


    Princess Tyria stated flatly.


    ''Why?''


    Because I don''t want to antagonize the Cronos.


    When Leila was silent, Princess Tilia crossed her arms and let out a sigh.


    ''I know it sounds terrible, but Crono is a plague of a man. For the record, it''s only a metaphor, okay?��Meaning that Crono has those qualities.


    Princess Tilia poked her cheekbones.


    She had a languid expression that didn''t look like Princess Tilia.


    ''''Leila, the Crono will destroy the empire just as you want it to?


    *


    A few days later, a print was scattered over the city of Carina.


    The prints were a criticism of The Temple.


    In normal times, the prints might not have been effective.


    But in the city of Carina, a tramp had just been killed for trying to help a priest.


    Why had the vagrant been killed?


    Why was the priest being hunted?


    The inhabitants found the answer in the words of the priest who was being hunted.


    The goddess of fertility and fertility wants to share the bounty of the earth.


    The ''temple'' as the inhabitants know it is the one who presides over the rituals.


    If you donate, the priestess will give you grace through divine power ... divine authority techniques, but she does not act on behalf of the people.


    This is because priests serve God and not people.


    The inhabitants went about their daily lives, feeling unexplained.


    They didn''t know that whispers blended into their daily lives.


    Isn''t the Temple the right way to deliver the word of God?


    The whispers were etched in the hearts of the people.


    The residents remembered the whispers whenever they heard rumors about the Night Ranger, a volunteer from the Temple who worked as a vigilante.


    Originally, the residents were dissatisfied with the "Temple".


    The whispers only encouraged the residents.


    Doubts about the Temple slowly spread.


    To the vagrants, to the poor, to the commoners, to the aristocrats who gained new trade routes, and from city to city.


    If one were able to get a bird''s eye view of the flow, one might have this impression.


    It''s like a plague, he said.

 82-Episode 16 "New Gods"

    *


    Albus watches the proceedings of the Pre-Orthodox Council.


    The Pre-Orthodox Council is taking place in the castle''s chambers.


    King Magnus is seated at the top of the long table, The Temple is on King Magnus'' left hand side, and the generals, including Ignis, are seated on King Magnus'' right hand side.


    You''ve aged a lot, says Albus, catching King Magnus in the corner of his vision.


    King Magnus''s hair and beard have been dyed white.


    His eyes have an intelligent glint in them, but they are not as sharp as they once were.


    No hero and no wise man is immune to old age.


    Two years ago, King Magnus invaded the Cepheus Empire because he was aware of his old age.


    If King Magnus had fully demonstrated his abilities, the Crown Prince Regulus would have had a strong say in the matter.


    In any organization, the words of those with no achievements tend to be taken lightly and those with achievements tend to be taken seriously.


    It is no different in a nation.


    The fact that they had won a victory over an enemy nation and occupied territory, even if only in part, could be enough of an achievement to silence the High Priestess.


    However, the Crown Prince of Regulus was defeated.


    He had been defeated by an enemy of only 1,000 men while leading 10,000 men.


    Albus believed that King Magnus was responsible for the Dauphin Regulus'' defeat.


    He said that his impatience with the little time left, and his trust in the Crown Prince Regulus and Ignis had led King Magnus to misjudge him.


    Right now, he should pay more attention to General Ignis than King Magnus, and Albus was conscious of Ignis'' words and actions.


    This pre-King''s meeting was intended to be a check on Ignis.


    Not now.


    Albus''s purpose has switched to exploring Crono''s movements through Ignis.


    Albus was generally aware of the events in the city of Carina and the events that followed.


    Information could be obtained by listening to the congregation and the young priests.


    I''ve heard that there is a growing dissatisfaction with the ''temple'' around the city of Carina.


    It''s good if it''s only a complaint, but at worst, we have to consider the possibility of burning down the temple," said Albus, maintaining a gentle smile.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Albus catches the High Priestess of the ''Blue Temple'', Leum, out of the corner of his eye.


    Leum hasn''t opened his mouth once since he came to the chamber.


    It was an afterthought.


    That would be the common thought of all the High Priests, except for Leum.


    Leum was in too much of a hurry for merit.


    General Aqua should have let him focus on spying.


    If he had done so, he might have been able to grasp Crono''s intentions.


    As long as he had scattered prints criticizing the ''Temple'', Crono''s goal was undoubtedly to disrupt the kingdom.


    But even if the people''s discontent is fomented, the area where the burning will take place should be limited, said Albus, his eyes downcast.


    The burning of the ''Temple'' has taken place many times in the past.


    All of them were caused by people who could no longer bear the brutality of the priests.


    However, the scale of the damage is not large.


    It''s just that the arrogant priest was hung up and the temple that was involved was burned.


    There will certainly be confusion. But it wasn''t hard to find the drop-off point, Albus wasn''t sure if he was really right while analyzing it.


    No, he was unsure.


    Let''s think again. General Ignis, trade routes, soup kitchens..., and Albus shuddered at the conclusions he drew from the factors that seemed to be relevant to this case.


    If allowed, Albus would have abused Leum.


    Leum had given Crono the opportunity to make a move.


    ''I believe the slaughter of the sub-humans should be stopped and they should be deported. What do you think, Lord Albus?


    Albus looked up when Ignis asked him a question.


    It was an unexpected helper.


    Maybe Ignis didn''t understand what Crono really meant.


    Albus struggled to think.


    He had no choice but to nod at Ignis''s words.


    But if Ignis'' suggestion was Crono''s instruction, what was he intending to do?


    I can''t read it.


    I can''t read it, but if I don''t nod, Albus will be ruined.


    ''''I agree with General Ignis'' proposal.


    Albus said, and Ignis'' eyes widened in surprise.


    Albus didn''t have the time to be concerned about Ignis.


    He must order the Inquisitor to end the meeting as soon as possible and eliminate the bandits on the East-West Road as soon as possible.


    How much sense would it make to move now?��But the bandits must be eliminated and the value of the ''Temple'' must be shown.


    The option to remain silent was already lost.


    *


    You went along with my offer so easily, didn''t you?��And Ignis climbed the steps of the castle wall, wondering about Albus''s attitude.


    As Ignis climbed the stairs, a strong wind blew in from the lake.


    After a short walk, he saw a figure.


    The figure''s identity was Crown Prince Regulus.


    The Crown Prince Regulus would be eighteen years old this year.


    He was taller than the average man, but his body lines were thin.


    His hair is long enough to touch his shoulders, and his eyes have a gentle yet intelligent light in them.


    The appearance of Prince Regulus is perfect for a crown prince.


    A scholar, or even a priest, would be no problem.


    But as the next king, I must say that he is unreliable.


    Even from the point of view of Ignis, who knows the talents of the Dauphin of Regulus.


    The Crown Prince Regulus leaned against the castle walls and stared out at the lake.


    Ignis repeatedly complained that the top of the ramparts was dangerous and physically uncomfortable, but the Dauphin of Regulus would not listen.


    Eventually, Ignis gave up trying to persuade the Crown Prince of Regulus.


    Ignis stopped and stared at the profile of the Crown Prince Regulus.


    Crown Prince Regulus'' skin was morbidly pale.


    The emotional scars he had suffered two years ago and the remorse he felt for causing the death of his subordinates must still be tormenting the Crown Prince Regulus.


    Those who do not speak out say that the Crown Prince Regulus is a softling.


    Others say he is a coward who has lost the will to fight after just one defeat.


    But Ignis felt that the Crown Prince of Regulus had grown up.


    Two years ago, the crown prince of Regulus had a slight sense of pride.


    The defeat two years ago had removed the pride that lurked in the heart of the Prince of Regulus.


    The Crown Prince of Regulus seemed to notice Ignis and slowly turned around.


    ''Hi, Ignis.''


    Your highness, the wind in the lake can be a pain in the ass.


    Ignis said as he reminisced about the old days, and what fun he was having, the Crown Prince of Regulus chuckled.


    When Prince Regulus finished laughing, he leaned back against the city wall.


    ''''Ignis, it looks like trade is going well.


    ....


    Ignis shushed him.


    This operation was known only to King Magnus and a limited number of people.


    Crown Prince Regulus was not one of those limited people.


    He should be.


    ''Don''t look so surprised. I have ears, too. If you listen carefully, you can hear most things you hear.


    Prince Regulus plucked at his ears and said in a theatrical tone.


    It would be strange not to be surprised.


    The Dauphin Regulus does not leave the castle.


    How in the world is he going to gather information?


    a�?Of course, we have our hands. Ignis, do you recognize this print?


    No.


    Ignis took the print from the Crown Prince of Regulus and shook his head.


    It''s a print of a giant priest eating people.


    He must be accusing the priest of preying on the people.


    ''I don''t recognize it, but I have an idea.


    Ignis, how did the meeting go?


    Ignis was puzzled as to why the Crown Prince Regulus would ask such a question.


    ''We gave him one request, but it wasn''t a fruitful meeting. It was just harassment.''


    Really?


    Ignis almost nodded and quickly reconsidered.


    Albus seemed to be strangely wary of Ignis.


    It was strange that he had swallowed Ignis''s suggestion so easily, and that he had walked out of the chamber without greeting her when the meeting was over.


    ''I see that Albus has realized the true intentions of the Empire and of Crono.


    What was the Crono''s real intention?


    Ignis knows what the Empire is really up to.


    The Empire is trying to disrupt the kingdom.


    That''s what King Magnus has factored in.


    That''s why King Magnus was trying to drive Crono and the others back when he was able to counter the ''Temple''.


    ''Crono is trying to create a god.


    Are you crazy?


    Ignis''s words were directed at Prince Regulus.


    The Crown Prince Regulus gave a bitter smile.


    ''There is a misunderstanding. What Crono is trying to create is a new god. Yes, a god who wants people to share in the bounty of the earth. �� This new god cannot be driven out, as long as the people want him to be. As long as the people want him to be.


    .....


    Ignis gasped at the words of Crown Prince Regulus.


    Because he imagined the future of a kingdom divided into camps of old gods and new gods, fighting each other.


    ''If only we knew that!


    I did. I spoke to your father about it a lot.


    Does that mean King Magnus wasn''t listening?


    Or that he was confident that he could contain the chaos brought on by Crono?


    ''What a man,''


    Ignis spat.


    Crono is outside the norm.


    The same is true when the Empire invaded.


    Crono conducted a night raid with impunity, calling it a one-on-one battle, while tricking us into a deception.


    ''''There''s still a lot left for us to do.


    What''s a hand?


    ''Ignis, you will unite those who want new gods faster than Crono.


    But will he allow it?


    Prince Regulus nodded at Ignis'' question.


    ''I think Crono is lost,''


    Are you lost?


    Ignis asked back.


    ''You invite sub-humans into your domain because you''re lost. And the timing of scattering the prints is too soon.''


    Prince Regulus looked at Ignis.


    ''Come on, go. We can make it now.


    "As you wish.


    Ignis turned his back on the Crown Prince Regulus and started to run.


    *


    You guys ready to go?��Like!


    Yeah, yeah, yeah!


    Duran responded to Alideed''s soundtrack with a loud enough voice to make his throat ache.


    I''m not embarrassed.


    Arididid''s men weren''t embarrassed, and neither was Bruno.


    He should be ashamed to respond in a small voice, Duran thought.


    Well, I''d say he was dyed in the wool, too.


    What, well, it''s amazing, Duran said, stealing a glance at Alideed as he stroked the neck of his beloved horse.


    Alideed........his sister Deneb and their men are awesome guys.


    Aridided and Deneb have perfect abilities as commanders, and their experience as soldiers allows them to pay attention to detail.


    When Aridid and Deneb take the cargo from the merchants, they give priority to taking food and serving it to their men.


    And alcohol.


    If I had to pick up a problem with Arididid and Deneb, it would be that they are extracting a mysterious liquid from the excess alcohol.


    Her men are so good that Duran would want to have them as his subordinates when he becomes commander.


    That''s not all, Duran thinks.


    They all have a tragic past.


    And yet, they are positive.


    The half-elf cavalryman was studying under Aridid and Deneb.


    Studying is an investment in the future, Duran believes.


    In other words, Crono makes his men believe that their efforts for the future will not be in vain.


    So Crono wasn''t educated in martial arts, he was educated that way?��I knew my dad was a hero, though. If that''s the case, Crono''s dad is an order of magnitude bumpkin, Duran was in awe of Crono''s father, who he''d never met.


    It''s not just swordsmanship, right? You''re missing everything, Duran looked down at his hands.


    ''Like I won''t kill you this time, I won''t rape you, and I''ll take a little bit of your baggage and money!


    Ariddead circled his horse''s neck and Duran drove his horse.


    Duran and his men entered the East-West Highway from the intervening road and drove the wagons away.


    Duran and his men drove the wagons away, while a separate force, led by Deneb, blocked the wagons'' path.


    It was a simple strategy, but surprisingly effective.


    There was little resistance from the merchants.


    Thanks to the policy of not rape, not kill, and take a little cargo and money.


    ''What is it?''


    Duran narrowed his eyes.


    A figure dressed in pure white clothing - probably a priest from the ''Pure White Temple'' - was standing in the middle of the street.


    A wagon passed by the priest''s side.


    ''''Oh no!��Like, scatter!


    Alideed shouted.


    Arididid and her men scattered left and right without hesitation.


    Both sides of the road were wastelands covered with waist-high grass.


    The horses might hurt their legs.


    Such thoughts delayed Duran and the others.


    Something wet Duran''s face.


    When Duran hurriedly wiped his face, his hands were stained red.


    Blood.


    The man in front of him was sprawled out on his horse.


    No face.


    No, maybe there was one, but his face was a mess, as if it had been crushed.


    Duran swallowed a scream and pulled hard on the reins.


    A white light passed by Duran''s ear.


    The next moment, there was a scream.


    And the heavy sound of something falling.


    Duran exclaimed.


    Light.


    A white light painted his vision.


    Light bullets rained down on Duran and the others like a sideways rain.


    A sense of buoyancy enveloped Duran.


    He was swung down from his horse.


    Oh, d*mn it, Angel, and the memories of Angel passed through Duran''s mind.


    For some reason, all that passed through his mind was what happened in bed.


    The shock hit Duran.


    Duran rolled on the ground several times before finally stopping.


    Duran picked himself up, fighting back the nausea, and reflexively turned around.


    His companions were dead.


    In terms of numbers, there were more living companions.


    But Duran couldn''t take his eyes off his dead companions.


    There were comrades who died with their faces crushed.


    Some of his companions had fallen off their horses and were motionless, others had been crushed by horses.


    Duran couldn''t believe it.


    Duran had been prepared to die.


    His companions must have been prepared to die, too, on this mission, but they hadn''t expected to die so easily.


    He should have believed that a heroic death would color his end.


    Duran''s vision fades.


    His breathing becomes ragged with fear.


    When Duran turned around, he saw the Priestess looking down at Duran.


    The Priestess was smiling.


    Even at the moment of ejaculation, he wouldn''t smile so ecstatically.


    Such a smile.


    Oh, d*mn it, Duran moaned in a desperate mood.


    The priest had an erection.


    It didn''t seem to color Duran''s final days as a hero.


    He might be raped after he was killed.


    It felt like a mistake to hope for the possibility that it wouldn''t happen.


    ''Bu, oh!


    A roar rises.


    It was Bruno.


    Bruno closed the distance between him and the priest and swung the sword in its sheath full swing.


    He was caught off guard, and the priest was flung off.


    The priest''s feet carved two streaks in the street.


    The priest raised his left arm.


    His left arm was broken at his forearm - his wrist and halfway up his elbow.


    As the priest''s smile deepened, a white light enveloped the priest''s arm.


    A divine technique.


    The fracture healed instantly, and the Priestess grasped and opened her hand to check her condition.


    Light bullets floated around the Priestess.


    There were more than ten of them, and that alone was enough to kill Duran and Bruno.


    "Flamebang!


    Flaming bullets rained down on the priest.


    But the flaming bullets were blocked by an invisible wall.


    The arrows flew in the air.


    The priest shook greatly.


    It seems that the impact is not prevented by the invisible wall.


    Duran was dragged into the wasteland.


    Bruno had jumped into the wasteland on the other side from him.


    ''I''ll be hidden in no time!��I want to die, like!


    ....


    Alideed pushed Duran to the ground.


    What are you going to do, Duran guffawed at the urge to scream out.


    Apparently, Ariddead and her men had abandoned their horses and were hiding in the wasteland.


    ''''Well I''m asking Deneb for backup and...''''


    Perhaps sensing Duran''s unease, Aridid showed Duran the magic item for communication.


    ''Like if Deneb comes, we''ll get cover and retreat to the forest.


    What if the enemy doesn''t dare to take cover?��What if the enemy is also good at white knight combat?��And such a question loomed up in his throat.


    Duran stared at the Priestess through a gap in the grass.


    The light bullets that were floating around the Priestess rose in unison and rained down all at once.


    Duran held his head and frantically bit down on his scream.


    The ground shook with a zun, zun.


    Duran''s groin was assaulted by a sensation that could be taken as either tingling or numbness every time the ground shook.


    ''Run, like!''


    Duran was pulled up by Aridid and guffawed at!��He let out a voice like a crushed frog.


    ''Run, run!��Like if you don''t run, you''ll die!


    Duran was kicked in the ass by Aridid and ran towards the forest.


    The surviving comrades were also led by Arididid''s men and headed for the forest.


    The figure of the Priestess was visible for a moment.


    The priest was under a concentrated attack.


    The moment the arrows touched the invisible wall where the Priestess was deploying, they scattered flames, shockwaves and lightning.


    It was probably an attack by a magic item.


    As Duran jumped into the forest, Aridid grabbed Duran by the collar and pulled him towards him.


    In the next moment, a blast mixed with sand and stones rushed in.


    ''''......''''


    Duran thought he screamed, but the scream didn''t reach Duran''s ears.


    Run, run, and when you run ... like, anyway, run!


    Aridaid grabbed Duran by the collar and started to run.


    Duran ran, tears and snot dripping down his face.


    Duran hid behind a tree and held his head in his hands.


    His crotch was cold.


    He pissed himself.


    No matter how much fighting spirit he had in him, Aridid and her subordinate archers pushed through the gaps where the blast had subsided and fired their arrows.


    ''''Teeeeeeeeeee!��This is why the Divine Majesty Technique!


    Alideed shouts in frustration.


    The attack doesn''t look good.


    ''....d*mn it, that was foul!


    A whine escapes Duran''s mouth.


    Our attacks can''t get through, but their attacks can get through to us.


    It''s like an archer equipped with a perfect defense.


    How do you expect me to defeat such a guy?


    ''''The weaknesses of the Divine Majesty Technique are time and frequency!��Attack!��Attack!��Sometimes, like an evacuation!


    Huh?��And Duran looked up at Ariddead in disbelief.


    Noticing Duran''s gaze, Arididid gave a tight smile.


    Alideed''s hands were trembling slightly.


    Alideed was also afraid.


    Nevertheless, Arided is acting as a commander.


    ''It seems to be the end of the world when we give up. If the good guys are waiting for me in my country, then I have to win.


    ....


    Dylan clutched the ring woven from Angel''s hair and nodded widely.


    Before he knew it, the trembling had stopped.


    *


    "Flamebang!


    Aridid leaps out from behind a tree and shoots his magic at the priest.


    Countless flame bombs were blocked by the priest''s unfolding invisible wall, but the flames burned into the leaves and grass on the ground.


    The priest covered his mouth with the sleeve of his clothes.


    ''''Flame-bullet barrage!''''


    The elven archers unleash their magic.


    The flaming bullets are blocked by the priest''s unfolding invisible wall, just as they were in Aridid, but they spread the flames beneath their feet.


    Even those who can''t use magic, including Duran, don''t sit back and watch.


    They threw stones, wood.........................anything that could cause damage.


    That priest isn''t invincible or the strongest, Duran tightened his grip on the stone.


    Our attacks certainly won''t reach them.


    But the smoke is effective.


    Maybe the priest just covered his mouth reflexively, but the accuracy of the attack has been reduced.


    Duran threw a stone and quickly ducked behind a tree.


    Immediately after, the impact shook the tree.


    The light bullets fired by the priestess hit the tree.


    Duran had regained his composure.


    He could understand why Aridid had fled to the forest.


    It was to use the trees as a shield.


    If it was an unshielded place like a city street, where you know the direction of travel, the priest would be the worst opponent.


    However, if it is a place that has a shield, it is not the worst.


    Of course, if you take a direct hit from a lightning bullet, you can''t avoid serious injuries, and you can''t be too careful with the blast.


    Even so, it''s an opponent that can be resisted.


    If Alideed had given up, Duran would have been killed without realizing that he could resist.


    ''And I''ll run!


    Duran followed Aridid''s instructions and jumped out from behind a tree.


    A blast of pebbles and pieces of wood mixed with pebbles and debris struck Duran''s back.


    Duran pulled the priestess away moderately and jumped into the shadows of the trees.


    Alideed and her subordinates had a lot of experience in actual combat, and they had refined the way of waiting and evading.


    Perhaps they should be commended for the fact that they reconfigured their formation while waiting and evading.


    Duran and the others had formed a formation in an arc around the Priestess.


    They repeat this process and move to keep their distance from the priests.


    Duran tightened his grip on the stone and jumped out from behind the tree.


    That''s when.


    The stone Bruno threw struck the priest''s head.


    The priest reared back.


    An arrow pierces the priest''s shoulder.


    Now!��It''s now or never!��And Duran threw down the stone and ran towards the priest.


    Duran draws his sword as he runs.


    ''''Bah, fool!''''


    Alideed''s cursing reached Duran''s ears.


    A cold sweat ran down Duran''s spine.


    Besides Duran, there are other friends who have jumped out from behind the trees.


    Bruno is one of them.


    Bruno is running ahead of Duran.


    The priests release light bullets.


    There are only a few light bullets.


    A companion is hit by a direct hit of the light bullets and falls down.


    Duran let out a yell to dispel the fear.


    Bruno swung his sword down, but it was blocked by the light shield that the priest deployed in his palm.


    The priest quickly released the light bullets.


    Bruno catches the lightbulb in the abdomen and collapses.


    The priest turned his palm to Duran.


    The flow of time changes to a slow one.


    Death.


    Death is approaching.


    White light gathers in the priest''s hands.


    The white glowing particles gather and form a glowing bullet.


    The light bullets are released and the soil erupts.


    Duran is not injured in any way.


    Bruno grabbed the priest''s ankle and made him miss his aim.


    ''''Whoa whoa whoa!''''


    Duran thrust the cutting edge into the priest''s chest as if he were going to hit the body.


    The next moment when Duran was sure of his victory, a light burst out.


    Duran and Bruno were sent flying by the light and rolled on the ground.


    Their bodies were numb and unable to move.


    The priest took one look at Duran and turned himself around.


    ''''Like I don''t have to chase you!


    Duran stared at the priest''s back as he moved away and let out a deep breath.


    * *


    The inquisitor continued west on the street.


    His footsteps are firm, but that was the effect of the divine power technique ''Activation''.


    The Inquisitor would normally not even be able to walk.


    He is forcing his body, which is that exhausted, to move it with the Divine Majesty Technique.


    The regret of not being able to meet God''s will is there.


    There is also anger at being made to do this by an inferior subhuman.


    But the Inquisitor thought he should heal his wounds and wait for his next opportunity.


    The Inquisitor collapsed.


    An arrow had pierced his thigh.


    The Inquisitor pulled the arrow out and healed the wound with his divine technique.


    His head hurt like it was cracked open.


    The arrow pierced his shoulder and his side.


    The Inquisitor tried to block the arrows with his Divine Majesty Technique, but he was too worn out.


    The Inquisitor left the street and fled through the wasteland.


    An arrow pierces the Inquisitor mercilessly.


    The Inquisitor laughed like a madman, realizing that he would not get another chance.


    If you don''t get a second chance, there is only one thing to do.


    The inquisitor prayed to God.


    An arrow pierced the Inquisitor, but the Inquisitor felt no pain.


    Commune with God more deeply than ever before.


    Oh!��And the Inquisitor burst into tears.


    The Inquisitor was intoxicated by the feeling that his consciousness was spreading everywhere... The Inquisitor left his clothes and disappeared into the air.


    Ignis arrived at the city of Carina after a few days of hard marching.


    The city hadn''t changed at all.


    There was no visible change, but the atmosphere of the city was distinctly different.


    It felt dangerous, as if an army was staring at each other.


    Ignis slowly moved his horse forward and noticed that a large number of people had gathered in the square.


    The people gathered in the square were shabbily dressed.


    ''''Master Ignis!''''


    Someone shouted, and his gaze fell on Ignis.


    As Ignis dismounted from his horse, one of the men knelt at Ignis'' feet.


    ''What''s the gathering?''


    Yes, we were gathered to hear the true voice of God.


    Ignis felt dizzy.


    For he realized the correctness of the Crown Prince Regulus'' words and the horror of the chrono.


    ''I have heard that the ''Mother Goddess of Ochre and Fertility'' wants people to share in the bounty of the earth.


    The man''s eyes were moist with tears as he looked up at Ignis.


    Perhaps he has lost someone dear to him because of his hunger.


    The man is sincerely seeking God.


    He is not looking for a god that the ''temple'' of the kingdom serves, but a new god.


    Ignis looked at the people gathered in the square and bit his lip.


    So many people are looking for a new god.


    They are looking for salvation through a new God.


    Ignis has given his allegiance to King Magnus and fought for his kingdom.


    He believed that by doing so, he could protect his people.


    But what is the reality?


    He couldn''t even notice that so many people were suffering, nor could he even notice the suffering of his childhood friend, Aqua.


    ''''General Ignis, please hear the word of God.


    The man folded his hands as if in prayer.


    What can I say now, Ignis said silently.


    I suddenly remembered the old lady.


    When did he also say that the role of God is the approval of existence.


    So what is the approval of existence?


    How should I tell him?


    Aqua, if it''s you... what are you, no, you''re not, Ignis scoffed to himself.


    Surely, Aqua wanted Ignis to love her.


    She wanted to be by Ignis'' side.


    I see, Ignis agreed.


    The people here want a place to stay.


    They want to be here.


    They want that one word.


    Approval of existence is to be loved.


    The role of God is to give love.


    Humans are parents and children, lovers, friends... Humans can only love others in relationships.


    But God is different.


    God can love people through faith.


    The new God that people are looking for is a love-giver.


    And those who serve a love-giving God must find a way to do so.


    That''s why the priest of the empire.......wasn''t that what Theon was doing at the soup kitchen?


    Ignis knelt there and clasped the man''s hand in his.


    ''''God loves you all.


    "Dear Mr. Ignis.


    The man burst into tears.


    *


    When Ignis returned to his estate, the sun was setting.


    Ignis used the Divine Majesty Technique ''Activation'' to disguise his fatigue and hurried to his mansion.


    The mansion was enveloped in an eerie silence.


    Ignis''s feet turned toward Aqua''s room.


    The thought of having to protect Aqua was driving Ignis forward.


    When Ignis entered Aqua''s room, Crono turned around with a giggle.


    Crono seemed to be talking to Aqua, who was sitting in a chair.


    I knew he was going to take advantage of Aqua, and I was angry that he was going to take advantage of her.


    Ignis found himself grabbing Crono by the neck and slamming him against the wall.


    ''Little Ignis, you''re hurting me,''


    ''Crono, you!��You are a man!


    Crono laughed as Ignis put his fingers to work.


    It was like a crack, a smile of unfathomable malice.


    ''Ahhh, did you notice that?''


    ''Yeah, I finally realized you were trying to make a new god.


    What''s going on?


    Aqua got up from the chair with a pale face.


    Aqua must have realized that he was about to be used.


    ''This guy, this guy was trying to create a new god and start a civil war. The trade, the soup kitchen, and that skit were all part of that plan.


    ''A new god?��Haha, it''s not that big of a deal.


    Crono laughed.


    ''What?''


    What I was trying to do was contaminate the idea.


    Ignis felt like he was finally in touch with the essence of Crono.


    To Crono, a god is an idea.


    This guy should be killed here, Ignis draws up his physical abilities with his divine power technique.


    Even if he can''t use his weapons, he can still crush Crono''s head in his grip.


    ''''I want you to take your hands off Crono-sama, sir.


    The blade touched Ignis'' neck.


    Ignis looked behind him over his shoulder and saw Faye standing there with her sword at the ready.


    ''''Let go of Crono-sama, or you will die.


    ''Try it. You''ll have plenty of time to kill Crono if you get your head cut off.


    Stop it!��Don''t kill Ignis!


    Aqua pointed her palm at the fey.


    An arrow of ice floated a few inches away from Aqua''s hand.


    ''''Mm, it''s three cowering.


    Not really.


    If you barge into the Priest''s Hall here, though, we''ll lose.


    Rio and Leonhardt answer Fay.


    Ignis realized that he was defeated.


    The old lady is gone.


    It was inconceivable that Theon would side with Ignis and the others.


    ''Lord Leonhardt, what shall we do?''


    Leonhardt gave a wry smile.


    ''It''s an honour to be relied upon, but I''m having a hard time swallowing the situation we''re in.


    You''ve done all this and more.


    We only cooperated at the request of King Magnus.


    How dare you stand out from the crowd!��And when Ignis turned around, Faye hurriedly retreated her blade.


    ''''He strengthened the economic base of the royalist faction through trade and let the people of the kingdom know that the ''temple'' of his country is not absolute by letting them touch our country''s ''temple''. I think the night rangers have gone too far with the quicksilver, though.


    Ignis bit his teeth.


    The Empire''s and Crono''s cooperation was essential for the King''s Faction to counter the ''Temple''.


    The worst-case scenario was avoided, but the fate of the kingdom was in the hands of the Empire.


    The least that can be done is that there remains the possibility of eliminating the influence of The Temple.


    But that would take years, decades.


    Ignis took his hand away from Crono.


    ''Little Ignis, I hope we can continue to maintain our friendly relationship.


    Yeah.


    Ignis squeezed back the hand Crono had offered him.


    *


    A few days later, the Pre-Orthodox Council met again.


    Last time, the High Priests had called Ignis, but this time Ignis called the priests.


    Ignis stared at the High Priests who had arrived later than King Magnus.


    The High Priestess Leum of the Blue Temple is nowhere to be found.


    Leum was stabbed in a passionate affair.


    "Ignis, you need to calm down.


    I know. I know.


    It''s in their nature.


    Ignis answered briefly to Aqua and the hag.


    Albus sat face to face with Ignis, while the other High Priestesses sat at a reasonable distance.


    ''Well, General Ignis. Why did you call us here?


    Say hello.


    Greeting?��Albus smiled softly and asked back.


    ''I''m going to set up a new ''temple'' with the two of you here.


    "The High Priest''s Palace in the ''Jet-Black Temple''?


    Albus asked the old lady.


    I don''t want to do anything new, but to be honest, I don''t like being lumped in with you guys.


    The hag replied, wrapping her hair around her fingers.


    ''God loves man. God''s love is an affirmation of existence. The new ''temple'' is meant to give love.


    It''s a unique view, but it''s a heresy.


    Heresy?


    Ignis scoffed and prayed to God in his mind.


    Then a red glowing particle was released from Ignis.


    ''''If I''m a heretic, then I shouldn''t be able to use the Divine Majesty Technique. On the contrary, I ask you, can you guys use the Divine Majesty Technique?��If you can only use the Divine Majesty Technique, which is weaker than me, then why would the gods lend so much power to me saying that you are heretics?


    Albus'' smile twitches.


    Of course, Ignis knows that the High Priests can''t use much of a divine art.


    The hag held her belly and giggled.


    Ignis held his tongue.


    The quibble he learned from Crono was more effective than he expected.


    ''Then let me give you my opinion on the kingship. I believe the kingship is given by God and maintained by the king''s virtue and the will of the people.''


    It is the ''temple'' that guarantees the legitimacy of the kingship.


    Well, that''s what we decided to do at the dawn of our kingdom.


    Albus stared at the hag.


    No matter how much Albus complained about the role of the ''Temple'', it made no sense in front of the hag.


    ''''High Priestess of the ''Jet-Black Temple'', what do you think you''re doing?''''''


    Quiet.


    It was King Magnus, not the hag, who answered Albus'' question.


    King Magnus spoke quietly.


    He said quietly, "Ignis, I do not oppose your efforts to organize the new Temple, but I do not want to cooperate with you. But I do not want to cooperate with you either.


    Albus smiles.


    ''Because they thought King Magnus had chosen them and not Ignis,'' he says.


    ''But I''m confused. He wonders which one reflects the divine will. Therefore, I don''t think I should accommodate either of them.


    Oh, no!


    Albus stood up.


    ''God has given Ignis the power to do the same. It''s called irreverence to question the will of God.


    Well, I suppose you can''t let one side or the other get in the way of politics.


    The old lady poked her cheekbones and grinned.


    Nice to meet you, Mr. Theon.


    ''Yes!��''The Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility!''


    Crono said, and Theon knelt down and touched the ground.


    A yellow light emitted from Theon''s hand for a moment.


    ''Well?''


    ''Yes, I''m down here. God!


    The ground shook as if in answer to Zion''s prayers.


    Parts of the ground softened and a large amount of bone appeared.


    Ignis and Aqua stared at Crono and the others from a little distance - Crono, Sion, Leonhardt, Rio, Fay, and the twenty mercenaries who usually guarded the merchants.


    The three sub-humans were gone.


    They seemed to have returned to the Empire first.


    Ignis is in a corner of the East-West Road.


    Last year, Ignis burned the corpses of enemy soldiers and buried them in the ground to prevent the plague.


    ''''Ignis, what do you have in mind?''''


    Yeah.


    Ignis answered vaguely.


    What on earth was Crono thinking?


    All of Crono''s machinations were aborted along the way.


    Ignis aborted it.


    But Crono didn''t seem too concerned about it.


    Maybe Crono was just coming for his dead subordinate.


    ''What did Crono tell you?''


    They don''t say what you''re worried about. He just asked me to help out. He also said that if you were going to run away, you''d have to come to his estate.


    Well, Ignis nodded and looked at Crono.


    Crono stroked his subordinate''s bones as if he were caring for them.

 83-Episode 17 "Oni no Ranran"

    *


    ''''Crono, you''ll be missed,''''


    Rio, I miss you too.


    Crono hugged Rio gently and stroked his back as if he were petting a child.


    Suddenly, he felt a sense of dread.


    When Crono looked after him over his shoulder, he saw Tilia standing in human form.


    It looks like she''s about to pounce on him.


    ''Crono, can I kiss you?''


    No, of course not!


    Tilia easily took Rio''s challenge and pounced on him.


    As if he was expecting it, Rio let Crono go and clasped his hands with Tilia like a professional wrestler.


    ''How dare you challenge me to a contest of strength!


    You''d be amazed at how low you can go.


    A white light rose from Tilia and a green light rose from Rio.


    Crono pulled away from them, thrusting his staff at them.


    ''Quick!''


    Crono shouted as he turned around.


    Tilia was on the verge of defeat while Crono took his eyes off her for a bit.


    She''s about to go to her knees.


    ''''GUNNUN!��Hang in there, me!


    Come on, come on, come on, come on.


    As Tilia shouted to inspire herself, Rio said to torture Tilia.


    Apparently, the only thing Tilia has over Rio is sturdiness and persistence.


    ''Thanks, my head is fuzzy,'' said Crono, sitting on the crate and shaking his head lightly.


    ''You two need to stop fighting.


    Leonhardt intercedes.


    When Leonhardt touched Tilia and Rio''s wrists, Tilia and Rio untied their hands honestly.


    Crono couldn''t decide if it was Leonhardt''s humanity or his special technique.


    ''Do we really have to go back?''


    It''s called taking more than ten months off.


    When Rio said unrepentantly, Leonhardt said as if to chide him.


    It''s hard to decide whether Rio is great for resting up to this point, or whether it''s great for Vizier Alcor, who is neglecting him, this is also a difficult decision to make.


    Rio rode his horse as if he had given up on it.


    Leonhardt also rode his horse.


    ''''Crono-dono!��I''ll see you soon!


    Princess Tyria, look after Crono for me.


    Crono waved to Leonhardt and Rio as they galloped away.


    ''Gugnu, again, again!��What, what, you know, you''re just showing off your last bit of leeway!


    Tilia is still the same.


    Crono looked sideways at Tilia in front of him.


    Tilia was seriously frustrated that Rio had beaten her so many times.


    It''s over, Crono looked up at the sky.


    It could mean that the maneuvering against the Holy Argo Kingdom was over, or it could mean that one of his regrets had been resolved.


    ''''Well, work work work,''''


    Crono sat up and tilted his head back.


    Something soft touched Crono''s face.


    Crono grabbed the soft something.


    ''Hey, these are Tilia''s breasts!��Why, Tilia''s breasts!


    Because you fell down!


    When Crono looked up, Tilia tilted her head in wonder.


    Tilia placed her palm on Crono''s forehead.


    ''Was Tilia''s hand this cold?''


    ''You''re hot!


    Tilia picked up Crono.


    ''Tilia is so powerful,''


    Shut up!


    Tilia started running with Crono in her arms.


    *


    Tilia threw Crono onto the bed as soon as she opened the bedroom door.


    Oh, Tilia is going to lose to Rio with all this arm strength, Crono thought as he felt floating.


    Crono dropped onto the bed and looked up at the ceiling.


    The world was spinning around in circles as if he''d had too much to drink.


    ''I''m going to get a doctor and you''re going to stay put, okay?


    Ew.


    The door slammed shut.


    Crono stripped off his clothes and slipped into bed.


    The bed-making was perfect, even though it had been less than an hour since Crono had left the bedroom.


    ''It''s been a long time since I''ve caught a cold! I haven''t had a cold since I came to this world, so it''s been about six years?''


    ''I thought I was clever,'' said Crono, laughing emphatically.


    ''It''s been six years now. I hope you''re all doing well~''


    Crono didn''t think of his classmates, but of his family.


    It''s not that he didn''t have friends, but he didn''t seem to have any friends he could call close.


    I think this became more pronounced when I started attending a college preparatory school.


    ''I''m sure they''re probably filing a police report, handing out leaflets, or being featured on TV.


    Suddenly, Crono''s vision blurred.


    The back of his eyeballs were numb.


    He cried.


    Crono hugged the pillow and closed his eyes tightly.


    *


    How long had he been asleep?


    Crono rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand.


    Then he felt a crunching sensation on the back of his hand.


    It was eye mites.


    Apparently, he had been asleep for quite a long time.


    Did I feel dazed?��And Crono jerked around.


    Several times, he remembered waking up.


    However, I don''t feel like I slept well, probably because I repeatedly slept and woke up.


    I even feel like I haven''t slept enough.


    Not only my sense of time, but also my memory is vague.


    I feel as if someone was there when I woke up, or as if no one was there.


    I remember going to the bathroom, but I don''t think my memory is correct.


    My spine hurts, Crono said, turning over.


    The next thing he knew, a white light irritated his eyeballs.


    Crono opened his eyes thinly.


    Someone was near the bed.


    It was Alyssa.


    Alyssa was sitting in a chair.


    The white light was a lighting magic item placed underneath Alyssa''s feet.


    The light is much weaker than the magic items she usually uses.


    ''''Sir, did I wake you up?''''


    Well, I just woke up.


    Alyssa stood up and put her hand on Crono''s forehead.


    Her hand was colder than Tilia''s.


    ''''I heard that ... people with cold hands have kind hearts.


    ''It''s not that my hands are cold, it''s that your husband is hot.


    What do you feel like a mother?


    I''m a mother.


    Alyssa raised her eyebrows in annoyance.


    ''Sir, how do you want to eat?''


    Water.


    Crono said, and Alyssa held out her sucking mouth.


    Alyssa shivered slightly as Crono placed his own over Alyssa''s hand.


    Apparently, Alyssa didn''t like to be touched by others.


    Crono looks up at Alyssa and rehydrates her.


    Bitterness spreads through her mouth.


    The contents of the sucking mouth must be infused with medicinal herbs.


    Alyssa is an excellent maid, but she seems to draw the line at the man.


    Should I say that I''m trying to avoid being seen as a woman?


    It''s not hard to see why Alyssa feels the way she does.


    Crono knows what has happened to Alyssa and doesn''t want to make her change her mind.


    That''s what Crono usually thinks.


    When Crono let go of her hand, Alyssa let out a breath of relief.


    Crono grabbed Alyssa''s hand as she tried to move away from the bed.


    ''''.........''''


    The sucker''s mouth fell from Alyssa''s hand.


    ''Duh, mister, play a trick on me.


    Alyssa said with a downcast look on her face.


    ''You avoid primary contact to the extreme, Alyssa. Are you afraid of human contact?''


    I''m not afraid.


    Crono slowly let go of Alyssa''s hand.


    ''Don''t you miss me?''


    I have a daughter.


    ''Is the distance you''re at now enough to keep Alyssa from getting hurt?


    Alyssa gasped and smiled deceptively.


    ''Sir, I don''t know what you''re talking about, sir.


    Have you ever heard of the Porcupine Dilemma?


    Alyssa tilted her head as if to say she didn''t understand why.


    ''The porcupine!��Do you discover the best distance you can warm up without hurting each other, or not?��Who started it off by saying they loved it or hated it?��Deliver, my telepathy!


    Sir, I think you should go to bed.


    Yes, Crono nodded.


    *


    ''Gaaaah!


    What is this?


    Cecily got up from her chair as Crono rolled over on his back.


    Crono touched himself, wobbling and shaking.


    The assassin had stabbed him in the stomach.


    But there was no wound.


    He took a series of rough breaths and finally realized that he had been dreaming.


    ''Is something wrong?''


    I had this dream.


    Huh?��Cecily replied unenthusiastically.


    ''I was Arab royalty in my dreams.


    I don''t know where "Arabu" is, but...?


    I was stabbed by an assassin.


    Cecily sat down in the chair without saying a word.


    d*mn it, Crono muttered in his mind and looked up at the ceiling.


    It had been nighttime when he''d talked to Alyssa, but now it was morning.


    His consciousness was solid compared to last night.


    ''Speaking of which, is the cavalry job any good?''


    You''re going to tell me that?


    Cecily said grimly.


    Crono fished his memory while looking up at the ceiling.


    If you ask me, I think I''ve turned Cecily back into a maid.


    Cecily let out a small sigh.


    ''''Though I don''t like you.


    Is that a necessary preamble?


    I don''t like you, but I think you''re doing the right thing.


    Cecily said, gloriously going through Crono''s prodding.


    ''''I''m a deputy after all. It''s a problem for someone who resigned from the army on his own to stay with a big face, and we can''t afford to cause trouble for Verna-san and the others.


    Cecily ruffled her hair and said in a sultry tone.


    ''Why are you looking at me?''


    No, it didn''t sound like Cecily''s words.


    I can''t afford to bother other people.


    I can''t imagine what Cecily said when she was a soldier or when she started working as a maid.


    ''''Is this another result of my training?


    No!


    Cecily said, her willow eyebrows rising in the opposite direction.


    Of course, even Crono didn''t think he played a role in Cecily''s personality development.


    It was Verna who had a huge influence on Cecily''s personality development.


    Cecily developed a sense of compassion for others while being followed by Verna, who was younger than her.


    Well, what does it say about a person that he didn''t develop a sense of compassion for others until he was this age?��I also think.


    But Cecily, who was useless in a different way than Nieto, has grown as a human being.


    You should be happy about that.


    "...I''m going to sleep some more.


    Yeah, I get it.


    *


    When Crono woke up next, the room was dimly lit.


    Alyssa was sitting near the bed, just as she had been last night.


    ''''..........Master........''''


    I need a bath.


    Crono plopped down on the bed and picked up his nightgown.


    His nightgown was soggy and damp with sweat.


    It smelled a bit fishy.


    ''Please do not bathe in hot water.''


    Well, I''m just going to wipe myself down and I need a new nightgown.


    When Crono prompted, Alyssa put her hand to her lips thoughtfully.


    ''I understand. I''ll have hot water ready in a minute.''


    Nice to meet you.


    Was I being selfish?��And Crono watched Alyssa leave the room with a little reflection.


    After a few moments, Alyssa brought out a basin and a ceramic pitcher.


    Alyssa poured hot water into the basin and wrung out a cloth.


    ''Come in, sir,''


    Thank you.


    Crono took off his nightgown and wiped his face and body.


    ''Alyssa, wipe your back,''


    Yes, sir.


    When Crono turned away, Alyssa began to wipe Crono''s back with reservations.


    Alyssa is silent.


    ''I''m done,''


    Okay.


    Crono changed into a new nightgown and went back to bed.


    Alyssa carefully folded the nightgown Crono had removed and left the room with the basin and pitcher.


    Alyssa was back soon after.


    Perhaps Alyssa left the night shift maids to deal with her nightgown and other things.


    Alyssa sat down in a chair and turned over.


    ''Alyssa, how''s Cecily doing?''


    ...Cecily is...


    You can just call him that.


    Cecily is much less rugged than when she first started working as a maid, and she''s starting to develop a good rapport with the other maids.


    Alyssa stole a glance at Crono as if to say she didn''t understand the purpose of the question.


    ''Actually, Verna was asking me about it.


    Yes, Alyssa nodded.


    Verna''s boss is Alyssa, so it''s a little awkward to get advice over her head.


    ''Verna seems to want to go into the army.


    Is it the military?


    He doesn''t like the idea of being taught to study for free.


    Oh, Alyssa nodded as she got the point.


    ''Verna is the type of person who tries to make sense.


    ''I think the reason Cecily has a good relationship with the other maids is because of Verna''s presence. That''s why I''m wondering if it''s okay without Verna around.


    ....


    Alyssa covered her mouth with her hand as she thought about it.


    As much as she was thinking about it, Alyssa must be worried about leaving Cecily alone.


    ''Even if I say I''m worried about Cecily, I don''t think it''s the same thing as letting Verna hang out with Cecily.


    Is your husband good?


    Honestly, I don''t want you to go into the military.


    Crono strokes his right eye.


    ''If you become a soldier, you may die, or you may suffer more pain than death.


    ''I tried to convince you, though. ''So the exiles are good and I''m not?��And they pushed me away.


    You''re a lord, my lord.


    I know.


    Crono muttered sincerely.


    It''s not fair for a lord to let the children of accepted exiles go to the army and not let Verna go to the army.


    ''''That''s why I''d like to keep Cecily under Alyssa until Verna comes back as a fine soldier.


    I understand.


    Alyssa responded immediately.


    Crono was relieved that Alyssa had accepted the proposal and patted his chest.


    ''''Well sir,''''


    Just as Crono closed his eyes to sleep, Alyssa muttered to herself.


    He looked up at Alyssa.


    ''I''m sorry,''


    I don''t mind.


    ''Yes,'' said Alyssa with a small nod.


    ''Your husband is concerned about Miss Cecily, isn''t he?


    Hmmm, well, that''s something.


    After all the horrible things they''ve done to you?


    Alyssa, are you peeking in?��Crono almost ran into him.


    Well, Crono, as Alyssa pointed out, has only done terrible things to Cecily.


    Hyah!��The maid of honor!��And Crono has Cecily do a service.


    It''s only a service.


    That defiant look in his eyes is unbearable.


    ''He''s doing terrible things, but he''s not thinking about dying or being unhappy. I just want Cecily to get along with the other maids, and I want her to get along with the other maids.


    Crono was kicked by Cecily and so on, but he didn''t hate Cecily with all his heart.


    ''A question from me. If you''re not afraid of touching people, what is it that you don''t like?


    "I don''t want to hate others.


    Alyssa replied quietly.


    ''I believe your husband knows about my past.


    Rumor or no rumor.


    Hachel is a small town.


    Rumors are heard without Crono trying to find out.


    ''What kind of rumors have you heard?''


    ''Is it just that Alyssa was my predecessor the former mistress of the Marquis of Erakis?


    Perhaps Alyssa''s daughter, Alyssin, was the daughter of the former Marquis of Erakis.


    The fact that Alyssa was in poor health when they met was probably not unrelated to the fact that she was the former Marquis of Erakis'' mistress.


    ''''My former master wasn''t just a terrible person. He did some horrible things to me, but there were some events that I can call memories.''''


    ....


    Crono stared at Alyssa in silence.


    The former Marquis of Erakis had toyed with Alyssa and kicked her out of the mansion when she was unwell.


    That would be an objective fact.


    ''''There must have been a small amount of happiness for sure, but I seem to have denied even that in my poverty.


    ....


    Crono didn''t say anything.


    Normally, when someone betrays you, you hate them.


    You deny the memories and even the feelings you had with that person and even the feelings you held.


    But Alyssa felt that denying the memories was more painful than being betrayed.


    ''Alyssa is so internally punitive,''


    I think it''s better than hurting someone else.


    Yes.


    Crono smiled.


    ''I don''t mind that sort of thing,''


    Thank you.


    Alyssa gave a small duck of her head.


    ''I think I might rather like it.''


    Su-ki?


    Perhaps because she didn''t understand the meaning of the words, or perhaps because she didn''t expect them, Alyssa parroted back.


    ''''.........''''


    Alyssa turned over, red to her ears.


    ''Sir, you''re being too playful.''


    Yeah, he''s still burning up.


    Alyssa patted her chest in relief as Crono put a hand to her forehead.


    ''I''m not playing around, though,''


    Crono closed his eyes without checking Alyssa''s reaction.


    *


    When Crono woke up, it was morning.


    His head was heavy and weary.


    The fever doesn''t seem to have gone down yet.


    Maybe it''s time for a shift, but no one else is in the room except Crono.


    As Crono was staring up at the ceiling in a daze, the door opened.


    ''Oh, you didn''t wake me up, did you?


    It just happened.


    Immediately after the landlady sat down on a chair, Crono''s stomach squeezed.


    Crono has not eaten anything but water for the past two days.


    I just got here.


    The landlady cowered her shoulders as if to say it couldn''t be helped.


    ''Do you have any requests?''


    ...rice porridge, and I''d appreciate it if you could make an egg porridge.


    Crono almost answered "miso soup," but he gulped.


    I don''t have any miso, even if I wanted him to make me miso soup.


    And, by the way, we don''t have any soy sauce either.


    I''ll go make you a quick miso soup and I''ll be waiting for you.


    Yes?


    The landlady rolled up her arms and left the room, but she didn''t come back.


    Maybe I should go back to sleep twice?��As Crono was thinking, the landlady came back with a tray in her arms.


    Crono scratched his head on the bed and accepted the tray from the landlady.


    Crono scraped a spoonful of egg porridge into it.


    Because of the heat, he couldn''t really taste it.


    Still, Crono thought it was delicious.


    ''Well, what did you do to Alyssa?''


    Bu...


    Crono held his mouth.


    Bleep!


    He blew gruel out of his nose with gusto.


    ''d*mn it, what are you doing!


    The landlady stood up and put the cloth to Crono''s mouth.


    Crono took the cloth and blew his nose with a boob.


    ''Thanks, landlady,''


    So, what did you do?


    Crono turned over and sluggishly sweated fat.


    ''Er, um, what''s wrong with you, Alyssa?''


    By the looks of it, I think I''ve got my hands full.


    The landlady held her brow and shook her head as if to say no treatment.


    ''No, I didn''t put it out. I''m not a good listener.''


    What do you want to do with your pretense?


    The landlady stuck her tongue out.


    Apparently, the landlady thinks that Crono is lying to her.


    Moreover, the landlady is more uncomfortable with Crono''s lying than with the fact that he''s messing with Alyssa.


    ''I know how the landlady feels about me. Well, I''m going to go ahead and put my hands on Alyssa now, at the landlady''s request.


    Hang on. So you''re sure you haven''t messed with it?


    I''ve been telling you that all along, sir.


    Hmmm, the landlady snorted.


    The light in her gaze was nine scepticism and one trust.


    Not trusted at all, Crono covered his face.


    ''But are you sure you didn''t do anything?


    You said you might like it.


    The landlady chopped Crono''s head with a bishouche.


    ''Where''s the harm in that!��I''m sorry I doubted you, and I almost felt bad about it!


    ''I didn''t do anything, so you should be sorry!


    Han!��And if you''re not doing anything, that means you''re not even hitting on me!


    Crono was overwhelmed and muzzled by the landlady.


    If you ask me, I was led to believe that it might be so.


    Or rather, it usually is.


    ''Ha!��I''ve done a hell of a lot of things with my fever!


    You''ve got a really nice personality.


    The landlady said in dismay.


    ''No, not of a good nature, but really of a fever.


    Well, that means nothing unusual.


    ''No, no, I don''t usually think about messing with Alyssa. But last night, my normal judgement skills were not...


    ''Huh,'' the landlady let out a sigh.


    ''You weren''t going to mess with me at first either, were you?��In my case, it was partly because I, you know, cut it out for them.


    The landlady crossed her arms, her cheeks flushed with vermilion, and said.


    ''You haven''t always been able to exercise normal judgment when it comes to women.


    ''I''d say so, but I''d say ... ugh, I can''t say it back.


    Crono tried to argue, but if he remembered well, it was only the first time that normal judgment skills would come into play.


    ''When it comes to this,''


    What if it comes to this?


    As Crono clenched his fists, the landlady leaned forward.


    ''I''m going to die in this stream!��Hahaha!��If it doesn''t go either way, they''ll screw it up!


    I''m not gonna stop you, though.


    Oh, I''m sorry. I''m on a roll.


    Crono regained his composure for a moment as the landlady prodded him.


    ''What do we do now?''


    Crono was at a loss, but Alyssa did not appear that night.


    The next day, Crono returned to work.


    Even though he had returned to work, it didn''t mean he could crunch through the work immediately.


    He had to take over the job from Tilia and get a report from the sitter to understand the current situation.


    ''''Ugh, I''m tired.''''


    Crono stretched lightly and plopped down on the desk.


    Normally, this is where Alyssa would offer me a cold incense tea.


    ''''I knew you were avoiding me.


    Crono scratched his head.


    He doesn''t think Alyssa will quit her job.


    No, he''s sure that Alyssa won''t quit her job for Alyson.


    I wish I could just split it up if she does her job......................Crono let out a sigh.


    Unfortunately, I don''t have the confidence to split it up that much.


    What should I do?��And as Crono looked up at the ceiling, there was a reserved tap on the door.


    ''Excuse me, sir,''


    Yeah, yeah.


    Alyssa approached slowly.


    The landlady said that Alyssa was in a daze, but as far as Crono could tell, Alyssa was the same as usual.


    Alyssa put her cup on the desk and Crono hurriedly reached for it.


    Crono''s fingertips touch Alyssa.


    ''''.........''''


    Alyssa withdrew her hand as if she''d touched something hot, and the cup fell over with a thud.


    ''Hey, Alyssa!''


    I''m sorry, too!


    The incense tea spreads.


    The work had been completed and the papers were safe.


    Crono patted his chest in relief and looked at Alyssa.


    Crono and Alyssa''s eyes met.


    Alyssa was leaning forward.


    Alyssa turned away, red to her ears.


    ''Da, sir, forgive me.''


    Alyssa, are you doing this on purpose?��And Crono swallowed the words.


    ''....Alyssa.


    "Sir,


    When Crono touched her shoulder, Alyssa''s eyes welled up with sadness.


    I have to do something about Alyssa''s misunderstanding, Crono thought desperately.


    That''s when a strange idea came to me.


    If I don''t have the ability to make normal decisions, why don''t I just let Alyssa make them?��Crono thought.


    It seemed like a great idea.


    Something felt wrong, but a drowning man doesn''t think about the future.


    ''Alyssa, I''m not thinking of touching Alyssa myself. You understand, don''t you?��And then Alyssa and Cecily will be changed to maids for me.


    ...Yes, sir.


    Crono said with a smile, and Alyssa nodded.

 84-Episode 18 "Doki! Full of women……”

    *


    The sky was blue and there was not a cloud in sight.


    The intense sunshine was relentless, and the cicadas were buzzing as if they were trying to burn out their lives.


    Crono jumped down from the wagon and ran along the beach.


    Count Caddo''s territory there was a depression in one corner of the long coastline.


    It was a slope of rolling rocks, and the base of the slope was a sandy beach.


    The sandy beach is about the size of a cat''s forehead, and even a toddler would have no difficulty in walking back and forth.


    ''Hi-ha!��Summer!��The sea!��Bathing!


    Crono pumped his fist into the air.


    ''Crono, you''re doing fine.''


    That''s because I dreamed of swimming in the ocean.


    Crono replied to Tilia, who had a dumbfounded expression on her face.


    Last year, I was unable to go swimming due to the effects of the ''Trial of Death''.


    I don''t care if I''m not productive.


    I don''t care if I''m called a useless person.


    Crono wanted a beautiful woman in a swimsuit to be his samurai.


    ''Come on, come on, everyone, come on!


    Crono waved to his men as they made their way down the slope.


    The nine female members were Layla, the female commander, Alideed, Deneb, Faye, Snow, Sue, Eril, and the priestess, and the five male members were the second in command, Kane, Taiga, Shiro, and Hiilo.


    Elena refused to go because she had work to do.


    Maybe she had an inkling of something.


    ''Crono, is it okay to take the officer class with you?


    It''s been taken care of.


    Crono took out a magic item for communication.


    It''s a terminal for ultra-long distance communication magic items.


    "........this is the sea.


    The Sea


    Snow stared at the sea and muttered as if he was overwhelmed by the power.


    ''''General, I will assemble a tent.'''' (Bumo)


    Nice to meet you, Mr. Minot.


    Hey!��Mino-san nodded and gave him crisp instructions.


    Assembling tents is also part of the training curriculum, or perhaps the military group is very adept at it.


    Three tents were assembled in the blink of an eye: one for Crono and Tilia only, one for the women and one for the men.


    ''''After we change into our swimsuits in the tents, we''ll assemble!


    *


    Crono left Tilia in her tent, who didn''t want to change into her swimsuit, and ran out onto the sandy beach.


    No one was on the beach.


    Apparently, Crono was the first to arrive.


    Crono waited for everyone in his sea pants.


    Crono''s sea pants are of the trunks type they are an item of woven and processed wool imported from the Holy Argo Kingdom by dwarven craftsmen.


    However, they are not as comfortable as they should be.


    "Are you my number two? (Bum?)


    "Whoa, Mino!


    "Hehe, it''s a little embarrassing to wear a bathing suit." (Bummo)


    The deputy scratched his head in embarrassment.


    Crono backed away.


    It wasn''t because the deputy''s swimsuit was a boomerang.


    ''General, what''s going on?'' (Bum?)


    Oh, no, I''m sorry.


    Too?��The deputy nodded his head curiously.


    Crono was so overwhelmed by the deputy''s muscles that he apologized for no reason.


    The deputy was covered in muscles like steel.


    His limbs were so muscular that most animals could probably beat him to death.


    His pectoral muscles were as thick as armor, and his abdominal muscles were splendidly cracked.


    The protruding trapezius muscles must be able to absorb even the impact of being hit with a club.


    ''''What are you two doing?''''


    Kane is kind of predictable when it comes to what to expect.


    It''s a twin.


    Kane grinned.


    Kane has a stocky body.


    He doesn''t have the overwhelming amount of muscle mass of his second-in-command, but his body is fully trained.


    Kane must be macho, but he''s not fine macho, but that doesn''t mean he can''t be described as macho.


    But he is not so much macho as macho.


    He was frustratingly macho.


    By the way, Kane chose a boxer-type swimsuit.


    I''ve never been to the sea before, that I have.


    The third person is Taiga.


    Taiga has a great deal of experience with the big sword, and he''s really quite macho.


    If Taiga had been the second, Crono would have been able to avoid describing Kane as somewhat macho.


    Tyga''s pecs and abs are great, but his well-developed biceps and biceps surpass them.


    ''Me, sea, first time.'' (Gau)


    "Me too, me too.


    The fourth and fifth were White and Hairo.


    White and Hairo have toned bodies.


    For some reason, the two seemed to have chosen full-bodied swimsuits that looked like prison uniforms.


    What can I say, it suits me really well.


    ''Huh?''


    Crono tilted his head.


    ''What''s the matter?'' (Bum?)


    There''s only a guy in the hallway. Isn''t that funny?


    Crono said with a straight face.


    ''It''s not funny,''


    No, you''re crazy. Bathing in the sea, swimming. "Splash!��Men at the beach!��''There''s also polori''...................Where are you going to polori!


    Crono shouted, and White and Hairo cooed.


    ''''It''s coming out, that it is.'''' (Gau)


    What!��Come on!��Annnnnnnnn!


    Well, the chest was defended by the stones.


    ''Crono, is the fever coming back?


    ''No, Tilia, you read, read, read, read the air!��Why are you wearing normal clothes?


    When Crono pleaded desperately, Tilia looked at Crono as if she was looking at something incomprehensible.


    ''''This isn''t your normal clothes, okay?''''


    Tilia had changed into shorts and short sleeves in white.


    ''Where''s your swimsuit?''


    I can''t dress like that!


    There were no islands to cling to.


    But Crono would not be deterred.


    ''Dressed like that?��That bathing suit... or rather, this bathing suit is also a watertight cloth woven with wool from the Holy Argo Kingdom!��And one by a dwarven artisan!��If I bought it, how much do you think it would cost me!


    Crono insisted with all his might.


    ''d*mn it!''


    I''ve even sewn the lining in properly and taken care of things!


    Crono said, almost crying, and Tilia backed away as if pressured.


    ''Well, I suppose it''s possible when it''s just the two of us, but wearing it outside is a problem.


    ''I''ll wear it outside so it means something!��It''s a bit of a liberating feeling, like, well, there''s something, something!��What''s up!


    What the f*ck!��And Crono broke down in tears.


    "General, Leila and the others are on their way out.


    ''But, but Tilia doesn''t want to wear a bathing suit because she''s a royal!��So, what about the rest of you!


    Crono turned around and broke down crying again.


    Layla, the landlady, Alideed, Deneb, Deneb, Faye, Snow, and Eril were all dressed in short sleeves and shorts, as was Tyria.


    ''God!��I don''t have any great hopes for that!��I just wanted to flirt with a girl like I did with my rear!��That''s enough to get us through the coming hardships... oh, my God!


    Crono looked up at the sky and let out a curse.


    ''Such a stylish gift from God to the Lord!


    You''re the man, priest!��You know what I mean!


    I''m sure the priest would wear a bathing suit!��And Crono turned around with a snort.


    But his hopes turned to disappointment.


    ''Well?''


    "f*ck you!


    Crono yelled at the priestess.


    The priestess''s swimsuit was a full-bodied swimsuit that looked more like a prisoner''s uniform than anything else.


    ''Why, why is that? You are always dressed like a freak, you can''t wear a full-body swimsuit at this time!


    I know exactly what you think of me. But I''m not sure I''d look much different from my underwear.


    The priest blushed in embarrassment.


    ''I don''t know what the standard is!''


    Crono scratched his hair.


    ''Ole, bathing suit, wear it.''


    Oh, Sue. You''re the only one who understands how I feel.


    "I''m my wife, of course.


    Sue puffed out her chest with an ehemism.


    However, it was as if Sue usually wore a bikini.


    In fact, the degree of exposure has decreased.


    Crono looked at Sue.


    Perhaps it was because she grew up in the mountainous region and was still part of the Coma Forest, but Sue had a smart figure.


    She lacked feminine roundness.


    Her breasts, covered by a black tube top, only show a slight bulge.


    However, her well-trained body is very attractive.


    Her cracked abs are magnificent, and her toned limbs are supple.


    ''''I''m ... a little satisfied.''''


    You''re wasting a nice smile.


    Crono went through Tilia''s prodding.


    *


    Crono lounged on a wooden beach chair and stared out at the ocean, but the men were the only ones swimming.


    The women - Snow, Eryl and Sue - are playing in the surf and making sand piles.


    It''s like Snow and Sue are pulling Eril around.


    Crono was aware of the drop in tension.


    ''Crono, what is this chair?''


    I had it made in my workshop.


    When Crono looked to the side, Tilia was sitting in a beach chair across from a small table.


    ''I also had a beach ball and a floatation wheel made out of animal skin. The beach ball is as hard as a volleyball, but ... Tilia, your swimsuit.


    "No.


    He didn''t blink.


    ''Master Crono, like ice cream.''


    And Princess Tyria.


    Alideed and Deneb placed the ceramic container on the table.


    The landlady''s special ice cream was far better than that made by Crono.


    The landlady is a master, Crono said, tilting his gaze.


    Then the landlady called Snow, Eryl and Sue to the tent.


    ''''Am I accompanying you?''''


    Tilia complained and brought the ice cream to her mouth.


    The next moment, Tilia smiled a happy smile.


    ''''It''s.......delicious.''''


    I know!��And the ice cream is great!��And other candy provided.


    Like, since Count Caddo''s territory became Master Crono''s territory, it''s like a full meal every day!


    Alideed and Deneb leaned forward.


    ''You guys are all about eating.


    Food is important and super important!


    It''s like having enough food, clothing and civility!


    When Tyria said dumbfounded, Alydead and Deneb packed up.


    He poked his cheekbones while looking at them and let out a sigh, also dumbfounded.


    ''''You guys may be filled with food, clothing, and shelter, but you can''t learn civility, can you?


    Well, it''s like... that''s it, that''s it, that''s it?


    You want to be concerned about quality, not just quantity.


    Aridid made a gesture of shifting something from right to left and Deneb scratched his head in embarrassment.


    ''I don''t think you''re going to be filled forever. Crono, let him fast.''


    Stop, stop, stop, stop!��And we have the right to eat!


    "We are resolute in our opposition to the powers that be,


    Right?


    Tyria looked like she''d bitten down on a bitter worm as Arididid and Deneb raised their fists in the air and protested furiously.


    Like a fair reward for labor!


    "Princess Tyria is the one who doesn''t work and doesn''t eat.


    ...hmph.


    Tilia snickered.


    ''Kuh, Master Crono, ha, like he snickered at me!


    Food that doesn''t involve working is, yuck, of course it''s good!


    Yeah, it''s good. It''s great.


    Owwww!��And Aridid and Deneb screamed.


    I''m not sure, but they say there''s a lot going on.


    ''This, this ... ugh, I''m speechless and ...''


    You''re like, "Hey, hey, hey, hey, you remember this.


    Aridid and Deneb spat out a discarded line and headed for the tent where the landlady was.


    Perhaps they were going to soothe their hearts with ice cream.


    ''I''m going to go for a quick swim,''


    With that, Crono stood up.


    Master Crono, your timing is excellent.


    I have a bad feeling about this.


    Crono heard Faye''s words and felt the urge to run away.


    And as quickly as possible.


    ''Today is the water drill that Crono-sama was eagerly anticipating.


    I don''t really want to do the water drill.


    This Fay M''Refine, I''m willing to put on a show.


    Faye ignored Crono''s line.


    ''Well, I have a bad feeling about this, but what are you going to make me do?''


    The water drill is here. Lord White, Lord Hi-Lo!


    Wow!��The voice sounded like a howl.


    Crono narrowed his eyes.


    A figure that looked like White and Hairo was unloading something from a wagon.


    I''m sure you''ll find it difficult to carry that something, even if it''s a two-man team.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find your way to the top.


    The thing the two of them were carrying was sheet metal armor.


    ''''It''s the sheet metal armor we found in the warehouse of the Marquis'' mansion.


    What do you want me to do?


    Crono looked at the sheet metal armor and the fey in turn.


    ''''First, you will put on your sheet metal armor, sir.


    Well, and then the next one, as you might expect.


    I had a bad feeling about this.


    No, I just had a bad feeling about it.


    We''ll take the boat out to sea and shove it overboard.


    No, I''m dying!


    Crono prodded, and Faye''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''A joke, sir,''


    Don''t you dare joke about it!


    I''m serious, sir.


    And I''m sorry!


    What?��And Faye snorted as if she didn''t understand why.


    ''You have to understand!��It''s sinking, it''s sinking, because it''s sinking so fast!


    It''s covered with guts!


    I can''t!��My guts can''t compete with the weight of my armor!


    ''Mmmm,'' growled Faye.


    ''Then we will change to training to take off our armour in the water!


    I mean, were you just trying to get me to swim out to sea?��Either way, I''m going to die!


    If you can do it, you can do it.


    Do you really want to kill me that badly?��Did I do something to make you hate me?


    Faye stared at the horizon with distant eyes and reached out to Crono.


    ''I love you so much I want to kill you, sir.


    I don''t know if I said it well or if I meant it!


    Crono covered his face.


    ''If Crono-sama doesn''t like it that much, the water drill is cancelled, isn''t it?


    Faye carried her sheet metal armor and turned her back to Crono.


    He must be using the Divine Majesty Technique because something like black smoke was rising from Fay.


    ''''........The position of White and Hiilo....


    Crono muttered to himself.


    *


    "Swimming alone is no fun.


    Crono climbed out of the water and lay down on the beach.


    Crono closed his eyes.


    Still, the sun''s rays irritated Crono''s eyes through his eyelids.


    His vision darkened and Crono opened his eyes.


    Then he saw Leila looking at Crono.


    ''There''s a lot of sun.''


    There is only one sun, sir?


    Leila held out her hand and looked up at the sky.


    Crono moved to where the waves couldn''t reach him and sat down again.


    Leila sat down next to Crono, somewhat late.


    ''Leila, your swimsuit,''


    ...if Mr. Crono wants you to wear it.


    Leila was silent for a moment, and then said with her usual slight expression.


    Her expression didn''t change, but there was a sense of sadness in the air.


    ''''No, I wouldn''t offer that.''''


    Yes, sir.


    Leila gave a small nod, but glanced at Crono, glancing at him.


    Leila must be aware of Crono''s true intentions.


    Crono wants Leila to wear a swimsuit.


    Leila would like to fulfill Crono''s wishes if she could.


    But Leila''s values appeal to the fact that she shouldn''t wear a swimsuit.


    Hence the conflict.


    ''''Crono-sama is a master swimmer, isn''t she?


    Well, yeah.


    Compulsory education is great.


    ''What did Master Crono do for swimming?


    I''m not lying about the fact that I wanted to play with girls in swimsuits but frankly, I just wanted to linger.


    Crono looked at the horizon in a daze.


    Since he had become a lord, he felt like he had had a holiday, but not a day to play.


    ''''Master Crono!��Teach me how to swim, too!


    A light shock hit Crono.


    Snow hugged Crono.


    Oh!��Crono''s mouth dropped open.


    A pnickety feeling touched Crono''s back.


    ''If it''s not a swimsuit... haha!


    Ahem. How do I look?


    When Crono turned around, he saw Snow standing there in her swimsuit.


    Snow was wearing an orthodox one-piece type of dress.


    ''''It''s a bit embarrassing, though.''''


    "Retreat.


    Sue stepped in between Crono and Snow.


    Snow, who was pushed away, looked miffed and clung to Crono''s arm.


    ''''........Ole, Crono, No, my wife.''''


    Well, Master Crono isn''t just for Sue.


    Snow argued with Sue, who claimed to be his wife.


    Snow and Sue sandwiched Crono between them, causing sparks to fly.


    Crono felt happy at the feel of Snow and Sue''s modest breasts.


    *


    Ouch, ouch!


    Crono moaned miserably on the carriage ride home.


    It was the sunburn.


    ''d*mn, it can''t be helped. You two.


    "Ice dance!


    Aridid and Deneb unleash their magic on the vat.


    The vat creaks with a creak.


    The landlady exhaled through her nose in disgust and took out a cold cloth from the vat.


    ''Yes.''


    Thank you, landlady.


    Yes, yes, the landlady covered Crono''s back with a cool cloth.


    The coolness of the cloth soothed the pain of the sunburn.


    ''Last time I had a cold, today you have a sunburn. You''re really making me look after you, aren''t you?


    While saying so, the landlady seems not to be satisfied.


    The landlady is a big sister to me.


    So, how was the sea bathing?


    "I''d be happy, except I didn''t see a swimsuit.


    Are you the only one who can do it?


    My motivation for life.


    My obsession with erotica isn''t all that drives me to live, but it''s sometimes a percentage I can''t ignore.


    ''I wish we could all go swimming again next year! And next time, next time, swimsuit, swimsuit!


    Crono clenched his fists.

 85-Episode 19 "Each determination"

    [Duran]


    In late August of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-two, in


    Mister, you need to wake up. Mister.


    Oh, I know.


    Duran sat up, rubbing his sleepy eyes.


    The bed, made by a dwarven craftsman, didn''t squeak as Duran raised himself up.


    It didn''t squeak even when he and Angier were working hard.


    It was a very solid piece of furniture.


    All of the furniture that is provided is well made.


    How much money would it cost to buy furniture of such high quality in the imperial capital?


    At the very least, it would be difficult to do so on the salary Duran received when he was a guard in the imperial capital.


    Duran got off the bed and sleeved his clothes.


    The color of his clothes was neither white to indicate he was a Kingsguard Knight nor black to indicate he was a common soldier.


    A pair of linen trousers and a shirt.


    They are fine for everyday wear, but they are not enough for clothing to appear on official occasions.


    He does not wear a sword belt and sword.


    The current Duran is not a knight, but a clerk''s apprentice in the Marquess of Erakis.


    If it''s judged to be OK after three months of probation, he''ll be cleared to become an official clerk.


    If it''s judged to be a problem, the probationary period will be extended or you''ll be reassigned to the cavalry of the Marquis of Erakis territory... and you''ll return to the army.


    ''''Mister, will you take care of your meals?''''


    Yeah, I''ll eat.


    These days, Duran tries to go to bed early and get up early.


    Being late must be avoided at all costs in his position as an apprentice clerk.


    Duran followed Angier upstairs to the first floor.


    Breakfast was laid out on the dining room table.


    The breakfast menu consisted of bread, white fish soup and a salad.


    Duran took his seat and brought the soup to his mouth.


    The price of fish and salt was cheaper in the Marquis of Erakis territory than in the Imperial City.


    It might not be surprising, though, since the sea was only half a day away.


    ''''Mister, how''s business?''''


    That''s okay, isn''t it?


    Duran rested his hand.


    It''s a bit of a lie.


    I have a lot to learn and not a lot of mistakes to make.


    Often times I feel self-loathing at my insufferability.


    ''''Has your husband given up on becoming a Knight of the Kingsguard?


    Well, you know.


    Duran slurred his words.


    ''For me, sir?


    If I say it''s for your sake, it''s for your sake.


    Ten companions died on a mission in the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Of the twenty survivors, ten wanted to work in the imperial capital, and the remaining ten wanted to be transferred to Crono''s territory.


    Among them, Duran was the only one who wanted to be a clerk.


    ''''If you dig down to the bottom of it, it''s for your own good, isn''t it?


    For yourself?


    Oh, Duran nodded.


    Duran knew that not everyone could die a hero on a mission in the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    But I think.


    Even if he had the opportunity to die a heroic death, would he be able to die as a hero?


    Would I be able to accept my death with heroic feelings?


    I don''t think so.


    When Duran was conscious of his death in the Holy Argo Kingdom, he could only remember Angier.


    And it was a memory of being in bed with Angier and encouraging him.


    Duran realized that he was not a heroic vessel.


    And he chose a mediocre life rather than death as a hero.


    Duran asked Leonhardt to help him find a job as a clerk.


    The job was quickly found.


    There was also a job in the imperial capital, but he decided to work in Crono''s territory.


    ''''For that, I think it''s a bit of a non-starter.


    Well, swordplay training you never know what''s going to happen.


    Duran still continues to pretend.


    Partly out of habit, but also because he wanted to maintain enough strength to protect his own family.


    ''So, don''t worry about the job. I''m still having fun doing this, you know? Or is that thing?��Do you have an unfulfilled title as the wife of a knight of the Kingsguard?


    I don''t have a problem with that.


    Angel retorted in a slightly stronger tone.


    ''But I''m too happy, I''m a little worried. I''m just lucky that my husband has found a woman like me... and I''m changing jobs and this treatment.


    Ange looked around at him as if he had no place to be.


    I know what you mean.


    The house that Duran and Angel lived in in the imperial capital was a drafty, run-down house, but this house, which was rented out as a dormitory, was well furnished.


    ''''There''s no need to worry about it, is there?


    I do care.


    Angier let out a depressed sigh.


    Duran drank his soup and sat up.


    Then Angier got up and saw Duran off to the door.


    Duran heads to the Marquis'' house.


    Duran''s house is located at a slight distance from the Marquis'' residence.


    According to Angier, it''s not convenient to buy things.


    "...Duran...


    Duran''s name was called and he slowed his pace.


    After a while, Bruno caught up to Duran.


    So it''s Bruno.


    Yeah, it''s me.


    Duran walks shoulder to shoulder with Bruno.


    Like Duran, Bruno dreamed of becoming a knight of the Kingsguard and joined a mission in the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Bruno also seems to have thought a lot of things over after the mission and was transferred to the Marquis of Erakis territory.


    He belongs to the cavalry.


    How are you doing?


    Not bad.


    Bruno replied, stroking the wound on his lip.


    ''Apparently, you''ve been squeezed quite a bit in training.


    ''Have you lost some weight?''


    The captain is trying to get me to lose weight. I hear it''s going to slow the horses down.


    Bruno''s bosses are Alideed and Deneb.


    They must be cursing pretty foul-mouthed because of those two.


    ''You''re getting fat,''


    Tsk, I''m a very fat man.


    Duran clicked his tongue.


    He continued to train in swordsmanship, but he had much less time to move his body compared to when he was in the Imperial City.


    He felt that he had gained weight himself, but it made him angry when others pointed it out to him.


    ''''Have you given up on the Konoe Knight?''''


    Yeah.


    Well, Bruno nodded.


    Duran isn''t stupid either.


    He thinks he knows what he''s being told behind his back.


    ''I respect your decision.


    Thanks. You won''t give up your Kingsguard knight?


    You''re a Kingsguard.


    The Thirteenth Kingsguard, though.


    Duran lifted the corners of his mouth to look evil.


    The position of the Thirteenth Kingsguard, which was created by one of His Highness Alfort''s own, is delicate.


    The Thirteenth Kingsguard Order is an army mainly made up of sub-humans, and the leader, Crono, is a new nobleman.


    That''s why they aren''t considered the Knights of the Kingsguard.


    ''''I''ll start here,''''


    Okay.


    Now it was Duran''s turn to nod.


    The Thirteenth Konoe Order had only a small number of cavalry.


    Light cavalry, bow cavalry, and even if Bruno and the others were added to it, there were only fifty-seven of them.


    Did Bruno think he could sell himself high?


    Probably not.


    Bruno saw potential in the 13th Kingsguard.


    That is the possibility of the 13th Konoe Order and also Bruno himself.


    If you belong to the Thirteenth Order of Near Guards, you might be able to get an advanced education like Aridid and Deneb.


    Even if you can''t get an education, you can still steal it.


    Stories of soldiers and mercenaries with real-world experience would also be a great way to grow.


    Bruno is trying to get beyond the knights of the Kingsguard.


    As Duran walked, he and Bruno debriefed each other on the recent developments.


    Since their jobs are different, they can only minister to each other.


    However, there was a common topic.......recognition.


    The clerks and the soldiers were surprisingly disciplined.


    Often times, the guards of the imperial capital would ask for bribes.


    Rather than crack down on petty criminals, they would take bribes and give them a pat on the back.


    Even tax collectors and other officials and court nobles accepted bribes and favors.


    It got worse after the construction of the mausoleum began.


    When I say it got worse, I don''t know the exact numbers, so it''s just Duran''s feeling.


    ''''To the people on the site... well, there are a lot of sub-humans. Anyway, it''s amazing how much that penetrates to the people in the field.


    ''The guy who tried to bribe the peddler got kicked by the captain. You newcomer, like you think you''ve improved the security of the city with how much trouble and hardship you''ve had to go through, you newcomer!��That was a hell of a sword fight from Tomo.


    Whose imitation is that?" said Duran, swallowing his impressions.


    Well, the fact that it didn''t get through to Duran''s ears meant that Alideed stopped him in the preliminary stages of demanding a bribe.


    That was a good decision.


    ''''Well, you''ve found out that the Imperial City''s style doesn''t work. But, ''''No bribes, never! With an atmosphere like that, there''s hell to pay after asking for and receiving a bribe. I''ll have no place to be.


    Ah, Duran agreed with one of them.


    ''No bribery, no way! The air that says "I''m not the only one" is not created by Crono, but by the people on the ground who have actually struggled to improve security.


    It''s not just the hardships, but also the pride of having improved public safety.


    Duran and Bruno walked through the gate of the Marquis'' mansion and parted after making a reasonable promise to have a drink in their free time.


    Good morning!


    Duran entered the office and reception area on the first floor of the Marquis'' mansion and greeted him in a loud voice.


    The room was separated by a counter about a third of the way down.


    One third of the room was for the waiting room and application form storage, and the clerk''s desk lined up in the remaining two thirds.


    Oh, good morning. You''re early again today.


    Good morning.


    Duran bowed to the sitter sitting in the back seat.


    He said the sitter was early, etc., but still, Duran was never ahead of the sitter.


    The sitter was also late to leave.


    Normally, his subordinates would be too shy to leave, but the clerk leaves without hesitation.


    Duran checked the number of applications in the reception area and took his seat.


    Then he takes out a stack of papers ... a manual from a drawer.


    A rough work flow is written in the manual.


    You can''t take out the manual while you are working, you have to steal the details from your seniors or make up for it yourself, but there is a big difference between having it and not having it.


    ''....Good morning.


    Good morning.


    A woman sits next to Duran.


    The woman''s name is Lucia.


    Her shoulder-length brown hair gives the strong impression that it''s not stretched out.


    Her eyes and nose are reasonably well-groomed, but her expression is dull.


    As soon as Lucia took her seat, she let out a loud sigh.


    ''''It sounds painful.''''


    It''s hard, actually.


    Lucia is a tax collector.


    It was said that a man named Kane used to be the captain of the cavalry and a tax collector, but since he was appointed as the deputy of the county of Caddo, Lucia was selected as the tax collector.


    ''''........I thought that the tax collector''s job would be busy from September?''''


    Until last year, that is.


    Lucia let out a big sigh.


    ''Crono-sama.......Anyway, Crono-sama''s ''thousand tooth handler'' made it faster to thresh. I have to beat the ears after all, but still.


    Hmmm, Lucia let out a sigh.


    I don''t know how I feel.


    I was working on my own schedule, and then it suddenly fell apart.


    It''s called a sigh or two.


    ''''I have to write a report as well, right?


    Is that a report?


    Lucia let out another loud sigh.


    ''About the results of the agrarian reforms they say sowing clover on fallow land helps the wheat to grow better.


    How did it go?


    Duran had never heard of clover helping the wheat grow.


    ''I think it''s been successful, but it''s a pain in the ass because I have to pull up historical data,''


    Lucia glanced at Duran.


    It seemed to show through her feelings of wondering if she could help~.


    ''''If it''s okay with me, I''ll help you.


    ''What?��Yes?


    Lucia said happily.


    ''But I have to work as a receptionist too,''


    ''You can do it after work... the report will be ready when the tax collection is over.


    She''s a cash woman, Duran thought.


    Nevertheless, it wouldn''t be a waste of time to show him that she was positive and committed to her work.


    f*ck you.


    My name is Duran, and I''m here to get the historical yield data.


    Did I do something to make you hate me?��Duran inwardly tilted his head and explained the situation to the quarrelsome woman.


    According to what the sitter told me, the quarrelsome woman is in charge of accounting for Elena and Crono''s territory.


    How many years?


    ''Oh, oh, how long?''


    ''You are. You came here to get the data and you don''t know how long it''s going to last.


    Elena shook her head to say she was dumbfounded.


    You don''t have to say that much, Duran thought, but he quickly reminded himself.


    Accurate reports are required by the military as well.


    Rather, he thought it was odd that he had come to get the data without asking for details from Lucia.


    ''''Then, five years.''''


    No.


    What?


    Duran couldn''t help but ask back.


    ''The data from last year and the year before is reliable, but before that it wasn''t as reliable as it could be. If that''s okay with you, I can lend you some?


    "based on data dating back to the year before last.


    Then don''t ask, Duran nodded as he poked around in his mind.


    Elena quickly took out a stack of papers.


    She was only in charge of accounting and seemed to be well organized.


    ''''Thank you,''''


    Give it back to me.


    Duran received the data and left the scene.


    *


    Yeah, my arm hurts.


    Duran left the Marquis'' mansion, relieving the stiffness in his shoulders.


    Transcribing two years'' worth of data was a bone of contention.


    Duran thought Elena would complain, so he transcribed the data, but when he went to return the data, Elena had left.


    d*mn it, Duran looked down at his hands and smiled.


    My arm hurts.


    Fatigue in its own right.


    He wasn''t sure if he could become an official clerk, but he also felt a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.


    ''''Well, let''s get to work tomorrow.


    Duran headed to his house.


    Angier is waiting for Duran at home.


    [Crono]


    In the middle of September of the imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-two, a line of workers carrying sacks of wheat passed in front of Crono''s eyes.


    This year is going well, Crono thought to himself.


    Last year, Crono was late in paying his taxes because he was on military business in the southern frontier, but this year''s tax payment was earlier than the year before.


    According to the sitter, this is because the efficiency of the threshing process has been improved by the ''thousand tooth handling''.


    How much did it improve the efficiency of the operation?��And Crono stroked his chin.


    This year, he had no difficulty in securing manpower to carry the wheat bags.


    Since most of the laborers were from rural areas, there was no doubt that the efficiency of the work had improved dramatically.


    That made the labor cost more expensive, but the journeymen could earn cash income and their men could focus on their primary job.


    You should be pleased.


    This success was a credit to Leila.


    If Leila hadn''t pointed it out to him, Crono wouldn''t have been able to remember The Thousand Tooth Handler.


    ''''This, I have to give Leila, gosh, a reward for this.


    You don''t have the look on your face when you say you deserve it.


    Crono looked next to her and saw Elena standing there with a board in her hand that served as a clipboard.


    Her gaze is not favorable.


    It was as if she was looking at something incomprehensible.


    To put it bluntly, it was a contemptuous look.


    ''....Kohon.


    ....


    As Crono sat back down, Elena moved silently away from Crono.


    She''s pretty much sitting back.


    Apparently, she is wary.


    ''What do you think I look like?''


    You have a look on your face when you''re thinking about the wrong thing.


    ''Rude. I, as a lord, was thinking of a reward for Leila.


    So, what do you have in mind?


    ''Mmm,'' Crono snorted.


    ''So, like a date or something?''


    Aren''t you trying to enjoy yourself?


    It was a good point.


    ''Mi, swimsuit?''


    Huh~, Elena let out a sigh.


    She looked like she''d chewed up a dozen bitter worms.


    ''''People don''t like it, but that swimsuit cost quite a bit of money. It''s a supreme piece made from wool imported from the Holy Argo Kingdom by a dwarven craftsman.......Come to think of it, Elena skipped swimming, didn''t she?


    And I''ve been busy with work!


    Elena hugged her clipboard and pulled further away from Crono.


    Crono smiled thinly, "A swimsuit viewing party for a long fall night is being held," she said.


    ''You''re thinking about some bullshit, aren''t you?


    No, not at all.


    Crono turned away from Elena.


    ''Is it okay to sell oil in a place like this?''


    ''I''m taking a break because I''m done with work. The meeting ended early.


    Crono put his elbows on his thighs and poked his cheekbones.


    The meeting with the rural village chiefs had ended without any major trouble.


    ''''How did it go with your neck?''''


    It has been decided to grow clover on all fallow land starting next year.


    You don''t seem too happy about it.


    ''I had my sitter prepare some materials for me, and I practiced explaining them at the meeting... but the materials were enough.


    Crono hung his head helplessly.


    It was quickly decided to grow clover on the fallow land.


    The meeting was so smooth that it was tempting to suspect that the village chiefs had sent the villagers to work for them to gather information.


    ''''In a manner of speaking, I see the material was useful.


    Did Elena make that file?


    That wasn''t me. You see that guy, Duran, the junior clerk, right?


    Yes, you''re the one that Lord Leonhardt recommended.


    Crono immediately remembered Duran''s name.


    Leonhardt had sent him a total of ten letters of recommendation - Duran was the only married man recommended as a clerk, so he was particularly impressed with him.


    Crono addressed the renovated, empty house to Duran as his quarters.


    The bedrooms were meticulously remodeled.


    But Crono is still wondering if he should adopt Duran.


    That''s why we put him on a trial period.


    ''That guy came to me to borrow my yield data. Maybe it was Lucia, the tax collector, who actually made the data.


    Yeah,


    ''Elena,'' Crono countered, thinking rudely, ''I didn''t know a clerk other than Westa.


    ''You should be a little happier now that your agrarian reform over the last three years has been a success.


    ''No, I mean, yes, I know, but you know what? I''ve spent three years on it and it''s just not as exciting as it could be.


    Crono''s lips twitched as he said, "My position, having even made a collection of supposed questions and answers....


    ''''That''s because you don''t have any feelings about it, right?


    I''m certainly not as attached to it as I am to Mr. Theon.


    Crono remembered Sion.


    When it was decided to grow clover on all the fallow land, Theon had been in tears.


    ''''Well, I''m glad we succeeded,''''


    Crono muttered sincerely.


    *


    Crono looks over the report on this year''s expenditures and expected tax revenues.


    There''s still a week left in September, and there''s no denying that tax revenues could fluctuate depending on the market price of wheat.


    The report is only tentative.


    ''Crono, when you''re drinking incense tea, forget about your work.


    When Crono looks up, Tilia is seated face-to-face with a sullen expression on her face.


    Tilia put her mouth on the incense tea.


    The next moment, Tilia''s expression had softened.


    She looked kind of happy.


    ''''What is Tilia thinking about when she''s drinking the incense tea?''''


    ''I''m trying to figure out what I''m going to do after I finish my incense tea. What does it matter?


    Yeah, I''m not so sure about that.


    Crono let out a sigh.


    According to Leila and the sitter, Tilia had been doing the acting lord''s job properly in Crono''s absence.......


    ''''If you''re paying attention to me...''''


    I didn''t do it.


    Yes, Crono nodded.


    I expected the answer to be that I was standing up for my husband as a legitimate wife, but maybe I shouldn''t have expected it.


    ''I don''t think we''re on the same page now that we''re on the same page.


    ''I think that''s my line, don''t you?


    Tilia knew what was on Crono''s mind or not, but he spouted a manly line.


    It''s a line I''d like to say at least once.


    How did this happen?��Crono could not help but think.


    During her military school days, Tilia had acted like an imperial princess.


    At least, she wasn''t the type of person who would say that the food she ate without working was good.


    ''Crono, there was a time when I thought of you as a lifelong friend.


    Hmm.


    Maybe after we beat Tyria in a military school exercise?��Crono took a look at it.


    ''I think that''s when we started to see glimpses of the Tilia we have now.


    ''I think a friend is a relationship you can talk about with an open chest collar. And even more so when you''re a married couple who are going to be together for life.''


    Well that''s, well, maybe.


    I know, right?


    Crono averted his gaze from Tilia, who nodded her head as if to say my intentions.


    Even Crono thinks that a lifelong friend should have a relationship with a lifelong friend like Tilia says, but I think the reality is different.


    Crono folded his hands, wondering if Tilia was innocent or if I was dirty.


    He kept his gaze averted from Tilia.


    ''''Well my mother is very sick,''''


    That''s a first, that I''ve heard.


    Crono unclasped his hands.


    ''I''ve been curing myself in a place called Justia Castle, far from the imperial capital, for many years now. It''s been years. My father never visited my mother in his life. I''m sure he didn''t love her much.


    Tilia poked her cheekbones and said languidly.


    Crono felt like he finally understood Tilia.


    Tilia was as innocent as a child.


    Perhaps Tilia had been taught the definition of a friend by someone else.


    But she hadn''t made someone she could call a friend, and she hadn''t had the opportunity to learn about the couple.


    Maybe she had the opportunity to learn, but she didn''t have an example close to her, so she placed the couple as an extension of her friend.


    ''''Well Tilia, what is it about married couples?''''


    What?


    Tilia straightened her residence.


    She didn''t have the slightest hint of the languor she had just experienced.


    �� We can be friends, but what do you think we should do about our faults?


    ''I think we should admonish people for behavior that is out of the ordinary, inconvenient to others, or unbecoming of their position, but shouldn''t we basically accept it?''


    Yes.


    Crono nodded, feeling guilty.


    A warm feeling spread through his chest as he thought of Tilia''s behavior so far as part of her clumsy display of affection.


    This, this kind of thing, but a wicked smile escaped his lips as he imagined Tilia thinking that he should accept her as his rightful wife.


    *


    The expenditure for the current year is forty-nine thousand one hundred and thirty-eight gold coins, and the carryover is seventy-four thousand seven hundred and fifty-four gold coins and ten silver coins... Crono reads the report in his room.


    If you include the taxes, port royalties, and stock dividends that the slavers receive, next year''s budget is going to be amazing.


    First of all, a cemetery, or perhaps a mausoleum or ossuary would be better?��Now I just need to work on the roads, and since I''ve got more cavalry, I want to buy a spare horse and get the school to take the next step... Crono fell into bed and let out a sigh.


    When he looked to the side, he saw Tilia lying on the bed, looking at Crono.


    Tilia is in full relaxation mode.


    ''''Crono, is there something wrong?''''


    No problem, but I''m just wondering what I''m going to do next year.


    ''Hmm, it''s essential to improve the streets to develop commerce. Crono, what''s that sorry look on your face?


    Yeah, because I''m thinking the same thing.


    ''You didn''t say that!��Just wait a minute and I''ll come up with an idea that will surprise you.


    Tilia scratched her seat on the bed and crossed her arms thoughtfully.


    Crono followed Tilia''s lead and scratched his seat on the bed.


    Gunnu, Tilia groaned.


    The exchange of Tilia coming up with ideas and Crono giving her a no-no continued for a while.


    ''''How about........how about we expand the market a little more aggressively?


    ''''You mean you''re going to do the same thing in other fiefdoms as Viscount Hammar?''''


    That''s right.


    Tilia nodded in satisfaction.


    ''''Eliminate the tariffs and put in place the same stall system.......If we involve the adjacent territories, the market size will increase, and if the market size increases, the activities of the peddlers will also be revitalized.


    ''''Hmm, what do you think?''''


    That''s a very stubborn attitude.


    ''No, I think Tilia''s idea is great. If I suggested it, would the other lords be interested in it?


    That''s good to hear.


    Yes,


    Crono was a little shocked that he was agreed to, but he understood his position reasonably well.


    Crono is from the new nobility.


    From the point of view of the historic nobility, he''s just an upstart.


    Even if such Crono made a proposal, there wouldn''t be many old nobles who would be interested in it.


    ''''If that''s the case, why don''t you just not make the proposal honestly?''''


    What do you mean?


    Tilia puffed out her nose in a proud manner.


    ''''It''s simple. The merchants will sell the wool imported from the Holy Argo Kingdom in other territories. The wool from the Holy Argo Kingdom is expensive, so that alone should be of interest to them. ��You may ask the former Viscount Hamar to give the other lords a gift.


    How about Tilia, he said, chest thumping.


    ''Looks like it''s not Tilia,'' Crono clapped, thinking rudely.


    ''Write to Lord Brad at the earliest opportunity.


    Why don''t you ask Cecily? It''s a favor from my own daughter. I''m sure the former Viscount Hamal will be happy to oblige.


    Crono turned over, lazy and greasy sweat pouring off his face.


    ''Crono, what''s with the greasy sweat?��What have you done to Cecily?��Crono, look into my eyes!


    Crono turned away from Tilia.


    He ran away from Tilia for a while, but there was no escaping it.


    ''I made you serve. No, don''t get me wrong, it''s really just a service.


    I''ll be the one to convince Cecily to join us.


    Tilia let out a deep sigh.


    [Ignis]


    Ignis looked down at the city from the high ground.


    The city where Ignis''s mansion is located is called the Little King''s City because it''s on the shore of a lake.


    It''s a big name, Ignis chuckled.


    Right now, Ignis was not looking at the lake from which the Little King''s City was derived, but at the marketplace outside the city.


    Many tents and wagons can be seen.


    The market seems to be thriving today.


    Merchants come across the Coma Forest.


    The trade routes are said to have been chosen as safe routes, but it is only relatively safe and not without risk to life.


    Even so, the merchant balances risk and profit.


    Merchants are extremely greedy creatures.


    And that greed is what keeps Ignis'' pockets full.


    Of course, he shouldn''t be satisfied there.


    Ignis has to find a way to keep the merchant''s greed alive and his people''s pockets full.


    The right sleeve of his military uniform swayed in the wind.


    Someone grabbed the right sleeve of his military uniform.


    Ignis looked next to him and saw Aqua grabbing his sleeve.


    ''Ignis, do your job properly.''


    What about you?


    ''I''m doing my job properly. How many priests do you think I''ve pulled out of the old ''Blue Temple''?


    Aqua threw out his chest proudly.


    The old ''Blue Temple''........no, the old ''Temple'' was the name to distinguish it from the ''Temple'' that Ignis and the others set up.


    Naturally, the ''Temple'' that Ignis and his friends set up is the new ''Temple''.


    Ever since Reum''s downfall, the old Blue Temple has been engaged in a power struggle for the position of the next High Priestess.


    Aqua is taking advantage of the power struggle in the old ''Blue Temple'' to recruit priests and priest apprentices to take advantage of the power struggle in the old ''Blue Temple''.


    ''''And it looks like Wentos and Terra are also siding with us.


    What did you do?


    ''I didn''t do anything. I''m sure Wentz and Terra didn''t want to side with the old ''temple''. You''re with me.


    Aqua said as he let out a sigh.


    ''''Well I''m an idiot,''''


    Ignis muttered softly.


    His vision was too narrow.


    He had never made an effort to understand the other person because he was only trying to be right.


    "Ignis, work.


    I''m a good worker.


    Dear Father Ignis.


    Ignis grunted at Aqua''s words.


    ''Look, you''re leaving the package that arrived from Lord Crono alone. You can''t say you''re doing your job properly then.''


    Ignis could not say anything back.


    ''Crono''s letter - as soon as I read the first line of it, I lost my motivation, so I came to the high ground.


    ''So what was the package Lord Crono sent you?


    ...The Book of Agriculture.


    "Ignis.


    Aqua said in an accusing tone.


    ''Why do you let it go?''


    I don''t trust the Chronosphere.


    Huh~, Aqua let out a loud sigh.


    ''It''s possible that he''s trying to trick us.


    So, you''re going to verify it, right?


    Well, yeah, that''s true, but...


    Ignis couldn''t say it back this time, either.


    Aqua''s argument was correct.


    The new ''temple'' needs tangible benefits in order to expand its power.


    ''''Aqua, what do you think Crono has in mind?''''


    Yeah.


    Aqua crossed her arms thoughtfully.


    ''I wonder if he thinks he''s helping us?''


    We''ve got the upper hand, and now we''re going to give them the upper hand?


    I''m not so sure about that.��Hey, don''t look at me like that.


    When Ignis glared at her, Aqua''s willow eyebrows went upside down.


    ''I don''t have any scary eyes,''


    ''Do you want to check it out in the water mirror?��I can make it in a minute, okay?


    Maybe I was scared out of my wits.


    Ignis retracted his previous statement.


    ''So, what do you think?''


    Well, that''s okay.


    Aqua''s lips twitched in a sultry manner.


    ''Lord Crono seems to want the forces of the old and new ''temples'' to compete with each other, but I think it''s for trade.


    You mean money?


    Ignis clicked his tongue.


    There were many things he wanted to say, but he swallowed them all.


    It''s also true that the power of money is supporting the new ''temple''.


    You should be able to trust me as long as our interests are aligned.


    Ignis let out a sigh and stepped forward.


    ''Ignis?''


    We need to get back to work. I''m going back to the house.


    I don''t know how far I can trust Crono.


    I guess we should deal with the problem at hand now.

 86-Place name & glossary

    Explanation of Place Names


    The length of the peninsula is about 1200 KM and the width of the base is about 500 KM.


    The size of the Marquess of Erakis is appropriate.


    Cepheus Empire.


    About four hundred years ago, we were just a small country.


    With the success of the first emperor, it became an empire that ruled the entire peninsula.


    Thirty years ago, the empire was plagued by civil war, barbarian invasions, and urban independence.


    The territory is reduced to two-thirds of its size.


    It has adopted a more tolerant policy towards sub-humans than the surrounding countries.


    The green area is the southern frontier where Part 3 takes place.


    Imperial City of Alfilk.


    The city consists of four Old Town blocks surrounding Alfirk Castle and eight New Town blocks surrounding the Old Town.


    The 12th district is a pleasure quarter, with slums in the middle of it.


    Marquis of Erakis


    The territory of Crono1, covering an area of about 1,500 square kilometers.


    Hachel.


    The only fortified city in the Marquess of Erakis.


    Count of Caddo


    Crono''s territory2, an area of about a third of the Marquis of Erakis'' territory.


    It was a territory dotted with lonely fishing villages.


    Silva Port.


    The port was built in the territory of Count Caddo.


    It was named Silva Port because Silva designed the port.


    The quay is made of hammered logs and has a handmade feel.


    It is drifting. The quay is vertical, making it easy to use a crane.


    Sylvania.


    The city was born around the port of Silva.


    The city is loosely governed by merchants.


    Government Office


    Originally created to prevent trouble between mercenary guilds and merchants.


    Kane''s proposal to become a notary public witness to various contracts.


    Southern Frontier.


    The area where the third part of the story takes place.


    In the year 400 of the imperial calendar it was a virgin forest during the civil war.


    Claude and his team cultivate it and turn it into a granary.


    The Holy Argo Kingdom.


    It is a religious state that adheres to the Six Pillar God.


    The terrain is undulating and rich in water.


    Canopus.


    The royal capital of the Holy Argo Kingdom. Adjacent to the lake.


    The Lesser Royal Capital


    Another name for the city where Ignis has his mansion.


    Kalina.


    The city is located north of the territory of Ignis.


    There are two innkeepers.


    Free City State Group


    A group of city-states that became independent from the Cepheus Empire during the upheaval thirty years ago.


    Anyone of any status could live a life of luxury as long as they had money.


    It is said that any status can rise in the ranks as long as one has talent.


    Now that the guildmasters of the merchant guilds are in control of the city''s real power.


    New entrants are finding it difficult to enter the market.


    Emei.


    A city-state located on the eastern edge of the Free City State Cluster.


    Viola.


    The port city where Elaine is based.


    Glossary


    former nobility


    People who were noblemen of the Cepheus Empire from before the period of upheaval thirty years ago.


    Some are capable, some are incompetent, but in general they have a strong sense of discrimination.


    The new aristocracy.


    In recognition of their achievements during the upheavals, these people became the nobility of the Cepheus Empire.


    They were treated like pioneers in the name of nobility, but


    It takes more than twenty years to transform the frontier into a rich granary.


    Loyalty to the emperor is thin and the camaraderie between the new nobles is unusually strong.


    The new nobles of the southern frontier are the following


    The Crawford family


    House of Ripaios


    Kagachi family


    House of Ziranto


    Beor family


    House of Gennou


    Ekron family


    Levy family


    court nobles


    A nobleman in the service of the court who has no or lost his estate.


    Noble class


    duke


    marquis


    earl


    viscount


    baronet


    quasi-aristocrat


    Humans who are believed to have invaded during the upheaval thirty years ago.


    They use spells that are neither divine or magical.


    They were driven into the Areos Mountains by the exploits of Claude and others.


    Roux.


    A part of the barbarian tribe that overran the empire during the upheaval thirty years ago.


    They have a history of being driven from their lands by the first emperor.


    Machine-Bow.


    A bow with pulleys on both ends.


    Made of wood or metal.


    A compound bow.


    New Armor


    Goldie''s chest armor (Breast Armor)


    Because it is made of hardened steel, it is


    It is stronger than the knight''s sheet metal armor (plate armor).


    New Sword.


    A new type of sword developed by Goldie.


    It is strong because it is made of steel.


    Swimsuit.


    It was made from wool imported from the Holy Argo Kingdom by a dwarven craftsman.


    It''s been processed so that it won''t show through when wet.


    Seemingly too ahead of its time, the women refused to wear swimwear.

 87-Character introduction

    *


    Combat: Combat power, rated S+ to C-.


    A rough guide is as follows


    However, combat power depends on experience, terrain effects, and other circumstances.


    It''s going to be heavily modified so that even a combat power S+ is downgraded.


    There is a chance of losing.


    S:.


    A:


    -----Barriers to Talent and Physical Ability -----


    B:.


    C: General population level


    -----The wall of physical strength -----


    D:.


    Attributes: sorcery attributes, the divine and imprinting techniques are marked with [ ].


    Special: Special Skills


    Title.


    Item:.


    [Marquess of Erakis, Count of Caddo]


    Crono Crawford / Hisamitsu Kurono


    Age: 15 years old at the time of the summons to 18 years old at the start of the story


    Height: just over 170cm


    Soldier type: commander


    Combat: C+ (when activated by the mark: B+)


    Attributes: none, [Darkness]


    Special: human rights ideology, immorality, surprise attack, multiple activations of witchcraft (multitasking),


    Marking Technique Lv 1, Contraception ++


    Titles: King of Subhumans, Marquis of Erakis, Count of Caddo, Commander of the 13th Kings of the Kingsguard


    Shareholder of the Sinner Trade Association


    Item: Rizad''s Fang


    The family structure in the original world was parents and sister. Siblings were not close.


    His hobbies are reading and the internet.


    He has a wide range of knowledge, but it''s often useless due to the holes in his knowledge.


    He went to cram school in elementary and middle school and was not involved in sports or martial arts.


    He has low basic physical strength and fighting ability.


    He fell into another world on the day of his high school entrance exam and was adopted by the Crawford family.


    He has mastered the language a little over a year after falling into another world.


    He succeeds in losing weight.


    I took Claude''s words about nobles going to military school to heart.


    When he entered the military school in the imperial city, he quickly fell out.


    His grades were so low that he received a peerage instead of a diploma.


    It was not awarded.


    After being assigned to the Marquis of Erakis, he fought against an enemy with ten times as many men and


    He served as a lord of the retreat and challenged the death penalty in the name of an ordeal.


    He is incredibly deadly.


    Basically, he''s a serious character, described by others as kind.


    Relentless against the enemy, cowardly if tactically effective, and


    He can also do what is considered despicable.


    Because he often talks about getting backdropped in military school exercises.


    Tilia says he is a small person. A bedfellow.


    His abilities as a commander are riddled with holes.


    He''s been training for over five years, and his combat prowess is a C+.


    It''s a situation where he doesn''t appear.


    When the imprinting technique is activated, you''re able to demonstrate a higher level of combat power.


    He can only fight for a short period of time because his body can''t take the recoil.


    As a lord my practical skills are not that great.


    It is a state of affairs where the subordinates are highly capable of producing results.


    The ethics are more of a thing than they were in the early part of Part 1.


    When you have a child, you''re thinking about raising them properly.


    At the very least, it''s a relief, but a child who grew up watching Crono.


    It is very doubtful that they will be raised properly.


    We are determined to create a society where everyone can live together without discrimination.


    A servant to his people, a slave to his king.


    Erakis comes from the star in the constellation Cepheus.


    The name is from a friend of mine in college.


    Tilia.


    Age: 18 years old at the start of the film.


    Height: just under 170cm


    Troops: cavalry, commander.


    Combat: A


    Attributes: ��Light��.


    Special: Charisma Weakness, Defense ++, Adaptation +.


    Titles: regretful princess, selfish boobs, Crono''s rightful wife (self-proclaimed), fallen sun


    Item:.


    The First Princess of the Cepheus Empire and former first heir to the throne.


    She is a carnivorous girl who can''t help but chase after her opponent if she can get away with it.


    After being defeated by Crono in a military school exercise, there were twists and turns.


    He came to recognize Crono as a lifelong friend.


    He had a faint infatuation with Crono, but


    I was feeling my way until Leila cuckolded Crono.


    I didn''t notice.


    Viceroy Alcor''s machinations deprived him of his claim to the throne.


    He also regrets that there were many things he was not able to do.


    He''d been a neat guy since he''d come to the Marquess of Erakis.


    He serves as the acting lord in Part 5.


    He was raised in a hothouse, so he was naive and was brought up to be a slave to his surroundings.


    He can be a bit arrogant, but his roots are simple ... and innocent.


    He is a master of the divine wielding arts and is a skilled swordsman, but he keeps losing to Rio.


    As a result of his training in swordsmanship and divine power arts, his defense has improved dramatically.


    She is no longer afraid of being attacked by Rio at close range.


    She has blonde hair and ample breasts, just like her mother.


    Her breasts are half a step larger than the landlady''s, but


    He wins in overall proportions.


    Her name comes from Eustitia, the Roman goddess of justice.


    Leila.


    Age: 20 years old at the start of the film.


    Height: 165cm


    Armor: Archers and archers


    Combat: S for bow only, B+ for swordsmanship and body arts


    Attributes: fire, wind


    Specialties: thinly veiled, devotional, downward spiraling, and


    Titles: Apprentice Maid, Viscount


    Items: mechanic''s bow, mechanic''s short bow, naughty maid outfit, textbooks.


    She is a half-elf with brown skin and golden eyes.


    Her mother is an elven prostitute and her father is one of her clients, and she grew up in the slums of the Imperial City.


    The slum is not safe, crime is common, and


    Leila is s*xually assaulted.


    Her mother dies when she''s 15 and she joins the military to become a citizen.


    Early in his deployment, he is intrigued by the Marquis of Erakis.


    He misinterprets Crono''s good intentions as affection in the first part of the film, and they spend the night together.


    As it was, he settled in as mistress number one.


    Then the misunderstandings were cleared up, and he accepted Crono''s cowardice.


    He increased his affection and loyalty.


    He learned from past experience that showing emotions prolongs the pain.


    He has imposed on himself not to show his emotions.


    As such, he is expressionless (with slight variations).


    He is not good at making facial expressions. He is submissive and devoted to the people he falls in love with.


    He is a master archer and can use the advanced magic of fire and wind.


    He was one of the earliest archers to be fielded as an archer cavalryman.


    His abilities as a troop leader are somewhat inferior to those of Aridid and Deneb.


    This is due to Leila''s lack of good communication skills.


    This is because they force their subordinates to do things based on themselves.


    He has improved somewhat in his correspondence with Rio.


    Crono has taught him to study and has developed a high level of academic skills.


    He usually supports Crono in the administrative aspects of the unit.


    He is skilled in administrative skills.


    When he first appeared, he was a minor character who wasn''t even named.


    In no time at all, she established her position.


    Early in the second part, she earned the title of Apprentice Maid early on.


    In the third part, she changed her job from archer to archer-cavalryman.


    He was knighted in Part 4.


    She has obedient tits and a soothing ass.


    Proprietress: Shayla Ekron.


    Age: 3?


    Height: 165-170cm


    Soldier type: cook


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: Motherhood


    Title: Daughter of Baron Ekron


    Item: naughty maid outfit


    She is the former daughter-in-law of the Barons of Ekron, who have a fiefdom on the southern frontier.


    She has a younger sister named Canaan.


    She left home after falling in love at first sight with a soldier who was assigned to the Baron Ekron estate.


    She married the soldier and ran a diner and inn.


    Her husband died five years before the start of the book.


    She seduced Crono to pay off her debts, but he refused.


    She is now working as a cook at the Marquis'' mansion.


    Because she still loves her dead husband (and cares a bit about his age)


    He takes a step back in the meetings that determine the order of the nightlife.


    He may talk about the relationship between a man and a woman with a shy face.


    Her only male experience is with her dead husband and Crono.


    He is a skilled cook and has tried his hand at creative cooking.


    Of all of Crono''s mistresses, he has the largest breasts.


    She''s concerned about her crumbling proportions compared to her younger days.


    Elena Graffius.


    Age: 17 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 155-160cm


    Soldier type: accountant, s*x slave.


    Combat: Unlearned


    Attributes: M (masochistic)


    Special: Tsunero


    Title.


    He is an excellent archer and troop leader.


    Twice, he has been in combat under overwhelming odds.


    He is good at rebuilding a crumbling force.


    The name comes from the star in the constellation Swan.


    Zion


    Age: Mid-twenties when first appearing.


    Height: 160cm


    Soldier type: Priest


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: ��Earth��.


    Specialties: unhappiness, recrimination, hidden big tits, and corrosive wards.


    Title: Priest to Chief Priest, Yellow Priest


    Item: Secrets of the Earth (Erotic Book)


    A priest who can be used for the "Mother Goddess of Ocher and Fertility".


    His father was a priest in charge of the temple of the Marquis of Erakis.


    He passed away without any appreciation for his improved breed of beats.


    For a time, he resented Crono.


    The landlady''s sermons and Crono''s persuasion change his mind.


    He works tirelessly as the director of the poorhouse.


    He rose through the ranks after Crono paid a large donation.


    In Part 5: The Kingdom of Holy Argo (provisional), he was tricked by Aqua.


    He was determined to save Crono, who was mortally wounded.


    He again communicated with the "Mother Goddess of Ochre and Fertility".


    In the plot of the Sacred Argo Kingdom version


    Theon, who was able to use the Divine Majesty Technique again.


    A stone pillar blows away the thumping enemy soldiers.


    The plan was to use the divine weapon, the Scythe, to make the Warriors.


    Fay M Refine.


    Age: 22 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 170cm


    Cavalry


    Combat: S


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Special: thinness, effort, command effect+, future vision, shame+.


    Titles: Warrior Knight, Dark Knight


    Item: The Sword of Elua, Obscene Negligee


    The head of the Murifine family. His father died of illness when Faye was very young.


    His mother was also assigned to the Twelfth Order of the Kings when Faye was assigned to the Twelfth Order of the Kings.


    He dies of illness after years of hard work.


    He is treated coldly by the Twelfth Order of the Kings, and is made to clean the stables.


    Believing that his efforts will be rewarded if he doesn''t give up, he continues to work as a janitor.


    She was given the disgraceful nickname of ''Horse b*tc*''.


    After being transferred to the Marquess of Erakis, she grew up despite her many failures.


    He became a cavalry captain.


    You''d think he''d be a military pariah, but he taught orphans how to fight for their future.


    She even tried to become Crono''s mistress in order to revive the family.


    He has a calculating personality. He is also the type of person who holds on to his roots.


    He is a disciple of Crono''s adoptive father, Claude, and is one of the most talented people in the series.


    He has a vision of the future.


    It seems that he couldn''t foresee the future when Crono would force him to play in the bath.


    Although he believed in the "pure white god of order,


    The Goddess of Darkness and Chaos.


    The name is Morgan Le Fay of Arthurian legend.


    The family name comes from the star in the constellation Centaurus


    First Officer/Mr. Mino.


    Age: About 30 years old at the start of the film.


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavy infantry


    Combat: A+.


    Attributes: ��Earth��.


    Special: Command Effect +, Experience


    Item: Wind Poleaxe


    Titles: Lieutenant, Knight


    I''ve worked in the quarry for generations.


    He ran away from home because he was tired of living without a future.


    His family consists of his father, mother, brother and sister.


    The older brother was caught in a falling rock after Mino left home and died.


    She feels responsible for her brother''s death.


    He is an old soldier with over ten years of experience in combat.


    He was originally a caretaker for Crono.


    When the Holy Argo Kingdom invaded in Part 1, Episode 1.


    As Crono became the commander, he became his second in command.


    He supports Crono in practical matters.


    Dwarf Centurion/Goldy.


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: 150cm


    Type of service: industrial engineer


    Combat: B


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Blacksmithing, Dexterity


    Title: Warrior of the Year


    He was trained as a blacksmith from a young age and has solid skills as a craftsman.


    He received a loan from Crono, who became a lord, and set up his own workshop.


    He developed an industrial bow and established a paper manufacturing process, relying on the knowledge he heard from Crono.


    All of the weapons and armor equipped by Crono''s men were made in Goldie''s workshop.


    He improved farm tools, developed a printmaking machine, distillers, the manufacture of a thousand tooth handler, soap, washboards, and


    He trains his apprentices while creating all sorts of things.


    His name comes from gold.


    Silva.


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: 150cm


    Type of service: industrial engineer


    Combat: B-


    Attributes: unlearned


    Specialties: stonemason, horseshoe mason, architect


    Goldie''s younger brother. He has a strong work ethic, but is a bit of a workaholic.


    A friend of Faye''s since she was a member of the Twelfth Order of the Kings.


    He was chosen to be in charge of building a port in Count Caddo''s territory.


    While designing the port and supervising the site, he invented the Silva Salt Flats.


    His name comes from silver.


    Centurion of the Werewolf (War Wolf) / White, Hiilo


    Age: Mid-20s


    Height: just under 6''3


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Terrain effects, loyalty.


    Title: Warrior of the Year


    Item: Magic Sword


    He loves children. He recognizes Crono as the leader and embraces his loyalty (he misses him).


    He''s better at group combat than solo combat.


    Human Tiger (War Tiger) Centurion/Taiga.


    Age: Mid-20s


    Height: just over 180cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned; flames depending on the item


    Special: None.


    Title: Warrior of the Year


    Item: The Great Sword of Fire


    A tiger beastman. He speaks in the first person "I am" and speaks in the tone of a gosaru.


    He has inherited the Great Sword from Leo. His fighting style is more focused on one strike than on how many hands he has.


    I covered for him on the battlefield, and he was badly wounded.


    He becomes an assistant teacher at a military school.


    He never gave up on Crono, who was a failure, until the end.


    I bowed to each place and let them graduate.


    The remote cause of Crono''s many successes on the battlefield.


    He was dismissed from the military school where he served for 25 years.


    On Claude''s recommendation, in the Marquess of Erakis.


    He is employed as a teacher.


    In addition to educating officers in the Marquess of Erakis


    He was assigned to teach 520 ordinary soldiers to study.


    He is an old-fashioned knight, loyal to the royal family, but


    Tilia couldn''t remember his name.


    Perhaps it was because they had no contact at all, or maybe Faye and Gaul.


    I couldn''t remember his name.


    Nasr.


    Age: About 35 years old.


    Height: just over 170cm


    Armor: Archers and archers


    Combat: Sword, Bodywork A


    Attributes: fire, water, earth, wind


    Specialties: sniping, mental control (mindset)


    Title.


    Item: Mechanic''s Bow


    An old soldier. Silent, but with good commanding skills.


    Cecily Hamal.


    Age: 20 years old


    Height: less than 170cm


    Cavalry


    Combat: B


    Attributes: unrevenueed


    Special:.


    Titles: Viscount Hamal''s daughter, peerage, service maid (virgin)


    Item:.


    He is a former flat knight of the 12th Kingsguard.


    His brother, Brad, is a superb cavalryman and leader of the Fifth Kingsguard.


    With Brad, a genius, in close proximity to him.


    From an early age, I realized that I was a first-class stopper.


    He relied on his ''bloodline'', an element that could not be filled by hard work.


    He wanted to write about Cecily''s service to Crono, but


    Part 4, episodes 11-13 became the Cecily Festival.


    Hyah!��Service slave!


    Alisyn


    Alyssa''s only daughter.


    Granet.


    Age: Late teens.


    Height: under 160cm


    Soldier type: Priest


    Combat: C+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special:.


    Title: Priest


    Item:.


    A priest sent by Crono after he paid a large donation.


    He is somewhat cynical. His main job is to teach agricultural techniques.


    He cannot use divine authority arts due to his lack of talent for communicating with gods.


    Plum.


    Age: Early teens


    Height: 145-155cm


    Soldier type: Priest


    Combat: C-


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special:.


    Title: Apprentice Priest


    Item:.


    A priest sent by Crono for a large donation.


    He speaks with a lisp. His main job is to teach agricultural techniques.


    He is unable to use divine authority arts due to his lack of talent for communicating with gods.


    Duran.


    Age: One year older than Crono


    Height: 175cm


    Type of service: guard -> cavalry -> clerical apprentice


    Combat: B


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special:.


    Title.


    Item: bracelet knitted from Angel''s hair


    He is the fourth son of the Baron Landedge family.


    He worked as a guard in the imperial city and aspired to become a knight of the Kingsguard.


    For the third year in a row, I failed the test to join the club and my heart was broken.


    He drank a lot of alcohol, got into fights, and was in a raggedy state when he collapsed.


    He was picked up by Angier.


    He volunteered for an operation in the Holy Argo Kingdom to break the current situation.


    After a fierce battle with the Inquisitor, he realized he wasn''t cut out to be a hero.


    I made the decision to live for Angier.


    Angier.


    Age: About 20 years old.


    Height: 160cm


    Type of warfare:?


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: ?


    Title: Duran''s Wife


    Item: ?


    He worked as a waiter in a tavern and inn in the 12th district of the Imperial City.


    He had no relatives and was forced to prostitute himself in order to survive.


    Often it was.


    He helped Duran, who was lying in a ragged state, to his feet.


    That''s the start of our relationship.


    He knows his size and is not very upwardly mobile.


    Bruno.


    Age: Same age as Duran.


    Height: 2m


    Cavalry


    Combat: B


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special:.


    Title.


    Item:.


    Duran''s classmate.


    Like Duran, he''s failed the Knights of the Kingsguard initiation exam three years in a row.


    My heart was not broken.


    Nevertheless, he decided that he couldn''t become a Knight of the Kingsguard at the current rate, so he volunteered for the mission.


    After a fierce battle with the Inquisitor, he aims to reach even greater heights as Crono''s subordinate.


    He has been working hard on his diet while being abused by Arididid and Deneb.


    Kane.


    Age: About 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just under 6''3


    Type of soldier: light cavalry


    Combat: B+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Experience, diligent.


    Title: Mercenary Commander -> Thief -> Cavalry Commander -> Deputy


    Item: A sword engraved with the imperial coat of arms


    He was originally the son of a farmer.


    Kane''s parents went directly to the lords during a bad harvest to appeal directly to the lords for a reduction in taxes.


    He is killed by a guard soldier.


    Kane was kicked out of the village with his sister, and she died of illness while wandering.


    He is picked up by a group of mercenaries, but he doesn''t fit in with them, who also steal and kill.


    He escaped with his friends to the Free City State Cluster and set up his own mercenary group.


    He did his job diligently and had a reputation to uphold, but


    He was angry at the slavers'' treatment of his slaves.


    He took his slaves and fled to the Marquis of Erakis.


    He was recruited by Crono to join the cavalry of the Marquess of Erakis with his men.


    He regretted not being able to protect his own sister.


    As a quid pro quo or as a quid pro quo, he imposes on himself to protect Crono.


    In the second and third parts, Crono forces him to stay at home.


    He complained and worked diligently.


    It was worth it, and he became the deputy of Count Caddo''s territory in Part 5.


    A nice guy who looks good with a scruffy beard.


    Aria.


    Age: mid-twenties


    Height: 190cm


    Type of warfare:?


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: ?


    Title: Maidservant (Maid All Works)


    Item:.


    Mino''s younger sister. Minotaur with chestnut-colored hair and dull eyes.


    She works as a maid at the Daikanjo.


    Her future dream is to open a diner.


    Wester.


    Age: 17 years old


    Height: Slightly taller than Elena.


    Type of service: clerical apprentice -> clerk


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: ?


    Title: ?


    Item: ?


    A friend of Elena''s when she was studying in the Free City State Cluster.


    She was sold to a slave trader because her father was bankrupt.


    Because Elena fought with Elaine.


    I almost got sent to a whorehouse.


    After being bought by Crono, he worked as an administrative apprentice.


    When Kane became a deputy, he was pulled into the deputy''s office.


    He is basically a laid-back character.


    He walks hunched over because he is concerned about his large chest.


    Her name comes from Westa, the Roman goddess of fireplaces.


    Rona.


    Age: 30 years old


    Height: 170cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: C+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Speciality: Dim and short-sightedness


    Title.


    Item:.


    His father was a knight and spendthrift who betrayed the Cepheus Empire for money.


    He worked from an early age to support his family and became a mercenary at the age of 15.


    He chose to do all the jobs that a fledgling mercenary would do.


    He was known as "The Scrap Collector".


    When his father died, he was told that he would no longer be bothered by him and that he would have a new life.


    Just as he was taking his first steps, he fell into slavery because of his father''s debts.


    He was bought for 41 gold coins (42 gold coins if you include the glasses).


    He was terrified of how he would be treated.


    Find a way to get in. How strong.


    Her mother taught her how to study, which helped her get her dream job in the office.


    By the time I''m free, I''ll have missed my wedding date...and I''ll be thirty years old, he exhales a sigh.


    The name comes from loan.


    quanto


    Age: About 15 years old.


    Height: 160cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: B-, A- when the mark is activated


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Special: Engraving, animalization


    Title: Mercenary -> Maid


    Item:.


    Daughter of Sif. One of the candidates for Chieftain.


    To retaliate against Caine for crushing the face of the mercenary guild.


    I harassed him by leaving a dead rat on the doorstep of the deputy''s office.


    He was not taken seriously at all and went on to use his skills.


    The first time he defeated Kane, but the second time he was defeated.


    He was disowned by Sif and became a maid in the deputy''s office in order to live.


    Although Quanto himself is obsessed with being a warrior.


    Sif thinks that he was raised in the wrong way.


    When he releases the power of the Mark, he can transform into a jet-black wolf.


    Mary.


    Red hair. Former prostitute, receptionist at a deputy''s office.


    Kate.


    Kurige. Former prostitute, receptionist at a deputy''s office.


    Elaine Sinner.


    Age: Nearly 30 years old


    Height: 170cm


    Type of army: prostitute, schemer, manager


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: connections, greenfield purchases


    Title: Guild Master, First President of the Sinar Trade Association


    Don''t rely on anyone, don''t put your trust in them, and rely on your own resourcefulness.


    He went from being naked to being a guildmaster in a whore guild.


    With the support of Crono, she became the hired president of the union.


    In Part 5, she worked in the shadows, working in the sun and securing profits.


    She worries about training her subordinates who can move on their own.


    Although she is proud of her way of life, including being a prostitute.


    The public''s opinion of prostitutes and the psychology of women forced into prostitution.


    I understand.


    The family name comes from the Sinner the Sinner.


    Capitalized "the Sinner" means whore.


    shift


    Age: mid-thirties


    Height: 185cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry, Cavalry


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Specials: amulet tattooing, engraving, beastification


    Title: Guild Master, Agent of the Confederacy of Tribes


    Item:.


    Guildmaster of the Guild of Mercenaries, United Agents of the Bethel Range Tribes.


    Since the Bethel Mountains have little land suitable for cultivation, he makes his money through mercenary work.


    Feeding the tribe''s friends.


    In order to feed the tribe in a stable manner, he decided that he needed to do some farming.


    He turned to Crono.


    Although he has no mercy on those who break the laws of the mercenary guild.


    If it''s in the interest of the various tribal coalitions, they may miss it.


    Lizardman Centurion/Lizad.


    Age: N/A


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavy infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: None.


    Item: Warm Stone, Thunder Hammer


    They''re thermoregulated animals, which makes them vulnerable to temperature changes.


    He responds with words, perhaps because of the different thought patterns.


    He dies in Part 2, Episode 11, "Birth of a Child".


    The tusk, a memento, is used as a necklace for Crono.


    Human Lion (War Lion) Centurion/Leo.


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: just over 180cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: None.


    Item: The Great Sword of Fire


    Death in Part 2, Episode 8.


    Centurion of the Minotaur / Horus


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavy infantry


    Combat: A+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: None.


    Item: None.


    He died in Part 2, Episode 11, "Birth of a Child".


    [Cepheus Empire]


    1st Knights of the Kingsguard: Leonhard Palatium


    Age: 22 years old


    Height: 185cm


    Troops: cavalry, commander.


    Combat: S+.


    Attributes: ��Light��.


    Special: Charismatic Strength, Strong Luck, Command Effect+, Future Vision


    Title: Knight of the 1st Kingsguard, heir of House Palatium, White Knight


    Item:.


    Son of the Duke of Palatium, a son of the Duke of Palatium, who had a large estate.


    After graduating at the military academy at the top of his class, he was assigned to the Second Order of the Kingsguard.


    He defeated an enemy general in his first battle. He is also known as the "Holy Knight.


    He is a genius with excellent qualities in both the literary and military arts, but he has suffered frustrating setbacks since he was a child.


    Because he has never experienced it, his empathy skills are significantly low.


    He is aware that he has significantly low empathy skills, and therefore


    He makes up for his lack of empathy by listening carefully to others.


    He is a user of the Divine Majesty Technique, a fierce competitor who can slay cavalrymen while dismounting.


    A homos*xual, who identifies himself as not a legitimate son of the House of Palatium.


    He was interested in treating Crono as an individual, Leonhardt.


    My default setting was that I was going to be drawn to it in turn.


    Those attributes were taken over by Rio.


    The surname is derived from the etymology of the word Palatium, the holy knight (paladin).


    2nd Knights of the Kingsguard: Count Taul Hernat


    Age: 50 years old


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Soldier type: heavy infantry, commander


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Humanity+, Recruit+, Experience+, Command Effectiveness+, Connections+


    Titles: Knight Commander of the 2nd Kingsguard, Ironclad, Count Ernat, and


    Item:.


    He is a warlord who has prevented the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom in the territory directly under Emperor Nauji.


    In his younger days, he was frustrated by the lack of recognition he received for his crude nature.


    He seriously injured his best friend (Arthur Weissman) through his own mistake.


    Determined to change.


    He is calm and sincere. A personality who has the guts to apologize on behalf of his subordinates.


    It''s hard to evaluate my son.


    Although he had a physique comparable to a large sub-human, he couldn''t use divine power or magic.


    There is nothing outstanding about his personal fighting ability.


    He has been nicknamed "Ironclad" for his steadfast service.


    His name is Cow, and his family name is derived from the star in the Taurus constellation.


    gaul


    Age: About 20 years old.


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Soldier type: heavy infantry, commander


    Combat: A+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Humanity+, Command Effectiveness+, Subordinate Training+.


    Title: Son of Count Ernat


    Item:.


    He decided to defeat the barbarians on the southern frontier in order to get his father to recognize his abilities.


    Although he was rivaled by Crono, who was recognized by his father for his abilities.


    Raising Leila, a half-elf, and a capable subordinate like the fey.


    He has softened his attitude because of his obedience.


    He is currently guarding a fort in the Areos Mountains.


    Before long, he and Lara became a man and woman.


    According to Crono, he is a tsundere.


    His name comes from Indoyagyu.


    Third Order of the Kingsguard: Count Argena Dios


    Age: 25 years old


    Height: 180-185cm


    Troops: infantry, spearmen, cavalry, and commanders.


    Combat: A+ (S only when fighting with Roy)


    Attributes.


    Special: Dogs and monkeys.


    Title: Knight Commander of the 3rd Kingsguard, Count Dios


    Item: Glasses


    A great man with glasses, he seems to be on bad terms with Roy and is on good terms with him.


    Fourth Order of the Kingsguard: Count Roy Akbens.


    Age: 25 years old


    Height: 180cm


    Troops: spearmen and cavalry


    Combat: A- (S only when fighting with Algena)


    Attributes.


    Special: Dogs and monkeys.


    Title: Knight Commander of the 4th Kingsguard, Count Akbens


    Item:.


    He is a red-haired spearman and a thug-like combat fanatic.


    He doesn''t seem to be on good terms with Algena, but they are close.


    Fifth Order of the Kingsguard: Viscount Blood Hamal.


    Age: 23 years old


    Height: 175cm


    Cavalry


    Combat: S+ (when riding), A- (when dismounting)


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Horse lover


    Title: Commander of the Fifth Order of the Kingsguard, Viscount Hamal, Lord of the House of Hamal


    Item:.


    Cecily''s older brother. Despite his name, he has a gentle nature.


    Since he is the leader of the Kingsguard.


    He leaves the job of being a lord to his father.


    As a lord, he has more than the same sense of responsibility and determination as any other man.


    He formed an alliance with the Chronos to keep the Viscount Hammar from diminishing.


    I offered you Cecily as a hostage.


    The origin of the name is not "The Nesting Dragon".


    A game of horse lover -> horse -> thoroughbred -> pedigree -> bloodline -> Brad association.


    But here''s a guy from a certain big RPG, "Heroes Don''t Die" and


    Should I tell you?


    Sixth Order of the Kingsguard: Count Neige Hyades


    Age: Unknown


    Height: Unknown


    Type of weapon: Unknown


    Combat: Unknown


    Attributes: unknown


    Special: Unknown


    Title: Knight Commander of the 6th Kingsguard, Count Hyades


    Item:.


    They say that when he feels down, he withdraws.


    7th Kingsguard: Count Ralph Libra.


    Age: 60 years and older


    Height: 160cm


    Type of soldier: Strategist


    Combat: D-


    Attributes.


    Special: Humanity -, Tactical Theory+, Organizational Management+.


    Title: Knight Commander of the 7th Kingsguard, Count Libra


    Item:.


    A thin, dwarf, balding old man.


    A military strategist who barely held the Imperial Army together during the upheaval thirty years ago.


    Although Rio gives him credit for not letting the Imperial forces fall apart at the time.


    Bettyl was the only one who couldn''t get the Imperial Army to be monolithic.


    Isn''t it Ralph''s fault?��I''m wary of this.


    Eighth Order of the Kingsguard: Count Lucas Lesato


    Age: 50 years old


    Height: 170cm


    Troops: infantry, cavalry, commander


    Combat: D-


    Attributes.


    Special: Humanity--, Command Effectiveness--, Connections+.


    Title: Commander of the Eighth Order of the Kings


    Item:.


    Items: tattered bags, books, glasses


    From a commoner''s background. As an experiment to study virtual personalities for magic control.


    He was bought by the former Viscount Sardomelik.


    With the encouragement of King Lamar V, he became a Knight Commander of the Kingsguard.


    He was alienated by the deputy commander and members of the group.


    He is kicked out under the guise of being Rio''s chaperone and Tyria''s watchdog.


    Hired by Crono as a maker of magic items.


    He developed the Stan Grenade, a magic item for ultra-long distance communication.


    Since witchcraft uses drugs to imprint its magic formula on the unconscious layer of the brain.


    No matter who uses it, the number of bullets and power are the same.


    Eril used his magic control virtual personality to change the values of the magic formula and


    It is possible to change the power and number of bullets of magic.


    Although he specializes in magical skills, he is not a good soldier.


    It has become a firepower-specialized turret with zero defense and mobility.


    A little chubby from eating the landlady''s food all the time.


    His family name is derived from the fixed star Sadalmerik in Aquarius.


    Sadarmerik means "good luck of the king" in Arabic.


    Twelfth Order of the Kings: Count Betil Piske


    Age: Mid-30s.


    Height: just under 180cm


    Troops: cavalry, commander.


    Combat: A- or B+.


    Attributes: wind


    Special: Painful


    Title: Knight Commander of the 12th Kingsguard, Count


    Item:.


    A nobleman of the court without a fiefdom, he spent his younger years training in the art of swordsmanship.


    He had no history of being cuckolded by his best friend, or betrayed by his boss.


    He became the personality he is now, extremely naturally.


    Although he harasses people as foolish as Faye in various ways.


    I value people who are in my best interest and keep my promises whenever possible.


    I had to draw poorly because I flattered Alfort.


    Lately, he has been thinking about retiring, perhaps because of all the hardships he''s had to deal with.


    His last name is Pisces, derived from Pisces.


    Leela.


    Age: 23 years old


    Height: just under 160cm


    Maid of Honor


    Combat: Unknown


    Attributes: unrevenueed


    Special: illiterate, plump, and nocturnal


    Title: Servant of the House of Palatium


    Item:.


    She was the daughter of a poor farmer, taken in by the Palatium family as a servant.


    Her breasts and ass are wasted and fleshy, and her belly is a bit flabby.


    She is reasonably good at her job, but her lack of education makes her unsuitable for customer service.


    Alfort.


    Age: 15 years old


    Height: just over 160cm


    Type of military: crown prince


    Combat: Unknown


    Attributes: unknown


    Special:.


    Title: Cepheus'' next emperor


    Item:.


    The bastard son of Ramal V.


    He was considered by his mother, Fana, to be unfit to be an emperor.


    He was brought up to be the next emperor through the machinations of Prime Minister Alcor.


    In the second part, he was spooked by the bonfire and decided to retreat.


    He sent a number of generals to their deaths due to the mistakes of his subordinates.


    He appoints Crono as the leader of the 13th Order of the Kingsguard.


    He has a commensurate level of education, but his experience is vastly lacking.


    It leads to an incorrect solution.


    Farna.


    Age: Over 30.


    Type of service: female officer


    Combat: Unknown


    Attributes: unknown


    Special: Command Effect +, Sweet Talk


    Title: Concubine of King Ramal V


    Item:.


    She is raped by Ramal V by force and carries Alfort.


    With her malicious suggestion, Tyria is deprived of the First Throne.


    Alfort became the next emperor.


    Alcor Prime Minister.


    Age: 65 years old


    Height: just over 160cm


    Type: Prime Minister


    Combat: Unknown


    Attributes: unknown


    Special: Strategist


    Title: Prime Minister of the Cepheus Empire


    His ability to plan operations and run a unit is poor.


    His last name is "with a firey name because he uses fire.


    For the simple reason that I thought it was a good idea.


    Aqua Alphard.


    Age: 30 years old


    Height: 165cm


    Troops: cavalry, commander.


    Combat: A


    Attributes: ��Water��.


    Special: Blessing of the Water God


    Titles: General, Priest, Blue Knight


    Item:.


    A childhood friend of Ignis. He is a general in the Holy Argo Kingdom Army.


    He was forced by Leum to be vulnerable and betray him.


    He also does other things to Reum, as you can imagine.


    Although his combat skills are inferior to Ignis''s, he is able to plan operations, manage troops, and


    His abilities regarding orchestration far exceed those of Ignis.


    Hag/Priest.


    Age: ? Age, appearance, mid-twenties.


    Height: 160cm


    Type of soldier: High Priestess


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Special: Command Effect -, Charisma -, Humanity +, God''s Blessing +, Immortality, and


    nuclear-grade mine woman


    Title: High Priestess


    Item: Sake bottle


    The High Priestess has not aged since Ignis was a child.


    When he was young, he was a priest-warrior who was considered a hero.


    He lost sight of what he wanted to protect and stepped back from the line.


    He is jovial and flippant. A mischievous person who responds to Crono''s summons.


    Communicating with the "Goddess of Jet-Blackness and Chaos,


    As a result of being stripped of the information that governs aging and death.


    I started to think about things in a historical span.


    King Magnus.


    King of the Holy Kingdom of Argo. On handing over the throne to his son Regulus.


    The attempted invasion of the Cepheus empire is a plan, but time is running out.


    The strategy was planned with a mixture of optimism and wishful thinking because of the impatience to do so.


    As a result, his son Regulus was mortally wounded and he lost his men.


    Regulus.


    Crown Prince of the Holy Argo Kingdom. When he invaded the Cepheus Empire.


    He was mortally wounded by the explosive flame dance that Leila released.


    He''s been holed up in the castle ever since, but somehow he''s been able to get information from


    Collected by.


    Wentz


    He is the general of the Holy Kingdom of Argo.


    Believes in the God of Green and Control of Currents. He is a master of divine power.


    Terra.


    He is the general of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Believes in the Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility. A user of the Divine Majesty Technique.


    Albus.


    The High Priest of the Pure White Temple.


    From a young age, he had a strong desire to gain power.


    He played the role of a friendly priest, backed by the numbers of his congregation and donations.


    He has risen to the rank of High Priestess.


    I''m not suggesting he use his power to do anything.


    He is a man whose only purpose is to obtain power.


    Inquisitor.


    His true identity is the captain who was taken prisoner in the second part of the film.


    After severe torture, he lost his memory and was used by Albus.


    Flaum.


    The High Priestess of the Ocher Temple.


    Willidis.


    The High Priest of the Green Temple.


    Rufus.


    The High Priest of the Crimson Temple.


    Leum.


    The High Priest of the Blue Temple.


    He has used his power to satisfy his s*xual desires.


    He has a weakness for Aqua, and he''s had many s*xual encounters with her.


    He was stabbed in a dark fight called Lascivious Entanglement.


    Millet.


    A waiter and prostitute who works in a tavern in Ignis'' territory.


    [Neutral]


    Claude Crawford.


    Age: 60 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 180cm


    Troops: infantry, cavalry, commander


    Combat: S+ in its prime -> now A+


    Attributes: unrevenueed


    Special: Experience+, Hatred+, Charisma+, Strategy, Spartan Education+.


    Title: Slaughterer, Baron Crawford


    Item: My favorite sword.


    He lost his family to warfare at an early age and grew up with a variety of crimes.


    He became a mercenary, and when his name became reasonably successful, he founded a mercenary group.


    Thirty years ago, he was hired by the Imperial Brotherhood at the behest of King Ramal V.


    He was willing to kill, even kill, to end the civil war as soon as possible.


    The price given for leading the imperial brotherhood to victory was


    They were the title of barons, uncivilized lands, and the daughters of a lowly nobleman.


    They were angry at the ways of the Empire, and even thought of revolting.


    He swallowed his anger for the sake of the people of his domain who adored him.


    He married a female knight, Elua, who served as Empress Astraea''s bodyguard.


    Despite the red poverty, he transformed the southern frontier into a rich granary.


    Incidentally, his association with Vizier Arcol dates back to the period of upheaval.


    He received a variety of assistance during the pioneer era as well.


    It should be noted that Erua contracted an epidemic disease when she was a child and was unable to bear a child.


    There are no children who are related to him by blood, as he had become


    He carried his beloved sword from his waist and looked down at his domain, which was stained by the setting sun.


    A romantic old man who thinks about the past.


    Myra.


    Age: About 60 years old.


    Height: about 165cm


    Troops: infantry, archers, assassins, and


    Combat: S+ in its prime -> now A+


    Attributes: fire, water, earth, wind


    Special: Assassination ++, Maid +, Herb Knowledge +, Upward mobility +, Brazenness +, Lover''s Play


    Title: Silent Killing, Perfect Maid


    Item:.


    Thirty-five years ago, an elf slave was bought by Claude.


    After Claude set up his mercenary group, he followed him like a shadow.


    He continued to support him in the shadows and in the sunshine in the settlement of the southern frontier.


    The reason for his continued devotion and support wasn''t because he was in love with Claude.


    Because I had calculated rather calmly that it was not a bad bet.


    After our successful settlement of the southern frontier, we didn''t have to worry about life.


    You were right to put it on your husband!��Hahaha~!��And the days of high laughter.


    In the second part of the film, he became aware of Crono as a man, and in the third part, he attacked Crono


    He took off his Perfect Maid mask in the fourth part.


    Alt.


    Age: 55-60 years old


    Height: 175cm


    Troops: infantry, cavalry, and general staff.


    Combat: Heyday A- �� Present B


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: knowledge+, information gathering+, rooting+, and


    Darkness ++, Connections +, Humanity -


    Title: Baron Crawford''s Butler


    Item: Monocle


    Rather than getting around in a small, clumsy way and getting a good position.


    A mercenary group chief of staff who preferred to put his knowledge into practice.


    Chief.


    Age: About 30 years old.


    Height: 165cm


    Soldier type: Chief of the Loo, sorcerer


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Special: ?


    Title: Chief of the Luu


    Item: Clay plate


    She is the chief of the Lou tribe and mother of Sue.


    Although she is the mother of one child, she has excellent style.


    She refused to make peace with the Cepheus Empire until the very end.


    Crono convinced him to choose to walk with the Empire.


    The promise of letting him rub her breasts enough to get a fingerprint on them.


    He stepped down and married his daughter, Sue, to Crono.


    Lara.


    Age: About 20 years old.


    Height: 170cm


    Type of Warfare: Engraver


    Combat: A (when activated by the mark: S)


    Attributes: ��Fire��.


    Speciality: poor breast


    Title: Roux Warrior


    Item: Stone Spear


    A female warrior with a fire imprint.


    She wasn''t full of it when she was seduced.


    He cursed Crono for his true intentions.


    He was close to teaming up with Gaul.


    After that, we will sneakily perform a bedtime routine.


    By the way, I''m thinking of sneaking.


    They are known to the Chief, Lili, just by themselves.


    Lili.


    Age: About 20 years old.


    Height: 160cm


    Type of Warfare: Engraver


    Combat: B+ (when activated by the mark: A+)


    Attributes: ��Wind��.


    Special: breastfeeding


    Title: Roux Warrior


    Item: Stone Spear


    A female warrior with a wind imprint.


    She took an interest in the Empire and was friendly with Crono.


    She has a thoughtful personality and has been in many battles.


    I''ve noticed the difference in power between the Roux and the Empire.


    Canaan Ekron.


    Age: 25 years old


    Height: 165-170cm


    Type of warfare:?


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: resentment, acting


    Title: Baron Ekron.


    Item:.


    Because her sister, Shelah (the landlady) has eloped.


    I was reluctant to take over the reins.


    She speaks in a similar tone to the landlady, but this is an act.


    He is essentially feeble and sincere in nature.


    Even though his own marriage is well behind schedule.


    I''m seriously dented by my sister''s comments as if she were surrounding herself with young mistresses.


    Last name is associated with the seven deadly sins of "binge eating".


    Robert


    Age: 30 years old


    Height: 180cm


    Type of Warfare: Swordsman


    Combat: A++.


    Attributes: [Earth]


    Special: Experience+.


    Title: Butler to the Baron of Ekron


    Item:.


    The butler of the Ekron family with a scarred lip.


    He calls Canaan "Miss" and cracks crude jokes, but


    When it''s just the two of us, he is a decency-directed steward.


    He has been in the army for ten years and has a wealth of battle experience.


    She is a believer in the Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility.


    He fights Faye on an even playing field.


    Johnny.


    Age: 16, 7 years old


    Height: just over 170cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: Dagger C-


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: ?


    Title: Vigilante.


    Item: Knife by Kanuchi


    He was the self-proclaimed ''best dagger wielder in Baron Ekron''s realm''


    Crono''s men beat me up and made me realize what I was capable of.


    He was the third son of a farmer and said, "It''s not going to be my thing to plow the fields anyway.


    I was recruited by a vigilante when I was walking around in the dust.


    He seems to have grown up mentally in Part 4.


    The Marquis of Erakis.


    The person who started Crono''s career (and hardships).


    A spendthrift, womanizing, no good lord who doesn''t think of his fiefdom''s needs.


    He imposed petty (cumulatively high) taxes on the fiefdoms, and


    Consumption in the Marquess of Erakis was quite depressed.


    Miles.


    He runs a brothel in the Marquess of Erakis and offers healing.


    Siana.


    One of the prostitutes that Elaine took on when she became independent.


    She even killed two assassins and took one of them alive.


    He is a highly skilled fighter. He has knowledge of torture.


    Nicola.


    He is in charge of the Marquis of Erakis branch of the Pix Trading Company.


    Perhaps because of his serious roots, he''s not a very good merchant.


    Because of his character, he was trusted by Crono and his sub-human clientele grew.


    Elua Fronde.


    A guard knight in the service of Astraea, Tyria''s mother.


    He and Claude met during the civil war, though they belonged to the same camp.


    It was not a very friendly relationship.


    She had contracted an epidemic, and her body was unable to bear children.


    She becomes Claude''s wife by Astraea''s orders.


    She apologizes for not being able to bear Claude''s children.


    Drawing breath.


    Salk.


    He is the head of state of the city-state of the eastern edge of the Free City State Cluster, Yimei.


    Trowa Kraft.


    He is the head of state of a city-state in the Free City State group.


    He exports paper to the Cepheus Empire.


    Slavers1


    I deal in slaves in the Marquess of Erakis.


    The home base is a group of free city-states.


    By the way, he is not the same person as the guildmaster.


    Slavers 2


    He is one of the heads of state of the Free City States.


    He is in the slave trade and money lending business.

 88-Episode 2 "Alyssas Melancholy" Modified Version

    *


    October, four hundred and thirty-two years of the imperial calendar.......Crono stopped processing papers and looked at the window.


    The blue sky stretched out of the window.


    ''''........The sky is so blue and I''m still working on my paperwork today.''''


    Crono poked his cheekbones and let out a sigh of bleakness.


    The reason he was feeling down wasn''t because he couldn''t play.


    Of course, it''s not because of the troubles at work either.


    The estate''s management is doing well.


    The agrarian reform over three years has just been successful.


    I''ve heard from the rural village chiefs that they''re going to cultivate new fields.


    I heard that until now they couldn''t expand their fields due to the burden of threshing, but that was solved thanks to the ''Thousand Tooth Handler''.


    The cultivation of Count Caddo''s territory is also going well, the installation of the Silva-type salt field is going well, and the "Schinner Trade Association" is also going well.


    By the way, the dividend that arrived from the "Schinner Trade Association" was 2,200 gold coins.


    The mercenary guild is doing well, the deputies'' office is doing well, everything is going well, but there is one problem that bothers Crono.


    Alyssa.


    Lately, Alyssa has been acting strangely.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.


    What''s wrong with me?


    Crono poked his cheekbones and asked the question.


    No answer.


    Crono was alone, working in his office.


    ''''I wonder what''s going on~''''


    Crono looked up at the heavens.


    Alyssa stirs the soup with a spoon.


    The dining room is alive with activity at lunchtime.


    As someone who knows the former Marquis'' mansion, it''s an unbelievable scene.


    The former Marquis of Erakis''s time was quiet and the air was cryptic.


    Relations between servants were also bad.


    The relationship between the servants who had become the former Marquis of Erakis'' handmaidens was particularly bad.


    Alyssa let out a sigh in a gloomy mood.


    Work was good.


    The burden has increased since she became both the head maid and the maid with Crono, but she hasn''t done any half-done work.


    I think I''ve received a certain amount of recognition from my employer, Crono, as well as from my subordinates.


    But as a mother, I''m a little unsure of myself.


    Of course, I didn''t let the financial inconvenience come to Ariston.


    I made her quit her job as a flower seller and educated her so that she can become at least as educated as possible.


    We even moved house.


    That''s how much money Alyssa is making now.


    That''s why I don''t spend as much time with my daughter.


    I''ve never been blamed for that.


    Alyson is a good kid.


    Originally, Alyssa was a good girl, but since Alyssa had returned to work, she was better than ever.


    But it was another matter that was bringing Alyssa''s mood down.


    Lately, Master Crono had been acting strangely.


    When Alyssa felt a look in her eyes while she was working and turned around, she saw Crono watching Alyssa from the shadows.


    That''s not all.


    Crono fakes a coincidence and touches Alyssa.


    What should I do?��Alyssa asked herself.


    Alyssa''s common sense is that she shouldn''t be in that kind of relationship with a man who isn''t her husband.


    But she also felt that such a choice was possible.


    Alyssa stopped stirring the soup and looked around.


    The cafeteria was alive with activity, and the maids and clerks who used the cafeteria were laughing happily.


    Crono, the man who created this scene, would not abandon Alyssa like the former Marquis of Erakis did.


    If something happened to Alyssa, Crono would still be able to raise Alyssin.


    I shouldn''t.


    Alyssa gave a small shake of her head, "I have to get rid of my shallow thoughts.


    ''Is this room free?''


    Alyssa looked up and saw the landlady standing face to face with a tray.


    ''Yes, it''s free,''


    I''m going to have a seat.


    With that, the landlady took a seat.


    Bread and a small amount of soup were on a tray.


    ''Are you eating now?''


    I''m a little hungry.


    The landlady shredded a small piece of bread and brought it to her mouth.


    Alyssa resumed her meal as well.


    The soup had cooled completely.


    When Alyssa finished her meal, the landlady opened her mouth.


    ''Is there something on your mind?''


    No, it''s not that much of a problem.


    You look pretty serious for a guy like that.


    The landlady poked her cheekbones.


    Maybe the fact that she was hungry was an excuse to come to check on Alyssa''s condition.


    ''''The ... proprietress...''''


    The landlady looked disgusted.


    ''Is something wrong?''


    But you call me ma''am, too.


    Alyssa fished her memory, but she couldn''t remember the scene where the landlady was called by her real name.


    ''I beg your pardon, Shelah,''


    Just the landlady. The landlady.


    Now, your landlady.


    The landlady gave a bitter smile.


    ''What do you want me to do?''��Alyssa pouted in her mind.


    ''So, what''s going on?''


    ...a little here.


    I don''t think you have to worry about that.


    Alyssa looked around.


    The maids and clerks had disappeared and the cafeteria had regained its silence.


    Apparently, everyone had finished their meals while Alyssa was pensive.


    You look at me s*xually, Alyssa was about to say, and she quickly reminded herself.


    Self-control kicked in to prevent her from undermining her benefactor, Crono, even if it was true.


    ''Does the landlady have no qualms about having s*xual relations with a man other than her husband?


    You''re trying to pick a fight.


    No, I just wanted to see what the landlady thinks about it.


    ''Hmmm,'' the landlady snorted with a difficult look on her face.


    That''s right, well, I''ll have to resist. I''m still in love with my dead husband.


    If you love your late husband, why are you with him?


    The landlady''s attitude may be too unfair to Crono and to her late husband.


    Perhaps aware of this, the landlady turned her face away as if she was in a bad mood.


    ''''At that time I was in debt for a hundred gold coins, and I couldn''t rely on my parents'' house, so I was temperamental.


    If I remember correctly, the debt issue was resolved when the landlady was hired, correct?


    You remember a lot of things that don''t matter.


    The landlady didn''t sound amused.


    ''''Well I approached Master Crono to pay off my debts.


    "Seduced" is the wrong word.


    There''s a lot of details, you. Yes, I seduced Master Crono to pay my debts.


    The landlady crossed her arms in a manner that made me wonder if she had a complaint.


    ''You mean the landlady seduced your husband to have an affair with him to pay her debts?


    ''Have you forgotten what you said?��You just said the debt problem was solved when you were hired as a cook.


    So why?


    If the debt problem was solved, then there would be no reason to be held.


    ''There was a little incident. I comforted a depressed Crono-sama at the time.


    It seems to have been going on for a long time then?


    I can''t seem to get rid of him.


    The landlady blurted out and looked up with a huff.


    ''Keh, but I''m telling you that my husband is the best, okay?


    I''m not so sure about that, sir.


    Alyssa was beginning to feel like the landlady was a bad girl.


    ''I knew it was a bad first time, didn''t I?


    Thank you.


    Alyssa left the dining room, leaving the landlady with her head in her hands.


    *


    The sound of a kern, kern, hammering echoed through the garden of the Marquis'' mansion.


    Despite such an environment, Princess Tilia still prefers to drink incense tea in the garden.


    It could be called a daily routine.


    Princess Tilia crossed her legs and was reading a thin book.


    The thin book was written by Crono.


    His style, full of metaphors, irony and violence, is popular with Crono''s men.


    The simple style and storyline is probably another reason why it''s accepted.


    Alyssa refrains from standing by the Princess Tilia.


    Naturally, she doesn''t do anything that would call out to her.


    The maid should be an airborne presence.


    Princess Tilia reached for a plate on the table and plucked a biscuit.


    The mistress took pains to make the biscuits, which were well received by Alyssa''s men.


    There are many variations, including the use of nuts and dried fruit.


    However, the sugar used in the biscuits is a high quality product.


    Even if she had been taught the recipe, she wouldn''t have been able to afford it.


    Princess Tilia munches on a biscuit and sips the chilled fragrant tea.


    The biscuits made with sugar are a luxury item, and the maids use magic to cool the fragrant tea, but Alyssa tried not to think about it.


    Much better, Princess Tilia..., Alyssa tilted her head inwardly.


    It seemed like it had been two or three days since Princess Tilia had been dejected.


    No, it must have been my imagination, Alyssa denied her memory.


    Princess Tilia had been deprived of the First Crown.


    She must have been depressed for days after they met.


    She must have been depressed.


    Alyssa decided to think that her husband must have felt the same way.


    Crono''s devotion must have soothed Princess Tilia''s heart, too, she thought.


    The cup is empty.


    Alyssa tipped the teapot and poured the cooled incense tea into the cup.


    Princess Tilia smiles with a satisfied smile and reaches for her cup.


    Alyssa noticed the rope marks on Princess Tilia''s wrists, but she didn''t dare point them out.


    Alyssa looked up at the sky, though she had been pretending not to see them before, so she felt like it was too late now.


    Alyssa was a maid with Princess Tilia.


    She knew how Princess Tilia was being treated by Crono.


    And now Alyssa is a maid with Crono.


    She knows what Crono is doing in the nightlife.


    Crono is a good person.


    He is a man who has compassion for his men and his people, and who reaches out to the poor, the prostitute and even the slave for help.


    But that''s not all he is.


    Alyssa doesn''t know the battlefield, but the stories of Crono''s heroics told by his men show that Crono is more than just a good man.


    We should assume that Crono is also ferocious.


    If the master revealed his violent nature..., Alyssa felt a tingle in her chest.


    It would be horrible.


    What would they do to her?


    How would they be violated?


    Alyssa stretched herself with too much fear.


    ''''....Alyssa.


    ''��Yes, Princess Tyria.


    Alyssa gasped.


    Before she knew it, Princess Tilia turned to Alyssa and tilted her head in wonder.


    ''Alyssa, what are you swooning about?''


    Enraptured?


    Alyssa held her cheeks at the unexpected words.


    She couldn''t even touch her hands to see what kind of expression she had on her face.


    If I had to say it was a little feverish, I guess.


    ''Hmm, were you thinking of something fun?''


    No, nothing.


    Losing interest, Princess Tyria went to the table and began to read a book.


    *


    Mom, welcome home!


    I''m home, Alyson.


    When Alyssa opened the door to the house, Alyson jumped in.


    Wouldn''t it bother the neighbors?��Alyssa thought, but without saying anything, she hugged Alyson.


    ''Ehehe, Mom. Dinner''s ready for you.''


    Alyson pulled away from Alyssa, embarrassed.


    Alisun would be thirteen this year.


    She is a little young in some ways, but she feels ashamed to be spoiled by her parents.


    ''''I''m always sorry,''''


    You have my word not to say that.


    Alyssa sat down in a chair in the living room and noticed an unfamiliar jar.


    It was a jar, but it was small enough to hold in the palm of her hand.


    ''Oh, that was brought to me by a dog soldier. We''ll eat it later.''


    ?


    Alyssa opens the jar and finds several pieces of candy in it.


    I can tell that the dog soldiers are indicating White and Hiilo.


    White and Hiilo are looking out for Alyson in some way.


    Both of them would take care of Ariston even on their off-duty days.


    Would White and Hiilo''s paychecks buy them expensive candy?


    Alyssa immediately thought of Crono.


    But there was no way White and Hiilo would be taking care of Alyson at Crono''s behest.


    Crono would not do anything to burden his off-duty subordinates.


    Perhaps Crono knew that White and Hiilo were meeting with Arisun on his off-duty day and asked them to give him some candy.


    ''''Arisun, sir and........''''


    ''You mean your brother?��I see my brother sometimes.


    Alyson walked out of the kitchen and put the bread and soup on the table.


    Alyssa leaned forward.


    ''When?''


    So, sometimes. I might see him once a week or so. But you''re a hard worker, even on your days off, you''re touring the city, brother.


    Alyson sat down in her chair and said with the eyes of a maiden in love.


    ''Crono is a benefactor to Alyson as well, so it would be natural for him to do so.


    ''What are you doing when you meet her?''


    That''s not a nice thing to say about my daughter.


    Alisun said in a dumbfounded manner.


    ''''Hmm~ I walk through the stalls with my brother, go to the back alleys... and also hang out with my friends.''''


    What fun, Alyson pouted.


    ''You''re a lord, brother, and no one will ever notice you.


    ...Oh, that''s...


    When Crono inspects the city, he wears the same clothes as the commoners.


    That''s probably why no one notices him.


    ''''You''re cute, brother, aren''t you?''''


    ...pretty?


    Alyssa questioned back.


    Even Alyssa thought Crono was cute at times, but she felt uncomfortable that her daughter would call Crono cute.


    ''My brother is an amazing person, but he''s not amazing. See, big brother.........


    Alyssa couldn''t understand a tenth of her daughter''s words, though Alyssa told her how amazing Crono was.


    Alyssa was appalled.


    Alyson is attending a private school.


    It was her parent''s intention to at least make her at least minimally educated, but she didn''t think she would be educated beyond Alyssa''s understanding.


    ''Yes, yes,'' was all Alyssa could do to return it.


    ''Also, I''ll talk to your brother about your future,''


    What do you want to do?


    ''Mom, that''s not the same thing you said to my daughter.


    Alyson shushed him, complaining.


    ''I want to be useful to my brother. Um, not as a maid or a soldier, but more, in a different way.


    ...it''s


    Alyssa thought of Elena first.


    It takes learning to be useful to Crono in ways other than as a maid or soldier.


    And, of course, connections.


    A minimum of education.


    That''s about all Alyssa can handle.


    But beyond that, it''s difficult.


    ''''I''m sorry, it''s just not possible.


    No, I''m fine.


    ''For the umpteenth time, that''s not the way I''m talking to my daughter.


    Alyson said dumbly.


    *


    Alyssa turned off the light and lay down on her bed.


    It was a cheap assurance, but it must be said that it was difficult to get Alyssa to study in the Free City State group or the Imperial City.


    Alyssa''s monthly salary is two gold coins and ten silver coins.


    Her savings are adequate, but it''s impossible for her to continue to support her daughter on a yearly basis.


    The only way to do this is to ask your husband for a loan but will he lend you money without any collateral?��And Alyssa turned sideways and curled up.


    The only thing between Alyssa and Crono was the employment relationship and the credit they''d developed in a little over two years.


    They would use the credit as collateral for debt.


    That seemed like too convenient an idea.


    ''''I seduced Master Crono to pay off my debt.


    Alyssa remembered the landlady''s words and held her lower abdomen.


    She knew Crono wasn''t that kind of person.


    But if Alyssa forms that kind of relationship with Crono, the idea of borrowing money against credit becomes a reality.


    Would my body be worth that much?��And Alyssa stroked her lower abdomen.


    Alyssa''s body was tainted by the former Marquis of Erakis, broken by the unreasonable abortion that had taken its toll.


    Maybe even her mind.


    * *.


    Alyssa walked down the corridor of the Marquis'' mansion, biting off a lack of growth.


    She thought she was prepared for her daughter, but last night, she hadn''t slept well.


    She woke up three, no, four times.


    Apparently, she wasn''t as prepared as she thought she was.


    Alyssa was just about to climb the stairs when she ran into Cecily.


    Cecily giggled and cleared her eyes and coughed to mend things up.


    ''Where''s your husband?''


    If it was that guy, wouldn''t he be coasting in bed?


    Cecily said, holding her mouth as if she was worried about her bad breath.


    Well, I don''t know how I feel.


    ''Your husband was off today, wasn''t he?''


    I don''t know.


    Cecily turned away with a pouty face and went away.


    Cecily didn''t seem to notice that Alyssa was off duty.


    When Alyssa entered Crono''s room, Crono was in the middle of changing.


    Master has become a warrior ... a fighter, Alyssa said, looking at Crono with rapt attention.


    Crono''s body was toned.


    However, his height was not in the realm of average, and he didn''t seem to have any muscles on him.


    However, the countless scars carved into it told the story of someone who didn''t have a blessed physique and ran on the battlefield.


    Crono finished putting his jacket on and twisted around in a weird way.


    Crono sat down awkwardly in his chair.


    ''Alyssa, I thought you had the day off?''


    I''ve come to ask a favor of you, sir.


    Is it because you came to me last night to ask for help?


    Alyssa was shocked, as if her heart had been grabbed.


    If she looked, Crono was playing with a small object.


    It was a button.


    Alyssa stared at the sleeve of her clothes.


    There was no button that should have been there.


    ''Do me a favor, sir,''


    Alyssa walked over to Crono and touched his hand.


    Scary, she thinks.


    Chunks of flesh and blood stained floors snatched at Alyssa''s mind.


    ''Alyssa would like to earn your master''s favor.


    Is that for Alyson?


    Alyssa gasped.


    Crono poked her cheek in a troublesome way.


    ''I know Alyson wants to study to be useful to me.


    I''m a mother.


    We''ve already settled that one, haven''t we?


    Alyssa''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''Scholarships ... the school system isn''t properly established, so it''s going to be for the wealthy above a certain level.


    I didn''t know Ariston was going to be on the scholarship.


    ''The goal is to bring back new knowledge, so it doesn''t matter if you''re not outstanding, you don''t have to be outstanding. Well, it''s better to be excellent.


    Aliceen''s dream comes true.


    The story is now over.


    There was no longer any need for Alyssa to borrow money from Crono using her body as collateral.


    Alyssa clutched the apron of her maid''s uniform.


    ''Alyssa looks like she''s looking for a reason.


    ''It''s my daughter''s dream come true. Isn''t it natural to be a little skeptical?


    Crono smiled a crackling smile.


    ''You''re not looking for a reason to be held?''


    I''m just acting in the best interest of my daughter.


    Yeah?


    Crono let go of Alyssa''s hand.


    ''I''m off today, aren''t I?


    ....


    ''Don''t worry about the scholarship. I''ve known Alisyn for a long time. I don''t think Alyson would be willing to abandon her mother to stay on to study abroad.


    Still, Alyssa thinks.


    ''I''m off today, I know. But I guess I''ll just have to work for Alyssa.''


    Crono stood up slowly.


    I''ll be waiting for you at my landlady''s shop.


    He tapped Alyssa on the shoulder and walked out of the room.


    *


    The Master will give Alyssa what she wants, and Alyssa went to the landlady''s shop.


    She changed her clothes.


    Right now, Alyssa was not wearing her familiar maid''s outfit, but a sober dress.


    Alyssa shook her head, for her daughter''s sake.


    Crono never breaks his word.


    That''s the kind of person he is.


    So Alyssa''s actions made no sense.


    Her thoughts are scandalous, like she''s floating in a fever.


    Fortunately, there were no customers.


    Crono-sama is waiting in the far left room, the elf owner said as he chopped up some vegetables.


    Alyssa walked up the stairs to the far left room.


    Was this the right choice?��And Alyssa stopped there.


    Squeak, she heard the stairs creak.


    ''If someone I know sees me...'' said Alyssa, running into the room and closing the door vigorously.


    Crono scratched his head on the bed and said unexpectedly.


    ''It''s because the Master told me to come.


    I said I was waiting for you, not that you should come?


    Crono shook his body back and forth, scratching his hunchback.


    The cheap bed creaked and creaked just like that.


    ''What does Alyssa want?''


    It''s about making my daughter''s dreams come true.


    Really?


    Crono gave a mocking smile.


    That day, Alyssa knew what she wanted.

 89-Modified version of Episode 3 "Fate"

    *


    In November of the Imperial calendar four hundred and thirty-two years.......Theon held the cup in his hand and brought it to his mouth.


    He didn''t put his mouth on it right away, but enjoyed the aroma.


    This incense tea was a blend of herbs that Theon had blended himself with herbs that had a relaxing effect.


    Sion drank the fragrant tea and let out a breath of relief.


    A moment of true bliss ... I even feel like I''m working for this cup of tea.


    ''''Chief Priest, it smells like an old woman.


    Bah, old lady?


    Theon peeled his eyes away in surprise and stared at the direction of the voice.


    Then the two female priests - Granette and Plum - were sitting on the couch.


    They sat in contrast to each other.


    Granette was leaning sluggishly and Plum was sitting chomping at the bit with good manners.


    ''Mr. Granette, you are talking too much,''


    Hmmm, I''m sorry.


    When Plum chided him in a lisping tone, Grannette said, without seeming to take offense.


    ''Well, it''s better than being tense, isn''t it?


    Miss Granet!


    ''Oh, yes, yes, it''s my fault, it''s my fault. It''s my fault the sky is blue and the sun is setting in the west, it''s my fault, it''s my fault.


    Granette said in a throwaway tone.


    ''''Did you look ... so tense?''''


    Plum, you answer the question.


    "Huh?


    Plum let out a goofy voice.


    ''''Well, before I went to the Holy Argo Kingdom I felt more like I couldn''t afford it!


    Maybe.


    Theon gave a small nod and set his cup down. He gave a vague reply, but he certainly didn''t have the luxury of time.


    Theon knew that more than anyone else.


    He didn''t know if the agrarian reform would succeed, and he couldn''t use the Divine Majesty Technique.


    To be honest, he was worried.


    Looking back, it seems that back then, Theon was looking for someone who would accept him in a positive light.


    It''s different now.


    He has succeeded in agricultural reform.


    He also regained his divine power arts.


    It may be that he is now able to accept things in a positive light.


    ''Speaking of which, the Priestess-in-Chief is... ah!


    What were you going to say, Miss Granet?


    I was just wondering how old the chief priest is.


    Miss Granet.


    ''Okay, okay, I''m sorry.''


    Plum said accusingly, and Grannette scratched her head, looking bummed.


    ''I turned twenty-eight the other day, though?


    Ahhh, Granette and Plum moaned in low voices.


    They acted as if they had heard something they shouldn''t have.


    ''What''s wrong with my age?''


    Plum, you''re in charge.


    Whew, am I supposed to say that?


    Plum made a pitiful noise.


    Plum looked at Theon and straightened his residence.


    ''''........Priest Master, there is a certain age in the world that is suitable for marriage. Priestess Chief-sama is out of the suitable age for marriage.''''


    Theon thought about it for a while and looked up with a huff.


    He had forgotten all about it, probably because he had been living a mentally uncomfortable life until now.


    But if he was working as a priest, wouldn''t he be able to meet someone?��Theon questioned.


    ''How, how are you going to get married?''


    Uh, Miss Granet.


    I don''t blame you.


    Granette ruffled her hair.


    ''Usually in the Temple of the Imperial City.''


    ''The Temple in the Imperial City is where you study to become a priest, you know?


    ''Gosh,'' grunted Granette.


    ''That''s true, but what about the man you care about?


    I''ve been busy with my studies.


    Ugh!��Granette grunted.


    ''Let''s see, your caring superiors are going to provide you with a place to meet, aren''t they?


    I only heard about it when my father died?


    Uggh!��''I''m sure,'' grunted Granette.


    ''I''m sure you''ve had a chance to get to know a wealthy farmer''s son, or a rich bon vivant, or something.


    Hmmm, what do you think?


    Theon fished through his memory, but there was no memory of it.


    Unconvinced, Granette raised her eyebrows quizzically.


    ''Chief Priestess, how have you been collecting donations all this time?


    The money for the operation came from selling beats.


    Granette held her temples as if she were trying to hold back a headache.


    ''All the riddles have been solved,''


    With that, Granet let out a long sigh.


    ''Chief Priestess, we usually make an effort to collect donations.


    ...Donations aren''t forced to be collected.


    Donations are meant to be collected by force!��The bottom line is that they have to collect the donations, pay the top payment, and only then can they ask for treatment based on the amount of money they have!


    Oh, the chief priestess was cut off from the village because she didn''t pay her top payment.


    Granet barked with a tremendous swagger, and Plum supplemented with a sigh.


    ''Yes, um, excuse me,''


    Theon had to cringe.


    ''Well, now that you''re paying your top dollar... oh, but you can''t have a meeting place.


    Why is that, Miss Granet?


    Granette scratched her head awkwardly.


    ''Maybe, but I wonder if the higher ups think the Priestess is on good terms with Lady Crono?


    I have no such relationship with Master Crono.


    The Crono donates to the operation and development of the poorhouse.


    It shouldn''t be any more or less than that.


    ''I know, I know. But Master Crono is a bit of a womanizer, isn''t he?


    Ugh!��And now it was Theon''s turn to moan.


    ''That''s why I don''t think the higher ups are going to make a meeting place for the Chief Priestess.


    Lady Crono is a.........


    Theon tried to argue back to Granet, but he couldn''t get a word in defense.


    ''Mr. Granet, Master Crono is not a womanizer,''


    It was Plum who defended Crono.


    ''And what''s on your mind?''


    Lady Crono is faithful to the ''Mother Goddess of Ocher and Fertility''. ''Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth''.


    That''s it!


    Granette pointed her left and right index fingers at Plum.


    ''''What about ... Mr. Granet and Mr. Plum?''''


    I can''t!


    Me too!


    Granet and Plum crossed their arms in rejection.


    ''Why?''


    I knew it had to be someone who would put me first, you know?


    I have a man who has promised me a future, sir.


    Granette was reluctant to say, and Plum said, holding her cheek with her hand in embarrassment.


    Well, Theon looked at his cup and let out a deep sigh.


    Apparently, Theon''s troubles were never ending.


    Sion looked around the first floor of the Savior''s House with a candlestick in hand.


    The first floor of the Relief and Poverty Institute was silent.


    There were only a handful of people in the hospital, although there was a set bedtime for them.


    When the Saviour''s Hospital had reopened, the booths - the original term Crono had started using - had all been filled, but now there were more empty booths.


    The empty booths only became noticeable a while after the Paper Workshop was established.


    Not all of them are employed by the paper workshop; some of them are engaged in growing beets.


    They are in the position of peasants.


    But they are not complaining, they say.


    It is said that regardless of the quality of the beet, it is good to be able to earn a certain amount of money.


    As a servant of the "Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility," it''s hard for me to explain, but it''s also true that beet cultivation would be difficult without them.


    The people involved in both jobs have left the Saving Poverty House.


    The poorhouse in the Marquis of Erakis'' estate is less disciplined than the rest, but there are disciplines that need to be followed.


    It is a natural consequence of leaving the poorhouse in order to live a life like before.


    Currently, those in the poorhouse are those who are unable to fend for themselves for various reasons the injured, the sick and three orphans.


    Theon climbs the stairs and stops in front of Tony and Matthew''s room.


    The three orphans have been given a room.


    The three are being given special treatment because they will have to live in a relief home for years to come.


    Sion closes his eyes and exercises the Divine Majesty Art "Activation" ... and pulls up his hearing.


    The hearing raised by the Divine Majesty Technique catches the breath of Tony and Matthew as they sleep.


    Theon turns his attention to Sophie''s room and confirms that Sophie is asleep.


    Theon released his divine authority jutsu and suddenly felt uncomfortable.


    While he thought that there was no way he could use the Divine Majesty Jutsu so well, he also felt that he deserved this much.


    Theon shelved his doubts and headed to his room.


    Theon entered his room at the end of the corridor and closed the door behind him.


    ''....light.


    The magic item for lighting on the ceiling emits a white light in response to Theon''s voice.


    There are only three rooms with magic items for lighting ... the Director''s office, Theon, Granette and Plum''s room.


    What a waste, said Theon, blowing out the candles and smiling.


    You''re using an expensive lighting magic item and you''re worried about the length of the candle.


    It felt funny.


    Theon took off his priestly uniform and stared at his reflection in the mirror.


    Plum''s words that the Priestess-sama is out of marriageable age passed through his mind.


    Uggh, Theon moaned.


    Sion''s skin was surprisingly white.


    However, that was only the part that was hidden by the priest''s uniform.


    His normally exposed face and arms were tanned by the sun.


    Sion tilted his head as he remembered the two of them, thinking that Granet-san and Plum-san didn''t seem to have much of a tan.


    Maybe they have the technology to not get a tan.


    But still, I''m with Crono-sama?��''Impossible,'' Sion shook his head, feeling his cheeks heat up.


    ''Certainly ... Crono-sama is a kind man, and a very brave one at that.


    Theon folds his hands in front of his chest and mutters softly.


    The image of Crono, who came to save her without sparing the danger, passes through Sion''s mind.


    Sion stares at his reflection in the mirror.


    The image of Princess Tyria and the landlady passed through his mind.


    Not to be outdone, Sion puffed out his nose.


    But it droops a little... no, no, just a little.


    Just a little bit, a little bit if it''s this big, Sion huffed and shook his head with a pull.


    I think he''s tired.


    Theon told himself and crawled into bed.


    The next morning, Sion left the Rescue House after completing several tasks.


    He was going to have a meeting with Crono in the future.


    Whenever he had a meeting with Crono, Sion always felt heavy.


    His footsteps were naturally heavy, but now he was light on his feet.


    Is it because the burden has been reduced?��And Sion thinks like that.


    In fact, Theon''s workload is much less than it was at one time.


    Education for Crono''s subordinates is now handled by teacher Arthur Wiseman and his subordinates, and the teaching of agricultural techniques is split up with his subordinates.


    ''....the girl over there.


    Yes?


    When Sion looked towards the direction of the voice, Priestess.......The High Priestess of the ''Jet Black Temple'' in the Holy Argo Kingdom was sitting on a wooden box.


    A crude sign that read ''The Jet Black Temple, Marquis of Erakis Sub-Branch'' invited pity.


    ''''Lord, you are troubled, aren''t you?''''


    No, no.


    Theon answered immediately.


    ''Mm, there''s something there, isn''t there?


    No, not really.


    Theon answered immediately again and looked around.


    The Priestess is in the corner of an area lined with stalls.


    The area itself is bustling with activity, but only the area around Priestess''s shop is deserted.


    ''Isn''t it the priestess who is troubled?


    That''s right!


    The priest stood up and said.


    ''Will you listen to the troubles of the eagle!��Here, sit here!


    Ha ha ha.


    Sion sat down on the empty wooden box as the priestess urged him to sit down.


    ''What''s bothering you, Priestess?''


    Money.


    I can''t help you.


    I''m not waiting!


    When Theon stood up, the priest grabbed Theon''s wrist.


    ''''How is it unbecoming of a priest to try to leave all of a sudden!


    I don''t think it''s right for a priest to talk about money out of the blue.


    Theon had no choice but to sit down on the crate.


    ''I can''t help you with your debts.


    Sion declared earlier.


    The budget of the Relief and Poverty Institute comes from Crono, and the funds for its activities come from the ''Yellow Earth Temple''.


    Theon doesn''t have a lot of money at his disposal.


    I know. All you have to do is consult with me," he said. To tell you the truth I set up a stall, but I didn''t make as much money as I would have liked.


    I think you should work diligently.


    I''m starting to think that if you work, you lose.


    The priest opened his eyes and spoke in his sleep.


    ''I''m just kidding. How can I make money?''


    I guess we''ll just have to work diligently.


    I want to make money in this business, but I don''t. But I won''t make any money. To tell the truth, dubious fortune tellers make more money than me!��You''re being unreasonable when there''s not much difference in what you''re doing!


    The priest tapped the wooden box that served as a desk with a thump.


    Sion felt his eyes on me and looked to the side to see the robed fortune teller staring at me with a miffed look on his face.


    ''Sorry,'' said Sion, narrowing his shoulders.


    ''''It must be difficult to make money from life counseling alone, isn''t it?''''


    I thought there was demand for it.


    Despite the demand, it''s difficult to offer advice to someone you''ve never met before.


    Surely, the fortune teller must be implementing ways to ease the resistance of offering advice to someone they''ve never met before.


    Theon stole a glance next to him and saw that his guest was at the fortune teller''s place.


    The fortune teller took one look at the priest and smiled a victorious smile.


    ''''.......What happened to the matter of moving the sub-humans out of the Holy Argo Kingdom?''''


    We''re on hold.


    I see, Theon returned shortly.


    The fact that General Ignis and General Aqua had set up the new ''temple'' was probably a factor.


    ''''We have to make money somehow.


    Why do you need the money?


    ''Ugh,'' grunted the priest.


    ''The Marquis of Erakis has charged me for food and drink. The other day I was humiliated by him in exchange for stalling the deadline for repayment.


    ...humiliation.


    ''Mm,'' said the priestess, nodding with a divine look on her face.


    ''Well, what kind of thing is that?''


    ...and called to your room.


    Theon leaned forward.


    ''....I was made to wear an obscene outfit called a swimsuit.


    Theon gulped down a gulp and swallowed raw.


    ''Yes, I was made to pose as I was told.


    Oh, is that all?


    ''That''s not all!��I''ve never been humiliated like that before!


    The priestess banged the wooden box with a bang.


    Well, Theon would have felt humiliated if he was in the priestess''s position.


    ''''Priestess has lived a long life, so I thought you had plenty of experience with that sort of thing?''''


    Plenty!��When I was young, when I was young....well, how was it when I was young?


    The Priestess tilted her head.


    Apparently, the priestess''s experience was so long ago that she forgot about it.


    Since he''s so oblivious, I doubt if it''s ''the first time I''ve been humiliated like that''.


    I can''t deny the possibility that he''s not experienced enough to say it with his mouth before that.


    Hmm, I guess this is the end of our consultation. We''ll figure out what to do with ourselves in the future, but you really don''t have any problems, do you?


    No, sir.


    ''Oh,'' said the priestess with a nasty smile.


    ''Lord, you don''t feel any discomfort, do you?


    Strange, huh?


    Sion tilted his head, unable to understand the priest''s intentions.


    He suddenly remembered that he had learned to use the Divine Majesty Technique well, but it was only natural that he could do that much.


    ''''Don''t you realize that you''ve been eaten?''''


    Eaten?


    Theon looked down at his hands.


    He felt like he was forgetting something.


    What on earth was he forgetting?


    ''You saw that thing, didn''t you?''


    Ah, Sion muttered quietly.


    Sion had a deep communion with the ''Mother Goddess of Ochre and Fertility'' in the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    At that time, what does ''........'' say that he ate of Zion?


    If he said that he was eaten, then what made up for the part that was eaten?


    Sion was grossly hairy in his imagination.


    ''Don''t worry, my boy,'' he said. Don''t worry," he said, "as far as I''m concerned, you''re in the realm of humanity. Oh well. The reason you''re not afraid of me anymore is because you''ve mastered the art of divine power... maybe...


    "Many?


    Theon asked back in a hushed voice.


    ''''It''s because you''ve learned to use your divine magic well.


    ....


    It''s true!��It''s given me more room to do what I can do!


    When Theon was silent, for some reason, the priest got pissed off and said.


    He said, "Not only have you learned to use your divine power technique well, you may have at least acquired visions of the future!


    Future vision is said to be the ability to see the future.


    Many saints have the ability to see the future.


    However, the frequency with which the ability manifests itself varies greatly from person to person, with some seeing the future frequently and others seeing the future only once in their lives.


    Theon gasped with a huff.


    ''Looks like you have an idea, doesn''t it?


    Theon was at a loss for words.


    There was definitely a verse that came to mind.


    He had a dream.


    It was a dream that could only be described as a lewd dream, but Sion felt a little relieved.


    Because at least the future of lifelong celibacy could be avoided.


    ''''........Speaking of which, do you wear future vision, Priestess?''''


    I''m wearing it.


    The Priestess arrogantly threw out her chest.


    ''Wouldn''t it be easier to make money if you used your future vision?''


    Well, you can''t always see the future the way you want it to.


    The priestess muttered sincerely.


    ''''And....''''


    ''Huh?��What''s wrong with you two here?


    ''Nuh-uh!��Lord, you''ve come to this place to collect!


    The priest jumped up when he heard Crono''s voice.


    ''Master Crono. Why are you here?


    ''''No, since Sion-san doesn''t come to the mansion very often, I thought I''d go and inspect Count Caddo''s estate...''''


    Crono turned his gaze awkwardly to the wagon.


    An elf man was sitting in the wagon''s groom''s seat.


    Theon thought he heard the sound of bloodlust.


    It was a big mistake to have been so happy to talk to him, forgetting the meeting with his backers.


    ''''Wow, let me come along for the inspection!


    ''What?��No, we''ll have another meeting when we come back.


    I''m coming, too!


    Okay, I understand.


    Theon assured him, and Crono nodded as if pressured.


    *


    The wagons proceeded west along the city road.


    The ride in the wagon was comfortable.


    Theon had slept well last night, but the pleasant vibrations made him sleepy.


    He lost consciousness for a moment.


    Sion quickly regained consciousness and looked next to him.


    Then, Crono was making a big lack of movement.


    ''If you want to sleep, you can go to sleep, okay?''


    Yes, no it''s just too comfortable to ride.


    Theon replied to Crono, who was sitting next to him.


    ''Speaking of which, Goldie said she installed a spring.


    Yeah, so,


    Theon nodded.


    Unlike an ordinary carriage, the Crono''s wagon was made up of two parts.


    One was the wheels the base part including the wheels and the other was the cart part.


    The base and the cargo bed were connected by a bundle of metal plates.


    Presumably, the bundled metal plates were absorbing the impact transmitted to the bed.


    ''It''s kind of like it''s not a wagon.


    We have seats.


    Then Crono laughed.


    Long softs were set up on either side of the cargo bed.


    The metal fittings were on the outside of the cargo bed, so maybe a top could be attached.


    ''It would have been fine if it was just a regular wagon,''


    I''m sure he was doing his best for Lady Crono.


    Maybe he wanted to try some new technology?


    Crono says so, but he doesn''t seem to be full of it.


    Theon and Crono continued to chat for a while, but the conversation was cut short.


    Suddenly, Crono leans in closer.


    Sion reflexively looks at Crono.


    Then Crono was sleeping comfortably.


    Sion stared at Crono''s profile.......lips.


    In the evening, the carriage arrived in Sylvania, Count Caddo''s territory.


    A little over a year after the port was completed, the port city, named Sylvania, continues to grow.


    The city is about to reach the deputies'' offices, although the buildings tend to become shabby as they move away from the port.


    However, Theon didn''t like the atmosphere of Sylvania.


    The people of Sylvania were only interested in their own interests and newness, and did not want to leave out others or the old.


    He also didn''t like the place where the city itself seemed to be in a hurry to live.


    Theon''s eyes narrowed, though.


    But now I love Sylvania.


    This is also a human activity.


    Be born, multiply, fill the earth, Theon smiled and tapped his temples with the palm of his hand with a thump.


    Is this another effect of being able to use the Divine Majesty Technique well?��And Theon looked down at his hands, his cheeks blushing as he remembered his future vision.


    Uh-uh, Crono moaned.


    When Sion looked next to him, Crono''s eyelashes were trembling.


    Perhaps the carriage was so comfortable to sleep in, Crono remained asleep until Sylvania.


    ''''Good morning, Sion-san.''''


    Master Chronosphere.


    Theon looked at Crono.


    ''Do you believe in fate, Master Crono?''


    What?


    Crono pulled away from Theon and crossed his arms as if he were thinking about something.


    Then he wandered his gaze and looked at Sion again.


    ''''........Do you believe in fate?''''


    Um, uh, excuse me, I''m a Buddhist.


    For some reason, Crono apologized and moved away from Theon.


    Sion closed the distance between them as Crono moved away.


    With a frightened look on his face, Crono dropped back towards the guru''s seat and stopped moving at the edge of the cargo bay.


    ''Zag, zag!


    "A second of caution, a lifetime of injuries.


    When Crono called his name, he did not look back.


    He just rolled his back in an apologetic manner.


    Sion smiled and leaned closer to Crono.


    ''What do you think of your fate?''


    Heeee, you know, I don''t believe in that stuff.


    I''m hoping that Master Crono will feel his fate.


    Heeeee!


    Theon''s smile deepened, and for some reason, Crono screamed.


    *


    Sion was led by the deputy''s miscellaneous maid Aria and apprentice maid Quanto to the deputy''s barracks the room on the second floor of the deputy''s office.


    ''''This will be Sion-sama''s room.'''' (Pumo Pumo)


    Thank you.


    ''''No, because Sion-sama is an important person. If you have any problems, please don''t hesitate to tell me or Quanto-chan.'''' (Pumo, pumo~)


    Be my guest.


    Quanto peeked out of Aria''s shadow and said in a blunt tone.


    Pumo~, Aria squealed as she let out a sigh.


    ''''Quanto-chan, you''re a maid, you have to be polite.'''' (Pumo, Pumo~)


    I''m a fighter.


    Quanto said, phrasing off the words.


    She claims to be a warrior, but she is wearing a very revealing maid''s outfit.


    ''Ugh, I''m a warrior,''


    Quanto clung to Aria with a face that looked like she was about to cry.


    Aria stroked Quanto''s head gently and headed for the stairs.


    Quanto remained clinging to her waist, but Aria didn''t seem to be bothered by it.


    Theon saw Aria and Quanto off with a smile and entered the room.


    ''''........You''re cleaning up properly.''''


    Theon stood in the center of the room and looked around.


    The barracks at the deputy station were not only used as housing for the staff, but also as a base for the cavalry.


    The cavalry would only stay in the barracks for a day or two, at best.


    They shouldn''t be caught if they cut corners, but Aria is cleaning the barracks for that one or two days.


    Theon sat down in his chair and folded his hands as he would when he was praying.


    The purpose, however, was not to pray.


    It''s to find out what Crono is doing.


    When Theon closes his eyes, Sylvania and everything there....the existence of what is in the sky and the sea is almost impossible to grasp....comes to his mind.


    Crono-sama, and Sion follows Crono''s presence.


    Crono''s presence is unique.


    No, it''s even different, beyond unique.


    Theon found Crono and smiled.


    *


    Crono was in the Mercenary Guild.


    The mercenary guild was located in the center of Sylvania it was quite far from the port and its surroundings.


    The building was a two-story brick building.


    According to what I''ve heard, the number of mercenaries living in Sylvania is about two hundred or so.


    The building of the mercenary guild is too small for two hundred people to live in, so the mercenaries'' residence must be elsewhere.


    It''s hard to see, said Sion, raising his eyebrows.


    With the naked eye, it should be an ordinary building that could be found anywhere, but it was terribly difficult for the current Sion to see.


    It''s as if a thin sheet of paper is blocking his view.


    Sion forces his way through the obstacle and looks at Crono.


    Crono was in what looked like a reception room on the second floor of the Mercenary Guild.


    Crono wasn''t the only one in the reception room.


    The guild master of the mercenary guild was also with him.


    Crono was sitting on the sofa, drinking a cup of incense tea.


    He placed the cup on the table and smiled happily.


    ''''Ahhh, the incense tea is delicious.''''


    Okay.


    The Guildmaster of the Mercenary Guild........I think I said Sif.......was sitting face to face with Crono with a Buddha''s face.


    ''By the way, what do you want?��You didn''t come all the way out here to drink incense tea, did you?


    I''ve come all the way down here for a cup of fragrant tea.


    Crono turned over and said in a gloomy tone.


    ''''I suppose it''s only right that we come out to you.


    Yeah?��Crono nodded his head curiously.


    ''It''s about time you gave me permission to call my relatives.


    ''''We just took in a hundred mercenaries the other day.......speaking of which, it''s been seven or eight months since Sif came to Count Caddo''s territory?


    Crono said, folding his fingers deliberately.


    Sif answered Crono with silence.


    He was probably wary of what he might demand.


    ''Well, it''s a promise,''


    Thank you.


    Sif hung his head deeply to Crono.


    ''''Well I need to talk to you about it.


    Well, if you''re just asking.


    Crono crossed his legs and leaned back on the couch.


    ''I need to rent some land.''


    Why is it a land and not a house?


    ....


    Sif closed his eyes as if he were meditating and opened them as if he had made up his mind.


    ''I want to farm,''


    You mean you want to export your crops?��If they export our crops, we''ll have to increase the per capita tax, so we''ll pay too much tax and we''ll be left to dry in the sun.


    Crono''s concerns are valid.


    If Schiff is going to export what he pays in taxes, Crono has to make them pay taxes on the rest of the crop.


    Even if they were going to export what they had left, it would be hard to keep people engaged in farming if they had nothing left.


    ''No,'' he said. We want to move to a land of plenty.


    You want me to take you in as an immigrant?


    ''Of course, the Union of Tribes will bear the cost until the settlement gets off the ground. This can''t be a bad deal.


    Not a bad deal, right?


    Crono poked his elbow into the armrest of the sofa and smiled unfaithfully.


    ''It''s certainly not a bad deal. If you''ll pay the costs over there and pioneer it, I''ll get more tax revenue for free. But is it too hard to accept?


    Why?��You have already taken in immigrants from another territory, another country. I also hear that you have taken a Lou girl as your wife.


    Sion had the same question as Sif.


    ''I have no problem accepting people who have no place to go back to. But....''


    Crono punctuated his words.


    ''The question is where your hearts are. The home country ... well, I have my doubts about the right way to put it, but if your hearts are in the Bethel Mountains, I can''t accept you as immigrants. If they take effective control of us, we won''t be able to look at them.


    ....


    Sif is silent.


    But he doesn''t seem to regret it.


    Perhaps Crono''s answer was within Sif''s expectations.


    ''''I knew it,''''


    ''''If you''ve been a lord for more than three years, even an ordinary person can make this kind of decision. It''s a pity.


    ''No,'' said Sif, shaking his head in denial.


    ''The person I''m dealing with better not be an idiot.


    What''s your heart?


    "A deal with an idiot doesn''t last forever.


    Tough.


    Crono playfully raised his hands in the air.


    ''Well I have a lot to tell you.


    Sif stood up, tracing the tattoo on his right cheek.


    A jet-black glow colored Sif''s body like barbarian war veneer.


    ''So much for peeking.


    The moment Sif stepped on the floor, Theon''s consciousness was popped.


    *


    Ouch!


    Theon opened his eyes in shock.


    The shock itself wasn''t much, but the carelessness of not being attacked made the shock feel more than it really was.


    Carelessness?��No, Zion underestimated his opponent too much.


    He knew his opponent was capable of interfering with the Divine Majesty Technique, but he failed to be alert.


    A little more cautious this time, Sion closed his eyes and searched for any sign of Crono.


    But he couldn''t find any sign of Crono.


    Why?��And Theon focuses his attention.


    I know where it is.


    It''s the Mercenary Guild.


    But even if I search the mercenary guild, I can''t see Crono and Sif.


    Perhaps Sif is disturbing Sion in some way.


    Why are they doing this?��I just want to know how Master Crono is doing, Sion bit his lip.


    Sion sat up after wondering if he should go and look for Crono.


    He wondered for quite a long time, but if he decided to go looking for him, the only thing left to do was to do it.


    Theon left the room and made a short run to the entrance of the barracks.


    Theon grabbed the doorknob and nearly fell over.


    The door opened on its own.


    Someone caught Sion who almost fell down.


    ''''Ah~, Sion-san are you okay?


    Of course!


    When Theon looked up, Crono turned away awkwardly.


    He wanted to hug Crono a little longer, but he had no choice but to leave.


    Theon looked at Crono.


    There had to be a reason why he couldn''t look for any sign of Crono anymore.


    Sion moved his gaze from top to bottom and noticed a change in the necklace.


    A small piece of wood had been added to the necklace.


    Fine writing was engraved on the piece of wood.


    Apparently, this piece of wood was drowning out Crono''s presence.


    ''Master Crono, what is it?''


    This?


    Crono plucked up a piece of wood from his necklace.


    ''It''s an amulet,''


    Amulet?


    Theon''s voice trailed off in surprise.


    ''How could you treat a priest who serves the ''Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility'' as a disaster of all things?


    ''''I hear that an evil spirit is trying to harm me.


    ''Evil?��Harm?


    Theon was confused by the unfamiliar assessment.


    Not only did he treat it like a disaster, he treated it like an evil spirit.


    It was too much of an assessment for just looking at Crono.


    ''''Crono-sama, would you like to take that off?


    ''What?��No, it''s not a good idea to take off something you''ve given me so generously.


    Well, would you mind if I touched it a little?


    Well, you''re welcome.


    If he could touch it, he should be able to neutralize the piece of wood, and Theon reached for the piece of wood.


    Just as Sion''s fingertips touched or didn''t touch the piece of wood, a beehive of black sparks shot out.


    ''''.........''''


    ....


    An awkward silence descended between Crono and Theon.


    ''''This is some kind of mistake. Perhaps this piece of wood must reject the power of the Six Pillar God as well. Of course it does.''''


    Theon wound up.


    ''Yeah, yeah, well, maybe it happens.''


    Wow, I''m not feeling well, so I''m going back to my room.


    Theon turned on his heel.


    *


    The next day, Theon went to the pioneer village.


    Crono seemed to have business with the Mercenary Guild and the ''Sinner Trade Union'' and was going separately.


    Sion stopped and looked around the frontier village.


    There are less than eighty houses in the village.


    The houses are better built than those of other farming communities.


    The distance between the houses is wide.


    This is because the trees were cut down to make room for them to be transported.


    Krono buys the trees cut down that could be used as building materials and the rest of the wood is used as firewood for the frontier villages and salt pits.


    Excess firewood is sometimes sold in Sylvania, but Crono doesn''t seem to have any intention of restricting it too strictly.


    Sion looks around the village slowly.


    There is not much sign of people.


    Everyone must be out working.


    This is also the reason why there are no children playing outside.


    Children are an important part of the labor force in the frontier villages.


    The pioneering is going well, but it''s going so smoothly that it''s scary, Sion has that impression.


    Pioneering is harsh, Sion has learned, but maybe the harshness could be lessened if the lords gave their full support.


    Sion stopped just as they passed through the village.


    To the north of the village was the Coma Forest.


    The power of the Coma Forest was almost overwhelming, but when he lowered his gaze slightly, he saw the fields there.


    As I move my gaze sideways and to the side, the field breaks off unexpectedly.


    Beyond that is a wasteland and a forest.


    There, elves and beastmen are chopping down trees and hauling them away.


    As soon as Sion uses his Divine Majesty Technique, he can end the settlement.


    But this isn''t just a settlement.


    It''s a rite of passage for the pioneers to have their existence recognized by the other lords.


    Thinking that, Theon felt guilty that it was negligent not to use it even though he had the power.


    As Theon approached to check on the situation, an elf rested his hand on his axe.


    The one-eyed elf........Dino.


    ''''Hey, guys!��Take a break!


    Dino called out loudly and they all rested their hands.


    The methods of resting varied from sitting on a stump to walking over to a barrel for a drink of water.


    Dino approached Theon, wiping the sweat from his neck with a cloth that he wore around his neck.


    When he reached Crono''s territory, Dino was terribly thin.


    He was still thin enough to be skinny, but he was a healthy amount of skinny.


    But the thing that had changed the most was his expression.


    It seemed to be less rugged than when we met.


    ''''........Sion-sama.


    How are you doing?


    The minotaurs are friendly... and the ones who came after me were good-natured.


    Dino said in a trenchant tone.


    It is likely that he is unable to measure the distance between him and Theon, the head priest of the "Yellow Earth Temple".


    It''s not unreasonable.


    Although they are different organizations, the Cepheus Empire and the Sacred Argo Kingdom''s ''temple'' are dedicated to the same god.


    Theon heard the latest news from Dino and left the frontier village.


    ''''Crono-sama, you''ve been waiting for me...''''


    Yeah, well, normally, they''re waiting for you.


    That too, I suppose.


    Theon laughed and got into the wagon.


    As Crono got in, the wagon began to move slowly.


    Theon leaned over to Crono.


    ''Master Crono, do you believe in fate?''


    No, I''m a Buddhist.


    Then Crono fell silent.


    Sion wasn''t happy with Crono''s answer.


    If Crono said that he believed in fate, then Sion could become Crono''s property.


    ''''........But if they should have met by chance, but the relationship continued afterwards, or it meant more than a coincidence, I''d be inclined to believe in God.


    Tsk, Theon clicked his tongue.


    A roundabout denial, or a roundabout affirmation.


    It''s a small hatred of trying to leave an escape route.


    That''s fine, Theon closed his eyes.


    There was no point in being impatient.


    Sion was destined to be tied to Crono.


    Kufu, Theon laughed.


    It was that evening that Zion returned to Hashel.


    He parted from Crono in front of the Relief House.


    Then the priest emerged from the shadows.


    ''How are you?''


    We didn''t find anything.


    Well, I guess so.


    Theon replied, and the priestess said with a nasty smile on her face.


    Sion suddenly remembered that the priestess was about to say something when they parted.


    ''''Well come to think of it, when we were parting ways,''''


    Hmm, it''s about future vision, isn''t it?��Future vision doesn''t allow you to see the future the way you want.


    And," said the priest, cutting off his words.


    "Honestly, I can''t tell if I''m really seeing the future or if it''s just a daydream!


    Nah!


    The priest laughed in amusement.


    ''Aww, how dare I?''


    Sion''s face turned pale.


    Asking Crono if he believed in fate, probing Crono''s condition with the divine power technique... she looked like a painful woman.


    ''''You should learn to doubt people a little more, Lord.


    Then the priest laughed.

 90-Episode 4 "Business Merchant Group"

    Cole is a lowly union member.


    He pays a union fee every month to call himself a member of the union, but there aren''t many advantages to union membership.


    The only advantages of being a union member are that they can stay at the union''s facilities in Count Caddo''s territory and that they can be offered a job.


    Cole exhaled loudly as he walked through the Coma Forest and proceeded about ten meters away.


    Someone tapped Cole on the shoulder.


    Cole looked next to him and saw a bearded mercenary smiling, baring his teeth.


    It''s quite a charming smile.


    Maybe the bearded mercenary thought he was praising Cole.


    I''m not that kind of kid, Cole spits in his mind.


    Cole is eighteen this year.


    I''m not sure if I can count the period of time since I was a child when I couldn''t even carry a load properly as a career, but Cole is a veteran with more than a decade of experience.


    But he doesn''t complain about it.


    He''s used to being treated like a child.


    Cole thinks he has the face of a shrewd merchant, but apparently he looks younger than his actual age to the rest of us.


    Cole looked up.


    He could see the fields and the village stained by the sunset.


    It''s a frontier village in Count Caddo''s territory.


    It must be dinner time.


    A delicious smell wafted on the wind.


    Cole swallowed his spit and straightened up.


    A few more steps and he would be in Sylvania.


    Cole whipped his weary body into shape and began to walk.


    Cole, accompanied by his escort mercenaries and cargo lizardmen, continues south through the streets of Sylvania.


    The leading merchants'' association has a stronghold near the port.


    The peddlers'' union''s base is also near the port, so they have to plow through the city.


    But still, how could you do it in such a short period of time, Cole looks at the city with a sideways glance.


    Sylvania, as Cole remembers it, is not a city.


    It was a pathway to a fishing village.


    The port of Silva was completed, the trading post was built...and in no time at all it was a city.


    If the roads are gridlocked, that means it was planned, right?��Cole asks himself.


    Sylvania spread out wildly.


    That''s the impression I get, but standing in the middle of the road like this, I get the feeling that it was planned in a certain way.


    Maybe it''s surprisingly calculated, Cole settles his doubts to a point.


    The current lord is a person who is constantly rumored to be black.


    It''s not possible for such a person to build a city without a plan.


    In fact, it may be unplanned, but logical thinking is important.


    When you go down the road for a while, you''re going to have a lot of misunderstandings with people.


    I should have taken a different path, Cole clicked his tongue.


    Of all things, he had chosen a route across the entertainment district.


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 91-Episode 5 "Visit of the Sheratan" Prequel

    *


    Viscount Tina Sheratan slowly lifted her cup.


    She brought it directly to her mouth and enjoyed the aroma for a moment.


    She drank the fragrant tea and let out a breath of relief.


    Her exhaustion from work seemed to go out with her breath.


    The afternoon tea party was a moment of peace for Tina.


    It was the same now that she had taken over the reigns.


    No, the level of importance may be higher now that he is carrying the burden of being a lord.


    The responsibility of a lord is too heavy for a fifteen-year-old lass.


    And moreover, she became a lord before she had time to prepare for it.


    At the very least, I wish I had had time to prepare, but even if I had had time, it might have been the same.


    Because even now, after six months of being a lord, I can''t say I''m ready for it.


    There isn''t a day that goes by that I don''t wish my father hadn''t gone deer hunting that day, or fallen off the horse....


    My father''s death was an unexpected event.


    He had a third or fourth son of a nobleman with military experience as his son-in-law.


    While her husband served as the commander of the army, Tina learned how to run the estate under her father, and when the time was right, she took over the reigns.


    Tina''s plan for life was lost when her father died.


    Anyway, time away from the pressure is important.


    Perhaps understanding this, Sebas, the always nagging butler, is quiet at the tea party.


    He is so quiet that I forget he is standing beside me.


    However, the days when afternoon tea parties were a time of peace are a thing of the past.


    Now it''s becoming a time of prayer.


    A time to pray, please, that nothing will happen today.


    Tina''s ears catch the sound of wild footsteps.


    ''Pure white and orderly God,'' Tina prays, but the footsteps don''t seem to be moving away.


    Apparently, God didn''t hear her prayers.


    He must be taking a nap.


    The sound of wild footsteps was close at hand.


    Tina had no way to resist.


    All she could do was wait for the storm to pass.


    Even a field mouse has the wisdom and skill to keep her away from danger, but a nobleman cannot escape his duty.


    The door opened wildly as soon as Tina put her cup on the table.


    It was the maid who opened the door.


    Normally, this kind of misbehavior would not be tolerated.


    In other words, the maid must be that angry.


    ''Surely,'' Tina shrugged, ''what''s going to happen next?


    ''''I will quit now!


    Ha-hi.


    The maid walked up to Tina in a demonic fashion and raged at her mercilessly, winding up what she had been subjected to.


    Tina is on the defensive.


    Yes, yes, I''m sorry, that''s all I can do to apologize.


    Huh, I heard a small sigh from behind me.


    It was Sebas''s sigh.


    It was a sigh that said, "Not again.


    Ever since Tina took over the reigns, it''s been a cycle of hiring maids and then quitting.


    I know why.


    We also know how to deal with it, but Tina doesn''t have the ability to deal with it.


    Sebas laments about it.


    The maid complained for a moment and left the room.


    Tina let out a deep sigh and plopped down on the table.


    ''The maid quit again?''


    Suddenly, I was approached by a voice.


    A low, muffled voice.


    "Well, that''s your uncle.


    Tina sat up and stared at the door.


    There was a bearded man standing there.


    His physiognomy was not good.


    His beard was unkempt and his hair was similar.


    His eyes were downcast and the shape of his eyeballs was well defined.


    He is not very tall, but he is generally thick.


    Combined with his bearded face, he looks like a bear.


    The man''s name was Reed he was Tina''s uncle.


    He had recently returned from the army.


    ''Huh?��Do you have a problem with that?


    It''s not there.


    I had something to say.


    Why would he be insolent to the maid he had just hired?


    That''s why the maid had quit, wasn''t it?


    But what I could barely squeeze out was a word of acknowledgement of Reed''s actions.


    He couldn''t even look at her, let alone object to it.


    ''Then it''s fine. You don''t want me to leave, do you?


    ....


    Tina didn''t answer.


    Eventually, the door closed.


    When she looked up, Reid was not there.


    ''I''m getting carried away because Lady Tina won''t take a firm stand.


    I know.


    I swallowed such a weakness, saying that if you''re going to go that far, you can send out a rescue ship.


    Sebas is right in his opinion.


    If Tina, the lord, didn''t show her will, her men couldn''t move even if they wanted to.


    But Tina was afraid of Reed.


    Sweat broke out at the mere mention of Reid''s stare, and his body tensed up at the mere mention of his name.


    There were thoughts of what would happen if Reid left her.


    Tina has two problems.


    One was the matter of Reid, and the other was the presence of a standing army stationed in the Sheratan Viscount Territory.


    The problem is the poor behavior of the standing army.


    It''s the new battalion commander and his cronies that are causing the problem, but no organization is going to follow the superior at the bottom.


    The effect of this was beginning to show itself as a disturbance in public morals.


    It was Reed who put a stop to this trend.


    He blackmailed the new battalion commander to correct the public morale problem.


    I want to do something about Reid.


    But if Reed was gone, the new battalion commander might cause trouble again.


    That dilemma and the remorse that he should have held his ground irritated Tina.


    ''I have to do something, I''m a lord.


    U~, Tina groaned as she rolled her back.


    At that moment, the image of a certain person passed through her mind.


    It was the former Viscount Hamal''s gentle smile.


    She had met the former Viscount Hamal many times.


    He also promised me that he would help me if I was in trouble.


    ''''I''ve decided!��Former Viscount Hammar, no, I''ll have Viscount Hammar back me up!


    Lady Tina?


    Sebas''s face clouds over.


    ''I know it''s altruistic. But there is no other way to solve the problem.


    It''s not safe for Lady Tina to leave the residence now.


    What do you mean?


    ''Yes, sir, I believe Master Reid has an agenda to take the viceroy away.


    No way, Tina muttered.


    I don''t want to believe it.


    But if Sebas''s words were true, it would make sense.


    Reed came back to take the governorship.


    But just coming back would make it difficult for him to even stay in the mansion, let alone take the viceroy.


    So he used his connections from his military days.


    He let the battalion commander cause a commotion, and by cleaning up the mess, he convinced him that he was the one who needed to be there.


    The rest was easy.


    All he had to do was wait for the opportunity to kill Tina while making more allies of his own.


    The method of killing her could be poisoning her or faking an accident.


    Tina shuddered in a blur.


    She realized that Reed was not just a violent man, but also a cunning schemer.


    ''Sebas, you think your uncle is going to make some kind of move on you, don''t you?


    We think that''s very likely. Yes, for example....


    Sebas nodded and covered his mouth with his hand thoughtfully.


    I''m going to have you attack the carriage of Lady Tina.


    Now, let''s go out on your uncle''s back.


    Tina smiled.


    *


    By the way, the chest didn''t even need a cloth wrapped around it...and then departed later.


    Tina rode the old donkey and stealthily made her way out the back door.


    Through a narrow alleyway and out onto a main street.


    Tina patted her chest.


    The city was bustling with activity in its own right.


    Viscount Sheratan''s territory wasn''t large, and it didn''t have any specialties.


    Merchants recognize the Sheratan Viscount Territory as a transit point to the Hamal Viscount Territory, so the main street is rarely crowded with people.


    However, the number of stalls seems to have decreased.


    From the assortment of stalls, the number of peddlers seems to have decreased.


    Let''s think about the peddlers later, Tina said as she left the city.


    She wasn''t sure if her strategy would work for Reed, but she felt elated, as if she was having a great adventure.


    Tina continued west along the city road.


    The sides of the road are covered with dead grass.


    The dead grasses were up to Tina''s waist and swayed in waves as the wind blew.


    The tension was lost as they moved along the street.


    So when she spotted two men on horseback, her reaction was delayed.


    Both men carried swords from their waists.


    If a child drew a picture of a sword, he would draw a sword that looked like the two men were holding it from their waists.


    That kind of rugged sword.


    The two men approached slowly.


    They had been standing in the empty street, and as soon as they saw Tina, they approached.


    In other words, the two men were Reid''s men.


    Tina jumped off the donkey.


    She jumped straight into the bushes on the side of the road.


    ''Hey, wait!''


    Tina continues to run, ignoring the voices calling her back.


    She doesn''t even turn around.


    The two men must be close at hand.


    If they catch up to her, they will kill her.


    I couldn''t turn around from such fear.


    He fell again and again, crawling on the ground and hiding behind a fallen tree.


    The ground was muddy around the fallen tree. If it wasn''t winter now, they would have been attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes.


    Tina held her mouth with both hands.


    The two men scrambled through the bushes and stopped not too far from Tina.


    ''Hey, were you there?''


    No.


    The questioned man shook his head.


    Apparently, the two of them were not very good at tracking.


    However, I can''t be relieved.


    Even if their tracking ability was low, they could still kill Tina as easily as they could.


    But the two men weren''t the only threat.


    It was cold, Tina shivered, her body trembling.


    The frozen mire mercilessly stole Tina''s body heat.


    A drop in body temperature is synonymous with the depletion of physical strength.


    What if she found herself in a place where her strength was exhausted?


    What if I have to lurk here for hours without being found?


    Tina gripped her dagger for self-defense.


    Either way, if she was going to die, shouldn''t she gamble on her chances of survival?


    ''Tch, let''s go home,''


    What are you going to do?��It''s a bad job, isn''t it?


    Well, you know. I had a spur of the moment moment moment, but I didn''t want him to talk.��If that''s the case, wouldn''t it be smarter to just walk away with the advance?


    That too, I suppose.


    Both men seem to be poorly thought out and lack professional ethics.


    But for now, I''m grateful for their laxity.


    ''And while we''re at it, let''s get the donkey''s stuff.


    Yeah.


    Thief!��Tina almost shouted, forgetting her position.


    The donkey was loaded with all the necessary luggage for the journey.


    The sound of raking through the grass moved away, but it would be wise to stay hidden for a while.


    It was possible that their conversation was an act to lure Tina out of hiding.


    Tina continued to hide behind the fallen tree, shivering from the cold.


    In the end, the luggage was stolen by two men, but the donkey was safe, even though it was too much trouble to take it with them.


    Tina proceeded cautiously this time.


    She used the branch roads to avoid pursuers and ambushes, stopping only at the village to buy water and food.


    Many of the branch roads were broken, and many stretched in the wrong direction.


    Each time we turned around, we turned around and went west for many times longer.


    The road silver ran out on the way.


    We bought water and food at the villagers'' asking price.


    He knew that he was being watched, but he didn''t want to cause trouble and be found by his pursuers.


    We ran out of roadside silver, and we had a new traveling companion.


    The guy''s name was Hunger.


    I had never been so hungry in my life.


    I was so jealous of the donkeys eating grass on the road.


    The barrier between the territories waited for the night and broke through under the shade of night.


    Tina ran from the guilt of committing a crime and the fear of punishment.


    It was full speed with all the physical strength she had left.


    And then Tina collapsed.


    Gong, gong, shock and pain occurred intermittently.


    To be honest, she couldn''t even open her eyes, but Tina opened them thinly.


    Then she saw a boy looking down at Tina.


    He was probably about the same age as Tina.


    His brown hair was short and stood upside down like a cat or a hedgehog threatening an enemy.


    She has a charming face, but the corners of her mouth are hanging up.


    Maybe he thinks he''s trying to put on an evil expression, but he''s smiling, like a child acting like an adult.


    ''''Are you okay?''''


    ....


    Tina didn''t answer.


    When she opened her eyes with shock and pain, the boy was looking down at Tina.


    He didn''t peek at her in concern, nor did he kneel in place.


    In other words, the boy had kicked Tina in the head.


    ''Mi, water, and some food, please.''


    That''s what I thought.


    The boy thrust out a leather water bottle and bag.


    Tina raised herself up vigorously and snatched the water bottle from the boy''s hand.


    Tina drank the water from the canteen, trying not to spill a drop.


    Warm.


    Warm, but tasty.


    It was the best tasting drink she''d ever had.


    With trembling hands, I opened the bag and found a piece of bread.


    It was shabby, but also delicious.


    Tina finished her meal for the first time in a long time and looked at the boy with a huff.


    ''Oh, thank you.''


    I was just trying to help out a freak.


    The boy turned on his heel.


    The wagon was parked some distance away.


    It was a very old wagon.


    The boy stopped and turned around.


    ''Hey, where are we going?''


    Uh, formerly with Viscount Hammar.


    Ahhh,'' the boy looked up to the heavens.


    ''Formerly Viscount Hamal''s place means it''s a city of Linor, right?


    Linor is the city where the former Viscount Hammar''s mansion is located.


    I''m going to be working there too, so why don''t you come with me?


    ''What?��Um.


    Tina couldn''t answer immediately.


    She knew the boy was being gracious.


    She wasn''t sure if she should involve him in such a situation.


    ''I''m not saying I''m forcing you,''


    I understand. Please.


    Tina decided to take the boy''s offer after much deliberation.


    There were three reasons.


    Firstly, he was completely drained of energy.


    Secondly, there was no road silver.


    Finally, she thought that if she stayed with the boy, she would be able to fool the eyes of her pursuers.


    ''I''ll tell you who I am, even if it will be a short visit. I''m Cole, the peddler.


    I''m Ti I''m Tim and I''m a traveler.


    Tina took the pseudonym with a slight sense of guilt.


    ''Traveller, nah.''


    Cole looked at Tina like a stinker.


    He regretted that he should have thought of a convincing background, but that was for later.


    Cole was silent for a moment, then let out a small breath.


    Maybe he decided it was safer not to go into it.


    ''So, what about that donkey over there?��I''m telling you, I can''t afford a donkey.


    It''ll follow itself, I think.


    Well, he wouldn''t leave you alone when you were down.


    As he said this, Cole didn''t seem fully convinced.


    ''Well, get in the back, then.''


    Yes, sir.


    Tina climbed onto the back of the load and slid her body into the gap between the loads.


    That''s how many loads were loaded in the back of the car.


    The ride wasn''t pleasant, but before she knew it, Tina had fallen into a deep sleep.

 92-Episode 5 "Visit of the Sheratan" Second Part

    *


    Hey, here we are.


    ... hmm?


    Tina opened her eyes and rubbed her dreary eyes.


    Dry mud spills out of them in a flurry.


    Consciousness is scary.


    She can''t understand where she''s arrived.


    I look up to see the donkey looking up at Tina.


    I treated her carelessly, but she seemed to be following me properly.


    Oh, you''ve reached Linor, Tina said as she raised herself up and leaned out of the cart.


    How long she had slept, the city was dusk the colors were tinted with a certain languor and loneliness.


    Linor is an old city.


    The buildings on the main street are old and look like ruins waiting for the day to decay.


    Of course, it''s just an impression - that''s how I felt, and in reality it''s not that desolate.


    It''s only natural that it would lose its popularity in the evening, and it''s rare for a store to eagerly try to attract customers from this time of day.


    ''It''s just down the road, you know, the square.


    ....


    Before I knew it, Cole, who had moved next to me, pointed to the end of the main street.


    ''Tomorrow we''re going to open up shop in the square,''


    Is it that easy to open?


    Tina pointed out, and Cole grinned.


    It''s a bit of a nasty smile.


    ''''You''re a traveler, but you don''t know anything. You''ll have to go through a bit of formalities, but anyone can open a stall in Viscount Hamal, Marquis Erakis, and Count Caddo''s territory.''''


    Tina was a little miffed that she felt like an idiot, but the animosity quickly faded.


    Cole was proud of himself.


    He was like a child bragging about a special toy.


    Trying to tell him innocently that it was amazing, amazing.


    Tina can''t understand Cole''s feelings.


    Tina can''t understand Cole''s feelings, because she thinks that the system of opening a stall for anyone to open a stall was created for the lord''s convenience.


    Cole is different.


    I''m sure that Cole sees his own unique value in a system created for the convenience of his lord.


    I was jealous of that, and I wanted to be a little mean to him.


    ''''I think there''s a toll tax when you move between territories, right?


    ''The three territories you just mentioned don''t need a toll tax, right?


    ''''Then it''s easy to make money by checking the market prices of the three territories.


    Unless someone else is thinking the same thing.


    Tina''s meanness came up empty.


    ''Let''s go to the inn for a good night''s rest today.


    Ugh, but I''m broke.


    Tina was at a loss for words.


    The lodgings that could accommodate a carriage are pricey.


    I can see that. I know it''s not easy for me. I''ve got my own set of circumstances. I''ve got plenty of money in my pocket, and I don''t want to be a sleepyhead for a while.


    Apparently, Cole didn''t help me out of the goodness of his heart.


    ''See, you''d die if you left me alone, wouldn''t you?


    Rude!��Tina thought, but she didn''t say it.


    Because there was no doubt that she would have been miserable if Cole hadn''t picked her up.


    ''''Thanks for your help,''''


    Tina bowed her head to Cole with a pitying feeling.


    *


    The inn was more magnificent than Tina had imagined.


    The building was two stories high and the dining room was cramped, as if it were for guests only.


    Inside the building is a storage area for peddlers like Cole to store their cargo, while outside there are solidly built stables and space for vehicles.


    Cole seemed to be very familiar with the place, and after completing his reception, he quickly went to the tavern.


    The place where they handed him a change of clothes was thorough.


    Tina felt a pang of apprehension, but she headed to the bathhouse in the other wing.


    The bathhouse seems to be the type where they take turns using it one at a time.


    As she took off her clothes in the changing room, the dried mud fell in pieces to the floor.


    Tina entered the bathroom, looking like she was born, and was disappointed.


    The bathroom wasn''t as magnificent as she had hoped.


    There was a large barrel filled with hot water, along with a hand tub and a large tarai.


    A small window high up is the only source of light.


    Tina entered the tarai and covered her head with the hot water she had drawn from the hand tub.


    Muddy water, or rather, muddy water, runs down Tina''s skin and collects in the tarai.


    She covered her head with the hot water several times and changed the hot water in the tarai.


    When the hot water in the tarai becomes clear, she leaves the bathroom.


    Tina wiped herself with a cloth and looked down at her body.


    Her skin was white and the lines of her body were thin.


    Her chest was a bit full, but she had the body of a boy.


    He changed into the clothes Cole had given him and folded the extra sleeves and hem.


    The dirty clothes and underwear seem to have been collected by the inn''s employees.


    When we returned to our room, Cole was lying on the bed.


    The inn''s room only has two beds.


    ''Oh, you''re back?''


    Cole picked himself up and sat back down on the edge of the bed.


    ''You''re fast there too,''


    Hmm, well, there''s not much to go on.


    Apparently, Cole had gone to the tavern to gather information.


    ''Then you should have told me so,'' said Tina, sitting down on the empty side of the bed.


    ''You''re looking pretty neat, huh?


    I am a man.


    I don''t have any manly hair either.


    Cole said grimly as Tina checked him out.


    ''Mr. Cole...''


    I don''t need a "san". And just say it.


    Talk to me?��Tina nodded her head.


    ''Tame-talking is the kind of language I use like I''m talking.


    All right. Has Cole been, well, a peddler for a long time?


    Yeah, I''ve been doing this for over a decade.


    What?


    Without thinking, Tina asked back.


    ''For the record, I''m eighteen this year, man.


    Hmm?��Tina tilted her head.


    ''If you''re eighteen years old this year.......that means you''re seventeen now, doesn''t it?


    ''''Why do you say it in such a confusing way?''''


    Tina asked, and Cole clicked his tongue.


    ''Well when you''re young you get licked.


    Then it would seem that he should just tell a lie, but maybe Cole has his own beliefs.


    ''So, how old are you?''


    Fifteen.


    ''Oh,'' said Cole, nodding.


    ''You''re awesome Cole. He''s a fine peddler, even though he''s only two different things.


    Praise doesn''t get you anywhere.


    As he says this, Cole doesn''t seem to be full of it.


    "Hey, man, am I a good merchant?


    Yeah, that''s great.


    Tina nodded and Cole rubbed his nose to hide his embarrassment.


    ''Well, well, I''ve been through a lot of shenanigans, too. I''m sure that''s why. I''ve had my share of run-ins with bandits.


    ''What!��How did you survive?


    No, I was being tactful there.


    Cole used gestures and told an amusing story of what happened at the time.


    The conversation continued late into the night.


    *


    The next day, Tina looked at the square and rolled her eyes.


    Stalls filled the square.


    At first glance, they seemed to be arranged in a haphazard fashion, but upon closer inspection, she noticed a regularity to them.


    This must have been the result of trial and error to contain the many stalls.


    Many of the products on the stalls are preserves.


    Cheese is not much of a rarity, but dried and salted fish is rare.


    The Barony of Hamar and the Barony of Sheraton are not that far from the sea, but in the days of the former Marquis of Erakis, tolls were high and fish from the sea was the food of the wealthy.


    Wow, that''s great!


    It''s becoming a familiar sight to me, though.


    Cole deftly assembles the stall.


    The stall is simple, just a wooden frame with a cloth roof.


    There are several other wooden boards.


    The edges are uneven, so they will be put together and used as display shelves.


    It''s really awesome.


    Tina said with a sigh.


    The state of the square was a surprise in two ways.


    One was because it was so different from his own territory, and the other was to get to know the former Viscount Hamal''s territory.


    The impression he had had yesterday was misplaced.


    A ruin waiting for the day of decay is a ridiculous thing.


    It was as if the city was claiming that it could continue to grow and develop more.


    ''Why is that?''


    That''s right, you have a supplier, you can travel safely, and you don''t have to pay a toll tax. On top of that, it''s easy to set up a store. Anybody can get in.


    Cole rested his hands and counted on his fingers why Linor''s square was so crowded.


    Tina looked down in embarrassment.


    She didn''t realize that she, as a lord, understood even a mere peddler.


    ''''Even so, Viscount Hamal would do something so drastic as to get rid of the toll tax, wouldn''t he?


    That''s how desperate you were, right?


    Desperate?


    Tina tilted her head.


    ''Back then ... about a year and a half ago?��Well, anyway, there was a lot going on when the port had just been established in Count Caddo''s territory. That''s why Viscount Hamal was desperate to not get left behind in the flow, I guess.


    What do you mean by "a lot"?


    Cole stared at Tina with a look in his eyes, as if to tell her not to interrupt him too much.


    ''There''s the Sinner Trade Union, the big trade associations no longer use the trade routes they used before, the peddlers'' union... well, you know, things happen.


    Yeah,


    Truly amazing, Tina admired Viscount Hamal in her heart.


    Viscount Hamal noticed that the number of merchants passing through his territory had decreased, and he took immediate action.


    That''s probably why the city of Linor is so crowded.


    Huh?��Tina nodded her head.


    Viscount Hamal noticed that the number of merchants passing through his estate was decreasing.


    So why hadn''t his father taken action?


    At least, there was no indication that his dead father had done anything about it.


    ''''Hey, you have business at Viscount Hamal''s estate, right?


    Hmm?��Yeah, it was.


    Tina shelved her doubts and headed to Viscount Hamal''s mansion.


    *


    The chalk pavilion was in the corner of my eye.


    The trees in the garden were shedding their leaves, but even in that state, the gardener''s careful work and what Viscount Hamal wanted from the garden seemed to be palpable.


    Tina stood in front of the gate and let out a breath of relief.


    She had been intercepted by her uncle on the way there, but thanks to Cole, she had made it there safely.


    I must thank Cole for his help.


    No, Tina laughed, saying that she had to reveal her identity before that.


    It was possible that Cole would be angry, but she laughed at the thought of him getting flustered.


    ''''........You, what do you want in the mansion?''''


    When I looked at the direction of the voice, I saw an old man standing there.


    He must be quite old.


    His waist was bent and his hair and beard were yellowish white.


    His clothes were stained with mud, but he did not look dirty.


    A servant from the mansion must have come to check on him.


    ''''You, what do you want in the mansion?''''


    The old man repeated the same question.


    His eyes were sharp, but that was not all.


    There was a light in it, like looking at a poor child.


    ''''You.........''''


    Oh, excuse me. I''m ... I''m an errand boy for Viscount Sheraton.


    Tina interrupted the old man''s words and held out the letter.


    Her luggage was stolen, but she kept only the dagger and the letter for self-defense by herself.


    However, this letter is a backup.


    If nothing had happened, the servant who left earlier as a decoy would have delivered a letter with the same contents.


    ''I''ll deliver it to your wife.


    Oh, um, former Viscount Hamal it''s nothing.


    Tina turned over as the old man stared at her.


    To be honest, the former Viscountess Hamal was not good at this.


    The former Viscount Hamal has a gentle temperament, but the lady has a fierce temper.


    The old man received the letter and started walking towards the mansion.


    ''But that''s it.


    Tina smiled as she dreamed of a bright future.


    "...Huh?��Strange?��I see the sunset.


    Funny, funny, Tina rubbed her eyes, but the setting sun didn''t go away.


    Of course it was.


    It had been hours since she had left the old man.


    The sun was moving the same way it always had.


    Nothing strange was happening.


    I''m sorry to keep you waiting.


    No, no, not at all!��I''m not waiting!


    We''ve been waiting a long time for you, haven''t we?


    Tina turned around and said, and the old man gave her a bemused look.


    ''So, how did it go?''


    Mm, I got a letter for you from your wife.


    The old man handed the paper, folded in two, to Tina and went back to the mansion.


    Tina hurriedly opened the paper and read the text.


    ''''My master has gone to the Marquis of Erakis..................Too much!


    Tina broke down crying on the spot.


    It was too much of a response.


    Making her wait for hours was awful, and using paper in an exchange between noblemen was also awful.


    ''''Ahh, by the looks of it, it looks like we didn''t achieve our goal.


    I looked up and saw Cole standing there with an awkward expression on his face.


    ''Cole, did you come to see me because you''re worried about me?''


    Dude, it''s not like that.


    Cole turned red in the face and denied it.


    ''Yeah, I know. Cole has a job to do, you know.''


    ....


    Tina laughed through her tears, and Cole scratched his hair in frustration.


    ''I came to see you because I was worried about you!��So don''t make that face!


    Cole said loudly and took the paper from Tina.


    ''''So ... the Marquess of Erakis?''''


    Cole made a reluctant face.


    ''''It can''t be helped. I''ll drive you back to the Marquess of Erakis.''''


    Are you sure?


    He''s going to kill me if I leave him alone.


    Tina couldn''t help but drool.


    *


    Early the next morning, Tina and Cole left the city of Linor.


    On the way, they rested their horses and took a meal together.


    The menu consisted of hard bread, dried meat, and lukewarm water, but it was strangely delicious.


    It was that evening when we arrived in Hachel.


    ''Ah, well, we''ll have to wait.


    What''s going on?


    No, it''s obvious.


    Tina leaned out of the cart and understood the meaning of Cole''s words.


    The line of people and carriages stretched to the castle gates.


    There were nearly a dozen soldiers watching the line, as if there was trouble.


    We''ll have to wait.


    We can''t let that happen. You wait here. Let me show you what a merchant does.


    Cole dismounted from the carriage and approached a soldier standing at a slight distance.


    It was a tiger beastman carrying a magnificent great sword.


    Apparently, Cole looked at the equipment and decided that the tiger beastman was in charge of the scene.


    Cole approached the tiger beastman with a rubbing hand and spoke to him in a friendly manner.


    I don''t know what kind of talk they were having, but the tiger beastman seemed annoyed.


    Cole touched the tiger beastman in a friendly and familiar way.


    The next moment, the tiger beastman twisted Cole''s arm up.


    Tina tried to run away as quickly as she could, but she couldn''t.


    Because the moment she moved to escape, an arrow pierced the guru''s seat.


    ''Co, Cole, what did you do?''


    Tina held up her hands with tears in her eyes.


    A soldier with a spear at the ready was inching closer and closer.


    Tina and Cole were taken to the soldier''s stuffing station just outside the castle gates.


    The stuffing station was a sturdy-looking brick building.


    Judging from the fact that soldiers are coming and going, the second floor must be a resting place.


    There is no way to be sure what the second floor of the stuffing station is like, but I understand the purpose of the first floor.


    The first floor also serves as an interrogation room.


    There is a table in the center of the first floor, a desk at the back and a chair against the wall facing the street.


    Cole and the elven woman are facing each other across the table.


    The Elf woman is also at the desk in the back.


    Tina was seated in a chair by the wall.


    Cole is exhausted and drooping.


    If only the elven woman was the other party, she might not be so exhausted.


    You are going to be able to find out the best way to get the most out of your newborn baby.


    Both of them have the atmosphere of a soldier of the past.


    Well, even without that vibe, most opponents would be deflated by the sight of their log-like arms.


    The elf is at his desk, taking a statement.


    Incredibly, the elf is writing the letters.


    Elves the sub-humans have been taught that they are inferior to humans.


    How did this elf come to be able to write when there are only a few humans who can read and write?


    The questions are endless, but now they are being interrogated.


    Tina can only sit in a chair by the wall and stare at Cole, who is being interrogated.


    There is a knocking and tapping sound.


    The elven woman is tapping on the desk with her fingertips.


    ''Again, I ask you... why do you sound like you tried to bribe me?


    The elven woman asked Cole in a gruff tone of voice.


    By the way, the bribe was what Cole was referring to as ''merchant''s business''.


    Oh, yeah, I''m sorry. I was just trying to impress my guy, and I got carried away.


    Cole replied in a voice that sounded like he was about to cry.


    It''s not an act.


    We''ve already passed the stage of acting.


    This exchange has already been done dozens of times.


    At first, Cole had the luxury of being emphatic, but after a process of toughness, uptight remorse, recrimination, and sulking, he finally broke down.


    Cole, who had seemed so dependable, now looked small.


    ''Huh,'' the elven woman let out a deliberate sigh.


    ''Well, I''m going to ask you one more time, why did you try to bribe me?


    Excuse me.


    Cole just hung his head and apologized.


    ''''If you''re ... sorry,''''


    Oh, and look who it is, Cole.


    The next time the elven woman raised her willow eyebrows in the opposite direction, an out-of-place, calm voice echoed through the packed room.


    When I looked at the direction of the voice, I saw a man standing there with a gentle smile on his face.


    He was probably over fifty in age.


    He wore modest but well-tailored clothes.


    ''''You know Nicola-san, like, you know her?''''


    ''Yes, I have a reasonably good relationship with the Peddlers'' Union. Well, I mean, what has Mr. Cole done?


    The man called Nicola said refrainedly.


    ''It''s like he tried to bribe Tyga.


    Yeah, it is.


    Nicola frowned.


    ''I''d like to take it back for good. Like I''d like you to come and get the wagon later. And a donkey, by the way.


    Yes, Mr. Cole and you''re coming with us.


    Nicola laboriously touched Cole''s shoulder.


    Then Cole stands up and walks off in a daze.


    Tina hurriedly followed Cole.


    Nicola is with her.


    She catches up with Cole and the three of them continue on their way.


    ''''Cole-kun, this is my first offense, so I was tolerated, but bribery is not legal in Crono-sama''s territory.


    Is that it?


    Nicola gave a wry smile.


    ''I suppose that served as a warning to those around him.


    What?��So that means that''s it, I''ve been exposed!


    Having regained his energy, Cole turned around and glared at the stuffing station.


    ''Mr. Aridid and Mr. Deneb were just doing their jobs. It''s not reasonable to hold a grudge against those two.


    Yeah, that''s true.


    Cole clammed up.


    I know it''s right in theory, but I guess you could say that my emotions haven''t caught up with me.


    Nicola stopped and looked at the stuffing station.


    ''''Well this area used to be very unsafe.


    Oh, well, at least that.


    Cole bristled.


    ''''The security in this area has improved considerably since Master Crono became lord, but that wasn''t achieved overnight.


    Nicola''s tone was calm.


    ''I almost ruined their efforts, you mean?


    No, that''s not all. This time, Cole has made a number of mistakes. At the very least, it''s a blemish on Mr. Cole''s career.


    Uggh, Cole grunted.


    ''Mr. Cole, as I''m sure you, who were ''there'', would understand, we have to make an effort, too.


    I know, sir.


    Nicola gave a self-mocking smile.


    Maybe Nicola had made the same mistake as Cole when she was younger.


    ''Mr. Cole, have you decided on a place to stay tonight?''


    No, not yet.


    If you want, I can arrange it myself.


    Cole looked at Tina and Nicola in turn.


    Nice to meet you.


    He bowed his head.


    *


    Huh, Tina let out a long sigh and collapsed onto the bed.


    It wasn''t very classy, but there was no one to blame.


    I''m sure Cole in the next room would have collapsed on the bed as well.


    He had been accused for hours of being high pressure.


    How could an elf be able to write, I wondered.


    Regardless of whether sub-humans are inferior to humans, the essence of culture is affordability.


    Only those who can afford food, clothing, and shelter, and have the time and money to afford it, can become cultured.


    The magic item for lighting emitted a white light as he lay on his back.


    ''''..........................Magic Items for the Inn.


    Tina muttered softly.


    The accommodation Nicola had arranged for them was near the center of town.


    There was no room for stables and vehicles.


    The grade of the inn is below that of the one Cole and I stayed at...maybe not, but magic items for lighting have been installed in the inn.


    Magic lighting items are relatively cheap, but they cost about ten gold coins.


    It is only because they belong to the cheapest category of magic items.


    Is this also an indication of affordability?


    ''....Crono...


    I first heard the name at a ball two years ago.


    He was the only son of the Baron Claude Crawford, the only son of the Baron Claude Crawford, who had the second name of Slaughter (Slaughter).


    He was rumored to have been accused of embezzlement by the former Marquis of Erakis.


    He''s a good backer, but he''s not the type of person you want to get close to.


    I''ll see you in a minute.


    Tina slowly closed her eyes.

 93-Episode 5 "Visit Sheratan" Second Part

    *


    I heard the sound first.


    It resembled the sound of ears of wheat swaying in the wind.


    The sound gets louder and louder as we continue down the main street.


    Eventually, they realized it was a clamor.


    Tina excitedly stepped into the stall area with Cole.


    In the next moment, voices came rushing in with pressure.


    Come, come!


    It''s a fish just brought in from Count Caddo''s estate!


    How about a stone that will bring you happiness?


    Your love life is....


    Move!��Move!


    Mother?


    It''s stuck. It''s stuck!


    I got three coppers in that store!


    ''Whoa...!


    Tina couldn''t help but exclaim.


    The stall district of the Marquis of Erakis Hachel gave Tina such a shock.


    As she looked around, various stalls jumped into view.


    This was different from the square in Linor, where food was the main item.


    There are stalls selling medicinal herbs, stalls dealing in beautiful stones, fortune tellers with a mystical atmosphere, and even a store that offers life advice.


    The impression I got from the stall area was ''chaos''........the stall area of Herschel was so chaotic, obscene and had a unique heat to it.


    ''Don''t scurry around too much, they''ll think you''re a redneck.


    Because it''s so rare.


    Tina paced the stall area at a fast pace and stopped.


    A delicious smell, she twitched her nose.


    If she looked closely, she could see people walking around, eating sausages on skewers and sausages on bread.


    Apparently, there is a shop that sells food.


    Thanks, Cole.


    He looked like he looked like he wanted to eat that much, and Cole held out a sausage on a skewer.


    ''How am I supposed to eat it?''


    What do you mean?��You just have to wear it on your head.


    Tina looked at Cole, who was gnawing on the sausage, beside her, and fearfully gnawed on the end of the sausage.


    The skin of the sausage tore with a crunching sound and the juices splashed out.


    The taste of the sausage was not as good as the sausage he had eaten in the mansion, but the crispy texture and hot gravy more than made up for it.


    Tina finished the sausage in a flash and stood there with a skewer in her hand.


    ''Trash in the trash, huh?''


    ....


    Cole smiled a cynical ... maybe he believed it, and threw the spit into a large wooden box in the corner of the stall area.


    ''Soldiers will scare you if you throw your garbage in the street.


    Yeah, okay.


    Tina dumped the spit into the crate and looked at Cole.


    ''Why are you doing this to me?''


    Cole said in a high-pitched voice.


    ''Is that an imitation of me?''


    When Tina miffed back, Cole cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    This kind of gesture should be done by a good-looking person.


    If it''s done by someone else, it could destroy a friendly relationship.


    ''Isn''t that why you dump your trash in a certain spot?��Isn''t that because it''s more efficient?


    Hmm.


    "No. Black disease prevention.


    Reflexively, she turned around to see a sallow-skinned girl sitting on a patch of fur on the ground.


    Several strands of grass lay on the fur, but Tina''s attention was focused on the girl''s clothes.


    Only a single piece of fur covered her swollen chest, and the lower half of her body was similar.


    And the clay slab held from her neck........


    The barbarians of the Areos Mountains!


    Tina hid behind Cole''s back.


    ''You know, Tim. The Areos Mountains ... the Roux have long since made up with the Empire, haven''t they?


    Because they''re barbarians!


    Even Tina knows that Count Ernat''s son Gaul has made the Roux people reverent to the Empire, but only a short time ago they were enemies.


    It was strange for Cole to immediately let his guard down.


    ''''I know what you mean, though. I know what you''re thinking, but didn''t the Roux run rampant in the days before we were born?��What''s the point of bringing up a story that long ago?


    A long time ago?��It''s only been a little over thirty years!


    Tina shouted loudly.


    The people around her slowed down.


    Some of them looked at her curiously, but that didn''t last long.


    People quickly lost interest and started walking towards their respective destinations.


    ''Alright, alright. But if you talk to them, they might be good guys, right?��I talked to the Bethel Mountains mercenaries too... no, I didn''t talk to them much, but they were serious guys.


    Mmmm, Tina groaned.


    The values are too different.


    It''s hard to decide if these are Cole''s values or those of a merchant.


    I''m not going to talk to you. Work, get out of the way, go.''''


    Oh, you sell herbs.


    Cole crouched down as if nothing had happened and stared at the medicinal herbs laid out on his fur.


    ''I''ve seen these herbs before. They help with headaches, right?''


    "Headache, no. Abdominal pain.


    The girl said in a blunt tone.


    ''Huh?��I remember drinking when I was a kid, which is funny.


    "knowledge, half, no.


    Well, do you have a headache?


    Wrong.


    Cole confidently pointed to another herb, but this time he was wrong again.


    Apparently, Cole was not familiar with herbs.


    Tina watched Cole and the girl''s interaction with Cole in a disgusted mood.


    Before long, it became like a game of guessing the effects of the herbs, and the girl''s attitude softened a bit.


    It was only on the level of more than at the beginning.


    When the game had settled down, Cole scratched his head as if to say he was cured.


    ''I guess the Raw Art of War is the best way to get hurt, huh?


    "Dakara, the curse-maker, needs


    Yeah.


    ''Good,'' said Cole, standing up.


    ''Do you always sell herbs here?


    "It''s me, no.


    Well, I''ll see you next time.


    Cole grinned.


    *


    Do you think Cole has a point?��And Tina walked through the stall district with that thought in mind.


    Glancing over to steal a glance next to her, her eyes locked with Cole''s.


    When Tina hurriedly averted her gaze, she


    Hey, girl, you''re in trouble.


    .....


    Suddenly, a voice called out to me and I shuddered with a bleep.


    There was a bewitching beauty.


    Her glossy black hair reached her waist, and her skin was as white as snow.


    The bosom of the dress was wide open and a deep slit in the side of the skirt, as if she was very confident in her proportions.


    However, you can be a bewitching beauty if you didn''t look around you.


    No matter how beautiful she is, if she''s sitting on a wooden box in the corner of the stall district, or if there''s a sign that says ''Life Advice'' nearby, she''ll have to revise her first impression downward significantly.


    To put it bluntly, she''s a strange woman.


    ''Don''t be fooled, Tim, don''t be fooled. Making people feel insecure is a common practice of vicious Tsuji fortune tellers.


    That''s a cool line, but it''s a reflex, isn''t it?


    Cole stared at the bewitching beauty and then scratched his head, looking bummed.


    ''You two are rude!��I am, after all, the High Priest of the Jet-Black Temple!��By the way, it''s affectionately known here as the Priestess.


    There was a puffing sound.


    A beautiful woman of strange age the fortune teller who had a shop next to the priestess couldn''t hold back her laughter and blew out.


    ''''Shh, you''re a rude fellow!


    The fortune teller ignored the priest and began to deal with the guests.


    ''''Well, how did that High Priestess get here?''''


    So, this is just a random act?


    The priest muttered sincerely.


    ''Don''t you need more life advice that way?


    We don''t need it!


    The priest tapped the wooden box that served as his desk and stood up, and crossed his arms in a pompous manner.


    ''I''ll show you what I can do!


    The priest covered his face with one hand and grinned.


    A gurgling sound seemed to come from nowhere.


    Well, such a sound didn''t come from anywhere.


    ''''This, after this, oh my lord,''''


    ...after this.


    Cole gulped and swallowed his spit, perhaps because of his nervousness.


    ''You''re going to get hit over the head after this.


    Boom!��The sound of "I''m sorry, I''m sorry," echoed, and Cole squatted down on the spot.


    Just as the priest said, he was hit on the head.


    It was a bald-headed man who had struck Cole from behind.


    He was tall and had a beard.


    Deep wrinkles were etched around his eyes, though they were difficult to see due to his red-burned skin.


    "Cole!


    Ugh, Dad!


    Cole''s eyes peeled back in surprise as the man yelled at him.


    ''Why, Dad?''


    Of course it''s because of the protests from Lord Crono.


    ''Utterly pathetic,'' the man said, covering his face.


    ''No, there are circumstances to this,''


    I''ll hear your excuses on the way home.


    No, no, no, now listen to me!


    The man silently grabbed Cole''s chest and began to walk away.


    He could shake it off if he really got out of control, but he didn''t seem to have any intention of doing so.


    The man and Cole''s figures quickly disappeared into the crowded streets and were soon out of sight.


    ''Teem!��Don''t follow a stranger!


    I''m not a kid!


    Tina''s face turned red and she shouted back.


    "Mm-hmm, nice advice as you leave. I''ll give you some advice as well.


    I don''t have any money.


    You''ll never get any advice that goes unqualified!


    This is the normal reaction, Tina rolled her back and moved away from the priestess.


    *


    Tina left the stall district and headed towards the center of the city.


    The inn that Nicola arranged for me yesterday was near the center of the city the section called the commercial district, so it''s a form of coming back.


    The commercial district is not so far away from the stall district, but the atmosphere is very different.


    First of all, there are no touts.


    Secondly, the products they carry are different.


    Secondly, the goods sold in the stall area are different.


    The streets are sophisticated and the shops facing the street are all elegant.


    Some of them are branches of merchant associations that are familiar to anyone in the Empire.


    The other shops have competed with such branches of the Chamber of Commerce and survived.


    It''s natural to feel a sense of style.


    What particularly caught Tina''s eye was the ''Sinner Trade Association''.


    It was the name of the shop in Cole''s story.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on some of these items.


    The display style is unique, with human-sized dolls dressed in clothes.


    I''d like to stop by if this wasn''t the case," said Tina, walking slowly with a sideways glance at the Sinner Trade Association.


    If you pass through the commercial district, the Marquis'' residence is right there.


    ''''.........My lady.''''


    Who is this?


    Tina stopped and turned around.


    Then a woman was beckoning to her.


    It was a woman she recognized.


    She was a maid, recently hired by Sebas and one of the members he had sent out in the boxcarriage as a decoy.


    ''Come here, miss,''


    Tina wandered for a moment and quickly followed the maid.


    The maid leads Tina through an alleyway and towards the less popular one.


    The maid stops.


    It was the outer edge of the city.


    It was dim even in the daytime because the city walls blocked out the sunlight, and the ground was wet.


    No way, Tina turns around and sees two men come out of an alleyway.


    They are big enough to look up.


    Their arms were as thick as logs, and there were countless scars etched into them to show their familiarity with violence.


    One of the men grabbed Tina''s wrist.


    She tried to shake him off, but the man didn''t even give a small shake.


    ''Why, why!��Doing this?


    ....


    The maid does not answer.


    Instead, the corners of her mouth lifted in a nymphet.


    Whose orders was she working under?


    The simple answer is Sebas.


    But Sebas had no motive.


    If that''s the case, he was bribed by his uncle.


    But now that the mastermind is known, what will be the point?


    Tina''s been caught.


    It''s a dead end.


    You won''t have a chance to redeem yourself.


    "So!


    Cole''s voice echoed down the alley.


    ''I told you not to follow a guy you don''t know!


    The man''s grip on Tina''s wrist loosened for a moment.


    Cole made the man take a jumping kick.


    Tina shook off the man''s hand and ran towards Cole.


    ''This way.........!


    Cole''s words were cut off.


    The man''s back fist caught Cole in the face.


    Cole was blown away and rolled on the ground in a rumble.


    ''Cole!''


    Tina ran over to Cole.


    ''Oh, crap, it''s good, I got it.''


    Cole floated up to get up, but he flopped down on his butt.


    ''Cole, why?''


    I knew they were out to get you, so I swept my dad off his feet.


    I suddenly remembered the events at Viscount Hamal''s mansion.


    At that time, Cole said he was going to be killed if I left him alone.


    How did you know?


    If you''d asked around and asked around to see if anyone other than yourself had seen anyone who looked suspicious, you''d be an idiot.


    Cole straightened up and stared at the two big men and the maid.


    The two big men approached slowly.


    ''So you''ve been spreading false information?��It''s been a pain in the ass.


    That''s good for my sleep. You''re just so lousy at it.


    Gulp, the maid chokes on her words.


    ''And you think I haven''t done anything about it?


    When Cole grinned, that''s when


    It stinks over there! (GASPS!)


    I''ll get him! (GASPS!)


    Voices and footsteps approached.


    The maid made a momentary pretense of hesitation and then fled with the two large men.


    I guess my job is done for now.


    With that, Cole collapsed as if he had run out of steam.


    *


    It''s not the end of the world.


    But this time, we''re going to the Marquess''s house for the interview.


    Tina quieted Cole, who was complaining as she walked.


    Last night, according to the information Cole had gathered in the tavern, the maid and the two big men had caused trouble at the gates of Hachel''s castle.


    ''But hey, it''s a bit like being surrounded by soldiers.


    Why?��You can count on it.


    The tail of the beastman walking in front of Tina was swaying from side to side.


    Apparently, this beastman was happy to be praised.


    I heard a kern, kern.


    I looked next to it and saw a high wall.


    It was the wall surrounding the Marquis'' residence.


    The sound was coming from the other side of the wall.


    Tina ducked through the gate of the Marquis'' mansion and was taken aback.


    The garden of the marquis'' mansion was not what you could call a garden.


    A brick building is located near the gate, and commoner-like people are working there.


    Although there are some plants planted, it is obvious that they are not cared for.


    The four towers that rise around the Marquis'' mansion also seem to be used for a different purpose than they should be.


    In one tower, a dwarf was wielding a hammer, and in another tower, a group of sub-humans were gathering around to do something.


    The door to the Marquis'' mansion opened and a figure an old gentleman with a gentle smile came out.


    It was Mr. Bond, the former head of the Viscount Hamal family.


    Mr. Bond was wearing black trousers and jacket, a hat of the same color, and a cloth covering his neck.


    Oh, I''ve finally met him, Tina said as she started to run.


    I thought they would seize her, but no one tried to seize Tina.


    ''....Oh, you...


    Tina!��I''m Tina Sheratan!��I''m here today to ask a favor from Master Bond!


    Tina spoke earnestly of her uncle''s misdeeds.


    Then Mr. Bond looked as if he was deeply sympathetic.


    ''The promise you made then!��You have my back!


    Yeah, that''s a tough one.


    ''So!��By all means!


    I''ll get back to you after discussing it with my wife.


    Huh?��And Tina froze.


    Mr. Bond got into the box-carriage that had arrived before he knew it, and left.


    ''That''s not very helpful!


    Tina broke down crying on the spot.


    ''Crono, do you know him?''


    I heard you knew Mr. Bond.


    Crono!��Tina looked up.


    *


    So, Tina ran out of the house to ask for help from the former Viscount Hamal?


    I didn''t jump out at you.


    Cole''s attitude didn''t change after Tina revealed herself.


    Cole was sitting on the sofa in the parlor where he had been led, eating the baked goods on the table at a terrific pace.


    It''s not unreasonable. The baked goods that Crono had prepared........the biscuits are made of sugar.


    Sugar is a luxury item.


    Nobles and great merchants may not have the opportunity to eat it, but commoners probably have no chance to eat it.


    ''''Ugh!''''


    The biscuit got stuck in his throat and Cole picked up his cup and drank it down in one go.


    Cole exhaled with a puja and reached for the biscuit again.


    He might have refrained from doing so if Crono was there, but he wasn''t here, as if he had to get ready.


    ''Look, since when did you realize that I''m a woman and not me?''


    Who do you think is in charge of your underwear?


    Ugh, Tina moaned.


    She was almost in agony from the embarrassment.


    The clothes and underwear she had washed at the inn were not with Tina.


    That''s what I mean.


    The next moment Tina opened her mouth, the door to the parlor opened.


    The one who entered the parlor was the Princess Tilia.


    Her heart was beating loudly.


    The Princess Tilia, whom I could only stare at from a distance at the ball two years ago, was right in front of me.


    Her ample breasts are pushing up her white military uniform.


    Her long, lustrous blonde hair was tied up in one bun, perhaps in favor of ease of movement.


    Huh, Tina let out a sigh.


    Princess Tilia was just as beautiful as she was two years ago, or even more so than two years ago.


    Princess Tilia sat down on the sofa and crossed her legs gracefully.


    Then, a little later, Crono came in.


    It''s not like the image, Tina thought to herself.


    Crono''s height would only slightly exceed that of Princess Tilia.


    She is neither too fat nor too thin.


    Her hair and eyes are black.


    If he didn''t have an old scar running from his right forehead to his cheek, he would pass for a good-looking young man.


    Crono sat down next to Princess Tyria with a chock-full of people.


    He was forced to do so because Princess Tilia was sitting in the middle of the sofa.


    ''''Oh, it''s nice to meet you for the first time. I''m........


    The daughter of Viscount Sheraton, I believe. I remember seeing you at a ball.


    Tina gasped.


    Princess Tilia remembered her.


    That alone was enough to make her feel like she was in heaven.


    ''You must have come for some reason. ''Tell me.''


    Actually....


    I told him honestly that I was trying to solve the problem with a powerful nobleman behind me.


    ''What do you think?''


    I understand. There''s only one thing I can tell you.


    Princess Tilia crossed her arms and took a deep breath.


    ''You can at least take care of the problems in your domain yourself, that''s all.


    What?


    Tina couldn''t help but ask back.


    ''Was it hard to understand?��Now, let''s get this straight, shall we?


    Princess Tyria cleared her throat.


    Don''t rely on others.


    I pushed Tina away as hard as I could.


    In fact, I felt like I''d been pushed into the abyss.


    The damage was as great as I expected.


    ''''........Tilia.


    Crono, who had been silent until then, opened his mouth.


    ''Tilia, isn''t that too much of a response?''


    Mr. Crono.


    Tina was on the verge of tears.


    Kindness is the more heartbreaking when you''re in a difficult situation.


    ''''Crono, the lord solves the problems that arise in his domain by himself, so he doesn''t have to be interfered with by the state.


    ''Sure, it''s too much of a bugger to ask me to just help out and not interfere. So what if I can''t solve the problem myself?


    ''Depends on the degree. I''ll help you if it''s in the best interest of the Empire, and I''ll even take over your territory by chipping away at your authority little by little in the name of aid.


    ''Oh, I''m rather serious about that. But since a girl like this came all the way to ask for help, I don''t think we should turn her away, do we?


    ....


    Princess Tilia was looking at Crono with a stinking eye.


    Or rather, it''s a look that doesn''t believe Crono''s words at all.


    ''''No, we''re next door neighbors, that is, we''re neighbors, and as for me, I''d like to take care of my neighbors.


    ....


    As I thought, Princess Tyria is silent.


    ''I don''t think it''s right for people to abandon those who need help.


    Did you mean it?


    I mean it.


    Her eyes are swimming.


    Crono huddled in the corner of the sofa as Princess Tilia crowded in.


    He seemed to be holding Princess Tilia''s gaze directly in front of him, but he subtly averted his gaze.


    ''Crono, if you don''t have a dark spot behind you, make eye contact.


    No, no, no, not in the dark, okay?


    ''''..............I surrender.


    It was Crono who broke first.


    Crono raised his hands in a clownish gesture.


    ''That''s right, I have an ulterior motive.


    Completely reopened, Crono sat back down on the sofa in an imposing manner.


    ''Tina, you don''t have to have anything behind you, do you, Mr. Bond?


    Yeah, well,


    Tina nodded vaguely, calculating whether Crono would be useful as a back-up.


    ''''Surprisingly, I think I''d be useful. The title of Commander of the Thirteenth Konoe Order might not be useful, but I know a Konoe Order Commander.


    Tina gasped at the statement that seemed to see right through her thoughts.


    ''But it''s not free, is it?''


    I know, sir.


    ''''I''ll give you a backing, and I want you to introduce the stall system that we have in the Sheratan Viscount''s territory, as well as in my territory and in the Hamal Viscount''s territory.


    Is that all?


    Tina couldn''t help but ask back.


    I expected to be asked for something bigger than that, so it''s a good place to be beaten down.


    ''''The other thing I want you to do is to eliminate the toll tax in the direction of Viscount Hamal''s territory. However, this is just a promise between me and Tina. I''ll talk to Brad-dono over here.


    Yes, I can do that.


    Tina stopped speaking mid-sentence.


    Cole''s hand touched Tina''s.


    Their eyes suddenly met.


    Cole''s eyes pleaded with her to think more before making a decision.


    Tina examined Crono''s request.


    I have no problem with the stall system.


    Eliminating the toll tax would make up for the loss if the city is as busy as Linor and Hachel.


    Why is this a promise between Master Crono and me?��Tina tilted her head inwardly.


    ''Ah!''


    Tina realized Crono''s intentions and raised her voice.


    ''''Crono-sama is planning to use me as a check on Viscount Hamal, isn''t he?


    I didn''t mean to.


    Crono cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    Viscount Hamal''s territory was sandwiched between the Marquis of Erakis and Viscount Sheratan''s territory.


    If Crono''s idea came to fruition, Viscount Hamal would be able to seize the trade routes.


    Of course, that''s an unlikely assumption.


    Even if Tina did as Crono instructed, Viscount Hamal would not accept a proposal that did not benefit him.


    And Viscount Hamal would no doubt think that after his rejection, Tina was putting a lot of weight on his relationship with Crono.


    Making her think that way is what Crono wants.


    The moment he understood that, Crono looked like the devil.


    ''''The matter of the toll tax is something that should be discussed between me and Viscount Hamal.


    Tina assured him.


    ''''Then, Viscount Hamal ... well, it looks like his wife, not Mr. Bond, is the actual acting lord, so...''''


    Isn''t the Acting Laird a Mr. Bond?


    Crono made a puzzled expression.


    I''m sure you''ll find that Bond-san is only the acting lord, but it seems that his wife is the one who actually does the work. Even before he handed over the reigns to Brad-dono, did he leave it to his wife?


    Oh, no.


    It''s too much, Tina swallowed a whine.


    On second thought, it was my fault for taking the social call to heart.


    ''''I don''t know who I''m going to be negotiating with, but I''ll leave the negotiations to you anyway. Afterwards, I''d like to have a nice dinner with the three of us.


    Ugh, Tina moaned.


    I''ve been forced into a nasty situation.


    In this situation, I even feel that Crono was making a play to avoid the nuisance.


    ''I understand the matter of abolishing the toll tax and introducing a stall system. So, I''m assuming you can get behind it, right?


    Of course, I''ll write a pledge if I have to.


    Please.


    Tina held back a breath of relief.


    She looked next to her and saw Cole giving her a thumbs up.


    ''We''re not done talking yet,''


    .....


    Tina straightened up.


    ''Is there anything else?''


    ''Tina, did you forget that they were after you?��Well, we''re not irrelevant here either, and we don''t want you to get killed or anything, even though we''ve got the story straight.


    Crono leaned his weight on the couch and folded his hands behind his head.


    He let out a loud sigh and began to explain an incident that had happened a few days ago.


    A few days ago, a box carriage had visited Hachel.


    The boxcarriage itself wasn''t unusual, but the problem was the load....properly, the passengers and Gosha''s possessions.


    They were in possession of poison.


    If the gatekeeper hadn''t been a beastman, it must have been overlooked.


    The passenger and the goner can no longer be excused and attack the gatekeeper.


    The passenger and Gohja were a handful, but thanks to the soldiers in the cramped area who came to their aid and the two excellent priests, no one died from the poisoning.


    However, they couldn''t take them alive and allowed some of them to escape, though.


    ''''Ah~, Crono-sama?''''


    Mr. Cole, who tried to bribe your man, if you have a statement to make.


    When Crono spoke in disgust, Cole looked like he''d bitten down on a bitter bug.


    I hear they''re skilled at it, but are they that good?��I''ve outsmarted them a few times.


    '' ...Me too. Oh, I was kind of a temporary rag-tag.


    When Tina raised her hand modestly, Crono stroked his chin thoughtfully.


    ''''Hmm, an assassin being outsmarted by an amateur? Yeah, I just associated assassins with poison, you know. Anyway, that''s weird.''''


    I don''t think it''s weird.


    Tilia, what''s going on?


    ''Don''t you understand,'' said Princess Tyria, and she doesn''t seem to be full of it.


    ''''Crono, assassins are the ones who belong to an organization, remember?


    Oh, so there''s a division of labor.


    I''m sure the assassin was either in a situation where he couldn''t be backed up by the organization or was a remnant of a group of assassins.


    Princess Tilia nodded her head as if to say my intentions.


    ''''If you ask me, the bandits in the period drama also shared a role, so it''s not surprising that a group of assassins would share a role. But isn''t there a problem with assassins being outsmarted by amateurs?


    Well, that''s... too much division of labor, isn''t it?


    Princess Tilia''s answer wasn''t very convincing.


    ''''Well, well, whether the assassins have a role to play or not, there is no doubt that they are skilled. That''s why I''ve prepared an escort.


    The door opened and a woman walked into the parlor.


    The woman was dressed in the same white military uniform as Princess Tyria and carried a fine sword at her hip.


    ''''It is Fay M''Refine!


    ''''Among my subordinates, ah, he''s the one who seems to be suitable for a case like this one.


    I have anti-poisoning measures in place with my divine power!


    Nice to meet you.


    Tina hung her head, feeling a bit uneasy.


    *


    Tina discussed the future with Crono and left Hachel in Cole''s carriage.


    The outward journey had been troubling, but the return trip was peaceful itself.


    The assassin must have been wary of the escort.


    ''''Mm, we have arrived at our destination without taking an active part.


    I''m just relieved.


    Faye shook her fist regretfully as she arrived at Tina''s mansion in Viscount Sheratan''s territory.


    Cole gave such a shove to Faye and let out a loud sigh.


    ''''Even though Crono-sama gave me the opportunity to play an active role, both me and the Black King are incomplete.


    ''''Well, I don''t think that''s what Crono-sama meant by having Fay-san as your escort.


    It''s a shame, said Faye, stroking the Black King my beloved horse''s neck.


    It''s an attitude and statement that is typical of a guard, but Faye''s character is grasped in two days of travel.


    As Tina and the others entered the mansion, Sebas came running up to them.


    ''''Miss!��Good luck!


    Sebas knelt close to the wagon and looked up at Tina.


    His eyes were moist with tears and he seemed to be truly happy for Tina''s safety.


    Miss, who are you two?


    This is Mr. Cole, and the other is Miss Fay Murrifine.


    Tina got out of the carriage and introduced them to Sebas.


    ''Sebas, where is your uncle?''


    Well, the thing is, the young lady disappeared just as she was leaving the house. How was the young lady?


    ''''I couldn''t get the former Viscount Hamal to back me up, but Master Crono has backed me up instead.


    Tina replied proudly.


    Finally, I was able to fulfill my job as a lord.


    Such a feeling of satisfaction dominated his chest.


    ''''What, my God, with the son of Slaughterer Claude.


    Sebas turned over and shook his shoulders.


    He was probably pleased with Tina''s growth.


    ''Sebas, would you mind showing the two of you to your guest rooms?


    As Tina commanded, Sebas stood up with age-defying movements and hung his head apologetically.


    ''''My apologies, Miss. We are currently short on manpower and are not in a position to receive our guests to their satisfaction. Please bear with me as I thank you in a small way.


    ''''It can''t be helped if you''re short on staff, can it? You don''t need to worry about me since you''ve received roadside silver from Chrono-sama.


    I don''t care if it''s a dusty room.


    ''Well then, Mr. Cole, you''ll be staying at the mansion and Sebas, Faye, you''ve been very helpful to us. So could we at least have dinner together?


    Ha, that''s cool.


    With that, Sebas hung his head reverently.


    After removing the innards of her journey, she changed into her dress with the help of her maid and returned to her room.


    Perhaps it was the relief of being back in the mansion, but the feeling of exhaustion hit me with a thud.


    She was aware that this was an act typical of a nobleman, but she couldn''t overcome the fatigue.


    Tina lay down on the bed and let out a sigh as she remembered the bustle of Linor and Hachel''s crowd.


    She had Crono to back her up.


    She couldn''t help but feel that the results she had won after all her adventures were puny.


    I received mercy.


    No, I shouldn''t say I received mercy, but I should say I was given a sense of defeat.


    He could argue that the Sheratan Viscounty was not defeated by the two territories.


    They can even provide an excuse.


    But they can''t wipe away the sense of defeat.


    What triggered it was the smell.


    A faint stench of decay mingles in the air of this city.


    The two of us have not neglected our feet while developing the city.


    Am I frustrated?��Tina asked herself and fell asleep.


    *


    Bang, bang, bang!��There was a loud noise.


    I don''t know how long I had fallen asleep, but it was dark in the room.


    ''Light!''


    Tina shouts, and the magic item for lighting emits a white light.


    Tina!��Tina!��Cole''s voice said.


    I rushed to the door and opened it to find a pale faced Cole standing in the hallway.


    ''Tina!��We need to get out of here, now!


    Cole, why?


    I''m trying to explain...


    Suddenly, Cole collapsed.


    Blood spreads to the floor.


    The blood flowed from Cole''s head.


    Hee, hee, Tina repeated her shallow breathing.


    I don''t understand.


    I can''t keep up with it.


    Cole is lying on the floor with blood pouring from his head.


    Has someone attacked him?


    If so, who attacked Cole?


    "...my lady.


    Sebas!��Please call a doctor!


    Oh, what a fool I am, Tina ordered Sebas as he stood in the hallway, poisoning his chest.


    There was a popping, popping sound like a raindrop.


    ''Sebas!��Can''t you listen to my orders!


    ....


    Sebas is silent.


    His attitude is frustrating.


    I know.


    The truth is, I know.


    No matter how hysterically I try to command him, he just won''t budge.


    "Come, miss," he says. I don''t want to be rough with you, sir.


    Sebas lifted the blood-soaked blunt object and smiled thinly.


    Tina was surrounded by maids and led to the basement.


    There is a sly, sly sound.


    It''s the sound of Sebas grabbing Cole''s motionless collar and dragging him along.


    Magic items for lighting were even set up in the basement.


    A long passage led to an open space.


    ��There was an x-shaped crucifixion table and a man was bound.


    His face was doubled in size, his upper body was torn to shreds, and all of his nails had been removed.


    Oh, Uncle!


    Tina tried to run to the crucifixion, but was blocked by the maid.


    As Sebas made it to the center of the room, he let go of Cole and slowly turned around.


    ''Don''t worry. He''s still alive.


    A geeky sound came from behind them.


    One of the maids closed the door.


    ''Sebas, what are you going to do to me?''


    Nothing.


    Sebas replied flatly.


    ''Only, you will bear a child. A child of the Viscount Sheratan and a nobleman of commensurate rank, a child of two noble bloods.''''


    Sebas said matter-of-factly. His tone of voice stirred anxiety.


    ''If you''re a child, you don''t need Sebas to tell you that.


    You''re in my way.


    Sebas pulled his chin back as he glared at Tina,.


    I stand corrected, miss. You don''t need a moving limb to bear a child. Rest assured. We don''t mean to cut off the limb. I just mean to sever the tendons. Oh, and you won''t need to use your voice. I''ll have the throat-crushing agent mixed up later.


    No eyes, no ears, no need, Sebas continued.


    At that moment, Reid, who had been crucified, screamed like an animal.


    Blood bubbles gurgled and flooded out of him.


    Flesh was gouged out and blood splattered with every movement of the limb.


    ''How vile. So he''s just a man who couldn''t take over the family business?


    Why do you want to kill your uncle?


    Sebas let out a slow breath.


    ''This man seemed to think he was protecting the young lady. I don''t know what he was trying to protect her from, though.''


    Oh, Uncle.


    Tina knelt in place.


    Her uncle had been protecting her from Sebas.


    It must have been to keep the maids out of the house and to keep Sebas from gaining more allies.


    ''Sebas, why?��What has happened to you?


    Well yes.


    Sebas pressed a hand over his mouth as if in thought and began to tell the story of his life.


    *


    Sebas was born the younger brother of the previous head of the family.


    However, he is only half blood related.


    Sebas was the half-brother of the previous head of the family the son of Tina''s great-grandfather and a servant.


    A lord can mess with a servant.


    A servant could impregnate the lord''s child.


    Whether to abort it or to have it born is determined by the lord''s three breasts.


    If born, the child would often be highly educated to be an excellent assistant to the lord, but Sebas was different.


    His great-grandfather did not recognize Sebas as his son, and he did not even allow him to mention that he was of the Viscount Sheratan bloodline.


    He treated him only as a servant.


    Still, Sebas believed that his father loved him.


    Until he was chastised in this crypt.


    His great-grandfather chastised Sebas at every turn.


    By the time he was ten years old, Sebas had come to the truth.


    He said that he was unloved because he had the blood of a lowly commoner in his veins.


    From then on, Sebas began to act as a loyal servant, but the unreasonableness never ceased.


    When he joined the war as his grandfather''s squire, he was deprived of his military honors and his first love was his grandfather''s wife.


    Sebas attributed the unreasonableness that had befallen him to the blood of a lowly commoner.


    If he hadn''t thought that way, he wouldn''t have been able to bear it.


    Sebas experienced such unreasonableness countless times and developed his own ideas.


    Humans are divided into two categories: noble and lowly bloodlines, and those born into lowly bloodlines must serve those born into noble bloodlines.


    It was a belief in bloodlines.


    Sebas acted as a loyal follower even after Tina''s father became a lord.


    Until an incident occurred.


    Tina''s father had tried to run the estate for the benefit of the lords.


    That was unacceptable to Sebas.


    He knew that the commoners would consider it their right if they received alms, and would forget the fact that they received alms over time.


    Then an incident occurs.


    Tina''s father began to want to discuss the management of the estate with Crono.


    The head of the Viscount Sheratan family discusses it with the son of an upstart.


    It was not an acceptable thing to do.


    Sebas had made careful preparations and killed Tina''s father.


    To his relief, Tina now decided to use the former Viscount Hamal as her backbone.


    The former Viscount Hamal had to be dealt with as well.


    For Sebas, the Hamal barons who had succumbed to the son of an upstart were no longer a noble bloodline.


    You''re crazy. You''re crazy!


    Tina screamed, but Sebas didn''t seem to feel anything.


    Sebas is broken.


    Viscount Sheratan had broken Sebas.


    ''First, let''s cut the tendons in his right arm.


    Just as Sebas stepped out, the door to the basement blew open.


    The door repelled half of the maids surrounding Tina and slammed into the wall.


    ''Just when you thought no one would come for you, it''s a shura!


    The one who blew the door to the basement.......Faye slowly walked up to Tina.


    ''''Mm, Lord Sebas. Why are you doing this?


    For the sake of the precious bloodline. I am...


    Sebas uttered the same story as before.


    So that''s why.


    I''m afraid it doesn''t really matter, does it?


    Sebas''s face twitched.


    ''Ki, kisa, ko, this........!


    Sebas pointed at Faye and crunched his mouth.


    He didn''t expect to be denied his entire life this straight away.


    ''''This, kill this woman!''''


    Sebas shouted hysterically, and the maids who were safe drew their daggers in unison.


    ''''The maids here are former assassins of the ''Arm of Death''!


    The maids muttered something.


    Then the maids'' figures disappeared as if they were melting into the air.


    ''''.........Mmmm, it''s the ''Open Yang Corridor'', isn''t it?''''


    Faye touched the hilt of her sword and let her gaze wander.


    Something is moving.


    It''s probably a maid who has disappeared and is trying to thrust her blade at Faye.


    Faye swings the sword, still in its sheath, into empty space.


    There was a dull sound and the sword stopped in mid-air.


    The space shook and the maid appeared.


    ''''If you show her where she disappears, the effect of the ''Open Yang Corridor'' will be halved. It is not very effective even against opponents who can read your presence.


    There was a dull thud with each random swing of Faye''s sword, and the maids appeared.


    The maids were wiped out in less than a minute.


    ''''Ko, ko, this is ridiculous!��Get up and get up!��Get up and fight!


    Sebas scolded the maids as they fell to the floor, but no one could get up.


    ''Now, I am going to give up.


    Contemplation?��Fu, hahahahahaha!


    Sebas was laughing like a madman.


    He was laughing and crying.


    And then blood gushed out.


    Sebas slit his own throat with the blade in his hand.


    A few days later, Tina was staring at Faye and Cole as they prepared to leave in the garden of the mansion.


    Her uncle is with them.


    Her uncle had been severely tortured, but thanks to Faye''s divine art, he had recovered to the point of being able to walk.


    According to the doctor''s assessment, though, he wouldn''t be able to give up his cane for a while.


    Sebas is dead.


    The maids in the basement also took poison and committed suicide.


    The only people left in the mansion are those who have served for a long time.


    When Faye finished loading the Black King, she turned to Tina.


    The message is from Mr. Chronosphere. He asks for your kind attention to the abolition of the toll tax and the introduction of the street market system.


    Yes, I understand. By the way, Mr. Fay. Where did Master Crono see it all going?


    The messaging immediately after returning to the territory was at Crono''s direction.


    Did Crono realize that Sebas was the culprit?


    ''Master Crono sent me to deal with every conceivable case. In other words, he had no foresight.


    Oh, really?


    ''I''m no match for you, sir, but one day,'' said Tina, her heart pounding.


    ''''Don''t you have anything to say to me?''''


    Cole said in a sultry tone.


    ''Thank you, Cole. Please set up shop when we have a stall system in place.''


    Hmm, well, that''s something.


    Cole scratched his head and got into the carriage.


    ''I''ll see you later.''


    With that, Cole let the carriage move forward.


    Tina stayed where she was until Faye and Cole were out of sight.


    When she looked to the side, her uncle turned away awkwardly.

 94-Episode 6 "Back" Part 1

    *


    "...so here''s what I was told to do...


    Wow, you''re moving fast.


    Crono heard Kane''s report and exclaimed in admiration.


    According to Kane''s report, a peddler and his companion had been killed by the Banded Wolf, a barbarian wolf.


    Their deaths must be important, but the countermeasures against the Barbarian Sword Wolf cannot be neglected either.


    Any beast that has acquired a taste for humans must be exterminated.


    Especially if it is a beast that has a strong attachment to its prey.


    I want to deal with it right away, but professional hunters are not under Crono''s command.


    If I had to say, it would be Suu, but I don''t think he can handle it all by himself.


    Fortunately, or should I say, the leading merchants in Sylvania have proposed a countermeasure against the barbarian sword wolves through Kane.


    That proposal was to increase the number of mercenaries belonging to the Mercenary Guild and invite experts.


    They said they would reduce the number of caravans and ensure the safety of the territory''s people until the number of mercenaries and the experts have been invited, and they would bear the costs themselves.


    That''s a neat proposal for Elaine-san, Crono crossed his arms.


    Elaine would try to take advantage of this opportunity and take the initiative.


    ''If it''s not Elaine-san,'' he chuckles, ''then it''s Nicola-san.


    ''''What do you think?''''


    ''I''ll drink. I don''t even know where to start when it comes to mountain hunting.


    Kukuku, Kane laughed in a stifled voice.


    A normal nobleman would be concerned about his face, but he had no intention of weighing his face and the lives of his men.


    ''''But, isn''t there a problem with accepting too many people from the Bethel Mountains?��You''ll accept their families after this, won''t you?''


    That''s a bit of a headache, isn''t it?


    If you take in a family of mercenaries, the ratio to the current residents will be reversed.


    The residents we have now are also all people who moved here from other places, but even so, they won''t feel good about it.


    ''Sif says he wants to move to a richer land and farm or something.


    It''s not going to happen overnight.


    Kane said in a dumbfounded tone.


    ''Aren''t you surprised that he wants to settle down?


    Well, yeah.


    Kane didn''t seem too surprised.


    Crono wasn''t too surprised when Sif told him the story.


    Oh, I knew it, that''s all I thought.


    ''So you accepted it, right?��No, that story went through first, so you easily swallowed Elaine and the others'' proposal.''''


    That''s what I mean. I was pretty torn about it.


    Of course it is.


    Kane''s tone is simple.


    ''Why did you decide to accept it?''


    "Trust Sif.


    At worst, we can use force to subdue it.


    Kane said in a tone of voice that said he was convinced. It''s a dialogue and tone of voice that completely ignores the flow of the conversation.


    In short, he doesn''t believe Crono''s words.


    When Sif and the others revolted in Count Caddo''s territory, it''s possible to put down the rebellion.


    Of course, they don''t think it will be easy, but if they take it to a war of attrition, Crono will ultimately win.


    Even if the mercenaries in the Bethel Mountains are elite, it''s impossible for them to continue fighting without resupply.


    ''''I''m not lying when I say I trust Sif.


    The ability to lead without causing problems for your staff in a foreign land, the patience to choose a surefire way to achieve your goals, even if it takes a long way, and the patience to wait until the time is ripe...there are many other things to learn.


    Well, that''s why we got screwed this time!


    We''ll need guards to trade with the Holy Argo Kingdom. If the outer moat is filled in, we won''t be able to negotiate forcefully.


    Kane seemed to understand.


    Well, well, the Union of Tribes is paying for the settlement, and they''re willing to pay the taxes, so it''s a win-win situation for us.


    Crono adds in his mind, "There are some benefits I can''t say, though.


    ''Now, if only Sif would join the leading lights of Sylvania, I''d have no complaints.


    ''It''s just a matter of time, right?��No matter how many mercenaries you are, you can''t expect them to risk their lives for the city and not have a say in it.''''


    ''Oh,'' Kane muttered quietly.


    ''Are you going for that too?''


    ''Correct,'' said Crono, clapping his hands.


    ''I want Sylvania to be a city where everyone is free to do business, but I''m worried about not knowing what''s going on in the city, and I''m even more worried about not having any room for my own interference.


    Crono leaned back in his chair.


    ''Back to the beginning, though. You''re not going to do anything until more mercenaries and specialists are recruited?''


    Don''t tell me you''ve already picked someone.


    Crono raised his body.


    ''Early tomorrow morning, I''m sending fifty heavily armed infantry, a hundred infantry and fifty archers. The captain will be Nasr and the second-in-command will be Zag.


    "Two days'' notice before they get here?


    I''ve already sent out the wagons. I''ll be there in half a day.


    ''Normally it''s ... well, it''s a bit late for that.


    Did he mean to say that soldiers must march on foot?


    If you ask me, soldiers were marching on foot during the parent conquest.


    Ah, so, Crono agreed now.


    Two years ago, Crono had been able to easily surround a bandit group led by Kane.


    It was because of the preconceived notion that soldiers marched on foot.


    ''''How about........marching soldiers in a carriage?''''


    ''''I don''t care if it''s a battalion size or not, we won''t be aligned when we form an army, will we?''''


    Hmmm, I thought it was a good idea.


    Crono snorted.


    ''We''ll have to make a massive reform to overturn the common sense that soldiers march on foot.


    ''''Can''t we do something about it being the exclusive equipment of the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard?


    ''''Wouldn''t it be better to send a letter to the imperial capital instead of asking me?''''


    Okay. I will.


    Crono nodded honestly.


    Okay, bye.


    I''ll see you tomorrow.


    The regular call ends.


    But if you listen carefully, you can hear a faint noise.


    Convenient, but there''s room for improvement, Crono said, standing up.


    Looking outside, he saw that the sun had already set.


    You''re late, Crono.


    As Crono entered the dining room, Tyria said in a gruff tone of voice.


    The food wasn''t laid out on the table, so she must have been waiting for him.


    ''I''m sorry. I''ve had a long day of work.''


    Well, I guess I''ll have to do it.


    If you''re going to get away with it because you have no choice, I hope you don''t tell me in the beginning~, Crono said as he took his seat.


    Eril, who was propped up at the table, gave him a resentful look, but he dared to ignore him.


    Currently, Eril was on a diet.


    He is working on moderate exercise with a kind friend.


    When I say moderate, that''s for soldiers and wild children.


    Even the word harsh is lukewarm for Eril, who has never exercised.


    The reason why Eril chose the thorny path is because he refused to restrict his diet.


    It''s not that he didn''t want to, it''s that he stubbornly refused.


    Aside from the motive, if he continues to hone his skills, it would not be a dream to change classes from a fixed turret to a mobile turret.


    Well, it doesn''t seem to be expected to have any defensive capabilities either way.


    ''How about the Tilia?''


    ''''Mm, the stall area and the commercial district were busy again today. Speaking of which, I heard a rumor that the security situation in Viscount Sheraton''s territory is getting worse.


    No, no, not that.


    Crono waved his hand in a patter.


    ''I know. If it''s about the meeting, it''s fine. Next week, the former Viscount Hamal will be in Hachel.


    What took you so long?


    It was late September when I talked with Tilia about expanding the market, and now it''s December.


    I calculated that it took me more than a month to set up a meeting appointment.


    ''''It''s not like I was only dealing with the former Viscount Hamal, you know.


    What do you mean?


    ''Crono, the only reason you''re meeting with the former Viscount Hamal is to convince the other lords to meet with you.


    When Crono asked back, Tilia sounded miffed.


    ''That''s true, though,''


    ''''That''s why I''ve sent a letter to the surrounding lords. If they are in a state of interest, it will make the former Viscount Hamal''s job easier.


    Oh," Crono exclaimed.


    Tilia smiled her best smile.


    ''''You finally understand the importance of rooting around, don''t you?


    ''Can''t you give me honest praise?''


    Tilia turned away with a sultry pouty look.


    All right. I''ll start over.


    Tilia keeps her face turned away, but she is stealing glances at us.


    ''Oh, Tilia!''


    Crono raised his voice and spread his arms.


    ''Tilia, two years ago you were...''


    What''s in between?


    Crono recalled the events from the day he met Tilia until today.


    So what''s the point in the meantime?


    Tilia shouted as if she couldn''t stand it anymore.


    ''Was I really that bad?''


    Yeah, no, that''s not true.


    "Don''t lie to me!


    Tilia stood up and banged on the table with a bang.


    ''Come to think of it, you''ve stopped hitting me when you''re angry, haven''t you?


    Ugh!


    Tyria held her chest as if to say she had been hit in a sore spot.


    ''''Although I was suddenly appointed as a lord, there were times when I didn''t have anything ahead of me. There were times when I revealed that I came from another world and they almost killed me.


    ''Don''t be a prude!��That was a move for your own good!


    ''Yeah - Rio said they just think you''re crazy?


    Well, that''s, you know, a matter of opinion.


    Tilia gave a painful excuse.


    ''So that''s why the war never goes away. After all, you''ll be slammed into a desk and held to a dagger for disagreeing with me.


    It would have been nice to get stabbed straight in the heart.


    Saying that, Cecily put the food on the table without making a sound.


    She''s a maid who looks like a different person from when she came to the mansion.


    Well, her face was twisted as if she was about to cluck her tongue.


    The menu consisted of bread and bean soup, white fish with egg and pickled vegetables.


    ''Itadakimasu,''


    Crono reached for the spoon and stopped moving.


    ''What''s going on?''


    What kind of food should I prepare for the last time Viscount Hamal came?


    Crono tilted his head.


    It''s been six years since I came to this world..............Next February will be my seventh year here, and I have no idea how to entertain.


    However, I can at least understand that hospitality in the Baron Crawford family.......drinking and debauchery is not the norm.


    It''s a good idea to have a six-course meal when talking about aristocratic hospitality. It''s common for them to serve a six-course meal, including dessert...


    But what?


    Wouldn''t it be quicker to ask Cecily about it than for us to fret about it?


    ''It was a blind spot,'' said Crono, tapping his forehead.


    ''So that''s why, Cecily,''


    If you want me to tell you, I''ll tell you as much as I want. But wouldn''t it be better if we ate quickly?


    Then Cecily glanced to the side.


    Then, there was the landlady standing there with her arms crossed.


    *


    According to Cecily, her father, the former Viscount Bond Hamal, is an eccentric man.


    He doesn''t like luxury and has no desire for authority.


    He has a gentle temperament.


    It''s not so much that he is a coward.


    During the civil war, he led the cavalry and won a number of military victories.


    When the civil war ended and the army was reorganized, he was nominated as a candidate for the head of the Kingsguard, but apparently declined the nomination and became the heir apparent.


    He must have been mediocre as a lord because there were no good or bad rumors left about him.


    The reason why Cecily doesn''t know about her father''s work is that Bond, the former Viscount Hamal, married a few years after he took over the governorship and gave his wife the entire task of being a lord.


    Or rather, he decided to leave her in charge because she wanted to do the job.


    So, in his spare time, Bond, former Viscount Hammar, is said to be working hard on breeding horses...breeding horses.


    I heard that the horses he raises are sold at a high price.


    However, it seems that the reason they''ve come to be sold at a high price is because of his wife''s good production skills.


    Well that''s pretty much it.


    Thank you. You''ve been very helpful.


    Crono said as he sat in a chair in his room.


    By the way, Cecily is not kneeling at Crono''s feet.


    He is standing a little farther away.


    ''''Don''t you already have this level of information?''''


    Well, in its own way.


    Crono avoided stating the obvious.


    It wasn''t that Tilia hadn''t done anything until she had arranged a meeting with Viscount Bond formerly known as Viscount Hammar.


    Cecily''s character assessment of her father is consistent with that of Dr. Weissman.


    According to Elaine''s information, Bond, the former Viscount Hamal, and his wife, Sophia, married later than most noblemen.


    Bond the former Viscount Hamal was so immersed in his lord''s work and breeding horses that his wife Sophia missed the marriage due to her violent temperament.


    Crono chuckles, though it''s probably not just because of his temperament.


    The matter of producing a horse to be sold for a high price alone shows that he has excellent talent.


    It would be hard for the man-to-be to handle a wife who is more capable than he is.


    ''What do you think of your father, Cecily?


    I''m not really good at this.


    Cecily said, stroking her hair.


    ''Why?''


    ''Of course it''s because I don''t know what he''s thinking about. Your father is all about the horses, and he doesn''t say a word to me.


    Cecily''s lips twitched in frustration.


    She understood that her father was that kind of person, but she wanted him to show her affection as a parent.


    ''Don''t you ever feel the way I do?''


    I''m, well, I don''t know.��I haven''t thought about it much.


    Crono thought of his biological father in his former world and his adopted father on the southern frontier.


    He felt nostalgic from time to time, but he couldn''t remember how he felt about his family.


    The feelings I had for my adoptive father were too complex to describe in one word.


    ''He''s thin-skinned, isn''t he? Or is that what all people from another world are like?


    Cecily.


    Crono called Cecily in a strong tone.


    ''Don''t worry. I won''t tell you if you don''t tell me.''


    Why?


    I don''t want you to think I''m crazy.


    Crono asked, and Cecily said with a sigh.


    ''Well, I suppose that''s usually the case,''


    Crono let out a sigh.


    I understand when I put myself in someone else''s shoes.


    Cecily looks at Crono with dumbfounded eyes.


    ''''What?''''


    No, nothing.


    Cecily turned on her heel and headed for the door.


    *


    As Crono was laying in bed with his work cut short, he heard a tap on the door.


    It''s a pretty modest tapping.


    Is this banging Leila?��And Crono raised himself up.


    After a while, the door opened and Leila entered.


    She took off her armor, but the special equipment she had just provided was still on.


    ''''It looks like they liked your winter special equipment.


    Yes, said Leila as she repositioned her winter special equipment .......woolen scarf.


    By the way, there is another winter special equipment that I provided.


    ''''But is it good?''''


    ''Hmmm... I''ve got some wool coming in now.


    Leila raised her eyebrows in annoyance and looked down at the woolen sweater.


    The scarf and sweater were made of wool imported from the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    The wool produced in the Holy Argo Kingdom is of high quality and is traded at a high price in the Cepheus Empire.


    It''s an amount of money that a soldier''s salary can''t easily afford.


    I''m sure there is no commander who would issue it to a soldier, even if it was for his own wear.


    But that''s only if you buy them through the proper channels.


    Well, sit down.


    ''Yes,'' Leila nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed.


    ''So, how was the village?''


    ''Yes, it''s...''


    Leila answers Crono''s question with a pretense of thinking it over.


    If you want to know about Hachel, you can ask Leila, and if you want to know what''s going on in the territory, you can ask the cavalrymen.


    Crono questioned Leila for an hour or so, and then slept in the bed with her.

 95-Episode 6 "Back" Part 2

    *


    Crono walked around the entrance of the Marquis'' mansion in a circle.


    The entrance to the Marquis'' mansion, which he had used for his ordination ceremony, was large enough to be called an entrance hall, but it didn''t take much time to go around it.


    ''''Crono, how many more laps do you plan on doing?''''


    Tilia leaned against the stair railing and said in a disgusted tone.


    She must actually be fed up.


    ''Because I''m meeting Cecily''s father, you know?��I don''t deserve to be restless.


    Crono stopped and spoke back to Tilia.


    But Tilia held her temples, as if to say she had trouble understanding.


    ''''You''re in a military uniform for that, aren''t you?


    It''s Tilia.


    Crono is in black-based military regalia, and Tilia is in white-based military regalia.


    Since it seems that Viscount Bond-former Hamal doesn''t like extravagance, I thought about having him see me in my normal form, but I feel like they both made a mistake in their judgment together.


    ''''........Speaking of which....


    Tilia turned her gaze to Crono.


    ''I''m not angry, so be honest. What have you done to Cecily?


    Yeah, it''s...


    Crono clammed up.


    I made him do such a service.


    I made him do such and such a service.


    I made him serve like that, too.


    But if he answered honestly, Tilia was bound to be angry.


    Hmm, Tilia walked over to Crono and gently touched both of his shoulders.


    ''Crono, be honest. I won''t be mad at you, okay?


    Yeah, I see.


    Tilia''s voice was kind.


    She even smiled.


    But her eyes weren''t smiling.


    Depending on the answer, she might get hit for the first time in a long time.


    ''''........Crono.


    Yeah, I see.


    Crono repeated the same words.


    The tenderness is already gone from Tyria''s hands.


    The pain crawling up from her shoulders is a silent threat.


    ''''Well actually...''''


    What are you doing?


    When Crono confessed honestly, Tilia was still angry.


    ''How much effort do you think I put into this meeting?


    Yeah, you don''t have to worry about that.


    In case you''re wondering, what''s wrong with you?


    Tilia stared at Crono.


    Crono reflexively turned his back.


    Tilia silently thrust her fist out.


    Tsk, Tilia clicked her tongue and swung her fist down as it was.


    It''s a blow called a mallet strike.


    Crono flipped over while brushing away Tilia''s fist and escaped to the wall, almost falling down.


    ''Crono, you''ve raised your arm.


    I''m not very well trained for combat.


    ''I know Crono''s working hard. But my pride is a bit bruised, isn''t it?


    Tilia approached with a gurgle and a snap of her knuckles.


    It was staged with a white light rising up like smoke.


    It looks like she''s handing down the assassin''s fist of a single child.


    ''''Let''s get a little serious, shall we?''''


    Tyria readied her fists and sank down slightly.


    It was like a predator trying to leap at its prey.


    The next moment Tyria moved.


    The former Viscount Hammar has arrived!


    Faye opened the door and reported loudly.


    Tilia stepped on the tatara, seemingly completely caught in the void.


    ''d*mn it, I''ve been interrupted by an unnecessary interruption.


    Tilia looked frustrated, but Crono patted his chest.


    It was not good to have a host injured to receive a guest.


    ''Good!��Let''s welcome the former Viscount Hamal!


    d*mn, you''re alive.


    Crono ignored Tilia''s swift comment and went outside.


    The sun was in the mid-heaven, but the air outside was cold.


    After a while, a carriage guarded by cavalry entered the yard of the Marquis'' mansion.


    It''s a fine two-horse box carriage for someone who doesn''t like luxury.


    The gentleman is also wearing well-tailored clothes.


    Perhaps the former Viscount Hamal is not of the quality to be extravagant on his own, but he is someone who can invest where necessary.


    The possibility of his wife''s intentions cannot be dismissed, but even if that is the case, he doesn''t seem to be the type to stick to his own ideas.


    The carriage stops near the front door.


    Cecily''s father, Crono swallowed raw.


    He remembered the many acts he had committed against Cecily.


    If exposed, there could be bloodshed.


    It''s no use crying over spilt milk.


    Calm down. I''m a bent and active soldier, a knight who retired more than thirty years ago shouldn''t have been beaten unilaterally, Crono said to himself, but he couldn''t get rid of his fears.


    The image of his adopted father on the southern frontier passed through his mind.


    The door of the boxcarriage opened and Crono backed away.


    However, seeing the former Viscount Hammar coming down from the boxcarriage, the tension eased all at once.


    A good-looking uncle........that was my first impression of the former Viscount Hammar.


    Is he about the same height as Crono?


    He''s rather smartly built.


    His hair is mostly gray.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this in the future.


    The former Viscount Hamal bowed lightly and walked up to Crono.


    ''''Marquis Erakis, thank you for inviting me here,''''


    ....


    The Marquis of Erakis?


    ''....Haha!��No, no, it''s my pleasure, thank you for coming!


    Crono lowered his head vigorously.


    The former Viscount Hamal''s response was so decent that he stopped thinking.


    ''''Fine with me, Crono.


    I see. Then I''ll be fine with the bond, too.


    Crono and the former Viscount Hamal Bond shook hands with each other.


    ''Good to see you, Bond.


    When I turned around, I saw Tilia standing at a slight distance.


    ''''Oh, Princess Tyria.''''


    Bond''s eyes widened and he knelt in place.


    ''''Well I heard you weren''t feeling well.


    Yeah?��Oh, it''s all right now. I''m sure the water over here is more to your liking.


    The authority of the royal family is so great, Crono thought as he watched the exchange between them.


    Negotiations could be easy, Crono chuckled.


    There was a time in my life when I thought negotiating might be easy, Crono said, leaning back on the sofa in the parlor.


    When I looked out the window, I saw that it was dusk.


    It''s a somehow lazy and nostalgic scene.


    Did I handle it wrong?��Crono twisted his head around.


    After that, he had Alyssa take Bond and the other maids show the guards to the guest room.


    For lunch, I served them what they usually ate without being weirdly elaborate.


    According to Alyssa, Bond was happy with the room and the lunch.


    Crono also didn''t feel uncomfortable chatting during lunch or showing him around the two workshops, so he must not have made a crucial mistake.


    It was some time after they started negotiating that he felt uncomfortable.


    deflected.


    Crono repeatedly changed course and talked about the benefits of expanding the market, but he was floundering.


    He finally responded: ''I can''t make this decision on my own. I''d like to discuss it with my wife and son.


    ''You''re limping along, too, aren''t you?


    Did you come here to sass me or something?


    I looked at the direction the voice came from and saw Cecily standing there with a tray.


    On the tray was a teapot and a cup.


    Cecily placed the tray on the table in a dangerous position and poured the contents of the teapot into the cups.


    An inexplicable smell spread through the parlor.


    ''Poison?


    It''s an infusion of herbs that helps with fatigue.


    Crono picked up the cup and looked down at the dark liquid.


    When he put the liquid in his mouth with a will, an intense bitterness and astringency spread through his mouth.


    ''Yuck.''


    Crono gulped down the liquid and put his cup on the table.


    ''So, what do you want?''


    I just came to check on you in a slump.


    Cecily gave a nasty smile.


    ''You could have told me a little more about your father, couldn''t you?


    I don''t like to hear you say that.


    Cecily said without offense.


    ''How do you feel about talking to my father?


    Hmmm, I wonder?


    Crono tilted his head.


    There was no doubt that Bond had a gentle temperament.


    I got the impression that he was cautious at best and indecisive at worst, but considering Bond''s background, I feel like I''m wrong.


    When I hear that you''re throwing all your work to your wife and working on your hobbies, I think you''re a bad person,'' Crono said, poking his cheekbones and realizing something.


    ''Ahhh, I see.''


    Bond could maintain the territory he inherited from his parents, but he couldn''t develop it or come up with new measures.


    So he left the job to his wife, who was more capable and motivated than he was.


    I can understand that when I put myself in my position.


    Even Crono is cautious when he delegates work to his subordinates.


    As long as the work is thrown to him, he can''t make unsolicited promises.


    Bond probably thinks that way.


    Should I show him around the territory without incident and refrain from talking about work?��And Crono crossed his arms.


    At that moment, Tyga''s voice echoed from the communication magic item in his pocket.


    ''Master Crono!��Incident, that is!


    I''ll be right there. Cecily, take my sword and cloak.


    With that, Crono stood up.


    Crono runs towards the castle gates.


    Even though it was evening, there were not many people on the streets.


    With Crono''s lousy riding skills, people could die.


    The Marking Technique can''t be used because of the time limit.


    So, you must run.


    I see it!��Crono narrowed his eyes.


    The box wagon remained near the castle gate.


    His men surrounded the box carriage, fighting with six men and women.


    They consisted of one woman and five men.


    All of them are holding a stabbing weapon called a stiletto.


    The enemy seems to be reasonably formidable, but it doesn''t appear to be enough to overcome the difference in numbers.


    Nonetheless, it seems that his men are still on the offensive.


    Taiga is on the front lines, slicing and dicing with the enemy, but he lacks his usual boldness.


    ''''Taiga!''''


    "Master Crono, no more! (GASP!)


    Crono was about to run up to him, but the black panther beastman blocked his way.


    ''''Why?''''


    Poison.


    The black panther beastman glanced to the side.


    There, he saw his subordinates slumped against the wall of a private house.


    ''''Message!��You two over there, go get Mr. Zion and the priest!


    Crono ordered a nearby beastman.


    The two of them looked at each other and immediately ran out.


    ''''.........Crono-sama, the detoxification through the Divine Majesty Technique is......'''' (Kuhn)


    I''ll make the donation. My men''s lives are more important than money.


    The black panther beastman''s eyes widened.


    ''''Each of you!��We''ll attack in peace, that we will! (Gulp, gulp!)


    He must have heard Crono''s words.


    Tyga took a big step forward and swung his great sword down.


    The man ducked the great sword to the side and thrust out a stiletto.


    ''''Flame, that is!'''' (GASP!)


    Flames erupted from the great sword.


    The man turned himself around to avoid being caught in the flames.


    Then one of the soldiers who were surrounding the enemy thrust out a spear.


    The man twisted his body and escaped the spear.


    But in the next moment, he collapsed from his knees as if a thread had broken.


    Suddenly, a flying arrow pierced his neck.


    When I looked up, I saw Layla standing on the roof of a house.


    It wasn''t just Layla, the other archers were with her.


    ''''Crono-sama!''''


    I was working on a case, but that''s not a problem.


    When Crono turned around, Theon and the priestess were approaching at breakneck speed.


    They must be using the Divine Authority Technique to improve their physical abilities to the bottom.


    ''''Both of you, detoxify!


    I understand!


    I know!


    Sion and the priestess knelt before their poisoned men.


    ''''O Mother Goddess of ''Ochre and Fertility,'' the miracle of detoxification!


    Detoxification and activity at the same time!


    A warm light was released from Sion''s hand, and a droll darkness rose from Priestess''s body.


    The subordinate who had been detoxified by Priestess quickly regained consciousness and looked around as if to confirm his situation.


    ''''You can rest.''''


    Crono controlled his men as they tried to stand up with his hands.


    The victory or defeat was decided.


    If only the poison could be neutralized, the enemy was only a handful in their own right.


    The enemy must have understood that.


    The enemy the two men rushed into one of the enclosures.


    The two men are pierced by the spear, but they were very strong-willed, or perhaps they are using medicine, and they try to make a breakthrough without regard to the spear biting deep into them.


    A slight gap is created.


    That''s when the woman moved.


    The woman took out a leather bag the size of a clenched fist and threw it right above her.


    ''''Death!''''


    The leather bag exploded.


    A large amount of smoke enveloped the area.


    Crono inhaled the smoke and coughed violently.


    His throat, his nose, and his eyes burned with pain.


    His men''s symptoms were more serious than Crono''s.


    Some of them were even blowing bubbles and twitching repeatedly.


    Poisonous gas?��No, tear gas?��And Crono covers his mouth with his cloak and activates the ''Mark''.


    The jet-black light colors Crono''s body like a barbarian''s war veneer.


    Even the smoke from the herbs could be avoided, Crono forms a ''field'' and expels only smoke.


    When I looked at the carriage, there was no enemy in sight.


    We have to do something about this smoke, Crono looked around.


    ''''Hayate Mai!


    "Kasumimai!


    Aridid and Deneb''s voices echoed, and the fog swept in.


    The fog passed in an instant, and the tear gas was gone.


    Crono exhaled and turned off the ''imprint''.


    ''''Master Crono!''''


    Yeah, no worries.


    Leila ran over to Crono and let out a small breath as if in relief.


    ''Crono-sama, like you want me to praise our tact first!


    Like it''s polite to ask for an explanation about magic!


    Alideed and Deneb interrupted him.


    Leila''s expression was harder than usual, as if she wasn''t amused at being interrupted.


    Crono looked around again.


    Taiga should have been tear-gassed at close range, but he was already standing up and giving instructions.


    ''''Taiga!��Anyone with severe symptoms should be seen by Mr. Zion and the priest!


    "All right, that I understand.


    Crono turned to Aridid and Deneb.


    ''Well, let me explain.''


    ''''Hayate Mai creates sideways gusts of wind, like a lower form of wind magic!


    ''''Kasumimai is a mist-generating, watery submagic!


    Aridid and Deneb proudly puffed out their chests.


    ''After all this time, lower magic,''


    You don''t have to tell me how subtle it is to be powerful, I know!


    But I think it would be more convenient to have it!


    For some reason, Aridid and Deneb were desperate.


    ''''It''s a subordinate magic whose power is subtle, but the combination of the two has endless possibilities!


    All of my experiments are in writing!


    You guys are weirdly blistering in places.


    Crono was impressed.


    *


    The soldier-packing area near the castle gates was a deadly place.


    There were no deaths, but that was a blessing in disguise.


    If it wasn''t for Sion and the priestess, if the poison was a quick-acting one, it wouldn''t be surprising if there were deaths.


    In addition, we''re missing the enemy.


    If this was the case, the people of the territory might be killed.


    That thought is what makes my subordinates want to kill.


    ''''That is why, that is........''''


    I see.


    Crono let out a sigh after hearing the end result from Taiga.


    Because of the heavy comings and goings of people and things in and out of Hachel, it was not practical to check every load that passed through the gates of the castle.


    That''s why he made a beastman with an excellent sense of smell to guard the gates.


    I''m sorry if I''m treating you like a dog, but this is also the right person for the job.


    When Tyga ordered his men to check the cargo, they offered him a bribe.


    Naturally, Tyga didn''t take the bribe.


    After a heated argument, one of the men drew his weapon and entered the fight.


    ''So, what''s the situation?''


    "The enemy seems to know how to evade the beastmen''s pursuit, that it does.


    Tyga snorted in frustration.


    ''Is manpower tactics the only way to go?''


    Crono poked him in the cheek.


    ''More guards, questioning suspicious people about their duties, and then I guess I''ll have to talk to the territorial population?


    It is already in place, that it is.


    You''re a quick study.


    As he said this, Crono was inwardly surprised.


    It was because he had assumed that Taiga was not good at security.


    It was even possible that Crono might have put a communication into the danger zone to show that he valued the lives of his men more than money.


    ''''The purpose, well, I suppose it''s an assassination.


    Crono let out a sigh.


    ''''Crono-sama, I''ll be careful, that I will be careful.'''' (Gau)


    I mean, it seems like the target is Mr. Bond''s timing.


    "I think it''s no wonder that Crono-sama was targeted, that I am.


    Ugh, I wish you hadn''t.


    Crono put his head in his hands.


    Tyga was right, Crono was involved in events both inside and outside the Empire.


    He had more reason to fear for his life than Bond, who had been immersed in horse breeding since the civil war ended.


    ''But if he''s after me, isn''t that too tricky?


    "There''s no harm in being careful, that it is.


    Yeah, I know, but...


    Crono crossed his arms and wondered why he hadn''t done a good job.


    He could think of several possibilities, but none of them were beyond his imagination.


    If this is the case, it would be better to prepare for an assassin''s attack.


    Then I''ll go back to the mansion. I''ll leave the magic item for communication with the night shift maid, and if you need anything urgent, you can always call me.


    I''d like to have your help, that I do.


    The black panther beastman led me outside, and Leila, Arididid and Deneb were waiting outside.


    ''''Did all three of you wait for me?''''


    We were planning on leaving soon, though.


    Like Leila''s company.


    "...Aridid, Deneb.


    As Arididid and Deneb made light remarks, Layla chided them with a voice that seemed lower than usual.


    With the black panther beastman in front, Leila on the right, Arididid on the left, and Deneb guarding the front, they returned to the Marquis'' mansion.


    ''''Crono-sama, how are you feeling?''''


    They hooked me up with a detoxifier. I''m fine.


    I don''t think they would use poison in that situation, but it was a precautionary measure.


    The possibility that the enemy has developed a resistance to certain poisons is undeniable.


    Even if you don''t know what kind of poison they''re using, you can still detoxify them, so the divine power technique is too cheat, Crono thinks that way.


    The conversation was cut off there.


    Fortunately, I should say, there was no assassin''s attack, and Crono reached the Marquis'' mansion safely.


    *


    When Crono returned to the Marquis'' mansion, Alyssa was waiting for him at the door.


    ''''Sir, welcome home.''''


    Where is Mr. Bond?


    Crono asked Alyssa as he took off his cloak.


    ''Master Bond has had dinner with Princess Tyria and is currently in the parlor enjoying old friendships with Lady Arthur.


    With Dr. Weissman?


    Crono couldn''t help but pause.


    ''Yes, Master Arthur told me that we fought together during the civil war.


    ''''........I see. Well, but the military system itself is different now than it was during the civil war, so isn''t that surprising?


    Sir, the cape.


    Hmm?��Oh, the cape.


    Crono took off his cloak and handed it to Alyssa.


    ''Do you guys want to eat?''


    I''m sorry, Mr. Crono. I still have some work to do.


    Boo-boo, it''s just a little better!


    Buh-bye, like it''s okay to have a few perks!


    When Layla refused, Aridid and Deneb booed.


    ''''........I''ll go back to work.''''


    A cold breeze puffed through Aridid and Deneb, it felt like.


    ''Shh, like work is important?


    I mean, you''re not setting a good example for your people if you don''t do your job.


    Both of them were surprisingly quick to change.


    This was shallow on my part, Crono reflected.


    The black panther beastman was there to escort me as a job.


    Crono looked at Leila.


    ''Master Crono?''


    It''s nothing.


    Crono smiled.


    If Leila had refused after considering the black panther beastman, it was a change he should be happy about as a boss.


    ''''Well, then, I''m asking.''''


    Ha!��And the four of them saluted Crono and walked out.


    *


    The next day, Crono dressed himself properly and headed to the dining room.


    Normally, he would either get out of bed and head straight to the dining room, or take a hot bath before heading to the dining room, but he couldn''t show his self-depravity while Bond was there.


    That was my intention, but when I entered the dining room, Bond was seated.


    ''Good morning, Mister Crono,''


    Oh, excuse me. Sorry to keep you waiting.


    Huh?��I was supposed to arrive first, Crono wondered, bowing his head lightly.


    You''re keeping me waiting too long, Crono.


    ....


    Crono stared at Tilia in silence.


    ''I see,''


    What do you have to convince yourself of?


    No, no, no.


    Tilia looked quizzical, but Crono took his seat.


    Judging by the way he looked yesterday, Bond has some sort of respect or loyalty to the royal family.


    No wonder he acted to keep Tilia waiting.


    ''''You seemed busy yesterday, what happened?''''


    ...Oh, that''s, uh, well, you know.


    Crono wasn''t sure if he should be honest or not.


    They say that even a lie can be true a hundred times, but I don''t have the patience to keep telling a lie a hundred times.


    ''''Actually, we got into a battle with a group of people who tried to bring in poisonous substances at the castle gate.


    Poison?


    Bond''s eyes widened in surprise and he almost sat up.


    ''The damage?''


    ''''There were no deaths over here since the divine majesty art user was close by.


    That was a blessing in disguise, wasn''t it? When I was a young man, I had a number of my men re-injured by assassins. A lot of them were young soldiers in particular.


    Bond straightened up.


    ''How could it be?''


    ''Yes, I was reminded that the enemy is not just on the battlefield. For example, the wooden cup...


    Bond looked at Tilia for a moment and cleared his throat awkwardly.


    Apparently, it was difficult to talk about in front of the woman.


    ''What about the assassin?''


    ''My men are in pursuit. I wanted to show you the stall area and the commercial district today...


    A change of schedule is inevitable.


    I''m glad to hear that.


    Crono bowed deeply.


    *


    Crono drank the warmed incense tea and let out a deep sigh.


    In front of him, Bond and Dr. Weissman were chatting about the old days.


    It was a good day and I watched the sunset.


    I gave them a tour of the school today, but it was a mess, forgetting what I was going to explain, missing Bond''s questions, and tripping over rocks.


    Alyssa even suggested a tea party with Dr. Weissman, so it must have been worse than Crono was aware of.


    I know why I''m distracted.


    It''s because the killer hasn''t been caught.


    Either way, it''s a headache, whether they know how to escape the pursuit of the beasties or there''s an organization in Hershel that''s covering for the criminals.


    But, nah, it''s just so unbalanced. Why is that?��And just when I was about to bury myself in my own thoughts


    Mr. Crono.


    Oh, yes!


    I looked up when Dr. Weissman called my name.


    ''I know how you feel, but don''t be in a hurry.


    Yes, I''m sorry.


    Crono lowered his head.


    Bond is looking at Crono with eyes that seem to be smiling at him.


    Perhaps he was overlaying Crono with his past self.


    Bond opened his mouth quietly.


    ''''Crono-dono, I observed the classroom scene today, but with what intentions are you educating your soldiers?''''


    I ...


    Crono couldn''t read Bond''s intentions and kept his mouth shut.


    He thought that if he could raise his subordinate''s academic skills to the bottom, his understanding of orders would increase and give him more scope for tactics, and he thought he would raise them himself because he lacked civilian officers, neither of which was a lie....


    I want my men to be happy.


    ''Don''t you think that giving useless knowledge will increase your despair?''


    Certainly, with the knowledge you gain, you may despair of the situation you find yourself in.


    The Empire''s treatment of sub-humans is more tolerant than that of the surrounding states, but it''s only relative.


    Bond is right.


    Surely, his men who have gained knowledge will be reminded of the gap between people and subhumans.


    I suddenly remembered the events of two years ago.


    The memory of Leila''s second request for companionship and his refusal.


    That night, I thought it was love to consider Leila''s future.


    That was skinny....no, he was afraid to take on all of Layla.


    Still, Crono thinks.


    Now Leila had become an indispensable part of the battalion.


    Even though Crono''s power is in the background, she still manages to negotiate with the Pix Chamber of Commerce admirably and contributes to the management of the battalion.


    It doesn''t matter if it''s an outpouring of cowardice, hypocrisy, or consequence.


    That choice was the right one.


    So I can say it proudly.


    ''But at the same time, you should be able to think of a way out.


    ''If I gain knowledge, I may leave Lord Crono''s service. Then what is the point of giving them an education?


    ''No, it''s the other way around. It is only when you leave me that you will need the knowledge.


    Crono will die.


    On the battlefield, by disease, by accident, by life expectancy, he will surely die one day.


    The same goes for my men some of them will choose to live other than as soldiers.


    ''Besides it will only be to my benefit if they remain free from poverty after they leave me.


    ''''I see, Lord Crono is thinking of enriching his territory around technology, trade and education. Oh, and let''s not forget about public works as well.


    Bond said, as if impressed.


    ''About education, what prospects do you have for it?''


    We''d like to send teachers to rural areas during the off season.


    Crono added in his mind, "If only they would prioritize education over expanding the farmland.


    I just heard from the rural village chiefs that they were able to expand their farmland thanks to the thousand tooth handlers.


    ''I don''t think it''s efficient to hire teachers just to send them out during the off-farm season, do you?


    I''m putting you in charge of the office as well.


    They want more clerks, and I add this in my mind, too.


    ''Master Crono, like there''s a case!


    A voice rang out from the communication magic item in his pocket.


    Crono almost stood up, but he took a deep breath to calm himself down.


    ''This is Crono. What''s going on?


    "Like a member of the peddlers'' union who tried to bribe his way into the line.


    Hmmm, Crono let out a sigh.


    ''So, what are you going to do?''


    "A light lecture for the sake of an example.


    All right. I''ll protest to the Peddlers'' Guild.


    Crono sat back in his chair and continued his story.


    *


    I''m tired.


    He put in a protest to the Peddlers'' Union via Kane, and had dinner with Bond... Crono collapsed into bed as he returned to his room.


    ''I''m tired, I''m tired,''


    That''s a shame, sir!


    I looked up and saw Faye with a big smile on her face.


    ''What''s the shame?''


    It''s a pity I couldn''t serve as a nurse!


    Faye still has a big smile on her face.


    She doesn''t look disappointed at all.


    ''''Suu, a little rest........''''


    No, sir!��Master Crono''s life is in danger!��This Fay Murifine I am willing to risk my life to protect Master Crono!


    Faye said, clenching her fists.


    ''It''s not like I''ve decided I''m the target of an attempt on my life.


    Wishful thinking leads to death!


    Faye assured him. ''Do you really hate nightlife so much?


    ''Do you hate nightclubs so much?''


    Do you wish to die naked, Master Crono?


    Faye asked back with a straight face.


    ''No, it''s just,''


    In that case, there will be no fairy tale for today!


    Yes, Crono nodded and crawled into bed.


    The next day, Crono was facing Bond in the doorway of the mansion.


    ''''I''m sorry for everything,''''


    No, no, I''m the one who got you something.


    Saying that, Bond touched the scarf.


    It is a scarf made from wool obtained through trade with the sacred Argo Kingdom.


    ''''I will tell my wife and son as it is.


    Nice to meet you.


    Crono hung his head deeply.


    When he looked up, he saw White and Hiilo about to enter the Marquis'' mansion.


    They have two children with them.


    One of them would be a boy and the other would be a girl.


    Suddenly, the girl ran towards us.


    White and Hiilo didn''t move.


    At least they must have been disarmed.


    ''''Oh, you...''''


    Tina!��I''m Tina Sheratan!


    I wonder if he knows Bond.


    ''I''ve come to ask a favor of Master Bond today!


    Tina spoke earnestly of her plight.


    ''''I made you a promise then!��You have my back!


    Yeah, that''s a tough one.


    ''So!��By all means!


    I''ll get back to you after discussing it with my wife.


    Is this what it means to have no islands to cling to?


    Bond ignored the freezing girl and climbed into the boxcarriage.


    ''You can''t handle it like that!


    Tina broke down crying on the spot.


    ''Crono, do you know him?''


    I heard you knew Mr. Bond.


    I answer Tilia, who was standing behind me before I knew it.


    ''Crono!''


    Tina looked up.


    Her eyes were gleaming.


    What can I say, her eyes were full of desire to use Crono.


    What''s up with the whole house upheaval thing?��And Crono was in the corner of the sofa in the parlor, listening to the exchange between Tilia and Tina.


    According to his subordinate''s report, Tina Sheratan had been attacked on the outer edges of the city.


    The three men and women who attacked Tina seem to be the perpetrators of the incident that occurred the day before yesterday.


    Once again, I missed it, but I knew the culprit''s goal was Tina.


    The main target is Reed, Tina''s uncle, and the counterpart is Sebas, the butler, and the big hole is the complicity of Reed and Sebas.


    If Mr. Bond can''t make it, it''s me.


    Well, I can say that your attitude of trying to accomplish your goals without regard to your appearance is admirable.


    It''s not that I don''t intend to end up being used, Crono said, as he pondered the ways in which Tina could be used.


    At that moment when he came up with several ways to use Tina.


    You can at least solve your own problems in your own territory, that''s all.


    Tilia pushed Tina away from her as hard as she could.


    ''''...Tilia, Tilia, isn''t that too much to ask?''''


    Crono rushed to follow up.


    I was thinking that we could use it in case Bond didn''t respond to our request, but it''s ruined.


    ''''........Crono-sama.


    Tina was looking at Crono with moist eyes.


    ''''Crono, the lord solves the problems that arise in his domain by himself, so he doesn''t have to be interfered with by the state.


    ''Sure, it''s too much of a bugger to ask me to just help out and not interfere. So what if I can''t solve the problem myself?


    I know what it''s like," he said, gulping down the words and asking Tilia.


    It''s not a matter of degree. If it''s in the best interest of the empire, I''ll help you, and in the name of helping you, I can reduce your authority little by little and take over your territory.


    ''Oh, I''m rather serious about that. But since a girl like this came all the way to ask for help, I don''t think we should turn her away, do we?


    Tilia narrowed her eyes as if she was trying to see through Crono''s true intentions.


    No, I should think that they can see through me.


    ''''No, we''re next door neighbors, that is, we''re neighbors, and for me, I want to take care of my neighbors,''''


    ....


    Oh, did I dig a grave?��Crono had a hunch.


    ''I don''t think it''s right for people to abandon those who seek help.


    Did you mean it?


    I mean it.


    Her eyes are swimming.


    Tsk, Crono almost clicked his tongue.


    ''Crono, if you don''t have a dark spot behind you, make eye contact.


    No, no, no, not in the dark, okay?


    Crono subtly turned his gaze away from Tilia.


    ''''....I surrender. That''s right, I have an ulterior motive.


    Crono raised his hands and spoke of the advantages of partnering with him as he wound up.


    Mix a little bit of venom into it.


    He wanted it to be Crono and Tina''s personal promise to eliminate the tolls on Viscount Hamal and Viscount Sheratan''s territory.


    ''''Yes, that''s about it.''''


    It took, and the moment Crono lifted the corner of his mouth, Tina looked at Cole, and oh!��I raised my voice.


    Apparently, he noticed our intentions.


    No, it was Cole who noticed.


    I guess I underestimated him as a fledgling peddler too much.


    But if they''re willing to eliminate the toll tax and introduce a system of stalls in exchange for backing me up, it''s not a bad deal.


    Crono put Faye on escort and sent them off.


    A few days later--


    That''s why...


    Heh.


    Crono was lying in bed, listening to Faye''s story.


    It was surprising that a shady assassination group was involved, but other than that, it was within expectations.


    It''s because they had Faye as a guard to deal with whoever was responsible.


    By the way, I figured that Faye would be chased off once or twice, but she wouldn''t come back until she had completed her mission.


    ''Faye, how is tonight?��You know, in a bath like this.


    I''ll get you a bathing suit, sir.


    What?��And Crono stood up.


    ''Swimsuits should be useful at times like this!��Well, I''m going to go get my swimsuit!


    No, no, no, Faye, Crono reached out his hand, but he couldn''t stop Faye.

 96-Episode 7 "Coalition of Tribes"

    *


    Huh, Sif let out a sigh to the ceiling.


    As it was, he closed his eyes and massaged his eyeballs over his eyelids.


    Sif is in the mercenary guild''s base away from the center of Sylvania the office of the guild.


    The building in which it is based has an appearance that seems to embody the word "simple and robust".


    The office is no different.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more to say about it.


    I left the construction of the base to Elaine.


    No, I had to rely on her.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what to do with it.


    Whether building or renting, money is involved.


    Money is life.


    The mercenaries in the guild risked their lives to gain it.


    That''s why we can''t waste a single brass coin.


    You shouldn''t deal with people you can''t trust.


    We have done so in the past and we will continue to do so in the future.


    Elaine Shinar is a trustworthy person to keep her word.


    I''m sure that''s because of the rebelliousness with which the guildmasters of the Free City State Cluster have treated him.


    I''m not like you guys.


    It''s an insignificant feeling.


    ''''It''s not that I don''t like it, but...


    What''s not to like?


    Sif was asked a question and looked at the front.


    He was surprised to be called out unexpectedly, but he tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword.


    ''Don''t surprise me, Bear,''


    Sif called out the man''s name.


    Bear has the look of a dwarf stretched out vertically, and he is in charge of one of the escort units.


    Sif is from the Yu, the most outspoken tribe in the Confederation of Tribes, and Bear is from the Mu, the second most outspoken tribe after the Yu.


    They''ve known each other for a long time, but they weren''t brought in as second in command.


    Before I knew it, he had established his position as Sif''s second-in-command in Sylvania.


    No, I should say that he had become the cohesive body of the escort unit.


    He has a stern appearance, but when he smiles, he is charming.


    He is well taken care of, and does not forget to be attentive to his surroundings.


    Counting up his virtues, he realizes that he is in his current position as much as possible.


    ''''What''s going on with the Banded Wolf?''''


    We haven''t been to the frontier villages since we killed three or four of them. It''s not so hard to chase them off, but you can''t hunt them out.


    Bear said in a tone that could be taken as a throwback.


    ''I see. How are you getting along with the Marquis of Erakis'' soldiers?''


    Serious people who have no clue how to get along.


    Bear cowered his shoulders.


    ''Enough of a face-to-face meeting for now.


    For now.


    ''Oh,'' said Sif, nodding.


    ''Well it''s about the migration.


    Bear broke off the words and glanced around the corner of the room.


    There is a spell implement placed there.


    The spellcasting tools placed in various parts of the building serve as wards to prevent spirits from entering.


    You can cross them by force, but if you can, you''ll soon find out.


    How do you keep it all together?


    Yeah, we had some bargaining chips.


    Sif propped his elbows on the desk and crossed his hands to hide his mouth.


    First, now that they had begun trading with the Holy Argo Kingdom in earnest, mercenaries were essential for escorting them.


    Secondly, prepare for when Sylvania becomes autonomous by a collegial system.


    And finally..........


    ''''Quite the great grandson of the Great Sif, isn''t it?


    The end result is that I''m working as a maid in a magistrate''s office.


    When Sif cut back, Bear gave him a bitter smile.


    The Great Sif was Sif''s great-grandfather.


    His great-grandfather created the forerunner of the Mercenary Guild, and his grandfather established a reputation that the mercenaries of the Bethel Mountains were not afraid of death and would not betray their employers.


    ''''My father is a fool,''''


    Ah, the Presbyterian Church.


    Bear held his temples as he tried to endure the headache.


    The Presbytery must be a headache for Bear as well.


    The Council of Elders was made up of the tribes of the Bethel Mountains the elders of the four tribes.


    Sif''s father was made an elder by his great-grandfather and grandfather, and he is delusional about using Sylvania as a foothold to reclaim his land and regain his tribal pride.


    But they can''t do more than that.


    The Federation of Tribes is represented by Sif, and the Mercenary Guild is not owned by the Federation of Tribes.


    The current Presbytery is just an honorary position with no real power.


    ''''Looking at those people, I even feel like they can''t help but be called barbarians.


    That''s harsh.


    With that said, Bear does not deny it.


    At the dawn of the Cepheus Empire, ten tribes were driven into the Bethel Mountains.


    Even if they tried to raise livestock, there was little land suitable for grazing, and even less land suitable for cultivation.


    The ten tribes fought savagely over what little land they had.


    Three of the tribes perished in the conflict, and the seven surviving tribes made a pact of non-war.


    After a long time, the three tribes took advantage of the chaos and invaded the Empire, while the four tribes chose to remain in the Bethel Mountains and live as mercenaries.


    The three tribes that invaded the empire were driven into the Areos Mountains, and now only the Roux tribe was left.


    Once again, they killed each other.


    It''s like a curse.


    A curse on flesh and blood.


    This curse is consuming Sif as well.


    The curse is also affecting Sif, as he has been plotting to reduce the Presbytery to an honorary position with no real authority, and has been using the guild''s code as an excuse to kill those inspired by the elders.


    Land. I want land, Sif clenched his fists.


    Not the way my father told me to.


    You can''t escape this curse unless you get the land in a way that everyone agrees with.


    ''By the way, what did you use as a bargaining chip to get me to agree to emigrate?


    ...our lives.


    Bear''s eyes widened lightly, as if surprised.


    ''That guy sold you a lot of money.


    ''Oh,'' said Sif shortly.


    The last bargaining chip is our own lives.


    They risked their lives for Sylvania.


    In return, they were given permission to emigrate and settle the country.


    They would have to pay for the cost of the settlement themselves, and they would have to pay taxes in either money or crops, but all of these were reasonable demands...no, they were unbeatable terms considering how many times they had been boiled by the guildmasters of the Free City State group.


    Well, that man doesn''t think he bought it too high, Sif chuckled.


    ''What are you laughing at?''


    No, I guess I''m just getting old.


    Looking at Crono reminds me of how dirty I''ve become.


    It''s odd that I''m thinking about such things.


    ''''I have to take care of the barbarian sword wolf thing first.


    Yeah?��Yeah, I know.


    Bear replied one tempo too late.


    *


    You managed to make it to the end of the year, Sif looked at the mercenaries coming down from the ship.


    The newly arrived mercenaries consisted of fifty ... twenty of the Yu tribe, fifteen of the Mu tribe, ten of the Fu tribe, and five of the Nu tribe.


    This ratio represents the pecking order in the Confederation of Tribes.


    The pecking order is determined by the contribution of the tribe to the Confederation, and is closely related to the population of the tribe.


    The larger the tribe''s population, the more mercenaries it produces, and the more mercenaries it has, the greater its contribution to the Confederation.


    It also means that the U tribe has been killing other tribes and monopolizing the rich land.


    The mercenaries completed the prescribed formalities at the reception desk at the end of the pier and followed the guidance of Bear and his men to the mercenary guild.


    Wester and Rona smoothly inquire about the roster and hand over their permission slips.


    Compared to when Sif came to Sylvania, the number of onlookers is small.


    Kane and Elaine are not there.


    They must both be busy with their work.


    Following the mercenaries, the hunters came down from the ship.


    The status of the hunters was low compared to the mercenaries.


    This is because the mercenaries have a strong sense that their income supports the people''s livelihood.


    That''s just it, Sif chuckled as he remembered his old self.


    Perhaps it was because he had grown up listening to his grandfather''s and great-grandfather''s stories of heroism.


    He had always thought mercenaries were cool.


    That kind of admiration boosted the status of mercenaries in the tribe.


    One or two hunters got off the ship, and at the tenth one, Sif couldn''t believe his eyes.


    The tenth hunter was a girl with an old dog.


    The girl wore a hooded cloak.


    She was short and thin enough to be visible even through the cloak.


    With the hood pulled over her eyes, it''s hard to tell how old she is, but it''s unlikely she''s older than her own daughter (Quanto).


    ''''Wait ... wait.''''


    .....


    When Sif called out to her, the girl stopped with a ping and straightened up.


    ''Take the hood off,''


    The girl gave a small nod and removed her hood.


    It revealed shaggy hair that looked like it had never been combed before.


    Her face could hardly be described as well-groomed.


    All I can see are large eyes that are busy scurrying around.


    ''What''s your name?''


    ...Rollo of the Nu Nu, sir.


    His tone was tragic, as if he hadn''t spoken in a long time.


    ''What did the one who sent you say?''


    Mm. He said I could be of service to the village.


    Less talk, Sif let out a sigh.


    Normally, when you hunt ravenous beasts, you form a team.


    Letting them come all the way alone would be like asking them to die.


    It''s hard to deny that the gnu tribe is the lowest in the pecking order the poorest tribe.


    ''Go, may I?''


    Oh," Sif nodded.


    All tribes are treated equally, no matter what tribe they come from.


    That is Sif''s credo.


    As the guildmaster of the mercenary guild and representative of the Confederation of Tribes, he can''t overtly favor his own tribe.


    Sif was facing Kane on the second floor of the deputies'' office.


    Westa and Rona are not there.


    The magic item for communication is covered with a thick cloth.


    ''You know what I''m going to say when you tell me to pay people off?


    Kane let out a deep sigh.


    ''Didn''t I tell you at Quanto''s that you could bake, boil, or skin them as you please?


    He disowned me. I''m not surprised.


    Kane looked up to the heavens as if to say he didn''t understand.


    ''So, you want me to be accommodating to a kid named Rollo?


    I''m not asking you to be accommodating. I''m asking you to show them the ways of this city.


    I don''t understand.


    Then Kane scratched his head.


    ''I have my place.''


    That''s funny. I''ve got something for you, too.


    Kane said ridiculously.


    ''''As the Guildmaster of a mercenary guild, it''s not good to favor one individual as the representative of the Confederation of Tribes.


    Then we''ll have a study group.


    It''s already done.


    ''That''s about the only thing I have to do on the ship,'' Sif added in his mind.


    ''It would be best if the gnomes could take care of us, but...''


    But what?


    ''I had a feeling Rollo was going to be isolated. If he died in a failed hunt, I''d give up, but it''s a bad way to wake up and die in the wild.


    Kane made a reluctant face.


    ''You''re doing the math, aren''t you?''


    No, I mean it.


    Schiff asked back.


    ''Of course, I understand Kane''s background,'' he said.


    ''All right, all right. I don''t want to see the kid dying in the wild, either. I''ll tell Rona that, just so you know. So deal with it, too.


    Yeah, it''s fine.


    I''ve already planted roots in Bear.


    As it turned out, Sif''s fears were unfounded.


    Rollo was an excellent hunter.


    Although he was inferior to the other hunters on his team in terms of the number of prey, he seemed to make enough money that he and the old dog didn''t have trouble eating.


    Perhaps because it was the end of the year, the tavern of the ''Sinner Trade Union'' was empty.


    Sif sat at a seat in the corner and looked at his wine glass.


    His vision faded unexpectedly.


    You can find out who''s here by smelling their perfume without having to look up.


    ''Oh, don''t you want a drink?


    You came here to talk business?


    That''s true.


    With that, Elaine took a seat across from me.


    She is wearing a highly revealing dress.


    ''First of all, should I say congratulations?


    Yeah, you did. I appreciate it.


    I don''t ask what it was against.


    I wouldn''t be surprised if Elaine would know that Sif had been given permission to move and settle.


    More work for the mercenary guild, and mercenaries with artisanal backgrounds could return to their former jobs.


    The Confederation of Tribes was able to secure a place to settle.


    ''''It''s fine, it''s a job,''''


    But still.


    Sif thinks about the future.


    He must recruit those who wish to emigrate and begin to settle.


    We will have to ask for the help of the ''Yellow Earth Temple'' to make the settlement successful.


    We have to do something about the housing as well.


    We can''t just use the tents we''re using in the Bethel Mountains in terms of reconciliation.


    I hope you will continue to help us.


    Of course I do.


    Elaine smiled lustily.


    ''''Well then,''''


    Elaine crossed her legs gracefully.


    ''Why did that girl allow us to emigrate?


    Because without us, there would be no trade.


    Hmm, Elaine narrowed her eyes as if trying to see through our minds.


    ''''You''ve been thinking about it for a bit.''''


    ....


    Sif doesn''t answer.


    You can''t trade without your guards. But I don''t think you would want to lose your job, either, so I thought there was another reason. �� I don''t want to see you lose your job, so I thought there might be another reason.


    Elaine rested her elbows on her thighs and poked her cheekbones.


    ''For example, in case Sylvania goes to council, for example. I feel like this one is weak, too.''


    ....


    Sif didn''t answer.


    I just felt like sticking my tongue out.


    If I could, I would put myself up against the idea that it was the end of the year and no one else would be there.


    ''''To protect Sylvania, this doesn''t feel right either. The Holy Argo Kingdom we''re trading with General Ignis, it''s not likely to happen like it did two years ago, is it?


    Elaine punctuated her words there.


    ''''Well I think she''s preparing for when the empire becomes the enemy, isn''t she?��When you think about it, it seems to add up. Including the fact that you''ve organized a pedlar''s guild and that you''re trying to form an economic alliance with the surrounding lords.


    I don''t like hearing that.


    Sif cowered his shoulders.


    Elaine''s guess was a great one, but he was wrong on one point.


    Crono is preparing for the preliminaries, not when the Empire becomes the enemy.


    He is trying to discourage them from turning to the enemy with the power of highly skilled soldiers, valiant Bethel Mountain mercenaries, and economic alliances behind them.


    Sif picked up his wine glass and took a sip of wine.


    ''''I guess we can talk about business next time.


    Huffing, Elaine exhaled and slumped her shoulders lightly.


    ''No need to pay for it.''


    Yeah.


    Sif replied shortly and left the ''Sinner Trade Union''.


    The sky was covered with clouds and it looked like snow was about to fall.

 97-Episode X "Girls Talk"

    [Landlady and Alyssa]


    In January of the 43rd year of the imperial calendar, the Marquis'' mansion was silent.


    The end of the year and the New Year is a special holiday officially sanctioned by the Chronosphere.


    If you take a break during this period, your salary will not be reduced and if you work, a special allowance will be added to your salary.


    Some of the workers return home during the special leave, but their numbers are small.


    The majority of them are not attached to their homes due to the poor conditions under which they were brought up, or are forced to abandon their visits due to the remoteness of their homes.


    Sheela Ekron, the landlady, is rather the latter.


    She has a certain amount of feelings for her hometown, but the Marquis of Erakis and Baron Ekron are too far apart.


    Well, there''s no small amount of feeling that it''s hard to see my impatient sister (Canaan).


    It''s not a bad idea to have some free time on occasion, the landlady says, sitting in the empty dining room by the window and thinking about such things.


    Normally, she even cooks meals for the maids who work at the Marquis'' mansion.


    Even the dwarves and clerks who work in the workshop during lunchtime join them, so it''s unbearable.


    If it weren''t for the support of the maids, they would have been screaming long ago.


    No, I would have pushed forward until I collapsed.


    It''s a bad habit.


    I''ve always been bad at relying on others, but it seems to have gotten worse since my husband died and left me.


    So I racked up a hundred gold coins in debt.


    Her vision faded unexpectedly and the landlady looked up.


    Then she saw Alyssa standing across the table with a tea set.


    Alyssa poured the fragrant tea into two cups, placed one in front of the landlady and the other in front of her, and then sat down in a chair.


    ''As I recall, the biscuits I made up...''


    No, no, not at all.


    Oh, yeah?


    The landlady tried to get up, but Alyssa told her to sit back down.


    ''Master Crono has given me permission to do so.


    ''I know that, but I know you usually take care of me.


    I''m sure the twins will hear about it.


    The landlady chuckled.


    Even now, there is a lot of pioneering going on in the south of Hachel.


    At first it was to grow trees for paper, but as soon as it was discovered that they were not a very rare plant, the purpose was changed to growing sugar beets.


    In addition, Crono apparently had no intention of selling sugar.


    This sent the elven twins the elven twins - Aridid and Deneb - into a frenzy.


    They began to visit the kitchen for biscuits on their off-duty days.


    This is allowed because of the two of them'' humanity, or perhaps because of their silly words and actions.


    ''Speaking of which, are you good with your daughter?''


    I can''t take a break when my men are working.


    You''re still so uptight.


    It''s a lot easier to get to know than it used to be, the landlady adds in her mind.


    Before, Alyssa seemed to be very cautious, even of people she knew.


    Now it feels like that has softened.


    There''s no doubt that Crono has something to do with the change in Alyssa.


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    Three years ago I thought it was a luxury just to be able to eat three times a day, but now I take the generous treatment for granted, and on top of that, I want things I don''t need much.


    ''By the way, how long are you two going to be drinking in my room?


    He never talks to me.


    Sometimes you feel ignored, sometimes you don''t.


    When Leila turned around, Aridid and Deneb were drinking on a cloth spread out on the floor.


    The liquor was not grape or barley wine, but a spirit made by extracting alcohol from them.


    It is known in the tavern as the elves'' elixir.


    The name comes from the fact that Aridid and Deneb taught others how to extract alcohol.


    While I have some feelings about leaking the technology, I think we should be happy that the concept of disinfection is spreading... if you pour the elven elixir on a wound, it''s less likely to fester...


    Today''s snack!


    Like a fishbone!


    Alideed and Deneb held up a fish bone.


    They weren''t just fish bones, they were fish bones grilled until they were crispy.


    It''s a great feat of skill by the two of them to collect the parts that would normally be thrown away and turn them into a snack for drinking.


    It''s not easy to be hit and miss, though, since it''s made in a haphazard way.


    ''Is Leila like a study in this kind of situation?


    Like I need you to join me for a drink every now and then.


    We''re always together.


    Leila let out a sigh and sat down on a cloth spread out on the floor.


    The two of them would have a drinking session in Layla''s room about once a month, and sometimes they would go out for a drink with their subordinates.


    Seeing the two of them actively communicating with their subordinates made me keenly aware of my own inadequacies.


    ''Oh well, don''t look so gloomy!


    As Leila picked up the empty cup, Alideed quickly poured out the Elf''s Strange Potion.


    A sweet and sour taste spread in her mouth as she put the Elf''s Strange Potion in her mouth.


    It seemed to be mixed with fruit juice as usual.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this as well.


    ''''I really wanted you to stop fighting the users of the Divine Majesty Technique, like I really wanted you to stop fighting the users of the Divine Majesty Technique.


    Deneb went down and said in a rather low voice.


    ''This is the year I want to be of service to Master Crono.


    Leila said, looking down at her cup.


    She was a standby team in the parent expedition two years ago, and she was not useful to Crono at a crucial time on the southern frontier.


    ''And Leila has been useful to Master Crono in troop management!


    We don''t want to serve Master Crono outside of battle.


    Alideed and Deneb held their heads up.


    ''Honestly, it''s like I don''t want Master Crono to fight me.


    Master Crono, you''re being very reckless.


    .... that''s for us.


    Leila stammered.


    Looking at Crono''s body, it was easy to imagine how much he was pushing himself.


    I shouldn''t have said that I wanted to be useful lightly.


    ''I''m a little sanguine about it, though.


    "For the health of Lady Crono and the prosperity of her domain.


    "...Cheers.


    Leila lightly raised her cup.


    [Snow, Sue, Eryl]


    Sue''s room is the most unusual in the Marquis'' mansion.


    First of all, the smell is different.


    The medicinal herbs collected from the Coma Forest had been polished, dried, stewed, and burned, so there was an odor in the air that Snow''s meager vocabulary could not explain.


    It''s not a stench, but it makes me feel uncomfortable.


    Next on the list is Eryl''s room, which is within Snow''s understanding.


    It''s full of books and magic items.


    The one that most resembles it is the dwarven workshop.


    That''s how cluttered Eriel''s room is.


    Snow''s room is normal compared to Sue and Eriel''s. It''s a double room, so it doesn''t look too strange.


    Since it''s a double room, you can''t bring in too many strange things, and since storage space is limited, you have to leave only the things you really need.


    The half-elf in the room with us has a quality of not caring about the details, but I don''t think it''s a good idea to be too picky about it.


    Snow stood by the wall of Sue''s room and repeatedly took a deep breath.


    By the way, the reason he was standing by the wall was because there was a tent made of fur in the middle of the room.


    ''''No... well, I forgot how many times, but I''d like to say thank you to Crono-sama for this meeting!


    ....


    ....


    Eryl and Sue crackled and clapped as I announced the start of the meeting.


    Eril''s eyes are empty.


    Sue doesn''t seem to be very interested.


    ''I have a suggestion,''


    Eril held up his hand.


    ''What, do you have a better idea?''


    ''We will have a dinner party with Master Crono. I''ll have the landlady prepare plenty of food to show my gratitude.


    The diet was successful and the diet restrictions should have been lifted, but Eryl''s eyes were glazed over.


    Apparently, the diet had left a bad effect on Eryl''s mind.


    Snow clenched her fists, saying that Boku had to work hard to prevent her from getting chubby again.


    ''I have to thank you, Crono-sama, don''t I?


    No problem. Master Crono will be pleased.


    Do you have anything for Sue?


    Snow spoke to Sue.


    ''Ole, solo solo, role, katas.''


    What''s your role?


    "Baby, I''m alive.


    Huh?��Snow froze.


    ''Da, no!''


    "Ole, sonota, il.


    Well, never the three of us!


    Snow imagined a scene where the three of them were making babies with Crono and said in a hurry.


    Sue tilted her head curiously.


    ''Three, different. I''m the only one.''''


    Yeah, well, that''s what Sue is there for, isn''t it?


    ''Haha,'' Snow laughed and fooled around.


    ''The idea of the three of us makes sense.


    ''What?��What?


    Snow looked at Eryl.


    ''I''ve heard that the Marquis of Erakis has a high s*x drive. We are.........


    Eril looked down at his body, then at Snow, and finally at Sue.


    ''We''re not stunted enough,''


    Oh, really?


    ''I think I''ve grown up a bit,'' said Snow, holding his chest.


    ''Even the three of us - the landlady, Princess Tilia and Cecily - can''t compete with one person. If that''s the case, it''s best for the three of us to deal with them and take the burden off one head.''''


    "Danger, no.


    Is that what a good plan is?


    Snow nodded his head unconvincingly.


    ''We should think rationally.''


    "The enemy is strong. It''s a force to be reckoned with.


    Ugh, Snow grunted.


    It''s strange because talking to the two of them makes me feel like I''m wrong.


    ''I knew it, no!


    Snow is not rational.


    ....


    Sue nodded at Eryl''s words.


    ''I wasn''t talking about being rational!


    Snow tried to persuade them with his scarce vocabulary.


    Apparently, the rift between the two of them had to be bridged before the meeting could begin.


    [Elena, Faye]


    Elena sat up and zoned out on the bed.


    The time is probably past noon.


    Normally this would be a huge blunder, but the New Year''s holiday period is a special holiday period set by Crono.


    During this period, even if you take a day off, your salary is not deducted, but if you work without taking a day off, you will receive a special allowance.


    The servants in the Marquis'' mansion and the clerical staff are half-empty, the dwarf workshop and the paper workshop are closed until school, and the only people working are the military personnel.


    That was my first dream, Elena thought vaguely.


    She dreamed that she slapped money on Crono and bought herself back.


    In fact, I have enough money to buy myself back, but my hesitation is stronger than my desire to buy myself back.


    A vague sense of insecurity is one reason, but the thought of losing Crono''s protection is unbearably terrifying.


    Elena shuddered as she remembered her time with the slavers.


    I never thought it would be so horrible to have no one to protect me.


    As Elena shelved her doubts and crawled under the covers, the door slammed.


    She covered the covers and ignored it, but the thumping didn''t even seem to stop.


    ''Oh God!��I get it!


    I finally lost my roots and got out of bed.


    The sleepiness was completely blown away.


    When Elena opened the door, the person who was banging on the door.......................Faye had stopped moving in a raised fist position.


    ''Good morning, Elena-dono!


    Fay...


    Faye held her left breast with her right fist.


    ''It''s a perfect day to be out and about, sir.


    I don''t want to be lazy.


    Elena tried to close the door, but was interrupted by Faye.


    She inserted her foot into the door to prevent it from closing.


    ''Ha, I need you to talk to me!


    You have a friend in the army!


    Faye must have been friends with a half-elf named Snow.


    When Elena pointed it out, Faye grunted as if she''d been hit in a sore spot.


    ''''I have become estranged from Lord Snow due to the lack of time off!��Lord Suu and Eril have taken it away from us!


    Faye was a bit teary-eyed.


    ''''Well, if that''s what you mean,''''


    We are so grateful!


    Elena opened the door and Faye walked into the room, looking happy.


    ''Well, go sit somewhere appropriate,''


    I understand, sir!


    Faye sat in one of the only chairs.


    ''Well, fine,'' said Elena, scratching her head as she sat on the edge of the bed.


    ''You don''t need to come to me to talk to my men.


    I am not very good at gambling, sir.


    Faye said in a low voice that echoed from the depths of the earth.


    Apparently, he had been ducked by a bet between his friends.


    ''You''re getting licked by your men, aren''t you?''


    They are usually very well-behaved. But on the weekends, they tend to gamble with their friends, drink, and get lost in the shuffle.


    Faye hung her head in a shovel~.


    ''''Speaking of which, isn''t Faye going home?


    There is no place for me to go home or anything. If anything, this is my home.


    Heh, Elena was impressed.


    If you must know, this is my home. It''s important to me and I''ve told you twice.


    You''ll ruin it.


    This will be my home away from home.


    That might be true, though, and Elena was a bit taken aback by Faye''s forwardness, which was a bit beyond her expectations.


    ''Thanks to my swimsuit, I have a perfect night out!


    Well that might be fine from a Fey perspective, but...


    Elena looked out the window.


    The sun was still high in the sky.


    It was too unhealthy to talk about nightlife in broad daylight.


    ''It''s just that Crono-sama doesn''t seem to like his swimsuit.


    No, well, Master Crono.


    Elena squirmed and moved her mouth, "I know you want to see your embarrassed face," she said.


    ''''Speaking of which, where is Crono-sama?''''


    Yes, Master Crono has gone to the Count of Caddo.


    ''What?��Does he work?


    ''Mmmm,'' said Faye, wrinkling her brow.


    ''''I didn''t go to work, I went to pick seaweed. Anything, like making something called ''roshon''?


    Hello?


    Elena tilted her head.


    ''If you boil anything,'' she said, ''when you boil seaweed, it turns into a slippery liquid.


    The slimy liquid?


    Elena stood up in total hair.


    It was because she understood the use of that slippery liquid.


    ''Faye, where is the string?''


    It should be in the workshop.


    I''m going to borrow it.


    I''m with you, sir.


    Elena and Faye got up.


    The next day, my lotion!��Crono''s scream echoed through the Marquis'' mansion.


    [Tilia, Cecily]


    After reading the letter, Tilia closed her eyelids and lightly rubbed her eyeballs.


    As I thought, things don''t go as I thought they would, she opened her eyes.


    There was a bundle of parchment on the desk.


    It was a reply to the letter I sent to the surrounding lords.


    ''''Princess Tilia, what is wrong?''''


    The neighboring lords are not happy about it.


    Tilia let out a small sigh and answered Cecily''s question.


    ''''I''ve been sending letters to the surrounding lords for the sake of expanding the market by removing tariffs and thus economic alliances, but the situation hasn''t made much progress.


    ''And my father?''


    ''Yeah, Bond has offered to help. Tina has been very helpful. The neighboring lords are also interested, but they''re not so sure about that.


    Removing tariffs and introducing a system of stalls would stimulate commercial activity.


    It''s been successful in Viscount Hammar''s territory, and it''s not a bad bet for the minute.


    ''No, I should say that what I thought would be the deciding factor has not been the deciding factor.


    The deciding factor, you say?


    The wool of the Holy Argo Kingdom. The wool from there is of good quality. I thought it would make the conversation go more smoothly if I knew I could get it cheaply.


    Tilia looked at her chest and clicked her tongue.


    ''''It didn''t seem to be a matter of getting high quality wool cheaply. Like, for example, the artisans of the Free City State group made it out of high quality wool... in short, maybe the added value was important.


    It bothers me that I can''t question you directly, Tilia crossed her arms.


    ''''Do you have a solution to the situation?


    Sort of.


    I don''t want to use it too much, but I add in my mind.


    ''I counter value-added with value-added. In other words, you can get high quality wool cheaply and pretend it''s worth it to process it in your territory.


    It''s Princess Tyria, of course!


    ''Mm,'' nodded Tilia.


    ''What method will you use?''


    That''s a tough call, but we''ll take him up on it. He''s in charge of the security of Alfiruk Castle.


    Tilia picked up a quill and began to write a letter to Rio in a determined manner.

 98-Episode 8 "Recruit Training Center"

    *


    January, 43rd year of the Imperial calendar.


    At night, Verna secretly slipped out of her bed in the Recruit Training Center the barracks.


    The barracks was a single wooden house.


    There are no partitions and crude bunk beds are arranged at equal intervals.


    Verna stared at the elf who was sleeping peacefully on the bed next to her.


    The elves, who were said to have come from the Marquis of Erakis, had gone through more than three months of basic strength enhancement training and had become Verna''s synchronized.


    Basic Strengthening Training is designed to make those who are useless as soldiers usable.


    Even so, if they were deemed useless, they would be thrown out.


    As far as Verna was concerned, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before the elves were kicked out.


    But as soon as the elves got hold of their bows and arrows, they stopped falling and spilling.


    I finally understood why elves and half-elves became archers.


    Even if there are exceptions, the elves are racially skilled archers.


    Other sub-humans also have their tribal strengths.


    Minotaurs and Lizardmen, for example, are staggeringly tough.


    They don''t get spooked by Verna''s attacks.


    On the contrary, opponents can cripple Verna with a single shot.


    The same is true of beastmen, who are not much taller than humans.


    It''s not just their muscle power, but their reaction speed is different as well.


    Verna''s attacks cut through the sky.


    The only time it hits properly is when you feint.


    Even that doesn''t get through after the second time.


    If Verna uses her head, her opponent will also use her head.


    In other words, that''s how it is.


    At the very least, if I had a talent for swordsmanship or spearmanship, I would be able to fight evenly, but in the past five months, I''ve realized that I have no talent.


    d*mn it, Verna grabbed her wooden sword and walked out of the quarters.


    It wasn''t to escape.


    It was to train alone.


    He had to return to the Marquis of Erakis at the end of February.


    At that time, it would be too shameful to be in the same condition as when I left.


    Fortunately, or should I say, the new training camp is loosely monitored.


    This is probably due to the fact that the training camp is outside the walls that surround the imperial capital.


    If you intend to flee to the imperial capital, you''ll have to pass through the city gates, and if you intend to escape to another city, you''ll have to walk a considerable distance.


    Verna grips the wooden sword and holds it in the pattern she was taught.


    She swings the wooden sword mindlessly.


    She becomes sweaty while waving the wooden sword.


    ''''What are you doing?''''


    Verna was called out to her, and she reflexively turned around.


    Then, there was a young man bent over.


    He was a man wearing a white military uniform, the sign of a knight of the Kingsguard.


    His slightly long hair was gray, and his eyes were the same color.


    Her face is reasonably well-defined, but she still retains her youthfulness.


    Maybe he''s younger than Verna in age.


    He has a smile on his face, but it has a strange scent to it.


    ''''It''s a training in swordsmanship. It''s a good thing that you''ve got a good idea of what you''re doing.


    I''m a drill sergeant.


    ''Don''t you dare tell me a lie that''s easy to find out!


    What makes you think I''m lying?


    Clothes, clothes, clothes!��White military uniforms are a sign of a Kingsguard knight, aren''t they!


    Verna shouted at the young man, who gave her a surprising look.


    ''Well, yes,''


    So, who are you?


    I''m n��e...


    The young man fell silent midway through and picked at his own bangs.


    ''I''m grey ... is grey too twisted? Then ash would be safe?��Is your last name Kira, Kiral, Kill, or Murder?��Oh, I''m Ash Kilmer.


    It''s a f*cking fake name!


    Rude!


    With that, the young man Ash Kilmer stood up.


    ''I''ve been gash, gash, since I was a little boy.


    ''Don''t forget the pseudonym you just gave yourself!��Ash, right?��Ash Kilmer!


    Oh, yeah. I''m Ash Kilmer.


    Ash puffed his chest out proudly.


    ''So, what''s your name?''


    ....


    Verna hesitated to say her name.


    ''I don''t want anything to do with this man,'' she thought seriously.


    ''It''s Verna, Verna,''


    ''Ah!��You''re Verna, aren''t you? When I was little, Verna, you were big brother Ash, big brother Ash.


    You can''t even fabricate my past!


    ''What?��Verna, you don''t remember me?


    Verna was asked back with a straight face and was at a loss for words.


    As far as I remember, this should be the first time I''ve met this man.......


    ''''Oh, maybe that''s what happened...''''


    ''No, you can deny it there. We''ve never met, we''ve never met.


    I knew it! You''re lying!


    Verna slammed her fist into Ash''s side, and Ash was blown up as if he had been hit by a large sub-human blow.


    He spun around several times and finally stopped moving.


    ''You''re kidding?''


    Verna looked at her fist and Ash in turn.


    Surely, Ash had jumped from himself.


    Otherwise, there was no way to explain it.


    After all, he hadn''t felt the hit.


    ''Well, that''s a lie,''


    Ash stood up vigorously and approached Verna as if nothing had happened.


    ''By the way, I heard that you were training in swordsmanship, but if it''s okay with me, I''d be happy to discuss it with you.


    I don''t know what''s going on here.


    Verna scratched her head and decided to tell the story of how she had come to be.


    How she met Crono, how she was taken away by a nobleman to the Marquess of Erakis, and how she became a maid there.


    That I made friends with a nobleman.


    That I wanted to become a soldier and help Crono.


    ''I understand. So, in short, you want to be strong.


    Yeah, well, yeah.


    There''s a better way to say it, Verna blurted out in her mind.


    ''Verna, how was your magic?''


    ''Oh!��I''ve mastered the magic bullet system up to four different types!


    What?��Is it a magic bullet?


    Ash said with a frown.


    ''''It was unattributed, so I don''t blame you!


    Verna shouted unbearably.


    Magic bullets are a lower-grade magic technique that releases gravels of magic power from the tips of one''s fingers.


    It was explained to me that it was the basis for all kinds of magic, but I could only think of it as a sloppy name.


    While the attribute magic is named ''x-mai'' or ''x-randomly'', the magic bullets only increase in number from 2-type magic bullets, to 3-type magic bullets, to 4-type magic bullets.


    The magic bullets are capable of piercing a hole in a thick oak board more than ten meters away.


    The two types of bullets release 30 times in a row while counting two or three.


    The SAMURAI magic bullets are a magic technique to scatter small magic particles.


    Its effective range is extremely short, and its power decreases the further away you are from it.


    The four-type magic bullets are powerful enough to break a log, but they are slow and have a short range.


    "I wish I could have learned a more powerful magic, too, but...


    ''''There are only a limited number of magic techniques that can be used to attack without attributes. We can''t afford to have our new recruits learn special magic, either.


    Ash said sincerely.


    How''s my swordsmanship, from your point of view?


    That''s pretty good.


    Oh, yeah?


    Verna scratched her head in embarrassment.


    Wait, I remind myself.


    I know my inexperience better than anyone else.


    ''Really?''


    I hope I don''t die in my first battle.


    Ash said with a somewhat distant look in his eyes.


    ''Not at all!


    Even if you make good grades at boot camp and military school, it doesn''t mean you''ll be able to succeed in battle. Those are the kind of people who die easily on their first battlefield.


    You''re just plain stupid.


    Verna spat and resumed her bare body.


    ''Why do you keep swinging?''


    It may not make sense, but you have to try.


    Whoa,'''' said Ash, his eyes widening lightly.


    ''''Speaking of which, Verna-san was working for the Marquis of Erakis, wasn''t she?


    That''s right.


    Ash was mumbling something to himself, but


    If you''re willing, Mr. Verna, I can give you a hand.��What is it, your eyes? I genuinely want to help you, Verna, and yet.


    You can see the ulterior motive in his eyes!


    Verna stopped pretending and shouted.


    ''And that''s, well, I''m telling you so you''ll understand,''


    You don''t deny it!


    I''m not going to make a move on you unless I have an ulterior motive.


    Oh, my God, it pisses me off.


    Verna was irritated by Ash''s tone.


    ''So what kind of ulterior motive could you possibly have to teach me?


    In my business, I would like to get to know the Marquis of Erakis.


    Yeah, you''re a Kingsguard. So you want me to be the go-between.


    Yes,


    Verna agreed.


    ''I don''t know what Ash''s position is, but I don''t know why he wants to sell his face.


    ''So what are you going to teach me?''


    If I had to pick one thing, it would be body language.��I''ll show you how to put it into practice, so please fire a double magic bullet at me from about ten paces away.


    You could get hurt, and I wouldn''t even know it.


    Verna did as she was told and distanced herself from Ash.


    ''Are you sure you''re okay?''


    Yeah, go ahead.


    Are you sure, are you sure you''re okay?��I don''t want to believe you said it was okay and I shot him and he died, okay?


    Don''t worry so much,


    Of course I will. If you die and say you did it because you said it was okay to shoot me, no one will believe you. Murdering a nobleman is a sure-fire way to die.


    You''re not worried about me for a second.


    I''m not surprised.


    If you''re so worried about it, why don''t you just go for the legs?


    Oh, I don''t have to die on my feet.


    Verna pointed her fingertips at Ash''s shins.


    ''''Type-2 magic bullet!''''


    Chu, tut tut!��There was a continuous sound like drops of water dripping onto a hot frying pan.


    It''s the sound of the magic gravel popping.


    The magic conglomerate flashed without touching Ash, as if it was blocked by an invisible wall.


    ''''How is it?''''


    That''s just too good to be true.


    But I''ve seen it somewhere, Verna tilted her head inwardly.


    ''It''s not just about preventing magic. It can do a lot of other things too.''''


    Oh, you''re going to tell me that?


    Yes, if you practice for five years.


    Five years!


    Verna couldn''t help but exclaim.


    ''Oh, come on, did you listen to me?��I want to be strong by the time I get out of boot camp!


    ''Hmmm, well, there are ways to make it work right away?


    That''s it, that''s it.


    I don''t recommend it, but if Miss Verna wants it.


    Ash walked over to Verna and stopped about half a step away.


    Then he poked Verna''s forehead with his fingertips.


    Hey, what the hell are you doing!��And just as Verna opened her mouth to yell at him, the heat blew out.


    Every pore in her body opened up and heat blew out of it.


    Heat is power.


    It''s full of power.


    Compared to this sensation, I had been asleep.


    Huh?��And Verna felt dizzy and knelt there.


    The power is full, but it is only superficial.


    You are dripping something that shouldn''t be dripping.


    Such a sense of urgency arises.


    ''''What ... what have you done to me?''''


    Magic is the art of transforming the innate power of a living organism... from magical power into physical phenomena.


    Ash began to lecture as he made his way around Verna.


    Meanwhile, the outflow of power continued.


    I am lazy.


    I can''t even stand up.


    ''The wall of magic power earlier... well, that''s not the essence of the technology I was trying to teach you just because you can use it that way, but you have to perceive it in order to manipulate magic power. If you''re not aware of the tool''s existence, there''s no way to use it.


    ''So,'' Ash smirked, ''I''m not going to be able to do that.


    ''I drilled a hole so you can perceive the magic power. Now you just need to learn how to plug the hole before your magic power is depleted and you die.


    What are you doing?


    What?


    Ash cowered his shoulders.


    ''Teh, man, you can be the first to tell me.


    ''I''ve warned you, haven''t I?��To begin with, it takes the same amount of time to learn a skill that someone else took five or ten years to learn. If you want to learn it in a short period of time, though, I think you have to take the right risks.


    Help, help...


    Verna looked at Ash and realized the folly of asking for help.


    Ash kept his smile on his face.


    It wasn''t a smile of satisfaction that his scheme had worked, nor was it a smile that he liked to see others suffer.


    It''s a fake smile, like a mask.


    Maybe Ash will look elsewhere if Verna dies.


    Without feeling guilty for killing someone.


    The weariness had grown irresistibly strong.


    Sleepy.


    I can''t even keep my eyes open.


    The fact that he was dripping with power barely kept Verna''s consciousness connected to reality.


    What''s that?��Verna looked at Ash with her eyes.


    A black, disastrous haze swirled around Ash.


    Surely, that was what prevented the Type II magic bullet.


    ''''.........ku, soh,''''


    It doesn''t matter if I know that, the plug, the force, the stifling....


    ...


    You are in the dark, dark darkness.


    No, you just think you''re in the dark.


    With just a little bit of awareness, I can feel the flow of power.


    Magic power is circulating through Verna.


    If you turn your consciousness outward, you can perceive the magic power other than yourself.


    The flow of magic power appears to be chaotic, but if you turn your consciousness outward even more.......


    ''''........You won''t be able to go back any further, will you?''''


    Hmm?��Verna opened her eyes.


    It was a dingy room with only a bed in it.


    Her body was lazy, but it was nothing compared to the emptiness and weariness she felt at that moment.


    She moved her gaze only to look next to her and saw Ash Kilmer sitting by the bed.


    ...here?


    Are you sure you want to go to the infirmary?


    Anger rose in Ash''s tone as he blurted out.


    ''You''re a liar, you''re a liar.


    I could see through the lies and that''s why I''m alive.


    Tsk, Verna clicked her tongue.


    She said that Ash Kilmer had made a hole, but the facts were different.


    Ash Kilmer only manipulated the flow of magic power.


    If you are aware of your base point, the magic power will return to its original flow.


    What is that thing I''ve got on me?��Isn''t that different from the Marking Technique?


    You''re very knowledgeable, Verna.


    When Ash popped the two magic bullets, I felt like I had seen it somewhere.


    That''s also true.


    It''s because it looked exactly like the ''field'' of the imprinting art.


    ''''The Divine Authority Technique is a technique of communicating with the Six Pillar God and borrowing power, and the Marking Technique is a technique of synchronizing with the Six Colored Spirits... although they may be the same entity as the Six Pillar God, it is a technique of synchronizing with the Six Pillar God. As a side effect, your physical abilities are strengthened, and you can create a ''field'' with the magic power released from it.


    The Marking technique is better.


    Whoever developed this technology must not have thought of it that way.


    Ash sat back in his chair.


    ''Then what were you thinking?''


    I heard he was trying to be more than human.


    You''re an idiot!


    Verna spat, and Ash''s smile deepened.


    ''''That''s a cultural difference there. I heard that this technology came from the far east.''''


    I haven''t seen one that works for that.


    ''I wouldn''t say I didn''t intend to spread the word, or that it was the wrong person to patronize.


    Ash crossed his arms and hung his head.


    ''I''ve made a crime syndicate into a patron. Probably started out as a bouncer or something...''


    But what?


    It''s an assassin''s organization that''s gone rogue.


    Hahaha, Ash laughed.


    ''This isn''t a laughing matter!��For a guy who says he''s more than human, he''s a bouncer and uses that technology to assassinate people, and that''s a good place to be a snob!


    Well, you can''t live off the haze, and your aspirations won''t necessarily be passed on to the next generation.


    ''Oh, so the next generation means decades?''


    That''s what I mean.


    Ash nodded.


    The story can be summed up like this.


    A few decades ago, a man drifted into the Cepheus Empire.


    He was hired as a bouncer by a city''s criminal organization.


    The organization treated the man well.


    It wasn''t just the armchair, but the man''s knowledge proved beneficial to the organization.


    Eventually, the man fathered a child with the woman of the organization.


    Both the man and the organization were afraid of the disconnect between skill and knowledge.


    The child born aspired to the same heights as the man, but the grandchild preferred to be a member of the organization rather than aspire to the heights.


    From this time on, the organization became less of a crime group and more of an assassination group.


    In the generation of his great-grandson, the organization changed its name to "Arm of Death".


    His great-grandson, who became the head of the Arm of Death, efficiently increased the number of assassins.


    Sometimes he bought children, sometimes he kidnapped them, and he sorted out those who were well educated and those who weren''t.


    His method was the same as Verna''s he only raised those who survived by stirring up the flow of magic power.


    No, maybe we should call it culling.


    Even those who were considered to have the ability to do so lost their lives one after another in training and in actual battle.


    The Arm of Death grew in strength and was destroyed by the betrayal of an assassin.


    He spent a decade building up his ranks and revolting.


    He says that the ''Arm of Death'', having lost its leader and executives, is now divided into four quarters and is now unable to work together.


    ''''Well back to your first question, this is a world-creating technology. That is, of course, if you can master it.


    What can I do now?


    Is it enough to diminish the power of your magic, or increase your reaction time or athletic ability?


    You almost died and that''s it?


    Verna let out a sigh as she looked up at the ceiling.


    ''Verna, have you forgotten about that?''


    What?


    ''I promise to give you a move. I''ll spend the next month hammering out the basics for you.


    Ash smiled at her.


    Verna had a ridiculously bad feeling about this, but she could only nod.

 99-Episode 9 "Desolation"

    *


    "Mister, would you like a piece of silver?


    Gina approached the man from the dark.


    He was a thinly dressed man.


    His clothes were stained with grime and dirt and his sleeves and hem were frayed.


    He hadn''t washed his body and clothes in days.


    The smell of rotten food and drink wafted through the air.


    The smell of rotten food and drink is in the air.


    His hair and beard are buried in his face.


    I''m not sure if it''s the only thing that shines in his eyes.


    It was probably about two months ago.


    I heard that the mausoleum dedicated to King Ramal V and the Six Pillar God was completed.


    According to those who have seen the mausoleum, it was so beautiful that they couldn''t believe it was from this world.


    When Gina heard that story, she snickered.


    No matter how much they mended their appearance, they felt that something built on top of a dung heap was as good as dung.


    The workers who had been recruited to build the mausoleum often caused trouble in the city.


    It was common for them to drink cheap alcohol and make noise, and it was not uncommon for fistfights to break out.


    Some were unable to work because of accidents during construction and became beggars, while others died in the process.


    Now that the mausoleum has been completed, the workers have lost their jobs and are spreading the stench and trouble all over the city.


    The construction of the mausoleum has only created trouble.


    I don''t know what kind of guy would be grateful for such a thing.


    The man stopped and looked at Gina with a price-stamping gaze.


    No, he is actually priced out.


    Gina''s outfit was better than the man''s.


    There were some stains and unraveling, but she washed her clothes, and she washed her hair and body.


    ''I used to work in a brothel in the Twelfth Ward. The one with the big sign. You must have seen it before, right?


    Gina said matter-of-factly.


    She had lied about the big sign shop, but it was true that she worked in a brothel on the Twelfth Street.


    Gina had grown up in the slums.


    When she was little, she picked up trash and begged with her peers who were in similar situations.


    The reason she was with her peers was for safety.


    Garbage pickers and beggars have their own territory.


    We naturally flocked together to compete with other groups, that''s all.


    I don''t remember when I started selling my body.


    But I do remember the day I became a prostitute.


    I was approached by a prostitute from the slums.


    I asked her to join me, but she refused, saying she was going into the army.


    I never saw her again.


    I don''t even know where she went.


    I''m willing to give you a small discount if you''re short on cash.


    Either he decided it wasn''t worth a single silver coin or he simply didn''t have any, the man turned away from Gina and began to walk sluggishly.


    ''''I''ve been........ouch!


    Gina squatted down on the spot.


    A dull ache crawled up from her lower abdomen and something viscous crawled up her thighs.


    It was blood and pus.


    I lost everything because of it.


    If that doctor hadn''t screwed up, this wouldn''t have happened, he gritted his teeth and endured the pain.


    ''....d*mn it, d*mn it!


    Tears trickled down in rags.


    Only a few months ago I was at the height of my life, and now I''m hiding in the dark.


    A few months ago, a nobleman had asked me to marry him.


    He told me he was attending military school.


    This is not unusual.


    A few times a year, a student from the military school would come along with him.


    Perhaps the shop where Gina served was appropriate for a nobleman''s boy to learn to play bad games.


    One of them took a liking to him.


    When he started coming in, Gina became his resident.


    This was at the direction of the store.


    It was probably because he was paying more than he was letting them take other customers.


    It wasn''t so bad life.


    He bought most things if you begged him, and he bought things without begging.


    One of the reasons why it wasn''t so bad was that it was less of a physical burden than when he was dealing with multiple customers.


    Then one day, Gina became pregnant.


    I thought I had failed, but he surprisingly offered to marry her.


    Naturally, I nodded in two words.


    Even if she couldn''t marry him, given the way he was getting into it, she thought she could have a secure life as a nobleman''s mistress.


    He was a fool and a good man, even though he didn''t know if it was his own child.


    But his family and servants were different.


    They acted quickly.


    They skipped the negotiations and grabbed Gina and scraped the child out of the womb.


    It was probably because of that procedure.


    I tended to get sick.


    The store''s response was tepid.


    When the blood and pus began to flow, they threw Gina out of the store.


    I have some on hand now.


    The money I got from selling off the things he gave me.


    That will soon be the bottom.


    "...d*mn it, d*mn it.


    Gina stood up, holding her lower abdomen.


    I''m still not sure what on earth I''m cursing about.


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    "Hundreds of people have entered the capital, so it''s only going to get worse.


    ''I know that!��Count Chiron, what about your own business?


    Count Piske called out hysterically.


    ''I can''t,'' he said. I''d like to take my job seriously too, though. His Majesty the next Emperor Alfort wants me to pass.


    Count Piske scratched his head.


    Alfort is actively meeting with the old nobility and participating in meetings.


    Prime Minister Alcor cannot stop it.


    He has no authority to stop it.


    Vizier Alcor was able to wield absolute power thanks to Lamar V.


    Ramal V entrusted him with the government of the country, but Alfort wants to wield the power himself.


    The fact that he is actively meeting with the old nobles and participating in meetings is a sign of this.


    ''''........How can I restore security? ''''How do we do that?''''


    Count Piske propped his elbows on the desk and held his head in his hands.


    I think Count Piske is the one who forgot that he is the leader of the Twelfth Order of the Kingsguard.��Rio barely swallowed the lighthearted remark, "I don''t know what to say.


    Apparently, Count Piske had awakened his patriotism while going back and forth between Vizier Arcol and Alfort.


    The man who had switched factions many times and had risen to the rank of Commander of the Twelfth Order of the Kingsguard, that is.


    The irony, of course.


    Count Piske would just be too tired to make normal decisions.


    ''So you''re saying that a bat has a bat''s temperament.


    ''''Count Piske, shouldn''t we think about what we did wrong first, instead of how to restore security?''''


    "Count Chiron.


    Count Piske looked up at Rio with clinging eyes.


    ''''First of all, it''s because of the construction of the mausoleum. I''ll use Crono''s territory as an example, but Crono left everything to his own men.''''


    Isn''t that the same everywhere?


    Oh, yeah?��He had his own people designing it, buying materials from a trusted trade association, and building what they could make themselves. Then they hired workers directly on top of that. Of course, Crono kept track of the workers and the flow of money in addition to the progress of the work.


    ....


    Count Piske is silent.


    Perhaps Count Piske and Alfort were not doing what Crono had taken for granted.


    But it was too much to blame the two of them.


    The scale of the Empire and Crono''s territory is too different.


    ''''I don''t think there''s any need to be so downhearted, though.


    What do you mean?


    ''''In the first place, wasn''t the mausoleum built to unite the will of the new and old nobles? It wasn''t meant to return taxes to the lords, like Crono''s estate.


    At least that''s what Rio has heard.


    He can''t complain that the people involved in building the mausoleum had a portion of the budget in their own pockets, or that they treated and used the workers for low wages.


    They have created a magnificent mausoleum.


    ''Since the ex-workers are turning to crime because they can''t afford to eat, why don''t they just do a soup kitchen?


    Rio sneered.


    As far as I can deduce from the information of my deputy and his subordinates, the time for restoring security through soup kitchens is long overdue.


    Some are alone, some are in cliques, some are huddled in organizations, and some are repeating their crimes.


    Still, it will help to put a stop to some of this.


    That is, if there are enough reserves in the Imperial treasury for a soup kitchen.


    As Crono was working in his office for the first time, there was a discreet knock on the door.


    A few moments later, Alyssa walked into the Oval Office.


    She was holding a piece of parchment rolled up into a tube.


    I felt like holding my head up.


    I always felt like I was going to die when a formal document was sent to me.


    ''Sir, excuse me. Te.........''''


    I know, Alyssa.


    Crono interrupted Alyssa''s words,


    You received a letter addressed to me from the Imperial Capital, didn''t you?


    You''re right.


    Read.


    Are you sure?


    Alyssa raised an eyebrow, as if confused.


    ''It''s to be expected, though.


    So.....


    Alyssa untied the cord and unfolded the parchment.


    ''It says to ask your husband to take up the task of restoring security to the Imperial City.


    ''What?��Hey, bring it back.


    Crono took the parchment from Alyssa and read the text written on it.


    It did indeed say that he was to be assigned to the task of restoring the security of the imperial capital.


    ''''What does it mean?''''


    I assume that''s what you meant?


    Crono exhaled and plopped down on the desk as it was.


    ''Sir, take care of yourself.''


    No, I got it under control. But still, it''s a security job. Sounds like an easy job this time.


    Is that right?


    Alyssa looked at Crono anxiously.


    ''Yeah, you''re right. You can''t be too careful.''


    Crono straightened up his residence and began to think about who he should take with him.

 100-Episode 10 "Reunion"

    *


    Late January of the imperial calendar 43rd year.......Crono got off the boxcarriage and let out a breath of admiration.


    Not a single piece of trash has fallen on the cobblestone paved roads, lined with mansions worthy of the prestigious aristocracy.


    There is even a streetlight using magic items for lighting on the road.


    Magic items for lighting are one of the cheapest magic items in the world, but it is a different story when you have enough of them to cover a city block.


    I have no idea how much they cost.


    I didn''t expect you to provide accommodation in the first city block, Crono looked at the mansion in front of him.


    He had asked Count Piske to arrange accommodations for him so that he wouldn''t end up with no place to stay when he came to the imperial capital.


    Of course, I didn''t forget to send him a gift to get him to make the convenience.


    Nevertheless, the mansion in front of me was quite inferior to the surrounding mansions.


    It must have been unoccupied for a long time.


    The large garden that should have once delighted the eyes of the mansion''s inhabitants and visitors has fallen into disrepair, and the pavilion that should have been set up to feel the changing seasons up close is covered with ivy.


    Perhaps because of the seasons, the garden seemed to look more devastated.


    The three-story mansion located at the back of the rundown garden must have once boasted the same or greater grandeur than the surrounding mansions.


    But now, the plaster is peeling off here and there, and it''s a miserable sight to behold.


    It''s safe to assume that the house has become quite dilapidated.


    Still, Crono did not resent Count Piske.


    Rather, he felt like praising her for doing so well with that level of gift.


    Even so, I don''t feel halfway out of place~ Crono looked at the series of covered carriages behind the box carriage.


    There are a total of twelve covered wagons with seating for ten people.


    The covered wagons have an improved undercarriage, just like the box wagons.


    Other modifications have been made to make it easier to cover the wagons.


    This should help alleviate the fatigue of my men.


    The number of subordinates brought to the imperial capital this time is 123, including Leila, Shiro and Hairo.


    I also brought Snow with me since he had been living in the imperial capital.


    The rest of the shift is going to repeat this I''m going to provide security for the rest of the shift.


    Two soldiers stood in front of the rusted gate.


    They were a middle-aged man and a young man.


    Judging from the fact that they were wearing black military uniforms, they seemed to be Imperial City guards.


    As Crono stood there, the two soldiers gave him a look.


    Then, the young man opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind.


    ''''Excuse me, is it the Marquis of Erakis?''''


    ''Oh, yes, yes,''


    The young man''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''I beg your pardon. I have orders from Count Piske to give you the key when Master Crono arrives.


    Oh, hi.


    Crono received a bunch of keys from the young man while bowing lightly.


    I wondered if I didn''t need to confirm the person''s identity, but Crono is wearing a military uniform exclusively for the 13th Konoe Order.


    He even has a large number of subordinates in tow.


    Is it because of some of the features?��And Crono stroked the wound in his right eye.


    As he thought about this, the two soldiers saluted Crono and left.


    Apparently, the only thing they were ordered to do was to hand over the keys.


    Crono looked behind him over his shoulder and saw Leila almost getting out of the carriage.


    Layla stopped next to Crono.


    ''''Well Crono-sama, what are your plans after this?''''


    ''Hmmm... I guess I''ll go to the military service office to go through the landing formalities, and then I''ll go to the boot camp to check on Verna and Shaura, and then I''ll say hello to my dad one last time?''


    With that, Crono looked at Leila.


    I really want her to follow me, but maybe I should let her get some rest.


    I guess it''s been two days now.


    He seems to be out of sorts, like he''s not on top of things when he talks to you or makes small mistakes that he wouldn''t normally make.


    Perhaps a past trauma could be the cause of the slump.


    When I visited the Imperial City before, nothing happened, but this mission is to restore security.


    Due to the nature of the mission, he would probably meet up with some of his old acquaintances.


    If that happens, Leila will have no choice but to face her past.


    Even though she volunteered, she should have thought more deeply about it.


    ''Crono-sama, I''m fine.''


    Leila said, as if she knew what was on Crono''s mind.


    At times like this, long relationships are tricky.


    They can see right through your heart.


    ''''I understand. But you must tell me if you have any problems. This is not a request from your boss, it''s a request from me.


    I understand.


    Leila nodded quietly.


    ''Me and Leila are going to the castle!��White, Hiilo, bring your stuff into the compound!


    Crono shouted, and White and Hiilo jumped down from the wagon.


    *


    Crono and Leila rode the box carriage to Alfirk Castle.


    Located in the center of the imperial capital, Alfirk Castle was surrounded by high walls and a deep moat.


    When the boxcarriage stopped, Leila got out of the carriage before Crono did.


    It''s probably a consideration so as not to bother Crono''s hands.


    You don''t have to be that careful, Crono said as he got off the box carriage.


    The boxcarriage is parked in front of a drawbridge.


    Two knights were standing at either end of the drawbridge, spears in hand.


    Even though they were knights, they were not wearing sheet metal armor (plate mail).


    Instead, they were wrapped in white military uniforms, the sign of a Kingsguard knight.


    I have heard that the castle is guarded by the Ninth Kingsguard Knights.


    Perhaps the two knights belong to the Ninth Kingsguard Order.


    ''''I''m Crono of the Thirteenth Konoe Order of the Kingsguard. I''m here to arrange for your arrival.''''


    "''Ha!��Master Crono, thank you for your hard work.


    The two knights straightened up and saluted Crono.


    It''s such a brilliant salute that you want to put it in a textbook.


    Rio wouldn''t let them practice the salute, so it must have been Rio''s second in command who made them practice the salute.


    ''''........Crono-sama.


    One of the knights looks at Leila for a moment.


    ''She''s trying to tell me that sub-humans are not allowed to enter the castle.


    ''She is my assistant, a distinguished noble with a knighthood.


    "...and...


    The two knights looked at each other in silence.


    As far as Crono knew, there was no rule that sub-humans were not allowed to enter the castle.


    It''s a custom, or a rule that should be called an unspoken agreement.


    As I was watching to see how they would respond, my vision suddenly faded.


    ''What are you guys doing?''


    A heavy voice sounded from behind me.


    When I turned around, I saw Count Ernat''s son.......Gaul standing there.


    As usual, his body was large.


    However, he was wrapped in a black uniform, not a white one.


    Crono was puzzled.


    One of the reasons was that Gaul was accompanied by a boy, but the atmosphere had softened.


    Gaul looked at Leila and the gatekeeper in turn and let out a light sigh as if to say he understood the situation.


    ''''The commander of the Thirteenth Konoe Order just ascended the castle with his members. It won''t be a problem to let him through.


    Ha!


    The two knights saluted Gaul.


    Apparently, Gaul''s statement was a crossover for the two knights.


    ''Let''s go.''


    Crono hurriedly followed Gaul as he walked with the wind at his shoulder.


    When he crossed the drawbridge, it was a passage that a boxcarriage could barely pass through.


    When he looked up, he saw a long, narrow gap in the ceiling.


    There are many small holes in the walls as well.


    ''''........This is the key to our defense. Naturally, there are traps all over the place.


    I see.


    Gaul said to himself.


    In the event of an emergency, grates and boiling oil would fall from above and spears would fly out of the side.


    Beyond the gates was the castle.


    The inside of the castle walls have a complicated structure, perhaps because it was added and remodeled haphazardly, or perhaps in order to disperse the forces in the event of an enemy attack.


    In spite of this, Gaul proceeded without hesitation.


    ''By the way, do you know where I want to go?''


    With Count Piske, I suppose. After that, you''ll go to the War Office to sign up.


    How can you not get lost?


    I''ve been there so many times thanks to someone else.


    Hmmm, Crono countered suitably.


    Of course, it was an act.


    He felt like he could be blamed for anything he said.


    ''Duel!''


    It was while walking down the pathway built through the garden that such a racket was heard.


    A duel?��When I looked at the direction of the voice, I saw a man in a white military uniform and a red-haired man glaring at each other.


    The red-haired man was also wearing a white military uniform, but it was not like a kinsman knight.


    His hair was upside down and his military uniform was disheveled.


    He has a bad eye and a fierce smile on his face, but he has a fairly well-defined face.


    At one point, he could make his disheveled military uniform look like a fashion statement.


    The other one is...well, what can I say, he has no distinctive features.


    Still, he is taller than Crono and has a stocky body.


    ''''Oh, stop dueling, both of you!


    Lover''s quarrel, Crono concluded as he looked at the woman who cringed between them.


    ''Tsk,'' said Gaul, clicking his tongue uncomfortably.


    ''You know him?''


    As for the redhead, you know. That man is Count Roy Akbens the head of the Fourth Order of the Kingsguard.


    Gaul spat out.


    ''What''s going on?''


    ''If I could see you dueling every time you climbed the castle, I''d be tempted to give you a tongue-lashing or two.


    I thought I had a history of losing.


    ''I''m not getting ripped off!��We''ll win next time!


    When Crono made a light comment, Gaul got pissed off and said.


    While they were having such a conversation, the duel had begun.


    ''''A ... dangerous way to fight.


    Crono muttered as he watched the red-haired man the way Roy fought.


    Roy didn''t even draw his sword.


    On top of that, he just barely ducked the opponent''s attack.


    It''s not just that he''s ducking out of sight, it''s that he''s enjoying risking his own life in this fight.


    But as he dives, his movements become faster and more refined.


    At the same time, his expression changes.


    ''''Is he bored?''''


    Do you understand?


    Yeah, well, let''s see his face.


    Roy''s face, which had been tinged with amusement earlier, is now tinged with disappointment.


    Roy raises his sword, as if it were a misstep.


    It''s just a thin piece of skin to cut, I guess you could say.


    It''s a level of injury that could still be fought.......................and his foster father would force him to fight.


    But.


    ''Agh, gah!


    The man who had been cut dropped his sword with an exaggerated yell.


    Then he clenched his wrist as if his hand had been cut off.


    ''''Ah....''''


    I''m sorry. I would have given him a taste of your pain.


    It''s okay, I love you.


    The lady officer hugged the man. Roy was scratching his head boringly.


    ''....What is this travesty?


    Don''t ask me.


    Crono looked blankly at the man as he walked away, supported by a female officer as if he was seriously injured.


    I don''t know when we got close, but Roy leaned against a pillar and explained politely.


    ''''Well if that''s what you''re getting at,''''


    Don''t get your f*cking panties in a twist, Al. You know what? That''s not how it works.��Well, I''m enjoying it on my own.


    Kukuku, Roy cleared his throat.


    Gaul''s face turned red.


    He looks like he''s about to hit me.


    ''I don''t think you should mess with someone who has a boyfriend just because he asked you out.


    .....


    Crono said, and Gaul turned around with a guffawed look on his face.


    ''Crono, look up.''


    Okay?


    Crono looked up, just as Gaul had told him to, but there was only a ceiling.


    ''Keep it up, spit.''


    I don''t want to.


    Crono looked at Gaul and said.


    ''You have a shelf in your heart, don''t you?��What are they built with?


    I don''t know what that means. Are those steel shelves you made in our workshop?


    Crono nodded his head and replied to Gaul.


    ''And to top it all off, you''re thick to the skin on your face.


    Rude. I''m not...


    Just as Crono opened his mouth to retort, a man walked towards us.


    He was a great man with glasses.


    His hair is rather long and he looks somewhat intelligent.


    He has the man who was defeated by Roy earlier in the day in tow.


    Hi, Al!��What can I do for you?


    Don''t call me Al. My name is Algena.


    ''You, I hear you had a duel with my men?


    Oh, no, no. You could''ve just lost, or you could''ve cried to your boss.


    Roy cowered his shoulders broadly and shook his head from side to side.


    ''I hear it''s you.


    Don''t you listen to me?


    You''re messing with my man''s fianc��e again. Are you still a knight of the Kingsguard?��Shame on you, shame on you.


    It was consensual then, it was consensual.


    "Quibble!��We, the knights of the Kingsguard the old nobility, must be an example to everyone.


    Ha, you''re setting a good example by crying to your boss after losing a duel.


    Algena had a rugged attitude and developed a theory, but Roy spat it out.


    ''This whole thing happened because you messed with someone else''s fianc��e. I''m telling you not to do that.


    ''Oh?��Then preach to the women, too. Don''t open your legs to a man who isn''t your fianc��e.


    Kukuku, Roy cleared his throat.


    Still, Arjena told herself that they had to keep order and embody their ideals... and suddenly, Roy was blown away.


    Arjena beat Roy to the punch.


    ''I told you to be disciplined!��d*mn you!


    Nice. I like this one better, man. I like it better!


    The two men started fist-fighting as it was.


    Crono looked around, unable to keep up with the situation.


    The one who told him to be disciplined was hitting him and cursing him.


    What are you doing before your tongue is even dry!��I want to shove it.


    ........let''s go.


    Shouldn''t you stop?


    You''re wasting your time.


    Crono followed Gaul, feeling a dim sense of unease at the sound of blows and loud laughter from behind him.


    *


    I don''t know if there were this many people here the last time I was here.��And Crono followed Gaul as he looked around.


    ''''Well don''t scurry around so much.


    Do you have eyes on your back too?


    I can tell by the signs.


    I''m not convinced of one thing now, but maybe training in martial arts from a young age makes even humans more sensitive to signs.


    ''''Why are there so many people here?''''


    ''I hear he''s here to pay his respects to His Highness Alfort.


    Those two guys too?


    Roy and Algena have been reassigned.


    Argenta?��Ah, that guy with the glasses. Is that guy also the Commander of the Kingsguard?


    Commander of the Third Kingsguard.


    Ugh, Crono frowned.


    He couldn''t believe that Roy Akbens was the leader of the Fourth Konoe Order, but he also couldn''t believe that someone who could suddenly snap out of it was the leader of the Third Konoe Order.


    ''''........That''s still an ability worthy of a Kingsguard Knight. His ability as a commander is also comparable to your father''s, if it''s a battle without small forces or tricks.


    It''s not a compliment.


    Gaul silently quickened his pace.


    Gaul''s father........Count Ernat''s second name ''Iron Wall'' came from his solid army and his achievements in preventing the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Well, it might be an amazing thing just to have a subordinate who can fight and lead evenly with the 2nd Nearest Cavalry, who are experienced in actual battles.


    ''''........Could it be that the person in the glasses beat you as well?''''


    How do you know?


    Gaul said in a stifled tone.


    ''Yeah, well, it was a subtle compliment,''


    Gaul''s feelings are somewhat understandable.


    He didn''t try to hide his disgust for Roy because he felt as if his fight was undermined.


    The reason why he was praising Arjena is not because he was defeated by a no-good person, but because of the mentality that he was defeated by an opponent who has the ability to be worthy of the Commander of the Kingsguard.


    ''''I''ll win next time.''''


    I guess that''s one of the reasons I''m not defeated. You''re as sharp as ever.


    When Crono spoke his thoughts, Gaul slowed his pace even more.


    He managed to duck to the side, but he almost collided with her.


    ''''Well I wasn''t sure if I should tell you.


    Gaul cut off his words there.


    ''....I''m having a child. The other one is Lara.


    ''What?��Oh, congratulations.


    ....


    Gaul continued to walk in silence, and after about ten steps, he opened his mouth.


    ''Is that all?''


    ''Yes, no, of course, it''s not just words. I''ll send you a letter and a baby shower when your child is born.


    Crono touched his wallet over his clothes.


    There is a reasonable amount of money in it, but I don''t know what the price of the congratulations is now.


    Common sense wouldn''t allow me to offer the gold coins as is.


    Oh, if it''s a girl, well, a dress.


    ''Oh, no, the word is enough.''


    Gaul smiled shyly as he said this.


    ''''This is Count Piske''s room.


    Sorry to have to ask you to show me around.


    ''No,'' said Gaul, shaking his head.


    ''The Marquis of Erakis I have had a lot of problems with you, but from now on I will consider you a friend.


    ''What?��I thought we weren''t friends?


    You ... Crono, are we close enough to call each other friends?


    Gaul said with a sigh.


    Well, if you ask me, I don''t think we were close enough to call each other friends.


    ''''Crono, if you have any trouble, you can tell me.


    Pray that no trouble comes up.


    Yeah. That''s the first step.


    Gaul left with the boy.


    *


    I''ve lost a lot of weight, Crono thought as he looked at Count Piske''s face.


    Count Piske''s cheeks are thin and his eyes are bloodshot.


    His hair is shaggy, as if he doesn''t have time to adjust it.


    The room was a mess, as if reflecting Count Piske''s state of mind.


    ''''Marquis Erakis, you''ve come a long way!


    Yeah, hi.


    Crono stood in front of Count Piske, bowing lightly.


    Leila was waiting near the door, but Count Piske didn''t seem to notice.


    ''''This time.......I heard that your mission is to restore public order?


    ''''That''s right. ''''The security of the Imperial City is getting worse and worse. Therefore, I want Marquis Erakis to be in charge of the Twelfth District!


    Huh, Crono replied as Count Piske pressured him.


    I''d like to ask why I have to take charge of the Twelfth Street District, but if I ask a bad question, I''ll probably offend him.


    Well, it''s probably because it''s the least safe, or something like that.


    ''So how long have you been on the job?''


    I could start tomorrow!


    He must have realized that he was acting recklessly.


    At times like this, his impression of Count Piske was shaken.


    He relegated Faye to the stables attendant and sent her a harassing letter.


    On the other hand, he kept his promise to Crono in the parent conquest and arranged for his men to be treated.


    Thanks to that, many of my subordinates were saved.


    ''''As far as I''m concerned, I''d like you to start your duties tomorrow.


    ....


    Count Piske said in a low voice.


    Crono shushed him.


    I need at least a day to assess the situation in the imperial capital, take over, and give my exhausted subordinates at least a day''s grace.


    Is it possible to start tomorrow if I''m a little reckless?


    He let out a deep sigh.


    ''''I understand. And you''ve prepared a luxurious mansion for me.


    Mm, yeah, no big deal.


    Count Piske said, his eyes swimming.


    Is it a property for a reason?��Crono nodded his head inwardly.


    ''''And about the trainee soldiers from my territory...''''


    I''ve been talking to my contacts at the War Department about it.


    Crono patted his chest, feeling somewhat guilty.


    It''s the job of the Military Affairs Bureau to decide where soldiers are assigned.


    In a nutshell, the battalion commander has the authority to request whoever he wants under his command, but the decision-making authority lies with the Military Affairs Bureau.


    That''s where they need to put their heads together.


    ''Thank you, sir. Now, I will go to the Military Affairs Bureau to arrange for your arrival. After that, I would like to comfort the trainees in the training camp?


    Then I''ll let you talk me through it.


    Thank you.


    When Crono hung his head.


    Oh, you''re not gonna say hi to me?


    The sound of a mischievous voice hit Crono''s ear folds.


    When I looked at the direction of the voice, I saw Rio standing near the door with a mischievous smile on his face.


    Neither Count Piske nor Leila were surprised, so Rio seemed to have opened the door normally and walked in.


    ''''Rio, long time no see.''''


    ''Can''t you give a hot hug to a lover you haven''t seen in a while?''


    What?


    Crono looked around in a hurry.


    Leila had a slight expression as usual, and Count Piske had a reluctant look on his face as if to tell him to do it somewhere else.


    ''''I was joking. I''m just kidding. I''ll take the liberty of showing you around.


    You''re in charge.


    How about a Knight Commander of the Kingsguard to be our guide?��I thought, but I decided to take advantage of Rio''s kindness.


    *


    Crono and Leila were led by Rio to the Military Affairs Office..................the area assigned to the Military Affairs Office in the castle to be precise.


    From the castle gates to Count Piske''s room, there were many nobles, but as they moved on, it became less and less popular.


    Fortunately, perhaps I should say.


    Crono and Rio are walking arm-in-arm like lovers.


    I''m a little torn as to whether I should tell them to stop holding their arms together.


    Rio is recognized as a man by those around him.


    Of course, Crono loves Rio in his own way, but I don''t give a d*mn what others say!��I haven''t reached the point where I can reopen the door.


    I look behind me over my shoulder and see Leila staring at Crono and Rio with her usual slight expression.


    I feel uncomfortable and look forward.


    ''Crono, is there anything you want to ask me?��I can answer for anything in the courtroom.


    ''What do you mean when Count Piske said that security in the imperial capital is only getting worse?


    Huh, Rio let out a small sigh.


    ''''Are you aware of the matter of the mausoleum being built in the Aldemiran Palace?''''


    ''Hmmm, oh, I don''t know if I''ve heard of that from someone else or not?''


    They say they don''t know what that is.


    Rio said with a sigh.


    ''Prince Alfort has decided to build a mausoleum dedicated to His Majesty Emperor Ramal V and the Six Pillar God in order to reconcile the old and new nobles.


    Why?��Why do you let the old nobles and the new nobles get along with each other in a mausoleum?


    The idea is so far-fetched that it doesn''t make sense.


    They wanted it to be a symbol of reconciliation?


    Symbols are not meant to be built before they''re reconciled.


    It is difficult to reconcile the old aristocracy and the new aristocracy.


    At least not while the old aristocracy has a monopoly on key positions in the empire.


    However, it''s not hard to understand the sentiments of the old nobles who are trying to protect their vested interests.


    At the very least, if the new aristocracy were to be the commander of the battalion stationed on the southern frontier, we could expect an improvement in relations.


    ''''That''s right. The problem is the people who were working on the construction of the mausoleum. Although the mausoleum was completed, they were unable to get another job, they turned to crime and joined criminal gangs, and the security of the imperial capital deteriorated rapidly. Well, it seems that a lot of things have happened since the construction of the mausoleum.


    Why don''t you do a soup kitchen?


    The trouble is, he doesn''t have any money.


    Rio hung his head in a gulp.


    ''What?��So much for building a mausoleum?


    I heard the price of marble for the mausoleum had risen sharply. I heard that the amount of marble being mined in the Baron Bowties estate has dropped dramatically.


    Maybe it''s my fault?��And a cold sweat runs down Crono''s back.


    Speaking of the Barony of Bawties, it''s the home of the deputy.


    Crono emigrated his family of lieutenants to build the port.


    At that time, I had inwardly poked fun at Baron Bawties'' shallowness in easily giving up his skilled craftsmen in a humble manner, but I never dreamed that the situation would develop to the point where the empire''s finances would be in the toilet.


    ''''Oh, no, but even so, there''s no way that building a mausoleum would be enough to put the finances on the line...''''


    Not, Crono couldn''t say.


    It was because he suddenly remembered his history lesson.


    As I recall, it was about the Great Buddha in Nara.


    I don''t remember the details, but the total cost of the Great Buddha in Nara is just over 460 billion yen in modern terms.


    I heard that the financial base was torn to pieces to pay for it.


    At the time, I thought it was unbelievable that the country''s finances could be torn apart by a budget of 460 billion yen, but in hindsight, the economic scale of the country is different between the time when the Buddha was built and today.


    The size of the empire''s economy must have been much smaller than Crono had imagined.


    He should have realized it when he heard that nearly fifty percent of the tax revenue was devoted to military spending.


    But.


    ''Didn''t Vizier Alcor do anything about it?


    ''Hmmm, so Crono is buying into Vizier Alcor.


    Don''t make fun of me.


    Crono was irritated, but he quickly regained his composure.


    �� Prime Minister Alcor has been taking steps," he said. He''s been saving some of his tax revenue for emergencies. For more than ten years.


    Isn''t this the right time?


    Of course, she would have used it.


    Rio gave a sarcastic smile.


    ''''........Did you possibly use it?''''


    To build a mausoleum.


    Are you nuts?��I gulped down the word.


    ''Rio?''


    ''Don''t worry, I''m making sure no one but Leila can hear our conversation.


    As if to prove Rio''s words, a green light surrounded Crono and the others.


    The light was so faint that you had to strain your eyes to see it.


    ''Vizier Alcor didn''t say anything?''


    You''ve been warned. There are a lot of dumb people out there.


    What do you mean?


    Crono asked back, not understanding the meaning of the words.


    ''''It means that His Majesty doesn''t wield as much immense power as he did when he was alive.


    Does power go away that easily?


    ''I still have a lot of influence over the court nobles. �� We still have a lot of influence over the court nobles, but someone else has invited those idiots in. Well, even a fool can become a very powerful force when gathered in numbers.


    I see, Alfort was inviting them in, and Crono finally understood why there were more people in the castle.


    ''''And the reassignment of the Kingsguard?''''


    ''''Well, yes. Except for the Second and Eighth Near Guards, all of them have been transferred to the Imperial City and surrounding areas.


    Isn''t that bad?


    If Crono''s memory was correct, the Kingsguard would have been stationed at key points in the Empire.


    ''''That''s why Count Piske is busy coordinating and cleaning up after them.


    A soup kitchen isn''t a drastic solution either, but simply cracking down on criminals is only a symptomatic solution.


    Well, we''ll just have to go along for the ride.


    I''m here to make a difference.


    You won''t get your way. Did you find a place to stay, by the way?


    I''ve got a mansion set up for you in the First Ward, so you''ll be fine.


    Crono chuckled, "You said you could answer anything inside the court.


    ''A mansion in the First Ward?''


    You see that house that looks pretty old?


    Huh?��Rio''s expression grew stronger.


    ''What''s going on?''


    ''''In the past, there was a nobleman of the imperial brotherhood living in that house. I heard that this nobleman was brutally murdered. Ever since then, the ghosts of the slain aristocrats have appeared there.


    ''So that''s what Count Piske''s reaction was!��You can''t do this!��I want my money back!


    It''s just a rumor. It''s a rumor.


    Crono glared at Rio, saying, "You talked yourself out of it," but Rio didn''t seem to be offended.


    ''''Well, we''ve arrived at the War Office.


    With that, Rio moved away from Crono.


    Can''t we just turn around and go home?��And Crono let out a deep sigh.


    *


    The wagon proceeded along the ramparts.


    Crono sat in the corner of the coach''s seat and looked up at the castle walls.


    I''ve been in this world for six years now, and every time I see a huge structure, I''m impressed by how it was built without using heavy machinery.


    However, I can''t help but admire it.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    ''''Crono-sama, does the consolation of the training soldiers have to be today?''''


    I''ve asked Count Piske to lay the groundwork for me, and I''m afraid I''ll procrastinate if I miss today.


    Honestly, I''m sorry.


    If I push myself too hard, I''ll put a burden on Leila.


    I know that, but I can''t make Leila a priority.


    ''I mean, I''m sorry,''


    No, I''m just doing what I want to do.


    Layla''s mouth twitched slightly. Crono looked down, feeling more and more apologetic.


    ''''Crono-sama, I can see the new training camp.


    .... a little more luxurious than our barracks?


    Crono stared at the Recruit Training Center with his eyes.


    The military school within the city walls was surrounded by high walls, but the Recruit Training Center had none of that.


    It was a simple, horizontal, single-story building with a two-story building next to it.


    The earth is heaped up at a considerable distance, probably for bow training.


    Naturally, the training soldiers were training there in several groups.


    Humans and beastmen are training in kumite, dwarves are training in spear kata, and elves.......surely there must be some half-elves.......are training in archery.


    And .........


    ''You want to stand out by losing on purpose!��You want me to pretend to be in pain so you can take pity on me?


    What''s the matter with your bent back?��My old man has a more spirited waistband than you two!


    ''Can''t you get a good shot off?��Every time you guys miss an arrow, an ally dies!


    The three training instructors are shouting abuse at the trainees, such as


    All three of them have the look of a beaten-up soldier.


    Which is better, being abused with your buddies or being abused one-on-one?��And Crono asks himself, remembering Myra''s special training.


    ''Was it like this with Layla?''


    Yes, training instructors are equal, for better or worse.


    Are you saying that all trainees are equally worthless?


    Leila''s eyes widened in surprise and she gave a small nod.


    As we stopped the wagon, one of the training instructors looked at us.


    The training instructor took a deep breath and


    Abort drill!��Three abreast against the Marquis of Erakis!

 101-Episode 11 "Agreement"

    *


    Late January, 43rd year of the imperial calendar--what''s ''still okay'', you''re kidding me!��And McQueen runs with venom in his chest.


    The streets are deserted.


    The Twelfth Street area doesn''t begin to come alive until later in the evening.


    It doesn''t feel strange.


    It''s stranger that the entertainment district is bustling with activity in the middle of the day.


    At least that''s how McQueen feels.


    Shit, shit, why, why do I have to do this to myself!��I was just doing my job!��I moved my feet frantically.


    McQueen is a member of Nicole''s gang.


    His main job is to collect money for shobas from the streetwalkers who take customers in Nicole''s territory.


    Some of them don''t want to pay their dues, but when they do, I just wave a knife at them.


    If they don''t pay, they use a knife.


    Of course, when you use a knife, you choose who you''re going to use it on.


    If he has the wherewithal to make money, we show him that we are serious.


    We kill streetwalkers who don''t seem to be able to earn their money.


    We kill them right in front of them or show them a thoroughly destroyed corpse.


    If they still don''t like it, we have no choice but to kill them, but if it''s too much, they''ll be deemed incompetent enough to collect shobha money, or a freak who enjoys killing.


    So McQueen thinks about the reactions of those around him, but the newcomers don''t know that.


    Not only does he not know how to use violence, but some of them even try to get him to work as a streetwalker in the gang''s brothel.


    They don''t think they''re in trouble and can''t stay in the brothel anymore.


    The number of members of Nicole''s gang has been increasing since the mausoleum was completed.


    But there are only a handful, or maybe a handful, that can earn their own food.


    My earnings are used to feed the incompetent newcomers.


    It makes me feel stupid to work when I think about it.


    However, I can''t skip work.


    I was working diligently, but the beast guards found me.


    I was taken aback, as I had heard it was okay for today.


    I was twice as surprised when they prodded me with a bribe.


    I had no choice but to run away, but the guards chased after me.


    And yet, they didn''t try to catch him.


    No matter how much armor they wear, they only chase after you from a certain distance, even though they should be able to catch you easily with the physical ability of a beastman.


    Have you given up?��He looked behind him over his shoulder.


    Then, there was a group of beastmen wearing armor.


    The number of them seemed to be increasing somehow.


    Screw them, I''ll definitely get away with it, he vowed to himself.


    I know all about the Twelfth Street District, even the back alleys.


    Okay, I''m going to run into that alley, McQueen kicked the earth with force.


    Just then, a black panther beastman came out of the alley he was trying to escape from.


    He stopped in a hurry.


    That would have been a bad idea.


    I had to fall on my butt in a haphazard manner.


    He tried to pull out his knife, but the beastman was quicker to thrust the tip of his spear at McQueen''s throat.


    ''All right!��I won''t run anymore!


    McQueen held up his hands to show that he had no intention of resisting.


    The beastman who came from behind dragged McQueen to the ground and tied his wrists up.


    ''This is Edge, we have secured our target.'' (Grul)


    ''This is Edge, we have the target.'' (Grull)


    Target secure!


    As Edge''s voice came from the communication magic item, the elven woman in the stuffing room - the second floor of the stuffing room, to be exact - recited the communication.


    The elf woman is sitting at one of the desks by the wall on three sides.


    On the table are maps and communication magic items.


    In the center of the table is a table with a map of the Twelfth District spread out on it.


    There are five members: one commander, three in charge of communications, and one assistant.


    However, with the exception of the commander, the members change at regular intervals.


    Crono divided his subordinates into three groups and set up shifts in order to provide security for twenty-four hours a day, but it''s a heavy burden to work without a break.


    So they decided to divide the group into four teams and take turns being in charge of the security and stuffing station.


    Crono stands near the door and carefully observes the situation in the communications command center.


    So far, it seems to be working well.


    Looking at the center of the room, Leila stared at the map spread out on the table with a mindlessly nervous look on her face.


    One red piece and three black pieces were placed on the map.


    The red pieces indicated the perpetrator in pursuit and the black pieces indicated the security team.


    ''Oka, not, Leila Centurion, we''ve got our target.


    I understand. Move the pieces off the map.


    As Snow, the assistant, reported, Leila gave her instructions in a matter-of-fact manner.


    ''Move the pieces.''


    Snow moved the red piece that was on the map off the map.


    ''Leila, how do you like your new security methods?''


    "...We''ve tested one of the criminals swimming in the water, and there were no problems.


    Crono asked, and Leila answered after a short pause.


    ''So far, I guess?''


    ''Yes, I think it''s more about how the other two feel than it is about me.


    I see, Crono nodded.


    Leila, who was from the Imperial Capital, could make up for the deficiencies in the communications command center with her knowledge and experience, but that was not the case for Shiro and Hiilo, who were not from the Imperial Capital.


    Master Crono, are you sure you''re ready?


    Have you made a new magic item for communication?


    Yes, Leila gave a small nod.


    The communication command center''s communication magic items were made by Eril.


    It''s cheaper than buying them through the Pix Chamber of Commerce, but they cost a good deal more.


    ''''Hmm, I didn''t make it for use in the imperial capital, I just made it for test operation in the imperial capital, so you can rest assured.


    ''To be introduced to the Marquess of Erakis and the Count of Caddo, sir?


    That''s part of it, though.


    Crono smiled bitterly.


    Of course, if I can get good results in the imperial capital, I''m going to use it in my own territory.......


    ''''My apologies. Please forgive me for asking such an intrusive question.''''


    No, I think it''s an obvious question.


    Leila must have decided that it wasn''t something she wanted to talk about here.


    The experiment has just begun.


    First we have to find out how useful the communications command center is.


    ''Well, I''m glad to see that the command center works. It''s nerve-racking to try something new, just as it was when we built the magic item for very long-distance communication.


    Crono patted his chest.


    ''Then why don''t you go back to the mansion once?


    Leila, I need your ear.


    When Crono beckoned to her, Leila gently put her ear to the ground.


    ''''Do you look so sleepy?''''


    Yes, very much.


    Leila replied briefly and moved away from Crono.


    In order to meet Count Piske''s request, she completed the handover in the night and morning rush to the chief of guards of the Twelfth Street District.


    He looked annoyed, but he didn''t want to be forced to just vacate the filling station without taking over.


    The guards had a similar reaction.


    I felt sorry when I saw the guard''s face turn pale, but it was to meet Count Piske''s request.


    It can''t be helped.


    ''''........Where''s Leila?''''


    I''m fine.


    Leila''s eyes narrowed as she smiled, perhaps to reassure Crono.


    ''''If you have any problems, call me immediately. Ah~ Is the magic item I always use for communication out of range?��If you''re out of range, run a message.......and then record it!��And don''t forget the statement.


    I understand.


    Leila let out a creeping laugh.


    *


    A week later--the communications command center was functioning without any major trouble.


    Perhaps thanks to Leila''s suggestion to divide the Twelfth Street District into three blocks to prevent security bias, there were no criminals that had been missed at the moment.


    Considering that half of his subordinates were beastmen and that White and Hiilo had spared no effort to grasp the geography of the imperial capital, it was hard to be optimistic.


    Regardless, the Thirteenth Konoe Guards performed their security smoothly and diligently.


    If there''s a problem with that it''s that


    ''Unbelievable!��I can''t believe we''re letting a criminal we just caught go!


    It''s the War Office that makes the arrests, then the Bureau of Military Affairs that does the rest.


    Crono said hoarsely, and Rio said with a sigh.


    ''Third time, third time!��I got that McQueen guy!


    If every time they caught him, he was released, it would be a dream come true to restore security.


    You can''t go up to the castle and protest to the book office, but they won''t take you up on it.


    ''''Crono, could you lower your voice a little more?��I''m trying not to be heard, though.


    The fact that they seem to be shouting loudly but can''t hear their voices means that it''s unnatural to the contrary.


    Crono guffaws at the desire to argue.


    ''''Why do you think they''re letting him go?''''


    It''s not much of a crime to begin with. You just have to pay the fine and be done with it.


    Rio cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    Apparently, the Cepheus Empire doesn''t have the idea of cutting off the funding source of a criminal organization.


    Maybe they think that if something goes wrong, they can just bring in the army.


    ''''What if they can''t pay the fine?''''


    Forced labor in the mines and stuff. Well, it seems like a lot of people die before they get out of jail.


    If you can''t pay the fine, you''re screwed.


    I just stole a loaf of bread to end my life because I was too hungry.


    "...''Oh, heartless''?


    You''re very good at that.


    Rio chuckled.


    ''But then again, how is money the answer?''


    "A bad law is a law.


    ''I don''t know if it carries any weight or not when Rio says it.


    What do you mean by that?


    Rio tilted his head cutely.


    ''I don''t care if you''re being punished according to a bad law, you''re abusing it.


    ''Crono, it''s not a crime to kill your opponent in a duel, is it?��There was too much of a gap between us, though, and it was a one-sided race.


    Where''s your manservant?


    Oh, I said I fed the beast, I didn''t say I killed it.


    Rio smiled, but his eyes were not smiling.


    ''What''s the real story?''


    ''Is Crono a cat?''


    Do you want to die?��I felt like I was being told.


    ...Um, Mr. Rio?��In case you''re wondering, am I Mr. Rio''s lover?


    I''m going to miss my boyfriend because he''s prioritizing his work, don''t you think?


    Yes, I will make time for you.


    After all, it seems that Rio''s personal life takes priority.


    Well, otherwise he wouldn''t have been neglecting his work for more than ten months.


    To return to the topic at hand, what are you going to do about the security?��As it is, it''s like drawing water from a bottomless tub.


    We''re paying the fine and we''ll keep catching them until they make a sound.


    Thoroughly desperate, Crono clenched his fists.


    *


    A week later, in the dining room of Crawford House.


    It didn''t work.


    Crono plopped down on the table.


    ''I don''t understand why you''re saying that all of a sudden.


    The criminals we caught were getting released one after the other, so we had to make a lot of noise while we compared ourselves with the criminal organizations.


    Well, I''m sure we''ll figure it out.


    Crono explained, and after a moment''s pause, his adoptive father, seated face-to-face, said


    ''Do you have any solutions?''


    Why don''t you just go ahead and rampage until the big boss comes out?


    My foster father said, as he should.


    ''When I was young, there was an attempt on my life. I was returning assassins from one side to the other, and the mastermind came out. And then.... during the civil war, when they were licking their chops, I just kept on tightening up the right guy and that''s how I got to the mastermind.


    Well, it''s a novel solution.


    ''Yes,'' his adopted father nodded with satisfaction.


    No.


    He had the wrong people to talk to.


    ''Who are those people?''


    The one who tried to kill me was saying some incomprehensible things and I cut him down. The guy who screwed it up died on the battlefield.


    The dead man on the battlefield, was he hit by a stray arrow?


    Yeah, that''s just bad luck, isn''t it?


    Crono asked fearfully, and his foster father said in a low voice.


    He smiled, so the possibility that it was an accident was infinitesimally small.


    ''Um, well, wasn''t the one who was trying to kill you trying to beat you to death?


    You tried to kill me, and you can''t even hit me, for f*ck''s sake. Once a man betrays you, he betrays you twice, and once a man tries to kill you, he tries to kill you when he sees fit.


    Apparently, the word "tolerance" is not in my adopted father''s dictionary.


    I don''t know if I should be able to push through so far, but I''m reminded of my own lukewarmness when I said I was thorough.


    ''Sir, I''m afraid I''m being impertinent, but I thought times were different than when you were young.


    When did it come?


    Myra placed the incense tea in front of Crono and his adopted father.


    ''So it''s limited to your father, not us?''


    ''Master Crono, am I still young?


    Crono said as he tipped his cup, and Myra said, in a nonchalant tone, "We''re not going to change, are we?


    ''Times change, but people don''t change, do they?


    ''Excuse me!��We''ve got a visitor!


    Just as her adoptive father smiled cynically, Johnny walked into the dining room.


    Myra put her hand on Johnny''s shoulder.


    ''Sir, this is the time,''


    What are you talking about?


    Johnny didn''t seem to understand the situation.


    His adoptive father looked at Johnny and let out a deep sigh.


    ''''It''s ... times.''''


    Yes, it''s time.


    My foster father and Myra muttered sincerely.


    ''I''m not sure, but Johnny seems to embody a new era.


    I threw it as fast as I could.


    Johnny said with an embarrassed look.


    Out of the corner of my eye I saw a young man dressed in a white military uniform sitting on a seat that no one had been sitting on earlier.


    He held a dagger between his forefinger and middle finger.


    Apparently, the young man had caught the dagger Johnny had thrown to him.


    He looks to be only in his late teens, but he seems to have skills worthy of a Kingsguard Knight.


    ''''Are you a demon for trying to kill someone all of a sudden, you?''''


    Entering someone''s house without permission is the same as burglary. It''s not right to complain about it.


    The young man put his dagger on the table and stared at Johnny with accusing eyes.


    But Johnny said back flatly.


    ''''........you''ve got some good nerve, don''t you?


    Mr. Claude, it''s been a long time.


    The young man said in a tone of voice as if he were dealing with an old friend.


    ''Father, do you know each other?''


    Yeah, during the civil war. This guy tried to assassinate a guy in Ramal. Four of us had to chase him off, but I guess they let us off the hook, huh?


    With Dad and Myra in their prime?��And Crono looked at the young man.


    ''How old are you?''


    I think he''s over 50, sir.


    ''Hmm,'' nodded Crono.


    ''You''re not surprised?''


    Well, it''s not exactly a surprise.


    Myra is over sixty years old, and the priest is much older.


    ''I''m sorry for breaking off the conversation. Please continue.


    He''s really reckless.


    The young man cleared his throat with a cough.


    ''''........Claude-san underestimates himself too much. Mr. Claude was really strong at that time. If we had fought each other like that, I would have been the one who lost.


    I''m glad you did. Did you come to settle this case?


    ''You can''t beat me now, Claude. I''m sure you''ve noticed that yourself.


    Do you want to try it?


    Just as his adoptive father smiled ferociously, he heard the sound of clattering footsteps.


    ''''Ta-da!��Don''t go in there without permission!


    The Lord of Footsteps...............................Verna walked up to the young man and shook her fist as hard as she could.


    ''''Ouch!''''


    ''What''s the pain?��You bastard!


    Verna poked the young man repeatedly.


    ''''...........era?''''


    His adoptive father muttered with a faraway look in his eyes.


    *


    I have come to consult with the Marquis of Erakis on an urgent matter.


    The assassin, who had more than evenly matched his adopted fathers in his prime, said as he sat upright on the floor of the dining room.


    Verna looked down at the young man with an irritated look.


    ''''I''m Neige Hee, head of the Sixth Order of the Kingsguard........''''


    Knight Commander of the Kingsguard?


    The young man........Neige couldn''t say his name until the end because Verna interrupted him.


    ''''Huh?��Didn''t I tell you?


    I didn''t say that!��When I first met you, you said you were an instructor at the training camp, and you even went by the name Ash Kilmer until now!


    It''s a lie.


    I know!


    Verna shouted.


    ''What''s today for?''


    I have heard that the Marquis of Erakis is not happy with the Bureau''s handling of the situation and I thought I might be able to help you.


    ''''No, I want to avoid any trouble, but my subordinates........oh, not the subordinates of the Sixth Konoe Order. It''s the men and their children from the Arm of Death era.


    ''Wait a minute!��You said the ''Arm of Death'' was gone, didn''t you!


    ''It''s just that I''ve been quartered and can''t work together anymore. My ''arm of death'' is alive and well.


    "Oh, my God, I''m so sick of this!


    Verna burbled and shook her fists as Neige explained.


    ''Anyway, my subordinates have a strong work ethic.......is this another era?


    Neige muttered sincerely.


    His foster father and Myra looked reluctant.


    ''It''s nice of you to cooperate, but what good is it to you guys?''


    My men report that the Bureau''s officials have been taking bribes from criminal organizations.


    I see, Crono nodded.


    No wonder they caught him, he should be released sooner or later.


    At this rate, I doubt he''s paying the fine.


    ''The post will be vacant once the officials involved in the corruption are gone, won''t it?


    You mean you want me to take on a grudge role to avoid any trouble?


    Simply put, that''s all. The Marquis of Erakis will do well and we will take the vacant post. Of course, I hope to have a long-lasting relationship with you.


    What do you think?��And Neige looked up at Crono.


    ''Write a stroke, please.''


    ...Yes?


    So I need you to write one for me. Under your name and that of your staff.


    ''Um, I think we should communicate verbally about these things, don''t you?


    No. Please write a stroke.


    Crono kicked off Neige''s suggestion.


    It wasn''t the story of his adopted father just now, but there was no way he could trust someone who would try to bring others down for profit.


    ''''........Can I discuss this with my subordinate?''''


    Come in.


    Neige let out a deep sigh and stood up.


    ''By the way, what are you really after?''


    ''I just thought I''d make sure that whatever happens in the future is okay. You''ve used your men for your own purposes, and I don''t know what you''re talking about.


    Neige chuckled.


    ''Is that your purpose?''


    ''I wanted to know. Why could someone who was so close to death smile in relief?


    Surely the person wanted to die.


    But Neige didn''t even understand such a thing.


    Probably because he had been purely cultured as an assassin.


    ''''Well then, if you''ll excuse me.


    See you later, Mr. Crono.


    Neige bowed lightly, Verna raised her hand lightly and walked out of the dining room.


    *


    A few days later, Crono was confronted with an official of the Shoujo Bureau in the parlor of the ghost house.


    It''s a copy of the statement taken at the filling station and a copy of the documents stored in the Shoujo Bureau.


    ''What do you want?��Money?


    ''''I''m fine, I''m not in need of money. Well, I thought about prosecuting him, but I didn''t want to send a man who worked for the Empire for decades to the execution table, and I didn''t want him to kill himself like the former Marquis of Erakis.


    Crono leaned back against the back of the couch.


    The officials are busy moving their eyes.


    They may be trying to figure out a way to get out of this situation, but there is no such thing.


    You''ll save your life and honor if you resign your job?


    ....


    The official is silent.


    He hangs his head and bites his lip.


    ''I''m sure it''s going to be a problem for your family.


    Okay.


    The official said in a low, stifled voice.


    ''Thank you for talking so quickly.''


    Do you mind if I go home now?


    Yes, thank you.


    The official stood up and hobbled out of the parlor.


    Crono looked up at the heavens and let out a sigh.


    ''''........It''s a simple job of recommending the officials involved in the corruption to resign.


    Work is going well.


    It''s not surprising.


    Given the choice between losing your life, honor and money, or resigning to save them, no one chooses the former.


    If that''s the case, there''s no need to go to the trouble of making things difficult.


    ''''Well you said you''d take the vacant post.


    Just because the person who was in that position is gone doesn''t mean that Neige''s subordinates will be able to take that position.


    It would mean that they are in a position where they can target the vacant post.


    The current state of the Empire with the former members of the assassination group infiltrating it is horrible, but it''s also horrible that they thought it was worth using.


    ''Is it too soon?''


    Crono let out a sigh once more.

 102-Episode 12 "Financial Measures"

    *


    Early February, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - Rio said that bad laws are also laws, but I don''t want to be a part of it, Crono looked up at the ceiling of the ghost house and let out a sigh.


    The officials involved in the corruption resigned, and Neige''s subordinates settled into their vacant posts.


    A significant number of them must have been involved in corruption, if you included the end of the line officials, but I never heard of a storm of solemnity brewing.


    It may be the calm before the storm, but Neige''s men are getting the job done.


    Yes, safe ... they are sending criminals into the mines who can''t pay their fines, regardless of whether they are members of a criminal organization like McQueen''s or those who are impoverished and stealing.


    What are you going to do about it?


    As long as you can''t show mercy, I''ll just have to report it like it is and ask you to lighten the sentence.


    Crono straightened his posture and looked at Leila.


    ''So... why are there so many more thieves?


    Perhaps it''s because we''ve got a member of a crime syndicate.


    What do you mean?


    ''Yes, we''ve destroyed the food chain ... the city''s ecosystem,''


    When Crono asked, Leila replied confidently.


    But it makes sense if you position the members of a criminal organization as the top predators in the food chain.


    If the number of top predators decreases, it is logical that the number of predators will increase.


    ''Of course, I understand that poverty is the main reason for this,''


    ...for sure.


    After the construction of the mausoleum, what is left is a large number of unemployed people.


    Moreover, they have no money, no work, and no one to rely on.


    On top of that, if there was no soup kitchen, they would have to beg or turn to crime.


    How is everyone doing?


    The less experienced soldiers seem slightly confused.


    Maybe if you only know my territory.


    To those who knew the former Marquis of Erakis and other fiefdoms, the devastation in the Imperial City would be acceptable.


    But those who don''t must be feeling quite a bit of stress.


    ''''I understand. I''ll try to make as much time as possible to talk to my men.''''


    Are you sure?


    It''s a boss''s job to keep his people motivated.


    He was busy taking the report to the Shoujo Bureau, participating in the regular meetings of the guard captain, and reporting the current situation to Count Piske, but it was more frightening to see his subordinates'' motivation decline.


    ''''However, this is just a temporary fix.......Even if it''s difficult to find a drastic solution, it''s bad if we don''t show that we''re making an effort to solve the problem.


    ''Can''t we accept it in Master Crono''s territory?''


    I''m not sure I''m ready to accept it right away.


    Crono said, and Leila looked up slightly.


    ''I understand what Layla is trying to say, but we all need a reason to agree.


    We can afford the financial situation, but the money is the blood money of the fiefdoms.


    It must be used for the benefit of the fief and the territory.


    We have to plan carefully, put the groundwork in place and spread rumors to all the relevant parties, just in case.


    Even after that much, I''m still worried.


    ''''Now it''s up to you to convince me emotionally.


    Emotions?


    "We''re cleaning up someone else''s mess, much less what happened in the Imperial City. It wouldn''t be funny if we had to use our taxes to do that.


    Leila gave a small nod.


    She must have been emotionally unconvinced because her eyebrows were slightly raised.


    ''''Isn''t Crono-sama amused too?''''


    ''''I think it''s a problem that should be solved in the imperial city before it''s interesting or uninteresting. And by the way, I have no intention of making a move on this matter myself.


    Well, I can at least give you an idea, Crono adds in his mind.


    ''''........What would Crono-sama do?''''


    I''d do a soup kitchen if I were you.


    I''m told you can''t even afford a soup kitchen?


    You''ve got to earn it.


    ''You remember it well,'' Crono replied, admiring Leila''s memory.


    ''In what way?''


    Yeah, that''s something I''m interested in, too.


    Suddenly, a voice is heard.


    Leila leaps back as if she has been touched by something hot and reaches for the dagger she carries from her waist.


    ''I''m sorry to interrupt you.''


    The owner of the voice........Neige Hyades was standing near the door.


    Leila interrupted between Crono and Neige without turning her gaze away from Neige.


    If it comes down to it, she intends to protect Crono even if she has to use herself as a shield.


    ''''........Layla.


    I understand.


    Leila removed her hand from her dagger as Crono called out to her.


    ''''What method does the Marquis of Erakis plan to use to make money?''''


    Neige said with a good-natured smile.


    Although it was a thinly veiled one to think that he was scratching the assassination target''s head with this kind of smile on his face.


    ''''Why do you want to know how to make money?''''


    ''Verna-san is picky. You brought her here for your own reasons, and you''re licking your pants, throwing her out when you''re done with her.


    When Crono asked back, Neige cowered her shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    ''''Since Verna-san is so much of a mess, the people who were thrown out must be more angry.......and by the way, it seems that the Seventh Konoe Order is moving in a lot of ways....


    ....


    There are things going on in the Seventh Kinsman Guard.


    When Crono was silent, Neige repeated the same words.


    He just said that he repeated it because it was important.


    ''''It seems that the Seventh Konoe Guards are making a lot of moves.


    I pretended not to hear it because I didn''t want to get involved.


    ''Oh, really?��I got you into this, didn''t I?��Whatever it is, it seems that Count Ralph Libra is deliberately trying to get you to riot.


    Ah~, Crono held his head in his hands.


    Ignorance is not acceptable with this.


    ''''I understand that Count Ralph Libra is thinking of a bad idea, but what benefit is there for Lord Neige?


    ''There is no merit to it. I simply don''t like that old man''s methods. I don''t mind if you want to focus on efficiency. That old man goes too far.


    Apparently, Neige wants to avoid the disadvantages caused by the riots.


    Should we interpret this favorably as the pursuit of the happiness of the greatest number?


    ''So how is the Marquis of Erakis trying to make money?


    ....


    Crono turned his gaze to Leila.


    Then Leila was looking at Crono, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.


    Surrender, Crono raises his hands in the air.


    Count Ralph Libra is about to start a riot.


    There was no choice but to sit on the sidelines when he found out about it.


    ''''........The means of making money is.......''''


    How do you make money?


    Neige gulps and clears her throat.


    ''Quite simply, it''s a gamble!


    What?


    Mr. Crono.


    When Crono declared on a high note, Neige let out a goofy voice and Leila had a sad expression on her face.


    ''''Just for the record, we''re not going to make more money by gambling, okay?��The state is the body that runs the gambling house.


    That''s going to cost a lot of money, isn''t it?��I don''t even have the know-how to run it, you know?


    So why don''t you just bring it from one place to another? For example, incorporate a criminal organization that gambles for a living.


    Some of these places make a spectacle out of killing each other, you know?


    ''We don''t necessarily have to kill each other, do we?��There are many ways to do this, such as captivating the audience with advanced fighting techniques. Well, I think there are people who are not interested in gambling, so you could charge an admission fee and bet on it or not, depending on the person you are betting on.


    Hah~, Neige let out a breath of admiration.


    ''''As expected, Marquis Erakis. Just like a nobleman, you''re skilled in the art of making money for fun.''''


    Are you trying to pick a fight?


    ''No, no, I''m complimenting you. I don''t think he''s Mr. Claude''s son.


    Yeah, hi.


    Crono barely held his tongue.


    Apparently, Neige has figured out that Crono is an adopted child.


    ''''I''ll leave the rest to you, but you owe me this one. I''ll collect it exactly, and I intend to do so.''''


    Truly aristocratic.


    Neige smiled bitterly and walked out of the room.


    ''Master Crono, is it alright?''


    Well, it''s Mr. Neige and the others who will have the most trouble.


    If you just put out an idea and try to suck the delicious juice, you''ll get a bad look on your face.


    If that''s the case, you should probably owe it to them.


    Is there something on your mind, Leila has slightly lowered her eyes.


    ''''Leila, is there something you''re worried about?''''


    ''No, yes, Master Crono it''s probably more than just an idea.


    I''m not very good at negotiating with people who don''t have a lot of power behind them, am I?


    Master Crono will be fine.


    Trust is heavy, Miss Leila.


    Crono let out a deep sigh.


    *


    Nicole''s group''s base was located west of the Twelfth Street area.


    The building was a two-story brick structure.


    Although it is located a little far back from the main street, it is large enough to house at least four houses.


    It seems to serve as both a base of operations and an arena, and the bottom of the vault that extends to the basement is covered with darkened stone pavement.


    Crono was in the reception room on the second floor.


    There was a sofa, a table, and a flurry of expensive-looking furnishings.


    It could be described as a normal reception room if it wasn''t for the red-black tinted sword with its handle adorning the walls.


    ''''Leila''s premonition is true.


    "I''m sorry to have bothered you, sir.


    Crono muttered, and Neige''s second-in-command, who was sitting next to him, apologized in a small voice.


    He looks next to him with a sideways glance.


    Neige''s second-in-command is a woman wearing glasses.


    She wears her long hair in a barrette.


    She is a woman with a seamless and, if anything, cold-hearted atmosphere.


    ''''Neige-sama doesn''t want to work,''''


    I mean, come on, I don''t want to be honest with you.


    My motivation, which is just so low, is about to drop to a negative level.


    ''''That person is a transcendent, so it''s rare for him to move like he did this time. In a manner of speaking, he still seems to have a sense of obligation.''''


    Oh, you''re like a priest.


    Yeah, that''s right.


    So you even know about the priest. I''ve been trying to use me for how long, Crono said, poisoning his mind.


    But I got some information that may be useful.


    If Neige is the same as the priest, he won''t be hostile right away.


    Let''s explore a bit more, shall we?��And just as Crono was thinking, the door opened.


    It was a large man with a bald head who opened the door.


    He had a gold pot eye, a dumpling nose and thick lips.


    His face is etched with a number of old scars that seem to have been caused by a blade.


    "I''m Nicole.


    The big man with the bald head Nicole sat down on the sofa.


    "Aah~ What the hell are you laughing at? What''s so funny about my face, huh?


    Nicole leaned forward and said in a curly voice.


    Crono couldn''t help but gush.


    ''What''s funny?''


    I feel like a big shot now that I''m talking to the big boss of a crime syndicate on equal terms.


    As Crono leaned forward, Nicole pulled back.


    The color of confusion was clearly visible on her face.


    ''''Tch, you''re losing it.


    Nicole scratched her neck as she ragged.


    ''So, what can I do for you?''


    Yes, I''m here to discuss one of the illegal gambling cases the Nicolle Corporation is involved in.


    I know what I''m talking about!��Beyond that!


    Nicole tapped the table, but Neige''s second-in-command didn''t change his face.


    ''We want to legalise illegal gambling and fund the operation of the relief hospital and soup kitchens for the poor.


    A source of funding?��You''ve got to be kidding me!


    Nicole tapped the table again.


    ''Okay, sis?��I rose from the shit hole with no help from anyone. I figured out the betting game myself. You want the guy?


    Did I mean to tell you that?


    Nicole''s face turns reddish-black.


    I''m suggesting it myself, but normally I''d be angry.


    If this is the case, the conversation won''t come together.......I guess it can''t be helped, Crono opened his mouth.


    ''''Oh well, master. First of all, calm down and listen to me, please.''''


    Tsk.


    When Crono spoke to her, Nicole clicked her tongue and sat back down on the couch.


    ''I don''t think it''s a bad deal for your master, either. Until now.........it''s a gambling game with killing each other as a spectacle, so I wouldn''t want them to do it in a big way, but I couldn''t do it in a big way anyway.


    Yeah, and...


    Nicole leaned forward.


    Not because she was interested in what Crono had to say, but because she understood her position.


    No matter how big he was, he was just the boss of a criminal organization.


    If the Sixth Konoe Knights get serious, Nicole''s group will disappear from the imperial capital in a few days.


    But that said, if you just follow them out of spite, you will lose the trust of your subordinates.


    They need an excuse to say that they teamed up with him because it would benefit them.


    Ahhh, I see, Crono finally understood his role.


    Just like Nicole needed an excuse, the Sixth Konoe Order needed the fact that they didn''t make any concessions to the criminal organization.


    ''The more customers we have, the more income our masters will earn, and on top of that, it will be easier for us to do the entertainment business since the state is backing us. We can concentrate on our core business and earn money to run the poorhouse and soup kitchen. It''s a win-win situation for both of us.


    It''s not for me.��Crono shouted in his mind.


    ''Not bad, not bad, but you can''t make it legal to kill each other and bet on who''s going to survive.


    Thank God your boss has some common sense.


    ''Common sense and conscience are important, whether you follow them or not. If you push too far, you''ll die a quick death.


    ''I''ll keep that in mind, but don''t worry about it. We''ll set the rules so that we don''t kill each other, and I''ll make sure to bet on who will win.


    Hey, hey, hey, they come for the blood.


    No, the audience is here for the unusual. And you don''t have to kill each other to make a living.


    Crono exhaled and leaned back on the couch.


    ''For the most part, it would be a waste of time to have a dead man in every game, wouldn''t it?


    ....


    Nicole shushed him.


    She said she didn''t understand, but to Crono, she was just saying the obvious.


    A famous musician had said something about not paying for information but paying for the experience, and people were interested even if they didn''t do martial arts.


    ''''Well that ain''t a bad story,''''


    Nicole crossed her arms and fell on her face as if in thought.


    ''All right, I''ll ride. But do me one favor.


    If I can help, I will.


    You''re talking fast. I just need you to show your boys that you''re serious.


    What do you mean by that?


    Yeah. The Knights of the Kingsguard I don''t want to be the head of the group, but I want someone with some skill.


    Now it was Crono''s turn to shut up.


    ''Marquis Erakis, please.


    When I looked next to him, Neige''s second-in-command was pushing up his glasses with a twang and a clear expression.


    ''''No, even if you ask.......will you willingly join us?''''


    ''At worst, it would be fine if the Marquis of Erakis were to join us. Rest assured that we''ll take care of the legalization matter here.


    Screwed, Crono clicked his tongue.


    *


    The next day, Crono visited Rio''s office in Alfilk Castle.


    When he explained the situation, Rio stuck out his cheekbones and gave him a disgusted look.


    ''''I''ve felt it before, but Crono really isn''t very to the point, is he?


    Yes, sir. You''re right.


    I''m kind of bored myself.


    I''d like to pick up some wisdom.


    Crono asked Rio in a flat voice.


    ''Have you spoken to Lord Leonhardt?''


    No, he was going to say no.


    ''It''s the right decision. Lord Leonhardt puts the house first, you know.


    Rio poked his cheekbones and smiled nastily.


    ''My deputy is very picky. It''s not easy for me to cooperate.


    Rio let out a sigh as if to say he was overwhelmed.


    ''''That said, I''ll deal with Count Libra''s case.


    How?


    ''It''s no big deal. We''ll talk to Count Piske and Lord Leonhardt and get them to check it out accordingly.


    An unexpected aspect, Crono said, looking at Rio.


    Then.


    ''''I think Count Libra''s measures will have a certain effect on improving public safety, though. I don''t want you to do that without laying the groundwork for it.


    What''s he like?��And Crono was intrigued by the character of Count Ralph Libra.


    Maybe I should talk to my foster father.


    ''I guess I''ll just have to leave, after all?''


    ''Don''t bother looking for a replacement, I''m sure Crono would be reasonably excited about it.


    ''''The Heavenly Cardinal Kagura has too much killing power, and the imprinting technique is difficult to use because of the time limit. Besides, the way I fight....


    That would certainly be frowned upon.


    Concealed weapons, pretending to be defeated...............................heel street.


    I''m not likely to be a baby face by mistake.


    ''I thought Leonhard-dono or Rio would be accepted by the public.


    I don''t know if it''s going to be popular, but I can think of one person who might.


    Who?


    Rio chuckled as Crono leaned forward.


    ''It''s Count Roy Akbens,''


    Oh, that''s him.


    He was the red-haired man who had been in a duel when I came to report for my arrival.


    Afterwards, he was in a grappling fight with Count Algena Dios.


    ''He''s a battle freak, you know.


    ...a combat enthusiast?


    Apparently, Crono and I feel differently about it.


    Rio smiled happily as he poked his cheekbones.


    ''If you want to talk to Count Akbens, you can wait in the courtyard.


    ''After looking all over the place, they say, ''Oh no, I''ve been looking for you,'' I understand.


    Crono''s jokes are hard to understand.


    With that, Rio cowered his shoulders.


    As Crono waited in the garden, Count Roy Akbens soon arrived.


    He broke out of his uniform and bit down on a raw yawn.


    ''''Ah, ah, the Marquis of Erakis. Standing there in a daze, what''s the matter with you?


    I''ve been waiting for Count Akbens.


    Puzzled, he answers Count Akbens.


    I had only expected him to talk to me in a quarrelsome manner.


    ''Well, sit down,''


    Crono looked around and noticed that two rocks were close together.


    They were cubes that held as much as one and had their corners scraped off.


    As Crono sat down, Count Akbens also sat down on the rocks.


    ''So, what do you want?''


    Actually....


    It''s not a good idea to hide anything.


    When I thought about it and told it like it was, Count Akbens smiled ferociously.


    ''''I''m not happy about the part where we don''t kill each other, but I think I''ll enjoy it. Are you sure it''s me, though?��You don''t want to get carried away, do you?


    Oh, no, I''m not worried about that. Count Akbens seems calm.


    I consider myself a doomsday guy, you know?


    Count Akbens lifted the corners of his mouth.


    ''As far as I can tell, Count Akbens is just longing for a ruinous way of life.


    It reminds me of the duel last month.


    Count Akbens started out fighting in a way that put his life at risk, but after a while, he began to move with sophistication.


    A person who wanted to live a devastating life wouldn''t fight like that.


    ''Hahahaha, they''ll tell you,''


    Count Akbens slapped his own thighs with a bash and looked up at the sky in frustration.


    ''''........What do we do now?''''


    I''ll take it. I just might be satisfied with the next one. And don''t get me started on Count Akbens. I''ve only been in charge since my two brothers died.


    Well, I''ll call you Roy, and you can call me Crono.


    Crono shook hands with Count Akbens Roy.


    A few days later, Nicole''s group''s base was crowded with nobles and merchants.


    The majority of the nobles were young men who were either Kingsguard Knights or aspiring to become Kingsguard Knights.


    Probably, they came to the Twelfth Street District because they wanted to see or steal the skills of the Konoe Guard Commander.


    The merchant''s purpose was to get acquainted with the nobles.


    Many of the knights of the Kingsguard are the children of senior nobles.


    Many of the young people who want to become a Knight of the Kingsguard are lower class nobles, but there is no harm in getting acquainted with them.


    Maybe that''s why there are so many young merchants.


    Crono entered the noble''s room with a sideways glance at such nobles and merchants.


    The windows of the noble guest room are large for the purpose of spectating, and the tables and chairs are pulled up to the window.


    There was an earlier guest in the guest room.


    It''s Neige Hyades, Commander of the 6th Kingsguard.


    ''Hello, Marquis Erakis.


    Hi.


    Crono bowed lightly and sat down next to Neige.


    ''The Marquis of Erakis made it easier to gather an audience.


    I understand there were other things going on?


    ''''It was tough. Even though I''ve been preparing for it for many years, to legalize gambling or allow the Kingsguard Knights to participate...''''


    It''s not that way, though, Crono frowns.


    According to the new nobleman''s information network, the bosses of several criminal organizations that exist in the imperial capital are dead.


    You may think that he was killed by a rival organization, but every organization is said to be engaged in internal strife.


    You can''t afford to have your forces strengthened for the next round of warfare. If anything, I''d like to see a separation of the two groups.


    Perhaps sensing our intentions, Neige mutters to herself.


    Coexistence and co-prosperity.......................Perhaps that is the way Neige and the others envision the 12th district.


    At this rate, it seems to be rooted not only in the Shouji Bureau, but also in criminal organizations.


    It''s also doubtful that they are really sending criminals to the mine.


    ''''Are you saying that Nicole''s group is a model case?


    ''I hope so. Oh, it will begin.


    I looked down at the arena and was about to see Roy come out carrying a spear.


    A little later, his opponent appears from the door on the other side of the building, holding a large mallet in his hand.


    It has a huge frame that makes you want to ask if it''s really human.


    It''s bigger and thicker than a minotaur.


    When the two confronted each other at a distance, an announcement rang out.


    ''''The spear in my hand is the Commander of the Fourth Konoe Order!��Count Roy Akbens!��Against the absolute champion of the arena!��Gillian!


    Roy spins his spear in a circle and points the tip of his spear at his opponent.


    Well, it''s pre-opening, so that''s something we''ll have to work on in the future.


    Neige said in an easy-going tone as Crono plunged in.


    The ringing of the bell signaling the start of the match rang out.


    Gillian was the first to move.


    He rushed in furiously and swung his mallet down from the top step.


    The shattered cobblestones fly like scattered bullets.


    Perhaps this was one of the factors that pushed Gillian to become the absolute champion of the arena.


    The first to deal damage and gain the advantage.


    Of course, Gillian himself takes damage as well, but due to his huge body, he takes less damage.


    Roy couldn''t duck Gillian''s attack.


    Although he quickly moved away from the distance and became half-formed, the shattered cobblestones struck Roy''s body.


    ''''........Is it over?''''


    Yes.


    Crono muttered, and Neige agreed.


    Gillian swung the mallet down as before, but the shattered cobblestones could no longer hurt Roy.


    Roy slipped past Gillian''s side just in time for the great hammer to be swung down and took cover behind it.


    Roy attacks sporadically, but Gillian only swings the mallet around.


    Although he is the absolute champion of the arena, he is an entity that is an endemic species adapted to the environment of the arena.


    The range of tactics was limited because they didn''t have the opportunity to fight the same opponents.


    Well, it''s very possible that he couldn''t formulate new tactics because he was overwhelmingly strong.


    On that day, Roy defeated the absolute champion of the arena in a landslide.


    It would have been easier if he had been quiet for another thirty years, Alcor smiled bitterly as he looked at the papers on his desk.


    Neige Hyades, Commander of the Sixth Order of the Kingsguard..................An assassin who tried to take His Majesty''s life during the civil war.


    He''s a joke. He tried to assassinate someone without ever revealing his face, and despite his face being split, he remained the leader of the 6th Kingsguard.


    Well, is that because of our incompetence, I let out a long sigh.


    Your Majesty Lamar V wanted to die.


    That''s why he put Neige in charge of the Sixth Kinsman Guard.


    With the faint hope that he might kill himself.


    You''re not a country thief. They may have been motivated by a subordinate, but even for a subordinate, they are not in the habit of stealing country.


    We have a general idea of what Neige and his men are up to.


    They are trying to strengthen their influence through relatively benign means.


    It''s a steady effort that makes it hard to believe that they belonged to a group of assassins, such as forcing officials involved in corruption to resign, and trying to legalize illegal gambling in the Twelfth Ward to be used for the operating expenses of the poorhouse and the budget for soup kitchens.


    Well, I turned my hand around so that those steady efforts would be rewarded.......


    ''''Now we just have to deal with those two.


    Count Ralph Libra you are a capable but overly theoretical man.


    He will be quiet for a while, but if the situation drags on, he will no doubt try to solve the problem the way he believes is right.


    Alfort he is planning to bring the nobles into the castle to succeed to the throne.


    Where do you want me to get the money to perform the succession ritual from?


    Alcor let out a deep sigh.

 103-Episode 13 "Past" Revision

    *


    Early February, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - by the time she thought it was bad, it was too late.


    Gina was pushed off her ass by the man.


    She moaned softly at the dull pain crawling up from her lower abdomen.


    The man had a surprised look on his face.


    He was followed by a streetwalker in the dark of the Twelfth Ward, and the alcohol had gotten the better of him.


    It wasn''t an unusual story.


    Rather, it''s more unusual for him to push the street prostitute away and look surprised.


    Gina chuckled inwardly.


    The sucker came to me when I was in trouble for running out of money.


    Now we can get money for lodging.


    ''''...Oh, that hurts.''''


    Then I press down on my lower abdomen.


    It hurts, yes, but it''s half an act.


    He figured that if he showed them it hurt, they would pay him.


    Normally, it bleeds on its own, but not at a critical moment, he spat in his mind.


    It''s a shame, because if you bleed, you have a better chance of getting the money.


    ''''........What are you doing?''''


    Just as Gina was about to open her mouth, an interesting voice sounded.


    The owner of the voice was a female soldier a silver-haired elf.


    Is it a half-elf?


    She was dressed in black military uniform and accompanied by an armor-clad beastman.


    He''s a soldier who was recently assigned to guard the Twelfth Street District.


    Don''t just come out of the woodwork even though it''s a great opportunity," such a line rises to your throat.


    It was in late January that the guards of the twelfth block were replaced.


    It seems to be the thirteenth Kingsguard, after all.


    The reputation of these men is not bad.


    They don''t take bribes and catch criminals fairly.


    But they don''t like Gina.


    No matter how trivial the matter they would get involved in any quarrel.


    A mere quarrel is enough to get you detained and questioned about the details.


    They don''t care that they will be earning that little.


    The Twelfth Street has its own rules.


    And yet, people from other places are imposing their own rules on us.


    Gina didn''t like that.


    ''''What are you doing?''''


    ...actually.


    When the silver-haired elf asked again, the man explained the situation with obvious relief.


    He was walking around with a drink when he was approached and was so persistent that he couldn''t resist.


    He figured it would be less damaging to be honest with him.


    ''''I see....


    The silver-haired elf raised his eyebrows in difficulty.


    He couldn''t decide whether he should be taken to the stuffing station or end it with a stern warning.


    If it was the former, there was a good chance that Gina would be taken away as well.


    Then we won''t be making any money.


    ''I''m not injured!��Get the hell out of here!


    As he said this, the silver-haired elf called out a couple of words, and the man rolled his back and walked away from the scene.


    ''Are you alright?''


    Yeah, I just hit my ass.


    The silver-haired elf reached out to her as if he cared, but Gina stood up on her own.


    She thought about brushing her hand away, but it was the guards she was dealing with.


    I have no choice but to express my dissatisfaction by not helping them.


    Still, I don''t like the woman.


    Despite being a subhuman, her hair is shiny and she''s dressed in a clean outfit.


    She must be using perfume or perfume.


    You can even smell the lavender scent.


    What are you looking at?


    Are you Gina, by any chance?


    Gina said hoarsely, and the silver-haired elf sounded unsure.


    Suddenly she remembered someone, but the person she remembered and the silver-haired elf didn''t match up.


    That woman was dressed in a dingy outfit and had a gloomy look on her face.


    ''''Is it.......Leila?''''


    Yes,


    The silver-haired elf ... no, the half-elf Leila nodded.


    She wasn''t in the mood to celebrate their reunion after a long time.


    On the contrary, I''m feeling angry.


    This one is in such a state that we can''t even afford to pay for today''s lodging, but Leila is smelling like lavender.


    It''s a good thing that you''ve joined the army and seduced a foolish nobleman.


    It''s not a bad idea to have a good time with the company, but if you''re dealing with a fool like that, you won''t have much trouble.


    I''m not liking it any more.


    I didn''t like the beautiful outfit, the lustrous hair, the pitying look, or anything else.


    How much difference could it make to us who had grown up in the same slum?


    If there was a difference, it was only luck.


    He looked at Gina with a pitying look, even though she was just lucky.


    No, he''s looking down on her.


    ''....Gina, here...''


    Leila grabbed Gina''s wrist and placed two silver coins on her hand.


    What the hell is this?��I don''t need to ask the question.


    Almsgiving.


    I can give you two pieces of silver.


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    His face is innocent, but a large scar runs down the length of his right eye.


    I bite my lip.


    They laugh ticklishly.


    It turns out that their relationship is not based on interest, but on affection.


    Gina spun on her heel and started to run.


    A dull ache crawled up from her lower abdomen.


    Passersby give her strange looks.


    But she didn''t care and kept moving her feet.


    He collapsed into the narrow alleyway and repeated his ragged breathing.


    d*mn it, d*mn it!��And hit the ground.


    Why is Leila happy when she''s fallen so far down in the world?


    It''s too unfair when you''ve crawled to the bottom and experienced the same misery.


    Oh, so that''s how it is, Gina sneered.


    Leila hadn''t taught her how to live her life.


    Even if he did, he''s distorting the facts to suit himself.


    What would happen if that man found out about Leila''s past?


    I don''t even have to think about it.


    Of course he would abandon Leila.


    ''''........It''s boring to simply teach, isn''t it?


    What if I threatened to spill the beans to that guy?


    I''m sure he''ll beg you to keep your mouth shut.


    I''m going to squeeze as much out of him as I can out of him and expose him.


    I''ll mess it up and remind you of what you are.


    Gina looked up to the heavens and laughed like a madwoman.


    Leila finished bathing in the hot water and eating and left the mansion with Crono.


    Their destination is the base of Nicole''s group in the west of the Twelfth Ward.


    Although the officials involved in corruption were expelled from the Book Office and illegal gambling was legalized in order to secure a budget for the relief of the poor, Crono still has many things to do.


    He reports to Count Piske, attends meetings of the guard captain, and goes to show his face.


    Crono makes up a suitable reason to go and show his face.


    At first I wondered if it was necessary to go that far, but considering that Nicola from the Pix Chamber of Commerce was doing the same thing, it would be necessary to see each other frequently to foster trust.


    If Crono was busy, then Leila, the next in line, would be busy as well.


    No, I should say that I''ve added the task of accompanying Crono myself.


    I stepped into the Twelfth Street District and after a while I felt a gaze.


    I moved my gaze only to check my surroundings.


    Then he found Gina hiding behind a building.


    Gina was smiling, wondering what she was thinking about.


    I have a bad feeling about this.


    No, it was close to a sure thing.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    ''''I''m sorry Crono-sama, I''m sorry. I just remembered something. I''ll catch up with you in a moment, so would you please go ahead?


    Crono''s eyes widened lightly and he made a pretense of thinking.


    Had I done something to make him suspicious?


    His heart beat faster.


    ''''All right. I''m just going to show my face to Nicole''s group, so if it''s going to take too long, go back first.''


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Crono turned away.


    Leila patted her chest as she watched her back move away.


    I looked at Gina and she motioned with her finger for me to come over here.


    I had no choice but to follow her and found myself in a back alley.


    It was dimly lit, even though it was still noon, and I could feel the buildings closing in on me from both sides.


    Not only that, but the stench of vomit, excrement and decomposition mixed with the smell of vomit, excrement and decay was in the air.


    Frankly, I don''t want to linger.


    Gina turned to Leila as she advanced to the middle of the back alley.


    ''''...Gina, what do you want?''''


    You have an idea of what that is, don''t you?


    Gina gave a disgusting smile.


    ''I have no idea,''


    ''Ha, that''s clever. Well, I''ll tell you.


    Gina''s face contorted ugly.


    Of course, I know what they''re going to say.


    She was trying to beg for money.


    But I wasn''t going to go at their pace.


    "I''ve run out of silver. "I''ve run out of silver, so I thought I''d ask the sweet lady to do me a favor.


    ....


    Leila stared at Gina.


    But it wasn''t anger or hatred in her chest; it was sadness.


    How had we become like this?


    What had distorted Gina?


    No, I know.


    Our paths parted when we refused Gina''s offer, and the harsh experience had changed her.


    ''I can''t give you the money,''


    What are you talking about?��You''re a nobleman''s mistress, aren''t you!


    "I did not receive any money from her.


    Leila withheld Crono''s name.


    ''You''ll find out if you look it up, but there''s no reason for me to bother telling you.


    ''Well, I''ll take it that way, then. But you''ve got the money, right?


    I''m not going to answer that. Goodbye, Gina. Please don''t come in front of me again.


    Leila turned on her heel.


    I know it''s a cold-hearted response, but if you give them money that doesn''t make sense, they''ll follow you around endlessly.


    I shouldn''t have given him the silver.


    ''''Haha, how can you say that when you see this?''''


    ....


    I stopped and looked behind me over my shoulder.


    Then Gina took out a flimsy cloth.


    It seemed to be wrapped in a stick-like object.


    When she unwrapped the cloth, it revealed a knife smeared in mud.


    His whole body was in a general furry state and he turned to Gina.


    ''Doesn''t that look familiar?''


    Well, no way.


    My heart leaps.


    It can''t be.


    I buried that thing with my mother''s body.


    Now, to see it.


    Did you expose the graves?


    Leila shouted hoarsely.


    Her vision flickered.


    It was almost a miracle she hadn''t pulled out her dagger and slit Gina''s throat.


    ''You killed her, didn''t you?''


    No!


    I shout reflexively.


    ''I know, okay?��Your mother''s not getting any customers. Her belly was hard as a stone. You had to feed your sick mother.


    Gina said as she fiddled with the knife.


    ''She''s a scary woman. I always thought she was a cold-hearted woman, but I didn''t expect her to kill her mother to save herself the burden.''


    No, no, no!


    Leila covered her ears and tried desperately to deny it.


    No, I didn''t.


    I didn''t really kill her.


    It was true that my mother was no longer able to get customers.


    It was a heavy burden to bear, that''s for sure.


    ''Who would believe such a thing!


    No!


    ''No, no,'' Leila repeated.


    ''I hope the nobles surrounding you believe it, too?


    ...Oh, he''s...


    They will believe you.


    They''ll believe it.


    But will they really believe it?


    It will break. It would destroy my happiness.


    The moment she was aware of this, Leila was vomiting.


    My stomach is about to turn over.


    Leila looked at Gina with her tear-stained vision.


    ''Well you know what to do, don''t you?''


    Gina''s voice was kind.


    Surely the demon would whisper to her like this.


    *


    A-ha-ha, dry run!


    As Gina raised her wooden mug high, the two men seated face-to-face raised their mugs in a reserved manner.


    It was only a few minutes ago that I met the two men.


    I didn''t know their names or their identities.


    One was a man of medium build with no distinctive features, and the other was a huge man with a stutter.


    The common denominator was that both men seemed to be in need of money.


    It is an appropriate race for a bar at the end of the day.


    Thanks.


    Oh, boy, am I glad to see you.


    It''s okay, it''s just that I was lonely.


    Gina nodded hawkishly and slurped her drink.


    She drank the barleywine (beer) to the middle of the bottle and took her mouth off the mug.


    The other day she would have preferred to drink the piss, but not today.


    It''s so good, I can''t help but smile.


    I gulp down the remaining half of the drink and lift the corners of my mouth even more.


    Leila''s expression was great.


    Although I only managed to get five silver coins, just remembering that expression of despair on her face is enough to make an indescribable pleasure run through her entire body.


    I''m not sure I''ve ever seen such a thing.


    I knew that Leila''s mother was sick and couldn''t take customers, but other than that, I put a kama.


    The knife that Layla mistakenly thought she dug out of the grave was also just a substitute for a suitably muddled one.


    Even if the knife was real, it doesn''t prove that Leila killed her mother, so she should have just shut it out, but she admitted her guilt herself.


    She''s an idiot.


    The stupidity of it is so endearing.


    ''Bring me another drink, or maybe three!


    Gina shouted, and the wench put three wooden mugs and the food on the table.


    She was an unsympathetic wench.


    Her face was covered in spotted spots and her style was not very good.


    Yet the man of medium build gave her a licking look.


    The man is looking at the buttocks unrepentantly even when the woman-maid leaves the table.


    I almost stuck my tongue out at him.


    It is a good thing that I bought the drinks for him, but he is using his eyes on the woman without gratitude.


    It''s really not funny at all.


    You''re a little pent-up, aren''t you?


    Yeah.


    Gina said, leaning forward, and the man hesitated for a moment, then nodded.


    She may have thought she was mending things, but her gaze was glued to Gina''s chest.


    The reaction made me squirm a little.


    ''I''ll pull it out for you.


    Are you sure?


    The man swallowed raw.


    ''Omo, omo,''


    I''ll take a second look at you. Of course you don''t have to pay me.


    The giant man was sloppy and out of harmony.


    He looks weak, but he''s a cute guy.


    ''You''re a lucky man,'' he said. ''You''re lucky,'' he said, ''but I used to work in a high-class whorehouse. You must have seen it at least once.��It''s a place with a big sign.


    Yeah, that''s a good one.


    The man looked uncomfortable.


    Maybe he was already holding Gina in his head.


    ''I''ll take the upstairs!


    Take the front room.


    The owner, who was inside the counter, held up two fingers.


    He handed her the two coppers and the owner held out a candlestick.


    Gina borrowed a candle from the wall of the store and stuck it into the candlestick.


    She climbed the stairs with the man and opened the door to the room.


    There was only a cloth-covered bed and a wooden box in the room.


    As I placed the candelabra on the crate, the man rubbed up against it.


    ''I''ll pull it out properly, don''t be in a hurry.


    Yeah.


    The man pulled away from Gina, breathing raggedly and repeatedly.


    Gina slowly took off her underwear to fuel the man''s lust.


    As she did so, a sloshing sensation traveled down her thighs.


    A few moments later, there was a potty, potty sound.


    The sound of a man gasping for breath could be clearly heard.


    ''''Are you........sick?''''


    I''m just a little banged up.


    I''m going home.


    You don''t like blood?��Then I''ll do it with my mouth.


    The man clicked his tongue in an abominable manner.


    His attitude made me angry.


    ''Who do you think you are?��I thought you were on the ball a moment ago!


    You''re kidding me!��I can''t hold a sick person!


    Gina yelled at him, and the man yelled back in frustration.


    I''m not sick!


    Tell me!


    The man turned on his heel and left the room with a wild gait.


    ''You''ve got to be kidding me, you bastard!��If it''s true, I''m not the kind of woman you can f*ck!


    Gina screamed out loud and sat there.


    Tears spilled out of her eyes.


    Miserable.


    Why did I have to be so miserable?


    Surely my happiness had been scraped out of me with my child.


    ''Ah, d*mn it!


    Suddenly, I remembered Leila and scratched my head.


    That guy must be in the arms of a nobleman right now.


    When I looked up, I saw the huge man staring at me from the hallway.


    Haha, Gina laughed without effort.


    I had to laugh.


    Finally, I realized.


    I would never be able to float up again.


    Instead of floating up, it would only sink down.


    There were no more men who wanted to buy this body.


    I''m going to let you have this body. Now drop your pants.


    The giant man approached with his hand on his pants.


    ''''Well yes.''''


    A good idea struck me.


    If we can''t float up no matter how hard we scramble, let''s sink Leila too.


    If we sink to the bottom, we''ll be able to get along like we used to.


    ''Come to think of it, I haven''t heard your name.


    Oh, hands, Deke.


    Yeah," Gina sneered.


    Gina has been asking for money every two or three days.


    Two or three days is just an estimate.


    Sometimes it was the next day after I gave her the money that she asked for money.


    He might be satisfied if I give him enough money to get his life back on track.


    Although I thought such a thing was impossible, I had faint hopes.


    But by the time the number of silver coins I gave him exceeded twenty, I was convinced that Gina would never be satisfied.


    It seemed that Gina had no intention of rebuilding her life.


    The stains on her clothes were no longer noticeable, but instead she smelled of alcohol.


    The money I gave her must have disappeared to pay for the booze.


    But there was no way he could admonish her to change her life.


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    There''s always a stench in the air and the tables are sticky.


    The booze is bad, the food is bad.


    It was really bad booze.


    It may have been diluted with water, but I can not get drunk at all.


    The female worker is also the worst.


    The woman''s salary is also the worst.


    It''s the alcohol!��Bring me a drink quickly!


    Gina shouted, but the woman''s paymaster was talking to another customer and didn''t even look at us.


    ''I told you it''s booze!''


    What are you doing?


    The woman''s paymaster raised his voice as he threw his mug at her.


    ''I said alcohol!��We''re guests!


    ''I''m doing my job!��I can''t be bothered with you all the time!


    ''Ha, you''re just making eyes at the guy!


    Oh, shit!


    The woman''s wages start to hit him, but one of the customers pushes him away.


    His face turns red and his anger drops as he looks at her.


    ''You''re a sick man, don''t be a guest!


    I''m not sick!


    "If you''re not sick, then what?��Rotten blood, or something that looks like flesh, scattered all over the place!��It stinks after you guys use the bed!��I don''t want to be the one who''s forced to clean up!


    The woman''s wages said as she wound up.


    The customers buzzed.


    Some customers were even rushing out of the store.


    I used to work in a whorehouse!��I''m not in the same league as you!


    Now you''re just a tramp!


    You little shit!


    Stop!


    Just as Gina was about to pounce on the female wage, the shopkeeper''s angry voice rang out.


    ''I''m sorry, but you need to get the hell out of my shop.


    I''m a customer!��Do you know how much money I''ve spent so far!


    The owner shook his head emphatically.


    ''I''ve certainly earned my money from you. I don''t mind treating you as a customer if you''re a bad customer, as long as you''re willing to be quiet. But hey, if you''re going to cause a problem, you need to leave.


    Oh, no.��Do you think I''m a bad customer?


    The owner shook his head emphatically.


    Even I can tell from your outfit that you''re making a lot of money doing bad things.


    This is money from someone I know!


    It doesn''t matter if I got it from someone I know or not. I just know that I''d be in trouble if I had anything to do with you. That''s all I''m saying.


    Gina bit her lip.


    ''I don''t want your money, just go home.


    "...God d*mn it, remember that.


    Gina spat out a discarded line and ran out of the bar.


    After running for a while, I felt nauseous.


    I could run into the alleyway and splatter the vomit all over the place.


    ''Why?''


    I didn''t know why I was getting myself into this mess.


    I thought they would take care of me if I had money, but they''re treating me like I''m in the way.


    Why, why, Gina kept muttering.


    A pota, pota sound.


    When Gina woke up, she found herself in a room at a cheap inn.


    It was a shabby inn with just a dirty bed and a small tub.


    She sat up and looked in the direction of the noise to see Deke standing there, his upper body naked.


    Deku was holding something wrapped in cloth in his hand.


    Apparently, the sound had originated there.


    ''What have you got for me, Anta?''


    Good job with your hands.


    Deke thrust something out.


    The cloth unraveled and the sphere rolled off.


    ''Heeeeeeeee!''


    Gina screamed.


    The sphere was a human it was the head of a female wage.


    ''Chi, d*mn it!��Why are you doing this?


    Yeah, I want you to be happy.


    "f*ck you, you piece of shit!


    Gina shouted at Deke.


    ''You numbskull, you''re an afterthought!��I''m going to be the one to blame for this!


    Well, okay.


    Get out!��Get the hell out of here!


    Gina yelled out, and Deke walked out of the room, looking flustered.


    The female warden stared resentfully at him.


    ''d*mn it, d*mn it!��Why is this happening to me?


    He''s seen walking out with Deku even though he''s trying to cut the shira.


    If you''re in the imperial capital, it''s only a matter of time before you''re caught.


    In this situation, we have no choice but to flee somewhere!��Yes, the money!


    Gina pulled her purse out from under the pillow.


    Shaking it upside down, she pulled out a few copper coins.


    ''I just got them yesterday... d*mn you, Deke!��How long do you want to drag me down?


    No, he shook his head.


    There''s one more purse left.


    It''s Leila.


    If I tell her it''s the last one, Leila will be happy to give me the money.


    ''Well yes. I''ll have to give her one last present since we won''t be seeing each other again.


    Kukkuh, Gina cleared her throat.


    *


    Leila finished her lunch and slipped out of the mansion.


    She wandered around the Twelfth Street District in search of Gina.


    She should have figured out the inn, but she didn''t have time to think about that at the time.


    After walking for an hour or so, I was lucky enough to find Gina.


    Maybe Gina was also looking for Leila.


    When Gina noticed Layla, she beckoned her to follow her.


    Declining was not an option.


    Leila followed Gina.


    They passed through the narrow alleyways of the Twelfth Street District, crossing the larger streets and approaching the walls that surrounded the Imperial City.


    She passed through a crack in the city walls.


    The inhabitants of the slum invade the imperial city through these cracks.


    They do this to earn money and to buy food and supplies.


    As they passed through the cracks, the smell of rotten mud rushed in.


    A short distance away, houses - huts that were about to collapse - stood leaning against each other.


    The inhabitants were washing their clothes and washing themselves in front of the huts.


    The ground was so muddy that it almost took them off their feet as they walked.


    Gina didn''t mind and walked on without a care in the world.


    The slum roads were intricate and full of dead ends.


    It''s no surprise that they''re building shacks at random.


    Rapes and murders are commonplace, while others are doing business and others are profiting from renting out their shacks.


    Gina stopped and slowly turned around.


    Surrounded on three sides by huts, it was where Leila''s team had gathered.


    No one was there, whether they were at work or had been crushed by another team.


    ''Layla, get your money out of here,''


    ....


    Leila slowly pulled out her purse.


    Gina took the wallet from him and shook it upside down.


    But no matter how many times she shook it, no money came out.


    ''Money, what happened to the money!


    The money''s gone.


    Bullshit!


    Gina''s face turned bright red and she grabbed Layla''s chest.


    ''I need a clump of money!��Go get some money from that man!


    I can''t.


    ''What can''t you do?��All you have to do is spread your legs, pant, and tell them you''re a little bit in need of money!��Why can''t you do something like that!


    Leila replied, and Gina shook her violently.


    ''You useless piece of shit!''


    Leila was pushed off by Gina.


    The mud takes her feet off the ground and she falls on her ass.


    Gina''s toe stabs her in the pigeon tail.


    She chokes violently at the unexpected attack and gets kicked some more.


    ''Huh, you''ve got to be kidding me!��You''ve got to be kidding me!��You''re a half-elf!��You''re half-witted, half-human, half-elf!��You''re just lucky you didn''t get pulled out of your mother''s belly and you don''t look down on me!


    Feeling better, Gina stopped kicking.


    Leila slowly raised herself up.


    Blood ran down from her forehead and into her eyes.


    Her whole body is hot.


    Her mouth smells like iron.


    ''I was going to leave you this once and for all, but if you''re going to do that, I have an idea, too!��Come on out!


    Gina shouted, and three men came out of the hut.


    They were dressed in outfits that let you know at first glance that they hadn''t washed themselves in days.


    ''Impressive face-to-face?��You remember, don''t you?


    .....


    Leila gasped.


    Her back teeth clashed and clattered together.


    It can''t be.


    I don''t think it''s possible.


    ''He wants to check on you for the first time in years.


    .....


    Leila crawled away on the ground, but was quickly caught.


    ''Haha!��I got you!


    Get her to look up!��I need a good look at your face!


    The man forces Leila to look up.


    I thrust out my arms to push the man away, but I couldn''t muster the strength to push myself away.


    I started to cry.


    I should have joined the army and gained strength.


    I decided that I was going to manipulate Crono.


    I would rather die than be raped by another man.


    You must have been prepared to do that.


    Where did that resolve disappear?


    Mr. No, Mr. Crono!��Master Crono!


    I shout in excruciating tones.


    ''No one will come to me if I call them!


    ''Hahaha!��You call it the Chronosphere?��I''ll throw you in the stuffing room when I''m done!��Think of an excuse for this Master Crono!


    Gina laughed like a madwoman.


    ''You know what ... what, are you messing with someone else''s girl?''


    Huh?


    A chillingly cold voice descended, and the man who had been holding Layla down picked himself up.


    A shadow passed over Layla and pierced the man''s chest.


    Just a kick.


    But how much power was put into it?


    After being kicked in the chest, the man flew through the air and rammed head first into the wall of the hut.


    It was Crono who kicked the man.


    A jet-black glow colored his body like a barbarian''s war makeup.


    The remaining two people hurriedly moved away from Leila, or rather, Crono.


    ''''........Why are you here?''''


    Leila sat up and looked up at Crono.


    However, Crono didn''t answer while looking forward.


    ''''That means my brother''s eyes aren''t knot holes!


    Johnny touched Leila''s shoulder, wondering where she was hiding.


    ''''Well, it''s thanks to the intelligence network that we were able to track them down.


    If you noticed, why?


    ''It''s my brother''s kindness that I''m afraid I''ll get Leila-san in trouble if I go out myself!


    Johnny, shut up.


    Yes, sir!


    Crono said in a low, snarling voice, and Johnny slapped his chest.


    Maybe it was meant to be a salute.


    ''Oh, there''s only one of them!


    The two men drew their knives.


    ''....Should I kill him?''


    Crono said troublesomely.


    Then Crono''s shadow slowly grew upwards.


    It stretches out like a tentacle.


    ''Ya, I can''t do this!''


    Me too!


    As one of them dropped his knife, the other followed suit.


    They tried to scrape past Crono''s side to get away, but they fell unceremoniously.


    They were caught in Crono''s shadow.


    Huh, Crono let out a deep sigh.


    The sound of bones breaking could be heard.


    Perhaps Crono''s shadow had broken their bones.


    ''''Hiiii!''''


    "d*mn it!


    Shadows wrapped around their bodies and there was a creaking sound of something creaking.


    Crono is about to crush them both and kill them.


    It doesn''t even change its expression.


    ''Ta, help me!��I didn''t rape her!


    Oh, me too!��He asked me to be on the wrong side of his mouth!��I ain''t lying!


    So?


    Crono said with a sigh.


    The sound of their bodies creaking grew stronger and stronger.


    ''''Ta, help me!��I will pay for my sins!


    ''I''m sorry, I''m sorry!��Please!��Just save my life!


    Even though the two of them desperately begged for their lives, Crono did not try to make the shadow disappear.


    When they could no longer hear him begging for his life, the shadow disappeared.


    ''Can we help?''


    Soon he''ll be saying he''d rather be dead.


    Way to go, bro!


    Crono let out a sigh and looked at Gina.


    Do you have any idea what kind of woman Leila is?


    No, please don''t.


    Leila pleaded.


    I don''t want people to know the story of my time in the slums.


    I know best what kind of life I''ve had.


    She wanted to show Crono a beautiful version of herself, even if it was only a false image.


    ''Stop, please stop, Gina!


    There it is!��He''s been raped multiple times!��No, when they attack you, you stop resisting because you don''t want to hurt them!


    Leila covered her face.


    ''....So?


    He looked up at Crono.


    ''How''s this guy?��That woman stabbed her own mother to death with this knife!


    So?


    Gina shouted, sticking out her mud-covered knife, but Crono seemed uninterested.


    ''He stabbed his mother to death, remember?��He killed his mother because she was a liability to him when he couldn''t work!��Doesn''t she look like an ogre?


    It''s up to me to decide if she''s a demoness or not, and I''m not stupid enough to take the word of someone I''ve never met before.


    Crono said in disgust, and Gina opened and closed her mouth like a fish washed ashore.


    ''Master Crono!''


    I''m sorry, I should have moved a little sooner.


    Crono knelt down and gently hugged Leila.


    Tears welled up in her eyes.


    Why did she think Crono would leave her?


    This man is so considerate of me.


    ''Oh, d*mn it, d*mn it!��What a travesty this is!��You just wanted a woman of convenience, didn''t you?��You used it because it happened to be close by!


    Brother, that''s a horrible thing to say for a guy you just met.


    Johnny said dumbly.


    ''''Well Gina, was it you?��You''ve been trying to embarrass Leila for a while now, but if you embarrass Leila, you''ll still be Gina, won''t you?


    Uh, shut up!��You''re a hard-working little shit!


    Gina screamed and threw the mud-stained knife at Crono.


    But the knife stopped in the void.


    Johnny plucked the knife with two fingers.


    It wasn''t a move that would have made him faint in agony from a blow to the crotch by Crono once.


    ''Ah, that''s the knife that killed my mother, isn''t it?


    Johnny stared sullenly at the knife.


    ''This knife has never been used before.


    Don''t you dare lie to me!


    Bullshit?��But how do you know they''re lying?��If it''s a knife you dug up, how do you know if it''s been used or not?��I mean, it''s weird to find out that he stabbed her to death when all he did was expose the grave and the knife came out. He could have strangled her to death.


    Johnny said as he wound up, and Gina''s face turned red and she shushed him.


    ''It would be better for you if you were to admit your guilt quietly, wouldn''t it?


    Shit!


    Gina turned on her heel and slipped into the gap in the hut.


    That was the reason she had made this place a meeting place.


    At first glance, there was no place to escape, but there were several gaps.


    And beyond that, the path was intricate and maze-like.


    ''''Brother, I want you to leave it to me!


    Johnny said and jumped onto the roof.


    Like the fact that he picked the knife in the air, he seemed to have grown up a lot after not seeing me for a while.


    ''Master Crono?''


    Go home.


    Crono picked Leila up lightly.


    ''I can stand alone!''


    I did this. We''re gonna get you fixed up when we get home.


    Leila gave a small nod and leaned closer to Crono.


    *


    ''d*mn it, d*mn it!��How could this happen to you!


    Gina ran through the intricate streets of the slums.


    She didn''t know why she was doing this to herself.


    She had sold her body to be happy.


    She had snubbed a cocky newcomer, and she had tricked her rival into it.


    I did everything I could to be happy.


    Just when I thought I could finally be happy when the nobles liked me, they scraped my children out of my life.


    I didn''t have to do that, I would have agreed to an abortion as long as they paid me.


    As long as he treated me reasonably well as a nobleman''s mistress, I was satisfied.


    I''ve lost everything.


    I couldn''t stay in the Imperial City because of Deke''s murder of my wench.


    If he was caught, he might not only be accused of threatening Leila, but he might even be accused of killing the wenches.


    A man named Crono would do that much with impunity.


    As I turned down a few alleys, I saw a figure.


    He''s wearing a cloth over his head as if he has an epidemic or something.


    Step aside!


    The cloth-covered figure approached Gina with a flurry.


    Then a fever developed in her lower abdomen.


    The heat turned to pain and Gina fell over.


    The cloth-covered figure looked down at Gina.


    It looked like a child.


    The face looked familiar, but she couldn''t remember who it was.


    ''''Geez, geez!��Oh, God d*mn it!��What are you doing!


    ...and you just bullied your mother.


    The words reminded me of someone else.


    Snow.


    He was a half-elf child who was always with Layla.


    ''Yeah, I didn''t mean to!


    ....


    As Gina raised her hand, Snow flashed her knife.


    Three fingers of her left hand fell to the ground.


    ''Who''s there!��Somebody!


    I tried to crawl away on the ground, but this time the heat generated on my back.


    The knife is squishy and scratching the flesh and guts.


    ''Die, baka!''


    Heeeeeeeee!


    The next time Gina screamed, the cabin exploded.


    Snow was blown away and rolled on the ground in a rumble.


    ''....ta, help.


    So, Deke!


    It seems it was Deke who blew up the hut.


    He couldn''t help but smile at the appearance of his savior.


    Deke picked up Gina and started to run.


    I lost track of it after all those grand gestures.


    Johnny stopped and looked around.


    There was nothing around him.


    I can only see the silhouette of the Imperial City.


    ''''........Hmm, is that a person?''''


    It was as if he could see a figure under a large tree.


    Johnny approached the figure, touching the dagger at his waist.


    As the distance grew closer the details became clearer.


    The figure was a man.


    Big as a minotaur or a lizardman.


    ''Can I ask you a few things?''


    Oh, well, I''m busy.


    It''s obvious.


    It''s hard to judge, Johnny looked at the man.


    The man was playing with the woman''s corpse.


    He hoped to avoid causing her some pain, but the sight of her painfully contorted face, bloodied body, and limbs pointing in a different direction makes you wonder if he would have committed a crime that would have resulted in such a tragic death.


    Hmmm, well, is there a problem with leaving a murderer unattended?


    You will have to fight as the best dagger-wielder in the Empire.


    *


    ...here?


    Leila looked up at the ceiling in a daze.


    She could tell that she was lying on the bed, but the memories that led up to it were missing.


    ''....being picked up by Crono-sama...''


    As I sat up, every part of my body ached.


    I felt a tightening sensation and it seemed to have been treated.


    ''Are you awake?''


    Lady Crono!


    I looked to the side and saw Crono sitting in a chair beside the bed.


    ''How long have I been asleep?''


    ''You must have been really tired for a whole day. Now that White has taken over, you don''t have to worry about your shift.


    Crono stood up and gave Leila''s shoulder a gentle squeeze.


    She wanted to get to the communications command center right away, but she took Crono''s word for it.


    ''What happened to Gina?''


    You would have been killed.


    Crono said as he let out a sigh.


    ''The body was so badly damaged that we''ve already buried it and Johnny took care of the killer.


    Okay.


    Now it was Leila''s turn to let out a sigh.


    Where did we go wrong ourselves?


    ''''Crono-sama, would you please listen to me?''''


    Is this about your mother?


    Leila nodded and slowly began to talk about her mother.


    That her mother had been a streetwalker.


    That her earliest memory was of her mother being a spring breaker.


    Still, that she was kind.


    He didn''t hide his own story either.


    About life in the slums and the team.


    What they did and what they did to her.


    And how his mother had become ill and couldn''t take customers.


    "I hated my mother for that.


    Leila bit her lip.


    She would have to spend her life supporting her sick mother.


    It was excruciatingly horrible.


    ''One day I came home and found my mother dead with a knife to her throat.


    He remembers the blood stained cabin and his mother.


    The scars on her neck show that she was afraid of death.


    Despite this, he held the knife to his throat.


    ''....My mother laughed.


    She remained a kind mother to the end.


    She remained a good mother to me.


    ''I am a terrible woman.


    My vision was blurred with tears.


    Gina was right, she''s an ogre.


    It''s always been selfishness.


    She killed her mother.


    She did the crime and hid the fact that she was a mistress.


    She sought her own happiness.


    "I spoke to the priest before...


    After a while, the bed sinks in.


    Crono must have sat on the bed.


    ''According to the priest, human ... human love is an imperfect thing that can only be established in a relationship.


    Crono placed his hand on Leila''s forehead.


    ''But I don''t think that''s the only imperfection in affection. If someone I love dies, I''m going to regret it. I couldn''t do this, I couldn''t do that. Why couldn''t I do the things I could have done while they were alive?


    Human love is only possible in a relationship, and humans are not even capable of fulfilling that imperfect love.


    ''I think I regret it because Leila loved her mother so much.


    But I''m not very fond of my mother...


    You haven''t been neglectful in the past, have you?��I know you blame yourself, but you can''t deny that Leila even liked your mother.


    Crono''s words strangely sunk into my heart.


    However, that didn''t make the regret disappear.

 104-Episode 14 "The Return of Off" The The Revised Version of Live Dead"

    *


    Late February, 43rd year of the imperial calendar--the cemetery north of the imperial capital was dark and gloomy by day.


    Ronald scraped through the wooden stakes and large stones placed in place of the tombstones, pushing away dead grass with his spear to see if any thieves were hiding there.


    Why do I have to do this, Ronald let out a small sigh, poisoning himself in his mind.


    Despite the poisoning in his mind, he knows that patrolling the cemetery is a guard''s job.


    If they skipped their patrols, they would uncover the graves and take away the golden items.


    It''s not only that, but there are even people who steal corpses, so it''s unbearable.


    I know that, but I feel like I''m the only one who is losing money when I''m patrolling the cemetery alone on such a cold day.


    Ronald stopped and looked around the cemetery.


    The people buried in this cemetery are the poor and criminals.


    The ones with a little more money are buried in the sunny cemetery to the south, and if they have more money, they are buried in the temple cemetery.


    It''s awful because the poor have a hard time not only when they''re alive, but also when they''re dead.


    And, incidentally, it''s also ironic.


    The guards are hated by the residents of the city.


    Such a hated guard is guarding the graves of those who hated him.


    If this is not irony, what is?


    I''m not trying to tell you to be grateful for the dead, but I want the living to understand that the guards are doing their best to keep them alive.


    ''What, what is it?''


    Ronald narrowed his eyes.


    The stakes at the back of the cemetery were moving.


    Perhaps someone buried alive was trying to crawl out.


    The ground was moving as he ran up to the stake.


    I swallowed down a raw spit and strained my hand to hold the spear.


    Something outrageously bad is happening.


    Such anxiety rises.


    Suddenly, the stake collapsed and Ronald stiffened.


    The one that pushed away the soil and crawled out was a minotaur or a lizardman with a physique comparable to a minotaur or a lizardman.


    ''''................Oh, hey.


    I called out to him, but the man remained on all fours and refused to move.


    ''Jeez, jeez, jeez,''


    Hey, hey, hey. You okay?


    The man jerked as Ronald approached fearfully.


    There was a cracking sound, and something fell to the ground, hitting his cheek.


    Reflexively, he looked at the ground and saw that a finger had fallen off.


    A frozen corpse would break if handled roughly.


    Such knowledge passed through my mind.


    The man takes the fallen finger in his hand and tries to put it back in place.


    But the fingers don''t stick no matter how many times he presses them together.


    No wonder.


    If it sticks together just by pressing down on it, you don''t need a doctor, and you don''t need a divine power technique.


    The man looks up.


    His eyes are cloudy white.


    No, I don''t care that his eyes are cloudy white.


    The problem is his throat.


    There''s a big hole in his throat.


    ''Jeez, jeez, jeez.


    ''Wait!��You are confused!��I''ll get a doctor, don''t move!


    Ronald backed away, controlling the man with his hand.


    I have no intention of calling a doctor.


    I''m going home.


    When I get home, I''m going to drink as much as I can and sleep until morning.


    And if that doesn''t help, I''m going to the temple.


    Now!��He turned on his heel and kicked the ground as hard as he could.


    ''Jeez, Jeez, Jeez!


    ''God!��Let me go home!


    I hadn''t gone ten meters before my legs got entangled.


    He fell haphazardly and then fell again as he tried to get up.


    When he looked down, he saw that his right leg was missing from his thigh.


    My foot was lying nearby.


    I don''t understand why.


    ''''Hiiii!''''


    Blood spurted out and intense pain tore his thoughts into a thousand pieces.


    He screamed, but acted precisely.


    He unbuckled his belt and bound the base of the wound.


    ''''Jeez...Jeez, Jeez!


    The man slowly approaches slowly, as if he is fearful.


    ''''Hi, hi!''''


    Ronald tried to crawl on the ground to get away.


    But he couldn''t escape.


    A man grabbed Ronald''s ankle.


    The man swung Ronald up and slammed him to the ground.


    The sound of bone cracking echoed from within.


    It''s red in front of my eyes.


    All I can smell and taste is the smell and taste of iron.


    ''''Jiiiiiiiight!''''


    The man slammed Ronald to the ground again.


    He slammed into the ground again and again, his bones crushed and his guts crushed.


    This much monstrous power reminds me of a stake and a stone as a grave marker.


    A stake or just throwing a stone would blow his legs off.


    God, please let me die quickly, Ronald prayed.


    Well, it didn''t take long for the prayer to turn into a curse...


    Crono sits in a chair in his office and slowly rolls up the report.


    The paper shows the number of crimes and their breakdown.


    The number of crimes fell sharply and then leveled off, with theft being the highest and assault being the next highest in the breakdown.


    Residents of the Twelfth Ward tend to have a lower psychological hurdle to commit a crime.


    Perhaps this is because the guards have been bought off by criminals and criminal gangs and have missed crimes.


    It changes the mindset of the residents.


    Just thinking about how much effort they have to expend is enough to make me feel bad.


    ''''Well I hope the arena opens soon,''''


    Crono leaned back and let out a deep sigh.


    The arena is currently in the process of inviting wealthy nobles and merchants to identify the problems.


    Personally, I think they''ve had enough, but Nicole seems to want to make sure everything is in order.


    ''Is this the place to tread?''


    The uncertainty of the future is demoralizing, but to say that the current situation is also dangerous is an understatement.


    It is difficult to maintain a sense of urgency when the end is in sight.


    If we make a mistake at this point, all of our hard work will have been for naught.


    I wish I had an idea to keep the tension, but just as I crossed my arms, there was a knock on the door.


    ''''Come in.....


    It was White who opened the door and walked into the room.


    He was supposed to be off duty today, but what was going on?


    White stopped a short distance away from the desk and saluted Crono.


    ''What''s going on?''


    Got a message for you. Meeting in the Fifth Ward.


    What else did he say?


    White shook his head from side to side.


    He had a bad feeling about this.


    That said, the guard captains were not very friendly towards Crono.


    Calling them all the way out here must be a situation where they want to help the cat.


    ''''Well, I guess there''s no point in sitting here thinking about it.


    Crono stood up and put his cloak on.


    When he looked at White, he was slightly prone and his tail was hanging down powerlessly.


    Normally, he would say he was going to follow me as an escort, but he must have something else to say.


    ''''Shiro, is there something on your mind?''''


    Crono asked, and White gave a small snort.


    ''If there''s something that''s bothering you, don''t hesitate to tell me. I don''t want to make a mistake here and lose the trust of the residents.''''


    "....Snow...


    White gave another small snort.


    The fact that he mentioned Snow''s name means that he''s wondering if he should be allowed to mimic selling out his friends in order to maintain order.


    ''White, I command you. Tell me what''s on your mind.


    "Snow, I smell blood.


    White opened his mouth after a moment of silence.


    ''It''s not easy to react.''


    I mean, no.


    I was plugged in.


    ''How long have you been doing this?''


    Leila, The Day You Fell (Gururu)


    So there was a stab wound, Crono nodded.


    ''According to Johnny, Gina was stabbed with a blade and then her guts were scraped around.


    ''''Well that was a bit of a bypass.


    It''s no wonder that Leila, who he adores as his mother, would act caustically if she found out that Gina was threatening him.


    Not wanting to bring it out in the open, she didn''t tell anyone else about the situation except White and Hiilo, and enlisted her foster father''s help, but it backfired.


    As I was trying to figure out what to do, White looked at me with pleading eyes.


    ''Don''t worry, I won''t make you feel bad. It''s a seed I sowed to begin with, and I''ll harvest it properly.''


    White let out a breath of relief.


    He was working to help Leila, but his men, who didn''t know what was going on, would think Crono had done nothing.


    And yet, if he punished Snow for trying to fix the trouble, he would lose his credibility.


    The bottom line is that Crono should admit his inadequate handling of the situation and punish Snow lightly - say, a week or so of house arrest.


    Crono took out a shift list from a drawer and let out a sigh.


    ''Snow works the day shift, huh? I''ll deal with it when I get back from the meeting.''''


    "I''ll keep him under control.


    Please, Crono patted White on the shoulder.


    *


    When Crono entered the Fifth District''s stuffing station the temporary conference room, the security chiefs of the Fifth through Eleventh Streets were already seated.


    There was no sign of the security chiefs of the First to Fourth Streets.


    This is because the jurisdiction is divided between the old city and the new city.


    When he took the vacant seat, the head of security of the Seventh District.......Farnos looked around to check everyone''s reaction.


    Perhaps it was because he was the oldest, but he often acted as a facilitator.


    ''''Well you''re all here. We held an urgent meeting because someone murdered a guard in the Fifth Street District.''''


    Farnos said as he let out a sigh, and everyone except Crono and the Fifth Ward''s guard captain gasped in surprise.


    The head guard of the Fifth District''s security guards is pale in the face.


    I know how you feel.


    It''s hard to lose a subordinate.


    ''''The........bodies....


    Wait, I''ll tell you.


    The captain of the Fifth Street Guard crossed his hands as if in prayer.


    He put so much strength into them that his fingertips turned white from anger at the killer.


    ''The dead guards the body of Ronald was found in the cemetery to the north. His whole body was crushed and his right leg was blown off around his thighs.


    That was probably the limit.


    Shit, why did I have to die like this, like this?


    The guard captain of the Fifth Street Guard covered his face.


    ''''The ... cemetery to the north?''''


    Crono muttered softly.


    In the cemetery to the north they buried the man who killed Gina the man who killed Gina.......Deke.


    Deke not only killed Gina, but also murdered and decapitated the tavern''s female warden.


    Somehow, I don''t think it''s unrelated.


    ''Marquis Erakis, is there something on your mind?


    We buried the murderer of a prostitute the other day in a cemetery up north.


    Crono replied to Farnos.


    ''You, are you saying that a dead man came back to life and killed Ronald?��You''re kidding me!��I''m the one that got my man killed!��You need to take this more seriously!


    The chief of the Fifth Street Guard shouted at Crono.


    ''''I''m serious,''''


    ''They say it''s a joke to think that a corpse can come back to life!


    When Crono argued back, the chief of the fifth city district''s guards became even more vocal.


    Since God is real in this world, it doesn''t seem strange that a dead person would come back to life.


    I can''t deny the possibility that they were pretending to be dead.


    ''''I''m sorry.''''


    No, I''m sorry. I was just frustrated that one of my men was killed.


    Perhaps he didn''t expect Crono to apologize, but the chief of the Fifth Street Guard said in a weak voice tone.


    ''''I suppose we should assume that he encountered and was killed by grave robbers.


    When Farnos said quietly, the captains of the guards gave a look of near bewilderment.


    How can a mere grave robber crush the bones of a whole body?


    They must be wondering why they would commit the crime of grave robbing when they have that much power.


    ''''The culprit must be caught and punished to the extreme. I know it''s hard, but it''s for our own protection. I want you to do everything you can to find the killer.


    The guard captains nodded quietly, and Crono nodded belatedly.


    Guardsmen who stand on the front lines of maintaining security have many enemies.


    In order to protect themselves, their colleagues, and their families, they need to be made aware that if they harm the guards and their associates, they will be retaliated against.


    Then dismissed!


    When Farnos made his declaration, the guard captains left the room in silence.


    The only ones left in the room were Crono and Farnos.


    ''''It was ... quite surprising.''''


    What''s that?


    Farnos turned his gaze to Crono.


    ''I thought the Marquis of Erakis wasn''t interested in these things.


    You can talk to me like a normal person.


    Is the polite language an appeal that he is not speaking as a guard captain?


    ''To be honest, I didn''t think the Marquis of Erakis was interested in these things. Well, I don''t think it''s a good idea to make a statement with a straight face that a dead man has come back to life.''''


    ....


    I don''t blame you. Knowing these people, I can understand the Marquis of Erakis'' concerns.


    Crono''s eyes widened lightly.


    He could move even if he was injured in a way that would make him unable to move if he activated the Mark.


    He didn''t expect Farnos to know that.


    ''What do you think, Mr. Farnos?''


    ''I think it''s ridiculous that a corpse can come back to life. Well, I thought it was ridiculous when the Loo''s grabbed me with their nearly shredded arms and attacked me with their guts scattered all over the place.


    Farnos gave a cynical smile.


    ''If that''s what you''re thinking, you could have convinced everyone, couldn''t you?


    Ridiculousness is improbability. If you look for a criminal based on the premise that it''s impossible, you''ll end up at a dead end.


    ''Besides,'' said Farnos, punctuating his words.


    ''I need someone to take my anger out on when my people are killed. An imaginary enemy, if you will. Otherwise, you won''t be able to stay motivated. For example, for example...


    ....


    I didn''t need to think about it so forcefully, but I wouldn''t say it.


    ''What would the Marquis of Erakis do if he got a call about a bunch of upside down, naked men dancing in a circle?


    Are you high?��And ranting.


    Yeah, I think that''s a possible response.


    ...?


    For some reason, my eyes were swimming.


    Maybe he was expecting an answer like chasing them away or blessing them with a few coins.


    ''''The Marquis of Erakis''s opinion isn''t very realistic. Nevertheless, I''m thinking that such an approach is necessary.


    So you''re saying that you''re willing to proceed on the premise of a dead man coming back to life?


    Farnos crossed his hands to cover his mouth.


    ''The right people in the right place. There aren''t many crime syndicates that operate out in the open like Nicole''s group. We''re more used to investigating criminals and criminal organizations that don''t operate in the public eye than you are.


    I understand. Then the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard will proceed on the assumption that the dead have come back to life.


    I''m sorry.


    No, you''re welcome.


    Crono bowed his head and left the filling station.


    *


    After leaving the stuffing station, Crono headed to the Crawford mansion.


    In front of the Crawford mansion, Johnny was sweeping with a broom in his hand.


    ''Brother, what can I do for you?''


    I''m here to talk to you about the big man Johnny killed.


    Perhaps sensing a sign, Johnny didn''t show any signs of surprise.


    It''s an unbelievable growth rate, throwing a dagger at Neige and killing Deku with a single dagger.


    ''''Tch, you talented man. I thought you were on the same side as me, but this is a terrible betrayal.


    You can''t just click your tongue all of a sudden, can you?


    He didn''t seem too shocked by that.


    ''So, about this big guy thing,''


    Okay. But it''s not a good time to talk in here. I want to talk inside.


    We go into the mansion and move to the dining room.


    It seems that my adoptive father and Myra are not at home.


    It''s time for them to return to the southern frontier, so maybe they''re making a greeting tour.


    When Crono arrived at the table, Johnny sat down face to face.


    ''What''s going on?''


    I''m sure you already know...


    Yeah, that guard that was killed in the cemetery.


    It helps that they are quick to talk, but I wonder how they are gathering information.


    I just hope it''s not through illegal means.


    ''I suspect the big man has come back to life,''


    ''Isn''t the idea of a missing body a bit far-fetched?


    It was returned with a straight face.


    What pisses me off is that there''s nothing more annoying than being lectured about reality by the inhabitants of a fantasy world.


    ''''Have you ever noticed that when you''re fighting the big guy?''''


    Hmmm, that was pretty hard to kill. Tougher than a brown bear.


    Have you ever fought a brown bear?


    When I asked him back, Johnny scratched his head in embarrassment.


    It wasn''t because I wanted to fight," he said. They gave me a knife and threw me into the Areos Mountains. Tears to hear, tears to tell.


    Johnny''s face fell as he remembered the moment.


    ''Oh, it''s dark sss. It''s dark. My eyes, he''s looking at me from the dark!��Somebody, somebody please help!��It''s coming!��Isn''t it morning yet!��Cliff!��One-chan-dive off the cliff!��Hold on to a branch!��Heeeeeeeee!��The branch''s broken!��Brother, help me!


    Immediately after scratching his head, Johnny gave a tight smile, as if a switch had been flipped.


    ''Sir Instructor, I''m glad you''re letting me get rid of my virginity.


    "...you son of a b*tc*.


    I knew it, I should say, but Johnny looked as if he was scared of something.


    ''Nah, what?��What do you mean, kill him?��Is this what it means to lose your virginity?��Are you okay with this?��It''s not okay!


    Suddenly, he hung his head with a gulp.


    ''It''s all right. You are at the top of the food chain and you are at ease in the Areos Mountains. You are all very kind, Luu. I''m happy to give up my virginity.


    Johnny, get it together!


    When Crono shook his shoulder, Johnny regained consciousness.


    Apparently, he''d had a spectacular experience before he got strong.


    ''I think I''m having another seizure.


    Seizure?


    That would be a flashback.


    But I didn''t want to point that out.


    I mean, I didn''t want to open Pandora''s Box.


    ''Can''t a human being get something without sacrificing something?''


    That''s very philosophical.


    I''m talking about you!��I swallowed the words that came out of my mouth.


    ''Back to the point, how was it hard to kill?


    He was moving fine, even though he was bleeding a lot. I stabbed him in the neck, but he was moving for a while.


    Hmmmm, Crono grunted.


    Deke''s neck had a wound........maybe I should call it a hole........as it had almost gone through.


    If he could move after destroying his spine, he could crawl out of the grave and kill the guards.


    ''Have you figured out their identities?''


    All I know is his name and that he was involved in the construction of the mausoleum.


    You''re not even caught up in the new nobleman''s intelligence network?


    He wasn''t born from a tree crotch, and he could at least understand how he came to the Imperial City.


    I had a bad feeling about this.


    I had a bad feeling about this.


    When I returned to the ghost house, White greeted me with a pat on the back and a wagging tail.


    Judging from the atmosphere, he was able to successfully restrain his subordinate.


    ''''Crono-sama, I''ve been waiting for you.'''' (Gau)


    I''m sorry. Things have changed.


    Crono explained the situation.


    As the story progressed, White''s tail lost its power.


    The last one was hanging down in a shovel.


    ''''Dead man, you will not rise.'''' (Gau)


    ...I see.


    When he was even denied by White, he was worried that he was wrong.


    Maybe Farnos was only considering Crono''s physical appearance.


    The possibility that he was thought to be a motivated idiot cannot be denied.


    ''''Well, what should we do?''''


    I''m on the move.


    White said in a manner that made it sound obvious.


    ''Well, yes. The question is, how does it work?''


    Smell, chase.


    I chuckle.


    He was trying to figure out how many people to investigate and how to change the shift, but he was thinking too hard.


    If they were going to work on the assumption that the dead had been brought back to life, a normal investigation would confuse his men.


    ''Okay, let''s go with that. Fortunately, we have some time until Snow comes back from his day shift. During that time, let''s proceed with the investigation as much as we can.


    "Okay. I''ll turn it over to my man, Hairo.


    "I''ll tell Leila about the murder, too.


    Crono pulled the communication magic item out of his pouch.


    He felt swept up in the situation, but he had never been able to completely control the battle before.


    ''''Well I hope you''re okay.


    He let out a sigh, remembering that he had very little experience in getting through a battle safely.


    ...a cemetery.


    Crono muttered softly and looked around.


    The communal cemetery to the north of the Imperial City was dim and icy.


    It wasn''t due to its location, but to the atmosphere created by the dead grass and decaying grave markers that covered the ground.


    The dead die a second time by being forgotten.


    I don''t know who said it first, but I think they are right on target when they see what looks like abandonment.


    ''A murder in a deserted cemetery? I hope it''s not a killer in a hockey mask.''


    ........... (Gulp?)


    White, who had been crawling near the sunk ground ... the spot where he buried Deku ... turned around and tilted his head in wonder.


    ''No, this way. Keep working.


    I get it.


    Crono said, and White went back to work.


    In a splatter movie, it''s a splatter movie, and the victims are young people who are floating around.


    A couple doing s*xually explicit things, football, or basketball are high probability prey for the killer.


    If you have a fixed sports endorsement or borrow a car from your father, you''re out.


    I''m going to hold out until the case is solved, and I''m going to clench my fists.


    I know I think I''m thinking of a silly thing to do, but I''d cling to anything that could reduce my chances of being injured in any way.


    As I was thinking about that, White jerked and shuddered.


    Crono caught on and freaked out too.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    ...stinks.


    As White crawled forward on the ground, the ground was blackened.


    Perhaps this was where Ronald had been killed.


    White looked up at Crono.


    ''''Crono-sama, I wasn''t wrong.'''' (Gau)


    See, I was right!��You can''t bring the dead back from the dead!��It''s coming back to life!


    ...I said something terrible.


    And White doesn''t have to apologize.


    White said with moist eyes, and I hurried to follow up.


    ''Thanks to White, we''ve proven our hypothesis, and shouldn''t we be glad we didn''t have to take a detour?


    "I''ll do my best.


    White nodded widely and began to crawl on the ground again.


    ''''Well this will be settled sooner than I thought, won''t it?''''


    Crono muttered as he followed White.


    I was in over my head when the secret murder happened.


    The killer is in here!��After declaring that he was going to torture each of the suspects....and then he would have to interrogate them one by one.


    White stopped moving and looked up.


    The city walls rose there.


    Apparently, the revived Deku had climbed the city walls.


    ''''He climbed it?''''


    I asked him to make sure, and White nodded with a divine look on his face.


    Johnny said it was hard to kill, but it was beyond the level of hard to kill by any stretch of the imagination.


    Snow was patrolling the Twelfth Ward with his companions.


    He stared at the alleyway that reeked of decay and let out a small sigh.


    He wanted to return to the Marquis of Erakis as soon as possible.


    I don''t have any good memories of the slums or the Twelfth Street District.


    No, I have too many bad memories.


    For example, let''s say there was a transparent sphere.


    If you put it in a bag with old nails and stones and shook it, it would be covered in scratches.


    The slums and the Twelve Streets are bags and the residents are old nails and stones.


    If you don''t want them to be covered in scratches, you have no choice but to get rid of the old nails and stones.


    Suddenly, my vision fades.


    I look up and see the big man - the man who saved Gina - falling.


    The ground shakes as soon as it lands.


    I''m confused by the impact, as if I''m being pushed up from below.


    The surrounding buildings are three stories high at best.


    There is no way that the ground would shake violently just by falling from there.


    It''s too unnatural.


    No, if you want to call it unnatural, then the big man himself was unnatural.


    His throat was punctured and his whole body was cracked, yet he was moving without a care in the world.


    ''''Flame-bullet dance!''''


    Snow distanced himself from the big man and released his magic.


    Even if you think about it, you won''t get an answer.


    If that''s the case, it''s better to focus on the events in front of him without thinking about anything else.


    The countless flames went forward in a straight line and popped in front of the big man.


    It''s as if they were blocked by an invisible wall.


    It''s probably because of the attack.


    The big man stepped out towards Snow.


    Five infantrymen quickly broke in.


    They thought they should be wary of the big man since he was holding his spear.


    The companions are reliable in their response.


    The big man''s body sinks down.


    The next moment, he accelerated like an unleashed arrow.


    The infantry re-positioned their spears.


    Instead of simply thrusting it out, he makes contact with the ground with a stone thrust and holds the spear in place like a pinching rod.


    The big man rammed into the spear without slowing down his speed.


    Five spears snapped at the same time and the infantry was blown away.


    The arrows pierced his back and the big man stopped moving.


    Of course, there was no archer to rest his hand here.


    Arrow after arrow stabbed into him, and the big man was like a needle rat.


    And then the dozens of arrows were played.


    The arrows leapt straight up as if they were blocked by an invisible wall.


    The big man''s body sank down again.


    Snow kicked the ground almost on a hunch.


    Although he ducked once, he spread his arms and clutched at him.


    ''''Jeez, Jina!��Jeez!��Jeez!


    "I''m not Gina!��You''re the one who killed Gina!��Whirlwind!��Flameball Dance!


    The whirlwind towered around the big man and took in more flames.


    What appeared was a whirlpool of flame - a synthetic magic ''flaming whirlwind'' created by Aridid and Deneb after a period of trial and error.


    Although it can''t reach the level of advanced magic such as Bakunetsumai, it has a power that surpasses the intermediate level.


    The next moment, Snow''s eyes widened.


    The Flaming Whirlwind froze.


    There is no such thing as a flame freezing.


    The Flaming Whirlwind shattered, sending shards of ice down on Snow.


    I reflexively crossed my arms and immediately realized my mistake.


    The big man was close at hand.


    The big man flashes his arms in a flash.


    With that alone, Snow was blown away.


    The moment he was attacked, he thought he heard the sound of bones cracking.


    He was slammed into the wall and fell to the ground.


    He coughed violently and spat out blood.


    The big man slowly approaches me.


    How did Gina die?��Snow looked up at the big man.


    *


    Crono jumped to the roof of the house and shifted the imprint into a dormant state.


    The next moment, his body suddenly became heavy.


    ''''Shh, White, come down.''''


    ...Okay.


    White climbed down from Crono''s back and turned his nose upward.


    This is how he can detect the smell of Deku floating in the air.


    The beastmen''s sense of smell is more reliable than human tactics.


    However, White doesn''t have a way to land without stepping through the roof, so Crono is moving on his back.


    Suddenly, White looks right beside him.


    Out of the corner of his eye, flames were swirling around.


    ''A fire whirlwind?''


    It can''t be, Crono shook his head.


    A fire whirlwind is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a large scale fire.


    Since it doesn''t look like there is a large scale fire going on, we should assume that someone has used magic.


    ''''What''s going on here?''''


    I whispered to myself.


    The flames turned to ice in an instant and shattered.


    Immediately activating the imprint, I jumped from roof to roof carrying White.


    ''''Crono-sama, down!'''' (GASP!)


    I know!


    He jumps down from the roof.


    As soon as he landed, he put White down and looked around.


    There was my subordinate and Deku.


    Apparently, his subordinate had run into Deku while on patrol.


    Deku had grabbed Snow by the neck and held it high.


    Shortly after Crono ran out to help Snow, something strange happened.


    Deku''s legs collapsed as if he could no longer bear his own weight.


    The mutation continued further.


    Both arms fell off his shoulders, and a strong stinking liquid poured out of the sections of his arms and legs.


    The liquefaction proceeded rapidly, leaving only bone and skin behind.


    ''''........What in the world?''''


    Crono slowed his pace and walked up to Snow to avoid stepping on the liquid.


    Snow was stunned.


    ''Snow?''


    Well, Mister Crono?


    When he called out to her, Snow blinked at him curiously.


    His reaction was uncomfortable, as if he didn''t understand the situation.


    ''Are you okay?''


    I don''t know why I''m here.��I''m a slum and I''m a... what?��The Marquess of Erakis?��Huh?��I see, I''m a soldier now.


    Snow seems quite confused about what was done to him.


    ''We''d better call it a day on Gina.


    Let''s go back to the compound for once.


    The mansion?


    Snow''s eyes are busy moving.


    He looks frightened by something.


    Has he encountered Deke and dug up some serious trauma?


    ''It''s okay,''


    ''What?��I''ll be fine, okay?


    Bad, the conversation is not engaging.


    Crono approached Snow, spreading his arms to show that he had no hostile intent.


    Suddenly, sparks flew, and the ''field'' that enveloped Crono and something that enveloped Snow appeared for a moment.


    A feeling of nausea rose in me.


    The "field" is a realm where the laws of physics can be distorted at the will of the surgeon.


    In theory, they could interfere with each other, or even repel each other.


    If so, what is this nausea?


    Snow turns over, breathing wildly and repeatedly.


    He wavers with a wobble.


    The next moment when I tried to hold her in my arms, a knife passed in front of me.


    Snow raised the knife.


    It was a fluke that he avoided it.


    I don''t have the confidence to avoid it even if he asked me to do it again.


    ''''Ouch!''''


    He wiped his chin and the blood wet the back of his hand.


    Apparently, he was unable to avoid the knife.


    ''''Crono-sama!'''' (GASP!)


    White, don''t move!


    I exhale and stare at Snow.


    I don''t know if it''s a ''place'' that surrounds Snow, but I''m sure he''s on guard.


    "Snow, calm down. I''m not going to hurt you.


    ''You''re lying!��You''re going to do something terrible to me by saying that!


    Snow disappeared and a crackling sound came from right beside him.


    I jumped back, relying on my intuition.


    I don''t even want to believe my own instincts, but there''s nothing else I can rely on right now.


    In the nick of time, I ducked Snow, who jumped at me from right beside me.


    I could knock him off, but Crono hesitated and lost the opportunity.


    But Snow doesn''t do anything to miss the opportunity.


    ''''Flame-bullet dance, flame-bullet dance, flame-bullet dance.......!


    He unleashes his magic in rapid succession and fills the road with flames.


    Without combustibles, the magic flames would be extinguished quickly, but it was enough to create an opening.


    Snow kicked the ground while Crono was frightened.


    He must be using some kind of magic.


    He leapt lightly to the roof of a nearby building.


    ''''Snow!''''


    "Fast and furious!


    Crono kicked the ground after Snow and was knocked off balance by a gust of wind blowing down from directly above.


    ''''Flame-bullet dance!''''


    Flames poured down.


    Crono strengthened his ''field'' and blocked the attack, but when the flames cleared, Snow was not there.


    *


    Crono walks through the city in the twilight.


    White has been ordered to lead his off-duty men to protect Snow.


    He engages a murderer who has been brought back to life by a mysterious jutsu and successfully incapacitates him, but one of his men has become delirious under the influence of the jutsu.


    I blurted out, hiding my mouth with my right hand.


    Who would be convinced by this excuse if Snow had hurt someone?


    If anything, it might be better to ask Neige to move in the direction of rubbing out the incident.


    Crono enters the stuffing station and climbs the stairs.


    As he opens the door to the communications command room, his gaze is focused on the door.


    He controls the communications officer who was about to stand up with his hand and walks up to Layla.


    ''Leila, did you find Snow?''


    No, we''re looking for him.


    All right. Leila is in charge.


    Why can''t we find Snow?��He sat back in his chair, wondering.


    Considering that White had tracked Deku by relying on the smell in the air, it seemed impossible for him to shake off the beastman''s pursuit.


    It was possible that Snow knew how to disturb the beast''s sense of smell, but if he could be disturbed that easily, there wouldn''t have been military dogs, police dogs, or drug-sniffing dogs in the world over there.


    Why can''t we find them?


    That''s because she''s confined to her own world.


    I just asked myself a question, but someone answered it.


    When I looked at the direction of the voice, there was a gray-haired young man.......Neige Hyades and Verna standing there.


    ''''Crono-sama, don''t get me wrong. I said I should knock, you know?


    That''s a refreshing amount of betrayal.


    I''m not one of you.


    Verna said as she spat.


    ''''Well when did that happen?''''


    Leila looks at Neige and Verna.


    Apparently, she didn''t feel a sign and her eyes widen in surprise.


    ''Do you know anything about this?''


    As a matter of fact.


    Actually, I''m not.


    The door opened with great force and was blown open.


    There was a painful sound of a bang.


    ''''Even if I wasn''t called upon to pinch my brother, I''d still be there immediately!


    "...Johnny.


    Is this guy really a terrific assassin?��And Crono looked down at Neige, who was lying on the floor.


    ''Oh, that?��Funny, isn''t it?


    Neige sat up and stared at her palms.


    ''Is it a blur?''


    How old are you?


    Verna said in a disgusted tone.


    If we are to believe the word that he is over fifty years old, it is no wonder that he is declining with age.


    Maybe Neige''s heyday is also past, just as her adopted father was.


    ''So what do you know about it?''


    ''Actually the killer known as Deke and Mr. Snow were trained in The Arm of Death.


    ''Well, it''s not my ''arm of death'','' added Neige excusingly.


    ''How do you know that?''


    I thought I''d get rid of any potential competitors as soon as possible.


    So you''re saying that Deke and Snow crushed the ''Arm of Death'' that they belonged to.


    ''There was a lot of opposition, so the constituents who didn''t know anything about it decided to keep it alive after monitoring it for a while, but look what happened.


    Neige let out a small sigh.


    ''You don''t know anything?''


    ''I don''t recommend brainwashing with drugs, though. If you just lose your memory, or even your judgment, you can''t use them as pawns.


    Crono asked, and Neige cowered lightly.


    ''How did Deke come back to life?


    ''''It''s thanks to the art of manipulating magic power to generate a realm where one''s will takes precedence. Well, let''s say that you can generate a ''field'' without the support of the Mark... what is it?��What''s that bitter-worm-bitten look on your face?


    ''No, because when such a useful jutsu comes up, I''m not in a position to risk my life to learn the imprinting technique.


    ''No, no, it''s not that convenient!��I''m the one who risked my life for you by accident!


    Verna let out a protest as her shoulders slumped.


    ''Have you ever been exposed to severe pain that could make you lose your sanity?''


    No, no, not that one.


    Crono let out a deep sigh.


    ''''Aside from Marquis Erakis'' feelings, this technique is the art of creating a world just for me...''''


    ''What?��Did they teach you such a great trick?


    This time Neige made a face as if she''d bitten down on a bitter bug.


    ''What''s with that face?��I was only told that the technology was passed down from the east to surpass humans.��I mean, you didn''t even tell me your name.


    I think you''ve been careless.


    ''You didn''t tell me anything, so I don''t have a choice!


    When Crono rushed in, Verna raised her voice.


    The guy who tricked her is of course the worst, but I think we should be a little more cautious.


    ''''........Crono-sama.


    I''m sorry, Leila.


    Crono straightened his residence and looked at Neige.


    ''So you''re saying that Deke was brought back to life thanks to your magic?


    ''Yes, you can interpret it that way. And the reason he died is because Mr. Snow erased the realm.


    You mean the higher order of ''place'', Crono patted his belly as he remembered being skewered in the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Even if you are mortally wounded, you won''t die.


    If the technology could achieve such recklessness, it would be easy to make the body odor disappear and not spread.


    ''When I approached Snow, I saw sparks fly?


    ''That''s what made the Marquis of Erakis so wary. No one would let someone of unknown identity into their home, would they?


    ''''I thought Snow had a good relationship with Master Crono?


    Leila said hesitantly.


    ''I suppose my memory has returned. Even if you call it training, it''s still a process of making convenient pawns. Of course you won''t be able to trust others if you remember those memories.''


    ....


    Leila looked at Neige.


    The fact that she didn''t say anything was probably due to the guilt she felt for joining the army without Snow.


    ''What do we do now?''


    We''ll protect Snow.


    When Crono answered immediately, Neige''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''They might think you''re the enemy, right?


    He''s my guy.


    If it''s a stranger, you adopt a safe bet, but if it''s a subordinate, you''ll have to push the envelope...to the limit...and in some cases, you''ll have to push the envelope.


    ''''I see. I''ll cooperate with you if it''s okay with you?


    Nice to meet you.


    Crono bowed his head lightly.


    *


    Snow woke up in the garbage.


    His thoughts are scowling, as if he is floating in a fever.


    He couldn''t tell the difference between dream and reality.


    I was dreaming a happy dream.


    I dreamed that I was working with my mother.


    It is a dream, so it is natural, but the people in my dream were kind.


    I pushed away the trash and crawled out of the ground, even though that couldn''t be possible.


    There are many places to hide in the city.


    Narrow gaps between buildings, abandoned houses, garbage dumps in the back alleys, stables, gutters... Just digging a hole in the ground like this one and covering it with trash is enough to provide shelter.


    You can''t lurk for long, but it will buy you enough time to get the amateurs and guards to give up.


    Criminal gangs, however, are a different story.


    They are obsessed with face-saving.


    If you do anything to ruin their reputation, they will come after you relentlessly.


    In such a case, you must be hit early on.


    It doesn''t matter if you are hit early or late, but the frequency and force are different.


    However, if they have a tendency to do that, if they are in a bad place, they will be hurt badly, and if they hit you badly, you will die.


    That''s the kind of world we live in.


    My mom went off to the army alone.


    She was abandoned.


    I know it''s not right to complain.


    We all love ourselves, and we would all fall together if we laid a hand on someone else.


    But when you''re violent or hungry, when you''re hungry, when you help out at the store and don''t get the money you were promised, or when you do something you don''t like to do and earn money, you want to complain about it.


    It''s ... the moon.


    He looks up at the full moon and mutters to himself.


    Apparently it''s been nighttime while I''ve been hiding in the hole.


    I hold my mouth and cough.


    When I let go of my hand, my palm was stained red.


    I hurriedly wipe the blood off with my uniform.


    My whole body is hot.


    My heart is beating fast.


    ''''I''m.......scared.''''


    Vomiting blood is very important.


    When did she get this kind of injury?


    If he didn''t go to the hospital, he might die.


    Since he was injured, he should have had enemies.


    If he didn''t kill his enemies, he wouldn''t be able to go to the hospital without worrying.


    He laughed at that thought.


    After all, I can''t tell the difference between dreams and reality.


    There''s no way a slum dweller can go to the hospital.


    Who should I kill?��And then he exhaled with an iron-filled breath, and it occurred to him that there was someone else.


    What was his name?


    I can only vaguely remember what he looked like.


    Well, as long as we kill him from one end to the other, it won''t be a problem.


    I see, he was hiding in the hole we dug. No wonder they took so much time.


    You''re just following me, aren''t you?


    I looked at the direction the voice came from and saw a man and a woman approaching.


    ''Who is it?''


    Just because we haven''t seen each other in a while doesn''t mean it''s okay!


    The man exclaims.


    It sounds familiar if you ask me, but since you''ve forgotten, that''s probably the extent of your association with him.


    ''''Flame-bullet dance!''''


    All of a sudden?


    I unleashed my magic, but the man kept sidestepping as he approached.


    The next thing I knew, he was closing in on me in time.


    ''Teeth biting ssss!


    The man swings down with his fist.


    Snow kicks the ground lightly.


    He flies through the air and kicks the castle wall, landing on the roof of the building that is facing him.


    ''You got away!


    I wasn''t expecting to be able to jump that high!


    A woman flies through the air.


    Apparently, this woman seems to have acquired the same technology as herself.


    It seems that she is not used to using it and is close to floating.


    Naturally, there is no reason to wait for the opponent.


    "Flamebulb Dance!


    Type 2 magic bullet!


    The voices overlap.


    The moment they make contact, the flames explode and swell up.


    It''s a lower grade magic called magic bullets.


    It is a magic that releases gravel of magic power, but there are many derivative techniques.


    However, the range is short and there are no secondary effects, so there are few people who like to use it.


    What about my magic?


    The woman proudly puffed out her chest as she landed on the roof.


    Snow revises her evaluation of the magic bullet in her mind.


    On the contrary, the woman''s reputation will drop.


    She shouldn''t have used the magic bullets here.


    If he hadn''t used it until the last minute, he could have created a fatal gap.


    ''''Don''t run away!


    Snow turned away and started to run, and sure enough, the woman was in pursuit.


    There''s no need to fight anything head-on.


    You just need to run around and finish off the battered spot.


    ''''Type-2 magic bullet!


    The woman unleashes her magic, but the crimson conglomerate cuts the sky empty.


    She is shooting while running.


    Accurate sniping is unlikely.


    If you are an opponent who has been on the field, you could use your magic as a check and guide Snow to where you want him to be.


    However, I can''t sense such intentions from the woman.


    To be honest, she seems to be acting haphazardly.


    I kick the edge of the roof as I fall to the ground.


    My body accelerates with a gung-ho speed.


    ''''Flame-bullet dance!''''


    Snow jumped to the next building and unleashed her magic as she turned around.


    The woman is floating in the air.


    It was an arcing trajectory, as if she didn''t expect to be attacked.


    ''''Ni-2 magic bullets!


    The woman hurriedly unleashes her magic, but I have to say it''s an error in judgment.


    The flames explode and block the woman''s vision.


    I was planning to finish off the place where I was battened down, but I created an opening at that point.


    There is no way not to attack.


    "Wind Blade Ran........!


    I won''t let you!


    The man jumped out of the way right before I was about to unleash my magic.


    How did he manage to get so close?


    If he was in his current state, there was no way he wouldn''t have noticed the approach of the foreign object.


    Snow took a decent kick from the man and was blown away by it.


    He narrowed his eyes as he detected multiple signs.


    Then, a figure was approaching along the roof.


    Were these two people decoys?


    No, this is not the time to be thinking about such things.


    We should get away before we are surrounded.


    The next moment I kicked the roof, I felt a presence.


    I looked up and saw a woman.


    ''Bite your teeth!''


    Snow gritted his teeth and strengthened his magic power with the intent of rejection.


    ''''Four-style magic bullets!''''


    .....


    The impact exploded, and I was knocked to the ground as it was.


    Coughing violently, I picked myself up and found myself in a cul-de-sac.


    *


    A flash of light blinked overhead and Snow slammed into the ground.


    He coughs and picks himself up and looks around, but is blocked on three sides by the building.


    ''....the wall.


    Leila, who was next to me, gave the signal, and her men jumped out of the narrow alleyway and blocked the way with boards.


    The barricade was complete.


    I was anxious to get Verna and Jonny into the operation, but they both successfully drove Snow into it.


    ''''Well you''ve managed to push him away.


    Crono chuckled as he remembered the time he made the plan.


    The plan had been set up smoothly, but it had taken him a while to decide on his role.


    No, I should say that it took time to convince Leila, Shiro and Hiilo.


    Layla, Shiro, and Hiilo pushed for Neige to be the cornerstone, while Crono pushed for Verna and Johnny.


    You can''t trust Neige, although you think to yourself, "What''s the big deal now," while you borrowed personnel to lay the groundwork for each side and back up the driving force, but you couldn''t trust Neige.


    They would easily dismiss Snow if it came to their own harm.


    I couldn''t get rid of those doubts.


    He couldn''t deny Neige''s values, nor could he blame her.


    Because even Crono would prioritize his own subordinates if he had to choose between himself and someone else''s subordinates when it came to a situation where he had to choose between them.


    You can''t put an untrustworthy opponent at the core of your operation.


    On the contrary, he thought that Verna and Johnny would be able to stick it out to the last minute even if the unexpected happened.


    ''''After all, it''s better if I persuade them........''''


    That''s what we talked about.


    Crono activated the imprint.


    A jet-black shining mark colored his entire body.


    With the imprinting technique, he could withstand Snow''s attacks somewhat.


    ''''Leila''s time will come when I can''t move.


    Yes.


    Leila nodded quietly.


    Maybe she felt like she was being tested.


    She hadn''t meant to, but if she couldn''t fulfill her role, it would be better to have her work as a civil servant.


    Crono removed his sword belt and gently placed it on the ground.


    Even after a number of occasions, the fear of death is hard to suppress.


    Even so, he has made much more progress compared to the time of his first battle.


    I''m not going to be able to even draw my sword back then.


    Thinking about this, he approached Snow.


    Snow knelt on the spot and drew his knife threateningly.


    ''''Stay away from me!''''


    I''m here to protect you. I left my weapons behind to prove it.


    Crono spread his arms to show that he had no weapons.


    ''Protection is a lie!��You''re going to do something terrible to me by saying that!


    That''s terrible.


    Crono let out a small breath.


    His heart ached just to imagine what terrible things Snow had done to him.


    ''Please, just trust me.''


    No!��I know!��I know it!


    Snow shouted hoarsely and swung the knife around.


    He swung the knife around for a while, his arms hanging down weakly, as if he was tired.


    Sparks crackled, but there seemed to be less resistance compared to the evening''s contact.


    ''''Well you''re going to dump me anyway.


    Snow said in a voice that sounded like she was about to cry and hung her head.


    ''I won''t abandon you,''


    Why?


    ...it''s


    He asked back, and I was at a loss for words.


    He''s an important man.


    It''s not a lie.


    It''s not a lie, but........


    Thump!��I heard a loud noise, "I can''t believe it.


    I knew it, I couldn''t believe it!


    Snow pulls out a knife and Crono twists as quickly as he can.


    He reaches out to snatch the knife away and it pops off.


    The impact is as if a firecracker had exploded in his hand.


    My hand goes numb.


    There is no trauma, so the numbness is probably only temporary.


    Crono poisons his mind, saying that he''s going to be played unilaterally or something.


    ''Stop it!


    Shut up!��Leave me alone!


    Boom!��The sound of "I don''t know what to do" echoed from beneath my feet.


    The next thing you know, Snow was sticking a knife into Crono''s side.


    The moment he understood that he had been stabbed, heat developed in his side.


    The heat replaced the intense pain and hit his brain.


    Snow fiddled with the knife.


    ''''Type-2 magic bullet!''''


    The crimson gravel rained down and Snow hurriedly jumped back.


    Crono blocked the crimson gravel with his ''place'', but his eyes flickered in front of him, probably because of the sting.


    ''Brother, are you alright!��You don''t look okay!


    Crono fainted as he listened to Johnny''s one-man rambling.


    *


    Silver light flashes and the sound of clashing metal echoes.


    A burst of crimson light and an angry shout went off.


    Intense pain crawled up his side, and Crono remembered how he had failed to convince Snow.


    Why was he at a loss for words?


    Snow is an important subordinate.


    No, there isn''t a single subordinate who isn''t important.


    Is it not too late?��And Crono raised himself up.


    ''''Well if you''d let me handle it, you wouldn''t have been stabbed.


    d*mn, that was after the hell.


    It''s not a very good line, sir.


    Crono spat, and Neige gave him a drawn-out smile.


    Where''s Leila?


    You''re doing well.


    Her eyes were misty from the bleeding.


    Narrowing her eyes, Leila looked sharply at the battle... although only Verna, Jonny and Snow were fighting....


    When she looked up slightly, she saw Neige''s men standing on the edge of the roof.


    Apparently, Leila was planning to block the escape route and wear Snow down.


    ''''It''s absurdly tight!��What''s three-dimensional?!


    ''If you have time to whine, keep up the attack!��I can''t take it on my own!


    Johnny whines and Verna screams.


    Snow is toying with the two of them.


    They are moving in three dimensions, using the buildings blocking the three sides of the building.


    Perhaps it''s because his agility is inferior, but Verna seems to be unable to take the same tactics.


    Crono stands up with pain, wondering if he should have asked Rio to help him.


    As if sensing a sign, Leila turns around and her eyes widen in surprise.


    ''Crono-sama, the doctor will be here soon. So please don''t move.


    It''s not a request to rest.


    I wonder if it''s that deep, Crono looked down at his body and hurriedly averted his gaze.


    You shouldn''t look.


    If you look at it, you''ll be stuck.


    ''I haven''t told you how I really feel yet.


    Crono let out an iron-smelling breath and looked at Snow.


    ''Jonny, Verna, back off!


    Okay, okay!


    I said, "Fit it!��I don''t want to get stabbed because the timing isn''t right!


    Jonny and Verna were away from Snow at the same time.


    But still, what kind of logic was Johnny using to fight Snow?


    ''Snow, you have to stop now.''


    Oh, shut up!��We kill our enemies!��If you don''t kill me, I''ll be in a lot of trouble!


    Crono walks up to Snow with his arms outstretched as before.


    ''I''m not the enemy!��I wouldn''t do anything terrible to Snow!


    ''You''re lying!��We have to kill it, or it''s all gone!


    Oh, Crono let his voice trail off.


    Surely that''s what the world was like for Snow.


    ''So, I''m going to kill you!��Kill them!


    Suddenly, Snow''s figure disappears.


    ''Brother!��Head!


    He hears Johnny''s voice and tilts his head back.


    My shoulders are burning and blood gushes out.


    He looks back and doesn''t see Snow there.


    He looks around and finds Snow stuck to the wall.


    Snow kicks the wall.


    His other shoulder scorches.


    You chase after Snow through the faint sounds, but you can''t catch him.


    ''Brother, I''ll help you right away!


    Don''t come here, Johnny!


    I shouted, but I didn''t have time to look at Johnny.


    ''Die!��Die!


    .....


    Blood gushes out every time something that looks like Snow passes by.


    It''s as if I''m trapped in a cage.


    My vision is flickering.


    My whole body is burning.


    "Die!


    My brother!��Frontal!


    He activates the Mark and strengthens the ''field'' to the maximum.


    Fierce sparks scattered and Snow appeared.


    Grabbing his shoulder, Snow looked up at Crono with moist eyes.


    ''''Ha, let go!''''


    Magic bullet!


    The next moment Snow raised his knife, a crimson conglomerate snapped the blade halfway down.


    Verna unleashed her magic.


    ''''Let me go, let me go, let me go!


    Snow cries out.


    But it seems he hasn''t given up his will to resist, and sparks are crackling.


    ''''I.....


    Suddenly the strength left his legs and Crono knelt there, leaning against Snow.


    ''I don''t want to,''


    What?


    Snow''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''I don''t want Snow to kill someone,''


    .....


    Crono is a commander and Snow is a soldier.


    I think I''m contradicting myself.


    ''Because, you know, I don''t...''


    I don''t like it.


    I don''t want a girl like Snow to kill people.


    I don''t want them to be steeped in a value system that makes them feel like they deserve to hurt others.


    It''s contradictory and hypocritical.


    But it''s a true feeling.


    He patted Snow''s head and fell to the ground.


    ''Master Crono?''


    When I looked up, I saw that Snow looked like she was about to start crying.


    When I wake up, I find myself in the mansion''s bedroom.


    My body is lazy and my mind is fuzzy.


    I move my eyes only to check my surroundings.


    A woman was sitting beside the bed.


    She has droopy eyes and looks sleepy somehow.


    Although her face is childish, her limbs wrapped in unadorned robes are carnal.


    ''''Oh my goodness, you''re awake, aren''t you?''''


    The woman clasped her hands together in front of her chest and her mouth fell open.


    ''And you are?''


    I''m sorry for my mistake. My name is Nam Korunu, leader of the 10th Kingsguard.


    Excuse me, and the woman........Nam Korunu leaned forward.


    Her breasts shook.


    She touches Crono''s forehead with a soft smile on her face, whether she realizes she''s looking at her breasts or not.


    ''You seem to have a bit of a fever. I would like to lower your fever with the Divine Majesty Technique...''''


    Nam raised an apologetic eyebrow.


    ''It''s enough that you''ve healed my wounds. God wouldn''t be amused if I asked for too much.''''


    It''s a very interesting thing to say.


    Nam sat down in his chair and chuckled.


    However, his eyes are not smiling.


    He is looking at Crono with eyes that seem to be stepping on prices.


    ''''I''m sure you''ll be fine now, but please don''t push yourself too hard.


    Nam stood up slowly.


    His chest shook again as he stood up, leaning slightly forward.


    He must be up to something.


    It was probably because Crono''s mind was dirty that he felt that way.


    ''I''ll be back tomorrow, but if you need anything else, just call me.


    With that, Nam walked out of the bedroom.


    ''''Well let''s go to bed.''''


    I close my eyes and that''s when I hear a squeak.


    I opened my eyes to see if Nam had returned.


    Then Snow was staring at Crono through the doorway.


    ''Crono-sama, have you been sleeping?''


    Is Snow okay?


    Yeah!��Snow nodded cheerfully and walked into the bedroom.


    Even though he hadn''t decided what to do after protecting her, wouldn''t there be a problem with not restraining her?


    Such a question snatched at his brain for a moment.


    Snow stood beside the bed and turned over apologetically.


    ''Crono-sama, I''m sorry.''


    That''s the hardest part about being a commander is that you can''t get away with an apology.


    Crono chuckled.


    ''Does it hurt?''


    More like lazy.


    Nam said something about being able to lower his fever, but he didn''t want to shorten his life span by relying on the divine art.


    Snow climbed up on the bed and straddled Crono.


    ''''Why are you straddling him?''''


    Master Crono can be so polite sometimes, can''t he?


    Snow tilted her head curiously.


    ''Excuse me. I''m pretty tired, could you give me a break?


    Chet, Snow clicked her tongue prettily and got off the chrono.


    ''When is it okay?''


    I''m afraid this is going to take a while.


    Snow''s lips quirked up in frustration.


    ''Well, fine. I don''t want to run off.''


    The images of Sue and Eryll snatched at my brain, but Crono didn''t say anything.


    ''''Bye, Crono-sama.''''


    Good night.


    I watch Snow leave the bedroom and then close my eyes.


    It''s going to be awesome when I return to the Marquess of Erakis, but I decide not to think about it.

 105-Modified version of Episode 15 "Starting Point"

    *


    March 43rd March of the imperial calendar - the air in the arena was hot.


    However, it was on a much better level than the first match.


    Compared to Roy Akbens'' match, there is a difference between lukewarm and boiling water.


    His name value as the Commander of the Knights of the Konoe Guard, his ability to overwhelm the absolute champion Gillian, his skill in captivating the crowd, and his ability to take his opponent''s abilities to the limit after a few matches.


    If Roy''s match was the main event, then the morning bout was only a starter.


    As a sign of the lack of interest, the seats in the audience are noticeably empty.


    There were even people chatting away without regard to the match.


    The only people who are keenly interested in the match are the fans or fans of the players.


    Yikes!��Ricky!


    Suddenly, there was a yellow cheer.


    A young boy with an innocent face came out into the arena.


    His brown hair was rather long, and he was dressed in crude leather armor.


    The spear in his hand seems to be a good piece of equipment, but since weapons used in the arena are required to be blade-drawn, it''s a shame to say it''s not worth it.


    Then, there was another yellow cheer.


    ''Fury!��Kill the colored man!


    An angry voice rang out.


    Out in the arena is a man with the appearance of a rock formation.


    He is shaved or has no hair.


    He is shorter than Ricky and wears only a loincloth, but he has superb muscle tone that suggests he has no need for armor.


    The weapon is a cudgel that appears to be handmade.


    They stood in the center of the arena and stared at each other.


    The ringing of the bell that signaled the start of the match rang out and Fury jumped out of the way.


    Ricky tried not to let him close the distance with his spear, but Fury forced him to close the distance.


    ''Go!��Fury!��I want Ricky bled!��Crack his head open with the club!��Kick him in the balls and castrate him!


    ....


    Crono silently looked next to him and saw Verna''s cheeks flushed and her fists in the void.


    ''Verna, what are you doing here?''


    ''Oh?��Of course it''s Crono-sama''s bodyguard.


    Verna replied with a sullen expression as she asked.


    ''Yes!��Fury!��Bump, bump, bump!


    Verna leaned out of the nobleman''s room and shouted.


    She forgot about her escort duties and went into full spectator mode.


    Crono let out a deep sigh and returned to his seat.


    ''''Crono-sama, come in.''''


    Thank you.


    Leila quietly pulled out a chair and Crono sat down in it, thanking her.


    Nicole was seated across the small table from him on the other side of the table, and Neige was seated on his right.


    ''Gehehe, Marquis Erakis, variously.


    I feel like a bad person.


    Crono muttered in a frustrated mood as he looked at Nicole, who was smiling like a scoundrel, at the side.


    Since you''ve made the arena legal, I hope you''ll try to be classy enough not to be frowned upon by those around you.


    ''''The seats are noticeably empty, how are you doing?


    The real action doesn''t start until this afternoon, so don''t worry.


    Apparently, Nicole doesn''t see the empty seats as a problem.


    I''d like to believe he''s up to the task, but I should probably nail it down, just in case.


    ''I don''t want to be taken lightly just because I''m in the front row, do I?


    "You have no business mucking about with that precious golden egg. I''m trying a lot of different things.


    Nicole said, sounding miffed.


    ''Like the match you just had?''


    It''s no fun to watch these guys play.


    Crono asked, and Nicole leaned in to see if he wanted to hear what she had to say.


    ''Hey, what do you think of Roy?''


    What do you mean?


    ''Kah!��You don''t know anything!


    Nicole slapped her thighs with a bang.


    ''Roy''s a great guy!��He''s strong and spectacular!��He deserves to be the absolute champion!


    Nicole stood up and buzzed her fists around.


    There was heat in her voice.


    As a showman, she must have recognized Roy''s strength as an audience member.


    ''....but...''


    He lowers his voice and sits back in his chair with a thump.


    ''Absolute champions are crooked. That''s right, they''ll be admired, respected, and awed, but there''s a definite lack of empathy.


    ...sympathy.


    ''Yes!��Empathy!


    Crono muttered, and Nicole shouted in admiration and spread her arms out.


    ''The crowd in the arena ain''t the elite!��Do those people put themselves up to the born-again elite?��You''re not stacking them together, are you?��Is it fun when the elite win?��This ain''t fun!��The audience wants to see an ordinary man beat an elite!


    I know what you''re saying, but it''s not much of a line.


    She''s going to say that this is entertainment or that the concept is a gladiator (idol) that you can go see.


    I mean, I think Nicole has forgotten that Crono and Neige are nobles.


    ''''It looks like they''re going to sell the right to date.


    Neige blurted out, and Nicole''s eyes widened in surprise.


    Suddenly Ricky''s spear passed through her brain.


    ''Oh, come on, don''t be an idiot. I was just paid for my time and effort to deliver a message. I don''t know where it goes from there.


    I''m sure there will be some people who will want to take over.


    When Neige muttered again, Nicole swam her eyes to see if such a story had already been told.


    ''Well, it doesn''t matter,''


    You scared the shit out of me.


    Nicole let out a breath of relief.


    ''I''m already hardened, you know. I''ve listened to your arguments and paid my taxes once a month, and I''ve told them to give a soup kitchen and donated to the Temple. There''s no one in this imperial city who contributes more to the country than us.


    I''m sure the major trade associations pay more in taxes than the Nichol group, but this would be a flower if not said.


    ''What percentage of the donation kickback is that?''


    What are you talking about?


    Nicole met Neige''s gaze head-on.


    ''Don''t be too fancy, okay?''


    I don''t know what the hell you''re talking about, but I''ll keep that in mind.


    Neige''s second-in-command looked a little sullen.


    Maybe he was trying to make a deal instead of keeping the injustice quiet.


    ''By the way, is the box office okay with the players being pulled out?


    We''ll talk about it again.


    Nicole let out a great sigh.


    ''I know it doesn''t look good, but there''s nothing wrong with a poor man getting a job. You can pay a good amount of money for a mid-level player or above. It''s enough to buy you a life in the top tier.


    But," he said, cutting off the words there.


    ''How many guys do you think will get to the top, or even the middle class?��Hard work doesn''t always bring results in this world. A single defeat can cost you everything. That''s why it''s not a bad idea to drop out and settle down with a rich mistress before your body gets damaged. Not only is it bad, I''m recommending it.


    ...I see.


    Crono gave a small nod.


    I thought he was just a simple defender, but he seems to have a lot of love for his players.


    ''''Even if they''re weak, if you do well, you can still grab the money, so it''s easier to get players.


    You''re screwed.


    Look, I''m not in the charity business, okay? I can''t stay in business without making a profit.


    Nicole leaned forward and glared at me, but I didn''t feel much fear.


    I''m getting brazen too, I even think.


    ''Tch, you''re losing it,''


    Nicole clicked her tongue and leaned against the back of the chair.


    It must be quite sturdy.


    There was no sound of creaking.


    ''Geez!


    Suddenly, Verna let out a scream.


    Fury must have been hit~ Crono looked at Verna with a somewhat blank mood.


    ''Fury!��Get up, get up!��You''re a slumming hero!��You''re going to win for the kids!��Get up!


    ...What''s the setting?


    When Crono turned to look at her, Nicole scratched her head in embarrassment.


    She looks like some masked wrestler somewhere.


    ''''Just a strong face is boring, so I added some humanity to it.


    Isn''t it bad to make them do it?


    No, don''t get me wrong. I ain''t lying about Fury coming from the slums, and I ain''t lying about my donations. I''m just using my boys to spread the word.


    ''Just a little,'' said Nicole, creating space between her thumb and forefinger.


    ''Really, just a little?''


    Oh, uh, that''s a bit of a stretch, too.


    You''re lying!


    "Don''t talk like that!


    Crono shouted, and Nicole shouted back.


    ''This is, you know, that thing ... that''s called staging. Or fantasy?''


    The last part was a whispered voice sound.


    It was weird to have a big, bald-headed man do that to me.


    ''They''ll know you''re lying,''


    ''Yes!��Get up!��Fury, you are a man among men!��Go!��Let''s turn it around from here!


    Verna shouts and swings her fist around.


    ''There''s something strangely naive about Verna-san, isn''t there?


    ...naive.


    Crono muttered as he looked at Neige sideways.


    Can you describe a daughter who tries to steal a purse from someone who is collapsed in an alleyway as naive?


    ''You can''t take advantage of naivete, can you?


    It''s a good thing they don''t find out. They don''t find out.


    It''s hard to decide if Nicole''s line is in response to the staging, or if it''s in response to Neige''s words.


    ''''That said, even if we legalize it, we''re still selling serious competition. I won''t just do the eighteenth.


    Oh, I see.


    Crono replied with no effort.


    What can I say, I don''t care if I''ve spread rumors or made up a story or not.


    ''Yes!��Fury wins.��Good thing I bet on Fury, man!


    You b*tc*.


    Crono clenched his fists.


    I thought I was being strangely empathetic, but then I realized he was playing a betting game instead of his guard duty.


    ''....I need more time to train.


    I''ve hit the basics. Please take care of Verna.


    Nice to meet you.


    Neige and his second in command interrupted Crono''s words and hung their heads deeply.


    ''''No~ I made a profit, I made a profit!


    Verna approached with a big smile on her face.


    ''If you don''t have any plans, why don''t you come over for dinner?


    ''I am sorry. Master Crono will be going to see his recruits off after this.


    Leila declined Nicole''s offer in a matter-of-fact tone.


    ''I''m sorry. I really couldn''t do anything for the girls, so I wanted to at least give them a good send-off.


    Yeah, well, that''s no help at all.


    Nicole lightly cowered her shoulders.


    ''Oh, come to think of it. I totally forgot about it, man.''''


    Verna''s a new recruit.


    ''I don''t have a choice!��I''ve been busy being me!


    When Crono rushed in, Verna raised her voice.


    ''I mean, am I supposed to have graduated from boot camp?


    Verna crossed her arms and tilted her head.


    ''I know you''ve been working hard on your training under Neige, but I''d like you to pay a little more attention to yourself.


    ''Don''t worry. I''ve already arranged for that to be arranged with the War Office.


    Neige''s second-in-command pushed his glasses up.


    It seemed he used an unlegitimate method, but I shouldn''t have to point out that Crono used a similar method to get Shaura and the others assigned to his territory.


    ''Thank you, bespectacled sister!��After all, it''s different when you have someone solid!


    Hey, Sis.


    I''m not very firm, am I?


    Neige''s second-in-command looks a little disgusted, and Neige is slumped.


    ''I think it''s time to go,''


    Crono let out a sigh and then stood up.


    *


    The three of them took the wagon to the recruit training camp.


    Leila was holding the reins in the gosha''s seat, Crono next to her, and Verna...sitting with her legs thrown out in the cart.


    Crono looked over his shoulder at Verna and let out a small sigh.


    Then Verna seemed to notice that she was being watched and turned her gaze to me.


    ''''Crono-sama, what do you want to do with me?''''


    I mean, you need to work a little harder.


    You''re a good worker.


    Verna frowned, her lips twitched in frustration.


    ''Where?''


    I''m always on the lookout. I mean, you''re doing what you''re supposed to be doing, so why not?


    "You can''t be more sloppy than your commanding officer. Read the air, air. Create an air of seriousness.


    Maybe it was because he left the boot camp halfway through, or maybe Neige''s training was poor, but he''s become a bad boy.


    This means I''ll have to educate him from scratch.


    I can at least read the air!


    Really?


    Have you forgotten about Master Crono? I was the one who first noticed that Cecily was in love with Master Crono.


    Thank you for setting this up for us and thanks for that.


    ''Yes,'' said Verna, proudly beaming.


    ''However, from the reactions I''ve had since then, I don''t think Cecily was in love with me.


    No, that''s impossible. It''s because he doesn''t have an ounce of integrity that he talks smack. Is she a tsundere?


    That would be great.


    When Crono smiled gently at her, Verna''s face twitched.


    Her face turned pale as the blood drained away quickly.


    ''''Really?''''


    "Seriously.


    Crono replied shortly.


    ''I think you''re f*cking, but you are, right?''


    It''s been a lot of fun.


    ''Thank you, thank you,'' said Crono, worshipping Verna.


    ''It''s Master Crono who should read the air!��If you realize you''re not in love with him, don''t mess with him!��Why are you messing with me!


    Verna got down on all fours and hit the back of the load with a bang.


    ''There was a lot going on in the parent conquest and on the southern frontier, so I pushed as hard as I could.


    ''What the hell are you doing?��I don''t even know what to look like to meet Cecily anymore!


    Verna put her head in her hands.


    ''I think we should meet with a smile.''


    ''You bastard!��You''re a demon!��If I hadn''t messed with you, it would have been a laughing matter, what the hell were you thinking!


    Can''t we just turn this around and confess to them honestly?


    ''No!��Cecily would kill herself if she told you the truth!


    ''How often is it a tragedy for the people involved, but a comedy in the eyes of others?


    ''Don''t talk to me like I''m somebody else''s problem!��You''re a party to this!


    Ah!��And Verna rolled around the back of the cart, scratching her head.


    Well, even Cecily should understand her position..............that she was sent as a hostage, so I don''t think there''s no need to be concerned about it.


    ''''........Crono-sama.


    Okay.


    Crono straightened his residence at Leila''s call and quickly nodded his head.


    New recruits and wagons are lined up in the training camp''s training grounds.


    It''s not strange so far.


    It''s because he had asked the War Office to let him see off the recruits assigned to his territory.


    The problem is the number of people.


    I thought that Shaura and the others only ten people would be assigned to Crono''s territory, but there are ten times that many.


    ''''There are about a hundred of them?''''


    One hundred and twenty.


    Leila was quick to correct him.


    ''Aren''t we treated as a Kingsguard Order?


    Aside from the fact that Crono has not been knighted, when it comes to the Knights of the Kingsguard, they are the top elite in the military.


    I want manpower by the throat, but I''m not sure if one hundred and twenty new recruits will be assigned to it.


    ''''On the paperwork, they aren''t Knights of the Order, are they?''''


    Yeah. And your uniform is black.


    My men''s military uniforms have yet to be sent to me.


    I hope they will take proper steps to be treated as a Kingsguard Order.


    ''''The Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard!��Salute to Commander Crono!


    The recruits obeyed the training instructor''s command and saluted Crono with a single, threadbare movement.


    It was still a somewhat broken salute.


    Leila stopped the wagon at one of the training grounds, and Crono gallantly landed on the ground.


    He moved to the front of the recruits and gave a military school-inspired salute.


    ''Fix it!''


    When he stopped saluting and made a glance at her, the training instructor gave the command again.


    ''Training Instructor!''


    Ha!


    Crono called out, and the training instructor came running up.


    ''''You''re all new recruits to be assigned to my territory, right?


    ''Ha!��There''s no doubt about it!


    The training instructor straightened his back and replied.


    ''Good job, you''ve trained me so well. I''d like to thank you personally later.


    Thank you!


    The training instructor saluted and returned to his original position.


    By the way, a salute is a reward for giving me the opportunity to speak to the new recruits.


    Crono turned to the recruits.


    ''''Well first of all, I would like to compliment you for successfully completing the training process. You did well to get through the rigorous training. I am honored to have you as my subordinates. You are members of the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard from today.


    I cut off the words and look at the new soldiers.


    They all have a glint in their eyes.


    ''When you''re a soldier, there''s a chance that you''ll die on the battlefield. Death is the end. But the souls of those who die for their comrades in arms and their ideals are passed on. I wish to be bound to you and your souls, that our souls are eternal, that''s all.


    "Thirteenth Kingsguard!��Salute to Commander Crono!


    The recruits once again obeyed the training instructor''s command and saluted without a trace.


    ''Fix it!��Now, get in the wagon!��Don''t giggle unless you want to embarrass yourself in front of Commander Crono!


    The tension eased, but the training instructor, perhaps because of the wait for Crono''s arrival, had run out of room in his schedule, and gave out loud instructions.


    ''''........Leila.


    Yes, Mr. Crono.


    Crono took two bags of silver coins from his pouch and handed them to Leila.


    ''Give one to the training instructors and the other to your people.


    Yes.


    Crono shifted his gaze to the parade ground and looked for Shaura and the others.


    Fortunately, Shaura and the others were quickly found.


    ''''Shoura!''''


    He called out his name loudly and raised his hand.


    Then the recruits, who had been moving in a hurry, stopped.


    It was as if time froze in place.


    ''''........''''


    I silently beckoned to her, and Shaura ran up to me with a nervous look on her face.


    The children she had sent out of the estate also took a beat and started running.


    Shaura stopped and looked up at Crono.


    ''Only once... oh no, I''m sorry I couldn''t come to see you properly.


    I only visited the recruit training camp once.


    I was only able to talk to them in the form of an instruction to the new recruits.


    I think it''s too late now to think that I should have set aside time to talk to Shaura and the others, since they''ll be able to give me flexibility if I give them money.


    ''Dancho! Hey, Marquis!


    Apparently, Shaura can''t decide what to call it.


    ''Crono is fine,''


    ''Yes!��Master Crono!


    Shaura spoke softly to her, trying not to make her nervous, and she raised her voice.


    The gesture made me smile, so I patted her head.


    ''''I think I''m going to be in the Imperial City for a while, but I''m going to listen to Mino-san''s orders and stay well.


    Yes!


    Shaura said with a twinkle in her eye.


    She suddenly looked up to see the elven boy looking at Crono, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.


    We leave the boot camp in a wagon.


    The time was probably past noon.


    It took longer than I expected.


    I exchanged a few words with the elven boy, and then the recruits began to line up.


    I was calling out to him, patting his head and hugging him, feeling sorry for him to be turned away, but it was now this late.


    I suddenly felt a look and turned around to see Verna looking at me with eyes that seemed to want to say something.


    ''What are those eyes?''


    ''''Well it''s not that, I just thought you were being nice to the new recruits.


    That''s a spiky thing to say.


    Apparently, I''m worried about Cecily.


    ''I was just trying to do it back?


    There''s a way to do it, you know. There''s a way to do it.


    Verna said with a frown.


    ''The way you take advantage of their weaknesses will leave you with a bad heart. Isn''t that what noblemen are all about?��Besides, I didn''t think Master Crono was that kind of guy.


    It''s a line that sounds like some stand user.


    That aside, no matter how you go about it, it''s bound to leave something bad behind.


    Once a grudge is created, it never disappears.


    At least Crono will never forget it.


    That''s why Tilia calls me a small vessel, but it''s better than being licked.


    ''''Crono-sama........


    Hmm?


    Leila mumbled and Verna turned her gaze to the guru''s seat.


    ''This is the kind of person,''


    ....


    Verna''s mouth is open.


    ''No, so that''s the way it''s done.


    ''Half-hearted retaliation is counterproductive. When you do it, whether it''s physical or mental, you have to do more damage than they can imagine.


    This is what it means to be nibbly, Leila dismisses Verna''s rebuttal in a nonchalant manner.


    ''You know, so...''


    What is it?


    Nothing, no. Nothing at all.


    Verna was about to retort, but Leila''s power overwhelmed her and she pulled back.


    ''''Crono-sama, what will you do after this?''''


    I think I''ll stop by my dad''s.


    If it was as usual, it would be the time for my adopted father and Myra to return to the southern frontier, but perhaps it was because Crono was in the imperial capital, but they were delaying their return this year.


    ''''We have to be filial to our parents, don''t we?


    Crono looked up at the sky.


    *


    As I tied the horses to the stables and headed for the front door, my adoptive father and Myra ran out of the house looking flustered.


    ''Sorry you came all the way out here, but I''m going to be gone for a while!


    I''m sorry, but we''re not in the office at the moment!


    Don''t forget to take care of it!��Goodbye!


    Goodbye, Mr. Butt.


    Crono lightly raised his hand to see them off.


    But still, what had happened?


    ''Crono-sama, what shall we do?''


    I couldn''t leave the house.


    When I had no choice but to go into the house, I heard a voice.


    A gloomy woman crying.


    I suddenly remembered that White was staring at an empty space.


    ''''The ... voice.''''


    ''Yes,'' said Leila, nodding quietly.


    ''Verna, go ahead,''


    Well, it''s okay.


    Verna didn''t seem to understand a single thing at the moment.


    Maybe she didn''t hear the woman''s cries.


    She takes the lead while tilting her head.


    ''There might be ghosts, ghosts, ghosts, but be careful.


    What?


    Crono grabbed both of Verna''s shoulders as she tried to turn around.


    ''We''ll go on without looking back,''


    Make me look back!��I mean, what the hell is a ghost?


    A ghost is a spiritual thing that can do a lot of things.


    I don''t know what''s going on with all of these things!��I didn''t ask for an explanation for the ghost before that!


    Yeah, just go ahead!


    Verna fiercely resisted, but Crono was slightly more dominant.


    Little by little she came closer and closer to crying.


    But unexpectedly, Verna stopped moving.


    ''''Hehe, don''t lick me!


    Don''t lick me, either.


    Crono activates the imprint, jet-black glitter marks coloring his body like barbarian war veneer.


    Verna begins to move again.


    ''My hot-burning soul doesn''t matter.


    I don''t feel an ounce of heat in the air!


    It''s a pain in the ass to figure out how to say it.


    ''Shit!��I''m not going to lose!


    Sparks buzzed around as the magic power was strengthened, and the two of them were competing for power.


    ''''How''s my power?''''


    Tsk.


    I was annoyed by the quirks.


    Who do they think they are to be so proud of themselves when they treated you so kindly when you were a maid?


    You have to teach them about hierarchy, after all.


    "Heh, that''s not going to happen at all, is it?


    "...phew.


    ''Geez, geez!


    Verna exclaimed as Crono breathed into her ear.


    She pushed through the gap in her concentration and moved down the corridor at once.


    ''This, this!''


    The sparks scatter again and Verna stops.


    ''''Huh.''''


    I breathed into his ear again, but this time he just writhed and didn''t proceed.


    ''''Seriously, aren''t you ashamed to do that?


    All you have to do is win, and you''ll win!


    Crono shouted back at Verna.


    ''d*mn, I''m not going to lose!


    Now, how far do you think you can go?


    She blew on her ear, but Verna only made her body tense up.


    No matter how many times I tried it, it just made my body tense up.


    ''Heh, heh, so, what do you think?��I won''t lose no matter what they do to me.


    I''m feeling lightheaded.


    Crono shook his head.


    ''''Well if it comes to this, we have no choice but to play the deep end.


    Backroom?


    Verna gulped and cleared her throat.


    ''I''ll rub your breasts.''


    ''What do you really think you''re doing?��Geez, geez!


    Verna screamed as Crono hugged her from behind.


    ''He''s going to rub me like this!


    No, stop!��I''m going to blow you away!


    Crono and Verna rolled down the hallway in a tangled mess.


    Then they stopped in front of the cafeteria.


    They could hear crying coming from close by.


    When they looked at the diner in horror, they saw a woman propped up at a table.


    Behind her stands a man dressed in military-style clothing.


    It was a man with glasses.


    An old wound runs across his lips.


    Robert?


    Master Crono, I''m sorry for the interruption.


    With that, the man ... Robert, the deputy head of the Baronial Vigilante of Ekron, pushed up his glasses.


    The fact that Robert was here meant that it would be Canaan who was propped up on the table and crying.


    Canaan was wearing a black dress and an embroidered bolero.


    She has a scarf around her neck, but it''s not coordinated.


    When she raised her body, something soft touched her palm.


    ''''........Why did you rub my breasts?''''


    I''m not rubbing you.


    When I looked at her, I saw Verna glaring at me with a bright red face.


    ''No, I rubbed!��I definitely rubbed it!


    I''m not rubbing you.


    No, no, you rubbed it, didn''t you?��You saw Master Crono rubbing my breasts, right?


    I didn''t see it.


    I''m sorry, sir, my lens is fogged up too.


    Leila turned away, while Robert took off his glasses and wiped his lenses as he said


    ''''Well there is no justice in the world, is there?''''


    Just think of it as a stray dog bite, and give it up.


    That''s not what he says!


    Crono tapped Verna lightly on the shoulder and took a seat facing Canaan.


    Mukher!��And Verna is flapping her feet, but I dare to ignore her.


    ''By the way, what''s wrong with you, Kanan?


    "...it''s a matter of honor for the young lady.


    Robert looked down awkwardly at his eyes, and Canaan slowly raised himself up.


    His crying, swollen eyes were painful.


    ''''Well I''ll explain it to you myself.


    Canaan began to talk about poppycock and poppycock.


    The story itself was long, but the bottom line is that she came to complain to her foster father because her marriage life wasn''t going well.


    I guess it''s not surprising that his marriage life isn''t going well~.


    He had been so aggressive as the leader of a neighborhood watch group.


    It''s strange that there are no bad rumors.


    You can''t talk about it.


    ''''You didn''t have to come all the way to Teito, you should have talked to someone about it.


    I came to Teito because I couldn''t talk to him about it.


    Canaan said in a voice that sounded like it came from the depths of the earth.


    ''What kind of partner do you want?''


    As long as you don''t look like a mountain monkey, I don''t have any requirements...


    Cohon, Canaan coughed.


    ''I don''t mind the looks in its own way. I can put up with an age difference of up to ten years old. I usually prefer someone who can stand up for me, the head of the family, and stand in the line of fire when the occasion calls for it.


    Hmmm, Crono groaned.


    Money and power are not free, and on top of that, he is expected to care and be in the line of fire if something goes wrong.


    Honestly, it''s not often that a man wants to marry a man on these terms.


    ''I think it''s quite a compromise, Master Crono, what do you think?


    ....


    I can''t get the words out on the spur of the moment.


    Perhaps if I expressed my opinion, I would be rebutted, and if I agreed, I would have to go through an endless stream of complaining.


    My adopted father and Myra didn''t like either of them, so they ran away.


    ''Surely someone who fits the bill... ha!


    When I looked up, I saw Robert shaking his head in a small way.


    Crono also fit Canaan''s conditions.


    Since the Crawford Baronial Domain and the Ekron Baronial Domain are adjacent to each other, a commuter marriage is not impossible.


    Rather, that would be more convenient for Canaan.


    We should force ourselves to change the topic here.


    ''''........That scarf looks good on you, doesn''t it?


    Is it this scarf?


    Kanan patted his scarf with a languid expression.


    Crono immediately realized his mistake.


    It was because Robert had a look on his face as if he had bitten down on a bitter worm.


    ''''It was given to me by the Earl of Chiron, the man I set up with today.


    What?


    He rises from his chair with a start.


    ''''Master Crono, you know that Count Chiron has feelings for you, don''t you?


    Yeah, well.


    Crono slurred his words.


    ''Um, well, I don''t think Rio fits the bill, do you?


    Yes, I know my family''s size is out of proportion.


    Not only is it out of balance, but it''s a good place to aim for the ball.


    After all, you don''t want to compromise on anything, do you?


    "Is that scarf an apology?


    ''Yes, I have heard that you processed wool imported from the Holy Argo Kingdom in your own domain.


    Tilia?��Crono tilted his head inwardly.


    ''''........If we don''t decide on a marriage partner at this point, the Baron Ekron family will be cut off.


    I don''t think so, sir.


    What?


    When Crono answered immediately, Kanan''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''Ne, ne, ne, sis is, well, that pregnant?''


    It seems to be a matter of time.


    Relieved that he hadn''t beaten her to it, Kanan patted his chest.


    Master, may I brew some incense tea for you?


    You change so quickly.


    Robert''s expression softened and he cowered lightly.


    His attitude was mischievous, but his eyes were serious.


    ''If you don''t have a partner, then why don''t you marry Robert?


    With Robert?


    Canaan turned and looked at Robert with price-stamping eyes.


    Not bad.


    He could feel that feeling.


    ''I''m sorry, sir, but I have a fianc��e.


    Robert pushed the glasses up and the lenses gave off a cold glow of rejection.


    ''I, when?''


    I''m from the Barony of Ekron.


    With her strong background, and the ''yellow earth and fertility mother goddess'' as her divine master, she must be a force to be reckoned with.


    ''''I''m hoping to hold the ceremony before the end of the year.


    Shh. Bless you.


    Kanan plopped down on the desk without effort.


    The shock of finding out that the person he thought was his equal was getting around so well was immeasurable.


    ''Should I give up on the marriage?''


    What do you think?


    When Crono asked back, Canaan''s lips twitched in frustration.


    You should refrain from making positive statements and easy consolation.


    An instinct sharpened by numerous battles whispered that.


    Just as he prayed for them both to come back soon, Leila opened her mouth.


    ''''Crono-sama, it seems someone has arrived.


    Can you do that?


    Of course.


    Leila walked out of the dining room and I heard her voice.


    Nice timing.


    If we do well, we might be able to get Canaan to leave.


    ''Hey, I''m here to see Crono.


    "Count Chiron.


    Oh, God. You are such an a**h*le.


    *


    Crono opened the door of the mansion as he fell down.


    The cloak was heavy, as if it had turned to lead.


    I''d like to take it off, but I can''t treat my foster father''s gift to me poorly.


    ''''I''m ... tired.''''


    I stopped in the middle of the entrance hall and let out a deep sigh.


    It had been a hell of a few hours before my adoptive father and Myra came back.


    Common sense dictated that it should be pretty awkward to sit in the same room with someone who had refused to be in a relationship.


    Especially if you''re with a lover.


    But there are some people in the world who don''t think outside the box.


    I''m not going to be the only one.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    It''s typical for Rio to hit the line just in time to deceive.


    ''''Crono-sama, thank you for your help.


    I''m really tired.


    Crono took off his cloak and offered it to her, and Leila took it and draped it over her arm.


    ''Do you think you could have fooled me?''


    I''m sure they were suspicious.


    Yeah.


    Crono hung his head in a gulp.


    ''Now we just have to hope that Robert-san will follow through. But why would Rio do something like that?''


    ''The Earl of Chiron would like to be treated as a lover, wouldn''t he?


    I''m handling it.


    ''I don''t think Master Crono means what he thinks he means.


    He answered immediately.


    And with a straight face.


    ''Making out in public is a public affair,''


    Worldly wisdom, huh?


    Leila raised her eyebrows slightly.


    ''For what it''s worth, Rio comes from a great family. I''d say I''m sorry to hear him speak ill of me, or preferably avoid it.


    Mr. Crono.


    Leila''s mouth fell open in happiness.


    Crono scratched his head and headed for the stairs.


    The objective was not the second floor, but the basement.


    ''''Aren''t you going back to your room?''''


    We need to get Snow out of there first.


    A door on the side of the staircase opens to reveal a staircase that leads to the basement.


    Magic items for lighting are set up on the wall, but their light is weak, as if they are nearing the end of their life.


    Crono poked his hand against the wall and slowly descended the stairs.


    Down the stairs, there was a horizontal space there.


    Doors lined up at equal intervals on one wall, and in front of the door at the far end, a beastman standing in front of the door at the far end with a spear in his hand as a sentry.


    ''''Good night, can you open the door for me?''''


    "Ha! (GASP!)


    The beastman bowed to Crono and unlocked the door.


    A magic item for lighting illuminated Snow, who was holding his knees on the bed.


    Snow noticed us and looked up.


    ''''Crono-sama, you can''t come!


    As he entered the room, Snow''s face turned red and he exclaimed.


    ''Snow, that''s not the way to talk to your superiors.


    ''Because I haven''t had a bath since I got in here!��And, and the bathroom...


    When Layla said in a quiet, yet strangely powerful voice, Snow''s face fell down in embarrassment.


    She glanced at me as if she was curious about my reaction.


    ''''........Hoho.''''


    As Crono stared at the jar in the corner of the room, Snow looked as if she was about to cry.


    Apparently, shame is more effective than restricting freedom and food.


    ''''Hee, that''s terrible.''''


    ''You have to feel the pain, or it won''t be a punishment.


    U~, Snow''s lips twitched as if she was sulking.


    The reason why he didn''t argue is because he is aware of the lightness of the punishment imposed on him.


    ''This case was also my fault, and since no harm was done to the public, I got away with a light punishment. Don''t ever misunderstand me there.


    I''m sorry.


    Snow nodded with a divine look on his face.


    *


    The crime rate in the Twelfth Ward is down, and the crime rate in the New Town is also on the decline. With the new financial resources available to us, we are able to run the poorhouse, soup kitchens...


    That''s all right. I''ll read the rest of the report.


    When Alcor interrupted him, Count Piske looked relieved.


    ''''Then I will be excused,''''


    You should go home and get some rest.


    Count Piske bowed reverently and walked out of his office.


    At one point I wondered what would happen, but he seemed to have regained quite a bit of composure.


    ''''........But how long will it last?''''


    Alcor picked up a petition.


    It is an appeal for the ouster of the Ninth Kingsguard Knights who are guarding the castle.


    Considering Count Chiron''s words and actions, it seems like a natural progression, but looking at the names linked to the petition, it is clear that it is the work of the Alfortists.


    Most likely, they think that if they get rid of Count Chiron, they will be able to move around the castle freely.


    It can''t be laughed off as a misguided effort.


    If the nobles of Alfort''s faction are allowed to move around the castle freely, the resistance will surely gain momentum.


    Alfort would become emperor with their encouragement, Alcor would be dismissed as vizier, and the personnel of the various bureaus would be revamped.


    And the empire will be thrown into chaos.


    There is no way to stop that trend.


    Even if they were able to push it back, they would eventually be pushed out.


    Alkor let out a sigh and leaned back.


    He was an old man.


    His strength and energy are far less than they were in his youth.


    He had sworn to dedicate his life to the Empire, and he had lived that way, but when he was conscious of the time he had left, he felt the thought that he should have had a child.


    ''''Well I have cut back on the influence of Empress Astraea.


    I was carrying a bad portable shrine.


    No, it was my negligence in relying too much on your authority.


    Self-mockery is bitter.


    Because he was fully trusted, he was able to push for reform and reconstruction without being bothered by the rebel forces, but on the other hand, many aristocrats must have been unhappy that they were not able to benefit from it.


    The current situation could be considered a reaction to the heavy use of Arcol.


    If that''s the case, should they have engaged in a bogus power struggle?


    That is impossible.


    The empire at that time was exhausted by civil war.


    If it had not wielded its power, it would have perished.


    There was no choice but to get rid of them, said Arkol, closing his eyes.


    If Princess Tilia succeeded to the throne, it would strengthen the influence of Empress Astraea, but if he didn''t get rid of Alfort, the idiots would ruin the country.


    The problem is how to get rid of Alfort.


    Assassination is not enough.


    We need to get rid of his cronies as well, or there will be trouble.


    There are only a few ways to get rid of Alfort.


    It is a spiteful approach, but if it is the only way, we need not hesitate.

 106-Episode 16 "Tilias Prosperity Record" Part 1

    *


    February 43rd year of the imperial calendar -- Tilia stamped the permit and superimposed it on the stamped permit.


    There are three types of permits on the desk in the office - a permit to open a stall, a permit to operate a brothel, and a permit to trade in slaves.


    The permit for the business license for the brothel and the license for the slave trade are valid for three months and the permit for the stall is valid for twelve months.


    The examination of the brothel and slave trading is strict, but the stalls are quite loose, with groups of people being able to apply for a stall and permission being granted to joke stalls such as life advice.


    I don''t think Crono believes that major problems occur with stalls.


    The paucity of material on stalls seems to prove this.


    ''But to be this blatant,''


    Tyria stared at the material about the whorehouse, thick as a blunt instrument, and chuckled.


    Not only was it thick, but it was extremely meticulous.


    It contains not only information about the brothel and its management, but also the vendors who come and go.


    The same goes for the slavers'' materials.


    It''s the clerk who makes these documents, and the items on criminal records show that they work well with the military.


    That''s not surprising.


    The loyalty of the clerk and the soldier is directed to Crono personally.


    ''Building a warlord in less than three years?


    The War Office takes great care to prevent the formation of warlords.


    They don''t allow the lord and the battalion commander to work together, and they only provide a minimum amount of military funding to prevent the battalion from moving on its own.


    ''''Well, it''s my fault.


    It was Tilia who made Crono serve as both the lord and battalion commander.


    Of course, he hadn''t planned to have him build a warlord from the beginning.


    To be honest, I didn''t expect much.


    It''s true that he suffered a painful defeat in the military school''s exercises, but it''s impossible to imagine that a man who was even called a disgrace to the military school could build a warlord and establish an economic zone consisting of four territories in less than three years.


    ''''That''s why I must firmly support him. Crono has a few things that are missing.''''


    For example, the group applied for permission to open a store.


    I doubt very much that Crono anticipated this situation and gave permission.


    I''d be lying if I said I wasn''t angered by the way they took advantage of the situation, but the idea itself was brilliant.


    If you are allowed to open a stall, you have to pay a certain amount of money, and building a stall costs money.


    If they were only selling food, they would have to be creative with the layout of their stalls, which would be used to make grilled sausages and other dishes.


    If there is a risk of collapse or loss of fire, the stall will have to be rebuilt at worst.


    It''s not a lot of money, judging by the information I''ve gleaned from playing and even inspecting the stalls, but it''s not a lot of money to throw down the drain.


    However, if a group of people ran a stall, the burden per person would only be as much as the amount of money spent on the bar.


    ''''........If only we could maintain the status quo.


    I must say, it is difficult.


    The farming community is currently in the midst of cultivation.


    There''s no denying the possibility that the labor that goes into the stalls will be lost.


    More farmland would be better, of course, but it would be a shame to lose that chaotic vibrancy.


    ''Let''s call on Sif, or perhaps the Peddlers'' Union.


    I think it would be a good idea to sell the folk art made by the barbarians - or should I say the pioneers from the Bethel Mountains - at the stalls.


    Not only would it make the stalls more crowded, but it would also help ease preconceptions.


    ''Wooden carvings, weaving cloth from imported wool would also be a good idea.


    Settlement continues in Count Caddo''s territory.


    The trees cut down cannot be bought and sold without permission, but the pieces of wood can be used freely.


    ''''........cloth is tough?''''


    Considering the cost of materials and time and effort, I''m afraid of when it doesn''t sell.


    Just as Tilia crossed her arms, wondering what was going on, there was a knock on the door.


    ''''Princess Tilia, excuse me.


    ...hmmm.


    Alyssa entered the room with a shallower bow than usual.


    The shallow bow was because she was holding a tray with a letter on it.


    ''Have you received a letter from the Earl of Chiron?''


    ''This is from the former Viscount Hamal and Sheratan, Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain, and Baron Treis. We are currently checking for omissions of signatures, but we have received a residence permit from Viscount Sheratan.


    Well, Tilia let out a deep sigh.


    It was a month ago that she sent a letter to Earl Chiron in a desperate attempt to create a fad.


    Count Chiron would create a fad and........no, I don''t know.


    I think he would rather take the lead in doing something that Tilia would not like.


    ''''Well come to think of it, it''s a good thing it wasn''t Count Chiron.


    I feel like I could have asked Viscount Blood Hamal, who guards the roadway that connects the Imperial Capital to Emperor Nouzi''s direct domain.


    ''''Princess Tilia?''''


    Yeah, just put it on the desk.


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Alyssa quietly placed the tray on the desk.


    She picked up Baron Mesartim''s letter, which would be the same as usual again.


    Tilia unsealed the letter and her eyes widened.


    She continued to look through the letters of Baron Bossain and Baron Treis.


    She couldn''t control her mouth from loosening.


    ''''What good has come of it?''''


    My efforts have paid off.


    I picked up the letter and stuck it out so I could see the text.


    Then Alyssa looked down at it, apologetically.


    That made her realize her mistake.


    Just because she was excited doesn''t mean she can''t show the letter to the servants.


    He would be a hard man to get.


    He admonishes me in a less talkative and more reserved manner.


    ''''Oh, I''m sorry. All three of them seem to be interested in the wool we import from the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    ''Congratulations. I''m sure your husband will be very happy to see you.


    Alyssa folded her hands and smiled happily.


    ''Wait, Alyssa. Shouldn''t I compliment you on my steady efforts there and then say that Crono would be happy too?


    I''m sorry, too!


    Alyssa bowed her head in a hurry.


    ''No, I''m sorry for the detail on my part.


    Tilia picked up the former Viscount Hamal''s letter and unsealed it.


    The outreach to Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain, and Baron Treis was successful.


    I only thought it was written that way, but there is no mention of it.


    I suppose everyone has a change of heart, but how can three people change their minds at the same time?


    Next, we read a letter from Viscount Sheraton.


    It stated that his uncle Reed''s injuries had been healed, that his negotiations with the military had dramatically restored security, and that the city was returning to life with the elimination of the toll tax and the introduction of a system of street vendors.


    Tilia narrowed her eyes, wondering if it was as the rumors she had heard in the city.


    Tina seemed to think that the introduction of the stall system was starting to bring the city back to life, but unfortunately it was due to the power of the peddlers'' union.


    The Sheratan Viscount''s Domain doesn''t have that much room to maneuver.


    This is the difference between those who have lavishly invested money and time to develop the territory and those who have not.


    We could also give Reed a Thousand Tooth Handler as a gift for his recovery.


    Crono has sent a thousand tooth treaters to the rural villages and southern frontier of his own territory.


    If possible, I wanted the technology to be kept secret, but I know that is difficult.


    The reason is that you don''t need to have a high level of skill to make a thousand tooth handing machine, even if it requires some trial and error.


    So, Crono must have thought of selling his favor in the form of providing technology.


    Tilia opened the drawer, wondering if she should write a letter before she forgot.


    But there was no paper there.


    ''You''ve been careless. Alyssa, I''m sorry, but the paper...''


    When Tilia looked up, Alyssa had a languid expression on her face.


    For some reason, she feels strangely lusty.


    Come to think of it, I remember hearing about seeing Alyssa in the dining room cum inn.


    Even though she''s a mother of one child, it''s no wonder that there''s a man she''s dating in secret.


    ''''........Sir.''''


    The moment Alyssa muttered, Tilia realized with lightning speed that the person she was hiding and dating was Crono.


    ''''........Kohon.


    I''m sorry!


    Alyssa jumped up and bowed her head vigorously as Tilia cleared her throat.


    She guffawed at the urge to question how long they''ve been together.


    ''You can call me ma''am if you want, okay?


    Why is that?


    Alyssa raised an eyebrow, as if confused.


    ''It is my decision to be Crono''s full-time wife.


    ''You may call me ma''am when you''re married, don''t you think?


    ''We''re as good as married, so you don''t mind if I call you ma''am, do you?


    I thought I was trying to keep him in check, but Alyssa''s confusion deepened.


    She doesn''t seem to understand one thing now.


    No, she''s a smart woman.


    She must be pretending not to notice.


    ''''By the way, what can I do for you?''''


    I was going to ask you to bring me some paper.


    Tilia crossed her arms.


    ''Right. As I thought, bring me the paper. And the carriage.


    Where are you going, sir?


    Count Caddo. I''ll need you to get my residency papers ready. I''ll bring it to you while I''m on my way.


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Alyssa bowed reverently and left the room.


    *


    When I entered the dining room, Viscount Eryl Sardomelik was seated.


    He had been chubby for a while, but he had regained his original body through diet restrictions and moderate exercise.


    No, I should say that his body was healthier than before.


    After a while, the landlady and a maid wearing an eye patch arrived with a silver tray.


    The landlady stood next to Viscount Sardomelik, while the maid with the eye patch stood next to Tilia and began to lay out the food on the table.


    The menu consisted of bread, whitefish soup, whitefish meuniere, and salad.


    Viscount Saldomelik took a small slice of bread and brought it to his mouth.


    He swallowed it, which he chewed slowly, and muttered as he let out a sigh.


    ''''It''s ... delicious.''''


    You''ll let me know if I''m missing something, won''t you?


    Viscount Saldomelik looked at the landlady with a huff.


    Her eyes sparkled with happiness.


    But it quickly turned into something dark and somber.


    ''I can''t do that,''


    It sounded as if he was vomiting blood.


    ''If you gain weight, you''ll have to restrict your diet. It''s more efficient to stick to one serving,''


    Why don''t you just exercise what you eat?


    ''I refuse. I can''t stand any more exercise than I have now.


    Tilia said, and Viscount Sardomelik gave a small shake of his head.


    His voice sounded quiet, but he felt a strong desire not to exercise.


    ''''Are you all right?''''


    "I have an iron will.


    Well, Tilia picked up the spoon and brought the soup to her mouth.


    The flavors are soaked in.


    ''I''ve never been one to worry about my weight, have I?


    ....


    Viscount Saldomelik stared at a point in silence.


    ''Why are you looking at my chest?''


    ''....Princess Tilia''s breasts were not spoiled milk. Instead of motherhood, they were filled with energy that hadn''t been consumed by exercise.


    Dude, who gives a crap?


    Tilia stood up vigorously and shouted.


    ''d*mn it, don''t shout it too loud. That''s what the kid said.


    ''So I only got away with shouting out loud!��If I were an adult, I would have punched you in the face!


    He sits back in his chair with a thud and resumes eating.


    "Did I season it wrong?


    As usual.


    ...the landlady''s cooking is excellent.


    I''m sure you''ll tell me that everything you eat is good.��I''m about to say those words.


    Then I wish you''d stop making a pouting face. You don''t want to be motivated by a look like that.


    ''It''s not fun, so what''s the use?


    Fun?


    The landlady''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''Yes. The food here is meant to be enjoyed, right?''


    Of course, a meal is always better than a meal.


    The landlady sits down in a chair.


    Tilia carves the meuniere.


    Viscount Saldomelik, if I may say so, is more than halfway through his meal.


    ''This isn''t the first time Master Crono has been away from home, is it? Last time ... how was it last time?''''


    "...when the Marquis of Erakis was away, Princess Tyria was miffed.


    Hahan, I didn''t know Princess Tyria had a pretty face.


    The landlady gave a nasty smile.


    ''I''ll take those words right back,''


    What?��What are you talking about? I''m not going to miss Master Crono.


    So the landlady is lonely.


    What are you talking about?��Stop talking nonsense and eat your dinner.


    The landlady crossed her arms and turned away.


    I guess I was right, I''m red to the ears.


    Tilia shreds a small piece of bread.


    ''''Surprising ... but it''s nothing.


    Oh, the only person I love is my dead husband!


    The landlady turned to Tilia and shouted.


    Considering the fact that she had a relationship with Crono, it would be difficult for her to continue to hold the same feelings for the dead as she did in life.


    He sipped his soup while thinking about that.


    ''''You''re tense for that,''''


    I''m not tense, okay?


    The landlady said in a sultry tone.


    I see, said Tilia, making a small ministerial remark and bringing the shredded bread to her mouth.


    Just as she swallowed the bread, the landlady opened her mouth.


    ''''I''m worried about you.


    It was a sultry tone, after all.


    ''''Crono-sama is reckless, you know. Every single time, you''re about to die, and every time, you''re supposed to think about us a little bit.''''


    Yeah.


    Tilia mechanically brings the food to her mouth.


    It''s like eating sand.


    I''m sure he must be making a Buddha''s face even now.


    The landlady may be thinking that Crono will die someday.


    Maybe she is thinking of her husband who died of illness.


    Her husband, who was debilitated by his illness, and Crono, who was stepping into the land of death on his own, would both be the same in terms of the smell of death.


    Tilia picked up the cup and tilted it quietly.


    ''But the Crono who has come to think of self-preservation is no Crono.


    I know that, you know.


    The landlady stabbed her cheekbones and turned away from Tilia.


    Even though it''s a woman''s capacity to spank a man''s ass, who would want to send someone they love to their death?


    I want to stop them, even if I have to cry and cling to them.


    I suspect that''s what the majority of women think.


    What about you?


    ''I am inclined to respect Crono''s will. No, I''m afraid I have to respect it.


    Crono won''t stop.


    He can''t stop.


    If you can''t stop no matter what you do, you''ll just have to let him focus on what''s in front of him.


    ''We''re both in love with a troublesome opponent.


    Do you think I''m going to nod my head at that?


    Tyria turned her head away and clicked her tongue in a small way.


    *


    Well, I''m going to take a tour of the Count of Caddo.


    We''ll need an escort.


    The question is who to take, Tyria said, crossing her arms as she turned the corner of the hallway.


    Then Aridid and Deneb were standing there with giggles on their faces.


    ''Ugh!��Tee, like Princess Tyria!


    Oh, you''re looking good today.


    Nice timing. You''re both in...


    Like, "No, thank you!


    Aridid and Deneb fled before they could say their business.


    This is exactly what happens when you''re like a decapitated rabbit.


    If they are going to run, they must be pursued.


    That''s why Tilia ran out.


    She strengthened her physical abilities with the divine power art of "activity".


    The distance between them is rapidly closing.


    It''s not a good idea to have a good time.��They''re after me!


    You''re going to have to go after us, like a divine art or something obviously overkill!


    "A lion does his best to hunt a rabbit!


    I reach for it, but I''m slightly out of reach.


    My fingertips just touched my clothes.


    ''Like I want a handful, a handful of hearts!


    "You''re not going to do everything you can to hunt rabbits, you''re too small for a king!


    ''''That small vessel has propelled the lion to become the king of a hundred beasts!


    Alideed and Deneb looked over their shoulders at Tilia and grinned.


    ''Why are you laughing?''


    It''s not like I have any ulterior motives!


    ''You''ve been usurped from the throne, and I don''t think it''s super cool to be the king of the Hundred Beasts!


    Call it an altruistic agenda!


    Tilia reached out again.


    This time they would catch her.


    With that assurance, the outstretched hand cut the sky.


    The two of them turned the corner of the corridor.


    They lost sight of their target and footsteps.


    With all my strength, I regained my position and looked to the side, but the two men were not there.


    What''s going on?��He crosses his arms and stares down the hallway.


    The doors were all closed.


    The sound of the doors opening and closing could not be heard.


    Even if you want to run through the corridors, it''s impossible to do so without the use of divine power techniques.


    Then there is one answer.


    He is disappearing through magic.


    ''''There!''''


    Tilia reached out to the empty space.


    Suddenly, from her fingertips to her elbows, she disappeared.


    She grabbed something.


    The next moment, the air shook, and Arididid and Deneb appeared.


    It was hard to tell which was Arididid and which was Deneb, but he grabbed one of them by the head.


    That much is certain.


    ''How did you know where we were?''


    I read the signs.


    You can''t fool a sign with magic.


    ''Is it Aridid or Deneb that I''m holding on to?


    Oh, it''s Aride.


    Deneb was about to abandon Aridid and run away.


    ''And I won''t let you get away!


    Let go of me, Lisa!


    Deneb flapped his arms and legs as Alideed grabbed him by the scruff of the neck.


    ''We''re one and the same!��Like misery is shared!


    You''re not sharing!


    Deneb is right, they''re both just unhappy.


    You could say that the damage has only been magnified.


    The usual appearance is an act. It''s like heaven for my sister who tries to run off and say that this is the real me!


    It''s not d*mnation!


    When Tyria let go of her hand, Aridid and Deneb began to argue.


    They should have loved each other separately rather than arguing, he thought, but he didn''t say it.


    The fewer rivals, the better.


    It was evening when Tilia and the others arrived in Sylvania ... an hour that could be called night.


    The sun has already set, and the afterglow has dyed the western sky.


    I wonder if the delicious smell wafting from somewhere is from dinner.


    I regret a little bit, wondering if I should have been more deliberate in my actions.


    If the road between Herschel and Sylvania had not been paved, even though it is part of the road, we would have had to continue on at night.


    ''It''s developed a lot, hasn''t it?


    Tilia got out of the covered wagon and looked around.


    The building with a garden just inside the city would be the deputy''s office.


    The Sylvania I remember is from when the port was completed.


    Back then, the only decent building was the ''Sinner Trade Association''.


    That has become a fine city.


    ''''Well the port was over there.


    I look toward the harbor from memory, but I can''t see it because it is blocked by buildings.


    The buildings vary in appearance.


    Some have a handmade feel to them, while others seem to have been built by craftsmen.


    The predominance of wooden buildings is probably due to the proximity of the Coma Forest.


    ''''........Aridid, Deneb?''''


    They didn''t come down for any length of time, so I looked into the covered wagon.


    Then they were sitting on their knees in a corner of the covered wagon.


    ''Ehehe, ah, our vacation.''


    It''s all gone.


    The two of them are muttering about something.


    ''.....you guys.


    Tilia let out a deep sigh.


    I thought it was too much to have Cecily accompany me on the inspection in Leila''s absence, so I had Cecily come back, but she''s been doing this ever since I left the Marquis'' mansion.


    ''''I gave her more time off, so what''s your beef?''''


    We''re all super unhappy about the holidays.


    And I resent being denied a replacement holiday!


    Tyria asked, and the two of them packed up with a terrific sword fight.


    The burden of having Cecily back has been eased, but these two seem to have only a short term view.


    At any rate, I grabbed the head of the one nearest me.


    ''Which one are you?''


    ''Oh, it''s Arid. Princess, my skull is creaking and my eyes are flickering in front of me, so please relax a little. Please.


    I felt a deep sense of satisfaction at Alideed''s attitude.


    And more than a little sadness, too.


    It''s too sad that they can''t understand each other in words and have to use physical language.


    ''I have to go to the deputy''s office and explain the situation.


    I understand.


    He thought he would be blamed for forgetting to call in advance, but he was too worried.


    Letting go of his hand, Alideed tiptoed and tumbled his way to the quarters attached to the deputy''s office.


    Alideed knocked on the door.


    After a while, the door opened and a maid came out.


    Her age was not in the realm of a girl.


    I didn''t describe her as pretty because she was too brusque.


    The maid closed the door with a sullen attitude.


    Alideed knocked on the door again.


    She was like a child who had been locked out of the house.


    After a while, the door opens and the maid throws something at him.


    Then the door closes just in time for Alideed to catch it or not.


    Concerned, Deneb leans out of the wagon.


    ''How''s it going, Princess?''


    Mm, I know I failed.


    Alideed hangs his head helplessly.


    I watched the whole thing, but I can tell just by looking at this figure that he couldn''t explain the situation well.


    However, I should ask him about the results, just in case.


    ''''How was it?''''


    He thought I was begging, too.


    Alideed opened his hand with his head hanging down.


    There was a single copper coin there.


    ''You''re a useless guy.''


    ''And you have no idea how hurtful those words can be to others!��Like, if you were to spout words like that after being treated like a beggar, I''d think about retiring from the military at some level!


    Alideed pleaded with tears in his eyes.


    ''Go on, Deneb,''


    I don''t like it.


    Deneb dismounted from the carriage at a sluggish pace and headed for the deputy''s office.


    ''And the princess doesn''t know how the lower orders feel!��Like that''s why they''ve started a rebellion!


    Geez, that hurts.


    Tyria grunted.


    I don''t have any unrequited love for the throne, but I should have considered my subjects, and I should have taken an interest in their lives.


    Well, if he had imitated invading Alcor''s territory, it was very likely that he would have been in the same situation as now.


    As I listened to the conversation, while I was randomly ministering to him, Deneb came back.


    He was drenched as if he had been sprayed with water.


    I can tell at a glance that I didn''t explain the situation well.


    But I should ask you about the consequences.


    "How did it go?


    He threw water at me, asking if I was back.


    ''Right,'' nodded Tilia.


    ''''Jeez,''''


    What''s in your eyes?


    Aridid and Deneb are looking at me with eyes that look like they want to say something.


    I know the feeling.


    They want Tilia to get hurt too.


    ''''If I may ask, isn''t it Princess Tilia who is there?


    That''s right. Now go to the deputy''s office over there and explain the situation.


    Tyria turned and commanded the owner of the voice.


    She was a plainly dressed woman.


    Considering the fact that she smelled of makeup and perfume, she must not have led a life as mature as she looked.


    ''''We are happy to oblige. I have been a close friend of the deputy, Mr. Kane, and I''m sure he''ll be able to meet your expectations.''''


    Princess, it''s not fair!


    Like it''s the princess''s turn to be next!


    ''No cheating!��I just have it!


    Tyria shook off Aridid and Deneb, who clung to her.


    The modestly dressed woman let out a giggle and a sneaky laugh.


    ''''I''m sorry I''m late. I''m........''''


    Like Elaine from The Sinner Trade Association!


    Alideed interrupted Elaine''s mouthpiece, a woman in plain clothes a woman in plain clothes.


    ''I''m sorry I''m late. My name is Elaine Sinner. I look forward to working with you in the future.


    The plainly dressed woman........Elaine bowed gracefully and headed for the deputy''s office.


    It was a movement so refined that it almost caused her to let out an exclamation of admiration.


    Elaine knocked on the door of the deputy''s office.


    This time it was Kane who opened the door.


    Kane immediately rushed over to her.


    ''You really are a princess, aren''t you?''


    ''Come to think of it, I didn''t explain the situation to Elaine.


    We''ll have to wait until we''re in our quarters to find out. There aren''t many decent places to stay in Sylvania. We''re going to have to put you up in a dormitory. Is that okay?


    You''re a quick study.


    Tyria let out a breath of relief.


    *


    No, stop!


    Tilia jumped up with a scream.


    She looked around hurriedly, but it wasn''t Crono''s room in the Marquis'' mansion, nor was it her room.


    It was an official''s quarters with the bare minimum of furniture.


    ''.........Yuh, a dream. But what a dream.


    I spit out a small amount.


    Why did I dream of being humiliated by that - by Crono?


    I wanted to dream of making love in a milder way anyway.


    Tilia had just gotten off the bed when there was a knock on the door.


    ''Princess!��Like there''s something wrong!


    It was like hearing a cat in heat!


    ''Who''s a cat in heat?


    Tyria dashed furiously and shouted as soon as she opened the door.


    Not that she didn''t think she would be offended, but Arididid and Deneb''s eyes widened in surprise.


    They were both in their uniforms.


    ''You''re up early, aren''t you?''


    Well, we''re soldiers, for Christ''s sake.


    Early to bed, early to rise, like it''s the most basic principle.


    The two of them proudly puffed out their chests.


    Well, even two people like this would become somewhat sane after spending so much time in the military.


    ''Just as well. Comb my hair.''''


    I gave natural orders.


    Like I don''t have any doubts about putting other people to work.


    They are complaining, but I ignore them and turn on my heel.


    ''Your comb and hand mirror are in your bag.


    Tilia sat back in her chair.


    ''You could at least comb my hair, couldn''t you?''


    We all comb our own hair.


    Like the following sentence.


    I looked behind me over my shoulder and saw that one of them had taken a comb and mirror out of his bag.


    ''I think it''s Deneb from a personality standpoint....


    ''Like I want you to look forward because it''s hard to comb,''


    Okay.


    Which one is it?��Tilia turned to the front, tilting her head inwardly.


    ''Customer~, like it''s your first time in a restaurant like this?


    You''re Arideide.


    Well, it doesn''t matter if they see through it or not.


    Okay.


    Alideed said in a sultry tone and began to comb Tilia''s hair.


    His handwriting was somewhere between polite and messy, the point being that he was familiar with it.


    ''''Whew!


    Don''t yell at me. You scared the hell out of me.


    ''It''s like a line from here!��WOW, what a hair texture ... fine but strong, plus it sticks to your fingers!��Gosh, it''s superb!


    I feel like I''m overly surprised, but I don''t feel bad about being complimented on my mother''s blonde hair.


    ''You seem a little curious,''


    Deneb reaches out from the side and touches Tilia''s hair.


    ''Ta, sure, what kind of care would have made her hair look like this...''


    No different than the Chronosphere.


    No special care was taken.


    I''m not even close to Master Crono!


    Like it''s a different dimension!


    I don''t like being told that.


    Tilia crossed her arms. ''I really don''t have any special care for it.


    ''''It''s like a difference in care, after all.


    Like my hair is the result of living a stress-free life.


    You may think that, but don''t say it.


    Yes~, they replied with no trace of seriousness.


    Rude twins.


    Well, thanks to them, I don''t have to worry about it.


    ''''By the way, what was the cause of that scream earlier, like what?''''


    I had a dream about the Crono.


    Tilia answered after a short pause.


    Whether she answered or not, Alydead would try to find out why she was persistent.


    ''''Hoho, Crono-sama''s..........and I don''t understand why he would dream about Crono-sama and raise his voice like that.


    Yeah, yeah, it''s a little bit more languid, I guess.


    Alideed said in a tone of confusion, and Deneb agreed with him.


    If he''d had a decent dream, he would have looked pensive, but not in that dream.


    Crono was Crono, even in the dream.


    ''Princess-sama is away with Crono-sama, like she''s frustrated?


    Dreams are either a manifestation of the subconscious mind or they''re not.


    Who''s frustrated?


    I cringe.


    I miss Crono, but I just miss him.


    Yes, there''s no reason to be frustrated.


    And, moreover, there is no way that that dream is my subconscious......desire.


    That is the final line of defense.


    It must never be broken through.


    "Hmmm, what kind of dream did you have, Princess........


    Don''t go any further. You''ll die.


    Yes, Arid held his tongue.


    Tilia swallowed a piece of bread and wiped her mouth with a table napkin.


    Alideed and Deneb had long since finished their food and were rubbing their stomachs in satisfaction.


    There was no sign of Kane, Westa or Rona.


    ''''Princess Tilia, how was your experience?'''' (PUMO PUMO)


    Mm, that was a good one.


    Breakfast was a dish of fresh fish and seaweed.


    It tasted like it was neither good nor bad, but Aria seemed na?ve, so I''d rate it sweet.


    It''s worth it, and it''s buzzing and wagging its tail.


    I don''t know if that''s the Minotaur''s way of expressing emotion, but she doesn''t seem to be depressed.


    Suddenly, Aridid and Deneb''s ears moved.


    ''''Mm, looks like someone''s coming!


    Like two people!


    At least reach for your weapon or try to stand up for yourself.


    Tilia shoved at the two who were leaning against the chair and refusing to move.


    ''And the princess is stronger than us,''


    If the princess beats the assassins who killed us, we''re going to die like perfect dogs. I don''t want a biting dog.


    "...you guys.


    Tilia let out a deep sigh.


    ''''I''m going to go.'''' (Pumo~)


    Aria rushes to the front door.


    ''You''re a hard worker,''


    I have a feeling you guys are going to be called out on that.


    And then he insists that it''s a good thing the soldiers are not busy.


    When Tilia gave them a sideways glance, they replied while playing with their hair.


    ''''Elaine-sama from the Sinner Trade Union and Sif-sama from the Mercenary Guild are here to greet you. What can we do for you?'''' (PUMO, PUMO...)


    Aria came back with a flurry of footsteps.


    ''''........Hmmm.''''


    You say greetings, etc., but the purpose would be to show that you''re getting to know the powers that be.


    Let me through.


    "All right, sir.


    Aria bowed and turned on her heel.


    She waited for a moment, then returned with Elaine and a man with a tattoo on his cheek.


    The three of them stopped a short distance away from Tyria.


    Elaine was the first to move.


    Elaine bowed gracefully and propped herself up on one knee.


    ''It is with great pleasure that I thank you for the honour of your unexpected visit.


    Here''s to last night. No need to get all huffy.


    Thank God for happiness.


    Elaine hung her head and Sif moved.


    He bowed and poked one knee in the same way Elaine did.


    It wasn''t the most sophisticated, but it was a fair point considering his origins.


    No, I should admire his seamless behavior more than his manners.


    "I am pleased to meet you. I am Sif, the leader of the Confederated Tribes. I would like to thank you for not only accepting us, but also for taking it upon yourself to bring us your residency papers.


    Hmm, Tilia thought.


    The reason why he went out of his way to call himself the head of the Confederation of Tribes is probably because he wants Crono to guarantee their position in his absence.


    To put it more bluntly, they came to take a pledge.


    There are more than a thousand people from the Bethel Mountains living in Count Caddo''s territory.


    If you''re leading them, it''s only natural that you''d want to take their word for it.


    The reason why he came to take a pledge at this time is probably because he fears the rebellion of the territory''s people and the displeasure of Crono.


    If a newcomer asserted his rights, there would be friction.


    If he went to see the acting lord himself and took a pledge, it would be like professing that he didn''t believe Crono''s words.


    ''It was my husband Crono''s decision to accept the people of the Bethel Mountains.


    ''Phew!��She''s talking about husbands and stuff in the middle of all the hustle and bustle!


    It''s like you can see through the real intent to build on the established facts!


    Tyria glared at him, and Aridid and Deneb deliberately turned away from him.


    ''But as long as the people of the Bethel Mountains continue to obey the law and show their loyalty and willingness to reconcile, I will abide by my husband''s decision.


    "We are grateful for the generosity of the couple.


    Mufu, Tilia puffed out her nose.


    If she blocked the escape route in this way, Crono would surely ask her to marry him.


    ''''I only brought the permit with me on my visit. It''s nothing to be thankful for.''


    Thank you for your concern, sir.


    Elaine opened her mouth quietly as Sif hung her head quietly.


    ''Princess Tyria, with all due respect,''


    You have permission to speak.


    "If you''re going to tour Sylvania, by all means, let us be your guides.


    Hmmm, Tilia groaned.


    She wanted to dust off Sylvania like she was going to do a stall tour, but with Elaine and Sif together, it was like she was bustling about being an important person.


    ''Aridid, Deneb, where do you think we should be inspecting?''


    Hmmm... To be frank, Sylvania doesn''t seem to have many stalls for the princess'' taste.


    But if you had to pick one, what would it be like in the artisanal district?


    Alideed and Deneb replied with a cumbersome smile.


    ''The artisanal district?''


    "Deneb, explain.


    It''s horrible!


    Like you were the one who initiated it.


    Is this what it means to be unattached?


    It''s not surprising that Deneb would try to slip away and be loved by Crono.


    ''''Hmm~ Originally, Sylvania was like a city with a port.


    Well, yeah.


    ''At first it''s like a big trade association built a shop right near the harbor, then a little later the peddlers'' association, then a little later private houses and small shops were built. When the big money started to move in, well, there was a lot of stuff going on, and finally an artisanal town was built.


    As if it was getting tedious, Deneb broke off his explanation.


    Does Elaine have a workshop too?


    Yes, I have a small weaving workshop. Would you like to take a tour of it, if you don''t mind?


    Yeah, please.


    Tilia nodded hawkishly.


    *


    As it turned out, small was an understatement.


    The weaving workshop in the southeastern part of the city was large enough to fit four houses.


    There were sixteen looms in the workshop.


    It was probably about two-thirds the size of Tilia''s canopy bed.


    The warp is divided into upper and lower portions, and the top and bottom of the warp seem to be switched by stepping on the wood underfoot.


    The top and bottom of the warp are switched, the weft is passed through, and the wooden frame extending from the top of the loom is used to bring it to the front.


    This series of work is done by a team of three people.


    Because we are weaving a wide cloth, it is because it takes a lot of manpower to thread the weft.


    ''....It''s brilliant.


    I quickly swallowed the impression that the cloth is really made from thread.


    Even though I had some knowledge of the fabric, I was deeply moved when I saw them actually holding it.


    How do they work?


    We work three shifts and weave the cloth twenty-four hours a day.


    Naturally, it was Elaine who answered.


    ''What is the quality?''


    I have dealt with Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain, and Baron Treis, and they have been well received.


    Tilia''s eyes widened lightly.


    She hadn''t expected the three of them to come up with their names here.


    Apparently, the three men''s change of heart was due to Elaine''s plan.


    ''''Hmm, there''s a lot going on here, isn''t there?


    No, I believe it''s only because of the efforts of Princess Tyria.


    ''Right,'' Tilia nodded.


    ''I know I''m getting off track, but I assume you have the day off?


    Of course.


    Elaine answered immediately.


    It wouldn''t be a lie.


    The craftsmen were working quietly, but not with the appearance of exhaustion.


    What made you decide to build a workshop?


    Our cooperative has a workshop in Viola, in the Free City States, but that doesn''t meet the needs of our customers for cloth.


    I see, said Tilia, nodding.


    Even by sea, it would take two weeks to travel back and forth between Sylvania and the Free City States.


    This would be a missed business opportunity.


    However, the reason for setting up a workshop in Sylvania would not be just to meet the demands.


    Hm, if I''m also involved in clothing like you guys are, I can weave cloth without an order.


    Yes, sir.


    If anyone comes to buy cloth, they can sell it, and if there is a surplus of stock, they can send it to the Free City States to be made into clothes.


    Elaine wouldn''t lose it either way.


    ''Arideed, Deneb, is there anything you''ve noticed?''


    Hmmm, no. I have a loom in Goldie''s workshop.


    It''s like being told with a smug look on your face about shifts and full benefits.


    It was an oddly painful assessment.


    Apparently, Crono''s gentleness made them both discerning and contributed to the no-good part.


    Tilia grabbed them both by the eagle''s head.


    ''Oh, that?��Like it''s all dark in front of you?


    Is it my imagination, or is my skull creaking?


    "If you don''t want to be squeezed to death, say what you notice.


    I''m sorry. I mean, we were getting a little carried away.


    ''I''m going to say what I notice and I hope you''ll loosen up.


    I put my hand down and they surrendered easily.


    I don''t think they''re remorseful, but I can''t let go of their grip.


    ''So what do you think?''


    That being said, we''ve only seen Goldie''s loom.


    The only thing I''ve noticed is that there''s no shpa,


    Shupa?


    Tilia asked back, not knowing what Shupa was talking about.


    ''It''s like Goldie''s loom that lets you pass the weft through just by pulling the string.


    Gui, Supa and that''s it. It''s super inefficient for the three of us to make one piece of cloth.


    "...you guys.


    Tyria felt giddy at the stupidity of the two of them.


    What used to take three people to weave a cloth, can be woven by one person.


    It''s a great invention that would give them an overwhelming advantage if they kept it hidden.


    Why would they divulge such important information?


    ''Elaine, Sif, you must not divulge this story.


    "As you wish.


    "As you wish.


    Elaine and Sif nodded honestly as Tyria gave the order.


    Aside from Sif, Elaine should have an invention that she wanted by the throat.


    Even now, even as she was doing this, she should be thinking of ways to get the invention.


    ''''Ah, ah, you two, how did that shpa come about?


    Hmmm, sounds like Master Crono''s idea.


    ''Goldie made it in a groove too, but back then they weren''t trading with the Holy Argo Kingdom, so it''s like they''re fodder for the workshop.


    Tyria clenched her fists, "I''ll scavenge the workshop thoroughly when I return," she said.


    ''Elaine, come to the Marquis'' mansion whenever you have time.


    ''Very well, sir. Thank you for your concern.


    Elaine hung her head reverently.


    If possible, he would like to have a monopoly on the invention, but it seems to be difficult for Crono''s personality.


    If that''s the case, it would be better to offer the invention and ingratiate ourselves with it.


    The only thing left to do is to convince Crono not to provide this Shupa or something else without a second thought.


    ''''Next up is the frontier village.


    Tilia let out a deep sigh.


    *


    ...which is great.


    Tilia looked at the pioneer village and uttered such a line.


    It was really a small village when she came to hunt the Banded Wolf (Banded Wolf), but it has become a town of a bit of size.


    But what surprised Tyria more than that was the fact that the Coma Forest had receded greatly and was covered with vast fields.


    When they had set out to make paper, Crono had been worried about the depletion of resources.


    At the time, he had laughed that he was being overly concerned, but when he saw the changes, he had to change his mind that he was being optimistic.


    Even though it was a part of it, the coma forest that had existed since the divine era had been lost not through divine art or disaster, but through settlement.


    Crono knew that, which is probably why he tried to cultivate trees.


    ''Hm, what is that?''


    The princess once beat him to death like a savage wolf.


    Like it''s too soon to be a blur.


    ''I know that. I''m asking you why there''s a dead barbarian wolf in the field.


    Tyria was miffed and said back.


    There are corpses of barbarian sword wolves all over the field.


    It also looks as if it was skewered to death in a cruel manner.


    ''''Those are like scarecrows,''''


    It was Sif who answered the question.


    ''Bad taste for a scarecrow, isn''t it?''


    The barbarian wolf is intelligent.


    A warning.


    "As you wish.


    Even if they have intelligence, they don''t seem to connect to the idea of avenging their fellow man.


    I suppose they are more like animals in that sense.


    ''Did it work?''


    We''ve had about a tenth of the number of encounters in the frontier villages.


    So, you''re saying you''re not going to be able to predict it?


    "As you wish.


    Sif nodded quietly.


    ''Do you have any countermeasures?''


    We have a spellcaster in place for all the inhabitants of the frontier village, that is. It''s simple enough to generate sound and light, but I thought it could be used to scare them.


    Hmm, Tilia crossed her arms.


    Even though she did it voluntarily, the fact that she was forced to bear the burden could bring Crono''s reputation down.


    ''''I was inconvenienced by our lack of consideration. Would you like to make it up to me?''''


    No, it is enough that you have accepted us. We will fight for Master Crono, down to the women and children, with our lives.


    After all, that''s why he accepted it, Tyria said, poisoning her mind.


    ''I don''t want anything,'' he said. It''s a hard thing for a politician not to nod and say, "Yes, I see.


    Tilia cowered her shoulders.


    ''How about a weapon made in the workshop?��If you''re not going to use it, you can leave it in the deputy''s office.


    I''d appreciate it.


    Then I''ll have to talk to Kane.


    I thought they would refuse, but they seemed to put a face to our face.


    But this doesn''t make up for it.


    "This is just a suggestion, but there are two openings in the Marquis'' mansion for maids. If you''re willing, you can recommend them.


    Thank God for happiness.


    By the time the Cronos come back, please.


    Some of the maids in the Marquis'' mansion are sub-humans and some are humans.


    Hiring a tribe that had long been despised as barbarians as maids would not only guarantee their position, but would also be an appeal to Crono''s recognition of them as lords.


    The difference in temperament, said Tilia, picking at her bangs.

 107-Modified version of the 16th episode "Tilias prosperous story"

    *


    Kahn, kahn.


    It''s the sound of the dwarves in the workshop hammering.


    At first I found it depressing, but now I don''t care.


    ''I knew it would take some time.''


    Tilia got out of the covered wagon and stretched out.


    Arididid and Deneb had left Sylvania before noon, since they had to work tomorrow, but the sun was leaning heavily on them.


    I looked behind me over my shoulder and saw that Arididid and Deneb were holding their knees in the corner of the wagon.


    Something about the area around them looks dark.


    They look very tired.


    ''''Let''s leave them alone,'''' he said, gazing at the western sky, which was tinted in reddish brown.


    ''....Sunset....


    He squinted to himself and squinted.


    It was probably when he was enrolled in military school.


    Crono had said that the sunset made him feel nostalgic.


    I let it slide lightly at the time, but now that I think about it, that must have been a reference to the world he was born into.


    Tyria doesn''t feel nostalgia, but looking at the streets of Hachel in the twilight, she feels a bit sentimental... a mixture of desolation and weariness.


    No, I wonder if there is also a little bit of anticipation involved.


    It''s sad to see the day end, but there''s also relief that the day has ended successfully.


    And then there''s the anticipation of what tomorrow will be like.


    It''s obvious, but standing in the same world and seeing the same things doesn''t necessarily mean we''ll feel the same emotions.


    Rather, they will be less likely to be the same.


    So what do the dwarves working in the workshop feel about the sunset?


    Cahn, cahn, cahn, a somewhat prolonged sound.


    Perhaps they are taking it as the end of the workday.


    ''I knew we''d be home.


    You ruin our day off and now you''re giving me that kind of feedback!


    Like I should say it was a worthwhile tour, even if it''s a lie!


    Tyria muttered softly, and Aridid and Deneb leaned out of the covered wagon and shouted.


    They looked tired, but they seemed to be in better spirits than I expected.


    ''Alright, alright. It''s been a very worthwhile visit.


    ''You''re reading too much into it!��It''s such a stick figure that it doesn''t feel significant at all!


    Like, "I''m getting a bit of a stinker vibe in the first part!��I''m sure he''s got a tongue-lashing or two in his mind!


    Tsk.


    ''Geez!��And I really did get my tongue out!


    It''s like you don''t have a very good tongue, really!


    Tilia clicked her tongue and they scratched their heads.


    ''Start over!��Like, you''re asking for a redo!


    ''You''re going to cluck your tongue at any moment!��And I''m willing to rub salt in my heartbreak!


    They banged on the back of the wagon with a bang.


    ''''.........''''


    Jeez.


    When Tilia was silent, the two men made an aloud appeal to her as they gaped at her.


    ''All right. Let''s start over.''


    Like I want you to stare into the sunset and scratch your hair out!


    Just be like, "Whew!


    They were a real pain in the ass.


    It was a very, very good tour, indeed.


    Tilia stared at the sunset and ruffled her hair.


    ''And it''s pointless for us, who get to go to Sylvania so often!


    "There''s so much more to it than just enjoying the holidays!


    ....


    Tilia silently grabbed their heads.


    ''Meh, like a blindingly fast move!


    ''Oh, Ironclaw is like a super grip!


    I''m grasping at it rather seriously, but there''s still plenty of room for more.


    ''''I''ll shout out a name like a special move if you guys want it. You know what a special move is, right?


    A special move is a concept that appears in a picture book drawn by Crono.


    It is mainly used at the end of the story to blast enemies to death.


    ''Or, like you''re always going to die!


    ''''Yes, in picture books, they call it a special move, but often they only need to seal it!


    Fool, it means I''ll kill you.


    "Aggressive!


    He said in a low, stifled voice, and they both exclaimed in an impressed tone.


    ''Is there anything left to say?''


    In my room, I have a record of my time with Master Crono. You wanted me to complete the proof of my life.


    Hey, Lisa. It''s just, that''s a bunch of spelling errors. I don''t want to go down in history as the idiot''s sister.


    Like an idiot!


    Alideed escaped from Tyria''s hands and furiously challenged Deneb.


    There''s a saying about the power of stupidity in the fireplace, but to be hit by an elf.......


    ''''Hugo, my head!''''


    But it seems that the stupidity of the fire didn''t last long, and Alideed squatted on the back of the cart with his head in his hands.


    He let go of Deneb.


    Then Deneb got down on all fours and repeated his rough breathing as if he had run out of energy.


    How does Crono and the others get these two to do what they say they''re going to do?��And Tilia crossed her arms.


    ''Especially the cavalry captain, Fei, doesn''t seem to be very good at controlling people''s minds....


    ''''Are you guys always like that?''''


    That''s impossible. We are an airhead.


    Like how to live longer by not making enemies.


    Apparently, the two of them are willing to let Tyria become their enemy, or not be the one to determine their fate.


    ''''Huh, that''s sweet. I''m the woman who will be Crono''s wife.


    Sweet is like a princess.


    Master Crono doesn''t mix business with pleasure.


    I wonder where their trust in Crono comes from.


    You seem to forget that we''re elves, don''t you, Princess?


    When the princess gets older, we''ll still be young.


    ''Genu,'' grunted Tyria, realizing something.


    ''No, being an elf doesn''t necessarily work to your advantage, does it?


    Okay, that''s sour grapes.


    I''m looking forward to it.


    ...Crono is getting old.


    They stared at Tilia with a guffawed look on their faces.


    ''It''s said that elves have a lifespan three to five times that of humans, are you planning to work that hard?''


    Of course, a long life expectancy means you have to work that much longer.


    ''Yeah, oh, we''re going to save our money and go into business,''


    Yeah, yeah.


    ''Mmmm,'' growled Tilia.


    ''Why, why, do you want to snarl?


    I''m a little nervous.


    ''What kind of business lasts that long?��Running a fiefdom is also a business in the broadest sense of the word, but you''re using the land as collateral. The stability is unparalleled. Wouldn''t it be better to serve Crono as a vassal rather than run a business yourself?


    "...and...


    Tilia patted them both gently on the shoulder.


    ''I think me and the Crono boy will get along with you two, don''t you?


    Or maybe you want me to think about it.


    Well, we''ve got a long life ahead of us.


    They gently dismounted from the covered wagon and, for some reason, headed for the Marquis'' mansion.


    I felt a deep sense of satisfaction at their shio-like demeanor, but I had a feeling that they would soon return to their original attitudes.


    ''''You two have done a great job.


    It''s impossible to get away with just one word.


    We need to see some good faith!


    The two of them packed up at a great pace.


    The premonition was true.


    In the blink of an eye, they were back to normal.


    Surely, their previous lives must have been chickens.


    "..........


    Tilia silently grabbed their heads.


    ''Do you two have anything left to say?''


    I''m just super happy to have the princess say goodbye to me.


    So, you don''t want me to chastise you for it.


    When Tilia let go of his hand, they headed back to the Marquis'' mansion.


    ''Wait. Why are we heading to the Marquis'' mansion?


    When Tilia asked, they both jolted, as if they were dependent on an empty stomach.


    ''''Like it''s nothing!


    I''m not thinking about drinking to relieve stress or anything!


    You both drink from the Marquess''s house, and that''s from the Chronosphere.


    Tilia let out a deep sigh.


    ''''We''re not going to do anything to disappoint Crono-sama, and...''''


    It''s like hiding distilled liquor in the basement.


    Well I''m not so sure about that either.


    The distilled liquor is probably the ''Elf''s Strange Medicine''.


    The name comes from the place where it stops festering when poured over a wound, but if it was truly recognized as a medicine, it wouldn''t have been available in such a short period of time.


    ''''But even so, how can you remember where it is?


    The basement holds a large amount of liquor collected by the former Marquis of Erakis.


    No, I should say it''s in a dead storage facility.


    Crono seldom drinks alcohol.


    He must think of liquor as a gift to his men.


    He must think of it as a gift to his men.


    ....


    Unusually, there was no matching hand.


    ''Deneb, like you drew your mark properly?


    ....


    Deneb doesn''t answer.


    He''s getting down and lazy and sweating.


    ''Like I don''t want you to be angry, so I want you to be honest with me.


    Well, I didn''t draw it.


    When Alideed asked in a cat-stroking voice, Deneb said in a low, stifled voice.


    ''Why, like you didn''t draw it!


    You said you wouldn''t be mad!��And it''s not just hard to find, it''s not gone!


    They began to argue with each other, gabbing and arguing.


    ''Like how many of them think they have the same barrel!


    ''You didn''t ask me to draw a mark!��I mean, you don''t have the right to blame me for throwing it all away, sister!


    Their previous life could be a squirrel, not a chicken.


    Not just any squirrel, but a dumb squirrel who forgets where he''s buried his acorns.


    Calm down, both of you.


    "I want the princess to stay out of this!��Like it''s time to settle the score!


    ''I''m going to beat my sister and establish a new personality!��And with Master Crono.........!


    Tilia''s mediation was empty, and the two began to fight in a grappling match.


    It was getting somewhat troublesome, so they headed to the workshop.


    ''''Goldie, is Goldie there!


    How can I help you, Princess Tyria?


    Tilia shouted, and Goldie came running up to her.


    ''Get the shpa out,''


    Shupa?


    Goldie asked back curiously.


    Maybe Shupa was the name Aridid gave him on his own.


    ''It''s a loom. I hear you''ve made a groundbreaking invention?''


    ''Oh!��You mean the jumping shuttle!


    Goldie clapped her hands as she finally got the point across.


    ''It''s been a pain in the ass to get Master Crono''s ideas to take shape.


    Let me see that shuttle and any other inventions you have in mind...


    I swallowed the word "want" as quickly as I could.


    The sun has already gone down and the sound of hammering has stopped.


    The sun had already gone down and the hammering had stopped.


    I want you to show me the jumping shuttle and your inventions tomorrow.


    I know all about it.


    I''ll be sending you to Sylvania soon to work on that shuttle.


    I understand.


    Goldie answered after a pause.


    *


    I wish you''d let me know your plans when you go out. I almost missed making one for you.


    .....


    What awaited Tilia when she visited the dining room was the landlady''s sarcasm.


    The Sylvania deputy''s office and the Marquis'' residence''s office are connected by an ultra-long-distance communication magic item, but there is a disadvantage of not being able to send and receive information if there is no one there.


    However, it''s no use saying that.


    The landlady is a cook.


    If she makes a poor excuse and is served a messy dish until Crono returns, she can''t even look at it.


    You have two choices: admit your fault and maintain the status quo, or make excuses and spoil your good mood.


    ''''........the landlady''s food is delicious.


    Viscount Saldomelik gulped down his roast duck and muttered to himself.


    ''''Well, it was worth the effort.


    .....


    Tilia moaned again.


    Normally, she would put her pride first, but right now she was struck by an unbearable hunger.


    ''''.........''''


    What?


    The landlady deliberately asked back.


    ''...............''


    What?��I can''t hear you.


    ''I said I''m sorry I didn''t tell you what I was going to do on the tour!��How about that!��I''m sorry!


    Tilia puffed out her chest.


    ''Ah, yes, yes. Sit down quickly.''


    He didn''t seem to care about the tone of the conversation.


    He waved off the landlady''s back and took his own seat.


    ''Excuse me.


    Hmm, Cecily.


    I looked behind me over my shoulder and saw Cecily standing tall in the doorway of the dining room, perhaps to report the completion of her mission.


    Her hair was damp and her face was pale.


    Perhaps she had taken a dip.


    ''Okay, come in.''


    Ha!


    Cecily stood face-to-face with Tilia and saluted gracefully.


    Should I praise the former Knight of the Kingsguard for his quirky style?


    ''''Cecily Hamal, I have returned after completing my patrol of the territory.


    You can go easy on yourself.


    Ha!


    Cecily opened her legs and put her hands behind her back.


    ''What''s going on?''


    The wagon was stuck in the mud.


    Hmm, so you took a dip in the water.


    They must have been short on manpower to join the work.


    It seems that she used to do whatever she wanted with her position as Viscountess Hamal, but she seems to have mellowed out considerably.


    ''''I''m sorry,''''


    I don''t blame you. I see that life in the Marquess'' house has been your bread and butter.


    ....


    Cecily was silent.


    She moved her mouth to mug.


    Her cheeks were stained with vermilion.


    They were pale, which made them even more noticeable.


    ''''Oh, it''s just as you say. You are right, you are right.


    Recalling the humiliating experience that Crono had done to her, she became prone and said in a trembling voice.


    It''s not that I don''t think that such an experience fed me, but....


    ''''I''m hoping that you will continue to be a cavalryman after Crono comes back.


    ...Is that a decision?


    Cecily raised her eyebrows, as if puzzled.


    ''In my mind, you know. Crono''s battalion has too few cavalry. If they take the cavalry.......captain and deputy captain classes with them on every mission, not only will the security of the streets be neglected, but the burden on the remaining ones will be greater.''''


    What are you going to do when Master Crono comes back?


    I''m thinking of putting you in charge of training our cavalry.


    We could re-organize the cavalry, but that wouldn''t solve the problem of low cavalry numbers.


    ''I''ve never taught riding before, sir.


    It''s your job to establish the know-how.


    Cecily looks anxious, but Tilia is optimistic.


    There''s time to prepare, and with the help of Kane''s men and the knights transferred from the imperial capital, it should be relatively easy to train the cavalry.


    ''''I understand.


    ''We can talk business, though. Now it''s time for dinner.


    Immediately after Cecily nodded, the landlady roughly placed the food on the table.


    *


    The next day, Tyria looked at the inventions brought out of the workshop - a loom, a box with a handle, iron thorns wrapped around a barrel, and what looked like a bow.


    Tilia stood in front of the loom.


    It was smaller than the one in Elaine''s workshop, perhaps because it was for the purpose of developing technology, but it was smaller than the one in Elaine''s workshop.


    ''''........So this is a Shupa, or rather a jump-jetting shuttle?


    A string hung from the top of the loom.


    When I pulled the string, the shuttle moved from right to left.


    When he pulled again, it moved from left to right.


    ''Hmmm,'' groaned Tilia.


    ''How''s this for work efficiency?


    I''d say it''s a 30 percent increase.


    Tilia asked, to which Goldie replied absent-mindedly.


    ''''Besides increasing the efficiency of the work, it will also allow one person to weave the cloth that was being woven by three people.


    ''.........a revolutionary invention.


    I know how you feel. I wondered why no one else thought of such a simple thing when I made the thousand tooth sledge.


    Yeah.


    Tilia gave a small nod.


    Even though it took a lot of trial and error, if Goldie could make it, that meant the technology to make it was in this world.


    ''Was this box Crono''s idea too?''


    That''s right.


    ''What''s the purpose of this one?''


    We''ll use it to separate the brown wheat from the chaff.


    ''Huh,'' Tyria let out an exclamation of admiration.


    ''There''s a four-winged board in here!


    Goldie pointed to the snail''s shell.


    He moved the wings to create wind, and then filled the top with brown wheat and chaff and sorted it by weight.


    In the same way, if you compare it to a snail, it has two holes in the side of its body and one in its head.


    This one''s going to take a lot more work.


    You had a rough night.


    Goldie replied with a sigh.


    Well, even if you understand the logic, it will take some trial and error to actually make it.


    ''''Next, iron thorns?''''


    The iron thorns are not the thorns themselves.


    They seem to be made by twisting short iron wires around a long piece of iron wire.


    The reason they are wrapped around the barrels is to prevent them from becoming entangled, I guess.


    "We developed this to keep livestock from escaping when they were released into fallow land. It''s just....


    You mean there wasn''t much demand for it?


    That''s right.


    Goldie hung her head helplessly.


    After setting up the support pillars, it must be easier than building a normal fence, because all you have to do is put up iron thorns in place of the horizontal boards.


    However, Crono''s territory is not primarily based on cattle breeding, and even if there was a demand for it, they couldn''t provide the amount that could surround the pasture land for free.


    ''''Why don''t we use it to build a camp?''''


    It could certainly be used for that sort of thing. But is it practical?


    ''I''ll leave it to Knight Arthur the Wiseman teacher to identify the problems as well.


    Teacher Arthur Weissman is an experienced and flexible thinker.


    I''m sure he''ll find a way to make it work.


    ...and the bow at the end.


    Tilia picked up what looked like a bow.


    It looks like a machine-made bow combined with a frame made of metal and wood.


    I don''t know what it''s used for, but it has a ring attached to the tip.


    I tried pulling the string, but it was quite hard.


    It''s pretty hard.


    ...Princess Tyria.


    Well, wait ... God!


    Tilia strengthened her muscles with her divine technique and pulled the string.


    There was a curved metal plate where she pulled the string.


    Apparently, this would hold the string in place.


    ''''How about it!''''


    The string is to be pulled by the foot on the loop.


    What do I need to do with this?


    Now take a stance and pull the trigger.


    When Tilia handed him the bow, Goldie held it up to hold it and pulled the trigger.


    Then the strings were released to be plucked.


    ''Is this another chrono?''


    I made this one myself. I had made a bow before that had a strong string that could not be pulled. I had to find a way to pull the string with the same strength, and I made this.


    Goldie beamed proudly.


    ''This bow is capable of producing the same power to anyone!


    Of course you do.


    This bow has a specific position to pull the string to.


    It relies less on intuition and experience than a traditional bow.


    It would require proficiency to hit a moving target, but the training period should be shorter than that of an archer.


    ''''But why haven''t they been deployed to the battalion?


    Your range is too short.


    Ah, Tilia couldn''t help but shout.


    The machine gun bow has a long range and is powerful enough to pierce armor.


    Furthermore, it has a high continuous firing ability.


    In other words, this bow is an inferior weapon to the mechanic''s bow.


    ''''No........''''


    Tyria gave a small shake of her head.


    It was an inferior weapon for a trained soldier, but what about for those who weren''t?


    It seems that Crono intends to use the people of the Bethel Mountains as a fighting force in a time of need, but only a very small number of them can actually be counted as a fighting force.


    No matter how excellent their qualities are, they can''t show their true value without training.


    However, with this bow, they can become an asset.


    It would not be impossible to turn a commoner into a soldier.


    Of course, if he has the will to fight.


    "Did you name this bow?


    I didn''t name it.


    ''Then I''ll be your godfather. How about a crossbow?


    I''m not sure I''m going to be able to say that. But...


    I know, right?


    Tyria interrupted Goldie''s words and heaved his chest.


    ''Then, for starters, make me a hundred meters of iron thorns and ten crossbows.


    I understand.


    Goldie answered after a short pause.


    ''I''ll let the Weissman teachers study the operation before deciding whether to mass produce it. If we get it right, it will change the way warfare is conducted.


    I didn''t expect that much.


    Goldie gulped and cleared her throat from nervousness.


    ''So don''t give out information about the iron thorns and the crossbow. And of course, the flying shuttle. You can spread the word about this snail thing.


    I hear it''s called ''taini''.


    Hmm, so it has a name.


    Since it''s from the world Crono was in, it''s only natural that it has a name.


    ''''In Crono-sama''s world, they called the iron thorns barbed wire and the crossbow a crossbow.


    Gunnu, Tilia grunted and stared at the ground.


    Then I feel like an idiot for saying I''m going to be your godfather.


    ''''Be-it''s not like I didn''t know his name, so I don''t think it can''t be helped?


    You''re right. When I finished the crossbow, I thought I was a genius, but when Master Crono said to me, ''Oh, a crossbow,'' I was severely depressed.


    "...push through with iron thorns and crossbows.


    Are you sure?


    Hm, even if the same thing exists in another world, you made it. I reserve the naming rights to this world.


    ....


    Goldie is silent.


    He looks at me as if he wants to say something.


    Maybe I have the naming rights?��He''s probably thinking something like.


    ''Princess Tyria, may I have your permission?''


    Mm, Alyssa.


    Thank God, Alyssa bowed reverently as Tilia turned around with her fists clenched.


    ''''The head of the ''Sinner Trade Union'' union, Elaine Sinner-sama, is here. What can I do for you?


    Where is Elaine?


    He is waiting for you at the gate, presumably to ask about Princess Tyria''s plans.


    I was promised to Elaine.


    Tilia turned to Goldie.


    ''Leave the loom and return it to the workshop and hang up the cloth, just in case!


    I know what I''m talking about.


    The dwarves began to move in unison.


    *


    Alyssa came back with Elaine a few minutes after the cleanup was over.


    Today, Elaine was in high spirits.


    The other day she had been dressed as plainly as a clerk, but today she was wearing a black dress.


    The skirt was about calf length and a pearl necklace adorned her chest.


    It was the kind of dress she would wear for a formal occasion, but not in accordance with it.


    Alyssa paused at a slight distance and bowed reverently.


    ''''Princess Tyria, I have brought Lady Elaine with me.


    Thank you.


    Tilia said shortly and looked at Elaine.


    ''I can''t thank you enough for taking time out of your busy schedule for someone like me.


    Don''t worry about it. I made you a promise.


    Tilia moved next to the loom and pointed to a jumping shuttle - a piece of string, to be precise.


    ''This is the Shupa, the jumping shuttle.


    When I pulled the string, the jumping shuttle slid from right to left.


    I pull again and this time it moves from left to right.


    Elaine''s eyes widened lightly.


    I''m sure she feels the same way as Tilia.


    ''''With something like this, you have a face that says?''''


    I''m afraid.


    I know how you feel, but it''s the ideas that matter.


    I felt his eyes on me, but I dared to ignore them.


    ''''I''m sorry. I''m just ashamed of my shallowness.''''


    You should know. But don''t forget that the shuttle is a revolutionary invention. And that''s why I entrusted you with an invention of that magnitude.


    I understand. I will do my best to keep this information to myself.


    Elaine nodded with a divine look on her face.


    ''I''d like to send a technician to add a jumping shuttle to the loom, when would that be convenient for you?''


    "With all due respect, I would like to ask for a day''s grace to help my men understand the situation. I will be back tomorrow, and at that time I would like to leave for Sylvania with my engineers.


    All right. Well, I''ll take care of the carriage and lodging over here.


    It''s going to be a little busy, Tyria thought about what she was going to do now.

 108-Episode 17 "Post-dating"

    *


    March, 43rd year of the Imperial Calendar--Arthur Wiseman is a teacher. ��He used to teach at a military academy, but was dismissed and is now training personnel in the Marquess of Erakis. ��He is not dissatisfied with his current job. ��The students are eager to learn and are respectful of Arthur. ��The two female faculty members are also respectful. ��Sometimes I''m glad I was fired from the military school. ��But I can say this now. ��When I was dismissed from the military school, I was at a loss. ��Or perhaps it was more of a shock. ��For twenty-five years I worked as an assistant teacher. ��My job was to give remedial courses to failed students, but I was proud of my work. ��When I was laid off, I felt as if my pride, my pride, my life was denied to me. ��I''m sure my students must have suffered the same way. ��While I tried to understand the feelings of my students, I should have been more attentive to their feelings, I think I should have educated them more closely. ��However, this is another idea that has come to me now that I have successfully secured a job. ��At that time, I didn''t have time to reflect on the person I once was. ��I couldn''t move my legs freely due to an old injury, and even if I wanted to work as a private tutor, I had no connections. ��It was there that he realized for the first time that he was being protected by the solid fortification of a military school. ��And it was dumb not to realize that until I was thrown out on my own. ��If I had noticed, I might have been able to get around a little better. ��Fortunately, my next job was easily found thanks to an old friend. ��It''s like having a house of acquaintance built next to the fort. ��Thus, Arthur worked hard to train human resources in the Marquis of Erakis territory, but the beastman soldiers begged him to teach them to study, and in the blink of an eye, he was in charge of educating about five hundred people. ��Honestly, he underestimated the horizontal connection between the soldiers. ��If Crono hadn''t hired the two women as teachers, they would have died of overwork. ��Supervising the two female faculty members and training them in human resources. ��That was Arthur''s job, but he had recently added the study of iron thorns and crossbows. ��Moreover, it was a direct order from Princess Tyria. ��What an honor. ��What a greater honor for a knight. ��As Arthur was trembling with emotion, the sisters of Aridid and Deneb made a pitying expression and advised him, like it''s better to say no to something you don''t like. ��Well, well, I know they don''t mean any offense to the girls. ��It''s a different generation. ��Just as the peerage was slowly losing its value, so too was the authority of the imperial family, I suppose. ��Still, I believe it is right to give allegiance to the imperial family. ��We can''t change what we believe just because times have changed. ��Even if no one else understands, I will take it as an honor that I am the only one who has been given an order by Princess Tilia. ��He smiles at the thought of it. ��It''s because he realized that it is impossible to get around in this way. ��Arthur climbs the turret to do his part. ��The turret is so solid that it is hard to believe it was built in a hurry.


    It is not a ladder, but a spiral staircase inside the turret.


    There is a spiral staircase inside, not a ladder.


    ''''Sensei, are you okay?'''' (BMO?)


    Yeah, I''m fine.


    He leans out of the turret and waves to the minotaur below.


    The turret is solid, but not enough to support the weight of the minotaur.


    He finishes climbing the stairs and looks down at the training grounds.


    There stands a fence made of iron thorns.


    It could be described as a fence with countless circles intertwined between two vertical lines.


    This is the best way to describe it.


    It took me a lot of trial and error to settle on this shape.


    The iron thorns were distorted because they were wrapped around the barrel.


    At first, I made it by stretching the iron thorns straight, but it would have been too much work if I had to stretch it all the way!��I decided to use it without extending it with a single word.


    Then, I wondered what happened.


    Not only did it become difficult to pass through, but the nails holding the iron thorns to the pillar would not come off even if he swung his weapon down.


    Furthermore, the fence made of iron thorns is also resistant to magic.


    It could only be destroyed by a special kind of magic or by blowing the whole post off.


    ''''Come on, today is the day we will attack!


    Yes.


    Faye gave a proclamation from behind, but the beast people with the wooden sticks were completely unwilling to do so.


    That''s just as well, they know they can''t break through the fence.


    ''''Hahaha!��I''d like to taste my power!


    Alideed laughs loudly.


    ''''Well then, start.''''


    Arthur muttered to the magic item for communication, and Faye jumped out with a wooden sword in hand.


    ''''Geez!��And it''s against the rules for the commander to rush in!


    There are no such rules, sir!��I was told that there is no such thing!��I want you to tell me those important things from the beginning!


    A black light rises from Fay''s body like smoke.


    It''s a divine power art.


    Can the iron thorns really maintain their superiority against the Divine Majesty Technique?


    ''Fire, fire, fire!��Like, don''t let them get too close!


    Alideed shouted, and the five beastmen pulled the trigger of the crossbow.


    The ranks are two lines of crossbows.


    The vanguard shoots and the rear guard pulls the strings.


    If there were more crossbows, the continuous firing could be enhanced, but with only ten bows, the current situation is only as effective as shooting in a horizontal line.


    Faye approaches the fence while moving in a zig-zag fashion.


    ''And the barrage is so thin!��I want to see what you''re doing!


    Alideed let out a shrill scream.


    But it was probably a bad idea.


    The beastmen would aim at the fey.


    A skilled person would have been able to anticipate the fey''s actions, but it was difficult for them, who hadn''t been handling the crossbow for a month.


    As a result, they had to shoot arrows in vain.


    ''''God, bless my blade!


    The iron thorns were easily cut in two as Fei swung down the dark-clad wooden sword.


    ''''Like slashing iron with a wooden sword is too insane!


    "Worthy of back-to-back losses!��You will know!


    Faye jumped inside the fence and pounced on the beast who was holding a crossbow.


    I should say, after all, it seems that the new invention is not as good as the Divine Majesty Technique.


    ''''Well it''s only today that the commander is allowed to rush in.


    As Arthur descended from the turret, Mino called out to him.


    "What do you think, sir? (BMO?)


    ''The iron thorns are perfect. We don''t need the sidings, which saves us time installing them, and there are only so many ways to destroy them.


    I agree with you. It''s not a bad thing to be able to draw the enemy''s maximum strength, even though the fey got through easily.


    When I looked at the military drill ground, I saw that Aridaid was being chased around by the fey.


    ''''Well, there''s a condition that there''s someone who can oppose us, but...''''


    It''ll take a hero to stop her, I suppose.


    Does this mean that Faye is a hero? (Bum?)


    No, she''s a potential hero.


    Arthur chuckled.


    ''Enemy heroes are a real pain in the ass. If you have them on your side...''


    Arthur kept his mouth shut.


    Claude Crawford was a hero during the civil war, but did he feel dependable?


    He was dependable, but wasn''t he more troublesome than that?


    ''Wouldn''t he be reliable if he was an ally?


    Mino tilted her head curiously.


    It was not unreasonable.


    The candidate heroes he has worked with are decent compared to Claude.


    ''''I agree with you about the enemy heroes being troublesome. It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one. But at that time, we didn''t even stand in the same ring.


    Mino said in a somewhat sarcastic tone.


    I''m aware of the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom that led to Crono becoming a lord and the parent conquest that resulted in the loss of his men.


    Both of them temporarily gained an advantage in the war, but they were outnumbered by strength in numbers.


    It''s safe to say that the defeat was confirmed before they were even at war.


    That''s why Crono is so highly regarded and alarmed, though.


    ''''Then let''s turn to the side of the boiling water next. For now, regarding this fence, we''ll have to create a gap between the fence and the fence in case we turn to attack.


    "Is this a large-scale version of the fence that Master Crono used for his first battle? (BMO?)


    That''s right.


    Arthur nodded quietly.


    ''Well, for my part, I''d like to put another spin on it, though.


    What is this contrivance? (BMO?)


    Mino asked, as if he was curious.


    ''We need to find ways to prevent magic. For example, we can dig trenches we can dig a moat to hide in. If we dig a hole, we can create an earthwork, so we can kill two birds with one stone.


    .....


    Mino''s mouth is muffled as if she wants to say something.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    "No, I just thought you were a great teacher.


    Crono, you''ve been a Crono all along.


    He wasn''t as much of a womanizer as he was now, though, Arthur chuckled.


    ''''The general doesn''t blur.'''' (Bumo)


    ''Yeah. That''s why I said another twist, it''s just a way to look good as a teacher. It''s not cool to just imitate your students.


    When Arthur cowered, Mino shook his shoulders in amusement.


    ''We''ll have to be creative about the operation of the crossbow, won''t we?


    "It''s true, the range is too short compared to a normal bow." (Bumo)


    The crossbow has a shorter range and less continuous shooting ability compared to a normal bow.


    I think it should be operated together with archers, but Princess Tyria''s orders also include establishing a method of combat using the crossbow as the main weapon.


    ''''We can''t talk about it if we''re outgunned by the enemy in range.


    ''''Maybe we should think of a way to deal with the archers before we get into a shootout.'''' (Bumobuumo)


    Yes, Arthur nodded.


    If we have the right number of crossbows, we can improve the continuous firing in the way of Ariddo, but there''s nothing we can do about the range.


    ''We''ll thoroughly cut down on the number of archers and arrows with enemy ground penetration disturbance, Transportation Raids, and surprise raids.


    "If it''s going to be a penetration into enemy territory, we''re going to need cavalry." (Bumo)


    ''Princess Tyria is thinking of expanding her cavalry, so you don''t have to worry about that. I''d come forward as an instructor too if I could move my legs freely.


    No, with some hesitation.


    When I was an assistant teacher at the military school, I used to teach Crono''s substitute classes every day.


    And yet he can''t even remember to ride a horse.


    His confidence as a teacher is quite shaky.


    ''''I''m going to fall down from working too hard!'''' (Bumo~)


    I barely swallowed those words, "I can''t do spear work," he said, barely swallowing those words.


    Thinking about it, I think I''ve been constantly thinking of ways to make up for what I''ve been lacking since I was training to become a knight.


    ''''It''s going to be ... busy.''''


    It seems that Princess Tyria wants to establish a way to turn the territorial population into soldiers in a short period of time.


    I don''t know what kind of situation you are envisioning, but the damage to the realm must be kept to a minimum.


    Sif placed the letter he had finished reading on his desk.


    He looked up at the ceiling of his office and let out a sigh, then closed his eyes and massaged his eyeballs as he did so.


    I opened my eyes and saw Bear standing in the middle of the room.


    ''Do you know the custom of knocking?''


    Come on, man, I''m a civilized man. I know how to knock.


    Bear playfully cowered his shoulders and leaned back against the desk.


    There was a letter on his desk, spread out, but he only took a glance at it.


    ''What''s this one?''


    A letter from the Presbytery.


    ''What did you complain about this time?��We''ve made it through immigration. The settlement is going well. The Presbytery has no right to complain about it.


    Bear said in a disgusted tone.


    That alone must be enough to make him feel dissatisfied with the way the Presbyterian Council was doing things.


    It had been a longing of his ancestors to move to a richer land.


    Of course, it wasn''t going to happen in one fell swoop.


    It''s obvious that if you take the land by force, they will take it back.


    They would have to get permission to move, even if it meant taking the long way around.


    But permission was not granted.


    If we don''t determine where the immigrants'' sense of belonging is directed, we will allow the invasion.


    In that sense, the guildmasters of the Free City State group were wise.


    After all, they only used the permission to emigrate as bait, but never actually gave it.


    Even if they found out that they were being used for good, they had to obey.


    Because if they didn''t, they couldn''t even live.


    Fighting for your life will not give you what you really want.


    They would end up being used for their own advantage.


    He was trapped in that feeling.


    I''m sure the same was true of my men.


    "It''s the same old delusional bullshit.


    "Use Sylvania as a beachhead to get the land back?��That''s ridiculous. If you do this, we''re finished. We won''t just lose our chance to emigrate forever. Our reputation as mercenaries will be ruined. What is the Presbytery thinking?


    Bear said as he spat.


    ''This time it''s added to that, plus the girl thing.


    ''You mean Princess Tyria''s proposal?��Even with the hostage aspect, that was a necessary step to strengthen the relationship, right?


    Princess Tilia wanted to show that even if they were of a different race, she would treat them as if they were lords if they were useful.


    That''s why she said that she would hire the people of the Confederation of Tribes as maids.


    As Bear said, there is no denying that they have an aspect of hostage taking, but as the head of the Confederation of Tribes, they have an advantage.


    ''''The Presbytery doesn''t see it that way.


    Are you trying to curry favor with me by offering me a woman?


    ....


    Schiff did not answer.


    ''If I were to summarize the letter, it would be exactly what Bear said.


    ''Oh my God. Who the hell leaked the information to you?


    It''s probably someone in the know. Originally, they were going to send someone in a position of authority. It''s going to get out no matter what.


    Sif leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs.


    ''You''re not going to deal with the Presbyterian Council, as usual, are you?


    I''m going to, but the other chiefs aren''t.


    The Presbytery is a nominal organization with no real power, but even they have an abomination of a mouth to feed.


    "The guys in the Presbytery, including my father, have an honorable bloodline.


    Can we call it the generation of the middle of the road?


    My grandfather''s and great-grandfather''s generation produced some of the best warriors in the world, but my father''s generation is not so good.


    If you scream loud enough, even those with no track record and no ability can be influenced by it.


    No matter how much you scream at us, we won''t be affected.


    Bear looked miffed.


    ''I guess by us you mean the inhabitants of the frontier village.


    ''There are a certain number of people who will believe any ridiculous story. That''s why the scam never goes away.


    ''Your people are dragging you down. I''m tired of this.


    ''What now?'' laughed Sif.


    ''So what are you going to do about it?��You''re not going to turn down Princess Tyria''s offer, are you?


    ''That''s exactly what I didn''t expect. The Moos have been pushing Charis and the Hoos have been pushing Luca.


    ...Charis.


    Bear looked as if he had bitten down on a bitter worm.


    He was from the Moos.


    He knows that Karis was considered a stone woman and was separated from him.


    Luca from the Fu tribe is in the same situation.


    Perhaps the Mu and Fu chiefs are going to say that if the Presbytery complains, the stone woman is not a woman.


    And if the Presbyterian Council refutes them, aren''t you the ones who said that the stone woman is not a woman?��I cut back.


    ''I don''t like it,''


    I feel the same way, but that''s politics.


    Even an accusation can be fatal if not dealt with.


    ''Just because,''


    ''If we don''t put up a candidate, it will only benefit the Noos.


    The gnus have the lowest status in the Confederation and are forced to be reserved when it comes to decisions.


    They want to remedy this situation, but equating tribes that contribute less to the Confederation of Tribes with tribes that contribute more to the Confederation of Tribes is a recipe for discord.


    ''Sif, doesn''t your tribe have a candidate?''


    We''re dealing with Quanto.


    Did you disowned me?


    People don''t think so.


    They have a lot of authority for free.


    We have to be careful not to create any animosity.


    ''I''ve made the migration a success. No one is going to complain about you.


    The Presbytery is complaining, though.


    Sif poked his cheekbones and let out a sigh.


    It''s a lot of trouble, but I can''t just throw the responsibility away.


    Elaine covered her mouth with one hand and watched the work of the craftsmen.


    It was a month ago that the dwarf working in the workshop of the Marquis of Erakis'' mansion had been sent there.


    They had feared that they would have to be closed for days, but they had not only finished improving their looms in two days, but they had also built a small room inside the workshop.


    If I had to name the closest thing Elaine had to knowledge, it would be the windbreaker room.


    Normally, it would be built outside the building, but since the workshop faced the street, they must have built it inside.


    I was surprised at first.


    The dwarves began to build something incomprehensible without saying a word.


    It would be impossible to tell them not to be surprised.


    When it was roughly formed, I finally realized that it was a small room that was being built to prevent prying eyes.


    Anyway, the loom has been improved and is working fine.


    I would have liked to ask them many questions if possible, but they left quickly.


    We had prepared food and drink for them, but they were very busy.


    I feel that they need to be able to communicate and think flexibly.


    Well, it''s not something that Elaine has to worry about.


    Good, Elaine lifted the corner of her mouth.


    Thanks to the shuttle, not only did the speed of the weaving speed increase, but also the extra manpower could be allocated to yarn spinning.


    Moreover, she was able to rearrange her shifts to ensure that her employees got enough rest.


    Most importantly, it''s a great feeling to feel like you''re outsmarting your competitors.


    Just imagining a rival weaving cloth in an inefficient way caused an unearned pleasure to run through my entire body.


    ''''........................Kuhu.


    Master Elaine, if you want to laugh, I think you should laugh.


    I couldn''t help but let my voice escape.


    Then Sianna rushes in with a voice that sounds like the ringing of a bell.


    Despite the fact that it''s been quite some time since she switched to a daytime lifestyle, she still has the same sleepy eyes.


    ''''Those at the top should be in peace and quiet,''''


    Huh.


    It was an absent-minded reply.


    ''It seems that not only dwarves need to be able to communicate and think flexibly, but also Siana.


    ''You''re doing scary well.''


    The maneuvers against Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain and Baron Treis were also successful.


    Without contact, it would have required a long time, but the three of them were customers of the ''Sinner Trade Union''.


    They weren''t good enough as trading partners, but they were perfect as customers of the brothel.


    It was easy to induce the three of them to take an interest in trading.


    If the prostitute you''re hitting on owns several pieces of expensive jewelry, you''ll wonder and pry.


    He looks beyond the brothel and understands that Sylvania is a merchant town.


    And that Crono built the city to be so.


    A commoner rises to the top with a single resourcefulness.


    They are surpassed by those who have looked down on them.


    It''s a tremendous fear.


    If I don''t do anything, I''ll be ostracized, but I don''t want to be under the thumb of an upstart new nobleman.


    Fortunately, or should I say, an excuse was provided.


    A letter from Princess Tyria.


    The three of them tell themselves.


    I will obey the Princess Tilia, they say.


    Perhaps they might even think that the development of the Marquis of Erakis and Count Caddo''s territory was orchestrated by Princess Tilia.


    ''''How is things going with Master Kane?''''


    Why is Kane out there?


    Siana doesn''t move when Elaine glares at her.


    She just looks back at him with sleepy eyes.


    ''You look like you''re making an approach.


    It''s my job. And keep the bugs out.


    Getting to know your deputies will help you take the initiative in the meeting.


    It also reduces the number of people you have to hit on, which is a good thing.


    ''You don''t look good, sir.''


    It''s not going well.


    When Elaine asked him to join her, Kane just laughed and ran away.


    When he finally comes to the store, he drinks a glass of water and then leaves.


    Is he incompetent?��I''m tempted to ask.


    ''I don''t think you should do that.


    You can read my mind?


    His brow was wrinkled.


    Siana pointed to her brow.


    It couldn''t be.


    You can''t be a whore if you show your emotions so easily.


    But even if questioned, Siana would deny it.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    It''s not surprising that she can use her mind-reading skills.


    ''I hope you can convince me.


    You can really read minds, can''t you?


    ''Well, I don''t care who you are as long as you don''t betray me.


    Thank you.


    Siana bowed her head with a peck.


    ''Well, take care of your secrets so they don''t get out.


    Yes, sir.


    Nothing is best, though, Elaine said, gently tapping Siana on the shoulder and leaving the textile workshop.

 109-Modified version of Episode 18 "Beginning of the End"

    *


    Late March 43rd year of the imperial calendar - Strange aristocrats are strolling through Alfirk Castle.


    Some of them are dressed in extravagant costumes, while others are dressed in old military uniforms.


    Some looked cunning and crafty, while others looked dumb.


    Although they lacked a sense of unity in their appearances, they all shared a commonality in their attempts to get into Alfort.


    Oh dear, this isn''t a social gathering, though, Rio thinks that while looking at such nobles with a sideways glance.


    It would be helpful if they saw each other as rivals and pulled each other down, but they get along quite well.


    As far as I''m concerned, it''s a matter of a small person living quietly and doing no good...as far as ordinary people are concerned, they don''t do much as far as they are concerned when they have too much time on their hands.


    It''s a word that would undoubtedly lead to a fight if said face to face, but Rio didn''t think there was a more appropriate word for them to use.


    They were uninvited guests.


    Alfort welcomes them, but the Kingsguard knights and court nobles consider them to be an intrusion.


    Even if they don''t say it out loud, their emotions can be felt.


    Perhaps that''s why they''ve swarmed to resist the tangible and intangible pressures.


    When there are so many of them, even if you kill one or two of them miserably, they may not become quiet, but rather gain momentum.


    If he did that, Alfort would surely be happy to solve the problem and punish Rio and puff his nose up in pride at punishing him.


    I don''t want to be punished for my own or my subordinates'' mistakes, but I don''t want to be punished for being involved in a child''s play.


    While I was thinking about that, I arrived at my destination.......Count Piske''s office.


    After knocking on the door, I enter the office.


    Count Piske had folded his hands to hide his mouth.


    His face is pale and tense.


    Thanks to the somewhat improved security of the imperial capital, it was picking up, but he was probably forced into another troublesome situation.


    It''s ironic that a man who has been elevated to the position of Knight Commander of the Konoe Guard by politics is at the mercy of politics.


    I sincerely think he should retire before his body breaks down.


    However, Count Piske wouldn''t shake his head if I recommended retirement.


    A man under pressure loses perspective.


    ''Hey, what do you want?''


    ....


    Count Piske did not answer, even though Rio made an effort to call out to him cheerfully.


    After waiting for a minute or two, Count Piske slowly opened his mouth.


    ''''The Ninth Order of the Kingsguard has been relieved of its duty to guard the castle at the end of March.


    Oh, you didn''t see that coming.


    I was less upset because I thought I would be relieved of my security duties eventually.


    I didn''t expect that time to come so soon, though.


    ''Aren''t you going to ask me why?''


    I''m willing to listen if you tell me.


    Rio lightly cowered his shoulders.


    The Knights of the Kingsguard is a unit directly under the emperor, but the resignation order is handed down via the Military Affairs Bureau.


    It''s as if Count Piske is saying there is a backstory when he tells them.


    ''''I''ve been told that ... it''s because of the abandonment of duty.


    Oh, I got permission to do that, didn''t I?


    Abandonment of duty would have been to deliver a diploma of knighthood to the Marquess of Erakis.


    I felt comfortable and stayed, but I''ve been properly authorized to do so as well.


    ''''You can''t leave the Imperial City for ten months...''''


    ''I can''t protect you,'' said Count Piske in a stifled voice.


    ''I don''t like lies, though.


    It''s true.


    Count Piske looked into Rio''s eyes and said, if he could believe such words, he would have had an easier life.


    Even he wouldn''t expect them to believe him.


    In other words, he has had to renege on his promise not to make a problem of it.


    Nine times out of ten, it may be the work of Vizier Alcor, but there is one thing I can''t agree with.


    If we relieve the Ninth Kinsman Guard of its security duties now, it will give the Alfortists a boost.


    What would be the point of doing such a thing when their influence is declining, even if it''s just for free?


    Or have they lost so much power that they can''t dismiss the Alfortists'' appeal?


    ''So where do we go?''


    We''re going to be in the castle for a while.


    I won''t be able to roam the castle any longer.


    It''s a shame, he mutters with a sigh.


    It''s a shame that I won''t be able to observe the sloppy courtly romance from a special seat.


    ''''Have you decided on a replacement?''''


    Not yet.


    Count Piske has a reluctant look on his face.


    I can''t help but laugh now.


    It''s like he''s confessing that this resignation is to take away Rio''s authority.....................and by extension, to allow those idiots to roam free.


    ''I don''t know what they''re thinking at all,''


    "I''m sorry, Count Chiron.


    No, it''s your situation. You don''t have to worry about it. Well, I''m going to go.


    Rio fluttered and waved his hand and turned on his heel.


    *


    When Rio returned to his office, the deputy hung his head reverently.


    He took his seat beside such a deputy and let out a small sigh.


    ''''Rio-sama, thank you for your hard work.


    I''m home.


    The second-in-command poured the incense tea and placed it on the desk.


    Rio brings the cup to his mouth, enjoying the refreshing aroma.


    The incense tea kept the temperature to Rio''s liking, even though he shouldn''t have known when he would be back.


    It''s times like these that I''m truly glad to have him as my second in command.


    ''''What did Count Piske say?''''


    The guard duty ends at the end of the month.


    ....


    The deputy was silent, but his face was red with rage.


    ''Well, well, calm down,''


    We are calm. If you don''t mind, I will go and protest to Count Piske.��Of course, I will protest calmly and methodically.


    The deputy said as he swung his right arm like a pendulum.


    With this, he would be able to beat Count Piske to death calmly and calmly.


    ''''I can''t give you permission,''''


    If that''s what Master Rio says.


    The deputy nodded in a reluctant manner.


    I can''t give permission to be told, ''Hey, I''m going to go and kill you.


    ''''But for what reason?''''


    I heard it was because you were playing around with the Chronosphere.


    ''I''m not sure I agree with you punishing me after eight months. And moreover, you have not protested in Master Rio''s absence.


    Although it is an old saying that "reward and punishment are necessary", everything has an expiration date.


    Both rewards and punishments must be meted out promptly.


    It''s not whether it''s the right thing to do, but whether it can be used as an excuse.


    I am increasingly unacceptable.


    You couldn''t sue me for this. I''ve done a lot of things for you.


    You can use the fact that you chopped your opponent to death in a duel, or that you wore a dress to a ball, if you try to use it as an excuse.


    ''''........politics?''''


    It''s tricky.


    I can''t see myself fighting a thorough battle and going off the deep end.


    It''s not like you have any career aspirations.


    It''s time to get out of trouble.


    It''s disgusting.


    The deputy looks reluctant.


    ''You don''t like politics?''


    I don''t like it. Especially if we''re the ones involved.


    ''How could you serve as a countess with such a personality?'' chuckled Rio.


    ''You gave up on my father because of politics.


    Politics isn''t a political game.


    That is the kind of political skill he has shown.


    Without him, Rio would have had to kill his father.


    The affection for him had long since died out, so he had no qualms about killing him, but it was better if he could take over the family in peace.


    ''Hmm, you don''t dislike my father, do you?


    I don''t like it. I don''t hate it.


    He had a history of losing his job due to military reorganization and becoming a servant of the Countess of Chiron.


    Considering his age alone, it was no wonder they were like brothers, but my father seemed to have failed to establish trust.


    ''''Do I have to be careful not to get kicked out too?


    You''re kidding.


    The second in command snickered.


    It was uncomfortable because he couldn''t think of where the servants of the Countess of Chiron and the Ninth Kinsman Guard''s loyalty came from.


    ''''Regardless of the reason, we''re out of business. The rest is just a matter of time...


    I''m afraid I can''t do that, sir.


    The deputy interrupted Rio''s words.


    Until the end of March, the castle is under the jurisdiction of the Ninth Kingsguard. Regardless of your political decisions, you must perform your duties responsibly until the end.


    You''re so serious.


    Rio let out a sigh.


    Call it a deputy, call it a Wiseman teacher, but old knights were stubborn.


    As a new knight, I envy him for that.


    They both have different directions, but they both have what should be called a core.


    ''Well,'' said Rio, standing up.


    ''Are you going somewhere?''


    ''I don''t think I''ll be able to walk around the castle freely once I''m relieved of my guard duty. I thought I''d say hello to everyone I know while I still can.


    Aye, Lady Ferna.


    ''I don''t have any other friends besides her. When I''m done with that, I''m going to go visit Crono.


    ...the Marquis of Erakis.


    The deputy scowled.


    ''You don''t like Crono?''


    ''I would have liked you if you weren''t Lady Rio''s lover. Well, old people are always jealous of young people.


    I don''t know what I''m jealous of, Rio chuckled and left the office.


    Rio wanders around the castle in search of Fana''s appearance, although if the emperor was alive, he should have stuck it out in his bedroom.


    I know where her office and the lady''s lounge are, but if I visited her in person, I would have created a good rumor.


    I''m a big fan of lover''s quarrels and edgings, but I don''t want to be the star of unsubstantiated gossip.


    It''s best to pretend it''s a coincidence.


    Fortunately, or perhaps I should say, Fana, the head lady-in-chief, has been busy roaming the castle.


    If I''m not unlucky, I''ll be able to meet her before the end of March.


    ''''Ah, Count Chiron.


    You sound like Sir Nam.


    I turned around when my name was called from behind.


    Then Baroness Nam Korne and her daughter Aina approached.


    ''''Hello, Lady Aina. You look well.''''


    Yes, thanks to you.


    Aina bows lightly as she hides behind Baroness Nam Korne.


    ''''What can I do for you, Lady Nam?''''


    ''It''s stifling to be stuck in a room, so I was walking around the castle with my daughter for a change.


    Even though it''s March, it''s still very cold and I think you should come to your room.


    You have to move around a little bit to slow down.


    When Rio patted the scarf and said, Baroness Nam Korunu smiled like a baby girl.


    However, her eyes were not smiling.


    Her argument is completely built up.


    Since her daughter wasn''t taken seriously by Leonhardt, she''s probably scavenging for men.


    ''''So what are your thoughts?''''


    ''It''s still cold, after all. So I think I''ll go back to my room in a little while.


    Apparently, there was no man in the room who could meet your expectations.


    ''''Um, if it''s convenient for you, would you be willing to show me around the Imperial City?''''


    Since the imperial capital is not a safe place, why don''t you ask Lord Argena or Lord Roy to help you?


    In case you''re wondering, they both come from prominent families.


    Both have troublesome personalities, but they are perfectly capable as guards.


    ''''I''ve heard that Count Chiron is one or two of the most talented among the leaders of the Kingsguard.


    As you can see, I don''t look very strong, so I''m useless as an escort.


    She''s white-knuckled while fighting more than evenly with that Rio.


    She would be able to hum through the slums.


    ''Humble, isn''t it?''


    I do not believe a knight''s sword is wielded lightly.


    Rio replied with a hand on his chest.


    ''''Then it can''t be helped. But I don''t have anyone else to rely on, so........


    ''Mother, why don''t you ask the Marquis of Erakis for help?


    Baroness Nam Corne looked over, and Aina was quick to reply.


    Her voice was upturned, as if she didn''t mean it.


    ''''Oh, you are acquainted with Lord Crono?''''


    Yeah, it''s a bit of a coincidence.


    I''m sure Mister Crono is busy with his work.


    I thought the three of us walking through the Imperial City would be a nice distraction, but...


    Baroness Nam Korunu ruffled her hair as Rio put his hand on the hilt of his sword as he said.


    If it came down to it, she would be willing to sacrifice one of her arms to keep Rio at a distance.


    It''s a battle strategy that only a divine warrior of the ''Goddess of Blue and Life'' could have.


    ''After all, you don''t want to interfere with your work, do you? I''m sure you''re a pretty versatile person, so I wanted to talk to you.


    Her former place of residence was under the direct control of Emperor Kai a trading city where the belief in the "Goddess of Blue and Life" is flourishing.


    I thought they dispatched her out of consideration for the feelings of the residents, but it seems that she wasn''t just a woman who could perform the role expected of her.


    No, this is the kind of woman that may be why she was sent to Emperor Kai''s direct domain.


    ''''Your current post is in Alfiruk, sir?


    Baroness Nam Korunu only tilted her head slightly.


    Does this mean that he''s already laid the groundwork?


    ''''I wanted to have a family affair with Lady Crono, but I will consider a different approach.


    He adds in a whispered tone of voice, "I don''t want to get kicked by a horse.


    ''Now, if you''ll excuse me,''


    Baroness Nam Corne lightly bowed her head and turned on her heel, but she didn''t try to walk away.


    ''''Speaking of which, you said, ''Even though it''s March, it''s still cold...''


    I think it''s colder than last year.


    Will we have a cold summer this year?


    Rio thought for a moment and opened his mouth.


    ''I have no proof, but I think it''s going to be a cool summer this year.


    Yeah, that''s good enough for me.


    What was enough, Baroness Nam Korne began to walk slowly.


    The castle''s living area was dominated by silence.


    Every nook and cranny was cleaned and the furnishings decorated the space.


    Despite this, the impression of desolation is probably due to the absence of the master of the living area.......Ramal V.


    Has it been like this since the time of His Majesty''s lifetime?��Rio gave a small nod of his head.


    Maybe it was, maybe it wasn''t.


    As he was walking around thinking about this, Fana came out of the bedroom.


    ''Hello, Lady Fana.''


    Count Chiron, what a surprise.


    Rio called out, and Fana stopped and gave a small smile.


    After this one caught up with her, she slowly walked away.


    ''It''s been a long time since I''ve been here, but it seems lonely.


    No, you haven''t. This place hasn''t changed a bit.


    If you say so, Lady Ferna, I''m sure you''re right.


    Rio cowered lightly.


    How did you end up here?


    What a horrible place this is. Even if it were, this is where His Majesty used to live.


    There is no atmosphere of blame, but the ease with which he talks to his friends.


    ''Can''t you ever forget His Majesty?


    I was just slacking off.


    ''I''ve always thought of you as a serious man, Lady Fana.


    A High Priestess doesn''t need to be a serious person. Doesn''t a knight do that?


    Well, what do you think?


    Rio tilted his head.


    Most of the Knights of the Kingsguard captains have serious personalities, but since he could serve himself, maybe anyone could serve.


    ''''I wonder what the Earl of Chiron came here for?''''


    I''m going to be relieved of my guard duty at the end of March. I just wanted to say hello.


    Where are you going?


    It doesn''t look like we''re going to be reassigned, but we won''t be able to walk around the castle at will.


    Yes, Fana muttered ruefully.


    It is her virtue not to offer to do something about it.


    Women as creatures tend to perceive a man''s power as their own, but she makes a good distinction.


    At least that''s how it seems to Rio.


    ''How is everything going with your lover?''


    That''s about right.


    It''s been a while, though, I add in my mind.


    Since we are here in the imperial capital, we want to love each other to the extent that we are not dissatisfied, if not to the fullest extent.


    But I haven''t had the opportunity to do so.


    Perhaps he and Leila are in love with each other.


    Thinking about it makes me feel jealous.


    ''''I''m ... jealous.''''


    Oh, yeah?


    It''s hard to date a man who surrounds himself with a large number of mistresses.


    I don''t want to be compared to other women, even with a body like this, and the fear that one day I won''t be chosen comes with me.


    Still, it felt good to be envied by a normal woman.


    Perhaps understanding Rio''s feelings, Fana smiled as if she was troubled.


    ''''Well I''ve never been like that.''''


    ''You didn''t love His Majesty, did you?


    If you''re guarding the castle, you''ll hear about how Fana became a concubine.


    And if you watch Ramal V''s actions, you know it''s true.


    ''There was no love, was there?''


    Fana said in a refreshing tone.


    That would be true.


    I don''t know how I would react if I was told that this was affectionate.


    Well, even if the way it started sucks, it still seems like a relief if I can stay like this after it''s over.


    ''Well, I''d better get going then.


    Did you need something?


    I thought I''d go see my girlfriend.


    Rio and Fana parted at a fork in the corridor.


    *


    The stronghold of the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard is in the First District.


    It''s a plot of land where the mansions of the famous great aristocrats stand.


    It''s an unsuitable plot of land to place a base of operations for financial reasons, but it''s a different story if it''s a bargain.


    The mansion that Count Piske prepared for Crono is also a reasonable property.


    It is said that the ghosts of noblemen who were brutally murdered during the civil war appear in the mansion.


    Of course, Rio doesn''t believe it.


    Most likely, he started a rumor to keep people away or something like that.


    Rio walked through the gate of the mansion and stopped in front of the door.


    There were two beastmen standing there with their spears at the ready.


    When I looked upstairs, something was looking down at me.


    ''''I didn''t see anything,''''


    What do you want? (Gulp?)


    The beastly soldier asked, ignoring Rio''s mutterings.


    ''I want you to call Crono.''


    I understand.


    The beastman soldier nodded and walked into the mansion.


    Rio stole a look at the trees in the yard.


    A rope hung down from the tree''s branches.


    ''''Well I didn''t see anything.''''


    After waiting for a while, trying not to look at anything unnecessary, the beastmen came back with Crono and Leila.


    ''''Rio, what''s going on?''''


    I''ve come to ask you to meet me.


    No, I have a job to do...


    Why don''t you go out and see if you can''t make it?


    Leila interrupted Crono''s words.


    ''But I have work to do...''


    Master Crono works too hard.


    I take my days off regularly.


    When Crono said excusingly, Leila let out a deep sigh.


    ''There''s no point in waiting at the mansion even on holidays. I''ll take care of your absence, so Crono-sama, please go stretch your wings.''''


    Leila closed the door of the mansion, leaving Crono looking battled.


    ''Where are you going?''


    I''m thinking of going to a restaurant on Second Avenue at the end, but other than that my schedule is blank.


    Do you have a restaurant reservation?


    I don''t have to worry about my membership.


    The restaurant is located in the second district and is a private room only restaurant.


    It looks like a castle and has no signboard.


    It is a restaurant for the nobility to hold secret talks.


    ''''Even if we want to go sightseeing, it''s not safe and secure~''''


    Crono grunts.


    I''d like to see if there''s a guy who''s going to poke at the Konoe Knight, but it''s better to keep quiet.


    ''''Was there ever a tourist attraction in the Imperial City in the first place?''''


    In the suburbs, there''s the remains of the temple that was burned down by the first emperor. And then there''s the tree where the imperial brotherhood''s nobles were hung.


    It''s not a tourist attraction, it''s a haunted place.


    I guess it''s similar, though.


    Religious buildings from the dawn of the empire and before were destroyed by the first emperor, and the buildings that escaped destruction are still in use in some form or another, so they are not easy to visit.


    Buildings with a historical background are similar.


    One or two bloody incidents have occurred in every building.


    Crono groaned with a grunt.


    Oh!


    I raised my voice.


    *


    Leonhard Palatium''s mansion was built to occupy a corner of the first city block.


    The mansion, with its high walls and cylinders on all sides, has undergone several renovations, but it is undoubtedly one of the oldest in the Imperial City.


    Leonhardt tipped his cup elegantly in the pavilion.


    It''s still cold, but if you look carefully, you can feel the breath of spring coming from the gardens.


    He sets the cup on the table and exhales quietly.


    ''''So what are you two doing here?''''


    I''m here to see the sights.


    It was Crono who answered Leonhardt''s question.


    He tilted his cup in a less than flattering gesture and let out a breath of relief.


    ''Sightseeing?''


    The Imperial City is a dangerous place. I thought I could safely see some rare things in Lord Leonhardt''s mansion.


    Rio took a mouthful of incense tea and frowned slightly.


    ''''Leonhard-sama, you frowned!��There''s no way I''d entertain anyone without any education!��I want someone else to take his place!


    She is a chubby woman.


    She''s not an ugly woman, but she''s definitely less than humanly possible.


    She has more flesh on her breasts and ass than she needs, and her waist is dull.


    Her tone, and her missing double teeth, give her an unrefined air.


    If you told me that a peasant who couldn''t pay his taxes offered his daughter to me, I''d believe you.


    Rio crossed his legs, wondering if he was addressing her to help her learn how to handle women.


    ''No, no, don''t worry about us.


    With that, Crono reached for the cookie.


    Leonhardt chuckled.


    Perhaps he is thinking like a poorly made brother.


    It''s obvious, but he wouldn''t have a maid like Leela refrain from being beside him if he was concerned about his physical appearance and face.


    Surely, Leonhardt is also allowing his heart to be in Crono''s hands.


    I don''t think this is a bad idea.


    Rio muttered as he stabbed his cheekbones, and Leonhardt said as he propped up his cup with his hands.


    ''''When I was in the Second Kingsguard, I used to treat Count Ernat to incense tea and drinks.


    ''I don''t suppose you''ve ever been barged in or pushed around?


    Well, you know.


    Leonhardt laughs as if he is troubled.


    Commander of the Kingsguard....Friendship between nobles is not easy.


    Family status and title are involved.


    Suddenly, I heard a sound of kacha.


    When I looked at the direction of the sound, Crono was looking at me with a guffawed face.


    ''''Are you bothering me?''''


    I''m sure that''s not true.


    Leonhardt replied after a short pause.


    ''''Then I''ll show you around the mansion after I finish my incense tea.


    What would you like to see, by the way, Crono?


    ...the bones of a dragon.


    Rio and Leonhardt looked at each other.


    Although the Palatium family was a great noble family linked to the blood of the first emperor, they had never heard of slaying a dragon.


    ''''No, it doesn''t matter if it''s not a dragon bone, or a stuffed animal of a rare animal, or anything else. You see, my predecessor was the same way, but aristocrats collect strange.......interesting looking things.


    Apparently, Crono came here to see something really unusual.


    Rio is having fun, but Leonhardt looks awkward.


    ''''Crono-dono, that kind of thing is a stone.......''''


    I have.


    Leela interrupted Leonhardt''s words.


    No servant should ever interrupt the Lord''s words, but their relationship would make it so.


    ''Was there ever such a thing?''


    There''s a room with giant bones, a huge stuffed bird, and unicorn horns. You really don''t know?


    ''Hmm,'' said Leonhardt, stroking his chin thoughtfully.


    ''Could it be that it''s the unopened room?


    "Open?��What are you talking about? We clean it once a month.


    Leonhard tilted his head curiously.


    ''Hmm, I don''t think my father was the type to pour money into those things, do you?


    That''s because Master Leonhardt bought too much. My grandfather used to spend a fortune buying all sorts of weird stuff.


    ...I see.


    Leonhardt nodded with a divine look on his face.


    Well, in short, the room was probably the culmination of his father''s embarrassing past, or the culmination of his youthful indiscretions.


    Because of the large amount of money he had invested, he couldn''t throw it away, and he must have kept it unopened because he didn''t want his serious son to know about it.


    ''They didn''t keep it quiet, did they?


    You can''t hide it forever. I''m surprised that Leonhardt-sama hasn''t been more interested in it until now.


    Leonhardt frowned just a little bit.


    Apparently, the Palatiums have problems in the Palatium family.


    Rio looked at Crono, even though the ones who weren''t related by blood were closer.


    Fruit and wine served in silverware on a small table.


    The quality of the wine, as well as the furnishings in the room, are top-notch.


    However, after visiting the castle''s residential area and Leonhardt''s mansion, it''s not as good as it could be.


    Rio gazed at Crono while savoring the wine as he licked it.


    The items that were displayed in the unopened room seemed to have captured Crono''s heart.


    He didn''t know what was so funny, but he laughed at the mermaid mummy.


    Apparently, Leonhardt''s father also had a deceitful mouth.


    ''''Rio, there''s something that''s been bothering you?


    What is it?


    Why do I have a bed?


    When Crono looked behind him over his shoulder, he saw a canopy bed.


    Of course, there are two pillows.


    ''''Hmph, you''re not a first-time girl, are you asking me that now?''''


    So that''s what this restaurant is all about.


    Crono turns to Rio and sips at his wine glass.


    He doesn''t drink it down, just moistens his lips.


    ''This isn''t a restaurant for this sort of thing,''


    Rio stood up and walked over to Crono and sat down quietly on his thighs.


    ''This is the kind of restaurant that lets you do these things. Why don''t we make love to each other as much as we want?


    ....


    *


    That night, Rio and Crono returned to the mansion in the boxcarriage.


    As Crono got out of the boxcarriage, Leila came running up to him.


    ''Master Crono, I have a letter from Count Piske.


    What do you want?


    Crono took the letter from Leila and opened it on the spot.


    ''What does it say?''


    I''m getting relieved of my duties at the end of March.


    Rio tilted his head.


    For a moment, he thought that Count Piske was trying to take credit for Crono''s work, but he reminded himself that he couldn''t afford that right now.


    Perhaps it was Vizier Alcor''s suggestion.


    ''''What do you want to do?''''


    ''What to do or not, it''s an order. We have to go home.


    While saying that, Crono doesn''t seem to be convinced of one thing right now.


    It''s not surprising since he has lost his subordinates by being used by Vizier Alcor Vizier.


    ''''........This isn''t fun.


    Crono stared at the letter and said in frustration.


    April 1, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - Alkor entered the Round Table Room and immediately noticed something strange about Alfort.


    He struggled to hold back a smile.


    He had such a look on his face.


    Only Alfort is unaware of being noticed.


    At this minute, they wouldn''t have noticed that Alcor turned his hand and relieved the Ninth Kingsguard of its security duties, nor would they have noticed that he had returned Baroness Nam Korne to Emperor Kai''s direct control.


    Alkor let out a small sigh.


    It wasn''t the best education, but I gave him enough education that he wouldn''t be embarrassed to send it anywhere.


    At least I gave him the environment.


    In spite of that, what we''ve got is a person who doesn''t think deeply about things, but instead is coaxed into doing so by others.


    However, the one who should really be blamed is Arkol, who used Bonko as a palanquin.


    He hates and fears Queen Astraea so much that he shades his eyes.


    It''s nothing short of foolish.


    Therefore, you must take responsibility for your actions.


    Even if it is a mistake that cannot be atoned for by your own life alone.


    Arkol goes to his seat.


    He suddenly remembered Claude.


    When he first met him, he had felt estranged.


    He was crude, selfish, strong and brave like a hero in a story.


    Just being around him made me feel inferior.


    So it was a relief when he was enclosed on the southern frontier, and a dark amusement when he had to work out the budget for the settlement.


    But he must not have had such feelings in his teeth.


    For they were laughing in the midst of poverty.


    And they overcame many hardships and managed to settle the southern frontier.


    At that time, I no longer feel inferior.


    Now I remember the days when I felt inferior.


    I wonder how his wife felt when she was made to feel knowing her body was unable to bear children.


    How did it feel to die apologizing for not being able to bear children?


    At the very least, I took Claude''s suggestion to manipulate the family register to leave proof that Ellea Fronde had lived.


    It would be hard to escape the slander of hypocrisy if you think about what you did to Crono, but still, I wanted to do something for her.


    There was no pretense of that feeling.


    When Alcor took his seat, a large number of nobles opened the door and avalanched into the room.


    ''''........Could you please leave the room?''''


    You don''t have to leave the room.


    It was Alfort, not the nobleman, who answered Alcor.


    He was stuttering badly, but apparently, he was cured.


    ''I will succeed to the throne.


    We don''t have the budget to hold the coronation.


    Well, we''ll find the money, then.


    The man at the front of the line said with a proud smile.


    Of course, it wasn''t out of the goodness of his heart.


    He intends to pay for a key position.


    ''''I think the reason the imperial city is in turmoil is because there is no emperor.


    ''Yes,'' the nobles followed.


    ''Don''t you think it''s because you''ve wasted so much money that you couldn''t even help the poor?


    I didn''t squander it.


    Alfort threw out his chest.


    ''''....Good. Let us allow you to succeed to the throne.''''


    When Alcor said this, Alfort''s face was red from anger.


    ''''Yo, I''m going to denounce you!


    Alfort stood up and pointed at Alcor.


    ''''The security of the imperial capital was disrupted because you blocked my succession to the throne for a reason!��That sin is not light!


    I am obeying your late Majesty''s last will and testament. And if you say I''m guilty of something, I''d like to know what I''m guilty of.


    I had made some preparations, but Alfort and his cronies didn''t seem to be able to get there.


    ''''We''re going to have to leave the room, sir.


    Capture Alkor!


    When Alfort shouted, the nobles moved.


    However, their movements were slower than a turtle.


    They aren''t checking each other out, but rather imposing unpleasant roles on each other.


    ''''.........Would it be alright if we went to the main tower where Princess Tilia was imprisoned?''''


    Alcor stood up and walked leisurely away.


    There were some who gave way, but none who tried to catch him.


    This is how the end of the empire began.

 110-Place name & glossary

    Explanation of Place Names


    The story takes place


    The length of the peninsula is about 1200 KM and the width of the base is about 500 KM.


    The size of the Marquess of Erakis is appropriate.


    Cepheus Empire.


    About four hundred years ago, we were just a small country.


    With the success of the first emperor, it became an empire that ruled the entire peninsula.


    Thirty years ago, the empire was plagued by civil war, barbarian invasions, and urban independence.


    The territory is reduced to two-thirds of its size.


    It has adopted a more tolerant policy towards sub-humans than the surrounding countries.


    Imperial City of Alfiruk.


    The city consists of four Old Town blocks surrounding Alfirk Castle and eight New Town blocks surrounding the Old Town.


    The 12th district is a pleasure quarter, with slums in the middle of it.


    Marquis of Erakis


    The territory of Crono1, covering an area of about 1,500 square kilometers.


    Hachel.


    The only fortified city in the Marquess of Erakis.


    Count of Caddo


    Crono''s territory2, an area of about a third of the Marquis of Erakis'' territory.


    It was a territory dotted with lonely fishing villages.


    Silva Port.


    The port was built in the territory of Count Caddo.


    It was named Silva Port because Silva designed the port.


    The quay is made of hammered logs and has a handmade feel.


    It is drifting. The quay is vertical, making it easy to use a crane.


    Sylvania.


    The city was born around the port of Silva.


    The city is loosely governed by merchants.


    Government Office


    Originally created to prevent trouble between mercenary guilds and merchants.


    At Kane''s suggestion, he became a notary public witness to various contracts.


    Viscount Hamal.


    It is located to the east of the Marquis of Erakis.


    The current head of the family is Brad Hammar, Commander of the 5th Kingsguard.


    Due to military service, the former head of the family, Bond Hamal, is the acting lord.


    Viscount Sheratan


    It is located to the east of the Viscount Hamal''s territory.


    Tina Sheratan is the lord of the estate.


    Baron Melsatim.


    Baron Bosin.


    It is located in the south of the Marquis of Erakis.


    Baron Trace.


    It is located south of the Count of Caddo territory.


    Southern frontier


    The area where the third part of the story takes place. In the year 400 of the imperial calendar it was a virgin forest during the civil war.


    Claude and his team cultivate it and turn it into a granary.


    The Holy Argo Kingdom.


    It is a religious state that adheres to the Six Pillar God.


    The terrain is undulating and rich in water.


    Canopus.


    The royal capital of the Holy Argo Kingdom. Adjacent to the lake.


    The Lesser Royal Capital


    Another name for the city where Ignis has his mansion.


    Kalina.


    The city is located north of the territory of Ignis.


    There are two innkeepers.


    Free City State Group


    A group of city-states that became independent from the Cepheus Empire during the upheaval thirty years ago.


    Anyone of any status could live a life of luxury as long as they had money.


    It is said that any status can rise in the ranks as long as one has talent.


    Now that the guildmasters of the merchant guilds are in control of the city''s real power.


    New entrants are finding it difficult to enter the market.


    Emei.


    A city-state located on the eastern edge of the Free City State Cluster.


    Viola.


    The port city where Elaine is based.


    Glossary


    former nobility


    People who were noblemen of the Cepheus Empire from before the period of upheaval thirty years ago.


    Some are capable, some are incompetent, but in general they have a strong sense of discrimination.


    The new aristocracy.


    In recognition of their achievements during the upheavals, these people became the nobility of the Cepheus Empire.


    They were treated like pioneers in the name of nobility, but


    It takes more than twenty years to transform the frontier into a rich granary.


    Loyalty to the emperor is thin and the camaraderie between the new nobles is unusually strong.


    The new nobles of the southern frontier are the following


    The Crawford family


    House of Ripaios


    Kagachi family


    House of Ziranto


    Beor family


    House of Gennou


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    He''s in dire straits with the elves.


    He dies in various troubles before adulthood.


    Half-elves like Leila, who fit in with their aristocratic mistresses.


    Unparalleled in the history of the Cepheus Empire.


    Dwarves.


    What he lacks in height, he has the physical strength to make up for it.


    He is skilled with his hands and produces excellent armor.


    He''s been enslaved in the mines and handled in human workshops.


    Black companies often work in downright blue work environments too.


    Minotaur.


    He has a muscular build and stands over two meters tall.


    He is an omnivore, although he seems to be a grass eater.


    Lizardman.


    He has a muscular physique and stands over two meters tall.


    They are omnivorous, although they seem to eat only meat.


    He is an omnivore, but he is an omnivore.


    Equipped with warm stones, it can be active in winter.


    Werewolf.


    They are only slightly taller than humans.


    They are highly loyal.


    War Lion


    He is taller than a werewolf and shorter than a minotaur or lizardman.


    Were-Tiger.


    They are taller than werewolves and shorter than minotaurs and lizardmen.


    Barbarians.


    Humans who are believed to have invaded during the upheaval thirty years ago.


    They use spells that are neither divine or magical.


    They were driven into the Areos Mountains by the exploits of Claude and others.


    Roux.


    A part of the barbarian tribe that overran the empire during the upheaval thirty years ago.


    They have a history of being driven from their lands by the first Emperor.


    The Confederacy of Tribes


    It became the mother of the Mercenary Guild, an organization created by tribes living in the Bethel Mountains.


    It is made up of four tribes: the Yu, Mu, Fu, and Nu.


    Mechanical Archers''


    A bow with pulleys on both ends. Made of wood or metal.


    A compound bow.


    Crossbow


    A bow that Goldie developed to somehow make it possible to draw a bow that was too strong for him to draw.


    When he was able to do it, he was elated that he was a genius, but a word from Crono broke his heart.


    It''s a compound crossbow, but Tilia gives him the name of the crossbow.


    iron thorns


    Barbed wire. Crono''s order to make it easier to build a fence to keep livestock from escaping.


    It was developed, but the Marquis of Erakis and the Count of Caddo, where pastoralism is not so popular, were in the workshop''s warehouse.


    It was to be kept dead.


    Named Iron Thorns by Tyria.


    New Armor.


    Goldie developed this chest armor (breast armor).


    It is stronger than the knight''s sheet metal armor (plate armor) because it is made of hardened steel.


    New Sword.


    A new type of sword developed by Goldie. It is strong because it is made of steel.


    Japanese paper


    It was created by Crono''s hazy knowledge and Goldie''s hard work.


    Trees were planted to prepare for the depletion of the material, but it was later found to be growing all over the place.


    Soap.


    It was created to make effective use of the plant ashes used in the production of washi.


    A spice made from lavender is kneaded into the paper.


    Sugar.


    It was made from sugar beets, which Zion''s father had spent his life breeding and improving.


    Printmaking Machine


    A machine based on a grape squeezer.


    Picture book


    This is the book Crono is making for his men. Because he''s making it based on hazy knowledge and on the fly.


    There are very many violent and depressing developments, but they are generally well received by my men.


    Swimsuit.


    It was made from wool imported from the Holy Argo Kingdom by a dwarven craftsman.


    It was processed so that it wouldn''t show through when wet, but it seemed to be too ahead of its time.


    The women refused to wear it.


    However, Crono was undeterred and called out to them at night and individually to wear them.


    Underwear (see-through, open bras & panties etc.)


    s*xy underwear made by Crono''s passion and the skill of the dwarven craftsmen.


    They were unpopular with the ladies, perhaps because they showed their ulterior motives.


    Thousand Tooth Handler.


    A tool for threshing rice and wheat. I''m a star in the knowledge cheat world that doesn''t require special skills to make them.


    Crono finally remembered when Leila pointed out to him that she had read the textbook and the resource book.


    Karo


    A farm tool used to sort the rice into chaff, brown rice and dust by wind power. It was developed under the direction of Crono, but


    For some reason, it was kept in the workshop as a dead storage unit.


    A jumping shuttle


    A loom operator who flies a shuttle by pulling a string or other action.


    It was developed at the word of Crono, who saw the loom, but the Marquis of Erakis and Count Caddo


    As weaving was not popular, it was kept dead in the workshop.

 111-Character introduction

    *


    Combat: Combat power, rated S+ to C-.


    A rough guide is as follows


    However, since combat power is heavily modified by experience and terrain effects and other circumstances


    Even with a Combat S+, there is a chance of losing to a lower-ranked player.


    S:.


    A:


    -----Barriers to Talent and Physical Ability -----


    B:.


    C: General population level


    -----The wall of physical strength -----


    D:.


    Attributes: sorcery attributes, the divine and imprinting arts are marked with [ ].


    Special: Special Skills


    Title.


    Item:.


    [Marquess of Erakis, Count of Caddo]


    Crono Crawford / Hisamitsu Kurono


    Age: 15 years old at the time of the summons to 18 years old at the start of the story


    Height: just over 170cm


    Soldier type: commander


    Combat: C+ (when activated by the mark: B+)


    Attributes: none, [Darkness]


    Specialties: human rights ideology, immorality, surprise attack, multiple activations of sorcery (multitasking), imprinting technique Lv 1


    Contraception ++


    Titles: King of Subhumans, Marquis of Erakis, Count of Caddo, Commander of the 13th Order of the Kings, Shareholder of the Sinner Trade Association


    Item: Rizad''s Fang


    In his original world, he was a family of four: father, mother, Crono, and sister.


    His hobbies include reading and the internet, and he spent his elementary and middle school years in a cram school and had no connection to sports or martial arts, so he was slow to get the hang of moving his body and had no intuition about fighting.


    On the day of his high school entrance exam, he fell into another world and was adopted by the Crawford family. A little over a year after falling into another world, he masters the language and successfully loses weight.


    He takes Claude''s words that nobles are supposed to go to military school, and when he goes to the Imperial City''s military academy, he quickly falls off the grid.


    He was able to graduate thanks to Arthur Weissman''s efforts, but his grades were so poor that he was not awarded a peerage in lieu of a diploma.


    After being assigned to the Marquess of Erakis, he has been surprisingly close to death, fighting enemies with ten times as many troops, serving as a lord in a retreat, and challenging the death penalty, which is only a trial.


    He is basically serious and is described by others as kind, but he is merciless to his enemies and can do what is considered cowardly or despicable if he is tactically effective.


    He often mentions that he was backhandedly dropped in a military school exercise, and so is described by Tyria as having a small capacity for humanity.


    His abilities as a commander are riddled with holes, and his fighting ability is a C+, even though he''s been training for over six years.


    The situation is such that it does not appear.


    When activating the imprinting technique, he is able to demonstrate a higher level of combat power, but he can only fight for a short period of time because his body cannot take the recoil.


    As a lord........his practical ability is not that high, but he is able to produce results because of the high ability of his subordinates.


    The ethics are a bit more of a thing than they were early in Part 1. It helps that he wants to raise his children properly when he has them, at least, but it''s highly doubtful that the children who grow up watching Crono will grow up straight.


    He is determined to create a society where everyone is equal, and to be a king who serves his people like a slave.


    Erakis comes from the star in the constellation Cepheus.


    The name is from a friend from college.


    Tilia.


    Age: 18 years old at the start of the film.


    Height: just under 170cm


    Troops: cavalry, commander.


    Combat: A


    Attributes: ��Light��.


    Special: Charisma Weakness, Defense ++, Adaptation +.


    Titles: regretful princess, selfish boobs, Crono''s rightful wife (self-proclaimed), fallen sun


    Item:.


    She is the first princess of the Cepheus Empire and former first heir to the throne. She and Crono were classmates at military school, but she only became aware of his existence after he was defeated in an exercise.


    After that, after some twists and turns, he recognized Crono as a lifelong friend and even developed a faint love affair with him, but he was cuckolded by Leila.


    After that, he becomes unhappy as he rolls downhill. He was deprived of his right to the throne through the machinations of Vizier Alcor, imprisoned in the main tower of the castle, and to top it all off, he was banished to the Marquess of Erakis.


    After arriving at the Marquess of Erakis, he devotes himself to the training of swordsmanship, wrangling Aridid and Deneb to patrol the stalls, and reading books when he feels like it.


    In addition, he regrets the fact that there were many things he didn''t do right about the matter of losing the throne.


    The first time he exchanged a pillow with Crono, despite being a virgin, he dared to perform a brilliant mounted assault and laid waste to his enemy (Crono).


    He insists that it is a husband''s duty to provide for his wife, but he is not unwilling to work and serves as the acting lord when Crono is not around.


    Because he was raised in a hothouse, he is ignorant of the world, and because he was raised by those around him, he is arrogant and does not care about the needs of others.


    He is a master of the divine power arts and is a skilled swordsman, but his abilities are subordinate to Leonhardt''s, with the exception of defense. As a result of his efforts to defeat Count Rio Chiron, he has developed enough endurance to take a blow from a divine weapon at close range and fall headfirst to the ground, screaming vigorously even if he slid across the ground with a zing.


    She has the blonde hair and ample breasts that she inherited from her mother.


    Her breasts are half a step behind the landlady''s in size, but her overall proportions are superior.


    Her name comes from Eustitia, the goddess of justice in Roman mythology.


    Leila.


    Age: 20 years old at the start of the film.


    Height: 165cm


    Armor: Archers and archers


    Combat: S for bow only, B+ for swordsmanship and body arts


    Attributes: fire, wind


    Specialties: thinly veiled, devotional, downward spiraling, and


    Titles: Apprentice Maid, Viscount


    Items: mechanic''s bow, mechanic''s short bow, naughty maid outfit, textbooks.


    A half-elf with brown skin and golden eyes, from the slums of the imperial city of Alfirk.


    His mother is an elven prostitute and his father is unknown. Crime is a common occurrence in the slums and he has been involved in crime on many occasions. From this experience, he learned that expressing his emotions prolongs his suffering, and he has learned to keep his face expressionless.


    At the age of fifteen, when his mother becomes too ill to work, he is forced to choose between abandoning her and joining the army or becoming a prostitute to take care of her, but he becomes a soldier when his mother chooses to die herself, not wanting to be a burden to her daughter.


    He misinterprets Crono''s good intentions as affection in the first part of the film, and succeeds in setting up a night crawl with her in order to take advantage of this opportunity. At first, the relationship is a calculating one, but as he learns more about Crono''s character, his love for her grows. In the second part, he accepts everything Crono has to offer and decides to give his love and loyalty to her.


    He has not overcome the trauma of his past, and in Part 6, he becomes ill a few days before arriving in the Imperial City, and succumbs to Gina''s threats out of fear of revealing his past.


    He is a master archer and can use advanced magic of fire and wind. It seems that he has a talent for horsemanship, and was one of the first archers to be brought into battle.


    He is a very good soldier, but his abilities as a troop leader are inferior to those of Aridid and Deneb, both of whom are in the same military family. This is due to his poor communication skills (not that he has poor social skills) and his tendency to think of things in terms of himself. He took advice from Rio and learned to judge things based on his subordinates.


    He has high troop management and paperwork skills, having been taught by Crono early on in his studies. Although he has Crono''s power behind him, his negotiation skills are considered to be reasonably high as he has never caused any problems while in charge of negotiating with the Pics Chamber of Commerce.


    When he first appeared, he was a supporting character who didn''t even have a name, but he quickly established himself in his position.


    She earns the title of Apprentice Maid early in the second part of the game. In the third part, she changed jobs from an archer to an archer-cavalryman, and was knighted in the fourth part.


    She has obedient tits and a soothing ass.


    General: Shayla Ekron


    Age: Unknown


    Height: 165-170cm


    Soldier type: cook


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Specialties: motherhood, creative cooking


    Title: Daughter of Baron Ekron


    Item: naughty maid outfit


    She was born the eldest daughter of a baronial family with a fiefdom on the southern frontier, but fell in love with a soldier at first sight and ran away from her parents'' home. She later married and ran a diner and inn in the Marquess of Erakis. Incidentally, her husband died of an epidemic disease five years before the start of the story.


    After her husband''s death, she continues to run the diner and inn, but it seems she didn''t have any business acumen, and she ends up with a debt of 100 gold coins.


    She seduces Crono to pay off the debt, but he refuses, and she becomes the cook of the Marquis'' mansion.


    He crosses the line to comfort Crono, who is despondent after killing a former colleague who was a burglar, and they continue their affair.


    She still loves her dead husband (and is concerned about the age difference between her and Crono), so she takes a step back in meetings to decide on the order of the nightgown.


    She sometimes talks about the requirements of a good woman and the relationship between a man and a woman with a flirtatious face, but her only male experience is with her dead husband and Crono.


    She has the largest breasts of any of Crono''s mistresses, but she is concerned about her broken proportions compared to her younger days.


    She has a sister named Kanan, but she resents him. This is due to the fact that Canaan has gained notoriety for playing the role of a manly lord and missed his wedding date.


    Well, it''s Kanan''s fault for missing the marriage date, but Sheela is aware of her own rear end, so she can''t speak back too strongly.


    Elena Graffius.


    Age: 17 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 155-160cm


    Soldier type: accountant, s*x slave.


    Combat: Unlearned


    Attributes: M (masochistic)


    Special: Tsunero


    Title.


    Item:.


    She was born the only daughter of a semi-aristocratic Graffiace family. Elena has excelled in her studies since she was a child, and her father sent her to study in the Free City States in order to develop her talents.


    Her father was poisoned by her uncle and his fianc��e Philip, who were plotting to take over the family, and her mother was killed by two hired bandits.


    Originally, she should have been killed along with her mother, but the bandits were unhappy with the amount of money they were being paid, and sold Elena to the slavers in an attempt to make some money.


    Her strong-minded nature led to her being chastised as an example under the slaver. This is when her heart is broken and her tolerance for violence is extremely low.


    In Part 2, he fails to assassinate Philip at the ball, and is saved again by Crono when he is almost pushed off a balcony.


    At first I was thinking something like "Leila is the submissive type, so Elena should be a tsundere," but I don''t know where I went wrong and became a masochist.


    The reason "Kuro''s War Diary" is is because Elena was erotic.


    Alideed & Deneb.


    Age: 20 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 160-165cm


    Armor: Archers and archers


    Combat: Bow A, Swordsmanship and Bodywork B


    Attributes: fire, water, earth, wind


    Special: twins, threesomes.


    Titles: degraded maid, peerage, magician


    Item: Mechanic''s Bow


    Elven twins. Hailing from a settlement on the border of the Cepheus Empire and the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    They were set up to pretend to be each other in order to tell each other that it wasn''t their fault that they had a tragic past and that it wasn''t their fault that they had suffered so badly, but they entered Chapter 7 without specifically mentioning what they had experienced.


    Leila and I have been close to each other since we were assigned to the Marquess of Erakis. People around him think he is close to Tilia, but in reality, he is just being pushed around.


    The alcohol extracted from the distiller is mixed with fruit juice to make a kind of shochu liqueur, but he leaks the alcohol extraction method to the merchants. As a result, peddlers and street vendors began to sell alcohol under the name of "Elf''s elixir".


    He is a girly elf who is too easy to get along with, but he has the righteousness to repay the favor he received. His flexible thinking led to the birth of the Bow Cavalry, and he found a way to synthesize the two types of magic.


    He is a master archer and his abilities as a troop leader surpass those of Leila. He is also better at rebuilding his crumbling troops because he has experienced combat against overwhelming odds.


    He began his studies with the impure motive of being able to read, write, and calculate, and was trained as an officer by his Weissman teacher.


    Although he has an education comparable to that of an average nobleman, Arideed is riddled with misspellings, and Crono''s observational diary, which he writes to keep as a living testament, is already mis-titled.


    Deneb is worried that the diary written by Arideed will be discovered in the future and their name will be left as a synonym for fool.


    The name comes from the star in the constellation Swan.


    Zion


    Age: Mid-twenties when first appearing.


    Height: 160cm


    Soldier type: Priest


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: ��Earth��.


    Specialties: unhappiness, recrimination, hidden big tits, and corrosive wards.


    Title: Priest-in-Chief, Yellow Priest


    Item: Secrets of the Earth (Erotic Book)


    A priest in the service of the "Mother Goddess of Ocher and Fertility". His father was a priest in charge of the temple of the Marquis of Erakis, but he passed away because he didn''t get credit for the beet he had improved. For a time, he resented Crono for wearing his power and doing whatever he wanted, but he changed his mind and began to work tirelessly as the head of the poorhouse.


    After his father''s death, he lost the ability to use his divine power magic, and whether it was because he was exploited by a gap in his mind or because of his easily-dependent nature, he was tricked by Aqua in the Holy Argo Kingdom Part 5. With a single-minded desire to save Crono, who was mortally wounded, he once again communicated with the ''Mother Goddess of Ochre and Fertility''.


    The plot of the Sacred Argo Kingdom chapter was supposed to have Sion, who was able to use the Divine Majesty Technique again, blow up the enemy soldiers with a thumping blow and enter the harem, but Chapter 7 came and went without any progress in his relationship with Crono.


    Fay M Refine.


    Age: 22 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 170cm


    Cavalry


    Combat: S


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Special: thinness, effort, command effect+, future vision, shame+.


    Titles: Warrior, Dark Knight, Slaughterer''s Apprentice


    Items: sword of Elua, obscene negligee, swimsuit


    He is the head of the Murifine family. His father died of illness when Faye was very young, and his mother died shortly after Faye was assigned to the 12th Kingsguard, after years of hard work.


    The 12th Kingsguard didn''t allow her to participate in exercises, and she was forced to clean the stables. Nevertheless, she continued to work hard, believing that if she didn''t give up, her dreams would come true, and she was given the disgraceful nickname of Horse b*tc*.


    She hadn''t forgotten all the harassment she had received from Cecily at this time, and she was ready to return the favor when she gave herself up to be a maid in the Marquis'' mansion.


    After transferring to the Marquess of Erakis, she grew up with the support of Kane and his men, and became a cavalry captain in the clearing.


    He teaches swordsmanship to orphans for the sake of his future, and tries to become Crono''s mistress to revive the family, and also changes his religion from "the pure white god of order" to "the jet-black goddess of chaos" because he wants to bring misfortune to others.


    He is a disciple of Crono''s adoptive father, Claude, and is one of the most skilled players in the series. He has a vision of the future, but he couldn''t foresee the future when Crono would force him to play in the bath.


    His name is Morgan Le Fay of Arthurian legend, and his family name is derived from the star in the constellation Centaurus.


    You may disagree, but I hope you''ll call it the legend of King Arthur.


    Deputy/Minot.


    Age: About 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavy infantry


    Combat: A+.


    Attributes: ��Earth��.


    Special: Command Effect +, Experience


    Item: Wind Poleaxe


    Titles: Lieutenant, Knight


    He is from the Barony of Bowties. His family consists of his father, mother, brother and sister. His ancestors worked in the quarry for generations, but he grew tired of his futureless life and left home to join the army.


    He is a veteran of more than ten years of service and has a wealth of combat experience. He was originally a caretaker for Crono, who had just been assigned to the Marquis of Erakis territory, but when the former Marquis of Erakis fled with his cronies when the Holy Argo Kingdom invaded in the first part of the war, he was assigned to support Crono as his second in command.


    Later on, Crono became both commander and lord, and was officially made second-in-command. He convinced the family in the Baron Bowties'' territory to move to the Count of Caddo, where he contributed greatly to the construction of the port.


    Dwarven Centurion/Goldie.


    Age: About 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 150cm


    Type of service: industrial engineer


    Combat: B


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Blacksmithing, Dexterity


    Title: Warrior of the Year


    He was trained as a blacksmith from a young age and has solid skills as a craftsman. He received a loan from Crono, who became a lord, and set up his longed-for workshop.


    He made superior armor using a process he had developed independently, and developed a mechanic''s bow using a combination of synthetic bows and pulleys found in a warehouse at the Marquis'' mansion.


    He relied on Crono''s fuzzy knowledge to establish a process for making washi paper, improved agricultural equipment, and created a printmaking machine, a distiller, a thousand-tooth mauler, soap, a washboard, a jumping shuttle, a Chinese winnowing machine, iron thorns, and a crossbow.


    Silva was his younger brother.


    His name comes from gold.


    Silva.


    Age: About 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 150cm


    Type of service: industrial engineer


    Combat: B-


    Attributes: unlearned


    Specialties: stonemason, horseshoe mason, architect


    Item: Drawing


    Title: None.


    Goldie''s brother and a friend of Fay''s since he was a member of the 12th Kingsguard. He worked as a horseshoe worker, but decided to transfer to the Marquess of Erakis when he could not fulfill his dream of becoming an architect by working here.


    After arriving at the Marquess of Erakis, he became an architect after a successful sales pitch, and was chosen to be in charge of building a port in the county of Caddo.


    While designing the port and supervising the site, he developed the Silva Saltworks.


    Its name comes from silver.


    Centurion of the Werewolf (Warwolf) / White, Hiilo


    Age: Mid-twenties when first appearing.


    Height: just under 6''3


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Specialties: terrain effects, loyalty, psychic vision


    Title: Warrior of the Year


    Item: Magic Sword


    He recognizes Crono as the leader and misses him very well. He is good friends with Alyssa''s daughter Alyssa''s daughter, Alyssa, but unfortunately, he is perceived as a dog.


    Human Tiger (War Tiger) Centurion/Taiga.


    Age: Mid-twenties when first appearing.


    Height: just over 180cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned; flames depending on the item


    Special: None.


    Title: Warrior of the Year


    Item: The Great Sword of Fire


    A tiger beastman. His first person is me, and he speaks in the tone of a goggle.


    He has inherited the Great Sword from Leo. His fighting style emphasizes one strike over many moves.


    He is the captain of the raiding party.


    Snow.


    Age: About 15 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 150cm


    Type of soldier: archers, assassins.


    Combat: Bow B, Dagger A+


    Attributes: fire, water, earth, wind


    Specialties: polyphonic (talkative), devilish and hermetic.


    Item(s): Aircraft bow, bicycle


    He is a half-elf from the slums of Teito. When he was in Teito, he belonged to the same team as Leila and was often taken care of by her. Because of this, he calls Leila his mother. Naturally, they are not related by blood.


    After Leila joined the army, she was kidnapped by the remnants of the assassination group "Arm of Death" and trained as an assassin. His memories of that time were lost due to the effects of drug-induced brainwashing, but they were revived when he was cornered by Deke in Part 6.


    Afterwards, he became delirious and escaped, but regained his senses thanks to Crono''s efforts. As for his return to normal....


    In Part 3, he made a statement to the effect that he got better with the dagger right away, but his bow handling was not so good even with practice, but this was not because he improved so quickly, but because his body had learned how to use the dagger.


    He is good friends with Faye, Sue and Eryl.


    Sue.


    Age: About 15 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: about 150cm


    Soldier type: spearmen, cursed doctor


    Combat: B+ (when activated by the mark: A+)


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Specialties: herbal knowledge, spell knowledge, engraving technique Lv 3, survival, wild intuition.


    Title: Daughter of the Chief, Crono''s wife


    Item: Stone spear, no bread


    A barbarian Lolita from the Areos Mountains, she speaks in one language. Worried about the future of her family, which was unable to bear children, she kidnapped Crono, who looked weak, and tried to give her a child.


    The Roux chose to move forward with the empire thanks to Crono''s efforts, and the chief sent her off as a bride for the sake of the family''s prosperity and cultural succession.


    She has a rather possessive personality, and when she refers to herself as Crono''s wife, she trips up a bit. Crono intended to provide for her properly, but out of pride, she earns her living by selling the medicinal herbs she collects in the coma forest at her stall. No one is allowed to go into the "Tilia has become a NEET.


    She has learned the concept of money in a short time despite living in a hunter-gatherer society, so she seems to have a high learning ability and adaptability.


    By the way, he wears no pants under his loincloth and no pants.


    He is good friends with Snow and Eryl.


    Arthur Wiseman.


    Age: 55 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 170cm


    Soldier: Teacher


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: ?


    Titles: Ex-knight, ex-military school teacher, principal


    Item: Wand


    A former knight. He was a friend of Count Taul Hernat, who was severely wounded when he defended him on the battlefield, and became an assistant teacher at a military academy.


    He never gave up on Crono, who was a failure, and bowed his head in various places to help him graduate. However, because of Crono''s success on the battlefield, he is dismissed from the military academy after 25 years of service. At a loss for what to do next, Claude recommends him to the Marquis of Erakis as a teacher.


    He was hired to train people who could help manage the estate, but he had promised to teach one beastman to study, so he had to teach 520 ordinary soldiers to study. If Crono hadn''t hired two female teachers, he might have died of overwork.


    He doesn''t regret that, although he thinks "what a great thing I did," but he doesn''t regret it. The general soldier''s favorability rating is maxed out.


    He is currently in charge of officer training and mentoring two female teachers. He is also researching the effective use of the iron thorns and crossbows under Tilia''s direction.


    Although he is an old-fashioned knight and loyal to the royal family, Tyria did not know Arthur.


    Incidentally, Tyria has come to believe that she was in no small part responsible for the deprivation of her right to the throne from this matter.


    Nasr.


    Age: About 35 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 170cm


    Armor: Archers and archers


    Combat: Sword, Bodywork A


    Attributes: fire, water, earth, wind


    Specialties: sniping, mental control (mindset)


    Title.


    Item: Mechanic''s Bow


    An old soldier. Silent, but has good commanding skills.


    Lizardman Centurion/Rizad.


    Age: N/A


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavy infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: None.


    Item: Warm Stone, Thunder Hammer


    As a mutated animal, it is vulnerable to temperature changes and responds with words, perhaps because of its different thought patterns.


    He dies in Part 2, Episode 11, "The Birth of a Child".


    His tusks, a memento, are used as a crono necklace.


    Human Lion (War Lion) Centurion/Leo.


    Age: About 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 180cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: None.


    Item: The Great Sword of Fire


    Death in Part 2, Episode 8.


    Centurion of the Minotaur / Horus


    Age: About 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Type of soldier: heavy infantry


    Combat: A+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: None.


    Item: None.


    He died in Part 2, Episode 11, "Birth Voice".


    Zag.


    Age: 20''s when he first appeared.


    Height: 170cm


    Type of soldier: Archer


    Combat: Bow, Bodywork A-


    Attributes: fire, water, earth, wind


    Special: Crisis Avoidance


    Title: ?


    Item: Mechanic''s Bow


    An elven archer. One of the oldest soldiers. He was in good shape when he first appeared, but he sensed something dangerous from the priest, and ran away as fast as he could.


    Edge.


    Age: 20''s when he first appeared.


    Height: just under 6''3


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: B+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: ?


    Title: ?


    Item: Spear


    The Black Panther Beast.


    Sitter Window.


    Age: Mid-40s when he first appeared.


    Height: 160cm


    Grade: Office Manager


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: ?


    Title: ?


    Item: ?


    He officially becomes Crono''s subordinate after Tilia''s downfall. With his thick lips and slicked-back hair, he is the embodiment of a dull, middle-aged man. He is the backbone of Crono''s office staff, supporting him from behind the scenes.


    Cecily Hamal


    Age: 20 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: less than 170cm


    Cavalry


    Combat: B


    Attributes: unrevenueed


    Special:.


    Titles: Viscount Hamal''s daughter, peerage, service maid (virgin)


    Item:.


    A former Knight of the Kingsguard, from Viscount Hamal''s territory. After the Twelfth Kingsguard was devastated in the second part of the story, he was promoted to the position of deputy knight commander, but when Count Piske judged that he lacked ability, he was transferred to the battalion on the southern frontier and became a subordinate of Gaul, but when the decision was made to move the frontline base to the Areos Mountains, he resigned from the army, claiming that he could not live in the mountains.


    Later, when Crono signed a treaty with Viscount Hamal, he became a maid at the Marquis'' mansion under the guise of an apprenticeship. There she gets to know Verna and grows as a human being... but Verna''s concern for her makes her a servant maid.


    Because I wanted to write about Cecily serving Crono, Part 4, Episodes 11-13 became the Cecily Festival.


    Hyach~!��The maid of honor!


    His older brother, Brad, is the commander of the 5th Kingsguard and a superb cavalryman. He has watched his genius brother up close and personal since he was a child, so he knows his degree well. He relied on his bloodline, an element that can''t be filled with effort, but it doesn''t matter to Crono and Faye, who don''t know the circumstances. What is important is what was done to them.


    The character was appropriated from "Spirit Knight Verna". He fights with Verna near the end with his bare hands, and then he gets delinquent in the epilogue.


    His last name is derived from the star in the constellation Aries.


    Verna.


    Age: About 15 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 160-cm


    Soldier type: fighter -> scout infantry


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: fire


    Specialties: positivity, friendliness, sorcery


    Title.


    Item:.


    He is from the slums of the Imperial City. He first appeared in Part 2, Episode 12, when he tried to steal a wallet from Crono, who was lying in a back alley after being beaten to a pulp by a thug. He was rescued by Rio in Part 4 from being beaten up by Imperial City guards and taken to the Marquess of Erakis.


    She became Cecily''s buddy and was trained as a maid. Despite her miserable upbringing, she has a positive attitude and takes good care of Cecily by washing her maid''s clothes for her. At the end of Part 5, she left for the Imperial City to become a soldier, and in Part 6, she received an unraveling of the sacred arts from Neige, making her a soldier who could fight on her own.


    She mistakenly thought that Cecily was in love with Crono, and later it turned out to be a misunderstanding, but it was already too late. Cecily had become a servant maid. Verna fights as a soldier while feeling guilty for corrupting her friend into a service maid. Well, if Crono didn''t do anything, it would have been fine.


    The character was appropriated from my work "Spirit Knight Verna".


    He was a delinquent type character who was interested in s*xually explicit things.


    The origin of his name is a mail order company.


    Alyssa.


    Age: 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 160cm


    Soldier type: maid, commander.


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Thin, developed


    Title: Head Maid


    Item:.


    He was from Hachel, Marquis of Erakis. The former mistress of the Marquis of Erakis...more of a s*xual tool than a mistress...her first child...Arisne was allowed to be born, but her second child was aborted. The unreasonable abortion took its toll on her, and she became ill and was forced to leave the Marquis'' mansion. Just when she thought that she and her daughter were going to die together in the wild, she was saved by Crono. For this, she feels indebted to Crono.


    His chastity is ''uptight'', but his body has been developed by the former Marquis of Erakis, and he begins to tingle at the slightest thing.


    She is a mother who cares for her daughter, but is anxious to raise her child alone. Nevertheless, she was able to discipline herself, but fell easily to Crono when he seduced her.


    Alison.


    Alyssa''s only daughter. Since her appearance in the first part of the game, she has been absent from the game. She appears for the first time in the sixth part of the story after a long absence. She has a certain amount of interaction with Shiro and Hairo, but she thinks they''re not wolves, but dogs.


    He goes to a private school and seems to have reasonably good grades. He wants to study abroad in the Free City States in order to be useful to Crono.


    Granette.


    Age: Late teens when first appearing


    Height: under 160cm


    Soldier type: Priest


    Combat: C+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special:.


    Title: Priest


    Item:.


    A priest sent by Crono after he paid a large donation.


    He is somewhat cynical. His main job is to teach agricultural techniques.


    He cannot use divine authority arts due to his lack of talent for communicating with gods.


    Plum.


    Age: Early teens at the time of his first appearance


    Height: 145-155cm


    Soldier type: Priest


    Combat: C-


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special:.


    Title: Apprentice Priest


    Item:.


    A priest sent by Crono for a large donation.


    He speaks with a lisp. His main job is to teach agricultural techniques.


    He can''t use divine authority arts because he doesn''t have the talent to communicate with the gods.


    Duran.


    Age: One year older than Crono


    Height: 175cm


    Soldier type: guard, cavalryman, clerical apprentice, clerk


    Combat: B to B-


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special:.


    Title.


    Item: bracelet knitted from Angel''s hair


    He is the fourth son of the Baron Landedge family. He worked as a guard in the imperial city and aspired to become a knight of the Kingsguard, but his heart was broken when he failed the exam to join the order three years in a row. He was picked up by Angel when he fell to the ground in a ragged state after drinking and fighting.


    He volunteered for an operation in the Holy Argo Kingdom to break the current situation. After surviving a fierce battle with the Inquisitor, he realized that he was not a hero, and decided to live for Angier. Although some people have talked behind his back that he was blown away by the winds of cowardice, he is proud of his choice.


    He still trains in swordsmanship, not because he can''t give up his dream of becoming a knight of the Kingsguard, but because he wants to leave his family strong enough to protect them.


    Angel.


    Age: About 20 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 160cm


    Type of warfare:?


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: ?


    Title: Duran''s Wife


    Item: ?


    He was born in the Imperial City. He worked as a waiter in a tavern and inn in the 12th district of the imperial city. He had no relatives and was often forced to prostitute himself in order to survive. He rescued Duran, who was lying on the floor in a ragged state, which led to the start of their relationship. He knows his size and has no strong desire to rise.


    She feels sorry for making Duran give up on his dreams, but she loves him dearly for doing that for her.


    Bruno.


    Age: Same age as Duran.


    Height: 2m


    Cavalry


    Combat: B


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special:.


    Title.


    Item:.


    He was Duran''s peer; he had failed the exam to join the Kingsguard for three years in a row, but his heart was not broken. Believing that he would not be able to become a Knight of the Kingsguard in his current state, he volunteered for a mission in the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    After a fierce battle with the Inquisitor, he became Crono''s subordinate, aiming for even greater heights. He is on a diet while being abused by Arididid and Deneb.


    He understands Duran, who has given up his desire to become a Knight of the Kingsguard to live for Angier. Living for your dreams and living for your family are equally precious.


    Lucia.


    Duran''s senior tax collector. One of the candidates for clerks that Ault had gathered in the Imperial City. He worked in the Treasury Department, but was dismissed after his bosses accused him of corruption. He has a bad reputation as a corrupt official, and is in need of a living.


    Paula.


    A dwarven woman. She worked as a soldier, but after receiving a loan from Crono, she and her friends opened a kiln in the northeast of Sylvania.


    Kane.


    Age: About 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just under 6''3


    Type of soldier: light cavalry


    Combat: B+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Experience, diligent.


    Title: Mercenary Commander -> Thief -> Cavalry Commander -> Deputy


    Item: A sword engraved with the imperial coat of arms


    He was originally the son of a farmer. Kane''s parents went to appeal directly to the lord to lower taxes during a bad harvest and were killed by soldiers on guard duty.


    Kane and his sister were driven out of the village, and his sister died of illness while wandering. He is picked up by a group of mercenaries, but he doesn''t fit in and flees with his friends to the Free City State group, where he sets up his own mercenary group.


    He did his job diligently and had a good reputation, but he became angry at the slavers'' treatment of his slaves, so he took them and fled to the Marquis of Erakis. He was recruited by Crono to join the cavalry of the Marquess of Erakis with his men.


    He regrets not being able to protect his sister, and takes it upon himself to protect Crono, perhaps as an act of compensation.


    In the second and third parts, Crono forces him to stay at home, and he works diligently, complaining about it.


    It may have been worth it, but in the fifth part, he became the deputy of Count Caddo''s estate.


    He is a nice guy who looks good with a stubble.


    Aria.


    Age: Mid-twenties at first appearance


    Height: 190cm


    Type of warfare:?


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: ?


    Title: Maidservant (Maid All Works)


    Item:.


    Mino''s younger sister. Minotaur with chestnut-colored hair and dull eyes.


    She works as a maid at the Daikanjo.


    Her future dream is to open a diner.


    Wester.


    Age: 17 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: Slightly taller than Elena.


    Grade: Clerical Apprentice -> Clerk


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: ?


    Title: ?


    Item: ?


    A friend of Elena''s when she was studying in the Free City State Cluster. She was sold to a slave trader because her father was bankrupt. He was almost sent to a brothel because Elena fought with Elaine. After being bought by Crono, he worked as an administrative apprentice.


    When Kane became a deputy, he was pulled into the deputy''s office.


    Basically, he''s a laid-back character. He walks hunched over because he is concerned about his large chest.


    Her name comes from Westa, the Roman goddess of fireplaces.


    Rona.


    Age: 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 170cm


    Soldier type: infantry -> slave -> clerk


    Combat: C+.


    Attributes: unlearned


    Speciality: Dim and short-sightedness


    Title: Rag Picker


    Item:.


    He is from a group of free city-states. His father was a knight and spendthrift who betrayed the Cepheus Empire for money. He worked from an early age to support his family and became a mercenary at the age of 15. He was known as the ''scrap picker'' because he only chose to do the kind of work that a fledgling mercenary would do.


    Just as he was about to take the first step in his new life after his profligate father died, he fell into slavery because of his father''s debts. He was bought for 41 gold coins (42 gold coins if you include the glasses).


    He is fearful of how he will be treated, but has a strong side that looks for ways to get in. Thanks to the lessons his mother taught him, he is able to find a job in the office, which he has always dreamed of, but by the time he is free, he is in his thirties, and he breathes a sigh of relief that he will have missed his marriage.


    The origin of his name is "loan".


    quanto


    Age: About 15 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 160cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: B-, A- when the mark is activated


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Special: Engraving Lv 3, Beastification


    Title: Mercenary -> Maid


    Item:.


    Hailing from the Bethel Mountains, she is the daughter of Sif, one of the candidates for chieftaincy. She harassed Kane by placing a dead rat in the doorway of the deputy''s office to retaliate against him for crushing the face of the mercenary guild, but he didn''t take any notice of her, and she used her skills. He defeated Kane the first time, but the second time he lost.


    He was disowned by Sif and became a maid in the deputy''s office in order to live. Quanto himself is obsessed with being a warrior, but Sif thinks he was raised wrong. When he releases the power of the Mark, he can transform into a jet-black wolf.


    Mary.


    Red hair. Former prostitute, receptionist at a deputy''s office.


    Kate.


    Kurige. Former prostitute, receptionist at a deputy''s office.


    Elaine Sinner.


    Age: Nearly 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 170cm


    Type of army: prostitute, schemer, manager


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: connections, greenfield purchases


    Title: Guild Master, First President of the Sinar Trade Association


    He is from a group of free city-states. Relying on no one, not clinging to anyone, and relying on his own resourcefulness, he rose from nakedness to become the guildmaster of a prostitutes'' guild, and with Crono''s support, became the hired president of the union. In Part 5, he worked in the shadows and in the sun to secure a profit. In Part 6, it was discovered that he had established a workshop in Sylvania. He had been working on the crafting of Baron Mersatim, Baron Bossain, and Baron Treis in order to establish an economic alliance that was mainly based on the territory of Crono.


    She has become the face of Sylvania, her union sales are good, the economic union is close to being formed, and she has a monopoly on the jumping shuttle, but she is struggling to train her men.


    He is proud of his way of life, including being a prostitute, but he also understands the public''s opinion of prostitutes and the psychology of women who are forced into prostitution.


    Her surname comes from the Sinner.........


    Capitalized "the Sinner" means "whore".


    Sianna.


    Age: Twenty-something at the time of his first appearance


    Height: 160cm


    Soldier type: prostitute, assassin.


    Combat: B


    Attributes:?


    Special: Assassination+, Torture+.


    Title: Assassin


    Item:.


    Birthplace unknown. The oldest subordinate who accompanied Elaine when she became independent. He always looks sleepy-eyed, but is skilled at capturing a powerful thug alive. He also has the ruthlessness to torture them without changing his expression.


    He is smart and knowledgeable, but he is not good at thinking and acting on his own. Elaine wants him to learn to think and act for himself.


    Sif.


    Age: Mid-thirties when first appearing


    Height: 185cm


    Troops: infantry and cavalry


    Combat: S-


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Special: Tattoos to ward off evil, Engraving Lv 4, Beastification


    Title: Guild Master, Agent of the Confederacy of Tribes


    Item:.


    He is from the Bethel Mountains. He holds a variety of titles, including Chief of the U tribe, Guild Master of a mercenary guild, and representative of the Bethel Mountain Tribal Federation.


    Since there is not much land suitable for farming in the Bethel Mountains, he earns money through mercenary work to support his tribe''s members. He believes that the current situation where tribes must fight for food and risk their lives, and where the tribes'' voice changes depending on their contribution to the coalition, must be changed.


    It has been the longing of their ancestors to settle on land suitable for cultivation, and although they even cooperated with the Free City State group for its independence, they have failed to achieve their longing. He felt threatened that he would be used up if he did not, so he made contact with Crono.


    He won their trust by working as an escort for the merchants who traveled between Crono''s and Ignis'' lands, and the Bethel Mountain people living in the frontier villages made a secret pact to fight until they were the last man standing in a time of need, thus achieving the migration of a thousand people.


    He has received overwhelming support from his generation and those below him for achieving his ancestor''s dream and for not discriminating or inducing profit for himself. However, he is disliked by the older generation for depriving the chiefs, including his own father, of power.


    Bear.


    Age: Mid-30s when he first appeared.


    Height: 180cm


    Type of soldier: Infantry


    Combat: A


    Attributes: ��Fire��.


    Special: Engraving Lv2


    Title: ?


    Item: ?


    From the Bethel Mountains, a mercenary of the Mu people. He looks like a dwarf stretched out vertically. He has a strong face, but his caring nature has made him the leader of the mercenaries and second-in-command to Sif. He has a friendship with Sif that transcends tribal boundaries.


    Rollo.


    Age: 16 years old


    Height: 150cm


    Soldier type: hunter


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: ��Wind��.


    Special: Engraving Lv 1


    Title: ?


    Item:.


    From the Bethel Mountains, a gnu hunter with an old dog.


    [Cepheus Empire]


    1st Knights of the Kingsguard: Leonhard Palatium


    Age: 22 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 185cm


    Troops: cavalry, commander.


    Combat: S+.


    Attributes: ��Light��.


    Special: Charismatic Strength, Strong Luck, Command Effect +, Future Vision, Fatty


    Title: Knight of the 1st Kingsguard, heir of House Palatium, White Knight


    Item:.


    He is a son of the Duke of Palatium, a son of the Duke of Palatium, who has a large estate. After graduating at the military academy at the top of his class, he was assigned to the Second Order of the Kingsguard and defeated the enemy general in his first battle. He is also known as the "Holy Knight. He is a genius with excellent qualities in both the literary and military arts, but his empathy is remarkably low, as he has never experienced a setback since he was a child.


    He is aware of his lack of empathy, and makes up for it by listening to others.


    He is a master of the Divine Majesty Technique, an outstanding sword user, and a fierce competitor who can slay a cavalryman while riding down. In terms of ability, he is Tyria''s top competitor.


    He tends to put the good of the whole ahead of his emotions, and when Tyria was deprived of her claim to the throne, he took a wait-and-see attitude to avoid civil war.


    He is extremely popular, as evidenced by the fact that he was surrounded by noble women at the ball. He is a God-loved man who is handsome, rich, has a strong arm and a personality.


    I can''t be friends with this cheeto bastard!��He''s a nice guy who is kind to Crono when he spits him out, and he doesn''t look uncomfortable when he''s asked to take him to the Amazing Room in Part 6.


    He doesn''t play with women because he''s very popular, or maybe he''s avoiding trouble. But he has a physical relationship with Leela.


    He was initially set up as a homos*xual and was interested in and gradually attracted to Crono, who treats him as an individual Leonhardt rather than a legitimate son of the Palatium family, but those attributes were passed on to Rio.


    The family name is derived from the etymology of the word Palatium, the Holy Knight (Paladin).


    2nd Knights of the Kingsguard: Count Taul Hernat


    Age: 50 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Soldier type: heavy infantry, commander


    Combat: A


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Humanity+, Recruit+, Experience+, Command Effectiveness+, Connections+


    Titles: Knight Commander of the 2nd Kingsguard, Ironclad, Count Ernat, and


    Item:.


    A warlord under the direct control of Emperor Nohj, he has prevented the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom. Although he has a physique comparable to a large sub-human, he is unable to use divine power or magic, and has no outstanding personal combat skills. He has been nicknamed "Iron Wall" for his steadfastness.


    When he was young, he was crude and frustrated that Claude was valued and he wasn''t, but when his mistake seriously injured his best friend (Arthur Weissman), he deeply regretted his mistake and decided to change.


    He is calm and sincere. He is a personable person who has the guts to apologize on behalf of his subordinates, but his opinion of his son is very painful.


    His name is Cow, and his family name is derived from the star in the Taurus constellation.


    gaul


    Age: About 20 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 2 meters


    Soldier type: heavy infantry, commander


    Combat: A+.


    Attributes: ��Earth��.


    Special: Humanity+, Command Effectiveness+, Subordinate Training+.


    Title: Son of Count Ernat


    Item:.


    He is the son of Count Ernat. Since he was a child, he has been trying hard to get his father''s approval, but he always looked at him as if he wasn''t good enough. It was his parental love for Count Ernat that he didn''t want him to make the same mistake as he did, and he wanted him to realize his mistake sooner rather than later.


    She was hostile to Crono, whose abilities were recognized by her father, but she softened her attitude as she raised Leila, a half-elf, and followed capable subordinates like the Fae. She is currently guarding a fort in the Areos Mountains.


    Lara is carrying Gaul''s child in her belly, and she has come to regard Crono, who has blessed her with her pregnancy, as a friend.


    According to Crono, he is a tsundere.


    His name comes from Indoyagyu.


    Third Order of the Kingsguard: Count Argena Dios


    Age: 25 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 180-185cm


    Troops: infantry, spearmen, cavalry, and commanders.


    Combat: A+ (S only when fighting with Roy)


    Attributes.


    Special: Dogs and monkeys.


    Title: Knight Commander of the 3rd Kingsguard, Count Dios


    Item: Glasses


    From Count Dios. He is a great man who wears glasses. From a young age, he was raised strictly to be the head of the Count Dios family. He was raised to be a role model for the nobility, and hates those who don''t follow the rules.


    He is basically a cold-hearted person, but he has a hysterical streak and is easily outwitted. He dislikes Roy and admires his free-spirited nature.


    He is an excellent commander of the Kingsguard, but his ability to manage his troops and see the big picture is not as good as it could be. By the way, Gaul was defeated by Argena''s furious attack.


    4th Knights of the Kingsguard: Count Roy Akbens


    Age: 25 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 180cm


    Troops: spearmen and cavalry


    Combat: A- (S only when fighting with Algena)


    Attributes.


    Special: Dogs and monkeys.


    Titles: Knight Commander of the 4th Kingsguard, Count Akbens, Absolute Champion


    Item:.


    He is from the Earl of Akbens territory. A red-haired spearman and a thug-like battle maniac (fake). The bastard son of the former Earl of Akbens. Normally, he was not in a position to succeed to the family, but he was forced to do so after the children of his wife died one after another.


    His mother was a woman in love and flitted about the society like a butterfly, carrying Roy. Because of this, it is doubtful that she is truly related to her father. His mother was stabbed to death by one of her lovers without changing her way of life. He became a soldier in search of the tingling sensation of avenging his mother''s death.


    He has never known the love of his parents and has no desire to leave anything behind. He wants to burn everything to death on the battlefield, but he is essentially an intelligent man and realizes that he will not be able to die the way he wants to. The way he fights to fend off Arjena''s defenses is what Roy ideally wants, and she admires his frenzied fervor.


    He joins Crono''s mouthpiece as a player in the arena. He defeats the absolute champion Gillian and reigns as the new absolute champion.


    Fifth Order of the Kingsguard: Viscount Blood Hammar.


    Age: 23 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 175cm


    Cavalry


    Combat: S+ (when riding), A- (when dismounting)


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Horse lover


    Title: Commander of the Fifth Order of the Kingsguard, Viscount Hamal, Lord of the House of Hamal


    Item:.


    From the Viscount Hamal''s estate, the head of the House of Hamal, brother of Cecily. Despite his name, he has a gentle disposition. He is the head of the Kingsguard, and leaves his duties as lord to his father. He has a greater sense of responsibility and resolve than most lords, and in order to keep Viscount Hamal''s domain from falling into decline, he has formed an alliance with Crono and offered Cecily as a hostage.


    The name is not derived from ''Nest��Dragon''


    A game of horse lover -> horse -> thoroughbred -> pedigree -> bloodline -> Brad association.


    But should I say that I''m a "heroes don''t die" guy from a certain big RPG here?


    Sixth Order of the Kingsguard: Count Neige Hyades


    Age: unknown *at least 50 years old.


    Height: 170cm


    Type of War: Assassin


    Combat: S


    Attributes: ��None��.


    Special: Senjutsu


    Titles: Knight Commander of the Sixth Kingsguard, Count of Hyades, Chieftain of the Arm of Death


    Item:.


    The assassin in The Arm of Death. He was the most accomplished assassin in the organization''s history, but the bug arose when he looked relieved when he was sent to assassinate King Lamar V during the civil war. Later, he gathered his friends to assassinate a senior member of the Arm of Death, and when the heat had died down, he appeared before King Lamar V and became the leader of the Sixth Kinsman Guard.


    He is an outsider who could not win even with Claude, Myra, Ort, and Elr in their prime, but Neige himself believes that he would have lost if he had continued the battle. He also says that he can''t beat himself with the current Claude, but Neige is past his prime, and so is he. Mentally, he''s even more withered than Claude and wants to live out his days as a plant, but he has a bone-dry idea that he needs to give a good look to the men who have followed him, and he''s working while being pestered by his second-in-command, Mr. Glasses.


    He reaches out to Verna, calling himself Ash Kilmer, and teaches her the sacred arts.


    7th Kingsguard: Count Ralph Libra.


    Age: 60 years and older


    Height: 160cm


    Type of soldier: Strategist


    Combat: D-


    Attributes.


    Special: Humanity -, Tactical Theory+, Organizational Management+.


    Title: Knight Commander of the 7th Kingsguard, Count Libra


    Item:.


    A thin dwarf, bald-headed old man, a military strategist who barely held the Imperial Army together during the civil war thirty years ago. Rio gives him credit for not letting the Imperial Army fall apart at the time, but isn''t Count Piske the reason the Imperial Army couldn''t become a monolithic force because of Ralph?��I''m wary of this.


    Eighth Order of the Kingsguard: Count Lucas Lesato


    Age: 50 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 170cm


    Troops: infantry, cavalry, commander


    Combat: D-


    Attributes.


    Special: Humanity--, Command Effectiveness--, Connections+.


    Title: Commander of the Eighth Order of the Kings


    Item:.


    He is the guardian of the mining city of Kinza. He is so obese that he has been described as a giant lump of flesh and has a strange sound coming from his pupi~ nose.


    He is an evil man who openly accepts bribes. As a young man he had as much sense of justice as anyone else during the civil war, but the never-ending war of attrition left him physically and mentally exhausted, and he relented in his pursuit, resulting in the death of his best friend.


    When he returns home after the end of the civil war, his wife greets him kindly. Unable to bear her kindness, he immerses himself in the work of a knight of the Kingsguard and is ordered to guard Kinza.


    However, what he saw there was a corrupt official. He has come to believe that humans are tainted with evil by their surroundings, and in order to affirm that he is tainted with evil, he takes troubled people like Philip as his subordinates.


    To put it bluntly: "It''s the environment that makes me a bad person. See, the rest of the guys are ruined because of their environment.


    He is separated from his family (wife and son).


    Philip.


    Age: 20 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 175cm


    Cavalry


    Combat: B-


    Attributes.


    Special:.


    Title: Knight of the Kingsguard


    Item:.


    Elena''s former fianc��. Conspired with her uncle to murder Elena''s parents and engaged his daughter (Elena''s cousin). With the help of Elena''s uncle, she becomes a Knight of the Kingsguard, but she is dissatisfied with the poor reputation and current treatment of the 8th Kingsguard, and plans to get acquainted with the head of the Kingsguard and get him to pull her out.


    Elena believes that there is love between her and Philip, and that he will come to her aid when she is being violated by the slavers, but Philip feels inferior to Elena. It''s quite a bit, as he says that he seemed to lose his mind every time she revealed her knowledge to him.


    The 9th Kingsguard: Count Rio Chiron


    Age: 20 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 180cm


    Troops: cavalry, archers, and commanders


    Combat: Cavalry A, Sword Only A, Bow S


    Attributes: ��Wind��.


    Special: Command Effect -, tongue in cheek, clumsiness, tick-tock, yandere


    Titles: Knight Commander of the 9th Kingsguard, Count Chiron, and Green Knight


    Item: Divine Bow


    He is from the Earl of Chiron. He is the head of security at Alfiruk Castle. He grew up with parents who neglected him because he was bis*xual, and he has slaughtered two men who confessed to him and were rejected. At the court, he is known for his eccentricities, but he is also a martial artist who defeated his predecessor in a duel to become the leader of the Kingsguard. He has a premonition that Crono, whom he met at a ball, will become his mistress.


    Although he professes to dislike women who woo Crono, the only person he doesn''t get along with is Tilia, and he has good relationships with Leila, Alideed, and Deneb.


    Although he is inferior to Leonhardt in overall strength and Fey in swordplay, he is a very good user of the Divine Majesty Technique and can summon divine weapons. He has always wondered what Crono does from the back, and when I asked him why, it was a rather lame reason.


    His surname is derived from the Greek mythological centaur.


    10th Knights of the Kingsguard: Baroness Nam Korne


    Age: Late thirties at first appearance


    Height: 160-165cm


    Soldier type: spearmen


    Combat: A+.


    Attributes: ��Water��.


    Special: Elixir of Life


    Titles: Commander of the 10th Order of the Kings, Baroness of Cornu, Priestess, Baby-faced and big-boobed


    Item:.


    He is the guardian of the territory under Emperor Kai. As a result of communing too deeply with the gods, she was stripped of her old age. As a result, he was stripped of his old age. His ability as a divine wielder is less than a priestess than Rio.


    He smiles like a compassionate mother, but he has the vigilance to practically control Emperor Kai''s direct domain and behave in a way that goes unnoticed.


    Aina.


    Age: 15 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 150cm


    Type of warfare:?


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: ��Water��.


    Special:.


    Title: "Poor


    Item:.


    She is the only daughter of Baroness Nam Corne, and she wants Leonhardt.


    11th Knights of the Kingsguard: Viscount Eryl Sardomelik.


    Age: 15 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: a little over 150 cm


    Type of Warfare: Mage


    Combat: Magic S, D- for infantry.


    Attributes: fire, water, earth, wind, no


    Specialties: magic theory, virtual personality, granting magic, silence, genius, pie-pan


    Title: Knight Commander of the 11th Kingsguard, Viscount Sardomelik


    Items: tattered bags, books, glasses


    From a commoner''s background. He was purchased by the former Viscount Sardomelik as an experiment in the study of virtual personalities for the control of magic. The former Viscount Sardomelik was so mentally driven by Eril''s unusual talents as a researcher that he chose to die.


    With the encouragement of King Lamar V, he becomes a Knight Commander of the Kingsguard, but his commanding abilities are limited due to his lack of military school education. He has the greatest firepower of any Knight Commander of the Kingsguard, but his lack of defense and mobility limits his ability to use it.


    He is estranged from the Vice Commander and the members of the Order, and was kicked out of the Order under the guise of being Rio''s chaperone and watchdog for Princess Tyria.


    Since magic uses drugs to imprint a magic formula on the unconscious layer of the brain, the number and power of bullets remain the same no matter who uses it, but Eril can use his magic control virtual personality to change the values of the magic formula in real time, changing the power and number of bullets of the magic.


    He was hired by Crono as a magic item manufacturer and developed a magic item for ultra-long range communication, the Stun Grenade.


    He got chubby because he ate the landlady''s food in a bakery. In the swimsuit episode, he was pushed out of the changing area to show off his chubby body.


    Snow and Sue dragged him around and he succeeded in losing weight. You''d think he''d start gobbling it up again, but for fear of going on a diet again, he started limiting his food intake.


    His family name is derived from the fixed star Sadarmeric in Aquarius.


    Sadarmerik means "good luck of the king" in Arabic.


    Twelfth Order of the Kings: Count Betil Piske


    Age: Mid-30s when he first appeared.


    Height: just under 180cm


    Troops: cavalry, commander.


    Combat: A- or B+.


    Attributes: wind


    Special: Painful


    Title: Knight Commander of the 12th Kingsguard, Count


    Item:.


    He is a court nobleman with no real estate. He has no skills of note among the 12 knights of the Kingsguard, as he was made the head of the Kingsguard by his faction. He is a power-harassing and s*xually harassing boss who has ordered Faye to clean the stables for years and forced her to become his mistress if she wanted to stay in the Kingsguard. He is easy to understand: he harasses people who are useless to him and values those who are useful to him. When a subordinate dies, he writes a letter to the bereaved family.


    He married his boss''s daughter. Bettyr thinks that his wife is an inscrutable woman, but he sometimes loves her in an inscrutable way.


    He is neurotic because he is forced to go back and forth between Alfort and Alcor''s vizier and do various jobs. Recently, he has been wishing with all his heart that he could retire early and live a slow life on his father-in-law''s estate.


    His family name is Pisces, derived from Pisces


    Leela.


    Age: 23 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just under 160cm


    Maid of Honor


    Combat: Unknown


    Attributes: unrevenueed


    Special: illiterate, plump, and nocturnal


    Title: Servant of the Palatium family


    Item:.


    She is the daughter of a poor farmer, taken in by the Palatium family as a servant. Her breasts and ass are wasted and fleshy, and her belly is a bit flabby. She is reasonably good at her job, but her lack of education makes her unsuitable for customer service.


    Given that he was taken in by Leonhardt''s father, you can see the darkness that the Palatium family is facing.


    Alfort.


    Age: 15 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 160cm


    Type of military: crown prince


    Combat: Unknown


    Attributes: unknown


    Special:.


    Title: Prince of Defecation, the next emperor of the Cepheus Empire


    Item:.


    The bastard son of King Ramal V. He was considered by his mother Fana to be unfit for the position. He was not considered by his mother, Fana, to be an emperor, but he was raised to be the next emperor through the machinations of Viceroy Arcol. In the second part, he was spooked by a bonfire and defecated, allowing the Holy Argo Kingdom Army to take him by surprise and send a number of generals to their deaths. In the third part, he appointed Crono as the head of the 13th Kingsguard Order.


    He promoted the building of mausoleums as a measure to reconcile the new and old nobles and employment measures, but it only ended up tilting the country''s finances and greatly worsened the security of the imperial capital.


    He disrupted the castle''s security by inviting unqualified nobles in and disrupting the castle''s security, and declared their succession to the throne by raiding them into the chambers in Part 6, Episode 18.


    Fana.


    Age: Over 30 when he first appeared.


    Type of service: female officer


    Combat: Unknown


    Attributes: unknown


    Special: Command Effect +, Sweet Talk


    Title: Concubine of King Ramal V


    Item:.


    As a young man, he was raped by King Ramal V and was carrying Alfort. For a time he even considered taking his own life, but Viceroy Alcor persuaded him to reconsider. She had an unwanted pregnancy, but she was in love with her son and wanted him to live in a frontier territory, free of conspiracy tactics and numbers, but despite her wishes, he became the next emperor. However, considering the fact that Tyria lost her right to the first throne due to her malicious proposal, it is a situation that should be called self-defeating.


    Vizier Alcor.


    Age: 65 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 160cm


    Type: Prime Minister


    Combat: Unknown


    Attributes: unknown


    Special: Strategist


    Title: Prime Minister of the Cepheus Empire


    Item:.


    He was originally a humble official, but Ramal V recognized his success during the civil war and gave him an unusual rise to prominence. He has been a friend of Claude''s since that time, and despite his inferiority complex, he has been attracted to him by his humanity. He helped her to explore the southern frontier, not out of pure favor, but because he tried to dispel her inferiority complex by showing her the difference in power. He now accepts the days of his inferiority complex as good memories.


    He felt more than fondness for Ellea Flond, but he never told her his feelings for her. He took pity on her when he heard of her end, so he took a hand from behind the scenes and registered Crono in the family register as Claude and Elua''s biological son.


    His greatest achievement as Prime Minister was setting up the administrative structure, and his greatest failure was bringing down Tyria and installing Alfort as the next Emperor.


    He loves his country, but he does not love his subjects. He believes in killing the small in order to make the most of the large.


    He is calculating and paranoid.


    Arcol is named after the star in the constellation Ursa Major.


    Lamar V


    Emperor of the Cepheus Empire. He understands that he is incompetent, and was about to hand over the throne to his brother when his predecessor was defeated.


    However, Astraea''s relationship with Queen Astraea led to a civil war, and with the help of Claude and his band of mercenaries, he narrowly defused the situation, only to have his brother executed. His guilt caused him to become mentally ill, and he was pushed to his death by a female officer who tried to touch him.


    Astraea.


    Tilia''s mother. The civil war in the 400th year of the imperial calendar was sparked by her inciting a conflict between the nobles who supported Ramal V and those who supported Alfort.


    Her name is derived from the Greek goddess Astraia.


    [Holy Argo Kingdom]


    Ignis Fomalhaut.


    Age: 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 180cm


    Troops: cavalry, commander.


    Combat: S


    Attributes: ��Flame��.


    Special: Command Effect, Fire God''s Blessing, Trickery


    Titles: General, Priest, Red Knight


    Item:.


    From the Kingdom of the Holy Argo. He was a nobleman with a fiefdom in the southern region of the Holy Argo Kingdom. For a time, he was a swordsmanship instructor for Crown Prince Regulus. His chemistry with Crono was atrocious, and he was boiled in the first and second parts, and was at Crono''s mercy until the end of the fifth part.


    He has the nerve to praise the valor of his enemies. He is a straightforward knight who is loyal to his country, but he has a bad habit of trying to polarize things because of his straightforwardness. His fighting ability is high enough to influence the outcome of battles single-handedly, but his ability to plan and run a unit is low.


    His family name was chosen simply because he thought "I use fire, so I have a fiery name".


    Aqua Alphard.


    Age: 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 165cm


    Troops: cavalry, commander.


    Combat: A


    Attributes: ��Water��.


    Special: Blessing of the Water God


    Titles: General, Priest, Blue Knight


    Item:.


    He is from the Kingdom of the Holy Argo. Childhood friend of Ignis. He is a general in the Holy Argo Kingdom Army. He was forced by Leum to be vulnerable and betray him. There are other things that Leum has done to him, as you can imagine. His combat skills are inferior to Ignis''s, but his abilities regarding strategy planning, troop management, and orchestration are far superior to Ignis''s.


    Hag / Priestess.


    Age: ? Age, appearance, mid-twenties.


    Height: 160cm


    Type of soldier: High Priestess


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Special: Command Effect -, Charisma -, Humanity +, God''s Blessing ++, Immortality, Nuclear Grade Mine Woman


    Title: High Priestess


    Item: Sake bottle


    He is from the Kingdom of Argo, where he was stripped of his information on aging and death. After communing with the Goddess of Darkness and Chaos, she was stripped of the information that governed aging and death. Perhaps because she is no longer dead, she has a tremendous long-term perspective.


    Ignis hasn''t aged since he was a child. When he was young, he was a heroic priest warrior, but he lost sight of what he wanted to protect and retreated from the line. He is cheerful and flippant. A mischievous man who responds to Crono''s summons.


    King Magnus.


    King of the Holy Argo Kingdom. On handing over the throne to his son Regulus, he planned an invasion of the Cepheus Empire, but his impatience led him to plan his campaign with a mixture of optimism and wishful thinking. As a result, his son Regulus was mortally wounded and lost his men.


    Regulus.


    He is the crown prince of the Holy Argo Kingdom. During the invasion of the Cepheus Empire, he was mortally wounded by Leila''s fiery dance. He has been holed up in his castle ever since, but is gathering information in one way or another.


    Wentos.


    He is the general of the Holy Kingdom of Argo. Believes in the God of Green and Control of Currents. He is a master of divine power.


    Terra.


    He is the general of the Holy Argo Kingdom. Believes in the Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility. A user of the Divine Majesty Technique.


    Albus.


    The High Priest of the Pure White Temple. He had a strong desire to gain power from a young age. He played the role of a friendly priest and rose to the rank of High Priest with the number of his congregation and donations behind him. He is not a man who says he is going to use his power to do something, but only to get power.


    Inquisitor.


    His true identity is the captain who was taken prisoner in the second part of the film.


    After severe torture, he lost his memory and was used by Albus.


    Flaum.


    The High Priestess of the Ocher Temple.


    Willidis.


    The High Priest of the Green Temple.


    Rufus.


    The High Priest of the Crimson Temple.


    Leum.


    The High Priest of the Blue Temple.


    He has used his power to satisfy his s*xual desires. He holds Aqua''s weaknesses and has had s*x with others, but was stabbed in a dark struggle with her in the name of lasciviousness.


    Mirei.


    A waiter and prostitute who works in a tavern in Ignis'' territory.


    [Neutral]


    Claude Crawford.


    Age: 60 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 180cm


    Troops: infantry, cavalry, commander


    Combat: S+ in its prime -> now A+


    Attributes: unrevenueed


    Special: Experience+, Hatred+, Charisma+, Strategy, Spartan Education+.


    Title: Slaughterer, Baron Crawford


    Item: My favorite sword.


    He lost his family to warfare at a young age, and after a series of crimes, he became a mercenary. As he travels across the battlefield as a mercenary, his name becomes well known and he sets up his own mercenary group. In the 400th year of the imperial calendar, he was begged by King Ramal V to join the shogunate and even kill in order to end the civil war as soon as possible. This earned him the nickname "Slaughter" or "Slaughterer" for two reasons.


    The reward for ending the civil war in accordance with Lamar V''s expectations was the title of Baron, an uncivilized land, and the daughters of a lowly nobleman. He was angry at the ways of the empire and even thought of revolting, but swallowed his anger for the sake of the lords who adored him.


    He married a female knight, Elua, who was the guard of Empress Astraea, and transformed the southern frontier into a rich granary, even though he was living in red poverty. Incidentally, his association with Vizier Alcor dates back to the civil war, and he received various kinds of support during the frontier period.


    Incidentally, Erua has no children by blood, since she was unable to bear children due to an epidemic disease she contracted when she was a child. He is a romantic old man who carries his beloved sword from his waist and looks down on his land in the sunset and thinks about the past.


    Myra.


    Age: About 60 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: about 165cm


    Troops: infantry, archers, assassins, and


    Combat: S+ in its prime -> now A+


    Attributes: fire, water, earth, wind


    Special: Assassination ++, Maid +, Herb Knowledge +, Upward mobility +, Brazenness +, Lover''s Play


    Title: Silent Killing, Perfect Maid


    Item:.


    A slave that Claude purchased a while after he became a mercenary. He continued to support Claude in the shadows and in the sun when he started his mercenary group and when he was settling the southern frontier. Although he had a physical relationship with Claude, he had no romantic feelings for him, and he believed that his continued devotion and support was not a bad bet for a minute.


    After she succeeded in settling the southern frontier, she said, "I was right to stick it to your husband! Hahaha~! I was laughing high and low, but before I knew it, all my old acquaintances had gotten married and even had grandchildren. I fell from a winner to a loser.


    He became aware of Crono as a man in Part 2, attacked him in Part 3, and took off his Perfect Maid mask in Part 4. He was found to have left Johnny in the Areos Mountains in Part 6, and had a bandit he caught killed when he said he would let him get rid of his virginity.


    Olt.


    Age: 55-60 years old when it first appeared.


    Height: 175cm


    Troops: infantry, cavalry, and general staff.


    Combat: Heyday A- �� Present B


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Knowledge+, Information gathering+, Rootwork+, Darkness+, Connections+, Personality-


    Title: Baron Crawford''s Butler


    Item: Monocle


    He was a chief of staff during Claude''s mercenary days and is currently serving as a family commander. He was talented enough to hold a decent position in the heart of the Empire, but he chose to explore the southern frontier with Claude and the others, preferring to put his knowledge to work rather than to get a decent position by fiddling around in a small way.


    Chief.


    Age: About 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 165cm


    Soldier type: Chief of the Loo, sorcerer


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: ��Darkness��.


    Special: ?


    Title: Chief of the Luu


    Item: Clay plate


    She is the chief of the Lou tribe and mother of Sue. Although she is the mother of one child, she has excellent style. She refused to make peace with the Cepheus Empire until the end, but Crono convinced her to choose to walk with the Empire. She overrode her promise to let her daughter Sue marry Crono by letting him rub her breasts to the point of finger marks.


    Lara.


    Age: About 20 years old.


    Height: 170cm


    Type of Warfare: Engraver


    Combat: A (when activated by the mark: S)


    Attributes: ��Fire��.


    Speciality: poor breast


    Title: Roux Warrior


    Item: Stone Spear


    A female warrior with a fire imprint. She was not full of it when Crono seduced her, but once she found out her true intentions, she abused him. She was a close friend of Gaul''s and Gaul''s teammates, and afterwards, they would secretly perform Newaza. As a result of the many times she had performed bedtime techniques, she became pregnant with Gaul''s child.


    Lili.


    Age: About 20 years old.


    Height: 160cm


    Type of Warfare: Engraver


    Combat: B+ (when activated by the mark: A+)


    Attributes: ��Wind��.


    Special: breastfeeding


    Title: Roux Warrior


    Item: Stone Spear


    A female warrior with a wind imprint. She took an interest in the Empire and was friendly with Crono. She has a thoughtful nature and, through repeated battles, has noticed the difference in power between the Roux and the Empire.


    Kanan Ekron.


    Age: 25 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 165-170cm


    Type of warfare:?


    Combat: ?


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: resentment, acting


    Title: Baron Ekron, leader of the vigilante group


    Item:.


    He is the head of the Baron Ekron family. He was forced to take over the family business after his sister, Shelah (the landlady), eloped. She speaks in a similar tone as the landlady, but she has a naturally timid and sincere personality. When he was the leader of a neighborhood watch group, he repeatedly said and did things that made him a bad rumor, and his marriage is in trouble.


    He has mixed feelings for his sister, Shelah. She feels sorry for her husband, who left her parents'' home to marry her for death, but she is furious that he is flirting with the younger Crono... "Blow up the rear! I have the feeling that.


    Last name is associated with the seven deadly sins of "binge eating".


    Robert


    Age: 30 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: 180cm


    Type of Warfare: Swordsman


    Combat: A++.


    Attributes: [Earth]


    Special: Experience+.


    Title: Butler to the Baron of Ekron


    Item:.


    He is the head of the Ekron family. When he''s working as a vigilante, he calls Canaan "Miss" and cracks bad jokes, but when it''s just the two of them, he''s a decency-oriented butler. He has been in the military for about ten years and has a lot of experience in actual combat. She fights with Fei, a master of the divine power technique of the "Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility".


    In the sixth part, he came to Teito to accompany Kanan. He pursued Kanan, who was depressed after his marriage failed and had a fianc��e.


    Johnny.


    Age: 16 and 7 years old when he first appeared.


    Height: just over 170cm


    Type of service: infantry -> assassin


    Combat: Dagger C- -> Dagger A-


    Attributes: unlearned


    Special: Trauma ++, Assassination ++, Herb Knowledge ++.


    Title: Pacifier, the best dagger wielder in the southern frontier


    Item: Knife by Kanuchi


    A former vigilante, Baron Crawford''s errand boy. He calls himself "the best dagger wielder in Baron Ekron''s domain", but he realized his abilities after being beaten up by Crono''s men. He was the third son of a farmer, and was recruited to become a vigilante when he was walking around idly, saying "It''s not going to be my thing to plow the fields anyway.


    After the third part, he said, "I''m going to be strong to repay my brother for his kindness. I want you to train me" and became an apprentice to Myra.


    As a result of being left in the Areos Mountains with a single knife, being attacked by a bear, being robbed of his food by a Roux warrior, and being forced to kill a bandit if he let him leave his virginity behind, he grew to become the best dagger-wielder on the southern frontier.


    Marquis of Erakis.


    The person who started Crono''s career (and hardships). A spendthrift, womanizing, no good lord who doesn''t think of his fiefdoms. Due to the imposition of petty (cumulatively high) taxes on the fiefdoms, consumption in the Marquis of Erakis'' estate had fallen considerably. He was found to have embezzled military funds and committed suicide by poisoning himself while being escorted back to the imperial capital.


    Miles.


    He runs a brothel in the Marquess of Erakis and offers healing.


    Nicola.


    He is in charge of the Marquis of Erakis branch of the Pix Trading Company. Perhaps because of his serious roots, he is not a good merchant, but his character has earned him the trust of Crono, and his sub-human customers have increased.


    Elua Frondo.


    A guard knight in the service of Astraea, Tyria''s mother. She met Claude during the civil war, but their relationship was not very friendly, even though they belonged to the same camp. She was stricken with an epidemic and was unable to bear children, but she became Claude''s wife by Astraea''s orders. She died apologizing for not being able to bear Claude''s children.


    Salk.


    He is the head of state of the city-state of the eastern edge of the Free City State Cluster, Yimei.


    Trowa Kraft.


    He is the head of state of a city-state in the Free City State group.


    He exports paper to the Cepheus Empire.


    Slavers1


    I deal in slaves in the Marquess of Erakis.


    The home base is a group of free city-states.


    By the way, he is not the same person as the guildmaster.


    Slavers 2


    He is one of the heads of state of the Free City States.


    He is in the slave trade and money lending business.


    Thomas.


    He is the head of a peddlers'' union based in Sylvania. He raised Cole, an abandoned child, to be a fine peddler. His motto is "Life is worth living.


    call


    He is a member of the Peddlers'' Union. He wants to do a big job, but he follows Thomas'' advice and does it with less danger.


    Todd.


    He is a member of the Peddlers'' Union. As a result of being stingy with money to hire mercenaries, he fell prey to the Banded Wolves.


    Bond Hamal.


    Age: 58 years old


    Height: 170cm


    Type of warfare:?


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special: Breeding [horse only]


    Title: Breeder, former head of the Hamal family, and peer


    Item:.


    An old gentleman with a gentle disposition. Like Arthur, he was a knight of the olden times, and did reasonably well in the civil war, but he was only interested in horses, and felt painful in performing his duties as a knight and a nobleman.


    After the civil war, he immersed himself in breeding and breeding horses on his estate. ''I thought you were not going to marry at this point? He was forced to marry her by his parents, who feared that he would be forced to marry her. The man they married - Sophia was a decent woman, so they threw the lord''s job to him and made him a complete breeder.


    Bond is very protective of his family in his own way, and is proud of Brad for becoming a Knight Commander of the Kingsguard at such a young age, but his wife, Sophia, often questions his affection for her.


    Sofia.


    Age: 48.


    Height: 160cm


    Type of warfare:?


    Combat: ?


    Attributes:?


    Special Features: clash and hysterics


    Title.


    Item:.


    Bond Hamal''s wife. She is a raging demon and has a very violent temperament. She missed her marriage because of it. The reason she married Bond was for physical reasons, but he was so carefree that she wondered if he was lacking in compassion. I doubt it.


    While working in estate management, he struggles to somehow convert his bond hobby into money and succeeds in branding it.


    If I had to describe my marriage in a nutshell, it would be arm-pushing on the goodwill and nails on the bran.


    Tina Sheratan.


    He is from the Viscount Sheraton''s estate and is the head of the Sheraton''s estate. She is a 15-year-old girl who is expected to take over the reigns before she is ready. She is sickly and has given up on going to military school. She is troubled by the bad behavior of her uncle Reed and the standing army, and tries to solve this problem by asking for help from others.


    Reed.


    Tina''s uncle. From the Viscount Sheratan''s domain. It was thought that he was planning to take over the Sheratan county....


    Sebastian.


    An old butler in the service of the Viscount Sheratan family.


    Nia.


    Gaur''s second in command. He is the third son of a merchant family and is very calculating. Perhaps because he is young, he is very timid. He asks Gaul to be present during negotiations.


    Nicole.


    He was the head of the Nicole gang, based in the 12th district. He made his money from illegal gambling on the killing of each other. Although they called it a killing contest, they rarely played matches where the assumption was that one of the players would die, and they basically played matches where they could die depending on the flow of the fight.


    Farnos.


    He was Duran''s former boss, the head of the security guard in the 7th district of the Imperial City, and Duran''s former boss. When he told her he was leaving the army, she was surprised, but respected his choice.


    Gina.


    Leila, Snow''s former friend. Served in a fairly well known brothel. She was a regular customer of a nobleman''s children and conceived his children. She was forced to leave the brothel after being forced to have an abortion, which damaged her body. From then on, she would spring in the dark of the slums, but the wound from the abortion festered and she rarely took customers. He was jealous of Leila, who walked with a happy Crono, and threatened to tell her about his old life and take her money. In his final days, he lost everything and was cruelly killed. The prostitute who was found by the great aristocrat mentioned in Part 5, Episode 8 is sometimes Gina.


    I enjoyed writing Gina.


    Deke.


    He is a big man who met Gina in a tavern at the end of the night. After brutally murdering Gina, whom he adored, he rises from the grave and kills a guard, thinking he was killed by Johnny.


    He was trained as an assassin after being kidnapped by the remnants of the Arm of Death, but the drug he was given during his training left him with brain damage.


    Ronald.


    He is attacked and killed by Deke in his grave.

 112-Modified version of Episode 1 "Longer days of recruits"

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    I look at the bed on the other side of the room and see a girl pointing her gray shorts-covered ass toward me.


    Her name is Elsa.


    She''s a half-elf from the Imperial City.


    Her hair and eyes are light brown in color, her eyes are droopy but her eyes are sharp.


    She''s tall for a woman, but not fleshy.


    Well, she eats her meals like a champ, and she''ll gain weight quickly.


    Shaura gets off the bed and quickly changes into her military uniform.


    Wearing a military uniform fills her with an unearned sense of satisfaction.


    Ummmm, Erza groaned and turned over.


    After a while, she raised her body with her arms and stretched out like a cat.


    ''''Good morning, Shaura.''''


    Good morning.


    Elsa quickly changed into her uniform and sat down on the bed.


    ''What was the plan for today?''


    City security.


    To be exact, it would be cleaning, breakfast, morning assembly, city security, lunch, city security, end of assembly, dinner, and free time, followed by bedtime.


    On training days, city security only turns into training, so you know the schedule in detail without telling me.


    ''Security is nice and easy, isn''t it?


    You''ll be pissed off if you say that.


    So serious.


    Elsa gave a bitter smile.


    Two weeks since she arrived the training is so strict that it''s barely possible not to fail.


    In contrast, the city''s security is relatively easy.


    However, it may just feel easier because there''s little to do now.


    I''m in the stage of learning the job, or rather, trying to figure out if it''s OK to let them learn the job.


    ''And it''s really safe, isn''t it?


    Yes.


    I tried to agree, but I honestly don''t know much about it.


    All Shaura knows is the settlement she lived in and Hashel.


    ''''The shops are busy, the peddlers come and go, and if there''s money to be made from this, there''s not much to say.''''


    I think we can use the advance payment system.


    When I arrived, Deputy Mino explained to me that new recruits could borrow up to ten pieces of silver in advance of their pay.


    Shaura didn''t use it, but there seemed to be a lot of people using it.


    ''''I don''t want to be in debt. I don''t know what they''ll do to me.''''


    Elsa said with a frown.


    ''It''s not a debt, it''s an advance.


    It''s not the same thing.


    It would certainly be like borrowing money from your future self.


    ''''I don''t think I''m going to get a bribe either~''''


    I don''t think that''s a good idea.


    The city''s security is a team effort.


    You can''t fool them all, and it''s hard to convince them all to look at you.


    ''I know,''


    The first time you went to the brig and the second time you didn''t tell me.


    You know what I''m saying?��He just said.


    ''But it''s a well-designed system. My lord has given us permission to operate, so there''s no point in bribing us.''''


    Yes.


    For now, I''ll just phase in.


    Honestly, I don''t know what the system is called.


    Unless the whole thing is rotten, but that''s not the mood I''m in.


    Yes.


    Elsa''s eyes narrowed quizzically as Shaura ministered again.


    ''You don''t understand, do you?''


    Yes, you don''t understand.


    Oh, God, you''re a terrible little girl. You need to know what you''re doing.


    Elsa said with a sigh.


    ''Information?''


    Yes, information. For example, the Marquis of Erakis, do you guys know anything about that?


    Shaura shook her head.


    ''The only thing I know about Crono is that he''s a kind person.


    ''How come you don''t know?''


    ''Because I fled from the Holy Argo Kingdom and immediately went to boot camp.


    You mean, you''re a nomad?


    Yeah.


    Oh, I see.


    Elsa nodded her head as if to say she was satisfied.


    ''Should I explain to you about the Marquis of Erakis?''


    Please.


    Well, at your request the Marquis of Erakis.


    Elsa punctuated her words in a wasteful manner.


    ''You''re a womanizer,''


    I''ll get my cleaning supplies.


    ''Wait a minute!��That''s pretty serious information!


    I was about to leave the room when he came around.


    I had no choice, so I went back to my own bed and sat down.


    ''I''m not sure of the details, but I hear he''s messing with the half-elf too. I''m sure it''s the woman sitting in the groom''s seat in the wagon.


    If you ask me, there was a half-elf with silver hair and brown skin.


    ''''Then don''t you think I have eyes, too?''''


    ....


    What can I say?


    ''Agreed, agreed. This is still not local....sorry. I''m sorry.


    I understand.


    Many female soldiers are reluctant to reveal their past.


    The rule here is not to pry into each other''s affairs.


    If you ask them out, you can end up hurting yourself as well as them.


    "So, we''ll start over, okay?


    Come in.


    ''Agree with me, I agree. You can''t be a soldier forever, and if you become a nobleman''s mistress I''m sure you''ll get at least a handout when we part ways.


    I think I should study and become a clerk.


    Deputy Mino also explained the education system.


    He said that anyone who wanted to learn anything could be taught to study for free, and that he could be hired as a clerk after he left the military.


    ''Has Shaura applied for it?''


    Yes. It''s going to take a while for your turn to arrive.


    You''re a curious one.


    I want to help Master Chronosphere.


    Shaura lied a bit.


    I''m not lying about my desire to be helpful to Crono, but I thought it would be cool if I could read and write.


    ''''Hmmm, since they''re teaching me to study for free, maybe I should sign up for it too.


    I think it''s a good idea.


    Shaura and Elsa''s shifts are the same.


    This seems to be a consideration to help them sleep well.


    Aside from that, it''s good to have someone you know with you.


    ''''Well, shall we clean up?''''


    Yes.


    Shaura gave a small nod and stood up.


    *


    The dining room was crowded.


    Trays in hand, we stood in line and took our food from a woman standing on the other side of a horizontal serving table.


    The woman is a civilian.


    She cooks, serves food, washes dishes, does laundry, and prepares baths, but she doesn''t just clean up.


    Shaura takes the food and takes an empty seat.


    Elsa is seated next to her.


    I don''t know why she''s sitting next to me when the seat opposite me is empty.


    ''''Today''s food looks good too!


    Elsa set the tray on the table and slid her hands together.


    The menu consisted of a large loaf of bread, a soup full of meatballs and vegetables, and a salad full of cabbage.


    By the way, refills are free.


    ''''You''ll get fat, right?''''


    That''s okay. Everyone gets fat.


    Surely his friends said he''d gained weight, too.


    Still, the reason no one wears a patched-up uniform is because they can get it tailored for free.


    If the limits of tailoring were exceeded, a new uniform would be tailored.


    Well, Shaura had no plans to use either of them.


    ''''Mmm, yummy!''''


    Elsa took a mouthful of soup and broke the happy chemistry.


    ''Shaura, are you free?''


    When I looked up, I saw an elf boy.......Rigel standing there.


    His hair and eyes were brown in color, his face was neutral and his body lines were thin.


    ''''I''m free.''''


    Thank you.


    Rigel took a seat across from me.


    ''What are your plans for today?''


    City security.


    Hmmm, Rigel ministered disinterestedly and bit into the bread.


    ''What about Rigel?''


    We''re just training. So eat lightly.


    If you ask me, the food on the tray is not much.


    I am not restricted in my diet, but eating too much will interfere with my training.


    The rigors of the training can cause you to vomit, so you must eat sparingly.


    ''Shaura, stop talking and introduce me.


    She''s my roommate, Elsa, and he''s my mate, Rigel.


    Shaura points to Elsa and Rigel with the palm of her hand.


    ''Nice to meet you,''


    You''re welcome.


    Elsa and Rigel leaned forward and shook hands with each other.


    ''The training here is much harder than in the boot camp, isn''t it?


    They do this and that to you, don''t they?


    Shaura nodded as she sipped her soup.


    The seniors are strong.


    Even though they are new recruits, the beastmen can''t even get a handful of elves and dwarves in a team-up.


    When it comes to the actual battle format, we''re already in over our heads.


    The seniors will even use their dirty hands even though there is just a difference in strength between them.


    However, when you see such strong seniors fighting without regard to their appearance, it makes you feel that you have to fight without regard to their appearance.


    But I do feel like I''m getting stronger. The bow is also........was it the mechanic''s bow?��It''s not quite as user-friendly as the ones we used in boot camp, but it''s a hell of a lot more powerful.


    It''s a powerful thing, though.


    Elsa mutters as she shreds a small piece of bread.


    She would say that the bow is awesome, not Rigel.


    It''s true that the mechanic''s bow is an awesome weapon.


    The armor provided and the daggers that are used as auxiliary arms are too different in performance from the ones used in the recruit training camp.


    I hope we can get to war soon. Then we can make good use of the war effort.


    I wish I didn''t have to go to war.


    Then Elsa chewed on her bread.


    Shaura nodded as she ate her salad.


    With her own strength, instead of being useful to Crono, she would end up dragging the old soldiers down.


    ''''Is that enough for Shaura?''''


    That''s fine.


    Maybe it was because he didn''t agree with me, but Rigel didn''t look amused.


    He would want to avenge his family by killing the soldiers of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    Of course, even Shaura wants to avenge his family, but it seems wrong to want a war for that purpose.


    That country is trying to eradicate the sub-humans and considers them unnecessary, so they should be able to clear their noses if they contribute to the development of Crono''s territory.


    ''''Well I thought Shaura would understand.


    Rigel scraped his soup and sat up.


    ''Good, we''re from the same town, aren''t we?''


    That''s it.


    If I was a little smarter, I could have put it another way, but for now, this is all I can do.


    ''Well, just because you''ve had a similar experience doesn''t mean you''re going to feel the same way.


    That''s what I mean.


    Shaura ate her bread.


    *


    Shaura straightens her back and stares ahead.


    The city wall rises in the back, and in front of it, the Mino lieutenant and the centurion - Arididid, Deneb, Taiga, and Nasr - are lined up in front of it.


    Furthermore, there is a sturdy-looking platform in front of it.


    It''s a platform that doesn''t faze the Minotaur, the Mino deputy, even if he gets on it.


    Taiga and Nasr are two of the centurion''s most closely related.


    Taiga is in charge of security and Nasr is in charge of training archers.


    Alideed and Deneb are in the cavalry, so they only get a chance to see each other during the morning meeting.


    Nasr walks out and raises his voice.


    ''''We will now begin the morning assembly!


    Voices are coming from all directions.


    This is because they''re using a communication magic item-not strictly speaking, apparently- but they''re using a communication magic item.


    Lieutenant Mino has a message for you!


    Lieutenant Mino climbed onto the platform and straightened up.


    ''First Officer Mino, I salute you!


    He saluted at Nasr''s command, and Deputy Mino paused for a moment to salute.


    ''Fix it!''


    He takes an upright and immovable posture as the order is given.


    ''''........Two weeks have passed since the new recruits were replenished. I think it''s about time you finally got used to the atmosphere, but that doesn''t mean you have to do a lick of it.'''' (Bumo, Bumo~)


    A low, stifling voice rushed in from all sides.


    A lick is a bad thing. "A bad soldier is a pest that destroys our good name and property. You don''t want me to be the exterminator. Do not make me an exterminator. (BUMO)


    A chill ran down my spine, I guess that''s what it was.


    For some reason, Aridid and Deneb swam their eyes, but it must have been my imagination.


    ''''That''s all from me.'''' (Bumo)


    "First Officer Mino salute!


    I salute to Nasr''s command again.


    It''s probably not my imagination that they seem to be more aligned than the previous salute.


    ''''That concludes the morning salute!��Dismissed!


    The morning meeting is over and Shaura heads down to the squad leader.......Zag.


    In front of him, besides Shaura and Elsa, there are eight elves and half-elves in front of him.


    Of the eight, four are old soldiers and the remaining four are new.


    ''''We''re all here,''''


    Zag coughed when he saw that his men were assembled.


    ''As First Officer Mino mentioned, don''t do anything stupid.


    The new recruits, including Erza, have an expression of understanding again.


    Zag must be aware of this as well, but instead of being offended, he has a look of understanding on his face.


    ''You may not be able to imagine it from the current Hashel, but before Master Crono became the lord, security was very poor. The people were heavily taxed and corruption was rampant. And we took it in stride.


    The old soldier nodded his head in agreement.


    ''Lord Crono, who has become a lord, has reduced his taxes and let it be known that the time for favors with money is over by setting an example himself.


    Zag punctuated his words there.


    His eyes shone like a maiden in love.


    ''But it''s not the end of the story. In order to restore security, we had to get people to believe that things were different now. Of course, it''s not going to happen overnight. It''s a steady stream of hard work that has brought us to where we are today, Hachel.


    The old soldiers, including Zag, are somewhat proud of themselves, but the new recruits, including Elsa, don''t seem to understand a single thing at the moment.


    I wonder what expression I have on my face.


    I''m sure they must have the same expression as Erza and the others.


    I can''t believe it when people say that the security situation was bad.


    The city is vibrant and many residents seem to be enjoying their happiness.


    Of course, it only looks that way, but in reality there must be all sorts of unhappiness.


    Even with soldiers patrolling the streets, there is no guarantee that they will escape the violence.


    Still, most residents would still believe that tomorrow is coming.


    ''''Well you won''t understand now when people say trust is an asset, but do your job diligently. Then you''ll understand.


    Will we ever really know?��Shaura tilted her head inwardly.


    *


    Shaura stands in the stall district.


    Perhaps because it is early in the morning, the stall district was deserted.


    At lunchtime, it is crowded with people, but right now, most of the shops are preparing to open.


    There are some shops that are not ready to open, but that''s not true.


    Some stalls are already open for business.


    In one corner of the stall area, there is a vigorous call out.


    ''Cheap!��It''s a fresh fish! This is a freshly harvested cabbage! Beans!��We have beans! Wildflowers!��Wildflowers!��I risked my life gathering wild plants from the Dark Forest! This is a delicacy!��It''s an octopus that''s live enough to walk away! Vinegared!��It''s our family''s secret recipe for pickling!


    Every shopkeeper is desperate to get people to buy their food.


    "...Shoula.


    Huh!


    Shaura jumped up when Elsa poked her finger in her side.


    ''Oh, I''m sorry,''


    You scared me.


    Shaura looked around without a care in the world.


    Fortunately, or should I say, there were no witnesses.


    Zag and the other old soldiers called out to the shopkeeper, while the newcomer stood there with a sleepy look on his face.


    He lets out a small breath and pats his chest.


    ''You don''t need to be so uptight.


    Is that right?


    Even though he''s a new recruit, he''s a soldier protecting the security of Hashel.


    I don''t want to look disheveled.


    What''s the problem with people thinking we can''t afford it?


    ...I think you might be right.


    Tension is contagious.


    If a soldier is tense, the inhabitants are worried about what''s going on.


    ''So what were you looking at?''


    I was looking at the stalls.


    I can see that.


    Elsa said in a dumbfounded tone.


    ''It''s terribly lively,''


    They''re desperate because if they don''t sell out, they''re going to be bought cheaply by the stores that carry the food.


    I think we should set up a food stall.


    That''s impossible.


    I thought it was a good idea, but Elsa didn''t seem to think so.


    ''A store that deals in foodstuffs isn''t just going to have to do that.


    ...?


    When Shaura tilted her head, Elsa giggled.


    It''s not a small, mocking laugh, but a laugh that wants to say it''s cute.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get the most out of it. They come to sell their produce from fishing or working in the fields.


    Yeah.


    If you''ve been working longer than the rest of us, it''s going to be hard to work harder than you are now.


    ''You know a lot about this, don''t you?''


    It''s normal. Normal. Normal.


    If Elsa is normal, then what am I?


    As I was thinking about this, she patted me on the head with an eagle.


    I''m sure you''ll be fine. I know there are people who say you have to get information, but in my experience, information comes to you on its own as long as you are doing your job as a normal person.


    Is that how it works?


    That''s just the way it is.


    No, you don''t get that information by doing your normal job.


    Suddenly, a voice called out from behind them, and Shaura and Elsa reflexively turned around.


    Then, there was a dark-haired beauty standing there.


    ''''Shaura, it''s been a while.''''


    ...?


    He looks at the woman and tilts his head.


    ''Wow, you haven''t forgotten, have you?��I''m the one who saved your life.


    ''I remember. It''s just that you never told me your name...


    The woman patted her chest.


    "Mm, I am the High Priestess in the service of the ''Goddess of Blackness and Chaos'' we call you Priestess here.


    Thank you for what you did for me.


    Shaura bowed to the priest.


    ''I wonder if there was a ''Dark Temple'' in Hashel?''


    Do you have one?


    The priest looked behind him over his shoulder.


    Out of the corner of his eye he saw a crude sign and a wooden box.


    I didn''t know what the sign said, but I knew I was in need.


    ''How do you make a living, sir?''


    Yeah, I make a living at counseling.


    I heard a poof.


    The robed woman next to me erupted.


    The priestess''s face turned bright red.


    ''Are you able to make a living?''


    The Marquess''s house is under our protection.


    His voice was dark and somber.


    ''No, I''m not sure I''m indebted to you. I''ve got rent, food, and even that drink you drank in secret, written off as a debt.


    When I look at the priest, I feel sorry for him.


    Even if he is a hypothetical lifesaver.


    There''s no way I can despise him.


    ''''Hmm, so what did you want with Shaura?''''


    We thought that in exchange for the information, we''d ask for a donation.


    When Elsa asked, the priestess narrowed her shoulders apologetically.


    ''''I''ve saved your life,''''


    I thought you were the High Priestess.


    But maybe they don''t want me. The people in the temple don''t come after me and Ignis doesn''t contact me after I send him a letter. So much for the humanity paper balloon.


    The priest finally looked down.


    I worked hard for the Holy Argo Kingdom when I was young. It''s not right that the young generation, who don''t know anything about anything, are living in luxury because of this, when I was working so desperately for the Holy Argo Kingdom. The world is wrong.


    At last, he even started to complain.


    Shaura''s opinion of the priestess is cancerously lowered in Shaura''s mind.


    ''You guys aren''t going to abandon me, are you?


    You...?


    I nodded my head, not understanding the meaning.


    ''Of course there are ten men who became soldiers. It''s only ten, but they are great believers.


    The priestess puffed out her chest in a great way.


    Even so, when did Shaura and the others become followers of the ''Goddess of Jet-Blackness and Chaos''?


    ''''What about the others?''''


    "They''ve become followers of the Mother Goddess of Ocher and Fertility.


    It doesn''t seem unreasonable, or even natural.


    I don''t want to say this, but the priestess only let me escape from the Holy Argo Kingdom and didn''t do anything more than that.


    The one who welcomed me warmly at the place I escaped from was Crono, and the one who kindly took care of me was the ''Yellow Earth Temple''.


    I can give them money for once, but please don''t make me a believer.


    Maybe my friends will think the same thing.


    ''''........You were thinking that you wanted to give me a break, weren''t you?''''


    I''m sorry.


    Shaura apologized honestly.


    ''''If it''s ... money.''''


    "I don''t want your money!��I didn''t save you for money!


    So what do you want me to do?


    ''Nah, it''s a pain in the ass. Aren''t you looking for money?


    I don''t want you to think that I helped you for money!


    But you want the money, right?


    ''I want money, but more importantly, I want my followers!


    ''Hmmm,'' groaned Elsa.


    ''You want followers and donations?''


    Hmm, well, there''s that.


    After all, he wants the money.


    ''Well, I''ll make a believer out of you then.


    Elsa?


    It''s all right. It wasn''t the Temple, but he did help me once, a long time ago. In short, I owe him.


    Oh, there''s a second believer at last!


    Second?


    Shaura tilted her head, wondering if such oddities existed.


    The first is the cavalry captain, Fay. Well, he hasn''t brought a single donation to me, but...


    So I''m practically the first believer.


    Elsa laughed happily.


    ''So, what''s a believer to do?''


    All you have to do is say your prayers before you eat and before you go to bed and in your spare time.


    Is that all you have to do?


    Mm, that''s as good as it gets.


    The priest was still beaming with this.


    Is it really that simple?


    I can''t teach you agricultural techniques like in the Yellow Earth Temple. Well, I can treat wounds and diseases, but...


    Is there anything the High Priestess can''t do?


    ''''What benefit is there in that?''''


    ''You''ll get God''s love by becoming a believer.


    Love?


    Elsa frowned in a stinky way.


    ''God''s love is an affirmation of existence ... that it is good to be here. That''s the peace of mind of the soul. Well, if you do what you want, you''ll be thrown in jail.


    The priest grinned.


    ''I''ll donate it, for now.


    Elsa took a silver coin from her pouch and handed it to the priest.


    ''You had the money,''


    I''ve been saving it for my own emergencies.


    ''Oh, that''s my first donation!��God bless the Lord!


    Elsa placed a gentle hand on the priest''s shoulder, which made her eyes water.


    ''Pray for yourself, not me.


    ''Oh, the world is not what it used to be. Be that as it may, God bless the Lord!


    With that, the priest went back to his shop.............


    Huh, finally some food.


    I''m hungry.


    Shaura and Elsa entered the barracks dining hall while talking about that.


    The mess hall was not popular, and the smell of dirt was in the air.


    The sun was past the middle of the sky, and the soldiers who were training ate their meals at the same time, but the soldiers in charge of security took turns eating their food.


    He takes a tray, grabs a piece of bread himself, and plates the food.


    I''m starving, so I take a seat near me.


    Elsa takes a seat face-to-face and clasps her hands together as if in prayer.


    After a few moments, she opened her eyes and smiled as if she were beaming.


    ''There''s something embarrassing about that.''


    Is that so?


    Yeah, just a little bit.


    Shaura and Elsa eat their food in silence.


    ''''It was surprising nonetheless,''''


    Elsa blinked her eyes with a crackle and a crackle.


    ''Oh, that I donated to you, right?''


    ''Yes, we thought Elsa wasn''t one of those people.


    I thought he was more dirty with money.


    ''That''s a terrible thing to say,''


    Excuse me.


    But, well, I wouldn''t have donated when I was in the imperial capital, would I? Even this time, I donated because I didn''t know if the time of need would ever come.


    I think I''m going to go say hello.


    I donate because I can afford it.


    It was obvious, but Shaura didn''t take it for granted.


    Even though she had just become a soldier and didn''t have time to pay attention to anything else, she should have greeted the priestess who saved her life.


    ''''To the Priestess?''''


    No, it''s to the ''Ochre Temple''. The rest of the time, when you''re not busy, you can go to the frontier village...


    The poorhouse took care of me, and Dino and the others took care of me while I was on the run.


    After all, you should go and greet them at least once.


    ''''Hmm, but isn''t it tough for you to go alone?��It''s a fair distance and you''ll have to ride in a carriage, won''t you?


    I''ll do my best.


    But I''m not sure I''m going to be able to do that.


    I can''t ride a horse, so I''ll have to negotiate with the peddlers and stallholders to get a ride in the carriage, but I don''t know how to negotiate.


    ''Well, then, shall I go with you?��I''ll negotiate for a ride in the carriage, and when it costs me money, we''ll split it.


    Sorry, sir.


    ''Oh, never mind that I have a purpose.


    Elsa waved her hand in a patter.


    ''Do you even know someone?''


    He''s not here.


    Then why?


    When Shaura tilted her head and asked, Elsa giggled.


    ''I want to see that ocean thing.


    ...sea?


    Yeah, the ocean is like a big lake. Oh, the ocean is like a big, fancy lake.


    Perhaps to convey the size, Elsa held out her arms.


    The ocean was not in her vocabulary, but she could barely tell if it was a lake.


    According to her dead mother, a lake is bigger than a swamp and the water is clearer.


    I can barely imagine a lake, but if it''s bigger than that, it''s completely out of my imagination.


    ''How big is it?''


    Hmm, as far as the eye can see.


    ...as far as the eye can see.


    Shaura parroted.


    ''It''s so awesome I can''t picture it, but wouldn''t you like to see it at least once?''


    Yeah, right.


    Water as far as the eye can see ... how big is it all?


    '' ... but...


    But what?


    ''Is it okay for a soldier to do that?''


    All Shaura wants is to be useful to Crono.


    Doing what I want to do is a little different, I think.


    ''There''s no law that says you have to put up with what you want to do just because you''re a soldier, is there?��Take a bit of a lesson from Captain Aridid and Captain Deneb of the cavalry.


    I''ve only seen it from afar.


    Aridid and Deneb are guarding the streets, so they don''t get a chance to see each other outside of the morning meeting.


    ''''Oh, really?��Well, good. Those two look like they''re having fun when they''re off duty.


    Huh.


    I phase in appropriately.


    ''You don''t understand. If you''re able to become a captain after being so rambunctious, that means Crono-sama approves of it.


    Is that right?


    Shaura tilted her head.


    Why don''t they think that they are actually solid or equipped with great abilities?


    ''I know what you mean. ''I know what you mean, you mean that you might actually be great, right?��But I don''t think Lieutenant Mino, even if he''s competent, would tolerate anything that would damage his credibility.


    What about it?


    I mean, you can''t get mad at me for being as frank as those two guys.


    I don''t want Master Crono to think I''m a bad boy.


    Elsa let out a small sigh.


    ''I''m not saying that you should be a bad boy. I was trying to say that Crono-sama is a soldier, so he''s not asking you to put up with what you want to do.


    Yeah.


    Shaura finally came to a point and let her voice trail off.


    ''''Now we can go to the beach with a big swing, right?''''


    Yes, said Shaura with a small nod.


    *


    Shaura cut off her meal early and headed to the poorhouse.


    Elsa said it could be an off-duty day, but she felt that what she could do today should be done today.


    A middle-aged woman sat in the reception area of the poorhouse, and a man stood across the desk from her.


    He didn''t look like a hobo, so he must have been offered a job.


    After waiting for a while, the man received a piece of paper from the woman and left with a somewhat excited look on his face.


    Apparently, he was able to get a job offer.


    ''What can I do for you, soldier?''


    Um, is Master Theon there?


    The woman at the reception desk gave her a quizzical look, and Shaura realized her failure.


    Returning a question to a question was not smooth communication.


    ''''I''m the one who was previously in charge of this poorhouse.


    Yeah, that time. I think it was Shaura. She''s so big now, I didn''t recognize her.


    I always thought they had forgotten me, but I think they remembered me.


    ''I''ve come to say hello to Lord Zion.


    Of course the director will be pleased. Can I get him to come over if you want?


    No, no, I won''t let you do that.


    All right. The director should be in his office. Do you know where it is?


    Yes, Shaura nodded. ''I''ve never stepped foot in there,'' she said, ''but I remember it''s at the end of the second floor.


    ''Then come on in.


    Thank you.


    I bail and enter the poorhouse.


    The inside doesn''t seem to have changed much since the time Shaura was under his care.


    No, I wonder if the number of people admitted to the hospital is lower than before.


    Well, it''s a good thing the poorhouse is deserted.


    We climbed up the back stairs to the second floor.


    I stopped in front of the office at the end of the hall and took a series of deep breaths.


    He knocked, and the door opened immediately.


    The one who opened the door was a woman in a priest''s uniform.......Sion.


    Her tanned skin was still the same as before, but the atmosphere was softer than before?


    ''''Shaura-san, I see you were able to safely become a soldier.


    ''Yes, it''s been two weeks since I arrived, but I just wanted to thank you for your help... well, I don''t have a lot of money before payday.


    Theon gave a small smile.


    ''''That feeling alone is enough for me. I was just about to brew some incense tea, but it''s not very tasty to drink it alone, how would you like to join me?''''


    I''ll take you up on your offer.


    Theon turned on his heel and Shaura followed suit.


    ''Come this way,''


    Thank you.


    He sits down on the sofa in one corner of the office as prompted.


    I only move my eyes and check my surroundings.


    The impression of the office can be summed up in one word: simple.


    The furniture is solidly built even to a layman''s eye, but it is devoid of ornamentation, as if it were the embodiment of practical principles.


    Perhaps the furniture in the poorhouse and the barracks were made by the same craftsman the dwarves working in the workshop of the Marquis'' mansion.


    ''''It''s hot, so please be careful.


    Thank you.


    Theon quietly placed the cup on the table.


    Shaura picked up the cup and brought it to her mouth.


    Her tongue tingled slightly as she took it in her mouth.


    It was hot and bitter, but never unpleasant.


    She swallowed down the portion in her mouth and exhaled in relief.


    The heat spreads from inside my body, making me feel a little lighter.


    I wasn''t aware of it, but maybe I was tensing up.


    ''How are you doing?''


    Delicious.


    It''s still cold, so I used some herbs to help with circulation.


    Theon said happily and sat down on the couch facing him.


    ''Excuse me. I''m sorry I''m late in coming to say hello.''


    It''s okay.


    When Shaura bowed her head, Theon said in a soft tone of voice.


    Well, they''re all...


    Everybody is fine.


    I let out a breath of relief.


    I know it''s selfish, even though I didn''t care about it earlier, but it''s also a real feeling.


    I take the cup to my mouth again and stop moving.


    It''s because I remembered Sion''s words about it still being cold.


    ''''........Will it be alright?''''


    Theon tilts his head curiously, and Shaura realizes his failure.


    It''s too short of words.


    It''s no wonder they don''t understand this.


    ''Because the plants can''t grow.


    We''re sowing cold hard wheat, so you don''t have to worry too much about it.


    Shaura looked down in embarrassment, saying, "There''s no way Sion-sama hasn''t taken measures.


    ''''Would you like to come and see the pioneer village?''''


    But... but...


    I''ll send for the carriage.


    ''But I owe it to Crono-sama,'' said Sion, shyly.


    ''Can I have a friend too?''


    Of course.


    Theon smiled happily.


    ''Um, if I could, I''d like to go and see the ... well ... the sea.


    Good.


    Shaura let out a breath of relief.


    ''When do you want it done?''


    Preferably after payday I''m sorry.


    It''s too rude to come empty-handed to the Salvation Army and yet bring souvenirs to the frontier village.


    ''''You don''t have to worry about it.


    Zion''s voice was full of compassion, and so it gouged Shaura''s heart.


    *


    Shaura and the others had finished their afternoon''s work and were lined up just as they had been at the morning meeting.


    There was no sign of the cavalry, if anything was wrong with them.


    The soldiers who had taken part in the training were dirty, but it was easy to distinguish between the new and old soldiers.


    The new soldiers are the ones who are about to fall over.


    The most painful time for new recruits is the final assembly.


    This is because even though we are exhausted, Lieutenant Mino and the others are moving slowly.


    ''''The final salute is about to begin now!��Lieutenant Minot has an instruction for you!


    Today, Deputy Mino slowly walked up to the platform.


    ''I salute Lieutenant Mino!''


    I salute at Nasr''s command, but as I said, the new recruits who have just finished training are slow to move.


    ''''Fix it!''''


    I straighten my back to the command.


    ''''New recruits, I won''t try to make you start over until the salute is complete, but I will wring you out until you become soldiers worthy of the Thirteenth Kingsguard. A soldier of the Thirteenth Kingsguard must not only be strong, but must also be feared by the bad guys and loved by the people of the territory.'''' (Bummo, bummo~)


    Deputy Mino''s voice rushed in from all sides.


    ''''But don''t do anything that makes you look like a bad person. That''s all.'''' (Bumo)


    "First Officer Mino salute!


    I salute again as the order is given.


    The order to disperse doesn''t come when First Officer Mino comes down from his platform.


    The new recruits'' heads bobbed and weaved.


    Isn''t it about time some of them fell down?


    The next moment when I thought that.


    Dismissed!


    Nasr raised his voice.


    One by one the recruits slumped into place like puppets whose strings had been broken.


    ''You''re going to hit the line just as hard as the recruits can stand it.


    Yes.


    Shaura agrees with Elsa.


    ''Now we just need to go to the bathhouse, eat, and have some free time.


    I''m tired again.


    Shaura let out a small sigh.


    *


    Shaura and Elsa picked up their dinner as they had at breakfast and sat down at the empty seat.


    The seat opposite them was filled, so Elsa sat next to her.


    Looking next to her, Elsa clasped her hands together as if in prayer.


    Curious glances were directed at her, but she didn''t care.


    After a while, Elsa opened her mouth.


    ''''Well you could have eaten first.''''


    No, it''s better to eat together.


    Shaura chewed on a piece of bread.


    She could eat a full meal without thinking about dinner.


    She wanted to share this happiness with her dead family.


    Next, she took a sip of the soup.


    It''s a thick, salty, whitefish soup.


    It doesn''t have the muddy smell of swamp fish, but rather a light taste.


    ''Hah, the rice is good again today.


    It''s delicious.


    After training, you can''t afford to taste your dinner.


    Having to eat when you have no appetite is tantamount to a struggle.


    ''I wonder if my body will be able to eat well after the training is over once it gets used to it?


    I think I''ll be able to eat.


    Shaura replied after looking around.


    Some soldiers are eating well despite their dirty uniforms.


    They are old soldiers too.


    However, they are not the oldest soldiers in the new barracks, but the soldiers who arrived before Shaura and the others.


    The soldier in front of him stood up with a tray and was replaced by another soldier....Rigel, who sat down.


    ''Hey, Shaura.''


    Rigel raised his hand without effort.


    He must have been squeezed quite a bit.


    His uniform is dirty and his face is pale.


    Still, he takes a mouthful of soup.


    The next moment he pours it into his mouth, he frowns.


    It''s after a strenuous workout, so the food probably smells like iron.


    ''''I went to the Salvation Army today.


    Yeah,


    Rigel muttered disinterestedly.


    ''When we go to the frontier village, we''re going to be given a ride in a carriage.


    Then I''ll go alone.


    ''No, I told him I wanted to go with a friend and he nodded his head willingly.


    What did you negotiate?


    Master Theon is a good man.


    It''s distressing that I seem to have taken advantage of good intentions.


    ''Would Rigel like to go with you?''


    No, I''m good.


    Rigel shreds a small piece of bread and brings it to his mouth.


    ''Why?''


    Well, I mean, I had Dino and his guys at my beck and call. I mean, I''m the one who ended up selling us out.


    Rigel said in a whispered tone of voice.


    ''But I couldn''t afford it,''


    ''I know you couldn''t afford it. I would have done the same thing in Dino''s shoes, but you can''t convince me of the fact that I was sold, can you?


    ''Ah,'' Shaura let out a small voice.


    ''''........Crono-sama is....


    ''Don''t get me wrong, but I''m grateful to Master Crono. I don''t think it''s a bad idea to fight for that man.


    I patted my chest.


    If I had bad feelings for Crono, I wouldn''t be able to consider him a companion.


    ''''........enough to show my face.


    We''ll just make things awkward for each other. Even Dino knows he sold us out and got the life he''s got now.


    Do you think people are thinking the same thing?


    ''Well?��But you shouldn''t expect too much.


    The back of my nose tingled.


    ''I''ll give everyone a shout out, just in case.


    Please.


    It was a gratifying offer.


    I don''t know what to do if they tell me that everyone else feels the same way as Rigel.


    ''Maybe you should say hello to the priest?


    Priest?


    Elsa said, and Rigel raised his eyebrows suspiciously.


    ''It''s a woman with dark hair ... dressed like a whore.


    Oh, you''re that guy. I''d say hello to that guy. When I refused to become a believer, he got miffed at me.


    I''ve become a believer.


    So you were praying.


    Apparently, Rigel had seen Elsa praying.


    ''Is it good to be a believer?''


    They say that if you donate and pray, God will tell you that you can stay here.


    Hmmm, I thought it would be more complicated than that.


    I guess I failed, Rigel muttered softly.


    *


    Shaura carefully folded her undressed uniform and placed it on the desk and sat down on the bed.


    Elsa was, as I say, lying on her back on the bed.


    ''Was it a shock?''


    What''s that?


    When she asked back, Elsa looked at Shaura.


    ''It''s Rigel''s word,''


    I was shocked.


    After a moment of silence, he replies.


    ''Well, you can''t say you''re my friend and share your feelings, so why should you feel betrayed?


    ...betrayal.


    Oh," he says, letting his voice trail off.


    Elsa is right, he feels he has been betrayed by his friends (Rigel).


    Of course, he hasn''t betrayed them.


    He just assumed that Shaura felt the same way on her own.


    But just thinking about how many people will be coming with you is enough to make you feel depressed.


    ''Exciting, isn''t it?''


    What''s that?


    Looking at the ocean.


    Then Elsa smiled like a child.


    Well, maybe it''s better to think of something fun than to imagine something bad.


    Shaura lay down on the bed and quietly closed her eyes.

 113-Modified version of Episode 2 "Return"

    *


    It''s mid-April, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - even though it''s already April, the air is cold and the plants and trees are exposing their lonely appearance.


    However, spring had arrived earlier in the mausoleum at the Aldemiran Palace.


    But it''s not the plants and trees that are celebrating spring, though.


    There are two figures in front of the coffin that holds the body of Ramal V.


    One is the High Priest of the ''Pure White Temple'' with a rich beard, and the other is Alfort.


    A large number of nobles - the nobles of the Alphort school and the seven kinsmen of the Kingsguard - watch over the two figures, who are dressed in glittering costumes.


    Fana wiped her neck with her handkerchief.


    A hot air enveloped the mausoleum.


    As it should be, today is the coronation day they''ve been waiting for.


    It''s not as if he''s nervous, but Alfort has been swallowing his spit frequently since a while ago.


    It may have something to do with the fact that this is a mausoleum.


    Although the mausoleum is airtight and unsuitable for holding rituals, Alfort wanted to hold his coronation ceremony here.


    Only by holding a coronation ceremony in front of the former emperor could he claim legitimacy.


    As I recall, he said something incomprehensible like that.


    A good-looking female priest knelt down beside the High Priestess and reverently presented the box to her.


    The High Priestess took the imperial crown from the box and held it high.


    Alfort slowly knelt down.


    ''''O God of Purity and Order!''''


    As the High Priest offered a prayer, a light shone into the mausoleum.


    The light of pure white created by the divine art the light of pure white created by a miracle made the imperial crown shine.


    I crown you in the presence of the pure white God of Order and consecrate you as an emperor.


    The High Priest places the imperial crown on Alfort.


    ''Thou shalt embrace the sword, given by God, and make it thy duty to protect thy subjects.


    ''The God of Purity and Order''


    As the priestess prayed, the mausoleum was enveloped in light.


    The light was as soft as the spring sunshine.


    The seeds scattered on the floor sprouted, and in the blink of an eye, a large flower bloomed.


    ''O God, protect this one.


    "God, protect him.


    The Priestess follows the High Priestess'' congratulations.


    A vine grows from the base of the pillar, producing a brilliant flower.


    ''Emperor, make long life for us.


    "Long live the Emperor.


    He continues to celebrate further.


    There was no visible change, and the attendees buzzed.


    After a slight pause, countless flower petals descended like snow.


    ''''Glory to the new Emperor!��Light to the Cepheus Empire!


    "Glory to the new emperor!��Light to the Cepheus Empire!


    A light is born.


    Seven colors of light poured down, shining as if the imperial crown were made of rainbows.


    Alfort slowly stood up and turned to the attendees.


    I am sorry for the trouble I have caused you," he said. I believe that the confusion that has led to this day is due to the absence of the Emperor.


    ''Oh, His Majesty Alfort!��How merciful!


    Baron Bowties was the first to kneel.


    ''''We have all endured the unbearable for this day!


    Then Count Burkmeier knelt.


    The nobles kneeled, and Leonhardt leisurely propped himself up on one knee.


    The knights of the Kingsguard followed Leonhardt''s lead.


    Perhaps it was unexpected timing, but the movement lacked a sense of unity.


    The last person to poke his knee was Count Chiron.


    It was impressive that he had cowered his shoulders as if to say, "Do it, just before that.


    ''''I promise the rest of you!��With wisdom and virtue, he would put the chaos to rest and restore peace to the Empire once again!


    Alfort pulled out the sword used by the first emperor.


    Its blade was in the soft light and emitted a chilling light.


    ''''I promise you that I will!��Let''s bring the light back to the Empire again!


    "Long live His Majesty Alfort!


    Baron Bawties and Count Burkmeier stood up and shouted for their throats to be ripped open, as if they were vying to be first.


    As if the heat of the two men had been felt, the nobles raised their hands in a hail of applause.


    Surely it must be a fever.


    They are buoyed by a mad fever.


    They have no doubt that they have a bright future ahead of them.


    It is the same with Alfort, who is at the center of the frenzy.


    His son truly believes that if he becomes emperor, the chaos will end and he will regain his pre-civil war authority.


    That''s why he doesn''t realize that Leonhardt has taken the courtesy of a vassal to get through this place without incident.


    Surely there is no Kinsman Knight Commander who is loyal to that boy, Fana thinks of the Kinsman Knight Commander who is not here.


    Count Ernat is in the direct control of Emperor Nouzi, Count Lesat is in the direct control of Emperor Kinza, and Baron Corne is in the direct control of Emperor Kai.


    By the way, I heard that Count Hyades is feeling down and is sleeping at home.


    Well, it''s probably a lie.


    Suddenly what passes through my mind is Baron Crawfort''s son Crono.


    I''ve only met him face to face in the audience room, but I''ve heard that he''s ruling the territory with great distinction.


    Where did I go wrong in my education?��Fana let out another sigh.


    I want to support her as a mother, but the time to do something about it is long overdue.


    Is it a rolling stone or a rat that is committing mass suicide?


    Neither will stop until the catastrophe arrives.


    Kahn, kahn, kahn.


    Oh, you''re back, Crono woke up in the boxcarriage.


    ''Good morning, Master Crono,''


    Good morning, Leila.


    I exchange greetings with Leila, who is sitting in the seat opposite me.


    My neck hurts a little bit, probably due to the fact that I''ve been sleeping leaning against the wall.


    ''I knew it was going to be excruciating travelling in a carriage.


    Yes.


    Leila answered after a short pause.


    She must have adjusted to it because she was kelotting.


    Maybe it''s important to be willing to divide the carriage as something that makes your body hurt.


    The box carriage slows down.


    Looking out the window, you can see the gardens of the Marquis''s mansion, which you know all too well.


    You strongly realize that you are back.


    The boxcarriage comes to a halt.


    Then, without saying a word, Leila dismounted from the carriage and propped up the door.


    Crono landed in the gardens of the Marquis'' mansion and straightened up.


    ''''Master Crono!��Like, welcome home!


    It''s like we''ve been waiting with all our hearts for Master Crono''s return.


    Alideed and Deneb jumped on me, or rather, hugged me.


    I love that Leila doesn''t look amused.


    ''''Well you two are so eager for my return.


    Like our holidays are ruined because Prince Tyria took us away.


    Like demanding compensation and discipline for ruining the holidays!


    No!��And when Crono pushed him away, they fell on their asses.


    But the two of them are not ballsy enough to be fazed by that.


    ''We haven''t seen each other in a long time and you''re dealing with too much!��Like we want you to take responsibility for ruining our holidays!


    ''''Like the acting lord''s responsibility for what the acting lord did should be taken by the lord, Lord Crono!��Like, if your dog bites someone, the owner is supposed to take responsibility for it!


    With that, they clung to Crono''s legs.


    ''Yeah, let go!''


    I''m not letting go!��And I won''t let go until you promise to compensate me!


    Responsibility!��Like you want me to take responsibility!��Like I want money and stuff to soothe my soul!


    Crono took a copper coin from his wallet and flicked it with his thumb.


    Then Alideed stood up and grabbed the copper coin in the air.


    Compensation is over!


    ''I''ll take this one, but like it''s not sincere enough!


    ''At least two silver coins!��Like, I want at least two silver coins!


    Alideed clung to him from the front and Deneb clung to him from behind.


    ''So, when we get Leila back, we''ll take a leave of absence in the direction of a reasonable shift.


    Like it''s the right thing to do!


    It won''t help you get over the pain you''re going through!


    I''m not reluctant to give in to their demands, but I have a feeling that if I give in to their demands, they will demand the next one.


    No, they will definitely demand it.


    In order to cut off future worries, we should take a firm stand here.


    ''''Then no vacation!


    What did you say?


    It''s not very nice!


    Crono walked out, dragging them along with him.


    ''Wait, like I need a minute!


    Quiet!��Like, be quiet!


    Deneb went around in front of Crono.


    He tried to stall them somehow, but it was only the power of the elves.


    ''The negotiations are over.


    I didn''t!��And it''s not finished!


    Like it''s not solved!


    As if they didn''t want to lose their vacation, they desperately pushed Crono to the spot.


    ''Like, at least, you should be allowed a vacation!


    Please!��Please!��Like, I don''t want nothing!


    Crono stopped in his tracks.


    ''I''ll take as much time off as I can fit into my shift. Is that okay?


    Yeah, that''s fine.


    But you will have to discipline Princess Tyria.


    Gegg, they said with a giggle.


    ''He''s acting like a shio, but he''ll be back on his feet soon enough.


    ''You can go now, okay?''


    ...ugh, ugh.


    ...ugh, ugh.


    They didn''t move from their spot.


    ''Oh, goody.''


    A souvenir from the Imperial City.


    No.


    They looked at each other and laughed.


    ''Again, like you at least have a souvenir for your lovely men.


    It''s like we were looking forward to buying a souvenir from the Imperial City.


    It''s the best thing I could have done for you, coming back safe and sound.


    It''s like we''re the exception to the rule!


    Like you two don''t know what it feels like to not get a souvenir!


    No, I didn''t buy anyone a souvenir.


    They backed away with a shocked look on their faces and covered their faces and began to giggle.


    I was already feeling better.


    ''All right. I''ll tell the landlady and get her to make us some ice cream.


    It''s freezing out here, and you''re getting ice cream.


    It''s freezing.


    They hugged themselves together and rubbed their arms with the palms of their hands.


    ''Then yes,''


    ''Woo-hoo!��Like a souvenir, after all!


    It''s like you made the right arrangements!


    I had no choice, so I took the bag of candy balls out of the pouch and offered it to them, and they raised their hands in the air in delight.


    ''It''s just a candy ball, okay?''


    It''s like these things are all about form!


    That''s right!


    I was going to give him a bottle of wine if he couldn''t fit it in, but if he was happy with it, there was no need to give it to him.


    Then here you go.


    I''m grateful for it!


    Alideed took the bag and tucked it into his pouch.


    ''You''re going to share it with Deneb?


    I know!


    Suddenly, I get a mild shock.


    Deneb hugs me.


    He looks up and sloppily breaks the chemistry.


    ''You''ll have to share some candy bars from Aridid, won''t you?


    ''Uhehe, maybe it''s enough for me to have Master Crono back in one piece.


    What a lovely thing to do.


    I tried to hug him, but my arms were cut off to the sky.


    Alideed yanked on Deneb.


    ''Like you''re not allowed to run off!


    "A single rider is the flower of war!


    They began to argue, gah, gah.


    ''And yet we have to pay attention to Tilia?


    Crono let out a deep sigh.


    Can you be careful?


    Well, maybe.


    If we can convince them, they will accept our proposal.


    ''''Crono-sama, what are your plans after this?


    ''I''d like to laze around in my room until dinner after I talk to Tilia.


    I suppose we ought to pay our respects to the homecoming.


    Leila said in a slightly lower tone.


    If you ask me, I should show my face to the landladies before I meet Tilia.


    Crono took Leila to the diner.


    First the proprietress, then Elena, and when I''m ready, I''m going to meet with Eril.


    The reason why these three are here is because unlike the other sides, they have a fixed place to work.


    They may be out of their seats, but at that time you can go and meet them again.


    However, fate - not that big of a deal - didn''t seem to take Crono''s intentions into consideration.


    I turned the corner of the hallway and saw Cecily.


    ''''Well you''re already back.


    Cecily said, spitting.


    She looked at him as if he were a bug, his lips twisted in displeasure.


    It''s a natural reaction, considering what she''s done so far.


    It''s worse to be favored.


    At that point, I''ll have to recommend a relocation treatment.


    It''s unbearable to be overtly disgusted, but I can''t date Cecily if I''m depressed at this level.


    She is such a creature.


    In fact, she should be praised for not losing her defiance after all she''s done.


    You have to acknowledge where you need to acknowledge them, no matter who they are.


    We must then consider the appropriate burden.


    We''ll take Verna''s injustice to Cecily to the grave.


    I won''t ruin their friendship.


    ''.......


    When Crono sneered, Cecily backed away.


    ''Hey, long time no see.''


    You''re home early, aren''t you?


    Cecily moved to the corner of the hallway as Crono walked up to her.


    Couldn''t you just quickly disappear somewhere?��But that''s not what the wholesaler wants to say.


    I stopped in front of Cecily and poked my hand against the wall.


    It was strangely exciting to think that I was walloping against such a beautiful woman.


    ''Verna is going to be a fine soldier,''


    Yeah.


    He looks disinterested, but his cheeks are faintly flushed.


    ''You came back to me as a fine soldier.


    What do you mean by that?


    Don''t you get it?


    Crono nodded his head deliberately.


    ''It means that it depends on Cecily whether she can continue to be a good soldier or not.


    ....


    Cecily bit her lip in frustration.


    ''Keep up the good work, will you?''


    Yes, I know!


    He is red to the ears, perhaps from anger.


    ''You can go now. Good luck with your work.


    Excuse me!


    Cecily pushed Crono away and left with a wild gait.


    Crono cowered lightly and headed for the diner.


    When Crono entered the diner, there was no one there.


    It didn''t look like they were away, as the smell of good food was in the air.


    He crossed the cafeteria and dived through the open door.


    I bypass the wall in front of me and cautiously walk down the stairs that lead to the kitchen.


    Down the stairs, the proprietress is at a table in the center of the kitchen, slicing fish.


    When I was jittering at the entrance of the kitchen, Leila opened her mouth.


    ''''........Crono-sama?''''


    ''I''m afraid that if we hug for joy here, there will be an unfortunate accident.


    I don''t want to be stabbed for showing off my mischievousness.


    ''I won''t stab you,''


    The proprietor turned to me, perhaps finishing the fish.


    ''Please put the knife on the table first.


    Should I keep it for protection?


    Who are you defending yourself against?


    Well, who will it be first?


    The landlady smiled wickedly and put the knife on the table.


    ''You''re back quite early, aren''t you?''


    I''m right on schedule.


    Crono looked alternately at the table and the stove.


    It was hard to believe that he was making a meal for Tilia alone.


    Looking at this amount, there was no doubt that he was receiving reports from his subordinates who had preceded him.


    ''I thought it would take longer since the mission was a mission,''


    Oh, yeah, right.


    Crono walks up to the landlady and stops a short distance away.


    ''For some reason, I had to leave on short notice.


    That''s a disaster.


    ''I hope it''s only a disaster,'' said Crono, leaning against the table.


    ''So how was your job?''


    It''s been a lot of work, but I think it did the job it was supposed to do, didn''t it?


    I''m proud of the results, but it''s not Crono who gets the credit.


    ''Master Crono has done his job admirably. Not only has he drastically reduced the number of crimes committed, but he has ousted corrupt officials and legalized illegal gambling to secure the welfare budget.


    It''s supposed to be a security job.


    Leila said proudly, but the landlady nodded her head, as if she didn''t understand one thing now.


    ''''To restore security, we''ve legalized the expulsion of corrupt officials and illegal gambling.


    I didn''t know you had to do that.


    ''Well,'' Crono trailed off.


    ''It''s terminal to have to go that far.


    I''m sure he''ll pull through.


    Crono reminds me of the guard captains.


    ''We''ve set up a path to restore security, and they''ll be able to step in until they see the effects.


    ''That''s optimistic, huh?''


    You scared the shit out of me.


    When I think about myself and Rio''s dismissal, and the nobles who were crowding the castle, I feel uneasy.


    Or rather, I feel nothing but anxiety.


    ''''Ugh, my stomach is starting to hurt.


    Always the same. You did what you had to do. Isn''t that right?


    It was the landlady who caused the anxiety?


    Oh, did you do your duty to your parents?


    The landlady said deceptively.


    ''I''ve just been lounging around the house, and I don''t know if I''ve done anything filial?


    I think it''s good for them to see that you''re doing well.


    Doesn''t the landlady go back to her parents?


    Guess there''s a snake in the bush.


    The landlady moaned softly and scratched her head as if she was upset.


    I know it was a youthful indiscretion, but I ran away from home to pursue a man.


    I''m sure my dad would have laughed it off.


    My parents are gonna laugh at that.


    The landlady nodded with a straight face.


    Even Myra and Ort would laugh.


    ''''I have a feeling we''ll be able to go back to normal.


    Do you really want me to come home?


    The landlady raised her eyebrows grimly and leaned forward with a zing.


    ''They say no parents when you want to be filial, you know.


    ....


    A silence descends.


    The landlady may have cherished the fact that she wanted to leave her home to accompany him, but it was better to meet him while he was still alive.


    ''On a different note, I met Kanan-san in Teito.


    It''s really sudden.


    The landlady cowered lightly.


    But how did you end up in the Imperial City?


    "....to get married.


    Crono blurted out, and the landlady gave him a reluctant look.


    ''If you don''t have that much of a partner, why don''t you marry Robert?


    ''I understand that Robert has a fianc��e.


    The landlady covered her face as if to say aha.


    ''Is the Baron Ekron family finished?


    As Kanan said, as long as the landlady and I are encouraged, we''ll be fine.


    At least do your best.


    The landlady let out a disgusted sigh.


    ''I thought maybe we could put the two of you together and take care of them.


    It can''t be!


    The landlady raised her voice.


    ''''But if me and the landlady''s child takes over the Baron Ekron family, it will be hard on Kanan-san~''''


    So just go out there and cheer on with Canaan!


    I want to encourage you and your landlady.


    It''s refreshingly selfish of you, you know.


    Not really.


    I didn''t mean it as a compliment!


    Crono scratched his head, and the landlady plunged in.


    ''Huh, I''m getting a headache,''


    That''s wrong. I scraped and it''s nothing.


    Crono moved away from the landlady.


    That''s because the landlady picked up a knife.


    Of course, I don''t expect to be stabbed.


    ''''Well, I''ll leave you to it.''''


    Okay.


    Crono turned his back to the landlady and quickly turned around.


    ''Do you still need me?''


    I''m home.


    Welcome home.


    The landlady replied after a short pause.


    It couldn''t be my imagination that her cheeks seemed to be tinted with vermilion.


    *


    Crono peered through the doorway to his office.


    However, it is not Crono''s office, but Elena''s office on the first floor.


    Elena is working on paperwork at her desk.


    The way she performs her work quickly and efficiently gives her the air of a veteran.


    ''You''re not coming in?


    I''d like to keep an eye on Elena a little longer.


    Hah, hah, I try to repeat my rough breathing.


    Our eyes suddenly met.


    Elena got up from her chair and walked over to the door and closed it silently.


    When Crono opened the door again, Elena closed it again in silence.


    ''Is that what you do to a master you haven''t had in a while?''


    Just open the door and come in like a normal person!


    Crono said as he opened the door, and Elena put her hands on her hips and said back.


    ''Leila, take care of the watch.


    I understand.


    Hey, what are you doing?


    Elena backed away, frightened.


    ''We won''t do anything. I just wanted to talk to you two for a moment.


    Crono entered the room and closed the door behind him.


    ''Now, go on with your work.''


    Yeah, I know.


    Elena went back to her seat, as if she didn''t believe her words about not doing anything, and Elena went back to her seat in a way that said she was oops.


    Crono went to the window and stared at the ceramic vase.


    The whole thing had a blue hue, the neck was long and narrow, and the mouth was wide.


    There was a single pink flower in the vase, but it was slightly wilted, as if it had been picked a long time ago.


    ''I''ll tell you ahead of time, that''s the one I bought from a peddler at the stall.


    You''re the one who made it in our territory.


    Heh, you''re very good at that.


    Elena rolled her eyes as she put the vase back in place and turned around.


    ''I don''t think they''d bring something from somewhere else to sell in a stall, so...''


    Oh, yeah.


    Elena poked her cheekbones in the air, looking unamused.


    ''Don''t you have a job to do?''


    I know you''re here to interrupt.


    Crono walked over to the desk and reached for the papers.


    A light shock of pessimism ran across the back of his hand.


    Elena tapped it.


    ''''Well I''m a lord, okay?''''


    I''m in charge of accounting. You don''t want to get in the way of my location.


    ''I''ll pay this debt back in bed,'' said Crono, moving next to Elena and sitting down at his desk.


    ''I''m interrupting your work?''


    Just taking a break.


    Elena''s lips twitched in a sultry way.


    ''''Well you''re back.''''


    I didn''t think you''d say it first.


    It''s just a normal part of life.


    Yes.


    Elena turned away in embarrassment and Crono crossed his legs with a wry smile.


    I thought it would take longer.


    Me too.


    Crono poked his cheekbones in support of his thighs.


    ''Has anything changed in my absence?''


    There are new recruits here like a dumbass.


    We''ll have to add to the budget for the workshop.


    Yeah.


    Elena nodded in a curt manner.


    Apparently, Tilia hadn''t added to the workshop''s budget.


    ''''That was fast by the way.


    ''The landlady told me the same thing, but it wasn''t a job with a fixed deadline.


    It''s a sad part of the court service, isn''t it?


    Isn''t Elena?


    That''s what I''m saying.


    Are you saying that it''s okay for both of us to be pushed around by our bosses?


    "I don''t mean to be a stickler for you, but...


    Are you serious?


    Half of them.


    Elena frowned uncomfortably.


    ''You don''t think you''re giving me a hard time?


    Uh, not really.


    Did you forget what you did to me?


    I don''t want you to be the victim now.


    Crono said, and Elena bit her lip in frustration.


    ''Back to the point, aren''t you glad on the inside that I''m back?


    It''s refreshing to see how far your ego has come.


    I was rude to you earlier, an appeal for you to bully me...


    No way!


    Elena raised her voice.


    ''Humph, do it!''


    No, I won''t.


    Elena''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''After all, I can''t let that get in the way of my work, can I?


    Crono climbed down from the desk and turned on his heel, his hands fluttering.


    *


    Crono knocked on the door of Eril''s room, but after waiting a few moments, there was no response.


    He thought about putting it off, but quickly reconsidered.


    Eril is an extreme indoor person.


    He wouldn''t have gone out on his own now, not when he was on a diet.


    I knocked again and the door opened.


    It was Sue who opened the door.


    She blinks her eyes in amusement.


    ''I''m home.''


    "I''m your wife. Of course I''ll wait.


    Sue was still beaming with this.


    ''''Why are you here?''''


    "eri-ru, kelu.


    Does this mean that he is helping?


    Come to think of it, Su is the curse doctor of the Lu tribe.


    He''s a perfect research assistant.


    ''What about Eril?''


    ....


    Crono asked, and Sue''s lips quirked up in frustration.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    "I''m your wife.


    I know that.


    U~, Sue groaned in frustration.


    I reached out my hand to stroke her head, but she quickly ducked.


    ''Ole, wife. You''re a child, no.


    You mean you want to be treated like a wife?


    ....


    Sue nodded silently.


    ''''Isn''t it still early?''''


    Perhaps it is not what Master Crono has in mind.


    When Crono looked at Sue''s chest and said, Leila rushed in.


    ''Ole, adult. Child Domo, raw m.''''


    Speaking of children, I heard Lara''s pregnant.


    .....


    Sue''s eyes widened in surprise, and polo tears spilled out of her eyes.


    ''''The other party is Gaul,''''


    "Ugh!


    Suu snarled like a beast and unleashed a fist at Crono.


    He should have taken it easy, but it hurt a lot.


    ''''Ole, it''s frustrating.''''


    Do you regret it?


    Crono nodded his head.


    We have a child, and we should celebrate it.


    Or do we not bless it in this world?


    ''Ole, child-domo, nai.''


    Master Crono?


    I know.


    Sue left her hometown to have Crono''s child.


    He could have been prepared to never return home again.


    And yet, Lara got the results first.


    Of course, she was going to congratulate him, but more than that, she was disappointed that she couldn''t play her part.


    ''''Me, no?''''


    No, no, no, no.


    Sue stared upward at Crono.


    ''''You give the impression of being a child, you say?''''


    I''m the adult.


    That may be true from a Roux point of view, but it''s not from a Crono point of view.


    ''I feel guilty, like I''m cheating on a child who doesn''t know left or right.


    In a way, Gaul is awesome.


    It''s because he''s ignorant of the relationship between men and women.


    Or is it just instinct?


    "I''m an adult!


    Sue shouted and thrust her arms out.


    Crono was pushed away and although he didn''t fall on his buttocks, he lost his balance greatly.


    Bang!��The door closed with a sound of.


    ''What went wrong?''


    I think it''s all of them.


    I hope they don''t slap three and a half lines on me.


    Crono let out a sigh.


    *


    When I opened the door to the office, Alyssa ran up to me.


    Her eyes watered like a maiden in love.


    ''I''m home, Alyssa,''


    Welcome home, sir.


    Alyssa bowed reverently and wiped the corners of her eyes with her fingers.


    Behind her, Tilia had stopped moving, floating on her hips.


    When their eyes met, Tilia sat back down quietly.


    Her eyes were narrowed and her mouth was tied in a crooked line.


    She looks really unhappy.


    ''''........Master.''''


    Goho, goho, and Tilia coughs deliberately, but Alyssa is silently staring at Crono.


    ''''Gefu, gefu.......gefu, gefu!


    ''......��I beg your pardon!


    Tilia coughed violently, as if the saliva had entered her trachea or something.


    Alyssa seemed to come to herself at the sound and bowed her head deeply.


    ''Alyssa, leave us two. Half-elf, you too.


    As Crono made his way to the middle of the office, the sound of the door closing behind him could be heard.


    Alyssa must have closed the door.


    Tilia crossed her hands to cover her mouth.


    ''My brother-in-law I''ve just received word that Alfort will be crowned.


    In addition, I take a letter from the drawer.


    "Viscount Eil Sardomelik has been relieved of his position as Knight Commander of the Kingsguard.


    It was only a matter of time before you got there, wasn''t it?


    Eril had been sent to watch over Tyria, but he was easily taken in without having to resort to trickery.


    This was only before Crono went to the Imperial City, but he had also been skipping out on sending reports to the Imperial City.


    It''s possible that he''s no longer sending reports to the Imperial Capital.


    Clearly, it was a mistake in selecting the right people.


    He should not choose someone who only cares about satisfying his own lust for knowledge and appetite to be an observer.


    ''''Are you going to the coronation?''''


    I''m on medical leave. And my coronation is today. I can''t go.


    Do you think you''re jumping the gun on things?


    I suppose they wanted him on the throne while he was out of the way.


    Was I considered a distraction too?��And Crono has such doubts.


    ''It''s a terrible way to treat someone who has worked so hard for the Empire.


    But I don''t understand. I thought it would take a little longer for Alcor to lose his job.


    Tilia leaned back and crossed her arms.


    ''A lot of nobles were at the castle, and I think they were under pressure.


    How could a man like that be the Prime Minister?


    ''We''re going to lose anyway, and I think you''re desperate.


    We can''t continue to be without an emperor forever, and I don''t think Vizier Arkol has a lot of time left on his hands.


    ''I don''t know what Alcor has in mind, but there''s no doubt that the Empire will be in turmoil.


    I''m sure you do.


    After becoming emperor, Alfort should be able to oust the breathlessness of Alcor''s vizier and put the nobles of his faction in key positions.


    The nobles of Alfort''s faction may think they can successfully run the country, but the job is not as easy as it looks from the sidelines.


    There is also the possibility of bringing back the corrupt officials who were expelled.


    If that happens, the security of the imperial capital will deteriorate again.


    I feel an indescribable sense of exhaustion, or rather a sense of futility.


    It''s a good idea to do some serious work in our own way. You''ll be able to see that there''s nothing that''s changed in my absence.��I don''t care if you did it or not...


    ''About that, did you know that Elaine has a textile workshop?


    Yeah, I''m afraid so.


    I put a shuttle shuttle on his loom right there.


    Hmmm, that''s good.��I own the ''Sinner Trade Association'' and the more money I make, the more money I can pocket.


    Huh, is that all you know?


    Tilia let out a deep sigh.


    ''Crono, the jumping shuttle is an awesome invention, you know?��With that thing, I''ll be able to weave cloth with one person instead of three, and it''ll increase my efficiency by 30 percent.


    I know it''s an efficiency booster.


    "Because it was a great invention, I offered it only to the ''Sinner Trade Association'' and forbade Goldie and her friends to make a jump-jetting shuttle without an order.


    As for me, I''m sorry if it''s out there...


    Crono honestly apologized as Tilia glared at him with a devilish look on her face.


    ''''I guess I shouldn''t offer a flying shuttle for free.


    ''''And I want to mass-produce the Iron Thorns and the Crossbow.


    ''Iron thorns?��A crossbow?��Oh, barbed wire and a crossbow.


    Crono clapped his hands together with a pop.


    ''But what would you do with barbed wire in mass production?��Our territory isn''t mainly for cattle farming, so there''s not much demand for it, right?��Besides, a crossbow has a shorter range than a mechanic''s bow, and I don''t think there''s any point in mass-producing it, right?


    ''The iron thorns can be used as a fence to block the enemy''s path, and the crossbow can be learned in a short time. Both are revolutionary weapons.


    ...weapons.


    Crono muttered quietly.


    If you ask me, if you have barbed wire, you can easily make a fence to hold the enemy back.


    Even the crossbow can be easily used by anyone since it only fires arrows mechanically.


    ''''Mm, so I decided to give the crossbow to the people of the Bethel Mountains.


    Why?


    You''re going to turn them into soldiers when the time comes, aren''t you?


    But isn''t it a bad idea to give them a weapon that they can use right away?


    If there''s a mass uprising, we won''t be able to see it.


    ''''It''s an inferior weapon to the mechanic''s bow, isn''t it?��Then it wouldn''t matter if I gave it to him. Besides, I''m sure Sif wouldn''t do something stupid like a mass uprising.


    But I''m still scared.


    I don''t think we should give them a weapon that they can use right away until they are sure they can trust someone other than Sif.


    ''Crono, if we''re going to use them up, don''t you think we should use them up efficiently?


    That''s a horrible thing to say.


    You''re the one who tries to turn amateurs into soldiers. If you put someone who can''t handle a weapon on the battlefield, they will only die in vain. If you''re going to put them on the battlefield, you should at least give them a better chance of survival.


    That''s a fair point.


    If you''re planning to use them as soldiers in a time of need, then you should also think about how you want them to fight.


    ''''I get it. Barbed wire and crossbows....


    Iron thorns and crossbows.


    Are you hung up on the name?


    Hmm, since it''s made of our world''s technology, it should be named accordingly.


    It''s not like that, I guess.


    Well, Crono isn''t attached to a name, so any name is fine.


    ''''So that''s why I''m going to mass produce the Iron Thorns and Crossbow...''''


    Wait.


    With that, Tilia pulled a stack of papers out of the drawer.


    What''s that?


    ''It''s a report on operational research. I''ve put Weissman in charge of the research. Read this and then decide if we can mass produce it.


    Apparently, Tilia had even gotten Dr. Weissman involved.


    ''All right. I''ll read it as soon as I can. Anything else?


    ''Progress has been made on the economic alliance. Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain, and Baron Treis have taken an interest in the wool we are importing from the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    That''s great.


    Baron Mersatim and Baron Bossain have their fiefdoms south of the Marquis of Erakis, and Baron Treis has a fiefdom south of the Count of Caddo.


    ''''After all, the authority of the royal family is so great, isn''t it?


    Yeah, well, there''s that.


    Hahaha!��Tilia laughed, but her eyes were swimming.


    ''What else?''


    I want to expand my cavalry.


    That''s hope, isn''t it?


    Yes.


    The expansion of the cavalry is something I''ve been thinking about for some time.


    ''What about the captain?��Ah, a captain leading a squad, not a cavalry captain.


    Hmm, I think I''ll leave it up to Cecily to raise them and everything.


    How''s that for a pick?


    Although he''s somewhat better than when I first met him, he doesn''t seem to have the aptitude to be a leader.


    ''''The other faces are probably similar.


    ....


    If you ask me, Faye is a sensationist, and Leila has a tendency to act by her own standards.


    Alideed and Deneb don''t have long to focus.


    ''''And we can''t pull out the captain to train the cavalry, either.


    You mean, by process of elimination?


    That''s what I''m talking about.


    So we''ll have to get a new maid, won''t we?


    ....


    Tilia was silent.


    She must have dealt with it, because she puffed out her nose in a proud manner.


    ''Already dealt with?''


    ''Hmm, I''ve decided to hire two Bethel Mountains people. It was supposed to be a hush money for the shuttlecock, but you''ll be able to show off your fair lord and kill two birds with one stone.


    Whew!��And Tilia exhaled through her nose.


    Fairness would appeal to her, but she had a feeling she was going to have to deal with some nasty stuff too.


    ''Maybe he doesn''t realize it~''


    Crono muttered quietly.

 114-Episode 3 "Thousands of Manrai"

    *


    May, 43rd year of the imperial calendar--Betil''s consciousness drifted into an imaginary world.


    He ruled a small fiefdom in that world.


    The territory is located in a remote area far from the Empire.


    It''s a land with little room to develop instead of having no strategic value.


    Because it is such a land, heavy taxes can''t be imposed on it.


    We have to take pains to ensure that the people of the territory don''t disperse or sell themselves out of their families.


    Of course, they can''t be extravagant.


    Bethyl is considered unworthy by the other nobles, but his wife happily mends her husband''s clothes, which do not swell.


    They have no children.


    He pets the cat on his lap and treats his lordship kindly, hoping to have an heir soon.


    It''s a small but perfect world, and yet I am often ambitious.


    An ambition to control the empire as I see fit.


    Every time I do, I am reminded of it.


    Watching the gentle spring sunshine, watching the lords play in the creek in the summer, the lonely autumn breeze, the snowy winter landscape.


    This gentle world cannot be traded for ambition.


    You smile at the thought.


    The word "vizier" pulled me out of the sweet dream world and back into the salty real world.


    This is not a fiefdom wrapped in kindness, but a conference room in Alfilk Castle.


    In the conference room are Emperor Alfort, Baron Bowties, who has been appointed head of the Finance Department, and Count Burkmeier, who has been appointed head of the Shogun''s Office.


    The fact that they were able to sneak into the heart of the empire wasn''t because of their achievements.


    Well, unless they were to describe their performance as an achievement.


    Alfort expelled a large number of officials in a little over two weeks and installed his own breathtaking nobles in the vacant positions.


    That includes the corrupt officials that Crono had kicked out to restore security.


    The administrative organs of the Empire have become a den of corrupt officials and their reserves.


    It''s barely turning now, but it will eventually fail.


    I don''t know if there will be a massive riot or a civil war, but it''s certainly not a pleasant future.


    ''Prime Minister Betil, a prime minister cannot be like that.


    I''m sorry.


    He apologized for his calmness, but his mind was disturbed to a thousand pieces.


    It seemed to be a nightmare of poor quality that he was being appointed as the Prime Minister.


    I know I''m not very competent.


    The head of the Kingsguard is a man at best.


    And even then, it''s not beyond the realm of mediocrity.


    You''ll be able to put such a man in the position of Prime Minister.


    That alone makes you doubt your sanity, and yet he''s even been forced to serve as the head of the palace bureau.


    This is already madness.


    It must be much easier to understand the feelings of an insect than it is to understand the feelings of Alfort.


    Your Majesty, Your Highness must be tired from the unaccustomed work that has been going on. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, you must be tired of your unaccustomed work and it is your duty as emperor to treat your subordinates with leniency.


    The person who offered help was Count Ralph Libra, who had been appointed to the position of Overseer of the Knights of the Kingsguard and Director of Military Affairs.


    He said in a good-natured tone as he squeezed his ample beard.


    It stinks, to be honest.


    I have a hunch that he has a political agenda for his help.


    I''m sure that''s true too. Prime Minister Bethyl, be careful from now on.


    Yes, thank you, sir.


    Mmm," Emperor Alfort nodded, twitching his nose in a good-natured way.


    He blamed Betil and forgave him because he wanted to blow the emperor''s wind.


    I think I''ve come to understand Emperor Alfort''s vessel over the past two years of association.


    In short, he has a strong desire for self-expression and approval.


    I guess he''s not too smart to begin with.


    I can tell from his behavior that he has received a good amount of education.


    But he makes the wrong choices.


    He is so intent on doing something admirable and amazing that he can only see the noble constructs.


    ''''Then let''s get the meeting started. The security of the imperial capital, which had been improving, is once again in disarray. In order to restore security, we have legalized gambling establishments and used the proceeds to fund soup kitchens and the poorhouse, but it doesn''t seem to be working.


    That is correct, sir. And if it''s not working, I''m afraid we need to devise a different strategy.


    But shouldn''t we allocate that budget to the local aristocrats affected by the last civil war, or put it in the budgets of the various departments?


    Baron Bawties followed Emperor Alfort, followed by Count Burkmeier.


    Bettyl felt dizzy at the sight.


    The security situation had deteriorated because there were no decent officials left.


    As long as they paid, the sentence was as they wanted it to be, and who was going to follow the law in such a situation?


    What''s more, the tone of the two men revealed their intentions to incorporate the gambling hall into their jurisdiction and suck the sweet juice.


    ''''With........trepidation....


    "You are excused.


    When Bethyl asked permission to speak, Emperor Alfort nodded hawkishly.


    ''''The gambling house affair was something I ordered the Marquis of Erakis to do. It is true that the security is in disarray, but we should not do anything like that to retract the hand we once extended to our subjects.''''


    "You don''t want Your Highness to interfere in a project of your own initiative?


    Count Blucmeyer asked in a provocative tone.


    ''To put it bluntly, you are right.


    What!��What a rant!


    "You are here before you!


    When Bethyl affirmed, Count Burckmeyer and Baron Bowties turned red in the face and exclaimed.


    ''I have been loyal to His Majesty Alfort since the time of His Majesty Ramal V''s collapse, and I have now been appointed to the position of Prime Minister. My words of advice are for the Empire and His Majesty. It is precisely because I am a loyal vassal that I have remonstrations to offer.


    Your admonition was well received.


    As I thought, Emperor Alfort nodded his head hawkishly.


    I''m worried that he really understands, but we should play the loyal vassal here.


    ''''As for the gambling den, I''ll leave it up to Prime Minister Bettyl. However, if there are no results...''''


    "Wait for me, Your Majesty.


    Count Ralph Libra interrupts Emperor Alfort''s statement.


    This is normally an unacceptable act, but there is no reprimand.


    ''''Count Libra, what is it?''''


    There''s no law that says we can''t maintain the status quo and take action at the same time.


    What measures are you planning to take?


    ''Yes,'' said Count Ralph Libra, wringing his beard.


    ''Why don''t you prepare a place for your subjects to work, for example?


    ''Oh, then I have the perfect place for my estate!


    Baron Bawties clapped his hands together with a pop.


    The best place must be his fiefdom the marble quarry.


    The story of how he sold a family of stone cutters in his estate is well known.


    ''Then wouldn''t it be okay to let him work in Kinza?


    Kinza is home to some of the finest mines in the Empire.


    Hmm. Good idea. Then it''s arranged that way.


    "Your Majesty, the lives of your subjects are at stake in this decision. I ask you to seriously consider this decision.


    Well, I''m sure you''re aware.


    When Betil advanced, Emperor Alfort looked miffed for a moment, as if he felt criticized.


    You don''t understand, Betil bit his lip.


    Mining is so harsh that it''s a punishment.


    If you''re not good at it, people will die as much as you send them.


    That''s not all.


    If we don''t set the terms and conditions, what awaits us is a state-sponsored slave trade.


    Bettyl wanted to let his mind drift off into an imaginary world, but it seems he can''t.


    ''Is Tilia not ready?''


    I know how you feel, said Crono, poking his cheekbones in support of his thighs.


    Today, in the presence of Bond and Tina, we are supposed to sign an agreement with Baron Saltym, Baron Bossain and Baron Treis regarding the elimination of tariffs.


    Since Crono''s territory borders the three men''s territory, Bond and Tina''s presence is not originally necessary.


    Nevertheless, the reason for asking them to be present is to instill a sense of camaraderie by bringing them together.


    Eventually we want to completely unify our commercial system, but that''s a long way off.


    First, they have to realize that eliminating tariffs will help their pockets if goods and money can flow stagnantly through the system.


    Once that happens, they''ll be willing to listen to Crono and the other lords will be interested in him.


    ''''Even so, it''s too late. I''ve got to meet with Sion-san and Baroness Nam Corne today.''''


    Crono let out a small sigh.


    Aside from Theon, Nam was the problem.


    That''s because she wasn''t the head of the Konoe Guard, but rather the representative of the Commercial Union.


    I have a bad feeling about this.


    If I''m honest, I don''t want to meet her, but it would be polite to pay the gate, and I don''t want to avenge the debt of gratitude I received for saving my life in the imperial capital.


    ''''It''s.......too late.


    Is there anything that would help you pass the time?��I look around, but no such thing exists in a room that no one is using.


    ''You''ve kept me waiting!''


    Crono looked towards the door and saw Tilia standing there.


    She was wearing a dress instead of her usual military uniform.


    The sleeveless dress is based on black, which accentuates the whiteness of the skin.


    The skirt is made of layers of lace that cover the bottom of the leg.


    It was very carefully made, but this alone did not give the impression of being plain.


    What made up for it was the embroidery.


    Because the dress is based on black, it was embroidered with silver thread.


    It''s the same as the original.


    If so, I wonder how much effort was spent on it.


    The only thing the amateur chrono knows is that it''s an unimaginable amount of work.


    It''s not just the clothes that are different from the usual.


    It''s also the hairstyle.


    Normally she wears her hair in a ponytail, but today she carefully tied it up.


    ''You''re wearing makeup?''


    Occasionally.


    Tilia replied shyly.


    The makeup is not flashy, but it feels glossy.


    Frankly speaking, it''s feminine.


    I think this kind of thing is good on occasion.


    ''''What do you think?''''


    When Crono walked up to her, Tilia asked shyly.


    ''You''ve got great spunk,''


    ....


    Tilia was silent.


    She looked at Crono like she was looking at a bug.


    ''For a moment, I thought I was going to hit you?


    Should I be flattered?


    Nuh-uh-uh.


    Tilia grunted as Crono asked back.


    ''Alright, praise me.''


    You didn''t have to worry so much about it.


    ''Hmmm,'' Crono snorted.


    ''Don''t bother you so much, okay?


    That dress looks good on you.


    More trouble!


    Tilia easily reversed her previous statement.


    ''''It''s so refreshing to see Tilia in a dress!


    Fresh is a compliment!


    I''ve been in a bit of a rut lately.


    Really?


    Tilia gave him a quizzical look.


    ''I''m happy with the status quo, but I guess I need some new stimulation.


    That''s not a rut, is it?


    ''He''s even been able to restrain himself lately, but now that I think about it, I didn''t mind the old groove.


    Do you really love me?


    I love you the way I am.


    What do you love about me?


    Is that all of it?


    ...all of it.


    Tilia said happily.


    When I was in military school I thought I was a literate, brilliant, and perfect superhuman before I started talking.


    When I talked to him, I found out that this was not the case.


    The more time we spent together, the more clunky I became.


    But I don''t feel bad when I consider that he trusts me and exposes me as I am.


    It''s even endearing.


    ''Well, all of it.''


    Tyria looks happy, after all.


    "Princess Tyria, with all due respect.


    A sitter emerges from behind the door.


    The sitter is holding a silver tray.


    On it is a contract.


    It''s not paper, but parchment, and the text is in Tilia''s handwriting.


    As expected of the royal family, or should I say the royal family, it''s a flowing brushstroke that Crono can''t imitate even if he stands on his head.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find it. Crono, let''s go.


    Okay.


    You better answer me at the same time.


    With that, he turns on his heel.


    Crono is led by Tilia to the conference room.


    A beastman soldier stands in front of the door of the conference room.


    The two soldiers saluted and opened the door.


    Five long tables and podiums were arranged in the conference room so that the two men could form a hexagon.


    Viscount Bond Mae Hamal, Viscount Tina Sheratan, Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain, and Baron Treis did not mimic walking out, but took their seats.


    As Tilia entered the conference room, she heard a hoarse voice.


    I don''t know who let it out, but it seemed to be starting out well.


    Tilia stood at the podium, with Crono and Sitter standing behind her.


    This is an appeal to the fact that Tilia is the architect of the deal on tariff elimination.


    This is because Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain, and Baron Treis are convinced that Crono''s territory has developed thanks to Tilia.


    In signing the contract, they have sent a sitter to explain the details and check the situation, so it''s highly reliable information.


    To say I''m worried about where the story went too quickly is an understatement, and that''s how I feel about it.


    Rightly thumping, the story went on as if the stagnation we''d been experiencing was a lie.


    ''Everyone, thank you.''


    I wondered if it was okay to use such language, but there was no change in the expressions of the five of them.


    They seem to accept it as a matter of course rather than saying they don''t care.


    ''''In the more than two years since I left the imperial capital I have attempted a number of reforms. In particular, I would say that building an economic alliance has been my most important project.


    Oh, and a voice escapes from the mouths of Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain, and Baron Treis.


    Apparently, they seem to believe Tilia''s story.


    I feel something unreasonable, but if that''s going to work, I think it''s better to have him remain misunderstood.


    ''It''s been a hard road so far. The building of the port, the building of the free city-states and the pipeline to the Holy Argo Kingdom... all of them have required extraordinary efforts.


    Tilia turned over and shook her shoulders.


    Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain, and Baron Treis had tears welling up in their eyes.


    All three of them must be imagining Tilia''s difficulties.


    ''''I''m sorry, I''m distraught,''''


    Tilia wiped her eyes with her fingers.


    ''''I''m glad to see this day. It''s all thanks to Mr. Bond and Viscount Sheraton.


    No, it was Princess Tyria. And if you ask me, I am at the mercy of someone who can''t even come close.


    Yes, compared to Mr. Crono, our powers are nothing compared to...


    Bond smiled a troubled smile and Tina shook her head emphatically and humbled herself.


    ''Hmm, my heart would have been broken if my husband hadn''t supported me. I thank you, Crono.


    Tyria turned and gave a small bow.


    It was a modest thanks, but there was a wicked smile on the edge of her mouth.


    Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain, and Baron Treis wore expressions of disbelief.


    In their common sense, it would be impossible for an upstart new nobleman to take a royal family member as his wife.


    ''''The three of you didn''t know Crono very well. Crono is the son of Claude Crawford, the son of Claude Crawford, who was feared as a slaughterer (slaughterer) in the last civil war, but he is also the son of my mother the son of Astraea''s guard knight, Elua Freund.


    ''Oh,'' the three of them exclaimed.


    ''I see,'' they said, ''that you have a reasonable and noble face.


    I didn''t expect a knight escort''s son.


    ''Then it''s no wonder we were able to prevent the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    It was a splendid palm strike.


    According to his adoptive father, El''a Frond should be a lowly nobleman as well, but his guard knight seems to be in a different league.


    ''''Mm, I''m glad you understand Crono. The conversation has gone sideways, but let''s get to the point.''''


    Tilia gave her a look and the sitter stepped out.


    ''We have prepared four contracts here. One of them is a copy to be left here. The text is word-for-word identical, but I''ll have everyone go over it just to be sure. Yes, I''ve already signed it.


    When the sitter held out the contract, Bond took it and followed the text with his eyes.


    ''....I have checked. I assure you that the four contracts hanging over the house name are identical in content.


    The sitter took the contract from Bond and held it out to Tina.


    Tina mumbled and read the contents.


    ''I''ve read it. I vouch for it in the name of Tina Sheratan.


    The sitter receives the contract from Tina and shows the contract to Baron Saltim, Baron Bossain and Baron Treis.


    Seeing that all three of them are nodding with satisfaction, they seem to be satisfied with it.


    The sitter received the contract and this time handed them one by one.


    ''''Sign.........''''


    Tilia urged, and the three of them signed the contract.


    ''Let''s keep the copy as a joint name, Sitter.


    The sitter got the three signatures on the preliminary contract and brought it to Tilia''s hand.


    Tilia confirmed his signature and placed the contract on the podium.


    ''Now we have an agreement on the removal of tariffs and the introduction of the stall system. However, I will have to put a tariff on the paper.


    Tyria''s expression was tinged with melancholy.


    ''I''m sorry, but I started this business of making paper to help my people in need. This is the one thing I cannot give up so easily.''''


    ''How merciful for the people''s grass,'' someone muttered.


    ''But the heart of the Economic Alliance also thinks that''s not a good idea. At some point ... for now, that''s all I can say, but we''d like to eliminate it.


    The five of them looked surprised, as if they were surprised by the quicksilver.


    Naturally, they had discussed this matter beforehand.


    Even though they led the building of the economic alliance, if only one of them had the privilege, it would lead to discord.


    We hold key positions, so there can be no such thing as an equal relationship, but even if it''s a trick, a sense of fairness is important.


    Now that the deal is done, I''d be happy to talk to you about our bright future.


    Tyria said in a confident voice.


    *


    A flower on the wall ... a term used to describe a person who is out of the conversation circle at a party.


    It seems to have originally been used for a woman standing by the wall at a ball, uninvited by anyone.


    In short, it''s bocce.


    Crono had become a bocce, or rather, a wallflower.


    Bond and Tina came to greet me, but after exchanging a couple of words, I headed down to Tilia.


    You''re a princess, after all, Crono said, looking at Tilia and the others from a distance.


    They were surrounded by people as if they were in military school.


    Discomfort crept in because of the possessiveness.


    As he was mocking himself for not being a child, the sitter walked up to him.


    ''.........Master Crono, the door.


    He looked towards the door and saw a slight gap.


    Perhaps he had come to report that Zion was waiting for him.


    ''''Can I leave it to you, Mr. Sitter?''''


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Crono sneaked out of the conference room.


    Waiting in the hallway was Alyssa.


    She bowed reverently.


    ''Sir, I''m sorry.''


    No, thank you.


    Alyssa gave her a troubled look as she said while unbuttoning the first button of her military uniform.


    ''''Where''s Sion-san?''''


    He''s waiting for you in the parlor.


    How long?


    It''s not that long since you were here.


    Alyssa said apologetically.


    Perhaps she came to the reception room as soon as she led Sion to the reception room.


    ''''Well I thought I might be interrupting you.


    As I said, you''ve been very helpful. I''m not very good at this sort of thing, because I''m a shy person.


    Well, you must be joking.


    Alyssa let out a giggle and a sneaky laugh, wondering what the fun was.


    I''m not sure if I should explain that I''m not lying.


    ''I''d be happy to lead the way.''


    Nice to meet you.


    Crono is led by Alyssa to the reception room.


    He didn''t look back once, but the distance remained constant.


    Alyssa slowed her pace when the reception room came into view and opened her mouth when she had ten meters to go.


    ''Sir, with all due respect...''


    Okay.


    When Crono stopped, Alyssa quickened her pace.


    She opened the door to the reception room and bowed politely.


    She''s probably saying something like, "Please wait a moment.


    As Crono walked forward, Alyssa cleared the way.


    ''Excuse me. I''m sorry I''m late.''


    No, no!��I''m just here too soon, that''s all!


    As Crono entered the reception room while uttering an apology, Sion stood up from the sofa and waved his hands from side to side.


    ''''........Excuse me....


    Alyssa bowed reverently and closed the door, and Crono sat down on the sofa facing Sion.


    ''''Come in...''''


    Oh, yes, excuse me.


    As if he didn''t understand the meaning of "please", Sion made a scowling expression and then sat down as if he was in a hurry.


    ''''........''''


    ....


    Crono and Theon looked at each other in silence.


    ''Um, the report,''


    Yes, yes, there you go.


    Crono received the report from Sion and looked it over.


    The report described the number of admissions and the number of job placements in the poorhouse.


    The number of admissions remained flat, while the number of job placements increased slightly.


    The latter may need to be tested to see if it is an error.


    What has changed?


    Mr. Shoura has come to say hello.


    Theon said, folding his hands in prayer.


    ''Heh~, Shaura.''


    He''s a good boy, sir.


    I know he''s a good kid, but he''s just been assigned and he''s still a kid.


    I honestly didn''t expect him to be that caring, if I''m honest.


    ''''I''m going to go to the pioneer village with you next time. So.........


    Theon mouthed.


    ''So you want me to lend you a carriage.


    ''I don''t have a problem with lending you a carriage, is that okay?


    What''s that?


    ''Shaura and her friends were sold out, you know.


    Dino....or should I say Dino and his friends...offered up ten children to show that they were contributing to Crono.


    Of course, even they would have a point.


    Crono knew that too, so he didn''t force them to take care of the children.


    But that''s just our side of the story.


    ''''I don''t think Shaura-san holds a grudge, do you?


    Is that right?


    That''s not as far-fetched as it sounds.


    ''I think we should meet face to face once we have some closure on our feelings.


    Is that about right?


    That''s just the way it is.


    I feel like it will only be an awkward experience, but Sion seems to have a different opinion.


    ''''Besides, it''s Shaura-san''s decision.


    I respect his wishes, okay?


    Crono let out a small sigh.


    You might call me overprotective, but if I can''t get hurt, I guess it''s better than that.


    He opened his mouth to say, ''It can''t be helped.


    ''Can I accompany you on your inspection?


    That''s fine, but why?


    Crono asked, and Sion asked back.


    ''I thought I''d follow up with you if something went wrong.


    ....


    Theon gave him a look that suggested he shouldn''t be so worried.


    ''Anything else unusual?''


    ...Yes.


    Theon covered his mouth with his hand thoughtfully.


    *


    After an hour or so of chatting with Theon, there was a tap on the door.


    After a while, the door opened quietly.


    It was Alyssa who opened the door, but a maid wearing an eye patch was waiting behind her.


    ''''Master, my next appointment...''''


    OK. I''m sorry, but we''ll have to continue on with the visit...


    ''No, I''m the one who''s sorry to have stayed so long.


    Sion looked forlorn.


    I''m really sorry for what I''ve done.


    If this is the case, it might have been better to change the day.


    Chit-chat is not a useless conversation.


    It''s a great opportunity to find out how those other than yourself view the territory.


    And she has a penchant for making assumptions, for better or worse.


    The best way to determine if you need to follow up is to meet her in person.


    Theon bowed lightly and got up from the couch.


    ''I beg your pardon.''


    Next time when I visit.


    Yes, Sion bowed her head again and left the parlor, and the door closed quietly.


    A maid wearing an eye patch was talking to him just before it closed, so she would see him off to the door.


    Crono let out a deep sigh and leaned back on the couch.


    After a few moments, there was a tap on the door again.


    The door opened quietly. It was Alyssa who opened the door.


    ''''........Sir, is it alright?''''


    I''ll be fine.


    Crono straightened his residence.


    When Alyssa opened the door, a woman in a priest''s uniform............Baroness Nam Korne entered.


    Her childlike smile was impressive, but her eyes, which held an icy light, gave her the impression that she was familiar with Myra and the priestess.


    Crono''s instincts are telling him that he''s in danger.


    Well, unfortunately, even if he knows it''s dangerous, he doesn''t have the ability to respond to it.


    ''''Thank you for your help with that section.


    ''''No thanks. As the head of the Kingsguard, I only did what I deserved to do as a priestess in the service of the ''Goddess of Blue and Life''.


    Baroness Nam Corne replied with her hand on her chest.


    ''And since we''re not going to stand around and talk, please sit down. I mean, of course, on the sofa facing you.


    Well, that''s an interesting thing to say.


    Baroness Nam Corne chuckled and sat down on the couch facing her.


    ''''Alyssa, could you bring me some incense tea?''''


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Alyssa bowed reverently and closed the door.


    Crono sat down on the couch, thinking that this should prevent him from being attacked.


    ''Nam Cor........''


    You can call me Nam.


    Baroness Nam Corne................Nam smiled and said.


    ''Namdo.........''


    Nam.


    Again, he interrupts his words and says, smiling.


    If it were a man, I would complain about it, but as a woman, I can''t say it too strongly.


    ''''Nam-san ... how can I help you?


    You can call me by my name if you want.


    This time he didn''t interrupt me, but he said it in a sultry tone.


    ''''.........what kind of business do you have?''''


    I thought we might be able to build a friendship between the leaders of the Kingsguard.


    Crono asked slowly, and Nam spat out a white line.


    It''s an irritating attitude.


    Who claimed to be a representative of the trade union?


    ''Oh!��I''m sorry. Since it was a private matter, I asked the commercial association to pass on a message, but there seems to have been some kind of mistake.


    It''s more and more deliberate.


    They may want to piss you off or they may have other intentions, but either way, if you take it, you''ll be left in control.


    Why don''t we stop going around for each other''s sake?


    ''Oh,'' said Nam, his eyes widening in surprise.


    ''You youngsters are impatient, aren''t you?''


    I was going to return the lighthearted remark, but it would be taboo to mention my age.


    Even if you''re young, you have that much sense.


    ''You''re not as much of a womanizer as they say you are, are you?


    Anyone would be wary of an appeal for intimacy when they barely know you.


    Then you''re going to have to change your mind.


    Nam raised his eyebrows in annoyance.


    ''So, why do you claim to represent the Commercial Union?''


    Because I represent the Commercial Federation.


    Nam said quickly.


    ''''I heard that Emperor Kai''s direct domain is a land of faith in the ''Goddess of Blue and Life'', but I don''t think that''s the only reason.


    ''''The Commander of the Kingsguard?''''


    ''''I should say that the Priestess of the ''Goddess of Blue and Life'' Because the information the Priestess brings is important to everyone in the Commercial Union.


    ''To the extent that you''d fess me up as a representative,'' smiled Nam.


    ''Really?''


    ''Master Crono you don''t mind if I call you by your name too, do you? Yes, what do you think, Master Crono?


    I think I took advantage of my position.


    Nam is the divine mastermind of The Goddess of Blue and Life.


    Even if the weather itself is unpredictable, he must know if the sea will be rough.


    If you take advantage of that, it doesn''t seem to be difficult to get a representative position.


    The only reason why a merchant with a good eye for interest didn''t try to monopolize it was because he knew she was no one''s business.


    In fact, she must have been a fair representative.


    So she was deceived, dependent and blindly trusting.


    ''Well, well, you''re not a good listener. I wasn''t like this in the beginning either, you know?


    What do you mean?


    No one can be a little girl.


    Nam chuckled.


    ''What do you want?''


    ''I am at peace with my daughter. I would have given her to an influential nobleman if I could, but it''s very difficult to read the tides nowadays.


    You say you have no choice but to do the work of a representative.


    What about representing a commercial association?


    "I would like to bite the dust and trade with the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    ...I see.


    It''s a predictable offer.


    ''You can use the harbour and land if you can pay me. But that''s the least I can do, right?


    Why is that?


    It''s because we don''t give any other Chamber of Commerce the benefit of the doubt.


    I''ve created a situation where we can trade, but I haven''t done anything more than that.


    ''It''s just that this doesn''t benefit me.


    Isn''t the harbor and land use fee enough of a benefit?


    I''m having a hard time with this, too.��You''re a little too much of a worm to come after that and make me bite one for money, aren''t you?


    Nam raised his eyebrows in annoyance.


    It''s an act out of ten.


    If you think that your business partner will do as you wish, you should quit representing the Commercial Union.


    ''''I don''t like to play games, so give me all you can give me. Oh, I don''t need your daughter.


    You can''t give up your daughter.


    Nam said in a low, stifled tone of voice.


    His smile peeled away, revealing his demonic form.


    ''I beg your pardon,''


    Nam''s smile quickly returned.


    ''How about a craftsman?''


    Are you sure you want to let him go?


    Well I hope you''ll take it as a sign of good faith.


    Okay.


    I am grateful for this offer.


    Until now, we have put a lot of effort into developing technology, but we haven''t focused on increasing the number of craftsmen.


    No, I should probably say that I didn''t have the strength.


    With the exception of Baron Bowties, there are rarely lords who let go of their craftsmen.


    Even more so when it comes to a skilled craftsman.


    Crono didn''t have the power to invite or draw out skilled craftsmen.


    If he could invite a large number of artisans, he could further develop the territory, but since it was too good to be true, he became wary.


    ''''But would a skilled craftsman be willing to abandon everything he''s cultivated so far to come to my territory?''''


    I''m fine.


    Nam''s tone is firm.


    He seems confident that he can gather at least a good number of people.


    On the contrary, the artisans of Count Kai''s territory have a reason to want to go to a new place, even if it means abandoning their previous careers.


    ''''Well then, how about we talk about it in a positive way?


    I don''t mind.


    Nam smiled softly.


    ''Personally, I''d like to make a quick decision, but to get as many craftsmen to come as possible, I''d have to think about conditions ... if they come, I''d have to think about not taking taxes for a year, or freeing up the land lease.''


    A lot of people''s futures depend on this story. I''m sure the discussion will clear up any misconceptions about me.


    Crono held out his hand, and Nam squeezed it back gently.


    *


    Oh, shh, shh, shh.


    Crono groggily leaned back on the couch.


    Nam left the room quickly after that, but it was tiring to see people in a row.


    ''''Shall I leave the economic alliance to Tilia?


    Honestly, I don''t feel like seeing anyone.


    I just want to keep lounging around.


    As I was thinking about this, there was a modest tap on the door.


    ''''Come in~''''


    Excuse me.


    It was Alyssa who opened the door.


    ''May I have some incense tea, please?''


    Alyssa chuckles and pushes the wagon with the tea set on it to enter the room.


    She poured the incense tea into a cup and placed it on the table on her knees.


    ''Sir, thank you for your time,''


    Thank you.


    Crono picked up the cup and sipped the incense tea.


    Then a nice spicy and sour taste spread in his mouth.


    ''Is it like ginger and lemon added to it?''


    There are other blends in the mix as well.


    Hmmm, Crono drank half of the incense tea and put the cup on the table.


    ''''I''m very sorry that you''re tired.


    Who''s there again?


    I''m sorry.


    Crono asked, and Alyssa nodded apologetically.


    ''Yeah, sorry. That was a bit harsh.''


    No, if you''d like, I can tell them to reschedule it for another day?


    No, I''ll meet you.


    Crono sat up.


    The fact that he had come all the way to report, meant that he had to be judged.


    ''So who''s here?''


    Her name is Nia.


    ''I don''t know the name,'' said Crono, tilting his head.


    ''What else?''


    You just have to say Night Ranger.


    Oh, you''re that traveling entertainer.


    I feel like I don''t have to meet them - I feel like I''m getting miffed.


    To be honest, my liking for that troupe is negative.


    It''s hard to forgive him for cracking the Night Ranger and attacking me with a dagger alone, but I can''t seem to forgive him for naming a support character with an even more prickly personality as Crono.


    ''Sir?''


    No, I''ll see you. I said I would.


    Alyssa left the room as Crono leaned limply against the couch.


    *


    Too easy to understand was my impression of meeting the evil female executive, aka Niall, again.


    Her makeup was heavy and her dress was revealing.


    You can feel the tragic determination to take advantage of the opportunity, even if it means using a woman''s weapon.


    ''''Marquis Erakis, I am honored that you remember a lowly person like me.


    Well, sit down and don''t sit next to me.


    As if I should have rammed in loudly, Niall sat down next to Crono and pressed his chest against his chest with a giggle.


    ''So, what do you want?''


    Actually I''m here to ask you to become a patron of the troupe. Our previous patrons have been, well, hidden from view.


    Of course you do.


    The patrons of the troupe were from the Military Service Bureau or a similar department they were subordinates of Prime Minister Alcor.


    They were doing law-abiding work from the beginning.


    If their bosses were to lose their jobs, they would throw out the agents and tonsure them.


    ''''Well!��I admire the astuteness of the Marquis of Erakis!


    My right eye is Batten, though.


    The support character''s right eye was an X.


    ''Please don''t be so mean-spirited!��If there was any disrespect, I apologize until you forgive me!


    What kind of characterization is this?��And Crono looked up at the ceiling.


    ''Life, is it hard?''


    It''s not easy to make a living at your art. If we don''t, we''ll all end up selling ourselves.


    Hmmm, Crono said.


    It looks like they don''t stay at an inn at this rate, but sleep in a carriage.


    ''''Oh, my territory prohibits street prostitution,''''


    And of course I won''t give you a free pass!


    You''re allowed to do what you want with your body.


    From nobles to whores to knights, in any situation you like...


    I guess we''re not too late.


    Why, I wonder, is it me?


    Well, Ignis wouldn''t hire an imperial agent, and Leonhard and Rio, the prestigious nobles, would be difficult to even meet.


    The truth is that Crono was the only one left by the process of elimination.


    Or maybe they thought it was easy to give you a hand.


    ''''It''s hard to hire someone if they don''t contribute to my... or rather, my territory, actually.


    "My lord, isn''t it?


    ''Good government, my lord, you know. If I''m going to do this, I want something more than the provision of entertainment.


    Crono leaned back against the armrest of the couch and let out a small breath.


    Niall''s eyes were busy moving around.


    If he didn''t show a real benefit here, he would lose his chance.


    The feeling seemed to be palpable.


    ''''I guess what I''m thinking about right now is educating the Lords?��Through the play, we''re trying to educate people about working hard and taking care of their parents.


    ''I don''t have a script, but I can do that... not that I can do that, I can do that.''


    Niall leaned forward.


    ''Well, I guess this is the right way to use the Night Ranger.


    Crono muttered sincerely.


    *


    ''I''m tired!


    Crono let out a grand sigh and plopped down on the dining room table.


    The time was dinner time.


    If I had arranged lodging for the Naiya troupe and lent them a picture book as a reference, it would be this time.


    ''You''re sloppy,''


    Because I''m tired.


    I look up and protest, but Tilia is gracefully tilting her cup in her seat face-to-face.


    She must have been talking all the time, but there''s no sign of fatigue.


    By the way, she''s in her usual military uniform now.


    I would have liked to see her in a dress a little more, but when I say relieved, I mean relieved.


    ''But, well, I guess that''s a wrap-up.


    Yeah, I feel a weight off my shoulders.


    Tilia nodded hawkishly.


    ''By the way, how''s the cavalry expansion going?


    What''s going on?


    It''s cold this year.


    Tilia put her cup down on the table and crossed her arms.


    ''So?''


    ''Maybe the price of crops will skyrocket like the price of marble has skyrocketed, no, it will. I can see it.


    He sounds like a marketeer, but I can''t help but laugh at him.


    ''''With Prime Minister Alcor''s disqualification,''''


    That''s right.


    Tilia nodded her head as if to say my intentions.


    Apparently, her adoptive father had consulted with Vizier Alcor to decide when to sell them in order to stabilize the price of the crop.


    ''I can see it, I can see it. I can see an official who stoutly orders you to hand over your crops and my father-in-law who resolutely refuses to do so... it looks like it''s really possible.


    My dad would bend his navel for sure.


    Even if the roads are blocked off, with the rock salt of the Areos Mountains, we won''t be afraid of salt shortages.


    Please don''t let Dad get a temper tantrum.


    Yeah, totally.


    Crono and Tilia folded their hands and prayed to God.


    ''Back to the topic at hand, what does high crop prices have to do with the expansion of the cavalry?


    I thought I''d send out a message that if the price of the crop starts to go up, you''ll refrain from redeeming it.


    Do you think he''ll listen to me?


    All that matters is the fact that I told you.


    If he listens to me, that''s fine, and if he doesn''t listen and hurts me, he''s going to help me and repay me.


    Should we prepare now?


    I''ll have to wait and see what happens.


    It would certainly be useless if we didn''t buy all the crops and have a bad crop.


    ''I''ll try to talk to Mr. Theon as much as I can.


    Mm, that''s a good one.


    Tilia nodded hawkishly.


    ''So much for business!��It''s time to eat!


    A booming voice echoed through the dining room.


    I looked next to him and saw that Eril had taken a seat before I knew it.


    ''You''ve been sitting near Crono a lot lately, haven''t you?


    It''s just my imagination.


    Eril replies to Tyria in the same tone of voice as usual.


    The air is somewhat subtle.


    The maids arrange the food on the table as if they don''t notice it.


    Today''s menu consisted of bread, vegetable soup, salted white fish and salad.


    ''Itadakimasu,''


    Eril reached for the salted whitefish.


    She cut it up with a knife and fork and opened her mouth wide to chew on it.


    ''''It''s ... thin.''''


    ''Crono-sama looks tired, you know. I made it light for your health. Did you like it strong?


    ...the landlady''s food is delicious, even if it''s light.


    That''s very nice of you to say.


    The landlady rubbed her nose in embarrassment as Eril said with a happy expression on her face.


    ''''Would you like some ...?''''


    Impossible!


    Tyria''s eyes widened in astonishment as Eril held out the white fish to Crono.


    ''''Well that''s very rude.''''


    ''You''re a picky eater and you''re sharing your food with others. No way...


    Tilia glares at Crono with a guileless stare.


    ''''It''s not like ... what Princess Tyria is thinking.


    Really?


    Tilia made a quizzical expression.


    ''''Well you don''t believe in Crono-sama, that''s why you''re saying that kind of line. Even if you were to self-identify as a wife, you should believe your husband.''''


    Yeah, yeah.


    Tyria was happy to be referred to as his wife, but she lost her chemistry.


    She didn''t seem to notice that he called her Crono instead of Marquis of Erakis.


    As usual, Eryl still had a mushy expression on his face, but he seemed to be sneering at Crono.


    ''Eryll should eat.


    ....


    Eril nodded silently and deliciously munched on the salt-grilled white fish.


    *


    I think I''m going to fall asleep as soon as I take a bath.


    I might fall asleep while waiting for my turn, Crono said, biting off a missing piece and heading to his room.


    When he opened the door to his room, the bespectacled woman - Neige''s second-in-command - was waiting for him, propped up on one knee.


    ''''Marquis Erakis, we''ve been expecting you.


    Why?


    What?


    Muttering to herself, Neige''s second-in-command tilted her head in wonder.


    ''''Why are you here?''''


    I have a very special favor to ask you. To tell you the truth...


    ''''Well maybe not the Imperial City.


    I think so, too.


    Putting amateurs in top and middle management positions is a nightmare.


    So what''s your request?


    "We ask that you accept our people. Not all of them. It could be any part of the younger generation.


    The younger generation?


    ''''This is the generation that was born after Master Neige destroyed the Arm of Death. Naturally, I am part of the younger generation.


    Apparently, Neige''s second-in-command was as old as he looked.


    ''You want me to accept it, but what can I do?''


    I''m sure it will take some education, but I hope it will help with paperwork and tax collection.


    You''re an assassin.


    I''m trained as an assassin, but most of us aren''t. And of those who have been trained, none have any real combat experience.


    The Neige''s second-in-command answered after a pause when he asked.


    ''What about the older generation?''


    "...since they have established themselves in the Empire in their own right.


    Surely it would be a problem if those who are or were in a reasonable position were suddenly gone.


    ''Well, I can accept a dozen or so,''


    Thank you.


    Neige''s second-in-command hung her head as she poked her knee in the air.


    ''Hypothetically, would it be okay if I assigned some of them to teachers?


    His character and abilities are in good order.


    Good.


    Crono patted his chest.


    It''s almost time for the first term students to graduate.


    The teachers are essential in dealing with the second term, as well as spreading the word about the school system.


    ''''They won''t suddenly disappear when the situation settles down, will they?


    Yes, of course.


    Neige''s second-in-command gave a small nod.


    ''''Well then,''''


    Then he stands up.


    I watched in anticipation to see if she was going to jump out of the window or disappear in an instant, but she was going to scrape past Crono''s side, as it happened.


    ''Crono chop!''


    Huh!


    He thought he was going to avoid it, but the sword hit him in the brain.


    ''''What are you doing?''''


    If you''re an assassin, avoid it.


    ....


    She grunted in frustration.


    ''Why did you hit me?''


    I was hoping to see how you''d be gone, so I had to chop.


    She let out a sigh, as if she were dismayed.


    ''I understand.''


    The next second I let out a sigh, the air swelled up.


    A shock ran through his right arm, and the imprint appeared for a moment.


    I stared at my right arm, and when I looked up, there was no one there.


    ''''Well I guess you could call it a thousand guests.''''


    Crono laughed, though he had plans for more visitors after this.

 115-Modified version of Episode 4 "Flowers and Embroidery" by Karis

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    Behind him stands a sharp-eyed woman the Luca of the Fu tribe.


    It seems she was driven from her homeland just like him.


    ''''Here you are. What can I do for you?''''


    The ship has arrived in Sylvania, and I''ve come to call you.


    I didn''t tell her to get ready to disembark because I know she doesn''t have her luggage with her.


    Karis touches the small leather bag that hangs from her waistband.


    It''s the only thing he can call his luggage.


    Nothing else.


    ''Go ahead, over here.


    A breeze caressed his cheek as the red-haired young man led him out on deck.


    ''''.........''''


    Karis ran to the boat''s railing and splashed vomit into the sea.


    He smelled the smell of the shore and felt nauseated.


    He had hardly eaten, so all that came out was stomach juices.


    Still, the nausea didn''t go away, and the discomfort was intermittent, as if his stomach was turning over.


    The discomfort finally subsides and I slump into the spot.


    Then someone held out a handkerchief to her.


    Karis reached out and stopped moving.


    That''s because the handkerchief was beautifully embroidered.


    ''''Well take it off quickly.


    When I looked up, I saw Luca glaring at me sullenly.


    ''''Well... uh, it''s just so stunningly embroidered.''''


    It''s not much. I''ll throw it in the ocean if you don''t use it.


    Thank you.


    Maybe he''s not a bad person, he takes the handkerchief and wipes his mouth.


    ''I''ll wash it and return it to you.''


    I don''t need it. I''ll sew you a new one.


    Luca turned away with a pouty face.


    ''''........Are you okay?''''


    The red-haired young man called out to me in a reserved manner.


    ''Excuse me,''


    No so please follow me.


    The red-haired young man led the way and walked away.


    He passes a swaying pier and two men stand at the end of it.


    One of them is Sif.


    He is highly respected by those who work as mercenaries, but he is not thought of well by the Chiefs and the Council of Elders.


    Or perhaps I should say, they are wary of him.


    To the superior people, a competent person is an enemy who threatens their position.


    In the case of the Presbyterian Church, it is beyond alarming, it is hostile.


    But since he has lost his real power, he can''t do more than complain about it.


    The other is a man with a frivolous smile.


    He is dressed in black.


    He appears to be of fairly high status, but his clothes don''t match the atmosphere.


    ''''Sif-sama, I''ve brought you two here.


    You must be tired. You must be tired after your long journey. Have a good night''s rest.


    ''Yes!��Thank you!


    The red-haired young man reported, and Sif replied in a low voice.


    There was no warmth in his voice for a word of exertion.


    Still, he replied with an excited look on his face and bowed his head cheerfully.


    A light tap on his shoulder, like a scrape.


    He looks back for a moment.


    What did he see?


    He broke into a happy face and headed for the city.


    ''Lord Karis, Lord Luca, I''m sorry to call you out at our convenience.


    No, if I can be of any use to my tribe, I''ll be more than happy to do so.


    ....


    Sif bows his head lightly.


    I wanted to say something resentful, but saying those words would make me feel less worthy.


    Thinking the same thing, Luca crosses his arms and turns away.


    ''Um, how are you over there?''


    Karis turned her gaze to the man with a frivolous smile on his face.


    When Sif gave him a look, the man zipped out of the room.


    ''''I''m Kane, I''m the deputy of the Countess of Caddo. Today.........


    What he took out were two envelopes.


    ''I''ll give them to you.''


    Yeah, please.


    Sif took the envelope and held it out to Karis and Luca.


    The envelope had his name on it, probably because he didn''t know which one to give it to.


    ''What''s this?''


    That''s a residence permit.


    It was Kane who answered Karis'' question.


    ''May I open it?''


    Yeah, no problem.


    I opened the envelope and found a piece of paper from inside.


    ''''It''s lined up with some small sentences, but the gist of it is that it promises to treat you like a territorial citizen. If you have this, you should be treated accordingly in other territories as well.


    That''s the way it should be.


    This paper is my lifeline I don''t rely on it too much, but it seems appropriate for me now.


    ''Don''t be silly,''


    Lord Luca.


    Sif chided, but Luca didn''t take a step back and glared back at him.


    ''''This was my bad way of saying it. Crono-sama and I will do our best to protect you guys if you are treated unfairly in any other territory.


    You can say anything you want.


    You''d know I''m not just talking to you if you''d seen my signature.


    I looked at the permit and saw three signatures.


    Three lords guarantee the status of the three lords. A decent lord wouldn''t try to pick a fight with three lords.


    Karis stared at the permit intently.


    He had felt unreliable earlier, but it was no wonder that some of them were willing to kill to get them.


    ''''I''m in the process of laying the groundwork for Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain, and Baron Treis, but the next permit will be in the joint names of six people. Are you relieved?


    Then Kane grinned.


    ''Then why don''t you just say that in the beginning?


    There''s no such thing as a sure thing. Well, it''s more reliable than a curse.


    Embarrassed, Luca turned away.


    ''I''ll have the two of you rest at the Mercenary Guild and head down to Crono-sama''s in the morning.


    You okay?


    ''There are no transgressors in the Mercenary Guild.''


    Sif said, and Kane chuckled.


    ''And there are women in the pioneer villages.


    I''m sure he doesn''t mean anything else, but the word "woman" makes me feel trapped.


    ''Not that one,''


    Kane glanced at her, and Karis pulled her hood over her eyes as Kane glanced at her.


    ''You look tired after two weeks on the ship, eh?


    ...hmm.


    Sif looked at Karis and Luca with price-taking eyes.


    ''Master Crono doesn''t make a fuss over arriving a day or two late.


    Can you do that?


    Yeah, it''s not much of a hassle.


    Kane undertakes it with ease.


    Since he was even appointed as a deputy, there is no doubt that the lord trusts him.


    From the conversation, it seems that he has a good rapport with Sif, but I don''t know how a guildmaster of a mercenary guild can establish such a relationship with a deputy.


    ''''I''m sorry.''''


    I just don''t want you to be mad at me. Also, you might want to explain to me what you''ve been called in for.


    Kane leaned up and pointed at Sif.


    ''I thought you''d been briefed?''


    ''In my experience, the women in Crono-sama''s place are either misunderstood from the beginning or they''re misunderstood along the way. So I''m going to explain to them how it came to be that this happened and even that there''s no meaning behind it.


    Okay.


    Sif said with a sigh.


    *


    The mercenary guild''s base was located on the outskirts of the city.


    Its appearance was plain compared to some of the buildings that were on the way here, but its size was far superior.


    The only buildings that rivaled this would be the warehouses that lined the harbor.


    But I don''t feel any intention to show off my power.


    I tried my best to embody quality and robustness, but I couldn''t help myself any more.


    The building gives off such a sense of stoicism and resignation.


    That can be seen by looking at the garden attached to it.


    Or perhaps I should say the training grounds.


    There''s nothing but a few logs lined up in a row.


    Even the undergrowth of grass has been driven to the four corners, probably due to intense training.


    What a waste, Karis touches the leather bag that hangs from her waistband.


    ''''Well this is the base of the mercenary guild.


    It''s pretty quiet.


    Many of them live in the village. Only a single person lives here now.


    Sif chuckled and replied as Karis spoke her thoughts.


    As he stared at the building in a daze, the door opened.


    A well-dressed middle-aged woman came out of the building.


    ''''She''s Saara. Normally, she does chores in the guild...''''


    Well, well, well, welcome to the long journey. It is my pleasure to serve as your stewardess, Miss Saara.


    Saara walked up to him quickly and hung her head.


    ''''Can you ... ask?''''


    Yes, of course. Come on in.


    Saara led me into the building, where I found several horizontal sofas lined up.


    Beyond that, it narrowed rapidly to a long corridor.


    ''''Those of you who have business with the guild will wait on this couch and be moved to the back room.


    Yeah, so,


    Karis gave a small nod.


    The interior of the building was decorated with interiors.


    Most of them were spellcasting tools, though.


    ''Your rooms will be upstairs.


    I need to wash up.


    Luca muttered to himself.


    It was a slightly rugged sounding voice, but Karis agreed with her.


    ''''Yes, I''m ready to bathe and change my clothes.


    Do you get to bathe in the water?


    Yes, Saara nodded proudly.


    Bathing in the hot water was synonymous with luxury in the Bethel Mountains, so she knew the feeling.


    ''Then let me show you to the bathroom.


    Saara led the way to the bathroom.


    The bathroom was up the stairs at the end of the corridor and across the hallway from each other.


    When I opened the door and entered, I found myself in a changing room.


    Large shelves were fixed to the wall and two baskets were stored in each.


    A closer look at the two baskets with a change of clothes in them.


    ''Are you okay?''


    Excuse me?


    Peeping Tom.


    ''I will keep an eye on you both until you have finished bathing, so don''t worry.


    Luca blurted out, and Saara replied with a smiling smile.


    ''Then it would be nice,''


    Enjoy your stay.


    Sarra bowed and closed the door.


    *


    My body was lazy, probably because of the bath.


    Just not unpleasant.


    It was a laziness that even felt comforting.


    I wanted to get a good night''s sleep until dinner, but in order to do so, I had to go down a long hallway.


    I reached the end of the corridor, encouraging myself to fall asleep as I walked.


    ''This will be your room, sir.


    It''s a big room.


    Luca said that when Saara opened the door.


    It''s definitely a pretty big room.


    It might have been used as a large room, but right now it was only furnished for two people.


    There is a bed and a vanity table by the wall and a desk and table in the center.


    The furniture was arranged symmetrically, as if reflected in a mirror.


    I''ll be here for dinner, so please make yourself comfortable in the meantime. If you have any wishes regarding your meal, please let me know.


    I''m hoping...


    I haven''t had meat in a while.


    Luca interrupts Karis'' words and speaks of hope.


    He had been eating only fish on the ship, so to say he missed the meat of the beast would be an understatement.


    ''Accepted,''


    Please.


    Saara bowed her head lightly and closed the door.


    ''''Um....''''


    Don''t you want some meat?


    Luca reached the table in the center and began to embroider.


    I guess there''s a better way to say it.


    As he was thinking about this, Luca opened his mouth.


    ''''I''m ... pissed off.''''


    Excuse me.


    I''m not angry at you. I''m just pissed off at my tribe and the Confederacy.


    Luca rested his hand and bit his lip in frustration.


    ''''It''s a joke that they decided to marry me without my permission, divorce me without my permission, talk behind my back as they please, and to top it all off, I''m going to be the concubine of a guy who has no idea where his bones come from.


    ''You said the stone woman wasn''t a woman,'' Luca said in a voice that sounded like he was spitting blood.


    ''Aren''t you pissed off?''


    I don''t know.


    Wow, you''re a good girl. Are you going to be a concubine for your tribe?


    ''That''s not what I''m talking about I probably don''t have the energy left to do that.


    Oh," Karis pouted softly.


    He felt like he finally had it all figured out.


    Not only was my core broken, but I didn''t even have the energy to be angry.


    So he accepted it if it was for the good of the tribe.


    This way I could comfort myself that I had sacrificed for the tribe.


    "I''m sorry. I''m sorry.


    No, that''s okay.


    You look terrible.


    I touch his face, but I can''t see what he looks like.


    ''You need to get some rest,''


    I will.


    Karis crawled into bed.


    The bedding was warm and snug, as if she had just dried it, and for no reason, she began to cry.


    *


    When I woke up, my pillow was wet with tears.


    I don''t remember what kind of dream it was, but it couldn''t have been a good one.


    ''You can sleep a little longer,''


    No, I''m fine.


    Karis wiped her eyes and got out of bed.


    ''Were you talking in your sleep?''


    It''s a quiet one.


    Shortly after Luca answered, there was a tap on the door.


    Karis opened the door to find Sif and Saara standing there.


    ''You''re looking much better,''


    Thank you.


    As he bowed his head lightly, Sif gave a wry smile.


    ''Before we eat, I want to explain the situation to you. Would you mind taking a seat?


    Yes, Karis nodded and took a seat facing Luca.


    Sif stood in front of the table and hung his head deeply.


    ''First, I want to apologize on behalf of the Chief for calling you out at our convenience, and secondly, for the heartless words I''ve been subjecting you to. I''m truly sorry.


    No.


    Karis replied in a shaky voice.


    It was all he could do.


    The fact that he apologized didn''t change the fact that he was unnecessary to the tribe.


    ''The deputy told me to explain it to you?


    Yeah, I''ll explain it to you now.


    Sif looked up and covered his mouth with his hand as if in thought.


    ''''.........The man who rules the Count of Caddo, where we are located, and the Marquis of Erakis to the east of it, is a man named Crono.


    The man asked you to give him a concubine, didn''t he?


    ''Master Crono didn''t say anything. His wife''s maid who works in the mansion - in short, he asked me to recommend her because there was a vacancy in the servants.


    The moment I heard those words, I felt giddy.


    If those words are true, then what I''m seeking is labor force.


    ''''Anybody who can work as a servant is fine.


    Luca''s face fell and he said in a stifled tone of voice.


    ''His wife is the daughter of the former Emperor. She has no authority now, but we had to show our sincerity.


    Your daughter Quanto?��Why don''t you send that guy in?


    I disowned that one.


    Sif answered immediately.


    ''What?''


    I disowned that one. I''m in charge of the agency now.


    When Luca asked back, Sif said matter-of-factly.


    He''s not the type to tell a lie, so it must be true.


    But still, he''s a terrible father to throw his own daughter out into the skies of a foreign country.


    ''''Should we, well, work as maids?''''


    No, try to be a mistress.


    I couldn''t continue with a second phrase because I was too direct in my speech.


    ''Master Crono is a womanizer. Probably, if you approach him, he''ll have a pretty good chance of getting to you.


    Didn''t you tell me to make sure that didn''t happen?


    He just asked me to explain so he wouldn''t misunderstand me.


    Sif said quickly.


    ''Um, what should I demand if I become a mistress?''


    I have no specific requirements.


    What do you mean?


    It is what it is.


    Sif replied to Luca in a matter-of-fact manner.


    ''Approach me so that I can be your mistress,'' he said, but made no demands.


    ''Master Crono does not like to mix public and private matters. He may be able to be a mistress, but he will not wield power or gain money.''


    So you''re not making any sense.


    ''That man won''t be able to cut us off as easily if a tribesman becomes one of our people. That''s all that matters.


    Sif said quietly.


    We cannot afford to lose this treatment.''''


    We were given an environment where hard work was rewarded accordingly.


    It''s only natural to want to maintain that.


    When are we, well, under, you know, Master Crono?


    Day after tomorrow.


    Can I visit the village once, please?


    I''ll have her show you around tomorrow.


    Thank you.


    Karis bowed her head lightly.


    Even if Crono was a villain, he knew he could endure it if he understood what he was dedicating himself to.


    Do you have any other questions or requests?


    ....


    ....


    Karis and Luca didn''t answer.


    ''Then enjoy your meal.''


    Relieved, Sif let out a small breath and walked out of the room.


    ''Yes, yes, here you go,''


    Saara pushed the wooden wagon into the room and began to lay out the food on the table.


    It was a large loaf of bread, a cream stew, herb-grilled meat, and a salad.


    Karis''s eyes widened lightly.


    He was surprised at the size of the bread, but also at the abundance of vegetables in the stew and salad.


    ''Serve them before they get cold.


    Karis and Luca folded their hands and offered a prayer of thanks to the spirits.


    Then they fearlessly reached for the bread and broke it in two.


    ''''It''s ... white.''''


    His eyes widened this time.


    The cross section of the bread was white as snow.


    This indicates that the wheat used to make the bread is free of adulteration.


    In the Bethel Mountains, where there is not much land suitable for cultivation, gray bread with a lot of adulteration is the norm.


    White bread is only eaten at festivals and weddings.


    The bread is broken into pieces.


    It is aromatic and slightly sweet.


    I put the bread on a plate and scoop up the cream stew with a spoon.


    "Is that chicken?


    It was a hunk of meat on a spoon.


    When I put it in my mouth, it crumbled into a hollowed-out hollow.


    This is not how it works with a chicken that can no longer lay eggs.


    ''It''s so crispy,''


    I look up to see Luca eating his salad and his eyes are wide open.


    She took a bite of the salad while backing away from the cream stew.


    ''''.........''''


    The crunchy, crunchy texture opened my eyes again.


    I knew it was a fresh vegetable, but I didn''t expect it to be anything like this.


    Compared to this, vegetables from the Bethel Mountains were like shriveled weeds.


    ''''Being a mercenary is a luxury, isn''t it?''''


    Luca ate his soup and blurted it out.


    ''In a way, it''s no wonder that mercenaries are so extravagant.


    They risk their lives to earn money and feed their tribes.


    If they didn''t have this level of perks, they wouldn''t be able to do it.


    ''''This much doesn''t count as a luxury.


    What?


    You can eat this much for a little money here.


    When Luca asked back, Saara replied with a smiling smile.


    ''Maybe we won''t have to pay for it this year, huh?


    How''s the frontier going?


    Yeah, that''s right.��The harder you work, the easier it gets, so my husband clears the forest on his off-duty days!


    Saara laughed caracalla.


    ''What is Master Crono like?''


    I''ve never met him in person, but I''ve often heard that he loves women. I''ve heard that you have three wives and more mistresses than you can count on your fingers.


    It doesn''t suck.


    Luca spat, but Karis was put off by it.


    He''s older and has no means of seducing men, but he''s being told to share in it and win their favor.


    They laugh at the ''heroism'' of the city. We don''t mind it, either.


    What about it?


    They''re realists. We''re all realists. Well, if my husband hugged his mistress, I would beat him up. The lord is not bothering anyone, and he is administering the good government, so I won''t complain.


    Yeah, I suppose so.


    Luca moved his mouth to mug.


    She would like to be a little more considerate, but a mercenary''s wife would have to be brazen to get by.


    ''''Come on, keep eating.''''


    Karis felt unreasonable, but she reached for the bread.


    The white bread was fluffy and delicious.


    *


    When Karis and Luca had finished eating, Saara stacked the plates and placed them on the wagon.


    ''''Thank you for the lousy meal,''''


    No, it was good.


    My husband should have told me that.


    Saara put her hands on her hips and let out a small sigh.


    ''''That was ... delicious.''''


    Ha, I''m sorry I sounded urgent.


    Luca said, resting his hand on his embroidery, and Saara replied with a laugh.


    Depending on the way she said it, the words could feel sarcastic, but they were charming.


    ''''Well then, get some rest.


    Saara bowed lightly and pushed the wagon out of the room.


    ''That was good,''


    Yeah.


    Luca began to embroider again.


    ''Do you like embroidery?''


    ''Yes, I like it. I don''t have to get involved in anything else when I''m embroidering.


    I guess I''m supposed to shut up.


    ''But I''m glad to hear it. You seem like a good person.


    What?


    Luca said as he spat.


    You said you didn''t have to get involved in anything unnecessary, but you''re good company.


    ''''If you think you''re wanted as a woman, you''re not treating me like livestock. You made me come from the Bethel Mountains, what''s a servant, a servant... ouch!


    Luca licked his index finger.


    Apparently, he had pricked his finger with a needle.


    He threw it all out and crawled into bed.


    ''''I hate you all.''''


    I knew I was going to spit it out.


    ''Why do you have to go through this just because you couldn''t have a baby?


    ....


    Karis couldn''t say anything.


    If she had the energy to rebel, she might have thought the same thing herself.


    He couldn''t help himself, and as he climbed into his own bed, he heard sobbing.


    When Karis woke up, Luca was already in his seat, embroidering.


    Her eyes were red, but she didn''t dare point it out.


    ''You slept well,''


    Excuse me.


    I get out of bed and sit on the vanity table.


    I look at my reflection in the mirror and let out a breath of relief.


    Thanks to my sleep, my complexion is better and my dark circles have faded.


    I pour water from the ceramic jug into the tarai and wash my face.


    It wasn''t there last night, so Luca or Saara must have carried it for me.


    I look in the mirror and notice that my hair is shaggy.


    ''There''s a comb in the drawer if you want it.


    Thank you.


    I pick up the comb and comb it carefully.


    Combing my hair while looking in the large mirror feels like a luxury, guilty and embarrassing.


    I heard a knock on the door at the same time I put the comb away in the drawer.


    ''''Come in....''''


    ''Good morning. It''s another beautiful day.


    Luca opened the door, and Saara pushed the wagon into the room.


    By the way, there was no sign of Sif.


    ''''The stew is left over from yesterday, though. It''s tasty and full of flavor.''''


    Saara says this as she lays out the dishes.


    Butter-filled toast, cream stew, salad, and bacon and eggs.


    Karis said a prayer to the spirits and reached for the toast.


    The edges of the bread were crunchy and the butter seeped out as he put it in his mouth.


    It wasn''t stinky, it was salty but sweet.


    Next, he brought the stew to his mouth.


    Last night, the vegetables had left their firmness behind, but today they were soft to the core.


    The salad was as fresh as yesterday.


    No, it felt fresher than yesterday.


    ''I went to buy the vegetables first thing in the morning.


    ...that''s great.


    I mutter to myself.


    I think it''s great that I can buy food in the morning, not that I went to buy vegetables first thing in the morning.


    ''Is the empire the same everywhere?''


    I''m just shuttling back and forth between the frontier villages and Sylvania. I don''t know much about anything else.


    Apparently, this city is called Sylvania.


    ''''The peddlers said the city where Master Crono''s mansion is located is a festival every day, though.


    "....every day is a celebration.


    I''m getting anxious to see if I can live in such a city.


    ''You''d better listen to half the story,''


    Yes.


    I''m not sure I''d be able to live in a city like that, even if I''d heard half the story.


    ''Speaking of which, where''s Master Sif?''


    Don''t worry, I''ll show you around the settlement.


    Caris patted his chest.


    After all, I want someone I know to show me around, not a stranger.


    ''''Can I have a drink?''''


    Yes, yes, I''ve got it all ready for you.


    Luca said reservedly, and Saara returned to the wagon and poured the incense tea into her cup.


    A slightly pungent aroma spreads.


    It smells like something I''ve smelled before, doesn''t it?


    Is it ginger?


    ''Oh,'' said Luca, nodding his head in agreement.


    ''''Yes, I was taught how to make it by a priestess who instructed me in pioneering and farming. I think it''s better than it was in the beginning.''''


    Where''s your faith?


    Don''t worry, I''m a firm believer in spirits.


    Saara said proudly.


    ''Wouldn''t that be beneficial?''


    The Chronosphere is a big contributor.


    I see, Karis nodded.


    In short, the priest-sama is teaching pioneering and agricultural work in return for his donation.


    It can be said that they are being spared and treated without being divided.


    Now, before it gets cold.


    Saara placed the cup in front of Karis and Luca.


    Her tongue tingled as she picked up the cup and sipped the fragrant tea with trepidation.


    Luca sipped at the cup somewhat later.


    ''''Well it''s not bad.''''


    He liked it and drank the incense tea again.


    The priest says it''s cold this year.


    You''re soft.


    Luca said in disgust, and Saara chuckled.


    *


    Karis and the others finished their meal and took the wagon to the frontier village.


    Saara is the coachman''s seat and Karis and Luca are in the cart.


    It''s a beautiful day.


    Karis looked up at the sky in the back of the pack.


    The wind was a little strong, but it was a beautiful day, not a cloud in sight.


    ''''Well ... yes.''''


    Luca agreed somewhat belatedly.


    More likely, though, he was just ministering as he embroidered.


    The carriage shook with a clunk.


    Suddenly, it slowed down.


    I looked ahead and saw that an ox - a race called Minotaur - was approaching us.


    There are no sub-humans in the Bethel Mountains.


    No one knows why, but perhaps their ancestors had been exterminated by their ancestors.


    Even now that the Confederation of Various Tribes was organized, the other tribes were still perceived as competitors.


    If the other tribe is not human, they can only feel fear.


    And they have a ship''s eye.


    They are not stiff by any stretch of the imagination.


    And yet, Saara stopped the wagon.


    ''Oh, Mr. Hattie. Do you want to be in town?


    "I''ve been asked to go shopping, you know.


    Karis held her ears.


    He heard the words and the squeal at the same time.


    The ring swung on the tip of the minotaur''s nose.


    That reminded him of a certain spell implement.


    A curse tool that allows those with different languages to communicate with each other.


    ''Is your daughter in the back a new villager? (Bum?)


    Surprisingly, he was much taller than he was sitting in the back of the cart.


    ''''Ah, these two will serve Crono-sama as maids.


    Did you say migrant? (Bum?)


    Hahsan tilted his head, stroking his chin.


    No, it wasn''t. It was different, but Karis didn''t have the guts to point out the mistakes.


    ''''We''re strangers, you know. He was concerned about us.


    I''m supposed to be on your side. (Bum?)


    Hassan exhaled through his nose as if to say he was out of his mind.


    To be honest, I''m scared to death, but all I can do is wait for the storm to pass.


    Haha, well, so do we. I''m sure Mr. Crono wants you to know that we are not strangers.


    "...so that''s what it is...


    Apparently, he nodded his head repeatedly as if he was convinced.


    ''''I''d like to talk to you some more, but...'''' (Bumo)


    We can always talk about it.


    With that, Saara began to move the wagon.


    Karis stared at Hassan''s back and let out a grand exhale when he was out of sight.


    ''Did I startle you?''


    Who is he?


    They live in a frontier village. They said they came before us and built a harbor.


    The port?��Karis turned back.


    ''I can''t see the harbor, but I wonder how they built something that big.


    ''There are elves in the frontier villages, too.


    "...elves.


    I''ve heard that the species has a lifespan several times that of humans.


    ''Are you okay with that?''


    I was surprised at first, though. Once you get to know them, they''re a pleasant bunch.


    ''Huh,'' said Karis, nodding vaguely.


    ''Ah, the village is in sight.


    What about it?


    Karis narrowed her eyes and looked ahead.


    What looked like a roof could be seen among the treetops.


    As the village approached, the full extent of it became clearer.


    ''Mr. Luca, Mr. Luca!


    ''I do embroidery, so don''t slap me.


    ''Look beyond that!


    Luca interrupted his embroidery with a sense of reluctance and stared at the frontier village.


    ''''.........''''


    I heard a gasp.


    It''s not unreasonable.


    He had said it was a pioneer village, but the scene in front of him was beyond the level of a village.


    A city had emerged into the forest.


    Wooden houses lined the streets, and minotaurs and elves walked the streets.


    Surprisingly, the humans seemed to take it for granted.


    ''It''s a good village, isn''t it?''


    Yes.


    Karis does her best to just nod, and Luca''s mouth is open with a pout.


    The wagon goes deeper and deeper into the city.


    Suddenly, the city breaks off and a vast field appears.


    The wheat, which has grown to knee-high, stretches as far as the eye can see.


    I want to show them to the people back home.


    The scene before us is one that the people back home, or rather the people of the Bethel Mountains, have dreamed of for generations.


    With such vast fields, they would never have to suffer from hunger.


    They wouldn''t have to fight for their lives as mercenaries.


    Karis clutched at his chest, "I would do anything to preserve this sight.


    After returning to Sylvania, the time passed without incident.


    We tucked into Saara''s food and took a relaxing dip in the hot tub.


    No doubt the people back home would condemn her if they saw her, but it would be nice to have a day like this at least once in a lifetime.


    At least that''s how Karis thinks about it, but Luca seems to be different.


    He''s engrossed in his embroidery, and when he speaks to her, all he gets back is a raw reply.


    ''What''s going on?''


    ...nothing.


    Luca''s lips twitched in a huff.


    ''It was a good village, wasn''t it?''


    Well....


    Karis quickly realized her mistake.


    She could at least hear the gruff voice and know that she had failed in her choice of topic.


    ''''Wow, I''m going to bed now,''''


    I let out a sigh and crawl into bed.


    "...d*mn it. Why would I do that to those guys?


    As I turned to the wall, I heard Luca''s voice.


    It was a raw voice, tinged with vindictiveness.


    It wasn''t just a failure, it was a disaster.


    Oh, it''s cold.


    My heart is cold even though it''s such a warm room.


    I wanted to leave on a positive note, even if it was only a self-deception, but the power of the lie was lost.


    They live a happy life while we consume ourselves as a labor force.


    It''s hard.


    It''s so hard.


    Too hard.


    ... cold.


    Karis muttered softly and closed her eyes.


    *


    When Karis and Luca walked out after breakfast, the carriage stayed in front of the Mercenary Guild.


    It wasn''t a wagon, but a fine box carriage.


    As Karis was pouting, Sif and Kane came out from behind the box carriage.


    ''Hey, you two. You look like you''re in good shape.


    What''s in this carriage?


    It was given to me by Master Crono. He came all the way from the Bethel Mountains to do me the courtesy of coming here.


    Karis asked, and Kane replied, cowering his shoulders lightly.


    ''I sent the necessities of life to the Marquis'' mansion.


    Thank you.


    He bows his head to Sif.


    ''''And it is your Duran who is trying to open the door.


    When Kane pointed with his thumb, the man who was about to open the boxcarriage door stopped moving with a snap.


    He was dressed in black, but he looked a little tight.


    He''s carrying a sword from his waist because it''s probably dangerous on the road.


    ''''He has his sword dangling, but that''s just in case. After all, it''s been three years since the bandits last showed up.


    Yes.


    I can''t get rid of my fears, even if they say it''s just in case.


    At the very least, I want a dagger.


    Not for protection, but for self-determination.


    "...greetings and greetings.


    "Ah, ah, gee, I''m Duran, the gentleman. I usually work as a clerk in the Marquis'' mansion. Nice to meet you.


    When Kane urged, Duran turned to me and bowed his head with a peck.


    ''It''s nice to meet you too,''


    Nice to meet you.


    When Karis bowed her head, Luca bowed his head in a reluctant manner.


    ''Well, we''ll be leaving, but have you forgotten anything?


    Yes, no.


    No.


    Duran opened the door to the boxcarriage.


    The interior was quite large, with leather chairs mounted opposite each other.


    ''''........Come in.


    Caris sat in the back seat by the window and Luca sat by the door in the front seat.


    ''I''ll close it,''


    The door slammed shut, and a moment later the boxcarriage began to move.


    And I noticed that the swaying was small.


    I rode in the boxcarriage on the way to the port from the Bethel Mountains, and it was a far cry from the boxcarriage.


    How could the same boxcarriage make such a difference?


    I wanted to share my surprise, but Luca is embroidering.


    I have no choice but to look at the scenery.


    He would never come back to this city again.


    Thinking about it, the foreign city seemed unbearably lovely.


    Well, I fell asleep some time after I left the city.


    Karis felt a strong shudder and woke up to find the wolf looking at us through the window.


    With a bang, I moved away from the window and the wolf tilted its head curiously and left.


    I rubbed my eyes.


    From the wolf''s neck down, it looked like a human.


    I thought I was looking at it wrong, but I wasn''t.


    A beast-headed human body variant surrounded the boxcarriage.


    You don''t need to be scared.


    What?


    I looked at the seat opposite me and saw Luca embroidering.


    ''Are you sleepwalking?''


    Oh, yes.


    This is not the Bethel Mountains.


    As I recall, those are a race called werewolves.


    They have spears in their hands, so they look like warriors.


    The boxcarriage began to move, and Karis looked out the window at the city.


    Some of the cities he stopped in on the way to the port were littered with trash, but there was no trash in this city.


    People were coming and going and their faces were bright.


    If I remember well, Sylvania was the same way.


    Since the same atmosphere can be created in two cities, there seems to be no mistaking the reputation of being a lord who implements good government.


    The traffic of people became even more intense as we continued down the road, and it began to gradually decrease after we passed a section lined with shoddy shops.


    Careful observation revealed that the atmosphere of the city had changed.


    Up to the area where the shabby shops were lined up, I had the impression that it was chaotic, but the area I''m in now is more sophisticated in terms of building appearance.


    Hmm?��And Luca stops his embroidery and looks up.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    I heard a noise.


    Sound?


    I closed my eyes and listened carefully.


    Then I hear a faint kern, kern.


    The sound gets louder and louder.


    When I opened my eyes, the castle and the four towers surrounding it jumped into view.


    The majesty of it left me speechless.


    I''ve never seen such a huge structure before.


    Perhaps that''s why the ridiculous fantasy that this castle was inhabited by a mythical monster passed through my mind.


    The boxcarriage passes through the gate and enters the castle grounds.


    Its speed slowed down a little and it came to a complete stop in front of the castle.


    His heart beats like an early bell and his breathing becomes ragged.


    Luca, if I may say so, was hurriedly putting his sewing tools away in his pouch.


    Suddenly, the door opened and Karis cowered.


    ''''........Did I startle you?''''


    No, no!


    Caris replied to Duran, waving her hands from side to side.


    ''Please, come down.


    Yes, sir.


    I got off, my voice rubbing upwards, and Luca followed.


    ''Crono, where''s Master?''


    He''ll be here soon.


    Immediately after Duran said it, the doors of the castle opened.


    The first person to come out was a woman.


    As if it was a rule to unify the color of her clothes, she wore a dress that was black like Kane and Duran, with a white apron on top of it.


    I can''t help but pat my chest down.


    I thought the woman in the dress was about the same age as me.


    The next one to come out was a boy who looked more young than young.


    He too was dressed in black.


    Even his hair and eye color are black, so he''s thorough.


    He has a large scar on his right eye, but he doesn''t look like a warrior.


    He had a gentle appearance that would be more comfortable if he thought he had lost his sight in an accident.


    ''Well, I''ll take it then.''


    Duran bowed and headed for the guru''s seat.


    The boxcarriage began to move slowly and the boy approached.


    The woman followed the boy like a shadow.


    ''''How do you do, I am the lord of the Marquess of Erakis and Count Caddo I am Crono.


    If I had to describe my feelings at this time in one word, it would be Pocan.


    I had heard that he was a womanizer, but I didn''t think he was this cute.


    If I''m not good at it, I''m sure there''s a difference in age between myself and Crono, as much as a parent and child.


    ''Excuse me, but how old are you?''


    I''m 21 years old.


    Then the boy........Crono smiled with a sly smile.


    Looking at his innocent expression, it seems like the rumors are wrong.


    ''''Where are your parents?''''


    "My father is in the southern frontier the Areos Mountains, if you know what I mean?��Well, anyway, I''m a lord at the foot of it, and my mother is sick...


    Crono slurred his words.


    He was wrong again.


    Surely he hadn''t recovered from his mother''s death.


    Kohon, the woman cleared her throat.


    ''''My name is Alyssa, and I am the head maid. I have been asked to educate Ms. Karis and Ms. Luca for a while from today.


    Oh, I''m Charis.


    Yes, sir.


    Alyssa smiled softly.


    Perhaps Kane had conveyed their appearance in some way.


    ''Your education will begin tomorrow,''


    Alyssa, look after me.


    Yes, sir.


    When Crono called out to her, Alyssa nodded with a slight twitch of her mouth.


    ''I will show you to your room. Please, come this way.


    Alyssa turns on her heel and Karis and Luca follow.


    When we entered the castle, it was a huge space.


    We climbed the stairs and walked down a long corridor.


    ''''It''s an amazing castle,''''


    It''s not a castle. It''s a castle house.


    Jokan?


    ''Yes, it doesn''t function as a castle, as habitability is a priority. But that''s just a take-away.


    Parroting the question, Alyssa replied in a calm tone.


    ''This will be the room for you two.


    Alyssa stopped in front of a door in the middle of the hallway.


    She got the door opened and went inside with her.


    The arrangement of the furniture is similar to that of a mercenary guild.


    There is a bed and vanity table by the wall, a chest of drawers by the window, and a table and chairs in the center.


    In addition, there are two wooden boxes on the table.


    ''What about those crates?''


    I got it from Mr. Sif.


    What''s in it?


    Come on, you''re done.


    Alyssa smiled.


    ''Your education will begin tomorrow. As for the dining room I''ll show you the dining room ... I''ll show you the restroom and a place to cleanse yourself in the meantime.


    Oh, um!


    Alyssa stopped turning on her heel when Caris called out.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    What kind of person is Master Crono?


    Alyssa''s cheeks twitched for a moment.


    Good.


    Karis patted her chest.


    *


    In the evening, Karis released the weeds on the ground and wiped the sweat off her clothes sleeve.


    He looked at the flower beds and felt satisfied with his work.


    It had been several days since he had arrived in the Marquess of Erakis.


    At first, he had been confused and sometimes failed and felt depressed.


    But now I feel like I can do well.


    Alyssa was an excellent educator, and her elven and dwarven colleagues were kind.


    The fact that these women didn''t know about our circumstances may have worked for the better.


    However, there were two things that bothered me.


    One was about Luca.


    She does embroidery in her spare time.


    I wish she could get along with her co-workers, but maybe she needs some time to calm her anger.


    The other was the flower beds.


    There are several flowerbeds in the garden of the Marquis'' mansion, but they are overgrown with weeds.


    If I''m going to leave it alone, I want to grow flowers.


    I told Alyssa that, and she immediately gave me permission to grow the flowers.


    "...after this, if you till the soil and plant the seeds.


    I touch the leather bag I carry from the apron strings.


    Inside are the seeds of a plant from the Bethel Mountains.


    ''Hey, that''s spirited.''


    .....


    Suddenly, I jumped up when he called out to me.


    ''''Well you shouldn''t be so surprised.''''


    I looked at the direction the voice came from and saw Crono scratching his head awkwardly.


    ''Crono-sama, what can I do for you?''


    ''I heard you were going to plant flowers, so I came to see what you were doing. So what kind of flowers are you going to plant?


    You know, the plant with the most beautiful little white flowers.


    How long does it take to bloom?


    Maybe this summer.


    You know your stuff.


    I''ve been growing them for years in the Bethel Mountains.


    I grew flowers five times after I was married.


    At first they were happy to see me, but each time I got more and more often, they treated me like I was evil.


    After the sixth year, I stopped growing them.


    ''Oh well, I''m looking forward to it.''


    Yes.


    Karis could only nod.


    Alyssa had said that Crono was kind, and she was right.


    The kindness was so comforting that she felt like she could stay like this for a while longer.

 116-Modified version of Episode 4 "Flowers and Embroidery" by Luca

    *


    Luca uses a needle and thread to create flowers on the fabric.


    The flower he chooses as a motif is a commonplace plant that grows everywhere in the Bethel Mountains.


    The plant has many small flowers.


    It is called snowflake because its petals are as small as snow.


    It is familiar to those who live in the Bethel Mountains, but Luca does not like it very much.


    The reason why they use it as a motif for embroidery is because they do not like to use a lot of colored threads.


    For the Huu, embroidery has a special meaning.


    It is the history of the family passed down from mother to daughter, and it is also a prayer for their children to grow up healthy and for their loved ones to return home safely.


    Or should I say, it was a prayer.


    For the current Luca, embroidery was a means of escape and a means of rebellion.


    ''''......................Huh.


    He let out a small sigh and looked up at the ceiling.


    It wasn''t a ceiling made of wooden frames and goatskin.


    Well, that''s no surprise.


    This wasn''t his home in the Bethel Mountains; he was in a ship.


    In the words of the young man acting as an escort, it would be a cabin, but I think it would be more ''typical'' to call it a cage.


    ''''...d*mn it.


    I stare at the ceiling and bite my lip.


    I don''t have the strength to try to escape from the cage.


    Even if I could successfully escape, I wouldn''t have the strength to live.


    Such petty calculations come first.


    If she really didn''t want to, she would have risked her life to fight back, but she had accepted to be the mistress of a man she didn''t know.


    Despite the contemptuous words thrown at her that the stone woman (Uzumame) was not a woman.


    ''.........d*mn it.


    Just as Luca muttered again, there was a knock on the door.


    While clicking her tongue, she opened the door and found a red-haired young man standing there.


    He was a young man from the Mu tribe.


    I don''t remember his name.


    ''''What do you want?''''


    ''The ship has arrived in Sylvania, and I have come to call you. Please prepare to disembark.


    Oh, wait a minute.


    Luca closed the door and tucked his sewing kit into his pouch.


    In the meantime, I''ll take a look in the mirror.


    The mirror shows a woman with a sullen look on her face.


    ''I''m ready to go.''


    You''re early.


    ''I was kicked out with my clothes on, so it''s no wonder you were so quick!


    I''m sorry, too.


    Luca raised his voice, and the young man bowed his head in a panic.


    ''No need to apologize, let''s get off the ship quickly.


    Right this way, then.


    The young man moved to the front of the adjoining room and knocked on the door.


    ''There''s no answer, okay?''


    Master Charis was feeling very seasick.


    Hmmm, Luca countered.


    It''s the first time I''ve heard the word seasickness, but it''s probably like getting sick in a carriage.


    I don''t understand either of these sensations, but if the seasickness has been going on for a long time, then I must be exhausted both physically and mentally.


    The young man knocked on the door again.


    Just give me a few more minutes.


    A thin voice came back.


    What kind of woman was she?��I fished through my memory, but I couldn''t remember his face.


    Well, since they had only met face to face in the harbor, I can''t blame him.


    The young man knocked on the door again and it opened.


    The one who opened it was a woman with a hood over her eyes.


    Our eyes meet for a moment.


    At first glance, I knew she was exhausted.


    Her hair is tangled under the hood and her eyes are colored with dark circles.


    She has the worst face as if she is about to vomit.


    ''Here you are. What can I do for you?


    The ship has arrived in Sylvania, and I''ve come to call you.


    The young man said, and the woman ... Karis reached for the waistband.


    A small leather bag hung there.


    It seems that just as Luca could only take out his sewing tools, she could only take out a leather bag.


    ''Come in here.''


    As the young man started walking, she followed silently.


    However, his gait was curiously dangerous to walk.


    He climbed the stairs and stepped out onto the deck.


    Then the wind blew in.


    The wind was pregnant with the smell of the sea.


    I frown at its putrid smell.


    ''''.........''''


    Karis ran up to the railing of the ship and leaned forward.


    An unnamable voice rang out, and he heard a chirping sound.


    Apparently, he was vomiting.


    There was no sign of the young man running up to him.


    I had no choice but to walk up to Karis.


    She held her pigeon tail area and vomited for a while, but when she was done, she sat there as if she had run out of energy.


    Luca held out a handkerchief and cursed himself for his bypass.


    It was because the handkerchief he offered her had a lot of feelings for her.


    But he didn''t want to retract it once it was offered to him, because he didn''t want to be in the mood to retract it.


    It can''t be helped, he says, resolving to let go of the handkerchief.


    I''m holding out the handkerchief to her with my resolve, but Karis remains seated without strength.


    ''''..................Quickly take it.


    When I called out to her in annoyance, Karis looked up at me.


    She has a light in her eyes that resembles trepidation.


    I think she''s rude, but on the other hand, there''s a part of me that thinks she can''t help it.


    After all, she''s been with herself for twenty-seven years.


    I''m aware that she lacks affection, and I''m also aware that she has a look that others consider to be a harsh personality.


    Karis reached for her handkerchief with an odious gesture reminiscent of a small animal and stopped moving just short of touching it or not.


    ''''Well... uh, it''s just so stunningly embroidered.''''


    It''s not much. I''ll throw it in the ocean if you don''t use it.


    It''s been a long time since I''ve been complimented on my embroidery.


    I''m so happy that I want to take a small leap of faith, but all that comes out of my mouth is a hateful smile.


    ''Thank you,''


    Karis took the handkerchief and gently wiped her mouth.


    ''I''ll wash it and return it to you.''


    I don''t need it. I''ll sew you a new one.


    Why can''t I be honest with you?��I turn away, regretting my face.


    ''''Are you ... okay?''''


    The young man finally called out.


    Even if it''s a guard.......no, it was Sif''s fault for not arranging a female mercenary.


    ''''I''m sorry.''''


    No so please follow me.


    Karis said apologetically, and the young man turned away and walked away.


    He moved across the creaking planks to the pier.


    The pier swayed at that beat.


    Apparently, the pier here was floating in the sea.


    If you look at it, the quay is made of logs driven into the water with no gaps between them.


    The harbor in the Free City State cluster was made of stone and brick, but apparently there are many different types of harbors.


    With my curiosity piqued, I crossed the pier and found two men standing there.


    One of them was a man with a tattoo on his cheek to ward off evil.......Sif.


    He is the current Guild Master, an outstanding man who is a great grandson of a hero who created the forerunner of the Mercenary Guild and saved not only his own tribe but also other tribes, and is the representative of the Confederation of Tribes.


    Considering the skills that made the emigration successful this time, you can see that he''s not an idiot whose only claim to fame is his bloodline.


    Well, to Luca, he''s nothing but a hateful bastard.


    The other man is a stranger.


    He is dressed in black and has a frivolous smile on his face.


    Did he say he wanted to make us concubines?��He nodded his head inwardly.


    The young man gingerly walked over to Sif and opened his mouth.


    ''Master Sif, I''ve brought you both here.


    You must be tired. You must be tired after your long journey. Have a good night''s rest.


    ''Yes!��Thank you!


    What a pleasure, the young man replied with an excited look on his face and bowed his head vigorously.


    Sif lightly tapped the young man on the shoulder as he turned to walk away.


    The young man turned around and smiled happily.


    I don''t know the style of a mercenary now, but I guess that was supposed to be a compliment.


    That would explain why the young man was happy.


    Well, even if I can''t explain it, I know that he is adored beyond the tribe.


    ''''Karis-dono, Luca-dono, I''m sorry to call you out at our convenience.


    Sif bows his head lightly.


    He could have bowed his head a little deeper, but for the moment, his pent-up energy was lowered.


    Now, what shall I say?


    ''''No, if I can be of any use to the tribe like this, there is no greater pleasure than this.


    ....


    Karis opened her mouth faster than Luca could complain.


    How could she not complain when she should have been treated the same way she was?


    He could only turn his face away from her because she was so bummed out.


    ''Um, how are you over there?''


    Karis asked, and Sif gave him a look.


    Then, the man ... Kane stepped out without looking overbearing.


    ''''I''m Kane, I''m the deputy of the Countess of Caddo. Today..........


    The man ... Kane shoved his hands into his jacket and pulled out two envelopes.


    ''I''ll give them to you.''


    Yeah, please.


    Sif took the envelope and held it out to me.


    The envelope has a name written on it.


    So he knew the name, but he didn''t know the face.


    When I opened the seal, a piece of paper came out from inside.


    There is some kind of small text lined up, but it seems to be a permit of some sort.


    ''''What''s this?''''


    That''s a residence permit.


    Luca stopped reading the text and looked at Karis.


    We''ve long since opened the seal, but she hasn''t.


    ''''May I open it?''''


    Yeah, no problem.


    Was I supposed to say something?��And Luca feels regretful now.


    ''It''s a small sentence in a row, but the point is that it promises to treat you the same as a citizen of the territory. If you have this, you should be treated accordingly in other territories as well.


    That''s the way it should be.


    Karis stares at the paper, heartbroken.


    I''m not going to feel safe by having it explained to me like that when I''m just anxious.


    ''Don''t be silly,''


    Lord Luca.


    Luca says, glaring at Kane, and Sif gives him an accusing look.


    My whole body cracks up.


    I''m not making a mistake, and I have to say what I have to say for the sake of the future.


    If I''m a woman who just obeys, I''m straight out of being treated conveniently.


    ''This was not the right thing for me to say.


    Surprisingly, I should say, Kane readily admitted his fault.


    I remind myself that he might not be a bad guy.


    ''''Crono-sama and I will do our best to protect you guys if you are treated unfairly in other territories.


    You can say anything you want.


    Luca felt good about getting the words out, but he wanted to draw out what he could.


    ''You''ll know it''s not all talk if you look at the signature line.


    When I looked at the permit again, there were indeed three signatures on it.


    ''''Three lords guarantee the status of the three lords. A decent lord wouldn''t try to pick a fight with three lords. We are in the process of laying the groundwork for Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain and Baron Treis, but the next permit will be in the joint names of the six of them. Are you relieved?


    So why didn''t you just say so in the first place?


    Luca revises his impressions downward.


    Well, the impression about himself should be worse, but thanks to him, I''ve learned something.


    That is, Kane''s superior has the power to force the five lords to recognize the status of the Confederation of Tribes ... a different race.


    However, it''s distressing to think that she has to become the concubine of such a handsome man and induce the Confederation of Tribes to benefit.


    It''s not something you can say for sure. Well, it''s more reliable than a curse.


    ''You''re a jerk,'' said Luca, turning away.


    ''You two will rest at the Mercenary Guild and head down to Master Crono''s in the morning.


    I look at Sif without thinking.


    Aside from himself, Karis needs a break.


    I wasn''t sure if I should point it out, when Kane opened his mouth.


    ''Are you okay?''


    ''There are no transgressors in the Mercenary Guild.''


    Kane chuckled, perhaps amused by Sif''s off-target answer.


    Why couldn''t he consider Karis''s condition when he could think about night crawling?


    ''Besides, there are women in the frontier villages.


    Not that way. You look like you''re tired from a two-week sailing trip.


    ...hmm.


    Kane pointed out, and Sif turned his attention to us.


    He seems to have noticed that Karis isn''t feeling well, but he''s not sure if it''s okay to change his plans.......or break his promise.


    ''''Crono-sama won''t make a fuss over being late in arriving for a day or two.


    Can you do that?


    Yeah, it''s not much of a hassle.


    Kane agreed in two words.


    I knew he wasn''t a bad guy, right?��Luca tilted his head inwardly.


    I''m sorry.


    I just don''t want you to be mad at me. Also, you might want to explain to me what you''ve been called in for.


    I thought you''d been briefed.


    Kane said pointedly, and Sif blurted out.


    ''If you''re asking me if I''ve been briefed, I haven''t.


    ''In my experience, the women in Crono-sama''s place are either misunderstood from the start, or misunderstood along the way. So I''m going to explain to them how it came to be this way..................even if it doesn''t make sense behind the scenes.


    Okay.


    Sif said with a sigh.


    *


    Sif and Kane lead me through the city........Sylvania.


    My first impression was chaos, otherwise it would be chaos.


    There were many buildings around the port that seemed to flaunt their own wealth.


    However, it lacks a sense of unity, so it can hardly be called a sophisticated cityscape.


    Once you leave the area, the air changes completely.


    In front of a shop facing the street, a person who seems to be the owner of the shop raises his voice and the customers do the same.


    The abundance of goods lined up in front of the store is incomparable to what is available back home.


    Vegetables, fish, meat, clothes, and ornaments, and the curiosity of the products makes me keep on glancing around.


    However, Karis, who is next to me, can only walk as fast as she can.


    Maybe that''s why he doesn''t seem to notice the presence of bipedal cows, lizards and humans with pointed ears.


    I''ve never seen Luca before, but the cows are minotaurs, the lizards are lizardmen, and the humans with pointed ears are a race called elves, collectively known as subhumans.


    After a short walk, they lose their popularity.


    The smell of alcohol irritates my nasal passages.


    Apparently, there is a gathering of establishments here that serve alcohol.


    Further on, the popularity disappears completely, revealing a huge building.


    Since the garden has been turned into a training ground, it seems that this is the mercenary guild.


    I see, Luca nodded as he compared the building with Sif.


    Whether it''s clothes or buildings, things show the owner''s character.


    In that respect, the mercenary guild is easy to understand.


    In a word, it''s not amiable.


    It''s an exterior that seems to say that harmony with its surroundings is irrelevant.


    ''''This is the base of the Mercenary Guild.


    It''s pretty quiet.


    Karis mentions something like that.


    It''s true that it''s such a large building, but there''s no sign of people in it.


    ''There are a lot of people living in the village. Only a single person lives here now.''


    Sif gave a bitter smile.


    He had expected a more by-the-book approach, but he was quite gentle with his subordinates.


    Suddenly, the door opened and a well-dressed middle-aged woman came out.


    ''''She''s Saara. Normally, I do chores in the guild, but...''''


    Well, well, well, welcome to the long journey. It is my pleasure to serve as your stewardess, Miss Saara.


    The guildmaster of the mercenary guild seems to be formless to the old lady who lives at her own tempo.


    ''''Can you........ask?''''


    Yes, of course. Come on in.


    When I entered the building led by Saara, there were a number of horizontal sofas lined up.


    I wondered if it was called a hall.


    It''s a long corridor at the end of the hall, with doors lined up at equal intervals on both sides of the corridor.


    The guild will be waiting for you on this sofa and will move to the back room.


    Yeah, so,


    I don''t know what convinced me, but Karis nodded at Saara''s words.


    ''Your rooms will be upstairs.


    I need to wash up.


    Yes, I''m ready for a bath and a change of clothes.


    Luca muttered to himself, and Saara smiled and said.


    Considering Karis''s condition, she should probably go straight to her room, but she wanted to get rid of the grime from her trip.


    ''You can bathe in hot water?''


    Yeah.


    Karis asked, to which Saara replied somewhat proudly, "You should sleep in your room.


    I wanted to tell you to stay in your room, but apparently the allure of bathing in hot water outweighs the physical condition.


    Well, I know how you feel.


    There is not much land in the Bethel Mountains suitable for cultivation.


    This means that it is difficult for plants to grow.


    If you use trees as fuel, you''ll be a bald mountain in no time.


    There is also the possibility of using a curse tool, but it is, by all means, not very durable.


    That is why bathing in the hot water was a luxury that could only be enjoyed on a joyous occasion.


    Well, let me show you to the bathroom.


    Saara led the way to the bathroom.


    The bathroom was right in front of me at the end of the hallway, just up the stairs at the end of the hallway.


    When I opened the door, I found myself in a changing room.


    There were large shelves fixed to the wall with two baskets each.


    There were two baskets in which changes of clothes were stored.


    Are you okay?


    Excuse me?


    Luca asked, and Saara asked back.


    ''''Like ... peeping and stuff.''''


    He said that there are no offenders in the mercenary guild, but it''s better to be vigilant.


    Crisis management is very important.


    ''''I will keep an eye on you two until you finish bathing in the hot water, so don''t worry.


    That''s a good thing.


    Enjoy your stay.


    Saara bowed and closed the door to the dressing room.


    *


    Luca and the others got out of the bath and changed into the clothes that had been prepared for them.


    Honestly, they would have liked to stay in the bath a little longer, but Karis had reached her limit.


    Originally, Karis was at the extreme end of her exhaustion from the two-week boat trip.


    The only thing that sustained her was her mental strength.


    That was cut short when she took a bath.


    It was quite an impressive feat, as she almost fell asleep while taking a bath.


    ''I''m up!


    Then I''ll show you to your room.


    Raising her voice in the locker room, Saara opened the door and walked out.


    Karis followed with a ghostly gait.


    ''Are you okay?''


    "...hang in there, hang in there, hang in there.


    I couldn''t help but call out to him, and he gave me a curious answer.


    He''s like a drunk.


    And yet it was strangely lustrous.


    I wasn''t worried that I was going to fall over, but Karis managed to walk to the end of the long corridor.


    ''''This will be your room, sir.


    With that, Saara opened the door.


    If she was a caretaker, she would want to pay a little more attention to Karis, but would that be too high a goal?


    ''It''s quite a big room.


    Luca spoke his honest opinion.


    Perhaps it was because they were using it as a large room, or maybe it was because it was only furnished for two people, but it looked quite large.


    There is a bed and vanity table by the wall, with a chair and table in the center.


    The furniture was arranged symmetrically, as if reflected in a mirror.


    I will be here for supper, so please make yourself comfortable in the meantime. Please let me know if you have any requests regarding the meal.


    I''m hoping...


    I haven''t had meat in a while.


    Luca interrupted Karis''s words to say what he wanted.


    ''As you wish, sir.''


    Please.


    Saara didn''t seem to be offended and left the room, closing the door behind her.


    ''''Um....''''


    Don''t you want some meat?


    He interrupted Karis again.


    Then she fell silent.


    She seems to have a rather pushy personality, after all.


    I feel disgusted with myself for interrupting her words while noticing it, but I can''t eat the food I want to eat if I''m with her.


    This could be the last time.


    If that''s the case, I''d like to have a full meal of my favorite food.


    I got to the table in the center and pulled my sewing kit out of the pouch.


    Charis looks at me as if she wants to say something.


    I''m annoyed with her attitude and her hometown.


    ''''Well it pisses me off,''''


    Excuse me.


    Luca muttered, and Karis apologized.


    She was dimly aware that it was her way of getting rid of him, but her irritation was growing at an accelerated rate.


    ''It wasn''t you. I''m pissed off at my tribe and the Confederacy of Tribes. It''s just a matter of time before they decide to marry you, divorce you without permission, talk about you behind your back, and end up being the concubine of some guy who has no idea what he''s talking about.


    He interrupted his embroidery and wound up grumbling.


    ''''Well you said the stone woman wasn''t a woman.


    Luca bit his lip.


    Yeah, that''s it.


    You said you weren''t a woman and you''re pissed off that you offered yourself up as a concubine.


    ''You''re not pissed off?''


    I don''t know.


    Wow, you''re a good girl. Are you going to be a concubine for your tribe?


    Luca immediately regretted it.


    If following the words of others was her way of life, there was no way she wasn''t angry, no way she wasn''t suffering, no way she wasn''t regretting it.


    But such imaginations were denied by the words of none other than Karis.


    ''That''s not what I''m talking about I probably don''t have the energy left to do that.


    Oh," Karis pouted softly, her expression changing dizzily.


    At first she looked surprised, then convinced, and finally exhausted.


    ''I''m sorry. I''m sorry.''


    No, that''s okay.


    You look terrible.


    Luca pointed out, and Karis touched her face.


    When he was on the ship, he had the worst look on his face, as if he was about to vomit, and now he looked like he was going to die from exhaustion.


    Well, I was the one who made him look like that.


    ''You need to get some rest,''


    I will.


    Caris crawled into bed.


    A few moments later, sobbing could be heard.


    Luca resumed his embroidery, feeling guilty.


    *


    It was about the end of the night when Karis woke up.


    While she slept, Luca was embroidering alone.


    ''You can sleep a little longer,''


    No, I''m fine.


    Karis wiped her eyes and got out of bed.


    ''Were you talking in your sleep?''


    It''s a quiet one.


    Luca spat out a lie.


    He was probably tired.


    Karis crawled into bed and fell asleep as if she was going to pass out.


    After a while, however, the nightmare began to take hold.


    I''m sorry, I''m sorry, she said in apology.


    It was the kind of sleep that made it painful to listen to.


    I have to be careful, I thought to myself, and as I was thinking about that, there was a knock on the door.


    Karis walked up to the door with a firm step and opened it.


    Then he saw Sif and Saara there.


    ''You''re looking much better,''


    Thank you.


    Sif smiled as Karis bowed her head.


    ''I''d like to explain the situation before we eat. Would you mind taking a seat?


    Yes.


    Karis took a seat facing Luca and Sif walked over to the table.


    Then he hung his head deeply.


    ''First, I want to apologize on behalf of the Chief for calling you out at our convenience, and secondly, for the heartless words I have spoken to you. I''m truly sorry.


    No.


    Karis'' voice was trembling, as if she was upset.


    Well, he would be upset if he was suddenly bowed to by the representative of the Federation of Tribes.


    However, he couldn''t just be upset.


    That man.........Kane had told me to explain what he was called for at the port.


    So that means there are facts that we haven''t told ourselves.


    We can''t get upset and forget to listen to the important part.


    After all, it is a stranger who will be their concubine.


    We don''t want to cause displeasure by forgetting to listen to what they have to say.


    ''''The deputy told me to explain it to you?''''


    Yeah, I''ll explain it to you now.


    When Luca pointed it out, Sif looked up and covered his mouth thoughtfully.


    I was tempted to suspect that he was trying to mislead us by upsetting us.


    ''''.........The man who rules the county of Caddo, where we are located, and the Marquis of Erakis to the east of it, is a man named Crono.


    ''Crono,'' he said, rolling the name around in his mouth.


    ''The man asked you to give me a concubine, didn''t he?


    Master Crono didn''t say anything.


    For a moment I didn''t understand what he meant.


    ''His wife''s maid who works at the mansion - in essence, she asked me to recommend her for a vacancy in the servants.


    Anybody who can work for you as a servant is good enough.


    He managed to spin the words in a daze.


    ''His wife is the daughter of the former Emperor. She has no authority at present, but we had to show our sincerity.


    The anger is huffing and puffing.


    They were not sought out as concubines, no, not as women, but as a labor force.


    ''Your daughter...Quanto, was it?��Why don''t you send that guy in?


    I disowned that one.


    What?


    I disowned that one. I''m in charge of the agency now.


    When I asked him back, not understanding what he meant, Sif said matter-of-factly.


    ''Are we, um, supposed to work as maids?''


    No, try to be a mistress.


    Karis asks, unafraid.


    Then Sif made a statement that overruled his previous statement.


    To be honest, I don''t understand.


    ''''Crono-sama is a womanizer. Probably, if you approach him, he''ll have a pretty good chance of getting to you.''


    Didn''t you tell me to make sure that didn''t happen?


    He just asked me to explain so he wouldn''t misunderstand me.


    Apparently, Sif does not intend to listen to Kane''s words honestly.


    Even so, even though it''s an inner circle, it''s a terrible thing to say to the lord.


    ''''Um, what should I demand if I become a concubine?''''


    I have no specific requirements.


    What do you mean?


    It is what it is.


    I still don''t understand why.


    If you don''t have anything to demand, you don''t need to order me to approach him so that he can be a concubine.


    ''Master Crono hates public life. He may be able to be a mistress, but he won''t be able to wield power or get money.


    So you''re not making any sense.


    Even if we could be a concubine... well, a mistress... but even if we could be a mistress, we can''t do anything if the other party doesn''t like to mix public and private matters.


    ''If a tribesman becomes one of our people, that man won''t be able to cut us off as easily. That''s all we need.


    Sif said quietly.


    We cannot afford to lose this treatment.''''


    I suddenly remembered a fable I heard when I was little.


    It''s a story about a man who receives a favor from a genie and loses everything because he wants more.


    When did we go under, well, Master Crono?


    Day after tomorrow.


    It''s a fair decision, said Luca, stealing a glance at Karis'' face.


    Tomorrow will be tougher, but the day after tomorrow will be fine.


    ''Can I go and see the village once?


    I''ll have her show you around tomorrow.


    Thank you.


    Karis bowed her head lightly as Sif allowed her to do so.


    ''Do you have any other questions or requests?''


    ....


    ....


    I wanted him to tell me how to approach it, but it would be useless to ask.


    Then enjoy your meal.


    Okay, okay, here you go.


    As Sif left, Saara pushed a wooden wagon into the room.


    She then deftly laid out the food ... a large loaf of bread, cream stew, herb-grilled meat, and salad on the table.


    Karis''s eyes widened in surprise, but Luca was less surprised, as he knew that Sylvania''s store carried a lot of ingredients.


    ''Serve them before they get cold.


    Luca and Charis folded their hands and offered a prayer of thanks to the spirits.


    First they scooped up a spoonful of cream stew.


    My eyes widen lightly as a large chunk of meat emerges.


    When I put it in my mouth, it crumbles even though I didn''t put much effort into it.


    I replace the spoon with a fork and this time I eat the salad.


    Vegetables are very expensive in the Bethel Mountains, where there is no land suitable for cultivation.


    I eat the salad and this time my eyes widen.


    ''''It''s ... amazingly crunchy.''''


    Luca muttered, and Karis looked at me.


    He took a mouthful of salad, looking unconscious of the cream stew, and his eyes widened in surprise.


    Next, he reached for the bread and broke it in two.


    Emerging from beneath the slightly hard crust was a snow-white filling.


    You don''t see bread as white as this unless you''re at a celebration.


    Oh, I''m such a cheap woman, I thought to myself as I took a bite of the bread.


    I ate half of the bread and reached for the cream stew again.


    The vegetables are a bit tougher, perhaps because they didn''t have enough time to simmer.


    But even with that, the cream stew, no, the dish was excellent.


    ''''Being a mercenary is such a luxury, isn''t it?''''


    Luca puts down his spoon and mutters to himself.


    There should be a constant stream of aspiring mercenaries despite the fact that their lives are in danger.


    ''''This much doesn''t fall within the realm of luxury.


    What?


    You can eat this much for a little money here.


    When I asked back, Saara said naturally.


    Well, if you think about it, the geographic conditions in Bethel Mountains and Sylvania are different, so the price of foodstuffs can''t be the same.


    ''''Maybe we won''t have to pay for it this year, huh?


    How''s the frontier going?


    Yeah, that''s right.��The harder you work, the easier it gets, so my husband clears the forest on his off-duty days!


    Saara laughed vigorously.


    ''Apparently, your husband is a butt.


    ''What kind of person is Master Crono?''


    I haven''t met you in person, but I''ve heard a lot about you being a womanizer.


    Karis asked, and Saara replied with a raised eyebrow.


    This is a way of saying this to someone who can guarantee a different race the same rights as the lords.


    However, I''m curious, so I don''t go into it and listen to my ears.


    ''I''ve heard that you have three wives and more mistresses than you can count on the fingers of both hands.


    It doesn''t suck.


    He spits it out.


    ''The guys in town laugh at us for ''preferring heroic colors.'' We don''t mind it, either.


    What about it?


    They''re realists. We''re all realists. Well, if my husband hugged his mistress, I would beat him up. The lord is not bothering anyone, and he is administering the good government, so I won''t complain.


    Yeah, I suppose so.


    It''s a feeling I don''t understand.


    I think that those who stand above should be the norm for those below them, but when I think of the Chief, the Council of Elders, and Sif, I''m at a loss for words.


    Not to mention the Chiefs and the Council of Elders, and Sif is hardly an innocent man.


    In that sense, he''s a good government, so I don''t think we should expect him to have a personality.


    Do I have a bad sense of humor?��Luca nodded his head.


    *


    Luca finished his meal and leaned back in his chair.


    It was so good that he ate too much.


    He took his sewing kit from the porch and began to embroider.


    Saara stacked the empty plates on top of each other and placed them on the wagon.


    ''Lousy job,''


    No, it was good.


    My husband should have told me that.


    Saara put her hands on her hips and let out a small sigh.


    She glanced at us.


    ''''That was ... delicious.''''


    Ha, I''m sorry I sounded urgent.


    Luca said, resting his hand on his embroidery, and Saara replied with a laugh.


    It didn''t sound like she was prompting him, but she was urging him to do so.


    ''''Well then, get some rest.''''


    With that, Saara pushed the wagon out of the room.


    ''That was good,''


    Yeah.


    As I resumed my embroidery, Karis called out to me.


    ''Do you like embroidery?''


    ''Yes, I like it. I don''t have to get involved in anything else when I''m embroidering.


    Karis gave him a hurt look.


    Seeing that look, he regretted that he should have been more selective with his words.


    ''But I''m glad to hear it. You seem like a good person.''


    What?


    I can''t help but plunge in.


    From the point of view of the lords, he''s a good lord, and a convenient partner, considering his purpose.


    However, I don''t think someone who has a lot of women around him is a good person.


    Sif is also Sif.


    He''s telling me to approach him so that he can be a concubine, but he has no plan.


    Or, rather, if I have the means to cajole a man, I''m not behind.


    I''d like to spend an hour or so questioning him about what he expects of himself.


    And the clan chief is a clan chief too.


    If he knew that the other party was a maid he should have explained it properly to the elder council if he knew that they were asking for labor.


    Humiliation and anger came back vividly as he laid out his grievances in his mind.


    They''ve done all that and forced me to do something useful for the tribe.


    It was all very annoying.


    Of course, that includes the man who caused his own humiliation........Crono.


    ''If you think you''re wanted as a woman, you''re not treated like cattle. You made me come from the Bethel Mountains, what''s a servant, a servant.......ouch!


    A pain runs through my index finger.


    I''ve pricked my finger with a needle.


    When I look down, blood oozes out like a bead.


    I put my index finger in my mouth and the taste of blood spread to my mouth.


    Really, I threw out my sewing kit, disgusted with everything.


    Luca crawled into bed and turned his back to Karis.


    Misery pushed away his anger and pounced on him.


    ''I hate you all. Why do you have to go through this just because you couldn''t have a child?


    I couldn''t do the role that was expected of me.


    Of course, as a member of the tribe, you should be able to fulfill the role expected of you.


    But what should those who cannot do so do?


    The next morning, Luca woke up just as the white dawn was beginning to break.


    Coming to a foreign land doesn''t seem to get rid of the habits he used to have back home.


    She slipped out of bed and looked at the dressing table.


    In the large mirror, I see my own reflection in the red and swollen eyelids.


    ''''You look ... terrible.''''


    He mumbles and ruffles his hair.


    My hair tangles in my fingers.


    Frustrated, I pull with force and my hair puffs out.


    ''''I need to wash my face.''''


    Oh, good morning.


    I went out into the corridor and came across Saara.


    She had brought me some water to wash my face, and there was a ceramic jug and a wooden tarai on the wagon.


    ''You''re awfully early.''


    That''s because he''s a nanny.


    What was he going to do if Luca was asleep?


    Such questions pass through my mind, but it''s useless to think about it too much.


    ''''You''ll have to excuse me while I carry the jug and tarai.


    Saara returned as soon as she placed the jug and tarai on the vanity table.


    Karis doesn''t even show any signs of waking up when someone is next to her.


    ''You''re surprisingly brazen,''


    That''s how tired I am.


    Saara said with a bitter smile.


    ''What would you like for breakfast?''


    I need some eggs.


    Not many people in the Bethel Mountains run poultry farms, so chicken eggs are a valuable commodity, but they shouldn''t be so expensive here.


    ''Bacon and eggs, if that''s okay?''


    Yeah, you got it.


    As expected, or should I say, the amount of money for chicken and eggs seems to be about the same as Saara can purchase at her discretion.


    ''But is the shop open at this hour?


    Sylvania''s merchants are very commercial-minded.


    You''re too tough, Luca pouted in his mind.


    Maybe they have their own route to get it.


    ''''Well, if you''ll excuse me then,''''


    Saara pushed the wagon and left the scene.


    Luca sat down in front of the vanity table, biting off a lack of stretching.


    A towel was carefully placed next to the tarai.


    He poured water into the tarai and washed his face, wiping the water off with the towel.


    ''My hair is a mess.''


    I opened the drawer to see if I had this much furniture available.


    Then I found an exquisitely crafted comb.


    ''I wonder if he''s paying attention to me, just in case?


    The clothes and underwear he was wearing, the furniture, the dishes, the jug... if he tried to get the things in the mercenary guild in the Bethel Mountains, he would certainly go bankrupt.


    Luca let out a sigh and picked up the comb.


    As Luca took his seat and embroidered, Karis moaned softly.


    The night was already dawning and the sunlight was shining through the curtains.


    After a while, Karis slowly sat up.


    She was in a daze, as if she had forgotten that she was in Sylvania.


    More time passed and Karis turned her gaze to us.


    ''You slept well,''


    Excuse me.


    Karis apologized and got off the bed and headed to the vanity table.


    She sits in a chair and pours water into the tarai to wash her face.


    He stops moving as he touches his hair.


    Maybe he thinks he needs a comb.


    ''There''s a comb in the drawer if you want one.


    Thank you.


    Karis took the comb out of the drawer and began to comb it happily.


    After all, they are women, I guess.


    There was a tap on the door at the same time as Karis put the comb away in the drawer.


    ''....Come in.


    ''Good morning. It''s another beautiful day.


    Luca interrupted his embroidery and opened the door, and Saara pushed the wagon into the room.


    ''The stew is left over from yesterday, though. It''s soaked with flavor and is delicious.''


    Saara says this as she lays out the dishes.


    Butter-filled toast, cream stew, salad, and bacon and eggs.


    Luca says a prayer to the spirits and reaches for the bacon and eggs.


    When he stuck his fork into the yolk, the turgid contents overflowed.


    That meant it was fresh enough to eat, even if it was half-boiled.


    It''s not like this in the Bethel Mountains.


    I cut into pieces and chew on them, and the richness of the flavor unfolds.


    Next comes the buttered toast.


    I slice it in two with my hand and put one of them in my mouth.


    A nice salty and sweet taste spreads in your mouth.


    As Luca was tasting it, Saara spoke up.


    ''''I went to buy the vegetables first thing in the morning.


    ''''........Great. Is the empire the same everywhere?


    I''m just shuttling back and forth between the frontier villages and Sylvania. I don''t know much about anything else.


    Saara said, a little apologetically.


    Even if you have a residence permit, the distance you can travel seems to be limited.


    It''s no wonder that unless you are a peddler or mercenary, you don''t have many opportunities to leave the village.


    ''''The peddlers said that every day in the town where Crono-sama''s mansion is located is a festival, though.


    "....every day is a celebration.


    Karis muttered anxiously.


    Even Sylvania is festive enough in light of Luca''s common sense.


    She should have seen it too, but it seems to have slipped from her memory.


    ''''You''d better listen to half the story.


    Yes.


    After all, Karis said anxiously.


    ''Speaking of which, where''s Master Sif?''


    Don''t worry, I''ll show you around the settlement.


    I need some incense tea. Is it wrong to go in there?��And Luca hesitates a bit as he looks at them.


    ''''Can I get you a drink?''''


    Yes, yes, I''ve got it all ready for you.


    Saara poured the incense tea into her cup and a nostalgic smell wafted through the air.


    ''That''s a familiar smell, isn''t it?


    Is it ginger?


    ''Oh,'' said Luca, nodding.


    ''Yes, I learned how to make it from a priestess who taught me how to pioneer and farm. I think it''s better than it was in the beginning.''''


    Where''s your faith?


    I''ve heard that the empire believes in the six pillars of the gods.


    I don''t know what kind of faith it is, but it seems like a bad idea to owe it to them.


    ''''I believe in the Spirit-sama, so don''t worry about it.


    ''Wouldn''t that be beneficial?''


    Saara said proudly, but Karis seemed to have doubts about this.


    There must be some kind of intention in reaching out to her.


    ''It''s thanks to Crono-sama''s donation.


    ...I see.


    Karis nodded, but Luca couldn''t be trusted that easily.


    I think we should draw a line and be careful with him.


    ''Come on, before it gets cold.


    Saara set the cup down on the table.


    Luca picked up the cup to make sure Karis had the incense tea in her mouth.


    As she drank the incense tea, a tangy sensation tingled on the tip of her tongue.


    ''''Well it''s not bad.''''


    It feels as if the heat is spreading from my stomach.


    Maybe it''s a drink to warm the body.


    ''According to the priest, it''s going to be cold this year.


    After all, that''s how they taught me how to make it.


    But you can''t survive in the Bethel Mountains if you''re making noise in this level of cold.


    You''re a pussycat.


    I was just letting my honest opinion slip out, but Saara gave a bitter smile.


    Luca and his friends finished their meal and drove the cart to the frontier village.


    Saara was the guru and Luca and Karis were the cargo.


    A short time after they left Sylvania, Karis opened her mouth.


    ''It''s a beautiful day, isn''t it?''


    Well....


    Luca ministered as he embroidered.


    He might be a surprisingly brazen character, since he called out to me even though I told him he didn''t have to get involved in anything unnecessary while embroidering.


    Suddenly, I was hit with a thrusting shock.


    When I looked up, I saw a minotaur approaching me.


    I''m not sure what to expect. Do you have something to do with the city?


    "I''ve been asked to go shopping, you know.


    I could hear the words used by the human and the cry at the same time, but this was because he was using a spell tool to communicate his will.


    ''Is your daughter behind you a new villager?'' (Bum?)


    When Hassan looked down at her, Karis shook her body in small increments.


    She didn''t think there was any need to be frightened since the language was understood, but she couldn''t seem to suppress her fear.


    ''''Ah, these two will serve Crono-sama as maids.


    Did you say migrant? (Bum?)


    ''If you''re a migrant, it''s still better,'' Luca spat in his mind.


    ''We''re strangers, you know. He''s taken care of us.''


    I''m supposed to be on your side. (Bum?)


    Hahsan exhaled through his nose with a buh-uh.


    Apparently, the people in the pioneer village, including Saara, have a reasonable relationship with the sub-humans.


    Karis, speaking of which, she''s lying on her back and shaking with a purr.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to work as a maid at this rate.


    Haha, so do we. I''m sure Mr. Crono wants us to know that we''re not strangers.


    "...so that''s what it is...


    That''s what you''re aiming for, said Luca, nodding at the same time as Hassan.


    Of course, there will be the aspect of hostage, though.


    ''''I''d like to talk to you some more, but.......''''


    We can always talk about it.


    Saara began to move the wagon.


    After a moment, Karis looked up and stared at Hassan''s back.


    Then she let out a grand sigh when his back was out of sight.


    ''Did I startle you?''


    Who is he?


    They live in a frontier village. They said they came before us and built a harbor.


    ''I see,'' said Luca, nodding as he embroidered.


    ''There are elves in the pioneer village, too.


    "...elves.


    Karis muttered with a divine look on her face.


    ''Are you okay?''


    I was surprised at first, though. Once you get to know them, they''re a pleasant bunch.


    Luca resumed his embroidery, and after a moment, Saara opened her mouth.


    ''Ah, the village is in sight.


    What about it?


    I heard Karis'' voice, but Luca continued to embroider in silence.


    ''Luca-san, Luca-san!


    Karis bashes me on the arm and brings me back to reality.


    We want to avoid getting involved in anything unnecessary, but reality (Karis) doesn''t take our convenience into account.


    ''You''re doing embroidery, don''t slap me,''


    ''Look beyond that!


    Luca tucked his sewing kit into his pouch and stared in the direction Karis was pointing.


    ''''.........''''


    I gulp.


    Can I say that I was taken aback?


    A pioneer village, he said, but this was outrageous.


    What spread out in front of me was a city.


    Wooden houses line the streets.


    There are minotaurs and elves, but no one seems to care about that.


    ''It''s a nice village, isn''t it?''


    Yes.


    Karis nodded, but Luca couldn''t say anything.


    Children ran around and women chatted around the well.


    That''s the happiness I couldn''t get for myself.


    Why should I have to sacrifice myself for these people, Luca bit his lip.


    Luca''s anger didn''t go away after eating Saara''s food or taking a bath.


    Why did he have to sacrifice himself?


    What did those people, those people back home, do for him?


    I wanted them to say a kind word, even if it was pity or pity.


    If they had spoken kind words to me, I would have obeyed their orders to be a concubine.


    That was all I needed, but no one spoke a kind word to me.


    I thought embroidery would drown my anger, but I couldn''t.


    The anger comes from within me.


    ''What''s going on?''


    ...nothing.


    She answered Karis as she embroidered.


    She seemed to have regained some of her energy after seeing the fields in the pioneer village.


    That makes me angry.


    This woman is self-absorbed.


    She believes that if she becomes a concubine, the frontier village will be protected.


    How could she come up with such a happy idea?


    Why is it that she can only hold a grudge against others in similar circumstances?


    If only I could be as self-absorbed as this woman, how happy I would be if I could accept my sacrifice with joy.


    ''It''s been a good village, hasn''t it?''


    Well....


    Luca''s mind is filled with images of happy children and women ... and families.


    He will now be consumed as a laborer.


    He must spend his life as a concubine of a powerful man.


    There is nothing in it for my benefit.


    I am a tool to keep my tribe from being damaged.


    ''Wow, I''m going to bed now,''


    Karis crawled into bed to escape.


    "....d*mn it. Why would they do that to me?


    Luca muttered softly and bit his lip.


    *


    The next day, when Luca and Karis went outside after breakfast, the box carriage was still in front of the mercenary guild.


    They had the opportunity to ride the box carriage on the way to the port from the Bethel Mountains, but it was a far more magnificent substitute than that.


    I looked next to him and saw that Karis had opened her mouth like an idiot.


    I wasn''t sure if I should tell her to keep her mouth shut, when Sif and Kane emerged from behind the boxcarriage.


    ''Yo, you two. You look like you''re in good shape.''''


    What''s in this carriage?


    It was given to me by Master Crono. He came all the way from the Bethel Mountains to do me the courtesy of coming here.


    Kane lightly cowered his shoulders and answered Karis'' question.


    ''I sent the necessities of life to the Marquis'' residence.


    Thank you.


    Karis thanked him, though it was only fair to give him a parting gift.


    ''''Well that, and it is Your Duran who is about to open the door.


    Kane pointed with his thumb, and the man who was about to open the boxcarriage door stopped moving.


    The sword he carried from his waist and his demeanor suggests he is a warrior.


    ''He''s got a sword hanging around, but this is just in case. After all, it''s been three years since the bandit last appeared.


    Yes.


    Kane said in an easygoing tone, but Karis looked uneasy.


    ''''Well hello hello,''''


    "Ah, ah, gee, I''m Duran, the gentleman. I usually work as a clerk in the Marquis'' mansion. Nice to meet you.


    Duran turned to Kane and bowed his head at Kane''s prompting.


    ''It''s nice to meet you too,''


    Nice to meet you.


    Karis bowed her head, and Luca followed suit.


    ''Well, we''ll be leaving, but have you forgotten anything?


    Yes, no.


    No.


    When Duran opens the door, the interior of the box carriage is exposed.


    When you see the leather chairs installed facing each other, you can''t help but wag your tongue inwardly at the care and attention to detail of the work.


    Just by looking at the stitching, you can tell how much time and effort the craftsman who made the chair took to make it.


    If this is something that was made in response to Crono''s intentions, it''s quite a feat.


    Luca sat on the door side of the front seat as Karis sat in the back seat by the window.


    ''I''ll close it,''


    As soon as Duran closed the door, he headed for the guru''s table.


    The box carriage started to move after a short pause.


    It was a pleasant ride, a far cry from the wagon.


    I can embroider on this one, Luca pulled out his sewing kit from the pouch.


    When she looked up, she saw Karis looking out with an innocent expression like a child.


    She was exhausted when she came to Sylvania, so this must be unusual.


    After a moment of frolicking, Karis fell asleep.


    ''You''re a good sleeper,''


    Luca muttered as he embroidered.


    *


    The trip in the box carriage was smooth itself.


    I was nervous when I rubbed against another carriage, but I soon got used to it.


    The more carriage traffic that you get used to right away means that this area.......Crono''s territory must be very safe.


    It''s almost finished, though, and Luca rested his hand.


    When it''s completed, you won''t be able to embroider for a while.


    No, it''s possible that I won''t be able to do it again.


    There''s not much thread left that I took out of my hometown, and I don''t know if I can get new ones.


    I should have asked if I could get some money for it.


    He clicks his tongue and says, "I don''t think I''m the kind of person who would beg for it and buy it.


    ''''Well you sleep well by the way.


    When I looked up, Karis was asleep, leaning against the window.


    Suddenly, the speed of the boxcarriage changes to a slower one.


    The speed gradually slows down.


    I looked out the window and saw a beast-headed human body deformity... a race called werewolves... staring at me.


    He held a spear in his hand and wore armor.


    It''s a piece of equipment comparable to or even better than a top-notch mercenary.


    For now, I waved my hand at the werewolf, and he waved his hand at me.


    ''''Well it doesn''t sound like you''re a bad guy.''''


    The boxcarriage stopped and the impact was felt.


    It woke Karis up.


    And the moment his eyes met the werewolf''s, bam, he moved away from the window.


    Well, if the werewolf''s face was suddenly in front of her, she would be surprised.


    ''You needn''t be frightened,''


    What?


    Are you delirious?


    Oh, yes.


    Karis patted her chest as she asked more questions back.


    The werewolf signaled outside the window, and the boxcarriage began to move again.


    Luca resumed his embroidery, but after a moment he looked up.


    He heard the faint sound of a kern, kern.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    I heard a noise.


    Sound?


    Karis closed her eyes.


    ''Well it looks like it''s right around the corner.


    Right there, I mean, I can already see it, Luca tilted his gaze.


    Then he saw the castle and the four towers that surrounded it.


    The boxcarriage passed through the gate and entered the castle grounds.


    It slowed down a bit and came to a complete stop in front of the castle.


    As Duran opened the door, Karis cowered as he opened the door.


    You don''t have to be so frightened, Luca tucked his sewing kit into the pouch.


    Did I scare you?


    No, no!


    Karis replied in a supercilious voice, waving her hands from side to side.


    ''Please, come down.''


    ....


    Yes, sir.


    Luca was silent and Karis answered in a supercilious voice and got off the boxcarriage.


    ''Crono, what about you, Master?''


    He''ll be here soon.


    Immediately after Duran answered, the doors of the castle opened.


    The one who came out was a woman.


    She wore a pure white apron over a black dress.


    The woman held the door and bowed reverently.


    Then a young man with one eye appeared leisurely.


    Perhaps he was Crono.


    You will find that you will be able to get a lot more than just a few of these.


    ''''Well then, I''ll take it.''''


    Duran bowed and went away in a boxcarriage as if he had finished his business.


    In the meantime, the young man is approaching.


    The woman, however, closed the door and followed him.


    ''''How do you do, I''m the lord of the Marquess of Erakis and Count Caddo I''m Crono.


    Crono stopped and said in a soft tone of voice.


    As far as I''m concerned, he''s not a good guy, Luca looked at him sullenly.


    Well, even if he was a lord, it''s no wonder he could mend his appearance.


    ''''Excuse me, but how old are you?''''


    I''m 21 years old.


    He looked at Karis with a guffaw.


    He thought the question was too blunt, but Crono answered with a sly smile.


    Karis let out a small breath, as if relieved to hear that she was twenty-one years old.


    ''Where are your parents?''


    "My father is in the southern frontier the Areos Mountains, if you know what I mean?��Well, anyway, I''m a lord at the foot of it, and my mother is sick...


    When Crono slurred his words, Karis made an expression that resembled pity.


    It''s not hard to understand how he feels, but if he''s mending his appearance, he''s been tricked into it.


    When I was wondering what to do, the woman deliberately cleared her throat.


    ''''I''m Alyssa, the head maid. I''ve been asked to educate Karis-san and Luca-san for a while from today.


    Oh, I''m Charis.


    Yes, sir.


    Alyssa smiled softly as Caris raised her hand.


    ''Your education will begin tomorrow,''


    Alyssa, look after me.


    Yes, sir.


    When Crono called out to her, Alyssa''s mouth broke into a happy smile.


    Her glazed expression made it clear that the two were not mere squires.


    ''''I will show you to your room. Please, come this way.


    Alyssa led the way into the castle.


    As we walked up the stairs at the end of the hall and down a long corridor, Karis opened her mouth.


    ''It''s an amazing castle,''


    It''s not a castle. It''s a castle house.


    Jokan?


    ''Yes, it doesn''t function as a castle, as habitability is a priority. But that''s just a take-away.


    Alyssa answered Karis'' question in a calm tone. It would be humble to go out of your way to refuse to be received.


    Thanks to that, it''s hard to feel that we''re being laughed at for our ignorance, too.


    ''''This will be the room for the two of you.


    Alyssa stopped in the middle of the hallway and opened the door.


    They may not have indicated it beforehand, but the arrangement of the furniture was very similar to that of the mercenary guild.


    There was a bed and vanity table by the wall, a chest of drawers by the window, a table and chairs in the center, and two wooden boxes on top of it.


    This crate seemed to be a gift from Sif.


    ''What about that crate?''


    I got it from Mr. Sif.


    What''s in it?


    Come on, you''re done.


    Alyssa smiled as she answered Karis'' question.


    ''Your education will begin tomorrow.


    Oh, um!


    Karis stops her and Alyssa as she tries to turn on her heel.


    ''How can I help you?''


    What kind of person is Master Crono?


    Alyssa''s cheeks twitched for a moment, as if it was a very bad question.


    Good.


    Karis patted her chest, but Luca was not reassured.


    *


    The dining room was silent.


    However, if you listen carefully, you can hear the sound of hammers, birds chirping, and what seems to be calls.


    They did not interfere with Luca, and he did not interfere with them either.


    She embroiders in a comfortable silence.


    A few days have passed since she started working as a maid.


    There have been some small mistakes, but considering that she is a newcomer, I think it''s a fair point.


    The human relations are going well for the most part.


    Maybe it''s because he''s a former soldier, but his coworkers don''t pry into our past or interfere in any way that''s unnecessary.


    It''s the same with Alyssa, and she keeps a reasonable distance from me.


    It was the same comfortable indifference that is now enveloping the diner.


    But there are two things that are bothering me.


    One is Karis.


    It''s not that she''s unfit to be a maid.


    Quite the opposite.


    I think she is apparently too familiar with the idea of being a maid.


    It''s tempting to suspect that she''s forgotten Sif''s orders.


    And she often looks at me as if she wants to say something.


    Maybe he''s thinking that he should try to be more open with his colleagues or something.


    It''s none of my business.


    Don''t worry about it, I get along with my co-workers I''m just trying to get information about Crono but I do.


    The other thing is Crono.


    He told me to approach him so that I could be his concubine, but I haven''t had the opportunity to make contact with him.


    As I was trying to figure out how to make contact, I heard a clatter.


    I looked up and saw Crono standing on the other side of the table.


    ''Hey, are you alone?''


    Yeah, yeah.


    Can I sit?


    You''re more than welcome to try.


    ''Thanks,'' said Crono, sitting down in a chair.


    ''What can I do for you?''


    ''I don''t have any particular business with you, but I heard you''re on your own a lot. I thought I''d give you a shout as my employer.


    Hi.


    Apparently, my actions were coded to Crono.


    ''Is that embroidery?''


    Yes,


    That''s great.


    Thank you.


    Is it really that big of a deal?��Luca nodded his head inwardly.


    ''I can''t copy you,''


    Can you embroider?


    I haven''t had a chance to do it since school, so maybe I can''t do it now.


    Then Crono smiled shyly.


    If this was an act, then big deal.


    ''Does Luca like embroidery?''


    I don''t hate it.


    What''s the point of answering honestly, I poke at myself in my mind.


    I mean, it''s a weird question, even though I would normally think that I would like it if I was embroidering.


    ''What''s wrong with embroidery?''


    Yeah, actually...


    Crono pulled a wallet out of his pocket.


    It''s a pretty old wallet.


    Why wouldn''t he buy a new one when he owns such a luxurious boxcarriage?


    ''My wallet is in shambles, so I thought I''d have it made.


    I can''t.


    You answer immediately and immediately realize your blunder.


    In a situation like this, it''s less horrible to say you''re sorry.


    But Crono is unperturbed.


    ''Can''t you?''


    No, I don''t have any fabric and coloured thread.


    I tell him why I can''t, relieved that I didn''t displease him.


    That crate contained a mirror, a comb, a change of clothes, and an immediate living allowance, but it didn''t contain cloth and colored thread.


    The immediate living expenses - I can buy as much as I want by cutting up ten gold coins, but I want to keep them for emergencies.


    ''Oh, I see. Of course, I''ll pay for the materials.


    Oh, thank you.


    Luca looks at Crono sullenly.


    I don''t think he''s a bad person, but he''s smelly.


    My instincts tell me that I should be wary.


    ''''What''s wrong?''''


    No, no.


    ''Is it because it''s not what they say it is that they''re being warned?


    .....


    Luca gasped, and Crono laughed.


    What a smile of a do-gooder, if you will.


    ''So, what did you say about me?''


    ...womanizing.


    That''s terrible!" chuckled Crono.


    He said, though, that his coworkers were kind and courageous, besides being a womanizer.


    He also said that there were other things that gave him creepy, cold eyes.


    ''But that''s not what Luca was hearing either.


    Gulp, Luca grunted.


    It was unwise.


    Why didn''t we think that they were gathering information about us too?


    ''I heard you were frustrated and not pretty?


    Who told you that?


    No, no one said that.


    The blood on my head instantly receded.


    They had put a sickle on me.


    The moment I realized that, Crono seemed like a hell of a jerk.


    ''Are you the one?''


    Yes.


    Luca was miffed and said back.


    ''Are you the one who''s bare?


    Hmmm, what do you think?


    Crono crossed his arms and tilted his head.


    ''So why have you been asking around about me so much?''


    I was ordered to be your mistress.


    Luca confided the truth in desperation.


    ''Oh, I knew it,''


    If you expected it, don''t bother asking me, you''re a dick.


    I don''t want to hear it from him, just for the record.


    I think I''m being rude I think I''m being rude I think I''m raging, but Crono is unperturbed.


    ''What did Sif say?''


    He said he didn''t want to lose his current treatment.


    ''I''m not going to change the way I''m treated without doing this!


    Crono said blurting out.


    I thought he might be a good guy, but I''ve already decided in my mind that he''s a jerk.


    I shouldn''t revise my assessment so easily.


    ''''Hmmm, does that mean you mean it?''''


    I mean it. ''I mean it.'' ''The power of vermin extermination and the Confederacy of Tribes is essential to the protection of the merchants.


    It doesn''t seem like he''s lying, but it feels like he''s hiding something.


    I have the feeling that he''s going to boast that he wasn''t asked.


    ''You''re hiding something from me, aren''t you?


    Yeah, sure.


    ....


    Crono is unfazed by the glare.


    ''After all, you can''t treat the people who are on your side until the end with no disrespect, can you?


    I knew it?��To the end?��.........!


    He gulped.


    This guy is going to make the Confederation of Tribes an asset.


    And he''s going to use it up too.


    ''''You.........


    ''For the record, I don''t expect you to be on my side all the way down to the women and children, do I?


    Guh, Luca grunted.


    Crono might be, but Sif should be ready to use up the residents of the frontier village for his migration plan.


    Once he realized this, he felt fiercely embarrassed.


    I thought I was the only one who was losing money.


    But it wasn''t.


    I was taking the same, or even greater, risk as myself.


    And yet Luca only thought of himself and spoke only of resentment and bitterness.


    You''re a real pain in the ass.


    I don''t think it''s that bad~


    Crono said blurting out.


    ''I think it''s rather terribly preferential.


    ....


    Luca couldn''t say it back on the spur of the moment.


    Staying on his side until the end was just a verbal agreement made between Crono and Sif.


    Believing that, they have accepted more than a thousand different tribes, acknowledged the same rights as the fiefs, and talked to the surrounding lords to ensure that they would not be disadvantaged in other fiefs.


    It could even be said that they are being treated generously considering the treatment the Confederation of Tribes has received so far from the guildmasters of the Free City State group.


    I''m sure that Crono is like a mirror.


    If we show our appreciation, they will respond accordingly.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time with the help of your friends and family.


    I''m sure Sif knew Crono was that kind of guy, so he promised to stay on his side until the end.


    And he succeeded in that plan with flying colors.


    Huh?��Luca tilted his head inwardly.


    Sif had said that Crono disliked public life, but he wondered what he was offering his mistress in exchange for that kind of personality.


    ''''Well I have a question for you?''''


    Like what?


    What if?��What will you do for me if I become a mistress?


    I don''t mind if you let me do it without a trace, but not with strings attached.


    You just said a surprisingly prickly line.


    Luca spat.


    ''Not very good, but I won''t pursue it. So, answer the question.


    I don''t like it when you use your power to do whatever you want with it.


    It''s not surprising.


    Three wives, ten or more mistresses behaving as they please, it''s out of control.


    "Other than that, other than that.


    Basically, when the child is born, he or she is recognized. If the other party is a commoner, the child cannot inherit the land, but the child''s support and living expenses during the pregnancy will be taken care of. The same applies if you become ill or injured and are unable to work. If you want to concentrate on raising your child, please contact us.


    It''s pretty generous.


    Because I want the woman I love and my children to be happy.


    It was sarcasm, but Crono was good at it.


    But if you''re making such a promise, we don''t have to be concubines.


    That''s an awful lot of attitude for someone who wants to be a mistress.


    Shut up!��I was just a little desperate!


    Luca yelled at Crono and let out a deep sigh.


    ''You''re not going to be a mistress anymore?''


    I told you I didn''t want any strings attached.


    ''I don''t like it when people mistake my power for their own.


    When Luca questioned him back, Crono said, in a nonchalant manner.


    It seems that he is not only good at mending his exterior, but also has a thick skin.


    ''''If you''re going to hit on me, make sure it''s Karis.


    Like I have a bad personality and if I''m going to go out with you, it should be with a girl like Charis?


    Who is this guy?


    I was annoyed with Crono, who made a shiner and said in a backhanded voice.


    ''My mistress has a daughter named Elena.


    So what?


    He''s got a bit of a harsh personality, but I think that''s what makes him so cute.


    I don''t have the "I think you''re pretty" look on my face.


    Crono is laughing, but the wickedness is evident.


    ''I don''t mind your age,''


    If that''s how you think you''re approaching me, you''re screwed.


    Luca put his sewing kit away in the pouch and stood up.


    ''Are you going to go now?''


    Yeah, because I feel like I''m gonna hit you if you keep talking.


    Rough footsteps made their way to the doorway of the diner.


    ''Luca!''


    What!


    What about the wallet?


    ''Bring me the cloth and the coloured yarn!��And then we can talk about it!


    Luca yelled at him and left the diner.


    He cursed at Crono using all the words he knew in his mind.


    ''Huh, Luca?''


    As I turned the corner of the hallway, I ran into Karis.


    ''Has something good happened to you?''


    What?


    ''No, no, she seemed happy to see me...''


    That''s impossible.


    Luca said coldly and went to his room.


    By the way, the yarn and cloth were delivered to his room the next day, I''m such a cheap woman!��And it would be some time later that he would be writhing in his bed in a cheap hotel.

 117-Episode 5 "Sea" Correction

    *


    June, 43rd year of the imperial calendar--Alan hid behind a rock and clenched his crotch. His vision was covered by a cloud of dust and the impact was intermittent.


    He wanted to get away as quickly as possible, but when an accident happened, he should hide in the shadows. That''s what I''ve learned over the past month.


    Of course, there is no guarantee that I will be able to protect myself. Even if you hide in the shadows, if you hit a shattered rock, it''s over.


    Even if you escape serious injury, if your injuries worsen, it''s over. If you can''t move, you''ll be shoved into a decaying hut.


    Then you die. There are no doctors here, not even bandages. No one could be saved under such circumstances.


    Even the uneducated Alan could understand such things.


    ''.........d*mn.


    I shouldn''t have come to this place, he continued in his mind. Alan made a living picking up trash in the Imperial City.


    He crawled around the marketplace for food and roamed the streets picking up rusty nails and other things. Sometimes he dredged up dumps because that''s not enough to make a living.


    If you''re lucky, dredging dobbing in the area where the nobles live can earn you a lot more money than picking up trash, but the competition is fierce.


    If you run into a rival, you''ll get into a fight, and if you''re not good at it, you''ll kill each other. Well, it''s the same with garbage pickers.


    It''s hard, dirty work in both cases. They don''t get any respect. If you pick up trash, you''re a garbage worm, if you pick up garbage, you''re a garbage worm, if you dredge up garbage, you''re an earthworm.


    Young men are even labeled as half-wits. Those who belong to a criminal organization are considered higher in rank.


    I want to be respected. I don''t want to be called a half-brained person. This is why I participated in the construction of the mausoleum.


    As it turned out, it was a naive idea. The income was more stable than that of a garbage collector, but the danger was incomparably higher.


    I saw a number of people die or be crippled in accidents there. Still, when the mausoleum was completed, he felt proud of himself.


    However, such a feeling did not last long. The salary I earned from building the mausoleum was gone in the blink of an eye, and I was back to being a trash picker...a halfwit.


    No, back wasn''t accurate. What awaited Alan was a tougher day than before.


    The construction of the mausoleum was finished and the city was flooded with mass unemployment. Alan lost the struggle and was pushed further to the lowest rung of the ladder.


    It was at that time that he heard that there was an opening for a quarryman in the Baron Bowties'' territory. The pay was not high, but the fact that they guaranteed food, clothing and shelter, and that even inexperienced people could apply for the position was appealing to him.


    I knew what lay ahead for me in the Imperial City. I jumped at the chance to get out of the lowest rung of the ladder and jumped at the story.


    From there, things went swimmingly. The next day, he left Imperial City in a covered wagon, and ten days later, he arrived at Baron Bowties'' territory.


    I firmly vowed to escape from the lowest point while looking at the mountains in the setting sun. However, that vow was lost the moment I saw the abandoned house called the Inn.


    Accidents like today''s happened frequently in the quarry. The cause was obvious. There were no real craftsmen here.


    Amateurs bring their scant knowledge to the quarry and quarry the stone through trial and error. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they fail.


    Every time they fail, people die, and as they do so again, the knowledge is lost. When that happens, you have to start over from scratch.


    I can''t tell you how many times I''ve done that.


    ''d*mn, d*mn it, how did this happen...!


    As he mourned his misfortune, he realized that someone was approaching. At this moment, Alan''s reaction was not relief that his companion was alive, but fear that his life was being threatened.


    That someone would try to hide if they found the shade of a rock. If the two of them shared the space, they would have a better chance of hitting a piece of rock.


    The two men who died because they shared the shade of a rock were in my mind. Both of them suffered terribly.


    They didn''t deserve to die like that. I don''t want them to die like that, and I''m sure that someone else is getting close enough to them to agree. If they know that Alan is behind that rock, they will try to push him away.


    Don''t come over here," he said, clutching a piece of rock. Despite his prayers not to come, that someone is approaching.


    ''Don''t come!''


    Who''s there?


    Alan shouted, and the guy came up to us.


    ''I told you not to come in here!


    Alan threw a piece of rock. The piece of rock went in a straight line and hit that someone - the man who had come with him from the Imperial City - in the forehead.


    He was probably amused by the sudden impact. The man stopped moving for a moment, and the Reaper did not miss the opportunity.


    A flying piece of rock pierced his head and the man fell as if a thread had snapped. Blood poured out, staining the ground.


    I''m not...


    Not bad, I scratched my head. I warned him. And yet the man came closer. It didn''t help that he threw a piece of rock at me.


    ''''Oh shit, what''s your name?''''


    I scratched my head, wondering what this guy''s name was.


    ''It''s John, I believe it was John.''


    It was John who approached me when I was in the wagon. We hadn''t spoken to him since we arrived in the Barony of Bowties, as we had a separate work area.


    John had a stunned look on his face when a piece of rock hit him. Perhaps he hadn''t thought to push Alan away.


    ''''Hi, hi........!


    The next time he was about to scream, his vision swung wildly and Alan collapsed. And before he could comprehend what had happened to him, he lost consciousness.


    Sion was sitting on the sofa in the office of the poorhouse and enjoying a cup of fragrant tea. It''s a special thing to drink incense tea when you''re done with your work.


    He thinks he does, but Granette told him he smells poor. I was shocked when she said I smelled like Baba, but I was also shocked when she said I smelled poor.


    I said it back to him in a quirky way, but he said it back even more and I was at a loss for words. The tea set was a gift and the incense tea was my own blend.


    If I say it smells poor, it might as well be poor.


    ''''Well it''s fine,''''


    Just as he blurted out a small blur, there was a knock on the door.


    ''Come in!''


    I''m home.


    We''re home!


    Theon said loudly, and Granette and Plum came in. They took their cups and sat down on the sofa.


    ''It''s hard to go around the rural areas,''


    Miss Granet, you''re not going to like that.


    Plum plunged into his cup, pouring the incense tea into it. The work of the priests who serve the "Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility" does not end with the transfer of agricultural knowledge and skills.


    The work is not over until we confirm that the knowledge and skills are established in the form we intended, and then we have completed our work.


    ''How did it go?''


    The weather''s been bad this year, so it''s not as bad as last year.


    But it''s the coldest wheat in the world, so I think we''ll be able to minimize the damage.


    ''Yes, I agree with you,''


    Theon nodded, cupping his cup with both hands.


    ''Is there anything else?''


    Speaking of which...


    What is it?


    Suddenly, Granette stood up and bowed deeply.


    ''Mr. Granet!��Have you lost your mind?


    No!


    Granette glared at Plum and shouted at him.


    ''Congratulations on your promotion, Master Zion!


    Ah, now I know why Miss Granet has bowed out.


    Plum turned his contemptuous gaze on Granette.


    ''Um, how do you know that?''


    Theon glanced at his desk. The letter he had received from Temple Headquarters reeking of promotion had just arrived.


    ''I have friends all over the place,''


    ''Huh,'' said Theon, nodding vaguely.


    ''It would be nice if you could nominate me for Chief Priestess.


    I''m not sure I''m going to get a promotion, sir.


    Promotion is on the horizon. You''ve improved your beet breed, you''ve developed new farming methods, you''ve got new tools- a thousand-tooth harvester and a winnowing machine.


    I didn''t get a winnowing tool. I just reported that I saw such a tool. Nevertheless, it''s a simple substitute in principle, so the temple will succeed in replicating it.


    ''The donations are high, and Master Crono has become an ally of the Economic Alliance. We''ll just have to promote Master Zion now, Temple-wise.


    ''Huh,'' said Sion, nodding vaguely again.


    ''Aren''t you happy?''


    Well, I was just going to say no.


    No!


    Granette slammed the table with a bang.


    ''That''s not an opportunity that''s come around!


    But it''s not in my power...


    If you got a chance at a promotion on your own, it''s still all Crono''s power. If you get promoted because of that, it will only make you feel uncomfortable.


    ''''It''s Zion-sama''s power.


    Granette said, looking at Theon. He was more serious than ever. Looking at those eyes, I feel like it might be my power.


    ''Sion-sama, you shouldn''t take Granette-san''s words for granted. Granette-san is just aiming to take over from Sion-sama.


    Grannette''s expression tightened at Plum''s words.


    ''But, of course, there''s more to it than that. I think Master Sion should rise to the occasion.''


    Why?


    I don''t think I''m going to be able to marry you.


    Granette blurted out, and Theon felt a shock as if he had been hit in the head with a blunt object. He felt even more shocked when Plum gave him a pitying look.


    ''''Oh, um, it''s not like I''ve decided I can''t marry you anymore...''''


    How far were you with the Chronosphere?


    My heart leaps. Does Granet know about that ... what Theon is doing in bed?


    No, it can''t be. Sion''s senses have become more acute since he was able to use the Divine Majesty Technique again.


    Even through the door, he can detect Granette''s presence and other such contrivances. However, perhaps he understood what he was doing from something like a lingering scent.


    ''''Why is it limited to Crono-sama?''''


    Master Theon has no other men close to him than Lady Crono.


    I asked, trying to keep my cool, and Granette said it was only natural. I inwardly patted my chest as I realized that the secret hadn''t been exposed.


    ''''So, where are you and Crono-sama?''''


    I don''t know where you''re going with this.


    We haven''t gotten anywhere. I have an appointment to go to Sylvania tomorrow for an inspection, and Shaura and Elsa are with me.


    ''You''d better give up on marriage and choose a career.


    Why do you say that?


    Because there''s nothing going on with that Chronosphere.


    .....


    Theon was at a loss for words. Aside from Crono, it''s hard to be single for the rest of your life. And I just can''t believe that I can get ahead in The Temple.


    I mean, if I had the nous to get ahead, I wouldn''t be selling beats at a stall.


    What do you think I should do?


    You can''t just wait for love to happen.


    Granette said with the attitude of a grown woman, both sour and sweet.


    ''If you don''t approach her yourself, approach,''


    ...approach.


    Theon parroted.


    ''Love is not a passive thing. Now Sion-sama is a herbivore ... or rather, grass, grass.


    ...grass.


    Grass could be eaten by a herbivore if it was grass, but is grass a poisonous plant even if it is grass?


    ''''Oh, but I''ve made an approach...''''


    How?


    I believe in fate...


    Ouch, ouch!


    Granette interrupted Theon''s words and held her temples as if to endure a headache.


    ''Is it that bad?''


    It didn''t work, did it?


    Yes.


    He nodded when Granet asked him back. Indeed, Crono had been donkeyed at that moment.


    ''But what should I do?''


    ''It''s easy. Look him in the eye, fold your hands in front of your chest, and say, "I love you. All you have to do is say, ''I want to be your girl,'' and it''s a one-shot deal.


    ...a blow.


    Well, I didn''t approach it that way.


    The rest of the time, casual touches and glances worked well.


    Would I be able to do that?


    I''m going to take it to pieces.


    I felt like I shouldn''t be shattered, but I decided to shut up and listen to Granette.


    *


    As Crono was working in his office, there was a knock on the door. It was a slightly messy knock.


    After a moment, a sitter opened the door and walked in. Her hair was sticking to her scalp and her clothes were soggy.


    In issuing a trading license to the Commercial Union under the direct control of Emperor Kai''s territory, Crono had sent the sitter and a few of his men for preliminary negotiations.


    Considering the position, there was no need for us to go out here. But he wanted to grasp the atmosphere of the territory directly under Emperor Kai.


    ''''Thank you for your business trip. I''m sorry that you came all the way here, but it was fine to take a good rest today, right?''''


    Thank you for your concern, yes. But we want you to know as soon as possible.


    The sitter walked over, wiping the sweat off his handkerchief, and placed the bundle of papers on the desk.


    There are two bundles of paper. I can tell from the paper quality that one is a report, but I don''t recognize the other. He picked it up and flipped through the pages.


    ''....A list of artisans?


    That''s right, yes.


    The list of names and family members, what craftsmen they are, what they specialize in, and what kind of work they''ve been doing.


    ''Is this over there?''


    I told them that the artisans who responded to the invitation would be exempt from the lease and two years'' tax, and the next day so many of them wanted to...


    ''Which means it wasn''t Baroness Nam Corne''s idea.


    Well, it''s not surprising. To use a card that doesn''t exist as a bargaining chip is simply fraud.


    If you''re a fraud, that''s fine, but Baroness Nam Korne had claimed to represent the Commercial Union.


    ''''There must be........a hundred of them.


    Yes, that''s right.


    Crono chuckled. He said it without guessing, but he was right.


    ''Nah, I''m afraid there''s a backstory to it.


    As you wish, sir.


    I knew it, Crono frowned.


    They are trying to give it away. It would be strange if there was no backstory.


    ''''Of course, one of the factors is that the conditions presented by Crono-sama were attractive to the artisans, yes.


    Do you find it that attractive?


    I suppose it''s a reasonable condition, but I don''t think any proven craftsman would jump at it.


    ''''As a matter of fact... there seems to be a lot of discontent swirling around in Emperor Kai''s direct domain.


    Dissatisfied?


    ''''Yes, there is a smoldering dissatisfaction that I can take over the workshop even if my skills are inexperienced, or I can''t be independent even if my skills are good enough, yes. There is also a glimmer of dissatisfaction with the Commercial Union''s control of the territory.


    ''I see,'' Crono nodded.


    ''I feel like I''ve been physically forced into trouble.


    So?


    ''No, I''ll accept the craftsman. It''s a win-win situation for us.


    Crono leaned against the back of the chair.


    ''But it''s annoying that you seem to have been treated so well. Do you have any better ideas?''


    I thought you''d say so, and I''ve been talking to him about the bond.


    Bond?


    Yes, sir. I''ll need the Commerce Guild to post a bond of ten gold pieces for each craftsman.


    Does that make sense?


    When I told him that if there were no errors in the list, I would return it to him after two years, he was reluctant to do so, but he nodded, yes. Of course, I also told him that I would check to see if the craftsmen themselves had prepared a deposit. What do you think?


    Yeah, I think it''s a good idea.


    Thanks to the sitter''s quick thinking, my hoarding dropped a little.


    ''By the way, did you get enough money for the trip?''


    We were paid enough money so that we could gather more information.


    That''s good to hear.


    Crono patted his chest. The cost of the business trip would include the cost of alcohol. According to my foster father, if you go to a tavern or brothel, you can quickly gather information about the city.


    Elena said, ''''Why do you have to pay for the booze and even the money to buy a woman! I was angry, but I convinced him to agree to it on the condition that he submit a report.


    ''Oh, I''m sorry I just got back,''


    I''m at your disposal. Okay.


    We''re going to be hiring extra clerks.


    ''Oh,'' said the sitter, his eyes widening in surprise.


    ''There are ten of us, and I''m thinking of sending two of them to the faculty.


    Duly noted. I''d like to be in force by the time the taxes are due, yes. Is tomorrow the right day for our meeting?


    I''ve already got a rookie fixer.


    Crono snapped his fingers and the door to his office opened. It was Neige''s second-in-command who opened the door.


    You wanted to see me, sir?


    Redo.


    Neige''s second-in-command scowled in disgust and closed the door. He snapped his fingers again, and with a shrill sound, Neige''s second-in-command suddenly appeared with one knee propped up.


    ''''Ko, what is this?''''


    ''Ning jaaaaaaaah!''


    "Ninjah!


    Crono shouted, and the sitter shouted as if caught in the act.


    ''She is a master of magic of Eastern origin namely a ninja.


    Huh? You''re a ninja? And what''s your name?


    "Ninjas live in the dark...


    ''I''m Klinge Hertz. And I will live in the sunshine and die with my family taking care of me.


    ''I see,''


    ''Yes,'' said Klinge, nodding quietly.


    ''Aside from her background, I''m asking her to direct a mobile theatre company, well, I''m working on a script right now. ''How''s your progress?''


    The bizarre scenes have been reworked in a mild manner. We cut out the scene where the raccoon blows the old lady to death and turns her into old lady''s soup.


    What?


    I told you that the scene where the raccoon blows the old lady to death and makes her soup was completely cut.


    Klinge said, pushing up his glasses.


    ''That scene is just like the original!


    The original version is not acceptable.


    Crono shouted, but Klinge didn''t take it up.


    ''You don''t have enough respect for the original!


    What if the child imitates you?


    ''What kind of child would murder an old man and use him for soup?


    Children are like that, after all.


    "s*xual misogyny, yikes!


    Crono doesn''t understand children. Children can be angels or demons, depending on their education.


    That''s not something to laugh about!


    Crono poked at Klinge, who smiled cruelly.


    ''''........So I''ll fix the bizarre scene. I don''t want it to become a liability issue in case they imitate me.''''


    Well, I''m surprised you''re a ninja.


    The sitter said admiringly.


    ''Do you understand, sir?''


    Do what you want.


    Crono said, feeling disgusted.


    ''''Well then,''''


    Oh, wait a minute.


    He stops Klinge as he is about to leave the room.


    ''What is it?''


    Actually, I have a gift for you.


    Klinge''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''''Well if you''re a ninja, I''d say this is it.


    It''s June.


    When Crono took out a black scarf from a drawer, Klinge raised his eyebrows quizzically.


    ''When you say ninja, you mean scarf, right?''


    ...I''m not a ninja.


    Ninjah!


    Ninjah!


    Klinge was mugging and moving his mouth, but he shouted in response when Crono shouted.


    ''''Well, well, I''ll take what I can get.


    Blushing shyly, Klinge picked up the scarf and wrapped it around her neck.


    ''''Actually........I have a mini-skirt ninja outfit ready for you as well.


    ....


    As Crono reached for the drawer, Klinge disappeared with a shuffling sound.


    ''Escaped. Well, since that''s why, take care of the girls.


    But how do I make contact with them?


    Maybe I''ll meet you outside the room.


    Ha, ha...


    The sitter nodded as he let out a sigh.


    *


    Two sounds echo through the gardens of the Marquis'' mansion. The sound of hammering and clanking, and the sound of hammering nails.


    When I looked into the workshop, I saw that the dwarves were busy working. They are working hard to mass produce the crossbow and iron thorns.


    ''''Crono-sama, what can I do for you?''''


    ''I''m going to Sylvania tomorrow to see how well my crossbow is doing.


    There are 30 of them.


    ...30 cars.


    ''''I suppose it would be better if we could speed things up a bit more.


    We have a very limited number of workers.


    Goldie muttered sincerely.


    ''At any rate, I''ll take ten cars tomorrow.


    I think I get it.


    Well, nice to meet you.


    He tapped Goldie on the shoulder and headed for the stables. There, Cecily, dressed in a black military uniform, crossed her arms in a pompous manner and watched the stables'' expansion.


    ''''Where''s........Silva?''''


    Looking around, Silva was staring at the drawing at a considerable distance from Cecily. Or rather, she seemed to be hiding herself so as not to provoke Cecily.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    "Well I don''t like that woman. I''d rather not be involved if I could.


    When Crono called out to her, Silva said in a whispered tone of voice.


    ''You don''t need to be so alarmed, do you?''


    I''m an architect. Before that I was a horseshoe builder, and before that I was a mason. I''ve fought in fights, but I''ve never been in a hard fight.


    I know.


    You know what I mean?��If that woman goes crazy and goes off on a rampage, I have no way of resisting her.


    I wish I could share that feeling with Faye~


    It''s probably the difference in combat ability. Faye is ready to return the favor. Stopping her from wanting to provoke him is a challenge in its own right.


    I''m going to go talk to him just for the hell of it.


    I''m sorry.


    Cecily jolted as Crono approached, and she shuddered. I thought she was going to run away as it was, but she bit her lip and stopped in place.


    ''''........Cecily.''''


    ''It''s ridiculous to order twenty bad horses when you can deal with the Hammar family.


    Cecily crossed her arms and pouted and turned away.


    ''I''d call him a bad horse, but he''s just an ordinary one.


    ''If we''re going to expand the cavalry, shouldn''t we order a great horse?


    Twenty ordinary horses instead of one great horse.


    Even ordinary horses are not cheap. And since we have to expand our cavalry, we should prioritize numbers over quality.


    "Look, Ceci...


    Don''t worry about your education policy. I''ll follow the head maid''s lead and try to praise and develop it.


    Cecily interrupted Crono''s words and wound up saying.


    ''Praise and extend?''


    What''s that look on your face?��I can do that much myself!


    When Crono frowned, Cecily got angry and said, turning bright red.


    ''Well, education...''


    Speaking of which, how do you like your new maid?


    ....


    When Crono stared at her silently, Cecily''s gaze wandered around as she scurried around.


    ''That blatant...''


    Shut up!��I know you''re trying to humiliate me! Yes!��Going off topic will only buy you time!��It''s not enough to humiliate them, not like a cat teasing a rat!


    Cecily bit her lip as she turned red and screamed.


    ''I didn''t mean to humiliate you today, did I?


    You''re lying!


    I was assured. Apparently, Crono is not to be trusted at all. Well, after what we''ve been through, it''s no wonder.


    Cecily glanced at Crono.


    ''''........Then what do you want?''''


    It''s a distraction and I need you to go away.


    Am I interrupting?��What''s wrong with me?


    Existence?


    Existence!


    Crono said as he tilted his head, and Cecily''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''He says he can''t concentrate on his work when Cecily is watching him.


    Yeah, I get it.


    Cecily said regretfully, turning on her heel.


    *


    The next day, when Crono went out into the garden with the box, the three of them - Theon, Shaura and Elsa - were waiting in front of the covered wagon.


    ''''Good morning, Crono-sama,''''


    Good morning!


    As Theon bailed, Shaura and Elsa saluted Crono. It''s a slightly broken salute, but the attitude is serious itself.


    ''''Crono-sama, I''ve already finished loading the crossbow.


    Goldie emerges from the shadows of the covered wagon.


    ''Good work,''


    The crossbow is in its own box.


    When Crono called out to him, Goldie took a large box out of the covered wagon and opened the lid. Then he tilted the box so that we could see it.


    There was dried straw inside the box, perhaps as a buffer.


    ''Thank you,''


    No, no, no, it''s my job.


    Goldie closed the lid and put the box back on the wagon.


    ''Well, shall we go then?''


    What?


    When Crono called out to her, Erza asked back. ''Erza-san,'' said Shaura, bashing her two arms.


    ''''Is something bothering you?''''


    In this carriage, sir?


    Yes,


    ...and the boxcarriage?


    Elsa looked upwards at Crono. Apparently, she wanted to ride in the box carriage. If I had known that, I would have prepared a box carriage.


    ''''I''m sorry, but you''ll have to put up with the covered carriage today.


    No, that''s not what I''m saying...


    Maybe he wanted to ride in a boxcar.��Crono nodded his head. Elsa glanced at him and opened her mouth as if she''d made up her mind.


    ''''Ki, aren''t nobles supposed to ride in fine carriages?


    I''m very attached to this carriage, you know.


    When Crono tapped the top, Elsa looked like a pigeon had eaten a pea gun.


    ''Let''s go then,''


    Good," he said, riding the covered wagon and sitting down in the empty space. The next person to get in was Sion.


    Sion sat next to Crono without hesitation.


    ''''.........um?''''


    Hey, how can I help you?


    When I called out to him, he replied in a supercilious voice. The fact that his eyes are glazed over is very disturbing, but he doesn''t pry.


    I don''t want you to ask me if I believe in fate, as I have always done.


    *


    The wagon slowly slowed down and stopped in front of the deputy government office.


    ''''I knew it, my body hurts!''''


    Crono dismounted from the covered wagon and stretched out. He glanced at the wheels with a glancing glance. Although the suspension has been strengthened, the ride is not as comfortable as an automobile.


    ''''Well it would be nice if I could make a tire, but I need a rubber tree.''''


    Goldie is developing rubber, but development has been slow. He''s been mixing vegetable oil with soil, mixing other plants, mixing ore, heating the mixture, and all that kind of stuff.


    There are no potatoes, and I let out a small breath, wondering if I''ll have to find a new continent. My heart breaks just thinking about what it would take to sail the open sea.


    I''m amazed at how our ancestors - of the original world - were able to develop all sorts of technology by hand.


    As I was thinking about this, Sif approached with two men in tow. One was a bearded man and the other was a red-haired young man.


    ''''I''ve been waiting for you.''''


    Oh, there you are.


    You''ve been given a weapon. We''ll have to wait.


    With a bitter smile, he took out a box of crossbows from the covered wagon.


    ''''........This is the crossbow developed by the dwarven wonder technology.


    I was about to kneel to open the lid when Sif propped the box up from underneath me.


    ''It''s not a good way to get Master Crono to kneel,''


    Thank you.


    Sif''s eyes widened lightly as he slid the lid off and took out the crossbow.


    ''When you put your foot on the tip ring and pull the string, it automatically locks in place. Now all you have to do is aim and pull the trigger.


    ...Is this the arrow?


    The bundle of paper fell to the ground just as Sif pulled a bowgun arrow from the box. The bearded man picked up the bundle of paper faster than Crono could bend over.


    ''''Well here you go.''''


    Thank you.


    Crono took a stack of papers from the bearded man and flipped through them.


    ''It''s an instruction manual, isn''t it?''


    A bunch of paper ... put the instruction manual back in the box. Well, the manual is just a brief description of how to use and maintain it.


    ''May we keep these?''


    I''ve got ten of them. What do you think?


    Crono asked back, and Sif fell silent as he thought about it.


    ''I don''t think ten units would be a problem, but anything more than that would have a negative impact on resident sentiment. We don''t want that.''


    Can I leave the 11th car in the custody of the magistrate''s office?


    Yeah, that''s all right.


    ''Hey,'' Sif called out, and the bearded man and one other person began to unload a box of crossbows from the covered wagon.


    ''''How are........Karis-dono and Luca-dono doing?''''


    ''They''re both doing well. Karis has started growing flowers in her flowerbed, and Luca...


    Crono pulled his wallet out of his pocket.


    ''Is this from Lord Luca?''


    Yeah, he''s into embroidery, or sewing. He made me a wallet. I''m working on some curtains now.


    I add a small, smaller one, but it could have been something smaller. Then Sif''s mouth twitched slightly.


    It''s not the dark smile that comes to mind when your plan goes as you wish. It''s that kind of smile that leaked out unintentionally with relief.


    Aside from Karis, Luca was a bit of a thorn in his side, so maybe he was worried.


    Well, I don''t think you should order such a person to be a concubine.


    Couldn''t we market it as a traditional craft?


    Sif crossed his arms thoughtfully as he handed the box to the bearded man.


    ''It''s not impossible, but there are a few problems. We don''t have weavers. Of course, we have no sales channels.


    Now it was Crono''s turn to think. He had a dressmaker under him, but no weaver. We will have to buy cloth, but that will make it more expensive. As for sales channels, I think we can use the Sinner Trade Association and the Peddlers'' Guild.


    We could collaborate with the Schinner Traders'' Union.


    Korobo?


    Sif raised his eyebrows quizzically.


    ''''Well I''m not sure what the word means, but if it means joining forces, then it''s possible. But in that case, wouldn''t it be in Crono-sama''s interest?


    I won''t bore you with the details, but the more money the ''Sinner Trade Association'' makes, the better off my pocketbook is going to be.


    If there was a problem, it was that he had to negotiate with Elaine to secure the interests of the Confederation of Tribes.


    ''''Well ... I see.''''


    Well, you think about it.


    Oh, and just as Sif nodded, the door to the deputy''s office opened. It was Kane who came out.


    ''Well, you''re here early,''


    I''m right on schedule.


    Really?


    Kane scratched his head as if he was topsy-turvy.


    ''What are you going to do after this?''


    We''re going to the frontier village. How can I help you?


    Crono asked, and Kane looked bummed out.


    ''Elaine wants to see you,''


    I''ve been wanting to talk to you, too.


    When Crono looked at the covered wagon, Sion leaned forward.


    ''I''m sorry, but I''m going to go ahead and... ah, it might drag on.


    I understand. Leave the inspection to me.


    Theon tapped himself lightly on the chest.


    ''Shaura, I''m sorry.''


    Oh, don''t mind me!


    Shaura straightened her back and said in a supercilious voice.


    ''Mr. Sion, the rest... and before that...''


    Crono took the box out of the covered wagon. He didn''t make the sticky mistake of mistaking it for a crossbow in terms of weight.


    ''What''s that?''


    The future?


    Theon made a scowl.


    ''Please go to the pioneer village!


    As Crono raised his voice, the covered wagon began to move slowly.


    *


    When Crono was led by Kane into the reception room of the agency, Elaine was sitting on the sofa. She was dressed like a clerk, and the way she stretched her back was full of neat charm.


    However, one should not be caught off guard. Even though she looks neat and clean, she is firmly laden with venom.


    ''''It''s been a while.''''


    Well, I''ve been to the Imperial City.


    Crono put the box on the table and sat down on the couch.


    ''Can I go back to work?''


    Stay here!


    Oh, yeah.


    When Crono raised his voice, Kane closed the door and leaned against a nearby wall.


    ''So, what do you want?''


    ''I''ll be blunt. I need to use a magic item for ultra-long distance communication.


    I didn''t think it was an unexpected offer. In fact, it seemed more strange that he hadn''t cut it out before.


    ''Why?''


    Of course it''s because it looks convenient. Unlike the big companies, we don''t have the same kind of personnel, so when something goes wrong, I''m called upon to give instructions. And every time I do, I have to make the horses run like crazy. I don''t like it.


    Elaine said in disgust. Whether he meant it or not, it''s probably true that the training of personnel hasn''t kept up with the speed of the organization''s growth.


    ''''It''s fine to use magic items for ultra-long-distance communication, but do me a favor... why do you look so disgusted?''''


    Because I don''t want to.


    Elaine frowned in deep disgust.


    ''''I don''t think I''m asking you to do something so outrageous, though?


    ''Sure, we''re letting you make money, but the rest of the Chamber of Commerce will soon follow. I''d like to see you suck a little more of that sweet juice.


    With that, Elaine ruffled her hair.


    ''So, what''s your request?''


    You want your fee paid, don''t you? A month''s worth of gold.


    You won''t get a hundred gold pieces. I''ll give you ten gold pieces at the most.


    I was bargained down before I could say no. Even so, it is not too much to bargain down to one-tenth of the price suddenly.


    However, there is something I would like to ask you to do as well. In order to continue our friendly relationship in the future, concessions will be necessary.


    ''''........Okay.


    I''m glad you responded so openly.


    Hey, hey, is everything okay?


    Elaine smiled happily, and Kane interrupted her.


    ''What do you mean it''s okay?''


    ''You can''t use the magic item for ultra long distance communication unless you''re in front of a terminal, right?��What do you do when one of you isn''t there?


    Oh, and Crono understood what Kane was saying. What do you do when the receiver is not in front of the terminal?


    He could send a soldier or servant to call for them, but as Crono, he didn''t want to add any extra work.


    ''''We can always be on standby.


    In the Oval Office?


    Why don''t you build a room for the device?


    Kane asked, and Elaine said in a tone of voice that said what a simple thing to say.


    ''But wouldn''t that mean the others would hear?''


    Are you going to lease it to another chamber of commerce?


    You can''t give Elaine the benefit of the doubt, can you?


    ''Guh,'' grunted Elaine.


    ''A room dedicated to terminals is a good idea.


    But who''s going to hear it?


    Why don''t we set up a waiting room? When you give me the name of the Chamber of Commerce, you can go and call for a soldier or a servant waiting in the wings.


    I see, Crono nodded. That way we can communicate in a timely manner. Well, we''ll have to have a standby attendant instead.


    ''I wonder if there will be an impersonator or something?


    You''ll be fine as long as it''s in code.


    Oh," he exclaims in admiration. It''s the quintessential Kane. If you decide on a code word, the probability of it being misused is greatly reduced.


    ''''........As for the magic item for ultra-long-distance communication, let''s say we operate like that.


    It''s a beautiful wallet.


    Elaine muttered quietly as Crono pulled a purse out of his pocket.


    ''''This was made by our maid Luca.


    Ah, the son of the Confederacy.


    Where do you get your information from?


    A lot of things. A lot of things.


    Kane plunged in, but Elaine brushed off.


    ''So what''s the deal with this?''


    ''I was wondering if you could sell it to the ''Sinner Trade Union''. Of course, in a way that returns the profits to the Confederation of Tribes, so that their share would be at least fifty percent!


    "You needn''t be so sure, I''m not going to be a fool.


    Elaine said, sounding miffed, but Crono wasn''t good-natured enough to believe her words.


    ''Kane, please be present when we sign the contract.


    That''s what Sif knows all about.


    Kane cowered lightly.


    ''Just two requests?''


    There''s one more thing.


    Tsk.


    Elaine clicked her tongue abominably. I don''t know how far it''s an act, but it''s sober and hurtful when a beautiful woman does that to me.


    ''''........I wish I could sell this too.


    Crono pulled the box to the center of the table and opened the lid.


    ''''Well what''s this?''''


    The future.


    Elaine looked at Crono with eyes like she was looking at a bug. Apparently even a talented woman like her can''t understand the contents of the box.


    It''s a shame. It''s a shame. It''s not the fact that they look at you like you''re a bug. It''s a shame you can''t understand the future.


    "The future?


    Curious, Kane moved away from the wall and peered at the box. Then, he let out a sigh that couldn''t have been deeper than this.


    ''''.........The future is your underwear?''''


    Oh, my God, does this look like underwear to you?


    Elaine said in a provocative tone and fished through the box.


    ''The strings, the lace you can''t hide anything. I''m going to ask you one more time, do you really think these look like underwear?


    Don''t mess with me.


    ''Yes,'' said Elaine, leaning against the back of the sofa.


    ''You want me to sell this, to me?��Or do you want me to use it?


    I was wondering if it would sell.


    Elaine let out a sigh that couldn''t have been more profound.


    ''How, how are you going to sell it?''


    It''s just to give some excitement to a couple who are in a bit of a rut and you''re the only one who can afford to look like a jerk!


    Don''t make me shrivel up, it''s disgusting!


    Kane would understand if he was a man, too!


    Don''t dump it on me!


    Crono leaned forward and shouted, and Kane let out a scream.


    ''No, you know what I mean!��If I took off my clothes and put on naughty underwear and had my face turned red with shame, it would make you feel copious!


    So don''t dump it on me!


    Kane let out another screaming sound.


    ''Not copious?''


    I know how you feel, but please don''t say it.


    Kane turned away awkwardly.


    ''''Well you don''t know how you feel, do you?''''


    Oh, when did you two...


    Sensing the sweet and sour atmosphere, I looked forward and saw Elaine looking at her underwear with a divine face. The face she was putting on was that of a cold-hearted merchant.


    Apparently, the sensor that detects Crono''s sweet and sour disposition is broken.


    ''You can have the underwear, right?


    Come in, come in.


    Crono closed the lid and held the box out to Elaine.


    ''Your place is a high-class whorehouse, isn''t it?''


    ''Yes, but I''m open to new ideas. Mister Crono, do you have any other interesting ideas?


    With that, Elaine leaned forward.


    When I finished talking with Elaine and went outside, the sun was leaning heavily.


    ''''I''m ... tired.''''


    Well, that''s a lot of talking.


    Crono blurted out, and Kane said in a tone of dismay.


    ''That was very helpful,''


    Elaine brushed past Crono and Kane, flipped around, and bowed gracefully. It was a brilliant move, as if they were dancing.


    ''Glad to be of service,''


    I''ve shown my maniacal knowledge as requested, but I hope that I can secure a certain number of customers.


    If he can''t do that, Crono will be the only maniac in this world. At least that''s what Kane and Elaine think of him.


    ''Next time you come into my shop, I''ll give you a service.


    Thanks for the thought.


    If I''m served poorly, I''m going to be vulnerable.


    ''Yeah?��Let me know if you change your mind.


    Elaine left with a flutter and a wave of her hand.


    I see the boys from the tour are back in town.


    There was a rattle, and the wagon stopped in front of the deputies'' office.


    ''I want to go to the beach now, do you think we can make it?''


    You can''t do that where you''ve been bathing.


    So, the harbor.


    While Kane and I were talking about such things, Theon and the others got out of the wagon. I wondered what was wrong, but all three of them were not in good spirits.


    ''''All three of you are back. What''s up?''''


    Well it''s not like there''s anything wrong with me.


    Theon said in a voice that sounded like a mosquito buzzing. Perhaps Shaura had had an awkward reunion with Dino.


    There was no way it was going to be an emotional reunion. Still, Shaura wanted some kind of connection.


    ''''Let''s........go see the ocean.


    What?


    The ocean, the ocean. Wasn''t that the plan all along?


    Oh, um, but...


    Crono grabbed Theon and Shaura''s hands and started walking away.


    *


    The sun is slowly sinking into the horizon. The waves glisten and form a path that stretches all the way to the sun.


    ''....This is the sea.


    Huh, that''s great.


    Shaura was stunned, Elsa said, impressed. Crono let go of Shaura''s hand and stroked her head with an eagle.


    ''''Ah....''''


    It''s not easy being disconnected from your hometown.


    Crono spun the words as he remembered his former world. However, there were no words that could save Shaura''s heart or heal her wounds.


    ''''I''ll try to make my territory a home for Shaura ... for everyone.


    ...Lord Crono''s estate is my home.


    Shaura muttered softly and Crono pushed her back lightly. He didn''t put much effort into it, but he stepped on the tatara.


    ''Go look at the sea. But don''t go too far.''''


    Yes!


    Shaura replied cheerfully and ran off with Elsa''s hand in tow.


    ''Um, Crono-sama, well, you know, give me your hand.''


    Oh, I''m sorry.


    When Crono let go of his hand, Sion stared at the setting sun.


    ''''Well I''m no good. It''s just like Crono-sama was worried about.''''


    I think I''m coming to terms with that.


    It didn''t end the way Theon had hoped, but he knew that the frontier village couldn''t be his home. That alone would be a harvest, wouldn''t it?


    ''''........Thanks to Crono-sama.


    Theon folded his hands in front of his chest.


    ''I am constantly being helped by Master Crono.


    Well, I guess I can''t say I''m all there.


    They are helped by the operation of the poorhouse and the teaching of agriculture. A relationship where one of us benefits one way or the other is not going to last.


    ''They always help us and I don''t think we should have that kind of relationship...''


    Sion is moping.


    ....


    This is a confession, Crono said, as he strained his facial muscles. A lot of things would be ruined if he lost his chemistry in this situation.


    ''''Ah, but not just because you''re helping me, well...''''


    Theon turned over in embarrassment and gripped his robe.


    Silence descended.


    All that could be heard was the tide and the cries of seagulls.


    How long had he been silent?


    Sion turned to Crono and opened his mouth as if he''d made up his mind.


    ''Shukidefu!��I love you!��Turn me into a chrono-chama''s manny!


    Crono gushed at Kamikami''s confession.


    *


    That night - Crono made love to Theon. She was surprisingly obedient, even though she got carried away and was high-handed and accused him of being high-handed.


    It was impressive that she would ask him constantly if it wasn''t strange or strange.

 118-Episode 6 "Inspection"

    *


    Mid-June, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - what would be the point of doing this? Such thoughts passed through his chest, and Farnos stopped writing his report.


    Two months since Alfort ascended the throne.......the security of the imperial capital has continued to deteriorate. Theft, extortion, and robbery are a daily occurrence.


    The cause was due to Alfort''s placing provincial lords and resigned corrupt officials in important posts to ensure his power.


    At the very least, he could have minimized the problem if he had put the civilian officials, who had been given the cold shoulder by Vizier Alcor, in important posts.


    At least they have the knowledge and experience. But the local lords do not have that. So the Finance and Shoshu Departments have become dysfunctional and corruption has become rampant again.


    The sentence depends on the money. If they are caught, they can be released if they give a bribe. Sometimes the case itself is dismissed as having never happened.


    Furthermore, the unemployment measures have added to the deterioration of public security. The state provides jobs for the unemployed. Normally, this would be a welcome development.


    But what if they were working in the mines and quarries, where rumors were viciously whispered that they would be forced to work to death in harsh conditions?


    Farnos and the others had to experience the answer to that question firsthand. Criminals ... the poor began to resist to death.


    When that happens, we will have no choice but to fight back with force as well. I couldn''t order my men to run out of words against a deadly, violent criminal.


    Some of them became quiet when they knew they would be severely beaten, but not a few were willing to counter with even more severe violence.


    No deaths have been reported from his own men, but there have been deaths in other city blocks. I''d like to catch them, but I can''t because the criminals have fled to the slums.


    The slums were bad before, but now they are worse than ever. It has become a lawless area where the guards can''t reach.


    "...Why?


    He let out a deep sigh, wondering how it had come to this. When Alfort had ascended the throne, I had hoped that he would give me a new wind of power with his youth.


    I thought it was a foolish thing to do. It was so ridiculous to expect an awakening of hidden power or a demonic spark in a crisis.


    Now that I think about it, I guess I was just antagonistic to Prime Minister Alcor''s ... era of civilian officials rising to the occasion.


    ''''Huh.........''''


    I let out a sigh again and move my pen. I can''t get rid of the thought of what this will do to me.


    Still, I can''t give up on my work. If I give up on my work here, I''ll lose something important.


    That''s how I felt.


    There are two contracts on the desk in the office. One is a contract that permits the Commercial Union under the direct control of Emperor Kai to operate on the territory of Crono.


    However, it only specifies the fee for the use of the port and the rent for the land. It''s a pretty rough condition, but this is because the merchant associations belonging to the commercial union couldn''t get their feet wet.


    Naturally, each chamber of commerce has a different number of members, as well as a different financial situation and business plan. Some merchant associations are able to move quickly, while others are not.


    That''s why they settled on a contract with each other after deciding on the general terms and conditions. It was never an attempt to get a foot in the door.


    The other was a contract with a craftsman. It stated that if the artisans responded to the invitation, they would be exempt from paying the land rent and the tax for two years.


    It also stated that the Confederation of Commerce would act as a contact person and guarantee the identity of the artisans, and that ten gold coins per head were to be deposited as a deposit.


    Baroness Nam Korunu has already signed the agreement and all that remains is for Crono to sign it.


    ''Crono, have you forgotten your name?


    You''re not your grandfather.


    When Crono looked up, Tilia crossed her arms.


    ''Well, well, Princess Tilia. More than a hundred artisans'' lives are at stake. I rather like that discretion.''


    I look ahead and see Nam''s hands clasped together in front of her chest. She has a gentle smile on her face, but looking into her eyes gives me a survival instinct.


    I know it''s okay because we''ve discussed it carefully, but I can''t help but wonder if she''s thinking of something benign.


    ''Crono, I know how you feel, but...''


    Don''t tell me you know how I feel.


    .....


    Tyria moaned softly as Nam looked down sadly into her eyes.


    ''I know how you feel, but the story is already in motion.


    ''Well, yes, but I can''t help but be cautious.


    The signing of the contract is meant to be a final confirmation.


    ''Come to think of it, you really didn''t have to do the signing ceremony?


    Yes, it would be enough to have Princess Tyria present.


    Hmm, Crono nodded and picked up his quill. He wanted to call the Economic Alliance''s people and hold a big signing ceremony, but that was softly refused.


    Well, he didn''t want to do something selfish and have Alfort stare at him. Crono signed the contract while thinking about that and handed it to Tilia.


    The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that the contract is considered to be in effect with this signature. Both parties have no objections, right?''''


    No.


    No, sir.


    Crono and Nam said, and Tilia nodded with satisfaction.


    ''The gold paid in as a deposit will be returned in two years if there are no problems.


    Put some effort into the "if there are no problems" part. This means if the craftsman doesn''t cause any trouble.


    ''The deal is done. Both parties are to work hard to fulfill the contract.


    All right.


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Tilia declares, and the air in the place loosens up a bit.


    ''''Well, I''ll leave you with that.


    If you want, I can send it to you.


    No, no, no, no.


    Nam declines softly.


    ''I understand. Alyssa!


    As Crono raised his voice, Alyssa opened the door and bowed reverently.


    ''Sir, what can I do for you?''


    Please escort Miss Nam to the door.


    Very well. Right this way, then.


    Thank you very much.


    Nam bowed to Crono and walked out of the office with Alyssa.


    ''''I''m.......tired~''''


    ''Tired or not, you just signed the petition.


    As Crono plopped down on the desk, Tilia said in dismay.


    ''Still, what gets you tired gets you tired.


    Is that it?


    Tilia sat down at her desk and crossed her legs gracefully.


    ''''I wish I could learn from your brazenness.


    You''re bold enough.


    When Crono said with a sigh, Tilia raised her eyebrows as if she was miffed.


    ''''I don''t want to be compared to your brazenness towards your relatives.


    ''Crono, there''s a saying in this world that there''s courtesy in intimacy, don''t there?


    I know.


    Well that''s a shame.


    What a shame, Tilia looked down. If I had to add an onomatopoeia, it would be ''Shobon''.


    I can''t help but think about what would happen if I failed. And this time I''m throwing the whole negotiation process to the sitter.


    ''So you''re saying that the sitter wasn''t worried about making a mistake?


    I wasn''t worried I was making a mistake or ruining the sitter''s job. I mean, the craftsmen''s lives depend on this contract.


    Humans are creatures that can''t understand each other~, Crono let out a small breath.


    ''''Anyway, the deal is in order. Why don''t you go and inspect the place and spread your wings?


    It''s not a game.


    Crono straightened up and leaned back in his chair.


    ''Then go play.''


    I''m at work, for God''s sake.


    That''s why I told you to go on the tour.


    Tilia crossed her arms and exhaled as if to say, "Oh dear.


    ''Is it good?''


    ''I''ve got my work cut out for me. I don''t think you can complain about me stretching my wings a bit. By the way, my recommendation would be the theatre.


    ''Oh, by the way, we''ve started performing. And how has the audience responded?


    I think you''re going to check that out now.


    Tilia said with a sigh. ''You''re too hasty,'' he said, as if to say.


    ''It can''t be helped. In my opinion, the performance and the reaction of the customers are not bad. I also like the fact that you''re conveying the lesson in a way that''s easy to understand.''


    They argued over which ones to play.


    Crono muttered sincerely. ''We finally decided to perform The Golden Axe, but it was hard to get to that point.


    ''What''s going to happen to Tickle Mountain?''


    ''Yeah, that freaky story. That was just a mild scene of an old woman being beaten to death, wasn''t it?


    "Mildly beaten to death.


    What kind of bludgeoning is that?


    He quickly rushed in.


    ''All it takes is a few blunt blows, don''t you think?


    ''That''s a very graphic expression. No, but they''re going to turn you into a fireman and drown you just for hitting you?


    Consequences are retribution. Those who see this must learn the lesson that if you harm others, you will suffer unimaginable retribution.


    I don''t want people to say it makes no difference.


    Wouldn''t you think I''m recommending private punishment?


    Wouldn''t it be nice if the rabbit was put to death?


    Capital punishment?


    ''Yes. If you harm others, you will suffer unimaginable retribution; if you personally sanction them, you will be brought to justice by the law. Finally, if the executioner tells you, ''Usagi, I don''t know how you feel, but you should have appealed to the officials,'' it''s perfect.


    I don''t like it.


    There will be no vengeance for a bad aftertaste.


    Tilia said as a matter of course. Even if you ask for extenuating circumstances, they''re going to say it''s not admissible because it''s planned murder.


    At this point, the grandfather is probably an instigation to murder.


    ''For your information, which picture book is Tilia''s favorite?


    Hmm, that''s the one I remember the most. That''s Kintaro.


    It doesn''t say "Kintaro"?


    Here it is.


    If you ask me, I feel like I wrote it.


    What was the story again?


    ''You wrote it down yourself and then forgot. It''s no use. I''ll tell you.


    Tyria said dismissively and cleared her throat with a cough.


    ''Once upon a time, there was a child named Kintaro.


    That''s a pretty orthodox way to start.


    ''Axe carrying, bear riding, horsemanship training ... the manuscript is cut off here.


    Oh!


    He shouts out.


    ''It was, it was. I only remembered the beginning and I threw it out.''


    What''s the story?


    You told me that''s the first thing I remember.


    ''You know something else, don''t you?''


    Tilia leaned forward to say, as if she was curious.


    ''But all I know is that I went to slay the demon, and I don''t remember what happened along the way. The other thing I know is that my son''s name is Kinpei, which may or may not have been the origin of Kinpira Burdock.


    I see.


    Tilia looks disappointed. Well, it''s the same for Crono. The nursery rhyme had such a strong impact on me that I can''t remember what the story was about.


    Why did he decide to write Kintaro if he couldn''t remember it?��Crono stood up, scratching his head.


    ''Hmm, are you going?''


    I''m going to go visit and spread my wings.


    Yeah, do that.


    Tilia nodded in satisfaction.


    *


    I left the office and went downstairs. Then a boy dressed in extravagant clothing was about to leave the Marquis'' mansion at a fast walk.


    He''s a merchant who''s packed into the Marquis'' mansion to use a magic item for ultra-long-distance communications. Although his appearance is admirable, it seems that his status within the Chamber of Commerce is not that high.


    It''s not surprising. If the person in charge of the store is stuffed in the Marquis'' mansion all day long, their work will be slowed down.


    The same goes for the veterans. Inevitably, those who are entrusted with less important tasks will be stuffed into the Marquis'' mansion.


    Crono thinks that as long as they dress cleanly, it won''t be a problem, but other than Nicola and Elaine, the other merchants don''t seem to think so.


    ''''........I thought that since the fee for using it was ten gold coins a month, they would only use it for the ''Sinner Trade Association''.


    When the lid was opened, there were seven applications. Well, at first, they probably thought it was just a matter of taking a ride since the ''Sinner Trade Union'' is trying to do something new.


    The rest is an appeal to Chrono. Judging from the way it was first opened, the merchants must not have been expecting much.


    But that was until they realized the usefulness of the magic item for ultra-long distance communication. As Elaine had said, there was no need to run a fast horse, and it was difficult for discrepancies to occur in the transmission of information.


    Once the merchants realized this, they began to actively use it.


    ''''........It makes me want to increase the scale~''''


    Install magic items for ultra-long-distance communication in the territories that are members of the economic alliance. That alone should increase commercial activity.


    Of course, there are problems. How to persuade the other party, how to share the cost of installation, how to maintain and inspect the item, how to efficiently stretch the communication network, and so many issues just by thinking about it.


    "We are positioned as a leader in an economic alliance, but we can''t just rely on the authority of the royal family. We need to be in a position to lead in both name and deed.


    There''s also a way to get them to approve the installation of magic items for ultra-long distance communication instead of helping them out when they make a huge mistake....


    Yes, that''s the best way.


    Crono walked out, satisfied with the conclusion he had come to.


    It''s finally starting to warm up.


    The weather has warmed up recently after a cold spring. However, it is still colder than usual, which is having a negative effect on the growth of the crops.


    ''We''ve got more land to farm,''


    I let out a small sigh. It seems that thanks to the increase in farmland, the entire territory''s harvest volume is the same as in previous years, but I wanted the rural people to be rewarded in the form of riches for their work.


    ''''........Speaking of which....


    Crono headed for the flower bed. The flowerbed was empty, but the seeds had already sprouted, growing to about knee height.


    He knelt near the flowerbed. It was selfish of me because I had never been interested in the garden before, but I was looking forward to seeing what kind of flowers would bloom.


    As I was thinking about this, my vision suddenly faded.


    ''What are you looking at?''


    ...Oh, Luca.


    When I looked up, I saw Luca standing next to me. He was not wearing a maid''s uniform, but a folk costume ... a loose-fitting robe of sorts.


    ''Is your work good?''


    I''m off duty. I''m off duty.


    Luca ruffled his hair and turned away with a pout.


    ''Where''s Karis?''


    Just because you''re from the same town doesn''t mean you know everything.


    Crono stood up with a chuckle.


    ''''Well I was in my room reading a book.


    A picture book?


    Do you think we''re stupid?��It''s a thick book with a leather binding. You''ve never had a chance to touch a book like that, so it''s rare.


    I know a lot about this for someone who said he doesn''t have everything figured out. Maybe he didn''t want to interrupt his reading.


    He seems to be the type of person who cares about what he''s doing, even though he seems to be so quick to say it.


    ''I''m going on a tour now, but if you''re free, why don''t you come with me?


    A tour?


    Luca made a dubious expression. His tone is not inspection, but shisatsu~. He clearly smells like trouble.


    ''''Until the evening or so. If you want, I can buy you some trinkets or buy you a meal?


    I''ll be fine for the evening.


    I answer after a short pause.


    ''You don''t have any ulterior motives, do you?''


    ''I don''t think you can buy merriment for a trinket or a meal.


    Hmm, I don''t know.


    I''m skittish.


    Let''s go.


    All right, all right, all right.


    As I walked past the workshop, Goldie ran up to me. Surprised, Luca cowered with a jolt.


    ''''Crono-sama, are you going out?


    I thought I''d take a walk around town.


    That''s a good idea.


    When Goldie glanced at him, Luca gave him a mushy look. It looks like he''s complaining with his attitude that he has nothing to be dependent on.


    You''ll be in a mood to stay in the marquis''s mansion, you know. You need a distraction.


    Apparently, Goldie interpreted this as Crono going out with Luca. In fact, it''s the opposite, but I''m going to be a bush snake, so I''ll keep quiet.


    ''Well, I''m off then,''


    Enjoy your stay, sir.


    Crono and the others were seen off by Goldie and left the Marquis'' mansion.


    *


    ''''This is a commercial district. It''s an area that carries a bit of a higher-end product.


    Hmm, so that''s what this place is all about.


    Luca scurried around as Crono explained as they walked through the sophisticated city streets.


    He grabbed Luca''s hand and pulled him closer. Then a carriage passed by. The stalls had become so crowded that it was obligatory to slow down, but if he was run over, he would die.


    ''Thanks. So, how long are you going to hold my hand?


    It''s a bit rough, isn''t it?


    Luca clicked his tongue and shook off Crono''s hand.


    ''Let''s go into this shop.''


    Don''t grab my hand!


    Crono grabbed Luca''s hand again and entered the store ... the "Sinner Trade Association".


    ''Let me go already,''


    Luca waved his arms vigorously and shook Crono''s hand free. Then he realized that the other guests were watching him and turned over in embarrassment.


    Maybe he felt like he was looking at his own clothes. The ''Sinner Trade Union'' is a sophisticated shop popular with young people.


    It''s normal for Crono, but for Luca it''s unknown....as well as away.


    ''''Going around by yourself?''''


    As far as I''m concerned you''re not going to die.


    Luca spat and plucked at the sleeve of Crono''s clothes.


    ''Don''t be shy, and don''t be afraid to push your breasts against me, okay?


    ...men are always like that.


    Crono took a mumbling Luca to look around the store. He was grumpy at first, but his mood gradually improved, probably because he was exposed to something new.


    He stops in front of one display cabinet. Then Luca gasped. It was because the items lined up there were brightly embroidered comb cases and purses.


    ''''........What is this?''''


    It''s a comb rack and wallet made in the frontier villages. I showed Luca the wallet he had made for me, and after persistent negotiations, it was made into a product.


    It was Sif who negotiated tenaciously, and it was Kane who persevered as a witness. Elaine, it should be said, was given a boil.


    Incidentally, the underwear seemed to have contributed to the sales of the whorehouse that Elaine managed, and it was written that if you have any new ideas, please let me know.


    I don''t know how far it was calculated and how far it was plain, but the ink splatter marks were impressive.


    "...I think the reason women who can''t have children in the Bethel Mountains are treated so coldly is because of their limited roles.


    I guess you could say that.


    Luca replies nonchalantly.


    ''So don''t you think your treatment will improve as more of those other roles are added?


    Does it work theoretically?


    I know it''s not easy because people expect you to play a role in having a child, but I''m hoping it''s a start.


    ''''........Lords think that much. I''ve reviewed it.


    I wasn''t thinking about it in the first place.


    It all started when I saw the wallet that Luca had made and wondered if I could make a business out of it. It wasn''t until after the commercialization of the product was decided that I realized that the role of the purse was limited.


    You should have just said "I did the math


    ''That would raise the bar next time. It''s okay if people think you''re a little unreliable. By the way, did you see anything you liked?


    I''ll buy it when I get my paycheck.


    Luca''s mouth fell slightly.


    ''So, on to the next one.''


    Where do you want to take me next?


    The stall district.


    Okay.


    I walk out of the shop and head to the stall area. Outside, Luca is still holding onto the sleeve of Crono''s clothes, but he should keep quiet here.


    ''The stall district is beyond the commercial district,''


    Yeah, there''s a lot of people there.


    I don''t think there''s going to be many people around at this time of day, though.


    The stall area is busy until noon, and after that, the number of people gradually dwindles. After walking for a while, the stalls came into view.


    It''s probably only about 80% of the total that are open for business. Suddenly, something soft touches my arm. Luca pressed against my chest.


    ''You say there aren''t many people here, but for me it''s a lot.''


    You''d be surprised what you get to see before noon. You should come with me next time.


    No.


    Is this what it means to be a grumpy person? Luca answered immediately.


    ''''The stage is ... over there?


    I squinted at the corner of the stall area and saw that a wooden stage had been set up there. Perhaps they were taking a break, but there was no sign of the troupe.


    ''''Oh, it''s the Marquis of Erakis!


    Oh, the priest...!


    Crono''s eyes widened. Because the priest was sitting in a chair. What a surprise. The chair and the table are in place.


    ''What is this woman?''


    Frightened, Luca hid behind Crono.


    ''In case you haven''t met him, he lives in the Marquis'' mansion?


    No.


    Luca answered immediately. Apparently, their living areas did not overlap at all.


    ''''This person is a priest. He''s the high priest of the ''Jet Black Temple'' in the Sacred Argo Kingdom... well, he''s like a brownie who doesn''t work, so don''t worry about it.''


    Oh, you are so outrageous!��Look at this desk and chair!


    "Priestess.


    What do you think?


    The priest proudly tapped the table.


    ''I told you so much that street whoring is forbidden...''


    What do you think I am, sir?


    The priest tapped the table and stood up.


    ''All joking aside, I see you got an offering from your followers.


    Well, that''s why I bought the chair and the table.


    When Crono sat down in the chair, the priest sat down in the chair as well. By the way, Luca is hiding behind Crono.


    ''''What do you teach?''''


    Mm, you''re interested in that?


    I''m a lord, you know?


    What do you mean?


    The priest asked back with a divine look on his face.


    ''''We allow our lords and ladies the freedom of religion, but we believe that religious values should not be absolute.


    You don''t need to worry about that. All I''m saying is that if you believe in the Goddess of Darkness and Chaos, your existence will be acknowledged. Of course, I ask that you make your offerings within the bounds of common sense.


    Good.


    Crono patted his chest.


    ''Now we won''t have to suppress it.


    Oppression?


    The Priestess raised her voice.


    ''''Well, the Priestess is doing it in the Holy Argo Kingdom, so........''''


    No, it wasn''t me who did it.


    ''But you didn''t point out the mistake, did you?


    Well, you know, I mean, that''s true, but my temple is the least politically active and the most powerful in the world.


    The priest was sullen and defended himself.


    ''''I''m also guilty of not doing anything. I ask you to make sure you don''t follow the rut of the Sacred Argo Kingdom.''''


    Yes, I understand.


    Polite language would be a sign of remorse. It may seem like an overstatement, but if the priestess had intervened properly, Ignis wouldn''t have had a hard time.


    ''''Speaking of which, have you heard from your subordinates or General Ignis?


    Yeah, I just got a call from my guy that he''s working hard to get back with Ignis.


    They didn''t ask you to come back?


    They said they could handle it without me.


    The priest turned over and blurted out.


    ''What about General Ignis?''


    The future of the Holy Argo Kingdom rests in my hands and I''m expected to build a relationship with you to help you build a friendship with me, even though you don''t want me!


    The Priestess covered her face as she exclaimed in admiration.


    ''''........pfft.''''


    Not you again!��Do you have a grudge against me?


    The fortune teller next to me erupted and the priest barked. They''re quite a good pair. Let''s make them next to each other again.


    ''''So, I will bury my bones in the Cepheus Empire and spread the teachings of the gods.


    ....


    Say something, will you?��I''m worried about being judged as an unwanted child!


    It''s okay. God is watching.


    "You want human love more than God right now!


    The priest covered his face and plopped down on the desk. He''s glancing at me, so there''s still plenty of room for more.


    ''''Well, I''m going to continue my inspection.


    How dare you leave me standing here!


    As Crono stood, the priestess gabbled and raised herself up.


    It''s not personal.


    You can''t do this.


    Chet, the priestess clicks her tongue. It''s quite a cute gesture, but if you''re a demigod, if you''re supposed to be a demigod, you should be able to be like that.


    ''I guess just living long enough to be enlightened isn''t going to make you enlightened, is it?


    I''m afraid it''s going to hurt my feelings!


    When Crono let out a sigh, the priestess said with tears in her eyes.


    ''''Well speaking of which, what about the performance?''''


    The show is over for today.


    Crono scratched his head, wondering if he should have checked his schedule. But still, the switchover was so quick.


    I''m tempted to suspect that he doesn''t really feel anything as he speaks of being hurt.


    ''No, no, I''m hurt, okay?


    "....read my mind.


    If you looked at me like I was a bug, I''m sure you''d recognize me.


    The priest hung his head helplessly.


    ''So, where do we go next?''


    Next time I''ll be outside.


    Crono looked up at the sky.


    *


    Crono and Luca walked along the walls of Hashel. The destination is the training grounds......................but the stable built before it.


    ''''..............................I can see it.


    It''s pretty big.


    Crono muttered, and Luca sounded impressed. After a short while, the state of the stable becomes apparent.


    It was a simple stable, surrounded by a wooden fence and covered with sand. Twenty soldiers are training in horsemanship there.


    The ones selected for the cavalry are elves and half-elves. The reason for choosing the elves and half-elves is close to elimination.


    Minotaurs and Lizardmen are too large to be suitable for cavalry.


    The beastmen scared the horses away. Bond said that training might make the horses less frightened of the beastmen, but this time the priority was to expand the cavalry.


    ''''Well that''s brilliant.


    Crono mutters softly. There are several logs set up in the stable, and the horses are moving back and forth between them with soldiers on them.


    He looks like he''s riding his horse beautifully. I can''t help but wonder what the difference is, even though I can''t ride a horse well after all these years.


    ''There!��Stop pulling the reins so violently!��There!��Be firm with your horses!��If you pull back on your horse for a bit of rebellion, he won''t obey you!��There.....


    A slightly hysterical voice echoes through the stable. It was Cecily, who had returned to the army as an equestrian training instructor.


    ''You''re angry,''


    She''s an elitist.


    The soldiers would seem to be full of flaws to her, as she was an excellent cavalryman with Brad Hammar, a genius horseman, as her brother, who was a genius horseman.


    ''''You''re so angry all the time ... what''s with your eyes?''''


    ...nothing.


    Crono turned away from Luca. ''I know I''m going to have to put myself on the shelf, but it''s an idea that the training instructor is always angry.


    ''Well, I see what you mean.''


    Then get on with it and pay attention.


    It''s already taken care of.


    That''s...


    Cecily opened her mouth and stumbled, holding her side. She took a knee to Verna, who was next to her.


    ''It''s the aide who has just knee-kicked her as hard as she can.


    Aide?��What about the knee strike?


    Luca has a look of disbelief on his face.


    ''It''s like an externalized conscience, not a training aid?''


    Conscience isn''t something that can be externalized.


    Yeah, but...


    An external conscience I''m anxious to leave Cecily to be a training instructor without a brakeman.


    ''''Oi, you''re hurting me!


    I wouldn''t be kicking myself if you weren''t yelling at me.


    Verna said disgustedly as Cecily crammed up against her side. They are as good a pair as a priest and a fortune teller.


    ''Oh, Master Crono!''


    Don''t take me aside for a minute!


    Verna approached us, holding Cecily''s head under her arm.


    ''What''s going on here?''


    I was just here to see the sights. I mean, get some fresh air.


    ''The lord''s job seems to be very hard,''


    Mm-hmm, Verna nodded repeatedly. Cecily is scrambling to get out, but it doesn''t look like she''s going to get out.


    Apparently, Verna''s training under Neige had given her the physical ability to surpass Cecily''s.


    That''s what makes her worthy of a conscience.


    ''''And that guy?''''


    Verna looked at Luca.


    ''It''s my new maid, Luca,''


    Yeah, I''m Verna. Nice to meet you.


    Nice to meet you too.


    Verna and Luca shook hands with each other.


    ''Are you going to the parade ground?''


    Umm, no, I''ll stop.


    In the training grounds, Dr. Wiseman should be studying the iron thorns and how to operate the crossbow. I don''t want to interfere with that.


    Crono turned on his heel and started to walk away, and Luca followed him. A few moments later, he heard Verna and Cecily arguing, but he ignored them.


    ''Is the visit over?''


    Just in case.


    Yes, Luca mutters softly. It''s probably not my imagination that his voice sounds so lonely. Maybe she didn''t have a place to stay when she returned.


    Come to think of it, she didn''t have any free time because of the embroidery commission. There was no way she would be able to make friends then.


    ''I think I''m going to have a quick bite to eat, will you come with me?''


    You don''t want me to go out with you, do you?


    Join us for dinner.


    Crono reiterated after a short pause. If you can''t go out with me unless I''m ordered to, I''ll at least rephrase it.


    ''I understand. But I don''t want to be in a place with too many people, okay?


    I''ll take care of it.


    I think about where I''m going as I walk. There is no choice, though. The landlady''s shop is a soldier''s hangout, and the fact that I used Miles''s shop will get through to Elaine.


    ''''Well that''s the only place to go.


    Crono looked up at the sky.


    *


    You said you didn''t want to be in a crowded place.


    Luca grumbled and sipped the bean tea. Bean tea is made from roasted beans that have been crushed and dripped.


    It is black and bitter like coffee. I''ve never had it, but I think this is what coffee substitutes taste like.


    ''This is the only place I could think of,''


    But that doesn''t mean there''s no lodging?


    Is that right?


    I guess this place isn''t so bad either~ Crono looked around the room. The room is furnished with a bed, table and chairs.


    It''s an inn that he often uses to meet with Alyssa. It''s located off the main street and the owner is unfriendly, but he''s flexible as long as you pay for it.


    ''Besides, you''ll get the wrong idea.


    You misunderstand.


    Luca blurted out a blur and Crono poked his cheekbones. I understand that she doesn''t want to be misunderstood.


    She is expected to be a concubine, but she has no intention of doing so.


    ''''Are you the one who''s good?''''


    I don''t care about that.


    I wouldn''t walk around town with a woman if I didn''t want to be misunderstood.


    ''Well, you are, aren''t you?''


    Even if you can convince me.


    I know that I''m considered a womanizer. It''s true, and I know best how bad I am.


    However, it''s hurtful to have someone else say this to your face.


    "Just so you know, I''m not a cheap woman who will forgive you just because you buy me a cup of tea.


    Great line.


    If you''re trying to keep him in check, you''ve been very successful. If you buy me a cup of tea and then spout lines like this, I''d normally be donkeyed.


    "I didn''t mean to do that~


    That''s not true.


    Ha, Luca snickered.


    ''''Well how''s life here?''''


    What do you mean by "bushes and sticks"?


    I''m still worried about this.


    .....


    Crono said, and Luca''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''My what?''


    ''My roommate I was wondering if I was getting along with Charis, or if I was getting along with my co-workers. I was worried that I was robbing you of that opportunity because I asked you to embroider.


    ....


    Luca doesn''t answer any questions. What are you thinking about? He is busy moving his eyes. Eventually, he turned his head away from Crono.


    ''Hey, it''s not that I don''t get along with Karis, I get along with my colleagues. And since I like embroidery, I don''t have any reason to be concerned about it.


    Her voice was muffled at the bottom, and the last part was almost inaudible.


    ''....Good.


    What?


    When Crono patted his chest down, Luca turned his gaze to us. I feel like my eyes are moistening, but I should keep quiet here.


    ''''I''m relieved that things seem to be going well in our relationship. Luca................................because he talks in a way that could be misunderstood.


    ....


    Luca didn''t answer again. Crono noticed that the cup was empty. He picked up the pot and poured the bean tea.


    The steam rises and the aroma is fragrant.


    ''Here you go,''


    Oh, thank you.


    Luca picked up the cup and said in a voice that sounded like a mosquito buzzing. He sipped his bean tea and exhaled as if he was relieved.


    ''''Well you know what?


    He cupped the cup in his hands and looked down at the bean tea. Silence descends. The sound of birdsong can be heard from somewhere.


    Crono picks up the cup and drinks the bean tea quietly. It''s bitter, but not as good as real coffee.


    Eventually, Luca opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind.


    ''''Me........I still have ulterior motives, right?''''


    Well, you''re lucky to get laid.


    You''re such a disaster!


    Luca''s expression changed and he stared at Crono with a complete change in expression.


    ''''What''s the rest of the ''me thing''?


    I was going to ask you if you were annoyed with me.


    ...I see.


    Crono nodded, "I guess it''s like I got scared and asked another question," he said.


    ''Not that I''m pissed off,''


    Because you have a mistress with a tough personality?


    Yes,


    Luca has the good sense to be his age. With that in mind, I don''t care about the way he speaks. In fact, I''m even looking forward to seeing when he''s going to get angry.


    ''''Of course, if it''s too much, I''ll be angry because I''m a human being too, and I''ll look to retaliate, but would you be happy to talk to me comfortably?''''


    ''How can you be comfortable talking about retaliation when someone says you''re going to retaliate?


    Just talk like a normal person.


    ...normal.


    With that, Luca interjected.


    ''You see, it''s just as well that you don''t rant emotionally or get violent.


    ''''Well I don''t want to be taken for granted like that.


    Luca raised an eyebrow, as if confused.


    ''Isn''t normal hard?''


    Okay, let''s do a little practice.


    ''I feel like I''m being ridiculous but yeah, I hope you promise not to retaliate if I piss you off during practice.


    You''re making terms?


    Of course.


    Crono asked, and Luca said in dismay.


    ''You don''t think I''m going to break my word?''


    Well I''ll just have to trust that part.


    It''s quite a heavy word. It''s more effective than saying, "I''m not a cheap woman who just bought you a cup of tea.


    I understand. I promise I won''t accuse you of misbehaving while you''re in this room.


    Now we can practice without a care in the world. So, let''s get started, shall we?


    As soon as I announced the start, silence descended.


    ''''You''re not going to start?''''


    You want me to talk to him?


    Of course.


    Luca said, as he should.


    ''If you ask me to speak, where do I start?


    You have a lot of stories to tell about your hometown and stuff, right?


    ...Home.


    Is it okay if you don''t want to talk about it?


    When Crono spoke to himself, Luca said with concern.


    ''Nope, not really. We''re a bit complicated here...''


    You don''t need to get into all those complicated details. It''s just practice. Just go with the right one. Just go with the right one.


    ...where I''m from...


    Crono slowly began to talk about his home.......the southern frontier. As the conversation went on, Luca''s expression changed to one of calm.

 119-Episode 7 "Bu Heng"

    *


    July, 43rd year of the imperial calendar--a red and white curtain was erected in the garden of the Marquis'' mansion. Inside it is Crono, a few clerks, and a large number of soldiers.


    On the other side of the podium stood a single beastman. A werewolf with grey fur. He is one of the oldest soldiers and his name is Gray.


    Gray is staring at Crono with a tightened expression. I''m not sure I''ve ever seen such a thing before.


    If you look closely, your expression is beginning to subtly relax. The equilibrium between joy and tension has already begun to break down. It goes without saying which one has the upper hand.


    Crono looked at the deeds stacked on the podium. The paper used for the deed was made in the paper workshop of the Marquis'' mansion.


    Unlike the ones wholesale to the Pics Trading Company, the Baron Crawford''s coat of arms is watermarked with a watermarking process.


    The watermark is made by carding the paper to create a difference in thickness. Goldie said it''s not that difficult a technique, but we can''t take that for granted.


    Crono picked up the certificate at the top. Then the many soldiers behind Gray gasped.


    ''''...............................Diploma awarded.


    When Crono told them solemnly, the soldiers groaned. As the words of the diploma awarding ceremony indicate, today is the graduation ceremony.


    Unfortunately, we can''t give all the soldiers a break at once because it''s a graduation ceremony, so we had to hold the first graduation ceremony many times, but we can''t spare time for our lovely subordinates.


    These events should be done properly. Well, maybe the reason why I think like this is because I graduated from the military school but did not get a knighthood.


    You have completed your primary education. Crono Crawford, Lord of the Marquess of Erakis, in the year 43rd July in the imperial calendar.


    As Crono read out his diploma, Gray''s body shook with a pull and a little shake. He was probably touched by the fact that he had been recognized for the abilities he had worked so hard to acquire.


    The primary curriculum is about reading, writing and quadrature. It''s hard to answer the question of how much knowledge he has acquired, but it''s safe to say that he has acquired knowledge at the level of an elementary school graduate.


    This is an astounding feat. Two years of education seems like a long time, but if you consider the form of classes, the actual period of education should be less than half a year.


    And moreover, they are soldiers........they can''t just focus on their studies. It''s because they spared no time to study that they were able to finish their primary education course.


    Not one of them failed their graduation examinations. As their supervisor, I''m proud to present them with their diplomas.


    Congratulations, Gray. �� Congratulations, Gray, and I hope that the knowledge you have acquired will be a great help to you in your future endeavors.


    "Oh, thank goodness for happiness.


    When Crono offered his diploma with a word, Gray saluted and accepted it with a shaking hand.


    Gray saluted Crono again, and the new clerk opened his mouth.


    ''No. 253, Drago.


    "...haha...


    The new clerk''s voice echoes through the loudspeaker magic item, and a lizardman stands up after a slight pause.


    The wounds etched all over his body tell the horrific story of the shura that has gone under. As soon as Drago walks away, Gray walks away from Crono.


    His tail is flapping. The rapture still seems to be burning him from the inside out. He wishes in his heart that the knowledge he has acquired will light up your path ahead.


    It''s probably because he can''t promise an absolute guarantee that he''ll have such thoughts. Suddenly, your vision fades.


    Drago stood in front of the podium.


    ''''Diploma awarded, I certify that you have completed your primary education. Crono Crawford, Lord of the Marquess of Erakis, in the year 43rd July in the Imperial Calendar.


    Crono picked up the diploma and read the sentence.


    ''Drago, congratulations on your graduation. I sincerely hope that the knowledge you have acquired will light up your path ahead.


    "...haha...


    Drago saluted and accepted the diploma that Crono offered him. Although he couldn''t see the expression on his face as only a lizardman, he was still somewhat pleased with it.


    ''''No. 254.........''''


    The new clerk called out the name of the next graduate.


    *


    "...we expect this year''s crop to be less than 70% lower than last year''s due to the inclement weather.


    Betil was listening to the head of the finance department, Bowties, in the conference room at Alfirk Castle. The harvest fell to less than 70% of last year''s total.


    That should be surprising, but not if it''s an agenda that''s been repeated over and over again. Frankly, I''m fed up.


    Had he changed his tune, he might not be in this mood, but he talks about the same agenda in the same way and demands the same thing.


    I should say, of course, there is no one who is not fed up with the occasion. Alfort is constantly rubbing his eyes, and Director General Burkmeier is repeatedly sleeping and waking up.


    Director General Ralph Libra is lying on his back and not moving.


    ''It''s clear that we''re losing revenue!��In order not to interfere with the management of the state, I ask that you delegate all authority over gambling establishments to our Finance Department!


    Treasurer Bawties slammed his desk with a bang. If he had come from a civilian background, he might have been afraid of the swordsmanship.


    But Bettyl was a knight. You can''t be the leader of the Kingsguard if you''re scared to death by being knocked on the desk.


    It is even more so when the timing of the strike is predictable. Nevertheless, it seemed to be effective enough to bring the three people who were trapped in sleepiness back to reality.


    Bethyl made sure they were all awake and opened his mouth.


    ''The profits of the gambling house are meant to help the poor. We can''t just hand over the authority to the Treasury, especially if the harvest is going to be 70% of the total.''


    ''You say that the Department of Finance will provide relief to the poor!


    Treasurer Bawties raised his voice.


    ''It''s my job,''


    .....


    When Bethyl replied matter-of-factly, the Director of Finance Bowties choked on his words. If he''s trustworthy, I''m willing to give it up, but unfortunately I don''t trust him.


    And, by the way, I don''t trust the claim that it will be less than 70 percent, either. Tax collectors sometimes underestimate the expected yield.


    If they underestimate the expected yield, they can pocket the difference. How can one trust the Treasury Department, which has become a cesspool for corrupt officials?


    But Bettille can only do what he claims to do. If you tell him that the projected yield is unreliable, the head of the treasury will tearfully proclaim his innocence.


    He might even declare that he would take his own life to defend his honor. When that happens, what will Alfort do?


    I am sure he will say that he believes it. A nobleman is accused of an innocent crime and is willing to risk his life to defend his honor, and the emperor believes in such a man.


    It is a subject that could be used in a scene from a popular opera. I wouldn''t be willing to risk my position to go along with such a trifecta.


    ''If the price of wheat rises, the people''s grasses will starve and the security of the imperial city will deteriorate further.


    ''''Isn''t the security in the imperial capital getting worse and worse!


    Have you ever heard of deterrence?


    You''re all that''s left of you!��He swallowed the words and spoke.


    ''You say that the security of the imperial city is getting worse and worse, but don''t you think it''s only because we are providing relief to the poor that we are getting away with this?


    You don''t know that!


    Yeah, I don''t know.


    That''s right. I don''t know anything about it, I repeat in my mind. I don''t know what the situation is now with the Empire.


    The material presented by the Director of Finance Bawties, the Director of the Shorthand Directorate Burkmeier, and the Director of Military Affairs Ralph Libra seems to be doing nothing wrong, but it can''t be.


    I felt as if I was fighting in a fog. Where am I, where is the enemy, what is the situation of my men?


    What am I supposed to do in a situation where I don''t know anything? At the very least, if they had successfully taken over the system created by Prime Minister Alcor, this wouldn''t have happened.


    ''You don''t know what deterrence is until it is gone. We can''t stop deterrence just because we are not sure of its effectiveness.


    If he didn''t deal with the situation properly, his people would die. How could he not understand such a simple thing, even if he was serving as a provincial lord?


    On the other hand, it might be because he was a provincial lord that he couldn''t understand it.


    ''''Should there be an uprising, the army, the Kingsguard, the sword of His Majesty the Emperor, must be mobilized.


    ....


    As he said to include, the Treasurer Bowties looked at Alfort as if seeking relief.


    ''''As I''ve said before, the gambling house is under the jurisdiction of Prime Minister Bettyl. I''m sorry, but you''ll have to put up with that for a while now.


    "Ha, as you wish.


    He nodded honestly, but he''d be rehashing the same story at the next meeting anyway.


    ''''But. It''s true that the security situation in the Imperial City is deteriorating.


    I''m afraid.


    "You are excused.


    When Bethyl asked, Alfort nodded, twitching his nose in a good-natured way.


    ''What is going on with the matter of arranging jobs for the poor?


    "...the Director of Finance, Bowties.


    The matter is progressing smoothly.


    Alfort gave him a look, and the Director of Finance Bowties replied stagnantly.


    ''That''s right,''


    Excuse me.


    Bethyl bowed deeply. There was no way for Alfort to investigate at this rate. No, the trifecta is going to start.


    ''''Your.........''''


    Military Affairs Director Ralph Libra, allow him to speak.


    "Does Your Majesty know what''s going on with Princess Tyria?


    I''m not interested in that stuff.


    Alfort spat, but the corners of his eyes were twitching in a small way, as if he was upset.


    ''''I heard that Princess Tyria was the initiator of an economic alliance, after all,''''


    "Economic alliance?


    ''I have heard that they have eliminated taxes on transfers between territories and have unified the commercial system ... and the rules for opening stalls.


    The story of the Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, inspires me to be wary. However, it was not against Princess Tilia or Crono.


    It''s because he realized that his own information gathering ability is significantly inferior to his. If left unchecked, he could get his feet under him.


    ''Did you say stall?''


    Yes, sir.


    The Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, smiled serenely.


    ''It''s for the poor, no, it''s for the commoners to earn their day''s money, isn''t it?��What would you do with a unified system of such things?


    ''I don''t know about that, but it''s true that the system was introduced in the Seven Territories.


    The market is what Bethyl thinks of when he says a stall, but apparently the two of them are thinking of something else.


    ''Hmm, it looks like my sister-in-law (Ane) wants to flirt with the people''s grass. Or perhaps she feels that she has regained power by uniting all the lords of the frontier.


    It''s pathetic.


    Well, that''s very sweet.


    Alfort says tauntingly, and Director of Finance Bowties and Director of the Office of the Shorthand Director Burkmeier follow suit.


    Whatever he''s thinking, the Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, smiles serenely.


    ''What do you think, Prime Minister Bettyl?''


    I think you three are right.


    Betil spat out a lie. Although the founder is the Princess Tilia, the one leading the charge is undoubtedly Crono.


    ''''Come to think of it, I heard that Princess Tilia is very close to the Marquis of Erakis.


    Hmmm, the Marquis of Erakis.


    When Ralph Libra, Director of Military Affairs, said, Alfort raised his eyebrows with difficulty. It''s probably because he thinks he''s looking at Crono, and that''s why he''s reacting.


    ''''If it''s the current sister-in-law (Ane), then the Marquis of Erakis will be just fine.


    Yes.


    The balance is correct.


    I''m impressed beyond sympathy that they can take it so lightly. It''s a fearsome talent if you''re acting like it is.


    ''''Well then, the next item on the agenda.


    Alfort waved off another subject as if he had lost interest.


    *


    When the meeting was over, Bethyl headed to Nicole''s group''s base in the Twelfth Ward. Naturally, he didn''t go on foot, but by boxcarriage.


    The noise on the way was terrible, but the area around Nicole''s base was quiet as if it were a lie.


    ''''........Hmm.


    Betil got off the boxcarriage and looked around. Even though it was the Twelfth Street, the bustle was far away and the streets were well swept.


    After a while, the door opened and a small, neatly dressed young man came out.


    ''''Come in, over here.''''


    You guys are staying here.


    He ordered his knight of escort to follow the young man. They were let through to the parlor. Perhaps it wasn''t ready, but there was no sign of Nicole.


    Bethyl sat down on the sofa and looked around. The furniture and furnishings there are not comparable to those of Alfilk Castle, but they seem to be of the first class.


    ''''Hey, sorry to keep you waiting,''''


    I don''t mind.


    ''So, what do you want?��A bribe prompt?


    ''Don''t be a fool. If I take a bribe from someone like you, the market is set to suck me to the bone.


    So, what do you want?


    Nicole asked, not seeming to be offended.


    ''I''m here to stock up on information.''


    That''s a lot of money.


    You took my name in vain. Service me.


    Tsk, Nicole clicked her tongue.


    ''When did you notice?''


    I can see it in the area around this building.


    Despite the fact that the security of the imperial capital is getting worse, the area around this building is quiet. Perhaps, Nicole has taken control of the Twelfth Street District.


    ''''Well, I did use the Prime Minister''s name, though. Is that really such a bad thing?''''


    You cheated, didn''t you?


    When I asked back, Nicole clicked her tongue again.


    ''Alright, alright. Don''t look so scared. You''re here to get information, aren''t you?��So what information do you want to know?


    How''s the security of the Imperial City?


    It''s awful, but it''s not the worst of it.


    You say it''s going to get worse.


    How''s the unemployment situation going?


    Oh, no. I''m talking about the fact that he''s flopping dead in the street.


    Okay.


    I knew it, or perhaps I should say, the director of finance, Bowties, was lying.


    "That''s what they do, even when they''re not doing anything. Criminals are desperate to get caught and killed.


    Nicole opened the bottle and poured the wine into a glass.


    Bethyl let out a sigh. He hadn''t expected it from the start, but he didn''t think it was a factor in the security of the Imperial City.


    ''How''s the wheat coming along?''


    Oh, come on, I don''t have to explain all that to you.


    Nicole said disgustedly, but I''m sure she''s screaming with pleasure inside. The vizier of the Empire doesn''t know what''s going on.


    He must be trying to figure out how to take advantage of it.


    ''''Don''t hear that the harvest is going to be less than in previous years.


    What''s the percentage?


    Eighty percent, maybe ninety percent.


    I see.


    Bethyl replied calmly, trying his best. Nicole may think I''m an idiot, but this one is struggling to control her anger.


    Seventy percent. We were told that the harvest was going to be down to 70% of last year''s crop because of the bad weather, but it''s actually 90%.


    "Is that all you can say about that?


    Nicole spat and leaned forward.


    ''So what are you going to do about it?''


    What do you mean?


    You know, we could use this information to bring down a political opponent or something.


    Nicole said irritably.


    ''Do I owe you an answer to that?''


    Tsk, no.


    Nicole said as she spat and paused to gulp down her glass. ''Important information, but you won''t be able to disqualify the Director of Finance Bowties.


    Even if you point out that the harvest estimate is wrong, the person in charge will be punished and that''s the end of it. It would only cause resentment and have no benefit.


    Nicole is probably thinking of forcing Bethyl into a dangerous role, hopefully a handout if it works, and finding a new parasite if it fails.


    ''Well, I''ll take my leave now.


    I hope to see you again.


    Yeah, I know.


    Bethyl nodded quietly. He may have meant it as a provocation, but he agreed wholeheartedly. I can''t say I''m in a solid position.


    He reaches for the doorknob and turns around.


    ''Do you still need something?''


    Why would a man like you follow the Marquis of Erakis?


    Do I need to tell you?


    No, I''m just curious.


    Ha, Nicole laughed and turned away in a huff.


    ''''Well the first time I met you, you told me that I had come up in the world too. I thought I''d at least listen to what they had to say.


    Yes, the Marquis of Erakis would say that.


    Bethyl chuckled.


    *


    In the evening, Betil returned to his home in the Third Street District. A man dressed in a white military uniform, the sign of a knight of the Kingsguard, stood in the doorway.


    His eyes are badly drawn, and his nose is thick and round. However, most people who see him will remember him not for his looks, but for his physique, which is comparable to that of a large subhuman.


    His name is Simon Arden. He was a lower class aristocrat and did poorly in his military school days. Aside from his practical skills, he was near the bottom of the class.


    Normally, he is not the kind of person who can wear a white military uniform, but in order to rebuild the Twelfth Order of the Kingsguard, I had no choice but to allow him to join.


    When Simon noticed us, he straightened his back and saluted.


    ''''Prime Minister Betil, thank you for your hard work.


    Do you have anything to report?


    Nothing.


    It was a low, snarling voice.


    ''Good work. Keep up the good work.''


    What?


    My heart leaps at the words. I can''t laugh off the fact that it would be hard to have a life-threatening situation in the security of the mansion.


    I open the front door and walk in, and my wife greets me as usual.


    ''Welcome home. Thanks for all your hard work.


    I just got home.


    Bethyl answered after a pause. Since when did my wife always add a few words of thanks for your help?


    Only not recently, that was for sure. That is to say, he had been in such a state of uncertainty that he hadn''t been able to afford to notice his wife''s concern for him.


    The touch of kindness makes me feel guilty. I should never have had a mistress if I felt like this.


    If my wife had been unfaithful to me, I would have died of shock myself.


    ''Do I look so tired?''


    Yes, very much.


    My wife nodded with a worried look on her face.


    ''''Well if I do...''''


    Yes, sir.


    No, it''s nothing.


    Betil shook his head. ''If I said I wanted to resign my position as vizier and live in the country, would you follow me?


    The words he swallowed were tempting. I even wondered to myself why I had swallowed these words.


    I can assure you that I don''t have any reservations about the position of Prime Minister. If so, why did he swallow the words?


    Bethyl shook his head again.


    ''Would you like to have dinner, my dear?��Or are you bathing in hot water?


    Take a bath.


    That''s what I thought you''d say, sir. I''m ready for you.


    My wife smiles a little happily.


    ''I''ve floated some herbs to help with fatigue.


    I''m sorry.


    The back of his eyes felt numb. Why had I done something like that to despise my wife, who was so devoted to me?


    ''''I''ll reheat the soup before it comes out.


    Yeah, thanks.


    If I could turn back the clock, I wouldn''t have a mistress this time.


    ''Speaking of which, what''s the price of wheat?


    What happened to the bushes and sticks?


    No, I''m just curious because of all the inclement weather.


    ''Yes,'' says my wife, putting her index finger to her lips as if she were thinking.


    ''Prices have gone up a bit lately, haven''t they?


    Recently?


    Yeah, for a couple of months now.


    I had a bad feeling about this. The current finance bureau would not be afraid to divulge the expected harvest to the merchants. What would the merchants do when they found out?


    Of course they would buy it up and drive up the price. The merchant is now making preparations for the price hike.


    Can we get some wheat?


    ''We just got the delivery for this month yesterday, remember?


    Can you do it?


    ''Yes,'' said my wife, nodding with a dubious look on her face.


    ''How much do I have to buy?''


    ...one year.


    A year?


    My wife''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''''Well I understand. It''s best not to ask why.


    Sorry.


    Bethyl hung his head.


    ''I''ll send a letter to my father as well, just in case. I''ll complicate the reasons appropriately.


    Yeah, thanks.


    You''re welcome.


    Then my wife laughed shyly.

 120-Episode 8 "Immunity Talisman"

    *


    September 43rd year of the imperial calendar -- the port of Sylvania is about two meters lower than the city. The slope of the stairs connecting the harbor to the city is quite steep.


    This was a remnant of the natural topography of the city. When the number of merchant associations using the harbor was limited, I didn''t pay attention to it.


    However, when the commercial union of Emperor Kai''s direct control territory was welcomed, and it was certain that the number of merchant associations would increase further, it would be better to rebuild it.


    The number of warehouses in the harbor is limited, and new traders have no choice but to set up their warehouses on the outskirts of the city.


    Transporting a load from the port to the outskirts of town is hard work, and they didn''t want to change the competitive landscape between the old and new entrants.


    With that in mind, Crono sat on the stairs connecting the port to the city and watched the port - or, more accurately, the unloading - in a daze.


    Lizardmen and Minotaurs carried the loads unloaded from the ships belonging to the Commercial Union and crossed the pier and placed them on a large eight-wheeler in the open.


    The distance they can travel on the eighteen-wheeler is as far as the stairs where Crono is. The distance the cart could travel was limited to the stairs where the chrono was located.


    This process went on and on.


    ''Would it be a little easier if we had a crane? What do you think?


    We have limited space to set up in, so no.


    Elaine''s answer was not a sticky one. I looked next to her and saw her bare legs. It was only natural since she was wearing a highly revealing dress.


    Crono likes to dress like a clerk, but Elaine always wears revealing clothes when she''s showing off her honeymoon with powerful people.


    ''''Has she ever complained like she was treated differently?''''


    I''m not getting it.


    Really?


    You''re a skeptic.


    When Crono questioned her, Elaine said with a sigh.


    ''''It wouldn''t make much difference if we had a warehouse in the harbor or on the outskirts of town. Either way, we''d have to go over the stairs.''


    Yeah.


    Crono couldn''t help but exclaim. He had been so focused on carrying a load to the warehouse that he had lost sight of that and beyond.


    ''Why am I hauling loads to the warehouse when I don''t even have a store?


    The question is asked while looking at the ships belonging to the Commercial Union. The first thing they did when they were able to do business in Crono territory was to build a warehouse.


    ''We''re evacuating them because of the poor wheat crop this year.


    What?


    I ask the question back. It''s true that I''ve heard that the harvest will be affected by the bad weather this year, but the situation shouldn''t be that bad.


    Sion said that thanks to the increase in farmland, the yield of the territory itself would not change, and the tax collector was of the same opinion.


    ''''I haven''t heard anything about it being that bad?


    In Lady Crono''s domain, yes.


    Elaine gave a meaningful smile. He had invested a considerable amount of money in the ''Yellow Earth Temple'' until now, so I wonder if it had paid off.


    ''''Hmm~, but that''s last year''s wheat, right?''''


    Yes.


    ''Isn''t it strange that you''re bringing a bad crop into my territory?��They''ll just buy you cheap if you bring them into our territory.


    In short, it''s a matter of supply and demand. If supply exceeds demand, prices will collapse, and if demand exceeds supply, prices will soar.


    Wouldn''t it be better to keep it in Emperor Kai''s direct domain? Crono thought that far and realized the intentions of the Commercial Union.


    ''''Could it be that they''re trying to drive up the price of wheat?''''


    You''re right.


    I wish you wouldn''t use us for that.


    Crono let out a deep sigh. I feel as if I''m on the receiving end of a scam.


    He''s not using Master Crono because he can''t do it under the Emperor''s direct control.


    What''s your heart?


    They''ll confiscate it if they find out you bought it all while the price of wheat is rising.


    It''s a tone of voice that says it''s only natural.


    ''''I guess that won''t change in my territory either~''''


    You''re going to confiscate it?


    ''As the case may be. Of course, I''ll write you an IOU.


    I can''t believe you rented that piece of paper.


    It''s the devil''s work to manipulate the market.


    Deliberately driving up prices is a noble business.


    Great.


    Crono''s idea of a respectable business is one in which a win-win relationship is established. A relationship in which only one side benefits is called exploitation.


    ''Really, it''s at times like these that I feel the limits.


    They use the same word but have different meanings. That''s because couples who have been together for many years are getting divorced, and wars don''t disappear.


    So many people are suffering. Is it good to eat a meal next to someone who is crying?


    Yes, it''s so good!


    You have a nice smile!


    Elaine smiled more briskly than ever before, and Crono let out an ever-larger sigh.


    However, as long as there are those who are trying to make the price of wheat skyrocket, the toll tax needs to be restored in some cases.


    We can''t even see the price skyrocketing because of the spill of wheat in our own territory. We must prevent the outflow of wheat by charging an exorbitant toll tax.


    It would be better to cooperate with other fiefdoms as well, he wrote down in his mind''s notepad.


    ''''Then you can see that we''re carrying wheat a lot.


    Of course it is. It''s our members that carry the load.


    Elaine ruffled her hair.


    ''What do you mean?''


    ''I make a small fortune doing hauling work for them. We''re not the only ones doing it, but other trade associations do it too.


    It''s like being a mercenary.


    The word "outsourcing" snatches your brain, but in terms of business and undertaking, they are the same thing.


    Well, Kane and Sif would be offended if they heard it.


    ''New jobs just keep popping up, don''t they?


    ''Yes. But as far as this job is concerned, the peculiarities of the territory are huge.


    Is it so special?


    There are a few rules that must be followed, but they would be the same in any territory.


    ''''There are penalties for violence against slaves. As a businessman, I would avoid that kind of risk.


    Elaine and the others don''t seem to see it as a risk, do they?


    We have the know-how.


    Elaine said, as she should.


    ''What about confidentiality?''


    It''s a given that they''ll leak the information. Besides, they can get information from our members, so it''s a win-win situation.


    The fact that he''s openly passing information to Crono means that he signed a contract without any provisions regarding confidentiality.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more information on the subject. I''m not sure if it''s because I''m a petulant person that I think that way.


    But then again, there''s a lot of business to be done.


    It''s a windfall for you, though.


    Crono chuckled and poked his cheekbones into his thighs for support. If he listened carefully, he could hear the sound of nails being hammered in with a hammer.


    He is building a workshop for the artisans who have come from Emperor Kai''s direct control territory. Quite a few of them have already migrated there.


    Some have set up their workshops in Sylvania, others in pioneer villages.


    ''Does the food taste good with the lumber flowing from right to left?


    It''s good.


    Crono was miffed and said back. The pioneers cut down the trees in the Coma Forest, and Crono paid to buy the trees and sell more lumber to those who needed it.


    This is a win-win relationship. In other words, the land where the trees were cut down would be used as fields for the pioneers.


    Not only the crops but also the settlements themselves are worth money. The pioneers continue to cut down trees at a frightening rate.


    They have Zion to oversee them to prevent flash floods and other disasters, but in a hundred years, the Coma Forest may be gone.


    ''A second golden age?''


    ''I''d love to have a golden age any time without being petty about first or second.


    Well yes.


    Crono couldn''t help but feel a chill at Elaine''s words. Hundreds of years from now, it could be Elaine who was installed in Sylvania.


    The nature of the security operation is quite simple. Two battalions surround the slum before dawn and set fire to it from all sides.


    One more battalion would exterminate the panicked inhabitants. That''s all there is to it, but a plan should be simple.


    The slum is engulfed in flames and people are screaming and running for cover. If left unchecked, the majority of them would die in the flames and smoke.


    The Third Order of the Kingsguard, led by Argena Dios, is on their heels. The slum dwellers are beaten down without a care in the world.


    The slum dwellers are overwhelmed in terms of numbers alone, but they are far apart in their abilities. Their superiority in numbers can easily be overturned.


    Even so, if they could mount an organized rebellion, they would be able to limit the damage. After all, there are only two battalions surrounding the slum - the 4th and 7th Kingsguard Knights.


    With only two thousand men, there''s no way to hope for a siege that won''t let even a single baby ant through. Depending on the method used, they can escape.


    But the slum dwellers are scattered by flames, pierced by spears, and trampled to death one by one in their fallen places.


    "You''ve drawn the short straw, haven''t you?


    Roy Akbens let out a small sigh and scratched his head. He had no special feelings about the slum dwellers being killed.


    I''m sure his men must feel similarly. No, maybe they feel that they are doing a good thing.


    ''He got away!''


    Hey, yeah.


    Argena shouted and Roy spun around and turned his spear. Several men and women are running towards us.


    Roy let out a sigh and speared the man in front of him in the chest and quickly pulled him out. The man went down as if a thread had been broken.


    It was possible to slaughter them all, but it wouldn''t be necessary to go that far. As if he understood, Argena went back to work without saying anything.


    ''''....Why?''''


    Are you still alive?


    Roy walked up to the man and pointed the tip of his ear down.


    ''''Well why should we?''''


    You guys have gone too far.


    It hadn''t done much harm so far, so it had been overlooked. Of course, there were times when slum dwellers would commit dickish crimes in the Imperial City.


    But crimes such as assaults and murders were basically happening in the slums. There was a certain amount of segregation, and there were rules.


    ''There''s such a thing as an unpleasant pest to look at, right?��I''ve got a quality to kill as fast as I can, but there''s a chance some of them will let me off the hook.


    ''But,'' he continues.


    ''When those nasty vermin start crawling around on the floor with their faces to themselves, they''ll start killing the people who missed us, right?��And if you do anything to poison them, or spread an epidemic or anything like that, you''re going to have to kill them, right?��I mean, that''s what it''s all about.


    I can still forgive the slum dwellers for invading the imperial city. But I can''t forgive them for disturbing the order in the imperial city and killing the guards who are the guard of the law.


    Not only the criminals, but also the slum dwellers must die a miserable death in order to show that they are not alone.


    "Oh, we have to live


    I know. You stole, you raped, you killed for a living. I understand. Society put you in a corner, didn''t it?


    The person who created this situation was Emperor Alfort. Every measure that started with the construction of the mausoleum has backfired.


    It tilted the empire''s finances, created a large number of poor people, and discredited the empire.


    ''''If.........''''


    Even thieves have the rule of thirds, though. I can''t stand it when they justify their misdeeds by using the rule of thirds.


    ....


    The man doesn''t answer.


    "Tsk, he''s dead.


    Roy let out a sigh and returned to his original position.


    ''Huh, I''ve really hit the poor end of the stick.


    I let out a sigh that I don''t know how many times.


    What passes through my brain are the images of my colleagues. Leonhardt and Brad have turned down missions, and Rio and Neige have turned down missions due to ill health.


    Even Prime Minister Piske hasn''t been approached, and the head of the military affairs department, Ralph Libra, hasn''t come to the scene, despite the fact that he planned this operation.


    After all, Roy and Argena are the only Konoe Guard commanders participating in this operation.


    ''''Well I thought I had a good point.


    Roy let out a sigh and looked at Arjena. Even if the other party is a woman and child, the way he mercilessly thrusts his spear into the air is just like an evil demon.


    At least it''s not the place of the Commander of the Kingsguard. Probably, this is the selection of the person who anticipated that.


    The leader of the Konoe Knight Commander has a distortion somewhere. The only sane person is Count Ernat of the Second Kingsguard Order.


    ''''Well, it''s the same for me that''s distorted.


    Roy reminds me of my mother. My mother was a woman in love. She flitted like a butterfly among the powerful aristocracy, and at the end of it all, she carried Roy in her arms.


    It''s not clear if they are really related by blood, but the Earl of Akbens recognized Roy. But he has no right to inherit the viceroyalty.


    It''s a bastard, so to speak. I don''t know why Count Akbens recognized me. It may be that he was trying to keep Roy''s mother in line.


    If this is the case, then Count Akbens is out of line. My mother did not take any notice of Roy''s presence in her life.


    When I was ten years old, my mother died. She was stabbed by one of the men she wore on her sleeve. Roy challenged him to a duel and killed him.


    It was a fight that, when I think back on it now, can only be described as hapless, but it was worthy of a life of its own.


    The heat was overwhelming. There was a pleasure that made holding a woman seem like a fart. Roy had become a soldier for that heat and pleasure.


    The only miscalculation would be the death of his two older brothers and the fact that he would be taking over the reigns of the family.


    ''No, there''s another miscalculation?


    Roy gazed at Argena, alone. A blush crept across Arjena''s cheeks as the behavior of the inhabitants changed from order to order.


    ''I don''t think this is the kind of thing that makes you forget yourself.


    ''''I knew you had drawn a poor one,''''


    Roy looked up to the heavens and let out a sigh.


    *


    Bettyl jumped out just as the boxcarriage was about to stop or not, and tumbled unceremoniously.


    He smashes his face into the ground hard.


    "Betildaan - Prime Minister!


    Leave it alone!


    Bethyl restrained his subordinate as he tried to run up to him with his hand and raised himself up with his trembling arm. It was not from pain.


    He trembled in anticipation of the tragedy he would see.


    He looked up and was speechless. Betil had never set foot in a slum like the rest of the nobility had.


    Only once he had seen it from a distance. A hut that looked like it could collapse at any moment was spread out all over the place.


    What lay before me now was a ruin. Most of the huts had burned down, and only a few of the walls remained burned down.


    The smell of burning and choking blood wafted around. The Konoe Guards that carried out the operation are already gone.


    The guards covering their mouths with cloths carry out the charred corpses and the speared corpses and arrange them on the ground.


    It was a nauseating sight. It wasn''t the smell of the corpses that made him nauseated. As a military man, Betil was used to the smell of dead bodies.


    He had killed many people in his life. He has laid hands on not only enemy soldiers, but also soldiers who do not follow orders.


    More than once I''ve killed a bandit savagely as a warning. But there was a good cause.


    There was pride, even if it was only a means to an end.


    But this was just a slaughter. Yes, Bethyl was nauseated by the fact that the Kingsguard had committed a massacre.


    ''Wha, how dare you?''


    I finally squeezed out that one word. He had a bad feeling about it.


    The recent meeting had been a calm one, but he had a bad feeling about the way Ralph Libra, the Director of Military Affairs, was looking at him.


    So he was acting with extreme caution. He even gathered information from Nicole so that he wouldn''t get underfoot.


    Still, he couldn''t shake the bad feeling. I felt as if I was walking on a floating board of water.


    And so my premonition came true.


    ''''....Why are you doing this?''''


    Betil punched the ground. It was obvious that the security of the imperial capital would deteriorate if the slums were left unattended.


    However, wasn''t it Alfort who had sown the seeds of this? How could he easily cut off the poor people who were born due to his own mistakes?


    ''''...Survivors, no survivors?''''


    Bethyl stood up and began to stagger away. The ashes were still hot, even smoldering, but he didn''t care.


    He wandered through the ruins for a while, but there were no survivors in sight. Death and destruction had engulfed the slum.


    ''''Oh....''''


    Bethyl gave a small gasp. I know. I know. I know that the tragedy that unfolds before me is my own fault, too.


    He has never once tried to correct Alfort''s mistake before. The result was the ruins and pile of corpses that spread out before him.


    ''''........Ah.''''


    Bethyl finally bent his knees. He felt the heat radiating off his knees.


    I know, I know, I know.


    I''ve surrounded myself with a number of mistresses. It wasn''t because I wanted them.


    I wanted the fact that I kept my mistresses around.


    It''s the same reason I''m looking for a survivor.


    I just want the fact that I''m not like Alfort.


    I just wanted immunity.


    I wanted to think I was better than him.


    That''s when I heard something crumble.


    Bethyl looked up and saw a boy and a girl there. Probably a brother and sister.


    They were both covered in soot all over.


    ''Oh, well, you''re safe,''


    Get away from me!


    Bethyl stood up and tried to walk up to her. But the boy stood to protect the girl and held up his weapon - a blade that seemed to have been made by pounding a long nail - and he held it up.


    ''Throw that thing away. I''ll help you.


    "You guys killed my dad and mom!


    The boy held out his weapon menacingly.


    ''Stop it,''


    Bethyl slowly stepped closer, holding out his arms to show that he had no intention of attacking. A few more steps and he would be able to reach him.


    Then he could take the weapon away.


    ''Brother.''


    Stay away from my sister!


    The boy screamed in a rage and thrust his weapon into Bettyl''s thigh. Not only did he stab it, he gouged it out.


    ''''........heh, heh.''''


    The boy''s smile was tinged with madness.


    ''Vizier Betil!''


    "-Oh!


    As soon as he could, Bethyl hid them both behind the burnt-out wall and drew his weapon, which was stuck in his thighs.


    ''Stay put here,''


    A thought occurred to me, and I drew the dagger, sheath and all, from my sword belt and held it out.


    "Run north towards the Marquis of Erakis. "Run north towards the Marquis of Erakis, but do not use this dagger. "But don''t use this dagger, sell it to fund your escape.


    The boy made no pretense of picking up his sword, so he put it on the ground.


    ''Vizier Betil!


    I''m here!


    Don''t worry about it.


    As Bethyl emerged from behind the wall, his men patted his chest. But the look of relief didn''t last long.


    ''''Be-Betil Prime Minister!��That''s, well, that''s a wound!


    I just hooked it to a post.


    His subordinate shouted with a pale face. Despite this situation, Bettyl chuckled.


    ''Calm down,''


    Shh, but!


    ''Before you became Prime Minister, you didn''t make this much of a fuss about your injuries.


    Yes, that''s true, sir.


    The subordinate''s shoulders narrowed as if in fear. Rank is absolute in the military, but it''s bearable when your attitude is so blatantly changed.


    ''I''m sorry, but can you give me a shoulder?


    Ha, gladly.


    Bettyl began to walk on his men''s shoulders. Looking behind him over his shoulder, he saw a boy running with the girl''s hand in tow.


    A deadly silence dominates the main tower of Alfilk Castle. Fana walks past the knights with a tray of food in her hand.


    The person in charge of guarding the main tower is a member of the Seventh Order of the Kingsguard - a member of the Seventh Order of the Kingsguard - under the supervision of the Director of Military Affairs Ralph Libra.


    He climbs the stairs and stands in front of the last door. There is no checking of belongings. It''s probably the result of the conceit of being able to handle a blade or two brought in.


    ''Call me if you need anything,''


    Yeah, I know.


    After a routine exchange, the knight opens the door. Beyond that was a room with the minimum amount of furniture.


    The owner of the room - the former vizier of the Cepheus Empire, Alcor, was sitting at the table in a well behaved manner.


    ''''It''s time to eat.''''


    Oh, I''m waiting for you. After all, food is all we enjoy here.


    Fana set the tray on the table with a raised eyebrow. Alcor happily slid his hands together and bit into the herb-grilled chicken.


    ''You''re looking a lot more bloody,''


    I think this life suits me better.


    That''s brazen, I have that impression. Even though there''s a big window, I''m still imprisoned, not knowing when I''ll be killed.


    Fana would be heartbroken. Despite this, Arkol looks healthier than when he served as vizier.


    Come to think of it, Princess Tyria was in good health too, he exhales with a sigh. Ramal V''s petulance had made his heart sick, but his daughter''s spirit was sturdy to the point of being appalling.


    That girl would survive wherever she went with her boldness, strength and brazenness. You can''t help but wonder if she really is a princess.


    ''Looks like Count Ralph Libra has wiped out the slums.


    I''m the director of the War Department now.


    Alcor sips his soup with zubi zubi. The question is not on his lips. There was so much smoke up there. Unless you''re an idiot, I know.


    "d*mn, he''s the military director. It''s so predictable, it''s not surprising at all.


    Unexpectedness isn''t always a good thing, is it?


    But the opposite is also true.


    I feel like it''s a good idea if you ask me. If they think you don''t know what you''re going to do, you can split the other person''s thoughts even more.


    ''''How''s the situation in the Imperial City?''''


    I don''t know about that, but Alfort sucks.


    Don''t use the word ''worst''.


    Why is that?


    "Hmm, this is something I''ve learned in my life, but...


    Alcor punctuated his words there.


    ''As long as you think it sucks, there''s still a bottom in it.


    I hope this is the bottom.


    Fana let out a deep sigh.

 121-Episode 9 "Renshin"

    *


    Mid-September, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - I wonder if those two are safe, Bethyl thinks about that, even though he is in a meeting.


    No, I don''t have time to think about that right now, he said, concentrating on what Director Burckmeyer was saying.


    If you don''t listen properly, you''ll be caught flat-footed. That must be avoided.


    That said, it takes a lot of mental energy to concentrate on what Director Burkmeier has to say.


    Just as Treasurer Bourchies continues to call for concessions on the gaming parlors, Burkmeier is repeating the same story.


    His story can be summarized as follows. Thanks to Operation Restore Security - not a slum clearance operation - the security of the imperial capital has been restored.


    This is thanks to the wise decision of His Majesty Alfort.


    If there''s one thing that differentiates him from Treasurer Bawties, it''s that he has a rich vocabulary. How can he rattle off all the rhetoric he can muster?


    He might as well quit his job as head of the Bureau of Letters and become a poet.


    You can see from the look of pride on his face that you can understand what he is thinking.


    Perhaps he thinks he has done well. Indeed, if you only look at the numbers, the security of the imperial capital has recovered dramatically.


    But that''s just holding them down with fear and not a fundamental solution. With the passage of time, the criminals will move again.


    No, will the riots come first? The price of wheat continues to rise, up 20% from the same month last year.


    There is some hope that the price of wheat will come down in October - the time of tax payment - but it''s more like a prayer.


    ''....Phew.


    Betil let out a small sigh. He knew he had to focus on the Director of the Burkemeyer Shorthand, but he was thinking about those two.


    I wonder where they are now. Selling the dagger should cover the road silver for the two of them, but it''s very likely that they are being bought cheap.


    That dagger was purchased when he became the Commander of the Kingsguard. I used to feel as if I was a superior person when I carried that finely crafted dagger from my waist.


    Unfortunately, my wife''s opinion of it was not good. She said nothing, but silence is sometimes more eloquent than words.


    ''''--With His Majesty''s wisdom, the security of the imperial capital has been dramatically restored. This is the first time since the first emperor who was willing to sacrifice and part ways with the temple forces--


    The words of the Director of the Shorthand Office of Burkemeyer do not touch Bethyl''s heart.


    They disappear without leaving anything behind.


    ''''Huh.''''


    Bethyl let out another sigh and thought about his two children. I hope they get there safely.


    If only they could get there, Crono would protect them. I regret that I should have thought that far and told him my name.


    If I gave him my name, Crono wouldn''t treat me with disrespect. He and I have had some unfortunate misunderstandings in the past, but I''m proud to say that we have a reasonable amount of trust now.


    It might be possible to go to Crono''s territory to play with him. Of course, I understand that it would be difficult, but I found it fascinating.


    ''''-- That''s all from me.


    The Director of the Shogun''s Book Department, Mr. Burkmeier, bowed and took his seat. Alfort is disheveled and out of phase.


    He was happy to be honored again today.


    ''You''re next in line to be Director of Finance Bowties.


    "Your Majesty.


    The Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, loosely raised his hand. At that moment, Bethyl was struck by an unearned anxiety.


    He has the same good-natured expression on his face as usual, but that doesn''t help to dispel the anxiety.


    He carried out a security restoration operation - a slum-clearing operation - with the same expression on his face as usual.


    ''Allow me to speak,''


    The Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, slowly stood up.


    ''''Well this is more of a chit chat, sir.


    Good. We need to have some chit-chat for the meeting.


    Alfort nodded hawkishly.


    ''Prime Minister Betil. I''ve been wondering for a couple of weeks now, what happened to the dagger?


    "-Oh!


    Bethyl gasped. Anxiety welled up, and his heart pulsed like an early bell.


    The words, ''Don''t look at me with such eyes,'' rise to his throat.


    ''If it has been stolen, has it not?


    ....


    Betil cannot answer. Operation Restore Security was an operation that was carried out with Alfort''s permission.


    If you are deemed to have interfered with it, you will have to be punished.


    His breathing is heavy. My fingers are chattering. My heart is pounding.


    Director of Military Affairs Ralph Libra claps his hands and the door to the conference room opens.


    Two Kingsguard knights entered.


    One held Betil''s dagger and the other held a covered box.


    The dagger and the box are placed in front of Bethyl.


    ''''The dagger belongs to Prime Minister Bethyl, right?


    Yeah, that''s right.


    Oh, you''re right. This dagger belongs to a slum dweller.


    Bethyl stared at the tub.


    ''''I took care of the underling on the spot. My men tell me that he was fierce and violent... I understand that Prime Minister Bettyl was injured in his leg?


    It''s nothing serious.


    I''m glad to hear it. ''I''m glad to hear that, because I''m sure Prime Minister Bettyl will have to support His Majesty.


    The size of this box is--.


    No, it can''t be.


    Would you mind checking it out?


    "-Oh!


    You devil, Bethyl poisoned in his mind.


    But there was no choice but to open it.


    Bethyl opened the lid of the box.


    What was there was the salted head of a young boy.


    His eyes widened with a snap, and it looked as if he had been cut out of the moment of death.


    What had he been thinking?


    Was he in the grip of fear?


    Was he filled with hatred?


    Or was he praying for his sister''s safety?


    It''s a meaningless question.


    The answer to that question is already lost.


    ''''Huh.''''


    Bethyl exhaled quietly and gently closed the lid.


    ''I don''t remember.''


    Well, I''m sorry you had to go through all that trouble.


    Excuse me.


    The knight of the Kingsguard took the box and walked out of the conference room.


    Bethyl sat back in his seat.


    What was in it for the Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, to do this?


    So far, there should be no conflict of interest.


    But if it was meant to be a harassment, it was the best move.


    ''Well I''m sorry to take up your time, Director of Finance Bowties.


    I''d be happy to do it for Prime Minister Bettyl.


    Treasurer Bawties said happily.


    ''''Let me be blunt, the security of the imperial capital has been dramatically restored through Operation Restore Security. Since the security of the imperial capital has been restored to this extent, I don''t think there''s any need to spend money on the poor.


    What are you going to do if the security situation in the Imperial City deteriorates again?


    Bettyl asked quietly to Director of Finance Bowties.


    I can feel my strength slipping away with each word.


    I know it. I know that we have to endure this place.


    I know that we have to endure this place," he said.


    "We can re-engage in a security operation. Isn''t force the best deterrent?


    Treasurer Bawties said, as he should. I think he''s looking at himself and Alfort as he once was.


    Military Director Ralph Libra has misled others just as he once did Bettyl.


    ''Now that security has been restored in the imperial capital, we must deal with the drop in tax revenues due to the poor weather conditions. To that end, I would like to ask you to delegate the authority over the gaming establishments to the Department of Finance.


    We must refuse.


    If we delegate the authority of the gambling house, we will not be able to help the poor.


    That would only shorten the lifespan of the empire and yet--''''


    ''''........I understand.


    Bethyl agreed.


    It wasn''t because he was convinced by Finance Director Bawties.


    It was because he had been broken by War Secretary Ralph Libra.


    The best of intentions are destroyed by bad ones.


    If you try to move forward, you are drawn back.


    I''ve come to realize that this is the Empire now.


    "Oh!


    Treasurer Bowties'' eyes widened and he coughed.


    ''I am pleased to have the authority of the Gaming Authority but I propose, Your Majesty, to requisition the price of wheat from the southern frontier to stabilize it.


    What will you do if I don''t respond to the requisition?


    Bettyl asked the Treasurer Bowties with his last ounce of energy.


    ''Why don''t we block off the streets then? ''Of course they''ll be uprooted as soon as we stop the flow of salt.''


    ''Oh, that''s a great idea. I''ll admit it.


    A discussion would have been better than a requisition, but Alfort had approved the Director of Finance Bowties'' proposal.


    Bettyl let out a sigh for what seemed like the umpteenth time.


    When Bettyl returns to the mansion after running out of steam and roots, he finds a box wagon parked in front of the mansion. He dismounted from the boxcarriage in disbelief.


    ''''Betil Vizier!''''


    What''s going on?


    I ask Simon as he runs up to me.


    Prime Minister Bettyl has a visitor.


    Did you let him in?


    No, we can''t just let a suspicious person through the house.


    There''s no suspicious characters. There''s no suspicious characters.


    When I turned around, I saw Nicole there.


    ''You ... why are you ... why are you here?''


    I thought I''d say hello since we''re closing up.


    With that, Nicole gave a wild smile. Apparently, she intends to close the gambling house and flee the Imperial City.


    ''''Isn''t it in retaliation?''''


    I don''t have time for this shit.


    I see.


    Bethyl nodded, but he wasn''t stupid enough to take his word for it.


    ''You''re closing up shop?''


    Yeah, I thought reigning over the rotten imperial capital wouldn''t be so bad, but that doesn''t seem to have any future.


    I see.


    It''s nothing. Even the head of the criminal organization has given up on the Empire.


    What are you going to do now?


    That''s a tough one to say.


    Nicole grinned. It was easy to imagine from that smile that she was thinking about the good stuff.


    ''You''re going to have to pull your weight in criminal activity.


    ''Oh come on, do I look like I would do that?''


    Nicole cowered her shoulders as if to say it was out of her mind.


    ''I''d better get going!


    "Oh, I''m coming!


    The boy''s voice sounded and Nicole raised her voice.


    I think I heard it somewhere--''''


    ''Abayo!''


    Nicole turned on her heel and headed for her box carriage.


    ''Even a guy like that will be missed when he''s gone.


    Betil let out a sigh as he watched the boxcarriage move through the sunset-soaked streets.


    *


    ''....My men are starving. Can''t we offer your uncle our assistance?


    A low voice echoed in the Oval Office. If written down, it would have been an unremarkable and extremely rational question.


    But Apollo felt uncomfortable, as if he was at the scene of a threat.


    Perhaps the battalion commander being told to his face must have felt even more uncomfortable than that.


    At times like this, I''m really glad I''m a commoner.


    The owner of the voice - the dragon who serves as the battalion''s second-in-command - is the owner of a deadly aspect. He has gold pot eyes and three white eyes. The bridge of his nose is thick and his lips are thick.


    His hair is always wavy, despite being cut short. His body is comparable in size to that of a large subhuman, and his arms are thick and long.


    Apollo has never seen the real thing, but he is said to resemble an ape called a gorilla.


    Dragon is the most mysterious man in the battalion.


    Or perhaps I should say, rumor-mongering abounds. There''s no shortage of suspicious rumors: that he''s an ex-mercenary, that he didn''t want to deal with a prostitute who cried, that he strangled a bandit with his bare hands, and so on and so forth.


    ''I''m sorry, but my uncle refused to let me go.


    We''re protecting public order, aren''t we?


    It''s a perfectly natural question. And yet, when it emanates from the dragon''s mouth, it sounds like a threat.


    "I''m sorry. Please understand.


    I understand.


    The dragon bowed deeply and turned on his heel. It was just my imagination that the figure seemed to be holding back his anger.


    Apollo followed Dragon out of the office.


    ''I knew it was a bad idea.''


    ''''It can''t be helped. Even though my lord''s nephew is the battalion commander, we are a bunch of strangers.


    Dragon said with a snarl. This is just another one of those things that Apollo feels like he''s snarling and he thinks he''s saying it plainly.


    ''How do you think we can get help?''


    ''Yes, I suppose so. If the price of wheat rises higher than it is now, and the lords have to pay more for their armies than the Empire, or...''''


    That would mean that the battalion would be the private army of the lord.


    The dragon heads to the barracks. The barracks is a vertical building reminiscent of a stable. Inside, there are countless beds lined up.


    When he entered the barracks, the soldiers who were lying on the beds woke up.


    ''''Captain Dragon, how was your day?''''


    ''I''m sorry. They refused to help you.


    Ah~, and the soldiers shouted in disappointment. Still, is it due to humanity that they don''t have an opinion to blame the dragon?


    No, is it simply because they are afraid? By the way, the dragon is the second in command of this battalion, but everyone calls him the captain.


    ''''I thought being a soldier would give me a belly full of food.


    You could be a bandit now.


    Ha-ha," the soldiers say, laughing without effort. A full meal is one of the first illusions soldiers have.


    In fact, whether they are able to eat a full meal depends largely on the skill of the battalion commander. In addition, a battalion commander''s reputation depends on his ability to keep his men full of food.


    There is nothing wrong with being a good soldier, but soldiers respect a battalion commander who feeds them.


    ''''........A bandit?''''


    I was just kidding, Captain Dragon.


    The action the dragon took after this was enough to send the soldiers into a tizzy.


    He took off his jacket.


    ''Wait!��We''re not that corrupt!


    Apollo said in a voice that sounded surprisingly unnerving to himself.


    ''What are you talking about?''


    I thought you were going to be a thief.


    Apollo was puzzled when the dragon spoke back with a straight face.


    It was impossible to tell him not to be confused.


    ''My men are starving, sir.


    Isn''t that why you''re a thief?


    I thought it would be a good opportunity to take anyone who wanted to and go home to their parents.


    ...my parents'' house.


    The dragon told him off as a matter of course, but Apollo didn''t understand. It would still be more understandable if he said he was going to be a bandit.


    Who would have thought that the dragon would have a family home?


    I see you have a family.


    What do you think I am?


    No, I think that would be possible for a dragon captain.


    Rude.


    Then the dragon chuckled.


    ''So where is your family home?''


    Barony of Girant on the southern frontier.


    I see, Apollo agreed.


    The southern frontier is the breadbasket of the Empire.


    But--''''


    ''Are you sure you''re okay?��I don''t know how big Captain Dragon''s family home is, but I don''t think there are that many people I could feed.


    ...we could accept a thousand people.


    The dragon said casually, and there was a commotion in the barracks.


    ''''Oh, um, is it acceptable to Captain Dragon''s one request?


    Yes, that''s all right. Of course, we can''t just feed you, so you''ll need to work as a vigilante or work on the farm.


    The Dragon''s answer was subtly off the mark.


    ''Who is Captain Dragon?''


    I''m Baron Zirant''s son.


    A silence dominated the barracks.


    ''Hate, kono hato no daro.


    ''Were you a nobleman?''


    Yeah, well,


    How''s the military school?


    He''s graduated.


    Speaking of which, I''ve heard that the new nobles are given the cold shoulder in the military.


    ''What''s the name Dragon?''


    That''s his real name.


    I thought it was an alias.


    My father named me after him in the hope that I would be as strong as a dragon.


    A dragon - a dragon, of all things.


    Baron Zirant should have given him a more twisted name.


    Well, maybe that''s how it is with the emerging aristocracy--''''


    ''''If there''s a problem...''''


    And if there is?


    I haven''t been home for fifteen years. I do send and receive letters, but it''s hard for me to go home because I''m encouraged to go on an arranged marriage meeting.


    The dragon scratched his cheek in embarrassment.


    ''At any rate, I am going to go to the battalion commander''s office and offer my retirement. I know it will be difficult to make a decision to move on right away, but if you wish, please offer as soon as possible.


    Huh," the soldiers, including Apollo, replied distractedly.


    I felt like I was being pinched by a fox.


    October, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - it''s been a long time since we''ve gathered at this time of year, Claude looked at the faces in the conference room.


    Baron Lipaios, Baron Kagachi, Baron Girant, Baron Beor, Baron Gennou, Baron Levy, and Kanan Ekron.


    They used to see each other more often, but since the settlement took off, they only saw each other at regular meetings.


    We''ve all gotten older. Canaan''s presence at the meetings is proof of that. In another five years, he would be completely replaced.


    ''I''m sure you guys have received a letter from the imperial capital to send me some wheat, or I''ll block the road.


    Seven people moaned. From the reactions, it seems the same letter has been delivered.


    ''''d*mn, I seriously wish you''d give me a break.


    Claude blurted out, and a giggle escaped. If you think that there is no window of opportunity because of Alcor''s downfall, this is what it looks like.


    You can complain about it.


    About this matter, I don''t think I have to follow it immediately.


    If you don''t obey them, they will block the roads.


    It was Canaan who objected.


    ''I don''t mind being on lockdown, do you?


    Well that''s true, but...


    Canaan grunts and the other six laugh serenely. It''s a smile directed at their daughter, or granddaughter, who is afraid of ghosts.


    ''We won''t be bothered anymore when they shut down the streets.


    There is a sea on the southern frontier, but the topographical factors - the sheer cliffs - make it impossible to build a salt field.


    It was a lifeline, so to speak. But now we can get rock salt from the Loo people.


    That''s not all. Rare medicinal herbs, foodstuffs, and even minerals can be obtained. The Areos Mountains had become a treasure trove.


    However, since the Areos Mountains are the autonomous region of the Roux, they cannot just break into the mountains to collect them without permission.


    Steady negotiations would be necessary. When I was young, I would have gone mad because I couldn''t take it anymore, but now I can afford to enjoy the steady negotiations.


    "And even if we do eventually comply--


    Are you going to comply?


    We don''t have the resources to fight them. Well, even if we do eventually comply, it''s not a good idea to get a letter and follow it immediately. We''ll get ripped off.


    I''m not so egotistical or geriatric as to think that I can fight the Empire with a force the size of a vigilante.


    But there''s a heavenly difference between just following orders and following them as a result of negotiations.


    ''''Now I just need an enemy that''s closer to us.


    Are they enemies of ours?


    If we don''t have a window to negotiate, it''s a very ugly war.


    I see.


    Kanan nodded with a divine look on his face.


    ''I think I have a reasonable amount of trust with Taul''s son, but what about you guys?


    It''s all clear.


    It was Baron Gillant who answered.


    ''The price of wheat has gone up or something, and they''re in trouble.


    Well, my place is pretty much the same.


    Taul''s son - Gaul has to feed not only his men, but also his wife, who is pregnant.


    To Claude, the Roux are like relatives to him, so he''s not going to spare them any assistance.


    That''s the intention, but the troublesome part is that they have to get up in Gaul''s face.


    ''''For now, we have enemies that are closer to us, right?


    ....


    Claude asked, and Canaan looked down apologetically.


    ''Don''t be so apologetic. This kind of thing is a matter of getting used to it.''


    Yes, sir.


    Just as Kanan looked up, there was a tap on the door.


    Myra entered the conference room without a sound.


    ''''........Master....''''


    What?


    From the north--


    ''You''re already here!''


    Claude stood up and shouted. ''You just sent me a letter and you know how to send an army, you know what a fight is.


    ''''No, it''s not the Imperial Army,''''


    What? You lost your patience.


    He patted his chest.


    ''So what came from the north?''


    Crowd. There''s a crowd, led by a dragon, approaching this way.


    What''s your son doing?


    I don''t know.


    Baron Zirant spat.


    ''''You mean you can''t eat in the army anymore?''''


    ''Sir. This is just my personal opinion but I''m afraid there will be more to come.


    Myra''s voice sounded surprisingly well. If the retired soldiers gathered together at this point, the southern frontier would be a force to be reckoned with.


    At least the Empire would think so.


    ''''Well if that''s the case, I guess we''ll be able to get them to the negotiating table.


    Claude poked his cheekbones and muttered softly.


    *


    ''Mother!��Please listen to me!


    When Fana entered the office, Alfort stood up with a furtive look on his face. In his hand he held a piece of paper.


    I have a bad feeling about it.


    ''What''s wrong with that paper?''


    ''Don''t be surprised. This paper was made in the Marquess of Erakis.


    Oh, really?


    ''Is your mother not surprised to learn that this paper was made in the Marquis of Erakis?


    That''s great.


    Until now, paper had to be imported from a group of free city-states. If mass production could be achieved within the Empire, there would be no need to buy expensive imported goods.


    On the contrary, it could revolutionize the way the Empire was run.


    ''''Not so!''''


    So what is it, then?


    Fana returns, feeling disgusted. I am a mother, not a mind reader. She doesn''t understand all of her children''s minds.


    ''''This was made in the Marquis of Erakis. It was imported from a group of free city-states and used in the castle.''''


    Yeah.


    Well, I see what you mean. They used paper falsely claiming to be imported from a group of free city-states and made in the Empire.


    Where did the difference disappear to, you might ask?


    ''''This is a conspiracy by the Marquis of Erakis!


    What?


    "Mother, this is a conspiracy of the Marquis of Erakis.


    You have proof, right?


    ''''Yes, I had my men examine it properly. "Yes, I had my men examine it properly. In short, this paper is irrefutable proof.


    You don''t think you''re going to...


    Fana felt dizzy.


    It was almost a miracle she hadn''t fallen.


    She had never thought it would be so shocking to witness the stupidity of her child.


    ''''Just because that paper was made in the Marquis of Erakis'' territory doesn''t prove that the Marquis of Erakis was involved in the injustice, does it?


    He caught his breath and tried to persuade them.


    ''If you look at the plight of the Empire, the involvement of the Marquis of Erakis is self-evident, isn''t it? This plight stems from the Marquis of Erakis'' purchase of the Bowties Treasurer''s lordship. I''ve looked into this as well, so there''s no doubt about it.


    That''s because you built the mausoleum, isn''t it?


    From the moment I decided to build the mausoleum, the Marquis of Erakis'' conspiracy had begun.


    Fana felt dizzy and backed away. Even if she had been hit in the head with a blunt object, she wouldn''t have been as shocked as she was.


    How could this have happened? It was obvious. It was because Alfort believed the stories of the nobles visiting the office.


    ''''I thought it was strange. The imperial capital is in such a state, yet the territory of the Marquis of Erakis is flourishing. Since he is such a conspiratorial figure, it makes sense that the restoration of security when he was in charge of the imperial capital''s security was also in league with the criminals.


    Alfort said as he wound up.


    ''''And those eyes. The Marquis of Erakis was looking at me as if he were avenging his parents. That is the clear evidence of his hostility towards me. It''s a terrible betrayal. I had my eye on you, and you were looking out for me.


    Alfort burbled and shook his fist.


    ''Mother, from the above, the guilt of the Marquis of Erakis is clear.


    You''re really...


    Fana took a deep breath.


    ''You''re such an idiot!''


    ''Nah!��Even if it''s your mother, I''m not going to tolerate any outbursts!


    If I''m talking out of turn, you''re talking out of turn, aren''t you?��You don''t have any evidence to prove anything!


    ''Someone!��Your mother is disturbed!


    "You fool!��I shouldn''t have given birth to you!


    My, my, my, my... No, don''t talk to me like that!��He''s staying home!��I''m ordering you to stay home!


    Alfort summoned and a knight of the Kingsguard entered the office.


    ''What happened, sir?''


    Your mother is out of control!��Heh, lock him in his room.


    The Kingsguard Knight had his mouth open with a pout. Perhaps it was because Alfort looked disturbed in his eyes.


    Suddenly, Alcor''s words passed through his mind.


    -- While you think the worst, there is still a bottom.


    I wonder if there''s still a bottom, Fana let out a deep sigh.

 122-Episode 10 "Relief Flag" [Part 1]

    *


    Early October, 43rd year of the Imperial calendar--Betil was walking down the corridor leading to the conference room, looking for an excuse to skip the meeting.


    He feels that he could resign from his position as Prime Minister already, but even if he has to use his health condition as an excuse, he needs to make arrangements.


    Bethyl stopped in front of the furnishings.


    On a pedestal is a Sadar ware pot that was made about a hundred years ago.


    I don''t know how it came to be displayed in the corridors of Alfilk Castle, but it is a simple but tasteful pot.


    I once thought about displaying it in my own mansion when I was devoted to my work as a knight commander, but it was so expensive that I gave up on it.


    A thin layer of dust settled on that expensive vase.


    A week ago, Alfort ordered Fana to stay in his estate.


    This is the result.


    It''s not just here.


    Suddenly, the ladies are in turmoil because of the sudden disappearance of Fana, a high ranking person.


    Maybe they are engaged in factional warfare.


    The female officer is the daughter of a nobleman.


    She is the daughter of a nobleman and cannot remain unaffected by her family''s intentions.


    If there was a superior, she might have reluctantly - or even gladly - obeyed, as she was freed from her parents'' family, but if not, she would move according to her parents'' wishes.


    Perhaps they are afraid of isolation, just as the soldiers are afraid of isolation.


    ''....I want to go home.


    Betil mutters softly and begins to walk towards the conference room.


    ''Prime Minister Betil, good evening,''


    Thank you.


    The Knight of the Kingsguard opened the door and Bettyl entered the conference room.


    The Director of Finance Bawties, the Director of the Shorthand Bureau, Burkmeier, and the Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, took their seats.


    Bettyl took his own seat in silence.


    He leaned back in his chair and looked around.


    Treasurer Bawties is somewhat pale.


    Was the harvest less than seventy percent of the previous year''s total?


    Is it that the arena he took over is not being run well?


    Either way, it was none of Betil''s business.


    After a while, Alfort entered the room.


    Alfort took his seat and leaned back against the back.


    ''....We will begin the meeting. Treasurer Bawties, report to you.


    Ha!


    Treasurer Bawties stood up quietly.


    ''Firstly, I would like to tell Her Majesty about this year''s harvest. The expected harvest was seventy percent of the previous year''s, but the harvest was sixty percent of the previous year''s.


    What?


    Alfort''s eyes widened in astonishment.


    This surprised Bethyl as well.


    The expected harvest that he had heard from Nicole was eighty or ninety percent of the previous year''s harvest.


    The information he had gotten through his parents-in-law was ninety percent.


    Probably, the actual harvest was 90% of the previous year''s figure.


    The tax collectors of the emperor''s direct domain would have embezzled thirty percent of the previous year''s amount.


    ''However, please refer to the documents at hand.


    Bethyl picked up a document on his desk.


    ''The price of wheat is up thirty percent on the same month last year. If we cash it in at this rate, along with other tax revenues, we''ll retain eighty-five percent of our tax revenue from the previous year.


    The previous year''s tax revenue was six million gold coins - four million gold coins from the conversion of crops, and two million gold coins from monopoly goods, tolls, etc.


    If Treasurer Bawties has his way, this year''s tax revenue will be five hundred and twenty-two million gold coins.


    But--


    "With all due respect, Your Majesty.


    What is it, Prime Minister Bettyl?


    ''If the Director of Finance Bowties had his way, we would get five hundred and twenty-two thousand gold pieces, but our troops have not been provided with sustenance in kind.


    Not surprisingly, military expenses are paid for in gold.


    In the previous year, the cost of the army, including the cost of provisions, was 2.7 million pieces.


    ''Gutted, speak briefly.''


    ''With the same budget as the previous year, our soldiers will starve. That means we can''t sustain a standing army of 100,000.


    "Ralph Libra, Director of Military Affairs!


    I see. At the current rate, we can''t even buy 80 percent of what we need.


    Alfort shouted sharply, and Ralph Libra, the Director of Military Affairs, squeezed his beard and said.


    ''And furthermore I would say ...''


    Prime Minister Bettyl, do you have anything else?


    ''The merchant will not sell the wheat for what he bought it for.


    As a matter of course, the merchant sells his share on top of it.


    How much will the wheat be worth by the time it goes to market?


    "...Ralph Libra, Director of Military Affairs.


    What''s that?


    The Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, turned his gaze to Bethyl.


    ''I know you''re giving me a disgusted look,'' he said, ''but that''s all.


    ''How are the soldiers doing?''


    That''s right. About 5,000 of them are out of the army.


    Why?


    I''m afraid I don''t know that much, sir.


    Ralph Libra, Director of Military Affairs, squeezed his beard.


    ''Isn''t that proof that our soldiers are starving?


    We''ll look into it.


    If Bettyl were in the position of Director of Military Affairs Ralph Libra, I''d at least find out why.


    It''s not like he''s somebody else''s problem.


    Or maybe he has no interest in retired military personnel.


    It''s possible.


    He had failed to make a mark as a military strategist during the civil war of the imperial calendar forty years.


    Back then, the lords had led their own armies.


    It would have been difficult to even maintain an army in a situation where the intentions of the lords were intertwined.


    That''s why the new nobles - although they were a mercenary army at the time - were able to play an active role.


    ...Oh, I see.


    Bethyl mutters in a small voice.


    The Director of Military Affairs Ralph Libra is not interested in soldiers who don''t get their way.


    ''''I see.''''


    I mutter again.


    I think I finally understand him now.


    He wants to start over.


    He wants to prove his strength by leading an army that will do what he wants it to do.


    ''Wouldn''t we be less hungry if we had fewer soldiers?


    Betil was brought back to reality by Alfort''s words.


    ''You''re dismissing the possibility that security will deteriorate?


    No, I didn''t say that.


    When Bethyl asked back, Alfort snorted.


    ''''Any decent lord would fear the deterioration of security and would try to tie up his soldiers, even if it means cutting his own throat. If that happens, the soldiers will turn into the lord''s private army.''''


    That''s not possible!


    Are you trying to taunt us?


    Treasurer Bawties and Director of the Bureau of Finance and Mr. Burckmeyer leaned forward and shouted.


    ''It doesn''t matter how you two feel. The only thing that matters to a soldier is that he who fills his own belly is his master.


    The two of them look at me, colored by negative emotions, but it doesn''t matter.


    I''m confident that I can beat them down with my bare hands if they come at me.


    ''Treasurer Bowties, how''s the southern frontier going?


    No word yet.


    Did you close the roads?


    No, no, no, you haven''t answered the question.


    Treasurer Bawties answers Alfort, wiping sweat off his face.


    ''Why don''t you shut it down?''


    "Your Majesty.


    What now?


    When Bethyl called out to him, Alfort said irritably.


    ''''The new nobles have their own reasons for being here.


    What''s so important about this country?


    They have a people to protect.


    From Bethyl''s point of view, it is the Empire that is doing the unlawful.


    For their own reasons, they are trying to rob the new nobles of the fortune they have worked so hard to build.


    But even if I said that, Alfort would not understand.


    ''''Ralph Libra, Director of Military Affairs!��Where is the Marquis of Erakis?


    Leonhardt and Rio, I''m sending a hundred cavalrymen to you, sir.


    When we get the Marquis of Erakis under control.


    Alfort smiles darkly.


    Most likely, he''s going to use the captured Crono as a bargaining chip.


    There is no dignity there.


    Bettyl could only let out a sigh.


    Leonhardt advances his horse to the west.


    They are led by the 100 cavalry of the First and Ninth Kingsguard Knights.


    Their individual skills and skill level as a cavalry unit is one step ahead of the cavalry-focused Fifth Kingsguard Knights.


    Of course, I don''t blame them for that.


    Leonhardt himself can''t match Viscount Brad Hammar in his horsemanship skills.


    He describes it in this way as a unity of man and horse - a skillful coordination that takes place as if the rider were one with the horse.


    Viscount Brad Hammar is the embodiment of these words.


    Nevertheless, in the framework of the Imperial Army, Leonhardt is one of the best cavalrymen, and his subordinates are also of the highest caliber.


    Such proud subordinates, but their movements are lackluster due to the effects of the forced march.


    It''s understandable, I suppose.


    They''re trying to cross a road that would normally take two weeks to complete in a week.


    And that''s while taking care not to destroy the convoy.


    If you push it through, there will be a distortion somewhere.


    Leonhardt is also aware of the fatigue that builds on his shoulders.


    You can use the divine power technique to temporarily disguise the fatigue, but this is really a last resort.


    If I were to use an analogy - the closest thing to it would be an advance loan.


    It''s true that you can get through the moment, but the burden will be heavier later on.


    I frown as I recall the time when we conducted a multi-stage rocket run in the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    At that time, the horse died and Leonhardt and the others almost died as well.


    ''''Well........even so.......''''


    Rio, who was running his horse next to him, muttered to himself.


    The first thing that comes to mind is that I didn''t expect Leonhardt-dono to accept Crono''s escort. Why did you accept it?


    I''m under orders.


    Leonhardt let out a small sigh.


    If he had dismounted, he would have cowered his shoulders.


    Originally, I don''t think there is any justification for Crono''s escort - the restraining order.


    Originally, Alfilk Castle had to use paper from the Free City State Group.


    Nevertheless, the paper that was actually used was made in the Marquis of Erakis territory.


    This is evidence of Crono''s involvement in the embezzlement.


    That''s Alfort''s argument, but it must be said that the logic is broken.


    It''s like saying that the blacksmith who made the murder weapon was responsible for the blade incident.


    But an order is an order.


    ''''If you''re going to use that logic, why did you accept it, Rio-dono?


    It''s been a long time since I''ve seen Crono.


    Rio smiles lustily.


    But I can''t help but feel a sense of danger and madness in his smile.


    It''s enough to make me think that this was better before I met Crono.


    ''But why was it us?''


    ''You don''t ask someone else for something you''re aware of,''


    We were chosen because we are good friends with Crono.


    It''s a treadmill, so to speak.


    The only thing I can think of to say is that I''m not sure which side I''m on.


    At least he intends to do so.


    At all, military director Ralph Libra raises his eyebrows, saying it''s unnecessary.


    Leonhardt is not just the head of the Kingsguard.


    He is the heir of the House of Palatium, the second largest estate in the world after the Emperor.


    If he openly rejects the emperor''s orders, the country will fall apart.


    At worst, it would be civil war.


    Whichever side wins, the country will be devastated and the power of the state will be exhausted.


    If the Free City States or the Holy Argo Kingdom get involved, it will be even more troublesome.


    What do you think of this mission?


    Honestly, I''m not sure I like this assignment.


    Hmm?��Rio gives him a surprising look.


    ''Even I have compassion.


    Is that so?


    Yeah, of course.


    It''s not a lie, but it''s not a fact either.


    The Palatium family''s human calculation trumps all else.


    Of course, the Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, understood that and used it.


    He used the fact that he followed Alfort to show that the Empire was monolithic.


    I''d like to see them do a little more math, he added in his mind.


    The only people who will be relieved by this matter are the old Alfortist nobles.


    The non-Alfortist old aristocracy will be horrified and their relationship with the new aristocracy will fail.


    What''s more, many military personnel will be turned against them by this matter.


    No, there are not a few who are antagonistic even to their own subordinates.


    There are bad rumors, but Crono is a hero.


    When the Holy Argo Kingdom invaded, he used a strange strategy to repel the invasion, and in his parent conquest, he fulfilled his duties as a lord, albeit at great cost.


    He established friendly relations with the barbarian tribes of the Areos Mountains - the Roux, with whom he had long had a hostile relationship.


    And, it was an operation against the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    The story of Crono''s undertaking the dirty work to recover the bodies of his subordinates has been spread as a beautiful story.


    However, Leonhard can''t think that simply.


    After all, the details of the top-secret mission have been leaked.


    If he doesn''t feel a sense of urgency because of this, he is not a good commander.


    Did former Prime Minister Arkol intentionally leak the information?


    Or is it someone else?


    Either way, there is no doubt that there is someone trying to improve Crono''s reputation.


    ''''........I wonder where the drop-off point should be.


    Leonhardt is alone.


    Now that I''ve raised my fist in the air, I can''t be innocent.


    Alfort, minus its cronies, must be satisfied.


    I know it sounds terrible, but Crono made too many enemies.


    ''''I guess it''s about not letting them out of the Imperial City for the rest of their lives.


    Hmm, Leonhardt gave a small nod.


    He wondered if it was a mistake not to let him out of his own mansion, but he wouldn''t say it.


    He might be able to manage that much.


    Even if Crono was executed, Leonhard could still show that he had done everything in his power.


    ''''It''s utterly terrible.''''


    Yeah?


    Leonhardt muttered, and Rio tilted his head curiously.


    ''''No, it''s this way.''''


    They say they have compassion, but they are thinking about how to benefit themselves and how to minimize the damage.


    It''s as if there is no compassion in this.


    Crono was facing Elena in the office of the Marquis'' mansion.


    But across the desk, though.


    ''''........The tax revenue for this year is 29,400 gold coins and 10 silver coins, including the dividends from the ''Sinner Trade Association''. By the way, the expenditure is 49,000 tonnes of gold coins and two pieces of silver coins.


    Elena said with a look on her face as if she''d bitten down on a bitter worm.


    ''It''s not a deficit because we have a carryover,''


    Right. When combined with the carryover, that leaves fifteen thousand nine hundred and sixty-two gold coins and ten silver coins in the vault.


    That''s not a problem.


    ''You know,'' said Elena, letting out a small sigh.


    ''''We''re going to lose almost twenty thousand gold coins, okay?��You should panic a bit.


    Well, it''s what you''d expect.


    Crono leaned back in his chair.


    ''d*mn, now we could be getting record tax revenue.


    That''s why I don''t sell them.


    Wheat prices in the vicinity are up 30% from the same month last year.


    I thought it was because the Commercial Union was working in the dark, but according to Sion, it''s not.


    Sion - The Temple of Loess - gathers all the information on agriculture in the Empire.


    The average harvest is ninety percent of the previous year''s figure.


    Whether you see this as a lot or a little is a matter of opinion, but according to Theon, it doesn''t have that much of an impact on the price of wheat.


    ''I know they don''t sell, but isn''t bringing back the toll tax a bit much?


    I wish I could have come up with another idea.


    Crono chuckled.


    Even if his own fiefdom had the same yield as the previous year, if the price of wheat in the area was high, he would be caught up in it.


    If the merchants found that the wheat in Crono''s fiefdom was cheap, they would buy it up and take it with them to other places.


    If this happens, the people of the territory will suffer from the high price of wheat.


    That must be avoided.


    So Crono restored the toll tax on crops.


    But it''s only for moving crops from one Crono''s territory to another.


    ''''Even so, it''s not ten times the market rate, ten times.


    You''ll never be able to resell this one.


    ''That''s true, but...''


    Elena clammed up.


    In short, she cut off the logistics by taxing them.


    This stopped the Commercial Union from bringing wheat into Count Caddo''s territory.


    No matter how much they brought in, if they couldn''t cash it in, it was useless.


    Well, even if Crono is aware of it, a considerable amount of it has been brought in, so Baroness Nam Corne will come to negotiate in a while.


    Was it a tariff barrier, Crono scratched his head.


    This level of knowledge remained, but the years of Japanese history were completely missing.


    ''''I''ve memorized it by heart...''''


    What are you talking about?


    It''s nothing.


    They''re going to hate you.


    ''Everyone in the Economic Alliance agreed and kept in step with me.


    Not everyone?


    Except for Baron Trace.


    That''s it?


    The Bailey Chamber of Commerce also sent a letter of protest.


    Crono moaned softly.


    Former Viscount Hamal, Tina, Baron Melsatim, and Baron Bossain were understanding and promised that they would adopt the same measures as Crono in their own territory.


    However, if Tilia hadn''t written to me, things might not have gone as well as they did.


    After all, the authority of the royal family is tremendous.


    But we are in the red after all. Why don''t you just cut back on your spending?


    I can''t do that.


    Why?


    Just when I thought the frontier was finally getting off the ground, this is a bad crop.


    A bad harvest is nothing to sneeze at.


    ''It''s a big deal for a frontier village,''


    The existing villages had been under cultivation, and the amount of land cultivated was offset by a poor crop.


    But the fields in the pioneer villages had just been cultivated.


    ''If you work the fields, you''ll have a bad year,''


    They''re all amateurs.


    ''Oh,'' said Elena, nodding as she finally got the point across.


    I suppose if you''ve been a farmer for decades, you''d be able to give up some of these years. A bad harvest can be very damaging to an amateur.


    So you don''t want to go after the damage.


    That''s right.


    If the scale of public works is reduced here, the frontier villages will lose hope.


    They might even feel abandoned.


    I have a lot of money in my vault, even if I don''t have a lot of money in my pocket.


    I don''t want to lose my trust by sparing the money.


    ''''Originally, the gold in the vaults was the property of the lords.


    It''s your money, right?


    It''s the property of the people.


    ...phew.


    Elena looked at Crono with dubious eyes and let out a small sigh.


    ''That''s admirable if you''re that thorough. I admire you.''


    I don''t feel like I''m being honored at all.


    It''s a top-down view.


    And it''s not just the usual superior view, but a super superior view.


    ''Oh, you know, the dismay turns to respect when it''s too much.


    I didn''t mean it as a compliment.


    It''s a compliment.


    Elena said disgustedly.


    At that moment, the door opened vigorously and Alyssa jumped in.


    It wasn''t just a matter of her doing this kind of ill-tuned law.


    ''Sir!��Master Leonhardt and Master Rio!


    Is there a new mission?


    ''No, sir!��I''m here to take the Master to the Imperial City!


    What did you say?


    Crono exclaimed involuntarily.

 123-Episode 10 "The Flag of Rebellion" [Part 2]

    *


    Why would I be escorted back to the Imperial City?��And Crono walks down the hallway.


    If I''m honest, I wanted to run, but I have the eyes of my subordinates here.


    Just the fact that Leonhardt and Rio have come is an unusual situation, but I can''t expose the abomination and make my subordinates uneasy.


    Even though I know that in my head, I naturally walk quickly.


    ''''Master!


    Just as Crono reached out to open the door to the parlor, Alyssa shouted.


    ''What?''


    ''I''m sorry, sir. Sir, your sword.


    Alyssa said in a squeezing tone.


    That made me calm down a bit.


    A convoy means that some kind of suspicion is being placed on them.


    If you go out with a sword in your belt in such a situation, it could be determined that you are willing to resist.


    It''s not about whether you believe Leonhardt and Rio.


    It''s about whether it''s effective as an excuse.


    Crono took a deep breath and handed his sword belt - a long sword and a dagger - to Alyssa.


    ''Take care of yourself, sir.


    Okay.


    Crono stroked Alyssa''s cheek and turned to the door.


    She quietly opened the door to the reception room.


    Leonhardt and Rio were sitting on the couch, looking very relaxed.


    ''Here you are,''


    I didn''t expect it. I don''t mind.


    Hey, good to see you.


    Leonhardt and Rio responded in the same tone as usual, and Crono let out a breath of relief.


    They could kidnap Crono with all their strength if the two of them wanted to, but if they didn''t, it would mean that they were going to explain the situation.


    ''Do you mind if I sit down?''


    I don''t mind.


    Crono sat down on the sofa facing him.


    ''I''m about to warm up to an old friendship, but what do you mean you''re taking me to the Imperial City?��I don''t mean to tell you, but I didn''t do anything wrong, okay?


    Well that''s why I''m here.


    Leonhardt cleared his throat, as if he was having trouble saying it.


    ''Currently, Alfiruk Castle will not use parchment, but paper imported from the Free City State group.


    That was a waste of time.


    If it was paper, it was being put to practical use in Crono''s territory.


    It seemed like a waste of money to import paper from a group of free city-states all the way to use it.


    ''''So what about it?''''


    ''It turns out that the paper was made in the Marquis of Erakis. Probably the officials replaced it to embezzle the difference.


    Leonhardt cut off his words there.


    Crono was confused.


    The paper was made in Crono''s territory for the officials to embezzle the difference - washi paper.


    What did it have to do with Crono?


    ''His Majesty Alfort has determined that Lord Crono is the ringleader and is plotting a rebellion.


    What?


    He asked back.


    ''His Majesty Alfort has determined that Lord Crono is plotting a rebellion. That the plight of the Empire is due to Lord Crono''s conspiracy.''''


    ''What?��No, wait a minute. What''s that super theory?


    I can understand if you''re saying that Crono was involved in embezzlement.


    It''s still within the realm of understanding.


    What does it mean that the plight of the empire is a conspiracy of Crono''s, that he is plotting treason?


    I don''t understand it at all.


    Does the fact that they are following such orders mean that Leonhard and Rio understand Alfort''s super theory?


    Could it be that I have gone out of my mind without realizing it?


    ''Don''t worry, I know you''re sane,''


    Do you think Master Leonhardt is crazy too?


    ''The problem is that His Majesty Alfort has determined that.


    Leonhard folded his hands and leaned forward.


    ''Do you have proof?''


    The paper evidence.


    No, because that doesn''t prove that I was involved.


    ''Lord Crono His Majesty Alfort decided to hit you and raised his fist in the air.


    No.....


    Crono felt weak and leaned back on the couch.


    It''s a false accusation with a conclusion.


    It''s not that I have sworn allegiance to the Empire.


    But even so, he was proud of the contributions he had made to the Empire.


    That pride has been trampled on, and even the future we had in mind is now being closed off.


    Should I resist, Crono asks himself, and he quickly changes his mind.


    The Empire is powerful.


    Even if its head is rotten, its body is still robust.


    Crono has one thousand five hundred troops, including the mercenaries of the Confederation of Tribes, while the Empire has one hundred thousand troops.


    The difference in troop strength is more than sixty-six times greater.


    I can''t afford to let one thousand five hundred men die in vain for my own sake.


    There is no option to fight from the start.


    ''''I''ve been working so hard.


    Yeah, I know that. You''ve done well. The soldiers you saved are grateful to you, and my men are grateful to you.


    But,'' continues Leonhardt, ''you''ve made more enemies than allies.


    ''You''ve made more enemies than allies. The corrupt official you have expelled is a crony of His Majesty Alfort. I don''t need to say any more, do I?


    Yes.


    Crono sat up and hung his head disappointedly.


    ''What happens to my territory?''


    ''At the risk of confiscation, I promise I''ll postpone it as long as I can.


    What about me?


    ''Yes. I''m sure the conversation will go in the direction of the death penalty, but I''ll do my best to make sure that doesn''t happen. The place to be dropped off is the Imperial City, where I''ll be watched for the rest of my life, I guess.


    It was Rio who answered.


    It would be difficult to spend the rest of his life under surveillance, but he doesn''t say it.


    I have a strangely certain feeling that I will be killed.


    ''You''re happy, aren''t you?''


    No way. I''m very sad that Crono is being falsely accused of something he didn''t do.


    Rio cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    ''''Well I guess that''s it for me too.''''


    Don''t look so negative, all right? I''ll run for warden, and I''ll make sure you get your money''s worth.


    Nice to meet you.


    We''ll take care of it.


    After all, Rio said happily.


    Crono let out a deep sigh.


    There is a sense of futility in the fact that what you have done comes to nothing.


    However, it was even more painful to see their ideals end with their subordinates.


    The thoughts they had entrusted to him and his subordinates were spoiled.


    I couldn''t protect them.


    I feel like a discarded bowl, that I should just let it go away.


    No, Crono shook his head a little.


    You are still a lord.


    I have a responsibility that must be fulfilled.


    ''''Leonhardt-dono, when is my convoy?''''


    "His Majesty Alfort has ordered me to return to the country as soon as he is in custody.


    I don''t know. I just want it until tomorrow.


    "Are you spending your last moments with your mistress?


    You''re taking over.


    Rio said in a mischievous tone, and Crono laughed weakly.


    ''Crono, I am. I don''t like the women who flock to you, but I still think it''s okay to at least give them time to confirm their love for you.


    Thank you, but I''m sure they''ll understand. But I''m sure they''ll understand.


    Crono stood up.


    *


    ''Master Crono!��What do you mean by suspicion of treason?


    As soon as Leila walked into the conference room, she packed up in a furtive manner.


    Crono chuckles, "I guess emotions are bare at times like this.


    I like her micro-expression, but I also like her to bare her emotions.


    ''And that''s what I''m going to explain to you now,''


    I don''t get it!


    Sit down, half-elf.


    It was Tilia who controlled Leila, who was about to argue further.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most of it.


    The arrangement of the desks is school style, so it looks somewhat delinquent.


    ''''But!''''


    "We don''t have time for this.


    Yes.


    Leila took her seat with a sense of reluctance, perhaps because she was pressured.


    Crono stood at the podium and looked at the faces in the conference room.


    His second-in-command, Alideed, Deneb, Goldie, Shiro, Hiilo, Taiga, the landlady, Elena, Alyssa, Theon, Sitter, Dr. Wiseman, and Kane and Faye via the magic item for ultra-long-distance communication also joined them.


    Snow, Sue, and Eryl are not there.


    For some reason--''''


    ''''I didn''t call the Priestess, though?


    Well, well, well, that''s good.


    The priest took a seat at the back of the room and began to drink from his hand.


    He was a man who did not read the air.


    Crono cleared his throat as a way of resetting the scene.


    ''I think you can tell that I am suspected of treason. The paper used in Alfilk Castle is said to have come from the Marquis of Erakis, and I''m supposed to be the mastermind behind it. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    All of them, except Tyria, are popping their mouths open.


    ''Crono, that doesn''t make sense, does it?


    That''s weird. I don''t get it either.


    Huh, Tilia let out a sigh.


    ''''The bottom line is that someone used paper from the Marquis of Erakis'' territory rather than paper imported from the Free City State group, and made the difference for themselves.


    That''s not possible.


    It was Goldie who denied it.


    ''I agree with the dwarf. I don''t see anything unnatural in your books.


    I agree, based on the situation with the visitors, yes.


    Elena crosses her arms in a pompous manner and the sitter says while wiping sweat off her face.


    ''''Crono-sama, suspicious behavior, I know.'''' (Gaugao)


    We''ll figure it out.


    White and Hiilo snorted.


    ''You mean my actions have been passed on to my subordinates,'' Crono almost gushed despite the situation.


    ''What do you mean by the general''s fault for the empire''s devastation? (Bumo?)


    ''From what I''ve heard, Alfort''s governance is not going well. Poor security, widespread corruption, high wheat prices...


    Tilia, how do you know so much?


    ''If you go around the stalls this much, you''ll hear about it naturally.


    He wanted you to use your hell-ears to see what was going on.


    Like a punk in a pinch when it counts.


    "They were too fast!


    Arididid and Deneb complained, and Tyria looked miffed as she said it back.


    ''If you had come more slowly,'' he continues, ''I could have detected your movements.


    ''What does this have to do with the general?'' (Bum?)


    ''The security situation has deteriorated because they built a mausoleum without thinking.


    What? (Bum?)


    "The lack of oversight of the flow of funds has led to a massive influx of cutthroats, with the soaring price of marble taking its toll, and a massive influx of vagrants into the imperial capital once it is completed.


    Tilia crossed her arms and crossed her legs further.


    ''Soaring marble?'' (Bum?)


    Your family is gone.


    "Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...


    No, it''s not your fault.


    Tyria assured him, and his second-in-command patted his chest.


    ''You made yourself uneasy, but it''s a good thing you''re a match pump.


    ''''That was the result of a discussion with Baron Bowties, you know.


    ''Baron Bowties, merchant no, Alfort''s mistake. Well, the worst person to say that would be Alcor.


    What is Ramal V''s responsibility for planting the seed?��I thought, but I wouldn''t say it.


    ''After all, corruption has become widespread, hasn''t it?


    Yes.


    Crono nodded at Leila''s muttering.


    ''Like what''s the high price of wheat?''


    We''re already full of food.


    ...You are...


    Tyria held her temples as if she were fighting off a headache.


    ''''The price of wheat is skyrocketing in the surrounding territories.


    That''s impossible. We''ve just found out that our harvest is 90% of what it was last year.


    Theon takes over Tyria''s words.


    ''I believe the tax collector has embezzled, yes.


    That''s a lot of embezzlement.


    Perhaps remembering the former Marquis of Erakis, the landlady said in disgust.


    That''s what corruption is all about. A little bit can escalate and corrupt everything.


    "The importance of an atmosphere where corruption is not tolerated.


    Kane spits, and Faye says in a tone that shows no sign of tension.


    Dr. Weissman opened his mouth, as if he was trying to get the timing right.


    ''So, Crono, what are you going to do about it?''


    I''m going to...


    He was already prepared, but hesitated to say it.


    ''''Well I''m going to obey.


    Lady Crono!


    General! (BUMO!)


    Leila and her second in command stood up and shouted, ''''You''re going to obey me when I''m falsely accused of a crime?


    ''You are going to obey an innocent charge? (MUFFLED?)


    Let''s fight, Mister Crono!


    We''ll do our best, too.


    Like fighting Master Crono!


    We fight! (GASP!)


    "Fight and win! (GASP!)


    "It''s been a long time since we''ve had a fight, that we have.


    His men shouted from the mouth.


    The determination of his men is exciting.


    But--


    It''s no use. We have only one thousand five hundred men. It is not possible to win no matter how you think about it. Isn''t that right?


    It''s suicide.


    Crono asked, and Dr. Weissman nodded quietly.


    There is a serene light in his eyes.


    It''s like the eyes of a clergyman tending to a dying person.


    ''''So you''re going, right?''''


    Yes,


    The adjutants were silent when they heard the exchange between Crono and Dr. Weissman.


    They had been given a practical officer''s education.


    That knowledge would spell absolute defeat.


    ''Can''t we ask for help from the Economic Alliance?


    I can''t.


    Tilia dismisses Leila''s proposal without hesitation.


    ''''Why?''''


    ''An economic alliance is not a military alliance. And the Cronos don''t ask for help.


    Yes.


    Crono nodded.


    ''There''s no point in asking for help, and we can''t drag you into our doom.


    ''You don''t plan to escape?��I had an appointment from my mercenary days--


    "Master Crono will not run away.


    Faye interrupts Kane''s words.


    ''Yeah, I''m not running away,''


    "Seriously?


    I''m serious.


    Crono chuckled.


    If he ran away himself, the territory would be confiscated.


    He couldn''t escape in order to buy time.


    ''''........Mino-san, Sitter-san, Alyssa. That''s why I want you to make a list of people who want to retire today. Give them a retirement package on top of that so they don''t have to live on top of it.


    "I understand.


    Okay, yes.


    The deputy and the sitter said in a squeezing tone of voice.


    Alyssa?


    Can''t you just go away, sir?


    No more "take me with you and run away" bullshit.


    ...Your Highness.


    As Crono played along, a single tear spilled out of Alyssa''s eyes.


    ''''Well what am I supposed to do?''''


    Elena is free.


    Crono walked over to Elena and made her turn her chin up.


    She bit her lip as she removed the collar.


    ''Well you were the worst kind of scum.


    Thank you.


    I didn''t mean it as a compliment!


    Elena''s willow eyebrows went upside down.


    The next moment, tears spilled out of her eyes.


    ''But I love you. I love you. I love you.''


    Thank you.


    Crono patted Elena''s head.


    I wanted to ask you to take Alyssa and Alyson to the Free City State group, but I''m not in the mood to say it.


    I''ll write a letter later.


    ''''I''ll miss it, but the meeting is over.


    With that, Crono left the conference room.


    *


    Crono returns to his office and organizes his papers.


    I''m sure Tilia would be able to run the territory well without having to take over the details, but should I do what needs to be done?


    ''''It''s........too late~''''


    I don''t think I''m trying to incite a rebellion.


    I stood up uneasily, and the door opened.


    Tilia entered the room with a wild gait.


    ''''You didn''t incite a rebellion, did you?


    Don''t worry about it, those people aren''t going to revolt.


    Hmph, Tyria sniffs petulantly.


    So he had incited a rebellion, but it was unsuccessful.


    Crono was relieved at the thoughtfulness of his subordinate.


    ''You ungrateful bastards,''


    Tilia started kicking the wall with a gun.


    In no time, the wall was falling to pieces.


    ''Tilia, calm down. Let''s take over.


    You''re a terrible person.


    Tilia glares at Crono with a snap.


    ''We may never see each other again, okay?


    Yes.


    Crono poked him in the cheek.


    Tilia walked over and leaned against the desk.


    ''''Do you want to ... run away?''''


    I''m not running away.


    I''ve already made up my mind.


    "What if they kill you?


    I know that.


    They are trying to take Crono into custody without any evidence.


    They will be forced to kill him for every crime.


    Leonhardt said he would do everything in his power, but I don''t trust him one bit now, considering that he didn''t act when Tyria was deprived of her right to the throne.


    Besides, there are things that make me uneasy when I talk to him.


    It''s the anxiety of whether my feelings are reaching his heart.


    Isn''t my feelings just a one-way street, slipping over his heart?


    I think so.


    ''''Well this is the last time we''re going to do this and there''s no kissing.


    I''m going to miss it.


    Crono touches Tilia''s hair.


    ''You may cunca-cunca-cunca?''


    You''ve ruined it.


    Crono chuckled.


    *


    The next day, the gates of Hachel''s castle were packed with soldiers and lords.


    Perhaps due to the tension, their subordinates have their faces tightened.


    Even though they were one of the top-ranked forces in the Imperial Army, they were still human.


    If we are attacked by this many people, death is inevitable.


    If you are in perfect physical condition, but fatigue has reached a level that cannot be ignored.


    I wish I could have stayed at the inn, but Crono is adored this much.


    If I had stayed at the lodge poorly, I might have been poisoned.


    Leonhardt confronts Crono in front of the convoy while thinking about such things in a corner of his mind.


    The convoy is a lot rattled, just like us.


    "Crono-dono. I''m sure you understand, but don''t do anything stupid.


    I know.


    Crono entered the convoy and his men closed the door.


    The subordinate looked clearly relieved.


    Leonhard rode his own horse without daring to point it out.


    He walked past his men and moved to the front of the line.


    ''''Forward!''''


    When Leonhardt gave the order, his men advanced their horses to meet the convoy.


    When Hachel was as small as a mustard grain, Rio, who was next to him, opened his mouth.


    ''''It looks like there was no resistance.''''


    ''I''m sure Mister Crono has done a good job of convincing you.


    He was prepared to engage in a fight if he was honest.


    The bond between Crono and his men is deep.


    I thought that he could go off on an emotional tangent, but it seemed to be a groundless fear.


    Speaking of unfounded fears, it was also surprising that Rio was being quiet.


    I was going to get rid of him if he seemed to be interfering with me, but--.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not going to be able to get away with it.


    ''''Is that the limit of the quicksilver?''''


    ''I think I can slow down on the way back, so I think it''ll last until the Imperial City. You''ll hate your attention span, or rather your senses, and you''ll hate it.


    ...I''m not so sure.


    In my heart I agree with Rio''s opinion.


    ''Well, I don''t think it would be a problem if I was dealing with Princess Tyria, though.


    Why does Princess Tyria come into the picture?


    You have no idea.


    Rio let out a small breath.


    ''That woman will definitely come back for Crono.


    So we have a lot in common?


    There''s no resemblance at all.


    When Leonhardt asked, Rio lifted the corners of his mouth.


    It''s a somewhat gruesome smile.


    ''''Hmm, how does that connect?''''


    If it''s a wild boar, we won''t have to be so careful.


    Rio looked ahead and narrowed his eyes.


    ''You seem to have grown up a bit with ambushes.


    Can two of us take him?


    ''''Well yes. Let''s do that.


    Rio increased the speed of his horse and Leonhardt matched it.

 124-Episode 10 "The Flag of Rebellion" [Part 2]

    *


    Leonhardt ran his horse alongside Rio.


    The figure, which was as small as a grain of poppy, gradually became larger and clearer.


    The golden hair fluttering in the wind, the determined blue eyes, the drawn, cherry-red lips.


    The figure standing with a sword in hand reminds me of the warrior maiden spoken of in mythology.


    The Princess Tilia stood in the middle of the street and stared at us.


    Suddenly Leonhardt felt uncomfortable.


    But he couldn''t realize what it was.


    ''''Divine weapon summoning!


    A green light gathers and a bow appears in Rio''s hand.


    It''s a bow that has been finely crafted.


    It is a divine weapon summoning - a divine power embodied in a divine art.


    I thought you were supposed to capture it?


    I''m just going to scare him a little.


    Rio leaned back from his horse and pulled the string.


    The green light converged, forming an arrow.


    ''Please don''t let me die!


    Rio releases an arrow.


    The arrow goes in a straight line, snatching the Princess Tilia and piercing the ground.


    The sound of an explosion rang out, causing a large amount of dirt to roll up.


    It''s like a geyser.


    But Princess Tilia was unwavering.


    Her hair flutters in the wind and she glares at us.


    A sense of discomfort swells up.


    ''''You''ve only matched hands many times. How about this one?''''


    Rio fired arrows in rapid succession.


    Just like before, he snatched the Princess Tilia and stabbed her behind.


    The sound of the explosion rang out intermittently, and each time it did so, dirt erupted.


    As I thought, Princess Tilia did not move slightly.


    As usual, her hair--.


    ''''Shit!''''


    Leonhardt finally realized what the discomfort was.


    Princess Tilia''s hair was not affected by the blast.


    No matter how tired she was, it was still incredibly stupid.


    ''''Lord Rio!��It''s an illusion created by the divine power technique!


    What did you say?


    Princess Tyria grins and her figure disappears.


    The Divine Authority Technique of the ''Pure White and Orderly God'' manipulates light.


    It''s not impossible to manipulate the light to project your own image in any location.


    Leonhardt rolled his horse''s neck.


    The next moment, the ground rumbled.


    A crack in the ground ran to divide Leonhardt and the convoy, and several of his men were engulfed in it.


    You can tell it''s quite deep from the fact that they don''t come out right away.


    Nevertheless--''''


    ''''........what a long time.


    I gulp.


    The earth cracks continue from one end of the field of view to the other.


    Rio, no, he''s a master of divine power arts comparable to Baroness Nam Corne.


    I don''t like it, Leonhardt shook his head.


    Now is not the time to be surprised.


    We must overcome the cracks in the ground and protect the convoy.


    Fortunately, or perhaps fortunately, there are about seventy horsemen on the other side of the cracks in the ground.


    ''''Let''s go back!''''


    Oh!


    Leonhardt and Rio rode their horses to the cracks in the ground.


    Suddenly, something shimmered at the top of their vision.


    Flames exploded and covered the heavens.


    The horse stood on a pole, and something - a transparent sphere - fell below their feet.


    ''God!''


    God!


    Leonhardt and Rio invoke the divine power technique "Divine Clothing" and "Holy Shield".


    Light envelops their bodies and a shield of light appears.


    The transparent sphere emits a red flash, and flames and blasts rush in.


    Leonhard and Rio are thrown from their horses.


    They roll on the ground and stand up.


    Apparently, the transparent sphere was a magic item.


    ''''........You''re going to kill me.


    Leonhardt looks down at his beloved horse''s corpse and mutters softly.


    I think that''s a stupid line, even if I am.


    The horse''s body is half blown away.


    It''s crazy to think that the other party doesn''t intend to kill him with this.


    ''''Those who can use the Divine Majesty Technique, deploy the ''defensive wall''!


    Following Leonhardt''s orders, his subordinates deployed a defensive wall on the hemisphere.


    ''''Princess Tilia''s objective is Lord Crono!��Lord Crono--!


    The magic item scattered flames and blasts, drowning out Leonhardt''s voice.


    ''Lord Rio, let my voice reach my men!


    I know.


    Rio points his index finger upward.


    The green light swirls and diffuses.


    ''I command you!��Whoever can use the divine power technique, deploy the ''Wall of Defense''!��Princess Tyria''s goal is to retake Lord Crono!��Don''t let them take Lord Crono away from you!


    Suddenly, the attack stopped.


    The space far behind them flickered, revealing Princess Tilia.


    No, it''s not just Princess Tilia.


    Ten white-furred werewolves - beast infantry led by White were deployed on the right wing, and ten gray-furred werewolves - beast infantry led by Hiilo were deployed on the left wing.


    In addition, about thirty beastman infantry and elven archers are waiting behind Princess Tilia.


    Princess Tilia crossed her arms and stared at us.


    I wonder if the reason she doesn''t want to move is because she is using her Divine Majesty Technique and is exhausted.


    ''''Leave Crono behind and return to the imperial capital quickly!


    An interesting voice reaches Leonhardt''s ears.


    It seems that Rio is picking up the voice with his divine power technique.


    ''''Can our voices reach you?


    Of course.


    ''The capture of Lord Crono is the order of His Majesty Alfort!


    I guess that''s a deal breaker.


    Leonhardt frowned.


    If you''re going to call it a negotiation breakdown, I''d like you to show a little more positivity.


    Well, I know I don''t have the qualifications to say such things.


    ''''Then........die!


    Princess Tilia shouted and the attack began again.


    The beastmen on both wings released magic items with the weapons in their hands.


    The magic item draws a mountainous trajectory, unleashing flames and blasts in the air and on the ground.


    One by one, his men are thrown off their horses.


    Only a few were able to dismount of their own volition.


    Not a few were kicked by the horses and blown away.


    ''''d*mn, what''s with that weapon?''''


    It''s a crossbow.


    Leonhardt answers Rio''s question.


    In the meantime, the attack continues.


    ''''Crossbow?''''


    I''ve seen them in my parents'' warehouse. It''s a weapon that''s long gone.


    It does not require much training, but its range is shorter than that of a bow, and its continuous firing ability is low.


    It is a weapon that naturally fell into disuse in an empire that had created an environment that allowed for the training of archers.


    I didn''t expect to revive such an increasingly forgotten weapon.


    The ''defensive wall'' that my subordinates were deploying wavered erratically.


    It must be reaching its limits with the repeated attacks.


    If this continues, my subordinates will be devoured by the gods.


    ''''I''m sorry for Count Chiron, though!


    Like you can''t replace Master Crono''s life!


    The twin elves - Aridid and Deneb - fire arrows, and their men, who are shot through the arms and legs, fall to the ground with a short scream.


    The other elves are terrifyingly skilled, even though they can''t hit their arrows due to the blast.


    Some of the subordinates who were guarding the convoy, judging them to be stranded, charge into both enemy wings.


    He realized that he couldn''t fire his crossbow in rapid succession.


    His men jumped out of the way and proceeded to scramble through the waist-high grass.


    But--


    ''''Gah!''''


    His men disappeared and screams echoed through the air.


    A wooden stake was impaled on the foot of his subordinate as he crawled back to the road.


    Princess Tilia had set a trap in the bushes.


    ''''Use the convoy as a shield!��They want to take Lord Crono...


    An explosion hits close to the convoy.


    ''Princess Tyria!��I don''t care what happens to Lord Crono!


    ''An arm or two would do it!��As long as you don''t die, I can help you with the Divine Majesty Technique!


    What a woman.


    Rio muttered in dismay.


    I was tempted to plunge in, but I generally agree with him.


    "Trickery, surprise attack.......and a trap. Don''t you have any pride?''''


    ''Huh-ha-ha-ha-ha!


    The reply was a loud laugh.


    ''The man I love is about to be taken away!��I don''t want your pride!��In the first place, I couldn''t make Crono my own because of my extra pride!��There''s no way I''m going to repeat the same mistakes!


    Are you crazy?


    Princess Tilia barked, and Leonhardt was taken aback.


    ''She''s crazy about Crono. It''s the same with me, though.''''


    Immediately after Rio whispered, a blue flash of lightning that came from the side - a high level of wind magic, "Thunderbolt Ranbu" - engulfed the subordinates in front of him.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this in the future.


    ''''Eryll!''''


    Rio shouted and released an arrow of light.


    Ahead of him was Viscount Eril Sardomelik, the former leader of the Eleventh Order of the Kingsguard.


    Elil moves at high speed and unleashes his magic in rapid succession.


    Blue flashes, explosions, storms, and cold air littered the battlefield.


    Rio also shoots arrows in a losing effort, but Eril ducks the attack while facing this way.


    Considering the direction of his body, he should be running sideways, but he''s not moving up and down unnaturally for that.


    I don''t know how he''s moving, but every time Eril releases his magic, his subordinate falls down in a flurry.


    He''s taking Princess Tyria''s words seriously, and he''s winding up the convoy as hard as he can.


    I noticed that the subordinates in front of the earth cracks were close to being wiped out.


    There were about fifty men on the other side of the crack.


    ''''You guys go ahead!''''


    I can still do it!


    ''That''s not for you to decide!��Go!


    Good luck!


    His men grunted huskily and started running in the opposite direction of the convoy.


    Leonhardt headed for the convoy, braving the blast.


    The same goes for Rio.


    If we run to it ourselves, we have the ability to reverse the situation.


    But that''s why it''s hard to move forward with the blast.


    ''''The attack with magic items can''t last long!��Hang on!��If we can outrun them, we win!


    Oh!��And his subordinate shouted heroically at Leonhardt''s words, and the attack with the magic item stopped in a flash.


    However, the attacks on Leonhardt and Rio continued.


    Perhaps they are trying to save their magic items as they are running low on them.


    That''s when.


    The convoy soared high into the sky with a roar, and a pillar of fire rose up to follow.


    The convoy slammed to the ground and fell over on its side.


    ''''Are you insane?''''


    ''I told you I wouldn''t mind an arm or two!


    Princess Tilia responded to Leonhardt''s cry.


    ''''Sue, do it!''''


    As Princess Tilia pointed at the overturned convoy, a sallow-skinned girl - Suu stepped out with a stone spear in her hand.


    The jet-black light colored her body like a barbarian''s war makeup.


    ''''Crono, return!''''


    Suu throws a stone spear surrounded by jet-black light with his stunning form.


    The stone spear pierces the side of the convoy - which is now the ceiling - and the jet-black light repeatedly turns on and off.


    The interval between them became shorter and shorter, and finally they exploded.


    A gaping hole is left in the convoy.


    ''''The magic item is censored!��The fact that he used the Marking Technique is proof of that!��We''ll charge in while the Commander and Count Chiron attract the enemy!


    It was one of his men who shouted.


    The subordinate jumps out and thrusts his hand out towards the Tilia princesses.


    ''''Stop--!


    "Thunderbolt Ranbu!


    "Leave it to me! (BUMO!)


    A blue flash of light was released, and Crono''s second-in-command - Mino - jumped out to protect Princess Tilia.


    But being a minotaur, he shouldn''t be able to use magic.


    Bumoo!


    Mino let out a heroic cry, and yellow light colored his body like barbarian war veneer.


    The imprinting technique--a spell to unite with the spirits passed down to the tribes of the Bethel Mountains and the Areos Mountains.


    Bumoooo!


    The yellow barrier deployed, sending a blue flash of light bouncing across the sky.


    Mino rammed into his subordinates with terrifying speed.


    The first prey was the subordinate who unleashed the ''Thunderbolt Ranbu''.


    The pole axe stabbed into his side and he was blown away while spreading blood-repulsion.


    Bumoooo!


    Mino let out a yell and swung his poleaxe around.


    Each time he did so, his men were blown away.


    The men formed up and tried to counter Mino.


    But then flames rained down on them.


    No, it wasn''t flames.


    It''s a beastman whose body is decorated with red light.


    "We will cover you, that we will! (GASP!)


    The tiger beastman wields a great sword.


    His combination with Mino is like a storm.


    The burden is too much for the subordinates who are exhausted by the time they get here and worn out to prevent attacks by magic items.


    ''''Guh!''''


    "Yikes!


    The screams of my subordinates go up.


    If you look, you can see that the half-elf girl - Snow has stabbed her subordinate from behind.


    The subordinate slashes at Snow.


    However, Snow ducked with excellent bodywork and fled into the bushes.


    ''''Crono!


    Rio shouted and Leonhardt looked up at the convoy.


    Crono was looking at us from the top of the convoy.


    ''Crono!��Tell me!


    Rio shouts.


    ''Just one word!��Tell them to come!


    What are you talking about?" said Leonhard, turning his gaze to Rio.


    Oh, no, this is the way it is.


    He is obeying Alfort''s orders because he can keep Crono in his possession, and he is trying to rebel because he will not be able to do so.


    He doesn''t have an ounce of consideration for his territory or his subordinates.


    Leonhardt doesn''t understand this.


    No, I can understand that this is how he is, but I don''t understand why he puts his emotions ahead of his aristocracy.


    Before that - why do you plead with Lord Crono?��Leonhardt asks himself as he touches the hilt of his sword.


    At this distance, I can kill Rio in an instant.


    ''Crono!��Please!


    Suddenly, an answer flashed through my mind.


    Rio wants me to want him to want me.


    He doesn''t want anything else, he thinks.


    He suddenly meets eyes with Crono.


    He bites his lip as he realizes what Leonhardt is trying to do.


    He knew what kind of choice Crono was going to make.


    ''Lord Crono!��It''s not too late!��If you turn your back on us, we''ll have to kill you!��You''re going to bring your best men into this!��Is that what you want?


    Leonhardt cursed himself for his stupidity as he screamed.


    His own words would never reach Crono.


    Whose heart would be struck by the words of a man who put his own interests ahead of friendship?


    Powerful words can only be uttered by those whose hearts and actions are aligned with each other.


    Besides, Crono should know that.


    That his men have come here to die with Crono.


    "Rio!


    Crono!


    Crono shouted and Rio leaned forward.


    ''I''m sorry!''


    ....


    The apology left Rio speechless.


    Normally, Crono could see that Crono didn''t want Rio to be a traitor.


    But Rio could only feel it as a word of rejection.


    ''Why won''t you choose me!


    Rio shot an arrow of light at Crono''s back.


    But an arrow that flew out of nowhere hit the arrow of light.


    The arrow of light emits a flash of light and a small tornado is generated.


    Who in the world, I look around to see.


    The half-elf who has stopped moving with his bow at the ready - Leila''s figure catches my eye.


    Aridid and Deneb''s skills are great, but they are different by an order of magnitude.


    It''s truly a divine feat.


    Probably, her skills are one or two of the best in the Empire.


    ''''Leila!''''


    Rio shouted, and with a thump, the stone spear stabbed into the ground.


    ''''No!''''


    The stone spear released a shockwave as Leonhardt strengthened his ''defensive wall'' at the same time.


    He shielded his eyes with his arms and gritted his teeth to withstand the impact.


    When I opened my eyes, Crono and the others had disappeared.


    ''''Well that''s a complete defeat.


    Leonhardt deactivated his Divine Majesty Technique and let out a small sigh.


    When he looked down at his feet, he saw that Rio had fallen.


    Apparently, he was unconscious.


    While he was glad he hadn''t killed him, he couldn''t help but think that he was killed here - he would have been happier if he had been chosen by Crono.


    The conference room of the Marquis'' mansion - Crono sat in the front row and listened to Tilia''s story.


    ''''First, we will move south on the road from Count Caddo''s territory, capturing the port under Emperor Kai''s direct control in order to replenish supplies by sea. Next, we will build a field position in the grassland area near the imperial capital to intercept the imperial army.


    Tyria traced the roadway between Count Caddo''s territory and Emperor Kai''s direct domain with a metal rod and pounded underneath Justia Castle.


    ''''After defeating the imperial army, I will avalanche into the imperial capital and make Alfort bleed. Finally, I will take over the imperial throne and be done with it.


    You know how easy that would be to say.


    It''s easier said than done.


    I''m just going to give you a quick rundown.


    Alideed and Deneb complained and Tilia raised her eyebrows.


    I agree with the idea of transporting supplies by sea," he said.


    "Dinner is important.


    It''s important to replenish.


    The three deputies, Shiro and Hiilo nodded.


    ''''Since we are on friendly terms with the Commercial Union under Emperor Kai''s direct control, wouldn''t it be a bad idea to overpower them by force?��If I explain the situation to him, he might be able to help me.


    Good point, half-elf.


    Tilia nodded hawkishly.


    ''But I don''t trust the Commercial Union.


    Why?


    The only reason we are on good terms with them is because our interests are aligned. It''s easy to betray them when their interests are in conflict.


    ''I see,'' Leila nodded.


    ''''But it still seems like a bad idea to overpower them by force.


    Hmm, I too would like to make the resort to force a last resort. Then we will have to use force to persuade them to do so.


    Wouldn''t they attack us from behind while we''re fighting the Imperials?


    That''s a matter of common interest.


    You just said you would betray us if there was a conflict of interest?


    ''If they know that our victory is in the interest of the Commercial Union, they will stop at the last minute. I''m willing to give in to their demands to that end, up to a point.


    ''I hope this doesn''t lead to a spree of empty bills, yes.


    I''ll leave it to you to sort that out.


    The sitter says, wiping the sweat off his face, and Tilia says, a little miffed.


    ''''Would it be alright if I helped build the field position?''''


    Yeah, I''m counting on it.


    I''ll take care of it.


    Theon put his hand on his chest and nodded widely.


    ''''Well what about Crono?''''


    I''m sorry. I can''t keep up with it.


    You think you''re being rescued, but then you''re in a conference room having a strategy meeting.


    And of civil war.


    "What''s the big difference in force to begin with?


    ''Boo-boo, like a picture-perfect dish!


    Like your stomach is not going to grow, you know!


    Alideed and Deneb cover Crono.


    But--


    ''I''ve explained it to you guys?


    Yeah, it''s not like that''s going to happen.


    I seem to remember hearing about it.


    They turned away.


    ''Is there a way to bridge the troop gap?''


    Speaking of which, there is.


    ...a subtle way of affirming...


    Crono grunted.


    ''I hope you''re confident enough to say it anyway.


    ''''At least the people in the Marquis'' mansion have taken me up on my offer.


    It''s not like I''m going along with Princess Tyria''s suggestion.


    I mean, my idea is super funny.


    Tyria silently grabbed Aridid and Deneb''s heads.


    ''Do you want to die?''


    It was like our fate was already in the balance.


    It''s been a long time since this happened.


    There''s room for both of us.


    ''We are late!��Fay M Refine, Fay M Refine!��We''re here, sir!


    Faye straightened up and saluted as she entered the conference room.


    Tilia pulled her hand away from them and held her temples as if she were trying to hold back a headache.


    *


    The next two days, Crono and Tilia were on the first floor of the Marquis'' mansion - a room where a terminal for an ultra-long distance communication magic item was installed.


    Beside it, the terminal of the communication magic item was placed.


    Currently, a communication network using communication magic items was being built in Crono''s territory.


    Soldiers with communication magic items are standing in Hashel and Sylvania to cover the entire area.


    Of course, we have sent soldiers with communication magic items to each village as well.


    ''''It''s quite nerve-wracking, isn''t it?''''


    Tilia, you can do it.


    ''Of course. Because everything hinges on this speech.


    Tilia took a series of deep breaths and stood in front of the terminal.


    ''I am Tilia, daughter of the former Emperor of the Cepheus Empire. As some of you may know, I am in the Marquess of Erakis to recuperate from an illness.


    So I cut off the words.


    ''Officially it is so, but it is a lie. I have been deprived of my claim to the throne and banished from the imperial city to the Marquis of Erakis, far away from the Imperial City.


    Tilia let out a small sigh.


    ''There is a deeper reason for this, but to explain why, I must also tell you about my best friend, Crono. Crono and I were classmates at the military school. From the moment we met, we knew we were destined to meet, and we developed a friendship that transcended our differences in status.


    It is a lie.


    The first time Crono and Tyria became friends was during a military exercise at the military academy.


    ''We used to talk for hours about what the state should be and the future of the empire.


    Tyria said as she let out a sigh.


    Probably recognizing her voice with a tinge of melancholy.


    ''The empire we envision is a nation whose inhabitants are of equal value. As long as they are loyal to the state, that is, as long as they swear allegiance to it. But before the emperor, nobles and commoners, human beings, sub-humans, prostitutes, slaves, and even aliens are of equal value.


    Leila folded her hands in front of her chest and watched as the villagers groaned.


    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights - the words Crono had spun to hold Leila back.


    We are far from the world, and we have conditions, but we have made great strides towards our ideals.


    So, I pray.


    That we may share this ideal with more people.


    Elaine listened to Tilia''s words in the company building of the ''Sinner Trade Union''.


    She wasn''t alone, and so was the face of Sylvania.


    ''What, then, is equal value?��It means that no one will be disadvantaged because of their origins, and everyone who breaks the law will be judged in the same way.''


    Elaine crossed her legs, "I feel like I''m saying something rather terrible," she said.


    I even feel as if I''m being told I''m not equally valuable.


    But I find that interesting.


    Princess Tilia continued to speak.


    ''''Can we say that it alone is of equal value?��Only by reflecting everyone''s opinions on the state of the country and its policies, which have been decided by a few, can we say that they are of equal value. However, it is impossible to achieve perfect unity of will. No, it may be possible, but that would require an enormous amount of time.


    That''s true, Elaine smiles.


    Humans are selfish creatures.


    It''s impossible for them to have perfect unity of purpose.


    I''m sure you''ll find that the commoner and the aristocrat have different values. The commoner thinks about how they want things to be in their daily lives, while the aristocrat thinks about how they should be in the big picture. The commoners thought about how they wanted things to be on a daily basis, and the aristocrats thought about how they wanted things to be from a larger perspective.


    Elaine''s smile deepened.


    It meant that she might be able to run the country as a rising whore.


    Well, to do that, she''d have to let Princess Tyria win.


    ''Most importantly, there is a problem with this method as well. To choose the right representatives, you need to have the knowledge not to be fooled by naive talk. Perhaps it will take at least 20 years to implement this method. It''s a difficult path. Still, I believe it''s worth the twenty years.''


    Arthur listened to Princess Tilia''s speech at the Marquis'' residence.


    ''''That''s why the measures Crono has taken up to now are for this reason. I strongly believed that our ideals would be realized if the people''s power was strengthened.''''


    But!��''I''m sorry,'' said Tilia, intensifying her tone.


    ''Alfort wouldn''t allow it!��He tried to frame Crono for his innocence, no matter what he did.��How can this kind of illegality be allowed to go unchallenged?��No, it shouldn''t be allowed!''


    A dangling sound could be heard.


    Perhaps it was Princess Tilia banging on the desk.


    ''''This isn''t a problem between me and Crono. It''s our problem.''''


    Arthur understands Princess Tyria''s intentions.


    This is a speech to recruit volunteer soldiers to bridge the force gap.


    But a certainty that this country will change dominates his mind.


    A corner of Hachel--


    ''Mother, mother. What does Princess Tyria say?


    Well that is.


    The woman was puzzled when her son asked her about it.


    I know you''re talking about great things, but I don''t have the education to understand how great they are.


    Maybe it''s the same for the guys here.


    I don''t feel it when they say it''s our problem.


    While the woman is confused, Princess Tilia spins out her words.


    I wonder if you have ever suffered from your origins? Have you ever shed tears at the pain you have suffered unreasonably? Have you ever grieved over your own helplessness? Have you ever wished for hope? Have you ever wished you could change the present? Have you ever wished for your children to be happy? If so, I need your help. That''s all from me.''


    The woman felt strong sympathy for Princess Tilia''s words.


    She wanted her child to be happy.


    Any mother, or even any parent, would wish for that.


    ''''It means your mother and father will have to work hard to make you happy.


    Then the woman laughed at her son.

 125-Episode 11 "Will" [Part 1]

    *


    Mid-October, 43rd year of the imperial calendar--Duran was facing a boy in a stuffing station near the city walls.


    He was not a criminal, but a volunteer for a volunteer army.


    Volunteers are sorted at the city gate, and after filling out the paperwork at the stuffing station, they become volunteer apprentices.


    After further training for a certain period of time, they become an official volunteer soldier.


    Or should I say become a member of the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard?


    Duran looked at the boy again.


    His skin was red and burnt, and his body was toned.


    ''''What''s your name?''''


    It''s John.


    How old are you?


    I''ll be 15.


    Where are you from?


    Mimas Village.


    Ah, the village of Mimas.


    Do you know him?


    I''m on the level of saying I''ve heard the name before.


    If you do office work, you''ll naturally learn the names of villages.


    Now he can even recite the names of villages in Crono''s territory.


    Perhaps the fact that he knew the name of the village gave him a sense of familiarity, but the boy - John''s expression softened.


    ''What have you been doing?''


    I was helping out in the village with the farm work.


    Duran fills out the paperwork while asking John questions.


    The format of the paperwork created by the seniors is functional.


    This makes it easy for Duran to fill out the paperwork by simply asking the questions from the top.


    ''''Do you have any martial arts experience?''''


    No. I knew it was a bad idea to have some experience, right?


    John asked, unafraid to ask.


    ''It''s nice to have, but we can do without.


    Good.


    John patted his chest.


    ''Oh, it''s not like you''re trying to make me feel better or anything, is it?''


    I wouldn''t lie to you.


    Duran replied with a wry smile.


    It''s true that you don''t need to have any martial arts experience.


    Many of the volunteers are from rural areas and have no martial arts experience.


    Some had only played chambara as a child.


    ''''What is your motivation?''''


    I''m a third son, but I wanted to do something big.


    John smiled shyly.


    ''There aren''t many guys like me?''


    There''s a certain amount of them.


    Some of the applicants are upwardly mobile, while others, like John, apply with a vague idea of what they want to do.


    I was surprised when he told me his motivation was because it sounded quirky and cool.


    ''So, what do you think?''


    We won''t know for sure until after training.


    ''Oh, yes. But they''re going to let you train, right?


    Of course.


    As many volunteers as possible will be recruited and the training will separate those who can fight and those who cannot.


    The selection criteria are going to be pretty loose, but that''s not something I''m going to talk about here.


    Good.


    What?


    John patted his chest again and Duran asked why.


    ''I dressed up when I left the village. But if I was turned away without training, I wouldn''t be able to return to the village because I wasn''t dressed well.


    ...I see.


    Duran nodded.


    Pride must be important even for a boy of this age.


    How would I have been?


    He couldn''t quite remember, but it must have been something similar.


    ''''I just want to say one last thing...''''


    What is it?


    John gulped and cleared his throat.


    ''That''s after the training is over. You don''t have to get so defensive.


    Okay.


    John looked relieved.


    ''As for the assignment, you won''t necessarily be assigned to a department where you''ll be fighting the enemy.


    Really?


    John looked discouraged.


    I know how you feel.


    Young people believe they have great power.


    You could say that he has blind faith.


    He believes that he can perform spectacularly on the battlefield.


    Well, I''m not going to correct the young man''s hubris at this point.


    As soon as he joins the training, he''ll realize how tall he is.


    Until then, it''s okay to be delusional.


    Whichever department you are assigned to, I want you to do your job without corruption.


    Can''t you fight?


    Not true. I''m just saying that wielding a weapon is not the only way to fight a war. It''s also about securing supplies in the rear and sending them to the front lines.


    Ha, ha.


    John has a puzzled look on his face.


    It''s not unreasonable.


    The war as he knows it is in the story.


    You can''t explain the logistics to them and they won''t understand.


    ''I will do my duty. If you can do that, you are a volunteer apprentice.


    ''''- - Oh!��I can do it!


    John gasped and stood up as if he was going to burst out.


    Duran stood up and held out an armband made of black cloth.


    ''What''s this?''


    It''s like a badge of honor for being a volunteer cadet. Now, let''s put it on.


    Oh, thank you.


    Duran walked over to John and gave him the armband.


    John proudly puffed out his chest.


    ''You''ll have a good night''s rest at the inn today. Your training will begin tomorrow--


    I understand!��I will do my duty!


    "John the Volunteer, apprentice!��I''m looking forward to seeing what you do!


    Yes!


    Duran straightened his back and saluted, and John mimicked it with an awkward gesture.


    ''And I forgot to mention, you''ll be paid if you become an official volunteer soldier.


    Do you get paid?


    Yeah, two gold pieces in a month.


    So much!


    John''s eyes widened and his lips quirked up in a sultry manner.


    ''Not happy?''


    No, I just thought that if you were going to be out so much, you should have invited some friends.


    I''m sorry about that. It was a last-minute decision.


    It was a sincere apology.


    I wish he''d boiled down the terms from the beginning, but it would be terrible to demand perfection.


    Even Duran can''t always do his job perfectly, so he should cover what he can.


    ''Looks like we''ve got a pick me up,''


    Ugh!


    John stared out the window and cowered with a jolt.


    A black panther beastman was staring out the window at us.


    ''He''s our guide. Follow him in peace.


    Okay, I understand.


    John ran outside with his pack and saluted the black panther beastman himself.


    Then the black panther beastman saluted back.


    The two men disappeared into the crowd.


    Duran saluted John''s back again and returned to his seat.


    ''''Well being a recruiting officer is a tiring job.


    I let out a small sigh.


    It''s a job that sends children who are not old enough to be sent to war.


    It''s excruciating, even with the appearance of volunteerism.


    Perhaps the fact that he had a child was a factor.


    Duran shook his head and looked up.


    Then, there was an old-fashioned sheet metal armor standing there.


    He even had an assault spear.


    He looked at the window and saw an old horse.


    ''''This is the recruiting station, isn''t it!


    The sheet metal armor jumped up the visor, and underneath it was a wrinkled face.


    ''I am Knight Manchausen!��I came to you in the autumn of my life.


    ....


    Was there an age limit?��Duran looked up at the ceiling.


    ''Knight Manchosen?''


    Manchausen!


    Manchosen, or rather, Manchausen, said furtively.


    Well, this was my own fault for mishearing the name.


    ''Knight Manchowsen. ''Excuse me, sir, but how old are you?''


    I''m 70 years old!


    Kaka, Manchausen laughed.


    Some of his front teeth were missing.


    ''....Are you sixty-nine years old now?


    I may be an old man, but I''m still no match for a young one!


    Choir!��And Manchausen swung his assault spear.


    After a moment, he stopped moving.


    He was breathing hard.


    Anyone wearing an old type of sheet metal armor and wielding an assault spear would be out of breath.


    In the first place, an assault spear was not a weapon to be wielded.


    In that sense, Manchausen can be said to have strength for his age.


    ''''Knight Manchausen. Why do you become a volunteer soldier at your age?''''


    Princess Tyria comes to you for help, don''t you agree?��How can a man who is a knight not fulfill his true purpose?


    Duran felt a headache and held his temples.


    Manchausen is an old knight.


    They have different senses than Duran and the others.


    Nevertheless, they are the ones who should be respected.


    Duran straightened his residence.


    "Knight Manchausen. "Knight Manchausen, what have you done since the civil war in the 400 year imperial calendar?


    ....


    No reply.


    Perhaps he lost his job in the reorganization of the army that took place after the end of the civil war.


    It also means that the empire has beaten him to a pulp.


    Despite this, he remains loyal to the Imperial family.


    Duran looked at Manchausen sullenly.


    The sheet metal armor was old, but well cared for.


    He had taken care of his equipment in case of an emergency.


    It was no longer loyalty, but faith.


    He had come to die, hadn''t he?


    I feel like it.


    ''Knight Manchausen. We are--


    ''Wait!��I may be old, but I can still fight!��My strength has declined, but I have the wisdom to make up for it!


    Manchausen interrupted Duran''s words and pleaded with him.


    ''I can fight for Princess Tyria!��Don''t take away my place in death!


    "...Knight Manchausen.


    Duran spoke quietly.


    ''We do not fight to die. We do not fight for our children. And it is not chivalry to bloom and scatter.


    Do you want me to grow old and die?


    Manchausen said, turning red in the face.


    I want him to spend the rest of his life in peace.


    But he might take his own life if he uttered such words.


    ''No, no. I want you to scramble ugly for the sake of your children. If you will promise me that, I hope you will join me in training as an apprentice volunteer soldier.


    So?


    There is no guarantee of an outcome, and you may be assigned to a department that does not conduct combat.


    I don''t mind!��I don''t care!


    Manchausen said with tears in his eyes.


    ''Then please take a seat and--''


    ''Well, well, well, my knight Alonso!��By righteousness I will help you!


    He looked at the source of the voice and saw a sheet metal armor standing there with a mace in his hand.


    Duran let out a big sigh.


    Crono stamps the papers and stacks them on top of a stack of papers.


    The papers are documents regarding volunteer volunteers for the volunteer army.


    I''m glad that they agreed with our ideals.


    But it''s a different story when they are of an age where it''s safe to say they are children.


    I feel as if I''ve swallowed lead on the fact that I have to mobilize a child.


    Crono let out a sigh and rubbed his eyes.


    ''If you''re tired, why don''t you get some rest?''


    No, I''m fine.


    Crono looked at the direction the voice had come from.


    There, Tilia was staring at the parchment.


    It''s a proclamation to the surrounding lords.


    The fact that he''s using parchment instead of paper is out of respect for rank.


    I don''t think it''s rational, but nobility is an irrational thing.


    Well, if it saves you from making enemies, you shouldn''t spare the money and trouble.


    By the way, the desk and chair Tilia is using belong to Crono.


    ''''........Tilia.


    What?


    ''How is it that Tyria is using the lord''s desk and chair and I''m using the hastily brought in clerk''s desk and chair?''


    Crono patted the desk.


    It was solidly made by a dwarven craftsman.


    ''Crono, I''m still the rebel flag-bearer in this,''


    I know that.


    ''You must have the best seat in the house because you are the greatest. Besides, I like the comfort of my chair.


    Tilia rested her hands and leaned back.


    ''How''s Operation Letter working?''


    It''s not good.


    He crosses his arms as he leans back.


    ''Was I being too mature in my writing?''


    No, we''ll see.


    Tilia said in a tone of conviction.


    ''Did I mention that we promise honorable treatment if we side with them, and relief of the territory to those who remain neutral?


    ''It says a lot about our ideals and how we''ll run the state after I become an empress.


    Tilia said, sounding miffed.


    ''It''s scary not to write about what happens when you''re hostile, isn''t it?


    ''Any hostility and the territory will be confiscated. You need money to rebuild the empire that Alfort has ruined. In the first place, they are responsible for Alfort''s rise to power, and they must pay for it.


    Apparently, Tilia is already looking ahead to the post-war period.


    ''I''ve got my hands full with the immediate future.


    It''s just a simple matter of stamping and flushing the paperwork from right to left.


    You can''t do this.


    Where are you going with this?


    Tilia stood up and walked over to Crono''s desk.


    She picked up a stack of papers and leaned against the desk.


    ''The volunteers for the volunteer army are coming in nicely. How many are there now?


    That''s about 2,000 people.


    ''I was thinking we could get at least five thousand people, and if we don''t, we''re going to lose our plans. Do you want me to have a traveling entertainer to leaflet them?


    Like what?


    ''Of course it''s a leaflet that says Princess Tyria is awesome and Emperor Alfort is hated.


    You''re telling me not to ask the obvious.


    ''I''ll make arrangements,''


    "When the cavalrymen of the order return, we''ll scatter them wherever they go.


    Okay.


    Crono jots down an idea in his notes.


    Suddenly, Tilia stops moving.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    I have an old man among the applicants.


    We didn''t set an age limit. What do you think?


    ''Hmmm,'' growled Tilia.


    ''No, we''ll have you join us in training as we go along.


    Is he okay?


    ''I''m like a knight who lost his job when the army was re-organized. I''m counting on your experience.


    And if it doesn''t work?


    I''ll be able to help you out on the march.


    "You''re going to make a wall of meat?


    ''I''m not a demon, you know. I just wanted to give you the honor at the end.


    Tyria put down her papers and picked up another one.


    ''''Looks like the crossbow and iron thorns are being mass-produced well.


    It''s the heart of the operation.


    The volunteers were provided with crossbows to be used as a defensive force.


    Crono and the others - Tilia, Dr. Weissman, and Sitter - thought that the Imperial Army would attack in December.


    It could be even earlier.


    In Tilia''s case, it was a hunch, but in the case of Dr. Wiseman and Sitter, it was based on knowledge and rules of thumb.


    Aside from that, it''s hard to turn an amateur into a full-fledged warrior in just a month and a half.


    That''s when I turned my attention to the crossbow.


    You can learn to use the crossbow in a month.


    You''ll be able to prepare the necessary number of crossbows in October. You have done well.


    Praise Goldie, not me.


    It was Crono who came up with the idea of having craftsmen in the territory make the parts and assemble the crossbows in line work, but it was Goldie who brought it down to a workable level.


    He said his experience with the papercrafters helped him.


    ''It hurts to be in a defensive fight,''


    ''It''s better to be able to fight defensively. We couldn''t even hope for that without the iron thorns.


    Yeah, but...


    With the iron thorns, you can quickly set up a horse-proof fence.


    You can save even more time if you use the divine power technique of the ''Yellow Earth and Fertility Mother God''.


    Tilia picked up another document.


    ''''As for the carriage ... it''s a matter of securing the horses.


    I''m having trouble negotiating with the former Viscount Hamal.


    A carriage would speed up the invasion and reduce the burden on the soldiers.


    It''s an indispensable piece of equipment, considering the current situation where we have to rely on volunteer soldiers.


    Only time will tell.


    What time?


    ''Because if Leonhardt returns to the imperial capital, Alfort will punish Blood for his actions. He could be hung up by now.


    ''I don''t mean you''re being hanged,'' Tyria said in bad taste.


    Crono let the statement pass.


    ''Why?''


    ''Because we rebelled. That foolish brother should have been punished with a random complication.


    Are you really that stupid to try and make this up as you go along?


    The man who framed you for a crime you didn''t commit?


    Yeah.


    That makes me think it''s possible.


    ''''If Blood escapes, it''s as good as solved. In addition, if you bring the Fifth Konoe Guards with you, then the capture of the imperial capital will proceed.


    "Super optimistic,


    ''Hahaha,'' laughed Tilia, but Crono''s stomach hurt.


    ''You''re the pessimist. What the hell is worrying you?''


    "Not getting a good response from Sylvania,


    ''Well, they''re merchants, you know. I guess they need to lay the groundwork.


    ''If only the Chamber of Commerce were on our side, we wouldn''t have to worry about the finances!


    ''Because you say you''ll even give a salary to a volunteer soldier. In the first place, a volunteer soldier is supposed to work without pay.


    I don''t like exploitation.


    You have to fight for your life.


    It''s not enough to keep it worthwhile.


    That''s the kind of thing you say before you put out a call for volunteers.


    You apologized for that.


    I''m sure I''ve received an apology.


    Tilia let out a small sigh.


    ''Well, it''s better than being called all talk. Besides....''


    And?


    It''s nothing.


    Tilia shook her head.


    Maybe she felt guilty about sending her children into battle while talking about her ideals.


    ''Is there anything else?''


    ''And then ... is it about the speech?


    ''Yeah, the one about how you never wished for your own child to be happy. I think that one worked well, even though it was improvised.


    Not there.


    What, not there?


    Tilia''s lips quirked up in frustration.


    ''It''s a commoners'' association. It''s an act of throwing away a vested interest, even if it means a twenty-year education period.''


    That''s something I''ve been thinking about for a while.


    When was the last time?


    ''That''s when you''re laddering up the stalls.


    It''s pretty early in the year, isn''t it?


    Mm, said Tilia, nodding hawkishly.


    If you think about it, it''s something that could convince Leila and the others - the ones with an officer''s education - that it''s not something they thought about overnight.


    ''As I laddered up the stalls, it occurred to me that from now on, the commoners would have power. When they have power, they''ll want to meddle in politics.


    ''Well, I''m sure they''ll start appealing to us to take the measures they need to take.


    "I thought the future was coming. But the future that comes doesn''t always look so good, does it?


    Yes.


    They might resort to force for political participation.


    There could even be a revolution.


    The only way to prevent an unfavorable future is to take preemptive action, which means reform from above. In other words, reform from above.


    You wanted to minimize the amount of vested interest you''d lose?


    Don''t say that.


    Ha~, Crono couldn''t help but let out an audible cry.


    It seemed that Tilia was a capable child to anticipate a revolution when she saw the bustle of the stalls.


    ''''Do you have any other questions?''''


    No.


    Now, let''s get back to work.


    With that, Tilia went back to her seat.

 126-Episode 11 "will" [Part 2] modified version

    *


    The first floor of the "Sinner Trade Association" - Elaine leaned against the counter and stared at the central table.


    There were six men and women there - Nicola of the Pix Trading Association, Thomas of the Peddlers'' Guild, Edward of the Bailey Trading Association, Nemea of the Asad Trading Association, Mater of the Ceres Trading Association, and Roger of the Io Trading Association.


    They stopped moving like statues and remained silent.


    Their every move conveys their true intentions.


    It''s as if they have such thoughts.


    Perhaps this is the flip side of his pride in being able to read his opponent''s true intentions from the slightest movement.


    That''s why I only move my eyes slowly.


    It''s like a rat, said Elaine, leaning against the counter and looking at the six men.


    They are business adversaries and friends who sometimes take joint steps.


    Should I add that we can''t be too careful?


    Even if they are in common pace, they may not be friends until the end.


    There is the possibility of betrayal.


    Fortunately, I should say.


    Until now, we have worked together to develop Sylvania.


    But now we can''t.


    The situation has changed dramatically.


    You surprise me as usual, Elaine chuckled.


    I was surprised that you were accused of embezzlement, but I didn''t expect you to revolt against the Empire.


    Besides, that speech--.


    Princess Tilia''s speech stimulated Elaine''s ambition.


    There was a twenty-year grace period, but commoners would be able to get involved in politics.


    She had been nothing more than a prostitute, but now she might be able to run the country.


    What could be more pleasurable than this?


    So when Crono approached me for financial support, I wanted to nod without a second thought.


    But unfortunately, Elaine is the head of the ''Sinner Trade Union''.


    She had to explain to her subordinates and unify their opinions.


    I know it''s a hassle, but the procedure is necessary.


    It''s the same for Sylvania.


    We have to go through the process and state what we are going to do as Sylvania.


    The more we can identify the traitors in the process, the better.


    After all, we are now going to have to take a gamble.


    We don''t want to be dragged down by those who are in our face and disobedient.


    It would be nice if we could get rid of them quietly," Elaine breathed out softly.


    Just then, a clear sound could be heard.


    It was the sound of a bell attached to the door.


    The one who came in was the guild master of the mercenary guild - Sif.


    ''''I''m sorry, I''m late.''''


    Sif apologized briefly and walked over to the center table.


    Normally, he would have rested his back against the pillar--''


    ''Let''s be brief. We support Princess Tyria and the Marquis of Erakis.


    Mister Sif, your late arrival is undignified, is it not?


    I said I''m sorry.


    Edward said in an accusatory tone, but Sif didn''t seem to be offended.


    ''I hope you''re a little apologetic.


    ''''That''s your view as a mercenary guild?��Or as head of the Confederacy of Tribes?


    Is it necessary?


    Yes, very much.


    Elaine nodded her head when Sif asked her back.


    ''As a federation of tribes.


    For their own sake, you say?


    ''Exactly. Princess Tyria said that as long as we are loyal to our nation, she will treat us like Imperials.


    Do you expect me to believe your word?


    Yes.


    Sif nodded vigorously at Edward''s somewhat provocative question.


    ''In any case, if the Marquis of Erakis is gone, our migration will fail. Then I''m betting on the possibility of winning. Those who have reached a certain age in the pioneer villages have been sent to Hachel.''''


    What about the merchant escort?


    Of course, I will continue. ''I have arranged for reliable mercenaries in the form of ex post facto consent. As soon as they arrive, we''ll join the Marquis of Erakis.


    That''s good to hear.


    Elaine inwardly patted her chest.


    Her association with the Sacred Argo Kingdom should be a tailwind for Crono.


    ''''What about you?''''


    I would have liked to be in charge, sir?


    It doesn''t make a difference one way or the other.


    That''s going to change.


    Elaine let out a small sigh.


    ''What are you going to do about it?''


    The ''Sinner Trade Union'' supports Princess Tyria and Lady Crono.


    The six of us, except for Sif, are groaning.


    That''s rude. ''I wouldn''t betray you,'' he said, poisoning his mind.


    How about the Peddlers'' Guild next?


    The Peddlers'' Guild endorses Master Chron.


    Thomas replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead.


    It''s as expected.


    The Peddlers Union is an organization created at Crono''s behest.


    I have no choice but to support Crono.


    I''m sure you''ll find that the peddlers'' union is not an organization that can afford to provide funding. So we would like to undertake a supply of supplies.


    Not bad.


    If the peddlers'' guild undertakes to supply them, Crono can focus on the battle.


    ''I know it''s going to be a dangerous job, but do you have any volunteers?


    ''Cole the young guys have volunteered. Of course, I''m willing to let the veterans take over the unifying role.


    Cole," Elaine rolled the word around in her mouth.


    The name sounded familiar.


    Who was it?��He tilted his head and remembered that the young man he was intimately acquainted with, Tina Sheratan, had such a name.


    Perhaps he is in love.


    He volunteered to make his love come true.


    Elaine''s eyes narrowed.


    ''It''s nice to be young.''


    Well it''s not like he''s trying to impress me.


    Thomas blurted out as he wiped the sweat off his face.


    This would be to the young man, not Elaine.


    ''But isn''t that what being young is all about?''


    Uh-huh.


    Thomas grunts softly.


    When you''re young, you hope for a lot less than you deserve.


    That means you don''t know your share, but it also means that you believe in your potential.


    Elaine was the same.


    I don''t want to end up like that. Didn''t you have that feeling too?


    ....


    Thomas shushed him.


    Maybe he had been pushed aside by the same lines spouted at him.


    He probably spouted a similar line when he was younger and overcame the opposition of those around him.


    Is this also a kind of bondage?


    As we get older, we have to face our past through others.


    And most of the time, you lose.


    What do you do?


    Elaine asked Nicola.


    ''I''m thinking of supporting Master Crono and providing financial support for him.


    You were right.


    I''m sure you do.


    Nicola chuckled.


    A man of no surprise - that was Elaine''s assessment of Nicola.


    ''May I ask why, just in case?''


    Our paper sales have been used for embezzlement, leaving the Pics Chamber of Commerce in a bind.


    Yeah.


    Elaine nodded.


    The Pix Chamber of Commerce is a party to the embezzlement.


    Regardless of the facts, the Empire thinks so.


    As long as Crono''s capture didn''t come true, the brunt will definitely be directed at the Pix Chamber of Commerce.


    Perhaps, already--''''


    ''''What are you guys going to do?''''


    Elaine turned her attention to Edward, Nemea, Mater and Roger.


    It was Edward who opened his mouth.


    ''I''m neutral,''


    ''Me too,'' the three of us followed.


    ''Oh, we''ve split the vote. So, we''re neutral then, is that correct?


    No, that''s not right.


    Schiff counters to Edward.


    ''Support Four, Neutral Four ... then we should be neutral, shouldn''t we?''


    There''s already something wrong there.


    Sif took out a parchment letter and released it on the table.


    The cracked sealing wax was stamped with the coat of arms of the Bailey Chamber of Commerce.


    ''I''ve been allowed to check the contents. Four in support, three neutral, one against.


    Oh, so that''s why you''re late.


    That''s what I''m talking about.


    I''ll forgive you for that.


    Thank you.


    I can''t tell if he''s being sarcastic or serious.


    Considering his character, though, he must be serious.


    This is a conspiracy!


    Edward stood up and called out.


    ''Your men are also Bailey''s Chamber of Commerce no, you said you''d be with the Empire?


    He may have resorted to violence.


    "We interviewed him as a gentleman.


    Sif and Edward glared at each other.


    ''''You ... are ...


    Sif opens his mouth quietly.


    ''You seem to love scheming and plotting and plotting against others, but you don''t have your feet under you.


    Underfoot?��No way!


    Edward said with a huff, as if it had occurred to him.


    ''I should have taken better care of my men.


    d*mn it, I can''t believe it.


    ....


    Sif does not answer.


    He who lives by the sword, lives by the sword; he who lives by betrayal, dies by betrayal.


    That''s it.


    "f*ck, excuse me!


    Noticing the gaze directed at him, Edward heads for the door.


    He puts his hand on the door and turns around.


    ''You barbarians!��Remember!


    ....


    Edward walked out of the ''Sinner Trade Union'' with such a discarded line.


    ''Is it correct to say that Sylvania supports Master Crono?


    Elaine asked, and the six nodded widely.


    *


    The first floor of the empty ''Sinner Trade Association'' - Elaine was sitting at the counter without a care in the world.


    The sound of a clear bell could be heard, but she didn''t look back.


    She didn''t have to look back to see who was coming.


    No, I was sure he was coming.


    ''Are you closing up shop for the day?''


    It was a long time ago.


    Okay.


    Kane sat down next to Elaine without looking overbearing.


    ''....Sylvania is...''


    Yeah?


    Sylvania has decided to support Master Crono.


    Isn''t this Master Crono''s territory?


    ''We''re allowed autonomy in spite of our bent, you know?��Even if it''s a farce, the procedure is important.


    It''s all about the process of consensus.


    That''s what Crono''s man - Kane, too, I guess.


    ''Well, the process is important,''


    With consequences, of course.


    It must be.


    Then Kane laughs.


    I glance at him.


    He has no stubble.


    You usually don''t care about the way you dress, but at times like this, you do it properly.


    That''s what I hate about it.


    ''Are you going?''


    Yeah, I''ll be there.


    His tone was casual, as if to say he was going to go out for a bit of fun.


    I think he had made up his mind a long time ago.


    ''Is it because of your parents?''


    Did I tell you about my dad and my mom?


    Well, what do you think?


    I''ve heard that Kane''s parents sued for a tax cut during a bad harvest and were killed.


    I don''t remember using my men to find out, so he must have told me.


    ''Well, I guess when we have a commoner''s association, there won''t be people dying like my dad and my mom.


    You say this as if it were someone else''s business.


    If we can have a commoners'' association, we can go through the formal process of proposing a tax cut in the event of a crop failure.


    Your sister?


    Well, yeah.


    Kane nodded vaguely.


    ''Does that mean Master Crono is your sister''s replacement?


    It''s not.


    So, why are you doing this?


    All right, you''re in trouble. You''re a drunkard, aren''t you?


    I''m sorry, but I''m sober. You can''t even smell the booze on me.


    Well, you know.


    Kane answered without checking and fell silent.


    After a long, long silence he opened his mouth.


    ''My father and mother died and me and my sister were kicked out of the village.


    ....


    It would be rude to say that this is common, but it is not uncommon.


    One of the lords of the village is killed for prodding his lord, and his children are expelled from the village.


    Even if it''s called expulsion, it''s actually the equivalent of the death penalty.


    People who have been living in the small world of the village are thrown out into the wilderness, so how are they supposed to live?


    I thought I had to get out of there, but I didn''t know what to do. While I was pacing from place to place, my sister died.


    You regret it, don''t you?


    Yeah, I do regret it. But not for letting my sister die. I was relieved when my sister died.


    ....


    Elaine let out a breath of relief.


    It was for not having to show her upset.


    ''That''s when I knew I was feeling like a burden to my sister.


    It''s not your fault. You were a child.


    Yeah, you''re right.


    I didn''t think it was comforting, but Kane affirmed it.


    ''I was a powerless brat,'' I told myself I didn''t have a choice, I told myself I didn''t have a choice. That excuse eased the pain in my heart.


    Kane gave a self-mocking smile.


    ''I regret the relief and the excuses I made. I''m ashamed of myself.''


    You want to ... like yourself, don''t you?


    I don''t know.


    Kane twisted the corners of his mouth sarcastically.


    ''I know I don''t want to hate myself any more than I already do.


    Would it be useless to try to stop him?


    Yeah, I''ve made up my mind a long time ago.


    I looked at his expression.


    He looked forward with a ready gaze.


    ''''What about the work of the deputy''s office?''''


    I''ve already taken over.


    What are you doing today?


    I''m going back to the House of Representatives, get some sleep, and then I''m leaving for Hachel tomorrow.


    Yeah.


    Elaine clutched her chest.


    You have to stay the night.


    He couldn''t for the life of him find the words he could say to his guest.


    ''Can I stay the night?


    "-Oh!


    Kane said without a hint of concern, and Elaine gasped.


    Her chest heaved and her cheeks heated.


    ''Yeah, yeah, I''ll let you hold me for economy,''


    I''m not trying to be an economic booster or anything, I just want to hold you.


    ....


    Disgusting man, Elaine bit her lip.


    *


    Elaine woke up when she felt a presence.


    It must still be early in the morning.


    The white light is shining through the window.


    Kane has his back to us and is rummaging around and doing something.


    Maybe he''s putting on his shoes.


    Elaine stared at Kane''s back.


    A strong back.


    He''d been a deputy for a while, and his body was well-trained.


    He must have never missed a day of training for this day.


    I exhale in awe.


    It was the best night of my life, a night that made me forget the days of being held by a man as a prostitute.


    But there was also uncertainty.


    It had been a great night for Elaine, but what kind of night had it been for Kane?


    Shouldn''t he have been treated like a professional?


    Such anxiety bubbled up.


    Kane stood up and put his jacket on.


    ''''Are you going to ...?''''


    Jesus, you''re up.


    Kane turned to Elaine.


    ''....last night.


    Yeah, it was a great night.


    That''s impossible.


    Elaine slowly raised herself up.


    She hid her body with the sheets, as if the aftermath of last night was dragging on.


    ''I couldn''t think of anything else to do but myself.


    Then I''m with you.


    Suddenly, Kane''s mouth dropped open.


    I felt like a virgin again because I was so busy trying to look good.


    You''re lying.


    It''s true. It was really, really great.


    Kane said to include.


    ''Will you live and come back?''


    Yeah, we''ll make it out alive.


    Kane put his knees on the bed and kissed Elaine gently.


    A few hours later - Elaine learned that Edward had drowned at sea.


    Well, it didn''t matter.


    The mining city of Kinza--Philippe looked around from the watchtower, rubbing his sleepy eyes.


    A luxurious barracks stood beneath his feet, and behind them, a long line of shabby buildings.


    There are countless buildings on the mountainside.


    ''''This kind of work--geh-geh-geh-ho!


    Philip inhaled the smoke and choked violently.


    It was not a fire.


    It was smoke from the blast furnace.


    He covered his mouth with a cloth, "Why don''t you leave this kind of work to the common soldiers?


    I''ve been poisoned more times than I can count since I''ve been posted here.


    Perhaps I will continue to poison myself countless times in the future.


    Because there are no ordinary soldiers in this city.


    The defense of the Eighth Konoe Order is perfect.


    It was on such logic that the leader, Lucas Lesato, refused to do so.


    Of course, it''s a lie.


    Even Philip could see that the 8th Kinsman Order''s strength is inferior to that of other Kinsmen.


    The 8th Kingsguard is so weakly armed that they could fall even if they were attacked by bandits on a small scale.


    This was because Lucas chose the members of the group based on how much bribe he could get.


    If they knew what they were, they wouldn''t listen to Lucas''s nonsense.


    But with the power of money, it''s a different story.


    Lucas bribed people to let this nonsense pass.


    We have no idea how much money he spent.


    On the contrary, it''s a lot of money well spent.


    "If you have that kind of money, why don''t you get an honest group of people?


    Philip spat on the floor.


    The blackened spittle spread dirty.


    He was looked down upon just because he was the Eighth Kinsman Guard.


    In hindsight, he should have made a more straightforward effort.


    This is the end of my career.


    I''m frustrated by that feeling of entrapment.


    It''s not the only thing that frustrates me.


    ''d*mn, I helped him get to where he is now because I helped him.


    Philip poisoned himself as he thought of the current head of the Graffias family - the man who was going to be his father-in-law.


    He''d been grateful to Philip when he''d conspired to kill Elena''s parents and promised to do whatever he could to help, but lately he''d been reluctant to pay.


    His fianc��e is getting older and has gained extra wisdom, and he doesn''t seem interested in teaching her about the life of the Order.


    I should have married Elena if this was the case, I think to myself now.


    I didn''t like her attitude at that time.


    I thought she was a disgusting woman who was showing off her knowledge.


    But now that I think about it, that was like a dog pawing at me.


    I didn''t think that far ahead and was charged with the conspiracy.


    If Elena died, the Graffiace family would have been Philip''s, but it was a shame.


    ''''.........''''


    Philip shook his head.


    I''m my fianc�� now - I have no right to take over the family business.


    If you''re going to plot, you''ll have to wait until you''re married.


    You can use poison, or you can use thieves.


    Of course, you''ll pay the thief well.


    Elena survived because she was reluctant to pay.


    "...I''m not going to make that stupid mistake.


    Philip laughed as he imagined himself as the head of the Graffias family.


    ''Hmm?��What was that?


    Philip''s eyes narrowed.


    ''Is that fire?''


    I can see what looks like fire in the distance.


    An elf might have been able to see the details, but that''s the limit for human Philip.


    a�?--!


    Philip gasped.


    The fire that had started out as one was growing at an accelerated rate.


    Over a hundred, and the number continues to grow.


    Ooh, ooh, and what seemed like a battle cry could also be heard.


    ''Well, no way, mutiny!


    The new emperor is on the throne and says the imperial city is in a terrible state.


    No wonder there was a rebellion.


    ''''Enemy attack!��Enemy attack!


    Philip grabbed the hammer and rang the bell.

 127-Episode 11 "Will" [Part 2] Revised version

    *


    Lucas Lezato jumped up at the sensation of kopori and liquid flowing back up his esophagus.


    He avoided vomiting, but his nose ached numbly.


    He choked violently and spat the liquid out onto the sheets.


    The slimy liquid was either gastric juice or another liquid.


    Perhaps it was because I had eaten too much dinner.


    It always happens when I eat too much dinner.


    I can only count the days when I don''t eat too much dinner.


    I lay in bed, sniffling.


    I had paid a lot of money for it, and the bed took my fat, fat body without a sound.


    I looked around and saw the furnishings I''d collected to tire of the money.


    I immediately lose interest and look up at the ceiling.


    Lucas is in a bedroom in the barracks.


    Even though it''s called a barracks, it''s actually more like a private residence.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    A woman with a buxom body rubs her eyes sleepily and raises herself up.


    Her breasts shake as she does so.


    She is what you call a mistress.


    The encounter is not so great.


    There was a woman who was in need of money, and a man who paid to surround her with money.


    That''s all there is to it.


    The face is reasonably well made, but frankly, it doesn''t matter.


    It could have been anyone.


    But not a whore.


    It had to be a woman who felt guilty about giving herself up for money.


    The woman was convenient in that sense.


    She''s a believer in the ''pure, white, orderly god'', which is rarely found in commoners.


    In short, she is a uptight woman.


    She acts contrary to the values imprinted on her from her childhood.


    It was fun to observe the woman gradually becoming steeped in vice - but.


    ''It''s nothing.''


    ...I see.


    The woman lay down on the bed again and began to sleep peacefully.


    My heart throbbed and I moaned.


    The doctor told me to lose weight.


    He also said my heart is weakening from years of inactivity.


    It''s none of my business.


    I live this life because I like it.


    I wanted to be able to have a fat body and a way to be looked at with contempt.


    ''''Huh.''''


    The pain subsided and I let out a small breath.


    I won''t be long.


    I have a feeling that I will.


    ''....So this is how it goes.


    Speak for yourself.


    Lucas has done a lot of evil in his life.


    He hasn''t been home to his family in over 20 years.


    He chose not to return.


    He''s going to die of years of indifference - or illness.


    What a pity.


    What a tragedy.


    I am almost disappointed with this ending.


    I even feel betrayed.


    But I also feel that this is how it should be.


    Well, it''s not bad to go with this feeling.


    It''s an unwanted result, and it''s also what I wanted.


    ''''I''m ... tired.''''


    Just then, the sound of bells could be heard in the distance.


    Lucas jumped off the bed and ran out onto the balcony.


    The bells rang out in May, announcing the arrival of the enemy.


    His heart leapt and his skin was milky.


    ''Oh!''


    I leaned out of the balcony and yelled out in disbelief.


    I could see the fire in the distance.


    The number of them must be close to a thousand.


    It was forming up and slowly approaching in formation.


    Lucas lifted the corners of his mouth and realized that he had been hacked.


    Emperor Alfort''s reign is in disarray, but he hasn''t heard of anyone standing up to correct his reign.


    If there is a possibility, it''s Princess Tyria or the new nobles of the southern frontier, but if you take action, you''ll at least hear rumors.


    In other words, that was a bandit army.


    ''''Tch, that''s confusing.


    Should we fight, Lucas asked himself.


    The Eighth Kinsman Guards are a bunch of weak soldiers.


    It''s unlikely that they will be able to defeat a bandit army that can form such an impressive formation.


    ''''What in the world happened--!


    The woman gasped as she wrapped the sheets around her and stepped out onto the balcony.


    Then there was an explosion.


    ''Crap!''


    Get your head down!


    Lucas shielded the woman and crouched down in place.


    The sound of the explosion roared again, and the red light brought the bedroom to life for a moment.


    Slightly late, the pebbles waved in pieces.


    Could it be magic, divine arts, or magic items?


    Either way, it seems that the bandit army is reasonably well equipped.


    Lucas stood up.


    ''''I''m running away!''''


    What should I do?


    Come on!


    Lucas grabbed the woman''s hand and walked over to the bed.


    He pulled an old wooden box out from under it.


    ''It''s--!


    The woman gasped as she opened the lid to reveal the contents.


    It was a natural reaction.


    There were gold and silver coins and even jewelry inside the box.


    To Lucas, it''s a fraction of a penny, but to the woman, it must be a lot of money she never imagined.


    ''Take this box and flee to Emperor Kai''s direct domain. Then give this letter to Nam Korunu of the Tenth Order of the Kingsguard.


    Nam would not treat this woman badly.


    At least, she''s the most trustworthy of all the nobles I''m dealing with right now.


    ''What about Master Lucas?''


    I must return to the Imperial City.


    Then he laughs.


    How will you treat yourself now that you have lost the power of a mining city?


    There is no doubt that you will be held accountable.


    ''Don''t leave the room as soon as I''m gone.


    Master Lucas, there is--


    Don''t thank me.


    Lucas interrupted the woman''s words.


    ''If it wasn''t for this, I would have beaten you up.


    ''I''m leaving you behind and running away.


    ....


    Lucas left the bedroom, leaving the woman behind.


    Then his men came running up to him.


    ''Master Lucas, we have an enemy attack!


    I know.


    The sound of the explosion was intermittent and the windows were chattering.


    ''Gather your men at once,''


    Do you want to fight?


    He has to run.


    His subordinate looked clearly relieved.


    He felt a deep sense of satisfaction and a slight sense of disappointment at the reaction.


    Well, this is the kind of man I knew and welcomed into my staff.


    It would be selfish to be discouraged because he acted as expected.


    Come on, let''s get out of here.


    Lucas walked away, trembling with anticipation.


    *


    An explosion roars and flames rise.


    ''Good, good, we''re right on schedule,''


    Nicole checks Kinza from her horse, illuminated by the flames, and moistens her lips with her tongue.


    I have a feeling that I''ve done it, but I also have a feeling that I''ve done it.


    This is what the first attempt at stealing or killing is like.


    The first attempt at anything is the hardest.


    "Move up, lads, move up!��The enemy is scared shitless!


    ''Oh!''


    The men shouted out as I drummed my horse''s neck to inspire them.


    Are you really freaking out?��I nod my head inwardly.


    I look at my men again.


    There are about a hundred of them in total.


    Half of them have been following me since the days of the imperial capital, and the other half are those I picked up along the way.


    Many of them had fled from the imperial capital.


    ''''Be-Be-Bee-Bee.''''


    Moo Moo Moo Moo.


    My men are advancing the cattle while talking about it.


    What the cow is pulling is a huge grate.


    It''s not just a grate, but a wooden pole set up at the intersection of the trees.


    Torches are burning at the tips of the sticks.


    The number of torches is close to a thousand.


    If you approach in this way, the enemy will think they are under attack and leave - apparently.


    When I heard this idea, I thought it was a great idea.


    However, when you actually try it, you''ll wonder if there is anyone who would be fooled by such a thing.


    My subordinates probably have the same thought.


    But we can''t stop.


    We''ve already done it.


    We have no choice but to continue on with the flow.


    "It would be a disgrace to die in this.


    Well, you''ll be fine.


    Nicole felt hopeless, but before she knew it, Neige, who was standing next to her, was so optimistic that she wanted to punch him in the face.


    ''What''s the rationale?''


    The Eighth Kinsman Guard is a bunch of weaklings.


    Oh, come on, we''re worse than that.


    They are about a hundred in size and have no experience in organized combat.


    Funds are not plentiful.


    That''s why they''re raiding Kinza to get money and supplies.


    "Isn''t that what a righteous commander would do, a reconnaissance?


    Mr. Lucas is a sulky one, you know.


    Are you sulking?


    Nicole let out a deep sigh.


    I feel more and more desperate.


    But, I remind myself.


    It must be quite something to say that Neige is sulking.


    ''The Lucas Lesato I know would defend it to the death, wouldn''t he?


    What kind of person do you think he is?


    You''re a miserable f*cker.


    I think about it for a moment and answer.


    I don''t have any contact with him, but from the totality of the rumors I''ve heard, he''s a defensive man.


    ''''You think you''re not?''''


    I think he''s a good man.


    You''re a good man.


    Nicole couldn''t help but frown and stare at the city of Kinza.


    There were intermittent explosions in the city.


    ''''Even so, is it safe to have those stupid explosions?


    I''m sure it''s safe to say that he''s exploding in a public place.


    I''m counting on you.


    "Oh?


    Neige''s eyes widened lightly.


    I''m not going to end up being just a rebel. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    You were trying to fix the world.


    I don''t care what they say. All I know is that I''ve got to be accepted by the world.


    I see.


    Neige nodded repeatedly.


    ''What kind of a change of heart is this?''


    I haven''t changed my mind since before I left the Imperial City.


    Neige smiled smugly.


    ''I was just wondering what the Marquis of Erakis said. He said it was a career for him to talk to me as an equal, but I don''t think so.


    I was stunned when he told me, and I felt less than full when I was able to legally make money in the arena.


    But I wondered if we were really equals.


    ''I want to be part of the corner,''


    Oh, here it comes.


    "...you son of a b*tc*.


    Nicole curved her lips and looked at Kinza.


    One by one, cavalrymen emerged from the shadows of the buildings near the watchtower.


    Gurgling, he cleared his throat.


    If they attacked us, we''d be the end of our own part of the story.


    That''s why Nicole was so proud of herself.


    If the boss was freaked out, her men would be even more freaked out.


    ''Be-Be-Bee-Bee,''


    Moo Moo Moo Moo.


    My man lets the cow move forward.


    He must be nervous, after all.


    His voice is somewhat hard.


    Nicole loosened her grip on the reins from her hands.


    The horsemen started running in the opposite direction.


    I thought it was a trap to catch us off guard, but I get the feeling that they are running away at a glance.


    The people who are intending to counterattack are a bit more implied.


    "He really got away.


    I told you.


    Neige said as a matter of course, but Nicole couldn''t believe the scene in front of her.


    You could say she was dumbfounded.


    But she couldn''t remain dumbfounded.


    ''Look!��We won!


    ''Oh!''


    Nicole craned her neck and pumped her fist in the air, and her men let out a yell.


    Late October, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - Leonhard was walking down the corridor that led to the audience room.


    Perhaps because he was alone, his own footsteps sounded exceptionally loud.


    He lets out a small sigh.


    The mission had failed and resulted in numerous casualties.


    The seriously injured, as well as my subordinates who were lightly injured, will need to rest for a while.


    Rio--I don''t think it''s possible.


    I have a feeling that he will.


    When he was unconscious, I thought he was going to kill Crono when he woke up.


    But I was wrong.


    He didn''t answer me when I spoke to him.


    He seemed to be deep in thought about something, but I don''t really know what it was.


    I just thought he was like the living dead.


    Not only had he failed in his mission and lost his men, but he had also lost two friends.


    No, he shook his head.


    He had cut them both down for himself.


    It would be too selfish to describe it as a loss.


    Leonhardt let his gaze wander down the passage.


    It seems to be rougher than the last time he climbed the castle.


    There is a thin layer of dust on the furnishings and on the floor.


    It''s not just the castle that is in disrepair.


    The gardens are in disrepair.


    It''s autumn now, so it''s still good, but next summer it will be a shambles without a trace.


    I looked down at myself, wondering if it was the same for me.


    The white uniform, the proof of a knight of the Kingsguard, is miserably dirty to look at.


    It''s a fitting outfit for a defeated general.


    I heard a bleep.


    The audience room - when I stepped out in front of it, Count Lucas Lesato was standing there.


    ''Lord Lucas, what has happened to you?''


    Kinza was attacked by a bandit. I''m here to plead my case.


    Lucas laughed as he shook his fat body.


    Oh, and Leonhardt opened his eyes lightly.


    The Eighth Kinsman Guards are a bunch of weak soldiers.


    It''s no wonder they were defeated by the bandit army.


    But for a defeated general, Lucas was calm.


    I thought that he had finished laying the groundwork so that he wouldn''t be held accountable, but I had a feeling that he wasn''t.


    ''Let''s open it up,''


    The door opened with a deafening noise.


    Beyond it was a thick carpet.


    The colors seemed duller, but it wasn''t my imagination.


    Leonhardt stood shoulder to shoulder with Lucas and began to walk.


    Alfort sat on the throne, his cronies standing in front of him.


    Leonhardt propped himself up on one knee, followed somewhat later by Lucas.


    ''Lord Leonhardt, report to me.


    It wasn''t Prime Minister Betil who opened his mouth, but the Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra.


    ''Ha, we--''


    Good. Come to a decision.


    Alfort interrupted Leonhardt''s words in an irritated manner.


    ''During the convoy, we were attacked and the Marquis of Erakis was taken.


    ''Does that mean you were attacked by the Marquis of Erakis'' men?


    You''re right.


    I was right, of course.


    Alfort clenched his fists and stood up.


    ''Do you hear that?��The Marquis of Erakis has not only plundered the crimes of the Empire, he has defied me when I gave him the opportunity to make an offer!��The traitor must be avenged!��I hereby declare the defeat of the Marquis of Erakis!


    Alfort shouted high and sat down on his throne.


    ''Leonhardt, thank you for your service.


    Ha.


    But,'' continued Alfort.


    ''Despite the unexpected attack, we failed in our mission. I must take the blame for that.


    Ha.


    After all, if I was right, I should expect the attack.


    I think so, but I won''t say it out loud.


    "You are relieved of your duties as Commander of the First Kingsguard!


    Alfort''s cronies groaned, but some of them smiled.


    They don''t seem to think so, though the authority of the Commander of the Kingsguard is not much of a big deal.


    Well, if you want it, you can give it to them.


    ''''With all due respect,''''


    What is it, Prime Minister Bettyl?


    Alfort turned his gaze to Bethyl with annoyance.


    ''''Your Majesty, the fault lies with us for rushing to restrain them and letting them head towards us with the slightest of hands.


    Hmm, you''re right.


    Alfort crossed his arms thoughtfully as he took Bethyl''s advice.


    ''''All right. You can''t help but say that I''m partly to blame for this failure. Therefore, I am requesting indefinite house arrest. Is that clear?


    "Ha, thank you for your generosity.


    Leonhardt hung his head.


    ''By the way, what happened to Count Chiron?''


    The Earl of Chiron has been wounded by enemy fire.


    ''''Let''s put Count Chiron under indefinite house arrest as well. However, if the Marquis of Erakis has revolted, I doubt that Viscount Hamal will also be suspicious.


    He may have been talking to himself in the second half, but his voice sounded louder than it should have.


    Deciding to ignore it, the Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, opened his mouth.


    ''Next, Lord Lucas,''


    Ha.


    A bleeping sound was heard and the crony nobles laughed.


    ''''First, let''s conclude.......the bandit army swept into the mining city of Kinza, and I decided to make a strategic retreat to avoid the loss of troops.


    Is that it?


    That''s it, sir.


    Alfort asked, puzzled, but Lucas''s reply was curt.


    ''Do you have an offer to make?''


    No, sir.


    When he looked up slightly, Alfort''s legs were trembling in a small way.


    Is he shaking with anger?


    ''''With ... fear.''''


    What?


    Alfort shouted angrily at the Director of Military Affairs Ralph Libra.


    ''Lord Lucas is a loyal vassal who has supported the Empire since the civil war. Why don''t you give him a chance to regain his honor?


    .....


    Alfort grunted.


    ''What are you going to do?''


    If it''s all right with you, Your Majesty, I''d like to give you the task of killing the Marquis of Erakis.


    You''re in charge.


    After a long silence, he agreed to the proposal.


    I look next to him and see that Lucas is biting his lip.


    It was an overly generous treatment, but he didn''t seem to be happy about it.


    I don''t know what his true intentions were, but he seemed to want to be punished.


    ''Your audience with His Majesty is now concluded.


    Ralph Libra, Director of Military Affairs, echoed in the audience room.


    A few days later, Leonhardt learned that Brad Hammar had departed with his men in tow.

 128-Modified version of Episode 12 "Justice" Part 1

    *


    Late in November 43rd year of the imperial calendar - Dominic, the chairman of the Pics Trading Company, was lying in the dungeon of Alfiruk Castle.


    His whole body was burning hot, and his thoughts were frenzied, as if he was floating in a fever.


    It was because of the interrogations that were repeated day after day.


    No, this was not a simple questioning.


    It was torture.


    I have some experience with rough stuff, but I have little tolerance for physical damage.


    In fact, I even screamed and cried and begged for forgiveness when my fingernails were ripped off.


    How can you endure torture?


    The answer is simple.


    I did not.


    The interrogators don''t believe me if I''m honest.


    So the torture continues.


    If the interrogator doesn''t give you the answers you want, the torture will never stop.


    Dominic didn''t realize this until he lost both hands and both toes.


    Shouldn''t he be able to speak his falsehoods and die in peace?


    He thought about it, but even with his wrists gone, he''s still speaking the truth.


    When I lost my fingers, I tried to at least put up a fight.


    If I spoke the truth or a falsehood, they would confiscate the goods of the Chamber of Commerce and kill me.


    It''s not so much a matter of resolve as a matter of determination.


    If he had taken his family hostage, it would have been easy for him to lose his mind.


    If they didn''t do that, then the family was able to escape safely.


    ''''........I can''t bear to have things go the way I want them to.


    Dominic cleared his throat as he gasped in intense pain.


    *


    It''s getting a little cramped in here, isn''t it?


    Tilia muttered as she looked at the soldiers training at the training grounds.


    The area of the training grounds is more than three times larger than before.


    Of course, it wasn''t spread out by the usual means - steady logging and grass cutting repeatedly.


    It was Zion''s power.


    Among the divine power techniques of the ''Mother Goddess of Yellow Earth and Fertility'' was the manipulation of corruption.


    It would be frightening if it was used in an attack, but in times like these, it is reliable.


    Tilia stared at the back of the training grounds.


    Most of it is a clearing, but there is also a field position that was built as a mock-up.


    These trenches were built at Dr. Weissman''s suggestion.


    It was lined with three layers of thorny iron obstacles, and trenches were dug to wrap around the obstacles.


    It might be easier to understand if the trenches were a recreation of the Crane Wing camp.


    ''Crono?''


    Tilia approached me with concern.


    ''Well, what were we talking about?''


    I said we''ve outgrown our space.


    It''s an expansion.


    I know that.


    Tilia responds after a short pause.


    ''''Your volunteer army was five thousand five hundred, wasn''t it?


    Less than five hundred of them will be your grandfather.


    ''I didn''t expect you to volunteer so much,''


    Tilia said with a sigh, and Crono shifted his gaze to the training grounds.


    The two old men rushed through the center of the training grounds as if they were fighting for the lead.


    Gutsy, gutsy collisions.


    It''s Manchausen and Alonso.


    They both kicked the ground at the same time, falling down and raising their crossbows.


    An arrow is released and shoots through a human-shaped target that was quite far away.


    Manchausen shot through the head and Alonso shot through the chest.


    A subordinate volunteer catches up with him for a while and shoots arrows at the target.


    Some of the arrows miss, but--well, that''s about right.


    "So be it. We''re good!


    We''re better than you!


    Manchausen and Alonso are either fur seals trying to defend their territory or they clash against each other like walruses against their chests.


    The first time I saw them, they were hitting each other with their bare hands, so I paid attention and they started to fight like they do now.


    ''''........Those two.......''''


    Crono let out a sigh.


    Many of the five hundred old knights are rather quirky people, but Manchausen and Alonso have swept the needle.


    On top of that, they seem to have a rivalry with each other and try to compete with each other at every turn.


    Suddenly, the two men turned their gaze this way - to Tilia.


    ''Gyahaha!��Princess Tyria, did you see what we did?


    ''Princess Tyria!��Look at us, look at us!


    ...high tension.


    I mutter.


    The tension is so high that I want to rush in and ask if they''re deciding on a drug.


    Gently looking at the situation, I saw that Tilia was waving at them with a brilliant smile on her face.


    It couldn''t be my imagination that her movements were jerky.


    ''''Gahhhh!��Princess Tyria has waved to me!


    No, he waved to me!


    The two men clashed against each other, turning their chests as before.


    ''''Let''s have a game to decide which way Princess Tilia waved to us!


    Hmm, I''m going to win.


    I waved to both of them.


    Tilia''s mutterings didn''t seem to reach her, and they returned to their original positions, bumping into each other.


    I''ve got a headache.


    They are knights who have come together for Tyria.


    I know that.


    They''re both rather capable, aren''t they?


    I know that too.


    Tyria grunted.


    He has ten volunteers attached to one old knight.


    The other old knights, as well as Manchausen and Alonso, are keeping their men together well.


    ''''Well, well, I guess we''ll manage.''''


    Sylvania''s been very supportive.


    You have no choice but to obey, so why not obey from the start?


    Tyria said irritably.


    ''It''s because they allow half autonomy in there. It''s going to take some time.''


    ''You''re the reason we''re autonomous.


    Still, there are procedures to follow, you know.


    The fact that you chose it yourself, even if you didn''t have a choice, is important.


    ''Originally, you were the one who...''


    Tyria was about halfway through, and then she held her tongue.


    ''No, let''s not.''


    You''re not going to say anything?


    After all, we approve of it too, right?


    Tilia crossed her arms and pouted her lips in a way that didn''t seem amused.


    ''I had to worry about the war chest because Crono said he''d pay the volunteers.


    ''And it wasn''t a bad move if you look at the results. We were able to gather a volunteer army, and it helped to control it.''


    If you''re going to praise me, praise me faster.


    I would if it wasn''t for you.


    Tyria covered her mouth with her hand as if she were thinking about it.


    ''''Just for the record, I''m not taking you lightly. I said that I thought you would understand, and that''s what I would do with anyone but you. Don''t get me wrong in any weird way.


    You don''t have to be so sure.


    These things need to be said properly.


    Heh, what''s on your mind?


    ''I don''t want you to stab me in the back. You''re not going to recover from that, I am. I''m not going to relapse.


    I''m afraid I''m going to have a nervous breakdown.


    Crono looked down.


    At least Tilia thinks there is no chance of being stabbed in the back.


    ''Wait, you''re mistaken. I said I believe you. I don''t expect you to betray me in the slightest.


    I believe in you.


    I''m getting anxious.


    ''The sprouting of mutual distrust because you say something unnecessary...''


    I''m done talking about it.


    Tilia crossed her arms and stared at the mock camp.


    Currently, there are exercises going on in the mock camp.


    Both the attackers and the defenders are crossbowmen.


    The equipment is the same, but the defenders have an overwhelming advantage.


    The defenders can hide in the trenches and avoid being attacked, but the attackers have nowhere to hide.


    It''s a handicap battle reminiscent of a military school exercise.


    It''s the kind of training necessary to learn group combat, but most of the time the attacker loses the will to fight.


    It''s a battle in which defeat is halfway decided.


    There is a limit to what I can say to motivate you.


    This time is different.


    The attacker lies on the ground and crawls forward.


    "Don''t be frightened!


    ''Oh!''


    The sallow-skinned middle-aged men inspire, and the boys scream with their hardened voices.


    They are volunteers from the Confederation of Tribes, but they are not engravers.


    According to what Sif told me, not all the people in the Confederation of Tribes are able to apply the imprint.


    They didn''t tell me the details, but maybe they are recruiting mercenary volunteers by making the imprinted magicians a special entity.


    ''''Yeah, yeah, the guys in the Confederation of Tribes are always very motivated.''''


    It''s not that the other volunteers aren''t motivated, though.


    Tilia nodded in satisfaction, and Crono lightly cowered his shoulders.


    The volunteers of the various tribal confederations were generally high in morale.


    This is the reason why they volunteered - the difference in motivation.


    The volunteers of the Confederation of Miscellaneous Tribes are trying to win the future.


    ''You were successful in not making it a Coalition unit.


    Well, you know.


    I was hoping to use this as an opportunity to reconcile, but it''s difficult to do so when there is such a difference in motivation.


    ''''How are the mercenaries doing?''''


    Well, we''re generally doing well. And the 250 new arrivals.


    I see.


    Tyria let out a breath of relief.


    The newly arrived two hundred and fifty mercenaries would serve as the escort for the troop merchants.


    It''s a time when we want to have as much strength as possible, but we can''t cut ties with the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    ''''We want to decorate our first battle with a flourish.


    I don''t think I''m going to win this thing in style.


    ...Crono.


    Tilia gave him a frustrated look.


    ''What are you going to do with that mindset now?


    My mind-set is second to none. It''s just that I have to fight in a way that''s not noble.


    Volunteers are a defensive force.


    You can''t win just by defending them, and considering the morale and skill level, it''s not a good idea to prolong the battle.


    ''''Well, I think I can do better than when I served as a lord.


    ....


    Tilia shuddered with a buzz.


    ''I only feel uneasy when you give me that look in bed, but...''


    Is it reliable now?


    I''m more worried.


    Tilia said with a sigh.


    ''''Well you''re a soldier, aren''t you?''''


    You don''t know what you''re talking about.


    I was nostalgic for my military school days.


    Tilia whispered in a whispered tone and Crono gently stroked the wound in his right eye.


    ''I didn''t expect it to be like this then.


    ''If I''d expected to be leading a rebellion when I was in military school, I wouldn''t have gotten myself into this situation in the first place.


    Not the rebels, the Imperial Guard.


    If you rephrase it, it won''t make sense, will it?


    I know that.


    Tilia said, miffed, and relaxed in a huff.


    ''Crono, don''t die?''


    I''ll do my best.


    Saying that, Crono cowered his shoulders.


    Lucas Lesato rides his horse and heads north along the city road.


    He filled his mouth with water from his canteen, rinsed his mouth and spat it out onto the ground.


    The water he drew from the Baron Bowties'' territory was completely warm.


    ''''Commander of the Legion, if you don''t mind, I''ll send you to fetch some water?''''


    I don''t want it.


    Lucas replied shortly and wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his uniform.


    ''What do you think?''


    With 20,000 men, we could easily conquer Sylvania and conquer Hachel.


    The second-in-command said with the ease of going to a tavern.


    He was even proud of his appearance.


    Well, it would feel good to be No. 2 in a legion consisting of 20,000.


    ''''I''ve heard that the Marquis of Erakis'' territory is enriched. I''m looking forward to it now.''''


    Okay.


    The deputy doesn''t even seem to doubt the victory.


    Instead of doubting, he''s already thinking about winning - and then looting.


    I''d like to share as much of that brainpower as I can with a piece of it.


    Lucas isn''t a great commander, but he knew this mission was going to be a tough one.


    There was no end to the uncertainties, but the first problem was the low level of skill.


    Speaking of 20,000 troops sounds good.


    If the numbers mislead you, you''ll be as hyped up as your second-in-command.


    But the reality is that they are a bunch of crows.


    When you make up a corps, you pull out a battalion as is or half of it.


    On top of that, they trained and raised their skill level as a corps.


    This time around a hundred or so soldiers were drawn from one battalion to make up the corps.


    They didn''t all come together at the same time.


    Because each battalion sent out soldiers individually, there was no time for training.


    No, even if they had time, they wouldn''t have been able to train effectively.


    Lucas''s subordinates didn''t have the personnel to do so.


    Then there''s the bias in the military disciplines.


    The cavalry is Lucas''s men - only a thousand cavalry.


    And they are not heavy cavalry, but light cavalry.


    The archers are less than a thousand, and the heavy infantry is less than a thousand.


    The infantry is the main army.


    There was no way to formulate a flexible strategy under these circumstances.


    We must rely on numbers and repeat the assault.


    Finally, we must resupply.


    Since they are marching through imperial territory, they are replenishing their military provisions at the territories they pass through, but the way to do this is to requisition them.


    The advantage of this is that they don''t have to devote all their soldiers to transporting goods but...


    Let''s stop, Lucas said, shaking his head.


    The Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, had taken these problems into account when planning this operation.


    What''s the point now, Lucas thought to himself.


    I''m not a straightforward commander, and I don''t have the authority to ask for a reconsideration of the mission.


    All I can do now is to go with the flow.


    It''s an end that I think I deserve.


    Lucas believes that human nature is evil.


    It''s comforting to see human beings being tainted by evil.


    On the other hand, he hoped for the emergence of justice to judge him.


    Both mean it.


    That was the intention, but in hindsight, maybe he just wanted to believe that justice existed.


    ''''By the way, what about the Barony of Treis?''''


    Didn''t you get the briefing on the mission?


    ''I heard you were going to drop Sylvania and Hachel.


    His second in command scratched his head in embarrassment and Lucas let out a sigh.


    ''''Well I''m done making them declare themselves indefensible.


    Defenseless?


    The adjutant nods his head curiously.


    ''Didn''t you learn that in military school?''


    I don''t remember that.


    Lucas let out another sigh.


    Deeply, this time.


    I get the feeling that what on earth are they teaching at the military school?


    ''Don''t give me a sigh, please teach me.


    All you have to do is get your lord to declare surrender.


    You can make as many promises as you want, right?


    So I''m going to disarm them and leave the gates open.


    ...I see.


    The deputy nodded, but he didn''t seem to be convinced by one now.


    Well, I understand the feeling.


    After all, a declaration of indefensibility doesn''t work unless both sides keep their promises.


    ''''We just need to keep it until we attack Hachel.


    Oh, I see.


    His second-in-command nodded as if he had a point, but Lucas had a bad feeling about it.


    Baronet Treis Greenwich--Lucas was led by the old butler through a corridor of well-balanced furnishings.


    The old butler stopped in the middle of the corridor and slowly opened the door.


    ''''Please wait over here.''''


    Yeah.


    Lucas entered the room - the reception room and sat down smack dab in the sofa.


    ''''................''''


    Suddenly my breath catches and I press down on my chest.


    My heart is about to be crushed.


    The pain was such an illusion.


    After a while, the pain began to gradually ease.


    The pain eased to a tolerable degree and Lucas leaned back on the couch.


    He took out a handkerchief and wiped the greasy sweat off his face.


    Mindlessly, the pain intervals seemed to be getting shorter.


    Would he keep it until he could subdue Hachel?


    Such anxiety passed through his chest and he smiled bitterly.


    At that moment, the door opened.


    The door was opened and a fat man walked into the reception room.


    He was thinner than Lucas, though, and he must be ten years younger in age.


    It was definitely Baron Trace.


    When he locked eyes with Lucas, he walked over and knelt down.


    ''Count Lesat!��This is some kind of mistake!


    "...please take a seat on the couch first.


    ''What explanation did you give?'' said Lucas, feigning anger at the messenger he''d dispatched, but feigning composure and urging him to sit down.


    ''Yes, sir,''


    Baron Treis sat shallowly on the sofa facing him.


    ''I don''t know what explanation my subordinate gave, but I apologize if I expressed myself in a way that was misleading.


    ....


    Baron Treis was silent, but his eyes were busy moving.


    ''We only wish to pass through your territory, sir.


    If it were by the Emperor''s command, I''d have none of it.


    Baron Trace replied, wiping his greasy sweat with his handkerchief.


    ''''Just....''''


    "Just?


    "Some of my men are not pleased with your alliance with the Marquis of Erakis.


    This was a lie.


    Few of his subordinates knew that the Marquis of Erakis - although it was Princess Tyria who was the initiator - had formed an economic alliance with the surrounding lords.


    ''''That was just to eliminate the toll tax and unify the stall system.


    I see. We have a stall system.


    Yeah, that''s right.


    I was only slightly intrigued.


    It would be easier to do business if there was no longer a toll tax and people could move freely between territories.


    Besides, the unification of the stall system is a good idea.


    Commoners are uneducated.


    It is very difficult for an uneducated person to get a business license.


    They don''t know how to do business.


    But if the stall system is unified, it will be much less difficult to obtain a business license.


    If you have experience in obtaining a business license, you can use it to your advantage.


    It''s not good," Lucas said, clutching his temples and shaking his head.


    It will only make things worse if you are interested in the person you are about to attack.


    I see your point," he said. But as the person in charge of the army, I cannot ignore the words of the general.


    So what do I do?


    I''m asking you to declare yourself indefensible.


    ....


    When Lucas cut him off, Baron Treis fell silent.


    He disarmed himself and opened the castle gates.


    He''s asking me to throw away even the art of defending myself when a war is about to break out.


    Any decent lord would be troubled.


    ''''Will you at least allow me to open the castle gates?


    I''m sorry.


    Baron Treis gave him a clinging look, but Lucas could only shake his head.


    ''''As a matter of fact, you have been placed in a delicate position because of the Marquis of Erakis'' rebellion.


    Oh, no...


    Baron Trace''s complexion has gone from pale to earthy in color.


    It''s true that we''re being placed in a delicate position.


    However, declaring yourself indefensible does not necessarily improve your position.


    Everything will depend on the emperor''s own heart.


    "Declare the defenseless and prepare some military provisions and I will advise His Majesty Alfort. Baron Trace is a man of great loyalty...


    But there were 20,000 military bases to fry.


    Baron Trace said with a grunt.


    A soldier consumes a thousand grams of wheat per day.


    That''s twenty thousand men, that''s twenty tons per day.


    ''Excuse me, but haven''t the taxes just been paid?''


    I sold it with the bare minimum of wheat left.


    Lucas frowned.


    The choice to keep and sell the wheat they consume is not a mistake, but for this time it''s a bad move.


    Baron Trace would have to buy back the wheat for more money than he got from selling it.


    Of course, he could invoke his coercive power to commandeer it, but then he would lose his trust.


    ''I will not leave now to show my vassals to the empire.


    ...I understand.


    Baron Trace said in a voice that sounded like he was spitting blood.


    *


    Philip was drinking in a tavern.


    It was a tavern, but it was in a remote village.


    The bar is like a converted barn, ugly female wages, bad food.


    The drink is lukewarm, like piss.


    If we leave this village, there is a straight road to Sylvania, Count Caddo''s territory.


    I''ll have to drink this stuff when I have to stay sober for a while.


    I''m sick of it.


    When I was in Kinza, I could drink in better taverns.


    It felt good to be rubbed up against a woman, even if you knew she was just looking for money.


    It didn''t feel bad to be flattened by the owner.


    Even the ragpickers that paraded through the streets cleared the way when they saw the white uniforms.


    It seems to have happened many years ago already.


    He spat and slammed his wooden mug down on the table.


    Everything had been bad since they retreated to the Imperial City.


    He was the target of ridicule for running away from the bandits without a fight.


    Even the women in the tavern at the end of the place made fun of me.


    I broke all my front teeth, but the memory of my humiliation has not faded.


    ''''Well I was just following orders,''''


    What would his fianc��e think if she knew about this?


    I don''t think he''ll ever break off the engagement because of what happened to Elena, but he''ll continue to look down on me for the rest of my life as a man who ran away without a fight against the bandits.


    I quickly reconsider, wondering if I should kill him.


    You can take credit for this battle and soak up the stigma.


    The woman''s a fool and she''ll take the credit for it if Philip takes the credit.


    That''s not a bad idea.


    Philip shuddered as he imagined himself telling his fianc��e the story of his heroism.


    At that moment, a few people who were drinking nearby stood up.


    They looked familiar, so he could tell they were his colleagues, but his name didn''t come up.


    The co-workers were about to leave the restaurant when the owner stopped them.


    ''What?''


    Sir, can I pay you for that?


    Hehehe," the owner smiles affectionately.


    What a rude man.


    They''re going to go into battle and they''re asking for money.


    "All right.


    Thank you.


    The owner of the store hounded him and fell down.


    His co-workers beat him up.


    It was natural.


    A commoner demanded money from a nobleman - and a member of the Kingsguard.


    While serving them this pissy drink.


    "Is this enough?


    Oh, visitors!


    Get away from me!


    My colleague kicked the ugly wench who approached him.


    The ugly wench rolled on the ground, puking all over the place.


    ''Hey!��The owner of this restaurant served you drinks like piss and demanded money!��How can this be allowed to happen?


    No, they shouldn''t be allowed to!


    Destroy the store!


    His co-workers in the store began to scream and lash out, mouthing off.


    They must have been stressed out.


    They overturned the table and smashed the liquor barrels.


    The owner stood up and tried to stop them, but this time he had to lick the ground.


    ''No, get your hands off me!''


    A high-pitched voice echoed through the store.


    I look up to see my co-worker about to bring the girl from the back of the store.


    The girl claws at her colleague''s hand.


    ''You little shit!''


    The girl was blown up to the wall as her colleague punched her.


    There was a cry.


    ''Hey, Philip!''


    What?


    ''You didn''t buy the girl because you didn''t want to shy away from your fianc��. This is your chance to clear your head.


    Hold my hand.


    Philip stood up and spat out a burp.


    ''C''mon, you enjoy resisting me, don''t you?


    I don''t want to get scratched.


    A thoughtful colleague held the girl''s arms down.


    ''Forgive me, please forgive me.''


    d*mn, he''s just a kid.


    Philip looked at the girl, crying and begging for forgiveness, and spat.


    He looked down at the girl, feeling disgusted.


    This one didn''t look like she needed to worry about getting sick, but her face was covered in sparrow spots and she was as thin as a chicken rattle.


    ''Well, let''s just put up with it.''


    *


    Lucas thought he heard a scream and woke up.


    It was inside the tent he had set up outside the village.


    The smell of something burning irritated his nostrils.


    It was a smell I had smelled many times in the past.


    ''''No way...''''


    With a bad feeling, Lucas jumped out of his tent.


    Then the village was on fire.


    The flames illuminated the barbarism that was unfolding in the village.


    Men in white military uniforms were killing villagers and raping women.


    Of all things, the Kingsguard was overrunning the village.


    ''''Fools!��You people!


    Lucas shouted loudly.


    His chest throbbed, but he couldn''t be bothered.


    ''What''s wrong with you, Legionnaire?


    Make it stop!


    Why?


    Lucas shouted at the village, pointing at the village, but the deputy looked scowling.


    ''You need a distraction like that, don''t you?


    You''re an idiot!��We attacked a territory that we declared indefensible.��I''m not going to prove to myself that I can''t be trusted!��Go ahead and stop it!


    Lucas returned to his tent and sat down in a chair.


    He unfolded the parchment and began to write an apology.


    We were going to use this village as a backbone.


    They planned to use the village as a collection point for supplies, give it some money and leave the village women to do miscellaneous work.


    That was the plan.


    But it was all for naught because of their stupid men.


    Baron Trace would be reluctant to send out military provisions.


    He would not even allow us to use the neighboring villages to the south as our base of operations.


    Even if they would allow it, it would take a day to get to the next village and a day to get to Sylvania.


    The round trip would take four days to complete, and we would have a supply route.


    Lucas grabbed his quill and suddenly relaxed.


    He wanted to believe that evil would be judged by justice, but perhaps evil would be destroyed by its own evil.

 129-Episode 12 "Justice" Part 2

    *


    Baron Treis Greenwich - I guess the timing was good, but Crono looked at Baron Treis, who was sitting in the seat facing him.


    For the first time in a long time, Baron Treis was exhausted.


    His eyes were downcast, his cheeks were thin, and he looked as if he had aged ten years.


    In addition, his eyes were busy like a small animal looking for a place to hide.


    It''s not surprising, I think.


    He had declared himself indefensible and prepared food and military provisions for the imperial army to clear himself of any suspicion of treason.


    But in spite of this, the imperial army had ransacked their territory.


    The soldiers were understandably upset.


    But I can''t let them realize that I know what''s going on.


    At the very least, we need to pretend that we don''t know for now.


    ''''Marquis Erakis, how can I help you today?''''


    I have a message from the Princess of Tyria.


    Crono took the letter from his pocket and placed it on the table.


    It''s not parchment, but Japanese paper made in the workshop.


    The reason I used paper is to emphasize that it is not a formal correspondence.


    What to do with the letter was at the discretion of Baron Treis.


    At least that''s the way it''s supposed to be.


    Baron Trace takes the letter and checks the contents.


    His hands tremble and fat sweat runs down his face.


    It''s not unreasonable, he thinks.


    Tilia''s letter says that the imperial army should be allowed to act in the Baron Treis territory.


    By the way, the actions here are military actions.


    Naturally, it includes combat actions as well.


    In short, I''m saying that I want you to allow me to make the Baron Treis territory a battlefield.


    This is also natural, but there is no lord who wants to turn his territory into a battlefield.


    That''s why they are dismayed.


    ''''Well........this is a quandary.


    Well, I guess I''ll have to do it, then.


    Baron Trace grunted and Crono let out a light breath.


    Baron Treis looks up with a huff.


    Until we take military action without permission if we don''t get permission.


    He must have decided that this one was thinking that way.


    ''''Marquis Erakis, you--''''


    "We, the Imperial Army, aim to return to orthodoxy we aim to abolish the false emperor and restore the reign of the rightful successor.


    Well that''s it.


    Baron Trace interrupted.


    ''''I would like you to consider this ... the warmth of Princess Tyria.


    ''Warmth?��Trampling on my lands with your feet?


    Baron Trace crushed the letter and shouted as if in a rage.


    Right, Crono feigned equanimity while inwardly agreeing with Baron Treis.


    Nevertheless, if we''re going to use the logic of friend and foe, he''s more of an enemy.


    At least he''s not an ally.


    So why is he trying to get permission to do so?


    The answer is simple: because they want to bring him into their ranks.


    There is also a desire to persuade the other lords to let the party speak of the outrageousness of the Imperial Army from their mouths.


    Crono opened his mouth just as Baron Treis had regained his composure.


    ''''Princess Tyria is trying to give you a chance to relieve and honor your territory. Here, please reread the letter.


    ....


    Baron Treis looked down at the wrinkled letter.


    ''If you maintain your neutrality, you will be relieved of your territory, and if you become an ally, you will become a member of the House of Lords and be given the honor of being involved in the affairs of state.''


    What happens when we get hostile?


    ....


    Baron Trace asked fearlessly, but Crono did not answer.


    Imagination can be an ally or an enemy.


    In this case - or rather, to Baron Trace, it''s an enemy.


    Gulping, he swallowed raw.


    Probably the worst imaginings would have passed through his brain.


    ''''What do you think?''''


    But... but...


    Baron Trace wiped his greasy sweat with his handkerchief.


    ''What''s bothering you?''


    "I declare myself indefensible and yet I am repelled.


    The Imperial Guard.


    Crono interrupted his words and corrected him.


    ''I''d be a lousy lord if I gave in to the imperial army while declaring myself indefensible. Who am I to trust a man who changes his camp depending on the situation?


    Baron Trace said in a voice that sounded like he was spitting blood.


    I''m sure there are quite a few people who believe it - Crono thought, but he didn''t say it.


    ''''I am not asking you to give in,''''


    It''s all the same to you if you shut up.


    ''Maybe I should cut this out here,'' Crono let out a small breath.


    ''You mentioned credit, sir.


    Yes. Trust is important.


    Don''t you realize that you''ve lost that trust?��Or are you pretending not to notice?


    "-Oh!


    Baron Trace gasped.


    He gave him a look that said, ''What do you know?


    ''Baron Trace, my eyes are not knotty, you know. Besides, I can hear as well as a man with my ears.


    ....


    Baron Treis opened and closed his mouth like a fish washed ashore when he insinuated that the imperial army had destroyed the village.


    It was the False Emperor Alfort who betrayed us first.


    "False emperor and insolence!


    Isn''t it irreverent for an unorthodox person to take the throne?


    ''His Majesty did not instruct me to do this. I have received a letter of apology from Lord Lucas.


    How can you trust Alfort that much? No, I''m not sure if I''m retracting it because I''ve stuck a lot of money into it. No, no, no, could it be possible that the content of the apology was great, Crono imagined.


    ''''I understand how Baron Treis feels, but would the Lords trust his words?��They think you''ve sold out your people for the love of your life.


    You talk too much!


    ''It''s true. If you doubt it, you can send an errand into town now.


    I''m sure you''ll understand.


    Baron Treis grunted.


    ''I don''t think the lords will listen to your words, though.


    What?


    The Imperial Guard. You''ve got 20,000 men to feed.


    Yeah, I''ve got the wherewithal to do that.


    Well, it will hold for a while, for a while.


    ....


    When Crono said provocatively, Baron Treis shushed him.


    That silence said it all.


    ''You think we are such weak soldiers that we will be defeated in a day or two?


    That''s not...


    ''''The longer the battle goes on, the greater the burden on the Barony of Treis. Their reserves will be exhausted and they will be forced to wield their power. It''s impossible to ask the territorial residents to understand under such circumstances.''''


    Crono trailed off at that point.


    ''Well, the sustenance fodder we''ve prepared so far may not always reach the Imperial Army.


    Does that mean I have no choice?


    ''''No, no, we........Princess Tyria would like to respect the will of Baron Treis as well.


    Crono cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    ''You can choose to be honoured or ruined, if you like.


    ...ruin.


    Baron Treis gulped and cleared his throat.


    ''''Unless the imperial army is defeated by a touch of armor sleeve, destruction is inevitable.


    ''''This is the dividing line. Past this point, there is only destruction. It''s simple. All you have to do is tacitly accept our actions.''''


    What excuse will I give to Lord Lucas?


    ''Why don''t you tell them that they couldn''t prepare their military provisions due to our interference?


    But...


    I don''t have a choice, sir.


    Crono let out a sigh and stood up.


    The initiative is only here.


    You must make them understand that.


    ''''Let''s pretend this conversation never happened.


    Wait, wait!


    ''I''m afraid I can''t wait. I''m going to have to fight now...


    Okay, okay!


    Baron Trace exclaimed.


    ''What do you understand?''


    "I authorize the Imperial Army to operate in my territory. Well, in return...


    Baron Treis looked up at Crono with clinging eyes.


    He said that he would be the worst lord, that trust was important, but there was a lowly light in his eyes.


    Crono smiled at him.


    ''Of course. Let''s tell Princess Tilia that Baron Treis has willingly agreed to take military action in the territory. Now the territory will be relieved.''''


    Baron Trace said with a drawn-out smile.


    ''I''m sorry, but that''s if you''re on our side. Isn''t it written that if you are neutral, you will be relieved of your domain, and if you are an ally, you will be honored?''


    Yes, that''s true, but it''s not possible right now.


    So when did you make your decision?


    "If the Imperial Guard is in retreat, I will fall back to you. I promise.


    I''d ask you to put it in writing, but I believe you.


    Hearing Crono''s words, Baron Trace let out a breath of relief.


    ''''Well then, I''ll leave you with this...''''


    Thank you for your cooperation.


    Baron Trace hung his head deeply, and Crono left the parlor.


    Then the old butler walked up to him.


    ''''I will walk you to the door.''''


    Nice to meet you.


    The old butler led him out of the mansion.


    Crono went to the box carriage that stayed close by.


    The door of the box carriage opens without a sound.


    He gets into the box carriage and takes a seat.


    The box carriage starts to move slowly - and before he knows it, Klinge Hertz is sitting in the seat facing him.


    He chose the people he thought would cause problems if he brought the soldiers with him.


    Well, they are stronger than an ordinary soldier with their manual fists.


    ''''Good work,''''


    It''s heartbreaking the way you appeared, isn''t it?


    The Marquis of Erakis, sir?


    Klinge said in a tone that sounded like he was holding back his anger.


    ''What was the result of the negotiations?''


    I''ve been given permission to operate in the territory.


    Okay.


    Klinge looks at the window.


    He looks at the window, caught, but there is no one there.


    ''''Anyway, you can now move freely through Baron Treis'' territory.


    Crono let out a small breath.


    *


    Evening--Lucas rode his horse and rode north along the road.


    On both sides of the road there is a deep forest.


    In these woods, there are interstices that only the locals know about.


    In some cases, these roads are stretched out like a net.


    Making the most of the advantages of the land.


    I thought I understood it in my head, but it took me a while to understand what it meant.


    ''''Commander of the Legion, isn''t it time to get ready for the encampment?''''


    We''ll buy ourselves some more distance.


    I suppressed the urge to cluck my tongue and answer the deputy''s question.


    He was supposed to be in Count Caddo''s territory on the schedule, but he hasn''t been able to leave the Baron Treis territory.


    It''s because they had to clean up the aftermath of the barbarism - the body had to be buried.


    I left the burial work to the Eighth Order of the Kingsguard as a punishment, but this was a bad idea.


    The work was slow, and it was past noon before they finished burying the body.


    ''''Legion Commander!��Legionnaire!


    A cavalryman passes by his side and comes back with his horse''s head around his neck.


    He is the man I sent as a messenger under Baron Trace.


    He''s riding a different horse than when he left the village.


    Baron Treis may have been thoughtful, but I''m beginning to worry that he''s done it again.


    ''Have you delivered your apology?''


    Yes, I got a letter from Baron Trace.


    The man dismounts his horse and holds out a rolled up parchment in the shape of a tube.


    Lucas takes the parchment and checks the contents.


    ''....as I thought.


    What did it say?


    I cannot allow them to use the neighboring villages as bases. They would be able to ferry military provisions to the next village but after that they would have to ferry them themselves. It says that there is a strong possibility that they may not be able to secure their promised military provisions.


    What?


    ...phew.


    The deputy said with a hint of anger, but Lucas could only sigh.


    Half of it was dismay at the deputy''s attitude, the other half was relief.


    He hadn''t declared hostility after all that brutality.


    I don''t know what he really meant, but at least he''s not an enemy now.


    ''What are you angry about?''


    You didn''t keep your word.


    We broke our word first.


    It''s...


    Shut up. You''re giving me a headache talking to you.


    ....


    The deputy curved his lips in displeasure.


    That''s how I finally understand why the burial process has been so slow.


    They had no sense that they were being punished.


    They had gone a little too far, but they had no reason to be punished.


    Perhaps they were thinking about that.


    That''s why I deliberately delayed the work to express my dissatisfaction.


    ''''...Totally.''''


    Lucas muttered, feeling disgusted.


    I chose and let it rot.


    I know I deserved it, but I can''t erase the thought that I don''t have to be so screwed up.


    ''I''m going to make camp here,''


    ....


    Lucas says, but his second-in-command doesn''t recite it.


    He looks away like he''s sulking.


    "Recite it!


    "...encampment!��Get ready to make camp!


    Lucas yelled at him, and his second in command finally recited.


    He let out a deep sigh and gently touched his chest.


    At this rate, he would have to rework the plan all by himself.


    Crono hid himself in the bushes about a hundred meters away from the street and stared at the Imperial Army.


    He had received information that the Imperial Army was burying the bodies, but the honest feeling was that it was too late for that.


    If so, the suspicion that they were doing something else is sweltering.


    "This is Aridid, like a visual identification of the enemy.


    This is Deneb. The enemy is setting up camp.


    Stand by for now.


    He orders Aridid and Deneb, who are hardened on either side.


    I narrow my eyes and look at the imperial army.


    The general soldiers are crisply preparing for the encampment, but the white uniforms - the Eighth Konoe Knights of the Kingsguard - are much less adept.


    The ordinary soldier doesn''t try to help even after finishing their preparations for the camp.


    That''s how badly they get along with each other.


    ''''We''re exposing our unprotected backs.


    Like it''s an opportunity.


    Are you two on the same page?


    Of course you heard me. They''re setting fire to our military provisions and throwing magic items at us so we can''t sleep.


    That being said, it''s like my instincts tingle when they show me their unprotected backside.


    I''m glad you understand.


    Crono patted his chest as he listened to Aridid and Deneb''s words.


    ''Looks like you have your knife ready to go.


    Like a lot of keywords you don''t like to use.


    How far is he serious?


    Alideed pulls out a knife and Deneb flips through a homemade notepad.


    I explained that I would be very selective about the subject this time, but I wasn''t sure if he was really listening.


    I shake my head, "No," he says.


    Both of them are fierce fighters of all time.


    When it comes to a battle, they''ll brace themselves.


    ''''But even so, it seems like this strategy is too low-key.


    Not putting them to sleep is just harassment.


    No, it''s fine.


    Combine multiple tactics to take away the enemy''s ability to take over.


    That''s the crux of this operation.


    ''And it''s like being an archer again.


    I hear it''s not easy being in charge of a mixed team.


    Yeah, well, that''s the thing.


    Crono slurred his words.


    There are a hundred mixed units of archers and infantry here, and a hundred soldiers lurking in the face as well.


    ''''Speaking of which, do you have something you want to ask Crono-sama?


    What''s going on?


    Why are you here like this?


    Alideed tilted his head curiously.


    ''''The flagman is Tilia, the commander is Dr. Weissman, the logistics and other things are in the hands of Sitter-san, the volunteers are in the hands of Mino-san, and the detached troops are in the hands of Kane, you know. The mercenaries are under Sif''s jurisdiction my jurisdiction is here.


    Mm, I''m thinking that the Crono-sama should have taken charge of the volunteer army.


    I''m too scared to lead an amateur. On the other hand, you''ll have an experienced centurion to back you up here.


    You said you have a lot of experience.


    It''s not like he''s as experienced as Master Crono.


    Aridid and Deneb said, moping.


    That''s not what I meant.


    ''''And the rest ... the content of the operation is the content of the operation.


    Well, sure.


    I need to see the whole picture or I won''t get into it.


    In the original world, it would be like setting off firecrackers in the middle of the night.


    Even if you tell them that this is a strategy, the soldiers won''t understand.


    The reason Crono is there is to make the soldiers understand that this is an important operation.


    ''Besides, we don''t want them to say we''re good with our mouths and say we made them do the dirty work for us.


    Master Crono seems to care a lot.


    But you forgot to keep your eyes open at night, didn''t you?


    That''s what I''ve been thinking about.


    Crono pulled a pair of glasses from the pouch.


    ''What''s that like?''


    "It''s supposed to be a contextual item that keeps you sharp at night.


    ''That''s right, with these glasses you will be able to see through the darkness. It''s an item that amplifies light, so if you look at strong light, it will damage your eyes, and it''s only useful for humans.


    This is the item I had Eryl make.


    I don''t want to break it, so I put it in the pouch.


    Master Crono, I''m done making camp.


    Like an attack, finally?


    Not yet.


    Crono hid in the bushes and observed the Kingsguard.


    They were gathered around a campfire.


    ''It looks like they didn''t cook themselves.


    I''m afraid it''s not hard bread.


    It doesn''t look like it will last forever.


    Hmmm, Crono snorted.


    ''Master Crono, like you should be happy here.


    You know, like the father of hardtackle bread and then go on to be known as the father of hardtackle bread after the war.


    No, no, no.


    Crono waved his hands from side to side with a pat on the back.


    ''Taiga, how are the civilian soldiers doing?''


    "Ordinary soldiers eat bread, that they do.


    A muffled voice came from the magic item for communication.


    It seems that the general soldiers are eating bread, but I didn''t see Crono coming to get it.


    It seems that the sustenance provisions of the Kingsguard and the general soldiers are being carried separately.


    Perhaps the commander understands that the two sides are not on good terms with each other.


    "That''s not what we''ve heard.


    Rumors are just that, rumors.


    It''s a dangerous thing to be preoccupied.


    That too, I suppose.


    I heard that Count Lucas Lesato was constantly rumored to be black and that his men were all weak soldiers, but it was dangerous to assume that he was incompetent based on that alone.


    ''''It''s about time, like, OK?''''


    It''s like I''m in timing mode.


    Arididid and Deneb readied their machine gun bows and guarded their arrows.


    Instead of an arrowhead, it has a small sphere attached to it.


    It is a magic item that scatters flamboyant flames and sounds like a flame dance.


    I''m not going to be able to get it right. Aim at the horse first.


    "Yes, that I do.


    Crono quietly raised his hand and swung it down.


    Aridid and Deneb released arrows, and countless arrows flew from behind him.


    The moment the arrows touched the ground, flames and sounds were released.


    The papa-pam sound was similar to a firecracker, but the flames increased its power many times over.


    It was especially effective on the horses.


    Some horses stood on their poles and others went wild.


    ''''Enemies!''''


    "Enemy attack!��Enemy attack!


    A kinsman knight shouted, and a new arrow landed there.


    Taiga and the others fired their arrows.


    The sound like firecrackers drowned out the voices of the kinsman knights and sent the horses into a panic.


    ''''How?!''''


    One of the Kingsguard knights rushed over to him in a hurry, but from the results, it was a mistake.


    He was kicked in the face with his hind legs and blown away.


    As one of the horses ran backwards down the street, the others followed.


    A soldier is blown up and a tent falls over.


    A scream erupts.


    A fat man leapt out of the tent.


    That would be Lucas Lesato.


    I''d like to kill him, but I can''t turn twenty thousand soldiers into bandits.


    ''Where is the enemy!


    There it is!


    ''What are you doing!��Chase and chase!


    No, no, no, you guys should go after them. Or rather, come after me, Crono pleads with the kinsman knight who won''t move in his mind.


    ''It can''t be helped. We''ll attack with arms and legs.''


    We''ve been waiting for you!


    ''Deploy to the front!��I wish I could release them so they don''t kill me!


    The sound of the trees shaking echoes and the archers deploy in front of Crono.


    There are about thirty of them, but they are the oldest soldiers.


    ''''Let go!''''


    Crono shouted, and the archers fired arrows in unison.


    Gasp, the konoe knight screamed and fell to the ground.


    Despite the dense trees, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction at his skill in shooting through the target.


    ''''d*mn it, I''m going to beat them to death!


    A dozen or so Kingsguard knights split into the forest.


    ''''Let go!''''


    Following Crono''s command, the archer fired another arrow.


    The arrows pierced his arms and thighs, and the konoean knight went down on the spot.


    ''Ouch!��Duh, somebody help me!


    A kinsman knight shakes his body and calls for help, but no one tries to move.


    ''''Ummm, it''s not burning well.''''


    It would be a problem if they all came at him at once, but it would also be a problem if he didn''t do anything when his allies were asking for help.


    Crono let out a small sigh, wondering if it would be impossible to lure them deeper into the forest.


    ''''Retreat temporarily!''''


    Crono shouted at the communication magic item and put his glasses on.


    His vision brightens at once.


    ''''Roger that.'''' (Gau)


    Crono runs off towards the back of the forest.


    The archers retreat in unison as well.


    ''I thought we could do a little more damage!


    It''s a shame!


    Me too. But here''s the deal, here''s the deal.


    Black!


    It''s like the blackness is oozing out!


    Crono grinned, and Aridid and Deneb said in a musical manner.


    *


    Morning--


    "....ggh.


    Lucas woke up with a pain in his chest.


    His whole body was drenched in sweat and his head was fuzzy.


    ''....Rebels.


    He gets out of bed and spits out a small amount.


    In the evening, the Empire was attacked by the rebels, leaving a few dead and many wounded.


    Most of these were caused by horses that had run amok.


    The rebels then retreated, but they came again as the night wore on.


    They scattered fire and sound with magic items.


    And that too, all night long.


    If we chased them, they would flee, and if we didn''t, they would do the same thing over and over again.


    I hated that they used magic and magic items that could kill as if they remembered.


    Furthermore, they set fire to their sustenance cages.


    And only the sustenance of the Kingsguard was set on fire.


    Perhaps the rebels realized that the Knights of the Kingsguard and the ordinary soldiers did not get along with each other.


    Dividing the military provisions and fodder will make the two sides even more unhappy.


    Food resentment is a terrible thing.


    Lucas put his jacket on, frowning at the pain in his chest.


    When he emerged from his tent, his men were limp.


    There were no more half of their horses left.


    ''''Commander of the Legion, can''t we delay our departure?''''


    What are you talking about?


    We''ve been under attack all night and we''re all exhausted.


    The deputy said, and his men nodded in agreement.


    ''No. We''ll leave as planned.


    The subordinates were clearly disappointed by Lucas'' words.


    How much do we need to dance with the rebels to make them feel better?


    Last night''s raids had reduced their provisions, which were even less than they could afford.


    I didn''t calculate it in detail but it was enough to last four days if they could cut down to the last minute.


    And they didn''t know how much more provisions could be replenished.


    And if they delayed their march, they would have to fight with empty stomachs.


    "Quickly clear the tent and send out the Transportation Corps, extracted from the general.


    Yes.


    Keep your voice down!


    Yes!


    Lucas yelled at him, and his second-in-command shouted in desperation.


    His subordinates begin to slacken off.


    There is a hint of frustration on their faces.


    Most of them are probably wondering why they are doing this to themselves.


    He holds his aching chest and lets out a sigh.


    It was Lucas himself who wanted them under his command, but it''s selfish and frustrating.


    After taking twice as long to install, he finally finishes putting away the tent.


    ''''Let''s go!


    Lucas mounted his own horse and resumed his march.


    His subordinates, including his second in command, are silent.


    They must have endured last night''s events very well.


    There was nothing in particular to say, so he advanced his horse and rubbed against a stone pillar.


    It was about a haul in thickness and up to my waist in height.


    After a while, there was another stone pillar.


    ''Wait!''


    What is it?


    The deputy says disgustedly.


    ''There was a stone pillar stuck in the ground earlier...''


    ''Oh, there was. What about it?


    There''s another stone pillar.


    ''Oh, yes. What''s wrong with that?


    The deputy turned around and said, still in a disgusted tone.


    ''Doesn''t it bother you?''


    There''s all kinds of nonsense out there. It''s not going to blow up. Let''s just get on with it.


    Well yes.


    The deputy has a point.


    If they''re setting up for an attack, it''s strange that they can get through safely.


    It''s also possible that they''re doing something meaningless to make us suspicious.


    ''But stay alert.


    Yes, I understand.


    Lucas led his horse forward, wary of the stone pillars.


    He continued his march, ignoring his second in command who said he was hungry and childlike.


    When the sun was starting to dip significantly, his vision opened up.


    ''''A field position........''''


    Lucas stopped his horse and grunted.


    According to the map he had checked beforehand, there should still be a forest going on.


    Nevertheless, the forest was cut off and what looked like a field camp appeared in its place.


    It''s a strange position.


    ''What did you learn in military school? That''s the trenches.


    You''ve never heard of the trenches.


    Lucas let out a deep sigh.


    In the centre, a trench was dug in a zigzagging fashion on either wing, dividing the city road.


    ''Then what is that wire?''


    I don''t know.


    Okay.


    The second-in-command nodded, perhaps in return for his intentions, as if he were making fun of them.


    In front of the trench was a horse-proof fence, and further in front of it was a row of wire-like objects.


    In addition, the horse-proof fence had no crossbeams, but instead was covered with wire.


    The rebel soldiers were peering at us from the trenches.


    Behind them were a large sub-human with a shield and an archer waiting for him.


    ''I was expecting a bit of a rebel, since you say "rebels". It''s pathetic that we have no choice but to cling to those wires and holes.''''


    You mean it''s no big deal?


    Yeah, it''s nothing to worry about.


    Then you''ll be first in line.


    ''Yes, that''s good. We can get through that one with the remaining cavalry.


    The deputy responded immediately, but Lucas felt a thin layer of coldness.


    If I were to call it fear of the unknown, that might be the end of it.


    ''''However, if you get through that one, please don''t complain about my methods.''''


    Okay.


    ''Heh,'' said the deputy with a vulgar smile.


    ''''I just wanted to see how the royal family was doing.


    ....


    Lucas ignored his second-in-command''s mutterings.


    If he didn''t die here, he would die on this next battlefield.


    ''Hey!��All those who wish to be honored with the highest spear, gather!


    Lucas dismounted from his horse with a sideways glance at his second-in-command and sat down on a nearby fallen tree.


    Now, I wonder how many people will be gathered.


    He watched in such a cold mood, but the second-in-command gathered a hundred cavalrymen in no time.


    An unexpected talent, I should say.


    If he hadn''t been his own subordinate, he might have become a battalion commander on his own.


    The second-in-command stretched his chest against the cavalry lined up side by side.


    I know how proud I am.


    Even though he was a light cavalryman, it would feel good to lead a hundred cavalrymen.


    ''''Legion Commander, please don''t forget your promise.


    I know.


    ''Hehehe,'' the second-in-command laughed and interrupted the cavalrymen.


    ''You guys!��Kill them all and your reward is what you want it to be!��Move on!


    As the second-in-command lets the horses advance, the cavalrymen begin to move.


    As far as I can tell, they are surprisingly well aligned, even though they haven''t had any training.


    Gradually, their speed increases.


    "Kill them all!��Urrah!


    Ullahhhh!


    The cavalry howled in unison.

 130-Episode 12 "Justice" Part 3

    *


    "Kill them all!��Urrah!


    Ullahhhh!


    The cavalry howled in unison and rushed toward the enemy''s field positions.


    They could leap over the wire as easily as they could jump over it, the pride of being able to kick it away.


    However, the pride was easily shattered.


    ''''Ugh!''''


    "Gah!


    d*mn it, don''t stop here!


    The horsemen shouted at each other.


    Some were clinging desperately to avoid being thrown off their pole-standing horses, while others were shaken off by plunging their entire horses into the wire.


    Others were cursing their horses as they stopped in front of the wire.


    ''Get on your horses!''


    Yeah, well, there''s a wire wrapped around me.


    The second-in-command shouted, but the cavalryman who fell on the wire scrambled like an insect caught in a spider''s web or a fish caught in a web, but he couldn''t get out.


    When he looked, the wire was tangled in his clothes.


    Suddenly Lucas remembered a book he had read a long time ago.


    It was about a savage tribe that planted thorns around their camp to hinder the progress of their cavalry.


    In that story, they would have responded by cutting it down or burning it down - but...


    ''''d*mn it!��Those who are dismounting, cut the wire!


    Ha!


    Following the order of his deputy, the one who had dismounted swung his sword at the wire.


    A clang, clang, clang could be heard.


    ''''It won''t cut!''''


    ''Shit!��I''ll do it!


    The second-in-command shouted and swung his spear down from his horse.


    It wasn''t an assault spear equipped by a heavy cavalryman, but a weapon that was an axe and a spear in one.


    ''''d*mn it, d*mn it!��I can''t cut it!


    The second-in-command swung his spear down repeatedly, only to be met with a clattering sound.


    ''Witchcraft!��Use your magic!


    "Flamebang!


    "Windblade Ranbu!


    The magic of fire and wind was released, but it could not destroy the wire.


    The flames did not melt the iron and the wind blades only shook the wire.


    ''''Gah!''''


    A scream echoes through the air.


    His men, entangled in wire, were engulfed in flames.


    ''Da, someone put out the fire!


    The second-in-command shouted, but no one made any attempt to move.


    The subordinate, who had been engulfed in flames, flailed violently at first, but his movements gradually slowed down and after a moment he stopped moving.


    Smoke rises from the corpse.


    ''''Ugh, ugh!


    A number of people nearby vomited, as if they had smelled the odor, and a number of them vomited as if it was a trigger.


    They should have smelled the same smell when they set the village on fire, but they seem to get a different impression of it from their fellow villagers.


    ''d*mn it, it''s your fault!


    You asked me to use magic!


    The deputies began to split up.


    ''....Huh.


    Lucas let out a deep sigh and realized something.


    Despite looking so hapless, the rebels were not attacking him.


    ''Philip!''


    Ha!


    Philip quickly stepped up and saluted Lucas.


    The salute itself was beautiful, but his face was strained with tension.


    Mostly, he thinks he''s going to be ordered to stop the fight.


    ''Go get the elf,''


    Is it a woman?


    I don''t care which one!


    Ha!


    Lucas yelled at him, and Philip ran off.


    A short time later, Philip brought the elven woman with him.


    Most elves were beautiful men and women, but she was also a beautiful woman.


    Although, Lucas couldn''t get a bite at the moment because he liked women with big breasts.


    ''Good luck, back off,''


    Ha!


    Philip saluted and then distanced himself from Lucas.


    ''Oh, um, what should I do?''


    "Look at the expressions on the faces of those hiding in the enemy''s positions and holes.


    Yes, sir.


    The elven woman stepped in front of Lucas and knelt in front of him.


    ''Well?''


    What do you mean?


    What''s the look on your face?


    Lucas suppressed his irritation and asked the elven woman.


    ''Um, it''s just an impression...''


    I don''t mind.


    You look terrified.


    ...frightened?


    Yes, yes, it looks like it.


    Why are they frightened, Lucas asks himself.


    He breaks ranks in front of enemy lines.


    Normally, this would be an opportunity.


    Even new recruits would think of attacking when they see a gaping hole in the enemy.


    No, said Lucas, shaking his head.


    New recruits can think about attacking or not attacking, but they can''t act.


    Because they are afraid of killing people.


    In some cases, they are even unable to draw their swords even if they are killed.


    People are so afraid of killing others.


    ''....I see.


    Lucas muttered softly.


    He should have realized it when he saw the number of people in the field position.


    The document handed to the Director of Military Affairs Ralph Libra stated that the soldiers held by the Marquis of Erakis did not reach a thousand four hundred.


    The soldiers in the field positions were at least twice that number, if not more.


    The main body of the rebel army was the new recruits - perhaps they had turned the territory into soldiers in a short period of time.


    With that in mind, it makes sense that they are holed up in the trenches.


    I''m concerned about the movements of the large sub-humans and archers, but we should push them out in numbers before the recruits gain experience in killing people.


    Just when Lucas was starting to think about the specific arrangements.


    ''Oh, ahhh!


    A scream rang out.


    When I looked at the direction the voice came from, I saw an arrow stuck in my subordinate who was entangled in the wire.


    It was much shorter than a long-bow arrow.


    ''''Gyahahahaha!��I am the first spear!


    A soldier hiding in the trenches lets out a vulgar laugh.


    He''s old enough to be an old man.


    He''s probably ten years older than Lucas.


    With this crossbow, even an old man like me can beat the cavalry!


    The old man happily raised his weapon - a crossbow, to use his words.


    ''What''s that?''


    ...a crossbow.


    The elven woman said quizzically, and Lucas muttered quietly.


    It''s a weapon that has long since become obsolete in the imperial army, where it is now possible to train archers.


    I didn''t expect you to pull out such a thing--''''


    ''''Shoot!��Shoot him!��Shoot to protect your family!��Shoot or your loved ones will be overrun!��Have you forgotten what they did to you?


    ''Uh-oh!


    An old soldier shouts and one of the soldiers shoots an arrow.


    The arrow pierced the ground without hitting anyone, but--''''


    ''''Waaah!''''


    Shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot!


    Heeeee!


    As if that was the trigger, the soldier who was hiding in the trenches - the crossbowman became half-crazed and fired an arrow.


    ''''Gah!''''


    Gag!


    Many of the arrows fired by the crossbowmen missed, but the men who were unlucky let out a short scream when they were pierced.


    Many of them were shot through their horses and thrown to the ground.


    ''''Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!''''


    There was a scream.


    The horse started to run with the stirrups catching on his feet.


    ''Ta, help!''


    You do it!


    I''m your second-in-command!


    Shut up!��You just used a sycophant to get in on it!


    It seems that the idea of cooperating at this point in time has not occurred to my subordinates.


    ''Guard your arrows!'' (BUMO!)


    The one who broke the silence was the minotaur at the rear of the center.


    ''''Watch your arrows!'''' (BUMO!)


    When the minotaur ordered again, the crossbowmen began to falter.


    The crossbow -- the crossbow takes time to turn the next arrow.


    But for once, it doesn''t matter.


    ''''Ta, help me!


    Let go!


    Lucas''s men are panicked and unable to put up any organized resistance.


    If they were more skilled, they would have been able to rebuild.


    ''d*mn it!��It''s witchcraft!��Fire your magic!


    "Flamebang!


    "Windblade Ranbu!


    The second-in-command shouted and magic was unleashed towards the enemy position.


    The crossbowmen stiffened their bodies, but as it turned out, it was a meaningless warning.


    This is because the magic didn''t even reach the enemy camp.


    ''''Shoot!'''' (BUMO!)


    Following the Minotaur''s command, the crossbowmen released arrows.


    ''''Guggah!''''


    Heeeee!


    A short scream goes up intermittently, and the subordinate collapses.


    ''''Whoa!��Hi, hi!


    The deputy fell off his horse and screamed.


    He crawled on the ground to get away from the rampaging horse.


    ''Watch your arrows!'' (BUMO!)


    The minotaur cries out and the crossbowmen turn on their arrows.


    ''Shoot!'' (BUMO!)


    Geez!


    Gah!


    The crossbowmen fired their arrows, and the subordinate who was shot through fell down with a scream.


    The arrows were starting to turn and release in a smooth motion, and the timing was starting to be right.


    Tsk, Lucas clicked his tongue.


    Either he''d stopped thinking, or he''d killed someone and lost his hesitation, and the crossbowman had grown into a soldier in a short time.


    ''''Shall we retreat?!''''


    Lucas shouted to his second in command.


    The cavalry, which had a hundred cavalry, were less than half of them.


    ''Run!''


    The second-in-command shouted, and his men threw out their weapons and began to run away.


    ''Watch your arrows!��Shoot! Bum!��(Bummo!)


    The crossbowman shoots arrows, but most of them pierce the ground.


    It may be due to their lack of skill, but the crossbows have a short range.


    ''''Archers!��Get off me!��After the second shot, you can use your own timing! (BUMO, BUMO!)


    The Minotaur shouted, and the archers who were waiting behind the crossbowmen released their arrows.


    The unbroken movement shows the level of skill.


    ''''Gah!''''


    Guh!


    Gag!


    Arrows rained down like a rainstorm, and the subordinates fell one by one.


    ''''So ... that''s how it is.''''


    Lucas muttered softly.


    The rebels didn''t let the archers attack the crossbowmen to give them more experience.


    His second-in-command was desperate to get away.


    There was no sign of the irreverence he had shown before the assault.


    He ran, his face mangled with tears and snot.


    The wet crotch of his uniform would not be a mistake.


    "-Oh!


    The deputy is on his back.


    It''s not a spontaneous movement, but rather an external stimulus and a reflexive upturn.


    As it is, it falls over in a haphazard manner.


    A single arrow was stuck in its back.


    ''''Ta, help!''''


    The deputy shouted, but there was no one there to help.


    He grabbed the pants of the one who tried to run right past him.


    ''Save me!''


    Let go of me!


    I''m your second-in-command!


    Shut up!��What does it matter in this situation!


    You!


    The second in command, who was kicked in the leg, grabbed onto him and arrows rained down on him.


    Countless arrows pierced the two men.


    ''''Ouch!''''


    The deputy was safe, but the other one was lying on his back.


    ''Oh, I''m not going to die!


    The deputy used his arms and crawled on the ground.


    It left a mark on the ground like a slug had crawled.


    An arrow landed there.


    ''''Oh, I''m...''''


    The second in command stretched out his arms, and there he ran out of steam.


    ''.........Annihilation.


    Lucas looked around the battlefield and muttered to himself.


    The cavalry, which had a hundred cavalry, were wiped out, exposing the wreckage.


    He looked at his men who were standing behind him.


    He should probably elect a new second-in-command from among them, but no matter who he chooses, he won''t be able to reduce his own burden.


    Then I should be in direct command myself.


    ''Get ready for the encampment!��Whoever hears my command, repeat it!


    Get ready to encamp!


    One of my men shouts and another shouts.


    The order to get ready for the encampment spreads like a ripple.


    Now, how do we attack?��And Lucas sat down on a fallen tree.


    The method that comes to mind is to have the heavy infantry carry shields and protect the archers as they approach.


    Fortunately, the number of heavily armed infantry and archers is greater than ours.


    ''''Well maybe we shouldn''t have pulled out the heavy infantry.


    Three hundred heavily armed infantry were drawn out to form the Transportation Corps.


    I thought it was necessary at the time, but I''m starting to feel like I made the wrong choice.


    Lucas turned his gaze to the general soldiers.


    The heavily armed infantry - the large subhumans are just as common as the lizardmen.


    They have the weakness of being vulnerable to the cold of winter, but if they warm themselves up with a bonfire, they could be somewhat reckless.


    As I was thinking about this, white smoke rose from behind me.


    ''''What''s the matter?''''


    The wood is damp!


    Lucas stood up and shouted, and someone shouted back.


    ''''What ... that''s what it is?''''


    He sat down on a fallen tree and remembered that it hadn''t rained in a few days.


    No way, he wondered, was this another rebel operation?


    What good would it do to dampen the wood?


    ''''Legionnaire!''''


    What!


    A subordinate shouted and Lucas stood up.


    He was annoyed at being interrupted in his thoughts, but it was inevitable.


    ''It''s the fog!��It''s starting to fog up!


    I looked at the street and saw that fog was slowly drifting down from the forest.


    ''''Of, curse!''''


    Calm down!��This is a rebel operation!


    There was no proof of this, but I assure you.


    My second-in-command and a hundred others died in honor of the war without fear of the unknown, but basically, humans are afraid of the unknown and phenomena.


    Now the fear of the unknown has been turned into a rebel operation, but if you can''t deal with it, you''re devastated by the fact that you''re at the mercy of the rebels.


    The fog rolled in--.


    ''Ho-oh!


    "Wheeeeeeee!


    The Transportation Corps was wiped out. No one can get to the battlefield.


    A sound similar to a woman''s scream and a low voice came from the fog.


    ''''Oh!''''


    "Moo-hoo!


    "The Kingsguard is about to abandon the ordinary soldiers...


    Make them stop!


    I don''t know where it''s coming from!


    Huh!


    Just as Lucas grunted, the fog turned red and an explosion erupted.


    A scream went up as the horses cried out.


    He was caught in the same hands again.


    ''Leave the escaped horse alone!


    Lucas instructed loudly and held his chest.


    My chest creaked with pain.


    "Whoa!


    ''Mwahhhh!


    "You''re going to die, all of you. If you don''t want to die, run.


    Crono wrapped the communication magic item in a cloth and put it in a pouch.


    ''''Hiiiiiii!''''


    Huh!


    It''s okay.


    Crono said, and Aridid and Deneb coughed lightly.


    ''Like my throat hurts from being too crucified.


    Like, is this even worth it?


    I''m trying to do everything I can.


    We''d be lucky to get a little spooked.


    "Haze Dance!


    "Fast and furious!


    The elves standing in front of Crono and the others use magic.


    The haze dance is a magic that generates a thick fog, and the gale dance is a magic that generates a sideways gust of wind.


    The thick fog is blown away by the sideways gusts of wind and flows down the street.


    In addition, instead of an arrowhead, he releases an arrow with a magic item attached to it.


    The sound of explosions, horses whinnying, horseshoes, and shouts echo through the air.


    "Mmmm, looks like the synthetic magic we developed is working!


    ''When I say we developed it, I mean we''re both just using magic together.


    Alideed said with satisfaction, and Deneb watered down.


    ''That''s like the reason why we''re ordinary people are ordinary. You can use different magic to create new effects. It''s easy to do, but it''s like those who don''t realize it will never realize it.''''


    ''''I''m sure that a decent person would develop a magic formula that has the same effect. What can I say, the current big sister is infinitely overlapping with the time when she mastered addition and subtraction and was on a roll...


    Like it''s not a good idea to talk plainly to drive your sister away!


    Because I don''t want Master Crono to think I''m stupid.


    Deneb turned away from Alideed and his lips twitched in a sultry manner.


    ''Like our sisterhood is in a pinch because of Lady Crono!


    Not such a good listener.


    It''s a terrible accusation when you both love each other equally.


    ''It''s about time I had my own happiness and


    Like we couldn''t even try to pin it down!


    It''s not true!


    Despite this situation, Aridid and Deneb began to argue with each other.


    Kusu, the archer in front of them laughed.


    Better than being strangely nervous, Crono took out a communication magic item from his pouch.


    ''This is Crono, this is Crono, please respond.''


    "Hey, this is Mino. General, what do you want? (Bum?)


    The voice of the second-in-command can be heard from the magic item for communication.


    Normal communication magic items cannot communicate with the second-in-command in the field position.


    ''It''s a quick fix, but it looks like the magic item for ultra-long range communications is working.


    Did you bother to contact me for that? (Bum?)


    No way. I was just checking.


    Crono chuckled.


    A new ultra-long distance magic item was installed in order to be able to communicate with the field position.


    The transponder between Count Caddo''s territory and the Marquis of Erakis is in a steel container, but the container of the newly installed transponder is concrete.


    The method of making it is simple: hollow out a log to make a mold and pour concrete into it.


    I thought that if the concrete pillars were lined up at equal intervals, people would get suspicious, but fortunately the imperial army overlooked it.


    We are conducting Operation Insomnia and Operation Dense Fog. How about you?


    "We''re switching the early and late shifts,


    How are the volunteers?


    "I''m pretty excited.


    I see.


    It''s not unreasonable, Crono let out a small sigh.


    Even though the imperial army wasn''t serious and had the support of the regular soldiers, they still wiped out the cavalry without causing any damage.


    ''''I can''t blame them for getting a little high, but...''''


    I''ll tighten up where I can. I''ll tighten up where I can, so don''t worry. Well, the old men are here, so I wouldn''t worry that much about it.


    That''s really helpful.


    The second in command said in a light tone, and Crono let out a breath of relief.


    ''When the old knights came in droves, I used to worry that we''d have to serve a funeral before we could fight the imperial army, but they''re putting together a good volunteer army.


    ''''Now it''s just a matter of how long they can keep it together.


    "I haven''t lost my worldly desires yet, you know.


    Yes.


    They did a great job, but the volunteers are still chickens.


    There''s a fear of not knowing where the limit is.


    There''s a chance that Crono and the others'' worries are only unfounded and they may keep it until they defeat the Imperial Army, but I can''t be that optimistic.


    ''''If it comes down to it, we''ll have our secret weapon appear.


    "Effective, isn''t it?


    ''Don''t say that,''


    Bumo.


    The second in command apologized honestly.


    He doesn''t think he can be optimistic about the volunteer soldiers, but he doesn''t want to imagine that the secret weapon that has appeared in full force is useless.


    ''''Does Mino-san have anything to report back to us?


    Bumo.


    Okay, communications are over. You''ll be fine. You''ll win.


    "Of course I do.


    Crono tucked the communication magic item into his pouch.


    ''Master Crono, like what''s next?''


    Now it''s like a night attack?


    ''No, they''re still going strong and I want to catch them off guard with a pattern. So.....


    Now it''s time for a knife?


    I''m ready for profanity.


    Alideed pulls out a knife and Deneb pulls out a notepad.


    ''Well, that''s about it,''


    I''m a little worried about the enemy getting better.


    But the enemy is so ruthless, it seems like we only got to play a hundred horsemen earlier.


    I know.


    Crono let out a small sigh.


    The enemy cavalry fled in a total collapse.


    They thought they were going to move to rescue those who had been shot with arrows and couldn''t move, but the enemy commander - Lucas Lesato - had abandoned them.


    Maybe he didn''t care if he didn''t have any subordinates who could destroy the village, but he should at least pretend to go to help.


    ''Alideed, call Taiga.


    Hey, I think you''re here.


    Alideed pulled a communication magic item from his pouch.


    ''This is like Ariddead. Tyga, like you want me to respond.


    It''s a taiga, that it is.


    Like I''m going to go humiliate a corpse now and I want the attack to be fierce so I don''t feel self-conscious.


    "Yes, that I do.


    The flashes and explosions increase in intensity.


    ''Okay, the harassment is over for now. Let''s go collect the bodies.


    Crono put on his glasses and began to walk in mid-stride.


    *


    Lucas woke up with a creaking chest pain.


    His breath was white and his fingertips were gnawing.


    In spite of this, his whole body was sticky with sweat.


    He hadn''t been able to sleep satisfactorily last night.


    The rebels endlessly threw magic items into the camp until the end of the night.


    As usual, they threw a lot of magic items into the camp.


    Unfortunately, they burned down my tent where I was storing my food and military provisions.


    They were spread out so it wasn''t as bad as it could have been but they had enough provisions left over for two days.


    And more annoyingly, the women screamed and reports of suspicious activity were leaked to the military.


    ''..........................


    Lucas raised himself from the bed and frowned at the pain in his back.


    He had hurt his back a long time ago.


    He hurt it not on the battlefield, but in his own mansion, trying to lift a load.


    He had only thought it had healed, but it seemed that it hadn''t.


    ''''Well you don''t need to start over again at a time like this.


    Lucas threw on his jacket and reached for his tent to get out.


    He retracted his hand without a second thought.


    It was because the tent was frozen.


    ''You didn''t mean to foresee this far and create a fog?


    Legionnaire!


    What!


    Philip''s voice rang out, and Lucas jumped out of the tent.


    Then he saw Philip standing a short distance away from the tent.


    The corpse of his second-in-command was lying at his feet.


    And he''s completely naked.


    ''''What are you doing!''''


    Lucas ran over and scowled at the pain in his back.


    His second-in-command''s corpse was frosted and a few fingers were missing.


    But that wasn''t the problem.


    The problem is that the deputy''s corpse is inscribed with letters.


    It''s not just letters.


    They are insistently inscribed with words that insult the dead.


    It''s true that the deputy was not a person to be honored, but there was no need to play with the body to this extent.


    ''What happened to your fingers?''


    It broke on the way over.


    Bringing it in?


    Realizing the significance of this, Lucas ran towards the battlefield.


    Pain crawled up from his waist every time he moved, but he didn''t care and ran.


    ''....What a mess.


    Lucas stopped and scowled.


    Ten bodies were exposed on the border of the street and the battlefield.


    No, I should say, they were decorated.


    They had been stripped of their clothes and their entire bodies were inscribed with desecrating words for the dead.


    What I feel from that is madness.


    What kind of life does one have to lead to mess with a dead body?


    "Legionnaire, they''re crazy.


    "-Oh!


    Philip''s voice echoed behind him, and Lucas realized what the rebels wanted.


    The rebels want to make us look insane.


    They are masking their insanity to make themselves appear more than they are.


    "This is their plan!


    Lucas turned around and shouted to his men, who had been assembled before he knew it.


    ''You are the Kingsguard Knights!��Don''t be afraid!


    But when a body like this arrives at my parents'' house.


    Lucas bit his lip at the sound of a voice that came from somewhere.


    What''s the point of worrying about what happens after he dies?


    Why did he do that rather than worry about his honor?


    It was tempting to spit that out, but it would be a sincere concern for them.


    ''Don''t be afraid!��If we cower here, we are at the mercy of the rebels!��They''re trying to gain the mental edge by staging insanity!


    ....


    Lucas inspired, but his men were slow to respond.


    ''Philip!''


    Ha!


    "We will take the field position!��Gather the heavy infantry, archers, and infantry!


    Ha!


    Philip ran backwards.


    ''What are you dazing about, clearing out the bodies!


    ....


    Lucas shouted at them, and his men began to slink away.


    They moved the body and covered it with a cloth.


    It was then that Philip returned.


    ''Legionnaire!''


    What?


    Heavily armed infantry...


    Say it now.


    Philip stammered, and Lucas irritably urged him onward.


    ''Ha, half of our heavily armed infantry are out of action,''


    What did you say?


    ''Lizardman''s stuck in the cold!


    ''Kuh,'' grunted Lucas.


    ''Only those who can move!��Get them in line!��The heavily armed infantry are in the front row with their shields, the archers are behind them!��The infantry is dead in the water.��Prepare for a surprise attack by the enemy!


    Ha!


    Philip headed backwards again.


    Lucas sat down on a fallen tree and waited for the formation to finish forming.


    Too late.


    Too slow.


    Thirty minutes passed before the column took shape in a crooked manner.


    More than three hundred heavily armed infantry lined up in the front row, with a thousand archers standing behind them as if huddled together.


    The two thousand or so infantry waited at a slight distance.


    Lucas stood up and drew his sword.


    ''Advance, taking cover behind your shields!��The attack is on the wire--before the obstacle!


    There are only about a hundred archers with a long range.


    This should be able to push through in numbers.


    ''''Advance!''''


    The heavily armed infantry advanced slowly, followed by the archers.


    The speed of the attack irritated Lucas.


    He didn''t think that the military director Ralph Libra''s strategy was wrong.


    They would replenish their sustenance and overwhelm them with numbers in the territory they were passing through.


    But the operation would only be effective before the rebels were ready.


    If that premise is broken, they will have to fight in a group that is under-skilled.


    Lucas turned his gaze to the field position.


    There, a minotaur was in command.


    ''''Archers, take a stand!��Let go! Bum!��(Bummo~!


    Following the Minotaur''s orders, the archers fired their arrows in unison.


    A normal bow would not have been able to reach them, but Lucas dismissed that assumption.


    ''Set up your shields!


    A heavily armed infantryman holds up his shield and an archer hides behind it.


    Arrows rain down and pierce the shield.


    But that''s it.


    ''Keep your shields up and move forward!


    Following Lucas'' orders, the heavily armed infantry begins to move slowly, slowly.


    Even slower than before.


    It''s truly a tortoise-like walk.


    But--


    But...


    Lucas saw an opportunity for victory and lifted the corners of his mouth.


    The rebel bows have excellent performance, but the number of archers is small.


    With this, they could win by numbers.


    At that moment, something moved in the corner of my vision.


    Reflexively, I looked at the forest and saw a person with a spear jump out.


    There were a hundred of them, or maybe more.


    I held up my spear, but it was too far away to throw it.


    It''s a good target for archers.


    But the archers could not attack because they were hidden behind the heavily armed infantry.


    A red light colors their bodies.


    The imprinting technique - a spell to assimilate with spirits.


    ''''Infantry!��Charge!


    Lucas shouted, but the infantry''s response was slow.


    ''Charge!''


    He shouted again, and the infantry finally began to move.


    By that time, the imprinted artificers had thrown their spears.


    The way several spears flew in a row made it look as if the sky was being sliced open.


    I can''t-- get down!


    Lucas shouted as his throat split open.

 131-Episode 12 "Justice" Part 4

    *


    I can''t-- get down!


    Lucas screamed as his throat split open, but he understood the pointlessness of it.


    The spears thrown by the imprinted artificers pierced the archers'' rear one after another.


    The next moment as the light surrounding the spears flickered violently, a shockwave blew away the archers and the heavy infantry.


    The arrows fired by the enemy archers rained down there, and short screams echoed intermittently.


    The imprinters threw more spears.


    The spears stabbed into the rear of the troops, and the shockwave blew away the archers and heavy infantry.


    Short screams echoed intermittently as the arrows fired by the enemy archers rained down.


    It was as if time was repeating itself.


    ''''Infantry!��Charge!


    Legionnaire!


    What?


    Philip shouted and Lucas turned around.


    What did he say had happened this time?


    ''You''re too far forward!''


    "-Oh!


    Lucas gasped and looked around.


    Philip was right, and before he knew it, they were close to the front line.


    But how could he tell them what to do without moving forward?


    Pang!��The sound of "I''m sorry," echoed from overhead, and Lucas reflexively shielded his face with his arm.


    A pain shot through the back of his hand.


    A muddy nail was impaled on it.


    He pulls the nail out and sucks the blood out of it, spitting it out.


    I stared at the imprinting surgeon to see what had happened, and they were throwing something at me.


    In a word, it was a ball with a stick on it.


    The ball exploded in the air, sending pieces flying.


    ''''Legion Commander!''''


    Ignoring Philip''s restraint, he picked up a piece that flew near him.


    ''''........Is this pottery?''''


    The inside is caked with mud.


    Perhaps they had stuffed the inside of the pottery with mud and nails.


    In the air, a sound rang out in the ranks, and an infantryman pierced by a nail screamed.


    ''Charge!��They''re few and far between!��Remember that your actions will limit the damage to our friends!


    "Oh, oh!


    Obeying Lucas'' orders, the infantry rushed in with a heroic shout.


    I was moved by the bravery they showed in spite of all this.


    The imprinters formed up, as if they thought they had to deal with it.


    Lucas narrowed his eyes.


    The landscape around him wavered.


    A chill crawled up his spine.


    He had fought against the barbarians who had invaded during the civil war.


    Back then, it was basically one on one against many.


    Perhaps to show their bravery, the barbarian warriors preferred to fight alone.


    From the information and equipment he had obtained beforehand, he could tell that the imprinted magician was a mercenary from the Bethel Mountains.


    A mercenary - that meant he might fight differently than the barbarians he knew.


    Lucas hesitated to stop him.


    He was almost ready to reach the imprinted magician.


    That was a mistake.


    Flames swelled up and rushed the infantry.


    ''''Gah!''''


    Heeeee!


    A scream goes up, and the infantry rolls around on the ground.


    It looks gaudy, but no one seems to be dead.


    As the flames subsided, the imprinted magician turned his back to us and ran towards the forest.


    ''''Let him go!''''


    The infantry who were in the back row and escaped damage chased the imprinted magician - and the next moment, they were swallowed by the ground.


    Suddenly, the ground caved in.


    Fortunately, I should say, the scale of the sinking was small, and only a few infantrymen fell.


    ''''I see........''''


    The flames from earlier served as a dazzle to create a pitfall.


    Lucas clicked his tongue and looked around the battlefield.


    The heavily armed infantry and archers were decimated, and half of the infantry he had prepared as a backstop were killed or wounded.


    ''''........Legionnaire.


    We''re going to get ourselves back on our feet.


    Hold your fire. (BUMO!)


    It was as if the minotaur had heard our exchange and called off the attack.


    ''''Tsk........''''


    Ugh.


    Lucas clicked his tongue and heard a grunt.


    When he looked at the direction the voice came from, he saw the heavy infantry and archers moving.


    ''d*mn, I can''t believe we''re falling into a pit.


    An infantryman, swallowed by the ground, crawls out complaining.


    ''Rescue the wounded!''


    It''s a trap.


    You f*cking coward!


    Lucas shouted at Philip and headed down to the heavily armed infantry and archers.


    They didn''t seem to intend to trick him into attacking the quarry.


    An infantryman scrambled past the side and ran to the wounded.


    Lucas stopped and looked around the battlefield again.


    It was a horrible sight, but the dead seemed to be few and far between.


    ''''What do you mean...?''''


    You like subhumans.


    I meant to talk to myself, but Philip said with a hint of disgust.


    ''What are you talking about?''


    ''I mean the Marquis of Erakis. The man is famous for his love of women.


    What are you talking about?


    Lucas repeated the same question and looked at Philip.


    I remember hearing rumors that the Marquis of Erakis was a womanizer.


    But there''s no way he''s going to take care of himself with that when he''s exchanging lives.


    Besides, there were not only sub-humans among the infantry, but humans as well.


    ''It''s true. There are even female slaves.


    So what''s the problem?


    I have no idea what Philip is trying to say.


    ''I''m just giving you the facts,''


    "Subhumans can''t be killed?��What do you mean?


    One of his men walked up to Philip.


    ''The Marquis of Erakis--''


    Don''t you dare!


    Lucas interrupted Philip''s words.


    ''How can a man who is also a knight of the Kingsguard be speculating!��Don''t ever speculate about it again!��That''s an order!


    Yes.


    Philip nodded with a dissatisfied expression on his face.


    Quotidian speech is a part of the battlefield, but even if it were, it would be difficult for a kinsman knight to speak quotidian speech.


    It is true that I let the young man rot, but there is a limit to that.


    What kind of education does the military academy provide for its students, whether it''s with their second in command or with Philip?


    Captain Kane, the enemy Transportation Corps has left the village.


    That''s pretty good.


    Kane stared in the direction Leila was looking from his horse.


    It would seem that way if he saw that the enemy Transportation Corps had left the village, but to Kane''s eyes it looked like a black mass moving southward down the road.


    ''Even this one has elven blood in it.


    I see.


    Even though she''s an elf, Leila is a half-elf.


    I''m not going to say what it is because she''s a half-elf, but I can''t seem to get the words out.


    ''''Is it a chase?��It''s a chase!


    No.


    Faye exhaled through her nose with a mufu and Kane plunged in.


    His men said that Faye was growing as a commander, but he wondered if she was really growing.


    Well, maybe it was because Kane was back in the game that the tag was off.


    ''Layla, how many enemies do you have?''


    I think it''s about 500 people.


    They will be well taken care of.


    Not only do we have to have it all, we have to have it all.


    Faye is ready to do it, but our strength is fifty-six cavalry - thirty light cavalry and twenty-six bow cavalry.


    ''''It''s not too many to do.


    I could do that.


    You can do a lot of damage depending on your strategy, but annihilation is difficult.


    ''''But we''re tied up over here.


    Supplies.


    That''s what I''m talking about.


    As a result of the negotiations, they were able to move around the Baron Treis territory freely, but this was only a promise made in secret.


    Baron Treis must avoid any actions that would make the Imperial Army suspect him - such as building a collection point for goods or receiving goods from the peddlers'' guild on the streets.


    ''''Calling it Baron Melsatim''s Domain and Baron Treis''s Domain, it''s very troublesome, isn''t it?


    Don''t say that.


    Faye sighed and Kane chuckled.


    Kane and the others had come through the Baronial Domain of Melsatim, but they had to keep their promise to move under the shade of night.


    ''The Imperial Army has to be seen as a well-behaved army. The smaller and cleaner they are, the more they''ll be supported.''''


    Master Crono is in charge of the dirty work?


    ''Because all we want is the support of our lords and the people.


    Kane looked up at the heavens.


    ''It''s kind of a double standard, isn''t it?


    Harassment of our troops is acceptable.


    In short, it''s about which one of us looks cleaner.


    ''''I''m not just harassing you, I''m taking on the dirty work to put you on the throne, Princess. If you win, it''ll be a beautiful story.


    Mwah!


    What''s going on?


    Then the truth will be revealed and Master Crono''s fame will fall to the ground, won''t it? Up and down, up and down. I understand.


    Faye nodded with a divine look on her face.


    ''Well, what do we do now, sir?''


    ''Leila, have they been drawing water from the well?''


    No, sir, I''m not pumping.


    Well, I guess so.


    At present, the Imperial and Imperial troops are fighting in the forest, but there are no wells there.


    The Transportation Corps has to carry water, but fetching water on the outward journey would be an extra effort.


    It would be reasonable to fetch water on the return trip.


    Shall we go?


    You mean to attack me from behind?


    "Fay, you''re a knight, aren''t you?


    Of course, sir.


    Faye proudly puffed out her chest, but she wasn''t sure if the knight was going to slash at her from behind.


    No, she would have insisted that she would meet him from the front when they met, so this might be growth.


    But still--.


    ''''You''re beginning to resemble Crono-sama.


    I''m extremely flattered by the compliment.


    I didn''t mean it as a compliment.


    Kane held his temples.


    The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that I have known Crono-sama for a long time. He will be affected to some extent.


    Some?


    Some, sir.


    By all accounts it seems to have had a tremendous impact, but Faye''s argument seems to be different.


    ''By the way, when will the raids take place, sir?


    They were attacking military bases while they were bringing in military provisions.


    Then why are you going to the village, sir?


    "We''re going to disable the well.


    Poison, isn''t it?


    Faye gives him a villainous look.


    ''Are you really a knight?''


    As I said before, I am a knight, sir.


    I see.


    Kane looked up at the heavens.


    Well, come to think of it, Elaine is more refined in her behavior and knows more about etiquette.


    ''''It''s not all about blooming and scattering, it''s not all about being a knight.


    Who''s telling you that?


    Lord Manchausen, sir.


    ...that old man.


    Kane grunted as he remembered Manchausen.


    ''Captain Kane, how do you make the well unusable?''


    ''At first I was going to throw shit in your face, but...''


    You are far from a well-behaved army, sir.


    Yeah.


    Kane nodded at Faye''s words.


    ''If we make the well useless, the village will not be able to recover.


    ''''So I thought I''d put a couple of larger stones in it.


    ''Wouldn''t that make it readily available?''


    The point is, we''re just trying to buy ourselves some time.


    It''s possible that they could split up the troops to restore the well, but that''s fine with me, since I can make the Imperial Army suffer through the water shortage.


    ''''Let''s go once we know.''''


    Yes, sir!


    Yes, sir.


    Caine led his men to a village that had been destroyed by the Imperial Army.


    *


    Lucas sits down on a fallen tree and glares at the battlefield.


    The two armies are staring at each other as well.


    The imperial army had been staring at the rebels since the first failed attack.


    No arrows flying around, no dry swords, but it''s another war.


    It''s about time, he said, looking up at the reddish sky.


    ''Retreat for once!��Get ready to make camp!


    Lucas stood up and shouted, and the infantry began to retreat in a lumbering manner.


    It was not an orderly retreat.


    If the rebels attacked, they would suffer greatly, but Lucas was confident that the soldiers in the field positions would not attack.


    Lucas turned his back to the battlefield and walked away.


    After a while, about a hundred infantry soldiers were sitting on the side of the road.


    Their entire bodies were stained with mud and blood.


    He walked up to an older man - the man he had appointed as his troop leader - and knelt beside him.


    Lucas controls the man with his hand as he tries to stand up.


    While the two armies were staring at each other, they were carrying out their mission.


    ''It would be terrible to make them stand up,'' he said.


    ''I don''t mind sitting down. Report.


    The woods are full of traps.


    Okay.


    The man grunted and Lucas nodded quietly.


    It was half-expected.


    ''Can we bypass it?''


    It''s going to be difficult. We''re not trained to detect traps. This is what it looks like, even when we''re careful.


    The man turned his attention to his men, covered in mud and blood.


    ''''Half of them were killed. Still, we managed to get to our base deep in the forest...''


    After they''ve already pulled out.


    Yeah, I was out of the woods. I destroyed it, just in case.


    Counting on the numbers but no, this is a bad idea.


    I think so, too.


    If it''s just a trap, we might be able to break through by numbers, but if they set a fire meter, we''re done.


    ''''Thank you for your efforts. You have a good day''s rest.


    Thank you.


    He got up and went to his tent.


    Then Philip came running up to me.


    ''''........Legionnaire.


    What?


    There''s not enough water.


    Philip said in an accusing voice.


    He blamed Lucas for instructing him to cleanse the wound with water.


    But that was a necessary step.


    Leaving the wound intact would result in tetanus and possibly even death.


    ''Don''t you think of going to get it yourself?


    The Transportation Corps took the Grand Eight Carriers.


    Then use the fog.


    What do I do with it?


    ''Why don''t we just squeeze the foggy tent?


    ....


    Philip frowned, but this was the way he used to quench his thirst during the civil war.


    ''It makes me sick,''


    No. It''s just a little stomach bugger at best.


    Philip looked miffed.


    ''What do you plan to do about the wounded soldiers?''


    ....


    When Lucas shushed him, Philip gave him a look that seemed to mock him.


    ''They''re a liability. Not only are they unable to fight, but they''re wasting their time eating food.''''


    Will you still be an officer?


    I''m trying to make a winning proposition.


    "...you''re a man.


    Lucas was even giddy at Philip''s suggestion.


    His statement was meant to make Lucas feel false, not something he would have thought deeply about.


    It was a statement that would never have come out if he had considered the possibility of being stabbed in the back by his subordinates.


    ''All right. I''ll tell the wounded soldiers to fall back from me.


    Thank you.


    ....


    Lucas resisted the urge to slam his fist into Philip''s scowl and went to the tent to write a letter to Baron Treis.


    He didn''t know how many favors he would receive after so much brutality, but he had no choice but to entrust his wounded soldiers to him.


    Haze Dance!


    "Fast and furious!


    A thick fog created by magic flowed towards the Imperial Army''s camp on the street.


    The imperial soldiers were moving in the thick fog.


    ''''Unexpected.''''


    Crono muttered as he hid himself in the bushes.


    The imperial soldiers were squeezing their tents of moisture and making water.


    If that was all they were doing, he wouldn''t have been surprised.


    What surprised Crono was that the legion leader, Lucas Lesato, was drinking the water made by squeezing the tent.


    Although he said he was taking the initiative, he was impressed with how well he could put it into practice.


    What''s so unexpected about it?


    ''They''re squeezing tents to make drinking water. I think that''s great for a nobleman.


    ....


    I answered Alideed''s question, but the response was nowhere near enough.


    ''Isn''t that great?''


    Master Crono, would you like to see what you''re wearing?


    He looks down at himself as he is questioned back.


    Except for his uniform, which is smeared with mud, he''s normal.


    Alideed and Deneb - all of his men look alike.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    ''Like Master Crono, who hides in a hole to get past the enemy, is no better than an imperial high priest.


    There''s no point in fighting it.


    The base we built deep in the forest has been destroyed, but we have other bases, and most importantly, the holes we dug here and there.


    ''If we had a little more time, we could have built a full-fledged underground base.


    It''s like building an underground base but not getting any use out of it.


    Boys seem to love hiding places.


    No, well, yeah.


    Crono grunted at Aridid and Deneb''s relentless prodding.


    I wouldn''t say the underground base is a ramble, but I''d like to see a little understanding.


    Perhaps this is the insurmountable barrier between men and women.


    ''Like what are you going to do with the drinking water you''re going to provide?


    Like I need you to decide if you want to stop or continue.


    Continue.


    Crono replied after a short pause.


    ''We''re going to provide the Imperials with drinking water, but I think we should continue considering the stress we put on them when building the fire and the lowering of their body temperature.


    ''By the way, what''s the plan for today, like?''


    I''m expecting a surprise.


    Operation Printmaking is about to begin.


    Crono took the print from the pouch.


    ''I''d like to lend you some!


    I want to see it too!


    Alideed snatches the print from Crono''s hand and Deneb moves on.


    The print shows a human and sub-human holding hands in harmony under Tyria, who has a compassionate expression on her face, and a human and sub-human gasping in pain under Alfort and the Kinsman Knight.


    The former is overlaid with an X indicating affirmation and the latter with an X indicating denial.


    ''Oooh, it''s a craftsman''s job!


    Like how much a piece of paper?


    It''s a secret.


    They used recycled paper and the boards were made from trees cut down in the pioneer village.


    The craftsmen are Goldie''s men, so they are just as good.


    It''s good, but Princess Tyria''s tits are all over the place and she''s wearing a uniform. Or, rather, you want us to smile at you charitably, too.


    If we lost, the craftsman would be imprisoned for impoliteness.


    Shall I ask Tilia to be nice to you both?


    Like, no thank you!


    Like, does that mean you''re going to crush his head gently?


    They rejected Crono''s suggestion with all their might.


    ''So what''s the point of being kind in some places and not in others?


    And it''s not a follow-up!


    I don''t remember him being nice to me!


    I thought they were both good friends with Tilia, but I may have been mistaken.


    ''''By the way, why is this the right time?''''


    I thought it could be later, but I figured the sooner I could prepare it, the better.


    In today''s battle, the Imperial Guard suffered nearly 2,000 casualties.


    As we had intended, the rift between the Kingsguard and the ordinary soldiers is deepening.


    ''''But I doubt that these prints alone will accurately convey the meaning.


    It''s like you have no idea what you''re talking about.


    ''It worked in the Holy Argo Kingdom, and it''s fine if the common soldiers are bothered by it.


    ''Like Princess Tyria doesn''t have as much of an impact as the Night Ranger.


    ''And I don''t think any of the soldiers knew the face of Princess Tyria before that.


    Do you feel like you''re going to get your head squeezed in a knot for saying that?


    I''ve often said that the mouth is a recipe for disaster.


    And I don''t think it''s a good idea to compare it to the Night Ranger.


    If you compare it to the Night Ranger, everyone loses impact.


    I''ve heard that you''re going to get your head crushed by a light-headed person!


    It''s not equivalent at all!


    So I''m asking you to be nice to them.


    They looked at each other.


    ''It''s like if you''re being nice to me because Master Crono said so, you''d have been nice to me a long time ago.


    It''s like I can''t see a future where Princess Tyria is being nice to me.


    After all, do Aridid and Deneb love or hate Tilia?


    Well, he''s not very good at it, but he likes it.


    I''m rather fond of that groove.


    They said as they played with their side ponies.


    Apparently, Tilia has mixed emotions.


    Maybe she has some humanity because she doesn''t hate me while acting as she pleases, so she has some humanity.


    ''''Well, Operation Arrowhead--''''


    "Master Crono, please respond.


    Tyga''s voice echoed from the porch and Crono pulled out a communication magic item.


    ''Yes, this is Crono.''


    ''It''s a taiga, that it is. The soldiers are moving southward on the road, that they are.'' (Gagau)


    ...as part of the operation.


    "It looks like wounded soldiers, that it is. There are many of them, that they are.


    ...wounded warrior?


    Crono covered his mouth, wondering what to do.


    Probably they intend to move the wounded soldiers back to the rear and reduce their consumption of food and drink.


    ''I''d like to leave them alone if they are willing to bear the burden of the imperial army.


    It''s a long shot without a base in the rear, that it is.


    Yes.


    If you can get to Greenwich, where the Barony of Treis is located, you may be able to get protection, but there''s a good chance you''ll die in the wild by then.


    If you''re not good at it, you''ll be hunted by fallen warriors.


    ''''Protect them if they agree to disarm.


    Is that all right? (GASP?)


    ''''As dangerous as it sounds, the Imperial Army aims to be a well-behaved army.


    Guru, Taiga gave a small snort.


    ''''Can I also add the condition that you will kill me mercilessly if I show any suspicious behavior, that I can add? (GASP?)


    Good.


    Yes, that I do. End of communication, that it is.


    I didn''t hear Tyga''s voice again.


    He would do well.


    Like getting a new prisoner?


    It''s not an easy choice to get a prisoner of war or to be a prisoner of war.


    Well, it''s true that the treatment of POWs is determined by the size of their captors'' breasts, isn''t it?


    Crono and the others are considered rebels by the Empire, so we shouldn''t expect a humane response.


    ''''Well, let''s get the mission started, shall we?''''


    Like you understand.


    But first, I have to get the prints folded!


    Crono couldn''t help but look at Deneb.


    It was an excellent point.


    *


    Lucas woke up with a pain in his chest - no longer what he would describe as a shock - that had turned into a shock.


    ''Guh, g--!


    He was choking, and his body was so strong that he couldn''t move, as if he were in a tug of war.


    He thought he understood and accepted that death was imminent, but what dominated Lucas''s mind was the thought that he didn''t want to die yet.


    The thought probably didn''t get through to God, but the pain was slowly easing.


    Lucas exhaled heavily.


    The breathlessness and pain left him feeling as if his chest was tightening, but this would be able to fool him.


    ''''You ... rebels.''''


    A creaking pain in my spine and a small exhale.


    His breath is white and his fingertips are numb.


    Abominably, the rebel campaign is working.


    Repeated nightly harassment is eating away at their energy and strength, and the handfuls are creating discord between the Kingsguard and the common soldiers.


    Their strength is a hundred cavalry and seventeen thousand or so infantry - considering that the Kingsguard is useless, they have to fight with infantry alone.


    Lucas got off the bed and put on his jacket.


    ....


    Wordlessly, I stare at the desk - a print that was strapped to an arrow that had been shot by the rebels, to be exact.


    It''s a print of humans and sub-humans holding hands under Princess Tyria, and Emperor Alfort and the Kingsguard Knights trampling the people.


    This is probably part of a strategy to create discord between the Kingsguard Knights and the ordinary soldiers.


    Or is it to encourage people to desert?


    ''''There''s a lot to think about,''''


    There is anger at the rebels, of course, but there is also a desire to admire them.


    As Lucas exited the tent, Philip ran up to us.


    Perhaps because he has moved the wounded soldier to the rear, he has a look on his face as if he is poking fun at us.


    And yet, he pretends to be his second in command.


    If it were a fox or a man with a tiger''s authority, it would still be cute, but if they take a licking at you to this point, you might as well elect a second-in-command from among the regular soldiers.


    ''''What kind of operation do you plan to conduct today?''''


    We''re going to stock up today.


    If Philip and the other members of the Kingsguard could be used more, we could let them command the infantry, but since we can''t do that, we can only rely on our numbers to break through the field position.


    However, if we think about what happens after we break through the field position, we want to minimize the damage as much as possible.


    "The name of the operation is ''Ripples.''


    Lucas lifted the corners of his mouth.


    *


    Mino stood in the center of the camp, staring at the battlefield - the imperial army far ahead of the obstacle made of iron thorns.


    As if intending to go on the offensive, the imperial army is forming a line.


    ''''Bastards, don''t let your guard down!��I''m fine!��We can win! Buh-buh-buh-buh!


    ''That''s right!��We''ll be fine!��They are so hungry for Lord Crono''s schemes!��A starving soldier is like an infant!


    "Princess Tyria is watching you!��If you do the credit, you might get a compliment!


    As Mino raised his voice to reach every corner of the field position, Manchausen and Alonso cheered like a clown.


    His men smiled with a thud.


    The old guys do a good job!" laughed Mino, too.


    Laughing makes you feel energized and convinced that you have the energy to spare.


    ''They''re getting closer!��Archers, get ready! Bummo, bummo!


    With a battle cry, the Imperial Army charged in.


    Even though they were all infantry, the pressure was not half-hearted.


    In a few moments, they would be in range of the archers.


    However, if the imperial army seriously attacked us, we would not be able to hold them back with the archers'' attacks.


    There are one hundred and twenty-four archers in the field position, and two hundred and forty-seven archers in the late shift combined.


    In order to hold back this many enemies, we have no choice but to rely on the crossbowmen - the volunteer army.


    "Archers...


    Mino interrupted his orders.


    This was because suddenly the enemy infantry reversed and ran away.


    Just as he thought he was going to escape, the enemy infantry reversed and charged again.


    They were faster than before.


    ''''Archers, release!'''' (BUMO!)


    The archers fired their arrows, but the enemy infantry flipped again and escaped their range.


    They were uneven due to their lack of skill, but there was a clear intent in their movements.


    The enemy infantry went back and forth in waves, and each time Mino had to give orders.


    What aim?��Mino asked himself, his eyes widening.


    The Imperial Army is trying to force tension on us.


    The main body of the Imperial Army is the volunteer soldiers.


    I think they are doing well for the short time they have been trained, but they are still not as good as the soldiers in their real jobs.


    They don''t know how to relax their strength.


    That''s why they get exhausted faster than the real soldiers.


    The enemy commander saw through this and launched a strategy of repeated assault and retreat.


    The same is true for the enemy--the difference in military strength is more than three times greater.


    When it comes to a war of attrition, we are at a disadvantage.


    They''re going to do it, Mino gritted his teeth.

 132-Episode 12 "Justice" Part 5

    *


    Stephen led his men north along the road.


    Three hundred lizardmen pulling a large eight-wheeler, and two hundred humans and beastmen as guards.


    It was the first time he had ever led such a large force.


    Normally, I would feel proud of myself--''''


    ''''........Huh.


    Stephen let out a sigh of gloom.


    Perhaps it was the same for his men.


    Pulled out of his battalion by order of his superiors and sent to put down the rebels.


    Well, it can''t be helped.


    Even though he is only a soldier, Stephen is a soldier.


    He has no veto power over orders.


    You don''t have to stare at me like that, Stephen remembered the looks he got from the guys in the village and let out a sigh.


    He was happy when he was selected to be the Transportation Corps captain, but he should have declined if he was going to be stared at like that.


    Stephen and the others are only here under orders, and it was the Eighth Kinsman Guard that destroyed the village in the first place.


    If they are to be blamed for what they did, then it can''t be helped, but I don''t agree that they should be blamed for what others did.


    Such lines started to come up, but I couldn''t say anything.


    Even I would be outraged if my family or neighbors were involved in a crime, and I would want to make the culprit pay for it.


    The villagers wouldn''t know the difference between the Kingsguard and the common soldiers, and now they belonged to the same legion.


    We''ll just have to think of it as a solidarity responsibility and give up.


    Stephen regained his composure and continued on the street.


    As the sun was approaching the middle of the sky, a cloud of dust rose far ahead.


    When he saw the vague appearance of the cavalry, he thought at first that it was a friendly army.


    However, I soon realized that it wasn''t a friendly army.


    The cavalryman was not wearing the white military uniform that was the sign of a knight of the Kingsguard.


    The next thing I thought was that he was a messenger of Baron Trace, and I immediately recognized him as an enemy.


    Because--.


    ''''Don''t stop!��Run by the Transportation Corps!


    The elves'' elixir is a gift!


    No, thank you!


    The Transportation Corps threw a vase - but with a small mouth and a flaming cloth sticking out - as it ran past the side of the Transportation Corps.


    The sound of the vase breaking could be heard and the large eight-wheeled vehicle carrying the military provisions was engulfed in flames.


    ''d*mn it!��Stop them!


    Stephen shouted, but he knew it was an absurd request.


    The enemy is cavalry, and this is a mixed force of heavy infantry and infantry.


    Even the heavily armed infantry would have to form up to stop the cavalry''s rush.


    Transportation Transportation Transportation Corps was formed in a long line to advance along the road.


    The enemy cavalry moved away with a cloud of dust.


    ''Enough of them!��Put out the fire, put it out!


    Stephen shouted, but he knew this was going to be difficult too.


    After all, there was no way to make it go away.


    Stephen didn''t have a background in magic, nor did the Lizardmen or Beastmen.


    ''At least prevent the fire from spreading!


    The men began to move briskly, following Stephen''s orders.


    *


    It was evening when Stephen and his companions - Transportation Corps - arrived at the village destroyed by the Eighth Konoha Guard.


    They had only been attacked once by enemy cavalry, but a third of their provisions had been burned.


    Just thinking about what they would do to us was depressing.


    At the moment we need water. We''ll get some water.


    Stephen walked up to the well and threw the tub in.


    Then, con!��I heard a noise.


    I had a bad feeling and looked into the well.


    ''Oh come on, give me a break,''


    Stephen covered his face and slumped into place.


    ''What''s going on?''


    ...see the well.


    He replies to a subordinate who comes running up to him.


    "This guy is terrible.


    My men looked into the well and said lamentably.


    Countless stones had been thrown into the well, making it impossible to get water in the tub.


    In order to make it possible to draw water, they would have to go down to the bottom of the well and remove the stones.


    ''What shall we do?''


    What do you mean? It''s going to have to come back.


    I''m sick of thinking about the hassle of recovery, but we have to do it.


    Maybe that''s what you''re going for?


    Well yes.


    Stephen grunted.


    If you remember correctly, the daytime attack was designed to slow down the march.


    If they wanted to destroy us, they should have used deadly magic instead of setting fire to their military provisions.


    The Transportation Department''s goal was to keep them out of the city, and I suspect that''s part of the reason the well is now out of service.


    ''But you could also split the Transportation Corps into two, right?


    You''re killing me.


    His men scowled.


    ''''We have enemy cavalry. It''s like asking me to kill you if you split your squad in two in that state.''''


    Is that a possibility?


    Stephen was aware that his men were blowing in the wind of cowardice, but he didn''t dare to speak.


    ''So what do we do now?''


    "...and we''re going to keep going.


    What?


    The subordinate''s eyes widened in astonishment.


    ''I said we were going to keep going. Whether the enemy''s goal is to hold us back or divide our forces, it''s not a good idea to go along with their intentions. If that''s the case, we''d better keep walking through the night and join up with our friends.


    Do you still walk?


    "It''s better than spending the night being scared of being attacked by the enemy.


    You''ll have to take your breaks often.


    I know.


    His men said in disgust, and Stephen chuckled.


    *


    Lucas had been repeating the ''ripple'' maneuvers even after the sun went down.


    The infantry had become more and more sophisticated in their movements, perhaps because they had done it so many times.


    If they had enough rations and military provisions, they would like to continue for many days.


    If they were more skilled, if they had officers they could rely on, they could toy with the rebels.


    No, that commander (Minotaur) wouldn''t make such a big mistake, he shook his head.


    Lucas narrowed his eyes and stared at the enemy position.


    He was too late in noticing it because he was watching the whole movement, but the enemy is replacing its personnel.


    It''s a shame, he thought.


    It''s a shame, I think.


    That way, it would have been possible to replace the personnel without anyone noticing and misjudging their strength.


    Thinking that far, he realizes that the rebels are fighting on the edge.


    The trenches, the wire, the crossbows, the repeated nightly harassment - they are trying to win with all the cards they have in their hands.


    I wanted to sincerely commend Princess Tyria for having great subjects, and I wanted to praise her sincerely.


    ''''Retreat!''''


    Commander, why don''t you get some rest?


    Shortly after Lucas gave the order, Philip approached.


    ''You guys get some rest first.


    I understand.


    Phillip said without any pretense of distress.


    ''I''m sure he must have wanted to draw out the word that you guys should go ahead and rest.


    An icy wind blew in and Lucas reflexively turned around.


    Then the fog was about to flow into the street.


    It''s an abominable, thick fog, but if you think of it as drinking water, that feeling will fade a bit.


    ''''Charge!


    Lucas raised his voice.


    *


    Haze Dance!


    "Fast and furious!


    The street is covered in fog due to the effects of two magic arts.


    The magic items thrown into it emit flashes and explosions.


    ''''Hmm, another unexpected development.''''


    Crono blurted out as he hid himself in the bushes.


    The imperial troops were charging towards the field positions, repeatedly retreating when the imperial forces were poised to intercept them.


    The main strength of the imperial army is the volunteer soldiers.


    They are well supported by the old knights, but if they are constantly tensed up, they will get tired and will eventually make mistakes.


    ''''Are they planning to launch an all-out attack?''''


    Personally, I think he wanted to weaken it a bit more.


    ''It''s like the candle only gets brighter for a second before it burns out.


    I regret that I should have attacked more aggressively, but there are only two hundred separate troops hiding in this forest.


    Even if you repeat the raids as you did when you served as a lord in the parent conquest, you won''t cause much damage, and if you''re not good at it, you''ll be beaten back.


    Because of the overwhelming disparity in force, though, we set our strategy in the direction of avoiding engagement as much as possible and taking away the enemy''s ability to take over the battle.


    ''''As usual, things don''t always go the way you want them to, do they?


    It''s time to kill the enemy commander!


    Like I''m going to send my men in white clothes to the other side with them!


    Aridid and Deneb set up their machine gun bows.


    ''''I know it''s going to bother the people around me, but...''''


    I care about myself right now!


    And there''s no point in letting yourself fall down because you''re worried about others!


    You don''t have to try so hard to convince me that we''re the best, and we''ll be fine.


    Crono isn''t that good-natured, and the only reason he didn''t kill Lucas was so he wouldn''t turn the Imperial Army into bandits.


    It would have been best if they could have pulled him up to the Imperial Capital, but if there was little chance of that happening, there was no choice.


    ''''Just, is it safe to kill him in this situation?''''


    What''s your heart?


    Something tells me that the number two is about to take over.


    Deneb replies to Alideed''s question.


    The miffed expression on her face was probably because she wanted to maintain her dignity as a sister.


    ''''It''s not like I''m going to let the Eighth Konoe Order take over.


    Crono let out a deep sigh.


    The Eighth Konoe Knights of the Kingsguard have destroyed a single village, despite Baron Treis declaring no defense and showing reverence to the Empire.


    If such a person becomes the commander of the legion, the imperial army must be turned into a bandit group.


    ''''But we won''t know that unless we try it out.


    You say that, but if you try and fail, it''s like you''re blind.


    ''Mu,'' said Aridid and Deneb, looking at each other.


    ''Then it''s like we have to keep our numbers down.


    Like, the fewer candidates the better.


    Arididid and Deneb looked at each other again, sloppy and out of sync, happy to be in agreement.


    Crono took out a communication magic item from his pouch and handed it to Arideed.


    ''Oh, looks like Crono-sama is ready to go.


    I''d like to promise you I''ll be back.


    I''ll come back, but I''m not going to promise.


    If I use the Marking Technique, I won''t fall behind the average soldier, but I want to carry the experience as much as possible.


    It smells like a death flag that I will definitely come back.


    ''''I''d love to come back for this kid!


    If it''s a boy, I''ll take Claude, if it''s a girl, I''ll take Elua.


    Not an auspicious occasion.


    Finally, I couldn''t promise that I would come back.


    You''re not really pregnant, are you?


    I''m sorry to hear that.


    Like, kids can do it when they can and when they can''t, they can''t.


    Crono patted his chest, "You haven''t been flagged dead," he said.


    ''So, like how do I use this communication magic item?


    ''Like my repertoire of screams hasn''t grown yet.


    You can talk to me about what we''re after, about the Knights of the Kingsguard, about our purpose.


    ''Mmm,'' they both poked their lower lips out in frustration.


    ''And I have a feeling we''re going to get stabbed in the back, assuming the common soldiers won''t come to our aid.


    It seems harsh to think that the civilian soldiers won''t come to help.


    ''So we''ll take a hit and retreat,'' Alideed announced that Deneb would lead the archers to cover and hold back the common soldiers.


    The first objective is to reduce the number of Kingsguard Knights, and the second is to deepen the rift between the Kingsguard and the common soldiers.


    If they don''t trust us, they won''t follow through with killing Lucas.


    ''''........Right.


    Oh, Master Crono''s demonic spark!


    ...Arideed.


    It''s like a gesture of support. But no tricks, ever.


    When Crono beckons him with his fingers, Alideed brings his ears close to me.


    Hah, I''ll try to bite it sweetly.


    a�?--!


    Alideed jumped back, his face turning red.


    ''I just told you no pranks, and I''m pretty sure I said no pranks.


    I thought he was expecting a blur.


    I don''t have any expectations!


    Then we''ll meet again.


    No pranks, like, ever.


    Alideed honestly put his ears close to his ears.


    The urge to play a prank on him was overwhelming, but he gingerly held back.


    ''''Actually....''''


    Sort of.


    I don''t think we need to have a private conversation.


    Deneb''s ramble is valid, but atmosphere is important in these things.


    If you don''t get drunk on the atmosphere and keep the tension up a little bit, you''ll cower.


    Got it?


    I''d like to see it happen.


    Alideed pulled away from Crono and slapped his chest with a don.


    Crono pulled a communication magic item from his pouch.


    ''Now let''s call Taiga. This is Crono, please respond.


    This is a taiga, that it is.


    ''We are attacking the Eighth Kinsman Guard. The way things are going....


    "Yes, that I do.


    Crono tucked the communication magic item into his pouch.


    ''Moving on,''


    He led his men through the woods and hid in the bushes.


    ''It''s like this reminds me of the old days,''


    I don''t know why I kept dying, but it just kept coming back to me.


    Unlikely things.


    Crono prays to a god he doesn''t believe in much, that he won''t be dying this time, he says a prayer to a god he doesn''t believe in much.


    ''''You''re okay with the assault as we attack?


    You''re in charge.


    Crono stood up and turned to his men.


    The black panther beastman - Edge saluted Crono as he stepped out.


    ''''Crono-sama, it''s an honor to fight with you.'''' (Gururu)


    ''I would have liked an easier job if I could.


    "We''ve never had an easy job.


    When Crono chuckled, Edge lifted the corners of his mouth slightly, as if he intended to laugh.


    If he squinted his eyes, he wouldn''t look so charming.


    ''I''m going.''


    Edge and the others nodded and Crono ran off.


    As he ran towards the street, he remembered the time he had conducted a night raid in the parent conquest.


    That time, he was running at the front of the pack, but he was overtaken.


    It''s not that I don''t mind being overtaken, but--''''


    ''''I have an imprint on me now!


    The jet-black light colors his body like a barbarian''s war veneer.


    Crono accelerates with the power of the imprint, and the street comes closer and closer before long.


    ''''Tsk!''''


    Ahhhh!


    Just as Crono kicked the earth and jumped, a scream went up.


    The next moment, his vision turned red.


    ''''Whoa!''''


    Crono rolled on the ground, failing to land.


    An explosion sounded and pillars of fire rose up one after another.


    Apparently, the timing was lost due to the use of the imprinting technique.


    ''''The rebels are attacking!''''


    There is only one enemy!


    Surround him!


    Konoe knights jump out of the tent, but there are surprisingly few of them, perhaps loosened up by the daily raids.


    Crono rushed forward while pulling his sword out of its scabbard, cutting down a konoe knight who was close by.


    ''''This guy!''''


    The kinsman knight swings his sword down, but his movements are awkward, perhaps because he has been out of training for a while.


    Crono ducks the attack and slashes at him from the back.


    ''''You, you coward!


    That''s most of it.


    As he dodged to the side, a sword passed in front of him.


    Is it too tough to swing the long sword, Crono pulled out the dagger and thrust it into the abdomen of the konoe knight who had lost his stance.


    As he twisted the hilt and pulled out the dagger, the konoe knight went down on the spot.


    ''''What''s the matter!��You cowardly--


    There''s only one enemy, aaaaah!


    I''m not alone.


    Kill, kill, kill!


    "I will hurt you until I ask you to kill me!


    The surviving kinsman knight shouted loudly, and the kinsman knights came out of the tent in a straw.


    At the very least, there would be at least a hundred of them.


    ''''I''ll kill you!''''


    The konoe knights rushed towards us.


    Crono materialized the shadows with his imprinting technique and entangled them in the legs of the kinsmen knights at the head of the group.


    ''''Ugh, whoa!


    What the f*ck?


    Don''t stop!


    The knights of the Kingsguard, who were in the front of the group, fall down, and those following them are caught in the middle.


    "Charge! (GASP!)


    "Charge, that is. (GURU!)


    Beastmen led by Edge and Taiga attacked them from both sides as if they had been watching the timing.


    Not to mention the fallen kinsman knights, those who were not were easily taken down.


    ''''Soldiers!��We''re going to--


    This is Testes, this is like a communication magic item being tested.


    The words of the Kingsguard Knight were interrupted by Alideed.


    ''''Like we are currently attacking the Kingsguard Knights. And since we won''t be attacking the ordinary soldiers, I want you to feel at ease.''''


    The sound of explosions could be heard from behind.


    ''''The purpose of our imperial army is to reign by the rightful heir to the throne. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most of it.


    "Aristocrats and slaves are the same?��Don''t be silly!


    "The Princess has an idea for a system that would allow her subjects to participate in politics. We aim to abolish the false emperor and return the throne to his rightful heir.


    The kinsman knight shouted, but Alideed''s words didn''t stop.


    ''''In other words, it seems that the false emperor and his cronies are the enemy and the rest of them are not. But since we can''t be killed too, I''d like you to understand that.


    A common soldier you didn''t think he would betray you?


    The Kingsguard Knight made a dumbfounded expression, but the ordinary soldiers just can''t rush in because they''re under attack.


    Of course, I don''t have the right to explain that to you.


    ''''It''s like trivia here. The commander of the army is appointed by the emperor, so it''s not like he can easily take over. Even if the current commander dies, the order of precedence for taking over the command authority has been determined, so following the self-proclaimed commander is a death sentence.''


    ''The only enemy is the Kingsguard!��Run through it!


    "Ooooooh!


    Crono shouted, and his men let out a yell.


    ''''Follow me, that is! (Guru!)


    Taiga runs into the knights of the Kingsguard.


    ''''It''s only one beastman!


    "Don''t lick a knight of the Kingsguard!


    "I''m going to hang my furs on my wall!


    "Poorly! (Guru!)


    The three kinsmen knights swing their swords down, but Taiga catches them with his great sword.


    The crimson light colors Taiga''s body.


    ''If there''s a next time, I''ll go to study, that is! (Guru!)


    Taiga pushes the three men back and cleaves the great sword to the side.


    The bodies of the kinsman knights are split apart and engulfed in flames.


    ''''I''m going to run through at once, that I am! (GASP!)


    "Ooooooh!


    Oh, oh!


    Taiga rushed out ahead of them, and his men followed with a heroic shout.


    Crono followed, feeling somewhat unreasonable.


    Taiga was in the lead, swinging his great sword.


    Every time he wielded the great sword, a scream went up, causing the kinsman knight to be blown away and parts of his severed body to fly in the air.


    Furthermore, whether it was the power of the imprinting technique, the magic power granted to the great sword, or both, the great sword left a crimson afterimage in its path.


    The Kingsguard knights who had escaped Taiga''s attacks were also taken down one by one by their subordinates.


    The archers'' support was also excellent.


    To avoid being pinned down, they shot their magic into the street and shot arrows at the kinsmen knights who were trying to attack from the side.


    Before I knew it, Crono was just following from the tail end.


    ''''.........Crono-sama'''' (.......Gururu)


    What''s wrong with you, Edge?


    "I know what you''re thinking, but you''re living too fast." (Gururu)


    I''m sorry. I''ll be careful.


    I don''t mean to be in a hurry to live, but I apologize at the moment.


    ''Charge!��Rescue our friends!


    Oooooh!


    I heard Lucas'' voice from ahead.


    Apparently, he heard the commotion and rushed over.


    ''''Retreat, that is! (GASP!)


    A series of pillars of fire rose in front of them, and Crono and his men split off to the left and right and fled into the forest.


    The pillars of fire disappeared and the general soldiers split into the forest.


    Just when I was thinking about leading them deeper into the forest like this, Lucas raised his voice.


    Don''t go after it too hard!


    Tsk, careful.


    Crono spat and put his glasses on.


    *


    What a mess, said Lucas, staring at the camp, where the fire was rising.


    The smell of blood was thick in the air, and he could hear people gasping in pain.


    Before Lucas could step out, an older man stepped out.


    He wasn''t a knight of the Kingsguard, but a common soldier.


    He was embarrassed to say that he had only been in the military for so long, but he was very good at organizing his men.


    ''''Commander of the Legion, this is me we''ll go ahead and assess the damage.


    Please.


    Ha!


    The man saluted Lucas and headed to the encampment with a few men.


    Are you okay?


    It was Philip who approached us.


    His military uniform was dirty, but he didn''t appear to be wounded.


    ''What happened?''


    The rebels have been ambushed.


    I could tell by looking at him, but Philip had a serious expression on his face.


    ''The rebels--''


    I don''t need more than that.


    Lucas interrupted Philip''s words.


    ''Gather the wounded soldiers.''


    No way.


    ''You were the one who told me to move the wounded soldiers back because they were a liability.


    There''s a difference between a Kingsguard and a common soldier!


    The same. Whether you''re a knight of the Kingsguard or a common soldier, if you''re wounded, your ability to fight is impaired.


    You made the decision to move backward!


    Yes. You proposed it, I decided it. So, whether you are a Kingsguard knight or a common soldier, the wounded men will fall back.


    Philip seems to think he has room to overturn the decision, but if he doesn''t respond the same way, Lucas will lose the slightest bit of credibility.


    ''Legionnaire!''


    You''re back.


    The older man saluted Lucas.


    ''Report the damage.''


    There were no casualties to the civilians, sir. And the Transportation Corps has returned.


    I''m afraid I''ve pushed you too hard.


    The Transportation Corps was expected to arrive tomorrow, but I think I''ve pushed them pretty hard.


    But now we can fight.


    '' ''........Corps Commander.


    What?


    The Transportation Corps has been attacked by enemy cavalry and has lost a third of its provisions.


    Lucas asked, and the man whispered.


    ''Is there any damage to the Transportation Corps?''


    No, sir.


    Well.... Anyway, at least the provisions have arrived. You can eat more than enough food today.


    I think it''s a good idea.


    The older man nodded with a mysterious look on his face.


    *


    I''m tired.


    Crono sat down between Aridid and Deneb.


    ''Like a welcome home. Like you''re going to eat, bathe, or even sleep?''


    The bath is good.


    I don''t want to have to answer with a straight face.


    I would have liked to take a quick bath to freshen up, but that''s a luxury I don''t want on the battlefield.


    "Master Crono, what is the damage?


    And that''s all that matters.


    No fatalities, no serious injuries. A few minor injuries.


    I thought it would cause more damage, but the Kingsguard Knights - the Eighth Kingsguard Knights - were more fragile than I imagined.


    ''And the Taiga was strong.


    I feel sorry for Master Crono, who is quickly becoming an airhead.


    I''m sorry.


    I didn''t think Taiga could master the imprinting technique to such an extent.


    ''''I risked my life to learn the imprinting technique~''''


    Like Master Crono was just about to die because he was engraved in such a short time.


    It''s less of a risk if you take your time.


    Crono looked at Aridid and Deneb.


    ''....maybe...''


    It''s like a secret.


    Sue has a stall selling medicinal herbs, so she''s easy to talk to.


    How''s that working out for you?


    It''s legal.


    It''s not illegal.


    Alideed and Deneb said quickly.


    ''We''ll hear about the imprinting technique later, but has it changed by the time we get back?


    Transportation is like the Transportation Corps is back.


    I thought it was tomorrow, but I wasn''t expecting it.


    Me too.


    Crono let out a sigh.


    He had thought about attacking the Transportation Corps one more time to reduce the sustenance, but it didn''t work out as he had hoped.


    I was thinking that I would allow a small amount of food to reach them and gradually starve them out and make the Knights of the Kingsguard and the soldiers in general get along with each other.


    ''''Crono-sama, Crono-sama,''''


    What''s going on?


    I looked next to him when I was tapped on the second arm and saw Alydead pointing down the street.


    There was a kinsman knight on the tip of his finger.


    He was holding his throat, as if he had choked on a piece of bread.


    No, he''s scratching.


    Eventually, the Konoe Knight fell down, blowing bubbles.


    A nearby Konoe knight ran over and another one scratched his throat and collapsed, blowing bubbles.


    ''''Crono-sama, this is Taiga, that is.'''' (Gau)


    A muffled voice was heard and Crono pulled a communication magic item from his pouch.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    "The common soldier is foaming at the seams, that he is.


    I''m with you. I need you to keep an eye on him.


    "Yes, that I do.


    Oh, well, I didn''t think Master Crono was poisoned.


    It''s like he doesn''t even care who he is anymore.


    I didn''t use it.


    He wasn''t going to use the poison while he still had strength and energy left in the Imperial Army.


    ''''This is bad.''''


    Poison.


    Like there might be some delicious poison.


    That''s not what I''m talking about,


    Crono waved his hands from side to side.


    ''I don''t know who did this, but there''s poison in the sustenance fodder. What would you two do?


    Toxins have a fast and slow effect.


    Like I can''t check them one by one, so I have to throw them out.


    And if it takes so long to get to your next supply drop?


    ....


    ....


    When Crono asked, Aridid and Deneb didn''t answer.


    If you know that the more time passes, the more worn out you''ll be, then you have no choice but to strike while you have the extra power.


    I''m used to things not going the way I want them to, but this is the first time I''ve had a third party turn the board over to me.

 133-Episode 12 "Justice" Part 6

    *


    Lucas woke up feeling refreshed.


    The pain in his chest that had been going on day after day was gone like a lie, and he wasn''t sweating.


    Maybe it was a good thing he slept well.


    The rebels had harassed me again last night, but I fell asleep as soon as I got into bed.


    I got out of bed and sleeved up my jacket, which had been completely soiled over the past few days.


    I wonder if it''s because I''m determined to make it even more lovable.


    ''''........Determination?''''


    Lucas muttered softly.


    The bread brought by the Transportation Corps last night had been laced with poison.


    Thanks to the quick action, no one had died, but they could not eat the food.


    Since they couldn''t tell if it was poisoned or not, they had no choice.


    The men were screaming that Baron Treis had betrayed them or that the rebels were manipulating them, but Lucas thought that they were neither.


    His methods were too blatant for betrayal, and his timing was too bad for manipulation.


    It seemed more natural to think that one of the people who made the bread was related to the village he had destroyed, and that he had laced it with poison in order to avenge them.


    In any case, they were still deprived of a choice.


    They didn''t have any military provisions and it would have taken too long to go back for them.


    Even if they were to be requisitioned, there was only a limited number of places where they would have enough provisions to feed seventeen thousand men.


    The only thing we can do is to capture the field positions while we can and take control of Sylvania.


    ...you sound like a bandit.


    Or a bunch of locusts, and I chuckle at the thought of that.


    If this was going to happen, I should have submitted a proposal to the Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, to review the operation.


    ''It would have been useless anyway,''


    The man thinks too much in terms of logic.


    Of course, logic is important in planning a strategy, but people fail even in situations where their lives are at stake, and they can''t just accept everything because it''s right.


    When Lucas stepped out of the tent, the infantry were waiting in formation.


    An older man ran up to him.


    ''''Commander of the Legion, we''ve been expecting you.


    Thank you.


    Lucas moves into a place where the infantry can see into view.


    ''Leaning in!''


    The man shouted, and the infantry turned to look at us.


    ''First, I need to tell you all something!��As you may know, the rations brought in by the Transportation Corps were laced with poisonous material!


    Lucas raised his voice.


    ''At this rate we will starve and lose our ability to fight!��The rebels will kill us all, and we will be helpless to do so!��Before that, we must capture the enemy field positions and conquer Sylvania!


    A chill runs down my spine as he speaks to me.


    This is a gamble.


    Whether the infantrymen will lose their motivation at Lucas'' words or become motivated - a sentiment that amounts to desperation - when there''s no more to go around is at stake.


    "There''s food in Sylvania, there''s money!��I''ll be accommodated to ensure that those who have done particularly fine work are knighted at the very least!


    Bastards!��It''s the brink of losing and losing everything, or winning and gaining everything!��Bark if you want to win!��Overwhelm the rebels with your voice!��Oooooh!


    Oooooh!


    The man barked, and the infantry followed suit.


    ''Keep your voice down!��Are you geldings?��Let the Lord Legionnaire show him how serious you guys are!


    "Oh, wow!


    The infantry turned red in the face and let out a yell.


    Their voices shook not only the atmosphere, but also Lucas''s heart.


    ''''You guys meant what you said!


    Come on, Lord Commander, mount your horse. This one is a bold one... and he was eating his flesh and blood at the sound of the bomb.


    Lucas rode the horse the man had brought with him.


    ''Let''s go!��Move on--


    Legionnaire!


    It was Philip who interrupted Lucas''s words.


    ''What?''


    What should we do?


    As I explained to you, you''ll have to stay on the streets to avoid being attacked from behind.


    Okay.


    Philip had a dissatisfied look on his face, but it was no doubt an important mission.


    There were less than seven hundred members of the Kingsguard who survived.


    According to what the Transportation Corps captain told me, the number of enemy cavalry was five or sixty.


    They could not be easily broken through if they built a barricade with a large eighteen-wheeled vehicle.


    Suddenly a feeling of unease rose in me.


    They were worried about whether Philip and the others would build a barricade with the eighteen-wheeled cart.


    He said, "Don''t forget to barricade them with the eighteen-wheeled cart. Without a barricade, you won''t be able to stop the enemy cavalry.''''


    I know!


    Feeling foolish, Philip raised his voice.


    ''Let the march begin!''


    Lucas shouted loudly and circled his horse''s neck.


    As he let the horse advance, regular footsteps followed.


    ''Was it alright?''


    I''ll be fine.


    Lucas let out a sigh.


    I thought I didn''t have much time left, but I''m feeling better than ever today.


    Perhaps I still have some time left.


    Thinking about that, I feel the desire to reorganize the Eighth Konoe Order.


    ''''Well........only after I survive.


    Lucas could only chuckle.


    I can understand how the general feels, said Mino, and he looked at the enemy - the imperial army - from the field position.


    The imperial army formed a flank formation facing the field position, and the enemy commander--Lucas--was waiting behind them.


    He didn''t have the ability to instantly grasp the numbers, but he could tell that the Imperial Army had thrown in almost all of its troops.


    My stomach peristalsizes in circles, and if I don''t put some effort into my anus, I think I''m going to run the larger one out of my pants.


    I thought I had brazen nerves, but apparently it was only an assumption.


    If he recalled it well, he had never felt the pressure he was under now while holding the position of second-in-command.


    I had a sense of responsibility for my job and the need to support Crono, but that''s just being a deputy officer.


    Even now, my position hasn''t changed, but what I''m carrying on my back has grown.


    Not only the lives of the imperial army here - the lives of the six thousand and seven hundred or so people in the early and late shifts combined, but also the future of the Marquis of Erakis and Count Caddo''s territory is at stake.


    No, it''s not only our own future that hangs in the balance, but the future of those who will follow us.


    It would be crazy not to be nervous about this.


    ''''........we have no choice but to do it.


    As soon as I thought there was no other way to fight and win, I felt a whole lot better.


    The man who ran away from his parents'' house because he didn''t want to work at the quarry could fight for his future.


    ''''Bastards!��From now on, we''re fighting for our future! (BUMO!)


    Mino raised her voice.


    ''Some of these guys were at a loss because they didn''t know how to get to a better tomorrow!��Some of them were suffering because they didn''t know what they were about to be crushed by!'' Bum!��Bummo!��(Bumo!)


    That''s what Mino had been like before he met Crono.


    It felt like he was walking through a fog.


    Even though he felt like he couldn''t go on like this, he didn''t know how to get out of the fog.


    ''''But now it''s different!��The invisible enemy has been brought to our doorstep!��The fact that it''s real means it can fight!��If we can fight, it means we can win!��We can fight and win the future!��We''re going to win! Bum!��(Bumo!)


    Oooooh!


    Mino pumped his fist and shouted, and his men shouted a yell.


    At that moment, a large eight-wheeled cart came out in front of the side camp.


    Perhaps to protect against arrows, the eighteenth cart is facing the opposite direction, and a shield has been installed.


    I don''t know what you''re thinking, but you should be the first to destroy it.


    ''Charge!''


    Lucas shouted, and the big eight-wheeler began to move.


    It gradually increased in speed.


    ''''Archers, get ready!'''' (BUMO!)


    Following Mino''s orders, the archers set up their machine gun bows.


    The number of archers has doubled from yesterday as they have invested their entire strength.


    But it will be difficult to hold them back.


    The archers'' task is to reduce the number of the enemy and reduce the load of the crossbowmen - the volunteer soldiers.


    ''''Let go!'''' (BUMO!)


    The archers shoot arrows in unison, but they fall in front of the Daihachi car.


    The Daihachi carriage pushes forward as if there are no arrows in it.


    No, I should say that it has no choice but to advance.


    The wheelbarrow is useful for carrying goods, but it is not very maneuverable.


    If they were going that fast, they would have to make only a slight correction in the direction they were going.


    The arrows that had been piercing the ground at the time of whether or not the eighteenth cart passed or not emit light.


    A roaring sound rang out, and the earth erupted like a fountain.


    The large eighteen-wheeled vehicles broke through the dust cloud, revealing themselves one by one.


    Some of them seemed to have been destroyed by the explosion, but the damage was probably ten or twenty percent.


    ''''Archers, unleash!'''' (BUMO!)


    Once again the archers fire their arrows, but they are not as aligned as they were the first time.


    The large eight-wheeler, or rather the lizardman pushing it, runs hard through the spewing of dirt.


    The arrows explode right under the eighteen wheeler, and the lizardman flies up with the entire eighteen wheeler.


    In addition, the enemy soldiers on the Daihachi cart are thrown out with the luggage.


    Mino''s eyes widened in astonishment as he realized the identity of the luggage.


    What the Daihachi carriage was carrying was a piece of cloth.


    Perhaps it was a tent.


    But Mino wasn''t surprised by the tent.


    He was surprised that the enemy had found a way to break through an obstacle made of iron thorns.


    Iron thorns are a fearsome weapon.


    Ordinary weapons, as well as ordinary magic and magic items, cannot destroy it.


    However, if they were covered with a thick cloth, they could break through without being destroyed.


    ''''Archers!��Let go! Buh-buh-buh!


    The archers fired arrows and a series of explosions occurred.


    Even so, the enemy soldiers did not stop moving.


    That''s because they know the only way to live is to move forward.


    A crunching sound could be heard.


    It was the sound of a large eight-wheeler hitting an obstacle made of iron thorns.


    ''Charge!''


    Oooooh!


    Following Lucas''s orders, the enemy infantry began to run.


    Not all of them, but a few rows from the front.


    It''s a foolish idea to bring in forces in succession, but with the iron thorns blocking their path, it''s hard to say that.


    It''s because if you let your soldiers advance when they can''t move on, they will only become targets.


    ''''Archers!��''Aim at the one who has the cloth! (MU MU MU MU!)


    Following Mino''s order, an archer shoots an enemy soldier carrying a cloth.


    An enemy soldier is shot through by an arrow and goes down, and another enemy soldier takes over.


    The area around the obstacle made of iron thorns was quickly filled with dead bodies.


    But it wasn''t a wasted death.


    It was because the iron thorns were disabled in exchange for the soldier''s life.


    ''Charge!''


    Oooooh!


    The enemy soldiers shouted as if in response to Lucas and started running in unison.


    Suddenly Mino remembered the word "tsunami".


    He forgot at what time he was taught it, but he remembered learning it from Crono when he went swimming.


    A huge wave rushing in after an earthquake - it appeared in front of him, kidnapping everything.


    ''Archers!��Fire any arrow at will!��Crossbowmen, fire! (BUMO!)


    A crossbowman shoots an arrow and pierces an enemy soldier in the front row.


    But--.


    ''''Oooooh!


    The enemy soldiers rushed forward while being shot through by arrows.


    ''''Second shot!'''' (BUMO!)


    The crossbowmen crouched on the spot, and the crossbowmen who had been hiding in the trenches stood up and fired arrows.


    The enemy soldier let out a short scream and went down on the spot.


    ''''Third shot!'''' (BUMO!)


    The beastmen, who had been waiting behind the trenches, fired their arrows.


    The three-stage shooting - placing the crossbowmen in the three rows of crossbowmen and firing arrows in turn - was a measure to compensate for the poor continuous shooting ability.


    However, there were six hundred and thirty-six beastmen in the third row - less than twenty percent of the crossbowmen, so it wasn''t a perfect three-stage shot.


    Mino spat in his mind that he thought they would be scared off by the cross-bow and the three-step shooting.


    The momentum of the enemy soldiers did not stop.


    ''''Crossbowmen!��Shoot! Bum!��(Bummo!)


    The crossbowman in the first row stands up and shoots an arrow.


    The timing is not right, perhaps because the enemy is close at hand.


    The crossbowmen in the second row are unable to pull the strings.


    ''''Calm down!��If you do what you practice, you''ll win!


    That''s right!


    Manchausen and Alonso call out to the crossbowmen under their command.


    ''Heavily armed infantry, throw the elven elves'' elixir! (BUMO!)


    The heavily armed infantry that had been held back to protect the archers throw the jar.


    The jar falls over the horse-proof fence and the strong smell of alcohol fills the area.


    ''''Unleash fire magic!'''' (BUMO!)


    "Flamebang!


    The archers unleash their magic.


    Flames the size of a clenched fist descend and ignite the alcohol.


    The swollen flames engulfed the enemy soldiers.


    ''''Giiiiiiiii!


    Hot, hotyyy!


    Heeeee!


    Screams of enemy soldiers came from everywhere.


    Isn''t this what a scream is all about?


    "Ta, help--!


    An enemy soldier, engulfed in flames, clung to the horse-proof fence.


    A volunteer soldier who saw a human being burning in front of his eyes vomited unbearably.


    It was as if this had been a wake-up call for them to vomit one after another.


    I''m not sure if I''ll ever be able to find a way to make it work.


    You can''t just shoot them if you don''t have time to vomit!��If you don''t kill them, we will do the same to you and those you care about!


    ''In the surrendered Barony of Treis, men were killed and women were raped to the point of being old women!��Do you want your family to go through that?


    Manchausen and Alonso shouted as they shot through the enemy soldiers who clung to the horse fence.


    "Ta-help--


    ''Uh-oh!


    The young crossbowman screamed and fired arrows at the enemy soldiers who needed help.


    Explosions erupted in the midst of the enemy soldiers.


    Explosions licked the front line, and with each one, the enemy soldier flew through the air.


    A spear was thrust into the center of it.


    It was a spear fired by the imprinted magician - a mercenary from the Confederation of Tribes.


    When I looked at the direction the spear came from, I saw that the mercenaries of the Confederation of Tribes were about to jump out of the forest.


    The one leading them is not Sif, but his second in command, Bear.


    ''''We''re going to burn them down!


    The mercenaries lined up on the side line release flames, but the enemy soldiers are slow to move.


    The movement is only because no one died in the last attack they received.


    ''''Release!''''


    At Bear''s command, the mercenaries of the Confederation of Tribes unleashed their flames.


    Swallowed by the flames, the surface of the enemy soldier''s body instantly charred, and his pink guts broke through the brittle parts and flooded outward.


    It''s a nightmarish sight, but it''s reassuring when you''re on their side.


    "Shut up to the barbarians!


    Oooooh!


    Enemy soldiers rush the mercenaries of the Confederated Tribes.


    ''''Again!''''


    Following Bear''s orders, the mercenaries of the Confederation of Tribes unleash their flames.


    The flames engulfed the enemy soldiers, but they were not powerful enough to instantly carbonize the surface of their bodies.


    Nevertheless, it was a sufficient fatal wound.


    Even if he didn''t die, he would still suffer from the after-effects.


    ''''Its power is diminishing!��Don''t give him time to recover!


    Oooooh!


    An enemy soldier, inspired by Lucas, shouted a bullhorn and rushed in.


    At that moment, a sphere with a stick on it was thrown from the forest.


    It explodes in the air and the nails rain down on the enemy soldiers.


    But the enemy soldiers do not slow down.


    Those who are determined will not stop walking just because the nails pierce them.


    ''''Show all of us here our loyalty!


    Bear shouts, and the mercenaries of the Confederation of Tribes and the enemy soldiers clash with each other.


    The enemy soldiers fell without holding on for more than a few rounds, but there were too many of them anyway.


    General, I''m counting on you, said Mino, looking behind the enemy lines.


    There, Lucas is inspiring his men.


    There aren''t many soldiers to protect Lucas as he''s pouring his troops into the front line.


    Now is the time.


    Crono was watching the battle from the bushes.


    The location was diagonally behind the enemy''s lines - the perfect point to launch a surprise attack.


    ''''........The Imperial Army has the advantage?


    "They''re gaining momentum, that they are.


    Taiga, who was sitting next to me, affirmed.


    ''''The Imperial Army has suffered greater losses, but their momentum has surpassed the Imperial Army.


    ''''It''s a momentum of desperation, but is it a bit difficult for the volunteer soldiers?''''


    "I think we could have gotten a little more momentum going with a few more wins, that we could have gotten a little more momentum going with a few more wins, that we could have gotten a little more momentum going with a few more wins, that we could have gotten a little more momentum going with a few more wins, that we could have gotten a little more momentum going with a few more wins, that we could have gotten a little more momentum going with a few more wins, that we could have gotten a little more momentum going with a few more wins, that we could have gotten a little more momentum going with a few more wins.


    Well, that''s good and bad.


    Guru.


    He sits down and turns to his men.


    Two hundred soldiers are waiting for Crono''s orders.


    If the operation went well, it would have been an easy battle, but the world is not going to be able to keep up.


    ''''Arideed, Deneb, I''m counting on you.


    We''ll take care of it.


    I want you to get your shit together, Master Crono!


    The red light colors Aridid and the green light colors Deneb.


    These two are the keys to victory.


    If I''m honest, I''d rather just take them by surprise, but insurance is important.


    ''Tyga, let''s go.''


    "Yes, that I do.


    As Crono activates the Mark, Taiga activates the Mark as well.


    He stands up and draws his sword.


    ''Charge!��Follow me!


    Crono jumped out of the bushes and ran towards Lucas.


    ''''Keep it up, that is.'''' (Gau)


    Am I a child?


    "It''s similar in the sense that I can''t take my eyes off of it, that I can''t take my eyes off of it." (Gau)


    Guru, Tyga cleared his throat.


    ''Center, flip!''


    Lucas shouted, and half of the enemy soldiers in the center of the flanking squadron flipped in unison.


    The movement was as disciplined as if they had been reborn after not being coherent yesterday.


    The enemy soldiers surrounded Lucas as if they were protecting him.


    It''s as if an indeterminate creature is preying on them.


    ''''Get out of the way, that is!'''' (GASP!)


    Taiga slashes down with his greatsword, but another enemy soldier quickly fills the hole.


    ''''Ha!''''


    An enemy soldier pulls out his spear.


    Crono dives in as the enemy soldier draws his spear and swings his sword down.


    Blood spurts out and an enemy soldier falls.


    But soon, another one takes cover.


    ''''Ugh!'''' (GASP!)


    Reflexively, I looked to the side and saw that my men were being attacked by enemy soldiers.


    ''''Don''t be afraid!''''


    Crono inspired his men to slash at the enemy soldiers.


    His men surrounded the enemy soldiers, but no matter how much they slashed, they couldn''t get to Lucas.


    Instead of reaching him, the enemy soldiers began to move to encircle Crono and his men.


    Suddenly, I met eyes with Lucas.


    He has an expression on his face as if to say that he can see what you''re thinking.


    ''''No, well, I''ve been reading this far too!


    "Master Crono!��And it would be nice if you could avoid it!''


    Like a killer move!


    Aridid and Deneb''s voices rang out from the communication magic item tucked away on the porch.


    Immediately after, a light fell.


    It was an arrow covered in red and green light.


    The arrow pierced Lucas''s close proximity, sending out light and shockwaves.


    The enemy soldiers who were protecting Lucas were blown away and Crono was almost blown away as well.


    A cloud of dirt and smoke blocked the view.


    ''Did you do it?''


    Shit, Crono realized his mistake.


    ''Did you do it?'' he asked right after he unleashed his special move. Don''t spit out lines like, "I''m not going to be able to do that.


    That''s just a flag that will break the special move.


    Of course, the reality is different, but I want to carry an experience.


    The dust cloud had cleared and there were two enemy soldiers holding their shields.


    This is the shield that was installed on the Daihachi car.


    There were several Daihachi cars that were destroyed with magic items, but I didn''t expect them to be here.


    Lucas steps out from behind the shield.


    Although it''s stained with dirt, it hasn''t suffered any damage that seems to be damage.


    ''''Now!''''


    Dangerous, that it is! (GASP!)


    The next time Taiga grabbed Crono by the collar and pulled him back, the tip of the spear passed in front of him.


    In the meantime, the enemy soldiers surrounded Lucas again.


    ''Arideed, Deneb!


    I think we''ve got company.


    We have to get back on our feet!


    Aridid and Deneb''s screeching voices echoed from the porch.


    *


    Mino, who had been watching the whole thing from the field position, gritted his teeth as he realized that the surprise attack had failed.


    The surprise attack was a means to end the battle quickly.


    Besides, they repeatedly harassed him night after night, and last night they carried out a night attack.


    Considering that, it''s no wonder the other party is on alert.


    Mino gritted his teeth because the morale of the volunteer soldiers was visibly lowered.


    ''We''re winning!��More energy!


    Manchausen inspires, but the volunteer soldiers are not supreme.


    In fact, the imperial army is taking so much damage that they have to think about retreating.


    They can''t retreat, so they are only attacking out of desperation.


    However, the volunteer soldiers are overwhelmed by the momentum of such trickery.


    ''''Whoa!��The enemy!


    A volunteer soldier of an age that could be described as a boy shouted.


    If you look, an enemy soldier was about to enter through a gap in the horse-proof fence.


    The appearance was enough to frighten the boy.


    ''''--!


    An arrow pierced his brow and the enemy soldier fell to the ground.


    ''If you don''t have time to be surprised, shoot!


    Manchausen shouts, but the boy is staring at the crossbow, buzzing and shaking.


    It''s like he''s trying his best not to run away.


    At the time Mino wished for a chance to get a start -.


    ''''Huh, that''s where the secret weapon comes in.


    An interesting voice sounded.


    ''''Princess Tilia?'''' (MUFFLED?)


    Mino turned around and opened her eyes.


    Princess Tyria approached her, looking the same as usual despite the battle going on in front of her.


    ''''What surprises you?''''


    "Princess Tyria, this is a dangerous place.


    I know that, but what are you going to do without a secret weapon in the room?


    Princess Tyria said, sounding miffed.


    ''I''m a secret weapon to motivate soldiers, right?''


    "I was going to ask them to send a soldier to console me.


    I don''t want you to come to the front and inspire your soldiers.


    If we lose our flagbearer, the imperial army is done for.


    ''''Was that so?''''


    That''s what happened. So hurry up and go home." (Bumo)


    ''Well, we''ve come this far. Besides, you''ve been in trouble, haven''t you?


    You know what? (Bum?)


    Of course.


    I didn''t expect a human to know the expression on a minotaur''s face.


    Princess Tyria never ceases to amaze me today.


    Are you ready?


    "Please, sir.


    Mino bowed deeply.


    Even if he asked her to leave, she wouldn''t follow him, and it was true that they were in limbo.


    If one word from Princess Tilia would change things, he wanted to try it.


    ''''Listen!��O soldiers of the Imperial Army fighting the false emperor Alfort!


    An interesting voice echoes across the battlefield.


    The clamor recedes and the soldiers'' movements change to a gentle one.


    ''''False Emperor Alfort has not only falsely accused my ally Crono of being innocent, he has even sent an army to him!


    Princess Tyria punctuated her words.


    ''But the real reason I sent the legion to you is because of the fortune Crono has amassed with his lordship!��You know what?��That the people in front of me have been commandeering them everywhere they go!��That you have invaded and destroyed the village of the Barony of Treis!


    With a fierce tone, Princess Tilia impeaches the crimes of the Imperial Army.


    ''''It is justice to avenge a bandit in the name of the Imperial Army!��Fight to protect your property, your family, your loved ones!


    ''Gahhhh!��Princess Tyria has called us to justice!��This is a fight for justice!��The justice is ours!


    "Princess Tyria is watching you!��You must show some signs of courage!��We must burn our exploits into the heart of Princess Tyria!


    Princess Tyria is watching you!


    Justice is on our side!


    Princess Tilia shouted, and Manchausen and Alonso cheered.


    Then voices rose from all over the field positions.


    Mino felt the heat.


    The voices, the heat spread throughout the imperial army.


    ''''Fight, soldiers of the imperial army!


    ''Ooooooh!


    The Imperial soldiers howled in unison.


    *


    The tide had changed, and Lucas could sense the change in the battlefield.


    With the arrival of Princess Tilia, the rebels had gained momentum and the imperial army had lost momentum.


    No--.


    ''''Ah, that''s Princess Tilia?''''


    It''s just like that painting ... well, more beautiful than the painting.


    We didn''t destroy the village.


    You''re a bandit!


    It''s not true.


    "We serve a false emperor, a false army.


    Hey, man, wasn''t that painting meant for Princess Tyria to fight with?


    Nonsense. That''s why the royal family fights--


    There you are.


    "His Majesty Alfort didn''t even see me off.


    The imperial army - a bewilderment spreads among the subordinates.


    It was the Eighth Konoe Order that destroyed the village, but it is true that they have been repeatedly requisitioned before coming here.


    There are many soldiers from rural villages.


    To them, the actions of the imperial army are not honored.


    ''''Princess Tilia is looking at you!��You see the bravery of the League of Nations.��There''s no time like the present to show loyalty!


    Oooooh!


    Even the mercenaries of the various tribal alliances have regained momentum.


    They are the ones who are causing the most damage among the rebels.


    ''''Let''s show Princess Tyria how cool we are, that we are! (GARU!)


    Oooooh!


    The tiger beastman howled and the surprise squad regained momentum.


    ''''Gah!''''


    Ow, ow, ow!


    I don''t want to die!


    A scream went up from the front lines and the entire movement stopped for a moment.


    It immediately began to move, but it no longer had the momentum it had earlier.


    The soldiers were fighting, thinking that they had no choice but to move forward.


    That''s not what I would call courage.


    There are many ways to call it desperation, narrow-mindedness, and barbarism, but they were moving forward on the strength of such things.


    If he regained his composure, he would not be able to move forward.


    ''Do not be cowed!��Push, push back!��We''re outnumbered!


    Lucas raised his voice, but his men were jittery and retreating.


    ''Fight!��Ta--


    An explosion rang out, interrupting Lucas''s voice.


    When I turned around, a huge pillar of fire was rising up behind me - towards the street - and I saw a huge pillar of fire rising up behind me.


    Twice, three times, four times, the huge pillar of fire rose up.


    Lucas grunted softly.


    Bombastic Flame Dance is the highest level magic of the fire system.


    Would Philip and the others who were blocking the city streets have been hit?


    No, he shook his head.


    It''s true that Bakuganamai is a top-tier magic, but it''s not powerful enough to kill more than seven hundred people with just four shots.


    ''''Ullahhhh!''''


    I hear a roar and a fat sweat erupts.


    ''....No way.


    "Fifth Kingsguard, Blood Hamal!��I''m here to help you, in the name of righteousness!


    The ones who jumped into the street were Brad Hamal on a white horse and over a hundred cavalrymen.


    ''''We''ll retreat as Lord Blood charges, that we will retreat as you charge! (GASP!)


    The surprise squad moved away, and then Brad rushed at Lucas with his eyes on him.


    Not a horizontal line, but a vertical charge.


    The cavalry, led by Blood, like a swarming snake, overran Lucas and the soldiers in the vicinity and ran through.


    ''At this moment,'' said Lucas, gritting his teeth as he fell to the ground.


    ''''Mo, we can''t do this anymore!


    Run!


    "I don''t wanna die here!


    My men are screaming and running away.


    "Run--!


    Lucas raised himself up and held his chest.


    The pain was so intense that he couldn''t breathe.


    The formation has collapsed and the soldiers are running away to be the first to leave.


    ...here.


    This is the end.


    Are we going to die in here with no answers?


    No!��Soldiers of the Empire!��Don''t be afraid!��Follow me!


    Lucas stood up with the last of his strength and rushed towards the enemy field position - Princess Tilia.


    ''''Follow the legion leader!''''


    Don''t let the legion leader die!


    His men, who were running in reverse, reversed and followed Lucas.


    But it''s only part of the story.


    There is no longer any way to hold back the crushing run.


    In that case, shouldn''t I save even those subordinates who can be saved?


    Such thoughts passed through his mind, but Lucas wanted to try one last time.


    ''Charge!''


    Lucas ran as fast as he could.


    As he ran, he remembered the old days - the days of civil war.


    On that day, Lucas was on a sweeping mission.


    Even though they were divided into friend and foe, they were still from the same empire.


    It would be a lie to say that he had no resistance to driving them away and killing them like beasts, but he knew it was an important mission.


    However, he was exhausted that day after a massive battle.


    Normally I would have checked for enemies lurking in the shadows, but I neglected to do so.


    He figured that cutting back a little bit wouldn''t change the war situation.


    So my best friend died.


    And no one blamed Lucas for it.


    On the contrary, he even offered some words of comfort for the loss of his best friend.


    After that, Lucas worked hard.


    He felt guilty for letting his best friend die through negligence, but he was also aware that he would eventually be brought to justice in the name of justice.


    He was able to work because he thought that eventually - there would be an end.


    But Lucas was not brought to justice.


    He didn''t lose his job when the army was re-formed, he married and had children.


    Funny, I thought.


    He thought that he should not be allowed to enjoy the happiness of being judged.


    He rose through the ranks in the military in a state of bewilderment and came to believe that human nature was evil.


    There were injustices, big and small, within the military, and Lucas became involved in injustice.


    He did injustice.


    He did evil.


    He kept his wife and son away from the wife and son who cared for him and surrounded himself with mistresses.


    He corrupted a young man with a bright future.


    He is evil.


    If this is not evil, what is?


    ''I''m here!��If you claim to be a righteous man, try to beat me!


    He ran towards Princess Tilia.


    Arrows flew like a rain of horizontal blows, but they couldn''t hurt Lucas.


    ''Justice ... where is the justice!


    Lucas barked.


    I let my best friend die, and I wasn''t judged.


    He was not judged for his injustice.


    Run.


    Running.


    He kept running, and then the wall appeared in front of him.


    "What the hell is this?


    I pushed against the wall, but I didn''t freak out.


    My fingertips touched a pebble and I saw an arrow sticking out of the wall.


    That''s when I finally realized that I was on the ground.


    My eyes slowly darken in front of me.


    ''Well, not yet. I haven''t gotten an answer. Justice, justice is....''


    Suddenly I remember confessing my sins to my best friend''s parents.


    Those words and attitudes full of compassion and mercy.


    ''....Why?


    Why didn''t you blame me?


    If you had blamed me then, I wouldn''t have suffered so much.


    "...Why?


    And then Lucas''s consciousness was gone.


    *


    You are alive this time.


    Crono let out a deep sigh as he looked at the crushing Imperial soldiers.


    It was heartbreaking when Lucas charged in and the Imperial soldiers began to head back to their field positions, but all''s well that ends well.


    ''''What''s the damage?''''


    "Many were injured, but no one was killed, that I know of.


    Good.


    Crono patted his chest.


    ''Master Crono, it''s Kane. Please respond.''


    Yeah, yeah, this is Crono.


    I take out a communication magic item from my pouch.


    ''''I had the Fifth Kingsguard go to reinforce us, but it looks like we''ve made it.


    How do you know?


    "Well, that''s what happens when you see an imperial army walking right past you. There are quite a few of them. What are you going to do with all of them?


    ''I''d like to launch a chase after the break, but when you get into Baron Trace''s territory...''


    In case you don''t put down roots, you never know what they''ll say later.


    What about the Kingsguard who were blocking the road?


    "They''d have run off into the woods.


    We''ll have to go after them.


    "You can''t chase him down until after the break,


    Like there are too many wounded to reorganize first.


    Aridid and Deneb''s voices echoed from the communication magic item.


    ''Good. You''re safe.''


    "Uh-huh, we''re supercharged.


    ''It''s like he doesn''t use his imprinting technique very much, so the repercussions are severe.


    Crono looked at Taiga.


    ''''I''m fine, that I am.'''' (Gururu)


    Tyga bared his fangs and laughed.


    ''Well anyway I''m glad we won.


    Just as Crono let out a deep sigh, the battle cry rose from the field position.


    *


    Evening--Philip was limping away through the woods.


    When he looked down, he saw an arrow stuck in his thigh.


    ''Shit, those pigs. There''s no way I''m going to stop those guys.


    A cavalryman rushed into the place where he was shot at with arrows and sorcery.


    Without bows and arrows or sorcery, how are we supposed to counter them?


    There was nothing to do but to run.


    It''s that piggy bastard. It''s that swine''s fault.


    Philip made a strange noise when he remembered the pig bastard - Lucas.


    He had hated the piggy bastard from the moment he met him.


    He grew fat and pudgy and sniffed.


    Because he joined the Eighth Kingsguard, the other members of the Kingsguard made fun of him because he joined the Eighth Kingsguard, his fianc��e looked down on him, and he wandered around the forest as a defeated soldier.


    Especially a brown-skinned elf.


    That woman shot an arrow into her thigh.


    ''''Watch me when we return to the Imperial City.


    He complains about the ferocity of the rebels and gets a new army sent to him.


    It''s a shame he can''t kill them with his own hands, but he must feel peaceful when the woman who put an arrow in his thigh dies.


    Philip brushed away the tree that blocked his path and opened his eyes.


    I couldn''t help but smile.


    ''It''s me. God must love you.


    I looked around and soon found the street.


    For now, we''ll go to the nearby village and get treated.


    After that, you can have Baron Trace carry you down to him.


    We limped and finally got to the street.


    ''Is that a man?''


    When I squinted, I saw a person standing on the street.


    Immediately after I started walking towards the person, my vision wavered.


    Someone had hit me.


    When I turned around, I saw a man standing there with a stick.


    ''''My wife and daughter are avenged!''''


    You commoner!


    Heeeee!


    When Philip touched the hilt of his sword, the man swung the stick around recklessly.


    The stick hit his thigh where the arrow had pierced it, and he couldn''t bear to poke one knee in the air.


    The man who raised the stick was controlled by his hand.


    ''Well, wait. Let''s talk about it. Let''s talk about it. Torture an unarmed person and leave a bad taste in their mouth.


    We didn''t resist!


    The man''s face contorted and he swung the stick down.


    Philip grabbed the stick with one hand.


    ''I''m telling you I''m going to talk to you, and you''re being cocky--''


    Philip collapsed as the impact was many times greater than when he was hit with a stick.


    A stone larger than a clenched fist fell in front of him.


    ''Are you okay?''


    Yeah, I''ll be fine.


    As Philip tried to raise himself up, there was a shock around his pigeon tail.


    ''''Gehaha!''''


    He vomits unbearably and gets his head stomped on.


    "Hey, a**h*le, how dare you kick me in the leg?


    "I''m not gonna let you complain about a kick in the leg!��We had our families killed and our homes burned to the ground!


    They stomped on me again and again.


    The attacks stopped when I was beginning to lose consciousness.


    I can see several feet.


    ''What are we going to do with this guy?''


    Isn''t that what the ransom will be for?


    No, we don''t have any leverage to negotiate. And we don''t have to keep them alive.


    Let''s take these wraps off and kill them.


    "Wait. Let''s keep the clothes on, and we''ll just take the money.


    It''s a bit of a mess, but it''ll do for your clothes.


    If I let you take your clothes off, you won''t be able to buy my body.


    A horrific conversation is going on in front of us.


    ''That too, I suppose. ''Sheesh. If I''d known the corpse was going to be sold, I wouldn''t have stepped on it like that.


    You''ll have to be more careful next time because half your face is intact.


    You despicable commoner," Philip tried to spit, but all he could do was mumble and move his mouth.

 134-Episode 13 "Funeral"

    *


    A night after the battle with the imperial army, the frontier village was crowded with people.


    The residents of the settlement village were not the only ones gathered in the southern part of the village.


    Residents of Sylvania, mercenaries of the Confederation of Tribes, and soldiers of the Imperial Army - among them were Elaine and other heavyweights of Sylvania.


    Perhaps reading the air, Elaine was wearing a dress that looked like a mourning dress.


    It''s a modest dress, but it looks well-tailored.


    Sif and Bear were standing at a distance from Elaine, perhaps to show that they were here as people of the Confederation of Tribes.


    Furthermore, there is also Dr. Wiseman, who is the commander of the Imperial Army, but it is Tilia that the gathered people are focusing on.


    They were chatting away as they looked at Tilia and Elaine.


    ''''Heh, that''s Princess Tilia?''''


    What about that man in the corner with the tattered cloak?


    "Put a semblance!��They''ll take you out for disrespect!


    Fool, it''s true. I fought for Lady Tyria.


    Thank you.


    The black dress?


    They say he tried to run a government that emphasized the commoners and lost the throne.


    I''ll be proud of this one for the rest of my life.


    The black dress is Lady Elaine.


    ''The Imperial Guard?��Sure, it was scary, but it wasn''t a big deal.


    That''s Master Crono in that rag.


    The noise resembles the sound of tides and rain.


    ''''It''s ... not a rag.''''


    Crono blurted out and turned his gaze to Tilia.


    Tilia was dressed in a white military uniform.


    Although the white military uniform is of a good quality, it is of a lower rank than Elaine''s dress.


    Nevertheless, it is probably because of its interesting appearance that it does not look inferior.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a beautiful woman''s dress that looks like a brand name, even if it''s an ordinary dress if she wears it.


    It is likely to be regarded as such a fashion, even if it is ragged.


    When Crono was thinking about such futile things, Tilia slowly walked out.


    ''''........I have something to tell everyone.


    When Tilia opened her mouth, the area fell silent.


    ''''We, the Imperial Army, have succeeded in repelling the army consisting of 20,000 generals sent by the False Emperor Alfort!


    Oh!


    A thud spread as Tilia declared victory.


    The information about the Imperial Army''s victory over the Imperial Army should have been known, but hearing it from Tilia''s mouth seemed to mean something else.


    For Crono, it''s not a situation that he can be optimistic about.


    We''ve only won the first battle, and the elements that are disadvantageous to the imperial army in this battle - the fact that the legion was all infantry, the lack of officers and rations, the presence of field positions, Baron Treis''s insider information, the participation of cavalry led by Blood, etc. -- were all in place.


    Although it appears to be a dramatic victory, if the Imperial Army had been able to overcome just one disadvantage, the Imperial Army might have been defeated.


    Nevertheless, it''s important to tout the victory.


    "This victory would not have been possible without the efforts and dedication of the Imperial Army.


    Saying this, Tyria pointed to the coffins behind her with her hand.


    The ten coffins belonged to the mercenaries of the Confederation of Tribes.


    Yesterday''s losses were ten dead and over three hundred and fifty seriously injured.


    More than sixty percent of the wounded were Union of Tribes mercenaries.


    This means that most of the Confederated Tribesmen were wounded.


    ''''Like the Roux in the Areos Mountains, there was a grudge between the Empire and the Yu, Mu, Fu, and Nu tribes of the Bethel Mountains.


    ....


    The audience listens to Tyria''s words in silence.


    ''The five tribes are natives who were driven off their lands by the Empire.


    ''But they have swallowed their anger!��They risked their lives to protect the lives and property of the people living in the Marquess of Erakis and Count Caddo in order to realize our ideals!


    Oh!


    The audience groaned at Tyria''s words, and cracking applause erupted.


    The people of the various tribal confederations laughed in embarrassment, but Sif was expressionless.


    ''''........Quiet.


    There was silence again as Tyria controlled it with her hand.


    ''The other day I said that as long as you swear allegiance to the state, before the emperor, nobles, commoners, humans, sub-humans, sub-humans, prostitutes, slaves, and even different races are of equal value!��They''ve shown their loyalty!��Therefore, I accept them as people of the Empire!��They, too, are beloved subjects!��Those who disagree, step forward!


    ...no one has any objection to that.


    It was Elaine who answered.


    She said that not only Tyria, but even Elaine would accept the people of the Confederation of Tribes.


    Only a person with guts or someone who can''t read the air can object here.


    Fortunately, neither of them seem to be present here.


    ''''Good. From this day forward, they are subjects of the Empire. But this is only the price of their loyalty. I must reward ten heroes. Knight Arthur, take that.


    Ha!


    Dr. Weissman, aka Knight Arthur, stepped out and held out a small box.


    Tilia opened the box and pulled out a lion motif medal.


    There is a saying in our country that a lion dies and keeps its skin on, and a man dies and leaves his name behind. And in honor of that, I have founded this medal the Order of the Wounded Lion.


    Oh!


    The audience groaned.


    ''You''re a lion over here,'' said Crono, looking at the medal.


    ''Sif, on behalf of the Confederation of Tribes, you take it.


    Ha!


    Sif stood in front of Tyria and gave her an imperial salute.


    ''I look forward to your continued loyalty.


    "Yes, we will be loyal to the Empire at all times!


    Tyria smiled gently and handily placed the medal on Sif''s chest.


    Crackling applause erupted, and Sif proudly threw out his chest.


    The people of the various tribal confederations were also beating their chests, and some of them shed tears.


    They coughed and sobbed.


    It was no wonder.


    For a long time, the Confederation of Tribes had been treated coldly.


    It had finally been rewarded.


    ''''And this is a personal gift...''''


    With that, Tilia held out her hand.


    I can''t see it clearly from here, but I know what she''s holding.


    It''s a plant seed.


    When you pray, the seed grows quickly.


    The power of the divine power art is used to promote the growth.


    I don''t know what kind of logic is used to provide the nourishment necessary for growth, but I guess only the priest can answer that question.


    Soon, a number of white flowers bloomed.


    The flowers, which looked like faint grass, were brought by Karis from the Bethel Mountains.


    ''''Oh, these...''''


    ''I have heard that this flower grows in the Bethel Mountains. I would like you to make this your second home, but you will have a special place in your birthplace. I want to offer you this.


    ''Thank you. I''m sure they''d be happy to hear that.


    As Sif bowed deeply, Tyria placed a handful of flowers on the coffin.


    Just then, the sound of the horse''s snorting echoed.


    ''''Princess Tilia!''''


    We brought the horses in!


    Manchausen and Alonso came to the coffin with their two horses.


    ''Good work!''


    Ha!


    Manchausen and Alonso stood tall and saluted, while Tilia jumped on her white horse.


    ''Now for the funeral!


    The mercenaries of the Confederated Tribes stepped up to the coffin and lifted it lightly.


    They will now parade through the streets of Sylvania and bury it in a grave dug in one of the frontier villages.


    ''Sif, you can ride your horse, can''t you?


    "I''m not sure I''m comfortable with this, but...


    That''s enough. I can''t give you a stone, but you must ride this horse and attend the funeral.


    Ha!


    Sif took the reins from Alonso and mounted his horse in a very familiar motion.


    If this was unfamiliar, Crono wondered what he was if he was unfamiliar with it.


    Two more old knights brought in two more horses.


    One horse was for Dr. Wiseman, and the other one--.


    ''''Well Crono-kun, are you alright?''''


    ''You don''t have to look so worried.


    Crono replied to Dr. Weissman.


    Mr. Bear is supposed to take the reins.


    So, I told you to practice riding.


    Dr. Weissman said in a voice that sounded like he was spitting blood.


    I wish he had stopped when the idea of a funeral - a parade through the streets of Sylvania - came up, rather than sounding like that.


    ''I''ve been practicing,''


    Then why?


    I don''t know, it''s like I don''t have any riding skills.


    What are you talking about?


    Dr. Weissman covered his face.


    Crono looked up at the sky, "This is what it was like just before I graduated from military school," he said.


    ''Marquis Erakis, please come this way.


    Yes, I''m coming.


    Crono took Bear''s hand and mounted his horse.


    The visibility was higher and he felt better.


    ''Then let''s go!''


    Following Tyria''s orders, the funeral procession began to move forward.


    *


    Sigh. I''m tired.


    Crono let out a sigh and walked through the field position.


    On the other side of the horse fence, his men - not the volunteer soldiers, but the regular soldiers - were clearing away the corpses of the imperial army.


    It''s the second-in-command who is in command of the camp.


    As we climbed over the trench and passed through a gap in the horse-proof fence, the second-in-command looked at us.


    General, thank you for your hard work,'''' he said. How was the other side? (BUMO)


    Well, it worked.


    Crono unbuttoned the first button of his uniform and loosened his collar.


    The funeral was a great success, if you can call it that, and the funeral service was a great success.


    The inhabitants of Sylvania lined the streets - most of them, it seemed, were there for Tyria - and saw off ten heroes.


    ''Maybe that will make the Confederation of Tribes more acceptable, and they''ll think it''s an honor to pledge allegiance to the nation.


    "You speak of the contrary.


    It''s true.


    The deputy said with a sigh and Crono cowered his shoulders.


    Both they and the Confederation of Tribes had used death to their advantage.


    ''How about that one?''


    "There are so many of them, the work doesn''t progress very well." (Bumo)


    I''m sure you do.


    Crono nodded and stared at the field position.


    A great number of corpses were lying in front of the horse fence.


    ''''How many?''''


    It''s over 5,000. If you include the dead before the decisive battle, it''s almost 8,000.


    Eight thousand.


    There were ten casualties here, so if you only look at the numbers, it''s an overwhelming victory.


    It wouldn''t have been a good idea for you to climb over the fence.


    "I was just wondering, why don''t we make it a vertical position? (Bum?)


    Vertical layer?


    I''m going to build another position in the back and connect it to the one in front. If the first one is breached, the second one will still be there.


    That''s a great idea.


    I''ll ask Dr. Weissman for help, Crono wrote down his second-in-command''s ideas in his mind''s notepad.


    ''How about something else?''


    "The people who come to steal our equipment have been yelling at us.


    You were right about the doctor and Mr. Mino.


    Even Crono knows that corpse scavenging can take place on the battlefield, but when his subordinates tell him about it, he feels bleak.


    ''What about fallen warrior hunting?''


    "You could be there, too.


    You too, huh?


    Crono let out a deep sigh.


    After all, this too, when heard from his subordinate, he felt gloomy.


    ''''Just in case, I paid you, though.


    I guess it''s one of those things where if you''re prepared, you don''t have to worry.


    I gave him the money just in case, but I didn''t expect that someone would really try to cash in on the corpse--''''


    ''''You''re not one of our fiefdoms, are you?''''


    "You said you were from the Barony of Treis, but...


    The deputy lifted the corners of his mouth sarcastically.


    ''There is a way to find out for sure, but it''s very laborious.


    ''Where are the bodies?''


    "It''s all here in one place.


    Crono is led by his second-in-command to the place where the body is placed.


    It''s the border between the battlefield and the street.


    Looking at the corpses laid out in a heap, one''s mood sinks.


    In the foreground is Count Lucas LeSat.


    Crono looked down at Lucas''s body.


    He looked in anguish, but other than that, the body was surprisingly clean.


    The only wound is on the back of his hand.


    ''He must have been sick,''


    Perhaps to inspire the soldiers, Lucas started to run and collapsed in the process.


    Perhaps he was obese and had a heart condition.


    ''If I may say so, I''m glad you''re sick,''


    Bumo.


    The repeated nightly harassment seemed to have had an unexpected effect.


    ''What about the bodies you bought?''


    "Over here.


    There was a corpse at the place where he was led by his deputy.


    However--.


    What a mess.


    Crono covered his face and grunted.


    The bodies there were badly damaged.


    With the exception of Lucas, the corpses lying there were severely damaged.


    But the corpse in front of him was even more damaged than that.


    Some of them have their heads swollen to twice their size, their bodies are covered in bruises, their skin is burned out, and some are even missing fingers.


    ''I knew it was a private execution (lynching)?''


    "General, I don''t need to hear the obvious.


    I wanted to hear the denial.


    Crono let out a sigh.


    ''''This is what will happen if you do something like that to destroy a village.'''' (Bumo)


    Tough guy.


    The peasants are not only oppressed, they turn to the oppressor when they have the opportunity.


    ''Will tomorrow be mine?''


    "Don''t talk nonsense.


    Isn''t it important?


    "It''s a commander''s job to make sure that doesn''t happen." (Bumo)


    I know. You''ve got to build a reputation as a good-looking military man, at best.


    It''s easy to attack the haters, but it''s hard to attack the popular ones.


    In other words, that''s what I mean.


    Nevertheless, Crono took a glance at the kinsman knight who had been killed in a private execution.


    ''''How should I punish him?


    "We''ll just have to leave it to Baron Trace.


    Yeah.


    Since this happened in the Baron Trace''s territory, it should be left to the lord to deal with.


    ''''For now, shall we continue with the burial?''''


    "I understand...


    The second-in-command jerked his ears and stared at the field position.


    I moved my gaze as I caught it and saw Elena approaching us.


    She must have fallen into the trenches, she was covered in mud.


    But still, I wondered why Elena was in this place.


    While I was thinking about this, Elena was standing in front of Crono.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    I just came to see the body.


    Crono couldn''t help but look at his second in command.


    He''d thought there was something a bit odd about him, but he hadn''t expected him to have a taste for looking at dead bodies.


    ''Don''t get me wrong. I''m not curious.''''


    So why?


    You haven''t forgotten about Philip, have you?


    Philip?


    My ex-fiancee!��The one who killed my parents and made it possible for me to become a slave!


    Elena exclaimed irritably when Crono asked to parrot the question.


    ''Oh, there you are,''


    How could you forget?


    Because they only met once at a ball.


    Elena looks unhappy, but for Crono, he''s only met her once.


    ''Didn''t you pick a fight with him then?


    Yeah, well, you sold it.


    So how could you forget?


    It''s not very impressive.


    Philip hadn''t been a part of Crono''s life since they met at the ball.


    Whatever the case, the memories fade.


    ''Well, fine.''


    With that, Elena began to search for Philip''s body.


    However, she only leaned forward and moved parallel to the corpse.


    ''Mino-san, can I leave you to supervise your men?''


    "I don''t care about you.


    Crono stands behind Elena.


    ''Speaking of which, do you have a job?''


    He''s got a leave of absence. I''m not a slave anymore, and it''s my right.


    Even when I was a slave, I didn''t tell you not to rest.


    I don''t know if I should take a leave of absence to look for a corpse, but it''s not worth mentioning.


    A few moments later, Elena stopped in front of a corpse.


    A corpse with a cruelly deformed head.


    The white military uniform is stained with dried blood and one finger is missing.


    Miraculously, I should say, half the face remains intact.


    I feel vaguely familiar.


    ''''........Is that Philip?''''


    Yes, I do.


    Elena gazed at Phillip''s corpse.


    How long had she been looking at it?


    ''Surprising,'' muttered Elena.


    ''What?''


    I thought you had something more to offer.


    Not everyone is going to die dramatically.


    Most of the time, they die quickly and easily.


    I thought I was supposed to be happier. I thought it would be a lot of emotions and tears.


    So, what do you think?


    It''s a little blurry, but that''s about it.


    Elena sat up and let out a small sigh.


    ''He plotted a plot without my knowledge and died without my knowledge. As far as I''m concerned, he was a complete pain in the ass to the very end.


    Want to throw a rock?


    Are you sure?


    Basically, no, because I don''t want my guys to copy me.


    They want to be seen as a well-behaved army.


    That''s why they use regular soldiers to bury the bodies.


    So don''t ask me about it.


    Doesn''t it have to be that way?


    I don''t need that kind of closure. But maybe that''s important.


    Huh, Elena laughed.


    ''Hey, hey?''


    Elena looked up at Crono, her face bright red.


    She grabbed her skirt.


    ''Hey?''


    There''s a bush.


    "Bushes?


    Elena''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''No one''s looking at me, they said it''s okay.''


    Yeah, sure.


    Elena turned over and headed into the forest.


    But then she turned back on the way.


    ''Why didn''t you come?''


    I don''t need to go to the bathroom.


    No way!


    Elena barked red in the face.


    It''s so loud that it echoes across the battlefield.


    It was so loud that the second in command looked at me.


    ''''What''s wrong?'''' (Bum?)


    There''s nothing to it!


    I understand. (BUMO!)


    The deputy replied loudly and returned to his camp.


    ''Nobody''s talking about the bathroom!


    So what are you talking about?


    Well, that''s...


    Elena looked down in embarrassment and muttered something about goggle-eyedness.


    ''What are you talking about?''


    It''s about closure!��I thought I''d let you do it as a reward for Philip''s death!


    The sight of a dead body...


    No!


    Elena raised her voice.


    ''I understand that, but how do I know what to expect from this situation?''


    It''s just, you know, we haven''t known each other that long.


    No, no, no, I can''t.


    I''ve known her for a long time, but I don''t think Elena is that blown up in thought.


    ''So what do you think?''


    A break.


    Crono muttered sincerely.


    Maybe it''s time to move on to the next stage--''''


    ''You don''t seem too keen on it, do you?


    To say I''m not into it is an understatement.


    Why?��I''m a free man and I''m in love with you, so it''s only natural, right?


    Elena said, turning her head away in embarrassment.


    ''Yes, but,''


    You''re not done.


    You say that, but it takes courage to switch from a specialized type to a general-purpose type. In reality, it''s a no-save, one-try scenario.


    "?��---uh!


    Elena tilted her head curiously, but after a while she seemed to realize the meaning of the words and turned bright red.


    ''''This, you pervert!''''


    It''s just, you know, it''s been a long time coming.


    I know, but!��I know you''re that kind of guy, but... oh my God!


    Elena sat there with her head in her hands.


    The next day, Viscount Tina Sheratan, Baron Mesartim, and Baron Bossain were gathered in the conference room of the Marquis'' mansion.


    They didn''t come together voluntarily, but rather responded to Tilia''s call.


    There was no doubt that if Alfort found out, he would be treated as a rebel, but the three of them were here knowing that.


    The door opened and Tilia entered the conference room with Baron Treis and Brad in tow.


    She doesn''t seem surprised.


    He hadn''t explained about Brad when he called the meeting, so all three of them must have obtained the information through their own channels.


    ''You''ve kept me waiting. Now let''s get this meeting started.


    Tilia takes a seat, but Baron Trace and Brad remain in the background.


    ''And before you do that, Baron Treis has something to tell you.


    Yes, sir.


    Baron Trace walked out, wiping his forehead with his handkerchief.


    The handkerchief was drenched in sweat and sopping wet.


    He moved his eyes busily, but after a while, he squeezed his eyes shut.


    ''''Jeez, actually I declared myself indefensible when the imperial army arrived.


    It''s a squeezing sound.


    ''But it''s not about my cuteness!��To protect my people!��There''s no way a thousand soldiers can defeat 20,000 generals!��In the first place, those thousand soldiers could have pointed their swords at me if I had disobeyed His Majesty Alfort, or even the false emperor Alfort!��And yet the Imperial Guard has destroyed the village!��They killed a man, raped a woman, and set her on fire!��I was a fool for believing those demons with a human face and a beast heart!��I can''t regret it!


    Baron Treis said as he wound up, and Baron Mesartim and Baron Bossain looked at him as if in sympathy.


    ''''Does that mean you will support us?''''


    "Swear on your fathers!


    Baron Trace raised his voice.


    His expression was a clearer one than before.


    ''''You''ll be next, Brad.''''


    Ha!


    Brad saluted as he stepped out.


    ''I was suspected of treason, and I went straight off with my men.


    Do you have any idea what that means?


    No, sir. The only thing I can think of is joining an economic union.


    Brad laughed emphatically.


    ''I want to make sure you''re willing.''


    It may seem a bit late for that, but I would like to regain my honor and serve the Empire.


    ''Mm,'' said Tilia, nodding with satisfaction.


    ''I am delighted by your loyalty, both of you. I promise to treat you with honor when I ascend the throne.


    Ha!


    Thank God for happiness.


    Brad gave an excellent salute and Baron Treis hung his head deeply.


    Tilia looked around.


    It was Tina who opened her mouth first.


    ''''My answer is set. I would like to support the ideals held by Princess Tilia.''''


    ''I''m glad you feel that way, but have you taken control of the battalion?


    Yes, my uncle...


    Tina gave a sly smile.


    ''How about Baron Mesartim and Baron Bossain?''


    We want to support your ideals, but we are not yet in control of our forces.


    Me too.


    The two men raised their eyebrows apologetically.


    ''Can you take control?''


    I''d like a few days...


    I need a few more days.


    Baron Bossain interrupted Baron Mesartim''s words.


    ''I will give you two days to take control of it, I believe.


    All right. You can count on it, both of you. When you do, I promise to treat you with honor.


    Then I will return to my estate for now.


    ''Me too. I''m not so shameless as to join a military council without a battalion under my control.


    Baron Mesartim and Baron Bossain stood up and strode out of the conference room.


    ''''Now, let''s briefly discuss the plan we''ve set up.


    Tilia declared sternly.


    *


    ...phew.


    Tilia sat back in her chair in the office and let out a small breath.


    ''War is a messy thing, isn''t it?


    You don''t know what you''re talking about.


    Tyria blurted out, and Crono replied with a sigh.


    ''I feel like I''ve been sighing a lot lately, but even if you don''t have to fight a war, you''re going to be worn out if you''re involved in a war.


    ''Anyway, I guess we have a chance to win this one.


    You don''t say you can win, do you?


    ''I''m not that arrogant. Besides I have Leonhardt in the Imperial Army.


    Well, sure.


    Crono recalled the time when the parent conquest - Ignis had slashed into his own camp.


    In this world, an outstanding individual could determine the outcome of the battle.


    ''''In terms of the imperial army, if they take Tilia''s head off, it''s a definite defeat.


    ''Don''t say something so plainly scary!


    Tilia shouted and held her neck.


    ''Well, that goes for them too.


    After all, it is a battle for the throne. Have you heard from your father-in-law, by the way?


    Not yet.


    What, in the meantime?


    No, isn''t it early to call him stepfather?


    Too late for that.


    I tried to resist at least, but Tilia didn''t take it up.


    ''No way, you''re not going to take the blame?''


    I''ll take responsibility.


    Okay.


    Tyria let out a breath of relief and her mouth fell open in happiness.


    It was strange, because looking at her, she felt like she was an incredibly evil person.


    ''''Speaking of which, it''s the Barony of Treis, what did they say about the poisoning?''''


    You were pleading your case.


    What do you think of Tilia?


    ''If Baron Trace ordered the poisoning, wouldn''t he be appealing?


    Well, maybe.


    They were so concerned about their faces when they asked for permission to act militarily.


    It''s rather more comfortable to think that the peasants and soldiers mixed the poison.


    ''''What do you want to do about the poisoning and the killing of the Kingsguard Knight?


    They won''t do anything.


    As far as I''m concerned, it''s a piece of shit.


    ''Don''t say that. Baron Trace is full to the brim.


    I understand that.


    I get the impression that they are trying to get consistency and are unable to do anything about it.


    Well, that''s what we''re talking about here--''


    ''So, about the letter it hurts that we can''t coordinate with the southern frontier.


    It would take us two months just to exchange letters.


    What do you think of the Chronosphere?


    I''m sure you''ll get in, but...


    Do parents and children actually get along?


    My father and Tilia''s mother.


    What do you mean?


    Actually....


    As Crono explained the causation between his adopted father and Queen Astraea, Tilia''s complexion grew worse and worse.


    ''''Isn''t that.......not going to cooperate?''''


    ''I don''t think I have any bad feelings for Tilia, so it''s okay.


    Maybe, I add in my mind.

 135-Chapter 14 "Reason"

    *


    It was mid-December, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - perhaps because of the rain that had fallen until dawn, the Areos Mountains were covered in fog.


    Claude looked up at the mountains and squinted, but no matter how much he squinted, he couldn''t see through the fog.


    ''''Well it''s not going to be freezing, is it?


    Claude shook himself with a buzz and chuckled.


    He used to be wary of the barbarians - the Roux tribe''s raids, but now he was worried about them.


    It''s called leaking a bitter smile.


    With a wry smile, he walks on the muddy ground and stops in front of a log.


    It''s a log as thick as my body.


    Its surface is etched with countless scratches.


    I look next to it and see another log there.


    Next to that, and even next to that - countless logs have been driven into the ground at equal intervals.


    Claude is in the training ground.


    Here 10,000 soldiers - 5,000 of the Southern Frontier Garrison Army and 5,000 veterans, including those from the Southern Frontier - are training.


    Among them is Gaur, the son of Count Taur Ernat, head of the Second Order of the Kingsguard.


    Rebels, or rather, the imperial army, to defeat the false emperor Alfort.


    ''''This is going to be a big story, isn''t it?


    Claude stroked his chin.


    As of October, he had no intention of fighting the Empire.


    He was going to show his dissatisfaction with the idiots who asked him to give them the wheat, and if the other party showed a willingness to concede, he was going to comply.


    However, the situation changed when he received word from Ort in the imperial capital that his son - Crono - was suspected of treason.


    The other party is a person who makes up crimes and plundering other people''s wealth as a good thing.


    The more concessions they make, the more they will step in.


    Then you have no choice but to fight.


    That decision was driven by Baron Zirant''s son, Dragon, and other soldiers and their men from the southern frontier, including Baron Zirant''s son, Dragon.


    Furthermore, the situation changed dramatically when Crono rebelled by retaining Princess Tilia.


    ''''Ninety-nine out of ten, it''s probably that boobie that sent you........''''


    I don''t think Crono has the guts to antagonize the Empire.


    It''s more natural to think that that boob--Princess Tyria incited it.


    ''''It was a crossover for us, wasn''t it?


    Thanks to the letter sent by Princess Tilia, I was able to capture the garrison army.


    Even though they were cut off from the military budget and were hungry, there was still a sense of pride.


    It took a good cause to accept the food that was offered to me.


    And then there''s the post-war profits.


    "...Sir....


    What?


    I turned around when I was called out to her and saw Myra standing there in her maid''s uniform.


    She was holding a carefully folded cloak.


    It''s a black cloak.


    When I was on active duty - when I was a mercenary - I preferred this color.


    Why is it black?


    I used to spit out cool lines when I was asked that question.


    Well, actually, it was because it was a good way to hide in the shadows of night.


    I used to wear a cloak in the dark and duck many times when the enemy chased me.


    "The cloak.


    I don''t want it.


    ...Your Highness.


    Myra let out a deep sigh as she pushed back her cloak.


    ''Have you ever heard of the term "old cold water"?''


    I know, but...


    Claude looked at Myra.


    She was wearing a maid''s outfit - a pretend, pretty, maid''s outfit.


    And it''s being worn by a woman not much older than herself.


    You can''t help but wonder what she''s talking about when she puts herself on the shelf.


    ''''Then what about that armor and the big sword?''''


    I know. I pulled it out of the warehouse.


    Claude looked down at his figure.


    He was worried that he wouldn''t be able to wear it anymore, but it was a bit tight in his stomach.


    ''But it does look a little uncomfortable,''


    ...Your Highness.


    Myra let out another sigh.


    ''What?''


    Our time to fight is long over.


    His tone was admonishing.


    ''I don''t think it''s over for me,''


    ...Your Highness.


    When Claude countered, Myra raised her eyebrows.


    ''With all due respect, sir, the time for us to fight is long past. If we stand on the battlefield, we will only scatter our lives in vain.''


    ...maybe.


    Claude paused for a moment before answering.


    ''Myra''s words are true.


    I couldn''t imagine myself being killed when I was on active duty, but now I can imagine myself being killed.


    ''Was it in January when you met Neige?''


    I didn''t feel alive.


    That bastard said I''m no match for him now.


    It''s true.


    Yeah. I think so, too.


    What?


    When Claude agreed, Myra looked as if a pigeon had been hit by a peashooter.


    ''''Oh come on, there''s no way we can win against those bastards. He said he could have won in his prime, but of course he couldn''t.


    Ha, ha.


    Myra raised her eyebrows in annoyance.


    Mostly because I know better than anyone that it''s past time to fight.


    Claude gently touched the hilt of the great sword.


    When had he noticed it?


    When his son - when Crono had nearly died in the Trial of Death?


    When his wife - Elua died?


    When the settlement of the southern frontier was over?


    ''Maybe it was when I had second thoughts about starting a rebellion. I wasn''t a warrior anymore.


    If he had revolted then, he might have been able to revive himself as a warrior.


    But more important than that was the people who adored him.


    Now that I think about it, I think there was an omen even before that.


    Perhaps it was--.


    ''''My strength was probably because I didn''t have any, right?


    The strength of the have-nots.


    So it was lost when something important was created.


    Then why?


    That''s because now is the time to fight. Fighting isn''t something you do when you have the strength, right?


    When you first took up your weapon, were you sure that you could defeat the enemy?


    No, there was no way.


    I was terrified.


    Scared to the core.


    Still, I took up arms because I''d learned that if I didn''t fight, they would take them from me.


    ''You used to say that you would beat them up because they pissed you off--''


    You haven''t changed. They want me to obey them even though I don''t want to. I can''t do this anymore but talk about it with my fists.


    ''I suspect the bottom is too shallow to be hostile to the Empire.


    The fool--


    I''m a woman, sir?


    Aren''t they gonna have different meanings if you''re a b*tc* or a slut?


    It sounds more like an abuse than an a**h*le.


    ''So, by dumbass,''


    Stupid. Hi.


    Didn''t you find your tone weaker than before?


    It''s not going anywhere.


    Claude let out a deep sigh.


    ''Heck, it used to be a lot easier to handle.


    I used to be a slave.


    Ortt''s still the same guy.


    You may continue.


    ''I''m getting old and troublesome,'' Claude let out a sigh again.


    ''Well, it ain''t just that I''m pissed off and I''m going to beat the shit out of you.


    Was it the Commoners and the Lords?


    Yeah, it''s for our benefit.


    I wish I had more power.


    Even if you had the power, there''s no time for that.


    In the first place, Claude and the others can''t get their hands on the empire.


    There''s not enough time to take a little bit of territory.


    ''''No, because I can still live.


    I can''t hold it. Besides, this mess has to end with us, Crono.


    Okay.


    I don''t know how far he meant it, but Myra let out a disappointed sigh.


    ''The rest is personal reasons, I suppose.


    Is this about Master Elua?


    No, it''s a personal matter.


    Elua suffered from the fact that she was a body that could not hope to have children, and she died apologizing for that.


    The days I spent with Elua were happy.


    But when I remember her last days, I feel a pang of regret.


    Why didn''t I care for Ellea more?


    How could I have been so insensitive?


    Why was that woman--.


    ''''Master?''''


    It''s nothing.


    Myra''s voice pulled me back to reality and I shook my head lightly.


    ''After all, it''s about Erua-sama?


    I said it was for personal reasons.


    Surely, Erua does not want revenge.


    So this is a personal reason.


    ''I understand. Sir, you said you were fighting for personal reasons.


    It''s just a high priority.


    I don''t want to fight the Empire just for personal reasons, as the quintessential example.


    But I wouldn''t want to fight them just for a good cause either.


    ''''But, well, that''s just the way it is. We''re all riding on the ideals of Princess Tyria for our own interests and ambitions.''''


    Johnny doesn''t seem to be the same, does he?


    He is.


    I''ll do my best for my brother.��Gung-ho!��Gung ho!��And I''m ready to do it.


    What is gung-ho?


    I couldn''t translate it with the magic item, so it must be a shouting match.


    ''Why does he adore Crono so much?


    I thought it was the result of your training.


    You just left him in the Areos mountains.


    Didn''t you appoint him to serve you there?


    Really?


    I can''t think of anything else.


    Myra stated emphatically.


    It doesn''t sound like she had such a religious experience, but she''d be in denial if she spoke of it, so she kept quiet.


    ''Aside from Johnny, even the Gaul guy is fighting for personal reasons.


    ''He said it was his duty as a nobleman to join the Imperial Army?��And I promised Master Crono that I would do the rest.


    You don''t trust me, do you?


    You could at least pretend to believe me.


    When Claude asked back, Myra easily agreed.


    The connection between Crono and Gaul is thin.


    They don''t have frequent exchanges of messages.


    He sent me a baby gift, but on the contrary, that''s the extent of their connection.


    ''''I understand the situation, but........''''


    We''re not gonna fight for our lives. I just want to talk.


    After that, though, I''ll just let it happen, Claude laughed.


    *


    Less than 10,000 returned. That''s more than we expected.


    Ralph placed the report he had finished reading on the desk and leaned back in his chair.


    It has been two weeks since Lucas was defeated - the military is being reorganized to counter the rebels.


    Naturally, the burden on Ralph, the Director of Military Affairs, is considerable.


    It''s no exaggeration to say it''s hard work, but he feels a pleasant sense of exhaustion that surges through him.


    ''Obstacles made of wire, horse-proof fences, new-style bows, crossbows, night raids, destruction of logistics, the entry of the Fifth Kingsguard................and poison.


    The contents of the report, which was based on the testimony of returning soldiers - I''m going to utter some of the most memorable words in the report.


    How dare you, I''m impressed with the tactics used by the rebels.


    However, none of them are new.


    Obstacles made of wire that incapacitated the cavalry and held back the infantry charge.


    This and other similar ones are described in old documents.


    There is a feeling that the insurgents had misjudged their strength.


    But--


    ''It was a battle that could have been won, Lucas, you fool.


    Ralph spat out a small amount.


    If you only look at the number of casualties, the Imperials lost a great deal, but it was the rebels who were at a disadvantage.


    The rebels thought so too, which is why they tried to deprive the imperial army of its ability to take over the fight.


    In other words, they could have won if they had fought without fear of sacrifice from the beginning.


    Even if they couldn''t win, they could have delivered a painful blow.


    No, he gave a small shake of his head.


    Lucas had an incompetent group called the Eighth Konoe Guards.


    The army had to be monolithic.


    If incompetent or rebellious people are mixed in there, then a must-win strategy and correct leadership will lose its meaning.


    ''''That''s right. That wasn''t my fault.


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    I wanted to start over - I wanted a chance to show my excellence.


    I didn''t care what happened to the Empire.


    I didn''t want to die without having my name engraved in history.


    Thirty-odd years passed, and I finally got my chance.


    ''No, let''s put things into perspective.


    Losing the first game was painful, but it cut down on our incompetence.


    It should be dismissed as a necessary sacrifice.


    Lucas may have lost, but he still has a chance.


    Rather, it is only when you win in a cornered situation that your reputation is enhanced.


    "...we will meet the rebels on the western plains.


    It will be worthy of being called a decisive battle.


    But there is one thing that worries me.


    I am calling to the lords in the name of the emperor, but the soldiers are not gathering well.


    Supplies--supplies of provisions--are also delayed.


    But this is not the way it was meant to be.


    Ralph stood up slowly.


    He didn''t want to resort to petty tricks, but sometimes you had to bend your beliefs.


    It wasn''t my favorite word, but now was the time to be resourceful.


    ''Count Chiron I will make you useful for the last time.


    I could have killed that man''s son, but still, I would have won, for a change.


    I knew we were going to be cramped.


    Tilia muttered as she looked at the soldiers training at the training grounds.


    There are approximately five thousand of them.


    The quality of their equipment is mixed, but it would be harsh to blame them.


    They were soldiers who were defending the Baron Hamal, Baron Sheratan, Baron Treis, Baron Mesartim, and Baron Bosain.


    Naturally, the quality of their equipment varied depending on how much the lords were involved in troop management.


    Currently, they are in the middle of learning how to fight using communication magic items, crossbows, and field positions protected by iron thorns.


    They seem to be confused because it''s different from the traditional way of fighting, but if they don''t learn this way of fighting, they won''t be able to win against the Empire.


    ''''Crono?''''


    Tilia approached me with concern.


    ''Deja vu,''


    ''It''s not deja vu. Again, you weren''t listening to me.


    Tilia let out a small sigh.


    ''What did you say?''


    I said, "After all, we''re too small for this place.


    It''s a bit of an extension.


    Why is he stammering?


    Isn''t that a little exciting?


    ''I''m curious to know who or what they expanded on. I''m very curious.


    Tilia snapped her fingers with a snap.


    Well, good. We''ll talk about this later.


    I have a bad feeling about this.


    That''s sharp.


    Tyria''s tone was kind, but it added to her fear.


    ''''We''ll talk about this later...''''


    I said it twice.


    I told you twice because it''s important.


    Tilia crossed her arms and grinned.


    Maybe if a predator laughed, it would look like this.


    ''Anyway, now we can fight.''


    I''ll have to work out a few more details on the plan, though.


    The original plan was to march southward from Count Caddo, capture the port under the direct control of Emperor Kai, and then build a field position in the steppe area near the imperial capital to intercept the imperial army.


    However, with the participation of Baron Treis, Baron Mesartim, Baron Bossain and Blood, the plan was modified.


    There were two changes.


    The first is that when advancing southward, regular soldiers will be the main force, and the second is rear disturbance by cavalry.


    Basically, it is a form of passing through the territory after issuing advance notice and having them declare no defense, but if it becomes a battle, the volunteer soldiers will be an encumbrance.


    If that is the case, it was decided that it would be better to occupy the ports under Emperor Kai''s direct control and then move the volunteer soldiers by sea.


    The purpose of the rear disturbance was to cut off the circulation.


    ''''All that''s left is a covered wagon and a magic item for ultra-long distance communication.


    The craftsmen are happy to see you.


    Covered wagons are a means of transporting soldiers, and magic items for ultra-long-distance communications are an efficient way of handling limited forces.


    Since the installation of magic items for ultra-long-distance communications requires manpower, the number of non-craftsmen employed is increasing.


    Crono scratched his head, "I wonder if it''s called a war special demand.


    ''''Well Eryll has turned into a zombie, but...''''


    Make him human again before the southward march.


    I know. But still....


    What''s going on?


    ''I didn''t think you''d give me two cents and approve the installation of a magic item for ultra-long distance communications.


    When I explained to them that installing the magic item for ultra-long distance communication would allow them to handle their limited strength more efficiently, the five lords readily agreed to install it.


    ''''I didn''t think they would agree to split the installation costs.


    Maybe it''s because of what happened with Baron Trace.


    Tilia crouched in place and drew a diagram with a fallen tree branch.


    ''Did it look like this?''


    Well, sort of.


    Crono peered behind him at the projected completion of the communications network.


    ''It''s going to go through our territory, isn''t it?


    ''Yeah, well, yes.''


    Tilia put down the tree branch and stood up.


    ''Do you have something to say to me?''


    I''m in a marriage blue.


    What''s wrong with me?


    I thought she was going to yell at me, but Tilia said with a straight face.


    ''''It''s--''''


    ''Sure, I have a bit of a violent streak in me.


    I was aware of it.


    He can be a bit selfish and possessive.


    But!��Tilia''s eyes widened.


    ''I didn''t ask you to leave your mistress!


    I think that''s a start.


    What would happen if I told you to leave your mistress?


    ....


    I know. I wouldn''t say that.


    Apparently, he could see the intent from the smile.


    ''How could I have fallen in love with a man like you?


    Tyria let out a deep sigh.


    ''By the way, the surrounding lords and my father think I''m getting married.


    They think you are. We''re getting married.


    Married.


    Crono looked up at the heavens.


    ''I was wondering if we had a long way to go, but before you know it, marriage will be the default, and you''ll be squeamish.


    ''What''s the point now, when you put your hands on me, it''s by default.


    ....


    I know. I''m the one who attacked you.


    When Crono stared at her silently, Tilia reversed her previous statement.


    ''Good to be honest.


    ''Aside from the marriage, how is the sustenance plan going?


    Have you read the report?


    I need to hear it from you.


    When Crono asked back, Tilia said in a miffed tone.


    ''''What kind of windstorm?''''


    I have a bad feeling about this.


    Wait a minute.


    I had a feeling that I would never see you again...


    I told you to wait a minute!


    He interrupted Tilia''s words.


    ''What''s going on?''


    Because that joke isn''t funny.


    The hunch may be a joke, but I really want to spend time with you.


    It''s getting less and less funny.


    I mean, that''s assuming that Crono is going to die.


    How dare he start talking about marriage, or saying he has a bad feeling about it, or how he''s going to flag it all up?


    This could really kill you if they say you''re pregnant or something.


    Mostly, you''re not going to die, are you?


    If Tilia dies, that''s the end of the game. You''re not going to have second thoughts, after all?


    It was your idea, okay?


    Yeah, but...


    It''s my decision to come with you.


    I''m stubborn.


    Crono let out a sigh.


    ''I have Manchausen and Alonso the knights with me, so I''ll be fine.


    It''s going to stand out.


    That''s part of the point. I have to impress them with my presence.


    Yes.


    Crono had to nod.


    He suddenly remembered the letter he had received from his foster father.


    ''Speaking of which, about the letter, are you sure you''re going to accept those terms?''


    Drink.


    Tilia''s answer was brief, but her complexion was not good.


    It''s only better than a pale face.


    ''''You said you would cooperate with me either way.


    When I think about the postwar period.


    Although there is a grace period, the Empire will introduce a senatorial system.


    It''s possible that we won''t be able to get cooperation after the introduction of the senatorial system because we didn''t agree to the terms.


    ''''Well, and that''s a seed I''ve sown.


    It''s dry.


    Maybe so.


    Tilia crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows with difficulty.


    ''Are you hurt?''


    No, that''s not what I mean. Do you think mothers love their children, by the way?


    Depends on who you ask.


    I see.


    Tilia gave a small nod.


    People who become parents should love their children - or want them to love them.


    This is an aspiration.


    Not everyone will be able to love their children.


    ''I see. I suppose that''s what it is, after all.''


    Don''t take it upon yourself. We''re going to be a family.


    Family?


    ''Family. It''s going to be a big family...


    I think I''m starting to get a headache.


    Tyria held her temples as if she were trying to endure a headache.


    ''Well, I guess we can wait until after the war is over before we suffer a headache, can''t we?


    ''I think we''re just postponing the issue...''


    Tyria straightened her back and stared at the parade ground.


    The wind blew and the blonde''s hair swayed.

 136-Episode 15 "Southward" Part 1

    *


    Late December, 43rd year of the imperial calendar - Leonhard was enjoying a cup of fragrant tea in his house.


    The smell of ginger irritated his nasal passages.


    It''s a consideration so as not to cool the body, but it''s warm enough inside the mansion to stay in long, thin sleeves.


    I doubt very much that consideration is necessary.


    ''.........You''re here.


    A slamming sound approaches.


    There is only one person in the mansion who walks so unrefined.


    "A grown man who doesn''t even work and drinks too much fragrant tea!��If you''re not careful, you''re going to get your eyeballs blown out!


    Leela''s voice sounded and Leonhardt cowered his shoulders.


    She stood next to him with a thud of footsteps.


    ''In a manner of speaking, this is also my job.


    Work is a sweatshop job.


    Leonhardt lightly cowered his shoulders.


    It seems that work is work for the poor farmer Leela.


    You don''t get a free tea either!


    I know that.


    No, you don''t get it.


    Leela put her hands on her hips and shook her head exaggeratedly.


    ''Do you have any idea what state the Imperial City is in right now?


    I hear things are back on the streets.


    How many months ago did you say that? I mean, things were better in the past. But now things are back to normal, or worse, even worse.


    What''s going on?


    It''s not like we''re working a job, there''s a bunch of guys in dirty clothes hanging around, the stores have gone bad, the bureaucrats are all over the place.


    ''So you''re saying that the number of vagrants has increased, circulation has been slowed down, and the quality of officials has declined.


    ''I hear you have cleansed the slums?


    Purification?��That was just a killer. It''s nothing more or less than that. No, it''s just a bad quality to hide your guilt with words.


    Leela said as she wound up.


    She''s certainly right.


    A murderer is a murderer, and a betrayal is a betrayal.


    We shouldn''t fool ourselves.


    ''I heard the slums are gone?''


    Just like locusts, even if you chase them away, of course they''ll come back. They''re worse than locusts because they''re intelligent.


    ...I see.


    Leonhard leaned back.


    ''It''s the country, I want to go home.


    I''m sorry, but I''m not going home for a while.


    We can go home when Leonhardt comes home. I mean, he''s earned the time. You should go home.


    Leela puffs out her cheeks in frustration.


    Do you miss the country so much?


    Of course I miss it.


    I don''t know.


    Yes.


    Leela nodded snidely, but Leonhardt couldn''t understand.


    I understand that he misses his home.


    I understand--''''


    ''''I don''t think there were any good memories to miss, though.


    That''s right, life was hard for me in my house.


    Hmm, Leonhard nodded.


    He was so impoverished that he offered his daughter in exchange for taxes.


    I don''t understand the sensibility of getting away with it because it was painful.


    But it ain''t just because I was in pain, either.


    Oh.


    A small voice.


    That''s it.


    I honestly don''t know how to react.


    ''Like ... like ... like ... what happened?''


    So, what can I do for you?


    It''s going to take a long time, so I break off the conversation.


    I''m curious to see what memories I have of it, but if I had to keep up with Leela, the sun would go down.


    ''Oh, yes!��I received a letter from your mansion.


    Leela randomly offers a letter.


    It is sometimes said that the other servants may not be as vigilant, but they are more trustworthy than those who turn their wits around poorly.


    Leonhardt grabs the letter, but Leela doesn''t let go of it.


    She smiles.


    ''Thank you.''


    No need to thank me.


    Leela smiles shyly.


    I feel like I''ve been forced to thank her, but it''s cute that she''s satisfied with this level of gratitude.


    Leonhard untied the string and unfolded the letter.


    I''m going to be able to follow the text there with my eyes and let out a small sigh.


    ''''What did it say?


    They said the same thing about Leela.


    You''re my lord. I knew this wasn''t right for a grown man to be lounging around in the daytime.


    Leela crossed her arms and nodded in satisfaction.


    It''s not so simple, though, Leonhard replied in his mind.


    This was a reply to the letter he had sent right after he was sentenced to house arrest.


    ''Could you bring me some writing materials from my room?


    Okay.


    With that, Leela began to walk with a thumping footstep.


    It was an unrefined walk, but I didn''t dislike it.


    ''''........not at all.''''


    Leonhardt poked his cheekbones.


    He remembered the contents of the letter and let out a small sigh.


    You worry about yourself.


    That was the answer to his advice to distance himself from Alfort.


    The head of the family and his legitimate son must put the family''s interests first.


    That''s what my father taught me.


    I want to believe that he won''t do anything foolish, but I can''t shake off my fears.


    He has not been thorough in his teachings.


    Basically, he has the family''s best interests at heart, but he is often driven by emotion and blinded by greed.


    As a result, his father has caused the Duke of Palatium''s family a small amount of damage.


    Perhaps he - even the servants must not consider it a damage.


    So, he doesn''t learn.


    He repeats the same mistakes.


    ''''Well, if he is...''''


    Is it about time he learned that a local nobleman was running the empire and was driven by righteous indignation?


    Or is it about the time that he is giving instructions to his children''s subordinates?


    There''s no chance that they''re thinking about how to behave when they learn that Princess Tilia has raised an army.


    ''''I''d be grateful if they would stay put until the trend is clear.


    Princess Tyria or Alfort - I decide to see who will win and decide how to swing myself.


    I think about such things and mock myself for my own prickliness.


    The world is filled with cynicism because such a man is called a ''holy knight'' and so on.


    If he was a true ''holy knight'' he would have fought for his friends.


    ''''........Even if you decorate your words, is betrayal still betrayal?


    A slamming sound echoes to drown out the muttering.


    ''''I''ve got it, Leonhard-sama, I''ve got it.


    Thank you.


    Leela bared her chipped teeth and laughed, and put her writing utensils - a quill and an inkwell - on the table.


    Now," said Leonhardt, picking up the quill - "I''m going to take the quill.


    ''Dear Leonhardt.''


    What is it?


    I stop my hand when Leela calls my name.


    ''''Don''t write too many horrible things to Mikan-sama, okay?


    How so?


    I''ve got a little brother in my house, but....


    ...hmm.


    You put your quill on the table.


    "My older brother gets very unhappy when his younger brother pays attention to him.


    Did he say something to you that was misguided?


    Yeah, well, it looked like I was giving him a fair warning.


    Why then?


    It''s always annoying when my brother says something that makes sense.


    That''s unreasonable.


    That''s the way it is.


    Leela said with a sullen look and fell silent.


    She looks at me as if she wants to say something.


    You don''t get it yet, do you?


    ''I''m not that stupid. Leela wants me to stop my admonition to your father, doesn''t she?


    You don''t know shit, do you?


    Leela let out a deep sigh.


    ''I said choose your words,''


    I wish I had a choice of words, too, don''t I?


    Don''t try to rip me off.


    It''s not a false feeling, but Leela''s eyebrows are knitted together in a disgusted manner.


    The first thing you need to know is that you''re family, and you don''t have to be afraid.


    Some families get very twisted, don''t they?


    I can''t help but let the irony leak out.


    Well, I don''t care about that.


    Does it matter?


    All that matters is now.


    Oh, God, you female creatures.


    She''s really tough.


    Or maybe Leela is special.


    In any case, I''m sure it''s an amazingly bold move.


    "Leonhardt-sama may look like a fool to the people around him, but people have feelings.


    You mean, decorate your words?


    That''s what I''m talking about.


    ''Ehem,'' said Leela, puffing out her chest.


    ''I wonder why. I seem to remember hearing the exact opposite opinion just now?''


    That depends. Master Leonhardt is a roundabout fool, isn''t he?


    Totally earsore.


    Leonhardt cowered his shoulders, but he felt it was a plausible opinion.


    He hadn''t taken the approach of admonishing euphemistically until now.


    ''''Now, what kind of sentence should I make?''''


    Leonhardt crossed his legs and began to formulate a sentence plan.


    *


    Crono climbs the stairs of the control tower, checking his footing.


    This command post was made by a dwarven craftsman.


    The quality is unmistakable.


    It must be able to support the weight of a minotaur or even a lizardman without difficulty.


    In spite of this, I felt like I was walking on a thin plank, unreliable.


    It was the strain.


    Halfway up the stairs, I looked up and saw people popping into view.


    People, people, people, people as far as I could see.


    If it was just my own men, I wouldn''t have been so nervous.


    But here - it''s not just my own men who are in the hall for the launching ceremony.


    Old knights, volunteer soldiers, mercenaries of the Confederation of Tribes, knights of the Kingsguard, regular soldiers from the five territories, peddlers in charge of logistics, women who do the cooking and laundry - there are about fourteen thousand of them.


    If you include the spectators, the number of people would swell to more than double.


    That''s how many people are watching Crono''s every move.


    It''s natural to be nervous.


    Your mind is about to go blank, but you take a deep breath and regain your composure.


    I don''t know why my mind didn''t go completely blank.


    Is it because of the many times you''ve gone through the rage?


    Or is it because I''ve gained experience standing above others?


    Or is it because you don''t want to look disgraceful?


    How can everyone talk normally, Crono chuckles.


    Brad, Tina, Baron Treis, Baron Mesartim, and Baron Bossain seemed to be talking normally.


    No, said Crono, his smile deepening as he remembered Baron Treis.


    What can I say, he had gone too far.


    Sweating, spitting, and gesturing, he called out Alfort''s outrageousness and praised Tyria for her.


    He looked like a dubious religion or a street vendor''s cherry-picker.


    Crono climbed the stairs and stood in the center of the command post, wondering if he looked decent compared to Baron Trace.


    There is a microphone and a microphone stand there.


    The microphone was made by Eryl and the microphone stand was made by a dwarven craftsman.


    Crono took the manuscript out of his pocket and went to open it, which he had folded up.


    That''s when the wind blew.


    The wind was so strong that it made the dust fly.


    The manuscript was being swept away by the wind.


    When Crono looked up, even the onlookers were trembling with laughter, as if they were trying to hold back their laughter.


    ''Oh dear. The wind blew me away.


    Some of the generals who couldn''t bear it anymore erupted.


    Furthermore--.


    ''''And it''s super cool that the wind blew me away!


    You''re the man, Mr. Crono!��A man who will not fail you!


    I heard Aridid and Deneb''s voices.


    ''Remember,'' he said, vowing revenge in his mind.


    ''Well, the others have said what I wanted to say, and I didn''t mean to say much of anything. You all want me to cut the story short as soon as possible, don''t you?


    When Crono cowered his shoulders, the generals laughed.


    It was a lie.


    They were thinking of a speech that was as good as the other lords for this day.


    ''I don''t have a lot to say. First of all, I don''t approve of looting or rape. The Chamber of Commerce and the Peddlers Guild are working with us so that we don''t have to loot and we don''t have to rape... well, what can I say, we have the prostitutes working with us.


    The general laughs with a thud.


    More than a few of them are looking at the women in their fancy costumes, though.


    ''Next, of course, is to value your life. I hope you don''t give up on life, no matter what the circumstances.


    Crono spun his words while remembering the parent conquest.


    He lost a lot of men in the parent conquest.


    I don''t believe that you can survive if you have a strong will.


    No matter how strong your intentions are, no matter how noble your ideals are, when you die, you die.


    On the other hand, I believe that sometimes strong will can keep you alive.


    The battlefield is ruthless. I can''t lie and tell you that if you don''t give up, you will survive. But sometimes, if you give up, it ends there.


    Crono tightened his grip on the necklace.


    The first thing he remembered was the parent conquest - when he was on the road to return to the Empire.


    Many of them died as their wounds worsened, but many of them died as their spirits wilted.


    Next I remember the ordeal of death.


    The only reason they were able to maintain their sanity in the midst of such intense pain must have been their strong will.


    So don''t give up until the end of your life.


    Crono looked at the generals.


    In this battle - many will die for the ideals that Crono and the others have set forth.


    If only it were possible.


    I wanted to take more time and fulfill the ideals without making any sacrifices.


    I didn''t want to use my ideals as a tool.


    But now it''s too late.


    There was no turning back now.


    Many generals will die in this battle.


    If the sacrifices are inevitable, then we must build something worth it.


    ''''This is all I have to say. Let''s all get out of here alive.


    Crono turned on his heel and descended from the command post.


    Tilia was standing at the bottom of the control tower.


    She was dressed in the same white military uniform as usual.


    ''That was a brilliant speech!''


    For ad-libbing?


    Well, you know.


    Tilia gives a wry smile.


    ''I just wanted to warm the place up a bit more.


    No, it''s good enough.


    You''re in good hands.


    Of course.


    I was about to score a high five, but we just scraped past each other.


    Tilia stopped in front of the control tower and slowly went up the stairs.


    She stopped in the middle of the control tower and said.


    ''''Gentlemen!��The time is ripe!


    I raised my voice.


    A zap sound resounded.


    Hearing Tyria''s words, the generals straightened their posture in unison.


    ''''The alliance''s unity is strong, and our troops'' skill level is high!��No need to worry about running out of supplies with the help of subjects who care about the future!


    Oh, and the generals groaned.


    Aside from the soldiers, the information should have been passed on to the centurion class, but hearing it from Tyria''s mouth, it seems to have a different meaning.


    ''''The new nobles on the southern frontier resonate with our ideals, and the nobles governing the territories on the march route, with the exception of Baron Bowties, have promised to cooperate!��The only people who stand in our way are the false emperor Alfort and the rascals who have deep pockets!


    Quirky, Crono looked at Tilia.


    Tilia''s words contain lies - things that aren''t true.


    The nobles ruling the territory on the march route have not promised to cooperate.


    If I had to say, they only promised to be neutral - they promised not to interfere with the march.


    And that too unofficially.


    If the imperial army were to be defeated, there is a strong possibility that they would renege on their promise.


    ''''It''s time to abolish the false emperor and fulfill our ideals!


    Oh!��And the generals shouted heroically.


    The air trembles and my body heats up.


    Even though I knew I had to keep my cool, I wanted to surrender to the impulse.


    The one who poured cold water on such feelings was none other than Tilia.


    ''But!��But but!


    The scene falls silent for a change.


    ''We must fight the right fight. Looting, murder, rape we must not commit barbarism. If we commit barbarism, our ideals will be tainted and we will go down in history as plunderers.


    Tilia spoke quietly.


    ''This must be understood by one soldier, or rather by everyone involved in this battle. We want to believe that no one will commit barbarism, but if they do, even in the unlikely event that they do, they will be severely punished. Of course, we are doing our utmost to prevent that from happening. Well, as to what efforts we are making, you will remember what Crono said.


    When Tilia looked down in embarrassment, the generals laughed in a thud.


    When the laughter died down, Tilia looked up.


    ''''Come on, let the battle begin.


    *


    "Bicentennial. Where''s the wagon for number two hundred? (GAGU?)


    Hey!��We''re one man short!


    Live and come back alive!


    Who are you?��You stepped on my foot!


    ''Oh, yeah, yeah, I''m the number three hundred. So come on over and have fun. I''ll give you a service.


    "One hundred and five, one hundred and five." (Bumobumo)


    .....


    Hey!��Stop touting and get your ass over here!


    The carriage ramp we had set up near Sylvania was crowded with people.


    Less than seven thousand people would join the southward march.


    The number of covered wagons was nearly seven hundred.


    Anticipating the confusion, we conducted a forecasting exercise, and it went well at the time.


    ''''I knew we should have dispersed the boarding area.


    Yeah.


    Crono blurted out, and Tilia nodded.


    ''''You''re ... lost?''''


    What could possibly go wrong?


    Tilia raised her eyebrows as if miffed and pointed behind her with her thumb.


    A four-horse box carriage was staying at a considerable distance.


    The box carriage that was prepared for this day was a camper''s blue performance.


    There were old knights around it.


    They are the ones who have been chosen to serve as the coach''s attendants and the ones who have not been chosen to serve as the coach''s attendants are saying their goodbyes.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.


    Keep them quiet. It might be the last time they''ll ever have their day off.


    No one is wearing sheet metal armor, as expected, but they are wearing very fancy hats and some kind of a camp cloak.


    ''Manchausen, Alonso, I want you to protect Princess Tyria for me too!


    Of course!


    Good luck to you all. I look forward to seeing you again in Emperor Kai''s domain!


    Then the three of them hugged each other.


    It''s not as if the three of them were the only ones getting excited.


    ''''Don''t be in a hurry to die. We have to protect Princess Tilia.''''


    I know. But if things go wrong...


    Yeah, I''ll see you on the other side.


    The old knights are sobbing all over the place, their faces crumpled up with tears and snot and crying like this.


    A man in a white uniform approaches, avoiding the old knights.


    For some reason, Cecily is with him.


    ''''Crono-dono!


    Sir Brad!


    You can call me brother-in-law, if you want.


    Brad smiled kindly.


    That smile sent a chill down my spine.


    ''My sister''s told me all about you.


    That''s not...


    Cecily turned her head away as Crono turned his gaze on her.


    ''What are we going to do?''��And Tilia poked me with her elbow.


    The time to go into battle is now, and what a mess.


    The only way to get down on your knees is to get down on your knees, and Crono jitterily retreated.


    ''I''m so relieved to see you''re doing so well.


    What?


    I stare at Brad without a second thought.


    But he''s smiling an insincere smile.


    ''Cecily?''


    I told you honestly how shameful your behavior was.


    Cecily bit her lower lip.


    ''I''m not sure this is the right time to tell you.


    If we don''t say something now, when do we say it?


    At least wait until the fight is over.


    She''s a hell of a woman to do something that would crack the alliance.


    When this fight is over, you will be punished.


    "You''re so close.


    Does it look like that to you?


    ''Ah, I see my father and mother. Well, unfortunately, my father wasn''t as talented as Lord Crono, but...


    Tilia gave him a look that said she had seen something incredible.


    ''Talent, talent....yeah, well, it''s good.''


    Princess Tyria!


    Cecily let out a shrill scream.


    ''''Then we''ll go ahead. Next, in the Imperial City...''''


    Good luck.


    Make sure it stays that way.


    Brad saluted, and Crono and Tilia returned the salute.


    The role of the Fifth Kingsguard is to load the lords'' nostalgia and backward disturbance - to load the distribution.


    It would be nice if they could penetrate the hinterland of the Imperial Army, but this would be too greedy.


    ''''Come on, let''s go.''''


    My brother!��Your brother is mistaken, sir!


    Brad dragged Cecily along with him.


    ''Brother!��After a while, I didn''t hear a voice saying, "I''m sorry.


    Slightly later--


    ''Cecily!��Cecily!


    Verna came over.


    ''Master Crono, have you seen Cecily?''


    They took me over there.


    You''re a cold-hearted bastard in the middle of what could be your last goodbye.


    Tsk, Verna clicked her tongue adorably.


    ''Maybe it''s not too late?''


    Yeah, I''m gonna take a little walk.


    Don''t be late again.


    Verna disappeared into the crowd, and Tilia blurted out.


    ''Master Crono!''


    "Oops!


    Crono took Snow in.


    ''Are you lost?''


    ''No!��I''m here to say hello!


    Snow looked up and puffed out her cheeks in frustration.


    ''You can always see me.''


    How far away do you think my carriage is from Master Crono''s?


    Yes.


    Crono''s carriage is at the front, and Snow''s carriage - I believe it was the hundredth carriage.


    ''Besides, I''m not a child either, and I know I won''t be able to see Crono-sama.


    Say it again.


    I''m not a kid.


    Oh,


    As Crono shuddered with emotion, Tilia grabbed him by the shoulders.


    ''When the fight is over, you''ll be admitted to the hospital.''


    Why?


    I think you might be sick.


    No, it''s not.


    So it''s a mandatory stay.


    Well, we''ll take care of you.


    "We?


    Tilia''s eyes narrowed as if she sensed something.


    ''Snow, pull out, deke deke, no.''


    ...we are in the same carriage, so there should be three of us.


    Sue and Lizardman, who was carrying a large backpack, walked up to Snow.


    ''Where''s Eryll?''


    "...on your back.


    When the lizardman turned his back, he saw Eryll riding a backpack of some sort.


    ''I''m getting fat again, okay?''


    "...no problem. I''m maintaining a reasonable weight.


    His tone was matter-of-fact, but his eyes were swimming a bit.


    Maybe he''d gained a little weight again.


    ''How did you get to be a backpacker?''


    ''''........I have successfully lost weight, but my mobility is not high. Therefore, I have Drago the Lizardman to make up for it.


    Eril puffed out his nose in a proud manner.


    ''Are you okay?''


    "...no problem.


    Lizardman - Drago said as he let his tongue dart in and out of his chirping.


    ''''Well he''s quiet, but we''re communicating well,''''


    Yeah?��I hope so.


    I''m worried that the Lizardmen are doing whatever they want with their silence as a good thing.


    ''''........It''s okay. Eril, I''ll protect you.'''' (Shuu~)


    You''re on it.


    Drago nodded firmly and began to walk away.


    Snow and Sue followed.


    ''See you later, Master Crono!


    "Mata.


    ....


    The three of them waved and Crono waved too.


    ''You too--''


    Lady Crono!


    Half-elf.


    Tilia frowned as Leila interrupted her words.


    ''Are you going to go now?''


    Yes, I--


    Like we''re part of the advance party!


    It''s been a long time since I''ve been an archer again!


    Alideed and Deneb hugged Crono from both sides.


    It''s quite a shock.


    ''''........''''


    "...phew.


    Leila raised her eyebrows slightly and Tilia smiled to say it was a good spook.


    ''What about Kane?''


    It''s like they''re getting ready to go a little off the beaten path!


    He said he was bummed because he came out dressed up!


    Well, I guess so.


    I left Sylvania prepared to leave Sylvania, but I came back.


    It''s not a good idea to be a buzzkill.


    ''Where''s Faye?''


    I''m already on horseback.


    It''s a chance, it''s a chance, it''s a chance, it''s a chance, it''s super scary.


    Chance?


    Personally, I don''t want to see a situation where the advance team is active.


    When Crono turned his gaze to her, Leila nodded as if to say to leave it to her.


    ''''........Crono-sama. See you later.


    Be careful.


    Yes!


    Leila nodded emphatically and turned on her heel.


    ''Master Crono, for us?''


    Like a hot smooch is what I''m looking for!


    You''ll remember this when this fight is over.


    It''s like a confession of love!


    No!��And this is just a warning for a sermon!


    Alideed was perverse, but Deneb seemed to get it right.


    ''And it''s okay!��And Crono-sama doesn''t act like he''s going to preach after the fight is over!


    ''Maybe!��And Master Crono is a kind man!


    Really?


    I do and I believe in you!


    And it''s important to believe!


    When Tyria tilted her head, Aridid and Deneb said in dismay.


    How could I not believe it with just one word--''''


    ''''Both of you get the hell out of here.''''


    And that''s just one word: ruthless!


    Do you mean like a rescue ship?


    What if it''s a mud boat?


    Muima!


    But we have to get out of here!


    Tyria grinned and Aridid and Deneb fled.


    ''Arideed!��Deneb!


    We just got out of here and we''re standing still!


    But I like being like that!


    When Crono called out to them, Aridid and Deneb stopped.


    He smiled at them.


    ''''Be careful, you two.


    You know, that smile makes me nervous!


    We''re not giving up until our last breath!


    With that, Aridid and Deneb took off running.


    ''Well, let''s go too,''


    Speaking of which, the guys from the Marquess'' house never showed up.


    I''ve already said goodbye to everyone.


    Mufu, Crono laughed.


    It was really a passionate greeting.


    ''You''re talking to me and another woman''s--''


    Master Crono, you''re in a place like this.


    .....


    The landlady walked up to Crono and Tilia''s face contorted.


    By the way, the landlady will also join in as the cook.


    ''''What''s the trouble?''''


    It''s not like that. Well, you know, I''m the cook when I say I''m going on the march. I''m not free to see you, so I just wanted to say hello.


    I''m sure we''ll see each other on occasion.


    I hope so.


    Then the landlady chuckled.


    ''''........A battle with the Empire, huh? The little boy who doesn''t know anything about the world has grown up.


    I''m growing up and she''s taking it in stride.


    ''Don''t talk like that. You''re looking at Princess Tyria with a scary look in your eyes.


    I looked next to her and saw that Tilia was smiling.


    But her eyes weren''t smiling.


    ''That''s why I''m going to my carriage.


    I''m sure you''ll be fine, but be careful.


    I''m not as dangerous as Master Crono.


    The landlady fluttered and waved her hand and walked away.


    ''Right. I''m not as dangerous as you are.''


    I''m feeling a little fearful for my life.


    Excellent hazard detection. Well, just because you can sense it doesn''t mean you can respond to it.


    A death threat!


    Don''t worry, I''ll keep you alive until the baby is born.


    Tilia grinned and suddenly turned serious.


    ''Crono, be careful,''


    You too.


    He laughed from either side and headed for his own carriage.


    ''''I knew we should have split up the ride,''''


    Crono made his way to his carriage with a sideways glance at the generals.


    White and Hiilo were saying goodbye to Alyson and the other children, while Taiga was saying goodbye to the tiger beastmen.


    ''''General, over here!'''' (BUMO!)


    Okay!


    The deputy shouted from the wagon and Crono quickened his pace.


    ''Have you gotten lost?'' (Bum?)


    It''s a long story.


    Crono rode in the wagon with the help of his deputy.


    ''Has Mr. Mino finished saying goodbye to his family?


    "I can''t say it was a very emotional goodbye, but...


    The deputy bared his teeth and laughed, and Crono moved to the back.


    ''Good work,''


    You''re not tired yet. Oh, no, no, no. "We shouldn''t be fighting.


    Zion bowed his head as he sat in his seat, and the priestess shook her head.


    By the way, there''s an empty bottle of liquor lying at the priest''s feet.


    Crono let out a small sigh.


    When he thought that the priestess was one of his trump cards, he was filled with anxiety.

 137-Episode 15 "Southward" Part 2

    *


    The second day of the southward march - the new covered wagon was more comfortable than the old one.


    It was so comfortable that it made him feel sleepy.


    No, no, Crono shook his head.


    He could see that he was holding back the sleepiness.


    The second-in-command, who was sitting opposite him, tucked the communication magic item into his pouch.


    ''''General, if you''re sleepy, I don''t mind if you sleep.'''' (Bumo)


    I can''t sleep.


    Crono glanced next to him.


    There, Theon and the priestess were rowing a boat.


    I''m annoyed at the sight of the priestess sleeping with a bottle of alcohol in her arms.


    ''''We''ve only just entered the Baron Treis territory, you know. If there is a cue for Ashira, it will be tomorrow................................in the Baron Bowties'' territory.


    I wouldn''t want to fight if I could.


    "He''s just like me.


    ...Yeah, I see.


    Crono''s eyes widened lightly.


    The family of his deputy has worked in the quarry of the Barony of Bowties.


    It''s a grueling job that is close to death.


    In fact, the deputy''s brother has lost his life.


    He decided to emigrate because he thought there was no future for him if he continued to work in the quarry, and he helped build the port.


    Because of that history, I thought he was thinking of killing them if he had the chance - but.


    "General, I''m not thinking of revenge." (Bumo)


    You''re cool. That''s encouraging.


    "I''m not cool with it.


    Hmm?


    "I don''t know about my father and mother, but I''m done with this Baron Bowties thing for me.


    The first officer said with a sigh.


    ''''Maybe it''s true that you don''t want to get involved.'''' (Bumo)


    Okay.


    Crono nodded--


    ''What do you think?''


    "I don''t think it''s possible to follow him honestly.


    Yeah.


    "Of course, you have your place in life." (Bumo)


    The deputy let out a deep sigh.


    Baron Bawties has assumed the position of head of the finance department.


    Considering what happened after the war, we can''t surrender in vain.


    We need to pose as having resisted.


    Even better if you have something to be proud of.


    ''''Well maybe I would buy myself some time.


    "How will you buy me time? (Bum?)


    Prolong the negotiations.


    "Well, that''s all that''s necessary for a normal army.


    Bummo, the second-in-command nodded.


    It was obvious, but the commander''s discretion was not unlimited.


    They have to move within the authority given to them.


    ''''But since we have Princess Tilia,''''


    You''ve kept me from getting stranded.


    The imperial army is accompanied by Tilia, the supreme commander.


    You can leave the decisions that are beyond your control to him.


    So, are we going to fight a battle? (Bum?)


    I wish I could give you a break.


    Crono let out a sigh.


    It''s not hard to understand the feelings, but I''d rather have you surrender than sacrifice your soldiers for the sake of your face.


    You have your own set of circumstances, you know. They don''t do as they wish," he said.


    I''m aware of that.


    Crono thrust his cheekbones in support of his thighs and let out another sigh.


    ''''If you surrender, that''s a problem, you know.'''' (Bumo)


    I don''t trust you, do I?


    "That''s right.


    The deputy nodded as if to say my intentions.


    ''The city where Baron Bowties'' mansion is located...''


    "Surrounded by Walls.


    ''Then let''s go in further.


    If we can even siege the castle, we can make a bold move.


    Well, as long as it doesn''t matter what happens to the lords.


    ''''It hurts to have to fight a clean battle.


    "It could happen after the war, you know.


    It''s not even time to fight.


    "There are ways to win even if you''re holed up in a castle.


    The deputy turned his gaze to Theon.


    It was true that her Divine Majesty Technique could destroy the walls of the city--''''


    ''''If she could do that, it wouldn''t be a hardship, would it?


    "You have to save it, you know.


    If there''s nothing we can do about it, we''ll have to ask for help, but we must avoid using our trump card at this time.


    ''''Well, there''s no point in discussing it here, is there?''''


    "It''s easy to make assumptions.


    Yes.


    Crono nodded and remembered that his second in command had a magic item for communication.


    ''Speaking of which, do you have a tentative report?''


    It''s all done. It''s all good.


    Good.


    Crono patted his chest.


    ''''Although the story has changed, the magic item for communication is very useful.'''' (Bumo)


    I won''t have to run a message.


    Right now, I can contact all the territories - the Marquis of Erakis, Count of Caddo, Viscount Hamal, Viscount Sheratan, Baron Treis, Baron Mesartim, and Baron Bosain.


    ''''I''d like to expand our communication network throughout the empire eventually~''''


    "That''s the perfect symbol of the new era." (Bumo)


    Yeah, that''s true.


    Crono turned his gaze away from his second-in-command.


    He couldn''t say he was thinking about how lucrative it would be if he had a monopoly on the communications concessions~.


    How dirty it was compared to his purity.


    ''''Say it''s great, this covered carriage is great too!'''' (Bumo)


    Then the deputy patted the seat.


    ''It''s not just the suspension, I''ve improved the wheels as well.


    "Yes, that''s right. Goldie''s done a lot of things...


    That''s what it''s all about,


    Hmmm, Crono laughed.


    Goldie had succeeded in creating rubber from vegetable oil and sulfur.


    The technical problems made it look like a four-wheel drive tire, but the ride was much more comfortable.


    I wish we had more time to try things out.


    "It''s enough not to wear out your soldiers.


    I worked hard on that one.


    The other party can just wait and see, but this one has to attack the imperial capital through a number of territories.


    A healthy soldier or a tired soldier - there''s no need to argue which one is stronger.


    ''''It feels like we''re getting the most out of our experience for what it''s worth.


    ''''Hey, the general has grown up to be a fine man. Well, when I was appointed as a caretaker, I didn''t expect it to turn out like this.


    So do I.


    Haha, Crono laughed.


    *


    Crono got out of the wagon and stretched to relieve the stiffness.


    Apparently the ride on the wagon may be better, but the body is still stiff.


    But that would be the same no matter what kind of vehicle it was.


    "General, let''s get off!" (Bumo)


    I''m sorry. I''m sorry.


    As I step aside, my second-in-command jumps down.


    The ground shakes with a thump.


    The deputy also stretches out, perhaps to relieve the stiffness.


    A rumbling sound can be heard.


    "Your shoulders are stiff even though you''re just sitting down." (Bumo)


    Yes.


    A joke, joke, joke sounded as he turned his shoulders.


    Crono looked up at the sky.


    The sun is tilting, but there is still some time before evening.


    ''The sun is still high,''


    "The sun will be shining by the time you''re ready to eat.


    Mr. Mino.


    "I beg your pardon.


    When the deputy moved in, there stood Theon, looking unoccupied.


    Crono held out his hand.


    ''Come in.''


    Thank you.


    Theon took Crono''s hand and got out of the carriage.


    Hmm, she arched her back.


    Her breasts push up her robe.


    She''s usually unaware of it, but she has quite large breasts.


    Suddenly, her vision fades.


    When I looked up, the priestess was looking at me.


    ''''I''m next!''''


    Tsk.


    Why do you have to click your tongue?


    Drinking, sleeping, eating. It''s a good life.


    I was asked to do this and now you''re throwing me under the bus!��Even Ignis wouldn''t say that much!


    "He''s so serious at heart.


    No matter how well they seemed to be getting along, a line would have been drawn.


    Otherwise, he would have been tainted by the priestess and turned into a useless person.


    ''No, he called me an old lady or something!


    It was a little over the limit, wasn''t it?


    What''s the tolerance?


    "Angry...


    You''re actually angry at him?


    ''If you ask me about that. Yeah, but we''ve been corresponding, but the subject of priests doesn''t come up.


    He''s so angry!


    ''You think they''ll come back if you talk about it poorly, don''t you?��Speaking of which, I haven''t heard from your disciple either, have I?


    No, my apprentice is a good one.


    That''s why I haven''t heard from you.


    Maybe they realized that it was easier to do without the priest.


    Maybe they thought they''d do their job better if they were left alone.


    At first, the life counseling sessions were deserted, but recently the number of clients - believers - has been increasing.


    "I guess you don''t want me after all, do you?


    I hope you work hard.


    Yes.


    The priestess was powerless to paragraph.


    ''There''s no time to rest!��After all, I''ve got to cook meals for seven thousand people!


    A commanding voice sounded, and I turned around.


    Then the landlady was giving instructions.


    A meal for seven thousand people, but not all at once in a large pot.


    It''s difficult to make a pot that big, and it''s not suitable for transport.


    Therefore, the cooking is divided into several teams.


    By the way, the landlady is the leader of all the teams.


    ''You''re very reliable,''


    "I have experience with conquests, you know.


    But you need a man to help you.


    The women in charge of cooking and laundry are trying to unload the wagon, but they are sluggish and dangerous.


    ''Do you need help?''


    Just as Crono turned his shoulder, the dwarves walked up to him.


    They are dwarven engineers.


    ''''Leave it to them and you''ll be fine.'''' (Bumo)


    Will it cause any complaints?


    "I''d like to suggest that we can keep you on duty." (Bumo)


    Can you do it?


    "I get along well with the second-in-command class in each unit, so I''m sure they''ll listen to me.


    When did you become so close to...


    It''s just a matter of time before you get to know each other. And since my authority is much greater than theirs, I don''t want anyone trying to get between us.


    Mr. Mino is doing well.


    Crono muttered sincerely.


    We naturally get along well.


    It''s a phrase I want to use at least once before I die.


    ''''Even the general........'''' (Bumo.......)


    My longtime friend (Leonhardt) just became an enemy.


    The second-in-command looked up to the heavens as if to say, ''Achcha.


    ''No, well, I suppose I can''t blame you. I would have done the same thing if I were in the same position.''


    "General, are you calling it a friend? (Bum?)


    ''This is what aristocratic friendship looks like~''


    You can be both friend and foe because of your interests.


    ''Even General Ignis is an ally now. As to whether he''s a friend or not...''''


    "We killed each other.


    Now it was the second in command''s turn to smear.


    Crono had taken Ignis'' right arm and killed his men.


    Ignis also killed one of Crono''s men.


    ''It would have been nice if he was a jerk, though.


    "I''m sure General Ignis is thinking the same thing.


    ''No way, she definitely doesn''t like me. I''m sure he''s shaking his fist in the air, thinking he could kill me if our interests weren''t aligned.


    "Keep up the good work and maintain our friendship.


    I try to do my best there. I write to you often, and I give you all sorts of things that might be useful.


    "How''s the saltiness? (Bum?)


    ''He replies properly, and I think it''s rather good.


    If I write about the priest, though, he ignores that part of the reply.


    ''Well, until we can eat--''


    Crono!


    When my name was called, I looked towards the sound of the voice and saw Tilia approaching us on a white horse.


    She is accompanied by Manchausen and Alonso as her followers.


    By the way, these two men are also riding horses.


    The white horse stops near Crono and Tilia descends to the ground.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    Yeah, I''ll see you on my way to the tour.


    Why didn''t you just walk?


    ''How many kilometres do you think the line of carriages goes on?


    Crono stared at the line of carriages.


    The line of carriages stretched far into the distance.


    ''''If the distance between the carriage and the carriage is ten meters, that''s about seven kilometers?''''


    Can you walk?


    I can walk, but it''s not a great way to see the sights.


    I know, right?


    Tilia crossed her arms and nodded in satisfaction.


    It''s fourteen kilometers round trip.


    Even if it wasn''t a physical problem, it would be a problem in terms of time.


    ''So, how did it go?''


    Yes, our troops are maintaining order.


    Well, I guess so.


    After all, it''s only the second day.


    If order can''t be maintained at this stage, then we should return to our territory.


    You shouldn''t go to war before that.


    "How about you?


    I''d be an encumbrance.


    You couldn''t ride a horse, could you?


    I can ride my horse.


    Tilia gives me a pitying look, and I say it back in honor.


    ''Huh, it looked like you had the reins held at the funeral, didn''t it?


    I could ride alone, but I wasn''t sure I could fit in with everyone else.


    Hmm, okay.


    "Sorry, but I don''t take provocation. It would be bad luck for me if I lost my temper and fell off my horse here.


    A soldier is an experience.


    If Crono were to fall off the horse, morale would drop.


    As a commander, he couldn''t do just that.


    "Hey, no, I wasn''t trying to provoke you.


    ''Hmmm, really?'' I said.


    Maybe you''re just being paranoid.


    I can''t afford to be delusional.


    You don''t want to ride the horse that badly.


    I don''t want to be embarrassed.


    I''m going to tell you the truth.


    ''I don''t want to ride a horse because I don''t want to embarrass myself.


    Yeah, right. No pressure.


    When Crono adamantly refused to ride, Tilia nodded with a subtle expression on her face.


    ''''For the Victory Parade, please provide a carriage.


    You hate it that much?


    No.


    Yeah?


    Tilia''s voice sank a little.


    ''Well, how about we share a meal?''


    I don''t mind that.


    ''That''s good to hear. After all, it''s the first time I''ve ever eaten outside.


    Did you buy it?


    That''s a no-brainer.


    Tilia said quickly.


    It would be cute if he turned his face away in embarrassment.


    ''Same meal as your men while camping, eh? I''m looking forward to it.''


    Kufu, Tilia laughs.


    ''I wouldn''t want to eat while camping out~''


    "General, your mouth is a recipe for disaster.


    My deputy chides me, but I mean it.


    As a nobleman, Crono''s opportunities to eat in the open air are limited.


    Unless they''re having a barbecue, it''s when they''re in the war.


    ''I used to get a kick out of hearing anecdotes about emperors who ate with their soldiers.


    Yeah?


    Gugu, don''t deny me my admiration.


    But you know, so many episodes of emperors have been terrible.


    Yeah, don''t tell me!


    You''re crying for a starving soldier.


    Don''t tell me what to do!��Do you have any idea how much it hurt me to be told that the emperor is an idiot!


    Tilia shouted like a spoiled child.


    ''Did you say something like that?'' (Bum?)


    When I was in military school.


    Crono scratched his head.


    ''The emperor is an idiot,'' he said smugly, ''and he was pissed off like wildfire. Not at Tilia, but at my history teacher.''


    "Sure, I''ll be angry.


    The deputy exhaled through his nose in disgust.


    ''What would Mr. Mino say?''


    "They say they admire the Emperor''s charity.


    I thought I was going to get a compliment.


    "I''m starting to think it''s not the grades that made the general rank last in military school." (Bumobu Bumomo)


    Then why?


    "That''s because you don''t read the atmosphere.


    I thought I''d read it all out.


    If it were fiction, it would be a highly acclaimed trend, but in reality, it doesn''t work.


    ''Anyway, I eat the same food as the soldiers!


    I didn''t start out with a special meal.


    ''I know that. ''I want to dine with the soldiers around the campfire. I want to write poetry and sing.


    I have more things I want to do?


    Do they want to have a campfire?


    You could have told me when you were in the territory and I would have gone along for as long as I wanted.


    ''There are all sorts of episodic sorts,''


    Let''s just have dinner.


    Why?


    Maybe if I hoard poetry or sing it, I''ll be known as the Drinking Empress.


    It would be even more disastrous if they lost.


    No?


    They''re going to make stuff up anyway, so let''s just be normal, like normal.


    ''No, I will make history proper. I will go down as the wise monarch who rebuilt the empire while suffering from an unfaithful husband.


    Well, I''ll be the one who gets to write the history books. My wife beat me to death.


    Are you threatening me?


    It''s history. It''s history.


    Okay, okay. If we''re writing history, we''ll rub it in together.


    Wouldn''t you call that a fabrication?


    "History is made by the victors.


    I guess I''m losing already.


    Tilia grinned.


    The sun has gone down--


    ...and it''s normal. The bread is round and salty.


    Tilia chewed her bread and looked disappointed.


    ''There''s more of it than usual,''


    I wanted to try the camp''s specialties. You know, like a bird wrapped in mud.


    Why bother with that when you have all the utensils?


    I''ve always wanted to.


    Tilia answered Crono''s question shortly.


    Perhaps the dish of wrapping a bird in mud must also be an anecdote from the Emperor.


    ''''A situation without any cooking utensils at all is rather shameful, isn''t it?


    ''I know that, but I''d like to do something typical of an encampment.


    You know how hard I worked to keep the logistics up.


    The various merchant associations, the peddlers'' associations, Dr. Wiseman, the sitters, the clerks - a lot of people helped to make the situation what it is now.


    It was Tilia who made the decision, so it should be understandable.


    Human beings are creatures that seek inconvenience when they are in a favorable situation. Isn''t there anything that seems to be an easy way to make an encampment?


    "....eat grass.


    Am I a cow?


    It''s easy to do.


    Anything else?


    Mr. Mino?


    Crono looked over at the deputy sitting next to him.


    ''How about licking a pebble?'' (Bum?)


    ...pebbles.


    Tilia looked at the stone under her feet.


    ''Not the sharp ones,''


    I know. I''m not that stupid.


    ''I know that, but curiosity can lead you astray,''


    Anything else?


    Cut the bark off the tree!


    Suck it!


    Alideed and Deneb sat down on either side of Tilia.


    They were holding trays with soup and bread on them.


    ''''Well it''s you guys.''''


    What a way to let out a deep sigh, and what a way to treat us, who are treated like friends with Princess Tyria!


    ''Like if you''re walking around in the dust on an off-duty day, they''ll tell you that Princess Tyria isn''t with you or something!


    Tilia said with a sigh, and Alydead and Deneb gawked.


    ''You guys are the advance party,''


    It''s a reconnaissance mission.


    Like the cavalry can''t get far on its own.


    There''s only so much food we can carry on our horses.


    He likes hard bread, but he likes warm rice even more.


    Tyria held her temples as she tried to endure a headache.


    Alideed and Deneb are more hyped than usual.


    Maybe it''s because they''ve been working diligently for two days and are starving for conversation.


    As I was thinking about this, the second in command moved away from Crono.


    ''''Excuse me.''''


    Oh, Leila.


    Leila sat down between Crono and her second in command.


    ''Good work,''


    No, it''s a very important job.


    .....


    Leila proudly puffed out her chest and Tilia frowned slightly.


    ''May I join you?''


    Of course I''m with you, sir.


    Kane sat hunched over in his place, while Faye sat next to her second-in-command.


    ''Tilia''s dream has come true,''


    Quite different.


    Tilia looked around with a raised eyebrow.


    The old knights around her, including Manchausen, were all around her.


    ''''Something''s not right.''''


    Tilia muttered with a divine look on her face.


    ''What do you mean by what?''


    If I knew that, I wouldn''t have a problem with it.


    Tilia bit into the bread with a Buddha''s face.


    Ha~ it''s delicious. Hard bread is not bad, but white bread is the best.


    Hard bread. It''s not bad for preserving food, but it''s too chewy.


    Faye muttered euphemistically as she ate the bread, and Kane looked disgusted as he remembered the time he ate the hard bread.


    ''Huh, hard bread?''


    If you want to eat, I won''t stop you, but if you get pissed off and chew, you''ll chip your teeth.


    That''s it?


    Tilia''s eyes lit up with happiness.


    ''Kane, how did it go?''


    We went as far as Baron Bowtie''s, but they built a fence around our horses.


    Kane said as he stroked his chin.


    He hadn''t received permission from Baroness Bawties to pass through the territory, so he must have gathered information just in time to avoid a struggle.


    ''''Hmm, you''re going to engage in a fight?''''


    No, there weren''t many of us, and it wasn''t that kind of atmosphere.


    Is that so?


    How do you feel about it?


    I think I was nervous, sir.


    When Kane asked him back, Faye replied while chewing her bread.


    Even if it is true that you are a nobleman, you should behave yourself a little better.


    The large army is here, so I''ll at least be nervous.


    It wasn''t that kind of tension. If I had to describe it...


    ''Mmm,'' said Faye, sticking out her lower lip.


    It''s a mock battle with Crono-sama, if I may say so. Even though you said you were motivated~, he''s attacking you with tremendous force.


    "Mm, I can see that.


    Princess Tyria waited hand in hand with Master Crono, didn''t she?


    Uh-huh, a lot of things.


    Princesses are like hand-to-hand in bed!


    ''Normally an imperial princess, like a slave in bed!


    "Who is a slave?


    Alideed and Deneb cheered, and Tyria turned red and yelled at him.


    Why would she say something so unnecessary when she knew they would tease her?


    ''What do you think Leila?''


    ''Why did they put up a horse-proof fence if they weren''t going to fight?


    ''Yeah. At least it doesn''t look like he''s going to surrender honestly.


    ''Hmm, what would you do if Crono was in Baroness Bowties'' position?


    Me, me I''d pretend to surrender and come at you from behind.


    ...Crono.


    Tilia frowned, even though you asked him yourself.


    ''''Isn''t that guy a bad move?'''' (Bum?)


    But you can''t just surrender after the war, can you?


    After the war, wouldn''t it be best for us to surrender?


    ''If you think you''re going to lose to us, it''s best to surrender, but I don''t think you think you''ll lose before then~''


    What''s the evidence?


    That''s because I haven''t said I''m going to cooperate with the Imperial Guard.


    The lords who have joined the economic alliance have promised to cooperate, and the lords who govern the territories on the march route have declared themselves neutral - or at least out of the way.


    ''''And by the way, if we win, Baron Bowties will be in terrible trouble.


    Well, at the very least, don''t make them throw away the recovery funds.


    She''s the princess and she''s notorious for her outbursts.


    But I''m numb to it, like I long for it!


    That''s about normal.


    Wow, like a real donkey.


    It''s like the losers are being picked off by the hair on their asses.


    Tyria said as a matter of course, and Aridid and Deneb shivered, buzzing even though they weren''t cold.


    Perhaps it was an act.


    ''Then what do we do?''


    We''ll barricade ourselves in. We have the walls and we''re going to have to move fast.


    ''Hmmm,'' growled Tilia, raising her eyebrows in difficulty.


    ''That makes sense, but there''s no shame in it, no outward appearance.


    ''Don''t think we should deal with it either way,''


    That''s right--


    A zuzu sound interrupted Tilia''s words.


    Faye put a mouthful of soup on her plate and gulped it down.


    She chewed on more bread and squeaked her mouth.


    Gokun and throat--.


    ''Who are you?!''


    Faye suddenly stood up and threw her plate into the darkness.


    The plate bounces up as it hits something.


    You can''t see it, but someone is there.


    ''What is it!��The enemy!


    I''ll take care of it. Just go!


    ''What!��I am the Lord!


    Manchausen and Alonso stand in for Tilia.


    ''Master Crono!''


    Behind you! (BUMO!)


    I was late!


    Not for Lady Crono, but for Princess Tyria''s shield!


    Leila and her second in command stood to protect Crono, and the panicked voices of Aridid and Deneb could be heard behind them.


    ''Who are you, sir!''


    We''re just passing through.


    When Faye asked again, a voice sounded out of place and light.


    The owner of the voice appears as if it were seeping out of the darkness.


    The person is--.

 138-Episode 15 "Southward" Part 3

    *


    The third day of the southward march - a few hours after leaving the encampment, the speed of the covered wagon changed to a slower one.


    ''''.........General'''' (.......Bumo)


    I know.


    Crono looked at his second in command and gave a small nod.


    If there was trouble, Gosha would be the first to call out to him.


    If there wasn''t, it meant that the territorial boundary - the barrier set up by Baron Bowties - was close at hand.


    ''''........Crono-sama.


    I''ll be fine.


    Crono smiled to reassure the nervous Sion.


    His adopted father had taught him that if he was in trouble, he could handle it by smiling.


    Although I tried to smile, I didn''t feel like it was okay.


    I want to believe that he won''t do something like that to suddenly attack me, but...


    ''''General, it''s all right.'''' (Bumo)


    Mr. Minot.


    Realizing he was nervous, the deputy looked at Crono and gave him a thumbs up.


    What a manly thing to do.


    If Crono were a minotaur female, he would be in love with her.


    Soon, the covered wagon stopped moving completely.


    ''Are you ready?'' (Bum?)


    Can you wait until I tell you not to?


    "I can wait a minute or so.


    Please tell me you can''t wait.


    You can''t make a cup of noodles in a minute and be ready for it.


    Maybe it''s not good for the type of person I am, if you have the time.


    "The boss is always in a hurry to get back to life, if there''s no time to waste.


    I believe in leading by example.


    "Don''t be in a hurry to live or die.


    The deputy said dismissively, and Crono stood up.


    Maybe it was because of the lighthearted banter, but it made me feel a little better.


    If I survive this battle, I think I''ll make some kind of joke collection that I can use on the battlefield.


    Crono jumps down from the wagon, and his second in command follows.


    The ground shakes with a thud.


    After repeating a deep breath, I get out of the shade of the wagon.


    ''''Well that''s the horse-proof fence Kane was talking about.


    Crono muttered softly.


    A horse-proof fence had been set up about a hundred meters away from the wagon.


    The fences set up on both sides of the street were high, while those set up on the street were extremely low.


    Presumably, the one installed on the street was mobile.


    However, they seem to be quite heavy, so it should take a lot of people to move them.


    "It doesn''t look like you''re fully motivated." (Bumo)


    Yes.


    The number of soldiers in the guardhouse would be about a hundred.


    There are infantry, heavy infantry and archers, but no cavalry.


    It''s not uncomfortable to say that it''s not uncomfortable because it can''t be helped if there are cavalry in a defensive battle.


    ''''General, can you see them?'''' (Bum?)


    It''s that boxcarriage in the back.


    There was a box carriage parked behind the horse fence.


    If you are a decent merchant, you have at least a box carriage, but there is no reason to ride to a place like this.


    That means that a nobleman or someone in a comparable position must have come.


    At the very least, it looks like they don''t intend to have a fight here.


    Well, the possibility of letting your guard down and then just going for it is undeniable.


    ''''What do you want to do?'''' (Bum?)


    I''m right on schedule.


    Crono looked up at the heavens and let out a sigh.


    He slapped both cheeks to get his spirits up and started walking towards the barrier.


    Slightly later, his second-in-command followed him.


    ''''I''m impressed with your d*mn courage in times of emergency.'''' (Bumo)


    I don''t have the balls to do it, though.


    If we can get past the first attack, we can use the ''Marking Technique'' to escape, and if they''re attacking us from the other side, we''ll have a good excuse to kill them all.


    ''''Anyway, as long as we can get past the first attack, we can manage.


    "I''ll be able to use you as a shield. Don''t worry about it.


    I''ll just take it in stride.


    ''''Please accept it all. After all, if the general dies, it''s a defeat for the Thirteenth Konoe Order, if not for the Imperial Army.


    You don''t trust Tilia, do you?


    Even if Crono were to die, Tilia would still be able to fulfill his ideals.


    In fact, I think she would do it better than me.


    ''''I have faith in Princess Tilia. But it''s not because I trust Princess Tilia, it''s because she''s the general''s......fianc��e.


    ...your fianc��.


    It wasn''t so much when I was being called a wife or a regular wife, but when the deputy told me I was his fianc��e, it hit me hard.


    It''s better to give it up now." (Bumo)


    I''m not trying to resist, you know.


    I guess it''s called marriage blue.


    What''s the chief complaining about? (Bum?)


    How much did Tilia give you?


    "I''m not like Arised and Deneb.


    Yeah, right.


    The deputy said miffed, and Crono was ashamed of his shallowness.


    Come to think of it, he''s known his second-in-command for a long time.


    To doubt his loyalty is beyond shameless.


    ''''I''m just asking for a little help from my sister when she opens up her shop.'''' (Bumo)


    You''re on the take.


    It''s only a verbal agreement. Well, I have your permission to spread the news that Princess Tilia was tickled by my sister''s cooking.


    You''re running a mouthful, aren''t you?


    "No, we''re here at the magistrate''s office to write our memorandum.


    You are a good man, sir.


    "Of course. The system is there for the purpose of using it." (Bumo)


    It''s not a line I would expect from a second-in-command.


    If it''s so solid, it would have been more of a real mission to get permission to spread the story of his sister - Aria''s culinary delights.


    ''Maybe it will be a Sylvania specialty in the future.


    "This is gonna be fun.


    Crono''s mind was filled with images of Aria''s cooking being introduced on TV hundreds of years later.


    Maybe this is how history is spun.


    ''''Wait!��Stop right there!


    When they were less than twenty meters from the gate, the soldiers shouted out and Crono and the others stopped.


    ''''We are under the direction of Princess Tyria - the Imperial Army!��We are on our way to the Imperial City to defeat the false emperor Alfort!��I''m asking for permission to pass through your territory!��If you stand in our way, you will be considered a traitor! Buh-boom-buh-boom!


    The soldiers at the guards'' office groaned as the second in command spoke loudly.


    The authority of the imperial family was immense here as well.


    It didn''t seem to make much sense in the current situation where the imperial army and the imperial army were fighting each other, but it must be a shock to them to be considered a rebel by the royal family.


    The soldiers in the guards groaned again.


    ''''What is it?''''


    "I think a big shot''s come to visit, don''t you? (BUMO)


    As if to prove my second-in-command''s words, the soldiers split up on either side and two figures approached us.


    One is a woman.


    Her hair is tied up and she looks like an aristocrat in her black dress.


    Her eyes tend to be slanted and her body line is beyond smart and skinny.


    The other one is a man.


    He has his hair cut short and wears a military uniform.


    He''s not just a soldier in name only, you can tell from his tightly built body that he''s not a soldier in name only.


    He has a wild look, but he has an air of aloofness about him.


    Does he look a bit like Kane?


    ''''I am Isabella, who serves as the acting lord. The other one is my brother-in-law, Ark.


    My name is Crono Crawford and I have been appointed by Princess Tyria to command the Imperial Army. Behind me is my right hand man, Mino.


    Oh, and the woman - Isabella''s eyes widened in surprise.


    Was she surprised that the nobleman had described the sub-human as her right hand man?


    I''d be grateful if you''d let your guard down.


    If you estimate Crono''s abilities low, he might give me a rag.


    ''''I recall that you were the lord of the Marquis of Erakis and Count Caddo, correct?


    In my mind, Crawford has more value.


    I explain, disappointed that he didn''t let his guard down.


    In a light tone, to sound like a joke.


    ''More than a marquee?''


    I hope it''s understood. Of course, I try to be flexible enough to use it flexibly.


    When Crono cowered lightly, Isabella hid her mouth with her fan and giggled.


    ''By the way, where is Isabella-sama?''


    It''s the lord''s wife, sir.


    Oh, I see. And the children?


    He''ll be fine in the house.


    ...I see.


    Crono nodded after a short pause.


    ''I''m empowered, so I can negotiate as is, but if I''m honest, I''d rather throw the whole thing to Tilia.


    ''''Lord Crono wants to pass through my territory?''''


    ''We are not alone in this. We want to demand the same consideration from subsequent units.


    Did you say consideration?


    Yes, it''s a consideration.


    Isn''t that the same as saying "surrender"?


    Now, I''m not a scholar, so...


    In fact, you can get away with surrender if you don''t admit it.


    That''s exactly the consideration for Baroness Bowties that I didn''t cut him off to surrender.


    ''As someone who is in charge of your absence, I can''t make a decision that would cause harm to the people of the realm.


    "The Imperial Guard is a group of men who espouse the ideals of the Princess of Tyria. We have no intention of harming innocent people. Of course, no matter the damage they do to the Baron Bowties.


    We won''t know after this fight is over, though, Crono adds in his mind.


    However, both Isabella and Baron Bowties would have expected that much.


    ''''If you agree to our terms, I don''t mind advising Princess Tilia, right?


    Oh, do you think you''ve already won?


    Isabella raised her eyebrows slightly and asked back.


    It was meant to be a bargaining chip, but I guess I made her unhappy.


    But that doesn''t mean I can''t apologize for it.


    ''''Of course.''''


    "-Oh!


    Isabella gasped when Crono laughed.


    Half of it is a bluff.


    If our plan works, we should win, but there''s no guarantee that it will work.


    ''''I wonder if we''ll get a certificate?''''


    Yes, of course.


    You can write a deed if you want to rebut it, but it''s important to keep the evidence.


    An impartial third party is even better.


    ''''I understand. If you promise not to touch the assets of the Baron Bowties family, including the people of the estate, I will allow you to pass through the estate.''''


    Do you want to pick up firewood or refill your water supply?


    If I ask you to be patient, will you be patient, sir?


    I don''t think so.


    ''I will not enter the village. If you do, you can promise to negotiate with the villagers.


    Yes, that would be acceptable.


    Is that acceptable?


    We haven''t negotiated a deal yet.


    ''All right. Now, let''s talk in the boxcarriage.


    Can''t we do it here?


    In here?


    Isabella raises her eyebrows quizzically.


    ''I still think it''s better to have a witness.


    These are my men.


    He''s a soldier of the Empire.


    Crono corrected.


    ''Their salaries come from the Empire, so they are soldiers of the Empire.


    ''Or do you think the Barons Bowties pay them?''


    ''I beg your pardon. They are indeed soldiers of the Empire, aren''t they?


    I''m glad you''re okay with it.


    Crono gave a small smile.


    Ark followed Isabella to her office in the Baron''s mansion.


    Isabella entered the office and sat down on a chair as if she were collapsing.


    The negotiations were over in a short period of time, so it was probably due to mental exhaustion.


    Or should I say exhaustion?


    If you are forced to make a decision with the lives of your subordinates at stake, you will be exhausted.


    It''s even more so when the fate of your home and territory is at stake.


    ''''I''m tired.


    Isabella leaned back in her chair and said with a sigh.


    ''I think we''ve negotiated well, don''t you?''


    Well....


    Isabella nodded after a short pause.


    It was only Ark''s findings, but she had done well.


    Even though she allowed passage through the territory in a manner that was close to surrender, she made the Baroness Bowties agree to terms and conditions to the extent that she could keep her face after the war.


    Considering the difference in military strength between the two sides, even worse conditions weren''t strange, so it''s a good thing.


    No, that may be why.


    The other party - Crono conceded to the extent that it was hard to believe that he was backed by overwhelming military force.


    Isabella saw that as weakness.


    After being led by such an opponent, she was cut off from negotiations in a short time.


    It''s not surprising that you feel defeated.


    So, what do you want to do?


    It''s all planned. We''ll hit them with our cavalry and settle for a siege.


    I understand.


    The answer was as expected.


    Crono said he could win, but Ark thought the odds were slim.


    Then there was no reason to betray Alfort.


    ''''It would have been better if we could have ambushed him.


    That''s a bad idea.


    Well, I don''t think it''s best to strike a blow with just a hundred cavalrymen--''''


    ''''There''s no problem with a siege, is there?


    ''''Yes, of course. I''ve noticed from watching your negotiations with your sister-in-law that Lord Crono is afraid of losing his troops. It is unlikely that they will attack us.


    Well, that''s good.


    As Ark explained, Isabella let out a breath of relief.


    ''Then I''ll take a hit.


    Yeah, take a swing at it and come right back.


    Yes, sister-in-law.


    Ark nodded and turned on his heel.


    ''....Ark.


    As I reached for the doorknob to leave the room, Isabella called out to me.


    ''What is it?''


    You''re really going to take a hit, aren''t you?


    ''Of course. I am not so foolish as to think that a mere hundred cavalrymen can defeat seven thousand soldiers.


    With that, Ark left the office.


    He walked through his familiar home to the stables.


    The servants clear the way and hang their heads reverently.


    The familiar sight feels empty.


    Just when I was about to let out a sigh--.


    ''''Uncle!''''


    A high-pitched voice echoed down the hallway.


    When I turned around, a boy was about to come running towards me.


    The boy''s name is Thor - his brother''s child, the next head of the Baron Bowties'' family.


    Thor stopped in front of Ark and regulated his breathing.


    He waits for him to catch his breath and calls out to him.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    I heard that your uncle is going into battle.


    Who said that, Ark scowled.


    The servant''s light-heartedness of speech disgusts me every time.


    ''I don''t think the enemy is leaking information to us, but we might as well hurry.


    ''''Is it true?''''


    It''s true.


    Ark hesitated often and then answered.


    ''How can you do that when we''ve talked about it?''


    This is a difficult conversation.


    Does that mean a high degree of political judgment?


    I don''t know. You have to keep your word.


    Well yes.


    Ark answered after a pause.


    I know I said it was difficult, but it''s actually about keeping or not keeping a promise.


    Both Ark and Isabella chose to break their promises.


    I laughed at the ridiculous idea that it was an advanced political decision.


    This is not such a high level political decision.


    It''s a matter of profit and loss.


    He broke his promise because he thought it would be more profitable for him to side with Alfort.


    It''s nothing more or less than that.


    ''I suppose we look like fools to you,''


    I never thought of it that way.


    But I can''t stop, you know?


    Ark patted Thor''s head and turned on his heel.


    A hundred of his men - all cavalrymen - were waiting in the stables.


    ''Captain, we''ve been expecting you.


    Sorry to keep you waiting.


    I apologize to the subordinate who approached me.


    ''What''s going on, sir?''


    Thor gave me a hard time about how I had to keep my word.


    My men laughed in unison as I lightly cowered my shoulders.


    ''''What will you do?''''


    Right on schedule. Right on schedule I''m going to do some serious damage to the enemy.


    Ark wasn''t going to take a hit from the start.


    ''Is that one ready?''


    Yeah, he was pretty much trampled.


    Ark took the pouch that his subordinate offered him.


    When he looked inside, he saw that it contained a small gem--a magic item.


    It was said that if you threw it at him, it would release a flame comparable to the higher level magic of fire - the explosion flame dance.


    ''''Can you trust it?''''


    As long as we''re paying for it.


    I was anxious to see if the magic item I got from the merchant who betrayed me depending on the money would be useful.


    I had to get it in secret from Isabella, and in a short period of time, so I can''t blame her if I don''t have a choice.


    ''''But are you sure?''''


    You''ve lost your nerve, now?


    No, sir.


    The subordinate retorted, sounding miffed.


    ''I thought it would be a good idea to play it safe,''


    That''s a fair point, but you''d have to bet on it to get the real thing.


    Ark let out a small breath.


    When was the last time he had felt the emptiness of being shamed by a servant?


    Was it when he realized he was his brother''s reserve?


    Or when he realized that the servant was not himself, but the authority of a nobleman.


    ''I want the real thing, I do.


    I want to win respect.


    This fight is a step in that direction.


    What about you guys?


    I''m with you.


    His men gave a small smile.


    *


    The cavalry, led by Ark, rode through the streets as one.


    There were still no defectors.


    His brother and Isabella would have praised the horses, but Ark wanted to praise his men''s skills.


    With these guys, you can get the real thing.


    Such a confident thought.


    He will cause damage to the enemy and become a kinsman knight with his men.


    Eventually, he would become a Knight Commander of the Kingsguard--.


    Of course, that''s only if I can catch up with the enemy and inflict heavy damage.


    "...You still can''t catch up with me?


    Ark looked around.


    But he couldn''t see far enough to see through the forest that stretched along the road.


    ''They should be close by now,'' he told himself.


    ''There they are!


    He caught sight of the covered wagon and yelled out.


    As if there was trouble, the wagon had stopped moving and soldiers were hovering around it.


    Ark gently touched the pouch.


    There was only one magic item that he could prepare.


    It can''t be used easily.


    ''''........If this is it....


    Maybe I can get close enough to Princess Tyria''s boxcarriage to throw it.


    Then I could be the hero who ended this war.


    Just imagining the respectful looks and compliments directed at me makes me smile.


    ''Let''s go!��D--!


    Suddenly, I felt a floating sensation.


    No, he was thrown from his horse.


    Ark was knocked to the ground--.


    ''''Geez!


    ''Captain!��Captain oh!


    Get down!��Get down--Geez!


    Arrows rained down from the forest and my men were pierced one by one.


    These are the men I''ve been training with great care.


    They promised to get the real thing together and worked hard to get it.


    I was so close to getting it--.


    Run!��Retreat!


    At least, I want to save my surviving subordinates.


    With that single-mindedness, Ark shouted.


    His subordinates turned their horses'' necks around and began to retreat.


    ''''Good, get away!


    One by one, one by one, they were killed, but a few seemed to be able to survive.


    ''''Who ... who are they?''''


    Ark noticed a man standing in the direction of his men''s escape.


    It was a man with gray hair.


    His men tried to get past the man''s side, but none of them were able to get through.


    Just as they were about to walk through or not, his head fell off.


    I didn''t know what had happened, only that my men had been wiped out.


    ''It would have been nice if they had kept their word,''


    A melancholy voice sounded from behind me.


    When I turned around, Crono and Mino were standing there.


    ''''.........d*mn it, how dare you subordinate?''''


    I''m the one who''s gonna complain.


    Crono let out a deep sigh.


    Of course, even Ark knows he''s wrong.


    He tried to kill him, so it''s no wonder he was killed.


    And yet, he spoke out in resentment.


    ''''Why, the attack.......no way, a servant!


    It''s not,


    Crono waved his hands from side to side as if in denial.


    ''Then why?''


    It''s just that I didn''t believe in it from the beginning.


    Crono looked behind Ark.


    ''We, the volunteer army, have been watching you. It''s just a simple job of wolfing down.''


    Well, that''s the thing.


    Yeah, that''s why.


    Ark hung his head helplessly.


    He should have been more vigilant about his surroundings.


    He had lost a subordinate he had been handpicking and nurturing because he had spared the slightest effort.


    No, Ark shook his head slightly.


    My man is killed.


    I will be killed as well.


    But there''s still a chance to be a hero.


    Ark reached for the pouch--.


    ''''It''s a magic item, isn''t it?''''


    A swallowing voice rang out from behind me and I felt a shock as if my heart had been grabbed.


    When I turned around fearfully, I saw a man holding a magic item up to the sun.


    The moment the man put his strength into his fingertips, the magic item shattered.


    I should have followed Thor''s advice if this was going to happen, Ark cried out.


    Isabella was in her office at the Baron''s mansion, waiting for Ark''s return.


    She didn''t know much about the military, but if she was just going to take a swing at it, she should have been back by now.


    ''''It''s ... late.''''


    The next moment I muttered to myself, an explosion rang out.


    ''''Hey, what happened?''''


    Isabella got up from her chair and rushed to the window.


    Then, a group of soldiers nearly came crashing in through the main gate.


    They weren''t soldiers from Baron Bowties'' territory, but soldiers from the Imperial Army.


    He immediately realized that Ark had failed.


    But--''''


    ''''Why aren''t our soldiers returning fire!


    I ask such questions, but of course no one answers them.


    ''''At least we must let her go!


    What passed through my mind was the image of my lovely only son - Thor.


    He wanted to beg for mercy, but they had broken their own promises.


    They would not be able to beg for their lives.


    Because if they forgave themselves, the imperial army would clamor that they would forgive them even if they turned on their blades.


    ''''Thor!��Thor!


    Isabella ran out into the hallway and slumped in place, screaming the name of her beloved child.


    Crono was standing in front of her.


    Behind her was the Minotaur, who was called Mino, waiting behind her.


    It was impossible to push these two away.


    Besides, the sound of wild footsteps could be heard from downstairs.


    Isabella knelt at Crono''s feet.


    She couldn''t help but beg for mercy, even though she knew it was futile.


    ''Master Crono, please, only my son, only his life.


    I''m sorry.


    After a long, long silence, Crono opened his mouth.


    ''I really thought I could put in a good word for Tilia. So--''


    "General, stop it.


    Mino touched Crono''s shoulder and shook her head emphatically.


    ''''No matter what you say, it''s just an excuse.'''' (Bumo)


    Yes.


    Crono let out a deep sigh.


    He didn''t want to kill them, the look on his face told him.


    But he has to kill them themselves.


    ''''We will now discuss what to do with you.


    "...in a way that my son will not suffer, please.


    I can promise you that much.


    Crono nodded with a divine look on his face.

 139-Episode 15 "Southward" Part 4

    *


    Crono looked at Isabella as she knelt.


    She pretended to surrender and attacked him from behind.


    If she hadn''t taken care of it, she might have suffered a great deal of damage.


    ''Master Crono, please, only my son, only his life.


    Isabella looked up at Crono and said pleadingly.


    No, correctly it was a plea.


    Either imprison or exile the son of a traitor and save his life.


    How much easier it would be if he could make such a decision.


    But if he did that, the lords who called themselves neutral would consider Crono to be a sweet man.


    The soldiers entrusted to me by my fellow lords will think he''s a naive man.


    Not only would they be forced to fight a needless battle, but their military discipline could collapse.


    It''s a decision tantamount to suicide.


    As the commander of the Imperial Army, he cannot do that.


    At the same time, he is filled with anger.


    If her son''s life was at stake, why did she take such a step?


    He couldn''t help but wish she had been a little more thoughtful.


    He couldn''t help but feel angry at his own naivety for thinking of ways to help her even though he couldn''t accept her plea.


    ''''I''m ... sorry. I really thought I could put in a good word for Tilia.


    It was hard to squeeze out the first word, but from there it was easy.


    The words poured out like a dam.


    It''s bad, I think.


    What''s the point of making excuses when you have to kill them?


    ''So--''


    "General, stop it.


    As if he couldn''t see it, the deputy touched Crono''s shoulder gently and shook his head without force.


    I could be mistaken, but there was a gentle light in his eyes.


    It was a light that appealed to him that he knew what he was doing.


    I felt a little bit better and a feeling of disgust at myself for that.


    ''''No matter what I say, it''s just an excuse.'''' (Bumo)


    Yes.


    Crono let out a deep sigh, just knowing that there is someone who understands makes it easier, he said.


    ''We will now discuss your punishment. Probably your executions will be tomorrow or the day after.


    "...in a way that my son will not suffer, please.


    I can promise you that much.


    Isabella exhaled as if in relief, when she heard the sound of wild footsteps.


    Her men were coming up the stairs.


    As it was, they avalanched into the hallway and surrounded Isabella.


    A few moments later, Tyga approached with the child in his arms.


    ''Oh, Thor!''


    "Don''t move!


    The second in command holds out Paul Axe and controls Isabella as she tries to run to him.


    ''Mother!''


    Thor!


    The child - Thor shouts and Isabella shouts back.


    ''What can I do?'' (Bum?)


    Put them in the same room. I''ll keep an eye on you, but I want you to treat me like a nobleman.


    "I understand.


    The deputy nodded widely.


    ''''Stay in this room until you''re ready.'''' (Bumo)


    Yeah, yeah, I get it.


    Tyga put down his Thor as his second-in-command gave him a look.


    ''Mother!''


    Thor!


    Isabella hugged Thor.


    ''''Taiga, you''re on guard with your men. You know that........'''' (Bumo)


    "Of course I do, that I do.


    Tyga walked out and the four beastmen followed.


    Isabella walked back to her office, hugging Thor protectively.


    ''Taiga, please?''


    "I know, that I do.


    Taiga bares his fangs as he laughs.


    The two beastmen fortify either side of the door and Taiga and the other three enter the office.


    The beastmen at the back of the room salute Crono and quietly close the door.


    ''''Shiro, Hi-iro, you guys are the security of the mansion. Please be careful........'''' (Bumo)


    "I know.


    "We''ll take care of it ourselves.


    White and Hiilo nodded at Kok, Kok, and Hiilo.


    ''''The rest of the guys are preparing for the encampment outside the city.''''


    My men slithered downstairs.


    I thought they would say they wanted to stretch their wings in the city, but they seem to have learned their lesson there.


    ''....Huh.


    "General, it''s still too early to catch your breath." (Bumo)


    ''Yes, but...'' Report to Tyria, negotiate with the imperial army, build an execution table...


    "You''re missing the point.


    You''re going to have to pay me.


    Hey, how much longer do we have to wait?


    Crono let out a sigh and looked in the direction of the voice.


    Then, a large man with a bald head - Nicole - came up the stairs and approached us.


    Behind him, there was also a young man with gray hair - Neige.


    ''''You can wait a little longer, can''t you?''''


    I''m a big believer in getting your money back sooner rather than later.


    They don''t trust me.


    What are we supposed to trust in a guy who''s going into battle?��Poor or rich, you''re going to die, right?


    Nicole spat, and Neige opened her mouth.


    ''''You''re so patronizing that you''ve set fire to dead grass, aren''t you?


    B-baggot!��You don''t know how hard it is to light the dead grass on fire!


    Well, it''s never been an easy job.


    The young man who cut off the cavalryman''s head muttered sincerely.


    ''''Credit where credit is due, we - the volunteer army - want to free the people working in the stone quarry as soon as possible. We need the Imperial Army''s help to do that.''''


    You don''t need the help of the Imperial Guard?


    I''m a very sick man.


    ''Gho, gho and Neige coughed deliberately.


    ''But still, you''re a volunteer soldier.


    Crono muttered with a sigh.


    ''''Hey, hey, we''re patriots gathered here because we care about the future of the Empire. You could show us more respect, couldn''t you?''''


    The entity is a member of a crime syndicate, a group of criminals and predators who have been thrown into the mine.


    You!


    Nicole unleashes her back fist, but Neige ducks it without a second thought.


    ''''They''re an easy to understand armed group with no patriotism, but ambition.


    You know, an armed group.


    "In the eyes of the Empire, he''s a criminal.


    The less said about that, the better.


    Neige smiled smugly.


    ''Anyway, we want to free the people working in the quarry.


    You''re right, we''ve been working together for that.


    We need to meet up with them in the right place or they will execute us.


    ....


    Nicole silently unleashed a back fist, but Neige easily avoided it as well.


    It''s not surprising since he''s an assassin who stood more than even with his foster fathers in his prime, so it''s not surprising.


    ''''I owe those troublesome people a debt of gratitude.


    a**h*le, that''s one of the more conscientious jobs I''ve had to deal with. It was a no-brainer for me, as long as it didn''t happen.


    I wish it hadn''t happened.


    He let out a sigh as he remembered Isabella and Thor.


    It was promised that the volunteers would keep an eye on Isabella and the others, and if anything happened, the Imperial Army would return and help liberate the quarry.


    ''So, when will you help us?''


    Not until I tell Tyria.


    You mean Princess Tyria?


    Yes,


    Okay.


    Nicole sloppily lost her chemistry.


    Can I follow you?


    Okay.


    You don''t have to look at me like that. I''m not going to hurt you.


    Well that''s not what I meant.


    Maybe Nicole is deifying Tilia.


    I hope I''m not disappointed when I see the real thing.


    ''''You were the head of ... a criminal organization.


    He''s the head of a crime syndicate, not a revolutionary.


    Crono blurted out, and Neige let out a sigh.


    *


    The camp was set up at a distance from the city walls.


    It is lined with tents and the smell of delicious food fills the area.


    Eating is one of the few pleasures for a general on the march.


    However, there is a sense of urgency in the air, having been taken by surprise by an opponent who should have surrendered.


    Crono, accompanied by his second-in-command, Neige and Nicole, walks through it with ease.


    It''s not easy to endure walking in this kind of atmosphere, but if the commander is at ease, his subordinates will feel at ease.


    But when the commander is at ease, his men feel at ease.


    You approach the most luxurious tent in the camp.


    And then...


    "Wait!��This is the tent of Princess Tyria!


    If you want to get in there, you''ll have to go through the formalities.


    The soldiers in the escort - Manchausen and Alonso crossed their spears and blocked their way.


    Their voices are loud, but their faces are twitching and twitching.


    They seem to be so happy about Tilia''s escort mission that they seem to be smiling at any moment.


    I suddenly looked behind the tent and saw that the old knights were sitting down.


    They must be waiting for their turn to take over.


    ''''This is Imperial Commander Crono. I''m here to see Princess Tilia.''''


    Wait a minute!


    Gee, gee, I''ll be next.


    Manchausen enters the tent through the gap and Alonso grits his teeth in a hushed manner.


    ''''Well aren''t we both in different characters?''''


    What are you talking about? That''s what guards are for.


    Oh, I see.


    If you say this is how it should be, I can only answer, "Oh, I see.


    Maybe I should have learned some more serious manners.


    As I was thinking about this, Manchausen came out.


    ''I hear that Princess Tilia will grant you an audience.


    Hi. Hi.


    Just as Crono entered the tent, the sound of spears striking each other could be heard.


    When he turned around, Manchausen and Alonso were blocking the path of his lieutenant.


    Only Lord Crono granted an audience to Princess Tyria.


    "We''ll be waiting outside.


    The deputy said with a sigh.


    ''I''m sorry,''


    "If you think of it as a job, it doesn''t bother you at all.


    The second-in-command shook his shoulders in a small way, as if he was trying to hold back a laugh.


    When he turned to face the front, Tilia was at her desk.


    Crono walked over and stopped in front of the desk.


    ''You can come a little closer, you know?


    Well, I''ll take you up on your offer.


    Crono walked over and sat down at his desk.


    ''Well I didn''t ask you to sit at the desk.


    Yes, but it''s easier to talk to them when they''re close, right?


    Well, yeah.


    Tilia crossed her hands to cover her mouth.


    ''How did it go?''


    ''We''ve got the acting lord, Isabella, and her son Thor. I''ve got Tyga and the others keeping an eye on them now.


    I see.


    Tilia let out a small sigh.


    ''There''s no point in hiding your mouth, is there?


    If it wasn''t you, I''d make it a little better.


    Did you wish you''d run away?


    50/50. Especially when it comes to killing children.


    It''s a slippery slope.


    Crono let out a deep sigh.


    ''''.........''''


    You don''t say you''re going to help me, do you?


    Do you want me to tell you?


    Tilia asked back in a somewhat provocative tone.


    ''No, not at all. I''m rather relieved that you think I have to kill you.


    ''I don''t want future historians to say I''m an idiot.


    The surrounding lords and their men will make the decision for you.


    If historians are going to be on the scene, it may be in a few decades or in a few hundred years.


    Either way, they won''t be viewed favorably.


    What do you think?


    ''I think the sooner the execution is done the better. It''s like building an execution table at a rapid pace and the day after tomorrow. The lord Isabella and the battalion commander Ark in front of the lord''s people.......


    Crono and the others would have to move on, and any pause would diminish the memory of Isabella''s broken promise.


    ''Thor will have to go to his bedroom and take the poison pill.


    ...poison.


    Tilia muttered gloomily.


    ''I promised I wouldn''t let you suffer,''


    Okay.


    Crono let out a breath of relief.


    ''What?''


    No, I didn''t want you to say no.


    I have that much mercy.


    ''I''ll kill them, though,'' muttered Tilia.


    ''So, how did you execute Isabella and Ark?''


    ''Use the Heavenly Cardinal Music. It doesn''t make you suffer, and it has a great impact.


    Are you going to do anything about it?


    We have to show them that we''re not naive.


    I''m not comfortable with taking advantage of other people''s deaths, but we should tighten them up where we can.


    ''''Don''t give me ... a hard time.''''


    I''m not just doing it for Tilia.


    It''s for my own good in the extreme.


    ''What about the Imperial Army in Baron Bowties'' territory?


    I had them choose a battalion commander. The new battalion commander is a commoner and of moderate age, but he does not seem to be a bad man.


    Well that''s good to hear.


    I can''t help but think I''ve drawn a poor bargain to be a battalion commander at this time, but I can''t help but point that out.


    Do you have anything else to report?


    I''m going to go free the quarry now.


    I''m a man of my word.


    About...


    It''s a stroke.


    I know that.


    Of course.


    Tilia crossed her arms.


    The way she was snorting and snorting with mufu was not very imperial.


    ''Because I have to show you that I am heartbroken by the horrors of the quarry. Yes, I''m a benevolent regulator.''


    That''s not mercy,


    It''s the same thing.


    Well, there''s no way to know for sure.


    If the people around you decide to be merciful, they are merciful.


    ''Oh, speaking of which, Nicole-san and Lord Neige are waiting outside?


    Count Neige Hyades.


    Tilia looked reluctant.


    ''You don''t like it?''


    ''I just met him and I don''t hate or like him. I mean, is the man really Neige Hyades?


    ''My dad called me Neige Hyades, so I guess that''s what I am.


    ''Hmmm, I didn''t know they were real.


    Real?


    ''I''ve never met him before. I thought he was a fictional character.


    Why bother with that?


    Because it looks so convenient.


    Tilia said casually.


    ''I don''t know how it''s useful in Crono''s mind, but it must mean it''s useful for a crime, or something close to it.


    ''So what do we do now?''


    Of course I''ll meet you.


    Okay.


    Crono turned on his heel and headed for the exit of the tent.


    He lifted the cloth of the tent--.


    ''Come in.''


    Excuse me.


    Heh, excuse me.


    Neige came in normally and Nicole came in with her back rounded.


    Nicole kneeled quite close to Tilia.


    ''''Well thank you for your earlier work.


    No, ha, ha, it''s all right. It was just a simple matter of watching and lighting a fire.


    ''Pesh-pesh,'' said Nicole, smacking her head.


    ''Isn''t your attitude different from mine?''


    "Idiots!��The little bastard is an upstart son of a man and His Highness, of course not.


    Nicole wound up at Crono, but suddenly looked at Tilia.


    ''''........There''s no way we can do this together, Guhee.


    It''s super degrading.


    ''For some reason, the badness of the people is more evident now.


    Indeed.


    Crono nodded as he looked sideways at Nicole.


    She may be trying to smile affectionately, but it looks like the bad guys are acting poorly in order to catch us off guard.


    ''''I heard you were the head of a crime syndicate when you were in the Imperial City?''''


    No, no, I do a bit of business. But I do have a real concern for the future of the Empire.


    "I''ve been trying my best to rise in the confusion, but I''ve been causing a lot of trouble here and there, so I thought I''d join the Imperial Army as soon as possible.


    Whose side are you on?


    Nicole tries to hit him with a knee strike but Neige avoids it lightly.


    ''I''m having a change of heart now, guheehee.


    Nicole laughs at the rubbing.


    ''I''m a bit disappointed,''


    What''s going on?


    No, I was under the impression that he was the head of a criminal organization and not beholden to authority.


    Criminal organizations are supposed to rub elbows with the authorities.


    Hahaha, Neige laughed with an acting gesture.


    If you recall carefully, Neige was also a member of a criminal organization - a group of assassins.


    Maybe the criminals are just as good as each other.


    You''ve changed your mind.


    Yes, yes, yes, of course.


    Nicole grinned.


    ''''I''d like to leave you in charge of ruling the Barony of Bowties.


    Yeah, that''s right!��I''m going to risk my life!


    Oh, right!


    Nicole leaned forward and said, and Tilia clapped her hands together.


    ''''But if you suddenly leave me in charge of governing,''''


    Oh, hey!


    Nicole grabbed Neige''s pants.


    ''I understand. I''ll support you.


    Well, now we don''t have to worry about that.


    Tilia grinned.


    Crono led his men to the stone quarry.


    The number of troops is two thousand - less than a hundred soldiers defending the quarry, so that''s more than enough.


    ''''No, that''s the Princess Tilia!


    Yes.


    Crono let out a small sigh as he looked at Nicole and Neige, who were praising Tyria somewhat, and counterpointed her appropriately.


    ''''What''s going on?'''' (Bum?)


    It''s a bit odd to see him so happy.


    I let out a sigh again.


    "Well, it''s easy to get excited when you''re the lord all of a sudden." (Bumo)


    I''m at my wits end, though, right?


    "The general didn''t have much experience." (Bumo)


    Yes.


    Nicole is a man who has risen to the head of a criminal organization.


    There''s a cloud of experience between her and Crono.


    ''Come to think of it, maybe he enjoys the hardship.


    "...What ...what?


    Nicole stopped and turned around.


    ''What''s the hardship?''


    ''It means the Barony of Bowties will be a shield for the Economic Alliance.


    What did you say?


    Nicole''s eyes widened at Neige''s explanation.


    ''The Empire won''t allow Nicole-san to become a lord, you know. It''s a position where the imperial army will be the first to attack you.''''


    Shit, I got too much going on.


    Neige explained further, and Nicole spat out.


    ''''I didn''t expect you to do something like that, Princess,''''


    That said, it''s not going to be easy to change sides with the Empire.


    Nicole is leading a volunteer army and causing trouble in the Empire.


    ''Would you like to save Mr. Thor''s life in case of an emergency?


    No, that guy can''t do it. No, he can''t do it. He can''t split his head in half. It could get me killed.


    I know.


    ''And it''s bad enough that we''re losing our backing. d*mn it, we should''ve just joined up with the Imperial Army.


    Nicole grunted bitterly.


    ''That''s pretty self-centered~''


    ''I''ve been thinking about myself from the beginning, so I''m not shaky, not shaky.


    No, no, no, no, no. If Princess Tyria takes the throne, no problem!


    Guhaha, Nicole laughed.


    It feels like empty energy, but it''s better than being depressed.


    After a while, a fence made of wood came into view.


    Two soldiers were standing there, perhaps intending to be gatekeepers.


    One of them noticed us and looked away.


    ''''Hey, who are you!


    ''I''m Nicole of the Imperial Army!��I''m here to free the quarry on the orders of Princess Tyria!��Here''s the proof!


    Nicole held the parchment up high.


    ''I say proof, but who knows what Tilia wrote?


    "Before that, there''s no such thing as a literate soldier.


    That said, I don''t think there''s anyone who would want to go against us with such a large difference in strength.


    "Get the man in charge!��If you don''t bring him to me, the Imperial Guard''s best men will bleed you out!��That''s all right, isn''t it?


    Nicole shouted, ignoring the conversation between Crono and the others.


    Then the soldiers looked at each other.


    ''Soooo, I''ll get the person in charge right away!


    So just give me a little grace!


    "I''ll give you a minute!


    Nicole shouted and the two soldiers ran off.


    ''''You ... you guys need to work properly.


    You can handle the negotiations.


    "I''m an escort for Master Chronos.


    ''Tsk,'' said Nicole, clicking her tongue.


    ''Neige!��You''re my second in command, so don''t make me work all the time!


    I''m a combatant. I''d rather make my life easier.


    Shit, they''re all f*cking useless!


    Nicole shouted and stepped on the ground.


    ''''Well Mino, how''s your hometown after so long?''''


    So you''re from around here, huh?


    "My family abandoned our home for a better life than we have now." (Bumobu)


    That''s the spirit. Well, you know, we poor people have to bet on it.


    Nicole grinned.


    ''''Heh, there''s a lot going on with you, Nicole.


    A lot of things are going on, aren''t they? You''re going through a lot, aren''t you?


    What do you think?


    Neige nodded her head.


    ''I don''t feel like I''ve had as much of a life as I''d like to say I''ve had a lot going on.


    Because I''m a living idiot. I''m always thinking about the day after tomorrow.


    Nicole pointed to herself with her thumb and proudly puffed out her chest.


    ''So, how''s it going?''


    "It''s a complicated feeling, isn''t it?


    The deputy looked up to the heavens and sniffed with a snort.


    ''Do you have a good nose too, Mino?''


    "It''s nothing compared to humans, but...


    What''s on your mind?


    "Smells like death, doesn''t it?" (Bumo)


    Crono tried to take a deep breath through his nose, but he couldn''t smell the smell of death.


    ''''Even though I threw it away, I can''t bear the thought of my hometown being a morgue.'''' (Bumobumo)


    Yes.


    The deputy said with a sigh and Crono nodded.


    ''Oh?��He''s back.


    I looked up at Nicole''s words and saw a small, fat man approaching us with about ten soldiers in tow.


    ''What do we do now?''


    Don''t worry, it''s not going to be a fight.


    Nicole grinned.


    It was a badass grin, but it felt dependable.


    The little fat man leaned against the fence and repeated his wild breathing.


    ''Who the hell are you?''


    ''I''m Nicole of the Imperial Army!��I''m here to free the quarry workers according to the order of Princess Tyria!


    "I am in charge of the quarry on behalf of His Highness Prince Alfort!��I can''t obey those orders!


    Shut up!��Get out of here!��If you rattle off any more, I''ll kill you!


    The little fat man yelled loudly, and Nicole yelled back even louder.


    ''I have a mean streak!


    Let''s get our asses kicked.


    It''s not going to be a fight, is it?


    Come to think of it, we don''t have to negotiate.


    Okay.


    "General, this is me.


    The second in command stepped in front of Crono and the others, and bumoooo!��He shouted heroically.


    Yellow light colored the deputy''s body like a barbarian''s war veneer.


    ''''Oh, so you can use the imprinting technique?''''


    Neige muttered to himself as if it were someone else''s business, and the second-in-command yelled again and stepped out of the way.


    A crack ran from underneath the deputy''s feet towards the small, fat man.


    The next moment, a cone-shaped rock protruded from the ground.


    It didn''t stop at one.


    One by one, the cone-shaped rocks towered along the cracks.


    ''''Wow, okay!��I''m out!


    The little fat man screamed and the towering speed changed to a slow one.


    Finally, the cone-shaped rock slowly rises and completely stops moving.


    ''''It''s like this, man.'''' (Bumo)


    Bufu, the second in command let out a wild snort.


    *


    Two days later (the fifth day of his southward march) - Crono climbed the execution table with a gloomy feeling.


    It was a solid piece of work, despite the fact that it was an unexpected task.


    The carvings on the sides, though not visible from here, were also magnificent.


    I climbed up the stairs and looked up.


    In front of the execution table, Tilia was sitting on a chair, protected by old knights.


    Furthermore, the imperial soldiers surrounded it.


    The lords of Baron Bowties'' territory are at a considerable distance.


    It was impossible to see their expressions, but they didn''t seem to be happy in the least.


    ''''I''ll state my charges!''''


    Crono''s voice echoed around him.


    ''''Despite the fact that Acting Lord Isabella signed a contract not to hostile the imperial army, she ordered the battalion commander Ark and the cavalry under him to attack!


    Oh!��The crowd groaned.


    ''Both of you shall be put to death, and Thor, Isabella''s son, as a consortium, shall also be put to death!


    Once again, the crowd groaned.


    They were less vocal than before.


    ''And yet, Isabella''s son, Thor, is not involved in the attack and is to be poisoned!��This is a procedure to avoid needless suffering!��Isabella and Ark both!


    As Crono made room, Isabella and Ark climbed the execution table.


    The crowd let out a third groan as the two climbed the execution table.


    It might be natural.


    Not only were the two men not lassoed, but they were also dressed in extravagant costumes - Isabella in a black dress and Ark in a military dress.


    ''I would normally execute you as a criminal, but I give you the right to decorate your own death. This is mercy.


    Isabella and Ark stood at the execution table and gave them a look.


    Ark was the first to kneel.


    ''Is there anything left to say?''


    ...everything.


    Ark opened his mouth quietly.


    ''My life was full of falsehoods about everything. But the bond I had with my dead men was real. I will die a loser. It''s also real.


    Ark looked up at Crono and turned over.


    ''''.......Heavenly Cardinal Kagura.


    A large amount of letters flowed like a waterfall, creating a jet black sphere.


    The jet-black sphere covers Ark''s head, and Crono forms a fist.


    Ark''s body slowly collapses as he loses his head.


    His posture was as if he was on his knees, but it was a noblemanlike end to his life.


    Isabella moved loosely.


    She went to her knees and folded her hands in prayer.


    ''Is there anything left to say?''


    Thank you for preparing me for my death as a nobleman.


    "Cardinal Music.


    A jet black sphere covers Isabella''s head.


    ''T--''


    Isabella opened her mouth, perhaps trying to call her son''s name before Crono was about to form a fist.


    But she couldn''t call her son''s name.


    Isabella''s body slowly collapsed.


    ''''The body will be buried, but I will not allow you to humiliate me. For the sins of both of you have been paid for by death.


    Crono let out a small breath and walked down the stairs.


    *


    When Crono entered the bedroom, Thor was lying on the bed.


    He hadn''t given him the poison pill yet.


    ''''Where is ... your mother?''''


    He''s gone.


    Crono sat down in the chair by the bed.


    ''''Well it''s my turn.''''


    Yes.


    Crono took a paper - a poison pill - from the pouch.


    He had Sue make it for him.


    Apparently, it''s a poison that causes death as you sleep.


    When Crono held out the poison pill, Thor took it in his trembling hands.


    He took out a black pill and swallowed it in one go.


    ''''........I''m going to die, aren''t I?


    Yes.


    Thor looked up at the canopy.


    ''....Can you tell me something?


    What do you want me to say?


    Whatever.


    Well yes.


    Crono thought about it for a bit and decided to talk about the man who came from another world - himself.


    He spoke plainly about what was in that world.


    Thor asked questions, but only at first.


    Little by little, he stopped responding, and the number of times he asked back increased.


    There was no more listening back, and he heard a peaceful sleep.


    ''''.........''''


    Crono stayed by Thor''s side until he stopped breathing.


    *


    Ha ha, beautiful.


    Rio laughed as he looked up at the sparks of fire that were rising in the air.


    The fire sparks soaring as if sucked into the night sky were fantastic and somehow lewd.


    ''''........Rio-sama.''''


    What is it?


    I looked at the voice and saw the deputy kneeling.


    ''It''s done.''


    Oh, is it all over yet?


    Rio looked around.


    A few hours ago there had been a village here.


    It was a village that looked like it could be anywhere, but now it wasn''t.


    Buildings are in flames or burned down, villagers are dead or dying.


    Did you let them get away in moderation?


    It''s just an order.


    ''Yeah, yeah, it''s great that you''re sticking to your orders.


    Rio clapped his hands together in front of his chest.


    ''''By the way, you didn''t rape me, did you?''''


    Yes, sir, that''s what I was ordered to do.


    The deputy nodded quietly.


    ''''It''s a relief to have all my men who are good listeners. I was at a loss as to what to do with only a hundred cavalrymen, but I''m sure my old man picked the right men.''''


    Thank you.


    Rio looked up at the sky again.


    ''At this rate Crono will find me.


    I hope so, sir.


    "Carve a message on the body and then move on.


    Haha, Rio laughed again.

 140-Episode 15 "Southward" Part 5

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    There are more wooden buildings than stone buildings.


    The buildings close to the city walls are especially bad.


    ''How can you do what you want to do with this stuff?


    Even now, it''s like this.


    If we impose a heavy tax, there might be a lot of people starving to death.


    If that happens, the territorial residents will resent you.


    It''s no good to be resented.


    What should we do?


    ...just like when I was the head of a criminal organization.


    "Whoa!


    A voice sounded from behind me and I turned around.


    Then there was Neige standing there.


    ''You should at least knock. I''m still a lord, you know.


    I''ll do it again.


    Really?


    Nicole spat out a small amount.


    The man called Neige is the one who repeats the same thing, even though he says he''s careful.


    The tempo is in no way in sync with the tempo.


    Well, even if he is such a guy, it''s a lord to use him.


    ''''What happened to the cleanup of the body?


    Are these the bodies of Isabella and her friends?


    You''ve already buried them. I''m talking about the quarry.


    That''s all taken care of. I put down the headstone as instructed. Well, it''s a large rock from the quarry.


    That''s enough. What''s important is that we built the grave. But how could you let all those people die?


    Baron Bowties has sold out the minotaurs who worked for his ancestors.


    You''re a f*cking idiot.


    Yes.


    Neige chuckled.


    I''ve been thinking about it, I''m going to have to clean up my own mess. The worst part is that there is a treasure trove right in front of us and we can''t touch it.


    ''As long as you say it sucks, there''s still a bottom in it.


    I don''t work amateurs, so that''s the bottom line.


    ''Oh,'' said Neige, her eyes widening with an acting gesture.


    ''That''s not the kind of line you''d expect from the head of a crime syndicate.


    "I take care of my boys. If you take care of them, even if they''re useless boners, they''ll be a shield for your meat.


    ''Does that mean you cherish it?''


    I feed them and I care about them.


    Oh, you sure do cherish it.


    After all, Neige said with a hefty smile.


    ''''So what am I going to do now?


    What do you mean?


    ''So I told you to do the same thing you did when you were the head of a crime syndicate.��What the hell am I supposed to do?


    We just need to make them think we''re reliable lords.


    Neige said matter-of-factly.


    Do you practice this?��I almost rushed into it, but in Neige''s case, he would have done his job just by being strong.


    ''''.........A dependable lord?''''


    The only thing I can think of is not to overreact.


    ''And then there''s the business ... with the quarry in a mess like that.


    ''Why don''t we just hire someone with experience and put him in charge of the field?''


    It wasn''t just a matter of time. d*mn, it was easier when I took over the organization.


    Let''s take it easy. Take it easy.


    You''ll be an old man if you keep playing it safe.


    There''s no point in being able to do whatever you want after it dies.


    ''d*mn, I''m going to have to bow all over the place.


    Nicole muttered in disgust.


    *


    The advance party had passed through the Baron Bowties territory and was advancing through the Baron Zeginus territory.


    To be exact, it was a gentle ascent in the Baron Zeginus territory.


    The advance party consisted of thirty cavalrymen and twenty-eight archers, a total of fifty-eight men.


    This was divided into three squads, and was led by Leila, Alideed and Fay.


    Kane''s role as the leader was to command the three squads.


    Incidentally, Deneb is a member of Aridedd''s squad.


    Layla stared at Kane''s back,.


    Although he''s been out of the field for a long time, Kane doesn''t feel like a blank.


    Maybe he had been working and continuing to train while working.


    Did Kane expect this to happen?


    Or was he just preparing for the moment of need?


    It seems to be the latter, but it would only make him flinch if he heard it.


    If you think about it, Crono hadn''t neglected his training either.


    This is despite his position as a lord.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what to expect when you leave the scene.


    It might be impossible, Leila thinks.


    She is willing to try not to neglect her training.


    But she thinks that her will will will be frustrated in the midst of the daily grind.


    It must start out as a bit of a challenge.


    They make all sorts of excuses, and then it becomes the norm.


    Crono might laugh if he hears it, but Leila can''t trust herself that much.


    I feel like Faye, as well as Alideed and Deneb, will be able to balance work and training.


    They''re two people who are kind of to the point.


    Suddenly, the smell of something burnt pierces your nose - the smell of something burnt.


    "Burning smell, stop!


    A voice rang out from Kagome''s communication magic item, and Leila pulled the reins and stopped her horse.


    My whole body stands on end at the prospect of battle.


    If the enemy is there, it should be at the top of the hill.


    No matter how good your eyesight is, you can''t see what you can''t see from a geographical point of view.


    It was a matter of course, but it made me feel irritated.


    Maybe the flying vehicles in Crono''s book would relieve me of this kind of frustration, but it''s just not what I want.


    So Leila looked around on her horse, trying to find any trace of the enemy.


    But there was nothing.


    ''Leila, Aridid, Deneb, can you hear me?''


    No, he doesn''t.


    Ditto.


    "Likewise.


    Leila let out a small breath.


    She couldn''t hear her voice despite the smell of burning in the air.


    It was--.


    ''''Faye, I need you to do some reconnaissance.''''


    Yes, sir!


    A few moments later, a fey on horseback rode past next to him.


    He rode up the hill without incident and circled his horse''s neck.


    He opened his mouth to shout something and looked down at Kagome.


    ''''There is a burnt-out village, sir.''''


    Is there anything else?


    "The corpse is in trouble, sir.


    Leila tilted her head.


    Because if there was an awesome corpse, I could understand, but I didn''t know what it meant to be awesome.


    ''''Oh, I have a bad feeling about it.''''


    Me too.


    Apparently, Aridid and Deneb have an idea.


    ''Faye, stay where you are. Don''t try to fight the enemy if they appear. Come running this way.


    Yes, sir.


    Faye nodded honestly to Kane''s instructions.


    ''Alright, let''s move on.''


    Leila gave a small nod and let her horse move forward.


    ''''--!''''


    I climbed up the hill and gasped.


    The village of about fifty houses there had been destroyed.


    The houses had been burned to the ground, the livestock and the people had been killed.


    ''''Let''s divide the squad into two. Me and the fey squad will take care of the perimeter. Layla, Aridid and Deneb''s squad will take care of the search for survivors.


    Kane led the fey squad south along the road, while Leila dismounted from her horse.


    Alideed and the others followed suit.


    ''Let''s not get too far away from them. If you need anything, talk to the magic item for communication.''


    I understand.


    We were the ones who were closing the distance.


    As Leila gave instructions through the magic item for communication in the basket, she heard the voices of Arididid and Deneb coming from close by.


    ''''........Arididid, Deneb.


    You don''t have to look at me like that.


    It''s just, we''re pretty serious business people.


    While the two of them were talking about it, their men scattered at a reasonable distance and began to search for survivors.


    Leila took her bow and searched for survivors, keeping a vigilant eye on her surroundings.


    The roofs of the settlement were burned down and the mud walls were crumbling miserably.


    Bodies lie in the burned out houses, on the road, and near the well.


    Leila stares at the corpse lying on the road and frowns.


    A man''s body.


    His clothes were off and his bare skin was inscribed with blasphemous words on the victim.


    Furthermore, the corpse was missing an eyeball.


    The eyeballs had been shoved into their mouths.


    This is insane.


    "Like I''m wondering if I should get rid of the body.


    Like we shouldn''t wait until after we''ve joined up with the main team because we might get attacked.


    ...both of you.


    Leila lets out a sigh and turns to face Aridid and Deneb behind her.


    ''Do you mean to tell them to keep a reasonable distance and search for survivors?


    A captain''s job is to be in command of his men.


    ''No, sir. Do neither of you think anything of it when you see this?


    I feel sorry for you.


    ''Trying to point out that Leila isn''t cool with it,''


    Me?


    Leila couldn''t help but ask back.


    ''I sometimes think this body is a message, or an appeal.


    Hmm, I think my intention was to scare him away.


    Oh.


    Leila raised her voice.


    She was so distracted by the anomaly of the corpse that she didn''t think about who had done this and for what purpose.


    The captain - a stupidity that was typical of a commander.


    ''Why do you think that way, sir?''


    It''s kind of obvious if you look around the body.


    Like, there''s no blood splatter and no signs of holding him down, so it''s possible to guess that he wounded the body after he killed it.


    Leila looked at the corpse and its surroundings once again.


    Surely the two of them were right, there were no signs of blood splattering or rampaging around the corpse.


    It seemed insane, but the enemy was sane.


    ''''Well that''s true.''''


    There''s no need to feel down.


    If we hadn''t done it before, we''d be more interested in the damage.


    They said in a light tone, as if they were concerned.


    ''Who or what do you think did this to you?''


    I have a theory that it''s going to be Count Rio Chiron.


    Maybe it''s an appeal to Lord Crono.


    ''I can''t believe the Earl of Chiron would do this...''


    He asks back.


    The Rio Leila knows is an aloof person, though he has a possessive streak.


    He''s also very caring, for what it''s worth.


    He even taught me how to prepare myself as a commander when I was guarding the streets.


    I didn''t think he was capable of such barbarism.


    ''''It''s all right for Leila to feel that way, but we''ve fought together before. In the first place, this was a tactic used by Crono-sama during the parent conquest.


    ''By doing this, it''s like you''re making yourself known to Master Crono.


    Well, yes.


    It''s hard to believe that the imperial army humiliated the corpse in order to frustrate the imperial army''s will to fight.


    Baron Zeginus is neutral - he''s in a position of not antagonizing Princess Tilia while ruling the Empire.


    There''s no advantage in making more enemies for the sake of it.


    ''''Well, but it seems there''s also a line of thinking that it''s a maneuver to force the imperial army to account for their crimes.


    ''We did quite a bit of damage in the parent conquest. I''m sure there are many people who know of Crono-sama''s character.


    Which one is it?


    Like there''s a danger of making assumptions and denying them.


    We could withhold judgment until we have all the right ingredients.


    They said in the same tone as usual.


    Leila once again regretted her emotional reaction, but at the same time reminded herself that the two of them were looking at things more calmly than she was.


    ''Like I should report back to you along the way, for now.


    It''s important to report.


    ''Yes,'' Leila nodded and brought the basket hand with the communication magic item close to her mouth.


    ''Captain Kane, this is Leila. There are currently no survivors to be identified. Also, the corpse has been deliberately wounded. Since there is no blood splattered around it, we believe it was wounded after it was killed.


    "This is Kane, roger that. I''m sorry, but we need to cut the search for survivors.


    Kane''s voice echoes from the magic item for communication.


    His voice is tense and hard.


    ''What''s going on, sir?''


    "The cavalry is here. I''m sorry. Come with me.


    Yes, sir.


    ''Leila''s troops, Arididid''s troops are on horseback and on a fast track!


    But no attacks until I give the order!


    Alideed and Deneb shouted shortly after Leila replied.


    Their men broke off their search for survivors and ran for their horses.


    ''Well, let''s go!''


    Go, go, go, go, like that!


    Alideed and Deneb started to run and Leila followed.


    They jumped on their horses, which were waiting for them on the street, and continued south along the city road.


    Then, Kane and the others were soon in sight.


    However, there was no sign of the cavalry of the Baron Zeginus territory.


    No, they were still quite far away.


    The arch cavalry assigned to the Fae - the elves must have told them that Baron Zeginus'' cavalry was approaching.


    I''ve felt this since I was guarding the streets, but the real value of the arch cavalry was probably more in their ability to explore than in their combat skills.


    Leila stopped her horse next to Kane.


    ''''Well it''s killing me, but I guess we can talk about it.


    The cavalry of the Baron Zeginus territory stopped about twenty meters away and Kane muttered.


    I can feel the tense tension in the air, so if anything happens, they''ll rush into battle.


    He knows that.


    My men seem to be nervous as well.


    ''How do you know that we can talk to each other?


    A hunch.


    He responds to Faye''s question in a low voice.


    ''''Just for the record, I''m not a mountain hunch. I''m making a decision based on the situation the Imperial Army is in and the rules of thumb. I trust your wild animal-like instincts, but if you''re going to do this, make sure you only do it in battle. Don''t act on your instincts alone.


    Of course I know that, sir.


    Just to remind you one more time, don''t do it, okay?


    "This is a magnificent prelude to an epic prelude.


    I have a bad feeling about this.


    As if to cover Kane, Aridid and Deneb''s voices echoed from Kagome''s magic item for communication.


    ''''I know ... I know.''''


    Yeah, you should bear that in mind.


    Faye hung her head drearily and Kane dismounted from his horse.


    ''My name is Kane!��I''m leading the Imperial Guard advance team!��I need to talk to the man in charge!


    Kane called out loudly, and the cavalryman in the lead dismounted his horse.


    ''My name is Harris!��Baron Zeginus''s nephew!��We got a report that the village was attacked and we''re here to check it out!��I don''t intend to antagonize the Imperial Army!


    The cavalry - Harris shouted, and the cavalrymen behind him removed one foot from the stirrups.


    This was one of their manners towards those of higher status than themselves, but at the same time it was to show that they were not hostile.


    Kane looked over his shoulder and Leila and the others removed one foot from the stirrups.


    The tension loosened and they exhaled in relief.


    It seems that it was the same for the other party as well, exhaling in relief and patting their chests.


    At least they don''t seem to be rushing into battle all of a sudden.


    Kane and Harris slowly walked up to each other and exchanged an imperial-style salute.


    Kane''s salute is broken, but Harris''s is beautiful.


    A beat-up and a military school graduate - that''s what one salute can tell you.


    After a while -.


    "...Baron Zeginus has something to say to Master Crono.


    Kane''s voice rang out from the communication magic item.


    *


    Evening - Crono was walking through the forest, wary of his surroundings.


    No, I should say with the intention of being cautious.


    Since it was nearing sunset, the forest was dimly lit, and just walking in the forest sapped one''s energy and strength.


    How are you two unconcerned, Crono looked at Fay and Tilia walking in front of him.


    Are they using the Divine Majesty Technique? Or do they have a talent for walking through the forest?


    They are going deeper and deeper into the forest.


    If I get lost in this, it will be a laughing matter, he thought about that - he let out a deep sigh.


    He must have heard the sigh.


    Tilia opened her mouth as she looked forward.


    ''''Does it still bother you?''''


    Well, you know.


    Crono replied with a sigh.


    At that time, Leonhard was behind Rio.


    If Rio had shown any pretense of turning, Leonhard would have killed him.


    Leonhardt was the heir to a duke''s family.


    He doesn''t put his personal feelings ahead of his own.


    He would have made the right choice--''''


    ''''I can''t bear to be hostile to Rio.


    Resentment at the killing of an innocent, sadness at the fork in the road, fear of hostility, and the faint thought that maybe, just maybe, they would be turned against us, all swirled in my chest.


    It was depressing, to put it bluntly.


    ''''I know how you feel, but don''t hesitate, okay?''''


    Is Tilia okay with this?


    I''m fine.


    Tilia replied after a slight pause.


    ''I''ve had to suffer the agony of defeat so many times.


    I thought you guys were close.


    I thought we were having a fight to the death with him.


    Tilia grunted.


    ''Faye....''


    Are you okay?��He starts to say, "I''m not going to say anything.


    No one wants to fight someone they know.


    That''s why people don''t talk about it.


    ''Is there a tent waiting for Baron Zeginus yet?


    We''re almost there, sir.


    Yeah.


    Crono let out another sigh.


    What did Baron Zeginus want to discuss?


    I can see it, sir.


    ...Oh, that.


    Faye pointed to a tent buried in a tree.


    In front of it stood a knight - perhaps he was Harris - who was standing in front of it.


    ''Fay Murifine, I have brought Princess Tyria and Lady Crono with me, sir.


    Thank you for your efforts.


    Faye saluted, and Harris returned the salute.


    Then he turned to Crono and the others.


    Well, it''s Tyria who''s looking at them.


    ''Princess Tilia, it is a pleasure to meet you. I suppose I should normally salute you, but...''''


    Yeah. Let''s just get on with this meeting and get it over with.


    Thank you for your concern.


    Harris opened the tent and Crono and the others went inside.


    Inside was a table and two chairs flanked by a table and two chairs.


    No one was sitting in one chair, but an old man was sitting in the other chair.


    He was an old man as thin as a dead tree.


    His hairline had receded significantly and a small amount of gray hair remained on the side of his head.


    He looks far older than his adopted father, but that must have something to do with the Rio situation.


    ''You''ve kept me waiting,''


    With that, Tilia sat down in a chair.


    Crono and Faye held back behind Tilia.


    ''''Since ... I am on alert for my surroundings.


    Harris softly closed the tent.


    ''Princess Tyria, I apologize for the inconvenience to you. I am my lord, Izal Zeginus.


    ''I thank you for choosing neutrality in this war.


    No, sir, not at all.


    Baron Zeginus said as if he was afraid, but even though he said he was neutral, he only allowed the imperial army to pass through his territory.


    If anything, he was bound to betray them, but it was important to show his gratitude, even if only in a form.


    ''''So, what kind of business are you in?''''


    ''''As a matter of fact ... Count Rio Chiron of the Ninth Kingsguard is rampaging through the neighboring territories with a hundred or so cavalrymen.


    ''I knew it,'' said Crono, letting out a sigh for the umpteenth time.


    ''Is that an official operation?''


    ''Oh, no, the letter I received beforehand stated that the Earl of Chiron would be conducting a delay operation.


    Baron Zeginus grunted.


    Perhaps the letter was not a request for cooperation, but an order.


    ''''What do you mean by that?''''


    ...it''s


    Baron Zeginus clammed up.


    Even Tilia would know that he wanted to get rid of Rio.


    But if we cut him off, he won''t be able to ingratiate himself with us.


    Later, he might say that the imperial army did it on its own.


    We must leave evidence.


    "On our way, we saw a village that we thought had been attacked by the Earl of Chiron. How many villages have been wiped out?


    ....


    Baron Zeginus turns over and is sweating fat.


    According to the information brought to us by Harris, there are five villages that have been destroyed.


    ''''I don''t know how many villagers have survived, but if we don''t, we won''t be able to stand.


    ....


    Baron Zeginus remains downcast.


    According to Harris, the death toll is small compared to the size of the village, but if this situation is left unchecked, people''s hearts will be turned away.


    ''''............Please take down Count Chiron and his men.


    After a long silence, Baron Zeginus said as he squeezed out.


    ''''........................defeat?


    Tilia crossed her arms thoughtfully.


    ''Enemies, so. We''ll have to stop fighting, but a stroke--''


    Enemy attack!


    A shout interrupted Tilia''s words and Harris jumped into the tent.


    ''Uncle!''


    Harris, what''s going on?


    ''Count Chiron is attacking!��We need to evacuate immediately!��In the unlikely event that the imperial capital gets word of your uncle''s meeting with Princess Tyria, it would be a bad idea!


    Harris said as he wound up and made Baron Zeginus stand up.


    ''I''m sorry, Princess Tilia!��We''re pulling up!��I wish you well!


    Harris''s men entered the tent and carried Baron Zeginus up.


    ''''Then!''''


    Harris jumped out of the tent with his men.


    ''''We''re running away too!''''


    Tyria shouted and Crono and the others jumped out of the tent.


    Not much time should have passed, but the surroundings were completely dark.


    Crono put his hand in the pouch--.


    ''''We are leading!


    Faye ran off, followed by Tilia.


    Crono put on his glasses - a magic item for night vision - and then started running.


    ''''You''re both too fast!


    Crono complains and follows Tilia''s back - the white uniform.


    He runs through the road, which is not much different from the beastly road, and comes to the street.


    Then, Tilia and Faye were waiting for him.


    ''''You''re late!''''


    It''s almost there!


    Faye glanced to the side - to the covered wagon parked on the street.


    In the next moment, there was a roaring sound and a pillar of fire rose.


    The light was amplified by the magic item, and the area in front of my eyes turned white.


    ''''Ouch!''''


    A sharp pain shot through the back of his eyeballs and Crono threw the magic item away.


    Perhaps it was the intense light, but his vision flickered.


    But I can see it.


    ''''Is it Count Chiron''s attack?''''


    What are you going to do?


    ''''No, but Rio is a divine mastermind of the ''Green and Flowing God''--!


    Crono activated his Mark and kicked the ground with all his might.


    Immediately after Tilia and Faye used their divine art to enhance their physical abilities, a green light pierced the ground, splitting Crono and the others apart.


    Tilia and Fay leapt to the other side of the Crono, and the light exploded just as they were about to land or not land.


    The blast rushed in and Crono was blown away.


    He rolled on the ground several times and stood up.


    ''Hey, it''s been a while,''


    A cool voice sounds, and Rio swoops down near the hole created by the explosion.


    In his hand, he holds a bow - a divine weapon.


    ''''........Rio.


    What is it?


    I''m...


    You don''t have to say anything.


    Rio interrupts Crono''s words.


    ''I''ve been feeling it all along,''


    What?


    I knew this relationship wouldn''t last, that one day it would end, that there would be a day when I wouldn''t be chosen.


    That''s not true.


    It''s the same thing, it''s the same thing.


    Crono denied it, but Rio gave a small shake of his head.


    ''So, from the beginning--''


    "Count Chiron!


    Tilia shouted and Rio let out a small sigh.


    ''''You''re after me, aren''t you?''''


    That''s a little too self-aware. I want the Chronosphere.


    Rio gave a mocking smile.


    ''But, well, by the way, die....for goodness sake!


    Rio fired an arrow as if he was turning around.


    No, it was a rush of light.


    "God!


    A shield of light appears to protect Tyria.


    But its light is too weak compared to that of the divine weapon.


    Excuse me!


    Faye jumps out and poises herself in a sitting position.


    ''Summoning the divine weapon!��Drawing swords!


    Darkness erupted from his hand as Faye took a motion to pull the sword out of its sheath and release it.


    The darkness turned into a bewitchingly beautiful sword, slashing up and down in a torrent of light.


    Slashed in two, the light fluttered around like a giant snake, destroying everything along the street.


    It cleaves plants, gouges the ground, and then disappears.


    ''Fey, you''re getting stronger.


    "I am extremely grateful for your praise!��This is where we will settle the matter at that time!


    So what?


    Rio cowered his shoulders and stared at the divine weapon in Fei''s grip.


    The sword cracked, disappearing and appearing repeatedly.


    ''''It is gutsy!


    Faye shouted, darkness erupted and the divine weapon stabilized.


    ''How is it?''


    That''s great.


    Faye said triumphantly, and Rio said admiringly.


    No, he might be dumbfounded.


    ''''........Count Chiron.


    What is it?


    Rio looked at Tyria with a disgusted expression on his face.


    ''''I can welcome you to the Imperial Army if you wish.


    Do you feel sorry for me?


    Rio said in a low, stifled voice.


    ''Crono didn''t abandon you,''


    I don''t want to talk about that anymore.


    I''m not well. "The days of fighting with you...


    I said that''s enough!


    Rio shouted as if he couldn''t take it anymore.


    ''It''s all right. I''ve had a feeling all along. I''ve always had a feeling it would end one day, a feeling that I wouldn''t be chosen.


    If you had a hunch, why would you try to kill Crono?


    I was just trying to figure out what to do.


    What are you talking about?


    Tilia raised her eyebrows quizzically.


    ''That''s how you make Crono mine.


    Rio let out a small breath--''


    ''I should have killed him!��Hahahahaha!��Why didn''t I realize how simple this was?��If I had killed him, he wouldn''t have suffered so much, but I should have chopped him up the day after the ball!��I should have cut his head off the day they first tied the knot!��You should have killed her while she was sleeping next to me!��I dreamed that I might be loved when I knew I wouldn''t be chosen anyway!��Hilarious!��I''ve been betrayed so many times, so many times!��You never once loved me!


    Rio was laughing.


    He was crying with laughter.


    ''So just die........Cronk!


    Rio released a torrent of light as he turned around.


    Crono kicked the ground.


    The purpose is to join Tilia and her men.


    I''m going to use Tilia and the others as a shield to join my men.


    It''s a shameless thing to do.


    But if we don''t take the shame out of it, we''ll be killed and that''s it.


    That''s what we need to avoid.


    I noticed.


    A thumping sound is heard.


    It''s the sound of an arrow of light piercing underfoot.


    ''Come on, blow it up!''


    "-Oh!


    Crono kicked the ground with all his strength.


    A burst of light and the feeling in his right leg disappeared.


    I don''t know if I was wounded or blown away.


    Regardless, he hid behind Tilia and the others and let out a breath of relief.


    My right leg wasn''t gone.


    It''s a shame. I just wanted to have the right leg to be mine.


    "Rio, I''m....


    What can I say to unwind Rio''s heart?


    How many words would it take for them to get back to their relationship?


    There was no answer, and an arrow pierced Rio''s feet.


    It was an arrow surrounded by red and green light.


    ''''--Tch!


    Rio clicked his tongue and flew backwards.


    Not a leap, but a literal flight.


    Slightly delayed, a burst of red and green light burst forth.


    Perhaps it was Aridid and Deneb''s imprinting technique.


    ''''Hahaha!��Crono, your man sounds like he''s up for it, doesn''t he?


    Rio laughed happily as he floated in the air.


    ''Crono, I''m not going to stop until I die. Hmmm, I won''t stop. Now Crono has a reason to kill me too, right?


    Rio, listen to me.


    No. How can you talk to me with a weapon pointed at you?��It sounds like you''re putting yourself on the shelf, but that''s not an attitude we should talk about, that''s just not the attitude.


    Rio said mockingly and disappeared into the forest.

 141-Episode 15 "Southward" Part 6

    *


    Seventh day of southward progress - Crono woke up with a pain in his leg.


    A pain that felt like a combination of a sprain and a burn covered his right leg from his toe to below the knee.


    Should he be glad that he had been attacked by a divine weapon and only suffered this level of pain?


    Should I feel pity that the only injured person was me?


    ''''Oh, you''ve finally woken up.


    "Priestess.


    Crono looked up at the priest who sat cross-legged at his bedside.


    He had been drinking alcohol by hand since early morning - a strange elven potion.


    The deputy and Theon didn''t seem to be there.


    ''''It doubles as an antiseptic, so please don''t drink too much.


    ....


    Why don''t you say something?


    This stuff runs fast.


    ''You''re a real alcoholic. You''re dying of liver failure.


    I''d like to die if I could.


    Crono raised his body and complained in disgust, but the priestess didn''t mind at all.


    Apparently, his ability to break down alcohol - whether it''s dependent on his physical body or his ability as a demigod is unknown - is unusual.


    ''''I''m immortal, but I wish my injuries had healed like a man.


    This is a living hell, isn''t it?


    Torment.


    I''m going to give you a sterner word than Ignis. An elephant can step on me and I won''t die or get sick, but I''m a very sensitive person.


    He''s like a pencil case from long ago.


    ''What have you been doing, living so long and not even being enlightened?��If you live for hundreds of years, you''ll have an enlightenment or two.


    I''m enlightened enough to know that the world is moving on without me.


    Maybe that''s a frontier that even a shut-in or a NEET can reach.


    You''ve been alive for hundreds of years, so you need to be a little more sane and enlightened.


    "Could you stop using the word ''neat''? I''m still a bit hazy on the old memories, but I have a feeling that in the distant past, I used to work myself to the bone with all my might.


    It''s good to be here.


    It''s so steep.


    ''Oyo,'' the priestess mimicked breaking down in tears.


    ''So, are you sure you don''t want that wound to heal?


    ''''Zion-san and Priestess are our trump card. We don''t want the priestess to disappear in a time of need.


    You couldn''t tell me any more?


    "....ascend to heaven.


    Not that it''s wrong, but it''s not wrong.


    The priestess grunted bitterly.


    ''I''ve had a lot on my mind since our current conversation, so I think I''m going to take a trip after this war is over.


    You''ll have to wait until you''ve paid your debts.


    I''ve got to get fired up and do some missionary work.


    The priestess muttered seriously and began to chivvy up and drink.


    At that time, the second in command looked into the wagon.


    ''''........General, are you awake? ...bumo.


    I just woke up.


    Crono stood up and scowled.


    His legs hurt quite a bit.


    He may be able to walk, but he may not be able to run.


    ''''What''s wrong?''''


    I''m here to report on yesterday''s knight commander''s visit. Princess Tyria isn''t ready, so I asked her to wait for me.


    Show me around.


    Crono, with the help of his second-in-command, descended from the covered wagon and headed down to the knight commander - Harris.


    The covered wagons were lined up in a line, and his men were clearing out the encampment.


    ''How are your men doing?''


    "No one else was injured besides Crono, so it''s not so hard to take it easy.


    That''s a relief.


    The story was that Rio was leading a hundred cavalry.


    But there was no such thing as a hundred cavalry last night.


    ''''........Is it Rio''s stand-up play?''''


    Did you say something? (Bum?)


    No, I''m just saying.


    After advancing in silence for a while, the tent came into view.


    Around them stand old knights who are Tilia''s attendants and cavalrymen who seem to be Harris'' men.


    ''''Harris-san is in the tent?''''


    "Hey, I don''t really want to be seen by the public.


    You were in the woods yesterday.


    Maybe he''s reconsidering that the roads are safer. Bumpy?


    Mino opened the tent and Crono went inside.


    Inside the tent were the figures of Harris and Tilia.


    ''You''re late,''


    I''m a sleeper.


    He excuses himself and stands behind Tilia.


    ''Now we''re ready to discuss this. First of all, can you tell me why you''re here and not Baron Zeginus?


    My uncle is dead.


    Harris said matter-of-factly.


    ''What was the cause of death?''


    There''s an ambush in the woods.


    I see, and that''s why you''re acting as acting lord?


    No, I''m the acting lord''s agent.


    Hmm?��Tilia tilted her head slightly.


    ''The original acting lord is my uncle''s son, but he is too sickly to bear the duties of a lord.


    Can''t you tell me what to do?


    Maybe it''s because I''m so sick, but I''m a bit out of touch with the world.


    Harris let out a small sigh.


    ''So what do we do now?''


    ''I would like to honor my uncle''s wishes and ask you to take down Count Chiron.


    Are you okay?


    I got through to him last night.


    You''re very good at it.


    It''s an emergency.


    Tilia said manglingly, but Harris only smiled weakly.


    ''May I have a stroke?��In exchange for the imperial army''s defeat of Count Chiron, they will guarantee safe passage through the territory.


    Yes, that''s fine. However, in respect to the will of Baron Zeginus, may I ask that the text be respected?


    I don''t mind.


    Tilia said in a tone of dismay and moved the two sheets of paper, quill and ink jar on the table in front of Harris.


    ''You don''t mind if it''s not parchment?''


    You''d be in a lot of trouble if there were any official documents left behind, wouldn''t you?


    Thank you for your concern.


    Harris thanked him and finished the sentence without any pretense of distress.


    Of course, he didn''t forget to sign it.


    ''''........I have one favor to ask?''''


    Harris cut him off quietly.


    ''What?''


    ''It''s no big deal. When your uncle''s child dies, he wants me to take over the reigns.


    Why?


    To avoid confusion, of course.


    "What good is it if the Imperial Army doesn''t win?


    Yes, I know.


    Harris gave a small nod.


    He wondered if he was the one who killed Baron Zeginus, but he wouldn''t say it.


    The Imperial Army didn''t have time to get involved in the Baron Zeginus family''s family turmoil.


    ''''It has nothing to do with the inheritance of the viceroyalty...''''


    What is it?


    How will you treat Count Chiron and his men?


    ...Yes.


    Harris stroked his chin thoughtfully.


    ''I''d like to leave it to you.


    Are you sure?


    ''If we punish you, you will have betrayed the Empire.


    He has betrayed himself enough when he allows the imperial army to pass through his territory, but is this what you call a thick skin on your face?


    ''''Isn''t that inconvenient?''''


    Does Princess Tyria care about your availability?


    No, I''ll be liberal enough to be at your disposal.


    Then I suppose it''s no problem. Oh, I''ll also note that I''ll leave the treatment of the Ninth Kinsman Guard to the Imperial Army.


    Harris added a sentence and offered it to Tyria.


    ''I can write that when the Acting Lord dies, you''ll be allowed to become the Lord, right?


    Nice to meet you.


    Tilia wrote a sentence on two sheets of paper, placing one in her hand and the other in front of Harris.


    ''This is going to be a soliloquy...''


    ....


    Tilia is silent.


    ''''Up ahead........though it''s quite far away, there are side roads. If you go straight ahead, it''s Viscount Necal''s territory, but if you go east, there''s a village that was destroyed by the Ninth Konoe Guard. Please be of some help.


    Harris stood up and walked out of the tent.


    A few moments later, the sound of a horseshoe could be heard.


    ''I don''t know if he killed it himself or if he used Count Chiron to his advantage.


    Tilia crossed her arms and leaned back.


    ''Rio is....''


    No one is coming to attack us.


    Tilia said as she let out a sigh.


    ''Can''t we convince them?''


    ''I won''t know until I try, but you will, won''t you?''


    I think he''s a terrible person, even if he is.


    I want Rio to live while killing Isabella and Ark.


    That''s a hell of an egoist.


    But that''s how I really feel.


    Okay?


    ''''To be honest, I wish you wouldn''t, but it''s worth a try. If we can bring the Earl of Chiron to our side, it will be a considerable increase in strength, and even if we''re hostile, we can show that we''ll be treated well if we show reverence.


    But," Tilia continues.


    ''You could die.


    I''m ready for it.


    I see.


    Tilia let out a small sigh.


    We''ll hold Count Chiron''s cavalry back and you can convince them to do the rest and that''s it.


    When you explain it that way, I feel like I can do it.


    Well, that''s easy for me to say.


    Yes.


    Crono nodded.


    This strategy has too much of a gamble element to it.


    In the first place, we don''t know where Rio and the others will attack us from.


    Furthermore, if Rio and the others had decided whether to kill Crono or Tilia, it would be difficult to divide them.


    Still, we have no choice.


    Crono clenched his fists.


    *


    In the evening--the imperial army reached a side road and began to prepare for the encampment there.


    As seven days had passed since the march began, his men were very skillful.


    ''''Old men there!��If you''ve got your hands free, help me prepare a meal!


    We are the maids of the Lady Tyria!��You have important business to attend to!


    ''That''s right!��If I work any longer, I''ll be d*mned to heaven!


    The landlady, Manchausen and Alonso were shouting at each other, but the preparations for the camp were well underway.


    Crono leaned against the covered wagon, wondering if he could convince Rio to come along.


    I looked up when I felt a sign and saw that Tilia was about to approach us.


    I stood next to Crono and leaned against the wagon.


    ''Are you nervous?''


    Where''s Tilia?


    A little.


    She doesn''t look nervous as she says it.


    Should I praise her for being an imperial princess?


    ''''You remember what the plan was, don''t you?''''


    If Rio and his friends show up, I''ll be on a side street.


    Crono turned his attention to the side road.


    The road was just wide enough for a carriage to barely get through, and it was full of holes.


    ''''There are no ambush soldiers, right?''''


    We''ll just have to trust our advance team.


    I''m a believer, though.


    Crono lightly cowered his shoulders.


    At the end of the side road is a small settlement of less than fifty houses.


    The village is surrounded on three sides by slopes.


    It''s hard to tell because of the thick vegetation, but the slope is said to be stair-stepped.


    ''''Master Crono, I''ve brought the horses.


    .....


    Tilia grunted softly as Leila came underneath Crono, pulling her horse.


    ''''Well that''s a big horse.''''


    He''s a carriage horse.


    The horse shook its head in disgust as Crono extended his hand.


    ''What about the soldier in the carriage?''


    I put him in another carriage.


    Thanks for working so fast.


    No, of course not.


    Leila looked down in embarrassment.


    ...Uh, Mister Crono?


    What is it?


    The horses are ready to go, sir.��Well, Master Crono can''t ride a horse...


    Tyria gushed as Leila cut her off in a cursory manner.


    ''Just because I''m not good at it doesn''t mean I can''t ride it,''


    ''I don''t remember seeing you on a horse, do I?


    I drove it right through military school.


    It was, wasn''t it?


    Tilia raised her eyebrows and held her temples.


    I''ve only been to one regular class, so it''s no wonder I don''t remember it.


    In fact, it would be scary if she remembered it.


    Leila''s ears perked up.


    ''''........Crono-sama?''''


    I know.


    The next moment Crono left the covered wagon, a green light flashed in the corner of his vision.


    It was an attack by a divine weapon there.


    A rush of light rushed in.


    The attack was coming from the front - Rio and the others would have been ambushed at the end of the street, not on a side street.


    Well, even if it turns out, Crono has no way to prevent this attack.


    ''''Fay!''''


    I know, sir!


    Faye jumps out in front of Crono and the others - further ahead of the wagon at the front.


    ''''Summon the Divine Weapon!��It is a drawn sword!


    He holds himself in a hunchbacked position and pulls out his sword and releases it in a motion.


    The darkness that erupts from your hand turns into a divine weapon - a bewitchingly beautiful sword.


    The rush of light is close at hand.


    ''''It is gutsy!


    Faye stabbed the divine weapon into the ground.


    In the next moment, the light engulfed the fey - or so it seemed.


    The divine weapon pushed the light back and sliced it in two.


    The light that was torn in two fluttered like a giant snake, destroying the objects beyond it.


    Shrubs are blown apart, the ground is gouged out, and pots and pans are overturned.


    It''s the same scene as last time, but this time the light is uninterrupted.


    The light rushes in as if there were no end to it.


    There was a grating sound of a squeak.


    A crack ran through the divine weapon in Faye''s hand.


    More disappeared and appeared repeatedly.


    Even though the gods they believed in were different, it was the same divine weapon summoning.


    No, that''s why the competence of the wielder will appear.


    It''s gutsy, gutsy, gutsy!


    As if in response to Faye''s cry, the divine weapon emitted a strong light.


    Suddenly, the rush of light ceased.


    As if Faye had run out of power, she slammed down on one knee and the divine artifact shattered into pieces.


    The shards disappeared as they melted into the air faster than they could touch the ground.


    Although he was able to surpass the attack, he couldn''t be relieved.


    The sound of horseshoes could be heard, and the cavalrymen were closing in on us.


    They were closing in on us to blend in with Rio''s attack.


    Leading the way was Rio''s second-in-command - an elderly knight.


    ''''........Crono.


    I know.


    Tilia turns herself around and runs in the opposite direction from the cavalry.


    ''It''s Princess Tyria!


    Chase, chase, chase, chase!


    Capture him and your mission is over!


    ''Ignore the Marquis of Erakis!��That thing is Master Rio''s prey!


    The enemy cavalry passed right in front of Crono and followed Tilia.


    ''''Enemy!


    Protect the Princess Tyria!


    It''s time to show your loyalty!


    Let them know we''re here.


    Manchausen and the other old knights shout and confront the cavalry.


    Tilia runs through and the old knights hold their spears.


    ''Kick them out!��I''m going to charge!


    Do not be afraid!��We are with the Princess Tyria!


    The enemy cavalry rushed in as one, and the old knight was blown away with ease.


    The old knight is blown away, knocked to the ground and bitten by the enemy cavalry.


    The old knight''s life-giving work brings the enemy horsemen to a complete halt.


    If it were a plain, this would still be a city road.


    If you step away from the roadway, the wasteland spreads and it''s impossible to run a horse.


    ''''It!��Drag it down!


    The old knight grabs at the enemy cavalry.


    ''Pull back!''


    Enclose yourself in a circle!


    It was faster for the old knight to cut off the retreat than for the enemy cavalry to start running around the neck of his horse.


    The old knight surrounded the enemy cavalry and thrust out his spear and sword.


    Of course, the enemy horsemen were not defeated either.


    He draws his sword and swings it down.


    A short scream goes up, but the old knight is not intimidated.


    He challenges him, shouting, ''For the sake of Princess Tilia.


    ''''Old man, step back! (BUMO!)


    I''m going to ask you to step aside, that I do! (GASPS!)


    His second-in-command and Taiga shout.


    I try to cover them somehow, but the turbulent conditions make it impossible to do so.


    ''Master Crono!''


    I know!


    Crono jumped on his horse and kicked him in the side.


    The horse got to a pole stand and started to run.


    ''Turn!''


    I pulled on the reins and managed to guide my horse down a side street.


    Just as I let out a breath of relief, a blast of air rushed in from behind me.


    When I looked behind me over my shoulder, I saw Rio on his horse chasing me.


    He was holding an ordinary bow in his hand, though.


    ''''Gee, I thought you couldn''t ride a horse.''''


    A cool voice reaches my ears.


    Perhaps they are using a divine technique to allow the voice to reach them.


    This way we can talk about it.


    ''''I didn''t say anything about not being able to ride.


    I thought you said you weren''t good at this?


    When Crono miffed and said it back, Rio said it in a teasing way.


    That''s right, he just said he wasn''t good at it, he didn''t say he couldn''t ride.


    Well, all I can do is ride and run on the horse''s back.


    An intermittent blast of wind rushed in.


    ''Rio, please stop,''


    Oh, are you begging for your life?


    I don''t want to fight you, okay? There''s no reason for us to fight you.


    The Cronos didn''t pick me.


    ''That''s because Lord Leonhardt was trying to kill Rio!


    That''s why I couldn''t tell him to come.


    If I''ve misbuttoned the buttons, this is the place.


    If I explain myself properly, they''ll understand.


    But...


    I don''t care. I don''t care.


    What?


    ...Crono chose the Princess Tyria.


    Rio said in a horrifyingly cold voice.


    ''Crono chose Princess Tyria.


    No.


    Crono denied it as soon as he could.


    It was true that Crono had chosen to fight Tilia and the others.


    But it was because his men had stood up for him.


    It was because they chose to fight the Empire for themselves.


    That''s exactly right. You didn''t choose me then.


    "I didn''t choose Rio...


    That''s when he finally realizes.


    In Rio''s mind, Crono''s decision and the fact that he didn''t choose her are synonymous.


    ''''You mean ... you should have just abandoned your subordinate?''''


    Yes,


    Rio said simply.


    ''That''s not right,''


    I''ve explained it to them.


    But they don''t understand me.


    It''s too self-centered.


    ''Am I crazy?��Funny?��Hahaha, Crono!��I''ve been doing this for a long time, you know?��Since when did you think I was sane?


    "-Oh!


    Crono gasped.


    If you think about it, Rio is killing the person who refused to confess.


    He had misbuttoned the button from the beginning.


    This could have happened at any time from the moment Rio confessed to him.


    Luckily, he''d only maintained his equilibrium, and he''d mistakenly thought that was normal.


    ''Rio!��To start over--


    The blast interrupts Crono''s words.


    Suddenly, the attack stops and I look over my shoulder to see what''s behind me.


    The only person there was a horse.


    There''s no sign of Rio.


    ''''........What should I do?''''


    Crono bit his lip.


    What should have broken down only broke down.


    A premonition just turned into reality.


    ''''--!


    Suddenly, the horse lurched forward and Crono was thrown into the air.


    He activated his imprint as quickly as he could, but he couldn''t mimic the idea of spinning around in the air and landing on the ground.


    At best, it would only mitigate the damage.


    Crono was slammed to the ground and then stood up.


    Somewhat late and the horse falls over.


    No, it''s not that easy.


    It''s like a race car crash.


    Crono walked up to the fallen horse.


    The horse was foaming blood and was dead.


    ''''.........Divine Art?''''


    I shake my head.


    I remember hearing that horses die when they run as fast as they can.


    Normal creatures relax their strength before their limits are reached, but horses don''t relax their strength even when their limits are reached.


    Sorry, I apologize in my mind as I look around.


    It was the entrance to the village.


    The roofs of the buildings were burned down and the earthen walls were crumbling.


    A light impact ran through his right thigh.


    When I looked at my thigh, I saw an arrow stuck in it.


    ''''--!''''


    A fever arose and it hit his brain in a fierce pain.


    ''Haha, Crono is very patient,''


    Rio slowly descends to the ground.


    ''I was going to kill him on the way down. I decided to take my time here and rethink killing it.


    Rio chuckled and came closer.


    I have to do something about it.


    Somehow I have to take away Rio''s fighting power and convince him to do it.


    But I can''t think of a way to do that.


    All my thoughts are spinning out of control.


    ''Come on, let''s go?''


    Rio points his index finger upwards.


    A green light swirls around his index finger and shoots toward Crono.


    A sharp pain runs down his cheek.


    It was torn apart by a blade of wind.


    ''I''ll go on and on,''


    Rio laughs and a blade of wind is released.


    Crono strengthens the ''field'' and plays the wind blade.


    The essence of the imprinting technique is the alteration of reality by will.


    With a strong will, it''s possible to move a broken body.


    But the current Crono didn''t have that much will.


    It was wrong from the beginning.


    Their feelings for each other were frayed.


    I loved the illusion I had inside me.


    How could he maintain a strong will when confronted with such a reality?


    ''I do. How about this?


    Rio dives into Crono''s bosom and touches his chest with his index finger.


    Crono jumps back, and at the same time, light bursts out of him.


    The impact penetrates.


    ''''--Gehaha!


    Crono was knocked from his back to the ground and coughed violently.


    Tears blotted his vision.


    Avoid it, roll, or you''ll die.


    He rolled as his survival instincts dictated, and light exploded up close and personal.


    The impact again pierces my entire body, and the blasted pebbles slice through my skin.


    I wipe my tears with the back of my hand--.


    ''''I knew Crono was good.


    Rio was looking down at me with an enraptured expression on his face.


    For some reason, he''s raising one leg.


    I don''t need to think about why--I don''t need to think about the reason.


    ''''No, stop--''''


    I need to hear more voices!


    "-Oh!


    Rio swung his foot down on the arrow stuck in his thigh.


    Crono screamed as the intense pain hit his brain.


    ''''Haha!��Good voice, good voice!


    Rio threw down the bow and rode up to Crono.


    He licks his fingers and touches the arrow on his thighs.


    That''s all it takes to make the excruciating pain crawl up.


    ''More!''


    Aaahh!


    Rio twists the arrow and a murky scream gushes out.


    ''''Hahahaha!��It''s great!��It''s great!��I should have done this from the beginning!��I should have done this!��The chrono is mine!��The chrono is mine.��More and more--


    Rio was sounding crazy, but he fell silent as if a switch had been flipped.


    Suddenly, he flashed his arm in a flash.


    A gust of wind arises and an arrow pierces the ground.


    Someone had fired an arrow.


    ''''Count Chiron!��Please stay away from Master Crono!


    Leila''s voice rang out.


    ''....Layla?


    Rio muttered softly and stood up in a billion words.


    Green light flooded from his left hand, and in the next moment, the bow was in his grasp.


    Divine Weapon Summoning.


    However, the light emitted by the divine weapon was too weak compared to that seen before.


    ''''There!''''


    Rio shoots an arrow of light at the slope.


    The light bursts out and blows off a corner of the slope.


    But Leila is not there.


    A moment later, Leila''s voice echoes again.


    ''Count Chiron, please surrender!


    Haha, you just shot an arrow at me.


    Surrender and we can start over!


    What happens if we start over?��Are you asking me to be afraid of not being chosen again?


    ''No, sir!��Lord Crono, Lord Crono loves you equally!


    Equality?��Equality?


    ''Haha,'' laughed Rio.


    ''That''s a trick. You''re one of the mistresses, no matter how hard you try. You can''t be a regular wife, or even a second wife. How can you claim equality when there is a fixed hierarchy?


    There is a rustling sound and arrows fly in the air.


    Rio flashes his arm and the wind blows.


    Earlier he could easily change his trajectory, but this time it was different.


    The arrow snatched Rio''s arm and stabbed him in the back.


    ''''.........Engraving technique?''''


    Rio blurted out and Crono turned his gaze to the arrow.


    The arrow was surrounded by red light.


    ''Leila, you love Crono, don''t you?��If you do this, you''re going to get Crono involved, okay?


    No reply.


    Rio let out a small sigh and pulled away from Crono.


    ''Don''t get me wrong. I walked away from Crono because I wanted to kill him myself.


    "Flameboy!


    "Oops!


    Rio jumped back and a huge pillar of fire rose up.


    My skin tingled and ached, despite the considerable distance between us.


    The pillar of fire disappeared and arrows flew in the air.


    As if he was expecting it, Rio twisted his body to duck the arrows and started to fight back.


    An arrow of light pierced the slope and exploded after about a blink of an eye.


    After all, Leila is not there.


    You''re good at running away.


    Rio said disgustedly-- "I''m going to blow you to pieces!


    ''I''ll blow you up by the roots!


    He shot arrow after arrow of light down the slope.


    Light exploded, the wind blew and the slope was blown away.


    It''s an attack so caustic that it changes the terrain.


    ''''Huh, dead--''''


    An arrow is released from somewhere.


    A shield of light blocks the arrow.


    No, I should say that I stopped it.


    Even though the arrow is caught by the light shield, it is still trying to push forward.


    But that doesn''t last long.


    The arrow succumbs to Rio''s power and is flung backwards.


    ''Haha, you''re full of motivation!��Leila, I''m going to love you too!


    Rio fired another arrow of light down the slope.


    A burst of light and the terrain changes.


    Immediately after, an arrow flies in.


    It was from a different direction than before.


    Leila was moving through the artillery-like attack.


    ''''You''re not using magic anymore?''''


    Rio calls out to her, but Leila doesn''t answer.


    ''Will you shut up?��You''re not going to be silent in bed either, are you?


    With that, he shoots an arrow of light.


    A battle of opposites begins.


    Despite being the same archers, the types of attacks are different.


    Artillery and sniping - indeed, it''s a battle of motion and stillness.


    Time passes, and the outcome of the battle becomes clearer and clearer.


    It was Rio who had the upper hand.


    The slope and the vegetation on it had been blown away by Rio''s attack.


    It was a sign that there was nowhere to hide.


    In addition, Leila had a more pressing problem.


    Crono stared at the ground and the scorched earthen walls.


    There were countless arrows sticking out of it.


    While Rio could release arrows almost infinitely, Leila could only release as many as she had in her arrow barrel.


    ''''Hmph, I won, right?''''


    Rio spoke to the remaining plants on the slope.


    ''Yes. I have a special honor for you. I''ll crush your limbs and show you how I can make Crono my own.


    Rio muttered, enthralled.


    She looked like a damsel in love if you just looked at her expression, but the content of her expression was horrifying.


    It''s even more so when you''re in the position to be killed.


    ''Well, if you''re willing to surrender, that is.


    Rio readied his divine weapon and slowly pulled the string.


    An arrow of light appeared and a small sound could be heard.


    It''s the sound of a sacred object cracking.


    Rio''s strength is reaching its limit.


    ''''That said, you''re not going to surrender, are you?


    Just then, a sound rang out from behind me.


    ''When?!''


    Rio reflexively turned around, but Leila wasn''t there.


    Only a single arrow glowed faintly.


    This time, a sound echoed from the slope.


    It was Leila.


    She''s holding a machine gun bow.


    She is even more expressionless than usual.


    It''s a sign of determination.


    ''''At least Crono!


    Before Rio could turn to Crono, Leila released an arrow.


    The arrow pierced his chest and Rio staggered.


    The divine weapon shattered and disappeared as a light.


    ''''Ah.....


    Rio was dumbfounded and stared at the arrow stuck in his own chest and fell down on the spot.


    ''''Ri, Rio!''''


    Crono stood up and ran to Rio.


    It was the power of ''place''.


    A strong force of will moved his legs.


    ''''........Rio.''''


    Crono knelt down and picked up Rio.


    Rio''s eyes were closed, as if he was fainting.


    ''''........Rio?''''


    When he called out again, his eyelashes quivered and Rio opened his eyes thinly.


    ''Huh, Leila''s got me.


    You don''t have to speak!��Stop the bleeding, stop the bleeding!


    I can''t do this anymore.


    Rio slowly raised his hand.


    His hand was transparent.


    A side effect of the divine power art - Rio was being eaten out of existence by the gods.


    ''''So... so...''''


    That''s enough!��I''m sure Mr. Priestess will help you!


    So you''ll die with me.


    Summoning divine power, Rio muttered quietly.


    The next moment, a green light filled his vision.


    *


    How long had he been unconscious?


    When he woke up, Rio was being held by Crono.


    ''Good. You''re awake now, aren''t you?


    ...here?


    When I looked around, I saw that it was a space filled with green light.


    Summoning divine authority is the art of calling God itself.


    That means that this place must be inside of God.


    Rio looked at Crono.


    Although he had no strength at all, he could still at least scratch his head off.


    But--''


    ''''That''s enough.''''


    Rio muttered softly.


    He felt strangely calm.


    Maybe it was because Crono was holding her.


    Is it because he was shot through the chest?


    Is it because he is being eaten by a god?


    Either way, it wasn''t a bad mood.


    A mischievous feeling suddenly arises.


    "...Crono, did you love me?


    I love you.


    I didn''t love you, I love you.


    Laughter bubbled up.


    Rio laughs.


    He laughs, spitting blood.


    How could it be?


    How could this have happened?


    It must be because--.


    I''ve always wanted it.


    It''s all about me.


    I couldn''t help myself.


    Lonely.


    I was too scared to leave my house, my position, my fears.


    He left me behind.


    He could only see himself.


    ''''Well don''t leave me again, please. I''ll follow you properly next time.


    Rio smiled as the strength in Crono''s arms grew.


    When the pillar of light disappeared, there was nothing there.


    The burned out house, the plants, the slope, everything that was inside the pillar of light was gone.


    No--.


    ''''Master Crono!''''


    Leila patted her chest and ran down the slope.


    Then she stopped.


    Crono was on his knees.


    In his arms, only his white uniform - his jacket - remained.


    Crono''s shoulders were shaking as if he was crying.


    ''''........Ah.''''


    I raise my voice in a small voice.


    Because after all this time, he realized that he had taken Rio away from Crono.


    Even though he had become an enemy, Rio was still Crono''s lover.


    How sad he must be.


    How much he must be in pain.


    I wanted to run to him.


    If I didn''t, I knew that gentle Crono would be crushed by the grief.


    But Crono rose to his feet.


    Biting his lip, he held back tears.


    ''''Oh....''''


    Leila gave a small gasp.


    Realizing that Crono wasn''t weak enough to be crushed by grief.


    There would be times when he would be overwhelmed by grief and pain.


    There might even be times when his feet would stop.


    Still, he will get up.


    Crono walks slowly, but forcefully.


    The arrow that was stuck in his thigh is gone.


    No, even if the arrow was still stuck in his thigh, he would have walked out forcefully.


    Leila bit her lip and followed Crono.

 142-Episode 15 "Southward" Part 7

    *


    As Crono returned to the street with Leila, his second-in-command rushed up to him.


    ''''General, are you hurt?'''' (Bum?)


    You''ll see.


    "That''s the best part.


    The deputy patted his chest.


    There''s a hole in his pants, but that''s all.


    Not only was the arrow that had pierced his thigh gone, but the wound had healed.


    The wound from yesterday - the pain that covered my toes to below my knees - is also gone.


    "When the pillar of light appeared, I thought it was all over." (Bumobumo)


    The deputy exhaled in relief.


    ''I could see it from here,''


    "Hey, I can clearly see the pillar of heaven. What in the world was that all about? Bummo?


    It''s a divine summons.


    "....summoning the divine power...


    The First Officer parroted.


    ''In other words, where is Count Chiron?'' (Bum?)


    No..... it didn''t work.


    I lightly lift Rio''s jacket.


    Maybe I should have been more selfish.


    I''ve loved Rio, and I''ve considered my position.


    So I couldn''t tell him to drop everything and come under my wing.


    But that was the one word that Rio was looking for.


    He should have asked them to stay by his side, without regard to their position.


    If he had done so, he might have been able to postpone the collapse.


    In that time, we could have avoided the collapse itself.


    ''''Well it''s too late now.''''


    Did you say something? (Bum?)


    It''s nothing.


    Yes, it''s too late now.


    It''s too late to regret it now.


    It was all over before I could say that word.


    "What''s the situation?


    Ten men died in the service of Princess Tyria. The number of those seriously injured is over 20.


    The deputy said in a low voice.


    It''s not unreasonable.


    Tyria''s attendants - the old knights were dismounted from their horses against the incoming cavalry.


    As a commander, you should be glad that you only had to sacrifice so much.


    "If it was left to us...


    Mr. Minot.


    "Understood.


    The adjutant grunted.


    ''Where are the enemy cavalry?''


    "There are only 30 prisoners of war, and the other 70 have escaped. The remaining seventy escaped.


    Yeah.


    Crono nodded quietly.


    ''What about the prisoners?''


    "Over here.


    Crono walks off, led by his deputy.


    The covered wagons are lined up in a line along the street.


    After a while, the corpse of an old knight comes into view.


    It''s a corpse smeared with blood and dirt.


    Some of the corpses appeared to be unscathed, while others were heavily damaged.


    They were laid out on white sheets and flowers were placed on their chests.


    A number of small white flowers were in bloom.


    They looked a lot like flaxseed.


    Perhaps Tyria had used the Divine Majesty Technique.


    ''''Oh, the Marquis of Erakis?''''


    Manchausen walked up to him, hanging his arms.


    ''You''ve come back, haven''t you?


    Yeah.


    It didn''t work?


    Manchausen gave a small, downcast look.


    ''Well, it happens.''


    ....


    Crono couldn''t say anything.


    ''Things don''t always go well,''


    Manchausen whispered to no one.


    ''We''ve had a lot of things go wrong too, but look at us.


    Manchausen turned his gaze to the corpse.


    The blood and mud smeared corpse seemed to be smiling.


    ''Good face, isn''t it?''


    Manchausen smiled happily.


    He smiled happily, "I''ve been able to die in a useful capacity, protecting the Princess Tilia. Not only did they provide me with a place to die, they even gave me flowers, which is the greatest honor.


    ....


    Crono couldn''t say anything.


    ''I know what the Marquis of Erakis means. You''re suggesting that you''d be better off alive, right?''


    Yeah.


    He finally squeezes out that one word.


    The commander - the one who dragged them out to the battlefield, I think, what a contradiction.


    But it''s also true that I want them to live.


    "We have suffered enough shame in life.


    I don''t think so.


    Shame on you for living. It''s not bad to talk about the civil war with your old friends and see your grandchildren.


    I see you have grandchildren.


    I''m not a rock.


    ''Kaka,'' laughed Manchausen, ''I''m a knight in shining armor.


    ''I wish to die a knight. I was taught that this was the best way to live, and that is what I wanted to do. I was taught that this was the best way to live, and that''s what I thought.


    That''s the old way of being a knight, lost to the reform of the military system.


    Today''s knights - the majority of them are graduates of military schools.


    With a few exceptions, a knight is now only a qualified person.


    ''You don''t hold a grudge?''


    I''ve forgotten. I''m a little old for that.


    Manchausen laughed helplessly, and Crono cursed himself for his stupidity.


    He had been deprived of the way of life he wanted to live.


    He had been treated as if the days he had fought for had been declared worthless.


    How could I not hold a grudge?


    I used to think that dying at the care of my family was not so bad, but when I heard that Princess Tyria was going to raise an army, I couldn''t sit still for long.


    Manchausen''s eyes narrowed.


    Maybe he could get back what was taken from him.


    That''s why I visited Hashel, despite my resentment.


    ''Fortunately, I should say, the Imperial Army needs us. It was hard on my bones to lead a bunch of kids, but...


    You didn''t show your age in that move.


    I always do my best to die at all times.


    You can''t be serious.


    We can''t have him die in training.


    Finally, I''ve even entrusted you with the important task of running the household of Princess Tyria.


    It''s...


    Don''t look at me like that. We know all about it. We''re a volunteer army. Well, you see, the Marquis of Erakis isn''t cut out to be a commander.


    Kaka, Manchausen laughed.


    "....that''s a hell of a lot better than someone who doesn''t mind the sacrifice...


    Hi. Hi.


    Crono scratched his head, unsure of what to say.


    ''''And ... Princess Tilia.


    Not good enough for the princess?


    I don''t believe it!


    Manchausen spat at him.


    ''Princess Tilia is a wonderful person. She is a wonderful person, she is attentive and understanding. How could such a wonderful person have lost her throne and the world is filled with injustice?


    ''It''s like he came to the Marquess of Erakis and reflected on what he''s been up to.


    ...I see. I''m sure that harsh experiences have honed their humanity.


    Yes.


    The only time I''ve had a bad experience was when I was deprived of the succession to the throne, and I feel like I''ve had a full life since I came to the Marquis of Erakis, but illusions are important.


    ''''.........General.......Bumo.


    I know.


    The deputy overheard me and moved on, and I saw the Taiga and the others.


    Apparently, they were surrounding the captives.


    Among them was Rio''s second-in-command.


    They had been disarmed and their wrists were bound.


    They hung their heads powerlessly, probably because they were imagining a bleak future.


    ''''Good work, that is.'''' (Gau)


    Good night.


    Rio''s second-in-command looked up with a huff.


    ''''Li, Rio-sama is!


    I will be quiet, that I will! (GASP!)


    Taiga shouted and two of his men crossed their spears to block the path of Rio''s second-in-command.


    ''''What happened to Lord Rio, Lord Rio?''''


    ....


    "-Oh!


    Rio''s second-in-command''s eyes widened as Crono silently held out his jacket.


    A pillar of light, a jacket that had lost its master - it was clear what these meant.


    ''''Ki, nobility....''''


    He gives me a hateful look, but it''s only for a moment.


    I think he understands.


    That he is also one of those who could not save Rio.


    ''Master Crono!''


    When I looked at the direction the voice came from, I saw Faye waving her hand.


    A tent was strung up behind her.


    ''''Princess Tyria wants to see you!


    Okay!


    Crono shouted and looked at his deputy.


    ''''........What''s wrong?'''' ...bumo?


    I don''t think I have to worry about it, but you better take care of your prisoners.


    "Understood, no.


    The deputy nodded quietly.


    ''Master Crono, what about me?''


    Layla rest.


    Okay ... okay.


    Leila nodded and Crono went to the tent.


    ''Good work, sir.''


    Good job to you too.


    He exchanged greetings with Faye and entered the tent.


    Tilia was sitting in a chair with her arms crossed grimly.


    ''''Well I guess I shouldn''t have...''''


    It''s not working.


    Okay.


    Tilia said as she let out a sigh.


    It''s the same Divine Majesty Technique user.


    He must have understood Rio''s death when he saw the Divine Authority Summoning--the pillar of light.


    ''''After all, that was the light of the Divine Majesty Summoning, wasn''t it?


    That''s what Rio said.


    Okay.


    After all, he says as he lets out a sigh.


    ''I''m surprised you made it back in one piece.


    Yes.


    It''s a divine summons to kill Crono.


    It will only disappear if Rio loses his mind.


    ''''Your negotiations have been in vain.


    Tilia muttered to herself.


    ''I know this is a soliloquy, but I didn''t hate the Earl of Chiron.


    ....


    Crono does not answer.


    This is a soliloquy, so he must not answer.


    ''I''ve had my head stomped on, and we''ve had many deadly fights in our relationship, but I never once wished from the bottom of my heart that Count Chiron was dead. It was such a selfish thought that I hoped this relationship would continue.


    After all this time, Tilia added.


    ''Yes,'' Crono responded in his mind.


    ''What about the prisoners?''


    I''m going to turn you over to Harris.


    Didn''t he say that punishing him would be a betrayal?


    That''s if you punish him. But not under the guise of protection.


    Do you think he''ll be on board?


    He''ll be on board.


    Tilia leaned back in her chair.


    ''Why do you think that is?''


    ''''It''s because it has merit. It would be a foil if he had negotiated and protected the members of the Ninth Kinsman Guard who were captured by the Imperial Army.


    Doesn''t that raise the eyebrows of the people?


    He came in contact with the Ninth Konoe Guards to do something about the rampaging Ninth Konoe Guards in the territory.


    And yet, how would they protect them?


    Before that, it is unlikely that the people of the territory would be satisfied.


    ''''You don''t have to say that you''ve protected them to the territorial residents.


    Does that make sense?


    Come on, baby.


    Tilia lightly cowered her shoulders.


    ''Whatever it is, if you use it well, you''ll be able to show that you''re worthy of being a lord.


    Where are my men?


    Manchausen and his friends are convinced.


    Then Tilia let out a long sigh.


    ''Why?''


    They say it''s not an act of a knight to execute a surrenderer.


    "...Tilia was convinced.


    It''s not my problem.


    Tilia said, sounding miffed.


    ''The Manchausens have suggested it. Of course, they would have folded if I insisted on the execution, but that''s not what my lord would have done.


    That language....


    It''s the duty of the higher-ups to show their subordinates what they want to see.


    Tilia''s grown up, hasn''t she?


    ''Don''t mumble in your heart,''


    Tilia frowned uncomfortably.


    ''''.........Don''t endure it.''''


    Yes.


    Tilia said with a sigh and Crono nodded.


    *


    Leila, you sound like you''ve had a good night.


    Like, I brought you a meal and you''re going to eat it with me.


    As Leila was staring at the fire alone, Alideed and Deneb called out to her.


    The tension was lower than usual.


    They placed a tray of bread and soup on Layla''s thighs and sat down face to face.


    ''Is it okay to eat at a time like this?''


    I''m gonna eat it.


    I''m always hungry when I''m sad and I''m tired.


    Leila scooped up the soup and brought it to her mouth.


    She couldn''t quite taste it.


    No, that would be fine.


    It''s more unusual to be able to eat a normal meal while killing someone you know.


    At least it seems shocking enough to not taste.


    ''Like I''m sorry about Count Chiron.


    It''s unfortunate that the style of stepping into the na?ve part of the world is what makes it so unfortunate.


    Haha, they both laughed, but the last part was like a sigh.


    ''Like how was Crono-sama?''


    I worry that you''re in shock.


    Master Crono I''m not sure.


    It was a bit of a stretch.


    It''s not so bad, I guess.


    ''No, I don''t think so. Master Crono has risen to his feet.


    When people are confronted with an uncontrollable situation, they put their trust in God - a being beyond human knowledge.


    That''s what people are like.


    At least that''s what Leila thought.


    But Crono was not overwhelmed by grief, nor did he cling to God.


    He bit his lip, held back his tears, and stood up.


    The young man who said he was sorry and shed tears was not there.


    The past three or so years had changed Crono.


    I don''t know if that''s a good thing or a bad thing, but I''m a little sad.


    ''''I see...''''


    Sis?


    Alideed chews on the remaining bread and Deneb calls out to him with concern.


    He swallows the bread and--''


    ''''I wasn''t prepared for this. Now you were just pretending to be worried about Crono-sama and being weak.


    Sis, this is the most serious thing I''ve seen in a long time.


    Alideed changed his tone rattling and spitting.


    Deneb''s tone has changed, too.


    No, he''s back to the bare minimum.


    ''''You forced Crono-sama to be that prepared, I shouldn''t be whining about it.


    You don''t want to do any more acting?


    No, that''s not the same thing.


    Alideed changed his tone again.


    ''It''s about time we each pursued our own happiness and didn''t get a bee in the bonnet.


    "Stop trying to bullshit me!��It''s like I can see that he wants to deal with Master Crono all by himself!


    If you''re so smart, make me stop acting.


    Don''t make me stop!


    Like you want me to stop.


    That''s fine. Sisters are supposed to listen to their sisters.


    Deneb moaned, and Alideed nodded in satisfaction.


    ''What are the three of you talking about?''


    "-Oh!


    Suddenly, I turned around when I was approached and saw Crono standing there.


    His attitude was the same as usual, but he was pale.


    Layla turned over in a small way.


    Maybe Crono was desperately trying to discipline himself.


    Thinking about that, she couldn''t meet his eyes.


    I have regrets about killing Count Chiron.


    But even if I could rewind time, I would still do the same thing again and again.


    Perhaps the fact that I''m thinking like that has an effect on me.


    ''It''s like you were talking about Count Chiron.


    Arideed!


    Hey, sis!


    Leila and Deneb shouted at the same time.


    ''Right, I''ve been talking to Tilia and the others too.


    We''d like to hear how you feel about the Chronosphere.


    You know what I''m talking about.


    But I want you to be able to talk about it.


    ''Yes. I knew I''d have to talk about it, right?


    Crono smiled as if to mock himself.


    ''''My answer is set. I will march on and defeat the false emperor Alfort at this point. And I will fulfill our ideals.''''


    Wouldn''t it be nice to fight someone you know?


    I''m ready, no, to be honest with you, I''ve been ready to fight Master Leonhardt for a long time.


    Leila was aware of that as well.


    She also knew that Crono was planning a plan to win against Leonhardt.


    Crono patted Leila''s head--.


    ''''We''ll be early again tomorrow. Get some rest today.''''


    He said in the same tone as usual and left.


    *


    The eighth day of the southward march - Crono was in the tent, waiting for Harris'' arrival.


    Naturally, I should say, Tilia is with him.


    Tilia is sitting in a chair, arms and legs crossed.


    ''Lord Harris is here!


    Faye''s voice echoed and Harris came in.


    ''Well I thought the reunion would be a little later.


    I''m sorry I had to shake things up for you.


    No, no, not at all.


    Harris took a seat across from her and Tilia straightened her residence.


    ''Thank you for nominating me, sir.


    I don''t know the acting lord''s name.


    That too, I suppose.


    Haha, Harris laughs.


    Normally, he should have contacted the acting lord, but Crono and the others don''t know his name.


    However, even if they did know the name, they would have contacted Harris.


    It''s better to have someone who knows at least a little bit of his or her personality.


    ''''I''m sorry for the acting lord, but thanks to you, my reputation has been revised.


    Of course you do.


    After all, the authority of the royal family is immense.


    If the royal family relies on him, his reputation is bound to rise.


    On the other hand, the reputation of the acting lord who was not taken seriously would be devastated.


    ''''........I heard that you wanted to hand over the prisoners?


    We''re getting ahead of ourselves.


    Oh, I see. I see. I see.


    Harris nodded with a theatrical gesture.


    When I first met him, I got the impression that he seemed honest, but he''s quite a strong man, maintaining his position of neutrality and taking only the tasty parts with him.


    Well, maybe he just looks like he''s taking the good parts with him, but in reality he may be having a hard time.


    But you''re protecting a man who''s trashing his own territory? That''s pretty hard to do.


    Cook well.


    Do you mind if it ages?


    I don''t mind, but don''t be too hasty.


    Don''t worry, I''m very good at waiting.


    It''s not too late to determine whether Tyria or Alfort will win before deciding on the treatment of the prisoners.


    If you keep them under house arrest, you will have a good excuse for your territory.


    ''I''d appreciate it if you were good at restraint as well.


    Sure, I''m good at that too.


    Harris smiled as Tilia nailed it.


    ''''Well there''s one more thing.


    What is it?


    I want to bury my man.


    "Use the village devastated by the Ninth Kinsman Guard.


    I''m sorry.


    ''No, no, it''s only right that we show respect to those who have fought bravely.


    Harris said with a theatrical gesture.


    Perhaps he thought he would have a reputation for being a reasonable person.


    Is there anything else you need?


    No.


    Okay.


    Harris slowly got up.


    He was about to walk out as it was--


    ''Finally....''


    What is it?


    Harris stopped in his tracks.


    ''Thank goodness we talked so quickly.


    Me too, sir.


    Then, Harris left the tent.


    ''I''ve spoken to the Imperial Army!��The people of the Ninth Kinsman Guard will be protected in my name!


    Harris''s voice echoed, followed by the sound of flapping footsteps.


    ''Phew, I''m tired.''


    Good night.


    Crono worked on Tilia.


    ''What a great guy you were,''


    For better or worse.


    Tilia said sarcastically.


    ''I won''t side with the Imperial Army, but I will use it to its fullest extent... quite an interesting man.


    You said you were good at waiting, but how long did you wait?


    You''ve been waiting for this for a long time, haven''t you?


    Always?


    ''I wouldn''t be surprised if it was Harris'' fault that the acting lord was sickly.


    I hope they don''t stab me in the back.


    We can keep it until this fight is over.


    Tilia poked her cheekbones and said disinterestedly.


    That was cold, right after I said he was quite an interesting man.


    Well, Crono is the same way.


    ''Well,''


    Tyria stood up and stretched out, looking like she was in a billion dollars.


    Are you ready?


    Well, you know.


    That''s good to hear.


    Tilia started to walk away and Crono followed.


    *


    The ninth day of marching south -- successfully passing through Viscount Necal''s territory.


    *


    On the evening of the tenth day of his southward march--Crono was awakened by the vibration of the wagon.


    Apparently, he had fallen asleep.


    When he looked around, he saw that Theon and the Priestess were also rowing the boat.


    The only one who was awake was the second in command.


    ''''General, by waking up.'''' (Bumo)


    You''ll see.


    He stretches absently and frowns at the smell of the seaweed.


    ''I can''t seem to get used to the smell of seaweed, can I?


    I''m getting used to it.


    I envy you.


    "That makes me feel very fortunate.


    The First Officer shook his shoulder in amusement.


    ''Is it going to take us a little longer to get to the port?''


    "I think we''re on our way.


    I hope there''s no fighting.


    "If it''s as reported by the advance team, there should be no problem.


    Yes.


    The advance party - Kane reports that the barrier is packed with dozens of generals.


    They seem to be friendly enough to have a conversation - but they seem to be friendly enough to have a conversation.


    The wagon stopped and Crono stood up.


    ''''I''ll go first.'''' (Bumo)


    The second in command jumps down from the wagon and goes to check on him.


    ''''General, it''s okay.'''' (Bumo)


    Crono dismounted from the covered wagon and stretched out.


    As he emerged from the shade of the wagon, dozens of generals were lining up along the road.


    A woman - Nam Kornu - approached through the middle of the street.


    Nam Corneu stopped and smiled lustily.


    ''''It''s been a long time, Marquis Erakis.


    Hi, Nam Ko.


    This is Nam.


    Ms. Nam, what do you say?


    ''Do you need an answer when you''re leading so many generals?


    Yes, of course.


    Then I''ll have to respond.


    Nam Korunu chuckled.


    ''''The Tenth Kinsman Order has surrendered and the Commercial Guild has pledged to cooperate with the Imperial Army.


    You''re very determined.


    Yes, I''ve tied up the deputies of Emperor Kai''s direct domain.


    Could it be true?��Crono tilted his head inwardly.


    She would have at least embraced the deputy, but there was no point in doubting that.


    ''Can we consider her an ally?


    At least they''re not enemies. For now...


    Do you think they could shake each other''s hands?


    Yes, of course.


    Crono squeezed back the hand that Nam Korne offered him.

 143-Episode 16 "Eve of the Battle"

    *


    Early January of the Imperial calendar forty-three years--Ralph was wrestling with papers in his office.


    The contents of these documents were wide-ranging, including reports of his arrival, applications for permission to build a camp, and reports pointing out the lack of supplies.


    Was it natural? With over thirty thousand generals gathered in the imperial capital, it would be strange if there were no problems.


    ''''Hm, the protection of the artifacts inside Alfiruk Castle.


    Ralph read the contents of the document and stepped aside.


    It was not the job of the War Department to keep track of artifacts.


    Nevertheless, there are times when documents get mixed up that make you wonder how such things get mixed up.


    One of the reasons may be that Ralph is given a great deal of authority for the suppression of civil war.


    But the root cause is because Alfort has put the local lords in management positions.


    The chain of command is confused because they don''t understand their job.


    Thus, the extra - the task of deciding if it''s a case I should handle is increased.


    If it''s just one or two cases, it''s not much of a hassle, but if they pile up, it becomes a burden that cannot be ignored.


    In the past, I would have been frustrated.


    But now I have the luxury of smiling.


    To say I feel calm is an understatement.


    I feel a strange sense of fulfillment even though I''m just looking over the papers and signing them.


    I''m in the right place.


    That''s how I feel.


    Of course, I can''t be satisfied with this.


    I will go down in history as the man who won the rebellion.


    That''s where I can finally heal my wounded pride.


    He will be able to feel that he has settled in where he should have settled.


    Ralph picked up another report and frowned at its unique touch.


    Or, more accurately, to the fact that he could recall from it.


    The report was written on paper from the Marquis of Erakis'' estate.


    Considering the history of the rebellion, the paper from the Marquis of Erakis territory shouldn''t be used.


    That much should be understood by my subordinates.


    However, there are circumstances that even Ralph has no choice but to tolerate.


    The Holy Argo Kingdom is assembling its forces near the border.


    The road is effectively blocked off - it''s no longer possible to get the paper.


    More than that, it hurts that they can''t move Count Ernat.


    Realistically speaking, the chances of the Holy Argo Kingdom invading the Empire are slim.


    Almost zero.


    That''s clear when you consider the circumstances of the Holy Argo Kingdom.


    That country has been waging a factional war between the King''s faction and the Temple faction.


    For more than ten years now, the royalists have been on the losing side, but recently, that has changed.


    The King''s faction calls itself the New Temple Faction and is expanding its power with the money it has gained through trade.


    That''s why they can''t invade.


    Regardless of which faction is leading and assembling their forces, they will lose their power if they fail here.


    Nevertheless, since the possibility is not zero, we must be prepared.


    There is another problem.


    The lords are not able to gather their goods as they wish because they are carefully checking their cargo at the checkpoint.


    In hindsight, we shouldn''t have let Dominic, the merchant chairman of the Pyx Trading Company, die in prison.


    He should have been rescued at all costs.


    With that, many large merchant associations left the imperial capital, and the only ones left now are either badly-reputed merchant associations like the Bailey Chamber of Commerce or small to medium-sized merchant associations.


    If I were to use a river metaphor, the water volume is decreasing, the flow is slowing down and the water quality is deteriorating.


    ''''You ... incompetents.''''


    Ralph let out a small gasp.


    The calm mood from earlier had disappeared somewhere.


    Even on the southern frontier there are disturbances.


    If the Imperial Army fought the rebels, they would happily pounce on them.


    Twenty thousand for the rebel army and ten thousand for the southern frontier - that''s how it should be allocated.


    ''Utterly and abominably abominable.


    Despite being in a position to have 30,000 generals at his disposal, circumstances do not allow it.


    It reminds me of the humiliation I once had to endure.


    ''''No ... no.''''


    Ralph gave a small shake of his head.


    Certainly the situation reminded him of the past when he was dragged down by the incompetents, but only by overcoming this adversity would he be able to prove that he was better than the new nobles.


    At that moment, I heard a voice from outside.


    It seems that the deputy and someone are arguing with each other.


    After a while, there was silence - suddenly, the door opened and the Director of Finance Bowties jumped in.


    His clothes and hair were in disarray, as if he had been in a grabbing contest.


    ''Oh, what is the matter with you?''


    What''s this all about?


    Treasurer Bawties turned bright red and exclaimed.


    Huh?��Ralph tilted his head inwardly.


    ''What do you say?''


    Why did Isabella and Ark have to die!


    Treasurer Bowties exclaimed, scratching his head in frustration.


    Then Ralph remembered that he had received a report that the Director of Finance Bowties'' wife and child had been executed.


    It wasn''t a big deal and he had forgotten all about it.


    Why?��Why did my wife and child have to die?


    Has he not explained how he was executed?


    The execution of the wife and child of the Treasurer Bawties was self-inflicted.


    He failed to attack the rebels after they surrendered.


    This is no reason to complain about the execution.


    However, I can''t say my honest opinion.


    Wow, did you do that for me?


    "Lefty. I suppose they thought you were too weak to surrender.


    Oh, no.


    Treasurer Bawties slumped to the spot.


    Surprisingly, I can''t say I''m surprised. Apparently, even a man like him has a lot of love for his wife and children.


    Ralph stood up and knelt down beside Treasurer Bowtie''s. "You can use it," he said.


    ''Do you want me to repay the two men who have died for you?


    Treasurer Bawties looked at me as if he was huffing and puffing.


    ''''Well you must avenge them.


    ....


    Treasurer Bawties cleared his throat.


    ''What do I do?''


    We''re going to have to fight, sir.


    But I don''t have a soldier at my disposal.


    Why don''t we gather them with the help of money?


    ....


    Treasurer Bawties cleared his throat again.


    I know he''s using his position to save money, and I know that he''s using his position to save money.


    If he''s not going to spit it out here, he''s going to go after Dominic.


    That''s all there is to it.


    ''All right. How much do you want me to collect?


    At least 10,000.


    Ten thousand?


    What? I only need to do this if I have to fight back against the rebels.


    You can gather that much if you don''t question the quality.


    That''s enough as a discarded piece of equipment to see how the rebels are coming out.


    ''''It''s ... ten thousand.


    Yeah, at least 10,000.


    Treasurer Bawties stood up.


    ''So you can avenge your wife and children.


    You can get it.


    Okay.


    Treasurer Bawties nodded and left the room.


    Ralph returned to his seat and let out a small breath.


    Emotional people are easy to handle, but if you don''t handle them the wrong way, you''ll be in harm''s way.


    He suddenly remembered the Earl of Chiron.


    Judging from the fact that he still hadn''t heard from her, he must have gotten his revenge.


    ''''........Should I have preserved Count Chiron more?


    ''No,'' said Ralph, shaking his head.


    The mad dog must be used up as soon as possible.


    Ralph picked up the papers.


    *


    ...phew.


    Cecily let out a sigh as she and her brother gagged each other as they moved through the streets.


    A little more than ten days had passed since they had left Count Caddo''s territory.


    It had only been that long.


    Nevertheless, the day he left Count Caddo''s territory felt like a long time ago.


    He couldn''t even remember what emotions he had felt at the departure ceremony.


    ''''............Huh.


    What''s going on with your sighs earlier?


    It''s nothing.


    Oh, yeah?��I always thought I was complaining about not fighting...


    If you know what you''re talking about, just say so!


    Haha, yeah.


    I thought we were going to fight you and your brothers side by side in a gag.


    My lips twitched as I looked at my brother, who was smiling cheerfully at the side.


    My brother is a genius.


    When it comes to fighting on horseback and commanding cavalry, he surpasses Leonhardt.


    In other words, he is the best cavalryman in the Empire.


    He felt inferior to such an older brother, but he was proud to fight with him.


    Ah, yes.


    I had been proud of myself at the launching ceremony.


    "It''s just too bad we have to deliver letters and mingle.


    I''m still doing my duty, though.


    How?


    You''re obstructing the flow of goods by coddling the neighboring lords and cities.


    We don''t just deliver letters and mingle. Shouldn''t we, as members of Viscount Hamal''s household, be putting up a spectacular fight?


    ''''If you do that with a mere one thousand horsemen, you''ll die. And I''m sure my men don''t want to die as a dog either.


    His brother chuckled and stared behind him over his shoulder.


    When he looked behind him after being caught, he saw the elite figures of the Fifth Konoe Order.


    Their eyes were sharp and they seemed to want to fight - but.


    ''''Fighting with a flourish isn''t the only way to fight a war.


    I wonder how much success you''re getting out of this.


    They''re checking every cargo thoroughly and allowing the generals to walk right past it. Right now the Imperial Capital is running out of provisions and there''s a lot of commotion about it.


    I hope so.


    ''Hmph,'' sniffed Cecily.


    ''Oh dear, I thought the Marquis of Erakis had disciplined you and made you more mature.


    My brother!


    Cecily exclaimed involuntarily.


    ''Wow, you have no idea how much humiliation I''ve suffered.


    Hmm, well, they train horses too.


    Horse!


    His eyes widen in astonishment.


    ''I''m human!


    I know that. You are my sister. But I need the Marquis of Erakis to make my land prosperous.


    I know that much!


    Cecily turned away.


    ''But that''s why I was treated like a rebel. I thought your brother was going to remain a kinsman knight.''


    ''It would have been better in terms of spreading the risk, but I was suddenly treated like a rebel, too.


    ''''Haha,'''' laughed his brother.


    ''''Is His Majesty the Emperor so blind to the reasoning of things?


    If you''re a man of communication, there hasn''t been a civil war.


    Of course.


    Cecily let out a small sigh.


    ''''Well, let''s put things into perspective. If the Imperial Army wins, my family will be safe. After all, you''re going to be on the side.''''


    A side room?


    Cecily frowned as she imagined a future where her position was worse than it was now.


    ''You don''t like it?''


    I don''t want a problem.


    Yeah, good luck with that.


    "Okay, okay, okay, okay, I understand!


    Cecily exclaimed in desperation.


    ''''Well come to think of it, why did the Duke of Palatium contort his face in displeasure?''''


    What''s with the bushes and sticks?


    ''No, I just couldn''t figure out why the Duke of Palatium was in a bad mood.


    Is that something you''ve been worrying about?


    ''You mean that?��It''s serious, this is serious.


    My brother said in a slightly miffed tone.


    The other day, my brother came face to face with the Duke of Palatium and was shooed away.


    He didn''t exactly raise his voice, but he had a displeased expression on his face.


    ''''In a manner of speaking, though, I think it would be better to sell a favor to this side as well. Mere neutrality will get in the way after the war.


    Not the willpower of a nobleman?


    ''''So........that''s how it is. I see, as someone with the bloodline of the first emperor, I can''t betray the empire, can I?


    Realizing that he wasn''t making sense, his brother gave a subtle expression.


    If he meant someone who was linked to the bloodline of the first emperor, then he should side with Princess Tilia.


    Cecily could understand why, but her brother didn''t seem to understand.


    ''''Brother?''''


    What is it?


    ''The Duke of Palatium just doesn''t want to stand downwind of the Duke of Erakis the Lady Crono.


    Why?


    Master Crono is an upstart new nobleman. I don''t see how you can expect me to be attached to a man like that.


    I haven''t said a word about that, though.


    You don''t have to say it to change the outcome.


    In short, it''s a matter of emotion.


    Even if you spent a million words on it, you wouldn''t be able to convince him.


    In that sense, I''m glad you turned me away without a hitch.


    Thanks to that, I didn''t have to waste my time.


    ''I see, you''re well aware.


    It''s a matter of experience.


    ''Hmm, I guess I wasn''t wrong to send you to Duke Erakis.


    .....


    Cecily grunted.


    *


    Gulb, a port city under the direct control of Emperor Kai - Crono stands on the quay and watches the unloading process.


    Timber, iron thorns and sustenance provisions were being unloaded from the docked ships.


    Some loads are unloaded by cranes, others by humans and large sub-humans.


    What is the difference between the two?


    I wondered about this, but I didn''t think there was any regularity to it.


    If I had to choose, I''d say it''s just that they are near the cranes.


    Maybe because the crane is not mobile.


    The crane is not fixed to the ground by stakes, but it will take time to move it.


    Unloading proceeds even while Crono is thinking about the futility of it.


    ''The wood and iron thorns are over here!


    Which way is the bread and circuses?


    "Idiots!��You''re not slacking off!


    Water!��You want some water?��A single brass coin!��Cold water, sir!


    Unprocessed wood over there!��Here''s the nail!��Get your sustenance over there!


    Water. Water!


    ''d*mn it!��My cart!��Where''s the cart!


    Goldie calls out to a group of people trying to carry wood, and a man scurries by the sustenance fodder to look around.


    Oh, shh, shh, a muscular old man with thick body hair kicks the buttocks of a young man who is taking a break from standing.


    A woman sailor calls out to people passing through the harbor, and a man who seems to be playing the role of an overseer shouts to a sailor who is advancing in a misguided direction.


    A middle-aged man yells hysterically as a large man with steam rising from his mouth drinks the water as if he were depriving him of it.


    A strange heat and anger swirls around.


    Considering his position as the commander of the imperial army, he should probably dash out and get things under control, but if he could do that, there would be no hardship.


    In fact, if he left, it would only add to the chaos.


    He was disgusted with himself for not being able to do much, but he also had come to the realization that these things were best left to those who could.


    People in charge are there to take responsibility.


    I''m sorry. When I imagine myself bowing my head in shame, saying, "This is my report of misconduct in supervision," I feel a little miserable - but I''m sorry.


    Suddenly, a warm feeling envelops my hand, and a marshmallow-like touch is pressed against my second arm.


    Boobs. They''re also quite big.


    Boobs that I didn''t know existed.


    I wanted to stay like this for a while longer, but I had a bad feeling about it.


    Whether or not you can avoid a crisis even if you sense it is another matter, but it''s not good to not move in place when you know it''s dangerous.


    It''s not good and originally, you should act.


    When I looked over, I saw Nam Kornu entangling his own in Crono''s arms.


    Suddenly the scene of a rat being strangled by a snake passed through his mind.


    The rat was Crono and the snake was Nam Corne.


    ''d*mn, I''ll be strangled before I know it.


    Well, that''s not very polite to call it a snake.


    I didn''t say it was a snake.


    Nam Korne chuckled.


    ''It''s often compared to snakes and foxes.


    "Nam Ko...


    This is Nam.


    Nam Corne interrupted Crono''s words and said.


    ''I think I know what kind of life you''ve led, Nam.


    Hmmm, that''s a mistake.


    Nam Korunu smiled, but it was a thinly veiled one.


    Perhaps I''m not mistaken.


    However, Crono isn''t a demon enough to not recognize his right to say, ''I''m such a woman, but I haven''t lived my life the way you think I should.


    ''''I think we need to take our time and talk to each other, together, to correct our misunderstandings, what do you think?''''


    No, I''m working on it.


    Go ahead, dear.


    Ms. Nam, you have children, don''t you?


    Yes, she''s a widow.


    Nam Korunu said with an effort on the widow''s part.


    ''I wonder what your husband would say?''


    "The dead don''t say anything.


    ''Well what do you think your husband would say?''


    Yeah. "Huh, snakehead?


    Nam Korunu said with a nod of his head.


    ''Have you actually been told?''


    Yes, a few times.


    I said, a little apologetically.


    I''m curious to know what kind of marriage I''m going to have to have to live with to be able to say, ''d*mn you snake,'' but I''ll keep my mouth shut because it could be a bush snake.


    "Speaking of which, do you have children?


    You don''t have to talk about that right now.


    Nam Korunu''s lips quirked up in a sultry manner, but he was determined not to let the child take any interest in him.


    ''''Your children are important to you, aren''t they?''''


    Of course, they are my treasures.


    ...I see.


    Crono nodded.


    ''So I''m enough of a sacrifice for you.


    That''s a terrible thing to say!


    Excuse me.


    Crono raised his voice, but Nam Korunu is nowhere to be found.


    Arm-pushing on the curtain, nails on the bran.


    Well, I guess he really means it''s enough for him to be the only sacrifice.


    It''s not a good idea to oppose the Imperial Army in this situation.


    I don''t think it''s wise to side with the Imperial Army either--''''


    ''''........Scary eyes.''''


    Is that so?


    ''Yes, they are very frightening eyes. It''s like looking at a stone on the side of the road, as if you think everything in this world is trivial.


    Nam Kornu muttered softly.


    Crono touched the corners of his eyes.


    I can''t help but think it''s something that''s very overrated.


    ''''I suppose ... you don''t think anything of burning Emperor Kai''s direct domain to ashes, do you?


    I don''t think so.


    ''My heart aches,'' he mutters.


    ''But you will, won''t you?''


    Well, if you must.


    If only the cost and return were worth it, but I don''t need to explain that much.


    "...scary people.


    I''m sure everyone does.


    This one is responsible for the fate of the Seven Territories.


    What if you can''t destroy a city or two?


    What are you doing?


    A soft touch pressed against her opposite arm.


    Another titty.


    d*mn, tits.


    The seriousness of the atmosphere is ruined.


    Crono looked at the other side - at the priestess.


    ''''........tits.''''


    No, no, I don''t have tits.


    The priest said with a bit of a drawl.


    Have you been drinking again?


    I''m not ready to drink.


    The Priestess said as if she was miffed.


    ''Oh,'' said the priestess, turning her gaze to Nam Korunu.


    ''You''re my mate, mate,''


    I''m not that far removed from being a human being.


    The priest said happily, but Nam Korunu was miffed.


    If they were friends, then Nam Korunu must have been eaten by the gods.


    ''''What about Mr. Neige?''''


    I don''t feel much of a sense of camaraderie. I just don''t feel like I can be friends with someone who wants to be a god.


    Is it religious?


    Hmmm, we have sympathy for each other, as if we''re both living longer, but I didn''t set out to be like this.


    The priest muttered sincerely.


    ''Do you remember the old days?''


    Chosen by God, I might have thought.


    Whoo-hoo!


    No, I didn''t say that. No, I didn''t say that in a nuanced way. I said nuanced.


    I''m sure it''s mostly nuanced, but there''s no point in saying that.


    ''What''s going to happen to you, Nam?


    I think you could die if you wanted to.


    I''m sure it''s not easy," he adds.


    ''I''m sorry, but I''m not going to die yet.


    Okay, good luck with that.


    Then I''ll go with you.


    The priest and Nam Korunu left Crono almost simultaneously.


    They would go somewhere else as it was.


    Crono looked at the sea from the shore.


    After a while--.


    ''''What''s going on?''''


    ....


    When I looked next to her, I saw Tilia standing there.


    She was dressed in the same military uniform as she was on the march.


    ''''What''s with that disgruntled look on your face?''''


    It''s nothing.


    Unfortunately, she doesn''t seem to be able to press her tits against my arm.


    Shame.


    ''You look bored,''


    I''m overseeing the work.


    Really? I thought we were looking at the ocean?


    It''s the job of the person in charge to take responsibility.


    Well, yeah.


    Tilia gave a small nod.


    ''Crono, what do you think is out there beyond these waters?''


    Potatoes and corn.


    Were they vegetables?


    Tilia said, holding her temples.


    ''I wonder what''s at the end of the sea?''


    ''The earth is round, it''s just going to circle back around.


    ....


    Tilia fell silent.


    ''By the way, what''s wrong with Tilia?''


    I was wondering if there was a ship of volunteers on its way. I still think I should be the one to greet them.


    Yes.


    It would be a long time before 5,400 volunteers arrived, but they couldn''t stay or stand still.


    ''''The wood, iron thorns and provisions have arrived. All we have to do now is to act according to our plan.


    The doctor is out.


    Yeah.


    Tilia said, a bit miffed.


    ''''........I wish I could give him a degree of respect.


    I''ll be fine.


    Tilia said in a calm voice.


    ''Well, I guess I''m okay with it too,''


    ''Then say it with confidence, and be confident.


    I think it''s going to have an impact.


    Hmmm, Crono groaned.


    If this was the case, he should have read some historical fiction, but if he had read it, he would have wished he had read something else more.


    ''''Well what can I say?''''


    What?


    I hate how things always happen that are always out of my control.


    We''ve done something about it every time, haven''t we?


    With a little help from a lucky break.


    Crono cowered his shoulders.


    ''''When ... the civil war is over.


    Oh, I see. So you''ve made up your mind, huh?


    We''re not married.


    Yeah?


    Tilia''s shoulders slumped disappointedly.


    ''I''d like to stay in my domain and do all sorts of naughty things.


    Wait!


    I''m not waiting. Leave the job to my men and let them do their thing for a month or so. You''ll be very sore, I promise.


    All you care about is f*cking your mistresses.


    Of course, Tilia is with me.


    That sucks. You are the worst!


    ''It was wrong to fall in love with a man like that,''


    d*mn, how did I fall in love with this guy?


    Just think of it as fate, and give up.


    I see.


    Tilia said as she let out a sigh.


    ''''Huh, so this is my fate.''''


    No, don''t take it that seriously.


    Which one is it?


    You don''t have to accept it.


    I don''t hate the word "destiny", but I want to believe that being here is the result of our own - our own choices.

 144-Episode 17 "Final Battle" Part 1

    *


    Mid-January of the imperial calendar forty-three four years--Ralph signed the papers and put down his quill.


    He leans back and exhales.


    His consciousness remains clear, but the exhaustion that consumes his body is inexplicable.


    When I was younger, I would have been more overwhelmed.


    Now, even when he thinks he''s had enough rest, he''s still feeling weary.


    It seems like it''s too late to think that youth is a treasure.


    Or perhaps I should say, time.


    Time is far more precious than money.


    Life is too short for someone like myself who is trying to leave his mark on history.


    It''s too short.


    "....Eternal life?


    A small murmur.


    I''ve heard of attempts to become a god in human form in the East.


    When I was young, I thought it was a trivial thing to do.


    I didn''t complain that life was finite.


    Rather, I thought that it was the limited life that made greatness meaningful.


    But now I understand the desire for immortality.


    People die. Kings, heroes, and wise men age and die just like ordinary people.


    They die and return to the earth.


    There is no escape.


    That''s why they wanted to become gods - they wanted eternity.


    "....thirty-four years.


    Ralph thought of the days he spent as a Knight Commander of the Kingsguard.


    It was acceptable if he had been dispossessed as a result of putting that civil war behind him.


    If he had to retreat from the line during the civil war and before that, it was acceptable.


    He would have been able to live a peaceful life with the pride that he was the best military strategist in the Empire.


    He could have taken an apprentice and enjoyed his growth.


    He thinks that far and shakes his head.


    There''s no point in making assumptions.


    The reality was that it didn''t work out that way.


    I was branded incompetent and humiliated.


    Thirty-four years wasted.


    That''s all it took.


    ''''The ... stigma.''''


    There must be snow.


    We need to write our names in history.


    But...


    Would the defeat of the rebels alone be enough to inscribe his name in history?


    Would they be forgotten in a short time?


    That''s the question that arises in my mind.


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    You''re not gonna go down fighting.


    That''s not good.


    Ralph gave a small shake of his head.


    You are too nervous to have the opportunity to clear your name.


    I have to be more calm.


    ''''I suppose they''re trying to fight together with the southern frontier.


    But, he laughs.


    He has already sent ten thousand generals to the southern frontier.


    It''s a clash of evenly matched forces.


    If it had been thirty-four years ago, the new aristocrats of today would not be able to break through easily.


    They are heroes. I must admit that they are heroes.


    But just as Ralph is old, they are also old.


    They can no longer fight, considering that it''s been thirty-four years since they laid down their weapons.


    Old age is really a cruel thing.


    For this reason, I might as well train these mercenaries that Director of Finance Bowtie''s gathered.


    Treasurer Bawties has gathered ten thousand mercenaries.


    In reality, ten thousand is ten thousand, even if they are just slaves and paupers who are not really mercenaries.


    Right now they''re just a scarecrow, but they''ll be of some use when they can move.


    Nevertheless," said Ralph, folding his hands over his belly.


    I didn''t think the treasurer of the Bowties could get ten thousand people together in a week.


    I thought he was going to whine about not being able to gather half of them, but he seems to want revenge so badly.


    ''''Well I thought he died for nothing.


    Surprisingly useful, he continues in his mind.


    Once the rebels are defeated, I must erect a monument to the wife and son.


    At the very least, he had helped to raise the level of the treasurer''s abilities.


    Now," said Ralph, picking up the papers, "there''s no movement in the rebel army.


    There was no movement in the rebel army, but the job was not lost.


    At that time--.


    ''Mr. War Bureau Chief!��I have an urgent message for the Chief of the War Department.


    A voice came from the hallway.


    They''re here, Ralph corrected his residence.


    Perhaps the rebels were on the move.


    The deputy opened the door and a man entered the office.


    The man - a member of the Seventh Order of the Kingsguard - stood in the center of the room at a fast pace and saluted Ralph.


    It was raining, and his uniform was sopping wet.


    ''''........The rebels have moved in, haven''t they?''''


    ''Ha, ha!��Yes, that''s right!


    The man affirmed, but he was anything but crisp.


    From his demeanor, it seems he didn''t just move.


    What the hell happened?


    No, the unexpected is to be hoped for.


    The tougher the rebels were, the higher Ralph would be held in high regard.


    "What happened?


    Ha, it just happened so fast...


    Keep it short and sweet!


    ''Ha!��I''m sorry!


    The second in command raised his voice and the man straightened up.


    ''''It''s Chi.........''''


    Can''t you say it louder?


    Position.


    The man said in a squeezing voice.


    ''The camp?''


    There was a thick fog on the prairie the day before...


    ''You mean the rebels were building up their positions in the fog?


    ''No, as soon as the fog cleared, a rebel field position appeared.


    What?


    Ralph stood up and shouted.


    ''Dig a trench at the bottom of the trench!��Make sure you dig it out!��Or else your people will die!��I''ll check it out later!


    Shinobiography!


    When Silva raised his voice, the engineers raised their voices in defeat.


    I''m curious why it''s a pushover, but it seems to be coherent.


    Crono looked at the field position.


    It''s the same trenches and iron thorn obstacles as when they fought the 8th Konoe knights.


    It was more than double in size though, and it had several improvements.


    It had emerged in one night.


    The Imperial Army must have been surprised.


    It was a rip-off of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but there was no one anywhere to complain about it.


    Speaking of imitations, this field position was also a rip-off of Oda Nobunaga.


    By the way, the first battlefield was also taken by Oda Nobunaga.


    Well, my life is on the line.


    Even if you complain about it, I have no choice but to retract the complaint.


    "Hmmm, this is my one-night stand.


    "General, what are you doing here? (Bum?)


    I turn around and see my deputy standing there.


    I scratched my head, feeling somewhat bummed out.


    No, it''s nothing.


    "Didn''t you say this was my overnight home? (Bum?)


    Yes, I do.


    Crono had to admit.


    ''I took pleasure in imagining the Imperial Guard being surprised because no one was giving me any praise.


    "I''m sorry. I heard about it beforehand.


    The first officer coughed lightly and said...


    The first officer coughed lightly and said, "You built a position in just one night. The general is amazing.'''' (Bumobu)


    He said in a flat tone.


    It was a splendid barb.


    ''Thank you for your concern,''


    "I''ll do whatever it takes to make this work.


    The deputy scratched his head in embarrassment.


    I''ll stop asking for compliments, Crono vowed firmly.


    It would break his heart if he had to listen to the barbed compliments over and over again.


    ''By the way, where''s Mr. Theon?''


    "He''s not feeling well, so we''re taking him to the field hospital to rest.


    I put you through the wringer.


    Hey, the second in command nodded.


    The fact that they were able to build a field position in one night was largely due to Sion''s power.


    Silva and the others - I don''t mean to deny the power of the engineers, but they couldn''t dig the trenches without Theon''s divine technique.


    ''''If only we could let them rest like this,''''


    "I agree with you.


    I want to give him a good rest.


    I meant it, but I also knew it would be difficult.


    ''''Is Baroness Nam Korne good?'''' (Bum?)


    He''s... hey?


    "It''s not easy to ask for your consent, but it''s easy to understand.


    I hope you''re well.


    Crono let out a small sigh.


    Sion was feeling ill, but Baroness Nam Korne was kelpid.


    It''s the same with the priestess, but when the gods eat you, your power will increase.


    I don''t know where it will eat me, so it''s a matter of life, but it could be a choice for those who want power in exchange for their lives.


    "It doesn''t look like much fun, though.


    About what? (Bum?)


    About the priest and Neige.


    "It certainly doesn''t look like fun.


    The deputy crossed his arms and nodded repeatedly.


    ''We''ll have to get the priest to work on it, too.


    "I don''t think you ever thought you''d end up paying the bill here.


    I''d like to make a big effort to collect.


    You''re gonna mess with him? (Bum?)


    The second-in-command''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''I don''t want to be the only one to be eaten by the gods, and I''m afraid I''m going to be taken down the road.


    "I don''t think so.


    The deputy shook his shoulders in a small way as if he was laughing.


    ''''........And yet.......bumo.


    The deputy stared at the tent that had been erected.


    The tent had a red cross painted on it, indicating a field hospital.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    "I thought it would be a good idea to use a hospital symbol." (Bumo)


    Soldiers can''t read.


    Not all of Crono''s men are able to read.


    Even more so if they are other soldiers.


    It''s also possible, but it''s reassuring to know that even if you are injured, you will be treated. It''s even better when you can see that at a glance.


    I wasn''t thinking that far ahead.


    Crono looked at the tents lined up at some distance.


    These were the collection points for military provisions and equipment.


    There were symbols of wheat on the collection of provisions and spears on the equipment collection point.


    If the enemy saw them, they would be the first to attack.


    Even Crono would have done so.


    But...." "You don''t have to explain everything.


    You don''t have to explain every single thing, so it''s easy.


    "I think that''s what we should do first, too.


    Once you''re this far in, you''re as good as beaten.


    "...just...


    The deputy stared at a certain tent.


    There was nothing drawn on that tent, but...


    ''''Old men are overstretching themselves.'''' (Bumo)


    The deputy said as he let out a sigh.


    That tent is guarded by the Manchausens - the old knights.


    It''s like they are advertising that Tilia is here.


    ''''I think it''s fine to live the rest of your life in comfort.'''' (Bumo)


    I suppose it''s not all life, you know.


    Crono tightened his grip on the necklace.


    Manchausen and the others chose to fight as knights.


    It''s a very important thing.


    "But as I said,


    What?


    What''s wrong with your stomach? (Bum?)


    I''m fine.


    "The chief is getting a little brazen, isn''t he?" (Bumo)


    The second in command muttered sincerely.


    ''Come to think of it, during the first battle--''


    "You peed your pants.


    I didn''t pee my pants.


    Crono looked around, wondering what he would do if someone heard him.


    Fortunately, no one seemed to be listening.


    That''s good, Crono said, patting his chest.


    ''''The general has grown up to be a fine man.'''' (Bumo)


    I''ve been beaten to death more than once.


    I don''t grow up because I''m dying, but it''s hard not to grow up after all that death.


    ''But don''t think it''s not because I''m getting more brazen that my stomach doesn''t hurt.


    You will? (Bum?)


    ''It''s not as desperate a force differential as it was in the first battle.


    The strength of the Imperial Army is more than twelve thousand, and the Imperial Army is thirty thousand.


    Of the thirty thousand, ten thousand were gathered within a week, so the actual number was twenty thousand.


    That''s less than twice as many men.


    And I''ve had time to prepare and prepare for it.


    "It may be an unusual fight for a general.


    ''I agree. It''s nice not to have to worry about arrows, especially when you don''t have to worry about arrows.


    During the parent expedition, we had a hard time because of the lack of arrows.


    This time, Goldie and the other craftsmen are making arrows in the port city.


    Eril is also frantically making magic items.


    ''''Well, but I''m afraid of the things I''m afraid of,''''


    "Is this about Lord Leonhardt? (Bum?)


    Well, you know.


    In the parent conquest, the one-armed Ignis overturned the war situation.


    Leonhardt would be able to do the same.


    ''''I heard that you''re under house arrest? (Bum?)


    I''ll come out in a pinch.


    Unless the Duke of Palatium is on our side, he didn''t do anything when Tyria was deprived of the succession to the throne.


    I don''t think he''s going to be on our side now.


    ''''I thought you''d be a bit warmer, but...'''' (Bumo...)


    I don''t have a choice.


    Leonhardt carries the family name on his back.


    And Crono would have done the same thing if he were in Leonhardt''s position.


    It''s not right to complain about it.


    It seems that Leonhard-dono is also divided, so let''s be divided too.


    "Of course, I''ll try to kill you, but it''s not fair to let one person dictate the outcome of the war." (Bumomobumo)


    I would have been more comfortable with a fight like commoners vs. nobles.


    If Tyria, the flagship, gets hit, it''s over.


    Of course, that''s true for the Imperial Army as well.


    Well, it''s not like we''re living in those days, you know?


    Crono cowered lightly.


    Everything that could be piled up was piled up.


    All that''s left is to act.


    ''''.........General.......Bumo.


    The first officer murmured.


    ''''I''m really glad to have followed the general.'''' (Bumo)


    ''I think you''d better save that line. I think the Empire is going to get better after this battle is over, and...


    It''s like a death flag," he continues in his mind.


    I understand what you want to say, but I want to say it here.


    The second in command said in an unusually serious voice.


    I believe that this battle is a turning point in history and the history of the Empire will be greatly changed depending on who wins. I can participate in such a battle. Not only can I participate, but I''ll be able to fight as a second-in-command, and moreover, I''ll be able to understand everything that''s going on.


    The adjutant said as he wound up.


    He has been trained by an officer''s education - Dr. Weissman.


    I suppose it''s true what they say about being able to understand everything and fight.


    ''I can''t be happy like that. I''m sure I made the right choice.


    ''It''s not over yet. Even if you put Tilia on the throne, the fight will continue. The discrimination and prejudice that has existed for so long will have to be destroyed.


    Crono looked up at the sky and let out a small sigh.


    How long would it take to eliminate discrimination and prejudice?


    Even with the support of the state, it should take a hundred years.


    The sheer magnitude of the task is so daunting that I am at a loss for words.


    ''Oh, I see. This is.........


    What''s up with you and your sudden loss of appetite? (Bum?)


    I''ve come to a critical realization, or something like that.


    What did you notice? (Bum?)


    I''ll tell you when this fight is over.


    ...I understand.


    The second in command nodded quietly.


    ''How long do you think it will take the Imperials to attack us?''


    I''m sure you''ve been given information about the field positions, but isn''t that two days at the earliest? (Bum?)


    Two days early?


    Crono tilted his head.


    *


    Two days after the report was received - Ralph was in the audience room.


    The rebels have finished building their field positions and are waiting for him in full readiness.


    In spite of this, Ralph is standing there, unable to give orders to the army.


    It was because Alfort wanted to hold a launching ceremony.


    I''m not going to deny the desire to hold a launching ceremony.


    I would even welcome it if that is how the generals are willing to fight without sparing their lives.


    But if it''s a waste of time, it''s a different story.


    The Empire wasted more precious time than money in coordinating the schedules of the court nobles.


    The rebels have finished building their field positions and are ready and waiting.


    Yes, ''finished building''.


    When we received the report, the field position was not completed.


    If we had moved our troops on the day we received the report, we could have fought before the field position was completed.


    It was not impossible to attack the incomplete parts of the field.


    You are a fool, said Ralph, looking at Alfort, who was hunched over on his throne.


    On the other side of the room stood Burkmeier''s Director General of the Book Office.


    He was also surrounded by a group of court nobles.


    They are the source of your precious time wasted.


    I''m not sure if I''ll ever be able to get the same air as them, but that alone makes me want to throw up.


    Ralph stared at Alfort, or rather the front of the throne, as he held back the nausea.


    There are three men there.


    Count Algena Dios, the head of the Third Order of the Kingsguard, Count Roy Akbens, the head of the Fourth Order of the Kingsguard, and the head of the Bowties Treasury.


    All three of them are on one knee and have their heads hanging down.


    Alfort slowly opened his mouth.


    ''''As you already know, a rebel army is approaching to the west of the imperial capital. Their ringleader is Yu''s sister-in-law.''''


    When Alfort grunted, the court nobles buzzed.


    It''s a white act.


    ''''My sister-in-law was in poor health and renounced her right to the throne when she couldn''t bear to perform her official duties. She was recuperating under the Marquis of Erakis, with whom she had been close friends, but...''''


    Alfort punctuated his words and bit his lip.


    ''The Marquis of Erakis was a brave man. No, I believed that. No, I believed that he was a brave man, for he served as lord to save me from the vile traps in the sacred kingdom of Argo, and he showed mercy to the barbarians of the Areos Mountains.


    ''But,'' said Alfort, hanging his head helplessly.


    It was a clever mimicry of the Marquis of Erakis. I didn''t see the ambition of the Marquis of Erakis. That man had risen in rebellion with his sister-in-law to take the empire as his own.


    I spit out the words bitterly.


    If Princess Tyria is the head of the family, then I don''t think the Marquis of Erakis would have retained her, but there''s no one to rush into the quicksand.


    I understand that you want to say something like that, but I hope that there will be no contradictions.


    It is heartbreaking to have a conflict with your blood sister-in-law, even if she is a single parent. But if you show mercy, you''ll set a bad precedent. I was torn asunder.


    Alfort punctuated his words again.


    Silence enveloped the audience room.


    ''Those who disturb the order the rebels must be defeated,''


    ''I didn''t know my sister and brother were going to fight each other...''


    ''I didn''t expect the Marquis of Erakis to have such grandiose ambitions...''


    An upstart new nobleman. You should be grateful.


    Your Majesty, that''s very sweet.


    When Alfort spoke his decision, the court nobles followed suit.


    ''''..........Argena Dios.


    Ha!


    Alfort called his name, and Alhena dropped to one knee and hung her head.


    ''I appoint thee as commander of the strike force.


    ''Ha!��Respectfully accepted!


    Arjena''s voice echoed through the audience room.


    Ralph inwardly patted his chest.


    It had been decided that Arjena would be the commander of the defeating party when Lucas was defeated.


    Roy was better than her in terms of ability, but unfortunately, he came from a bastard.


    He also has a criminal record of causing trouble in the court.


    For these reasons, he chose Algena.


    That''s what he told Alfort, a man who can''t even be a palanquin.


    He was worried that he would say that he was going to make the head of the Finance Bureau Bawties his commander.


    The quirks weren''t that stupid, it seems.


    ''Roy Akbens.''


    Ha!


    Roy also hung his head down on one knee.


    ''Assist Algena.


    ''Ha!��We''ll take care of it!


    Alfort looked satisfied with Roy''s reply.


    A man who gets into some kind of trouble at court obeys him honestly.


    He was happy about that.


    What a little man.


    ''....Director of Finance Bowties.


    Ha!


    Alfort gave a pained look.


    ''The misfortune that has befallen thee has been heard of. A half-blood sister-in-law has caused the death of the wife and children of one of her most trusted subjects. My heart is in turmoil a thousand times.


    ''Ha!��Thank you for your concern!


    Treasurer Bawties said with great emotion.


    If Alfort hadn''t suspected the Marquis of Erakis of treason, there wouldn''t have been a rebellion and his wife and children wouldn''t have died, but he seems to have completely lost track of the circumstances.


    After all, emotions are a tricky thing.


    They can make you forget that your true enemy is right in front of you.


    "If possible, I would have liked to leave you in charge, but I can''t put my personal feelings first.


    ''No, no, Your Majesty. That''s good enough for me, Your Majesty.


    Treasurer Bawties said with tears in his eyes.


    This is what you wanted to do, Ralph gave a small nod.


    An emperor who has to put his country first, despite the feelings of his subordinates.


    I see, it''s a subject that Alfort seems to like.


    ''''Lastly, I would like to apologize once again for this kind of launching ceremony. I would have liked to send out a big send off, but it wasn''t possible due to the impending rebellion.''''


    That''s good enough for me, sir.


    Argena responded in a serious voice.


    ''''........Ralph.


    Ha!


    Ralph straightened up.


    Algena is only the commander of the defeating force, and you, the director of the military affairs department, are in total charge of the army. Use your wisdom to lead him to victory.


    ''Ha!��I''ll do everything in my power!


    Hmmm, said Alfort, nodding hawkishly.

 145-Episode 17 "Final Battle" Part 2

    *


    Finally.


    Crono stared out across the meadow and let out a small sigh.


    The Imperial Army had finally begun to build their position.


    Three days had passed since the Imperial Army had built the field position.


    It was a form that his second-in-command''s predictions had come true, but it was a delicate feeling.


    It feels like multiple emotions have been mixed up.


    When I was looking at the imperial army in such a mood, my second-in-command, who was next to me, called out to me.


    ''''General, what''s the matter with your Buddha''s face?'''' (Bum?)


    I just thought that Mr. Mino''s prediction was right.


    "That''s not exactly accurate, though.


    The second-in-command scratched his head in embarrassment.


    ''When do you think the imperial army will attack?''


    "The scouts have reported that it''s taking some time to build the position, so I don''t think it''s likely to be today or tomorrow.


    What''s going on?


    "I''ve heard that they''re re-covering their tents and moving supplies from place to place. But we don''t know what their intentions are," said Bumo.


    The deputy shook his head from side to side.


    ''Do you think they''re on the lookout for an attack?''


    "Maybe.


    After all this time, it''s kind of hard to know your side of the story.


    "I think that''s why we''ve been able to get them to focus on countermeasures." (Bumo)


    Mr. Mino is a positive guy.


    "The chief is making up for the negativity." (Bumo)


    The second-in-command cowered lightly.


    It''s true that it''s not good for morale if the commander and the second in command are all dark together.


    I''d like to be more cheerful, but it''s all I can do to keep things the way they are.


    ''''Well then.''''


    And yet? (Bum?)


    The second in command parrots.


    ''The Empire is too laid back,''


    "We''d appreciate it.


    Well, yeah.


    "With the Imperial Guard lingering, I''m happy to give my men a break." (Bumobu)


    Yes.


    Crono nodded.


    His second-in-command was right, though.


    He could tweak the field positions and give his men a break.


    It was especially important that Theon was able to move.


    It would be out of line to complain while benefiting so much.


    But, knowing this, I want to ask you to return my resolve.


    It''s not a good idea to attack us. It''s time to take a firm stance." (Bumo)


    Mr. Mino is awesome.


    "It''s the seniority of age.


    The deputy shook his shoulder in amusement.


    ''I appreciate it.''


    "Is something bothering you? (Bum?)


    ''It makes me nervous when the imperial army is slow, doesn''t it?


    Oh," the deputy nodded.


    Crono was in the mood to raise his voice, too.


    Anxiety - he couldn''t read the imperial army''s intentions, and he was anxious.


    ''''I thought the imperial army would be in a hurry to attack us.


    "It may not have much of an impact.


    What do you mean?


    "If we were in battle, I think I could have gotten him to break his balls.


    If I could fight properly, that would be one thing.


    Crono let out a small sigh.


    The main force of the Imperial Army is the volunteer soldiers.


    They have been trained, but their abilities are only a hair''s breadth away from being amateurs.


    If you''re not good at it, a thug who is used to fighting might be stronger than you.


    "I used to think that it was just a way to make money if I could get them to stand on their feet, but the general is more concerned with surprising his opponents, isn''t he?" (Bumobumo)


    It''s not that I''m obsessive, but I want to build on what I can.


    We''ve been really blessed this time compared to the previous battles.


    I had time to prepare.


    Of course, we prepared as much as we could, but I can''t help but think about how much more we want to build up.


    If the imperial army had moved quickly, if we had rushed into the battle, we might not have had to worry about it.


    But--''''


    ''''Well, if the imperial army moved faster, I''d probably complain about it.


    I can easily imagine myself complaining about it, which is even more annoying.


    ''''Well let''s just scrape by, as usual.


    "Hey." (Bumo)


    Crono muttered as he looked at the Imperial Army and his second in command nodded vigorously.


    *


    What is this guy doing, Roy let out a sigh while carrying his beloved spear.


    Out of the corner of my eye, the preparations for building the position are underway--''''


    That''s not going to work. That''s not going to work according to your orders. Start over.


    Ha... ha!


    The general soldier replied after a slight pause as Algena ordered with a bundle of parchment in hand.


    He didn''t show it on his face, but there was no doubt that he was frustrated.


    Or should I say frustrated?


    They are ordered to move their supplies in accordance with Arjena''s orders, and shortly after that they are ordered to move again.


    It''s crazy not to be irritated, and it''s crazy not to know that you''re irritated.


    If they were on equal footing, the ordinary soldiers would be foul-mouthed at Arjena.


    Fortunately, or should I say unfortunately, in the army, orders are absolute.


    The ordinary soldiers lifted the crates in a leisurely manner.


    Since everything is going like this, there is no progress in building the position.


    There is only a tent to be used for a strategy meeting.


    ''''No!��It''s not....


    f*ck, no way.


    Roy scratched his head and walked up to Arjena.


    At this rate, the position would not be completed until the following year.


    No, it would be better for the Imperial Army to collapse first.


    The idiot emperor and his cronies are the reason why logistics are stalled.


    So they have to fight the rebels in the steppes.


    If they had enough supplies, they could hunker down and continue their standoff with the rebels.


    Not even that, Roy muttered in his mind.


    Even if it was possible, it was unlikely that the military director would choose a reluctant strategy.


    The old man was warped.


    Personally, I don''t dislike distorted people, but I have a different view as the Commander of the Kingsguard.


    I don''t want my subordinates to go along with my personal distortions.


    If a subordinate dies, I don''t know how to make an offer to the bereaved family.


    ''''You guys do it properly as ordered!��The future of the Empire hangs on this battle!


    Oh dear, Roy scratched his head as he listened to Argena''s words.


    If we''re going to be destroyed by one place to put our supplies, I think we should be destroyed sooner rather than later.


    In any case, even if we survive this battle, chaos is just waiting for us.


    It''s the difference between being slow and being fast.


    A victory for the Imperial Army does not mean a victory for the Empire.


    ''Hey, hey, what are you yelling at me for?''


    What do you--


    I just need a minute.


    Roy took the bundle of parchment - the order form - from Algena and squinted at it.


    He''s trying to limit the damage caused by a night attack by dispersing the supplies.


    Although it''s reasonable, it''s not practical to disperse them as stated in the order book.


    ''''Give it back!''''


    Hey, there!


    Roy calls out to the ordinary soldier - who is probably in the commander''s class, given his outfit - and says.


    ''''Ha!''''


    "Follow the orders as best you can and build your position.


    ''Ha!��Yes, sir!


    Just as well as you can. In moderation, in moderation.


    Ha!


    The general soldier straightened up as Roy pulled out the part about the camp and handed it to him.


    It''s not just my imagination that they look relieved.


    The ordinary soldier quickly instructed his men away from Roy and his men.


    So finally, the work of building the position began.


    You!


    Don''t be so angry.


    What do you think your orders are?


    I know I have to comply, though. It''s just not gonna happen.


    That''s what soldiers do, even when they can''t.


    I can''t do it.


    Distributing the supplies as ordered by the Director of Military Affairs would reduce the damage of the night raids.


    But we would have to devote a large number of men to managing it.


    They should be dispersed to a manageable degree and their security should be tight.


    ''Let''s leave the position building to them, and we''ll have a strategy meeting.


    I''m going to report this to you.


    Do what you want.


    Huh!


    Arjena turned on her heel and took a wild step toward the tent.


    ''If only you could be a little more flexible.


    Well, you can''t, I add in my mind.


    It''s been that way since military school.


    Anyway, he''s inflexible and fierce.


    ''''Well I''m far from the ideal aristocrat.


    Roy muttered quietly.


    When was the last time Argena said that I must be an ideal nobleman?


    Was it at the military school, or over drinks, or when they were both appointed as the head of the Kingsguard?


    He forgot, but there was no doubt that Argena was bound by the term idealistic nobility.


    Just like Roy was bound by the heat he felt when he avenged his mother''s death.


    ''''It''s ... messy.''''


    I think I''m chasing water that''s running away.


    I can''t get there, no matter how much I chase it.


    ''What are you doing!��Come on!


    I know!


    Algena shouted in frustration, and Roy shouted back.


    He''s chasing after the escape water.


    You can''t catch the runaway water by chasing it or chasing it.


    But there is some hope that Algena will be able to make him feel that heat.


    ''''Well I''m a kid.


    Roy scratched his head as he entered the tent, his eyes widening lightly.


    For it wasn''t just Algena, but the Director of Finance Bowties was there as well.


    They stood around the table.


    To be honest, Roy didn''t like the Director of Finance Bowties.


    He was too greedy to curry favor with him.


    He''d only expected to be scared out of his mind at the last minute, but it was an imposing attitude.


    I couldn''t get rid of the bad impression, but I was willing to help as much as I could.


    ''Too late,''


    I''m sorry.


    Roy walked over to the table and looked down at the map on it.


    The parchment marked what appeared to be the layout of the rebel army.


    It seemed that Argena was doing more than just setting up the camp.


    He stared at the map and suddenly felt uncomfortable.


    I don''t know what it is, but-- I don''t know what it is.


    ''What is this line in front of the rebels?


    It''s an obstacle made of wire.


    Wire.


    With an obstacle of that magnitude, Roy looked at his spear.


    It''s a spear made by Kanuchi.


    This spear can easily cut wire.


    Don''t be alarmed. The cavalry of the Eighth Kinsman Guard was hit by this obstacle.


    Don''t compare it to the Eighth Kinsmen.


    Roy muttered in a disgusted mood.


    It''s the same Konoe Order, but their abilities are as different as heaven and earth.


    But that doesn''t mean it''s dangerous to underestimate them.


    ''''What are these zigzag lines?''''


    ''An obstacle made of wire and a ditch dug into the ground. The rebels will hide in the ditch and fight.


    Argena frowned uncomfortably.


    Maybe she thinks it''s a cowardly method of warfare worthy of the rebels.


    ''''Does that mean the rebels'' weapon of choice is a bow?


    No, it''s a crossbow.


    Crossbow?


    Roy couldn''t help but ask back.


    ''I''ve never heard that name before,'' he said.


    ''A crossbow is a mechanical bow that was used a long time ago.


    Why did they stop using it?


    ''Crossbows are easy to handle, but they have the disadvantage of short range. If only it were before the establishment of a standing army--


    It''s a weapon of the past, isn''t it?


    Yes.


    Arjena looked miffed.


    ''By the way, what are the squares on either side?''


    Infantry.


    Why is there an obstacle in front of the infantry?


    You need to think for yourself.


    ''Even I know the rebels are trying to fight a defensive war, you know. You say this for the sake of sharing information, for the sake of sharing information.


    ....


    Argena just twisted her face in displeasure and didn''t answer.


    ''''With this arrangement, you could bypass the obstacles, right?


    Look closely. You''re in the woods.


    What does it matter?


    ''The Marquis of Erakis doesn''t just use night raids, he uses traps.


    Well, I think he''ll do it.


    The Marquis of Erakis - I was convinced that Crono would do that much.


    ''''But it''s worth a try, isn''t it?


    It would be a waste of time to wear out your men.


    Oh, yeah?


    The suspicion arises that he just wants to fight in a straightforward manner.


    But Arjena has a point.


    We don''t have the skills to detect and disarm the traps ourselves.


    I''d rather challenge them in a straightforward manner than let soldiers die in order to disarm the trap, I think.


    "So, what do we do?


    "There are only a few obstacles in some areas.


    Arjena pointed to the map.


    ''There are indeed three places with fewer obstacles.


    ''A death squad will neutralize the central obstacle and then charge the soldiers afterwards.


    "Death squad" is easier said than done. Who would call it--


    It''s me.


    Roy''s words were interrupted by Director of Finance Bowties.


    ''Do you know what a death squad is?''


    I must avenge my wife and children.


    Treasurer Bowties stared at Roy and said in a low, stifled voice.


    ''As you can see, Lord Treasurer Bowties has volunteered for the death squad. He is willing to risk his life to avenge us... a true nobleman.


    I''m just doing what I deserve.


    Algena''s tone was theatrical, and the Treasurer Bowties didn''t seem full of it.


    That dampened my mood.


    He said he had volunteered for the death squad, but there was no way that Treasurer Bowties was going to be the first to go.


    He would probably just order an assault from the safety of the rear.


    As soon as I thought about it, I felt the urge to help as much as I could.


    I know what a death squad is. What exactly are you going to do?��Even if you''re prepared to die for it, the world isn''t that easy to get by on that alone.


    ''Lord Lucas has left valuable information on that. I''ll have several wagons loaded with blankets to assault them.


    You''re charging in again.


    Roy muttered in disgust.


    Why do I like assaulting him like this?


    ''I hear the rebels are going to be projecting magic items...''


    I''m pretty sure I overheard that one.


    Not every cart will be blown up.


    So when a guy dies pulling a cart, someone else takes over.


    That''s what I''m talking about.


    It was meant to be sarcastic, but Arjena laughed at me.


    ''Any opinions?''


    If I say no, will you change your mind?


    "This plan was sent to me by Lord Ralph, Director of War Department...


    Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.


    Roy interrupted Algena''s words.


    If you think you''re going to come up with a smooth strategy, you''re in for a surprise.


    At this rate, there may be a specified time to haul out the shit.


    Maybe I won''t get what I want, Roy let out a small sigh.


    At night--a fragrant smell drifts on the wind.


    The source of the smell is the Imperial Army''s camp.


    They seemed to be fumbling to build the camp, but now the tents have been erected and the smoke from the cooking process is rising countless times.


    Bonfires are also burning, perhaps as a precaution against a night attack.


    Aridid twitched his nose as he lay on the ground.


    ''Just in case you''ve eaten, it''s like why the smell of good food gives you an appetite.


    Maybe it''s because I kept my dinner down to a s*xton in case I got hurt.


    Alideed blurted out, and Deneb, who was next to him, followed suit.


    Deneb is covered with a cloth for camouflage.


    A hundred or so other soldiers lay on the ground, covered in cloths.


    There are about twenty elves and the rest are beastmen.


    It''s quite a large group, but the imperial army hasn''t noticed them.


    It''s quite a performance, and Aridid plucked at the cloth.


    At that moment, his stomach grumbled.


    ''And I''d like to eat some hard bread.


    Like they want you to stay away from them because the sound will give them away.


    It''s a shame.


    Alideed hung his head disappointedly.


    ''''Well then,''''


    And yet?


    Deneb parrots.


    ''I didn''t think I''d have to crawl on the ground again when I was on horseback during the march, and...''


    There''s no point in blurting it out.


    "-Oh!


    Like it''s no use blurting it out.


    Deneb reiterated as Alideed glared at him.


    I''m getting a little slack-jawed lately.


    I don''t mean to, like.


    Tsk, Aridid clicked his tongue.


    Recently - not so recently, but Deneb had become more assertive.


    If that''s all he''s doing, he''s still trying to slip away.


    It''s a hard world, even though we vowed to live together with our strength.


    I''m not sure how I feel about it.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most of it.


    You''re going to be able to find out more about the best way to get the most out of your own personal computer.


    ''''What will you do?'''' (GASP?)


    Taiga approached us with a creeping motion.


    As expected, its movements are smooth, if I should say beastman.


    Too smooth and scary.


    ''''It''s like he doesn''t want to push himself on the first day. It''s mealtime and there''s a lookout.''''


    "You are rightly warned, that I am.


    Like it''s kind of hard to be caught in the act.


    "I should think that I could get them to devote their energies to vigilance, that I did.


    That''s one way to put it.


    ''I knew it,'' he added in his mind, ''like I''d be out of shape without Crono-sama.


    ''I''ll report back to you for now.


    Alideed pulled the cage''s communication magic item to his mouth.


    ''Hello, this is the scouting party. Do you sound like you can hear me?''


    I can hear you.


    Crono''s voice rang out from the communication magic item.


    ''''Who are you?''''


    I''m like me.


    ''What?��Who would that be?


    You see, we see each other all the time.


    "Always" being the operative word.


    He''s already guilty of forgetting the voice of his mistress.


    "I have many lovers...


    You can''t even joke about that, like, ever!


    Alideed raised his voice.


    But it was in a whisper so as not to be noticed.


    ''Alideed, what''s wrong?''


    It''s like the Imperial Guard is eating and their stomachs are growling.


    I''ll get you some hardtack.


    ''I wanted you to prepare a hot meal if possible, but that''s kind of unavoidable.


    I heard it took some time to build the position, but...


    They''ve already built up their position, so they may attack tomorrow. Incidentally, they''ve set up a sentry unit and are currently having a precautionary dinner.


    ''You don''t have to do it. The fight is just beginning.


    Of course I will.


    Haha, and a chuckle echoes.


    ''''However, it''s no art to return home like this, like making a map of the enemy position.


    Isn''t that dangerous?


    ''Like it''s okay because I''ll keep my distance so they can''t find me. And that makes it less accurate, so we''ll make up for it in numbers.


    "All right. You''re in good hands.


    Like you understand.


    Alideed gave Deneb and Tyga a look.


    Then the two of them came close to each other.


    I''m going to draw up a map of the enemy''s position. Like you two have writing materials with you?


    I''ve got it, but how do you do it?


    It''s easy.


    Aridid took the paper out of the pouch, folded it three times horizontally, opened it up and folded it three times vertically.


    ''And now we have a square. Now all that''s left is....''


    Turning my gaze to the enemy''s main camp, I saw a magnificent tent standing in the center.


    ''''With that splendid tent in the center ... well, the rest is just a feeler.


    I don''t think they''re going to be very accurate.


    "It''s better than attacking the enemy''s position with nothing, that it is.


    Yes, Master Crono has been quite reckless.


    He recalls the events of the past and mutters sullenly.


    ''And we''re going to split into three squads and check them out from different angles. Like we''re both going to scatter.


    Sister.


    I know. I know, but it''s like you want me to take advantage of my position as captain to make things easier for you.


    Sis!


    Guru.


    I know!��Like we should just go, right?!


    Blamed by Deneb and dismayed by Tyga, Aridid began to creep forward.


    *


    It stinks, Roy rubbed his nose.


    The source of the outbreak was a group of mercenaries gathered by the head of the Bowties Treasury.


    The mercenaries are positioned in front of the Third Kingsguard led by Arjena, the Fourth Kingsguard led by Roy, and the ordinary soldiers.


    Despite the considerable distance between them, the smell of sudoku wafted up here.


    Mercenaries, he mumbles in his mouth and laughs.


    Not them. The convenience of language, that is.


    The people that Treasurer Bawties has assembled look like vagrants.


    Even such people are mercenaries if they call themselves mercenaries.


    It''s a far cry from the mercenaries of the Free City States who have to belong to a guild.


    Seeing it like this, I am convinced that Lamar V''s plan was the right thing to do.


    Even though he had invested an enormous amount of money, he had rendered the system of the mercenary army obsolete.


    Treasurer Bawties mounted his horse and moved in front of them.


    ''Gentlemen!��The time has come!


    Treasurer Bawties raised his voice.


    ''Gentlemen, as soldiers of the Imperial Army, you will defeat the bandits and make your majesty known to the Emperor!��This is an act of justice!��Defeat the bandits and your names will be etched in the history of the Empire forever!


    They inspire, but the mercenaries are slow to respond.


    Some of them are even sitting down.


    It''s not surprising.


    Treasurer Bawties'' words would have some resonance with the nobility.


    But they are vagrants who call themselves mercenaries, or have been sold as mercenaries.


    How could such people be interested in honor?


    Realizing this, Director of Finance Bowties cleared his throat.


    ''Your aim, gentlemen, is to neutralize the obstacles in the centre!��I promise you all a reward when we successfully neutralize the obstacle!


    The mercenaries throb, and those who had been sitting down stand up.


    ''A gold jewel, no, a hundred!��Whoever incapacitates the obstacle will receive a hundred gold pieces!��That''s a lot of money that could change your life!


    That''s a lot of money!


    That''s enough to get me home!


    We''re going to have such good food!


    Oh, woman!


    The mercenaries were jaded, but Roy had to chuckle.


    A life-changing sum of money - a soldier''s monthly salary is two gold coins, so it''s an amount that can be earned in four years and two months.


    People who can''t do such calculations can''t change their lives even if they get a hundred gold coins.


    They will run out of money and that will be the end of it.


    At any rate, Director General Bowties succeeded in motivating the mercenaries.


    Gentlemen!��Let''s make history and get enough money to change our lives!


    Ooh!


    The mercenaries let out a yell.


    *


    When are you going to start?


    Roy blurted out as he stared at the ten carts and the mercenaries standing around them.


    The sun was about to reach the mid-heaven.


    He let out a vigorous yell, but it was a dull moment from there.


    First, they tussled over who would go, and the Director of Finance Bowties chose fifty people.


    Next, they were divided into teams of five and tussled over the reward.


    Whether the hundred gold coins would be divided among the five men, or whether they would be paid one by one.


    Normally it would be the latter, but it seems that the Director of Finance Bowties intended to do the former.


    This was settled by paying a hundred gold coins to every team that achieved its objective.


    There was further wrangling over the arrangement.


    It was unacceptable that the wagon puller and the pushers would be paid the same.


    This was settled by paying additional compensation to the puller.


    They have been arguing ever since.


    ''Can we start today?''


    Just as Roy blurted out again, the mercenaries began to move.


    Ten carts moved at the same time.


    It seems that they decided to advance in a side by side line.


    They slowly advanced towards the enemy lines.


    There is a considerable distance to the enemy lines.


    If it''s your own subordinate, or an ordinary soldier, you''ll be exhausted by the time you reach the enemy line.


    Even more so if they are vagrants.


    Roy narrowed his eyes.


    There seemed to be movement in the enemy''s main camp as well.


    There was no movement in the soldiers hiding in the ditch.


    It was behind them that we saw movement.


    The archers seem to be moving near the center.


    It was said that the crossbow has a short range, so that is probably why.


    The wagons are advancing with the line lined up side by side.


    They are halfway to the enemy camp, but there is no attack.


    Just then, one of the wagons moved forward slightly.


    It wouldn''t be on purpose.


    But the others didn''t seem to think so.


    The next cart overtook, and then the one next to it - not to mention the rest.


    The wagons overtook and overtook, and then headed toward the enemy''s lines as they fought to stay ahead.


    It was insane.


    The mercenaries cheered.


    There was camaraderie, and Roy lightly opened his eyes--.


    ''''Whoa!��Go!


    Move along!��Move on!


    I''m betting on you guys!


    Punch it, punch it!��Go kick the shit out of them!


    Have some camaraderie, man.


    I spit out in disgust.


    ''But I can''t keep this up.


    Shortly after Roy muttered, one of the mercenaries pushing a cart on the side collapsed.


    A cart rides up to the fallen mercenary.


    It was a scene that could be heard as a squishy sound.


    The wheels bounced up and the cart rolled over, engulfing the mercenary on the other side.


    A similar scene was being played out around them, but the mercenaries cheered.


    They seemed to see it as nothing more than a gamble already.


    Such was the situation, but the five carts were close to the obstacle.


    Of course, that was not the intended obstacle.


    The five wagons rushed to the route leading to the intended obstacle.


    At that moment, one of the mercenaries struck the mercenary next to him.


    The mercenary, whose strength was exhausted, fell over unceremoniously and the wagons passed over him.


    Riding up on the mercenary changed the direction of travel and the cart rammed into the obstacle.


    The pushers were able to escape the difficulty, but the pullers were unable to escape.


    He was trapped between the obstacle and the cart.


    No, I should say that he was pushed against the obstacle by the cart.


    The puller laid his upper body on the back of the cart - his spine may have been broken - and was flailing about.


    Only three cars were able to proceed safely.


    Then arrows rained down on them. The enemy archers fired arrows at them.


    It''s a good thing that I was able to duck the arrows due to my speed.


    Yes, fortunately. The luck wouldn''t last long.


    The arrows pierced the mercenaries.


    The mercenaries fall over with great force, causing the carts to topple over or run into obstacles.


    There''s only one car left.


    It was only a matter of time before they were killed, but the wagons picked up speed.


    It could fall over at any moment, but perhaps they have forgotten their fatigue in a critical situation.


    It''s called the power of stupidity in a fireplace.


    We were almost at the desired obstacle when there was a roar of explosions and the cart leapt upwards.


    Perhaps there was a magic item in the arrow.


    The last cart turned over and the mercenaries fell silent.


    ''''........Seriously, using something like that on us?


    I don''t know who muttered this, but it seemed to represent the feelings of the mercenaries.

 146-Episode 17 "Final Battle" Part 3

    *


    Now, how to inspire, Roy thought as he looked at the shushing mercenaries.


    Honestly, Roy didn''t think the rebels would use magic items here.


    That would be the same for Algena and the head of the Bowties Treasury.


    Magic items for attacks were relatively expensive.


    At least it''s not something you would use to kill a vagrant.


    No, maybe that''s why he used it.


    By using the magic item, the mercenaries understood that the rebels were going to do everything they could to kill them.


    It made the possibility of death, which they hadn''t thought about in the corner of their heads or at all, seem real.


    On the one hand, I wondered what the hell was going on now that I was in the battlefield, but on the other hand, I felt I had no choice.


    Assumption and reality are two different things.


    There are times when you think that you might die, but rarely do you imagine that you might be able to intestine yourself to the ground.


    I''m not sure how far they intended to go, but the rebels succeeded in scaring the mercenaries away.


    Surprisingly, or perhaps I should say, the one who acted the quickest was Director of Finance Bowties.


    ''''Gentlemen, do not be daunted!''''


    Treasurer Bawties stood in front of the mercenaries and raised his voice.


    ''''Why do you think the rebels used the magic item?��That''s only because the rebels are afraid of you!��Behold the rebels!��The poor thing hiding in the hole and looking at the situation!��That''s the proof that I''m afraid of you all!


    Treasurer Bawties said fluidly.


    There is no evidence that the rebels are afraid of us, but there is also no evidence that they are not afraid.


    But there is no evidence that they are not afraid of us, either.


    ''''I''ll say it again!��The rebels are so afraid of you that they are forced to use magic items on you all!


    Yeah. Oh, you''re scared of us.


    Yeah, of course. They don''t usually use magic items on us, do they?


    I''m surprised you can do it.


    Yeah, we''ll do it.


    Yeah. We''re going to make it.


    Baron Bawties'' proclamation seemed to ease the mercenaries'' fears a bit.


    ''''But can we really do it?��Arrows do fly, too.


    "Arrows are not worthy of fear!��Look at that!


    ....


    Baron Bawties pointed to the rebel field position, but the mercenaries were silent.


    They didn''t know what he was going to say.


    ''''We only need to watch out for the enemy in front!


    ''Right, then!''


    ''Oh, we''re about to win!


    You just have to watch out for the front!


    The mercenaries finally seemed to understand when Treasurer Bawties said irritably.


    We just have to be careful of the enemy in front of us.


    Certainly not a mistake.


    The rebel position is like a saw blade and is wavy, so it won''t be attacked by all the soldiers.


    However, if you go deep into it, you will be attacked from both sides.


    It''s like being surrounded by half a dozen soldiers.


    If they tried to break through with all their might, the casualties would be enormous.


    Either Treasurer Bawties understands what he''s saying or he doesn''t.


    Perhaps it''s the latter - but even so, the mercenaries are quite good at listening.


    I can only assume that someone is inciting them.


    ''''If you understand, quickly neutralize the obstacle.


    All right, I''ll go next!


    I''m coming with you!


    Me too!


    One by one, the mercenaries came forward, and about a hundred of them stepped forward.


    ''''Charge!''''


    The mercenaries walked out slowly as the head of the Finance Bureau Bawties gave the order.


    The mercenaries were vagrants - they had only the same or lesser physical strength than ordinary people.


    Far before reaching the rebel field position, they ran out of strength.


    When they reach the halfway point, they walk quickly and pick up a blanket near the overturned cart.


    Just as I was about to pass the obstacle at the very front, an enemy archer fired an arrow.


    After all, it seemed that they were only able to attack up to the intended obstacle.


    Luckily, I should say, the arrow pierced the ground.


    This was because the mercenary fired the arrow just as he was about to start running or not.


    But, after all, luck doesn''t last long.


    ''''Gah!''''


    Gag!


    Heeeee!


    Arrows poured down like rain, and the mercenaries fell one by one.


    The mercenaries ran frantically through the rain of arrows - suddenly, an explosion rang out.


    Once again, the rebels had used their magic item.


    The mercenaries flew high into the sky or were blown away.


    It was hard to see them clearly due to the dust cloud, but probably a hundred of them were all dead.


    ''''d*mn, not again!��No, that''s the only explosion. Even if the obstacle was damaged--!


    When the dust cloud cleared, Director of Finance Bowties gasped.


    The obstacle was intact - or at least didn''t appear to be damaged.


    ''Next!��Next, no, wait!


    The mercenaries were scared out of their minds again, but the Director of Finance Bowties covered his mouth with his hand thoughtfully.


    ''Shields!��Let him have a shield!


    The director of finance, Bowties shouted, but no one made a move.


    In the first place, the head of the finance bureau is not a person in the military chain of command.


    It would have been good if he had at least brought a military man he was familiar with--''''


    ''''Hey.....


    Ha!


    The second-in-command straightened up as Roy gave him a look.


    ''To the mercenaries--''


    Don''t do anything you wouldn''t do.


    Arjena, who had come before he knew it, interrupted Roy''s words.


    ''You know the Director of Finance Bowties wants a shield.


    "You can''t give a bunch of mercenaries a weapon.


    Your shield is your armor.


    "I don''t care if it''s arms or armor. I''m saying we can''t give these mercenaries our equipment.


    ...I see.


    Roy lightly cowered his shoulders.


    Arjena must be afraid that the mercenaries he gave the equipment to would turn into wild thieves.


    No, I should say that Ralph Libra, the Director of Military Affairs.


    ''''Then how about a barrel lid?''''


    A barrel cap?


    Argena raised her eyebrows dubiously.


    ''''A barrel lid isn''t a piece of equipment, and that doesn''t mean you''re ignoring the instructions of the War Office Chief Lord, does it?


    Mm-hmm. Yeah.


    ''Also, why don''t you give Bowties a second-in-command as treasurer?��And I don''t think I could take care of him on my own.


    Yeah, I''ll do that.


    Surprisingly, Arjena agreed.


    Perhaps she had received instructions from the Director of Military Affairs Ralph Libra.


    Finally, he was beginning to understand how to move Arjena.


    Normally he was a little more flexible, but he was a troublesome man.


    ''I''ll put my man in support of the Director of Finance Bowties, you have no problem with that?


    Yeah, I''m not complaining.


    I wanted to ask the general soldier who was entrusted with building the position, but he seems to be in a position to be a clothier.


    You can''t let the head of the financial bureau of Bowties be your babysitter.


    I hope this will help.


    Roy let out a small sigh.


    *


    Two more times, maybe three, Roy looked up at the sun.


    The sun was leaning heavily, but there was plenty of time until sunset.


    Considering how lazy they''ve been so far, they''ll make one or two attacks and that''s it.


    ''Okay, get in position!''


    The mercenaries, armed with barrel lids, lined up in the front row as Treasurer Bawties gave the order from horseback.


    There were more than two hundred of them - the idea was to double the number if a hundred wasn''t enough.


    ''''Charge!''''


    Following orders, the mercenaries walked slowly.


    When the distance was less than halfway, they walked fast, picked up a blanket at the overturned cart, and started running at the foremost obstacle.


    ''''Geez!''''


    Hi!


    Screams rose intermittently. He was pierced by an arrow fired by an enemy archer before he had time to hide behind the lid of the barrel.


    ''Don''t run!��Lid!��Protect yourself with the lid!


    Oh, yeah?


    One of them shouted, and the mercenaries knelt on the spot, pointing the lid of the barrel at the enemy position.


    The mercenaries who pointed the barrel lid directly upwards were shot through, but this was inevitable.


    ''''Hiiii!��God!


    ''If I survive, I''ll work hard!��So, so, please help me!


    Godd*mn it, how could this happen?


    I was trying to make money by killing people, and I''m getting a bee in the bonnet!


    Good luck!��Hang in there!


    While most of the mercenaries were crying out, a young man - old enough to be described as a boy - inspired his companions with a high-pitched voice.


    That''s quite a gutsy kid, Roy laughed.


    In the unlikely event that he came back safely, I''d be happy to make him my man.


    It was an idea, but it didn''t seem like a bad idea.


    ''Good luck!��Come on!��Hang in there!


    The young man raises his voice.


    Perhaps, by inspiring his friends, he is inspiring himself as well.


    ''When the arrow breaks--''


    The young man''s voice was cut off by a popping sound.


    An arrow fired by an enemy archer broke the lid of the barrel and pierced the young man''s temple.


    The young man slowly falls forward--.


    ''''Hiiiiii!''''


    You can''t protect yourself with this stuff!


    Run!


    God!


    The mercenaries threw down the lid of the barrel and ran away.


    ''''Fool!''''


    Roy let out a small spit.


    What was he going to do if he threw down the lid of the barrel and ran away when the enemy archers were firing arrows at him?


    ''''Geez!''''


    Oh, my God!


    Mother!


    Short screams sounded like a series of overlapping screams and the mercenaries clattered down.


    In less than a minute, the two hundred or so mercenaries were wiped out.


    ''''Next!��Next time, go with three hundred, no, four hundred!


    Treasurer Bawties calls out hysterically, but the mercenaries do not move.


    On the contrary, they begin to inch back.


    That''s bad, said Roy, carrying his spear.


    If one of them escapes, the rest will follow.


    It''s not difficult to subdue them, but it''s difficult to say whether you can seize them all.


    At that moment, Arjena hit the ground with a spear stone thrust.


    It wasn''t that loud, but the mercenaries looked at Algena.


    ''''........Running away before the enemy is a death sentence.


    What, death?


    What? I mean, he ran away.


    We''re not soldiers.


    The mercenaries buzzed as Arjena sternly announced.


    The mercenaries murmured, "During this operation, you will be treated as Imperial soldiers. Running away from the enemy is a crime of death, and those who cover for you are equally guilty.


    What''s this all about?


    Fool, that means I''m going to kill my family when I get home.


    Why did you do that?


    ''Doesn''t the nobility have human blood in their veins?


    Arjena raised her spear high and slammed a stone thrust into the ground.


    Then the mercenaries fell silent.


    ''People who try to make money by killing people, accusing others of doing so is a one-sided affront.


    ....


    I thought there would be a complaint or two because they were shelving themselves to the hilt, but no one would disagree with Arjena''s words.


    Maybe they think they will be killed just for objecting.


    It''s somehow settled, Roy inwardly patted his chest.


    However, he couldn''t be relieved.


    This time I just stifled my dissatisfaction.


    Every time the frustration erupts - no, the next time it will be uncontrollable.


    ''Move on!��Move on!


    The mercenaries sputtered out as Treasurer Bawties raised his voice.


    If the rebels are not defeated, you have no future!


    f*ck you.


    What is this?


    I wish I hadn''t thought of this as a way to make money.


    I''d rather have been begging.


    Bumbling and complaining, they head for the rebel field position.


    The mercenaries didn''t start running even after passing the foremost obstacle.


    ''''What''s the matter?��Run!��Run!


    Treasurer Bawties calls out from his horse.


    At this rate, we''ll end up being shot through by arrows.


    Despite this, the mercenaries'' steps are as slow as a turtle.


    They must be in a discarded bowl mood.


    The arrows poured down past the foremost obstacle.


    The mercenaries fell down with a thud--.


    ''''Hiiiiiii!


    The mercenary with an arrow stuck in his shoulder screamed and the entire movement stopped.


    ''''Ouch!��Ouch!��Ouch!


    The mercenary fell on his ass on the spot and yelled out a painful ouch.


    The way he flapped his arms and legs is that of an infant, while the arrows rained down relentlessly.


    It''s not surprising.


    The enemy is the enemy, not the mother.


    There''s no reason for them to relax their attack just because they''ve flapped their limbs.


    Unfortunately, the mercenary was pierced in the arms and legs by arrows, but he was still alive.


    ''''Ow!��Ow!��Hey, kill him!��Just kill it!


    Shouts echoed across the battlefield as the mercenaries split into two groups.


    However, they were not trying to help their wounded comrades.


    They were divided into those who were running towards the incapacitating obstacle and those who were running away.


    Mind you, the former seems to be more common.


    The fact that one of them had suffered a miserable loss must have inspired them to do something about it.


    ''Don''t run away!��Disable the target!


    Treasurer Bawties shouts to those who are fleeing, but no one follows, either because their voices aren''t heard or because they''re ignoring them.


    That''s when. An arrow lodged in the chest of one of the mercenaries.


    It was not a rebel''s arrow.


    Argena''s men attached to the head of the Bawties Treasury Department fired arrows at him.


    The mercenaries who were heading towards us were stopped by the attack from their allies.


    Arjena''s men were silent, but I know what they are trying to say.


    In other words, run away and I''ll shoot you.


    ''''d*mn, d*mn it!


    The mercenary shouted in desperation and began to return to the path he had come from.


    ''''Well we don''t have any allies, do we?


    One of the waiting mercenaries blurted out, but it was probably too late now.


    Roy shifted his gaze to the front and opened his eyes lightly.


    Those who had run towards the obstacle had been nearly wiped out.


    Only one person had survived.


    The man carried a blanket and staggered up to the obstacle.


    Each time he did so, blood spilled out.


    As the man unfolded the blanket, arrows rained down on him.


    The arrows pierced his entire body, but the man fell down with the blanket in his hand.


    The man fell straight to the side, but the blanket covered the obstacle.


    Considering the size of the obstacle, it only partially neutralized him, but an achievement is an achievement.


    ''Great!��That action is exactly what the Imperial subjects should be doing!


    Treasurer Bawties praised the dead mercenaries, but the mercenaries are quiet.


    The mercenaries who were driven back there now are in the middle of eating the enemy''s arrows.


    No one would agree with them, no matter how little camaraderie there was, no one would agree with them.


    Perhaps noticing this, the Director of Finance Bowties cleared his throat as if to mend his ways.


    ''''That man is a true brave man!��I''ll give you a hundred gold coins as promised!


    Treasurer Bawties turned his attention to Algena''s men.


    ''Find out who that man is and deliver the reward to his family.


    Ha!


    Arjena''s man - now the deputy to the Director of Finance Bowties - straightened up and replied.


    ''Shall I be paid for my death?''


    But it won''t do you any good if you''re dead.


    Oh, so you''re going to leave your mother some money?


    Feeding the kids...


    I don''t have any relatives.


    I thought I should offer these terms from the beginning, but some of the mercenaries seemed to be willing to do it.


    ''''Next, five hundred!��Is there anyone who thinks I am?


    I''ll go.


    I''m going to...


    The mercenaries step out in a sluggish manner.


    Their faces are tinted with a sense of grief.


    You''re going to deliver the money to my family, right?


    Yeah, I promise.


    Treasurer Bawties grinned.


    Crono was standing at the rear of the field position, staring at the battlefield when his second-in-command called out to him.


    ''''General, aren''t you in the main camp?'''' (Bum?)


    You too, Mino.


    "I''m a self-made man, you know. "I''m a hard worker, so it suits me better to be on the spot.


    I''d rather be in the field too.


    The mission is running smoothly, sir. (Bum?)


    Yeah, but I was worried.


    His second in command nodded his head curiously, and Crono responded with a sigh.


    Except for the slow movement of the imperial army, the operation is progressing well.


    We''ve already killed over three hundred enemy soldiers, but they don''t seem to be the main force.


    I want to drag the main force out of here as soon as possible.


    This battle will depend on how much strength the Imperial Army can conserve to enter the final phase.


    Well, it might be the same in any battle.


    ''''What are you worried about, General? Bum?��(Bummo?)


    I''m not sure I''m ready to judge a battle from a report.


    "....general...


    The second in command grunted, but there was no point in looking good.


    ''It worked reasonably well in the exercise, but it''s still better to look it in the eye.


    "Well, that makes me feel like a general, but the diorama that the engineers made was wasted on me," he said.


    The deputy scratched his head raggedly and stared at the main camp - the tent where Tyria was located - with somewhat distant eyes.


    ''''It hasn''t been in vain. After all, Her Royal Highness is watching us.''''


    "...that may be so, but...


    The second-in-command slumped his shoulders in disappointment, and then the imperial army moved.


    The enemy infantry was slowly approaching us.


    There are four hundred or maybe five hundred of them. How many arrows do you need to replenish?


    "We''ve been done with that for a while.


    The deputy raised his hand lightly and patted the basket hand - a communication magic item there to be precise.


    ''That''s handy, isn''t it?''


    "Hey, with this, there''s no need to make someone else run." (Bumo)


    The second in command nodded at Crono''s words.


    When the arrows start to run out, he would request to replenish them via a magic item for communication.


    Then, the soldier in charge would run to replenish the dimensions.


    Crono brought the basket hand communication magic item to his mouth.


    ''Leila, it''s the same as before.


    "Yes.


    Leila''s voice echoes from the magic item for communication.


    "Things are different from before, aren''t they?


    It won''t change what we do.


    Whether they are willing or not, we will just kill them.


    The enemy infantry is slowly approaching us.


    The farthest we could get was through the side of an obstacle made of iron thorns - and we passed by the side of the obstacle made of iron thorns.


    ''''Whoa!


    The enemy infantry shouted in unison and rushed in.


    Slightly later, the archers commanded by Leila fired their arrows in unison.


    A rain of arrows rains down and the enemy soldiers fall down in a flurry.


    But--.


    ''''Oh!


    The enemy infantry kept on shouting and rushing at us.


    They didn''t look at the wooden shields, but grabbed their blankets and ran on.


    Some fell on the way, some got caught up and fell over, some got trampled.


    Of course, some were shot through by arrows.


    Until last time, their movements would have been slowed down, but this time, they rushed in even more in line.


    Perhaps that''s why so many of them survived this time.


    When was the last time I heard of a coward dying first on the battlefield?


    Was it the military school, the southern frontier, or the original world?


    The theory was that cowards were slower to charge and consequently more vulnerable to attack.


    When I heard it, I thought it was something like that, but maybe it meant that they couldn''t aim while they were moving.


    However, the archers of the Imperial Army are all elite. Furthermore, I didn''t order them to aim and shoot.


    They are ordered to fight to make arrows fall within the range.


    Just as the dozen or so survivors were about to drape a blanket over the central obstacle, an explosion occurred.


    A volunteer soldier shot out a magic item with his crossbow.


    Despite the blast at close range, the enemy infantry remained in place.


    No, I should say that they remained.


    Half of his body was gone in the explosion.


    Even so, the reason they were able to stay in place was because they were caught by the iron thorns.


    ''''I''ve been ... killed.


    Crono scowled.


    The half-finished enemy infantry was covered by iron thorns.


    Underneath it was a blanket.


    The part covered by the blanket was part of the whole, but there was no doubt that even part of it had been neutralized.


    An ooh-ooh-ooh sounded from a distance.


    The Imperial Army is cheering.


    ''You''re on a roll, aren''t you?'' (Bumo)


    ''Well, it''s a good thing we''re finally getting some kind of result.


    Crono cowered his shoulders. Thanks to his second-in-command''s spiteful words, he was able to keep his composure.


    It would be better if they didn''t break through the obstacle, but he didn''t plan his strategy on the assumption that they wouldn''t break through.


    ''Well, what comes next?''


    Crono moistened his lips with his tongue.


    *


    ''Yes!��He didn''t come!


    Crono returned to his tent and sat down in his chair with a thud.


    As he plopped down on the desk, Mino came in.


    ''''General, your voice is too loud.'''' (Bumo)


    "But,


    Crono poked his cheekbones.


    ''''If you think they''re going to attack you like that, you''ll go back to your position.


    "Well, the sun''s gone down, you know.


    The second-in-command leaned out of his tent and looked up at the sky, but it was still before evening when the Imperials last attacked.


    He thought there would be one more attack, but the Empire had returned to its position.


    ''''I''m sure it will be sunny tomorrow, too.'''' (Bumo)


    I hope so.


    We have measures in place for when it rains, but we don''t want to see rainwater pooling in the trenches and spreading disease.


    If that happens, we won''t be able to fight.


    "It''s always the case that your opponent won''t move as you wish," said Bumo.


    The second in command said with a sigh and took a seat facing him.


    At first glance, he looked unreliable, but the dwarf''s specially made chair didn''t even squeak.


    ''''Nah, it''s just different than usual.''''


    ''''We had time to prepare this time. Even if you say there''s a difference in strength, it''s not a hopeless number.


    ''Well, usually we try to get by with tactics and get crushed by the amount of stuff we have, or we seem to be able to get by and then our supplies run out, or we get kidnapped, or something unexpected happens... yeah, as far as I''m concerned, it''s not a good idea.


    "I hope this is the last time we get to see you.


    I think so.


    ''It''s going to be difficult,'' he adds in his mind.


    ''That being said, I''d like to know why the Empire is moving so slowly.


    Crono stared at Kagome''s communication magic item.


    *


    ''Just because they''re wary doesn''t mean they have any right to be quiet, and if they are wary, they''re wary, and they''re scheming like a good officer.


    Aridid muttered as he looked at the imperial army camp.


    The Imperial Army''s camp is an encampment - it''s for generals to rest and accumulate supplies.


    Compared to the Imperial Army''s camp, it''s not as difficult to attack compared to the Imperial Army''s camp.


    Well, only compared to the Imperial Army''s camp.


    With the hundred or so soldiers in Aridid''s custody, harassment is the best we can do.


    So we''ll harass them.


    ''''Like the wind direction is OK?''''


    "It''s OK, that it is.


    When Alideed looked next to him, he saw that Taiga was about to throw a stone the size of a pinky fingernail - a magic item for ignition - into the branches of a stack of trees.


    The sparks that flew off ignited the dead grass and flared up, causing smoke to drift towards the Imperial camp.


    At that moment, a kern, kern sound rang out from the empire''s camp.


    After a while...


    "What?


    Fire!


    The rebels are attacking by night!


    "Gather the troops now!


    Enemy soldiers, sensing something unusual, started to make a commotion and gathered in one place.


    ''It''s like a pretty quick response,''


    "What shall we do?��I could kick the shit out of a hundred or so people, that I could kick the shit out of them, that I could.��(in Buddhism)


    I''m gonna draw them away.


    Originally, I''m here to harass you.


    No, well, I understand that this is an operational action that puts a strain on the body and mind of the enemy soldier, but what we are doing is harassing them.


    You should not think too hard and think about how you can make the other party more dislike it.


    ''''They''re here, that they are.


    A hundred or so soldiers jump out of their positions and run towards us.


    ''''Good!��Like a transposition!


    As Alideed turns on his heel and runs away, his men run away with him.


    ''Roll away!��Tipping!��Like it''s not a retreat!


    "A retreat is a retreat, that it is.


    It''s just my mood!


    Suddenly Arid had an idea.


    ''Barker, barker, imperial soldier barker!


    Children, that is.


    "f*ck you!


    Rebels!


    I will cut you to pieces!


    Taiga said in a dumbfounded manner, but the enemy soldiers became enraged.


    ''''Ba, just by calling me an idiot, you''re tearing me to pieces, like the alchemy that says you can turn a stone into gold is also very blue!


    A short while later, a papa-panning sound came from behind me.


    A separate force - Deneb and the others are throwing magic items into the Imperial Army''s position.


    It''s a substitute that only scatters light and sound - like a toy, according to Eryll, but Alideed liked the fact that it didn''t take much damage even if it was handled carelessly and unleashed.


    ''Wha, what?''


    The main camp is under attack?


    ''d*mn, that was a diversion!


    "The sound of footsteps is fading away, that it is.


    Inverted!��Flip!��It''s an attack!


    As Alideed flips on the spot, his subordinate archers also flip.


    Perhaps caught off guard, the enemy soldiers have their backs to us.


    ''''Like it''s appropriate!''''


    As Alideed fired arrows with his machine gun bow, his subordinates fired arrows at the right time with their own thoughts.


    Geez!��A short scream sounded intermittently, and the enemy soldier fell to the ground.


    ''''d*mn it!��I thought you were running away!


    Oh, follow me!


    What about the position?


    There are people out there who can help!


    The enemy soldiers start running towards us again.


    ''''What are we going to do?'''' (Gulp?)


    Of course, like a transference!


    As Alideed turned on his heel and started to run, his men started to run as well.


    With a sideways glance, he checked on Deneb and saw that they were doing the same thing over there.


    ''''I''d like to continue harassing them until morning, but it looks like they might be a little too greedy.


    Aridid muttered as he ran.

 147-Episode 17 "Final Battle" Part 4

    *


    "d*mn, I knew they''d attack us!


    As Roy emerged from the tent with his beloved spear prodded, smoke billowed around him.


    Ordinary soldiers ran around with their weapons, and the sound of papa-pangs echoed in the distance.


    Each time that happened, the ordinary soldiers cowered.


    That was just a sound, but those who didn''t know anything about it would be terrified.


    You''ll get used to it if you hear it over and over again.


    No, I remind myself.


    You might get used to the sound itself.


    But what about fear?


    After the sound stops, you may continue to be afraid because you don''t know anything about it.


    And more importantly, the threat of the magic item was shown to them so much.


    No wonder he was so skeptical.


    He thinks that far and shakes his head.


    Would Crono be thinking that far?


    It didn''t seem likely.


    He might just be harassing her for a profit if it was effective.


    But--.


    ''''Ahhh, stop, stop!''''


    Roy raggedly scratched his head.


    There was no way to ascertain Crono''s true intentions.


    It''s better to deal with what''s happening now than to think about it.


    It may be symptomatic, but it''s the best way to be sure.


    Roy headed for the strategy tent.


    In the meantime, the daddy-paddy-panning sound could be heard.


    After a while, the tent came into view.


    ''''........They''re already here?''''


    Roy let out a small sigh.


    In front of the tent stood Algena, dressed the same as in the daytime - in essence, fully armed.


    ''You''re late!''


    I was resting.


    And what''s with the outfit?


    Glaring, Algena glared at him.


    Roy looked down at himself.


    His trousers were on, and he had his jacket on.


    He didn''t have time, so he was naked under his jacket - but he was naked underneath his jacket.


    ''What''s that, a military uniform?''


    ''Are you not prepared for the ever-present battlefield?''


    ''Get the hell out of here and tell me what to do before you accuse me of being prepared. This is a war zone.


    Roy muttered in a disgusted mood.


    I can see what Argena is trying to argue, well, I can see the point.


    I understand, but right now we should be dealing with a rebel attack.


    What''s the situation?


    We''re being taken by surprise from two directions.


    Two directions?


    Roy muttered to himself, parroting.


    Once again, there was the sound of a pap-pam-pam sound.


    As I recall, it came from the same direction just now.


    That means that the enemy might not be coordinating well either.


    ''''What instructions did you give them?''''


    I''ve just ordered a unit to form up and give chase.


    Arjena said irritably.


    I know how you feel.


    It wouldn''t be fun to have Roy, who is only an assistant, check the situation and the instructions.


    This is the kind of man he is.


    I''m on my own.


    Wait. What are you doing?


    What? I''m going into battle.


    You don''t have to do that.


    The situation is evolving. If you don''t deal with it, it''s out of control.


    .....


    I''m going in.


    Argena grunted huskily, and Roy started walking in the direction of the flowing smoke.


    Argena must have known that he didn''t stop with all his strength.


    It is Argena who knows and yet tries to follow the rules.


    ''Hey, I''m going to go crush the rebels now. Follow me.


    Yes, sir.


    Roy proceeded to call out to his men who were moving around.


    By the time he reached the outer edge of the camp, there were about twenty of them.


    At the outer edge, there was a line of ordinary soldiers with their shields at the ready.


    ''''Hold on until our allies are ready!


    One of the soldiers raised his voice and Roy''s eyes widened lightly.


    The one who raised his voice was the man he had entrusted with building the position.


    He ran up to the man and ducked behind his shield.


    ''What''s the situation?''


    "-Oh!


    The man stared at me with a murderous look on his face and peeled his eyes away a bit.


    ''What''s the situation?''


    We''re under attack by a rebel army. There are about fifty of the enemy over there.


    Then the man looked behind him over his shoulder.


    A distant papa-panning sound could be heard in the distance.


    ''''If you add in the people who are taking us by surprise from the other direction, there will be about a hundred of them.


    Are you sure?


    We''re at least trying to establish a line of communication.


    The man sounded miffed, as if he thought he''d been mocked.


    ''What''s the damage?''


    About two dozen of the men who stood up to them were killed.


    Twenty?


    Roy couldn''t help but ask back.


    It''s hard to say, but it''s a very small number.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this. And when we retreat, they come after us.


    ''He''s a nasty opponent,'' the man spat.


    ''Tch, you''re not going to fight him properly, are you?


    But we can''t hide in plain sight.


    Yeah, I''ll try not to let you get carried away.


    If you don''t show them you can give them a shot, they''ll go along for the ride.


    Then they''ll be more and more daring.


    "Do you have any ideas?


    I have one.


    What''s the idea?


    Roy asked, and the man''s eyes widened in surprise.


    "We can''t lure him out, that we can''t.


    It''s like collecting branches while I''m here!


    Tyga blurted out, and Alideed gave his men instructions.


    If he wanted to, he wanted to lure the enemy soldiers out a little more, but what he couldn''t do was inevitable.


    It was an action that was originally done with an idea.


    That''s how I was able to kill about twenty enemy soldiers.


    Crono wouldn''t be angry.


    "Did you get the gift?


    "The enemy is on the move, that it is.


    Mmm, it''s like you can''t ignore it.


    Alideed stood on his toes and stared at the enemy lines.


    Up until now, the enemy soldiers had lined up in a horizontal line behind the shields, but they lined up on top of them as well.


    ''''What is your purpose, that is?'''' (GASP?)


    I don''t know. I just have a bad feeling about it.


    Alideed moistened his lips with his tongue.


    A few moments later, he heard the sound of a horse neighing.


    Could it be that they were planning to launch a mounted charge?


    But, said Alideed, looking behind him over his shoulder.


    The forest stretched out behind him.


    If it was against heavy cavalry, he was confident that he could escape to the forest.


    If we don''t have the right numbers, we can eradicate them.


    The machine gun bow has the power to pierce sheet metal armor and even the engraving technique.


    Nevertheless, I can''t shake my anxiety.


    ''''What should we do?'''' (GASP?)


    ....


    Alideed ponders silently.


    What would Crono do in a situation like this?


    The answer was immediate.


    Crono would run away without thinking about annihilating the heavy cavalry.


    ''''Retreat--!


    The moment Alideed opened his mouth to give the order, the shields that had been lined up were blown off.


    It was the horses that appeared after the shields were blown off.


    It wasn''t just one or two horses.


    At least twenty horses, at least twenty, that many horses were rushing towards us.


    It was before I gave the order, and the arrows fired by my men pierced the horses.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to get the best out of them.


    As a member of the archers'' cavalry, Aridid knows the nature of horses.


    Horses are timid creatures.


    If they are not trained, a loud noise will cause them to panic.


    The horses of the imperial army have been accustomed to loud noises so that such a thing doesn''t happen.


    But can they be trained to rush straight at you even if they are attacked?


    ''''Retreat ... no retreat!��It''s like you have to pull them to the very edge and duck!


    Yes, that I do! (GASP!)


    Yes, sir!


    Copy that. (GASP!)


    Tyga replied briefly, and his men replied as well.


    He considered turning his back on them and running away, but it wouldn''t be good enough against a bareback horse.


    They would catch up with us before we could reach the forest.


    It''s worse to be rammed in from behind.


    The horses rushed in with the sound of horseshoes and accompanied by dirt smoke.


    The trembling that comes from the ground makes me feel nauseated.


    Even though I''ve mastered the imprinting technique, it seems I can''t overcome my instinctive fear.


    But I think that''s okay.


    Fear is an important emotion.


    If you can''t see the danger, you''ll die prematurely.


    Alideed pulled his horse to the edge and jumped to the side.


    The horse rushes at the end of the jump.


    This one pulled it to the very edge and ducked--.


    ''''Huh!''''


    Furthermore, the next horse rushes forward.


    There should have only been about 20 horses, but as if they were aiming well... haha, this is like a daily routine, and I avoided the horses while thinking about that.


    A horse rushes ahead of me as I dodge.


    ''Like what-oh-oh!


    Immediately after Aridid twisted and ducked, a yell rang out.


    Roy runs on the battlefield with his beloved spear in hand.


    Of course, he''s the lead one running.


    The No. 2 of the legion is running in the lead.


    You may think it''s foolish, but twenty men have been killed by the rebels.


    It''s even in the daytime.


    Aside from the knights in the Kingsguard, the ordinary soldiers are scared.


    So this is where Roy has to run ahead and show that the Imperial Army can fight.


    Well, there''s a chance that he''ll die easily and morale will be rattled - but.


    ''''Bastards, let''s raise a yell!


    ""Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!"


    A wild yell pushes me back and speeds up.


    ''''Where''s ... the commander?��It''s him!


    Roy looks around and fixes his gaze on the female elf.


    A woman with long blonde hair tied up on her right side, or should I call her a girl?


    No, no, no, she may be a girl, but she''s still a woman.


    To be honest, I don''t want to kill a woman, but I can''t say I don''t like her.


    This is a war.


    I''ll take your head!


    "-Oh!


    She increased her speed even more and thrust her spear out with all her strength.


    However, the female elf lightly ducked Roy''s blow.


    A great leap backwards. This kind of leap is impossible for a beastman to make.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what to expect.


    "The Marking Art!


    Roy exclaimed shortly.


    A red light colored the female elf''s body.


    It looks like a barbarian''s war veneer, it''s an imprint - a pattern that is said to emerge when a barbarian is united with a spirit.


    How could an elf use the imprinting technique - I wondered, but after thinking it over, Crono had made the barbarians of the Areos Mountains reverent.


    It was no wonder that he was able to perform the imprinting technique on his own men.


    By the way, if there''s such a useful jutsu, then you should suck up the technique neatly, Roy blurted out in his mind, throwing his spear with all his might.


    Of course, the target is the female elf. It''s not just because they just landed, but the female elves were unable to react.


    The spear went straight ahead and--.


    ''''I won''t let you do it, that I won''t! (GASP!)


    He was knocked down by a tiger beastman who jumped out from right beside him.


    It wasn''t just any beastman.


    It''s a beastman with a red imprint emerging from it.


    Tsk, Roy clicked his tongue and kicked up the fallen spear with his foot.


    I said I wouldn''t let you do it, didn''t I! (GASP!)


    There is a roar, and the tiger beastman accelerates like an unleashed arrow.


    But Roy''s grip on the spear is faster.


    ''''Ha!''''


    The spear is launched along with the spiritedness of the cleaver, but the tiger beastman closes the distance while taunting him with his great sword.


    The guy who isn''t used to it will duck backwards and die, but this guy seems to be a master at it.


    This guy might be able to make me feel the heat.


    However, I can''t help but be impressed.


    This is a fight for your life.


    The first thing to do is to flip the spear and unleash a stone thrust.


    If it were a human, it would have crushed his throat.


    But the one in front of him is a beastman - a beastman strengthened by the power of the Mark.


    The tiger beastman''s form scrapes away before his eyes.


    A red afterglow burns into the space.


    Reflexively, he stabs the spear into the ground and clenches it with all his strength.


    In the next moment, a shock was felt.


    A tremendous, numbing impact to the core of my body.


    When I looked down slightly, I saw the tiger beastman crawling on the ground.


    That''s how he finally realized that the tiger beastman had released a horizontal slash from his crawling position.


    The imprint shone strongly and the tiger beast-man raised his great sword along the spear.


    Roy removed his hand from the spear and jumped backwards.


    The spear exploded in half.


    ''''Tch, don''t do it.''''


    Roy kicked up the spear that had fallen with his foot and grabbed it in the air.


    ''''Ohhhhhh!''''


    Yells and metallic sounds could be heard from behind them.


    The ordinary soldiers must have finally caught up with them.


    Roy stared at the tiger beastman while holding his spear.


    The tiger beastman held his great sword as if to hide the blade with his own body.


    ''''You do it. I''m Roy. Roy Akbens, Commander of the Fourth Order of the Kingsguard.''''


    "I am the emperor ... Captain Taiga of the Thirteenth Konoe Order, that I am.


    The tiger beastman - Taiga said proudly.


    ''What''s an emperor?''


    "We call ourselves the Imperial Army, that we do.


    The Imperial Army?��Oh, you mean the Emperor''s Army. No, the Imperial Princess?��Either way, I can''t stand it.


    Roy frowned.


    If the rebels claimed to be the Emperor''s army - the Emperor''s army, this one would inevitably be a bandit army.


    If Argena heard this, she would have a stroke.


    Aside from that, the fact that he went out of his way to rephrase it as the Thirteenth Konoe Order means that Taiga''s sense of belonging is not to the Imperial Army itself.


    He has sworn allegiance to Crono personally.


    The Imperial Army is not a monolithic force either, but it seems that the rebels are rebels and have a lot of things going for them.


    ''''So what do we do now?''''


    "I have no intention of fighting you, my lord.


    Don''t be a dick.


    Roy focuses on the sounds echoing from around him as he looks at Tyga.


    The metallic sounds diminish and a short scream echoes with a pause.


    The rebels seem to be getting back on their feet, despite the confusion they caused by ramming their horses into the ground.


    It must be a difference in skill level.


    The Thirteenth Konoe Knights have experienced actual battles many times.


    Besides--''''


    ''''I was a bit surprised, but there aren''t that many enemies out there!��Like if you keep calm and fight, you''ll be fine!


    The female elf slaughters the imperial soldiers with the dagger in her hand while raising her voice.


    Her skill itself is not high, but her physical ability is enhanced by the imprinting technique.


    Not only are ordinary soldiers inferior in terms of physical ability, but also in terms of skill, they can''t be beaten.


    If I can defeat this guy, I can turn the tide, but just when I was thinking about it, something fell on me.


    I think it''s bad, but I don''t have time to look at my feet.


    If I did that, Tyga would come at me.


    Immediately after, I heard a papa-panning sound from underneath my feet, or rather, from all over the place.


    My body stiffened at the light and sound.


    It was a magic item that had fallen.


    ''It''s backup!��I''m covering you!


    Roy glanced at the female elf.


    The female elf was fighting a common soldier.


    It was the same voice as the female elf''s, but from a different direction.


    It was the same voice from a different direction as the female elf''s.


    "Retreat!��Get out of here!��Like I''m never supposed to leave a wounded person behind!


    The female elf raised her voice and Taiga turned her back to us and started running.


    It was as if she was convinced that Roy wasn''t going to follow her.


    ''Wait!��Rebels!


    You wait.


    Roy let out a sigh and controlled the general soldier who tried to chase him.


    ''''But!''''


    You don''t want to chase him, it''s more dangerous for us.


    The rebels have fled to a forest far away.


    It''s not too late to chase them now.


    He must be setting a trap because he''s running all the way into the forest.


    If it were in the daytime, it would still be nighttime, but now it''s nighttime.


    They won''t be able to detect the existence of the trap.


    I looked behind me over my shoulder and saw that the rebel detachment had also retreated.


    Roy carried his spear and looked around.


    It was only the ordinary soldiers who had fallen.


    The only people who had fallen were ordinary soldiers.


    Anyway, a victory is a victory.


    We were able to show that even if we were taken by surprise, we would not be killed unilaterally.


    As I was thinking about this, a familiar face approached us.


    It was the man who had been entrusted with the construction of the field position and had lined up his shields to make the attackers surpass him.


    ''''Ah, are you safe?''''


    You saved my life. What''s your name?


    ''This is Richard. Richard Arkwright.


    Arclight, that means you''re an aristocrat?


    Yeah, well, I''m still out of military school for this. I didn''t do too well, but...


    The man - Richard scratched his head in embarrassment.


    ''You''re being too modest to get bad grades.


    ''I had really bad grades. My boss wasn''t very receptive.


    I see.


    A mouth that was sent to the imperial capital because his superiors hated him, he added in his mind.


    Anyway, it''s reassuring to have a competent officer.


    ''''But thanks to you, I''m ready to give up.


    Meaning?


    When this fight is over, I''m going to go back to my parents'' house and get married.


    Congratulations to him.


    I don''t think it''s safe to say this at this point in time, but sometimes a thought can bring you luck.


    ''Well, I''ll have to make it out alive.


    ...Yes!


    The man nodded emphatically.


    *


    "General, Arid has returned.


    I''m coming.


    Called by his second-in-command, Crono stepped outside the tent.


    When he looked over, he saw a chair near Tyria''s tent.


    Arideed, Deneb, and Tyga were propped up on one knee near the chair.


    Furthermore, behind them sat a human who appeared to be an Imperial soldier.


    They were tied behind their backs and surrounded by Imperial soldiers.


    But still--''''


    ''''What about that one?''''


    What''s that? (Bum?)


    It''s because Aridid and his friends are kneeling in front of the chair.


    "It''s just a show.


    ...direction.


    Crono muttered while holding his bite.


    I think I''ve heard this somewhere--''''


    It was an idea from the old man. It''s a good idea from the old man, and he said the theory was that since the volunteer soldiers are all amateurs, theatrical performance was necessary.


    You only tell them what they need to know.


    Crono muttered sincerely.


    He prioritized what was necessary for a volunteer soldier - it would sound good if he said that, but he only taught them the minimum necessary.


    We don''t teach them almost anything about how to behave as soldiers.


    ''''Since you took the trouble to make a traveling entertainer as your subordinate, you should have taught him in the style of a play.


    "I can''t deny that the timing is a bit late, but it''s a good idea.


    If there''s a next time, we''ll do it.


    I don''t want something like this to happen again, but this kind of talk isn''t bad if you think of it as part of communication.


    Crono headed down to Aridid and the others.


    Slightly later, his second-in-command followed him.


    Is this part of the play?


    ''''Good job.''''


    I''m glad you''re looking so well, Master Crono.


    I sit down in my chair, thinking I may have made a selection error.


    ''Alide, report in.''


    Ha!


    Alideed replied shortly and began to explain the circumstances.


    Like.


    Guru.


    When Alideed finished his explanation on behalf of the group, Deneb and Tyga followed.


    ''Any injuries?''


    The doctor at the field hospital said the wound was minor.


    I see.


    Crono poked his cheekbones at the armrest for support.


    The soldiers entrusted to Alideed were his men from the time the Holy Argo Kingdom invaded the Marquis of Erakis'' territory - the oldest soldiers.


    If possible, I''d like to have them return immediately, but--''''


    ''''Alright, let the ten injured men concentrate on healing.


    Are you sure? (Bum?)


    Crono looked up at his deputy standing next to him.


    ''He''s an important subordinate, you know. I''m sorry, but--''


    Understood, sir. I''ll pull you out of the trenches, sir.


    You''re the man, Mino. You know what you''re doing.


    "We''ve known each other a long time, so it''s easy to understand.


    The lieutenant said as he let out a sigh.


    If you''re replenishing your troops, may I assume that the night attack will continue? (Bum?)


    Of course.


    "I understand.


    It''s not a bad idea to check it out just in case.


    I hope the volunteer soldiers will see it properly.


    ''Speaking of which, Tyga,''


    "What is it? (GASP?)


    You said you fought Roy in the war. How did it feel to be at the table?


    "That''s a very difficult question, that it is.


    Taiga grunted.


    ''''It''s just my personal opinion, that I have, but despite your seemingly fearless behavior and rough tone, you are a person who gives off a sense of calmness, that you are.'''' (Gau-gau)


    ...I see.


    "It''s just my opinion, that it is.


    When Crono nodded, Taiga said as a reminder.


    I''ll refrain from rushing in about whether it''s a mail-order show or not, as it doesn''t seem to make sense.


    ''''........I don''t think it''s surprising.


    Crono recalls the way Roy fought in the arena.


    He reigned in the arena as an absolute champion, and it wasn''t just because of his brute strength.


    He knew how the audience would react to him, and where he could get them going, he would get them going.


    If you remember well, he was trying to produce a fight on the edge, but he never fought recklessly.


    ''''I see...''''


    Crono muttered again.


    ''Is it Lord Roy''s plan to have his horse rammed into it?


    "It''s hard to say, that it is.


    Well, I can''t help but think about it.


    Now, Crono shifted his gaze to his captors.


    Then Aridid and Deneb moved to the right and Taiga to the left.


    ''Get on with it!'' (GASP!)


    The Imperial soldier is driven away by an Imperial soldier, and the Imperial soldier - a prisoner of war - steps forward.


    ''''I''d like to ask you about the Imperial Army, but first, I''d like you to tell me who the legion leader is.��Well, it''s easy to--


    The commander of the legion is Lord Argena Dios of the Third Kingsguard, assisted by Lord Roy Akbens of the Fourth Kingsguard. The legion is made up of 2,000 members of the Kingsguard, 20,000 ordinary soldiers, and 10,000 mercenaries hired by the Treasurer of Bowties.


    The captive interrupted Crono''s words and began to speak flippantly.


    He looked at his captive without thinking.


    ''Why were the Imperials muddling through building their positions?''


    ''I''m not sure, but I''ve heard a rumour that Lord Argena has ordered a do-over.


    ...I see.


    Don''t tell me the inside story so easily, Crono pouted in his mind.


    He had meant to, but it must have been in his expression.


    The captive snorted mockingly.


    I don''t want to die in a fight like this.


    You''re a soldier in the Imperial Guard.


    I didn''t want to be a soldier.


    The POW said, sounding miffed.


    ''What''s your response to the southern frontier?''


    I have heard that you have sent 10,000 men.


    How is the Imperial City?


    ''It''s a mess. It''s not safe, and the prices are especially high. I was going to buy the woman a souvenir but I can''t buy her anything.


    Hmmm, Crono groaned.


    ''You''re in a war and you''re trying to buy a souvenir for your girlfriend, you don''t have enough sense of urgency.


    ''''Really?''''


    I''m not lying.


    There''s no way to be sure he''s telling the truth since there''s only one prisoner.


    Crono changed arms and poked him in the cheek.


    ''Do you want to be tortured for a bit?


    f*ck you!


    Be quiet! (GASP!)


    The next moment as the prisoner leaned forward, an Imperial soldier restrained him.


    ''''Let''s start with the little finger.


    You''re kidding me.


    Mr. Mino.


    "I understand.


    Here comes Princess Tyria!


    ''High head!��Get down on your knees!


    The next second the deputy stepped out, Manchausen and Alonso''s voices rang out.


    Crono rose from his chair and looked at the tent.


    Tilia stepped out of the tent and approached us, led by Manchausen and Alonso.


    Tilia wore a white robe with a hood pulled over her eyes. The only things exposed were her hands and mouth.


    ''Come on,''


    I know it''s a bit dirty, but please, sit down.


    ....


    Tyria sat quietly in her chair.


    ''Princess Tyria is in mourning because she is heartbroken that we are fighting!


    ''Oh, how kind-hearted!''


    Manchausen and Alonso said with tears in their eyes.


    Tilia beckoned to Manchausen.


    ''What is it?''


    ....


    As Manchausen pulled his ear to his mouth, Tilia blurted out.


    ''Quite the Tyria Princess!


    What''s going on?


    ''Princess Tyria does not like the blood of her subjects to flow. She told me to let him go.


    Crono asked, and Manchausen exclaimed with an excited look on his face.


    ''What?��And I don''t understand how you can release someone who''s been injured!


    Oh, you''re arrogant!��And it''s arrogant!


    Shut up!


    Yes, sir.


    Aridid and Deneb fell silent as Manchausen blackmailed him.


    ''''With all due respect, Princess Tyria. We''ve caused no small amount of damage as well, and--''


    ''The Marquis of Erakis!��How mindful you are of the orders of Princess Tyria!


    Okay, okay.


    Manchausen raised his voice and Crono nodded.


    ''However, your release is at dawn, and I don''t want you to know any unnecessary information until then, so I will blindfold you. I want you to accept these terms.


    ....


    When Crono offered a compromise, Tyria nodded and put her hand in the embers of her robe.


    What he took out was a carefully folded piece of paper.


    ''''........''''


    What''s that?


    Tilia beckons and now Alonso puts his ear to his mouth.


    ''Ha!��I''ve got it all figured out!


    Alonso took the paper from Tilia and walked over to his captive.


    He knelt down and shoved the paper into his pocket.


    ''What''s this?''


    Give it to Baron Bowties. I can tell him you received it from the Princess of Tyria.


    Alonso quickly explained to his captors.


    ''That sort of thing...''


    No!


    When Crono walked up to him, Alonso flashed his arm, perhaps to keep him from getting closer.


    ''You don''t have any information to put us at a disadvantage, do you?


    ....


    Tilia nodded quietly at Crono''s question.


    After being told this much, she had to admit it.


    ''''Mino-san, I''ll leave the rest to you.


    "Hey, I understand.


    Crono went to his tent.

 148-Episode 17 "Final Battle" Part 5

    *


    ''Huh...''


    You''re in the middle of a war council meeting.


    Algena said with a frown as Roy gave a big missive.


    Treasurer Bawties also frowned uncomfortably.


    ''Sorry. I couldn''t get to sleep last night.''


    Nevertheless, as a commander, you should discipline yourself to be an example to others.


    Hey, yeah.


    You only have to answer once.


    Yeah.


    ''Don''t talk in a sloppy tone. And don''t say ''hei'', but ''yes''.


    I know.


    Tsk, Argena clicked her tongue.


    I want to sarcasticly tell her that you should discipline yourself too, but she gingerly held back.


    ''''Today--''''


    That''s what I''m talking about.


    Argena glares at me with a snap.


    ''''.......what?''''


    You''ve got ears to hear, haven''t you?


    Do you have to be a dick to get a word in edgewise?


    It''s not like that.


    Roy cowered lightly.


    ''Get on with it.''


    We need to reinforce our position and I could really use some help.


    Dismissed.


    Hey, wait a minute.


    Didn''t I say no?


    You could have at least listened to me.


    Roy muttered in disgust.


    ''No such orders have been given.


    There''s a judgment in the field, isn''t there, a judgment in the field? As a matter of fact, the reason we were attacked in the night, the reason we lost so many people, was because our position was easier to attack.


    The rebels are not only defending their position with a number of obstacles, they are also using the surrounding forest.


    And yet, we are only storing supplies in a dispersed manner.


    If they don''t attack us in this way, they are very good-natured.


    It''s better to quit being a soldier and go to the countryside to work the fields.


    Unfortunately, the rebels - Crono is not a good-natured person.


    He may not be good at fighting, but if he''s going to do it, he''s the type to go all out.


    ''''Well what are you going to do about it?''''


    Arjena asked with a miffed expression.


    ''Are you finally ready to listen?''


    If you have an idea, tell me. I''ll think about it when I hear about it.


    Roy let out a deep sigh.


    I feel like I''m hitting on a woman.


    It''s also a cumbersome woman perched on a hill.


    No, I don''t care if it''s perched on a hill or smelly, as long as it''s a woman.


    Picking up a woman is fun, similar to combat training.


    But it''s no fun to seduce Arjena.


    Successfully seducing her will only enable you to do what you should be doing.


    Bringing the negative back to zero.


    How can you enjoy it if you have nothing to gain?


    However, the hardest part is that you can''t just give up because you don''t enjoy it.


    After all, the lives of my men are at stake.


    Especially Richard.


    The man who said he was going to marry her must be returned to his hometown.


    ''What''s the matter?��Say it now.


    Yes, sir. What I''m proposing isn''t much of a plan. The position is surrounded by a moat. That''s all.


    I finally got it out, Roy rubbed his eyes drearily.


    This is what''s causing the lack of sleep.


    After getting rid of the rebels, Richard and I discussed the future.


    ''Are you asking me to imitate the rebels?


    It''s not.


    Roy, feeling disgusted, dismissed Argena''s words.


    ''The rebels ain''t a moat.


    How useful is the moat?


    It''s better than nothing.


    ....


    Offended, Arjena fell silent.


    ''On what grounds?''


    "The commander I met with last night was very careful.


    He has a high level of combat ability and is very bold.


    Either he has a lot of combat experience, or - is he highly educated?


    Either way, they must be a troublesome enemy.


    That''s why they shouldn''t approach the moat unguarded.


    ''''........''''


    Argena fell silent again.


    ''''Well I understand what you mean, but it''s hard to execute.


    Why?


    I don''t have the tools.


    We''ll take care of that.


    Roy let out a small sigh.


    It was probably because he didn''t want to leave the mercenaries to build a position and cause a mutiny.


    But then you can take away the tools when you''re done.


    That''s all there is to it.


    Nevertheless, they don''t do that much.


    One sigh.


    That said, it''s an expected reaction.


    ''I''d like to have someone to help in return.''


    How many?


    10,000 ordinary soldiers.


    I can''t.


    Algena said without a pause.


    ''All right. Five thousand. Five thousand will do.''


    Five thousand.


    Arjena snarled and made a pretense of thinking.


    Nine times out of ten, it should break.


    That''s why I mentioned ten thousand in the first place, because I thought about it.


    But it should be a good idea.


    ''Oh, come on, give me a break. You''re making all these concessions and you''re still thinking about it.


    All right!��Five thousand is good enough for you, right?


    Algena easily took advantage of Roy''s provocation.


    I''d like to tell you to think about it a little more, but she went along with our intentions.


    It would be out of line to complain.


    ''''Oh, five thousand is fine.


    I see. The 5,000 ordinary soldiers are yours to keep.


    Thanks.


    It''s a great feeling to feel that a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.


    Just as he thought he could get on with his work, he heard the soldiers'' voices from outside.


    A few moments later, Richard came in with an unknown soldier.


    The stranger soldier was dressed in a dirty outfit.


    ''Excuse me!''


    What?��We''re in a strategy session right now.


    ''Ha!��The soldier who had been missing since last night was down, and I brought him to you.


    Algena said uncomfortably, but Richard didn''t show any signs of being offended - which was unavoidable given his position in the army - and replied.


    ''Didn''t you run away and come back?''


    Yeah.


    Richard controlled the soldier who was about to defend himself with his hand.


    ''It won''t happen,''


    Why?


    He was bound hand and foot, blindfolded and gagged.


    ...I see.


    If it was Alfort, he might say something absurd about tying himself up, but Argena didn''t seem to think so and nodded honestly.


    It''s a natural response if you ask me.


    If you say you tied yourself up in this, you will have no choice but to stop being friends.


    He thinks he''s smart enough to do this.


    "So, you''re sure that guy is the soldier who went missing?


    I''m sure of it.


    Okay.


    Algena nodded and looked at the soldier.


    ''''Well being kidnapped means you''re a prisoner of war, but you''re not leaking information, are you?''''


    ''Yes, of course. I wouldn''t tell you if they tortured me.


    The soldier answered immediately.


    Probably a lie.


    Although ordinary soldiers are better than the self-proclaimed mercenaries, they still do not have a high level of professional ethics.


    ''''Why were you released?''''


    ''Because Princess Tyria ordered the rebel commander to release her.


    Princess Tyria?


    Algena''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''He doesn''t like the blood of his subjects in anything...''


    I see that you have not abandoned your pride as a member of the royal family, even though you have become the leader of the rebel army. This must be defeated with respect.


    No, don''t get me wrong.


    What did you say?


    Don''t let that convince you that you''ve heard the story.


    But no one can give the Marquis of Erakis orders but the Princess of Tyria.


    In the first place, a common soldier a commoner wouldn''t know the face of the princess.


    Roy turned his gaze to the man.


    ''How did you know it was Princess Tyria?''


    ''It''s because ... the rebel commander was following, and the old men said she was Princess Tyria, and she smelled good.


    The man goggled and looked down.


    ''You see,''


    What?


    You''re a slow learner. He could be a double agent.


    ...for sure.


    Algena nodded, thinking she was going to be furious.


    ''No, but you must have seen the face of Princess Tyria.


    Did you see it?


    ''No, no, he was wearing a white robe and I couldn''t see his face.


    Richard asked, and the man shook his head.


    ''A white robe?''


    He said he was in mourning.


    The man replied to Roy''s question.


    What do you think?


    "If you''re going to ask a question, ask it correctly.


    I mean, of course that''s what the followers of the royal family, the ''pure and orderly gods'' have a habit of doing.


    Why are you asking me?


    I don''t know anything about that stuff.


    I wasn''t interested in the episodes associated with previous emperors, and I''m not a religious person, so I don''t know if there is a custom of mourning.


    ''''Well I''ve never heard of it either, but it doesn''t seem to be an unnatural thing to do considering the circumstances.


    Well, yeah.


    It may be an appeal that she is rebelling against Alfort and the nobles that rule over it, and not hostile to the rest of us, but it doesn''t seem too unnatural for her to mourn the death of her subjects as a royal family.


    After all, I still don''t recognize Princess Tyria in her white robes.


    ''''Is there anything else?''''


    ''Oh!��I have a letter for you, Mr. Bawties, the Director of Finance.


    Me?


    Treasurer Bawties raises his eyebrows quizzically.


    This doesn''t seem unnatural either.


    The man pulls a letter out of his pocket and offers it to Treasurer Boutis.


    The director of finance reaches out and Roy thrusts the tip of the spear into his neck.


    ''What the hell are you doing?''


    Why would I give it to you if you don''t know if it''s a ruse?


    Wait!


    As Roy went to take the letter, Algena shouted sharply.


    ''What happens next is predictable, but I''ll follow.


    ''What?''


    You know the Marquess of Erakis, don''t you?


    You mean you don''t trust me?


    Yes.


    A guy who doesn''t have any friends.


    Nevertheless, I know how Arjena feels.


    ''Then you should read it,''


    Okay.


    Arjena took the letter from the man and carefully unfolded it.


    ''What did it say?''


    I can''t read it.


    What?


    ''I said read it. It looks like a letter, but it also looks like a picture. Maybe it''s a code.


    Arjena turned her gaze to the Director of Finance Bowties.


    ''Well, you don''t think it''s me you''re suspecting, do you?


    No, not really. Any ideas?


    ''I am!��He killed his beloved wife and child!��Why do I have to get through to the rebels?


    Treasurer Bawties shouted hysterically.


    He appears to be telling the truth, but the possibility that he is acting is undeniable.


    None of these men saw the murder of Treasurer Bouthees'' wife and child.


    If you''re going to say that--


    I''m sorry I doubted you.


    Arjena interrupted the treasurer Bawties'' words and bowed her head.


    It wouldn''t be by calculation.


    For better or worse, Arjena is the type of person who doesn''t do calculations.


    She has a head for calculations, and she can do them.


    But I don''t.


    She disciplines herself that way.


    Unfortunately, it''s not a virtue or an advantage.


    ''Wow, you just have to understand. So what about the letter?


    I''ll do this.


    Algena tore the letter in two and broke it into even smaller pieces.


    ''Nah, what are you doing!


    ''As you can see. I don''t know what Princess Tyria''s intentions are, but I''m sure this is how it will be done.


    Algena has a point.


    It''s useless to think about it because there''s no way to verify what kind of intentions they have, because there''s no way to verify it.


    If that''s the case, it''s better to focus on the events in front of us.


    But if the other side is trying to make Roy and the others distrust each other, then it''s a success.


    At least Algena is suspicious of the Director of Finance Bowties.


    I''m sure she knows I''m suspicious of Treasurer Bawties, too.


    "The matter of Princess Tyria...


    I think I''m a shadow warrior.


    I think it''s real.


    Roy looked sideways at the Director of Finance Bowties.


    His opinion was split in two.


    When he looked at Richard, he looked like he wanted to say something.


    ''Hey, do you have an opinion?''


    What are you asking a common soldier?


    I''m a big believer in hearing from a lot of guys. What''s up?


    Ha, I''m afraid...


    All right. Permission to speak.


    Argena said disgustedly.


    ''With all due respect, I''m afraid it doesn''t really matter whether Princess Tyria is real or fake, does it?


    What do you mean--


    I''ll ask the questions.


    Arjena interrupted Roy''s words as if irritated.


    ''What do you mean by that?''


    ''''Ha, even if it''s a fake, we can still claim it''s Princess Tyria, can''t we?


    ''So you''re saying that if the real one shows up, we''re going to declare it a fake and diminish the insurgency''s centripetal force?


    Yes, sir.


    Richard''s eyes widened in surprise and affirmed Arjena''s words.


    He must have thought Arjena was a fool.


    ''That of yours is beyond the realm of a soldier.


    I''m sorry.


    But we''ll keep that in mind.


    Ha, thank you.


    Good. Then get back to work.


    ''Ha!��I''ll get back to work.


    Richard turned on his heel, and the man who had been turned into an ornament followed.


    It was then that Roy''s ears caught a faint sound.


    ''....Wait.


    Ha!


    It wasn''t you.


    Roy thrust the tip of his spear at the man.


    ''Wha, what are you doing?''


    Give me what''s in your pocket.


    There''s nothing there!


    Just let me out!


    Roy yelled, and the man put his hands in his pockets with a sense of reluctance.


    ''''--!''''


    I gasp, and immediately afterwards, my face turns pale.


    "Take your hand out of your pocket. Take your hand out of your pocket or you''re going to die.


    Okay, I understand.


    As the man pulled his hand out of his pocket, something fell to the ground.


    It was a gold coin.


    ''What is this?''


    I don''t know!


    The man shook his head violently as Treasurer Bawties picked up the gold coins and said.


    ''The rebels put it in my pocket!��I really don''t know!


    Do you really think I believe that kind of nonsense?


    ''I really don''t know!��Trust me!


    The man went to his knees and folded his hands in prayer.


    ''....Keep that man locked up.


    Ha!


    Richard straightened up as Algena commanded with a sigh.


    ''Come on, come on!''


    ''Trust me!��I didn''t do anything!


    Come on!


    Richard grabbed the man by the scruff of his neck and tried to get out of the tent.


    ''Hey!''


    Ha!


    When Roy called out, Richard stopped.


    ''Once you''ve got that guy locked up, lead five thousand ordinary soldiers and dig a moat.


    ''Ha!��Yes, sir!


    Richard saluted Roy and this time he left the tent.


    ''Director of Finance Bowties, please prepare for the attack.


    Okay.


    Treasurer Bawties nodded hawkishly and walked out of the tent.


    ''Are you sure?''


    If it means we don''t have to punish the soldiers, then I can''t blame you.


    Hmmm, Roy countered.


    He suspected he had a relationship with Crono, but he didn''t really mean it.


    ''I think he''s telling us the inside story over here, huh?


    There is no evidence.


    Oh dear," cowered Roy, "I wish I could have served in the Book Depository instead of the military.


    I don''t wish I was in the military, I wish I was working in the book bureau.


    It''s not good luck for anyone that their wishes don''t match up with their aptitude.


    ''These people will insist to their deathbed that they are not to blame.


    Well, don''t let it affect your morale.


    That''s what I''m talking about.


    Algena said in a disgusted tone.


    ''''You believe the ... Director of Finance Bowties?''''


    There is no evidence.


    There you go again.


    But we can''t just take it on faith.


    What are you going to do?


    ''No different than yesterday. You''ll be leading the mercenaries.


    ...that''s how it works.


    Arjena must be planning to use up all those mercenaries early.


    Good grief, Roy let out a sigh.


    Come on, gentlemen!��Today is the day to neutralize the obstacle!��Incapacitate the obstacle and I will pay you as promised!


    Whether he knew what Algena had in mind or not, Treasurer Bowties raised his voice on his horse.


    Maybe they don''t know, Roy scratched his head and looked up at the sky.


    The sun''s position is still high, but if we can attack it as many times as we did yesterday, we''ll be fine.


    It took too long to form a formation.


    ''''What do we do?''''


    You don''t have a choice.


    d*mn it, you should have run off.


    The mercenaries blurted out and stepped forward.


    The morale of the mercenaries is low, perhaps because the day has passed.


    ''''Hey, shut up.''''


    Come on, man, don''t be such a pussy now.


    They''ll kill you.


    Tsk.


    Similar conversations can be heard all over the place.


    ''Six hundred!��Come on out in front of six hundred people!


    Treasurer Bawties shouted, and Algena''s men moved in and thrust their spears into the ground.


    ''Whoever is ahead of the spear, advance!


    Shit!


    What the f*ck am I standing here doing here?


    I wish I could have eaten a full meal before I died.


    Most of the mercenaries complained and obeyed the orders--''''


    ''''No, no!��I don''t want to die!


    One of the mercenaries called out and ran away.


    ''''You!��Don''t run away!


    ''Yes, yes, yes!��What if we''re involved too?


    I thought they were going to overlook it, but the mercenaries caught them.


    ''No way!��I have a mother, you know!


    I don''t know!


    If you''re a man, you''re going to die with honor!


    "d*mn it!��Why do I have to die just because I''m a man!��Mother!


    The mercenary who began to whine and cry was dragged to the front row by his friends.


    ''''........Is this hell?''''


    You''re just finding out now?


    Come on, move along!��Brave men!


    The mercenaries began to walk away with a sense of reluctance as the Director of Finance Bawties shouted.


    The reason why they didn''t start running out of nowhere was because they knew the rebels'' attack pattern.


    First, the rebels would attack after passing the obstacle in front of them.


    Next, they will use a magic item near their target obstacle.


    You can save your energy until the closest obstacle.


    It''s possible that the rebels aren''t showing their hand, though.


    Roy stared at the target obstacle and tilted his head inwardly.


    An overturned cart is abandoned, bodies are lying on the ground, barrel lids and blankets are scattered about.


    I could tell so far, but even the blankets hanging over the obstacles were in the same condition as yesterday.


    It''s strange that they didn''t put away the barrel lids and blankets, if not the carts and corpses.


    Just when I was thinking that this was like--, a crying voice sounded out.


    ''No!��I don''t want to die!


    "It''s over!


    d*mn it, why do I have to take care of this guy?


    The said mercenary cried out, but the two mercenaries dragged him away.


    They finally arrived near the obstacle--.


    ''''Go back, go back!


    The mercenary shook off his comrades and ran away, as if by sheer stupidity in the fire place.


    "Run--!


    The mercenary reached out to catch him again and stopped moving.


    He touched his back and looked at his hand.


    Then his hand was covered in blood.


    An arrow had pierced his back.


    The mercenary fell forward--.


    ''''Whoa, whoa, whoa!


    And stop, stop, stop!


    The mercenaries ran out with a yell, and the mercenaries who were trying to escape were swallowed up.


    ''''The attack is coming!


    Shield!��Pick up the shield!


    That''s mine!


    Give me that!


    A fight began over the lid of the barrel.


    ''d*mn it!��Run, run, run!


    "d*mn it, d*mn it!


    The mercenaries split into two groups.


    One group is fighting for the lid of the barrel, and the other group is running with a blanket.


    ''''Gee!''''


    Oh, my God!


    A series of short screams went up.


    Arrows rained down on the group that was fighting for the lid of the barrel.


    ''Good!��Good!


    He''s not on the hunt for me!


    "Run, run, run while you can!


    The group that was running with the blanket is gaining momentum.


    They were almost to reach their goal.


    Just then, there was an explosion.


    The mercenaries soared high into the sky or were blown away and fell to the ground.


    It was an attack by a magic item.


    ''''d*mn it, a blanket!


    Just neutralize the obstacle!


    The second time the mercenaries draped a blanket over the obstacle, a second explosion occurred.


    ''I''ll miss a few. Take care of the rest.


    I''ll take care of it.


    Roy left his second-in-command in charge and headed down to Richard, who was overseeing the operation.


    *


    At the outer edge of the main camp, the general soldiers were digging the ground.


    The work didn''t seem to be progressing, though, probably because they were using lumber with the tips cut at an angle.


    ''''Oh, how''s it going?''''


    Ha!


    When Roy called out to him, Richard straightened up.


    ''Make yourself comfortable,''


    Yes, I understand.


    Richard let out a breath of relief and lost his posture.


    His posture was much more correct than Roy''s, even if he did break down.


    ''So, what do you think?''


    As you can see.


    Richard turned his attention to the soldiers.


    The moat was about a meter wide, ankle deep, and maybe two hundred meters long.


    Then he noticed that there were too few soldiers engaged in the work.


    ''''Half of the soldiers are resting.


    You mean, we''ll be working on it all day long?


    That''s right. If the problem is--


    Nope.


    Roy interrupted Richard''s words.


    ''If you think it''s optimal, it''s optimal. Besides, you intend to keep the rebels in check by having them work at it all day long, don''t you?


    Ha, thank you.


    Richard straightened up and saluted Roy.


    It was a beautiful salute, just out of military school.


    Roy is also out of military school, but he can''t salute as nicely as this.


    It was ridiculous and he had to cut corners.


    The only thing I took seriously was the practical skills.


    I still managed to get a decent score in the classroom, though.


    I should have studied a little more diligently.


    ''I''m sure Master Roy is fully capable of doing so, but...''


    Flattery is fine.


    No, sir, I''m not flattered.


    It''s making my back itchy.


    Roy raggedly scratched his head.


    In context, Richard''s idea of sufficient competence seemed to be to throw the job to his subordinates without saying anything extra, but he didn''t feel bad about being praised by a decent guy.


    ''How''s the war going?''


    Not much happened yesterday.


    Okay.


    Richard said, somewhat discouraged.


    I could have ignored it, but for some reason it bothered me.


    ''What''s going on?''


    Yes, sir. I''m worried about some military provisions...


    A military cavalry horse.


    Roy crossed his arms and muttered.


    ''''Imperial City is just a stone''s throw away, so I guess it''s not a problem...''''


    I think so, too.


    But," Richard continues, "I think we all estimated that we would have enough for the mercenaries.


    "I believe he estimated that this is how many mercenaries we would need.


    Sure.... but the rate of attrition for a mercenary is quite high.


    ''Yes, I know that, but...''


    Richard clammed up.


    The mercenaries are dying in a flurry, but he thinks it would be faster to consume their sustenance fodder.


    If something happens in such a situation, the imperial army will have to fight not only the rebels, but also hunger.


    That''s what he''s worried about.


    I understand. I will check on the fodder and see how much is left.


    Nice to meet you.


    No, I don''t mind.


    Then Roy looked up at the sky.


    He had a bad feeling about this.


    *


    Night - Aridid looked at the enemy camp from behind the trees.


    Bonfires were burning around the enemy camp, and a large number of soldiers were digging into the ground.


    He wondered if they were digging a trench, but he quickly reconsidered.


    The enemy''s main force is infantry, but they don''t have crossbows.


    In other words, the enemy soldiers are digging a moat.


    "This is Arid, the enemy soldiers are building a bonfire and digging in the ground. I think they''re digging a moat.


    They''re digging in the ground with wooden sticks, so it''s not very efficient.


    Aridid muttered into the magic item for communication, and Deneb added.


    ''Can we harass them?''


    I''m sure there''s nothing I can''t do, but after what happened yesterday, I''m a little worried.


    Crono''s voice rang out from the magic item for communication, and Alideed gave his impressions.


    ''''No need to push yourself.''''


    Are you sure that''s all right? (Guru?)


    "as long as there are no more of them left to fight.


    Crono said in a troubled tone at Tyga''s question.


    I could see him smiling bitterly.


    ''Well, like maybe I killed a little too much today.


    Oh, you sound like you took it too far.


    Alideed muttered, and Deneb rushed in with a shaky voice.


    I know what you want to say, but they killed three thousand people yesterday and today.


    The damage here is zero.


    It''s not a bad thing, but it''s so easy to kill them that we''re going to be indifferent to the value of their lives.


    Like insensitivity is a bad thing.


    Hey, sis.


    It''s not.


    Alideed slapped Deneb''s chest with the back of his hand.


    ''It''s like being a soldier is a physically and mentally draining profession. When this battle is over--''


    Sis!


    No! (GASP!)


    Alideed covered his mouth with his hands as Deneb and Tyga ran into him.


    ''Watch out. It''s like I almost put a death flag on you.''


    Like you want me to be careful.


    Guru.


    Huh, Arid wiped the sweat off with the back of his hand and looked around.


    That wouldn''t help him see anything, but it would help him change his mind.


    ''Huh, it was a close call, and...''


    Once again, I exhaled and looked up at the sky.

 149-Episode 17 "Final Battle" Part 6

    *


    Peter looked behind him over his shoulder, holding the reins.


    There were forty wagons and guards of soldiers, and the walls of the imperial capital, Alfiruk, in the distance.


    He turned forward and let out a sigh for what seemed like the umpteenth time.


    It was the gaze that I remembered.


    The inhabitants of the imperial capital were staring at Peter and the others - the supply team - until we left the castle gates.


    I know the feeling.


    The food situation in the imperial capital is not good, to say the least.


    Logistics have been slowed down and the price of food is skyrocketing.


    If they were to take out forty wagons worth of food and fodder, they would be staring at me.


    Even military military military cavalry fodder could not last three days at that time.


    How happy we''d be if they thought the Tyria princes were to blame for everything.


    I''m not saying that the rebellion hasn''t had some effect on us.


    But it''s the fault of the idiot emperor and his cronies that things have gotten so bad.


    With the loss of an influential chamber of commerce, it''s only natural for logistics to be slowed down.


    ''''No........''''


    Peter gave a small shake of his head.


    The price of food seemed to have gone up even before the rebellion.


    He couldn''t remember when it started, but the price had certainly gone up.


    Maybe it was when the previous emperor collapsed, or maybe it was when Prime Minister Arkol was removed from office.


    If he could remember the details, he should be able to remember what triggered it, but unfortunately, Peter''s brain is not that good.


    If he had a good head, he wouldn''t have been the captain of a supply unit, nor would he have stayed in the army.


    Peter is an ordinary man.


    Even such an ordinary man can understand some things.


    That is, the previous Emperor and Vizier Alcor had run the country well.


    Unfortunately, they weren''t perfect.


    He is an ungodly man.


    They can''t be infallible.


    Still, he was running things much better than the current idiot emperor and his cronies.


    I let out a sigh thinking about that.


    There was no point in thinking about the circumstances surrounding the imperial city or getting nostalgic about the past.


    It''s the same with the excuse that he needed to fight the rebels.


    To the inhabitants of the imperial capital, Peter and the others are the hateful guys who take away the food.


    We rocked our horses for a while and continued on the street.


    ''''Hmm?''''


    Peter''s eyes narrowed.


    Something had fallen on the street.


    No, falling was not the right word.


    Something had been scattered on the street.


    He raised his right hand and alerted the rest of the group that something was wrong.


    Carefully advancing the horse, the identity of something is finally revealed.


    It was a stone.


    A stone the size of a clenched fist had been scattered across the street for several dozen meters.


    It''s not enough to cover the street, but it''s not enough to advance a wagon.


    ''''What the hell?''''


    Peter stopped his horse and yelled out in disbelief.


    Could it have been the rebels?


    I have no idea how they got here, but it''s very likely.


    But still--''''


    ''What a humble harassment...''


    Peter covered his face.


    Although he calls it a rebellion, he knows that this is a battle that will decide the future of the empire.


    And yet the rebels came to this place and scattered stones.


    That''s weird. It''s too cheap for a battle to decide the future.


    No, Peter shook his head.


    It''s a really effective strategy, if you don''t take your personal feelings out of it.


    All you need is a few rocks here and there.


    And Peter and his men don''t have any tools to remove them.


    Making space for the wagons to pass by hand is a bit of a pain.


    "...d*mn.


    Immediately after he spat, the horse''s snorting sounded from behind him.


    Reflexively, I turned around and saw smoke rising far behind me.


    An enemy attack.


    Is it natural? This is a battle.


    This is a battle, and it can''t just end with the scattering of stones.


    He forgot that this was a cheap operation.


    His men''s lives were at stake, and he had made a mistake.


    It was a terrible mistake, I thought to myself, but that''s just human nature.


    Humans make mistakes even when their lives are at stake.


    ''d*mn it!��Let''s get some people to follow me!��The rest of you, remove the stone and move on!


    Peter shouted and circled his horse''s neck.


    He led about ten men to the horses.


    Soon the tail end of the line was in sight.


    The hindmost, or rather the third wagon from the hindmost to the third, was engulfed in flames.


    ''Oh, dammit!''


    Peter spat.


    The smoke obscured his vision.


    This wouldn''t allow him to see the situation.


    Just as he thought that, the smoke broke off.


    His men had their shields up and were about to intercept the rebel army - the enemy cavalry.


    The enemy cavalrymen were on horseback, their bows at the ready.


    Once again, his vision was blocked by smoke, a sharp pain in his arm, and a short scream went up.


    An arrow that flew through the smoke snatched his arm and pierced his men behind him.


    ''''K--!


    The next moment he opened his mouth to swear, the horse fell forward.


    Perhaps it was an enemy arrow that pierced the horse.


    Peter was thrown off his horse and rolled on the ground.


    But it was for the best.


    ''Gah!''


    Gag!


    Heeeee!


    An intermittent short scream echoed.


    The subordinate who was following him was pierced by an enemy soldier''s arrow.


    ''''d*mn it!''''


    Peter swears and gets down on all fours to hide behind his shield.


    He calls out to a nearby subordinate.


    ''What happened!''


    Enemy attack!


    ''I know it when I see it!��Be more specific!


    ''Suddenly a jar was thrown behind me and the liquid in it caught fire!


    Isn''t that the magic item?


    I don''t understand.


    Gah!


    Suddenly - no, I think I heard something crack - the subordinate who was holding a shield next to him burst into flames.


    ''Fire!��Fire!


    Roll, roll, roll!


    Peter shouted, but his men in flames wouldn''t obey.


    No wonder.


    They are in a panic.


    Whatever he says will not fall on deaf ears.


    ''Oh, hey!''


    The man who had been crawling on the ground stood up and ran to the man who was engulfed in flames.


    ''''Roll--!


    The man couldn''t get the words out until the end.


    An arrowhead was sticking out of his mouth.


    He had been attacked by enemy soldiers.


    Somewhat late, the man who had been engulfed in flames also fell.


    Were they friends or were they trying to protect their friends?


    Or was it an act of duty to protect his friends?


    I don''t know now, but I do know that cowards live longer than cowards.


    As much as I would like to be a coward, it''s the hardest part of being a commander that it doesn''t work out that way.


    How can we get rid of the enemy soldiers?


    ''''The bow!��Archers, come here!


    Ha!


    I understand!


    My men have bows and run towards us.


    I bend down, but some of them get shot through by the enemy''s arrows.


    ''Discharge arrows at will!


    Ha!


    My men fired arrows at each of them at different times as they replied.


    Although smoke is blocking our view, this should prevent us from being attacked unilaterally.


    Just as we avoid the enemy''s attacks, the enemy will also avoid our attacks.


    It''s an obvious logic, but because they couldn''t do that obvious, they got hit in a good way.


    ''Unleash!��The enemy is scared!


    Peter shouted.


    Lies to inspire allies, but sometimes lies can be salvation.


    *


    Arrows flew through the smoke.


    However, they fell far in front of Kane.


    The Imperial Army is using a longbow, and this one is an improved machine gun bow.


    Their performance is different.


    ''''Alright, stop!''''


    Captain Kane?


    The archers - the elves - obeyed the order, although they shouted somewhat accusingly.


    ''Alright, we will retreat.''


    Why, sir?


    Why?


    Kane raggedly scratched his head and looked at his men who had gone through the hardship with him.


    They are grinning and laughing, as if they don''t intend to help you.


    Does he enjoy seeing them in trouble?


    Bruno and his team of job changers turned away awkwardly.


    ''It can''t be helped,'' they let out a sigh.


    ''''You know, as you can see we''re........''''


    He punctuates his words and looks around.


    Twenty-eight cavalry and twenty-five archers - a total of fifty-three men were the entire force given to Kane.


    If you include yourself, it''s fifty-four.


    ''''There aren''t many of them!


    It is!


    What''s that?


    No, it''s nothing.


    Kane asked back, and the elf shushed him.


    The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you can''t get rid of it. But if you persist here, if you shoot all the arrows, that''s it. It''s not going to result in much of a fight.


    Yes, I understand.


    Good. Well, let''s get out of here.


    Caine turns his head away from the Imperial Guard.


    *


    What do you mean, attacked by the rebels?


    ''Ha, while we were stranded, we were attacked from all sides.


    When Algena raised her voice, Peter, the captain of the supply unit, replied in a flat position.


    Both reactions were in order, since they had lost forty percent of their sustenance when they were attacked by the rebels.


    Good thing we''re in the tent, Roy said, feeling relieved.


    It was also good that Treasurer Bawties was out there to get the mercenaries in line.


    It would be nice if he kept quiet, but he had a feeling he was going to rant and rave.


    ''Why couldn''t you protect your sustenance?''


    Because the rebels have been using burning water.


    Flaming water?


    Algena tilted her head.


    ''You mean the elves'' strange potion, don''t you?''


    Do you know?


    As I utter a thought, Algena turns her gaze to me.


    ''It''s a drink with a touch of the elves using it to heal their wounds a long time ago.


    Booze?


    I heard it makes the wound less likely to get infected if you spray it with, so I''m not gonna lie about it being a drug. That''s why it burns so well.


    I''ve heard of a man who was taking a strange elven potion that turned him into a fireman.


    I thought it was just a rumor, but maybe it was true.


    ''It''s a pretty famous drink, though. You really don''t know about it?


    I''m not as much of a drinker as you are.


    Arjena said with a miffed look on her face.


    She turned away from Roy and bit her nails in frustration.


    ''Stone, booze? Are the rebels kidding around?''


    I know you''re serious about this.


    When Roy made a light comment, Argena glared at him with a snap.


    The rebels are fooling around - if they''re not serious, they should surrender immediately.


    I really mean it, but Arjena didn''t seem to get it.


    He cowered his shoulders, "Good grief.


    ''But how did you get around to our rear?


    Of course he has a horse.


    How many days do you think it has been since the rebels captured the port?


    At least ten days have passed.


    With this much, it would be easy to get behind them.


    ''''The area around the imperial capital isn''t the rebel''s sphere of influence, you know?��I knew it was the lords of the neighborhood that betrayed us.


    You don''t know when you''ve been betrayed. There are lots of ways to screw a guy over.


    You can negotiate with the lords, or if you can''t come to an agreement, you can use the intervening roads.


    You could also move in at night.


    Pretending to be a peddler would not be impossible either.


    There are many ways to move through the Empire''s sphere of influence.


    ''''Besides, you can''t afford to think about that right now.


    I know!


    Algena shouted aloud.


    Only sixty percent of their provisions had reached the rebel army in a surprise attack.


    If they didn''t, the Imperial army would starve.


    I will write a request to the military director for more military provisions and send them to the military chief. Wait outside for a while.


    .... haha.


    After a long silence, Peter nodded and walked out of the tent.


    ''So, what do we do now?''


    It won''t change what we do. We will break through the obstacles and destroy the rebels.


    The same thing that happened yesterday and the day before.


    Yes.


    Arjena looked miffed.


    ''''If those mercenaries die, we''ll have more room in our provisions for them.


    No one likes a mercenary with an axe to grind.


    You got a better idea?


    You know.


    Roy cowered lightly.


    ''But hey, how are you going to get through it?''


    "The obstacle is half neutralized.


    There''s another obstacle in front of the people hiding in the hole.


    It''s okay. I got it.


    Really?


    Yeah.


    At Roy''s words, Argena smiled wryly.


    *


    Gentlemen!��Today is the day to neutralize the obstacle!


    ....


    Treasurer Bawties raised his voice on his horse, but the mercenaries were silent.


    It''s no wonder that three thousand people have died in just two days.


    Well, it''s possible that they were timing their escape and stayed up all night.


    Roy looked over his shoulder at the field position.


    There, the soldiers led by Richard are digging a moat.


    They''ve been working on it since yesterday, and it looks like they''ve been able to dig it up to about waist deep.


    I''d like to at least get my hands on some tools, I thought as I turned to face the front.


    It''s going to be six hundred people today!��Six hundred men, come forward!


    ....


    Treasurer Bawties gives the order, but the mercenaries just look at each other.


    Unable to watch, Arjena''s men raise their voices.


    ''''Step forward!��You have no choice but to move forward!


    ....


    The mercenaries stepped forward in silence.


    They stared hatefully at Arjena''s men, but unfortunately, you can''t kill people with hatred.


    If it could, Roy would have died several times.


    ''Come on, move on!��Brave men!


    Move along!��Do you want to die!


    Treasurer Bawties and Arjena''s men shouted, and the mercenaries staggered off.


    Even the old man must be walking more briskly.


    Beyond the foremost obstacle, an enemy archer fires an arrow.


    A rain of arrows poured down and a short scream went up.


    But there are fewer of them than yesterday.


    They weren''t able to keep the mercenaries well within range.


    Were they unable to deal with a different pattern of behavior than yesterday?


    Or was it due to fatigue?


    Or--''''


    ''''Chance!��Run!


    Treasurer Bawties shouted, and the mercenaries rushed out as if they were nowhere to be found.


    A scream goes up, but the majority of the mercenaries have escaped the arrows.


    ''What''s going on?''


    I don''t know!


    Anyway, let''s put a blanket over the obstacle!


    That''s it!


    Whatever. Let''s do it!


    Whoa!��And the mercenaries shouted and ran off.


    They picked up their blankets and ran towards the obstacle.


    No one picked up the lid of the barrel.


    It may have been damaged, but it was probably because they knew it would be useless in preventing arrows.


    Maybe he figured that if he was going to trust his life to the lid of a barrel, he might as well surrender to fate.


    They were close to their target.


    Suddenly, the mercenaries were blown away by the sound of an explosion.


    They rolled on the ground in a rumble and raised their bodies.


    He looks around as if he is confused.


    Maybe he doesn''t know why he''s alive.


    It was obvious from Roy''s position, but the magic item exploded before the obstacle.


    ''Good!��The rebels are in a hurry!


    Treasurer Bawties shouted on his horse.


    ''Are you sure?��Roy tilted his head inwardly.


    An enemy archer missed an arrow and further misjudged the magic item, causing it to explode far in front of him.


    It was too good to be true.


    It''s unbelievable.


    But there was a feeling that it might be like that.


    No matter how careful you are, mistakes can happen.


    That doesn''t change, even if it''s a fight for your life.


    ''''Ohhhhhh!''''


    I got it!


    They''ve put a blanket over the obstacle!


    Roy came to himself at the sound of the mercenaries'' voices.


    If he looked, he could see that a blanket had been draped over the obstacle.


    Again, there were many casualties, but they had achieved their goal.


    ''Gentlemen!��That''s the last time!


    Treasurer Bawties shouted and Algena''s men put the crate on the ground.


    He opened the lid.


    Inside it contained a number of red, clear spheres.


    ''Wha, what?''


    Jewelry?


    Isn''t that a glass ball?


    This is a magic item given to me by His Majesty.


    Treasurer Bawties said proudly.


    ''This is something that the Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, has entrusted to Algena, but I''ll keep it quiet.


    ''Chant ''Fire!'' and throw it into the enemy''s ranks. That''s how you''ll win!��Whoever throws this magic item into the air will be rewarded!��Come on, go!��Brave men!


    Treasurer Bawties'' tone gradually became more enthusiastic and finally seemed to be euphoric.


    ''Yo, alright, that''s the last time I''m going to do this!


    I''m going to do it!


    I''ll kill the rebels!


    The mercenaries rush to the magic item.


    They push and hack each other and fall in a chain reaction.


    Eventually, the mercenaries who had won the fight start running, and the unruly ones follow.


    ''''Annihilate the rebel army!


    Oh!


    The mercenaries shouted a bullhorn, as if in response to the command of the head of the finance bureau, Bawties.


    The ground shook as they headed towards the enemy field position.


    ''''Really?''''


    Roy held his temples and muttered.


    All the mercenaries had rushed in.


    I''ve heard that sheep tend to follow the leader of the flock and can go on a rampage.


    That''s exactly what the mercenaries were doing.


    ''''Oh, hey!��Why are you coming?!


    Stop!��We''re not--!


    Oh!


    The mercenaries who were trying to return to their positions are swallowed up by the wave of people and become invisible.


    An enemy archer fires an arrow and the mercenaries in the lead fall.


    Magic items fall out of their hands--.


    ''''Yes!��I dropped it!


    Move!


    You''re kidding me!��That''s mine!


    Shut up!��The sooner the better!


    A fistfight begins here and there.


    Of course, the rebels aren''t good-natured enough to sit back and watch.


    A rain of arrows rains down and screams rise.


    Perhaps it''s because of the sheer number of mercenaries, but it''s like a chorus.


    With a clatter, the mercenaries die.


    Still, the flow does not stop.


    The mercenaries advance, pushing and snapping at each other, fighting for magic items.


    The mercenaries who tried to climb over the incapacitated obstacles fall, and the chain of events falls.


    The magic items unleashed by the rebels explode and the mercenaries are blown away.


    They are shot through with arrows and gradually close the distance as they are blown away by the magic items.


    ''''Oh!��O daredevil heroes!


    There must have been something about the scene that made him feel it.


    Treasurer Bawties exclaimed in an impressed tone.


    But what he went on to do exceeded Roy''s expectations.


    No, I should say it was oblique.


    ''I''m going with you!


    Oh, hey!


    Ignoring Roy''s attempts to stop him, Treasurer Bowties drove his horse into the enemy field position.


    It''s insane.


    Oh, no, it''s understandable.


    Hatred and a sense of merit must have robbed him of his normal judgment.


    Just when almost all the mercenaries had climbed over the obstacle, the front row of mercenaries fell down in a flurry.


    They had been hit by a crossbow arrow.


    ''''Flame!��With a voice, the mercenaries threw magic items.


    Some fell in front of the fence, but many fell into the hole where the rebels were hiding.


    ''''Drop it!''''


    Don''t drop it!


    Immediately after such a voice sounded, an explosion occurred in front of the fence - and in the hole where the rebels were hiding.


    ''All right!��We did it!


    "We just blew up the enemy in front of us!


    Now they can''t fight back!


    Break the fence!


    The momentum of the mercenaries ran towards the fence.


    After a while, the mercenaries were shot through by the crossbow arrows and fell.


    ''''Nah, what the hell!''''


    Arrow!


    Why?��I''ve defeated the enemy in front of me!


    Yeah.


    Perhaps he was trying to say sideways.


    The mercenary was shot through by a crossbow arrow that flew in from the side and fell.


    ''''Why is an arrow flying from the side!


    It was Argena who shouted.


    The arrows would only fly from the front.


    That''s what she thought.


    ''''Ah!''''


    Roy looked at the enemy field position and involuntarily shouted.


    When he reached this point, he realized the true nature of the uncomfortable feeling he had been having.


    The rebels are not digging a hole straight down.


    They were laying out a crane wing formation - curved to wrap around us.


    Spread the word!


    ''Yes!��Run to the side!


    The mercenaries tried to spread out to the side to escape, but were stunned and shot through by a crossbow arrow.


    ''''Don''t spread out!''''


    Front!


    Step forward!


    The mercenaries resume their advance.


    It''s true that the front is thin right now.


    It would be easily dealt with, but it would give them a little extra life.


    Just then, a dirt-covered enemy soldier appeared and fired an arrow with his crossbow.


    ''''Gah!''''


    ''Why not?��I thought you were dead!


    ''d*mn it!��The rebels are a bunch of bastards!


    The magic item was defective!


    I don''t want to die!


    Mom, Mom!


    Attacked from three directions, the mercenaries fell in a heap.


    Roy clicked his tongue and rushed to Argena.


    ''Retreat!��Pull them out!


    ''What are you talking about?��I''ve just neutralized the target!


    "Don''t be ridiculous!��That was a lure!


    Roy yelled back at Algena.


    ''That one!''


    Roy pointed to the enemy field position.


    ''''Those are crane wings!��It''s the Tsurukewa no jin!��The reason there were so few obstacles in the center and the rebels didn''t try to move the blanket was to lure us in!


    What did you say?


    Arjena''s eyes widened from astonishment.


    ''Quickly give me an order!��We''re all going to die!


    Okay, okay.


    Ooh!��The voice of Algena was interrupted by a shout of "I''m sorry, but...".


    Roy looks at the enemy field position.


    Then the rebels flew out of the forest.


    There were about two hundred of them, but the imprint colored the bodies of all of them.


    They were mercenaries from the Bethel Mountains.


    They took up positions in front of the incapacitated obstacle.


    This completely blocked their retreat.


    ''''Hiiiiii!''''


    A pitiful cry echoed across the battlefield.


    ''''It''s the head of the Treasury, Bawties.


    He swings his sword on his horse, perhaps to keep the mercenaries in the Bethel Mountains away from him.


    The young mercenary jumps and kicks him.


    Treasurer Boutis falls off his horse and doesn''t even move.


    It''s not like he''s dead--''''


    ''''Everyone, line up side by side!


    A bearded man shouted, and the mercenaries of the Bethel Mountains lined up in a line.


    It was a commanding move, no less than his own men.


    ''''Let go!''''


    A red light swelled up, and the flames burned the mercenaries - no, the vagrants - from behind.


    ''''Gaaaaaah!''''


    Hot, hot, hot, hotyyy!


    Hey, don''t come here!


    The hobo turned to fire and collapsed with a hair-raising scream.


    Hell, hell had appeared in front of him.


    ''It sucks, doesn''t it?''


    Immediately after Roy spat, the infantry stationed at both ends of the enemy field position held their crossbows at the ready.


    That''s not all.


    The heavily armed infantry - minotaurs and lizardmen - used their throwing strings to throw stones.


    The stones that flew in a straight line hit the vagrant and his head exploded.


    More magic items rain down, and the sound of explosions is heard.


    Each time that happened, the poor vagrant flew through the air.


    After making it this far, it still wasn''t enough.


    They flew up to the jar.


    The next moment it cracked as it fell onto the hobo and the ground, the surroundings were engulfed in intense flames.


    It was completely too late.


    It would be impossible for the vagrants to escape on their own.


    ''Arjena!��Let me go!


    No!


    f*ck you!


    Roy shouted.


    I know where I stand, but even as a vagrant, it would be demoralizing to abandon my allies.


    Why can''t you see that?


    Okay.....


    Okay.


    Roy turned around with his fists pounding, but the battle was already over.


    The attack had stopped and the Bethel Mountains mercenaries had disappeared.


    There was no sign of Treasurer Bawties, either.


    ''''What do we do now?''''


    Of course I''m going to help!


    The vagrants have not been wiped out.


    Some of them are standing there as if abandoned, and others are moving.


    If you listen carefully, you can hear them moaning.


    ''You''re going to die.''


    When that happens...


    Lord Roy!


    .....


    Roy grunted as Richard interrupted him.


    I looked at the direction the voice came from and saw Richard almost running towards us.


    ''What''s the matter!''


    It''s an arrowhead!


    Richard knelt at Roy''s feet and reverently offered him an arrow.


    ''Lend it to me!''


    Arjena snatched the arrow away with an exasperated look and untied the paper that was tied to it.


    ''What does it say?''


    Request a truce to bring the injured to safety. How much more of this is bullshit!


    Arjena crushed the letter and slammed it to the ground.


    She stomped on it further with her foot.


    ''You''ll just have to take the joke of an offer, won''t you?


    It''s a trap!��Have you forgotten what the rebels have done?


    Okay.


    Roy let out a deep sigh.


    ''I''ll go.''


    I am in command!


    That''s why I''m going.


    Even if the application for a temporary truce was a trap, if Argena was safe, the disruption should be minimal.


    ''''Okay. It''s up to you.


    Oh, I''m on it.


    As Roy replied, Algena walked away.


    A few moments later Richard opened his mouth.


    ''Lord Roy, would you mind if I could accompany you?''


    What if this is a trap?


    No, I don''t think so.


    Richard said in a tone of conviction.


    ''What makes you think that?''


    ''The rebels are trying to get the wounded soldiers treated and consumed for supplies. That''s what we think.


    I think so.


    Roy lifted the corners of his mouth.

 150-Episode 17 "Final Battle" Part 7

    *


    It stank, Roy rubbed his nose as he walked.


    The wind flowing from the enemy field position was pregnant with a stench.


    It wasn''t the stench of decay.


    If it were summer, it would still be January now - it''s still winter.


    It takes time for a corpse to decompose.


    The stench is really the smell of vagrant blood and guts.


    The smell gets stronger the closer you get to the enemy field position.


    I look behind me over my shoulder and see Richard scowling.


    His complexion is not good.


    ''''Is this the first time you''ve smelled offal?''''


    Yeah, well, you''re right.


    Richard clammed up.


    I think he''s afraid of being described as a coward.


    That''s what men are like.


    Military men are especially prone to it.


    They believe that if they are manly they will be respected by their peers and if they are not, they will be despised.


    That''s ridiculous.


    Manly or feminine, the ones who are despised are despised.


    But unfortunately, when a lot of people believe that, it''s true.


    Especially in a closed environment like the military.


    After falling into a state of self-imposed bondage, they force others to do the same.


    They believe it''s the right thing to do and they can''t get rid of it.


    Or maybe they have a deep sense that it is wrong.


    Still, we can''t say it''s wrong.


    To deny the values that are shared by so many is to cease to be a friend.


    It would isolate us on the battlefield.


    That''s a terrible thing.


    Only true heroes can fight on a battlefield full of enemies.


    There are no true heroes, so sympathetic pressure prevails.


    It''s trivial.


    It''s trivial, but the fact that it hasn''t gone away must have some merit.


    For example, increasing the sense of solidarity on the battlefield.


    Well, it''s pointless to increase the sense of solidarity if you die from it.


    As I was thinking about this, Richard gradually opened his mouth.


    ''''Roy-dono is ... no, it''s nothing.''''


    I''m not the first person to do that.


    Roy chuckled.


    The first time he''d smelled offal was when he''d come face to face with his mother''s corpse.


    The second time was when he had avenged his mother''s death.


    He learned then that beautiful women and ugly men didn''t smell much differently from their offal.


    Before that, it''s no good if the leader of the Kingsguard is an inexperienced murderer.


    ''''But will it be alright?''''


    What?


    "Will the rebels keep their word?


    Richard grunted as Roy asked back.


    ''Didn''t I tell you it was going to be okay?''


    That''s true, but...


    Richard nagged.


    The anxiety must be rising now.


    He feels ashamed of himself, but it''s a natural human emotion.


    The rebels - if Crono was lying, Roy and Richard would die.


    It''s hard to keep your cool in a situation where you might die.


    I think I''m going to be okay, Roy said, looking up at his beloved spear.


    There is a white cloth tied to the tip.


    This is the signal that we have come to negotiate.


    Roy stopped in front of the obstacle at the front and raised his spear.


    The soldiers who were looking at us from the hole looked at each other.


    At that moment, something moved in the corner of my vision.


    When I looked around, I saw that Crono and the Minotaur were about to come out of the field position.


    Crono is holding a folding chair and Minotaur is carrying a table.


    They seem to be making a place to get through, but it won''t be easy to break through.


    Crono and Minotaur bypass the obstacles and come closer to us.


    Quite some time has passed--.


    ''''Hi, it''s been a while.''''


    Crono stopped and bowed his head lightly.


    Roy''s eyes widened lightly.


    It''s not that they have a feud, but they are their own enemies.


    It''s no wonder they have bad feelings.


    Despite that, Crono''s attitude was too normal.


    It was at least a little surprising.


    ''''Yeah, it''s been a while. I haven''t seen you since the Imperial City.''''


    What does that mean you''re here?


    I''m here to discuss a temporary truce.


    Good.


    Crono exhaled as if in relief.


    ''Heh, I see.''


    It was worth it to bring the chairs and tables.


    As Crono put down his chair, the Minotaur set the table down.


    ''Come in,''


    Yeah, I''m sorry.


    Roy gave him a look and offered Richard his beloved spear.


    Richard pretended to be puzzled, but he was afraid to take it in his hands.


    Roy sat down in a chair, and Crono sat down too.


    ''But then again, I didn''t expect Lord Roy to come. I only thought that Argena-dono would come...''''


    Really?


    Yes, really.


    Crono said with a smile.


    Perhaps it''s a lie.


    I have no way of verifying the truth, but we should assume that he knows the inner workings of the Imperial Army to some extent.


    ''So, you''re talking about a truce.


    ''Yes, we need you to collect the bodies and the wounded. It''s not like we''re going to fight with the wounded cooing and moaning about the stones...


    Well, yeah.


    Roy nodded.


    He thought to himself what he was talking about while keeping them disposable, but he couldn''t just leave the wounded to keep morale up.


    ''How long do you want the truce to be?''


    Yeah.


    Roy crossed his arms, but given the state of the Imperial Army, a long truce would be difficult to achieve.


    ''How about until noon tomorrow?''


    Tomorrow afternoon?


    Yeah, I''ll give you proper notice if I need an extension.


    ...I see.


    Crono nodded after a moment.


    ''By the way, you will refrain from attacking us when we transport the wounded, won''t you?


    ''''Yes, if you tie a white cloth to the tip of the stick and hold it up so that I can see it clearly, I will not be the target of the attack. However, I will attack you if you are coming towards the battlefield from the imperial capital, or if the cavalry is moving alone...


    You''re solid.


    He''s still in command.


    Crono laughed and Roy caught on and laughed too.


    I couldn''t help but laugh, but it''s not a very funny situation for the Imperial Army.


    Setting a marker to refrain from attacking means that they were expecting this situation.


    They are too far behind.


    ''''Just to be sure, since we''re not going to touch them when we transport the wounded, you won''t destroy the field positions over there either, right?


    Of course.


    ''I beg your pardon. But I need a guarantee.


    All right. I''ll supervise the operation. If any of my men start acting suspiciously, just kill me.


    Mister Roy.


    It was Richard who responded to Roy''s words.


    ''What?''


    Wouldn''t that be too dangerous?


    I don''t have a choice.


    It''s quite thrilling to know that if a subordinate behaves in a questionable manner, you''re dead.


    But that''s what being in charge is all about.


    You can''t complain about this, can you?


    Yes, of course.


    Good. I guess we have a deal.


    Roy patted his chest.


    Half of it is serious, the other half is an act.


    Thank goodness the conditions were within our expectations.


    ''''How many people will be working on it?''''


    Yeah. How about a thousand people?


    A thousand?


    Crono raised his eyebrows in difficulty.


    ''No?''


    I understand.


    Crono said with a sigh.


    I can''t say I''m surprised.


    I thought they would persist because they could make us consume our food fodder without fighting.


    Did they think they couldn''t attack the supply units during the truce?


    Or did they have other options?


    Either way, they didn''t think it was necessary to persist here.


    ''''Then--''''


    Wait a minute.


    Roy was about to stand up when Crono spoke up.


    ''What?''


    ''Baron Bowties-oh, you''re the Director of Finance now, aren''t you? I haven''t finished with the Director of Finance, Bowties.


    If I ask for it back, will you give it back?


    ''Of course. ''Because Treasurer Bawties is an important man,''


    Someone important.


    Roy muttered softly and sat back down.


    ''What are the terms of the handover?''


    No, sir.


    You don''t have it?


    Roy muttered in disgust.


    ''I just don''t think they''ll trust us with no terms, so we''ll hand them over once we''ve collected the bodies and the wounded.


    You do have one, don''t you?


    How about those terms?


    Crono leaned forward.


    Now, what''s going on, Roy crossed his arms.


    It would be easier to keep him until the battle was over, he thought, but it would be a bad idea to leave the Director of Finance alone after recovering the vagrant''s body.


    ''All right,''


    Good.


    When Roy nodded, Crono patted his chest.


    Did he make a deal with the head of the Bowties Finance Bureau?


    Such an imagination passed through his mind, but it was unlikely that the head of the Bowties Finance Bureau would agree to it.


    They are killing my wife and children.


    In the unlikely event that we were to make a deal, we''d have to deal with it personally.


    ''The truce is until noon tomorrow, and the number of men working over here is a thousand, and when we carry the wounded, we''ll make sure we have a stick of cloth tied up so we can see them, right?


    Yeah, it''s nice to meet you.


    Crono bowed begrudgingly and Roy stood up.


    *


    I need your help.


    It''s hot. It''s hot. Get me some water.


    Ow, that hurts.


    Please, please. Kill me.


    Grunts could be heard from all over the enemy field position.


    Roy stood next to the most forward obstacle and raised a stick with a white cloth tied to it.


    It''s a stick that looks like it''s three meters long.


    With this, it would not be impossible to see from the enemy camp.


    It''s a marker for transporting the wounded, so it''s not necessary right now, but it''s a matter of mood.


    "...Hey, get it over with.


    Ha!


    Roy snapped his chin and a large number of civilian soldiers walked past in front of him.


    They held a stretcher in their hands, made from an assortment of materials.


    When making the stretcher, Argena still did not look good.


    However, I forced her to nod her head.


    I''m really glad she said the word "leave it to me".


    If I hadn''t taken the pledge, I would have wasted my time again.


    Nevertheless, the number of stretchers is insufficient.


    So--.


    ''Alright!��Let''s get the cart up!


    All right!��We''re going to be very careful!


    Don''t break it!��Slowly, slowly!


    The civilian soldiers shouted to each other and woke up the cart that was lying on its side.


    ''The bodies are over here!''


    You got a wounded man over here!


    The civilian soldiers deftly retrieve the bodies and carry the wounded on stretchers.


    ''''Well there''s nothing to do.


    Roy blurted out, leaning against a wooden pole.


    I said I would supervise, but the common soldier is well behaved.


    No, he gave a small shake of his head.


    Richard must have selected well-behaved common soldiers.


    I knew it, but he''s a decent guy.


    How could such a man have fallen through the cracks at the military academy and been sent to the imperial capital like good riddance?


    ''''It''s the other way around...


    The teachers at the military school could not understand Richard''s brilliance, and his superiors must have been repulsed by his ability to do his job.


    Roy would be grateful to have subordinates who could do the job, but there is a large percentage of the world who don''t think so.


    Especially a proud - some would say hubristic - nobleman who is the captain of a battalion.


    He must have been pissed off at being told the right thing to do.


    I''m tempted to welcome him as a subordinate, but Richard will refuse.


    ''''Well let''s just call out to him, shall we?


    If you don''t and you originally agreed to do so, you''ll make a profit.


    Once the rebellion is put to rest - when it is put to rest, we will have to rebuild the army.


    That''s when we''ll need people like Richard.


    I observe the movements of the ordinary soldiers as I think about this.


    Suddenly, he realizes something.


    The ordinary soldiers didn''t try to go beyond the obstacles that had been neutralized.


    Well, that''s no surprise.


    You''ve seen such tragedy.


    Most people would be intimidated.


    "Ta, help me~


    I need water.


    I can''t move because my legs are twitching.


    I need you to get over here.


    You can hear those voices, but the civilian soldiers do not try to get to the other side of the obstacle.


    They turned their faces away or turned over.


    ''It can''t be helped,'' said Roy, scratching his head.


    ''Hey, you there!''


    Ha!


    The general soldier straightened up at Roy''s words.


    ''Keep this.''


    What?


    Roy pushed a wooden stick with a white cloth tied around it to the civilian soldiers and headed down to the disabling obstacle - the wounded beyond it.


    The rebel soldiers are looking at us through the hole, but they don''t seem to be planning to attack us.


    Roy leaps over the incapacitated obstacle and heads further back.


    ''Ta, help me!''


    Yeah, I''ll be there.


    Roy headed towards the direction of the voice.


    The owner of the voice was holding his stomach.


    The wound was not very large, but it smelled like stool.


    Perhaps he had damaged his internal organs.


    Roy picked the man up and headed back the way he had come.


    ''Help me.''


    Oh, you''ll have to take me with you.


    Help me.


    Help me.


    Cries for help came from everywhere.


    ''Don''t worry!��I''ll help you!


    Just as Roy raised his voice, one general soldier jumped over the disabling obstacle.


    When one of them jumped over, they jumped over one after another.


    The first soldier to jump over the obstacle comes running towards us.


    Then he stopped in front of Roy.


    ''''Mister Roy, we''ll take care of the rest...''''


    Yeah, you''re on it.


    I''ll take care of it.


    The civilian soldier said with his back straight and received the wounded.


    As Roy stood there, the soldier who had deposited the stick approached him.


    ''Lord Roy!��I''ll pay you back!


    I''m sorry.


    No, no!


    The general soldier shook his head violently from side to side as Roy thanked him and accepted the stick.


    ''''Shh, but my military uniform...''''


    Hmm?��Roy looked down at his military uniform.


    It didn''t look like much of a wound, but he must have been looking at it wrong.


    The white military uniform was stained red.


    ''It''s not so much that your uniform is dirty,''


    ''Ha!��I''m sorry!


    The common soldier straightened up.


    ''Go.''


    Ha, I''ll save as many people as I can!


    The general soldier saluted and ran down to the wounded.


    You''ve done your job as a superior officer, Roy let out a small breath.


    He would encourage his men by showing them to take the initiative.


    There may be other ways to motivate your subordinates, but this is the easiest way.


    Roy let out a small sigh and looked up at the sky.


    The sun had set and Roy returned to the Imperial field position.


    It was no different from the enemy field position.


    Voices could be heard from everywhere.


    ''Ouch, ouch!''


    Water. I need water.


    Ha, you need a quick fix.


    I mean, godd*mn it, how could you let this happen...


    Roy heard the grunts and headed for the tent where Algena was.


    Some of them were clasping their hands to us, but it wasn''t a good feeling.


    It was uncomfortable, to be honest.


    The reason I helped the vagrants was to preserve the morale of the general soldiers.


    In the first place, Roy didn''t strongly disagree with Arjena''s decision to use the hoboes up.


    In other words, he was the one who threw them into hell.


    And yet it was uncomfortable to be thanked for it.


    After all, I guess I am a straightforward person.


    At least I have the sensitivity to feel shame for my series of actions.


    ''I''m home now,''


    You....


    As Roy entered the tent, Argena frowned blatantly.


    Perhaps it was because his military uniform was stained with blood.


    ''Why don''t you at least go change your clothes?


    I don''t have a spare uniform.


    So you''re a Kingsguard.


    It''s the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.


    Roy walked over to the table in the center of the room, feeling disgusted.


    There was a revised map on the table.


    ''A strategy meeting?''


    What else is there?


    Algena asked back with a straight face.


    Well, that''s also to be expected.


    ''''So what do we do now?''''


    "The work of the mercenaries has given us a complete picture of the enemy field positions.


    It was a terrible loss.


    Roy said, shelving himself.


    He felt uncomfortable when he saw the enemy field position, but he didn''t realize what it was.


    That''s where I stopped thinking.


    I should have thought about it more then.


    If I had done so, ten thousand people would not have been killed or injured.


    Regret is always bitter.


    ''The centre, which we thought was so thinly held, is solid. So we''ll go for the right wing, or the left.


    That''s a good idea.


    Roy spread his arms out.


    ''If we bypass it, we won''t be able to take advantage of the force difference, so we''ll neutralize the obstacle.


    Just so you know, I''m not going to let you rush in with your clothes on.


    I know that.


    Arjena said irritably.


    How do you do it?


    You''re in charge.


    Okay.


    Roy let the words out with a sigh.


    ''Do you disagree?''


    No, I''m not saying that. I''m not saying that, but let me ask you one question. Is that what you think?


    ...yes.


    Arjena answered after a moment.


    Maybe she had been instructed to do so by the Director of Military Affairs Ralph.


    But even if he pointed that out, Arjena would insist that it was his idea.


    As long as there was no way to be sure, that was the end of the story.


    ''All right,''


    Roy scratched his head and headed out.


    On his way out, he stopped and turned around.


    ''Is there anything more?''


    ''The truce ends tomorrow at noon. When that''s over, Treasurer Bowties will be released.


    Okay.


    Argena let out a small breath.


    It felt like a sigh, not a relief, but a sigh.


    ''Perhaps the Treasurer Bowties should take a break in the Imperial City.


    Agreed. End of story.


    Okay.


    Yes.


    As Roy exits the tent, Richard runs up to him.


    He stopped in front of him and saluted.


    ''You''re a tightwad, aren''t you?''


    It''s in my nature.


    Richard gave a sly smile.


    As Roy started to walk away, Richard hurried to follow him.


    ''What are your plans?''


    ''I''ll walk around the camp at random and sleep in my tent. What''s the status of the wounded?


    We''ve collected just under 3,000 people. We''ll send them back to Teito first thing in the morning.


    It''s a lot... well, it is.


    I''m sorry, but we can save a few rations and cavalry horses.


    Richard was muzzled.


    Only sixty percent of the provisions had arrived.


    They would have to save somewhere.


    Then they would have to cut back on those who couldn''t fight.


    Can''t you have that much to spare?


    It''s only 60% of what arrived. If you add it up to what we have now, it will be gone in six days.


    Six days. If I can get my supplies in, I should be fine.


    Roy let out a deep sigh.


    He hadn''t thought he''d have to fight while worrying about his food while fighting in the Imperial territory.


    What a demotivating story.


    ''''What do you think about our future mission?''''


    The enemy field positions are outnumbered on both flanks.


    Both wings, huh?


    The basic policy is to neutralize the obstacles in order to get the most out of the troops and let them do the rest.


    Well that''s a lot.


    Well, yeah.


    Roy nodded vaguely.


    It was probably directed by the Director of Military Affairs, Ralph, but he couldn''t read Argena''s intentions in any way.


    I don''t know what he was thinking, Roy let out a small sigh.


    In the field hospital, more than a dozen wounded soldiers were cheerfully scraping up their dinner.


    The hospital food was quite luxurious compared to the usual meals.


    Crono patted his chest as he looked at the wounded soldiers.


    ''''Are you relieved?'''' (Bum?)


    Yes, that''s a relief.


    Crono nodded at Mino''s words.


    ''''The general is worrying too much.'''' (Bumo)


    Yeah, but...


    I was chilled to the bone when an Imperial soldier - a mercenary with an upturned vagabond, according to the information I got from his captors - threw a magic item into the trenches.


    ''Dr. Weissman, it varies.''


    Isn''t it strange that it''s so varied? (Bum?)


    Well, that''s how much I appreciate it.


    Crono chuckled.


    This time the trenches had an improvement that Dr. Weissman had devised.


    The idea was to dig a deep trench in the bottom of the trench.


    By dropping the magic item there, the damage was kept to a minimum - no deaths, many stunned and temporarily deafened - and we were able to keep the damage to a minimum.


    ''It was really good,''


    Crono muttered and turned on his heel.


    With a commander in place, there was no rest for those who could rest.


    It was a situation he had finally learned after several failures.


    He left the tent and walked through the camp.


    We walked wherever we wanted to go, wherever our feet took us.


    The air in the field camp is somewhat loose, perhaps due to the fact that the armistice period is in full swing.


    However, I don''t intend to blame them for that.


    The mainstay of the Imperial Army is the volunteer soldiers.


    If the tension continues for too long, they will be mentally exhausted.


    They need time to relax.


    ''''Even so, I didn''t expect the empire to drink the truce.'''' (Bumo)


    Yeah?


    "I used up all my soldiers so spectacularly.


    The second-in-command snorted, perhaps angry at the Imperial Army''s methods.


    ''''Is that so?''''


    "Conversely, what made the General think the Empire would call a truce? (Bum?)


    Maybe it''s because I trust Master Roy.


    "Trust? (Bum?)


    The First Officer parroted.


    ''The first time we met, we were having a lover''s duel in Alfilk Castle.


    "Lover''s duel... sounds like you''re going to lose your honor whether you win or lose." (Bumobumo)


    We''ve been together since then, and I''ve always felt uncomfortable, but it''s like Tyga''s words have convinced me.


    "Are you trying to pull an Arised and Deneb? (Bum?)


    No, I''m not a copycat.


    Crono looked around and let out a breath of relief.


    He felt like he was going to jump out of the darkness.


    ''With what certainty?'' (Bum?)


    Lord Roy is a calm man, you know.


    Even during the duel, he was able to assess his opponent''s attacks.


    At least he wasn''t swept up in his emotions.


    ''So I was wondering if Lord Roy would be willing to swallow the truce.


    "You''ve been paying attention, haven''t you?


    Not so much.


    Crono puffed out his chest.


    ''''But isn''t it bad to have such a calm person come out to you? (Bum?)


    Well, that''s not a good sign for a short-term fight.


    ''But,'' Crono continues.


    ''I''d appreciate it if you''d come out to see what''s ahead.


    Do you still have a plan? (Bum?)


    It''s a gamble, but the probability of that happening is relatively high... depending on the enemy.


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about.


    Bufu~, the deputy exhaled through his nose.

 151-Episode 17 "Final Battle" Part 8

    *


    Early in the morning - an injured man passes in front of Roy''s eyes.


    Some turn over as if exhausted, others bow their heads lightly.


    Of course, there are those who stare at him with eyes tinted with hatred.


    It can''t be helped, I think.


    As an assistant corps commander, I allowed them to beat the hell out of them.


    They have the right to hold a grudge.


    No, you want them to resent you.


    The wounded who pass in front of him get on the wagon with the help of the ordinary soldiers.


    No one stared at me after I got on the wagon.


    From the camp to the wagon.


    It''s only a short distance, but that may have sapped their strength.


    Roy leaned on his spear and watched the corpses being carried away on a stretcher.


    Ordinary soldiers stacked the corpses on wagons.


    They seem to take some care, but I think it''s like luggage.


    That''s when the corpse looked at us.


    The head must have just moved as it was being loaded.


    Or rigor mortis.


    But to Roy it seemed to be the will of the dead.


    Why didn''t you stop me, I wondered.


    Why didn''t I just stand by and watch?


    I just wanted to live a better life than I do now.


    I felt like I was pleading with him.


    A small exhale.


    An illusion.


    The dead don''t get angry, they don''t mourn, they don''t hate.


    Death is the end.


    I''m sure I understand that, but the feeling doesn''t follow.


    "...phew.


    Once again, I let out a sigh.


    It seems more draining to see the dead off.


    Maybe it''s because it reminds me of my mother who was killed.


    ''Well that''s a bummer.


    How are you doing?


    I''m talking to you.


    Roy replied to Richard, who was standing next to him before he knew it.


    I don''t feel like I''m going to be consumed, I''m going to be consumed, he said, changing his perception.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have noticed Richard''s presence.


    ''How''s it going over there?''


    The casualties have been collected and treated.


    Did you get the body back?


    It''s continuing, but...


    Richard clammed up.


    I''d rather give my soldiers a break if I''m going to put in the effort to collect the bodies.


    Maybe that''s what he''s thinking.


    ''Sorry, but you''ll have to keep retrieving the bodies.


    Yes, sir.


    I''m sorry.


    No, I think it''s a natural feeling.


    Richard chuckled and gave a huff.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    Oh, no, I mean...


    Richard clammed up, as if it was really hard to say.


    ''If something is bothering you, tell me.


    ''''Ah, yes, normally, wounded soldiers are admitted to the hospital in the Imperial City...''''


    Richard was muzzled again.


    He was right, the wounded soldiers were to be transported to the imperial capital and placed in a hospital.


    However, the wounded that they were transporting this time were not regular soldiers.


    They are mercenaries gathered by Treasury Director Bawties with money - vagrants.


    They are probably thinking that they will be thrown out when they arrive in the imperial capital.


    ''''Don''t worry about that. Me and Argena wrote a letter in our joint names. They''ve fought for the Empire, and they want to be treated like regular soldiers.


    Okay.


    Richard looked relieved.


    I thought he didn''t care about the wounded, but I guess I was wrong.


    It''s not high on my priority list, but I''d like to help if I can.


    I guess that''s how it is.


    I''d like to say hello to the person in charge, just in case. You didn''t go to military school together, did you?


    Unfortunately,


    Richard gave him a troubled look.


    It''s a shame, even as Roy.


    I could have asked for more or less of a connection.


    I should have taken more care of people''s relationships if this was going to happen.


    Well, it''s too late now.


    In the first place, inheriting the Countess Akbens family was something of a mistake in itself.


    The legitimate successors died one after another, so it was only because I, a bastard, was given a bowl.


    If he and his brothers had had children, he would have been an officer while being scorned by his superiors.


    No, I would have been a bouncer in a tavern.


    Because he thought like that, he despised the relationship compared to his peers in military school.


    The current situation was self-inflicted.


    But at the time, he thought it was the right thing to do.


    If I could go back to the past, I would make a similar mistake myself.


    And I would regret it if I had to do this.


    Maybe we are creatures who make mistakes because we think it''s the right thing to do and struggle to keep the books straight.


    "Mister Roy?


    Oh, yeah, what?


    ''No, you seemed to be in a daze. If you don''t mind, I''d like to go say hello?


    ''It''s not like that. I was just being a bit pensive.


    Pensive?


    Well, you know, even a guy like me has to think about things.


    Richard said as if confused, and Roy cowered lightly.


    ''You take care of the body,''


    Yes, sir.


    You''re on it.


    Roy tapped Richard on the shoulder and headed for the front of the convoy.


    He checks to see if the wagon has a wooden stick with a white cloth tied to it, just in case it is installed.


    It looks like they didn''t forget to install the stones.


    After a while, we reached the front of the line.


    The captain of the supply team - Peter was waiting there on his horse.


    His complexion was pale.


    He was beyond pale and had an earthen complexion.


    They had burned 40 percent of their provisions and were nowhere to be found.


    He was not worried about what kind of punishment he would receive.


    ''''Hey!''''


    ....


    I call out to him, but Peter is staring forward in a daze.


    I''m not so sure he''s here.


    "Hey!


    "-Oh!


    I called out to him again, and Peter fell off his horse.


    There are some members of the supply team around, but no one is laughing.


    It''s probably because they are dimly aware of what kind of punishment he''s going to receive.


    ''Are you all right?''


    Oh, yes, I''m fine.


    Peter stood up sluggishly.


    ''Lord Roy, what can I do for you?''


    Yeah, take care of the injured man.


    Oh, yes, of course.


    Peter''s expression is vacant.


    ''About your disposition...''


    Yes.


    I advised him to avoid severe punishment.


    Oh, really?


    Yeah, I wouldn''t lie to you.


    Roy nodded.


    Peter had been taken by surprise by the rebels and forty percent of his provisions had been burned.


    It was force majeure, so to speak.


    But if you take severe action against him, you will run out of human resources.


    Yeah, so get a grip.


    Yes, thank you.


    Life returns to Peter''s face.


    He still looks terrible.


    However, this will allow him to return to the Imperial City without killing himself or running away.


    ''''Captain!��The wounded and bodies have been recovered!


    Okay!


    A voice rang out from behind him and Peter replied loudly.


    ''The unseemly place...''


    Don''t worry about it.


    Peter grunted, and Roy responded lightly, serving.


    ''If you say so...''


    You''re on it.


    Ha!


    Peter saluted and jumped on his horse.


    *


    Peter let his horse advance with a guarded glance.


    If he holds up a stick with a white cloth tied to it, he will not be attacked by the rebels.


    That''s what I''ve heard.


    It must be true.


    In fact, we haven''t been attacked by insurgents so far.


    Still, I have my doubts.


    Naturally.


    Lives are at stake.


    You can''t trust your opponent - the enemy - with that.


    But Assistant Commander Roy had negotiated with the rebel commander.


    But Roy''s assistant legionnaire had negotiated with the rebel commanders without an emissary.


    Roy''s life was worth far more than his.


    That means the chances of being tricked were high.


    And yet, so was his opponent.


    The two of them negotiated with the possibility of being tricked.


    This was no ordinary gall.


    Surely this is the difference between the captain of a supply corps and one who commands an army.


    Advancing their horses further, the walls of the imperial capital finally came into view.


    Perhaps because of the surprise attack of the rebel army, the city walls look reliable.


    After a while--.


    ''Captain, it''s Imperial City!


    Yeah.


    One of his subordinates raised his voice and Peter replied with a sigh.


    Perhaps they think he''s so exhausted that he doesn''t know where he is.


    It''s not unreasonable.


    That''s how hapless he looked.


    I''m going to be able to get the best out of it.


    I ducked through the gates and headed for Alfiruk Castle.


    People on the street stop and look at us.


    They were giving me a terrible look.


    This is not a good look for a soldier who has returned home after risking his life in battle.


    Many of his men had died.


    Some of them were young, some of them could be described as children.


    I would have liked to see a gaze more gentle, if only for pity.


    But I knew it would be difficult to do so.


    We ourselves had taken food away from the Imperial City.


    With the price of food skyrocketing.


    To them, we were thieves.


    And that''s with the approval of the Empire.


    There is no way to complain to their faces.


    It''s a good idea to think that the extent of the stare is enough to make it okay.


    Peter looked down and stretched his chest.


    It was a bravado.


    But if he was down, his subordinates would be down too.


    Even if the residents of the imperial capital don''t understand, we risked our lives to do our part.


    If you don''t at least feel like you''ve done your job as well as we have, you''ll feel even more miserable.


    Besides, I thought that if I was the Assistant Commander of the Roy Corps, I would be proud.


    We passed through the new town and the old town.


    Alfilk Castle is right in front of us.


    Peter stopped his horse in front of the drawbridge and descended to the ground.


    He walked up to the knight of the Kingsguard, who was acting as a gatekeeper, and straightened up to salute him.


    ''I am Peter, Captain of the Supply Squad!��We''ve resupplied and returned, sir!


    The gatekeeper looked dumbfounded and straightened his back to salute.


    It was a splendid salute worthy of a knight of the Kingsguard.


    ''''I have received a letter from the Assistant Legion Commander Lord!��Please inform the Chief of the War Department!


    All right. Thank you.


    Peter held out the letter with a trembling hand, and the gatekeeper released the salute.


    And he received it in a manner that could not be called polite.


    To be honest, I wished he had received it more politely.


    The gatekeeper turned on his heel as he looked at the other one.


    ''Once we''re back in the barracks--''


    No, I can''t do that.


    What ... oh, I see.


    The gatekeeper nodded as if he''d made a point.


    He must have looked over Peter''s shoulder at the large number of wounded and the pile of bodies.


    What to do with a large number of wounded and a pile of bodies?


    Especially dealing with the wounded.


    He couldn''t move until he heard that.


    ''''........is it really that bad?''''


    I ... didn''t get a good look at it.


    He had his hands full with himself and had no time to check out the battlefield.


    Even though I was supposed to be in charge of a squad, it was shameful.


    That''s why I''m no good at this.


    "I don''t mind if I only overheard it, but...


    ....


    The gatekeeper said apologetically, and Peter fished his memory.


    Well, it''s impossible to be so dead and not terrible....


    ''''I heard that the mercenaries were wiped out. The only ones that survived were........


    Really?


    Yeah, yeah, well.


    Peter nodded vaguely.


    I can''t help but wonder if it''s okay for a Kingsguard Knight to use the word ''serious''.


    Unlike ordinary soldiers, the Kingsguard Knights are elites.


    To begin with, they have a different family background.


    The gatekeeper in front of you must come from a famous and respected family.


    The truth is that I want you to be mindful of your words and actions as befits an elite.


    ''''........you failed.


    The knight of the Kingsguard blurted out.


    I still want you to try to say and do things like an elite.


    This makes us look like fools.


    Nevertheless, I can understand the sentiment, and if I were in his position, I would have thought the same thing.


    Well, whether you say it or not.........


    Peter let out a small sigh and looked up at the city walls.


    ...all of them.


    Ralph skimmed through the letter briefly and frowned at the sheer devastation.


    He hadn''t expected it, but the incompetence of the mercenaries made him angry.


    If they had found a weak spot in the enemy field position, they wouldn''t have felt incompetent.


    They would have decided that they could use it.


    They might have even erected a monument to their good work.


    But the mercenaries challenged them with ten thousand men and only proved that the enemy''s defenses were solid.


    They ate their food, coughed up their shit and wasted their medicine.


    And now you claim that the enemy''s defenses are solid.


    The sheer stupidity and incompetence of it all.


    I''m sick of it.


    If they have only this level of ability, then they have every right to be deadly.


    Moreover, forty percent of their military provisions were burned down.


    No, they had to burn it all down.


    But that''s what battles are all about.


    But this is what battle is all about.


    We''re fighting.


    The enemy took advantage of the mobility of the cavalry to create a rear-disturbance.


    You can praise them for their tactics, as they understand the characteristics of the cavalry.


    The problem is that the neighboring lords let the enemy cavalry walk right past them.


    They pretended to follow the empire while flattering the rebels.


    An unforgivable sin.


    "...shit.


    Suddenly, memories of the period of civil war resurfaced, and Ralph groaned.


    The nobles (scum) who said they would follow orders but didn''t.


    The incompetents (scum) who said the strategy was bad while running away.


    The scum who looked down on us even though we won thanks to the mercenary army.


    They were ridiculed for their incompetence by such people.


    They were looked down upon by lowly people who didn''t even know what tactics were.


    For years and years and years--tttt!


    The memory of the humiliation that had been vividly revived burned Ralph''s brain and his body from the inside out.


    ''''--!


    Ralph huffed to himself.


    His whole body was sopping wet.


    He gave a small shake of his head and straightened his residence.


    Now is not the time to think about the past.


    Now is your chance to do something about it.


    If you don''t let your anger fade and your wits prevail, you will never clear your name or go down in history.


    You''ll be fine.


    I''ve prepared the orders for this kind of thing.


    Ralph grabbed the order book with his trembling hands and opened his mouth.


    ''''Arrange for ... sustenance and fodder.


    Ha, ha.


    The deputy raised an eyebrow, as if puzzled.


    ''What?''


    Bowties, the treasurer...


    Yeah, yeah, yeah. You don''t have to tell everybody.


    Ralph interrupted his subordinate.


    The director of the Bowties Treasury would have to give his approval when spending the money on a temporary basis.


    He thought he could at least sign it on the battlefield, but alas, he was a prisoner.


    The letter stated that he charged in valiantly and fiercely, and was captured in his efforts to fight, but he was probably captured for running into it with a foolish expression on his face.


    Should I have stopped Alfort after all?


    No, it was no use.


    If you ask me to express my sympathies for my wife and children who were killed, I''d nod my head without a second thought.


    That is the kind of man he is.


    I thought about pretending they were murdered and then quickly reconsidered.


    If you do that, you''ll be caught flat-footed.


    "...but...


    Do we need more powers to fight for more freedom, I mutter to myself.


    If he faked the death of Treasury Director Bawties, he would be pursued.


    The same goes for instructing his men to do the same.


    But if it''s accidental - if it''s accidental.


    As I was thinking about that, my deputy reluctantly opened his mouth.


    ''''Sir.....


    What?


    What about the wounded and the bodies?


    Injuries...


    I was about to tell him to leave it alone and keep his mouth shut.


    Hopefully, you can strengthen your authority.


    It''s a bit of a gamble, relying on luck, but it doesn''t hurt to fail.


    It''s a no-no and an original.


    It''s worth a try.


    I''ll give it some thought. Give me until the evening.


    Ha!


    The deputy replied and turned on his heel.


    *


    What?


    Peter asked the gatekeeper who had just returned.


    ''So we''ll wait until the evening.


    ''No!��They''re injured, you know?


    I know that, too.


    The gatekeeper frowned as if he was miffed and let out a small sigh.


    ''I know, but it''s an order.


    ''Me, no, I was asked by the assistant corps commander to take care of them. And they need medical attention. Some of them have been burned, some have been shot with arrows, some have been blown away by the blast. They might not last until the evening.


    Hey, you know what''s useless?


    The gatekeeper said in a gentle voice that demanded understanding.


    Of course, I understand.


    In the military, orders are absolute.


    If the Chief of the War Department tells you to wait until evening, you must obey him.


    There''s nothing you can do about it.


    "You''ve done your job. Go back to your barracks with the rest of your men.


    But...


    You''ll never get away with it and you''re wasting your chance.��Think it over. You followed the assistant corps commander''s orders. All you need to do now is to obey the War Chief''s orders. You''ll do your duty as a soldier. That''s all you need to think about.


    ''Oh, yeah...''


    Peter made a small noise and dropped a paragraph.


    The assistant corps commander would surely dare him to screw around.


    You''ve done well," he said. It''s true. I''m not lying.


    Yes.


    The gatekeeper laboriously tapped him on the shoulder and Peter nodded.


    He turned on his heel and plodded down to his men.


    At a time like this, if he were an assistant corps commander, he would probably resist if he was unconvinced.


    But Peter is the captain of a supply corps.


    He''s not an assistant corps commander.


    He''s not an assistant corps commander.


    The pettiness is there, too.


    But I''m relieved.


    I was feeling light.


    I was relieved of the pressure to punish him severely.


    I had pleaded for the wounded, knowing it was futile.


    He had done his job.


    That''s about it.


    That''s about the extent of who I am.


    Maybe he was just influenced by the assistant legionnaire.


    I''m not sure if I''ll be able to find a way to get the job done.


    They can be forgiven for acting a little selfishly.


    He must have calculated this before he made his move.


    It''s really stupid.


    When I returned to my horse, my subordinate approached me unintentionally.


    "...Captain.


    We''re going home.


    He replies with a sense of fatigue.


    ''But the wounded...''


    Our work is done.


    But...


    Peter let out a deep sigh.


    ''We can''t do anything about it, you know. Or are you going to pay for these guys?''


    No, no, that''s... not possible.


    ''Right?��That''s why I can''t do it. I can''t do anything about it. If the top brass wants me to wait until the evening, I''m going to have to comply.


    Peter pushed his men away and headed for his horse.


    As he jumped on his horse, his men opened their mouths again.


    ''What about the carriage, sir?''


    Just get the horses.


    .... haha.


    After a considerable pause, his subordinate replied.


    *


    Roy saw the last of the bodies off as he leaned against the incapacitated obstacle.


    Even though he had seen them off, the supply party had returned to the Imperial City, so the bodies would be laid out outside the camp, though.


    A short time later, Richard arrived.


    He stopped in front of Roy and saluted him.


    It was a fine salute, a testament to his military school background.


    ''The bodies have been collected, sir.


    I see.


    Roy let out a small breath.


    ''When will the Director of Finance Bowties be released?��Besides, the attack was....


    Richard gulped down a gulp and swallowed raw, perhaps because of the tension.


    ''Relax your shoulders,''


    I know, sir, but... how is it that you''re okay with this?


    It''s all right.


    Roy looked up at the sky.


    He could see the cloth tied to his spear and the sun shining in the mid-heaven.


    He could say that the truce was already over and he could attack.


    The only reason he doesn''t do that is because he doesn''t intend to attack.


    ''''--!


    Richard gasped and Roy slowly turned around.


    Then Crono and Minotaur were about to come out of the field position.


    The Minotaur carried a man on his shoulder - the Director of Finance Bowties.


    He seems to be disarmed, but not bound.


    He is flapping his arms and legs like a child.


    It''s probably not my imagination that the Minotaur is looking annoyed.


    A short time later, Crono and his team reach Roy and his team.


    ''''Good, Sho!'''' (BUMO!)


    The Minotaur lowered the Director of Finance Bowties to our side.


    In the next moment, Treasurer Bowties clung to the Minotaur.


    ''Now!��Kill this sub-human while I hold him down!


    "...bum...


    The Minotaur scratched his head awkwardly.


    ''Leave me alone!��Do it!


    ''He''s been like this since yesterday. You''ve been nagging me about the pride of the nobility and how you won''t live to be humiliated by a prisoner of war.


    Crono said, as if disgusted - disgusted indeed, I suppose - but he said.


    ''Isn''t it about time you stopped?''


    ''What are you talking about?��Now is your chance!


    Okay.


    ''Oh!��Do you understand?


    We''re going home, Richard.


    Roy let out a sigh and turned on his heel.


    ''Good, are you sure?''


    I don''t mind.


    I understand.


    Richard looked flustered, but he quickly followed.


    ''Hey!��Please take it back!


    I don''t want it. Do what you want!��Bake it, boil it, peel it, and then rub salt into it, be my guest!


    Immediately after Roy shouted, a scream came from behind him.


    It was Treasurer Bawties'' scream.


    ''Well, wait!''


    With that, Director of Finance Bowties came around to Roy''s front.


    ''Why aren''t we fighting?


    That''s because he''s promised a truce.


    If we kill them now, the Empire will win!


    You have the Princess Tyria.


    Certainly Crono and that minotaur would be important to the rebels.


    But the most important person is Princess Tyria.


    Besides," said Roy, looking over his shoulder at Richard, "we need someone to negotiate with in case of emergency.


    We need someone to negotiate with in case of emergency.


    "Avenging my wife and children?


    You know what?


    Roy scratched his head.


    At first he had felt sorry for him and thought he could help him.


    But over the past few days, he changed his mind.


    I can''t feel sorry for this guy, and I can''t lend him any power.


    "If you want to avenge him so badly, do it yourself.


    If I could, I would!


    Treasurer Bawties raised his voice, but it''s really comical.


    He is the only one who doesn''t see the ridiculousness of it.


    ''You''re not trying, are you?


    What do you mean?��I''ve spent my personal fortune to gather ten thousand mercenaries!


    Oh, great, great. But if you really wanted to avenge your girl and her kid, couldn''t you have done more?


    In the extreme, I could have pretended to be a prisoner of war and self-destructed with a magic item.


    He didn''t do that because he valued his own life.


    He was calling for revenge while ensuring his safety.


    How could I help a man like that?


    "If you want to avenge me, I''ll lend you my spear and you can go.


    Well, then it''s a dead dog!


    Treasurer Bawties shouted in a supercilious voice.


    ''You might be able to make it now, eh?


    I look behind me over my shoulder again.


    Crono and the others are still looking at us.


    We might be able to avenge them now.


    It''s a low probability, but not zero.


    ''This is your chance?��If we miss this one, they''re going to be stuck in the back of the field.


    Uggh, gggh...


    Treasurer Bawties grunted as he slouched and sweated.


    ''What''s up?''


    Excuse me!


    Roy asked, and the Director of Finance Bowties turned on his heel.


    ''What do you intend to do about it, sir?''


    I''m sure you''ll find a good reason to run back to the imperial capital.


    Roy let out a small sigh and looked up at the sky.


    *


    Hey, how long do we have to do this?


    Jose spoke to the man sitting next to him.


    The surroundings were dim and the air was cold.


    It would be freezing at this rate.


    Should I have moved somewhere else?


    No, he shook his head.


    What if someone comes while I''m away from this place?


    They wouldn''t believe me if I claimed to have fought as a mercenary.


    Not only would they not be able to treat my wounds, but they would also not be able to give me any money.


    That''s why I''m waiting on my knees in the back of the wagon.


    ''Hey, how long do we have to do this?''


    ....


    Jose asked the man next to him again.


    He didn''t expect an answer.


    The man next to him was burned and bandaged all over.


    ''Hey, I was--''


    Shut up!


    Jose''s words were interrupted by the man sitting face to face.


    ''You''re the one who shut up. I just talked to the guy next to me, why do I have to be told that much?


    That''s because he''s dead.


    When Jose retorted, the man spat out.


    Dead?��And he holds his hand over the mouth of the man next to him.


    I felt nothing.


    The man wasn''t breathing.


    He was dead.


    ...Yeah.


    Jose let out a small breath.


    Surprisingly, his emotions didn''t move.


    No wonder.


    The man and I are not friends or anything.


    We simply rode together.


    After all, it seems that people die for no reason at all.


    I thought I knew that, but when I was confronted with the reality, my mood sank.


    I even think it''s good to have something more.


    At that time--


    The director of finance is here!


    A voice sounded from somewhere, and Jose descended to the ground, enduring the pain of his burns.


    Treasurer Bawties mounted his horse and approached us.


    ''Treasurer!''


    "-Oh!


    Someone jumped out, and Director of Finance Bowties pulled the reins.


    The horse whined and floated on its paws.


    ''Hey, what are you!


    ''Please let me get some medical attention quickly. My burns are twitching.


    Oh, no, I don''t get it.


    Treasurer Bawties spat out.


    ''Oh, really?''


    I''m busy.


    Treasurer Bawties tried to get his horse to advance, but he couldn''t.


    Before he knew it, he was surrounded by his friends.


    ''....n-No, I need a cure.


    Please. Please let me go to the hospital quickly.


    Doctor, doctor, please.


    My burns are twitching.


    I can''t move my arm.


    Give me the money. Give me the money.


    Oh, shut up!��Shut up!��Shut up!


    Treasurer Bawties ranted like a child.


    ''Why, by and large, should I pay for it!


    No!


    You promised!


    ''Yes!��Yes!


    "You could not do anything about it!��You trash!��You couldn''t do anything about it, and now you want me to give you money?��Don''t be silly!


    Oh, God!


    The man grabs at him, but--


    "Gah!


    He let out a short scream and fell on his ass.


    Treasurer Bawties drew his sword and slashed at him.


    ''Aren''t you grateful for a full meal!


    f*ck you!


    Another man grabs at him, and the Director of Finance Bowties slashes at him.


    The man who was slashed fell on his ass as well.


    However, he wasn''t the only one who grabbed at him.


    ''''Ki, you guys!


    Money!��Give me the money!


    You owe me money!


    Treasurer Bawties was dragged off his horse and wrestled to the ground.


    He managed to escape while being grabbed by a large number of people, but it was a futile resistance.


    ''Give me the money!''


    How could you--!


    Treasurer Bawties couldn''t get the last word out.


    The reason for this is because he was hit on the back of the head with a stone that Jose had picked up.


    It was as if a thread had snapped and the director of finance went out of shape.


    He didn''t move even a twitch, as if he had been hit badly.


    Sword!��It''s going to sell for a lot of money!


    The ring!


    The shoe!


    That''s a lot of clothes!


    A group of friends swarmed the motionless Finance Director Bowties.


    It''s like ants latching on to their prey.


    "Hey!��You guys!


    The gatekeeper shouted and Jos�� and the others ran away.


    *


    Jose was running down a dimly lit alleyway with his shoes in his arms.


    He stopped, thinking that if he could just get away this far, he would be fine.


    He looks down at his shoes and contorts his face.


    It''s only one of them.


    Someone has taken the other one away.


    Tears trickle out of my eyes.


    How unlucky I am.


    Fighting for your life, getting burned, and getting paid for this alone is not worth it.


    There was nothing I could do about it.


    They''ll be looking at my feet, but I''ll sell this to pay for my food.


    That''s what I think and I step out.


    But I couldn''t move forward.


    The wall was blocking his way.


    Jose pushed against the wall in a half panic.


    But the wall didn''t budge.


    Eventually, Jose realized that he had fallen.


    There was a blood stained stone lying in front of him.


    Perhaps this was a direct hit to his head.


    I look around.


    There are people standing around.


    I''m sure someone...


    Reaching out for help.


    My hand wanders through the void--.


    ''''You bastard!''''


    You''re taking all that food with you!


    You''re a soldier, and you look like a big boy!


    Stones flew in the air with curses.


    Jose tried to get away, but he couldn''t.


    It must have been a bad place to hit.


    He couldn''t put any strength into his body.


    Jose continued to be cursed and stoned without any way to do so.


    It took quite a while for him to lose consciousness.

 152-Episode 17 "Final Battle" 9

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    It seems possible.


    Maybe he was proudly beating his chest when he was alone.


    As I was thinking about this, the door opened.


    Of course, it was Alfort who opened the door.


    Finally, Ralph straightened his residence, "You''re here at last," he said.


    Alfort sat down in his seat and turned over.


    I don''t think he''s heartbroken over the death of Treasurer Bawties.


    You would think that the emperor would do that after losing his chief minister.


    The consequences are truly inexcusable.


    We might as well put him out of his misery.


    I''m wondering what you''re thinking when you made me do it.


    "Director of Finance Bowties is dead.


    ''Oh, my God!


    As Alfort squeezed out, the director of the Burkmeier Shorthand Bureau raised his voice.


    It was too deliberate.


    ''''What a tragedy that the chief minister who supported me was killed!


    Well, I didn''t expect to get killed...


    Oh, oh~, said Burkmeier''s Director General of the Shangdi Bookstore, covering his face with his hands.


    How long do I have to go along with this travesty?


    He was slightly irritated.


    ''''But, but I will not be dented!��For the sake of Treasurer Bawties, let''s defeat the rebels and make the Empire prosperous!


    "Your Majesty!��I can help in spite of myself!


    ''Director Burkmeier, thank you for your loyalty.


    ''No, no, no, no, no, no!��If it is my pleasure to serve you!


    Oh!��And they covered their faces.


    It sounded like a dog barking, but perhaps they were trying to cry.


    Ralph folded his hands and prayed to God.


    He was a man of little faith, and he still felt like he should be made to do so.


    But he felt that he could at least pray for him here.


    After a while, the howls are broken.


    ''''We have to decide on a replacement for Director of Finance Bowties.


    ''Your Majesty,'' said Ralph, raising his hand.


    ''What?''


    I would like to request that you authorize me to act as treasurer of the Bowties.


    What--


    What?


    Burkmeier''s voice was interrupted by Burkmeier''s Director General of the Shorthand Bureau, who shouted.


    Director Burkmeier.


    I''m sorry.


    When Alfort glared at him, Burkmeier''s Director General of the Shogun''s Book Department shunned him.


    ''And why is that?''


    "Your Majesty, the Empire is in grave danger.


    What?


    Alfort''s eyes widened in surprise.


    That''s why it was quite dangerous when they held the port, but apparently they didn''t understand.


    He let out a small sigh, wondering what kind of education he had given them.


    ''''We have already lost ten thousand troops to combat, sir.


    ''My God!��Ten thousand!


    Alfort''s eyes widened again.


    He had reported it properly, but did he really not grasp it?


    If this was an act, why would he do such a futile thing?


    I don''t understand.


    ''''Well then....


    Your left....


    If we don''t hold a memorial service for the dead...


    No, sir.


    Ralph plunged in with his bare hands.


    ''Well, then, the wounded--''


    "Your Majesty, you mustn''t let your priorities be misplaced.


    Ralph interrupted Alfort''s words.


    ''We must put down the rebellion. We can do as much as we want afterwards, including a memorial service.''


    But as an emperor...


    "Your Majesty, I''ll say it again. "Your Majesty, I''ll say it again: your priorities must not be misplaced. Now is the time to do everything in our power to crush the rebellion.


    But...


    "Your Majesty will be killed if you don''t do everything in your power here.


    "-Oh!


    Alfort gasped.


    ''Why, why would they kill me?


    That''s because the purpose of the rebellion is to restore Princess Tyria to power.


    Why is your sister-in-law there?


    Her Majesty stands in the way of Princess Tyria''s ascension to the throne.


    We may have different mothers, but we''re not siblings...


    Alfort looks like he''s about to cry.


    He seems to be very afraid of being killed.


    In the first place, this rebellion happened because Alfort tried to kill his brother-in-law - Crono.


    What''s more, Alfort wanted to kill Princess Tilia.


    So how could he think that he would not be killed?


    I don''t understand.


    If you give power to an incompetent person, does he think he has become a god?


    It''s an interesting work of the mind.


    If he was a doctor, he must have studied it.


    ''Your Majesty, I reiterate. Our first priority now is to put down the rebellion.


    No, but as your emperor...


    Do you really want to have a memorial service so badly when you will be the one being consoled at this point?


    Ralph opened his mouth in disgust.


    ''Our lives are in danger if we don''t put down the rebellion. The rebels are only half a day''s ride away and the surrounding lords are envious of the rebels.


    Why are the neighboring lords?


    I don''t know, sir.


    I know how you feel if you''re honest.


    I would overlook any number of rebels if I could sell them a favor just by watching them come and go.


    They are selfish.


    But one thing is for certain. "But one thing is certain, the lords of the neighborhood have put us in a difficult position.


    What do you mean?


    ...a detachment of the rebel army is attacking our supply convoy.


    I''m reporting this too, but does Alfort read the report?


    No, he''s an idiot who wants to hold a memorial service under these circumstances.


    It''s better to think that he doesn''t know anything about it.


    It''s less irritating that way.


    ''''We need to be more flexible in our movements to protect His Majesty''s life.


    Yes, I did it to save my life.


    Alfort said, choking on his words.


    ''You are on the left, sir,''


    ....


    Alfort fell silent.


    Did he finally realize that his life was in danger?


    After a moment, Burkmeier''s Director General of the Shang Palace Bookstore opened his mouth.


    ''''Your Majesty!''''


    You have my permission to speak.


    ''With all due respect, I do not agree with the idea of the Director of Military Affairs also serving as the Director of Finance. That would allow the military to operate at its own discretion.


    Well, Director General Burgmeier, do you think I''m just going to set up my own army?


    Well that''s it.


    Mr. Burkmeier kept quiet.


    It would have been easier for me if you had assured me that this was the case, but I had no choice.


    ''Well, here''s what I''ll do. I will hand over my authority as the head of the Military Affairs Department to Mr. Burkmeier when this rebellion is put down. What do you think?


    Well, well, in that case...


    Director General Burkmeier simply retreated.


    Well, it''s not surprising.


    What do you think, Your Majesty?


    Mm-hmm, yo, you''re gonna protect me, aren''t you?


    ''Of course,'' returned Ralph shortly.


    ''Well, then, I''ll grant you a joint appointment.


    Thank you.


    Ralph bowed politely.


    You must, you must, you must, you must, you must protect me.


    Of course, sir.


    Frankly, I don''t care about Alfort''s life.


    But putting down the rebels will help protect Alfort''s life.


    In that sense, our own interests are aligned.


    Anyway, we can now move the army without worrying about the budget.


    However, Ralph is not so optimistic as to think that we can win with this.


    No, even if he is optimistic, his chances of winning are not that high.


    If they tried to recruit soldiers, the surrounding lords will surely give up on the empire.


    The merchants will probably flee if they see that they are losing.


    He thinks that now is the time to use his trump card (Leonhardt) and quickly reconsiders.


    That one has only the interests of the Duke of Palatium''s family in mind.


    After all, he''s a man who betrays his friends.


    If we don''t create a situation where he can''t betray us, he might kill us.


    ''''Your... your majesty.


    What, what?


    Would you be willing to write a manifesto?


    So who do you want me to write to?


    "To the Duke of Palatium.


    Okay, okay.


    Alfort nodded without showing any signs of distress.


    Under normal circumstances, it was unlikely that the Duke of Palatium would lend his power to Alfort.


    It would be much more beneficial to lend his power to the rebels.


    But people don''t work on merits and demerits alone.


    In the morning - Peter took his men and went to Alfilk Castle.


    Because he was ordered to transport supplies.


    Last night he had a drink and slept.


    With the logistics stalled, alcohol is valuable.


    He could have used a little more, but he felt good.


    I feel better after drinking and sleeping for a night.


    In short, the injured man''s case didn''t matter that much.


    All that mattered now was the business at hand.


    I could be attacked by rebels again.


    The thought of that makes me feel gloomy.


    Nevertheless, work is work.


    We have to do this seriously.


    Peter reached Alfilk Castle and let out a breath of relief.


    The wagon was not gone.


    And there were no wounded in sight.


    Unfortunately, the corpses were still there - but they were still there.


    As Peter was thinking about what to do with the corpse, the subordinate next to him opened his mouth.


    ''''I heard that the treasurer of the Bowties was killed by the wounded last night.


    Now that you mention it, I''ve heard that story.


    Is that all?


    A subordinate said quizzically.


    Perhaps he meant to say that Ralph Libra, Director of Military Affairs, had arranged for that to happen.


    Peter thinks so, too.


    But there''s no evidence, and there''s too much uncertainty for a conspiracy.


    One could assume that he bet on it succeeding, but that''s not a very smart thing to do.


    Oh, no, maybe it''s clever in a roundabout way.


    You could have killed him without leaving any evidence.


    ''Don''t think about it. I don''t give a shit what they''re doing upstairs.


    Yeah, well, that''s true.


    Come on, let''s go talk to each other.


    Denouncing the Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, won''t change anything.


    They''ll just duck and duck, or they''ll just add more bodies.


    "Yes, sir.


    That''s okay.


    So, will you do as you please what do you want with the body?


    Yeah.


    Even though it was wintertime, I couldn''t just dump him in front of the castle.


    If someone was willing to bury him, I would, but I don''t think that will happen.


    ''We''ll take it to the cemetery north of the city.


    Give me a hand and a shovel, and I''ll bury you.


    That''s not our job.


    We''re a supply corps.


    We''ll transport the wounded and corpses if we''re ordered to, but we''re not funeral directors.


    ''Most likely, you can''t dig a grave for thousands of people very quickly.


    Well, it''s going to take some time.


    To begin with, we don''t have any shovels.


    There are so many of them.


    It''s a supply run.


    Peter let out a small sigh.


    ''It''s something that should be delivered to the Imperial camp, not something we can use.


    Is this what you need?


    My man made a gesture of slitting his throat with his thumb.


    I don''t know that much.


    I guess I''m just going to the Brig.


    Do you want to try it?


    No.


    I don''t like it either.


    The subordinate said as if he was miffed, and Peter replied as well.


    ''In the first place, I don''t know how even those supplies came together.


    "Captain.


    What?


    It''s not our job to think about it.


    You''re right.


    Peter chuckled at his subordinate''s words.


    We''ll get the job done.


    That''s all you need to think about.


    Let''s move the bodies to the cemetery.


    Ha!


    At Peter''s words, his men straightened up.


    *


    Peter and the others dropped the bodies off at the cemetery and left the Imperial City with a load of supplies.


    The eyes of the residents were just as bad as yesterday''s.


    But I felt better than yesterday.


    I am doing my job.


    That realization made him feel better.


    That''s right.


    I am, we are doing our job.


    We are working, just like farmers, craftsmen and merchants.


    Why?


    Because if we don''t, we can''t make a living.


    Sometimes we have to do jobs we don''t want to do in order to make a living.


    Sometimes you have to bow down even if you think it''s unreasonable.


    That''s what work is all about.


    At least that''s what Peter understood.


    I''m sorry. I''m sorry, but it''s my job too.


    He could have just thought of it that way, but he took a detour.


    Peter got on his horse and rode west along the city road.


    It''s like riding a horse for the first time.


    His vision is high - or he feels like he can see things better.


    It only feels that way.


    If you are ambushed - you can call yourself "I feel like I can see things clearly".


    As I was going on with that thought, my subordinate called out to me.


    ''''Captain, do you think the rebels will attack?''''


    He''ll attack us.


    It''s not easy being the only one with a shovel and tools.


    They''re just doing their job.


    Peter stroked his chin.


    ''The advance party, you''re not coming back.


    Yeah.


    He lowers the tone of his voice and phases in.


    He has a few cavalrymen ahead of him, but at this rate, he may have been hit.


    ''When we were attacked--''


    Yes, like we said.


    That''s okay.


    As planned, we will only be transporting supplies first.


    The soldier in the rear will serve as a lord--.


    But are you sure about that?


    What?


    I was wondering if it was okay to surrender.


    That''s up to you to decide.


    However, it''s up to them to take you as a prisoner of war.


    They could be severely tortured after they''re captured.


    I hope they don''t punish you.


    ''Tell them you put a load on the enemy''s logistics at the time.


    Does it pass?


    It''s going to come to pass, I think.


    Be optimistic.


    Quiet.


    Peter raised his hand, interrupting his subordinate''s words.


    There is a black shadow far ahead.


    It''s--.


    ''Proceed!


    Peter shouted and rode his horse.


    A few of his men followed him.


    After a few moments, he realized what the shadow was.


    I should say so.


    It was his men who were lying on the street.


    However, there was only one of them.


    The other members were gone.


    Furthermore, there was a stone lying on the roadway.


    Just like last time, it was covered with stones for dozens of meters.


    Peter jumped off his horse a few meters before the stones.


    He then picked up the wooden board he had tied to the saddle.


    He presses it to the ground and continues forward.


    Once every few years, the Imperial City is covered in snow.


    In short, it''s a snow removal flurry.


    Stones are played off the planks, creating just enough space for wheels to pass through.


    I look next to him and see that his men are popping the stones as well.


    Having cleared enough space for the wagon to pass, Peter turned around.


    ''d*mn!''


    I spit out a small amount.


    Smoke was rising in the rear of the supply party.


    But we can''t go to help.


    Last time it had burned down forty percent of their provisions.


    ''Move on!��Move it!��Move on!


    Just as Peter shouted, a wagon passed in front of him at breakneck speed.


    It was so fast that it threatened to drop its load.


    If he hadn''t tied it up, he would have dropped his load.


    Now what do we do?��And Kane watches the battle.


    The archers and horsemen shoot arrows and the enemy soldiers return fire.


    However, the arrows of the enemy soldiers are not reaching us.


    There is a difference in the performance of the weapons, but the fact that the view is blocked by smoke is also significant.


    If the enemy soldiers fired their arrows at an angle, they might reach us.


    We won''t lose even if we continue to fight this way but--''''


    ''''Alright!��We''re retreating!


    Do you think you can win this fight if you keep fighting?


    One of the archers'' horsemen utters such a question as he shoots an arrow.


    I''d like you to follow him silently, but there''s still room for you.


    It''s a commander''s job to train his men.


    "They''re Lord, and the main army is long gone.


    Yeah, sure.


    The archer cavalry nodded.


    Even Kane could sense that the main enemy force was retreating.


    There was no way the elves, who had excellent eyesight and hearing, could not fail to notice.


    ''''We may be able to take them prisoner.


    Prisoner of war.


    Kane scratched his head.


    He''d thought about it before, but--''


    "It''s a pain in the ass to have them in custody. It''s a long way to base camp, so it''s a pain in the ass to bring them in. It''s also a pain in the ass to monitor and care for them.


    I see.


    The archer cavalryman gave a look that said he''d come to a point.


    ''''To begin with, they''re common soldiers. I don''t have much information on them.


    That too, I suppose.


    Are you convinced?


    Yes, I did.


    Okay, then, we''re out of here.


    Kane turned his horse''s head around and continued east on the city road.


    But, he added in his mind.


    The enemy supply party was able to escape with minimal casualties.


    No doubt they had learned from their last mistake.


    It''s tricky to let them grow on us.


    I''m going to have to make do with a variety of tactics myself--


    But we can''t afford to get our heads around them.


    Kane muttered to himself.


    *


    Evening.


    Hey, how''s it going?


    It''s what you see.


    When Roy called out to him, Richard cowered lightly.


    Around him, ordinary soldiers were digging into the ground.


    It was about chest to waist deep, but wide enough that no human, elf or dwarf could jump over it.


    It is about four hundred meters long.


    Considering the area of the field position, the progress is by no means good.


    Nevertheless, Roy did not intend to blame Richard and the others.


    They were able to dig this far without shovels and pickaxes.


    In fact, they should be commended.


    ''They''re not attacking us, are they?


    That''s because the insurgents fight on the defensive.


    Richard muttered and Roy returned it lightly.


    The rebel army relies on field positions to fight.


    No, they can only fight in a way that relies on the field position.


    It''s a painful way to take advantage of their limited hand.


    However, the same is true for the Empire, which has its own limitations.


    While dealing with the rebels, they also have to be wary of the southern frontier.


    In addition, the upper echelons of the government have slowed down logistics and there is no prospect of improving the situation.


    The situation must be cleared up in as short a time as possible.


    The rebel army that must be attacked is defending and the imperial army that must be defended is attacking.


    The world is full of cynicism, after all.


    You can''t help but feel that you are part of it.


    "Isn''t that a good thing?


    ''But I''m worried. I feel eyes on me at night, and I look around and see them staring at me from the nearby woods.


    That''s just plain harassment.


    It''s simple, but effective.


    Richard said disgustedly.


    It''s probably even easier to notice since he''s playing the role of a supervisor.


    Even so, it''s quite a feat to put a load on our minds without fighting.


    ''''We''re under a night attack, you know. I feel like I''m being told I can kill you at any time.''''


    What makes you think they won''t attack us?


    I don''t know. Maybe he''s just trying to make us think he won''t try it.


    Are you really that careless?


    I guess so.


    You think?


    I read about it in a war story or something.


    Richard said something like that when Roy parroted the question.


    ''Ha~ You''ve been a serious student, haven''t you?


    I''ve been a serious student, though.


    Richard said with a sigh.


    ''Does that mean they know about it?


    ''I don''t know. It''s such a minor book that I can''t even remember the title...


    But it''s a book.


    Yeah.


    Richard nodded as he finally got the point across.


    The fact that it was in a book meant that anyone could learn it.


    In the extreme, sub-humans would be able to do the same thing if they could read the letters.


    Maybe it''s more troublesome than I thought.


    As I thought about this, I heard the horse''s whine.


    I looked in the direction where I heard the horse''s cries and saw a supply team.


    As Roy headed down the supply party, Richard followed somewhat behind.


    It was Peter who was leading the horses forward.


    ''Oh, good job,''


    Thanks for your help. I''ve got some supplies for you.


    Peter dismounted and saluted Roy.


    Oh, and his eyes widened lightly.


    Because he had a confident demeanor, as if he was a different person.


    It seemed to glow from his body.


    ''Where are the rebels?''


    We were attacked. Casualties were minimal. No material was burned.


    Yeah, good work.


    No, it''s just business.


    After a short pause, Peter replied.


    ''It''s after we drop off our supplies, can you transport the bodies to the Imperial City?''


    "If you give the order,


    "-Oh!


    There was a gasp from behind him, and Roy raised his hand to control it.


    If he hadn''t done so, Richard would have eaten Peter.


    But Peter''s words were reasonable.


    Roy is not his immediate superior.


    To give him an order, you have to have a procedure.


    Orders. Of course, I''ll put them in writing so I can''t be accused of them later.


    Yes, sir.


    ...you''ve changed.


    Peter chuckled at Roy''s words.


    ''I''ve finally come to the realization,''


    What?


    It''s who I am.


    I see.


    Roy nodded quietly.


    I wanted to ask him if he realized what he was, but I stopped myself.


    I don''t know if he would answer me if I asked, and I don''t think I''d get the answer I wanted.


    I can''t tell him off.


    I don''t live such a fine life.

 153-Episode 17 "Final Battle" Part 10

    *


    Morning--Roy was awakened by the noise around him.


    The officer''s tent is made of cloth thicker than that of a soldier, but no matter how thick it is, cloth is cloth.


    It can''t block out sound.


    ''''........What''s going on?''''


    I sit up and shake my head lightly.


    I feel a little sleepy.


    Well, it was most likely an assumption.


    It was then that Richard''s voice rang out.


    ''Lord Roy!''


    Get in!


    Ha!


    Roy shouted, and Richard came in.


    He must have come running.


    His cheeks are flushed.


    ''Early in the morning--''


    No need to apologize.


    Roy interrupted Richard''s words and got off the bed.


    ''What''s going on?''


    I asked as I put on my jacket, and Richard opened his mouth in fear.


    ''''It''s ... murder,''''


    What?


    Roy couldn''t help but ask back.


    There are more than twenty-two thousand soldiers in the camp right now.


    If there are this many soldiers, there will certainly be people who will be at odds with each other.


    There is a possibility that a fight could escalate into a knife fight.


    But when that happens, the signs are there.


    What''s more, if it gets to a blade wound, the soldiers around you will be in an uproar.


    It was hard to believe that there would be a murder in the absence of those things.


    "There''s been a murder, sir.


    Okay.


    Richard reiterated, and Roy grabbed his beloved spear.


    ''You left the scene intact, didn''t you?''


    Of course.


    Show me around.


    ''Ha!��Over here!


    Richard turned on his heel and walked off, and Roy followed, carrying his spear.


    It was somewhat dim outside the tent.


    A glimpse of the sky.


    No clouds.


    Apparently, it was still early in the evening.


    A few moments later, I could see the crowd.


    ''In a place like this?''


    Yes, I do.


    Roy looked around.


    It was close to the center of the encampment.


    Honestly, I don''t believe it when people say that a murder has taken place in a place like this.


    Further on, a wall of people cracked open.


    Richard entered the tent, followed by Roy.


    There was the smell of blood in the tent.


    Two triple-decker beds were lined up.


    Roy looked at the man lying on the lower bunk.


    He looked like he was asleep on his back.


    ''Is that him?''


    Yes,


    Roy quietly rolled up the covers and scowled.


    The inside of the comforter was stained with blood.


    There was a small wound in his armpit.


    Perhaps this is the fatal wound.


    ''''Well that''s a stab at the kryptonite.


    Looks like it.


    I don''t know that much about it, but this is an assassin''s (professional) job.


    Ordinary soldiers can''t do this.


    But...


    "Does this man have any position in the field?


    No, nothing...


    That''s funny.


    Roy stroked his chin.


    Even though he was this skilled, he still killed a civilian soldier.


    If you''re going to kill him, you should aim for a soldier in his position.


    His skills are top-notch, but his judgment is lousy.


    But it''s a tricky one.


    What will happen if people find out that the assassin is hiding in the background?


    If the soldiers are distrustful of him, but if they start looking for the culprit, they''ll be blinded.


    "What did you report seeing a suspicious person?


    No.


    Richard gave a small shake of his head.


    ''It''s going to be tricky.''


    Yes.


    Roy muttered, and Richard grunted.


    ''Do you think it was Crono?''


    I don''t know, but I think it''s very likely.


    I see.


    Since they were fighting, it was most likely Crono''s doing.


    ''''Roy-dono is ... no, my apologies,''''


    I don''t think I''m the Chronosphere.


    Why?


    A hunch.


    "You have a hunch.


    Richard said with a look of confusion on his face.


    ''''I can''t believe that a guy who''s been doing all kinds of crappy operations in the past can suddenly be assassinated.


    It''s definitely not the same.


    Right?


    Then who did what?


    So that''s the thing.


    Roy''s instinct is to accuse Crono of not being a Crono, but it''s also true that he can''t think of anyone else who''s not good at it.


    It''s still more fitting to think that Crono has changed his policy.


    He scratches his head wildly.


    ''I can''t help but think about it.


    Does that mean you won''t do anything?


    No, it''s not.


    When Roy denied it, Richard let out a breath of relief.


    ''You know what they say about resting on a fool''s idea?


    ''''Well isn''t that a bad idea if you ask me?''''


    Was it?


    Yes,


    When Roy asked back, Richard gave him a wry look.


    It wasn''t the result he had intended, but it made him feel a little better.


    ''Anyway, what''s the point of trying to figure out who the killer is?


    It''s certainly not...


    Richard gave a small nod.


    ''But what should I do?''


    We''re gonna need more patrols. I''d ask around if I could, but...


    You''re asking a lot of questions?


    Richard raised his eyebrows in difficulty.


    ''Can''t you?''


    If you''re willing to let me choose the person in charge of the patrol, I can do it.


    All right.


    Are you sure?


    Richard''s eyes widened in surprise.


    Roy had intended to let him pick the people from the beginning, but it had come as a surprise to him.


    ''That was the plan from the beginning, you know.


    Thank you.


    Richard hung his head deeply.


    ''Make sure the reports come to me. Also, no roughing it out by asking around.


    Yeah, I understand.


    Speaking of which, how''s the body?


    It''s already on the wagon.


    This early?


    We can''t afford to burden the supply corps with that.


    Richard chuckled.


    ''Sure, if we''re late getting home, we''ll have problems resupplying.


    That''s right.


    You take care of this one.


    Yes, I''ll take care of it.


    Richard nodded and silence descended.


    Roy gently pulled the covers over his victim.


    Suddenly, a thought rises up.


    I don''t know when we''ll be alone in the future.


    ''Hey, Richard........''


    Excuse me?


    Why don''t you come work for me?


    Well I was already supposed to be your man?


    After a long silence, Richard replied.


    ''No, that''s not what I meant.


    Roy stood up, scratching his head, and turned to Richard.


    ''I meant, why don''t you become a member of the Kingsguard?


    Are you crazy?


    You''re not in your right mind, are you?


    Oh, no, I''m sorry.


    Richard looked away awkwardly.


    ''So, what do you think?''


    Why me?��There are many soldiers younger and more talented than I am.


    I''ve never seen a better guy in my life.


    Roy chuckled.


    Actually, Richard is usable.


    He''s good at using people and setting things up quickly.


    He might have been smoked in his former battalion.


    But if it were me, I could use it well.


    No, I may not be able to use it well, but I can appreciate it more than when I was in the original battalion.


    I think I''m that good.


    "Well?


    ''I appreciate your kind words, but...''


    Richard''s face contorted in pain.


    The look on his face convinced me that his decision to quit the military was wavering.


    Originally, he was going to quit the military because he had no prospects for advancement.


    If there was any chance of advancement, he would want to stay.


    But he couldn''t break his promise to his fianc��e.


    That''s why he twisted his face in a painful manner.


    ''I understand your situation. When this fight is over, will you talk to your fianc��, please?


    Oh, if you say so.


    Richard let out a breath of relief.


    ''But in order for that to happen we''ll have to survive this battle.


    Yeah, I know.


    Roy tapped Richard lightly on the shoulder and stepped out of the tent.


    ''I''m going to report the murder to Arjena now and--''


    ''Yeah, I should''ve talked to her about the operation, too.


    He scratched his head raggedly.


    Later, Roy reported the murder to Algena and returned to his tent.


    *


    When Roy woke up and took Richard into the conference tent, Arjena was standing by the desk, staring at the map.


    And she was fully armed.


    Despite being dressed for battle, her appearance is graceful.


    After all, Argena must be an aristocrat.


    It''s different from someone like myself who inherited the title by coincidence.


    There is an unbridgeable difference between those who were born and raised as nobles and those who were not.


    I hadn''t thought anything of it before, but now I feel a little sad.


    I don''t understand what Argena is thinking or trying to do.


    With that in mind, I move to face Arjena.


    She glares at me with a glare.


    ''''Didn''t I tell you that I would leave it to you?


    What''s the point of having a commander who doesn''t know the general plan of action?


    Roy muttered in a disgusted mood.


    The sentimental mood he was in earlier has gone away.


    Why did I feel like that?


    Not even a minute has passed, but I can''t help but wonder.


    Nevertheless, work is work.


    The approval of the commander is necessary to maintain the chain of command.


    "...Richard.


    Ha!


    Richard stepped out and saluted Arjena.


    I feel like I''m falling apart compared to that to Roy.


    It''s only a feeling, that''s all.


    I don''t reprimand him enough, and I don''t blame Algena for that.


    Besides, Richard is a smart man.


    I didn''t want to think he would blatantly disrespect Arjena like that.


    ''Explain your plan of action,''


    Ha!


    Richard walked over to the desk and opened his eyes lightly.


    When he looked to see what was going on, he saw that the map had been redrawn.


    Of course, that didn''t help.


    Arjena wasn''t just a man who sat around rambling, and that was all that mattered.


    ''Explain.''


    Ha!


    At Algena''s prompting, Richard replied briefly.


    Gently, he stretched his finger on the map.


    ''''........As you can see from the earlier battle, the center of the enemy field position is extremely thick.


    Richard traced a line marking the enemy field position with his finger.


    The center of the enemy field position is located in the back and is shaped like a crane wing.


    The center of the field position is hellish, although it looks easy to attack.


    If you attack without thinking, you will be attacked not only from the front, but also from the left and right.


    If only I had noticed it when I first saw it, Roy frowned.


    It was possible to feel uncomfortable.


    And yet he trusted the map, not his senses.


    And that too with a map that could have been made by anyone.


    It was an unbelievable blunder.


    I want to punch myself in the face for being so careless.


    The same - or at least similar - mood, Arjena is also frowning.


    ''''Attacking the enemy''s right wing, or left wing, right?''''


    Ha, that''s right.


    Richard pointed to both ends of the enemy field position.


    ''Both wings of the enemy field position appear to be very well defended, with infantry in front and more archers behind them.


    Isn''t that right?��Actually....


    Arjena walked over to the desk and pointed to the right wing of the enemy field position.


    ''I don''t think it makes any difference if it''s the right wing or the left, but it''s probably a matter of mood.


    ''There are obstacles before we reach the place where the enemy soldiers are positioned. There is a distance between them and we can avoid them, but that won''t allow us to fully utilize our troops.


    Yes, yes, that''s right.


    Richard affirmed Arjena''s words in an overwrought voice.


    Perhaps he thought Arjena was an idiot.


    She may be inflexible, but she''s not stupid.


    ''Show me the right place from the start, I don''t know,'' he said.


    ''Both wings of the enemy field position are robust.


    That''s true, but it''s also a weakness.


    ''I suppose that means the rebels can''t make use of their forces here.


    Ha, that''s right.


    Richard said with a somewhat excited look on his face.


    ''So what do we do now?''


    We''ll destroy this obstacle first.


    Richard said, pointing to a point on the map.


    It was an obstacle on the right wing of the enemy field position.


    ''Only on the right wing?''


    No!


    Richard answered Arjena''s question in a louder voice.


    Not loud, but louder than he usually sounded.


    Thinking he had failed, Richard covered his mouth with his hand.


    ''No matter. Go on.''


    We''re going to destroy the obstacles on both wings.


    ''Hmm,'' said Algena, stroking her chin.


    ''You mean to confuse the rebels as to which way to attack from?


    Yes, that''s right.


    Richard nodded vigorously.


    ''How do we destroy it?��Our current army has no way to destroy the obstacles.


    Argena said with a sigh.


    I should have saved at least one magic item.


    She could feel that kind of feeling.


    But there''s no way to start saying that now.


    If you can''t fight because you don''t have this or that, then you shouldn''t fight from the beginning.


    Well, they don''t have the authority to decide whether or not to fight.


    But still.


    A knight - a fighter is not always ready to fight.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be a good fit, but I''m not.


    If you don''t have it, you''ll have to devise it in your own way.


    If there is a way to destroy it, there is.


    So how do we destroy it?


    We build a wall around the obstacle and then we destroy it.


    The Wall.


    Arjena''s mouth was full with her hand and she turned her gaze away from the map.


    ''Wasn''t the surrounding forest occupied by rebels?��Plus, there''s the matter of materials.


    No, a wall is anything that can prevent an attack.


    Such as?


    Barrels, for example. If you fill a barrel with dirt, it makes an impromptu wall.


    I see.


    Arjena gave a small nod and stared at the map.


    A silence descended.


    A not-so-comfortable silence, as if the air had gained weight.


    How long did such a time last?


    Suddenly, Arjena opened her mouth.


    ''Not a bad idea.''


    Thank you.


    Richard hung his head deeply.


    ''By the way, how are you going to survive the attack until you build the wall?''


    ''We will set up our shields. Of course, if anyone is injured, we will help them at once.


    Richard looked at Algena and said.


    ''All right. I''ll allow it.''


    Thank you.


    But....


    Algena muttered and Richard, who was about to lower his head, stopped moving.


    ''Yes, sir?''


    What about the obstacles in front of the infantry?


    Arjena pointed to a point on the map.


    It would not be impossible to destroy the two points Richard had indicated.


    They were far enough away from the enemy field positions that the attack shouldn''t be too heavy.


    But the obstacle in front of the infantry was different.


    To neutralize it would require a great deal of sacrifice.


    ''I''ll take it from here,'' Roy opened his mouth.


    ''Oh come on, what do you think we''re going to destroy the obstacle for?


    But we can''t use our forces if we leave this obstacle behind. This place is....


    Arjena pointed to a corner of the map.


    ''It''s not on the map,'' she said, ''but it''s not on the map.


    ''This is a forest. There''s a good chance the rebels are hiding here.


    We''re going to crash a squadron of elite troops into the place and create a diversion. We''ll throw a blanket over it.


    It''s a suicide mission. You''re gonna get hit from two directions. First of all, who--


    Me and my guys, of course.


    When Roy interrupted him, Argena glared at him.


    ''You''re going to die?''


    We''re better off than these mercenaries.


    Roy lightly cowered his shoulders.


    The mercenaries - the vagrants were under siege, but they only had to watch out for an attack from two directions themselves.


    It doesn''t seem like such a bad bet.


    ''No. Not allowed.


    So what do we do now?


    If we don''t have to do it, that''s a good thing.


    But if you don''t do it, you won''t win the rebels.


    Even if the odds of death are high.


    What if we but a nobleman doesn''t take the lead?


    Roy looked at Algena.


    Ten thousand vagrants died for nothing.


    There was no way he could ask a common soldier to risk his life in this situation.


    Maybe they will follow me today without telling me.


    Maybe they will follow us tomorrow.


    But what about the day after tomorrow?


    What about the day after tomorrow?


    It is at times like this that the common people will not follow unless the nobles risk their lives.


    It is at times like this that the commoners will not follow unless the nobles risk their lives.


    Life has a priority.


    Oh, come on, man. Give me a break.


    Roy said, feeling disgusted.


    The conversation had been going so well up to this point--''


    ''Don''t get me wrong. I''m not going to disapprove of your methods.''


    What are you going to do?


    I''ll go.


    What?


    Roy couldn''t help but ask back.


    Arjena is the commander.


    The commander takes the lead and rushes into the enemy field position.


    It was insane.


    ''I said I''d go.


    Hey, hey, wait a minute. You''re the commander.


    Yes.


    Are you going to die?


    "You''ll take over command after I''m gone.


    Are you serious?


    Of course.


    Arjena replied shortly.


    Apparently, she was determined.


    At a time like this, a nobleman would have laughed and sent off his friend.


    But unfortunately, Roy is not that much of a nobleman.


    ''''Well Richard, could you excuse yourself for a moment?


    Ha!


    Richard saluted and walked out of the conference tent.


    ''''Well what do you have in mind?''''


    "Of course, the Empire must win.


    What I''m saying is, what''s a commander supposed to do when he rushes in?


    Huh, Argena laughed.


    Why are you smiling?


    I am no longer the commander of this army.


    That''s impossible.


    ''Are you serious?��That I''m recognized as a commander...


    Arjena turned her gaze to us.


    It was a quiet, determined look.


    I couldn''t tell a lie to my friend who was staring at me with such eyes.


    But I couldn''t tell him that he wasn''t recognized as a commander.


    He knows that he is the one who knows it.


    So how could he say the truth?


    So Roy gently averted his gaze.


    ''''Well........''''


    Argena said as she let out a sigh.


    ''I''m relieved. With you, I can move the army.''


    ....


    Roy couldn''t say anything.


    There was no reversing Arjena''s resolve.


    ''How can you go that far?''


    Because that''s what a nobleman does.


    Roy asked, and Algena said it as if it was self-evident.


    ''''Are you sure about that?''''


    What did you say?


    Are you sure about that?


    Roy asked again.


    I think it''s a stupid thing to do.


    Arjena is trying to be a martyr to his beliefs.


    Let him do so.


    Let her die comfortably.


    In spite of that thought, Roy was still spinning his words.


    As far as I''m concerned, the aristocrats I''ve seen are not good as far as I''m concerned. Compared to them, the vagabonds the Director of Finance Bowties brought in are still better.


    Roy was wound up.


    As far as his mother, who flew around social gatherings and replaced men, and the man who claimed to be his father, who took Roy in as a bastard for whatever reason, were no better.


    My peers at the military school were similar.


    You talk about pride and what it is, but you don''t want to make any sacrifices.


    Isn''t pride a disadvantage that you impose on yourself?


    Isn''t a nobleman the one who is willing to take on the burden of his own suffering?


    At least that''s what Roy thinks.


    ''Oh, shit that''s why you''re a nobleman.


    ''I don''t know what you''re talking about, but I hope you''re convinced.


    I''m coming with you.


    What are you talking about?


    Arjena''s eyes widened in surprise, as if she was really surprised.


    ''''You are the one who is going to be able to manage with only a thousand people?''''


    I have an elite group of men.


    But the more men we have to distract the rebels, the better.


    Tsk.


    Arjena clicked her tongue in displeasure.


    ''You''ve just hit a sore spot,'' he said.


    ''''If you die, who will unite the army?


    It''s gonna work out. It''s gonna work out.


    It''s not going to happen.


    Argena frowned and suddenly softened her expression.


    ''''Well it can''t be helped. They''re going to follow us anyway, even if we stop them, right?


    Yeah, I''m worried about you.


    ....


    Algena shushed him.


    An awkward silence descended.


    I was about to ask her for a response when Arjena spoke up.


    ''Okay,''


    That''s the way it should be.


    But on one condition.


    What''s the deal?


    You come after me.


    Later?


    That''s right.


    Arjena pointed to the map.


    ''It''s hard to say if we can destroy the obstacles and still have enough room for them.


    I guess you''ll be the first to go after them.


    I cannot give you this honor.


    What honor. You rushed to your death.


    Roy spat.


    ''I''m not going to rush to death. I''m taking the lead because I see it as my role.


    Oh, yeah?


    Roy turned away.


    Argena had a sunny look on her face.


    Suddenly it occurred to him that this guy was looking for a place to die.


    That was ridiculous.


    Arjena is a straightforward nobleman.


    She''s not like me, who only inherited the title by a series of coincidences.


    ''What''s your answer?''


    Okay.


    Roy cowered lightly.


    If Argena is concerned about her role, it can''t be helped.


    It would be a friend to admit it.


    ''Yeah, but I''m in trouble.''


    What?


    I told Richard I wanted him to come work for me.


    You''re a man.


    Argena let out a deep sigh.


    ''Well, I''ll do my best to survive.


    ''Don''t be irresponsible. Write a letter to Lord Leonhardt or to Count Ernat.


    We''ll have to do it.


    You do that. Now, you''re up.


    You got it. I''ll see you through to the end.


    Not that way.


    Arjena chuckled and shook her head.


    ''Yeah, the whole obstacle destruction thing. I''m going to throw the whole thing to Richard...''


    Yeah. I''ll be fine.


    I''m on it.


    Roy returned it briefly and stepped out of the conference tent.

 154-Episode 17 "Final Battle" Part 11

    *


    Under the clear blue winter sky, the voices of the ordinary soldiers rang out.


    ''Alright!��Empty barrels over here!


    There''s not enough soil!


    Shield!��Shield troops, gather quickly!


    Stretcher!��Get the gurney ready!


    An ordinary soldier with a cart full of materials and a shield passes in front of Roy.


    They are now going to destroy the obstacles, risking their lives.


    This may be the reason why the ordinary soldiers are so eager to kill.


    But even so, they don''t get into fights, because they know their roles.


    It''s reliable.


    I honestly think so.


    They can build walls and destroy obstacles.


    That''s how I feel about it.


    It''s bad, Roy shook his head.


    If you''re a soldier, if you''re just a knight, optimism isn''t a bad thing.


    If you think pessimistically about things on the battlefield where your life depends on it, you''ll get sick to your heart.


    Optimistic thinking is necessary.


    Unfortunately, commanders are different.


    You can''t think optimistically.


    No wonder.


    If you fail to think optimistically, you can''t see it coming.


    The commander''s incompetence will be paid for by the lives of his generals.


    Roy cleared his throat.


    Arjena was formally in charge, but Roy was the one in charge practically.


    It is out of character to think that you have a lot of lives in your hands.


    I chuckle at the thought of being out of character.


    I''ve always been like this.


    I''ve been an outrageous successor to my family, an outrageous leader of the Kingsguard.


    It''s an excuse.


    If you really thought it was out of character, you shouldn''t have accepted it.


    Now that you''ve accepted it, you should accept it.


    You should be satisfied with it.


    As I was thinking about this, Richard stood next to me.


    ''It''s finally happening.''


    Yeah, I know.


    I tried to phase in, but I don''t know what''s ''finally''.


    Does it mean that the Empire is going to strike back?


    Does that mean we''ve had our turn?


    Common sense tells me it''s the former.


    Richard is a military school graduate.


    There''s no way he would say something like that to lower morale.


    ''''........Roy-dono?''''


    Sorry. Looks like I was a little nervous.


    Richard said as if he was confused and Roy apologized.


    ''Even Mister Roy ... no, I beg your pardon.


    I''m nervous about things, too, you know?


    I understand that.


    Really?


    I ask.


    If he had just said ''I understand'', I would have let it slide.


    But there was a hint of conviction in Richard''s expression.


    The image and reality are in line with each other.


    Such an atmosphere.


    I wonder how on earth he feels about himself.


    Did such feelings come through?


    Richard opened his mouth quietly.


    ''Lord Roy was ... more decent than I thought he would be.


    I''ll take that as a compliment.


    Roy scratched his head.


    It would be a favorable opinion, considering what he had done so far.


    So much so that he has behaved far from the ideal soldier - a nobleman.


    I suddenly wondered what Richard thought of Algena.


    Maybe I shouldn''t ask--.


    ''''Well what do you think of Arjena?''''


    Is this the Lord Commander?


    Richard looked as if he was confused.


    ''Yes,''


    You don''t have to say it if you don''t want to. I''m just curious.


    No, let me tell you something.


    Richard said with increased verbal intensity.


    ''I honestly thought the Lord Commander of the Legion was not going to talk to you.


    That''s harsh.


    I said I was honest.


    Richard raised his eyebrows in annoyance.


    No, he must actually be in trouble.


    ''Go on,''


    The War Department Chief''s orders were very clear.


    That''s for sure.


    Roy frowned as he remembered the instructions entrusted to him by the Director of Military Affairs Ralph Libra.


    It would be a waste of time to follow those instructions.


    ''''The Lord Commander is, well, too inflexible, isn''t he?


    Well, yeah.


    I don''t know why I tried to follow those d*mn instructions.


    ''It''s just that the Lord Commander of the Legion that I told you about earlier was decent.


    ''I wasn''t bad at military school, you know. But I''ve always had a bit of flexibility. Well, it wasn''t as bad as this, but...


    I understand that. Yeah, I know what it''s like to be in a military school--


    I know that guy.


    Excuse me.


    Awkwardly, Richard cleared his throat.


    ''Well, there was one time you snapped during an exercise.


    Are you gonna be pissed?


    I mean, I don''t throw them away. I can get mad and run into them.


    ''I suppose that''s a problem, but...''


    Yeah.


    Roy looked up at the sky and thought back to the exercises of his military school days.


    Argena was weak against enemies who played tricks on her.


    No, it wasn''t that he was weak.


    If you only look at the results, she was undefeated.


    When your opponent comes up with one scheme after another, you can deal with them to a certain extent.


    But when you can''t respond, you become agitated and rush in.


    The first time I saw it, I was surprised, but eventually I got used to it.


    ''''Maybe the problem was that I was able to win with that one, huh?


    Roy muttered sincerely.


    If he didn''t have the talent as a warrior, he might have changed his mind if he had been coated in a single defeat.


    No, that''s exactly what it is now.


    ''''The Legionnaire Lord I spoke to earlier didn''t look like that, but...''''


    You should have listened to me on a regular basis.


    I''m sorry to hear about your troubles.


    Well, I''ve got a reputation to uphold.


    Roy cowered lightly.


    ''This one often makes the cause, but Algena will hit you, so it''s written off.


    ''Looks like you''re ready to go.


    Roy looked around.


    Countless barrels were lined up and piles of dirt were forming.


    The shield corps is ready to defend against the rebel attack.


    And, of course, the stretchers are ready.


    ''Do you want to be here?''


    Yeah, they''re...


    Richard stared at the other side - the obstacle on the enemy''s right wing.


    There are materials to build the wall there too, and soldiers to build it.


    They''re all yours.


    Did you go to military school together?


    ''No, I''ve never met him here before. I think you''re a trustworthy man.


    How do you know I''ve never met you before?


    We talked about it to establish a chain of command, or rather, a network of contacts.


    Richard chuckled.


    Apparently, the ordinary soldiers were working without his knowledge.


    ''''There are some good people out there that I just didn''t realize exist, aren''t there?


    I hope so.


    Richard said in a sincere tone.


    It doesn''t mean that it''s good if the soldiers who command on the enemy''s right wing are good.


    It probably means that it''s good if you''re good.


    I think he''s being too modest, but I think he has a low self-esteem because he''s been eating cold turkey.


    I can judge what needs to be done and move on.


    I''m perfect as a general soldier and an officer.


    I give broad orders and let my men do the work.


    I think that would be ideal, but apparently there are many people out there who don''t see it that way.


    I think it''s silly, but I also understand how those people feel.


    They are afraid of being ostracized.


    They don''t want to lose what they have.


    They try hard not to get pushed down.


    That''s the right way, but it''s also the hard way.


    No matter how hard you try, you won''t always be rewarded.


    It''s more efficient to drag your best subordinates down.


    Your efforts may be in vain, but your efforts to drag your subordinates down will not be in vain.


    That''s what I mean.


    Richard timidly opened his mouth.


    ''Good--ah!


    What?


    A rebel attack, Roy looked around.


    But there was no sign of the rebels around.


    ''I''m sorry,''


    Richard said in a moaning sound.


    He''s embarrassed, and even his ears are red.


    ''I thought my life was about to be cut short,''


    I''m sorry. I''m fine now.


    No, I''m not okay with it.


    I''m sorry.


    Roy said, pretending to wipe the sweat off his face, and Richard still grunted as he said it.


    ''Is something bothering you?''


    No, that''s not what I''m saying...


    Richard is slurring his words.


    He says it''s not a problem, so maybe we should proceed as if nothing happened.


    But there''s also the matter of misjudging the structure of the enemy field position.


    If we had investigated the nature of the discrepancy back then, we wouldn''t have let the mercenaries die in vain.


    We can''t afford to repeat our mistakes.


    ''''If there''s anything on your mind, please tell me.


    ''Oh, yes, actually I remember someone who looks a lot like the Legionnaire.


    What kind of person does that?


    The world is wide open for someone like Algena.


    No, is it too small?


    ''Well, the character........''


    The character alone is amazing.


    Maybe I should have chided him for not talking about something that was irrelevant, but curiosity won out over that.


    ''So what kind of guy is he?''


    "He was emotionally unstable. He would try to do things he couldn''t do and often failed... and then he''d lose his temper and get depressed.


    It doesn''t look like much.


    If Arjena had been emotionally unstable, they wouldn''t have been friends.


    They might have had a duel.


    ''I suppose, if you ask me,''


    Do you have any background information?


    You were from the old nobility and didn''t get along with the new nobility.


    That''s a little late for that.


    For a long time - when Roy could remember, the new and old nobles were not on good terms with each other.


    It''s only too late to point that out.


    ''''You have feelings for the new nobility too, don''t you?''''


    Well, yeah, I''ve got it. My father I''m sorry.


    I don''t mind.


    My dad used to complain a lot about the civil war. Until I went to military school, I thought they were a bunch of cowards.


    Richard gave a bitter smile.


    The fact that he thought the new nobleman was a cowardly guy must be a memory of shame.


    It may be a memory he would like to forget, but it''s important for him to know shame.


    ''''What about now?''''


    I feel so stupid. And what about you, Mister Roy?


    I didn''t have it in me.


    Roy cowered lightly.


    Richard is a good guy, but there are some things he can''t talk about in the bare bones.


    If he survives this war, he''ll get a chance to talk about it.


    ''''It''s a matter of karma.


    Yes.


    I meant to talk to myself, but Richard nodded in a sincere tone.


    Causation - indeed, it''s true.


    We are trapped in the causality of our father''s or grandfather''s time.


    If you escape from it, there is another kind of suffering.


    People are made to suffer.


    I can''t help but think that we are made to suffer.


    Well, that''s the end of small talk.


    Yeah, it''s time to get to work.


    Richard smiled and straightened up.


    ''Shield Squad!��Forward!


    Oh!


    The shield squad steps out in response to Richard''s orders.


    It''s a seamless movement.


    ''Shield Squad!��Move on!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    The shield formation begins to move in one mass.


    It is called a tortoise shell formation, with shields pointed at the front, to the side and upwards.


    While it has excellent defense, it is not as mobile as it should be.


    It really looks like a turtle.


    The godfather of this formation must have been very fond of irony.


    It has taste.


    If the other world is real, and I could meet it, I''d like to kick its ass with my dearest heart.


    Just as the shield team was passing by the obstacle, the enemy archers fired an arrow.


    ''''Oh!��Ooh!


    The shield squad moved forward, shouting, and arrows rained down on them.


    The arrows stabbed at the shields that faced the front and the shields that protected them above their heads.


    They overlapped each other, causing the atmosphere to shake.


    It resembles the sound of a horseshoe.


    The trembling is a fear-inducing thing.


    Will the shield team be able to advance?


    Can those shields block the arrows before that?


    Roy watches with bated breath.


    No, he can only watch.


    ''''It''s all right.''''


    Richard said in a light tone, his nerves getting through to him.


    ''Well, I know it''s all right,''


    ''''The shields are double-layered. It''s true that the bows used by the enemy archers are incomparable to ours, but I don''t think they are good enough to break through the double shields. Besides, the shield squad is experienced. With a little bit of effort--


    Hey, Richard.


    He interrupted Richard''s words as he wound up.


    ''It''s okay, you take it easy.''


    I''m sorry.


    He must have been very embarrassed.


    Richard turned red and apologized.


    That calmed Roy down a bit.


    He turned his attention to the shield team again.


    The sound.


    The sound of arrows sticking up against the shields.


    In between, I hear voices.


    It''s the voice of the shields.


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    Little by little, the Shield Corps was making progress.


    A slow march.


    But what a heroic figure they were.


    My whole body heats up.


    Roy clenched his fists and cheered in his mind to keep up the good work.


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    How much time had passed?


    As a rain of arrows rained down, the shield team finally managed to line up along the obstacle.


    But this would not give them enough room to work.


    It was then that Richard shouted.


    ''Shield Corps!��Open!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    At Richard''s command, the shields that were protecting the overhead rise up.


    They are trying to create a wall by lining up the shields above and below to create a work space.


    Anxiety rises in me, wondering if it will be okay.


    The shields are doubled to keep out the rebels'' arrows.


    It weighs twice as much as usual.


    There should be a lot of wear and tear.


    ''''Oh!��Ooh!


    The shield team''s voice rang out and the shield finally rose.


    Roy patted his chest.


    Now we have a way to transport the materials and a work space.


    All that''s left is to line up the empty barrels and fill them with dirt.


    ''''The barrel team!��Move on!


    Oh!


    Richard shouted, and the men, who were big enough to be large sub-humans, ran out carrying barrels.


    Of course, in the meantime, the attack continued.


    But the men who carried the barrels, blocked by the shields - the barrel team - can''t be hurt.


    It''s really dependable.


    Looking at this scene, I feel like a fool for worrying about it.


    Roy looked at the other side and patted his chest again.


    Just like this one, the shield squad is blocking the arrows of the enemy archers.


    It seems that the enemy''s right flank was also able to successfully secure a path for carrying materials and a working base.


    Ha~, Richard let out a breath.


    He leaned forward as if he had just run as fast as he could.


    ''''Good work.''''


    Thank you.


    Then Richard wiped the sweat from his forehead.


    He must have been sweating fat from the tension.


    Well, Roy''s palms are also wet with sweat - but.


    ''''I guess we''ve made it through the first stage.


    Yes, it''s still too early to tell, but...


    Richard replied with a mysterious look on his face, but he has some leeway.


    I hope the work will continue to be done safely.


    He couldn''t help but pray that it would.


    *


    A general soldier carrying a sack runs down the road to carry the materials.


    When the ordinary soldier reaches the desired location, he puts the contents of the bag - the soil - into the barrel.


    When the bag is empty, they return to the road they came from and carry the soil again.


    Of course, he''s not alone.


    There are several soldiers carrying the soil.


    "You never know what''s good for you.


    Yes.


    Richard agrees with Roy''s words.


    The dirt that was dug up to make the moat is helping to hold the barrels in place.


    It''s going so well it''s sickening.


    ''How long do you think it will take us to finish it?''


    Yes.


    Richard narrowed his eyes and stared at the row of barrels.


    ''So that''s how you know?''


    I don''t know.


    But," he continues.


    "Everything seems to be going well.


    I know that.


    Roy lightly cowered his shoulders.


    The next moment, there was a thumping sound.


    He looked around in a panic.


    It doesn''t seem to be a rebel attack, but--''''


    ''''Roy-dono!��Look at that!


    "-Oh!


    Richard pointed to the source of the sound and Roy let out a small gasp.


    The source of the sound was a barrel.


    Several barrels were buried in the ground.


    ''What happened--''


    Pull back!


    Roy raised his voice.


    He didn''t know what had happened, but he knew that it was the work of the rebels - Crono.


    And that this couldn''t be the end of it.


    An arrow that flew out of nowhere pierced the ground.


    ''''Not good!''''


    Roy shouted briefly.


    The arrow pierced the shield unit''s back.


    Moreover, the arrow was surrounded by green light.


    It''s an imprinting technique.


    ''''Run--!


    The next second Roy opened his mouth, a burst of green light burst forth.


    The shield squad was blown away and the ground caved in around the arrows.


    Barrels that had lost their stability fell one by one.


    Some of them were swallowed by the sinking ground.


    ''''Gaaaaaah!


    A scream rang out.


    Reflexively staring at the enemy''s right wing, I saw a red light.


    Is that also an imprinting technique?


    No, Roy shook his head.


    There''s no time to think.


    If we don''t order a retreat right now--


    "Gah!


    Gag!


    Hee!


    A short scream sounded intermittently.


    An enemy archer shoots an arrow at the shield officer who has lost the ability to defend himself.


    A rain of arrows rained down, causing the ordinary soldiers to collapse in a writhing heap.


    A dense smell of blood drifts in the air and moans are heard.


    After a while--.


    ''''Wait for me!��Let''s go now!


    The civilian soldiers, carrying stretchers, started to run.


    There was no time to stop them.


    Roy had a vision of arrows raining down on the soldiers as they went to the rescue.


    But, surprisingly, no arrows fell.


    ''''Are you okay?''''


    I''ll get you out of there in a minute.


    It''s a minor injury. You''ll be fine.


    The civilian soldiers call out and carry the wounded on a stretcher.


    All the while, no arrows are falling.


    ''Why?''


    ...possibly.


    Roy looked at Richard.


    ''You''re trying to put the burden on us by having us rescue the wounded, aren''t you?''


    Yeah, that''s what Crono would do.


    Tsk, Roy clicked his tongue.


    I''m grateful, but I''m also angry.


    But this is war.


    This is the battle.


    Wherever Crono''s intentions are, we should now swallow our anger and rescue the wounded.


    "The wounded must be rescued!��We won''t leave our friends behind!


    Ha!


    Roy raised his voice, and the common soldier responded briefly.


    *


    As Roy returned to the night camp with the wounded, Arjena approached us.


    ''''Looks like the mission was a failure.


    You''re sarcastic.


    It''s just a status update.


    I was annoyed, but I managed to restrain myself.


    I''m sorry.


    I don''t mind.


    When Roy apologized, Arjena replied hawkishly.


    ''Is the operation a failure?''


    Yeah, as you can see.


    I answer in a disgusted, no, pathetic mood.


    I want to punch myself for being so optimistic.


    ''What happened?''


    He used the imprinting technique. There was a sudden burst of light and the ground caved in.


    What color?


    Green and red.


    ''Hmm,'' said Algena, covering her mouth thoughtfully.


    ''If it''s a force acting on the earth, it should be yellow...''


    I don''t know. It''s a sinkhole.


    ''Right. Perhaps....


    Algena is mumbling something to herself.


    I''ve never seen her before.


    Something may have changed in Argena as she prepared to die.


    No, maybe this is the real Argena.


    ''Lord Roy!


    I turned around and nearly saw Richard running up to me.


    ''Here.........''


    Roy received something - what looked like a piece of pottery - from Richard.


    ''What''s this?''


    It''s a piece of something buried in the ground.


    Maybe it''s a piece of a jar?


    A jar?


    Roy parroted.


    ''Why is that thing buried in the ground?''


    Have you forgotten what you learned in the classroom?


    ''Well, okay,'' says Algena, taking the piece of the jar from Roy''s hand.


    ''This was back in the old days when sieges were fought.


    Get to the point. Get to the point.


    ''We used to bury pots and jars to impede the progress of siege towers and such,''


    Arjena said in a slightly miffed tone.


    ''So, in essence, you''re saying it''s a pitfall?''


    I''m sure you''re right.


    "Did Crono predict that we would try to destroy the obstacle?


    A chill crawled up my spine.


    Because I felt as if I was being rolled over in the palm of my hand.


    How long had things been working the way Crono had planned?


    I don''t think so.


    Is that so?


    I fell for one of the tricks the rebels had in store for me. That''s all there is to it.


    Okay.


    Roy patted his chest inwardly.


    Thinking about it, the rebels had been given time to prepare to meet us.


    The Imperial Army had fallen into one of the pitfalls dug by the rebels.


    That''s all there is to it.


    We can fight this one.


    Because the other side is the same person.


    ''''.........but what should we do?''''


    Richard said, at a loss for words.


    ''What we''re going to do remains the same. We''ll build the walls and destroy the obstacles.''


    Maybe you''re talking about the ground caving in?


    Yes, I do.


    The hole is backfilled and the barrels are lined up again, protected by the shield team.


    How long will it take?


    ''We can just throw in the sandbags,''


    But now, when it comes to sandbags...


    "Use the mercenaries'' tents.


    Oh!


    Richard''s eyes widened in surprise.


    He would have recognized it immediately, but his earlier failure had probably limited his vision.


    No, it was the same with Roy.


    What a shameful story.


    ''''........Arjena.


    What?


    That''s more like it.


    I think it''s easier this way, but...


    Algena said as she let out a sigh.


    ''That''s not very aristocratic,''


    What''s aristocratic about it?


    Come on, man.


    Algena gave a small laugh.


    She said it wasn''t aristocratic, but she didn''t get it.


    It''s a joke.


    ''Discipline and setting an example for others. I suppose that''s aristocratic.''


    You know what I''m talking about.


    Well, what do you think?


    Arjena chuckled and turned on her heel.

 155-Episode 17 "Decisive Battle" Part 12

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    The soldiers, if not all of them, see it as a margin for rebellion.


    The Empire is losing.


    They are being treated with mercy.


    Such thoughts eat away at their bodies and minds.


    I don''t want to say it outright, but Roy felt the same way.


    We''re falling behind, and we''re falling for their schemes.


    I can''t get rid of the fear that this strategy will also fail.


    In a situation like this, would a true nobleman be able to remain calm and self-possessed?


    I''m not going to be able to get my hands on any of them.


    I''m not good enough.


    You are feeling weak.


    This is the thinking of a loser.


    I''ve got to get out of this thinking somehow - I''ve got to win for that to happen.


    I have to win to do that.


    I''ve got to deliver.


    Then we can get out of this weak thinking.


    Lord Roy!


    ...Oh, Richard.


    I looked behind me over my shoulder and saw Richard.


    He slowed his pace a bit.


    Soon, Richard caught up with Roy.


    We walked in silence for a while.


    ''Lord Roy, thank you for your help.''


    I didn''t do much.


    No, it makes a world of difference if your commanding officer can take it easy.


    I hope so.


    I look up at the sky and before I know it, the moon is out.


    I let out a small breath.


    Richard says, so I guess I''m being a little helpful.


    He''s more or less in command.


    It makes me feel a little better.


    d*mn, I''m feeling weak, Roy cursed to himself in his mind.


    Where was his usual, do-gooder self?


    He had been called the absolute champion in the arena - and yet - he was the absolute champion.


    Flimsy.


    Your life, the things you relied on, everything feels flimsy.


    Unreliable.


    There is no core.


    ''How''s the progress?''


    We can stay on schedule for this amount.


    You mean, tomorrow?


    Yes,


    Richard replied quietly.


    ''How are the rebels doing?''


    The guys in the field position are the same as usual. I don''t think they''re going to hit us.


    Richard said in a tone of dismay and confusion.


    Even though they weren''t regular soldiers, they still killed and wounded ten thousand mercenaries.


    It''s not surprising that they could get worked up.


    Despite this, the rebels are concentrating on defending themselves.


    They are well disciplined.


    They are more experienced.


    It''s a tricky one.


    "Be on your guard.


    Of course.


    What about the rebel auxiliary forces?


    He''s looking at you from a distance.


    Bullying, Richard shuddered.


    ''I beg your pardon,''


    No, no, forget it. Go ahead.


    They just stare at us. But they won''t do anything. But if you try to take one step closer, they will run away.


    Did you try to fight it?


    ...one of the soldiers went ballistic.


    Richard grunted.


    ''I scolded you, but...''


    No, I don''t need any more punishment than that.


    Besides, punishment is less meaningful after time has passed.


    Punishment must be meted out promptly.


    Especially on the battlefield.


    "Thank you.


    Don''t worry about it. He''s the only one who was pissed off?


    There are people who are frustrated and scared, but they''ll be fine for a while.


    It''s been a while.


    Yes, it''s been a while.


    Well, everything has its limits.


    Turning things around will stretch the limits even further.


    What about you?


    I don''t feel good. I feel like I''m being chased by wolves.


    Well, that''s a mouthful.


    Roy chuckled.


    He was a little surprised at himself for being able to laugh in this situation.


    The fact that he was laughing meant that he still had room to spare.


    That makes me feel a little better.


    ...a wolf.


    He''s a cunning wolf.


    It must be.


    The rebels the Thirteenth Kingsguard have a lot of experience.


    Richard said in a sincere tone.


    It''s true that the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard - Crono and the others have a lot of experience in real battles.


    They have been involved in all of the battles that have occurred in recent years.


    The only one with more experience than them is the Second Kingsguard, led by Count Ernat.


    I wish the 2nd Kingsguard were here.


    Unfortunately, the 2nd Kingsguard is fortified at the border.


    Indeed, war is not an easy thing to do.


    "Assassins?


    I haven''t heard anything.


    Roy replied with a sigh.


    He didn''t expect to gather any information soon, but the lack of a clue was excruciating.


    It''s contradictory, but it''s honest.


    ''It''s a good thing I''m not panicking.


    Yeah, right.


    Richard was muzzled.


    His expression is dark.


    I know how you feel.


    There''s still plenty of time for that now.


    My trust in Roy is keeping my frustration and anxiety at bay.


    But what if this continues?


    The soldiers are bound to panic, or perhaps even hysteria, and start looking for the killer.


    ''It''s tricky,''


    Yes, really.


    Roy walks through the camp, accompanied by Richard.


    It''s still in order now - but--.


    No, said Roy, shaking his head.


    We should think about the immediate future now,'' he said, ''or else we will think about the post-war period - the bleak future.


    Otherwise we''ll end up thinking about the post-war period - the bleak future,'' he said.


    Tomorrow.


    Yes, tomorrow.


    Whether he knew how Roy felt or not, Richard said, looking the same as usual.


    As the night grew white, the preparations began.


    Ordinary soldiers carry sandbags on wagons and stack them where the enemy archers'' attacks cannot reach them.


    Precisely where they thought the attack would be out of reach.


    Isn''t the enemy''s range not the limit?


    Such anxiety is bubbling up.


    Roy swallows his anxiety and watches the soldiers with Richard.


    The shield corps is lined up.


    Anxiety and fear color their faces.


    The shield corps suffered a lot of casualties in yesterday''s attack.


    It''s not bad that they haven''t forgotten themselves in anger, but Roy carried his beloved spear.


    It''s also a problem to be trapped in anxiety and fear.


    If you''re nervous, you''re still nervous, but you''re anxious and afraid.


    You may not be able to do what you normally do anymore.


    The soldiers who are in charge of rescuing the wounded look tense.


    Compared to the shield corps, they seem to have more time to spare.


    Of course, they will tell you that they don''t have the luxury of time.


    They have to help the wounded in case the rebels attack.


    The soldier carrying the sandbags seemed to be relaxed.


    They might think that if they carried them quickly, they would not die.


    Roy turned his attention to an obstacle on the enemy''s right wing.


    There, the civilian soldiers were waiting there as well as here.


    The commander raised his hand.


    That''s the signal that we are ready.


    Richard, who was next to me, timidly opened his mouth.


    "...Mister Roy.


    Yeah, go ahead.


    Roy was a little surprised at how smoothly he was able to spin his words.


    He thought he was going to bite off more than he could chew in his nervousness - but he was not.


    ''The Shield Squad!��Move on!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    Oh, oh!��Oh, oh!


    Richard raised his voice, and the shield corps began to advance in a tortoise shell formation.


    It must be the tension.


    Their voices are not aligned.


    Their footsteps are also disorganized.


    I feel like this is not okay.


    ''''We''re not in line!��Stepping on the spot!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    Oh, whoa!��Oh, ugh!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    Oh, oh!��Ooh!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    Following Richard''s orders, the shield squad began to stomp their way to the spot.


    At first they weren''t aligned, but eventually their voices came together.


    And the sound of them stomping on the ground.


    ''Shield Squad!��Move on!


    ''Oh!��Ooh!


    The shield troops start to move and the enemy archers fire arrows.


    It''s the same rain of arrows as yesterday.


    Arrows rain down on the shield unit.


    Arrows protrude from the shields that are held out in front of them.


    The shield unit never stops moving.


    Ooh!��Oh!��And with a vigorous shout, we continued on through the rain of arrows.


    And so they lined up along the obstacle just as they did yesterday.


    Roy let out a breath of relief.


    If they got this far, they would be able to handle it.


    That was the thought.


    ''Shield Squad!��Open!


    Oh!


    Richard''s voice was the signal for the shields that had been pointed upwards to rise.


    That''s when one of them dropped the shield.


    The sound sound was louder than it needed to be.


    Of course, the soldier who dropped the shield couldn''t be safe.


    An arrow pierced his chest and the soldier fell, hindering him.


    ''''Hi, heeeeeeee!''''


    The soldier put his hand on his chest and screamed.


    The next moment, an arrow pierced the ground.


    ''''Hee!''''


    The soldier let out a short scream and curled up.


    ''Let''s go!''


    Oh!


    The soldier in charge of the rescue runs off with a man who appears to be his partner.


    But in the meantime, the attacks continued.


    Although it didn''t hit, the soldier screamed every time an arrow pierced the ground.


    At that moment, the soldier who was holding his shield stepped back.


    It was the man who was under the soldier whose arrow had pierced the ground.


    ''''Oh!��Ooh!


    The shield squad moves in and fills the hole.


    ''Ouch, ouch, mother!


    It''s all right!


    I''ll have you cured in no time!


    The rescue officer put the soldier, who was crying like a child, on a stretcher, encouraging him.


    ''Sandbags!''


    Oh!


    The soldiers run out in unison and throw sandbags into the hole.


    I''m anxious to see if I can handle such roughness, but time is running out right now.


    For the time being, we complete the wall - should we call it an earthwork?


    ''''Well I hope we don''t get in the way of the enemy.


    Let''s hope the guards can help.


    Roy muttered, and Richard looked to his right.


    Soldiers were patrolling near the forest.


    He could eliminate them if he wanted to, but that would take time.


    It''s stalling for our lives.


    A necessary sacrifice--


    We could build a fire.


    Fire?


    More like fire or smoke.


    I see, I see.


    Richard said admiringly, and Roy scratched his head in embarrassment.


    If he''d thought of it beforehand, it would still be the right time.


    It was not a compliment.


    ''I''ll arrange it right away,''


    You''re on it.


    Richard ran toward a nearby soldier.


    *


    Evening--


    Sorry, I think the smoke was a mistake.


    There''s some damage on our side, but I think the damage is more to the enemy.


    I ain''t been attacked for sure, Roy said, looking around.


    As luck would have it, the smoke was drifting towards the forest.


    The people who attacked us at night were elves and beastmen, so the effect would be reasonable.


    However, I wonder if it was a mistake since the smoke can drift towards us.


    At the very least, they should have gotten a cloth to cover their mouths.


    The shield squad looks especially hard with their hands full.


    ''''But we''ll have to be patient for a while longer.


    Yeah, I know.


    Roy nodded and stared ahead.


    There was a fortification built up to cover the obstacle.


    It was lower than his chest in height.


    It was not in good shape.


    If I had to use an unreasonable metaphor, I would say it was an asymmetrical mountain range.


    If it is a mountain range, there is natural beauty, but the fortification in front of you is awkward.


    If it were a military school, we would be reprimanded and asked to redo the job.


    Fortunately, this isn''t a military school, and it''s Roy who will be grading them.


    That''s enough - that''s what Roy graded.


    Now we just need to get the shield corps--


    Elves!


    Someone shouts, interrupting Roy''s words.


    ''Shield Squad!��Hide!


    Oh!


    Richard shouted, and the shield corps flipped in unison.


    It was terrifyingly fast, even if it was a critical situation.


    Or had they been practicing?


    The shield corps ran up the battlements and hid behind them.


    Slightly later, an arrow pierced the place where the shield squad was.


    It was an arrow wrapped in red light.


    The red light immediately explodes.


    At that moment, Roy remembered the sight of the shield squad being blown away.


    However, the berms had prevented the impact.


    There was no damage to the shield corps.


    ''Shield Corps!��Ready!


    Richard shouted, and the shield squad scrambled up the battlements, where they held their shields.


    But they bent over and hid behind their shields.


    Roy looked at the enemy right flank.


    Even on the enemy''s right flank, a shield team was holding up a shield on top of a bastion.


    Apparently, they had succeeded over there as well.


    There was no sound, so there must have been no attack.


    Maybe they were forcing themselves to attack.


    When I think about it, I feel depressed.


    Well, let''s go now.


    Ha!


    Roy accompanied Richard to the inside of the berms.


    It was dark inside the berms, probably due to the fact that the shield squad was holding their shields.


    ''''That''s pretty steep.''''


    Would you like more sandbags and a more gradual slope?


    Please.


    Ha!


    Roy knelt near the obstacle - a prop.


    There was a thorny object entwined with a reasonably thick prop.


    Metal thorns.


    Some of them have small blades attached to them, but apart from that, they look like wire.


    ''''.......at least this much.''''


    Roy stood up and swung his beloved spear at the metal thorns.


    There was a crunching sound and the metal thorns shook.


    It shook, but that was it.


    ''Lord Roy!''


    I''m just trying to have a go.


    Roy apologized to Richard and knelt down again.


    He looks at the area where the tip of the spear hit him.


    It''s scarred, but it''s far from cut in both directions.


    Perhaps the deflection of the thorns would allow the impact to escape.


    I see, it''s impossible to destroy and break through with this.


    ''Lucas''s husband would be surprised.


    He strokes his chin as he remembers his now-deceased colleague''s portly figure.


    ''What do you want me to do?''


    We can''t just solve them one by one, can we?


    I don''t know where the end is, and it could be held in place by a clasp.


    Saw it from the base--


    Lord Roy!


    What?


    Look at this.


    f*ck, no way.


    When Roy stood up, Richard was looking directly up at the prop.


    I don''t have a good feeling about the quarry.


    When I looked into the same thing, I saw that the pillar had been split in two after it had been split in two.


    It looks like it''s glued together with something--''''


    ''''d*mn!��I''ve got a bad feeling about this!


    He pulled the dagger from his waist and thrust it into the glue marks.


    When he pried, the prop cracked easily.


    What was there was--.


    ''It''s iron, isn''t it?''


    Seriously?


    Roy covered his face with his hands.


    He wondered if he would go this far, but Crono would do it.


    After all, he was the kind of guy who would bury a jar in the ground.


    And in a situation where he didn''t know if it would be useful.


    a�?--!


    Suddenly, Richard ran out and thrust his dagger against the post.


    He checked one after another and let out a sigh no more deeply than this.


    ''All of them?''


    Yes,


    He''s just being thorough.


    Roy spat.


    ''What do you want to do?''


    We''re going to have to dig him up and pull him out.


    Yes.


    Richard grunted.


    *


    Richard put a hand to his throat.


    No wonder. They''ve been burning wood since daylight.


    He''s careful not to breathe in the smoke, and he clears his throat frequently, but it still affects him.


    ''''........And yet.......''''


    How deep is it?" said Richard, looking into the hole.


    It was a hole dug along the pillars of the obstacle.


    It must have been dug two meters deep, but there was still no end in sight.


    I want to finish it tomorrow morning - by the time the night turns white.


    That''s my honest opinion.


    If we give it time, the rebels will do something about it.


    No. I don''t mind that they''re going to make a move.


    I don''t care if they do. That''s what fighting is all about.


    The problem is morale.


    The ordinary soldiers here, myself included, were dispatched by my battalion.


    That''s why they lacked a sense of solidarity.


    At the very least, they should have been trained.


    The sense of solidarity would have been enhanced if they were sweating and shouting in the same way.


    I don''t know the exact reasoning behind it, but it is so.


    And this sense of solidarity makes a soldier stronger.


    Conversely, soldiers without a sense of solidarity are weak.


    Or perhaps I should say, as an army, they are weak.


    Right now - the soldiers here are a bunch of crows.


    Moreover, they are soldiers who have desperately suppressed their fear.


    And if the insurgency comes at us on top of this...


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    If you don''t take a break at these times, you''ll be crushed.


    What are you doing?


    You''re the one.


    I turned around when I was approached from behind and saw Argena standing there.


    She was not wearing any armor.


    She is wearing a white military uniform that is the proof of the Kingsguard.


    Her appearance overwhelmed me with a clean look.


    I thought it was beautiful.


    I didn''t think a man who was prepared could be as beautiful as this.


    Did determination change Arjena?


    If so, why am I in this state?


    Is it because of the way I was born and raised?


    ''It''s a beautiful day.''


    Well yes.


    Roy looked up at the sky.


    It was the same blue, wintery sky as yesterday.


    ''I asked you to take care of the rest,''


    Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Are you going alone?


    ...Yeah, that''s right.


    Argena smiled a small smile.


    It was as if--


    .


    Arjena hid behind a bastion and waited for the moment.


    No, is it strange to say wait?


    Because it''s up to you to decide which time to charge in.


    I can hear the rough breathing behind me.


    It belongs to my men.


    Behind them are the Third Kingsguard, the Fourth Kingsguard, including Roy, and ten thousand ordinary soldiers.


    On the other side - on the enemy''s right flank, ten thousand ordinary soldiers are waiting.


    I''m sorry, I think.


    Especially for the members of the Third Kingsguard.


    On the other hand, I''m proud to have such a subordinate.


    Looking back, I wasn''t a good commander.


    I wasn''t even a good nobleman.


    I was inflexible and narrow-minded in my values.


    I wish I could have been proud that that was me.


    That way, at least I would be saved.


    But the pathetic thing was that Argena didn''t like herself.


    Gho, someone coughed.


    It was probably because of that as they were burning trees to block the enemy''s view.


    It''s time to get up, Arjena said, and she raised her body--.


    Charge!


    Algena shouted and ran off.


    ''Oh!''


    Gah!


    Gag!


    Some of his men ran out with a yell, but some fell with a short scream.


    Rebel arrows flew through the smoke.


    ''Advance!


    Whoa!


    Arjena gripped her spear and ran.


    Her body is light.


    It feels like she''s shaved off something unnecessary.


    Arrows fly through the smoke.


    Stones, too.


    The screams of his men echo, but Arjena moves his feet.


    She doesn''t think about whether her men are following her.


    She moves her legs, her feet anyway.


    Suddenly, she remembered her father - Maisan Dios.


    An exemplary aristocrat.


    That was what her father used to say, but Arjena didn''t know what an exemplary nobleman was.


    Her father, who said so, was far from an exemplary nobleman.


    His father was hysterical, violent, and had the same narrow-minded values as himself.


    Among other things, he hated to have the rules broken.


    The rules weren''t explicitly stated.


    They are my rules.


    In short, moods.


    My father was a pathological moody person.


    It''s extremely difficult to keep from breaking what you can''t even see.


    In fact, Algena was beaten by her father on more than one occasion.


    She had once admired the knights in the stories, but even that had touched her father''s wrath.


    It wasn''t until she was ten years old that she understood that her father disliked the new nobility.


    Perhaps something had happened on the battlefield.


    I didn''t want to know why.


    It was more important for me to learn how to behave in a manner that would prevent me from being violated.


    Seeing a servant killed in front of him would make anyone desperate.


    I knew I would never be like my father.


    But what a mess.


    The next thing I knew, I was just like my father.


    I had become hysterical, violent, and narrow-minded in my values.


    I see my father''s face in my words and actions.


    That alone was enough to make my heart creak.


    Forward!��Forward!


    Algena runs, screaming.


    Before she knew it, arrows were flying in front of her.


    Her shoulders were hot, her throat was hot.


    Her whole body was hot.


    She even wondered how she had gotten to this point.


    But I feel fine.


    It''s a contradiction in terms, but that''s just me.


    I longed with disgust for those who broke the rules.


    I envied them for their unbridled lifestyle.


    Of course, the person in question would say it''s not a way of life to be envied.


    It''s a want of something that isn''t there.


    And that''s fine.


    It''s all right.


    And then--


    The smoke broke, and in front of me was the figure of a beastman holding a crossbow.


    The beastman fires an arrow while keeping his eyes on us.


    The smoke cleared.


    Falling there were countless - the corpses of the Third Konoe Guard.


    Argena was dead.


    They were at a distance of almost reaching the enemy field position.


    Roy watched it in a daze.


    The flying arrows pierced the ground.


    ''''........Why?''''


    Roy muttered in dismay.


    Algena and the Third Konoe Guard charged in, followed by themselves.


    He ran frantically to avoid being left behind.


    He moved his feet frantically.


    ''Why is Argena dead and I''m standing here, standing here?


    Roy shouted.


    Unbelievable.


    It''s not possible.


    This can''t be happening.


    I was going to die.


    I was going to die with Algena.


    I loved Argena.


    I liked him when he snapped and went charging in.


    I loved that heat of Argena''s when she was fighting to avenge her mother''s death.


    I thought I could feel the heat again with Arjena.


    Yeah.


    That heat, Roy grunted.


    I know.


    He knew.


    He knew he couldn''t touch that heat.


    I was my calm self, even when I was driven by emotions.


    The calm me is screaming.


    It''s dangerous, he said.


    We should retreat here, he said.


    Decide the game before the irregularities happen, he said.


    That''s what made him the absolute champion of the arena.


    That''s my weapon.


    The moment the enemy archers attacked me, I knew that the assault would not be successful.


    I knew I wouldn''t be able to respond to an attack from two sides.


    ''''Lord Roy!''''


    Why would Argena...


    Let''s get out of here!��The assault has failed!


    Roy pointed to Algena''s body, but Richard didn''t take it up.


    ''Let''s go!''


    Let go.


    Richard grabbed me by the arm and tried to shake me loose.


    But I couldn''t.


    It wasn''t because he was too strong.


    His arm was not strong enough.


    Besides - reason was telling me that I shouldn''t put him, or his men, in danger.


    ''''Okay.''''


    Thank you. Let''s get out of here.


    All you have to do is hurry and you won''t get me killed.


    Roy turns on his heel and walks away.


    Despite the smoke clearing, the arrow doesn''t hit him.


    It just sticks to the ground.


    ''...d*mn.


    Roy spat.


    He could see through it.


    He could see through me that I didn''t go into it with my emotions.


    He was kept alive on that.


    When. When did she see through me?


    When we first met, or in the arena, or when we talked.


    Crono must know.


    And that Roy was thinking of giving a statement of retreat - and that he was going to do it.


    *


    Night--Ralph signed the papers and let out a sigh.


    It was excruciating to be both the Director of Military Affairs and the Director of Finance.


    I''m getting old.


    I''m getting older, he thinks, especially these days.


    I just need a little more patience, he says, reaching for his cup.


    He sips his fragrant tea and frowns.


    It was completely cold.


    I was the one who neglected it, but I feel like I''m missing out.


    Should I re-brew it, or should I just go to bed?


    Just as I sat up to re-brew, there was a knock on the door.


    There must have been trouble.


    And it''s big.


    It was an impatient banging that made it feel that way.


    Ralph sat down in his chair and straightened his residence.


    ''Enter!''


    ''Ha!��Excuse me!


    Just as he was about to say it or not, his second-in-command walked in.


    He straightened his back and saluted, but he was so crumbling that it was hard to believe he was from a military school.


    ''I have received a letter from the Assistant Commander of the Roy Corps!


    Give me that.


    Ha!


    The deputy walked up quickly and placed the letter on the desk.


    Ralph took the letter in his trembling hands.


    What in the world had happened?


    It wouldn''t be a report on the defeat of the rebels.


    I have a bad feeling about this.


    A feeling I had experienced many times during the civil war.


    I''m no longer near certain.


    Still, he unfolds the letter, hoping for a little more.


    You read the letter with a sense of frustration.


    "My God.


    Ralph grunted.


    His second-in-command hadn''t heard anything.


    ''That''s probably because he''s hearing it from the messenger soldiers.


    ''My God,''


    He muttered again.


    The letter said that the commander of the Algena Legion had been killed in action.


    It said that he had charged into the enemy field position and died in a fierce battle.


    ''''........Why?''''


    Why do you swallow the word "disobeyed the order" so quickly?


    I didn''t order Arjena to die.


    That''s a common soldier''s job.


    I couldn''t understand why he did such a nonsensical thing.


    What I didn''t understand even more was Roy''s suggestion.


    It''s not a request for soldiers or supplies.


    We should retreat - that''s what it boils down to.


    I''m hot.


    It''s like fire.


    No, even fire is not enough.


    Once again, the new nobles have done us in again.


    Besides, Roy Akbens wants to retreat, leaving more than 20,000 men behind.


    What a cowardly thing to do.


    Normally, he is a big man, but when push comes to shove, this is what he does.


    Don''t the old noblemen have the willpower?


    Don''t you have any desire to repay the new aristocracy?


    Doesn''t he want to turn on the new nobility?


    If I had known this would happen, I wouldn''t have made you my assistant.


    You are useless!��You are useless!��And cursing in my mind.


    Roy Akbens has ruined it for me.


    He calls me incompetent and shady again.


    You know, this guy should have died with Arjena.


    No, maybe he killed Arjena to escape.


    It''s important for a legion leader to die.


    This is the first time since the current military system was in place.


    Therefore, he may have thought that it could be a reason to recommend a retreat.


    When we finish this battle, we must investigate thoroughly--.


    Ralph leaned back and exhaled.


    Then his deputy held out a handkerchief to him.


    ''What is it?''


    Your lips are cut, sir.


    He traces his lips with his finger at his deputy''s words and sniffs the smell.


    The smell of iron.


    Apparently, I had bitten off my lip without even knowing it.


    When I pressed my mouth, my handkerchief was stained with blood.


    I had no idea the wound was so deep.


    ''''If you don''t mind, I''ll get some medicine for you?


    No need.


    Ralph picked up a quill and wrote on the parchment.


    He said to wait until instructed to do so.


    This would have to be obeyed.


    When it is dry, I roll it up into a tube and tie it up with a piece of string.


    And sealing wax, of course.


    Bring this to the assistant legionnaire Roy.


    Now?


    When Ralph held out the letter, the deputy looked as if he was puzzled.


    It''s a disgusted expression.


    It''s similar to the expression on the face of the nobles when they refuse orders during a civil war.


    At such times, they say it''s dangerous and that they don''t understand the scene.


    I know that, so I take the initiative and open my mouth.


    It''s now.


    I understand.


    The deputy took the letter and walked out of the office.


    He looked like he wanted to say something, but he must have meant to say he couldn''t.


    ''''Well then...''''


    An iron-smelling taste spreads in my mouth.


    My lips seem to be cut off again.


    Abomination, he spits, holding his mouth with his handkerchief.


    It''s a shame, he says, biting his lip harder.


    Once again, the new nobleman has done me in.


    The humiliation of the past, the humiliation that was about to befall me burned my body from the inside out.


    ''''But.........''''


    We are not defeated.


    We''re not defeated yet.


    We have to win.


    And there are still trump cards left in this hand.

 156-Episode 17 "Final Battle" 13

    *


    Warm sunshine shone through the window.


    Leonhard was reading a book in a corner of the mansion.


    It''s a book that is said to have been written by the first emperor.


    Was it really written by the first emperor?


    I don''t actually know, but it''s alright and enjoyable.


    "...well...


    A small murmur of wondering what would happen.


    It was only a few days ago that I learned of Argena Dios'' death in battle.


    I don''t think I received much of a shock.


    Rather, he was even convinced.


    I think he was struggling to be himself.


    Even if he had survived this battle, he must have died.


    Could he have gotten over his suffering without this battle?


    Maybe I would have, maybe I wouldn''t have.


    I am an ungodly man.


    We can''t see into the future.


    ...Yeah.


    I cringe.


    I can''t see into not only the future, but also the human mind.


    I try to understand as much as I can, but I don''t understand it in the essential sense.


    I''ve never been able to understand.


    That''s the kind of person I am.


    As I was thinking about this, I heard a thumping footstep.


    It''s Leela.


    I wish she would walk a little quieter, but it can''t be helped.


    That''s just the way she is.


    I close the book and straighten my residence.


    Then, with perfect timing, Leela appeared.


    She holds a cylindrical piece of parchment in her hand - a letter.


    ''What''s the matter with you?''


    We have a letter from your house.


    Thank you. Can you give it to me?


    Okay.


    Leonhardt received the letter from Leela and unsealed it.


    He followed the text written there with his eyes, and his eyes widened in astonishment.


    ''''Utterly, that man...''''


    Leonhardt grunted.


    He had to grunt.


    The battle between the imperial army and the rebels - we should remain neutral until the outcome of the battle is revealed.


    That''s what he advised his father.


    I thought my father would make that decision as well.


    Nevertheless, my father''s reply was, ''''I can''t stand in the wind of the new aristocracy.


    I even felt as if my vision was tilting unsteadily.


    It was the first time he had experienced dizziness due to mental shock.


    He also wrote delusionally, ''I''m going to lead my clan members to reinforce them.


    ''''.......Why?''''


    Such words leak out.


    Why can''t we see what''s going on?


    Why would I risk my house for the reason that I can''t stand up to the new nobleman''s windfall?


    I don''t understand.


    There are no disadvantages, so we can just see what''s going on.


    What''s the point of standing in the wind of the new nobility?


    Isn''t that a trivial matter compared to endangering the family and its members?


    I don''t understand.


    The man who had taught him to think of the interests of his family had done the opposite.


    Moreover, he has involved the members of the branch family.


    If Princess Tilia wins, he will destroy the house.


    There was no way she could use her political power to escape.


    The Palatium family was in clear opposition to the Princess Tilia.


    What are you going to do?��Leonhardt asked himself.


    A number of ideas passed through his mind, but any of them would be detrimental.


    It is fatal that my father has been raised in the army.


    But a choice had to be made.


    The practical route would be to take over the viceroyalty and then take away the real power of the country.


    He will kill Princess Tilia, and if necessary, he will kill his father and Alfort.


    What a wild plan.


    My House of Palatium''s name will fall to the ground.


    But that''s nothing compared to the loss of the house itself.


    In the first place, I have already betrayed my friends.


    This is the result of putting the family''s interests ahead of his own.


    I am a traitor.


    What hesitation would he have in staining his own name?


    I think so, but I needed time.


    If I had time, I could come up with another way.


    I could minimize the disadvantage to the Pallatium family.


    I was sure of that.


    But...


    "I guess I don''t have time.


    Leonhardt looked out the window and let out a small sigh.


    Outside the window, he saw his armed men.


    Politely, he has Leonhardt''s beloved horse with him.


    Well," said Leonhardt, standing up.


    "What do you want to do, Leonhardt-sama?


    It''s my job.


    Leonhardt cowered lightly.


    Work - yes, work.


    It''s easier and better to split it up.


    I''ll have to face the fact that I killed a friend for decades to come.


    At least, I need to relax for now.


    Roy rolled up the blanket and scowled.


    He has a small scar on his armpit, just like his first victim.


    He hides his face with the blanket and moves to the bed facing him.


    The blanket is already rolled up, which Richard must have thoughtfully done.


    The sheets are smeared with blood and, of course, the soldier is dead.


    I lifted my arm and saw that there was still a small wound in my armpit.


    He covered his face with a blanket and folded his hands together.


    Come to think of it, Roy remembered the first victim.


    Did he say a prayer then?


    Maybe I did, maybe I didn''t. Maybe I didn''t.


    Maybe he didn''t.


    I''ve lived a life that had nothing to do with piety.


    I''ve never been in the habit of offering up prayers.


    Why am I praying now?


    I don''t need to think about it.


    It''s because of Argena''s death.


    His death has affected me.


    It''s a strange feeling to think about that.


    I thought death was the end.


    I guess that''s true.


    At least for him, death is the absolute end.


    But for those left behind, it is different.


    The living gain something from the death of others.


    That''s the way it is, I suppose.


    Roy covered the soldier''s face with a blanket and stood up.


    Then Richard called out to him unintentionally.


    ''''Well what do you want to do?''''


    Same as last time.


    Yeah.


    Richard said with a sigh.


    I thought he was going to complain about it, but I guess it was only a groundless fear.


    But I don''t know how I feel inside.


    Three days have passed since Argena was killed in battle.


    In that time, Roy hasn''t done anything.


    He is just obeying the order to stand by.


    "Did you see anything suspicious?


    Hey.


    Okay.


    Richard said dejectedly.


    ''''Well two this time,''''


    Now three or four.


    No, please.


    Yeah.


    Richard scowled and Roy nodded.


    ''It''s no fun talking about how many victims we''re going to have next.


    It would be more useful to ask around than to think about such things.


    ''''... an invisible assassin?''''


    Well, you''re a prodigy.


    Any assassin whose identity is exposed is a third-rate assassin, and any assassin who can hide it is a first-rate assassin.


    So far, our assassins are top-notch.


    But...


    I don''t understand.


    What do you mean?


    How can you kill a civilian soldier with all these skills?


    Isn''t that to foment anxiety?


    That might be part of it, but isn''t that an inefficient way to make people anxious?


    Certainly, killing a civilian soldier doesn''t necessarily make you more anxious, does it?


    Richard nodded with a divine look on his face.


    ''If you want to cripple the army into action, you have to kill the commander.


    ''Then who?''


    Yeah.


    Roy stroked his chin.


    The stubble prickled his fingertips.


    ''Not the Imperials, not the Rebels, someone killed them for a wayward waste of time, didn''t they?


    It''s strangely specific.


    If you ask me, I''ll give you a free pass.


    I''m just spouting my imagination and can''t be sure, but I have a feeling that it might be.


    If it''s neither, is it the surrounding lords?


    I told you it was a layover.


    Richard tilted his head curiously.


    It was as if he had spoken the answer - but--.


    Well, it couldn''t be helped.


    It''s hard to get to an answer that is outside the bounds of your imagination.


    What''s going to happen now?


    We''ll wait another day or two and then if we''re lucky, we''ll leave.


    If we''re lucky?


    Yeah, if you''re lucky.


    Roy cowered lightly.


    ''What happens if we''re unlucky?''


    I can get them to charge one more time.


    I''m not the lucky one, though.


    Me too.


    Richard said with a sigh and Roy laughed.


    ''How likely is it?''


    That''s a 10-to-1 ratio.


    You can''t do that.


    Yeah.


    Roy chuckled.


    If the Director of Military Affairs, Ralph Libra, wants to win on his own, then retreat.


    If he wants to win with the help of others, it''s a reassault.


    The latter - Roy believes that a reassault is more likely.


    War Secretary Ralph Libra is a gambler who doesn''t know when to back down.


    He gambles on borrowed money from many sources, even though he''s run out of money.


    He is of very poor quality.


    However, for this time, I can understand how they feel.


    After all, there are still some trump cards left in hand.


    It''s a trump card that could break the deadlock.


    It''s hard to resist the temptation to win.


    It''s even harder to resist the temptation to win, especially when you''ve been losing.


    I have a feeling that Roy could win if he plays his trump card.


    But I''m not sure I can ride the coattails of War Secretary Ralph Libra.


    I''m starting to feel like I''m going to lose again next time.


    When I was thinking about that--.


    ''''It''s Leonhardt-dono!


    The First Kingsguard has come to reinforce us!


    We''ll win this one!


    The Empire can win!


    Such a voice came from outside.


    ''Looks like reinforcements are on their way.


    Looks like it.


    Roy let out a deep sigh.


    ''''Aren''t you happy that the First Kingsguard came to reinforce us?


    I had to charge in again.


    Oh, I see.


    I''m not pleased," Richard said with a grunt.


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


    This will be your strategy tent.


    Yeah.


    As Leonhardt entered the tent, the man who called himself Richard slipped away.


    Inside the tent was Count Roy Akbens.


    He was unconcerned that his friend had just died.


    Surprisingly, I can''t say I''m surprised.


    I had thought he was more of an emotional type, but it seems I was wrong in my estimation.


    ''Yo, it''s been a while,''


    Well, it''s been a while, I suppose.


    I don''t mind.


    Yeah, I know.


    Leonhardt walked over to the central table and stared at the map spread out there.


    The rebel army - the enemy field position is curved.


    Perhaps they had recreated the crane wings in their positions.


    It was the rebel army''s, Crono''s painful plan.


    How much wisdom did they have to muster up so far?


    We can only imagine, but it must have been quite painful.


    Well, that doesn''t mean I''m going to cut corners.


    Just as Crono is carrying the fate of himself and the Alliance territory, he is also carrying something on his shoulders.


    Now, if it were me, how would I attack it?


    When I looked up, I saw Roy looking at me.


    Sheesh, I think.


    Roy''s friend had just died.


    I should have said the words of condolence.


    ''''I''m sorry about Lord Argena.


    It''s too obvious.


    What''s not to like, Roy spat out.


    ''I am also mourning the death of Lord Argena.


    I heard that Lucas''s husband is dead.


    It''s sad.


    Count Rio Chiron is dead.


    I''m not sorry.


    So, you want to be the next chrono.


    It''s inevitable, that''s for sure.


    Truly, from the bottom of my heart, I agree.


    It''s a shame that we could have been friends if our interests had been aligned.


    ''''So ... what''s the plan?''''


    Where''s Lady Argena, by the way?


    When I asked him back, Roy frowned.


    I don''t think I gave him the wrong answer, but I think he was offended.


    I want to ask him what was offending him, but it''s going to make him even angrier.


    It''s better not to touch something you don''t understand.


    Roy pointed to a point on the map - the enemy''s left flank.


    ''What is this obstacle?''


    He''s been removed.


    I see.


    Roy frowned more and more as Leonhard nodded.


    ''So what do we do now?''


    "We will concentrate our forces on the enemy''s left flank.


    Not as much as in the middle, but they''re coming at you from two directions.


    It''s a diversion.


    Okay. So, what''s the big deal?


    ''I''m the real deal. While the decoys are attracting the enemy--


    Leonhardt pointed to the center of the map.


    ''I''ll break through the centre.''


    Can you do it?


    I can do that.


    If you use the Divine Majesty Technique, you''ll be able to protect yourself from arrows and jump over the fence.


    However--''''


    ''''To break through, though, you''ll need to attract the enemy to you.


    Oh, yeah?


    I knew I was going to spit it out.


    He''s hated me for the slightest of interactions.


    It''s a shame.


    If I could have earned his trust, my success rate might have increased.


    "This is just a suggestion, but I want your men to take the lead in the battle.


    Why?


    Don''t you get it?


    Roy let out a deep sigh.


    ''I don''t know what he''s trying to say.


    ''I was just checking to make sure.


    Checking out?


    Words are imperfect. And confirmation is important. Is it fair to say that we can''t allow ourselves to be robbed of the glory without making sacrifices?


    Well, that''s just the way it is.


    Roy said disgustedly.


    We''re sacrificing not a few. And after making even more sacrifices, how can I convince my men that Leonhardt-dono will take all the credit for it?


    All right. We''ll take the lead. Is that all right?


    Yeah, that''s good.


    It''s still a disgusted tone.


    Then I''ll go outside and make a meeting with my men.


    Hey.


    As Leonhardt turned on his heel, Roy called out to him.


    I had no choice but to stop.


    ''What is it?''


    ''You ... what are you fighting for?''


    It''s for the Palatium family.


    Leonhardt answered immediately.


    Everything is for the Palatium family--.


    That has never changed and will never change.


    ''''For ... the house?''''


    You''re not, are you?


    I guess you have to take care of your family now, huh?


    You''ve taken over.


    Come to think of it, Roy came from a bastard family.


    ''I see, that''s what it''s all about.


    ''But, well, I guess it''s for your own good after all.


    ...Oh, I see.


    Leonhardt felt like he finally had it all figured out.


    He thought his father had made a mistake in judgment, but apparently not.


    From Leonhardt''s point of view, his father''s decision could only be called foolish.


    It''s not just this time.


    The same is true for the past mistakes.


    Each of these decisions can only be called stupid.


    But for my father, it was the right thing to do.


    ''''...I see.


    Again, I mutter.


    If my father was wrong, then I was wrong too.


    I had used common sense.


    I should have killed my father for the sake of the house.


    If he had done so, the situation would not have turned out as it did here.


    Totally, Leonhard let out a sigh and left the tent.


    He looked up and saw that the sky was covered with thick clouds.


    Leonhard straddled his beloved horse and looked at the battlefield.


    The sunken ground and scorched obstacles told of a fierce battle.


    The battlefield where many soldiers were killed and wounded.


    I can do it.


    If only my men could attract the rebels.


    Looking at the enemy''s left flank, I see that my men are hiding behind an earthwork.


    Sporadically, the enemy archers fire arrows, but fortunately no one is injured.


    Leonhardt slowly drew his sword.


    ''''........God.


    When you pray, the blade emits a dazzling light.


    It''s a divine art that only emits light.


    Eventually, the light disappears.


    And then--.


    ''''Oh!


    My men leaped out of the earthen mound with a yell.


    A rain of arrows fell there.


    But the light, the shield blocked the arrows.


    Leading the way was the Divine Majesty Magician, followed by the knight with the shield.


    The divine master magician deploys his shield of light and runs.


    More arrows rain down, but they can''t stop the subordinates - the First Konoe Knights.


    ''''Geez!''''


    Oh, my God!


    A short scream rang out.


    It belongs to a common soldier who tried to follow the First Kingsguard.


    His spirit is great, but unfortunately, his abilities are different.


    His own men are the elite of the Imperial Army.


    They are different from ordinary soldiers.


    However, it''s the same with the Thirteenth Kinsman Guards - Crono''s men are the same.


    They have been fighting since the Imperial calendar forty-three years.


    They have been trained by actual battles.


    When they had closed the distance by half, enemy infantry fired arrows with crossbows and enemy heavy infantry fired stones with throwing strings.


    More arrows rain down.


    The divine warrior blocks the flying attacks from the front.


    If it had been a shield, it would have stopped them in their tracks.


    But the shield of light deployed by the Divine Majesty Magician is divine power.


    It''s not impossible to advance without stopping your feet.


    However, there is a limit.


    God''s power is too much for humans.


    That''s why it''s called a god--.


    Anyway, a divine master magician can''t continue to prevent attacks.


    One day, they will reach their limit.


    Leonhardt took a deep breath--


    "Ha!


    I let the horse run.


    The horse gradually increased its speed and passed by the most forward obstacle.


    At that moment, the enemy archers fired arrows.


    The arrows rained down, but they were not very dense.


    It''s thanks to the fact that my men are attracting the enemy.


    I didn''t slow down and ducked through a rain of arrows.


    Soon another obstacle came into view.


    A charred blanket is draped over it.


    It must be sentimentality to look like a burned out corpse.


    With a bang, my speed slows down.


    The horse seems to have decided that it can''t jump over this obstacle.


    Leonhardt grabbed the horse by the neck.


    ''''........God.


    "-Oh!


    Activate the physical performance of the horse with the divine art.


    The horse screamed noiselessly at the pain.


    The horse overcame the obstacle while spitting blood foam from its mouth.


    I can''t help but smile.


    He knew that Brad Hamal would not allow such an outburst to happen.


    Forgive him or not.


    He and I have parted ways, too.


    No, they hadn''t been looking in the same direction from the beginning.


    All of the Knight Commander of the Kingsguard, that is.


    It seems like Count Ernat was the only one who was thinking about the Empire.


    He''s just mending his form.


    That''s the knight now.


    The arrows fly in.


    It''s an arrow fired by a crossbow.


    He changes course and ducks, but soon after, the next arrow is released.


    "God!


    Leonhardt deploys the Divine Shield, a divine technique, to block the arrows.


    He tries to change his course again, but arrows fly in as if he is anticipating them.


    I look ahead and narrow my eyes.


    There, an old man is giving instructions to a soldier with a crossbow at the ready.


    In addition, the old man shouts something to the basket hand - a magic item.


    The density of the arrows increases and he scowls.


    The soldier holding the crossbow is a young man.


    Probably a volunteer soldier gathered from the territory.


    They must have little experience.


    Nevertheless, instead of panicking, he lets Leonhardt use his divine authority technique.


    The Divine Majesty Technique can prevent it, but it can''t be prevented forever.


    There is a limit.


    Then, and activates the horse even more with the divine authority technique.


    The horse accelerates as if it were popping.


    The wind rumbles past my ears with a rumbling sound.


    When we are almost there, our vision sinks.


    The horse has reached its limit.


    But if they got this far, it wouldn''t matter.


    Leonhardt jumped his horse to a stepping stone.


    He jumped over the fence and over the holes where the soldiers were hiding.


    The moment he landed, pain crawled up from his leg.


    Apparently, he had hurt himself.


    I bite down on the pain and kick the earth.


    Arrows fly from behind me, but they all miss.


    Princess Tilia--, Leonhard looked around.


    Then--.


    ''''I''m not going to be caught off guard!


    Leonhardt jumped back as his vision faded.


    Slightly later, a woman - Faye Murifine - descended.


    She came to kill me for real.


    It''s obvious from her point of view, but why did she scream?


    If I hadn''t voiced my voice, I could have gotten a shot in.


    Faye turned to me and looked puzzled.


    Well, I guess so.


    She''s strong.


    She must have rarely fought better opponents than herself.


    So it was no use watching Leonhardt swing his sword down with a pompous look on his face.


    ''''Wind! BMOO!


    A green light breaks in between Leonhardt and Fay along with the spirit of the cleaver.


    Wind magic, or perhaps a magic item.


    He could prevent it with his divine magic technique and kill Fay, but--.


    Leonhardt dared to keep his distance.


    It''s not because he was reluctant to kill her or because they were close friends who fought together.


    It was because he decided that there was no need to risk it here.


    But--.


    ''''God!


    A woman''s voice rings out.


    It''s not Faye''s voice, but it''s a familiar one.


    I''m sure it''s the voice of a girl named Theon.


    A cone-shaped rock jumps out of the ground.


    It''s the divine art of the Mother Goddess of Fertility.


    You''ll be able to jump back and avoid them, but the rocks fly out one after another.


    It''s a great power, but they didn''t get a chance to use it.


    Leonhardt got away from the three of them.


    ''''I''ve chilled my liver.'''' (Bumo)


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Crono''s second-in-command - Mino walks up carrying Paul Axe, and Faye stands up.


    On the other side, Theon is glaring at us.


    ''''If you don''t die, I can heal you.


    "You can do your best, but you can''t.


    That''s quite an absurd request, isn''t it?


    Mino and Fay held their weapons at the ready as they lightly spoke.


    ''''Leonhardt-dono!''''


    What is it?


    I want you to retire.


    Ha, how can you say that after you''ve slashed at me?


    I couldn''t help but laugh.


    ''I''m sorry, but I have my own set of circumstances.


    Is that a problem that cannot be solved by discussion?


    Well, I''m not sure.


    Leonhardt cowered his shoulders.


    I feel like we can resolve this, but I''m in the middle of trusting my father''s judgment and trying to lose everything.


    If he is tricked into agreeing to discuss this, that would be a fool.


    ''''I''m ... sorry.''''


    I''m not sorry, either.


    The Night Ranger was fun.


    Oh, yes.


    It was fun.


    It was the first time in my life I''d ever done something stupid like that, and it was a lot of fun.


    It was exciting.


    Well, that was a long time ago.


    "That''s not true, sir.


    What''s that?


    It''s a shame about Leonhardt, my lord.


    Me?


    It''s a pity that Master Leonhardt is circling the wagons.


    That''s a horrible thing to say.


    If you hadn''t been so firm, Master Leonhardt, you wouldn''t have fallen into this mess.


    It''s my fault?


    Yes, sir!


    ....


    Leonhardt couldn''t say anything back.


    Faye''s words are true.


    A silence descended.


    ''Is that the end of it?''


    That is all.


    Then let''s get started.


    Leonhardt quietly held his sword at the ready.


    The first one to move was Mino.


    Bumoh!��And then he rushes in with a heroic cry.


    The light runs.


    A yellow - symbolic light, symbolizing the earth, colors Mino''s body like a barbarian''s war veneer.


    The speed increases.


    The large sub-human is quick, contrary to its slow and heavy appearance.


    That''s because their body size is different.


    If you are fighting with the intention of taking on a human, you will be able to close the distance in the blink of an eye.


    Leonhardt has had several hand-to-hand combat with large sub-humans - and he''s fast.


    The next thing you know, the minos are close at hand.


    I can''t see Faye.


    I''m sure he''s hiding behind the minos because I can sense them.


    Should we keep our distance here?


    Leonhardt tried to jump back and noticed a shadow tangled around his ankle.


    It''s the divine power art of the ''Goddess of the Jet-Black and the Goddess of Chaos''.


    He severed the shadow with his sword and jumped away.


    Mino flashes a pole hammer.


    Leonhardt bends to his knees and ducks the attack and turns to fight back.


    No, he tried to roll.


    At that moment, Fay appears from behind Mino.


    Something like a black haze rises from his entire body.


    He must have used his divine power technique to raise his physical ability and defense to the bottom.


    His stance is a stab.


    The aim is the neck.


    Speaking of Mino, he''s already swinging a poleaxe.


    Is he prepared for the failure of Fay''s attack?


    It''s quite a brilliant coordination -- but.


    Leonhardt jumped towards Fay.


    The cutting edge passes in front of him.


    My neck is hot.


    I thought I had ducked it, but it seems to have been snatched.


    However, he turned aside and succeeded in using Fay as a shield.


    Mino''s movement slows down.


    He twists his body to say, "I''m going to pierce both of the feys as it is.


    The next moment, the ground exploded.


    At first I thought it was Mino''s imprinting technique, but--


    ''''Guhach!''''


    "Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! (BUMO!)


    It seemed different as they were both blown away.


    Leonhardt was knocked from his back to the ground and quickly got to his feet.


    I''m sorry!


    Good job, sir!


    "Let''s go to town! (BUMO!)


    Yes!


    I''m tempted to say you''re kidding me, but I gingerly hold back.


    Leonhardt let out a breath and readied his sword.


    He kicked the ground and closed the distance between him and Mino.


    Bumoh!��And with a heroic cry, Mino swings down the poleaxe.


    He deploys a protective barrier overhead and is attacked.


    ''There is a gap!


    We''re all good!


    I caught Faye''s slash with my sword.


    I tried to catch it, but I couldn''t.


    ''''Wind! (BUMO!)


    My body gets heavy.


    Mino used a magic item.


    ''''It''s a raryaah!


    Tsk!


    Faye pushed her sword into the air.


    The core of my head remains calm while I click my tongue.


    I use the momentum of the push in and pass it off as it is.


    Faye''s upper body swims.


    Leonhard raises his sword and staggers back.


    He ate Fay''s side kick to the chest.


    I thought he would be concerned about fighting with a sword, but I was surprised that he would use body arts.


    Suddenly, my vision faded.


    When I lifted my gaze, I saw Mino floating in the air.


    My eyes widen.


    I didn''t expect a minotaur to leap over the fey--''''


    ''''Wind! (BUMO!)


    God!


    The swinging poleaxe shattered the defensive wall, and Leonhardt caught it with his sword as quickly as he could.


    His body creaked from too much impact.


    Furthermore, a cone-shaped rock pops out of the ground.


    ''''Chii!''''


    Leonhardt pushes Paul Axe back with all his might and manages to escape to the side.


    I thought it was a divine power jutsu, but Sion has a scowl on his face.


    That means it''s Mino''s Marking Technique.


    Bumoh!��And Mino screams out a bullhorn.


    Then the imprint emitted a strong light.


    A crack appeared around the minnow, and a cone of rock shot out in all directions.


    Moreover, it spread outward.


    ''''God!''''


    Leonhardt moves out of range as he deploys his protective barrier.


    Something snatches the corner of his vision.


    There is no time to check it.


    The next moment he reflexively held his sword up, a high-pitched sound rang out.


    There was a fey in front of me.


    He was approaching, hiding behind a rock.


    ''''Please give me your orders!


    I''m not done!


    Faye pushed her sword into the air and Leonhardt put his strength into it, too, in a losing effort.


    Suddenly, the resistance was gone.


    The moment Leonhardt put his power into the air, Faye reversed her position.


    Utterly disgusting.


    ''''Light!


    Huh!


    Light bursts between Leonhardt and Faye.


    His vision fades and he kicks the ground hard.


    The pole axe is swung down to where Leonhardt was half a second ago.


    This is also the power of the imprinting technique, or something that looks like a stone strikes the back.


    It kicks the ground further.


    It''s not to escape.


    It''s to kill the enemy''s weak point - Theon.


    She has not mastered the power.


    It''s better to take care of her before she learns to use her powers in a fight.


    ''''You can''t come here!


    Theon shouted, and a stone pillar flew out of the ground.


    It was similar to an explosion.


    But if it''s to this extent, it can be avoided without a hitch.


    It was closing in on Sion until he was only a few steps away.


    At that moment, a frightening feeling ran through him.


    ''''God!��A miracle of protection!


    Please, God, please!


    An alien air surged from Zion.


    He didn''t know how it was alien, but he had a feeling that he would die if he couldn''t resist.


    Fortunately, or should I say, the Divine Majesty Technique ''Divine Clothing'' was preventing Sion''s attack.


    Leonhardt closed the distance as it was and thrust his sword out.


    The sword pierced through his chest and the strength drained from Sion''s body.


    Theon turned over--


    ''....I got him.


    He said in a horrified sounding voice.


    He tried to pull the sword out, but he couldn''t.


    Theon had tightened his grip on the blade.


    I knew immediately what he was going to do.


    The blade was beginning to rust.


    As he put all his strength into pulling the sword out, the blade snapped halfway through.


    Leonhardt kicked the ground and took his distance.


    Gehohoho, Sion spat out blood.


    He should have inflicted a fatal wound, but he doesn''t look like he''s going to die.


    On the contrary, the blood has already stopped.


    So far, so good.


    If you''re a divine master magician - it''s not impossible, especially if you''re one who believes in a god with superior healing powers.


    ''''Yes, it hurts.''''


    Theon held his chest and sounded as if he were crying.


    But there was a smile on his mouth.


    ''Are you all right, sir?''


    "Even to the untrained eye, it doesn''t look all right." (Bumo)


    Faye and Mino stand to protect Theon.


    ''''We''ll let you off the hook now, won''t we?


    I wish I could, but I can''t.


    Leonhardt raised his hand and looked at the sword.


    The sword''s blade was missing from the middle of the blade, but--''


    ''God, bless my sword.


    The Divine Majesty Technique "Celebration Holy Blade" - the sword is surrounded by white light, and the light forms the blade.


    Naturally, the light has no weight, so it is unbalanced.


    ''''Do you intend to defeat these three?''''


    I could do it.


    Leonhardt lightly cowered his shoulders.


    The enemy is strong, but we can definitely win.


    Well, it can''t be an easy victory, though.


    ...


    The enemy Divine Majesty Magician who was running in the lead turns into a particle of white light.


    It was a side effect of the Divine Majesty Technique - they were eaten by the gods.


    As if that was the trigger, one by one, the enemy divine warriors turned into particles of light.


    The scene was beautiful and nightmarish.


    Death is a terrifying thing.


    And yet, if he died like that, the horror would diminish.


    Death would be lighter.


    I''m sure they would argue with me if I pointed that out.


    Faith has been proven, he said.


    But--


    ...like you really want that?


    Aridid muttered as he looked at the battlefield from the turret he had set up in the tree tops.


    Eaten by the gods.


    Become one with the gods.


    I don''t mind either way, but it doesn''t sound like much fun.


    I think it would be more fun to eat good food and play than that.


    The priest said, ''That''s better,'' so there should be no doubt about it.


    After all, he''s experienced.


    When I said God''s undigested food, he was dreading it, so he must have meant it.


    When this battle is over, I''ll buy you a drink.


    Maybe we can make an offering.


    Whoosh!��And then a voice rises.


    The imperial and imperial troops had clashed.


    For now, it''s five minutes.


    But with time, the Imperial Army would be forced into an inferior position.


    Well, as a rule of thumb--''''


    Well, my dear comrades in arms are we all ready to go?


    "Yes.


    I called out to the magic item in the basket, and the voice came back.


    There are enough arrows to go around.


    There''s no need to save them like the parent conquest.


    ''''It''s like letting the enemy die for the sake of our future!


    "Oh!


    Alideed fired an arrow at the imperial army.


    *


    Fay, Mino and Theon were strong.


    Faye was a great swordsman.


    In another five years, he would have become the best swordsman in the Empire.


    Mino supported Faye well.


    He was a highly skilled warrior himself, but that was not all.


    He had a wide perspective.


    There was even a section where he seemed to have a bird''s eye view of the battle itself.


    However, if it was just Fay and Mino, it would have been settled early.


    The existence of Sion was the main reason why it had dragged on to this point.


    After all, she''s an amateur.


    Her thoughts are very difficult to read.


    That affected the entire battle.


    The amateur''s thoughts overturned the inferiority of the battle many times.


    But that''s over.


    Leonhardt exhaled quietly and looked at the three of them.


    Faye and Mino were gasping for air, and Theon was about to collapse.


    It''s time to end this, Leonhardt kicked the ground.


    His target was Mino.


    The imprint is flickering.


    In other words, the limit is near.


    As if sensing our intentions, Mino raised his poleaxe.


    However, the movement is lackluster.


    A dull touch can be felt from the sword.


    The sword pierced Mino''s chest.


    ''''Ta, General........'''' (Bumo.......)


    Hey, you fought well.


    "Whoa! (BUMO!)


    Twisting the handle, Mino spat out blood.


    ''''Not for free....'''' (Bumo...)


    I will not let you die!


    Faye swung her sword down and Leonhardt leapt backwards to duck.


    Mino declines on the spot.


    A fatal wound.


    ''''Lord Sion!


    I understand!


    No, you won''t.


    Leonhardt released a divine technique - a light bullet.


    The light bullets hit Sion''s knee.


    The knee is abducted and Theon falls down.


    ''''Please wait. I''ll heal you right away.


    Theon crawled on the ground, heading underneath Mino.


    He didn''t even try to heal his own wounds.


    That''s how he knew she was already at her limit.


    ''Well, what to do?��I wouldn''t mind missing it now, though, would you?


    I''m sorry, sir. I can''t do that.


    Faye stood to protect Mino and the others and sheathed her sword.


    Then she poised herself in a hunchbacked position.


    A black haze rises from Fay''s body and a chill crawls up Leonhardt''s spine.


    He''s going to use his trump card.


    Leonhardt let out a small breath and looked at his own sword.


    The sword''s blade was missing from the middle.


    He has formed a temporary sword blade with his Divine Majesty Technique, but this is not enough to take an attack.


    It can''t be helped, Leonhard sheathed his sword.


    I compose myself the same way as Faye.


    I can feel her upset.


    ''You don''t think you''re the only one special, do you?


    I don''t think so, sir.


    Faye said, sounding miffed.


    Leonhardt glared at Faye.


    The sound slowly fades away and the scene around him loses its color.


    He confronts Faye in a world of white, only white.


    At the same time, they move.


    The air clings to me like a stew that has been stewed.


    It''s uncomfortable.


    Just uncomfortable.


    Consciousness and flesh are not engaging.


    I bite the two together with force.


    My temples ache.


    "The artifact--oh!


    Summon!


    Pulled swords!


    Voices overlap and the divine weapon is pulled out.


    Light and darkness collide, and the sound returns.


    A roar like a thunderclap echoes.


    The Divine Weapon pops, but it doesn''t make me lose my posture.


    ''''Hah!''''


    Oh!


    The divine weapon is unleashed along with the spirit of the cleaver.


    A roar resounds, and the divine weapon is played.


    Leonhard immediately unleashes his divine weapon.


    It''s the same for Fei.


    The divine artifacts collide, are flicked, and collide again.


    It accelerates as if it is controlled by the will of God.


    The white light and black light draw a trail in space.


    It''s as if space is being scraped away.


    Such a thought flashed through my mind, but it was a trivial matter.


    Faster, just faster, faster, flat out faster - the vision is red.


    My vision is red.


    My mouth smells bloody.


    My bones creak and my muscles are torn to shreds.


    Still, I accelerate.


    As if to say that this is what I am for.


    Unfortunately - humans are not just for accelerating.


    There is a limit.


    Keha-ha!


    It was Faye who was the first to reach her limit.


    She was on her back, spitting out blood.


    It was a chance of a thousand, but Leonhardt also reached his limit.


    He turns over and spits out blood.


    ''''Aaaaah!


    Oh, oh!


    With all his strength, he wields his divine weapon.


    Faye swung her sword down and Leonhardt raised his sword.


    A clear sound could be heard as the sacred artifacts collided.


    Faye''s divine artifacts shattered like glass.


    ....


    Leonhardt silently swung his divine weapon down.


    Blood splattered, and Faye collapsed from her knees.


    ''''Fay-san!''''


    Theon, who was covering Mino, shouted.


    He was wondering whether he should kill her or leave her alone--''''


    ''''Bandit!''''


    Protect the princess!


    I heard a shrill voice.


    When I looked at the direction of the voice, I saw that the old men were about to come running towards me.


    There must have been about fifty of them.


    They were tired, but no problem.


    ''''Hmmm...''''


    "My name is Manchausen!��Princess Tyria, the retainer of the first lady!


    I am the first of my kind!��This Alonso is my first retainer!


    The two old men - Manchausen and Alonso - press together with their chests.


    It''s depressing.


    "''Tis the time to be a regular guy!


    The two men attacked him, weapons in hand.


    It was pathetic, but they should take it seriously.


    Leonhardt flashes his divine weapon while passing between the two men.


    A thud echoes from behind him.


    ''''Manchausen!��Alonso!


    How dare you two!


    Come on, fight, fight, fight!


    The old men are attacking us.


    Of course, I don''t take it easy.


    They cut down, cut down, and cut down.


    An ordinary soldier would have run away, but the old men came unhesitatingly towards them.


    Their faces were filled with joy.


    They die laughing.


    They pass away smiling.


    What in the world drives them?


    At least they wouldn''t be driven by madness.


    ''''Long live the Imperial Highness!''''


    Slaying the last one, Leonhardt looked up at the sky.


    Thick clouds covered the sky.


    It might rain.


    ''''How dare you kill to kill?


    ....


    I look at the silent voice and see a beautiful woman of strange age drinking wine.


    Her throat rose and fell lustily.


    As I recall, she was called a priestess.


    My instincts told me it was dangerous, but I also had a feeling that I wouldn''t have to fight.


    ''You will not fight?''


    I am an observer.


    Then he laughs.


    I suppose you really meant to say, "Go ahead and do it yourself.


    ''Yeah. That helps.


    I meant it.


    He didn''t know how many hundreds of years he''d live, but if it meant he didn''t have to fight, so much the better.


    Leonhardt stepped out--''''


    ''''But.........''''


    "But?


    I stopped and parroted.


    That''s when.


    Someone clung to me from behind.


    I looked behind me over my shoulder and saw the old man.


    While I was wondering what was going on, he grabbed my arm and my leg.


    It was a sudden and unbelievable sight.


    The old men who should have killed him were moving.


    Leonhardt glared at the priest.


    ''You weren''t an observer, were you?


    Did you say that?


    The priest tilted his head slightly.


    I would describe it as cute, but it was petty.


    ''Well, you paid for my drink.


    Is that why?


    It''s important.


    For an eagle," said the priestess, goggling.


    Leonhardt dropped his gaze and noticed that the old man was clutching something.


    It was a magic item.


    ''Die with us!


    Long live Princess Tyria!


    God!


    In the next moment, red lotus flames filled his vision.


    *


    An explosion roared from behind her, and Leila narrowed her neck.


    Something might have happened to Crono.


    Such anxiety passed through her chest.


    She bit her lip and endured the desire to run down to Crono.


    I can''t help myself if I go.


    Rather, it would be an impediment.


    Besides, I was entrusted with the command.


    So how could I betray the trust?


    Leila looked at the battlefield.


    On the left flank, the imperial infantry and the imperial knights were engaged in a fierce exchange.


    Should it be said that they are barely getting by?


    The Imperial soldiers - the Thirteenth Konoe Guard Knights take pride in their ability to defeat anyone.


    But it would be the same for the enemy.


    If they can win with their minds, they won''t have a hard time.


    The only reason we''re able to hold back the imperial army right now is because of the support of Aridaid and the others.


    I want to ease the pressure more.


    If we do that, we can win ourselves.


    ''''Well how do we do that?''''


    Leila bit her thumbnail and realized something.


    A volunteer soldier.


    Since the enemy is concentrated on the left flank, the volunteer soldiers who fortify the center are free to go.


    The question is whether they will be fighting each other.


    The skill of the volunteers is poor.


    Shooting at them is just a dream.


    At this time, a rainfall began to fall.


    He reflexively looked up at the sky and said.


    "Shoot at an angle!


    Leila exclaimed involuntarily.


    Why couldn''t she come up with something so simple?


    ''''The First, Fifth, and Seventh Squads of Volunteers, please move to the left flank!


    Leila shouted into the basket of communication magic items.


    *


    ...Rain?


    Leonhardt opened his eyes at the cold touch.


    The rain was falling in flurries.


    He repeated a shallow breath and picked himself up.


    Apparently, his body was safe.


    The divine power technique he used on the spur of the moment mitigated the impact of the explosion.


    He managed to get up and look around.


    There are dead bodies scattered around, but there''s no sign of the priestess.


    Did he run away, or did he lose interest?


    Well, as long as they don''t get in the way, I don''t mind.


    Besides, it''s no use trying to read the intentions of someone who is no longer human.


    ''''Well..........''''


    Leonhardt walks away with the divine weapon in his hand.


    I have a headache.


    He can''t stop feeling nauseous.


    I''m hot all over.


    I hear muffled sounds.


    I can''t see or hear anything but the smell and taste of blood.


    All I can smell and taste is blood.


    After a while, a tent comes into view.


    In front of it was Crono and a woman wearing a robe.


    Her face was not visible as she wore a hood so deep in her eyes.


    I felt like that if it was called Princess Tilia.


    Crono is slowly approaching us.


    I leave a distance of about ten steps and stop.


    ''''........Is it impossible to discuss?''''


    Well, guess what I''m gonna say, you''re gonna have to talk to me like that?


    Leonhardt lost his smile.


    Crono''s body was colored by the imprint and his expression was grim.


    In short, it''s full of wariness.


    ''''There''s a word for ''no and original,'' Leonhardt.


    That''s your style, Crono.


    Crono readied his sword and Leonhardt readied his divine weapon.


    The rain increased in intensity and Crono moved.


    No, Leonhardt just couldn''t move.


    After all, he had wounds all over his body.


    It was no wonder he couldn''t move.


    Crono didn''t care what happened to me, he just walked up to me and swung his sword at me.


    I take it with my divine weapon, but I stagger.


    Crono attacked like he was folding.


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    He closed the distance and fired a scooping blow.


    Crono leaps back, but the cut snatches his neck.


    Blood splattered, but it was shallow.


    But now it was clear that Crono had no trump card.


    The moment Leonhardt stepped out of the way, he felt pain in his right eye.


    A necklaces.


    The broken string of the necklace had hit his eye.


    The pain slowed his movements, and the engraving that decorated Crono''s body emitted a dazzling light.


    What to do?


    The right side of the field of vision is blocked.


    The attack comes from the right.


    What about Crono''s attack?


    Tsk!


    Leonhardt clicked his tongue and swung his divine weapon down.


    His right vision is closed, but he can tell that Crono has a surprised expression on his face.


    Crono''s body sinks down as if he has reached his limit.


    That''s when I see Crono''s left arm.


    The left arm, which is connected by a single piece of leather--.


    Leonhardt was sure of his victory.


    Defeated, Crono thought.


    He had sacrificed Mino, Fay, Theon, and Manchausen to win.


    They had consumed them and had successfully cornered them.


    And yet, they were upset.


    It wasn''t good enough.


    Even with the necklace - even with the good fortune of Lysad''s fangs taking away Leonhard''s vision.


    But well done.


    He had cornered Leonhardt.


    That''s enough for me.


    Now I''ll leave it all to the others.


    I was about to bend my knees in a strange sense of contentment when I heard a voice.


    Are you done?


    It was a gentle voice.


    A voice that would nod and say ''yes,'' if I said it was good enough.


    I want to indulge this voice.


    I want to cling to it.


    But that''s - Crono put a lot of effort into his legs.


    There is no good reason.


    There is no good reason.


    After sacrificing so much, there is no way I can give up so easily.


    I can''t give up for the sake of the people I killed and the subordinates who died.


    ...good reason.


    Crono spun the words.


    I don''t have a reason!��Stupid!


    The next moment Crono shouted, his right vision turned white for a moment.


    It was an unexpected blow.


    His left arm should have been connected only by a single piece of skin.


    And yet, how could it attack?


    Leonhard staggered back and fell on his ass.


    His eyes widened in astonishment.


    His left arm was connected.


    ''''There''s no good reason.''''


    Crono said as he spat and slowly opened his right eye.


    A green light floods in.


    It''s the power of a god - the power of the ''Green and the God who controls the flowing water''.


    The light swirls around.


    When one uses the divine power technique, the divine power rises from the surgeon.


    But Crono was different.


    Light flooded from the space around him and surrounded Crono.


    Leonhardt saw the figure of Count Rio Chiron in the light.


    No, no, no, no. I won''t let Crono kill you.


    It was as if he could hear such a voice.


    ''''........Rio Chiron.


    Leonhard stood up on shaky legs.


    ''You''re still attached to Crono, even in death.


    ...Rio is...


    Crono mumbles to himself.


    ''Rio''s dead,''


    ''Can''t you see that?��That''s the power of Rio Chiron!��Dead, assimilated with the gods... and yet they still cling to you!


    Rio is dead.


    Crono repeated the same words.


    ''''But I''ll go with you.


    Crono drives.


    The imprint is dazzling, perhaps due to Rio''s power.


    ''Fast!��But--


    Oh!


    Crono let out a yell.


    His body cowered with the power like a lion.


    Crono unleashed a fist and Leonhardt quickly caught it with his divine weapon.


    He laughed and said there was no way he could shatter the divine weapon.


    The next moment, the sacred artifacts shattered with a sound like broken glass.


    ''''Nonsense!��God''s--


    ''Ahhhh!


    A fist pierced his face and Leonhardt was blown away.


    He was slammed head first into the ground, and still his momentum didn''t kill him, but he rolled on the ground two or three times.


    Finally, it stopped and Leonhardt saw that his head was attached to it.


    He let out a breath of relief that his head was present.


    It was a tremendous blow, like a direct hit from a breaking hammer.


    ''''I have to ... stand up.''''


    If you don''t get up, you''ll die, he scolded himself as he stood up.


    Leonhardt looks at Crono--.


    ''....Yeah.


    He let out a gasp.


    Leonhardt saw the dead behind Crono - behind the green and black light.


    There was an elf.


    There were lion beastmen.


    There were minotaurs.


    There were lizardmen.


    There was Rio Chiron - and many of the dead were behind the Crono.


    ''....Yeah.


    I let my voice trail off again.


    I wanted to give up everything I had and put my trust in this great king.


    If it wasn''t for this, I would have done so.


    No, I still want to do so, and I can''t stand it.


    "I have something to protect.


    Leonhardt spun the words as if to resist, but they were so empty that he felt thin and cold himself.


    He wanted to protect his home.


    But what was it for?


    Was it for his father, who judged him by his mood, or was it for his relatives, who were incited by such a father?


    Did he just want to protect the history, the fortune?


    ''Ah!''


    Crono unleashed a fist and Leonhardt was blown away again.


    What I was trying to protect doesn''t give me any power.


    It''s because he doesn''t see the value in himself.


    Still, he stands up.


    Why.


    For what.


    "...Leela.


    Muttering.


    Oh, yes.


    Leela, Leela is here.


    The daughter my father bought from a poor farmer.


    She was given to me.


    "I have something to protect.


    I muttered again, and my whole body felt hot.


    A white light rises from my body.


    ''''I.......can still fight.


    Leonhardt clenched his fists.


    *


    Bear stared at the battlefield from behind the trees.


    It had stood for quite some time since the battle had begun, but the Imperial soldiers were still holding the line.


    This was despite the fact that the Imperial Army - the First Order of the Kingsguard - had been destroyed.


    But it would only be a matter of time before the front collapsed.


    The enemy is still out there.


    ''''Well it can''t be helped.


    Bear scratched his head.


    Leila, the commander, was tactful, but she didn''t have the coldness to order her soldiers to die.


    Then they should move on with their own judgment.


    I will now go to the place of death by my own decision.


    Thinking about that, his legs trembled.


    The mercenary of successive battles would feel pathetic, but if it was an order, he could give up.


    ''''Well, but Sif sold it to me.


    We - the Confederation of Tribes - will die to protect Crono and his territory.


    It''s not a choice.


    The contract is absolute.


    At the very least, we have to show that we will keep it.


    Indeed, being a mercenary is a sinister business.


    "...a call to arms of the Confederated Tribesmen.


    Bear called out to his compatriots in the basket''s communication magic item - and beyond.


    ''We are about to attack to the death. Are you ready for this?


    "Oh!


    A dependable voice replies.


    ''Let''s go!��United Tribes!


    Charge, that is. (GASP!)


    Right after he started running, Bear was overtaken by the tiger beast - Taiga.


    ''''Are you guys going to die too?''''


    I''m not going to die, that I''m not! (GASP!)


    Well, okay.


    Bear called out to Kagome''s communication magic item as he ran.


    ''Correction!��I''m going to die and win!


    "Oh!


    A voice rang out from the communication magic item and Bear and his companions attacked the enemy soldiers.


    *


    Gong, gong, and the impact is intermittent.


    When I opened my eyes to see what was going on, Leonhardt had been beaten by Crono, who was on horseback.


    ''''........Ah.''''


    That''s right. We were fighting.


    My body is heavy as lead.


    I can''t put any strength into it.


    He twisted his body with all his strength and knocked Crono down into a sea of mud.


    I try to get on my horse, and a kick comes flying out.


    I don''t feel any pain.


    My whole body is hot, and I can only feel something hitting me when I''m hit.


    How long have we been hitting each other?


    I don''t know.


    I don''t know, but at least it wasn''t a downpour when we started punching each other.


    There was a gobbling sound.


    Crono was about to drown in a sea of mud.


    Oh, this is easier said than done.


    When I was thinking about that--.


    a�?--!


    Leonhardt looked up and spat out the muddy water.


    Before he knew it, he lost consciousness and nearly drowned.


    What a mess.


    Before he knew it, Crono was on his feet.


    Leonhardt mobilized all his remaining strength to stand up.


    I want to win.


    Such thoughts snatched at his brain.


    Oh, yes.


    I want to win.


    I want to win.


    I want to win against Chrono.


    If I win, I''m sure I will feel great.


    And yet Crono is going the opposite way to Leonhardt.


    Oh, don''t go.


    Please don''t go.


    Fight me, and I''m going to hit your body.


    They both fall to the ground.


    Crono tries to advance and Leonhardt clings to him.


    He loses consciousness.


    When he regains consciousness again, he hugs his pants.


    Crono looks around.


    He was crawling on the ground in his pants.


    Please, wait, he said, crawling on the ground.


    At that moment, Princess Tilia knelt down and hugged Crono.


    ''That''s enough!


    What is good. No decision has been made.


    But the words could not be spoken.


    ''Ours, Master Crono, has won!


    Princess Tyria took off her hood.


    Underneath it was a look not unlike that of the Tyria Princess.


    She looked familiar.


    As I recall, she was called the mistress.


    ''Lady Crono has won!


    The landlady pointed in the direction of the east, and Leonhardt turned around.


    Then, a pillar of light stood in the eastern sky.


    ''''Oh, so that''s what it means.''''


    Leonhardt understood everything and plopped down on the spot.


    It was a diversion.


    It was probably a plan for a separate force to attack the castle while attracting the imperial army.


    ''''Ah, I see.''''


    Leonhardt hung his head helplessly.


    He had been warned that he was the trump card of the Empire, but he was not recognized as an enemy to be defeated.


    That''s why Crono fled.


    ''''I see....


    Tears spilled out of my eyes.


    My thoughts were only one-sided, and even more so, defeated.


    If only he had recognized me as an enemy to be defeated, I would still be saved.


    What a misery.


    What humiliation.


    This was the price of betrayal.


    ''Hey, can you stop being so sentimental and declare your defeat?


    "-Oh!


    When I looked up, the landlady held out a magic item to me.


    She took the magic item and said.


    ''''This is Leonhardt, Commander of the First Kingsguard. The imperial army must stop fighting immediately. I repeat, the imperial army must cease fighting immediately.


    Leonhardt called out to his friends.


    *


    I repeat. I repeat, the Imperial Guard must cease hostilities immediately.


    What the f*ck you got in store for me on the battlefield?


    Leonhardt''s voice echoed from all sides, and Roy scowled.


    ''Lord Roy, what shall we do?''


    What? It''s over... it''s over.


    Roy looked around at Richard''s words.


    The soldiers stopped their hands.


    ''My orders are--''


    The castle is down.


    Looking behind him over his shoulder, he saw a pillar of light standing in the eastern sky.


    It was divine, the light of divine power arts.


    Perhaps it was the power of Princess Tyria.


    Somehow, I had a feeling that it was.


    ''''I fought a serious battle, though.


    Roy blurted out as he stared at the pillar of light.


    He fought diligently, but it was only one phase for the rebels.


    It was a shame, but a complete defeat.


    ''''Did Lord Argena understand that?''''


    Come on, baby.


    Honestly, I don''t think Algena was expecting this development.


    I don''t think--


    ''Shouldn''t we wrap this place up with the guy was a great guy?


    ''Yes. That''s the best thing to do.


    So what do we do now?


    I''m going back to the country.


    Richard said once and for all.


    ''You gave me an immediate answer,''


    I''ve been thinking about it.


    Well, good luck with that.


    I''m not leaving yet. Not until I get this over with.


    Richard said, miffed, and Roy laughed.

 157-Episode 18 "Decisive Battle Back" Part 1

    Mid-January, the year of the empire''s forty-three years - a wind is blowing in.


    It''s a fierce, cold wind.


    It''s as if it''s about to blow everything away.


    In fact, if you''re not careful - and even if you''re not careful, if you''re not in the power of the wind, you will be blown away.


    And if that happens, it will blow up tens of meters into the sea below.


    I''ve heard that the tide is fierce around this area--the southern frontier.


    If you fall, there''s a high probability you''ll die.


    Huh!


    Tyria grunted softly and huddled against the rock wall.


    It''s to minimize the effect of the wind, but I doubt it''s really minimal.


    Her body almost pulls away from the rock wall, and her fingers are sore from hooking into the hollow.


    They must be sore.


    My nails are cracked and dried blood is stuck to my fingertips.


    Despite this, the sensation coming from it is dull.


    It''s not like it''s my own fingers.


    If I put a couple of gloves on top of each other, it could be like this.


    Could this be what is called frostbite?


    A chill crawls up my spine, and my heart beats faster.


    I imagined what would happen to my fingers.


    Should I use the Divine Majesty Technique?


    Tilia''s Divine Majesty Technique can''t regenerate the missing part.


    But it should be in time now.


    ''''Ka........''''


    He keeps his mouth shut, trying to use the divine art.


    I narrow my eyes and look at my hands.


    A light as thin as a thread rises up.


    I had to use the Divine Majesty Technique to climb to this point.


    The effects are limited, but if I use it any longer, the side effects might eat me up by the gods.


    If he eats my finger, I''m done.


    Losing a finger to spare a finger would be the end of the world, and if the Imperial Army lost, they couldn''t face Crono and the others.


    Well, I''ll be dead myself by then--.


    The wind stopped and Tilia started to climb the rock wall again.


    She hangs her fingers in the depressions, hooks her toes, and climbs up little by little.


    I don''t think of anything else.


    I climb. I just keep climbing.


    When the wind blows, I huddle up against the wall.


    That''s all you need to do.


    Actually, it''s not, but the simpler the thought, the better.


    Thinking about frostbite and your fingers falling off will only make you feel worse.


    "...climb, climb, climb.


    Muttering and muttering, he put his finger over the dimple.


    The next moment, the dimple collapsed.


    A floating sensation enveloped her body, and a shock pierced her body.


    Someone grabbed Tilia''s hand.


    When I looked up, I saw Crono''s father - Claude - looking down at Tilia.


    Of course, he was the one holding her hand.


    Apparently, he had climbed to the point where he was one step closer.


    ''''Yo, Princess. It''s been a while.''''


    It''s been a while.


    When Tilia responded by looking up at him, Claude bared his teeth and smiled.


    It''s a smile that is strangely charming.


    ''Since the ball?''


    That''s about it.


    "As far as I''m concerned, I''m sorry I didn''t get to say hello to you then.


    I was drunk too, so don''t worry about it. So, how''s it going with my son?


    Mm, I''m proud to say I''m doing reasonably well.


    That''s superimposed. I want to see my grandchildren before I die.


    Can you pull out now?


    Tilia interrupted Claude''s words.


    ''I am sorry, of course, but this one is in a state of suspension.


    Having climbed the quay, I miss the ground so much.


    I feel like donating it to the Yellow Earth Temple.


    ''Oh, I''m sorry about that one,''


    "-Oh!


    Claude scratched his head and pulled Tilia up with one arm.


    He lowered her to the ground and fell on her ass as it was.


    ''You didn''t pee, did you?''


    I didn''t pee my pants!


    Ah, Tilia held her mouth.


    I just reacted with a bare response.


    ''''With that much energy, you''ll be fine.


    Hahaha, Claude laughed.


    Tilia stood up, aware that her cheeks were getting hot.


    She still wobbled on her feet, but she would be fine.


    As she looked around, a covered wagon and five horsemen caught her eye.


    I''m going to ask you to take that carriage and drive it to my house. But first.........


    What?


    I''d love to hear your answer.


    ....


    Gulping, Tyria swallowed raw.


    He would be pushed off the cliff if he didn''t utter the answer he wanted.


    ''When all is said and done, this is about getting you a meeting with your mother, isn''t it?


    Yes.


    I thought they already agreed to that.


    The southern frontier--I have had several correspondence with Claude by letter.


    I promised him several things, including the matter of getting him to see his mother.


    I feel like it''s a little late for that.


    "I want to hear it from the princess''s mouth.


    Do you still have the same answer?


    But still.


    Claude gives me a glaring look.


    He''s somewhat aggressive, but he''s relaxed from his body.


    The sword he carries from his waist catches my eye.


    He could be slashed to death before he''s pushed off the cliff.


    But that''s how you negotiate in wartime, isn''t it?


    ''I promise you. When it''s all over, I will arrange for Claude Crawford to have a meeting with his mother - Astraea.


    Just the two of us.


    I promise you that too.


    ''Huh,'' said Claude, letting out a small sigh.


    ''That''s a relief. ''But are you sure?��I''ll kill Astraea if I have to.


    ...from the Chronosphere.


    Tilia held her tongue.


    In this case, what would be the right thing to call him?


    Lord Claude - it feels like a stranger.


    Father-in-law-sama - this may be familiar.


    ''''You can call me whatever you want.


    So, Master Claude.


    Or your stepfather, for that matter.


    ''I thought about that, but me and Crono aren''t married yet.


    If you haven''t, are you going to marry her?


    Of course.


    Is it obvious?


    Claude grunted, but Crono was the first man for Tyria.


    I''ll make sure he''s held accountable.


    So, I want you to live until then.


    Of course, I won''t talk about it--''


    The first thing you can do is to get the best out of it. You see, it was my mother who planted the seeds. It wouldn''t make sense if you didn''t do the harvesting yourself.


    He used his ideals as a tool to gather soldiers and killed Count Rio Chiron - Count Rio.


    He sent the man he loved and the old knights who adored him to their deaths.


    He has made a series of sacrifices to win the Empire.


    And yet, it doesn''t make sense that my own mother is the only exception.


    "Makes sense.


    Yeah, the plot.


    It''s a word I don''t hate.


    I don''t like it much.


    It''s disgusting because it feels like an expedient way to pile on the sacrifices.


    You took a sword to protect a man you love and you''re sending him to his death.


    It''s a terrible contradiction.


    God seems to like the irony of it all.


    "So, what do you think?


    I''m satisfied.


    What about me?


    Tilia couldn''t help but frown.


    On the outskirts of the imperial capital, the imperial army and the imperial army were staring at each other.


    And yet, do I have to convince the other seven?


    ''''Don''t look at me like that. They''ve all been talking about cooperating with Princess Tilia.''''


    Okay.


    Tyria let out a breath of relief.


    ''Because if we''re going to rebel, we''re going to need a good cause.


    So why are you talking in such a misleading way?


    I just wanted to tease you about it.


    So he''s the father of the Chronosphere.


    Don''t give me so much credit.


    I didn''t mean it as a compliment.


    Tilia headed for the covered wagon in frustration.


    It was then that her vision suddenly went dark.


    When her vision returned to normal, the ground was close at hand.


    Apparently, he had passed out.


    It must have been a split second, considering that he was still in the middle of a fall.


    It was dirt underneath, and he wouldn''t be seriously injured.


    Just when I was ready, I was softly received.


    ''''Are you okay?''''


    Yeah, I''ll be fine.


    Tilia shook her head and stood on the ground on her own feet.


    The one who supported her was the elven maid - Myra.


    When was the last time he had seen her?


    ''Thanks for your help. I thank you.


    No, it''s for your wife.


    Your wife.


    That doesn''t sound bad.


    Myra gives me a licking look.


    ''Is there something on my face?''


    You''ve been looking very pale.


    I think I''m on top of my game.


    I''m afraid that''s an illusion.


    Myra frowned.


    She seemed to be really pale herself to have such an expression on her face.


    Thinking about it, he had been working hard since Crono had almost been escorted to the Imperial City.


    On top of that, they had traveled by carriage and boat and climbed up dozens of meters of rock walls.


    There was certainly no element of being in great shape.


    I have a feeling that I was dying to be in great shape.


    ''And my fingertips,''


    Ggh!


    Tilia stared at her fingers and moaned.


    Even the second joint of her finger was discolored--.


    ''''Ugh!''''


    It''s okay, sir. Just stay calm.


    When I vomit unbearably, Myra gently pats me on the back.


    The strength slips from my legs and I feel like I''m about to slump into place.


    The only reason I didn''t do that was because Myra ducked under my arm and supported me.


    ''Oh, hey, what''s going on?''


    "Sir, get a blanket!


    Oh, yeah.


    Claude looked flustered and headed for the wagon.


    ''Apparently, you''re not feeling well.


    I''ve already mentioned it, sir.


    Tilia borrowed Myra''s shoulder and headed for the wagon.


    *


    When Tilia woke up, she was not in a covered wagon, but on a bed.


    Her head was heavy as if stuffed with lead, and her temples were aching.


    It''s hard to tell if it''s a side effect of the divine power technique or just a physical condition.


    "....my fingers...


    I hold out my hand to see if he''s okay.


    I let out a breath of relief.


    My fingers were safe.


    It''s covered with bandages, but if it''s not missing, it can be healed with my own divine power technique.


    ''''Good--!


    Tilia almost muttered and jumped up.


    Her body creaked and ached.


    It''s like when you have a bad quality cold.


    ''''How long in the world have I been sleeping?


    A day or two would be fine.


    If I had been asleep for a week - I would have been asleep for a week.


    My blood ran cold and I felt dizzy.


    I just woke up, but I think I''m going to have a stroke.


    The success or failure of the operation will depend on whether we can defeat Alfort while Leonhardt is gone.


    The flying squad is the key to victory.


    But what''s the point of being the leader of a detached force if you can''t move?


    "I can''t do this,


    Excuse me.


    Tilia was about to get out of bed when the door opened.


    It was Myra who opened the door.


    He has a silver tray in his hand.


    From the point of steam rising, it seems that he has brought the food to me.


    But now is not the time to eat at leisure.


    I got out of bed, and that''s where I first realized I was wearing a negligee.


    Someone must have made him change it, since he had no memory of it.


    I was stripped naked in an unconscious state.


    Her cheeks burned with too much embarrassment.


    Tilia suppressed the shame that was welling up and crowded Myra.


    ''Myra!��How long have I been asleep?


    It''s been two days since your wife collapsed, sir.


    ...for two days.


    Tilia muttered dumbly.


    ''He was almost asleep during the carriage ride, sir.


    I see.


    If you ask me, I remember waking up a few times on the way to the house.


    ''Ma''am, please go back to bed,''


    But!


    ''Please return. While I am speaking to you.


    What else do you want to say?


    Of course, in my body.


    Myra held the silver tray in one hand and held it halfway up.


    Would he win?


    She wouldn''t go unscathed, if not defeated.


    Besides, she knew it had been two days since she''d fallen.


    There was no reason to fight, and there was no advantage to her lying.


    I let out a breath of relief and the strength drained from my legs.


    I felt like I was going to fall over, but I managed to support myself.


    ''....Ma''am.


    I know.


    Tilia went back to the bed and sat down with her legs stretched out on it.


    Her body creaked and ached even though she moved just a little.


    ''Excuse me,''


    Myra covered Tilia''s legs with the comforter and placed the tray on her thighs.


    The only things on the tray were the barley porridge and a spoon.


    ''Is that all you have?''


    ''It''s good enough for you, since you''re not feeling well.


    That too, I suppose.


    Tilia picked up her spoon and frowned at the pain.


    She wasn''t optimistic, but the wound must still be bad.


    What kind of condition is my finger in?


    Since he didn''t say anything, it shouldn''t be in such a state that it could be amputated.


    I''d like to believe so, but--''''


    "...well...


    Rest assured that I''m the one who changed Princess Tyria.


    Not so!


    Tilia exclaimed.


    Apparently, it was Myra who had dressed herself.


    Why can''t I feel safe even though I''m of the same s*x?


    I feel such a mixture of relief and anxiety.


    ''What about my fingers?''


    He was close to developing frostbite, but don''t worry, he''s been treated.


    Okay.


    Tilia let out a breath of relief.


    She was anxious, but--.


    ''....Speaking of which...''


    Excuse me?


    Do you have any medical training?


    I''m self-taught.


    You''ll be safe.


    Tilia brought the barley porridge to her mouth and frowned.


    It seems that the barley porridge is not just cooked barley.


    Perhaps the barley was cooked in a broth made by boiling and dissolving various ingredients.


    But it feels strangely greasy.


    He must have noticed something strange here.


    Myra raised her eyebrows quizzically.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    Mm, it''s because you''re under the weather. Thanks.


    I thought I took great pains to absorb the nutrients without straining, but maybe that wasn''t the case.


    Myra looked as if she was confused.


    Maybe she hadn''t had many experiences like this before.


    I''m sorry.


    No, I''m the one who''s sorry. I feel like I''ve learned my inadequacies.


    Myra gave a small smile.


    ''''Then I will go and make the food again. For your information, could you tell me what you think of the dish?


    Mmm, it felt greasy.


    Oily?


    Myra raised her eyebrows in difficulty.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    ''I thought I was going to make it light and simple. That''s right. A lighter taste would be better. I can prepare some fruit for your palate.


    Fruit. I think I''ll manage to eat that one.


    Now, wait a minute.


    With that, Myra walked out of the room, tray in hand.


    Tilia lay down and let out a sigh.


    As I was dozing off after finishing my meal, I heard a clatter.


    When Tilia reflexively jumped up--''''Don''t do it.


    "Don''t push yourself. Stay in bed.


    Claude turned his palm toward us.


    Myra is waiting behind him.


    ''''Thanks to you, it''s much better now, isn''t it?


    I hear you eat a diet of fruit?


    Gugu.....


    Tilia grunted.


    She wanted to argue that she had eaten the barley porridge as well, but she had left more than half of it on the table.


    I couldn''t help but feel sorry and couldn''t argue with her.


    ''''So don''t push it,''''


    Sorry.


    It''s okay. After all, I''m the man who''s going to be your father-in-law.


    Hahaha, Claude laughed and sat down in a chair by the bedside.


    ''Well, what the hell, I''m not the most delirious guy, but...''


    You were aware of it.


    That''s because I''ve known him longer than you have.


    When Myra, who was standing behind him, plunged in, Claude responded with a sigh.


    ''I''ve been doing me for over sixty years. I''m at least aware of what I''m doing wrong.''


    I''m afraid I may have waited too long to realize that.


    I''m sorry. I haven''t had time to look at myself objectively.


    No, no, it''s a maid''s job to support her imperfect master.


    Okay.


    Claude said in a huff.


    ''Are you here to ramble?''


    No.


    Claude said miffed and scratched his head awkwardly.


    ''You can talk to me like a normal person.


    A woman in bad shape.


    ''Sir, wouldn''t it be better for you not to do anything unfamiliar?


    I just thought I should be more concerned about my mood.


    Do you have a mood problem?


    Tilia grunted.


    She wished she had a better reason for it.


    ''Doesn''t mood matter?''


    Well, yeah.


    Many of them became volunteer soldiers because they wanted to do something big.


    Some may have joined because they were just in the mood or atmosphere.


    It was necessary to send such men into battle.


    It''s very shameful.


    So, what is your real purpose?


    I thought I''d give you an update on my upcoming schedule.


    Gently, Claude cleared his throat and straightened up his residence.


    "I''m sorry to trouble you with your health, but I want you to meet the lord of the southern frontier tomorrow.


    Okay.


    I''m sorry.


    No, it''s fine.


    Claude said apologetically, but it''s only natural since we''re joining forces.


    Meeting them would be a great way to feel close and boost morale.


    ''What else?''


    ''Yeah, right. Now we just need to meet with the commander.


    What, aren''t you supposed to be in charge, Master Claude?


    I''m old enough to know better.


    Is that right?


    Tilia tilted her head.


    She said she was old, but she could lift a woman with one arm.


    He''s probably stronger than an average soldier.


    ''I ain''t getting anything out of you if you''re agitating.


    ''It''s not like that, but...''


    Tilia scratched her cheek.


    ''In case you''re wondering, I''m supposed to be the overall commander.


    Really?


    I said "just in case. I have a battalion stationed on the southern frontier and the veterans are the main force behind my place...


    "But?


    Tilia muttered to herself as she parroted.


    I''m jealous that former regular soldiers are the main force.


    What in the world is the problem?


    ''''It''s too different from when I was on active duty.


    Yeah, sure.


    When Claude was in service, each lord led an army.


    The army of then and the army of now are different.


    ''No, wait. ''No, wait, Arthur was adapted to modern times.''


    Don''t let him teach at the military academy, man. I''m the one who''s been running the estate.


    That too, I suppose.


    Well, you''re in the right place at the right time. Make sense?


    I did. Then who''s in charge?


    The dragon guy.


    Which mercenary are you?


    Tilia couldn''t help but ask back.


    A dragon - a pseudonym-like name, but it makes sense if you''re a mercenary.


    ''''I''m Baron Zirant''s son.


    Why would a lord''s son take a false name?


    That''s his real name.


    What''s your real name?


    Tilia made a barefaced sound.


    ''''Why did you name me a dragon........''''


    She said she wanted him to be as strong as a dragon.


    Unbelievable.


    I understand that we want our children to be strong.


    But if you''re a parent, shouldn''t you take it more seriously?


    Anyway, the dragon will take command of the main unit. Well, I don''t think we''re going to have to fight with each other.


    It''s a diversion too. That means I''ll be in charge of the detachment.


    No, Gaul will lead the detachment.


    Gaul?��You''re Count Ernat''s son?


    Yeah, yeah.


    Unbelievable.


    Tilia couldn''t help but mutter.


    The Countess Ernat was a prominent family of the empire.


    I didn''t expect that his heir apparent would join the rebellion--''''


    ''''What kind of reason?''''


    ''You say it''s your duty as a nobleman to join the imperial army and that you''re indebted to Crono.


    Did you believe it?


    I''m not that much of an a**h*le.


    ''But,'' continued Claude, ''I don''t know.


    ''I figured I could pretend to be an a**h*le, man.


    So you''re aware of the situation?


    Sure. But I think you should hear it from him.


    Will you tell me what to do?


    That''s up to you, isn''t it?


    That too, I suppose.


    Tilia nodded.


    ''Then we''re done talking. I''ll put Myra on you and you can handle her.


    Yeah, thanks.


    It''s okay.


    Claude laughed shyly and got up from his chair.


    ''Well then, I''m counting on you.''


    I''ll take care of it.


    Myra nodded emphatically and Claude left the room.


    ''''...Ma''am.''''


    Okay.


    Myra looked at her and Tyria lay back down on the bed.


    The sleepiness hit her shortly afterwards.

 158-Episode 18 "The Decisive Battle, Back" Part 2

    *


    Tyria woke up to the sound of a kacha.


    She opened her eyes thinly and closed them, thinking she shouldn''t, but couldn''t help herself.


    What was the sound?


    A few moments later, there was a click sound again.


    Then you realize what the sound was.


    It''s the sound of a door being opened and closed.


    I shouldn''t do this. Maybe it''s because I woke up in bed, or maybe it''s because I''m not feeling well, or maybe it''s because my thinking is slow.


    I can''t notice things I would normally notice.


    Today I have to talk to the new nobles.


    In such a state, I might inadvertently be forced to swallow the unfavorable conditions.


    No, I remind myself.


    I didn''t come to the southern frontier to get permission to pass the territory or to have them maintain their neutrality.


    We came to have them fight with us.


    Claude had said that they wouldn''t be fighting the Imperial Army.


    But that was only on the southern frontier.


    It would be a tough battle for the separate forces.


    They would have to attack the castle and defeat Alfort.


    Sacrifices are inevitable.


    Considering that, all demands are justified.


    It would be in good faith to accede to the demands as much as possible.


    When I was thinking about this-- "Ma''am, it''s morning.


    "Ma''am, it''s morning.


    Yeah.


    Myra''s gentle voice hit her ear folds and Tyria sat up.


    Her body was lazy, even though she should have gotten more than enough sleep.


    She still didn''t feel well.


    Shameful, she bit her lip.


    ''May I open the curtains?''


    Oh, and get me a window if you can.


    The cold wind can be a little rough on you.


    I''m in the mood for some fresh air.


    Yes, sir.


    Myra bowed reverently and opened the curtains.


    A cold breeze blew in as she gently opened the window.


    Tilia shuddered and took a deep breath.


    Her nose ached, but she felt a little more refreshed in her consciousness.


    ''Ma''am, may I have your permission?''


    Yeah, close the door.


    Yes, sir.


    Myra quietly closed the window and set the table on the bed.


    It was a small table, though.


    It would be for eating or working on the bed.


    It is modest, but carefully constructed.


    The table must have been made with great care by the craftsmen.


    ''This is the table used by Master Elua.


    You''ll be a mother to the Crono.


    Yes, they will.


    Myra nodded with a kind expression on her face.


    When Crono came to this world, El''a Frond was already deceased.


    ''''As soon as the pioneering was over, his health began to fail.


    Okay.


    Tilia could only nod.


    What on earth could she say?


    ''Ma''am, I don''t care that much about El''a-sama''s case.


    Is that so?


    Yes, I have some thoughts about Empress Astraea, but...


    Myra punctuated her words and placed her plate on the table.


    Tilia''s eyes widened lightly.


    There was something that looked like bread on the plate.


    Only it was square.


    And it was thin.


    ''What is this?''


    Bread.


    I understand that, but...


    Little master... the Chronosphere sent me this bread.


    Mm, he''s still hiding something.


    Tilia was miffed and frowned.


    There were too many things to hide for a long-time friend.


    ''''I''ve heard that there are square breads in other worlds.


    Okay. How''d you make it, by the way?


    The bread dough was baked in a metal mold.


    ''Oh, I see. It took you a while to realize that, didn''t it?


    If you ask me, I think it''s true, but if you don''t tell me, I won''t notice it.


    That''s what knowledge of other worlds is like - it seems to be a collection of realizations.


    ''''No, it hasn''t taken that long. It''s just........


    "Just?


    It took me a long time to do it as a hobby in between jobs.


    Myra smiled shyly when I asked her to parrot the question.


    ''Hmm, a hobby,''


    Yes, it''s a hobby.


    Well, I''ll take it.


    Tilia shredded a small piece of bread and brought it to her mouth.


    Her eyes widened lightly.


    ''How do you like it?''


    It''s good.


    Thank you for that.


    Myra smiled with satisfaction.


    The white part was fine and moist.


    On top of that, it was soft.


    The outside has changed color, but it doesn''t smell burnt.


    It even feels aromatic.


    And this faint sweetness - a wonderful bread.


    I couldn''t eat last night''s barley porridge, but I could eat this.


    Thank you.


    Tilia shredded a piece of bread and brought it to her mouth a little at a time.


    When she finished the first piece, the cup was offered to her.


    She took the cup and sipped it fearfully.


    Then a refreshing taste spread in his mouth.


    ''''........Lemon?''''


    Yes, I dripped some lemon juice into the cold water.


    Yeah, this is easy to drink.


    Perhaps it''s because the juice is dripped into cold water, but it''s remarkably refreshing.


    Please adjust as you drink.


    Uh-huh, okay.


    Tilia gently placed her cup on the table and chewed on her bread.


    If the other party was the landlady, she would talk back, but the other party is Myra.


    I can''t help but feel uncomfortable about it.


    I''m sure after all this time, I''ve been able to break the ice with the landlady.


    Suddenly I remembered the Earl of Chiron.


    For a time, I hated him and thought he was an irreconcilable enemy.


    Well, I wouldn''t have challenged him to a fight many times otherwise - but.


    My nose tingled and my vision blurred.


    Myra held out her handkerchief.


    ''''Go ahead.''''


    I''m sorry.


    No. When I''m sick, I get brittle to tears.


    When Tilia wiped her tears with her handkerchief and said, Myra gave a small shake of her head.


    ''''But this is new noble you will expose your abomination to the lords of the southern frontier. Could you prescribe some medicine for me?


    I''m sorry, sir, but I can''t do that.


    Why?


    Drugs and poison are two sides of the same coin.


    When I asked him back, Myra said quietly.


    ''I am merely separating those things that have a beneficial effect on the human body as medicine and those that have a harmful effect as poison. Therefore--''


    All right. The point is that it''s hard on your body, isn''t it?


    That''s right.


    You''ve made your point, but I can''t fight this one.


    ''About that...''


    Myra cut him off timidly.


    ''What?''


    Wouldn''t it be better for you to recuperate in the southern frontier?


    I can''t do that.


    I''m sorry, but I refuse once and for all.


    The flying squad would be throwing themselves into a tough battle.


    There will be times when their hearts will be broken by the harshness of the battle.


    At times like that, Tilia might be able to cheer him up.


    Of course, there is no proof.


    But if Tilia''s presence can reduce the probability of sacrifice, then it should be done.


    Besides, originally, this battle was a seed I sowed.


    In hindsight, I should have talked to Alcor more.


    If I had, I might have been able to find out about the betrayal.


    It''s only a matter of possibility, but I didn''t want to talk about it.


    How arrogant and lazy he was.


    And even more so, how bypassing.


    So I think I owe it to you to fight and see it through.


    ''''I understand.''''


    Myra said as she let out a sigh.


    ''Then I will attend to your wife.


    Are you sure?


    I''m the only one who has mastered the art of medicine and is ready for hard combat.


    ''The medical arts are my style,'' Myra added as she remembered.


    ''Are you okay?''


    ''I am past the time to fight as well as your husband, but I have an apprentice.


    Was it a guy named Johnny?


    Tilia replied, holding her temples.


    ''Was it that strong?''


    He calls himself the best dagger wielder in the Southland.


    You can''t.


    ''''Don''t worry. I am now one of the finest daggers in the Empire.


    Oh, that''s great.


    Tilia couldn''t help but shout.


    The world seems to be small and wide that such a handful of people were smoldering on the southern frontier.


    ''''How did you raise them?''''


    "We left him in the Areos Mountains with a single knife. With a binding agreement that if they caught their prey, the Roux would come and take it away.


    I didn''t raise you.


    No, I''ve got the basics down pat.


    I see.


    Perhaps he physically tapped into it.


    Tilia dropped her gaze to her hand, shredded the bread and brought it to her mouth.


    ''I think my apprentice and I will be able to protect your wife.


    ''Yeah, but that''s not...''


    Ma''am.


    Myra said as she let out a sigh.


    ''I can''t help but understand how your wife feels.


    Do you understand?


    Yes, to the extent that I''m guessing you feel guilty about it.


    Myra said simply.


    ''If you are feeling guilty, even more so, your wife will have to survive. I hope that you will survive and rebuild the empire. That is the duty of your wife, who has caused this civil war.


    Ugg.


    Tilia moaned.


    How dare she step shamelessly into a delicate area?


    But Myra wasn''t wrong.


    Maybe she was a little desperate.


    I shred the bread into large pieces and pour it down with water.


    ''''Well speaking of which...''''


    What is it?


    ''That''s what you said earlier. Didn''t you say you had a thing for my mother?


    "No, I said, ''I have a few thoughts about Empress Astraea,''


    It''s fine.


    He''s a maid.


    I wondered if that was irrelevant, but if Myra said so, then it must be.


    ''What''s the rest of the story?''


    ''Master Elua was happy, I think.


    ''Lord Claude doesn''t see it that way, does he?��Didn''t Lord Elua, you know, shed tears at the moment of the moment?


    Did you know that much?


    I''m still Crono''s regular wife.


    Myra chuckled as Tilia puffed out her chest.


    ''''Well what''s funny.''''


    No, nothing.


    Myra said in a matter-of-fact tone.


    ''As far as I could tell, Lady Elua seemed happy.


    But...


    Ma''am.


    When Tyria tried to argue, Myra raised her index finger and put it to her lips.


    ''Lady El''a shed a tear because it was the only thing she hadn''t been able to do.


    I wonder if he was happy to be left unattended...


    "Not many people can go away content.


    Myra said in a whispered tone of voice.


    She seemed to be smiling somewhat.


    ''And those who are unhappy with it aren''t necessarily unhappy.


    Is that right?


    It''s hard to say goodbye.


    But," Myra continues, "that doesn''t make it all the less meaningful.


    Myra continues, "but that doesn''t make all the difference. For example, if two people who love each other are separated...


    It''s a terrible metaphor.


    Even if we are separated, the time we shared does not mean that it never happened. Even if the end is miserable, you will still have vivid memories of happiness, even if there was pain before.


    Myra said, ignoring Tilia''s mutterings.


    ''So, I think El''a-sama''s life is very full,''


    ....


    Tilia couldn''t say anything.


    Even if she wanted to say something, she didn''t know who Elua was.


    And yet, it seemed arrogant to assume that she was unhappy.


    Instead, he posed another question.


    ''Is that what you value as an elf?''


    If anything, it''s more of a mercenary value.


    Okay.


    Tilia nodded and chewed on her bread.


    ''Lord Claude seems to be different, doesn''t he?


    Men and women think differently.


    That too, I suppose.


    I pick up the cup and drink the water.


    Men and women think differently.


    If they are the same, my own suffering is much less - or maybe it''s just extra deep.


    Whatever the case, men and women are difficult.


    Ma''am, it''s time for your meeting.


    "-Oh!


    Tilia jumped up when she heard Myra''s voice.


    She shook her head lightly.


    After eating, the sleepiness came over me and I couldn''t help but doze off.


    No, it''s not at the level of a doze.


    This time I didn''t notice the sound of the door opening.


    I was in a sound sleep, or close to it.


    He knew he had an important discussion to have, but he was too slack.


    I''m not sure if I can do my job at this rate.


    I''ll be ready in a minute.


    Please hold.


    I got out of bed and put my hand on the negligee and Myra stopped me.


    ''What?''


    "We''d appreciate it if you could continue to meet with the lords.


    A negligee?


    Tilia looked down at herself.


    It was a thick, modest negligee.


    It wasn''t that which Crono preferred, but it was definitely a negligee.


    ''It would make me question my sanity if I met you dressed like this.


    I have been informed that Princess Tyria is unwell.


    Nah!


    Tilia exclaimed.


    ''How dare you, when you don''t want to expose your weaknesses,'' she said angrily.


    ''''It is said that in order to deceive an enemy, you must first start with an ally, but for once, please refrain from doing so. We must build a relationship of trust as friends.''''


    Well yes.


    Tilia answered after a short pause.


    We are going to be fighting together from now on.


    If you''re hiding something, it will be bad for your feelings when it''s revealed.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to do this.


    In this situation, what would Crono do?


    I''m sure that he would show his weaknesses to strengthen the bond.


    I''m sure you''ll find that there are many different types of people who are in charge.


    ''''I get it. But won''t this look offensive?


    ''Don''t worry, sir, and other lords and ladies are of the older type.


    What do you mean?


    "I hope you''re not making unprofessional demands on a woman who''s not feeling well.


    He''s an ex-mercenary, isn''t he?


    It''s been more than 30 years.


    When I asked her how she survived such a thing, Myra replied with a slight smile.


    ''We are all long past the time to fight,''


    ....


    I''m not sure if that''s what it is, but if she''s going to give me a hand because she''s a woman who''s not feeling well, there''s no reason not to take advantage of it.


    I can''t help but wonder what the building of trust is all about.


    ''Whose side are you on?''


    I''m on my side.


    So you''re saying you have your best interests at heart?


    ''Of course. Although they may be thinking in the long term compared to humans.


    Hmm, Tilia nodded.


    Does this mean that even if we lose money in the short term, we will choose to gain in the end?


    No, it might be a foothold to make her think that way.


    But I felt like I could trust the fact that he put his own interests first.


    ''''I understand. I''ll meet with the lords as is. But--''''


    Uniform jacket?


    With that, Myra unfolded her military jacket.


    ''You''re ready.''


    He''s a maid.


    Well, okay. Give me a hand.


    Of course.


    Tyria took Myra''s help and put on her military jacket.


    It was somewhat uncomfortable, but she would soon get used to it.


    ''Well, over here, then.


    Myra shuffled off and Tyria followed her.


    *


    Are they arguing about it?


    The voices can be heard all the way down the hallway.


    ''''--!��--!


    "--!��--!��--!


    It''s a busy place.


    I think they''re having a good time with the old stories.


    Myra said with a chuckle, stopping in front of the massive door.


    ''May I?''


    Yeah, please.


    Myra twisted the doorknob and there was a faint sound of a click.


    The next moment, the voices stopped with a snap.


    In that room, nine men and women - eight men and one woman - were gathered around a table.


    There must have been eight lords of the southern frontier, Tyria touched her temples and noticed that there was a large man in a white military uniform.


    Perhaps he was Gaur, the son of Count Ernat.


    As Tilia entered the room, she heard a clatter.


    Claude stood up.


    ''Sir, please be seated.


    But...


    I''m right here with you.


    Okay.


    Claude sat down in his chair with a sense of reluctance at Myra''s words.


    ''Where do you want me to sit?''


    There you go.


    Myra led her to the empty seat, and Tilia sat down in the empty seat.


    She looked around and checked everyone''s faces.


    ''''First, I want to apologize for my impoliteness in participating in the discussion dressed like this. I''m sorry.''''


    ....


    The lords didn''t say anything when Tilia bowed her head.


    ''''Before we begin our discussion, I would like to ask you to introduce yourself...''''


    That''s all right.


    Claude raggedly scratched his head.


    ''That white military uniform over there is Taul''s son, Gaul.


    ....


    Claude pointed at him, and Gaul bowed his head.


    ''The one in the black military uniform is the dragon.


    I am here today as the commander of the Southern Frontier Army and my father''s representative.


    The man in black military uniform - the dragon bowed his head, and Tilia opened her eyes lightly.


    It was because his language and the way he bowed his head were polite, despite the fact that he was the owner of a deadly phase.


    ''So, the woman over there is Canaan Ekron.


    It''s a pleasure to meet you.


    Kanan Ekron straightened up and hung his head.


    Huh, I think I''ve seen that somewhere -''''


    ''Lady Canaan is Lady Shelah''s sister.


    Yeah, okay.


    Myra overheard me and I finally got the point.


    Canaan looked a lot like the landlady.


    Well, except for her breasts--.


    ''To your sister--''


    Did my sister do something to you, sir?


    Suddenly, Canaan raised his voice.


    ''No, I just wanted to say that I''m taken care of,''


    Okay.


    Canaan let out a breath of relief.


    Still, what kind of life did the landlady have on the southern frontier?


    ''Then there''s Baron Lipaios, Baron Kagachi, Baron Beor, Baron Gennou, and Baron Levy.


    ...Claude.


    It''s...


    Don''t you think that''s a little too much?


    Oh, you''re just as boring as ever, aren''t you?


    I know, I know.


    When Claude introduced them appropriately, the five of them - Baron Lipaios, Baron Kagachi, Baron Beor, Baron Gennou, and Baron Levy - frowned.


    ''''........Rest assured that I will support you.


    Please.


    Normally I can match a name to a face right away, but right now I''m not sure.


    ''''Then I would like to proceed with the discussion. Are you sure that the southern frontier is going to cooperate with us--the Imperial Army?


    ...Princess Tyria.


    The dragon opened its mouth quietly.


    ''What?''


    "We are unanimous in our support for Princess Tyria and, by extension, for the Imperial Guard. However, we can''t do it for free.


    Tyria looked around.


    No one is surprised, including Gaul.


    In other words, you''re saying that this is the action that you have indicated in advance?


    I wanted them to contact me anyway.


    ''''Hm, it''s reasonable.


    ''What kind of treatment will you promise us - when we - the Southern Frontier Army - cooperate and defeat the false emperor Alfort?


    Southern Frontier Army, Tilia rolls the word around in her mouth.


    The reason he went out of his way to use the term Southern Frontier Army was probably to show that they were cooperating with each other.


    ''''I promise to treat you with honor.


    Is it an honor?


    The dragon chuckled.


    Tyria wanted to laugh too, but she gulped.


    ''My father cooperated with your father and your father''s father to enclose us in the southern frontier. And we were to settle this frontier.


    What''s your point?


    ''We''re talking about a discrepancy in perception between us and the royal family.


    Claude and the others are a bit reluctant.


    Is the sarcasm now ad-libbed by the dragons?


    Or is he remembering what happened back then?


    In any case, they haven''t stopped, so in the grand scheme of things, they must be going on as planned.


    ''So you want me to be specific,''


    I''m glad you understand.


    Our goal is to defeat the false emperor Alfort and create a society unbounded by its origins.


    ....


    Gaul quietly raises his hand and Claude and the others look at each other in unison.


    ''About that, what exactly is a society that is not bound by its origins?


    ''We''ll elect representatives from among the commoners to set up a commoners'' council and get them involved in national politics. But that''s not what you want to hear, is it?


    Ha.


    Gaul nodded with a divine look on his face.


    ''Those who swear allegiance to the empire and do their duty shall be of equal value before the emperor.


    ''For example, what if the slave was one who swore allegiance to the empire?''


    To explain that, I''ll have to explain the definition of slavery in my empire.


    ''Kokon,'' said Tyria, clearing her throat.


    ''In my empire, slavery is defined as a state in which your rights are limited by debt or other reasons.


    Claude and the others groaned.


    ''So, when I ascend the throne, I will reform slavery. I will keep a record of who owes me money and how much they are enslaved. Of course, if there are no records, the slave contracts will be null and void.


    So what about the different races?


    Those who are different peoples, but who are loyal to the empire and do their duty are equal before the emperor. However, equality is meaningless if it is not accompanied by reality. Therefore, a system was set up to allow them to work in the military, the court and the emperor''s direct domain. If they worked exceptionally well, they would be knighted. Is this correct?


    Thank you.


    Gaul nodded quietly and the dragon opened his mouth.


    ''Princess Tyria, if I may?''


    ''Hmm, it was about treatment. There was talk of setting up a commoner''s association by electing representatives from among the commoners, but due to the nature of the commoner''s association, we believe that a lord is appropriate for a noble association.


    "With all due respect...


    "You are excused.


    ''There is no advantage to us if a nobleman with a fiefdom can have a seat at the House of Lords. We can''t accept the same treatment as the old nobility.


    ''Reasonable. What exactly do you want to be treated like?


    ...Yes.


    The dragon made a pretense of thinking.


    ''Isn''t that the territory?''


    ''The estate. It is my decision to purge the nobles who have given Alfort their due.


    What''s the matter?


    "I don''t know how much it will cost to rebuild a battered empire.


    Yeah, that''s a problem.


    ''I understand,'' the dragon nodded.


    ''Then how about this?��The property of the noblemen who have been solemnized goes to the treasury, and we take the land.


    What about the house lining?


    Right. I''d like to have that one too, if I could.


    All right. I''ll accept the terms. You''ll agree to share the land with me, won''t you?


    Yes, sir.


    Tilia looked around and Claude stood up.


    ''Alright, I guess that''s the end of the discussion. Dismissed, dismissed. The princess isn''t feeling well, you know.''


    ''Yes. Let''s disband.


    Yes, Princess Tyria needs to get some rest.


    Dragon and Kanan followed Claude, and the others nodded their heads in agreement.


    ''You switch so fast. This--


    We need the fact that we negotiated.


    ''Well, I can see that, but...''


    Tilia poked her cheekbones and looked up with a huff.


    ''Gawl!��You stay!


    Ha!


    As Gaul straightened up, Claude tapped him on the shoulder and walked out of the room.


    Within a minute there was only Tilia, Myra and Gaul in the room.


    ''Come closer,''


    Ha!


    Gaul approached Tilia and poked her on one knee.


    ''What can I do for you?''


    Yes, I have a question for you.


    "If I can answer that question,


    Why did you take part in this rebellion? Your family is a distinguished one. And Count Ernat is not a member of either camp.


    ''I am a friend of Crono''s. It''s only natural that I would come to my friend''s aid in his time of need.


    Is that it?


    "...when I told him we were having a child, he blessed me.


    Tilia asked back, and Gaul answered after a short pause.


    ''Well, congratulations on that.''


    My wife is a Roux woman. Her name is Lara.


    That''s ... hard.


    Tilia mouthed and finally squeezed that one word out of her mouth.


    All children should be born blessed, she thought.


    But the reality is that this is not the case.


    Some children are born blessed and some are not.


    Though they have shown reverence to the Empire, the Roux are still considered barbarians.


    And moreover, Gaul is from a prominent family.


    He knows the personality of his father, Taul.


    He would celebrate the birth of his grandson.


    But I don''t know the character of his wife.


    I don''t know, but I don''t think Gaul would have blessed her, given that he was here.


    The joy of having a child, the despair of not being blessed.


    Just thinking about it made my heart feel crushed.


    I heard a plop.


    I hurriedly touched my eyes and felt a wetness on my fingertips.


    I''m sorry.


    ''''I''m sorry,''''


    No, no!


    As Tilia wiped her eyes, Gaul shook his head.


    ''I will bless you boys,''


    Thank you. Thank you.


    Gaul hung his head deeply.


    His shoulders were shaking a little.


    Is he crying?


    But I suppose I shouldn''t ask.


    ''I''m going back to my room. Myra.....


    Yes, sir. I''ll keep them out of this room for a while.


    Please.


    Tilia stood up quietly.

 159-Episode 18 "Decisive Battle Back" Part 3

    *


    Tyria was awakened by the sound of a kacha.


    Myra must have come to wake her up with food.


    I have to get up. I have to get up and show her that I''m feeling better.


    If I don''t, she might ask me to recuperate on the southern frontier.


    That''s how little I was able to do yesterday.


    The only thing I did was attend a meeting and talk with Gaul.


    After that, I was dozing off for the rest of the day.


    I ate and bathed in hot water, but this is not to say that I did anything.


    At least for Tilia.


    A feeling of regret rose up in him now.


    I should have at least read the book.


    Even if the content didn''t enter his mind, if he opened the book, others would think he was learning.


    Why couldn''t I have done that much?


    Tormented by regret, she tries to sit up, but even that feels like a chore.


    It''s as if my body is one with the bed.


    Suddenly you remember the time when you were imprisoned in the main tower.


    The days there were so comfortable that the word "imprisonment" doesn''t even begin to describe it.


    It was well cleaned and the food was good.


    In hindsight, I think they were pretty well taken care of.


    I''m sure that Alcor had no intention of killing Tilia.


    Nevertheless, there were times when he felt depressed.


    The situation right now is very similar to that.


    It''s going to happen, it''s going to happen. Guts, I inspire myself.


    I manage to pick myself up and let out a deep sigh.


    The malaise seems to have burrowed into the core of my body.


    Myra sets the tray down on the bedside table and bows her head deeply.


    ''Good morning, ma''am.''


    Morning. I''m sorry, could you open the window for me?


    Yes, sir.


    Myra turned on her heel and gently opened first the curtains and then the window.


    The cold air came pouring in.


    Her nose tingled and goose bumps rose.


    But she felt a little better.


    Myra set a small table on the bed and placed a tray on it.


    The menu for today is bread, soup and fruit.


    There is also a glass of water.


    ''May I close the window?''


    Yeah, please.


    Myra bowed and quietly closed the window.


    ''I''ll take it,'' she murmured and picked up her glass.


    ''I''ve prepared another lemon water for you today.


    I appreciate that.


    Tilia brings the glass to her mouth and sips the lemon water.


    It''s cold and refreshing.


    It clears her mouth, which had been sticky from waking up in her sleep.


    I set the glass on the table and reach for the bread.


    Shred it into small pieces and bring it to your mouth.


    The bread is fine, moist, and slightly sweet.


    It''s made from the same wheat, but it''s different from the bread I''ve been eating.


    I didn''t know it was possible to make this bread just by putting it in a metal mold.


    No, it''s too early to think so.


    He said he used his free time, but it took him years to complete it.


    There''s a high possibility that Tilia just doesn''t understand, but she''s put a lot of thought into it.


    So--.


    ''The bread is good.''


    Only speak your mind.


    You shouldn''t make statements lightly without knowing how much effort you put into making them.


    Then, Myra''s mouth fell out in satisfaction.


    Apparently, my decision was not wrong.


    She picked up a spoon and scooped up the soup.


    It''s slightly colored, but it''s like watery soup.


    If I were in good physical condition, I would have wondered what the harassment was about, but now I''m grateful.


    In my mouth, it has a faint taste.


    Is it a fish?


    How do you like it?


    ''Mmm, not bad. Tastes faintly like fish, but...


    I took a dashi broth.


    Oh, I see.


    Come to think of it, the landlady was also using dried fish to make dashi.


    Why is she doing this?


    ''I''ve had a chance to see what kind of food your wife would find palatable. Next time I''ll try something a little stronger.


    Don''t make me bother.


    He''s a maid.


    Myra gave a small smile.


    I suppose that means it''s work, so don''t worry about it.


    It makes me feel a little better to hear that.


    Tilia brings the soup to her mouth and reaches for the bread again.


    ''''........Ma''am.''''


    Tilia stopped her hand and turned her gaze to Myra.


    She seems to be somewhat lost.


    Are they going to ask you to recuperate on the southern frontier?


    But if you start talking about recuperation yourself, you might become a bush snake.


    After some hesitation, he opens his mouth.


    ''What?''


    As a matter of fact, a message from a dragon, no, I have a request...


    What do you want?


    Yes, sir.


    Myra said in a voice sounding the same as usual.


    No, it would be slightly lower.


    ''Okay,''


    Are you sure?


    Of course. The Southern Frontier Army is our comrade in arms. I would be glad to go with you if it would be a consolation to them.


    Tilia nodded hawkishly.


    Morale is important in battle.


    No matter how strong an army is, if its morale is low, it will not be able to show its capabilities.


    It''s also important to make them feel like comrades.


    They need to think that they are not fighting only for the southern frontier, but that they are fighting for something bigger, for the empire and even for the future.


    ''''Is there any problem with your body?''''


    ''Hmm, I''m still lazy, but I can''t say that. Our future depends on this fight.


    I have admired the mind of Princess Tyria.


    Stop flattering me.


    Well, I''m flattered.


    "Geez, you''re showing your true intentions too soon.


    Myra said quietly and Tyria grunted.


    She was caught off guard because she was being taken care of, but it was Myra she was dealing with.


    I may have shown too much of an opening.


    ''So, what do you really think?''


    The main body of the southern frontier army is the garrison and veterans. There''s a sense that they turned because they couldn''t eat in the military anymore, and they rolled into the southern frontier, so I think it''s a pretty good decision.


    ''I expected it, but it''s depressing to actually hear it,''


    Tilia chewed on her bread.


    He didn''t hold the army to be particularly sacred, but the fact that the soldiers had defected because they were no longer fed satisfactorily was quite shameful.


    ''''It was obvious that this would happen when the southern frontier stopped supplying crops, but........''''


    ''What was Alkor doing?''


    Tilia spat and drank the lemon water.


    It was easy to imagine that Alcor had been disqualified when he was in this situation, but she wanted to say that he couldn''t have done something about it before that happened.


    Didn''t he think he could manipulate Alfort well before that, and that''s why he tricked Tilia?


    ''''You have a lot of faith in me.


    ''I didn''t trust humanity anymore, but I did trust my abilities.


    ''I thought it would be more than this when I lost my backing.


    A back-up, Tyria muttered and brought the bread to her mouth.


    If you think about it, the only reason Alkor was able to move freely was because his father had given him the authority to do so.


    ''''But the man who was in charge of the national government for over thirty years?


    ''He wasn''t very good at rough stuff, so he probably doesn''t know how to fight.


    His words are harsh, but his expression is close to a wry smile.


    Perhaps she and Alcor were friends.


    Relationships between people are interesting, Tilia said, chewing on her bread.


    As I was dozing off after finishing my meal, I heard a click.


    Myra must have arrived with a change of clothes.


    My body is lazy and my head is fuzzy.


    But I feel better than I did this morning.


    I''m in good shape, I tell myself, and get up.


    As soon as I sat up, something felt like a heavy weight was hitting me.


    Of course, it''s just an illusion.


    It''s probably because I''m not in the right state of mind, but I''ve been pushing myself.


    Myra put down her military uniform on the bedside table and turned her gaze to me.


    ''Did I wake you up?''


    No, I just woke up.


    I actually woke up to the sound of a door opening, but I didn''t want to be a bush snake.


    Well, Myra would have noticed--


    ''Can you get up?''


    Of course.


    Tilia nodded and got off the bed.


    She put her hand on the negligee and--


    ''Madam, please wait a moment.''


    When Tilia stopped, Myra closed the curtains.


    ''Come in,''


    Yeah, I''m sorry.


    I take off my negligee and change into my military uniform with Myra''s help.


    I felt some kind of gaze, but I didn''t point it out because I didn''t want to be a bush snake either.


    I put on my trousers and felt uncomfortable.


    They were loose at the waist.


    There seemed to be more room in the chest area of his mind.


    They felt a bit tighter, but had he lost weight?


    When I was tilting my head inwardly--


    ''''I have taken the liberty of adjusting the size of your military uniform.


    Why would you do that?


    ''Ma''am, it''s not a good idea to tighten up when you''re not feeling well.


    ''Well, you''ve been paying attention,''


    Tilia let out a breath of relief.


    She thought she was going to be noted for her weight gain, but it seemed to be unfounded.


    She put on her jacket and twisted her body to check--.


    ''''Mistress!


    What the f*ck?


    Tyria freaked out as Myra suddenly raised her voice.


    ''''I beg your pardon. Please refrain from any exercise that involves twisting your body. It puts a strain on your body.''''


    ''All right, but you''re not going to yell all of a sudden either. I thought your heart was going to stop beating.


    I''m sorry.


    Tilia said, holding her chest, and Myra apologized in a low moaning tone.


    Apparently, it seems that she thinks she''s not in very good physical condition.


    After all, I should show that I''m in good physical condition as much as possible.


    ''No, it''s fine. I appreciate your concern, but I''m in better shape than I was yesterday.


    Are you sure?


    It''s true. You think I''m lying to you?


    Yes, we think you''re lying.


    Myra said without pause.


    I was more surprised than I was because I didn''t get too lost.


    ''You''re a rude guy. I''m feeling much better than I did yesterday and the day before.


    Are you sure?


    Myra closed the distance and looked into his face.


    ''It''s true. Trust me.


    How are you feeling?


    Mmm, that''s...


    Tilia turned her gaze upwards.


    Her body was lazy, her head was fuzzy, and she felt a little nauseated.


    There was no way she could say how she was feeling.


    Wait, I remind myself.


    You can say the exact opposite.


    My body is light as a feather, my head is clear. I feel great.


    You''re lying.


    Myra turned her meekness around and gave me a condescending look.


    ''On what basis in the world would you call me a liar?


    ''Your wife mouthed a few words, then looked up.


    Up?��Tilia looked up at the ceiling.


    ''When we tell a lie, we look up or stare at the person we are talking to. Also, lies told on the spur of the moment are often the opposite of the truth. Do you have a counter argument?


    Gugu.....


    Myra said triumphantly, and Tyria grunted.


    There was no way to argue with her.


    ''I admit it. I lied.


    Why did you lie to me?


    ''I knew that if I told him I wasn''t feeling well, he would tell me to go to the southern frontier to recuperate.


    Ma''am.


    Tilia blurted out, and Myra let out a sigh of dismay.


    ''''My Lady, I do not offer such a thing,''''


    Are you sure?


    I swear to God.


    Myra said, raising her right hand.


    I wondered if she would say that much, and I reminded myself that she would have been such a faithful woman.


    ''Which god do you believe in, by the way?


    "If I had to choose, I''d say the Mother Goddess of Ochre and Fertility.


    You want to know why?


    Agriculture is the main industry on the southern frontier.


    When Tilia parroted the question, Myra said matter-of-factly.


    ''How is it that I don''t feel faithful?


    ''Aren''t you a god who controls the flow of water as green because the quality of crops depends on the weather? No. Or a god who is blue and controls life?


    ''Because neither of them can teach you much knowledge or skill by loading up on donations. What''s more, loading up on donations doesn''t mean you''re going to have good weather.


    No, that''s not a choice.


    No matter how much of a divine art, it is difficult to manipulate the weather.


    Moreover, to the extent that the crops are good, even Baroness Nam Korunu can''t do it.


    ''''That''s why I believe in the Mother Goddess, who is a yellow earth and controls fertility.


    ''Hmmm, is that faith?''


    The priests say that your husband is a man of faith. Huh, I don''t know where the faith is.


    Mm, I can tell you''re not a religious man.


    Seeing Myra''s mouth twist in mockery, Tyria was convinced.


    ''''Well I won''t say anything about your faith.''''


    I''m sorry, sir.


    Myra bowed her head lightly.


    It can''t be my imagination that her mouth seems to be fraying.


    ''''Well, it''s time to go out for comfort, how do you want to move?''''


    There''s a boxcarriage waiting for you outside.


    Hmm. Boxcars.


    ''If you say you''re going to use wagons and covered wagons to make soldiers feel closer to you, please don''t.


    I''m not thinking about that.


    Are you sure?


    It''s true.


    I return it, slightly miffed.


    If I''m honest, such an idea snatched a little bit of my brain, but--


    ''''Then fine.


    Are you really a maid?


    The maid, sir?


    It''s nothing.


    Right this way, then.


    Tyria walked off with Myra leading the way.


    *


    Come in, ma''am.


    Um, I''m sorry.


    Myra opened the door and Tilia stepped out.


    She can at least open the door herself, but she won''t talk about it because she''s going to be a bush snake.


    Come to think of it, this is the first time I''ve been outside since I came to the mansion.


    What kind of garden is it?


    Will it be as dilapidated as the Marquis'' mansion?


    No, it might be a solid garden, surprisingly.


    I walked out of the house and stopped in my tracks with a bit of hope.


    ''''Can I help you?''''


    Nothing?


    Tyria let her gaze wander.


    There''s a fence in the distance, but inside it there''s only one box carriage.


    There is a person dressed like a butler at the governor''s table.


    ''The master is not interested in tending the garden. The same is true of Lady Elua. However, Master Elua thought that if he was going to build a garden, he wanted to use the money to enrich his estate.


    Different motives, same answer. What about you?


    I''m closer to your husband.


    Immediately after Myra muttered, the door to the box carriage opened.


    The one who came down from the boxcarriage was a woman - the landlady''s sister Kanan.


    Because it was cold, she was wearing a scarf.


    ''Then let''s go. There are stones falling down, so be careful of your footing.


    Yeah, I know.


    Myra walked out quietly and Tilia followed.


    As Tilia and the others approached, Canaan shuffled up to her.


    He stopped and bowed gracefully.


    ''I will be escorting you today.


    Hmm?��You''re not coming?


    I''m his bodyguard.


    ''I see,'' Tilia nodded.


    ''There''s another guard. ''Robert!''


    Yes, I''m back.


    Canaan raised his voice, and Gosha dismounted from the carriage.


    Then he walked over to us.


    He is a tall, somewhat muscular man.


    A scar runs down the length of his lips, as if he had military experience.


    ''It''s a pleasure to meet you for the first time, Princess Tyria. I''m Robert, I''m the steward of the Baron Ekron family.


    Robert stopped and bowed deeply.


    He doesn''t have the grace of Canaan, but he is seamless in his behavior.


    He looks quite skilled, but why is he working as a butler on the southern frontier?


    Such a question is snatching at my brain, but it''s best to keep it quiet.


    ''''It''s a pleasure to work with you.


    Yes, it''s nice to meet you too.


    Robert nodded vigorously and turned on his heel.


    ''.........Princess Tyria.


    What?


    This way.


    When Tilia replied, Kanan untied his scarf and held it out to her.


    He must be paying attention to me.


    ''''I''m sorry,''''


    No, it''s only natural for people to care for each other.


    When he accepted the scarf and thanked her, Kanan gave a small shake of his head.


    ''Isn''t it a bit much to take for granted as a human being?''


    ''No!��No!��Those who don''t care must be the ones with a human face and a beast heart!


    Kanan raised his voice somewhat.


    When you say that much, I feel somewhat sorry for you.


    I''m not that great a person.


    If I was a more decent person, I might not have been able to fall into the trap of Alcor.


    But even if you point that out, you will only be denied.


    So--


    Thank you.


    Tilia mouthed her thanks and wrapped the scarf around her neck.


    ''Yeah, you''re warm.''


    It was given to me by the Earl of Chiron.


    Yeah?


    Tilia replied in a supercilious voice.


    I felt like my neck was squeezed.


    I huffed and looked around, but there was no one there.


    ''I had an arranged marriage, but they turned me down. But you gave me a scarf, so this means you have a pulse, right?''


    ''No, no, that''s not...''


    Tilia clammed up.


    The Earl of Chiron - Rio was gone.


    Besides, he was Crono''s mistress.


    Surely, Count Chiron refused because he was Crono''s mistress.


    I can''t help but think that he should have just dismissed it as a disguise and married her.


    But maybe that''s how single-minded he was.


    I should have told him more.


    After all this time, I still think so.


    Truly, I''ve only regretted myself.


    Should I tell her of Count Chiron''s death?


    Even if it''s unrequited love, doesn''t she have the right to know?


    ''Cana--''


    All right, I''ll ride first.


    I''ll watch my back.


    Canaan and Myra interrupt Tilia''s words.


    Canaan rides straight into the boxcarriage and--


    ''Go ahead, give me your hand.


    Yeah, I''m sorry.


    Tilia took Canaan''s hand and rode in the box carriage.


    The interior is quite luxurious.


    The cushions and blankets on the chairs caught her attention.


    ''Princess Tilia, please use the cushions and blankets.


    Oh, yeah, I''m sorry.


    No, it''s just what people do.


    Canaan said once and for all.


    I still felt sorry and sat down on the cushion.


    Then--''


    ''Excuse me, ma''am.''


    Yeah, thanks.


    Myra draped a blanket over her legs, and Tilia expressed her gratitude.


    ''No, of course not. It''s not your body alone, Mistress, so please take care of yourself.''


    Hmm, yeah.


    Tyria straightened her residence.


    Myra was right, he was the flag-bearer of the imperial army and the southern frontier army.


    Self-evaluation aside, I can''t afford to lose my flag-bearer.


    I must take good care of myself despite my poor physical condition.


    Just as he told himself that, the boxcarriage began to move slowly.

 160-Episode 18 "Decisive Battle Back" Part 4

    *


    I heard a sound.


    A sound reminiscent of the sound of rain and tidal waves.


    What was that sound?��I tilted my head inward and suddenly realized.


    This is the voice of a person, I thought.


    Not one or two people.


    Even a hundred is not enough.


    It''s the voice of many more.


    It''s a strange thing, I think.


    Each one should have meaning, but when they overlap, they can only be perceived as a sound.


    It''s not only the voices, but also the people who emit them.


    Each of us has a name, a family and a life.


    And yet, when there are so many of us, we fail to see that.


    It''s an irredeemable arrogance, I think.


    On the other hand, it''s also a desire for arrogance.


    Manchausen, Alonso - the old knights who gathered around me in adoration of me.


    I used them as bait.


    I''m not going to be the only one who has been in a position to do this.


    Of course, I told them all about it.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good time with your friends.


    No, no.


    I wanted to make it easier for them to confide in me.


    It''s hard to say that I didn''t have that feeling.


    I could have acted as arrogantly as I once did, as much as I wanted to.


    I bet I could have used up other people''s lives without worrying about it.


    I''m sure I could have used the lives of others without worrying about it, without even knowing it was arrogance.


    But that''s impossible now.


    I''m afraid of using up other people''s lives.


    I can''t get rid of the fear that I''ll make a critical mistake because of my fear.


    My military school days were good.


    Occasionally, I miss those days inexplicably.


    I don''t say much.


    It''s because Crono gives me a reluctant look.


    It''s not a bad idea to go with the old days, but it''s not.


    As I was thinking about this, a shock shook my body.


    A cold wind blew in--.


    ''Robert!��Slow down!


    Master Canaan, please be quiet.


    I woke up to the sound of Canaan and Myra''s voices.


    Then I saw Kanan turning his butt towards us.


    ''Ti.........the Emperor.......!


    I...


    He opened the small window and was talking to Gosha Robert about something.


    "...Canaan.


    "-Oh!


    When Tilia called out to her, Canaan quickly closed the small window and turned to face us.


    ''I''m sorry,''


    You don''t have to worry about that much.


    Canaan apologizes in a low moaning voice, but I''m sorry to the contrary when he goes that far.


    ''No, it''s only natural to care.


    Is that so?


    ''Yes. It''s a natural part of being a human being.


    ...as a person.


    Now it was Tilia''s turn to moan.


    I guess that''s as far as it goes, but this battle is a destiny for the new nobles as well.


    If they win, they gain everything, and if they lose, they lose everything.


    It''s that kind of battle.


    Rather, it could be said that Tilia''s perception of the situation was negligent.


    You must be very sorry for that.


    "I understand how you, and I understand how you feel.


    Does that make sense to you?


    Kanan smiled happily.


    What a smile, this kind of smile that gives the illusion that the surroundings have brightened up.


    ''My life is not mine alone.


    Yes,


    Mmmm, Canaan nodded in satisfaction.


    I looked next to him and saw Myra nodding as well.


    ''I have a role to play other than fulfilling your hopes.


    Is that right?


    Kanan nodded after a slight pause.


    Unlike before, he raised his eyebrows.


    I looked next to him to see if I had said something bad.


    Then his eyes met with Myra''s.


    She had a subtle expression on her face.


    If she had just graduated from military school, she must not have understood anything.


    But Tilia had experience of facing the expressionless Leila.


    If you use that to your advantage, reading Myra''s expression is a no-brainer.


    Myra - for some reason, she was looking at me with eyes that seemed to see something incomprehensible.


    ''''I have the task of avenging Alfort and minimizing casualties.


    Yes.


    ...phew.


    I thought I had spoken of my tragic resolve, but Kanan nodded in a somewhat throwaway tone, and Myra let out a sigh of dismay.


    If there''s something I can''t do without such an attitude, I want you to tell me.


    As I was wondering if I should ask in shame, the box carriage shook slightly.


    The boxcarriage must have slowed down because it was so close to its destination.


    After a while, the boxcarriage stopped.


    The first one to move was Myra.


    Myra stood up and quietly opened the door.


    A cold wind blew in and Tilia shuddered with a buzz.


    ''Come in, come in.''


    Yeah, I''m sorry.


    Tilia stood up and headed for the door.


    ''Come in, ma''am.''


    Thank you.


    Myra held out her hand and Tyria thanked her and squeezed it back.


    Carefully, she made her way down the carriage.


    Huh~ I heard a sigh, so I turned around and saw Kanan patting his chest.


    I''m not slow enough to fall on this level of step--.


    No, let''s think of it as being that much of a concern for me.


    That''s what I told myself and looked around.


    It was in front of a wall made of logs.


    There is a sturdy-looking gate and a watchtower.


    There was little sign of human presence.


    They must have gone out for training.


    ''''Where are we?''''


    It''s a former outpost.


    Canaan replied to Tilia''s question.


    She had a nostalgic look on her face, as if she was reminiscing about the past.


    ''Because in those days we were hostile to the barbarians of the Areos Mountains, no, we were hostile to the Roux.


    I see.


    The new nobles were sealed off on the southern frontier to prevent the Roux from re-entering the country.


    There must have been a bloody battle after that.


    Is it natural to have special feelings for them?


    I should have asked Crono for more details, I thought, turning my gaze to Myra.


    She had a languid expression on her face.


    ''''For that amount of time, it sounds like you had a lot going on.


    ''Yes, I miss the days when we struggled to keep our livestock from being stolen.


    Don''t let anyone steal your livestock?


    Yes, but what is it?


    When I asked him back, Myra looked at me with a scowl.


    ''''What about the bloody battle?''''


    When we drove them into the Areos Mountains, the Lu didn''t have the strength left to fight.


    Gugu, Tilia grunted.


    Crono shouldn''t have said anything.


    ''Was it pretty easy?''


    ''There are certain things even a wife should not eat, sir. How valuable a cow or a pig was in the pioneer days. My gut is churning just remembering the time our livestock was stolen.


    I''m sorry.


    Myra clenched her fists and Tilia hurriedly apologized.


    It''s only livestock, but it''s still livestock.


    It must have been a matter of life and death for the new aristocracy of the pioneer period.


    From now on, let''s speak more carefully.


    As I was reflecting on this, Canaan opened his mouth.


    ''''As for the stolen livestock, the state has compensated me for it, so there''s no need to apologize--''''


    What did you say?


    Myra turned her head away as Tilia turned her gaze to look at him.


    ''You haven''t declared the damage watered down, have you?


    Ma''am.


    Myra looked at Tilia.


    ''Of course, we''re not padding,''


    Really?


    Even if he did, there''s no evidence of any padding.


    ''Besides,'' continued Myra.


    ''Don''t you need us - the Southern Frontier Army - to help you?


    Nuh-uh, now you''re telling me.


    ''If your wife is willing to dismiss the matter, I have nothing to say to her.


    What will you do?��And Myra looks at you.


    It''s as good as saying it''s padded, but--''


    ''''I understand. The matter is not open to question.


    Thank you, Your Highness. I want you to be my wife''s empress.


    This is a special case.


    Tilia was miffed and retorted.


    Injustice should not be overlooked.


    But it''s a principle.


    If the disadvantage is greater, we can bend it.


    ''Oh, I remember. The first time I met Crono-sama here...''''


    Oh, really?


    I wondered if I could change the subject a little more naturally, but I decided to get on with the conversation.


    I didn''t want to continue talking about the watering down of the stones.


    ''Yes, I was working as a vigilante leader at the time...''


    "He was cursing Master Gaul, who was the commander of the garrison force at the time.


    "-Oh!


    Kanan looked at Myra with a huff.


    Betrayed.


    He could feel that feeling.


    ''You''ve been doing that?''


    ''No, no, I was trying to allay the grievances of the people of the realm...''


    Kanan turned over and muttered gurgling.


    ''No, well, I don''t know how I feel. The garrison commander isn''t a new nobleman, you know.''


    Yes, that''s right.


    I appreciate the effort.


    Tilia muttered sincerely.


    In the first place, it was reckless to station a battalion that couldn''t exercise command authority in his territory.


    The Empire had passed recklessness by appointing a relative of the lord as commander, but this method did not apply on the southern frontier.


    Discontent must have been growing.


    ''''No, what a hardship...''''


    We''re having a hard time finding a man to marry.


    "-Oh!


    Myra said quietly, and Kanan gave her a look that said she had been betrayed.


    ''Is that so?''


    Yes, I''m afraid it''s gotten some bad press.


    Canaan moaned.


    He''s embarrassed, and even his ears are red.


    ''We tried our best to arrange an arranged marriage, but the results were not good.


    Tilia looked at Canaan sullenly.


    Her looks were not bad.


    Her breasts are small, but a woman''s value is not determined by that.


    I feel like I could be fooled by at least one of them--''''


    ''''By the way, what kind of partner do you want?''''


    ''I don''t have any requirements, but...''


    Kanan turns over and squirms.


    After a while, he finally opens his mouth.


    ''I don''t mind your looks in their own right. I''ll put up with the age difference until I''m ten years old. I usually prefer someone who can stand up for me, the head of the family, and stand in the line of fire when the need arises.


    Isn''t that a bit harsh?


    Why?


    Canaan looked up with a huff and said.


    ''You have no real authority to stand me up as the head of the family, do you?


    Yes, I do.


    So you want me to shield you in case of an emergency?


    It''s what men do.


    Considering the notoriety, it''s like asking me to come get my ass kicked.


    No, I didn''t mean...


    Kanan staggered back, perhaps in great shock.


    Why can''t I look at myself objectively?


    No, I guess it''s that difficult to look at myself objectively.


    ''Let me ask you one thing...''


    What?


    How did Princess Tyria get to be in such a relationship with Lady Crono, well, as she is now?


    Why would you ask me that?


    Unsure of the intent of the question, Tilia tilted her head.


    ''It may be impolite,''


    Good. I forgive you.


    ''Thank you. I think that I and Princess Tyria are very similar.


    Do they look like each other?


    Tilia tilted her head again--


    a�?--!


    It took my breath away.


    Crono stood up Tilia, now standing at the very brunt of the arrows.


    ''No, no, I didn''t mean--''


    It''s easy to be objective about yourself, but it''s hard to be objective about yourself.


    "-Oh!


    Myra blurted out, and Tilia gasped again.


    After all this time, he and Kanan were similar to each other.


    Despite that, he thought it was difficult to be objective about himself or something.


    This is exactly what it means to spit in the sky.


    I''m really glad I didn''t say that.


    ''''Princess Tilia, how did you and Lady Crono come to be in the relationship you have now?


    No, no, what''s the word?


    What do you say?


    Canaan parroted and Tilia turned away.


    How did they get into this relationship now?


    It can''t be said that he attacked her with a stone.


    Not only is she unfit to be an imperial princess, she''s unfit to be a human being.


    ''''.........Crono has a lot of nostalgia.


    I see, said Kanan, nodding with a divine look on his face.


    It''s an answer I managed to twist out, but I really feel like it.


    ''''Well... uh...''''


    Come on, let''s go comfort the troops.


    Canaan opened his mouth timidly and Tyria walked toward the gate.


    I had a bad feeling about this.


    Unfortunately, Crono was just the kind of man Canaan wanted.


    ''Open the gate!��Open the gate!


    Why won''t you listen to me?


    As Tilia raised her voice, so did Canaan.


    ''Because you''re about to say you''re going to be the third, or maybe even the fourth wife.


    Three already.


    Gulping, Kanan clears his throat.


    ''Um, where''s your sister?''


    The landlady is the mistress of the house.


    Okay.


    Canaan let out a breath of relief.


    He seems relieved, but he''s too lax in his thinking.


    There''s no such thing as a first wife, not even a comforting thought.


    The most important thing is pride.


    Maintaining that pride is the hardest thing to do.


    ''''So, what do you think?''''


    ''I can''t believe I want to be Master Crono''s wife...''


    Glaring at him, Canaan clammed up.


    Suddenly, his expression tightened and he mumbled something to himself.


    I still have a bad feeling about this.


    ''You thought that might be a possibility, didn''t you?


    No, no!��That''s not true!


    Kanan said in an upturned voice, but deep down he must be thinking that''s a possibility.


    Maybe he''s thinking about trying one more time and if it doesn''t work out, he''ll go there.


    I''m sure he''ll fail the next blind date, too.


    Why can''t he realize that he can no longer give his all when he has a way out?


    No, let''s stop.


    This thought might just cut me off.


    As I was thinking about this, the gates began to open.


    The door opens and three men come towards us.


    One of them was a dragon and the other two were new to me.


    The dragon poked one knee in front of Tyria, and they followed suit.


    It was nice of them to pay their courtesies, but for now, they were still cooperating - as equals.


    If someone saw it, it could be mistaken for a vassal''s courtesy.


    But since I invited Tilia as a royal family member, I can''t not pay the courtesy.


    ''''Wasn''t the Southern Frontier Army equal to the Imperial Army?''''


    ''I thought it was only fair to pay courtesy to the person who responded to our request.


    Okay. Now lift your head up.


    Yes, sir.


    The dragon stands up and so do the two men.


    It''s a messy ... well, a messy one.


    Yes.


    The dragon chuckled at Tilia''s words.


    The pretense and the reality do not mix well.


    ''My father would have acted like a natural, but it''s a tricky one.


    Yeah.


    Tilia gave a small nod.


    ''By the way, where are the soldiers?''


    ''We''re training at the training camp down the street. I should have met you there, but...


    ''Don''t worry about it. Direction is important.


    I''d appreciate it if you could say that.


    The dragon chuckled again.


    *


    Tilia and the others got into the boxcarriage and headed for the training grounds.


    There seemed to be no mistaking the word "ahead" and the boxcarriage stopped before sleepiness set in.


    Just like before, Myra opened the door and stepped outside.


    A sandy breeze blew in and Tilia covered her mouth with her scarf.


    As she stood up, a hand was extended to her.


    Not Myra''s, but the hand of a dragon.


    A thick, knotted soldier''s hand.


    ''Come in, Princess Tyria,''


    "Mmm, thank you.


    Tyria grabbed the dragon''s hand and dismounted from the boxcarriage.


    ''I have a tent ready for you, sir.


    The dragon turned on its heel and walked away, Tilia following.


    Myra was in front of Tyria and Canaan was behind her.


    Four more soldiers were guarding them on all sides.


    It''s a situation where the commander, the dragon, is the most defenseless.


    This can''t be called equal, Tilia smiles and looks around.


    It''s a training ground with nothing but logs set up at equal intervals.


    A lot of soldiers were working hard on their training there.


    I''d like to say that, but perhaps because Tilia has come, it''s somewhere above the sky.


    In such a situation, the group of less than fifty people, led by Gaul, was unique.


    They were working in pairs to take on the rampage, but even from a distance, you could feel their spirit.


    It''s not an atmosphere of having no choice since Gaul is there.


    ''''.........Princess Tilia, front.


    Myra blurted out, and Tyria looked ahead.


    Before she knew it, she was near the tent.


    It must have been a consideration to get a good view of the training grounds.


    The cloth was raised and two chairs were placed in the center.


    Both chairs were luxurious.


    The dragon stood by the chair and turned to face us.


    ''''........your hands.''''


    Are you sure?


    I think I can handle this.


    Thank you.


    Tyria helped the dragon to sit down in a chair.


    ''Then we''ll be in the back.''


    Please feel free to call me if you need anything.


    Myra and Kanan stand behind them, and the dragon sits in a chair.


    After all, from here, you can see the state of the training grounds clearly.


    The sight of a large number of soldiers training is a spectacular sight.


    Although they are not my soldiers, I feel proud of them.


    ''''Can I ask you one question?''''


    Be my guest.


    ''We''re close to the Areos Mountains here, but will you be able to handle the Imperials when they move?


    Rest assured, we''re taking several steps to prevent them from attacking us.


    The dragon answered Tilia''s question emphatically.


    ''''I''m sure the Imperial Army has at least a surveillance on them...''''


    He''s setting up a fire tower, just like us.


    The Wolfsbane Table.


    Tilia let out a small breath.


    ''What is the matter with you?''


    I wish we had a magic item to communicate with you.


    Haha, you have some interesting ideas.


    It was Crono''s idea, though.


    I''d like to sit down with him. I haven''t had a chance to talk to you before.


    He''s quite an interesting man. By the way, aren''t you going to destroy the Imperial chimney tower?


    I intend to, but the timing must be right.


    Dragon said in a low voice.


    The Southern Frontier Army attracted the Imperial Army while a separate force headed to the Imperial City.


    Certainly the timing of this operation will have to be right if it is to succeed.


    Tilia''s consolation is likely to be part of the plan.


    Well then.


    How are you doing?


    As Tyria stood up, so did the dragon.


    ''He''s not just going to watch, he''s going to talk to you.


    That would be too much for you to...


    You need to move around a bit.


    Well, yes.


    Dragon said with a grunt.


    ''I need an escort,''


    Yes, sir.


    Then the dragon chuckled.


    When Tilia left the tent, she was the first to head down to Gaul and the others.


    Of course, she wasn''t alone.


    There were dragons next to them, Myra and Canaan in front and behind them, and four soldiers around them.


    ''''........Who is that woman?''''


    Fool, it''s Princess Tyria.


    I heard you''re not feeling well.


    He pushed me there.


    What are you laughing at?


    Hehe, just feel like you''re doing something big.


    I don''t want you to die on your own.


    You are.


    You can hear the soldiers'' voices.


    The atmosphere is somewhat buoyant, but even in the midst of that, Gaul and the others are seriously engaged in turbulence.


    It''s not as if they noticed Tilia and the others, but Gaul turned his gaze towards them and said


    ''''Stop the rancor!��Line up!


    Ha!


    As Gaul raised his voice, the soldiers stopped their disorganization and lined up in a row beside him.


    ''''Salute to Princess Tyria!


    Following Gaul''s command, the soldiers salute.


    It was a slightly crumbling salute, but that didn''t matter if you looked at their expressions.


    They all had good looks on their faces.


    Tilia stopped and returned the salute.


    The soldiers around her groaned.


    I can''t help but wonder if it''s such a surprise.


    When Tilia lowered her arms--.


    ''''Fix it!


    Gaul raised his voice again and the soldiers lowered their arms.


    ''''........Princess Tyria.


    What?


    Dragon whispered in his ear and Tyria moved her head slightly.


    ''''These are the separate forces ... those who volunteered to attack the Imperial City.


    Okay.


    Those of us here are hoping to take the lead in the fight.


    "-Oh!


    We are all related to the Lu. Please say a kind word to them.


    When Tyria''s eyes widened, the dragon said pleadingly.


    She let out a long breath and walked over to Gaul.


    ''.........Gaul.''


    Ha!


    Gaul straightened up when Tyria called out to him.


    ''Your man is brilliant. I can feel their spirit.''''


    Thank God for happiness.


    Tyria tapped Gaul on the shoulder and walked up to the soldier on the far left of the line.


    He shook with a nervous shudder.


    ''What''s your name?''


    ''Ha, ha!��My name is Thor!


    The soldier - Thor gave him a look of failure, but Tyria dared to smile.


    ''Never mind. Thor, how long have you been in the military?


    Ha, that''s five years ago!


    Have you always been on the southern frontier?


    ''No!��I used to guard the Imperial City!


    Okay. Where''s your family?


    "Ha, no, my family is in the Areos Mountains!


    I see.


    Tilia nodded quietly and touched Thor''s shoulder.


    ''You''re a fine father,'' I promise. I will treat your family as subjects of the Empire. I will make it a country where your children can live as children of heroes.


    Oh, thank you!


    Thor said, looking as if he was about to burst into tears.


    ''I expect you to struggle, but don''t act like you''re in a hurry to die. This is a request.''


    ''Ha!��I will fight for my family and our empire!


    Yeah, please.


    Tyria moves in front of the soldier standing next to Thor.


    ''I need to know your name,''


    Yes, hi, my name is Wright.


    It''s a good name.


    Tyria asked for the names of each of them and why they were fighting.


    *


    Evening - Tilia was looking out the window of the boxcarriage at the view outside.


    It was a beautiful sunset, probably because the air was clear.


    ''''Phew....


    Thanks for your help.


    Tilia let out a sigh, and Myra called out to her.


    Her voice sounded heartily soft.


    ''''Would that have been right?''''


    Yes, it''s definitely a morale booster.


    ''I hope so...''


    After calling out to Gaul and his men, before I knew it, the soldiers were lined up.


    I couldn''t ignore them, as expected, so I shook their hands and called out to them, but I have a feeling that consolation is something that should be done in a more somber atmosphere.


    ''Why don''t you take some time off?''


    Well.....


    He tried to nod at Canaan''s words and remembered the Earl of Chiron.


    Even though the relationship was only arranged, she had a right to know.


    Tilia straightened her residence.


    ''What is the matter with you, my lord?''


    ''You said you were set up with the Earl of Chiron?


    Yes, so what?


    Canaan tilted his head curiously and Tilia touched the scarf.


    ''Actually ... Count Chiron is dead. No, we killed him.''''


    ....


    Canaan was puzzled when Tilia confessed.


    ''I see,''


    Is that it?


    That''s all you can say, but it was just an arranged relationship once.


    Okay.


    Canaan said as if he was confused, and Tilia let out a small breath.


    I was also prepared to curse--''''


    ''''Was Princess Tilia close to Count Chiron?''''


    I''m not sure.


    Tyria remembered the Earl of Chiron.


    He had stomped on her head and fought her to death many times, but it seemed to be a fulfilling day.


    Tears spilled out of her eyes.


    I wiped them away as quickly as I could, but the tears came pouring out as I wiped them away.


    That''s when I finally realized.


    We were rivals in love - we were friends.

 161-Episode 18 "Decisive Battle, Back" Part 5

    *


    In mid-January of the year 434 in the Imperial Calendar, Count Burgmeier.


    Anca Basserman, Acting Commander of the Eleventh Order of the Kingsguard, was awakened by the noise.


    It was noisy outside the tent.


    Have the rebels on the southern frontier begun to move?


    She tried to listen carefully, but she couldn''t pick up any meaningful information.


    Tsk, I clicked my tongue and got off the bed.


    I shouldn''t have used a common soldier as a watchdog.


    The soldiers sent from the imperial capital were ten thousand.


    Their numbers are respectable, but their quality is not good.


    It''s not surprising. The empire is in this situation.


    Everyone wants to keep competent soldiers on hand and cut down the incompetent.


    That''s why the ordinary soldiers thought and acted as incompetent--''''


    ''''I didn''t expect you to divulge the information before you reported it to me.


    Anka spits and throws his uniform through his sleeve.


    She buttons it up in frustration and lets out a small sigh.


    This isn''t the first time she''s been irritated.


    It''s been that way since the time of the Commander, Eryl Sardomelik.


    She became the Commander and Anka became the Deputy Commander.


    Back then, she had always been irritated that she would be beholden to a little girl who hadn''t even graduated from military school.


    If only she had excelled at one thing as a Knight Commander, I thought.


    But it would have been irritating even if she had the abilities that Anka wanted.


    I feel like that.


    Perhaps I''m a small degree.


    Not only that, but I''m not very capable.


    He was an older man and knew the work of the Kingsguard Order well.


    That alone made me the deputy commander, and since I was short of personnel, I became the acting commander.


    I am such an insignificant person.


    In hindsight, I guess I was jealous of Eryl Sardomelik.


    She was young and had a talent for developing magic and magic items.


    He didn''t want to admit it.


    He hated to admit how petty he was.


    I''m sick of myself still being frustrated with myself after a bad experience.


    But that''s who I am - Anka Basserman.


    I''ve always been and will always have to deal with myself like that.


    ''It''s Commander Basserman ... Lord Commander of the Legion!


    Get in!


    As Anka raised her voice, a man in a white uniform walked in.


    His name is called Alba.


    He is relatively senior in the 11th Konoe Order and serves as the second in command.


    Since Anka is the acting head of the group, Alba is more like an acting deputy.


    ''''What''s going on?''''


    Ha, the rebels are on the move.


    Anka asked, and Alba straightened up and replied.


    ''It won''t be enough to cause this mess.


    Ha. The fire tower has been destroyed.


    So.....


    Anka let out a deep sigh.


    It must have been the rebels who destroyed the wolfsbane stand.


    The rebels moved in and the ordinary soldiers tried to light the wolfsbane stand.


    However, the Wolfsbane stand was destroyed and panicked, sending a message to the base.


    They managed to get to the base, but they couldn''t make an accurate report, and that''s what happened.


    Here''s what the commotion would be about.


    What do we do now?


    Stay on schedule and protect the streets.


    Well, then, you might want to--


    No, wait.


    He stops Alba as she is about to leave the tent.


    ''I''ll go,''


    Okay.


    He must have sensed our intentions. Alba nodded widely.


    I don''t know how far this will go, but the time is right.


    Anka breathed heavily and walked out of the tent.


    He walked slowly through the field camp.


    A general soldier passes in front of him.


    He hoped that they would regain their composure when they saw him, but it didn''t seem so sweet.


    ''''The rebels!��The rebels are attacking us!


    ''d*mn it!��What was the surveillance doing?


    They''ve destroyed the fire tower!


    How close are the rebels?


    They''re coming in one fell swoop!


    There was a beehive of commotion inside the field camp.


    As far as I could tell from a quick glance, my own men - no knights of the Kingsguard - were gone.


    Anka smiled bitterly and stopped.


    And--.


    ''''Quiet!


    I raised my voice.


    It was so big that even a lightning strike could not be stopped.


    Then the soldiers stopped moving.


    "What''s the hurry!


    Anka shouted and looked around.


    The soldiers looked at us in silence.


    ''We knew the rebels were going to move!��So, on the road that connects the southern frontier with Count Burkmeier''s estate!��We have established a field position on the territory!


    Really?��The soldiers looked at each other as if to say, "I don''t know what to do.


    But no one objected.


    Anka patted his chest inwardly.


    The latter part - so the rest was a lie.


    In truth, I wanted to build a field position far from the territorial boundary.


    If the city was close enough, it would be easier to resupply, and we could set up a rotation and let the soldiers rest.


    The soldiers would probably go out to the tavern, but it was important to relieve stress.


    Soldiers are motivated by drinking and being encouraged by their female wives.


    But the director of military affairs - Ralph Libra - did not think so.


    He sent a written order to establish a field position here.


    Perhaps he was complaining to the Director General of the Burkmeier Shogunate.


    ''Give me a break,'' he said, ''but I have to obey orders.


    ''I can read what they''re doing!��Stay calm and get ready to intercept!


    Ha, the soldiers responded unevenly and began to move with regularity.


    Anka exhaled through her mouth, her expression tightening.


    Alba walked over to us and opened her mouth.


    ''''Well thank you for your help.''''


    Not something to get used to, is it?


    He stared at his sweaty palms and chuckled.


    ''It was stunning. He looked like a brave man of the past.''''


    ''That''s good to hear. I''m confident in my voice and my face.


    Anka stroked his chin.


    Everyone had a coveted cue or two.


    He wanted more useful cues, not just a loud voice or a look of dependability.


    ''Well, let''s get ready to intercept them.


    ''Praying that the rebels are slowing down?''


    You know what I''m talking about.


    The messenger!��The rebel envoys are here!


    W--!


    I was about to grin when a loud voice rang out.


    What?��I was about to say and hold my mouth down.


    When I look at the direction of the voice, I see that a man is about to walk up to me.


    The ordinary soldiers buzz.


    I think it''s understandable.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s not.


    And that''s not all.


    It''s not only that, but it''s also that he has golden eyes, a thick bridge of nose, and thick lips.


    The arms are particularly impressive.


    They were as thick and long as a giant snake.


    He shuddered as he imagined the arm wrapped around his own neck and crushed his bones.


    Furthermore, the man was not holding a sword.


    It is a fearsome rigidity to come without a weapon.


    It is not intended to harm you from the start, but if you do, you''ll lose face in the face of Anka.


    I don''t think it''s possible that he didn''t calculate that.


    He''s bold and calculating.


    He''s a tricky man.


    The man looked at me and grinned.


    His impudent smile irritates me.


    I don''t know why the rebels chose this man to be their emissary.


    Before that, why is the war envoy already here?


    Not much time has passed since we received reports that the rebels have moved.


    It is possible that the military envoy could have moved ahead, but what was the surveillance doing?


    If they were dodging the surveillance, how did they do it?


    Is there an enemy spy?


    Come to think of it, the mainstay of the Legion were those who had been cut off as unnecessary by battalions all over.


    It''s hard to say that there aren''t people from the southern frontier among them.


    I don''t want to think that the War Department is that incompetent, but--.


    One question after another arises.


    Calm down, Anka told herself.


    Then she realized that there was another person behind the man.


    Her impression was that he was, well, a normal man.


    The big man stopped about five meters away and saluted us.


    Anka''s eyes widened.


    It was such a brilliant salute.


    ''''...........................Lord Legion Commander.


    "-Oh!


    Alba blurted out and Anka hurriedly returned the salute.


    The big man stopped saluting, so she followed suit.


    ''''My name is Dragon, and I am the Deputy Commander of the Southern Frontier Army.


    Dragons?��Is that a fake name?


    Haha, that''s my real name.


    The big man - the dragon laughed with amusement.


    Nine times out of ten, it would be a false name.


    Maybe they were mercenaries.


    The lords of the southern frontier are former mercenaries.


    With their connections, it shouldn''t be difficult to hire mercenaries.


    However, could they salute a mercenary with such a splendid salute?


    Before that, how could a mercenary be entrusted with an executive such as a sub-commander?


    ''''That''s Assistant Sub-Commander Apollo behind me.


    This is Apollo.


    The man - Apollo bowed his head in a bow, and Anka came to himself.


    ''This is Anka, the corps commander. Next to me is my second in command, Alba. So, what can I do for you?


    I''m here to negotiate.


    Negotiate?


    I ask back.


    But if you think about it, that''s what a military envoy is.


    Maybe it was because of the dragon''s appearance, but the natural idea didn''t come up.


    ''''Yes, we--we--would like to ask the Southern Frontier Army to allow passage through the Earl of Bowties'' territory.


    ''Nah!��What are you talking about!


    Anka''s voice is hoarse and she realizes her mistake.


    The civilian soldiers are looking at us.


    A blunder. I should have moved to my tent.


    If we move now, it will only make the ordinary soldiers suspicious.


    Then we''re better off staying where we are.


    ''''We don''t want to lose soldiers for nothing, sir.


    ''We are the proud Imperial Guard!��I will not betray the Emperor!


    That''s why I''m here to negotiate.


    The dragon said simply.


    ''Go home and tell your superiors that we won''t betray you. Tell your superiors we won''t betray you.


    Are you sure you don''t want to hear the terms?


    f*ck you!


    The dragon didn''t even pretend to be frightened when Anka shouted.


    ''''Princess Tilia--''''


    The general manager said he had a lot of...


    Wait!


    Alba tried to interrupt the dragon''s words and Anka stopped her.


    Alba is looking at me with eyes that say why.


    I don''t mean to betray you, but when you say that you are the Princess of Tilia, I can''t not listen.


    There is a possibility that I can draw useful information from it.


    ''''Princess Tilia said that upon victory, she will purge the nobles who gave to the false emperor Alfort and confiscate their property, and we can carve up the territory.


    ...when did it happen?


    ''It''s a secret, but I had an audience with Princess Tyria and we made a pact.


    How long have we been in touch with each other?


    And we are discussing post-war governance.


    ''If you become a landed aristocrat, you will be treated with honor after the war.


    What''s that like?


    ''I''m sorry, sir, but...''


    The dragon chuckled.


    I guess you can''t say any more about this until you''re one of us.


    What are you going to do?


    "We have no intention of betraying the Emperor.


    ''I see. I''m sorry.


    The dragon cowered lightly and turned on his heel.


    Apollo lowered his head and followed.


    ''Get out of the way!��Don''t you dare mess with the Warlord!


    Anka shouted, and the soldiers cleared a path.


    I let out a sigh when they are out of sight.


    My head wobbles.


    It''s because they''ve been bombarded with several pieces of information in a short amount of time.


    ''I''m relieved,''


    Did you think I would betray you?


    ....


    Alba is silent.


    It''s not unreasonable.


    I don''t know what Princess Tilia thinks, but the position of a landed nobleman is appealing.


    If you betray it, you''ll get it.


    ''''If I''m honest--''''


    Say no more.


    Anka interrupted Alba''s words.


    ''I''m not going to make a bet.''


    ....


    "Order your men to sternly refrain from attacking us.


    I understand.


    Alba gave him a wry look.


    I''m not going to gamble, and I''m not going to be a traitor.


    A traitor''s end is certain to be death.


    Apollo and the dragon ride their horses and continue south along the city road.


    When the imperial army''s field position was out of sight--.


    ''''Buhaaaaah!


    Apollo let out a grand exhale.


    ''Is something wrong?''


    There was a break in the tension.


    The dragon asked the question in the same tone as usual, and I couldn''t help but get miffed and return it.


    He rode into enemy territory unarmed.


    It''s at least exhausting.


    ''''What do you think the imperial army will do?


    I''m sure they''ll be vetting the information for a while.


    The dragon laughed.


    He would have thought he was couscous and laughing, but he seemed to be cooing and throttling.


    ''Will it work so well?''


    Lady Anka seems to be a very serious person, so I''m sure she''ll be fine.


    ''It certainly looked that way, Commander but where does Lord Claude think you are going with this?


    Now, where do you think you''re going with this?


    The dragon looked troubled by Apollo''s question.


    It was Claude who had thought of this plan - Dragon would go to the negotiations unarmed, give him a lot of information and walk away - this time.


    ''Will it work?''


    You''ll be fine.


    When I asked the same question again, the dragon responded with a wry smile on his face.


    That being said, it seemed to work.


    Claude looked confident and Anka looked confused.


    He thought about what he would have done if he were in his position.


    Immediately after receiving a report that the enemy had moved, the enemy''s military envoy would come and bombard him with information.


    This alone would be quite confusing.


    ''''Will we have to fight the Imperial Army?''''


    It''s hard to say,


    I''m sure you do.


    Apollo grunted.


    ''I don''t want to fight because I know someone in the Imperial Army.


    I know how you feel.


    The dragon gave a small nod.


    It wouldn''t be a lie.


    I would have told him not to lie if we hadn''t known each other for so long.


    ''What about you, Lord Dragon?''


    It''s a soldier''s duty to fight when ordered.


    That''s true, though.


    Were you expecting a more humanistic statement?


    Yes, to be honest.


    I''m in the mood to do it thanks to Princess Tyria, but I''m not sure if I''m in the mood to fight or not.


    I''m sure they are too.


    I hope so.


    Apollo and the dragon continue down the street in silence for a while.


    ''....Speaking of which...


    What is it?


    Are you sure you want me to tell them you don''t want to wear out your soldiers?


    Yeah, it''s not a problem.


    If they know we''re afraid of wear and tear, they''ll attack us.


    It won''t matter if we don''t take action.


    Why?


    ''Lord Anka seemed to be interested in our proposal.


    Is that so?


    I only thought he wasn''t interested because he said he couldn''t betray His Majesty the Emperor, but apparently the dragon has a different view.


    ''''What do you think Lord Anka has in mind?''''


    You''re just trying to protect yourself.


    The dragon answered Apollo''s question without pause.


    ''If you betray me, you will lose your credibility.''


    ''Isn''t it worth it if a single betrayal can make you a nobleman with a realm?


    ''It''s not advisable to go along with the story when there''s a chance we''ll break our word. And there''s no guarantee that our mish-mash of soldiers will comply. Under the circumstances, it''s best to wait and see.


    ''I see, you want to protect your position and leave the possibility open.


    That''s right.


    Dragon said in a tone of voice that said well done.


    I feel like I''m a student.


    No, I am in fact a student.


    The dragon is trying to nurture me.


    When I think back to my time in the imperial army, it''s been that way since I was in the imperial army.


    He would say that he deserves it as a boss, but he doesn''t usually go this far.


    Why is he doing this much for me?


    I''ll ask him after the battle is over.


    It''s up to the detachment, though, Apollo said, looking up at the sky.


    Where are the Tilia princesses now?


    Tilia chewed on her dried fruit and looked out the window.


    There was a dense forest outside, and it was flowing slowly.


    Naturally, it wasn''t the forest that was moving, but Tilia - the box carriage that carried Tilia and the others, to be precise.


    ''''What can I say--''''


    Peace, sir?


    Tilia looked at Myra, who was sitting in the seat facing her.


    ''''Well I knew it was going to be a harder journey.


    Tilia chooses her thoughts as she chooses her words.


    I don''t want to use the word calm when the Imperial Army and the Southern Frontier Army are facing the Imperial Army.


    Someone could be dead at this moment as well.


    ''''Rest assured that it''s only me and Princess Tyria who are here.


    No, you can''t accidentally eat it.


    Okay.


    Myra nodded quietly.


    Silence descended.


    A little awkward.


    I don''t want to spread the conversation if I''m convinced.


    ''I thought the interstices were more dangerous.


    I had no choice but to start the conversation myself.


    The boxcarriage is going on the interstices - the back roads that are not controlled by the lord.


    I''ve heard it''s dangerous to use the intervening roads, but I haven''t been in any danger since I left the southern frontier.


    ''''You are being escorted by Master Robert, with five cavalrymen, including Master Gaul, as escort, and the advance party has finished paying off the dew.


    It''s something to think about.


    The number of separate teams working with Tilia is one thousand.


    They are divided into teams of ten men.


    It takes a lot of work, but since the number is small, it''s hard to find them, and even if they are found, the other teams are saved.


    It''s a method that I don''t think was thought up overnight.


    ''We''re mercenaries, sir.


    Okay.


    It sounds like the way of a peddler - and not a mercenary - of lesser quality, but I guess I should keep it quiet.


    ''And I was cleaning it regularly.


    Cleaning?


    Myra said quietly, and Tilia asked back.


    ''Yes, two birds with one stone.''


    What''s two birds with one stone?


    ''It will do the world good and make them give up their virginity.''


    You''ve made your point.


    In short, he was probably gaining real battle experience by defeating bandits.


    But still--.


    They used to be all over the place, but perhaps the peaceful times that followed have reduced their numbers. They may become extinct sooner or later.


    That''s not what I''m trying to say.


    Yes, sir.


    Are you sure?


    Yes, that''s what Princess Tyria is trying to say, isn''t it? That our resources should be put to good use.


    No!


    Tilia exclaimed involuntarily.


    ''Isn''t it?''


    Of course. What do you usually think of people as resources?


    With all due respect, sir,


    Myra interrupts Tilia''s words.


    ''Good.''


    ''Thieves are a valuable resource. I remind myself to kill them with gratitude.


    That''s enough.


    Tilia broke off the conversation.


    We have different values.


    It''s no use continuing to talk like this.


    I''m afraid that if the conversation is still on a parallel track, I''ll be persuaded.


    ''''.........You said it used to be....


    I told you. What is it?


    ''Have you always had a route to attack the Imperial City?


    Myra tilted her head cutely and gave a small smile.


    ''Johnny didn''t like it at first, but after two or three times--''


    Wait. Answer the question.


    As Tilia tried to stand up, she was lightly pushed on the shoulder.


    Of course, it was Myra who pushed her shoulder.


    ''Keep your wife where she is,''


    With that, Myra leaned forward.


    ''Then let''s continue.''


    How long have you been planning to invade the Imperial City?


    ....


    When Tyria asked again, Myra turned her head away.


    Apparently, she wasn''t going to answer.


    ''''Enough.''''


    That''s good to know, sir.


    Myra sat back in her chair.


    That''s when the speed of the boxcarriage slowed down.


    The boxcarriage must be close to its destination.


    After a few moments, the boxcarriage came to a stop.


    ''What are we going to do with this boxcarriage?


    ''''I plan to use it to attack the Imperial City, but I''ll keep it under wraps until then.


    How?


    "Lord Robert is the divine warrior of the Mother Goddess of Ochre and Fertility.


    Okay, that''s easy.


    You can bury it in the ground, or you can let the plants grow and hide it.


    Myra dismounts from the boxcarriage and reaches out to her.


    Tilia takes her hand and descends to the ground.


    She looks around.


    It was in the woods.


    ''Master Robert, please.''


    Sure. Have a good day.


    I hear such a voice, and the boxcarriage begins to move.


    A cavalryman salutes as they cross paths.


    ''Let us come. Follow me.


    Yeah, okay.


    Myra started to walk away and Tilia followed her.


    Even though it was winter, there was still quite a bit of undergrowth.


    ''Try to stay as far away from me as possible.


    You''re setting a trap, after all.


    Yes, although there''s no life-threatening traps.


    Are you okay with that?


    If you kill them, that''s the end of it, but if you wound them, you can put the burden on the enemy.


    I get the feeling you''re related to the Chronosphere.


    Tyria let out a small sigh.


    Further into the forest, and when she was getting fed up, her vision opened up.


    It was cleverly camouflaged with grass and trees, but it was about the size of a small settlement.


    ''''........When did you guys plan to attack the Imperial City?''''


    What are you talking about?


    Myra said quickly.


    How long have they been preparing for this?


    I''m afraid they will take over the country.


    As I was thinking about this, I heard a rustling sound from behind me.


    I reflexively turned around, but there was no one there.


    When I looked forward again, I saw a man - Johnny - standing in front of Myra.


    ''''Long time no see!''''


    Hmm, long time no see. You''re....


    Tilia tilted her head.


    They should have met in the Marquess of Erakis, but strangely enough, it didn''t leave a lasting impression.


    ''''If it didn''t leave an impression, it''s fine if it didn''t.


    Johnny muttered drearily.

 162-Episode 18 "Decision Battle, Back" Part 6

    *


    Tilia propped her cheekbones on the armrest for support and listened to Johnny''s report.


    Although he gets to the point, the report is trite.


    It''s not surprising, since he''s not trained as a military man.


    If he wins this battle, it wouldn''t be a bad idea to raise him as a military man.


    Of course, that is if he wants to--''''


    ''''So big brother, I mean the imperial army is building a field position hidden in the thick fog. The priest of the mother goddess of fertility and fertility...


    Theon.


    Yes, Sion-san. Zion-san made the trenches with his divine power, so the rest is just to reinforce the trenches and make traps and obstacles.


    You''re doing well.


    Tilia muttered quietly.


    Now it was just a matter of whether Baroness Nam Corne''s power would be maintained until they finished building the field position.


    However, he was optimistic about this.


    She''s the best divine master magician in the Empire.


    She shouldn''t be able to create a thick fog for just two days.


    ''''You little vixen.


    What''s up?


    No, it''s nothing. I''m talking about this one.


    I''m glad that Baroness Nam Corneh is cooperating with us, but it''s not out of good intentions.


    She has their interests at heart.


    She''s with the surrounding lords.


    On top of that, the Imperial Army and the Imperial Army - she''s trying to determine to the very last minute who will win.


    That''s why they are only cooperating for two days.


    If the Imperial Army is outnumbered, they are sure to return the favor immediately.


    There is no denying the possibility that they will come at us from behind.


    Rather, it is more likely.


    Not only with the Imperial Army, but also with the surrounding lords and princes, we have to think about what they will think.


    Utterly and utterly disgusting.


    Tilia''s frustration must have been palpable.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m a good person.


    ''Oh, Miss?''


    Yeah, I''m sorry. That''s all for now.


    Yeah. Oh, I forgot. A gift from my brother.


    Johnny finished his report and placed the crate on the desk.


    Tilia sat in her chair and looked at the crate.


    She must have noticed her gaze.


    Myra, who was standing beside him, stepped out quietly.


    ''''Let me inspect the contents just to be sure.


    Don''t worry about it, I''m not going to steal from you.


    ''I''m not worried about stealing it, but I''m afraid it might have been dropped and broken.


    No, no. Well, that''s not really what we do, is it?


    When Myra turned her gaze to look at him, Johnny turned away.


    He''s sweating even though it''s a chilly room temperature.


    It''s not the sweat of body temperature regulation.


    It''s the sticky sweat of mental sweating.


    ''Why are you sweating?''


    Why is that?��Wow, I don''t know.


    ...I see.


    Myra said as she let out a sigh and opened the wooden box.


    She took out a transparent sphere - a magic item for communication - from inside and stared at it.


    ''''It looks like you didn''t break it.


    Yeah, sure.


    So why are you sweating?


    I don''t know why. I don''t know why.


    Johnny replied to Myra''s words, his eyes moving busily.


    ''Stop now,''


    Yes, ma''am.


    Myra nodded quietly as Tilia called out to her.


    ''''Can I go now, too?''''


    Get some rest.


    Yes, sir.


    Johnny gave a crumbling salute and turned on his heel.


    He went straight to the door--.


    ''....Johnny.


    What is it, what is it?


    Tilia called out to him, and Johnny turned with a jerky motion.


    ''It''s like a rusty hinge.


    ''Good work, again, please.''


    Of course. I''m my brother''s prefect, and I''m going to be the best dagger wielder in the Empire.


    Johnny grinned.


    It''s a smile that I can''t believe I was sweating fat just now.


    But--


    ''Don''t forget that you are my, my apprentice.


    Of course, of course. I''m Master''s apprentice.


    As Myra said to include, Johnny began to sweat fat again.


    ''You know how hard it was for me to raise you,''


    I mean, thanks a lot.


    Johnny is rattling and shaking.


    It must be mental, too.


    Between the two of them - or what kind of education was given to them?


    I''m curious, but I shouldn''t be stepping in here.


    I feel that way.


    Instead, I look around to tell them to stop any further.


    Then Myra lets out a small breath and closes her eyes.


    After a moment, she opens her eyes again.


    ''Get some rest.''


    So I''ll just be right here.


    Johnny smiled affectionately and walked out of the hut.


    Huffing, Tilia let out a breath and leaned back.


    And looked up at the heavens.


    The only thing that could be seen, though, were the beams and the ceiling--.


    ''''Thank you for your help.''''


    It''s not worth the effort, you know.


    After all, I just sat in a chair and listened to the report.


    Besides, I''m feeling better.


    That''s just the way it is--.


    I turn my gaze to Myra.


    ''What is it?''


    I was just wondering what you did to Johnny.


    I''m just giving you an education.


    That''s all it takes to do that?


    Tilia asked, remembering Johnny''s condition.


    ''Mental sweating, body shaking - he was scared like a small animal.


    ''He must have been weak of mind. Indeed, young men these days...''


    It doesn''t feel right when you say it.


    Despite her real age, she is a beautiful woman in appearance.


    I''m extremely flattered by the compliment.


    ''Yeah, well, yeah ...''


    Tilia shushed.


    It would have been nice if I could have come up with something witty to say, but I couldn''t think of anything.


    Even if it did come to mind, I don''t think the sarcastic kind would get through.


    Is this the age-old wisdom?


    No, I just have a thick skin.


    "I''m sure Johnny....


    It was still going on, Tilia thought as she straightened her residence.


    Somehow, she felt that she should.


    ''He must have seen the darkness within himself.


    ''I think he was obviously frightened of you?


    You''re kidding.


    I''m serious.


    ....


    Myra shushed her when Tilia retorted.


    ''It''s not unreasonable. Your wife is young.''


    It''s an age thing.


    Yes, it''s a matter of age.


    Okay.


    I can''t help but be assured of that.


    Tyria let out a small sigh and propped her cheekbones on the armrest for support.


    She turned her gaze to the crate.


    Then Myra held out a magic item for communication.


    ''''Here you go.''''


    I''m sorry.


    Tyria received the magic item for communication and squinted at it.


    No scratches, no cracks.


    After all, it seemed that Myra was the reason why Johnny was scratching a greasy sweat.


    ''''Now we''ll be able to work together, won''t we?


    The separate forces are hiding in a thousand people - divided into twenty groups.


    If it weren''t for the magic item for communication, they wouldn''t be able to work together properly.


    ''''It''s a great magic item.


    I thought you guys had all this on hand?


    It''s hard to keep up with the numbers.


    ...for sure.


    Tilia rolled the communication magic item in her hand.


    Magic items are basically expensive.


    Even more so if the use of the magic item for communication is special, like the magic item for communication.


    In that sense, Crono must have had the foresight to embrace Eril.


    Of course, I don''t think he envisioned the current situation - but.


    ''''At any rate, we can build a communications network with this.


    ....


    He muttered with a sigh, but Myra didn''t say anything.


    I wondered if there was something wrong.


    I was suspicious and looked at her face.


    Then I saw a look on her face as if she wanted to say something.


    What did he want to say?


    I was curious, but I was hesitant to ask him why.


    I''m sure he''s going to say something unstipulated.


    I had a hunch that he would.


    He must have noticed the gaze.


    Myra looks at me.


    Tilia hurriedly turned her face away.


    I suddenly felt a breeze.


    It was not a draft.


    Myra must be moving to the right and left behind her.


    Does she want me to ask her why so much?


    I let out a deep sigh and turn my gaze to Myra.


    ''''.........What.......what?''''


    Boy - I hope you don''t have to communicate with Master Crono.


    I thought about that, but I don''t have the numbers.


    Tilia responded with a sigh.


    It was about half a day''s distance from here to the imperial army''s field position.


    There aren''t enough communication magic items to extend the communication network that far.


    ''''And we need to protect our secrets.


    He didn''t want you to know that your wife was here.


    That''s what I''m talking about.


    There are only a few people who know that Tilia is here.


    Crono, Mino, Leila and the other officers - and the old knights in the entourage.


    So, let''s continue with Johnny as our scout and messenger.


    I''m sorry.


    No, I''m not the one who has to do the hard work.


    Have you no compassion?


    I''m sorry, but this is not a good time for Johnny.


    Myra said quickly.


    ''We had some terrible masters,''


    I''m a burglar apprentice. Besides....


    And?


    If you are soft to them, they will take advantage of you.


    Myra let out a sigh as Tilia parroted and muttered.


    ''Hmm, you''re disciplining yourself as a master.


    No, not at all.


    You really don''t have any compassion for him, do you?


    Perhaps Myra had raised Johnny to be dead.


    ''In fact, how strong is Johnny?''


    I think he''s one of the best dagger-wielders in the world, if you include the surrounding nations.


    Oh, that''s great.


    Tilia exclaimed in admiration.


    ''Well, as long as you don''t go with the figure...''


    Is it really that bad?


    Yes, just a little compliment can leave a gap.


    You need some mental discipline.


    Yes, that''s right.


    Myra let out a small sigh.


    ''By the way, who is your compassion for?''


    Master Crono?


    ....


    Myra said, as she should, and Tyria held her tongue.


    ''Who is your compassion for?''


    Master Chronosphere.


    I asked again, but the answer was the same.


    ''Consider your age,''


    I''m an elf, so I didn''t think it would be a problem.


    Myra said quickly.


    ''What is it about Crono that you''re in love with?''


    At the very least, you''ll be an imperial prince.


    You''re not in love with me!


    Tilia raised her voice, but Myra was nowhere to be seen.


    ''....My Lady.


    What?


    Don''t you think status and worthiness are also attractive to men?


    I don''t think so.


    ....


    When Tilia answered immediately, Myra looked as if she''d bitten down on a bitter worm.


    ''''Well, your wife is young. By the way, what was it about Crono-sama that attracted you to her, Mistress?''


    Where....


    Tyria muttered and asked herself where she felt the attraction.


    Naturally, the status doesn''t appeal to me.


    There is nothing wrong with being worthy, but it is different if you say you find it attractive.


    To begin with--.


    It''s like I was in love with you when I found out. What''s that face?


    No, no, it was nothing.


    Myra turned away, but Tyria didn''t miss the look on her face as she bit down on a bitter worm.


    ''If you have something to say, say it.''


    The sweet and sour lines made me bitter and gory.


    That''s it!


    You said if I had something to say, I should say it.


    Kuh, Tilia grunted.


    She wanted to say it back, but the words wouldn''t come out.


    Then--.


    ''''This is Kane, does anyone hear me?''''


    "-Oh!


    Suddenly, a voice rang out from the communication magic item.


    It was so sudden that I almost dropped it.


    I took a deep breath and carried the communication magic item to my mouth.


    ''It''s Tilia.''


    ''Oh, princess. It''s good to know someone who knows you.


    So, what''s going on?


    That''s why...


    Are you lost?


    "I''m not sure where we''ll be meeting.


    Embarrassed, Kane answered after a pause.


    It couldn''t be helped.


    He wasn''t familiar with the geography around the Imperial Capital.


    Rather, he should appreciate the fact that he was able to get here.


    ''''Alright. I''ll send someone to pick you up right away.''''


    Sorry.


    Don''t worry about it.


    Myra bowed reverently as Tyria gave her a look.


    *


    As Kane finished the communication, his old subordinate - Sabbu - pulled his horse up to him.


    With an eye patch and stubble, his appearance looks like a bandit.


    He has no front teeth, so when he smiles, he looks like a nice pause.


    He understands this and smiles with his teeth bared when interacting with people with whom he is not familiar.


    With this, most of them let down their guard.


    It''s Sabb''s way of dealing with people.


    ''How was your head?''


    Yeah, she said she''d be coming for me soon.


    That''s a good one.


    Sabb laughed, baring his teeth.


    ''Even you?''


    That''s it!


    Sabb nodded grandly.


    ''Master Crono''s place is, well, blessed. It''s going to take me a while to come to my senses. And how is your head?��Won''t the deputy life slow you down?


    As you can see, I''m ready to fight at any time.


    That''s the head.


    Haha, Sabb laughed.


    The old subordinates laughed, the archers, the newcomers - Bruno and the others laughed.


    It still looks okay, Kane inwardly patted his chest.


    The surrounding lords had many people they could talk to.


    But that doesn''t mean you can''t be on your guard.


    If you believe in them and they betray you, the fate of Kane and his team will be cut short.


    They needed to be constantly vigilant about their surroundings.


    The least we could do was to know that we could rest if we joined up.


    The situation, which could end at any moment, would wear out the body and mind by itself.


    But if there is an end, we can stop somehow.


    Of course, there is a limit to that - but there is a limit to that.


    We''re still going to be okay, Kane tells himself.


    We could still laugh.


    That''s enough to make us believe we can afford it.


    As long as we can believe we can afford it, we can keep our heads above water.


    I suddenly remembered Elaine.


    What would she say?


    Would she snicker, or give me a dumbfounded look?


    Or would she agree with a straight face?


    It could be any of those things, and she could react in a way I didn''t expect.


    In short, I don''t know her well.


    It would be the same for her.


    People who didn''t know each other well were drawn to each other without understanding each other well.


    She laughs at the thought that if she could get back alive.


    It''s disgusting.


    You''ve dressed up to get out of here, but you''re leaving something to be desired.


    No, it''s also possible that you''re the only one who thinks so.


    I''ll be laughed at when I come back alive.


    But, well, that''s just the way it is.


    I''m an ordinary person.


    I can''t protect my sister and I''m trapped in her death.


    Even if I survive this battle, I will still be trapped in her death.


    What can I do?


    Nothing much can be done.


    But....


    I''m going to do my best to scrape by.


    Kane looked up at the sky and muttered softly.


    It made me feel a little better.


    ''Is something wrong?''


    No, I didn''t think it was a big deal, you know?


    That''s a bit too humble. If you don''t have a brain, then why are we here?


    It''s a bunch of guys.


    Kane chuckled back.


    Then there was a rustling sound.


    It was the sound of bushes on the side of the street shaking.


    Sabb and the others turned their gaze towards the direction of the sound.


    That should have been the right decision.


    Nevertheless, Kane was looking at the other side.


    I''m not sure why--I don''t understand it myself.


    If I had to put it that way, it''s intuition.


    Then his eyes met with a young man who looked like he''d seen somewhere before.


    "--!


    The young man gasped and reached for his waist.


    But faster than that, Kane was on his horse, sword drawn and released.


    The young man raised his hands in surrender as he pointed the cutting edge.


    That''s when Sabb''s group noticed something strange.


    ''Head?''


    Don''t let your guard down.


    Kane announced shortly, and Sabb and the others moved their horses to surround the young man.


    ''Surrender,''


    I know what I''m talking about. You''ll know.


    "Johnnysss. Missus sent me to get you.


    "Johnny?


    Kane tilted his head.


    Come to think of it, I think I was with Myra when she arrived.


    He looked familiar, but he couldn''t let his guard down.


    After all, it was three years ago.


    I can''t trust my own memories.


    "Do you have any proof?


    You''ll know it when you talk to your communication magic item.


    "...sabbatical.


    I understand.


    He muttered, keeping his eyes on the young man, and Sabb moved his horse forward.


    Kane brought his basket hand close to his mouth.


    ''Princess, can you hear me?''


    "''Yeah, I hear you.


    A muffled Tilia''s voice echoed after a slight pause.


    It was also overlapping.


    It was from Kane''s cage and the young man.


    ''A man claiming to be Johnny is here, and I''m pretty sure this is the one to pick him up?


    ''Yeah, definitely.''


    You know...


    Kane looked at Johnny and mentioned his facial features and clothing.


    ''''....Yeah, it fits. But why are you asking me that?''''


    Because he was sneaking up on me from behind.


    Kane replied in a disgusted mood.


    If he had come out of the front, or at least out of the bushes, he wouldn''t have been alarmed--.


    Huh, a sigh echoed from the communication magic item.


    He must have been dumbfounded.


    ''''Anyway, I''m waiting for you.''''


    ''Oh,'' Kane replied shortly and dropped his arms.


    ''We''ve got the back. This one''s coming for you.


    That''s a good one.


    Good.


    Sabb pats his chest and Johnny continues to pat his chest down.


    ''What, did you do something that could be misinterpreted?


    I wanted to stay in a good position.


    Kane asked, and Johnny said apologetically.


    ''I think it''s about time you sheathed your sword.


    Okay.....


    Kane sheathed his sword after a moment of hesitation.


    Can he trust the man who is creeping up behind him?


    Such thoughts dominated his chest.


    Johnny was just as wary, and he lowered his hand loosely.


    ''I didn''t feel alive.


    I''m sorry about that one.


    I tried to say an apology, but if the same thing happened, I would stab him in the throat again.


    ''Come on, this way.''


    Johnny turns on his heel and walks away.


    His hand is attached to the dagger at his waist.


    He suddenly remembered that his men were worn out.


    ''....Johnny.


    What''s up?


    Johnny turned and looked up at me.


    ''Can I give my men a break first?''


    ''''........Yeah. I''ll ask him.


    Johnny looked around and pulled a communication magic item from his pocket.


    *


    You''re ... late.


    They must be taking a long time to find their way around.


    Here you go, Myra said, setting the cup down on the table.


    Tilia took the cup and brought it to her mouth.


    She didn''t put her mouth on it right away, but enjoyed the aroma.


    Kehot and lightly choked.


    It was a pretty pungent scent.


    ''Is it original?''


    To keep your body cool, we use a ginger base.


    ''I''ve had ginger-based incense tea many times, but never to this extent.


    Tilia let go of the cup and stared intently at the liquid inside.


    It reminded her of the strange elven potion made by Arididid and Deneb.


    However, the smell was different--.


    ''''Come on, gulp.''''


    Do you drink?


    Of course.


    Apparently, you have to drink it.


    But motives aside, Myra is trustworthy.


    She wouldn''t heap poison.


    At will, Tyria drank the incense tea.


    A pungent sensation passed through her esophagus and reached her stomach.


    Instantly, her stomach was burning.


    Soon after, the heat travels through her body.


    It was hot. It was so hot that my whole body was sweating.


    Myra gently holds out a handkerchief.


    "Here you go.


    Mm, sorry about that.


    He takes a handkerchief and wipes the sweat off his face.


    ''What do you think?''


    It''s not as bad as it sounds.


    Maybe it''s the sweat I''ve been breaking, but I feel a little sunnier.


    ''''Will it sell?''''


    Are you going to sell it?


    Of course.


    When Tyria asked back, Myra answered with her heart.


    As usual, she''s brazen.


    Hmmm, I look down at the empty cup.


    The smell is lightly chokingly pungent, but I can honestly say it''s not bad.


    ''It''s hard to sell normally, isn''t it?''


    I knew it.


    Myra nodded with a divine look on her face.


    An idea suddenly occurred to her.


    ''Why not add value?''


    Added value?


    ''Yes. Best for when you have a cold, or maybe it''s good for the cold.


    Okay, great idea.


    I know.


    Tilia felt a deep sense of satisfaction.


    ''''Then may I use Princess Tilia''s name?''''


    ...my name.


    Tilia frowned.


    I don''t want to sell my name - I don''t want to sell it under the name of Tilia tea.


    I''m shocked when it doesn''t sell, and even more shocked when it does.


    It''s fine if it ends up being a boom, but if it continues to sell until the next generation of grandchildren.


    It''s scary just to think about it.


    Wouldn''t that be bad?


    ....


    No?


    When Tilia was silent, Myra looked into her face.


    Her eyes are serious.


    I can''t seem to get away with it as a joke.


    ''''Well that''s good.''''


    Thank you.


    Myra smiled a small smile.


    Looking at that smile, I have a feeling that it was all calculated.


    At that time when I was thinking of saying one of the sarcastic things--.


    ''''Miss, I''m back.''''


    Come in.


    A brainy voice sounded and Myra responded.


    The door opened and Kane came in, led by Johnny.


    Johnny stops near the door, but Kane continues to move closer.


    He stopped about two meters away and poked him on one knee.


    ''Kane, thank you for your help,''


    Yeah, that was really tough.


    Kane cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    He must be really tired, since he even bothered to mention it.


    ''Does that mean you can''t move right away?


    I''m tired, including myself.


    Well if that''s what it is, then I guess I have no choice.


    I thought about it when the Imperials moved, but it would only cause useless wear and tear on our men.


    We should give them a good rest and let them attack the supply party.


    ''Give yourself a few days'' rest. Myra, you have plenty of food to spare, don''t you?


    Of course.


    Now, let''s give Caine and the others the best of both worlds.


    He starts to say, and then he shuts up.


    Can I help you?


    Yes, I''m not sure I''d want a tired man to eat something worthwhile.


    Don''t worry, I''ll take care of that.


    All right, then.


    Yes, sir.


    Myra nodded quietly.


    ''That''s why. Get some rest. I''ll tell you more about our plans for the future.''


    Thank you. I''m at my wit''s end.


    Kane stood up and turned on his heel.

 163-Episode 18 "Decisive Battle, Back" Part 7

    *


    The day after the Imperial Army set up the camp - the sound of an explosion could be heard in the distance.


    It''s likely that the Imperial Army blew up the mercenaries who were closing in on the obstacle made of iron thorns with magic items.


    The main force of the Imperial Army is the volunteer soldiers.


    Not to say they were amateurs, but they had no white army fighting ability at all.


    Originally, the reason why the Imperial Army on the offensive side was fighting a defensive battle was to compensate for their white army fighting ability.


    Not only do they use magic items, they even use a strategy.


    They are struggling to not lose.


    In contrast, the Imperial Army is on the defensive.


    Of course, this also comes with a proviso that it should have been.


    The imperial army, which should be on the defensive side, is attacking.


    This is in spite of the fact that they can reduce the wear and tear on their troops if they are holed up in a castle.


    The reason why this is not possible is because of the disruption in logistics.


    The cooperation of the neighboring lords and ladies cannot be expected either.


    According to the soldiers, it''s because of the emperor and his cronies.


    It reminds me of my home.


    It has a reputation as one of the most important breadbasket areas of the Empire, but in short, it''s the countryside.


    To be honest, I didn''t like my home town.


    I didn''t like the feeling of entrapment, as if the future was closed to me.


    But I had never been hungry until I trained there.


    Perhaps it was a feeling common to their generation.


    When he said that, his masters laughed at him.


    It must have been very strange for that master to laugh.


    After all, I am a fool, I think.


    However, even I know something.


    A person who cannot make his subordinates eat is not qualified to be in the top position.


    In that sense, we must be blessed.


    You can''t do that," he said, shaking his head and thrusting his stick into the ground.


    It''s just a stick with a diagonal slice at the tip.


    It is not possible to dig into the ground like a shovel or pickaxe.


    It just sticks into the ground just a little bit.


    But it repeats itself.


    I repeat, I repeat, I repeat--.


    He throws the dirt behind him, repeating it so repeatedly that he feels like he''s reaching a state of selflessness.


    I lean on the stick and let out a sigh.


    The sigh was louder than I thought it would be.


    I look around in a hurry.


    Around the perimeter, Imperial soldiers were digging the ground in a line.


    With wooden sticks, of course.


    Fortunately, or should I say, they only seemed to be interested in their own work.


    But still--''''


    "It''s insane to build a moat with this stuff--


    Hey.


    No, I''m not skipping work!��One, two, one, two!��Ahhh!��Digging holes is fun!


    Suddenly, he is called out and resumes his work.


    I was caught off guard.


    This is despite the fact that my mentor had warned me about it.


    Really, I think I''m a bad guy.


    A poof sound is heard.


    I turn around to see a bearded man holding his mouth.


    ''Sorry, sorry. I didn''t mean to startle you," he says, "I didn''t mean to scare you. We''re ready to eat and you''ve been quietly digging in the ground.


    I''m sorry to hear that. I''ve got a lot on my mind.


    The man gave me a bum look and I apologize.


    I feel like I don''t need to apologize, but politeness is important.


    My mentor taught me that politeness is important.


    ''''Then let''s go.''''


    Where are you going?


    ...you.


    The man let out a sigh of dismay.


    ''Didn''t I tell you the meal was ready?''


    Is it okay to eat while I work?


    I''m not surprised.


    The man let out another sigh.


    This is bad.


    After all, it was impossible for him to be a spy.


    A cold sweat ran down his face.


    Should I kill the man and escape?


    This is outside the camp.


    It''s not that hard to escape.


    You won''t be able to continue spying, but it''s better than being tortured and spitting out information.


    He reaches for the dagger at his waist and stops it.


    Killing it is the last thing I want to do - after assessing the situation to the last minute.


    The man stares at you and suddenly smiles.


    ''Don''t be so scared. Are you new to the military?


    Yeah.


    Well, I guess so.


    The man scratched his head as if to say he''d lost it.


    ''This is the situation. Everyone likes to have a veteran on hand, don''t they?


    Oh, yeah.


    The man crossed his arms and nodded repeatedly.


    Apparently, he agreed with me on his own.


    I followed him, patting my chest inwardly.


    ''''Let''s go then.''''


    Where is it?


    So, we''re eating.


    The man says disgustedly.


    It''s not much of a stretch. This is a fate. I''m going to teach you how to be a soldier.


    ''It''s okay!��I can do this on my own!


    Don''t be.


    No, I''m not being modest!��Not at all!��Not one bit of it!


    No, no, no, don''t be shy. You should just accept your seniors'' kindness.


    I''m fine. I''m fine.


    You know what?


    The man said with a sigh.


    The forcefulness of the previous moment seems to be a lie.


    ''What is it?''


    I can see why you''re so cautious. That''s what happens when you''re too stubborn.


    Then the man scoffed his chin.


    Ahead of him was a group of people charging into an obstacle.


    They were shot with machine gun bows and crossbows and blown away by magic items.


    Their appearance was nothing short of miserable.


    ''''I''m not a mercenary.


    Oh," the man let out a voice.


    Is he impressed?


    ''What?''


    Don''t be angry, don''t be angry. I''m just relieved that you seem to know more than you think you do.


    The man raised his hands in a theatrical gesture and leaned forward.


    ''So, what do you know about these guys?''


    For money, well, at least he''s a bum.


    You knew him well.


    If you''re a normal person, I can hear you.


    That''s not him.


    What''s the difference?


    It''s...


    The man punctuated his words and withdrew his body.


    ''I''ll teach you over dinner.''


    What--


    Just as I opened my mouth to complain, I heard a gurgling sound.


    A stomach bug buzzed.


    I turned over to look down, even if it wasn''t this time.


    ''Your stomach bugs are honest. We''re going to make a meal out of you, for food.


    Okay....


    I answer after a short pause.


    I was interested in what the man had to say, and I was hungry.


    It wouldn''t be a beehive to talk to him while he ate.


    ''Before we eat...''


    Oh, handshake.


    The man squeezed back the hand he held out.


    Then the man looked surprised.


    ''I forgot to tell you. I''m John.


    "I''m Johnny.


    Jonnyce?��That''s an odd name.


    Johnny, d*mn it.


    The man - John asked back, and Johnny was miffed and said back.


    ''Yeah, Johnny-na,''


    Yes, Johnny. It''s not Johnny''s.


    Bad, bad.


    John scratched his head.


    It couldn''t be his imagination that he didn''t seem to feel bad.


    John led me to the tent.


    It was a fairly large tent with a row of tables inside.


    The seats were noticeably empty, but there were a good number of people there.


    There are several groups of people there.


    So to speak, they are what you might call a bosom buddy group.


    When I sat at a table at the end of the table, I felt alienated.


    I can''t help it, considering my position.


    After all, he''s a spy.


    If I convey the information I collected to Miss--Princess Tilia, the Imperial Army will definitely be harmed.


    However, I haven''t done anything yet.


    It''s hard to be alienated from this stage.


    At the very least, I wish John was here.


    If only he were here, I wouldn''t have to think about this pathetic thing.


    But he''s not here.


    He told me to wait here and then he went away.


    I hope he comes back soon.


    I''m praying - and I''m praying.


    ''I''m sorry to keep you waiting,''


    You''ve been waiting too long.


    Don''t be angry.


    With that, John placed the tray in front of Johnny.


    There was food for two on the tray - cloudy white soup and bread.


    Apparently he had gone to get a meal.


    ''What''s up?''��You''re not going to eat it?


    Eat.


    John chuckled as Johnny took the soup and bread.


    He slides the tray down and takes a seat facing him.


    Johnny scooped up the soup with a spoon--.


    ''There''s no garnish.''


    Look closely.


    Well?


    Tilting my head, I looked at the spoon.


    Then I saw what looked like brown strands sinking into it.


    ''There''s meat in there, isn''t there?''


    It''s not called meat.


    Zuzu, sipping the soup.


    The soup was rather salty, or rather, it tasted only of salt.


    ''Wait.''


    What is it?


    Johnny looked up, sheltering his soup and bread.


    John laughed.


    What fun.


    ''Soup''s a bit of a stretch,''


    Why?


    Watch.


    John picked up the bread and tapped it lightly on the table.


    A cocking sound sounded and Johnny''s eyes widened.


    He had heard that they sometimes hardened the bread to keep it for days.


    But I didn''t expect it to go this far - I didn''t expect it to go this far.


    ''You''d be surprised, wouldn''t you?''


    It''s a surprise.


    So, yeah.


    John pulled out the dagger at his waist and struck the pan with the pommel head.


    There was a fairly loud sound.


    I looked around hurriedly and saw that the soldiers were looking at us.


    I thought it was bad, but they quickly turned their faces away as if they had lost interest.


    All the while, John was tapping the bread with his handle head.


    After a few slaps, the bread broke in two.


    He repeated the same thing again, dipping the shattered bread into the soup.


    ''Here''s the thing,''


    I see.


    The bread is hard, so you mean to soften it with salt soup.


    Johnny drew his dagger.


    Then--''


    ''Oh?��A dagger by Kanuchi? You have an expensive looking one.


    "-Oh!


    Johnny looked at John in surprise.


    ''I ain''t gonna steal it,''


    Of course.


    ''Having a dagger made by Kanuchi means...''


    John looked at me and snickered.


    ''Why are you snickering?''


    I thought you were rich, but I thought you didn''t sound rich.


    I''m sorry.


    Johnny frowned.


    ''Most likely you stole it, or picked it up. You look poor, you know.


    I got it right.


    I''m miffed and say it back.


    It''s true that my parents are not rich.


    But they''re not poor either.


    It''s an average family in the southern frontier--the Barony of Ekron.


    ''''Well, it''s a bit of a tall order for a new recruit.


    Gulp, Johnny grunted.


    It was a mouthful, but he was right.


    ''You were thinking about being as active as Leonhardt or something anyway.


    Well, yeah.


    It was a lie.


    Johnny had imagined himself as his brother - Crono''s subordinate.


    He was delighted with the fantasy of dashing into Crono''s pinch and defeating his enemies.


    He knows it''s a dream that won''t come true, but his desire to be useful hasn''t changed.


    Right now, I''m being of use to Crono.


    That makes me feel proud.


    But if I could talk to my past self, I would advise him to revise his fantasy downward.


    The gap between reality and delusion has enough power to break your heart.


    Well, my master would have broken my heart anyway - but I''m not sure.


    I remember.


    The days of my training in the Areos Mountains.


    The day I graduated as a thief and a virgin.


    I shouldn''t think about it now, ssss, he shook his head and broke the bread with the pommel head of his dagger.


    Oh," John let out a voice.


    Ignoring him, he breaks the bread.


    ''You''re good at that,''


    Of course. I''m going to be the best dagger-wielder in the Empire.


    The dagger man?


    Johnny put the bread in the soup and looked up.


    Then John had a look on his face as if he''d bitten down on a bitter bug.


    ''Why do you look at me like that?''


    A dagger is just a backup backup weapon.


    What''s wrong with that? Dagger wielders are so cool.


    Isn''t it cool if you can beat a swordsman with a dagger?


    Looking good is justice.


    "And that''s why you''re so young.


    It''s okay. I''m a dagger man.


    Johnny sheathed his dagger and stirred the soup.


    It''s hard to see the ingredients except for the bread.


    I feel like crying when I remember my training days.


    ''Don''t look like you''re about to cry,''


    I''m not.


    ''You don''t have to look like that, your supply should arrive tomorrow.


    Are you refueling?


    Yeah, they may not know how long they''ll be able to ferry us back, but they''ll be better than this.


    I''ve heard good things about this.


    I don''t know much about the military, but I at least know that food is important.


    If you interfere with the supply, your soldiers are bound to starve and not be able to fight.


    But still--''''


    "I''ve heard it all before, but it''s just awful.


    Otherwise, they''d be caged up in the Imperial City.


    John chuckled and brought the spoon to his mouth.


    The hard bread was blistered with soup and turned to mush.


    It''s a matter of national security and all I can eat is this stuff. It''s a real mess.


    "-Oh!


    John spat, and Johnny looked around in a hurry.


    It''s not good to criticize the upper echelon when you''re at war.


    He thought, but the soldiers around him were unperturbed.


    Some were even smiling bitterly.


    ''''Don''t get so upset. I don''t want anyone to talk to the top for complaining a word or two.


    Why?


    If you complain and slack off, I have a problem with that, but if you''re doing a serious job, you keep your mouth shut.


    Is this a tacit understanding?


    No one likes a snitch. It''s horrible to imagine being isolated on a battlefield where you can''t survive without everyone working together. And also...


    Suddenly John leaned forward and Johnny freaked out.


    ''Between you and me...''


    What is it?


    There''s a report that someone in command is in touch with the Princess Tyria.


    Really?


    Johnny couldn''t help but ask back.


    Princess Tilia is at the base.


    And yet, how is she in contact with the enemy commander?


    If there are spies other than himself?


    It''s not impossible.


    Even we - the Southern Frontier Army - have been preparing to fight.


    Crono would have done at least that.


    Yeah, I heard that the guy who was taken prisoner had a letter for me.


    How does that lead to not tipping off?


    People don''t know who they can trust and they call the cops. It''s just a ridiculous thing to do, isn''t it?


    John just says what are you talking about?


    If you ask me, I''m not so sure.


    ''But then again, you''re well-informed.


    It''s...


    An explosion sounded and John scowled.


    ''''Well I don''t want to be like those guys.


    A mercenary.


    The only thing worse than not doing what you can do is dying.


    John let out a small sigh.


    ''You should be doing everything you can, too. Especially when it comes to gathering information.''


    Yeah, so?


    Finally, he felt like he understood why John had said, ''That guy''s different.


    He must have appreciated the fact that Johnny had been gathering information.


    If that was the case, I could see why he had invited me to dinner.


    ''You mean to tell me it would help me gather information?''


    It''s all about the exchange of information.


    I''m okay with that.


    I see.


    John let out a breath of relief.


    A thought occurred to him.


    ''....maybe...''


    That''s what I''m talking about. These people here are here to gather information.


    John grinned.


    So, it looks like the supply is about to arrive from the Imperial Capital.


    I see.


    Hearing Johnny''s report, Tilia crossed her arms.


    She looked over at Myra, who stood beside her.


    ''I''m sure of it. We''ve received information from the Imperial City that confirms Johnny''s story as well.''''


    Then it''s settled. The Imperial Capital will be sending a supply team in the near future.


    But then Tilia looks to the other side.


    Kane, Gaul and Robert are standing across the table.


    Kane commands the cavalry, Gaul commands a death squad, and Robert commands the Southern Frontier Army.


    Here''s your chance.


    When will they not attack here and when will they attack?


    But Tyria and the others are the troops that are meant to capture the Imperial City.


    We don''t want to make our presence felt with too much fanfare.


    Shouldn''t we be cautious?


    When I was troubled, Myra raised her hand.


    ''What?''


    ''I understand your wife''s feelings, but I think we should attack this place.


    Why?


    ''''The mainstay of the Imperial Army is the volunteer army. If the Southern Frontier Army attacks the supply units, the Imperial Army will be exhausted and we can expect some relief from the pressure.


    It''s like a barrel man making money when the wind blows.


    "...Johnny.


    Wow, I know. I''ll shut up.


    Myra spoke in a gentle tone, and Johnny held his mouth with both hands.


    He was sweating fat.


    Perhaps it was psychogenic.


    ''If we can get him to use his trump card early on, we can fight with relatively little extra power left.


    I see.


    ...and...


    Tilia nodded and after a moment, Myra spoke up again.


    ''We should have her throw away her virginity as soon as possible.


    You''re a virgin.


    ''Of course, being a virgin means your first murder.


    I know!


    Tyria coughed out a hoarse, gurgling cough.


    She regained her composure and turned her attention to Kane, Gaul and Robert.


    ''How''s it going?''


    I don''t see a problem with my place. We''ve got a bunch of veterans and some real-world experience.


    We''re already prepared. However, we want to make sure we''re ready.


    Kane answered, followed by Gaul.


    Huh, Myra let out a voice.


    Then Gaul glared at Myra.


    ''What?''


    I think you''ve become quite reliable.


    I can''t just think about myself, you know?


    The mannerisms were almost ridiculous, but Gaul only smiled thinly.


    ''How about you, Robert?''


    I''d like to see you try out your communication magic item.


    ...I see.


    Tilia nodded after a slight pause.


    ''Alright, we will assault the Imperial supply force. However, Kane and Gaul''s troops will be the main force.


    Wait.


    What?


    Tilia turned her gaze to Kane.


    ''Me and Gaul''s squad combined is a little over a hundred men.


    I know. So don''t go after it too hard.


    There''s another problem.


    I know that too. We''re stranded.


    Oh, Kane nodded.


    If they wanted to do some damage, they''d have to strand the supply units.


    But it wouldn''t be wise to divide a force of only a hundred or so men.


    Moreover, if the roads were blocked in front and behind, the enemy would be desperate to resist.


    "Let''s throw stones along the road.


    A rock?


    Yeah, you''re right.


    Kane parroted and Tilia nodded.


    ''Oh, by the way, Master Crono said you were stranded by a stone during the parent conquest.


    That''s what I''m talking about.


    Honestly, I wish you hadn''t told me that you stole the Holy Argo Kingdom''s operation.


    But I''m sure you have a track record.


    It was then that Robert opened his mouth.


    ''''By using the Divine Authority Technique?''''


    That''s not necessary.


    Tilia responded with a wry smile.


    ''Robert is a divine master of the Mother Goddess, who is a yellow earth and fertility controller.


    With his help, you can easily scatter stones.


    But it would be negligence to spare yourself the trouble here.


    Besides, Robert had other work to do.


    ''Scattering stones on the roads will slow down the supply party. Plus, the smoke will block their view and prevent them from giving us any information about us.


    ....


    Kane crossed his arms thoughtfully.


    After a moment--''


    ''Not bad. But...


    ''So blocking your view with smoke won''t do you any good if the fight drags on.


    In the first place, the reason for attacking the supply trains is to starve the main body of the enemy and weaken its strength. With a little over a hundred men, it''s tough to fight and rob them of their supplies.


    Now, the magic item...


    I swallow the word "use it".


    We have magic items, but we should save them for when we attack the Imperial City.


    Is there a replacement?


    When I thought about it, something sparked in me.


    ''''How about using the elven elixir?''''


    The elves'' elixir.


    Kane parroted and turned his gaze to Myra.


    The elves'' strange potion - its true nature is a liquid called alcohol, which is extracted from alcohol.


    ''''In that case, I''m ready.


    That''s fine.


    It can be used to heal, to fight, to drink.


    ''Three birds with one stone,'' Myra muttered quietly.


    ''Is everything all right?''


    No problem. We can make it if we have to.


    Can you make it?


    Yes, I have a stewardess to see to it that this happens.


    It''s good to be prepared.


    It''s just a way to earn a little extra money.


    Myra said quickly.


    I was curious if it was hers or the Barony of Crawford''s, but I should probably keep quiet.


    I can''t bear it if they want me to use Tilia''s name again.


    ''''If you''re going to use the Elf''s Strange Medicine, then you''re not going to rob us of our supplies?


    I don''t see why not.


    ''This is still a former farmer, you know. I don''t like the idea of wasting food.


    "I can''t sacrifice my men''s lives for something I don''t even know if I can take.


    Okay.


    Kane cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated gesture.


    ''Anyway, we''ve got a certain amount of ingredients now. All we need to do now is boil it down.


    Tilia turned her gaze to Johnny.


    ''....Johnny.


    What is it?


    Thank you. Now, you must continue to return to duty.


    Yes, sir.


    Johnny raised his voice and turned on his heel.


    *


    The next day - the Imperial Army''s supply convoy lined up and proceeded down the road.


    Gaul hides in the shade of the grass and looks at them.


    The distance is close.


    It''s a stone''s throw away.


    They are bathed in mud and camouflaged with grass, but it''s not surprising if they are noticed.


    No, it''s more likely that they will notice us.


    If that happens, we''re done.


    We are a small army.


    We don''t even have fifty men, and we''re further divided into four squads.


    There are four hundred men against us.


    We''ll be swallowed up and killed for nothing.


    They will die for nothing.


    I volunteered for the suicide squad.


    I''m willing to die for my family.


    But I also want to live to return to my family.


    Death is horrible.


    But it''s even more terrifying to die in vain.


    Dying with nothing and leaving nothing behind.


    What could be more horrible?


    I wouldn''t have felt this way when I was so desperate for my father''s approval.


    Please, go quickly, Gaul said, looking at the supply team as if in prayer.


    The supply team stops moving.


    I wonder if they''ve noticed.


    Gaul''s hand gripped the hilt of his spear with all his strength.


    Now he could take the first move.


    If we do so, we can at least kill the enemy.


    You can meet a meaningful death.


    It was a sweet temptation.


    Just then, I heard a cracking sound.


    I looked next to him and saw my subordinate looking at me.


    A look of determination.


    Perhaps I would have the same eyes.


    But the moment I saw those eyes, Gaul had regained his composure.


    I''m an idiot, Gaul bit his lip.


    Is this a fight for me?


    No, this is not a fight for me.


    This is a fight for my family.


    I joined the rebellion for my family.


    Yes, for my family.


    He decided to fight even if it meant trampling on other families.


    Gaul shook his head from side to side.


    Is it because of the astonishment?


    His men opened their eyes wide and nodded quietly.


    Gaul looked ahead.


    The enemy supply team remained in motion.


    That''s when he finally realized that the lead team had reached the area where the stones had been scattered.


    He exhaled loosely.


    That''s when--.


    "This is Kane. We''re going to launch an attack.


    The voice echoed from the communication magic item attached to the basket hand.


    "I''ll round up after a reasonable amount of arrow fire. I''ll let you know when I''m ready.


    I know, I know. I don''t want to go into it too much.


    Don''t die?


    You too.


    Gaul quietly waits for the moment.


    His mood was much easier than it was earlier.


    But the tension has not faded.


    The passage of time seems to be slowing down.


    Suddenly, the smell of burning irritated my nostrils.


    When I looked at the rear of the enemy supply team, I saw smoke rising.


    ''''It''s Kane. We''re attacking.''''


    I''m sure.


    Immediately after Gaul answered, the horses disappeared.


    A short time later, more than ten horsemen passed in front of him.


    They put the magic item for communication close to their mouths.


    ''''This is Gaul. More than ten of the enemy have moved backward.


    Copy that.


    Second, third, fourth team, smoke.


    "''Got it!


    A voice rang out from the magic item for communication, and a fire rose in the grass along the street.


    The flames quickly grew and the vision turned white.


    ''Alright!��Get up!


    As Gaul stood up, his men stood up in unison.


    ''Prepare the elves'' elixir!


    He stood to protect his subordinate and gave the order.


    The subordinate looked flustered and inserted a cloth into the jar containing the Elf''s Strange Medicine.


    That''s when.


    The enemy broke through the smoke and came towards us.


    It was a soldier with a spear at the ready.


    He seemed to have noticed our location because we shouted so loudly.


    ''You guys keep working!


    Gaul jumped out and raised his spear.


    The enemy soldiers slowed down.


    Do they know each other?


    No, no, it can''t be.


    No, no, no, even if they were acquaintances, what are they going to do?


    Are you trying to warm up our friendship?


    That''s ridiculous.


    It''s not that kind of situation right now.


    There is no choice but to kill him.


    That''s the path I''ve chosen.


    "Whoa!


    Gaul yelled and swung his spear down.


    The enemy soldiers look up at the sky.


    But that''s it.


    In the next moment, the spear had struck the enemy soldier in the face.


    The spear dug into the middle of his face.


    It''s a disgusting feeling.


    The enemy soldier had stopped moving in a posture that kept him looking up at the sky.


    One second passed, two seconds passed, and the enemy soldier went out of shape.


    Captain!


    Throw it!


    A subordinate throws the jar at the enemy supply team.


    A cracking sound is heard, and the white smoke turns light-colored.


    ''''Geez!


    Fire!


    "Enemy attack!��Enemy attack!


    A voice rang out from behind the smoke.


    ''Keep going!''


    Ha!


    Gaul shouted, and his men raised their voices and threw the bottles in a continuous manner.


    Each time they did so, flames dyed the smoke and there was a scream and a shout.

 164-Eighteenth Episode "Decision Battle-Back" Part 8

    *


    In the evening - as Tilia was sitting in her chair, there was a kotch sound.


    She huffed and looked in the direction of the sound.


    Then, a cup was placed on the table.


    A cup was on the table.


    There was steam in the air.


    It''s also steam with a pungent smell.


    It''s Myra''s special fragrant tea (original blend).


    I looked up at Myra, who was standing beside me before I knew it.


    After a moment, she smiled.


    It''s a gentle smile.


    If she didn''t know her true nature, she would be mistaken.


    But Tilia knows her true nature.


    She''s not just a kind woman.


    She''s a brazen, selfish woman.


    I wish she would hide her true nature anyway.


    That way, you''ll have less heartache.


    She must have an agenda other than selling products bearing Tilia''s name.


    You don''t have to have a hunch every time you get a cup of incense tea brewed.


    Nevertheless, the incense tea is innocent, and the fact that it warms you up and helps you.


    ''''........go ahead.''''


    Yeah, I''m sorry.


    Myra whispered, and Tilia reached for her cup.


    Her hand trembled slightly.


    It''s not from the cold.


    It''s mental.


    She frowns and brings the cup to her mouth.


    I take a drink of the incense tea and exhale in a small breath.


    I meant to, but the exhale was louder than I thought it would be.


    I set the cup on the table and let out another sigh.


    ''The raid was a success, and that there was no damage done here.


    I know that.


    Tilia propped her cheekbones on the armrest for support.


    She received a report via a magic item for communication.


    A useful tool.


    There are some limitations.


    But the ability to communicate without a message is great.


    If a communication network could be stretched across the country, the military system of the empire would change dramatically.


    He thinks about this and smiles.


    In the Marquis'' mansion, the merchants were using magic items for ultra-long distance communication.


    This is originally - this is how Crono wants to use it.


    Using it for war.


    It seems like a betrayal, and it''s kind of disgusting.


    ''''........Madam?''''


    I''m sorry. I zoned out.


    I shouldn''t," he said with a small shake of his head.


    ''I thought you might like to get some rest.


    I don''t think so.


    ''I understand your desire to welcome Master Kane and Master Gaul, but...''


    Myra said as she exhaled a sigh, and then punctuated her words there.


    Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.


    And -.


    ''Isn''t it self-satisfaction?''


    Ugg.


    Tilia grunted at the one word that was released.


    I think I have an understandable personality.


    She also thought it would be self-satisfying to greet the two of them.


    But when it is pointed out to me like this without reservation, I respond.


    No, was that ''pause'' reserved?


    If so, I wanted you to be more reserved.


    That''s right. It''s self-satisfaction. Is that bad?


    ''I think that''s pretty good. Self-gratification is important.


    When I said openly, I got a surprising answer.


    Huh, I couldn''t help but let out a voice.


    Then Myra made a slightly miffed expression.


    I don''t think she''s really miffed.


    It''s probably an act or a fusillade to make the performance stand out.


    ''''Why did you let your voice leak out?''''


    I thought you were going to deny it.


    "With all due respect...


    No.


    "I''m afraid I come to you as a compassionate woman.


    Myra continued to speak.


    Even though she didn''t allow him to speak.


    ''I don''t remember allowing you to speak,''


    "Your wife is not your employer.


    Myra said simply.


    ''Then how come you and your wife...''


    The man who will be your wife sooner or later, I thought it would be good to remember him.


    Now that''s not exactly a good time to remember.


    You''re kidding.


    I''m serious.


    ''I believe your wife is a man who doesn''t get hung up on little things.


    Myra gave a small smile as Tyria asked back.


    The conversation was not engaging.


    ''I''ll stick to the little things,''


    You''re not suggesting that the future Empress...


    I learned from Crono. Oh, man, I''ve been yammering on about my military school days...


    Myra says in a theatrical tone, and Tilia feels fed up.


    Of course, it''s Crono''s persistence that''s disgusting.


    He doesn''t talk about it much these days, but it''s not like he''s forgotten about it.


    It''s a good idea to be careful when you''re not careful.


    We have to keep our guard up.


    When you feel that you are in the wrong, they will come at you with their mouths wide open.


    "Do you think the person in charge should have an open mind?


    There was a time when I thought the same thing.


    Tilia looked up at the ceiling.


    ''Do you see anything?''


    I see the ceiling.


    ''Anyway,'' said Tilia, straightening her residence.


    ''I''m all about the little things.


    ''Then I''ll tell the little boy that his wife will be nitpicking about the details.


    Do what you want.


    Then, whenever you want, like after cleaning or eating.


    It''s an impression!


    Tyria raised her voice.


    If she did that after cleaning and eating, people would think she was harassing the servants.


    They''ll think you''re a shady woman.


    ''Since you told me to do what I wanted,''


    I didn''t say you had to go that far.


    ''Ma''am, those who stand above you are careful of their words. There aren''t always those who try to trap you with their words.


    God, how dare you!


    Tilia grunted.


    The people who would catch the words and try to trap her are right in front of her.


    ''Gugnu, remember,''


    He''s never had a good memory these days.


    Then Myra held her temples.


    ''If you want to get even, do it sooner rather than later. It''s hard to be accused of something you don''t remember.''


    Kuh, Tilia grunted again.


    I''m not going to win with my mouth.


    I''m not sure I can win the battle either.


    I mean, there''s no way to beat it.


    He picked up the cup and gulped it down.


    Myra let out a small breath as she set the cup down on the table to slam it down.


    ''What now?''


    No, it''s not that big of a deal.


    I''m curious.


    ''I''m relieved that the shaking in her hands seemed to have stopped.


    Gulp, he moaned again.


    Myra had noticed that Tilia''s hands were trembling.


    Perhaps the reason for that too--.


    ''All this on purpose or something?''


    Well, I''m not sure.


    Myra closed her eyes and tilted her head slightly.


    ''Utterly troublesome woman.''


    That''s quite a lovely way to put it.


    Myra opened her eyes and giggled.


    ''Is she pretty?''


    Yes, very much.


    I asked, and Myra gave a small smile.


    She''s still as kind as ever.


    So why does it feel like she''s laughing at me with her nose?


    It''s obvious.


    It''s because of the earlier exchange.


    ''You could have softened the mood without raising a horn.


    You''re kidding.


    I''m serious.


    I didn''t mean to put a corner on it, sir.


    Oh, yeah. You don''t think--


    ''I''m not a natural, I''m a convicted criminal. I teased your wife based on my beliefs.


    What beliefs do you have?


    I ask without thinking.


    It''s on the condition that you win this battle, but Tilia is the next empress.


    You must have a great deal of conviction since you''re making fun of yourself like that.


    ''''It''s...''''


    What''s that?


    You know, I think you need to keep your relationships sharp.


    It''s not a belief. It''s a character thing.


    "My nature is twisted.


    It''s rather distorted, isn''t it?


    ''I''ve had a hard time because of your wife''s parents.


    It was decades ago.


    Of course.


    Myra threw out her chest.


    As he said, it''s only natural.


    It''s so imposing that I''m almost convinced of it.


    ''What''s natural?''


    "I''m the boy''s teacher, too.


    You''re too stubborn for your own good.


    No, that''s just the nature of the boy.


    You''re not making any sense.


    A good teacher and student are an influence on each other.


    Only positive influence on each other.


    Tilia poked her cheekbones and scowled.


    ''Looks like you''re getting back on track.


    You did.


    Hmmm, he sniffs.


    It''s annoying to be dancing around, but it makes me feel a lot better.


    ''The commander should be in peace.


    ''I would if I could, but it''s a matter of life and death,''


    A small exhale.


    It was Tyria who decided to attack the supply team and thought up the plan.


    People die in their own operations.


    If it''s the enemy, that''s okay.


    My men will die too.


    That''s just as it should be.


    This is because it is difficult to reduce the number of casualties to zero, even in a victorious battle.


    If our strategy was successful and some people died, that''s still bearable.


    It''s a despicable idea, but I can console myself.


    But what if it didn''t work?


    I couldn''t sleep because of the anxiety.


    I hate it.


    "Preparedness is....


    Tyria muttered, and Myra tilted her head in wonder.


    ''I did, but not enough, apparently.


    Isn''t that obvious?


    Tilia''s eyes widened lightly.


    She hadn''t expected to be affirmed.


    Did she feel upset?


    Myra looked at me with a sideways glance.


    ''''As for the period of civil war........''''


    Mmm, Tilia nodded and straightened her residence.


    It seemed like it would be better if she did.


    ''There was a time when I thought your husband was a demon,''


    Well, they called me a slaughterer.


    It''s been a long time coming, sir.


    Myra chuckled.


    ''Not now?''


    ''Yes, we''ve known each other a long time. Your husband is.....


    So Myra cut off the words.


    ''He was surprisingly normal.


    But he''s a hero for saving the Empire.


    Tilia countered.


    ''I think being normal and being a hero go hand in hand,''


    I don''t think I''m going to have it both ways but...


    They are called heroes because of their accomplishments.


    I even think it''s the opposite of ordinary.


    ''If there''s anything extraordinary about the Master, it''s that he is extraordinary...''


    And if there is?


    You used to laugh at that a lot.


    Is that it?


    ''Yes, it''s important. Because I had a feeling that even in a desperate situation, when your husband was laughing, he could manage.


    That''s the way it is.


    That''s just the way it is.


    Myra nodded with a divine look on her face.


    If you take it to the extreme, it must mean that mood is important.


    Mood - what an unreliable word.


    I even wonder if we can rely on such things.


    However, our predecessors survived a critical situation with their moods.


    I feel like I''m the one who got through the crisis, and I want to follow their example.


    At one point I thought I could handle it, but when I look back on it...


    Stop!��I don''t want to hear it!


    Tyria interrupted Myra''s words and covered her ears.


    She''s trying to follow in the footsteps of her predecessors.


    So why do I interrupt him?


    Suddenly, Myra looked at the door.


    ''''It seems that ... Gaul-sama and Kane-sama are here.


    Okay.


    Thank God, he pats his chest and corrects his residence.


    Myra looks satisfied.


    As I said, she''s a tricky one.


    But you can count on it.


    How many more debts will I owe you before the battle is over?


    No, he shakes his head in a small way.


    What''s the use of thinking that far ahead?


    What we should do now - yes, we should laugh.


    Right after Tilia smiled, the door opened.


    Johnny moves his hand near the Imperial camp - the Imperial Army''s encampment - and he moves his hand near it.


    He digs in the ground with a wooden stick with the tip cut at an angle.


    Digging, digging, digging, digging, digging incessantly.


    He doesn''t think about anything else.


    Something extra--.


    superfluous.


    And then I remembered the waterwheel.


    Waterwheels are wonderful.


    Of course, I am not a craftsman, so I don''t know the details of the structure of the waterwheel.


    The waterwheel is turned by the flow of the river, and the millstone moves by this and that.


    I only have a vague understanding of such things.


    I should have studied more.


    I began to feel that way when I started helping my master with his work.


    If it was just me, I''m sure I wouldn''t have felt anything.


    But there were other people to help, besides myself.


    Looking at those people, you realize how inferior you are.


    It''s hard to realize how inferior I am.


    It''s painful to not be useful.


    Even more painful is the fact that my mentor, who is always so strict with me, doesn''t have anything to say to me.


    I really feel that I am a bad guy.


    I was a vigilante in a crooked way.


    I had the opportunity to learn about organizational management and whatnot.


    Miss - aside from Kanan, Squire Robert has military experience.


    If I asked him to teach me, he would have taught me a lot of things.


    Even the structure of a waterwheel had an opportunity to be studied.


    This would be easier than running a watermill.


    All you have to do is study the structure in the waterwheel house.


    It''s the same with fighting.


    I was in an environment where I could learn.


    And yet I didn''t do anything about it.


    Lazy.


    Water wheels are great.


    She''s a hard worker, unlike herself.


    And they don''t think outside the box.


    They don''t go off on the wrong foot.


    He went about his work without complaining.


    Suddenly, my vision blurred.


    It was the tears.


    Johnny wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.


    ''''Well when I''m reborn I want to be a watermill.''''


    What are you talking about?


    "-Oh!


    I turned around in surprise to see John looking at me.


    He has a look on his face as if he''s seen something painful.


    ''What is it?''


    It''s time for dinner.


    Dinner?


    John said somewhat annoyed, and Johnny looked around.


    Before he knew it, the sun had gone down.


    It seemed as if the crew working on it had changed.


    He was also terribly hungry.


    "I''m hungry--


    Ow, ow, ow.


    Water. I need water.


    Ha, you need a quick fix.


    I mean, godd*mn it, how could you let this happen...


    Johnny''s words were interrupted by a voice tinted with pain.


    He looked behind John.


    Then a mercenary on a stretcher passed by.


    It took something like ten seconds for it to pass by.


    I''m not a doctor, so I don''t know what condition he''s in.


    ''''........Looks bad.


    Huh?��John raised his voice and looked behind him.


    No one was there, but he nodded a few times, as if he''d guessed.


    ''Well, you won''t make it,''


    Unless you have some kind of divine ability.


    I can''t let a divine master heal me, even if he''s there.


    John scowled.


    He was right.


    Using the Divine Majesty Technique, he could save even the dying.


    But there is a risk.


    Overuse it, and the magician is in danger.


    It should be used to reverse the war situation.


    There is no way it can be used for mercenaries gathered with money - vagrants.


    However, that was no different for John, a common soldier.


    The reason he frowned must have been partly out of frustration at his situation.


    I''m not going to be able to say a word about it. Let''s have dinner.


    Okay.


    Johnny nodded and got out of the moat.


    ''You''re being honest today,''


    I''m hungry.


    Oh, yeah.


    John scratched his head awkwardly.


    ''What''s going on?''


    See for yourself.


    John starts to walk away and Johnny hurriedly follows him.


    He looked around as he followed.


    The Imperial encampment was in a terrible state.


    There were wounded everywhere, as if it had become a battlefield.


    There were some who were quietly looking up at the sky--.


    ''''Ouch!��Ouch!


    ''Mom!��Mom!


    Oh, my arm, my arm, my arm...


    What is the matter with you?


    Some are screaming in extreme pain, others continue to mumble and mutter like they are broken.


    In terms of ratio, there are more people who are screaming than those who are screaming.


    It''s not unreasonable.


    They are amateurs - it''s natural for this to happen.


    John enters the same tent as yesterday.


    He stops in front of an empty seat.


    ''Wait here,''


    Okay.


    As Johnny took his seat, John turned on his heel and walked out of the tent.


    I look around.


    There are several groups of people, just like yesterday.


    The faces - I have a feeling that there are glimpses of familiar faces.


    However, I''m not sure if I really recognize them just because I feel like it.


    Anyway, it''s easier than yesterday, mentally.


    It is because I know that I am not alienated.


    In a daze--


    "Hey, I''m sorry to keep you waiting.


    I''m not waiting that long.


    John put the tray down in front of Johnny and took a seat facing him.


    ''Food, meh--!


    Johnny picked up the spoon and gasped.


    The soup was the same salt soup as yesterday.


    The bread is the same as yesterday.


    He scooped up the soup with the spoon, hoping for a sliver of hope.


    There were pieces of what looked like vegetables.


    What''s this all about?


    You see?


    That''s not enough to know!


    Quiet, you idiot.


    Okay....


    John said in a low voice, and Johnny took the salt soup to his mouth.


    Salty.


    It must taste like tears.


    ''What''s going on?''


    I heard the supply convoy was attacked by the enemy and 40 percent of the supplies were burned to the ground.


    No, no, no, no.


    Johnny hung a paragraph and remembered that he was supposed to attack the supply team there.


    Or rather, he was the one who had passed on the information.


    In other words, this was self-inflicted.


    It was still painful.


    Why do I have to go through this?


    It''s not good," he said, shaking his head a little.


    I''m going to have to blame myself no matter how I do.


    I''m going in circles.


    Johnny looked up and put down his spoon.


    He pulls out his dagger and smashes the bread with the handle head and puts it in the soup.


    ''How did this happen?''


    There are a few possibilities, but what''s certain is that the enemy is behind us, too.


    John drew his dagger and slapped the bread with the gun.


    He put the crushed bread into the soup and sheathed the dagger.


    ''Behind you?''


    What the hell are they doing upstairs?


    John said as he spat.


    I know how you feel.


    We''re working well ourselves.


    Nevertheless, things are getting worse.


    It''s natural to want to complain a bit or two.


    But he reminds me of my days as a vigilante and makes me feel bad.


    I was even dumber then than I am now.


    I was looking outside for the source of my sense of entrapment.


    Maybe if it wasn''t for the Imperial Army, I would have directed my anger at the Roux or the Lords.


    Even though the lords had been preparing for a bad harvest since peacetime and were searching for the state of the imperial capital.


    Even the Roux tribe - well, they weren''t a bad bunch if you went along with them.


    It was awful when they were training, Johnny licked his spoon.


    ''But still,'' said John, leaning forward.


    ''How are you doing?


    What?


    It stinks. It stinks. Some people are losing their appetite over this smell.


    Do you smell that?


    Johnny looked up and twitched his nose.


    If you ask me, there''s a faint stench.


    This smell--''


    ''It smells like offal.''


    Don''t say it, it''s disgusting.


    John''s voice trailed off slightly.


    Immediately after, I hear an ugh.


    He looked around.


    Then there was a soldier holding his mouth.


    How delicate.


    Johnny brings a spoonful of softened bread to his mouth.


    Are you going through a surprisingly tough time?


    My parents are farmers. So, yeah, well, I guess...


    Johnny minced no words.


    In fact, he was a farmer, and he was used to dismantling livestock.


    Besides, in the Areos Mountains, he had to dismantle the beasts he hunted himself.


    He couldn''t say that the smell of the offal was disgusting.


    If he didn''t dismantle them, he wouldn''t be able to eat them, and the Roux would take them away from him.


    In hindsight, I feel like that taught me a lot about boldness and knowledge of living things.


    I thought he was harassing me, but he''s a master.


    There is no waste in what he does.


    Aside from myself, I won''t deny the subtlety of the pestering soldier.


    Death is something to be feared, and life is precious.


    If you don''t take that for granted, you won''t be able to escape death.


    Is that so?


    John exhaled as if to say he was relieved.


    ''Would it matter if I had gone under the shura?''


    It''s not cool to have a guy who has more experience in the trenches than I do, you know?


    Is that enough?


    That''s about it.


    With that, John brought the soup to his mouth.


    ''Speaking of which, it''s quiet today, isn''t it?


    Yeah, I heard something about a truce until tomorrow evening.


    Why?


    "Sir Roy has negotiated with you.


    I''m glad you agreed to the deal.


    My brother - I feel like Crono has no advantage.


    Thinking about that, I realize something.


    ''''Ah, they''re trying to deplete our supplies over here, aren''t they?


    Of course you do.


    Oh, no, no, no, John stirred the soup with his spoon.


    ''The top brass can''t be relied upon, and the rebel commander is a smart guy.


    They''ll hear you.


    Like I said, I don''t mind.


    Do you have any good news for me?


    Johnny brought the softened bread to his mouth.


    It was salty, but delicious.


    I wonder if his body craves salt.


    But if possible, I''d like to drink a filling soup.


    ''I should have brought some dried meat for this.


    ''I have.''


    Do you have one?


    You''re being too loud!


    So, what''s the story?


    Johnny leaned forward.


    ''The mercenaries have been wiped out.


    ...Are you sure?


    He asked back.


    I should have gotten 10,000, but I was wiped out while I was digging myself out of the ground.


    It''s tempting to ask back.


    "What''s the good news about that?


    Less food to be fought and less military cavalry to be fought.


    Is that it?


    Johnny scooped up a spoonful of soup.


    ''That''s spicy to say,''


    What do you got for me?


    He drinks the soup and lets out a sigh.


    ''''Oh, and I also heard something about Baron Bowties being a prisoner of war, or something about him commandeering supplies in the imperial capital.


    Where did you hear that?


    That''s because I know the soldiers and the survivors of the supply convoy.


    Yeah?


    It would be better to report this as well.


    ''''I don''t care about Baron Bowties, but are you commandeering him in the Imperial City?


    I know how you feel. d*mn, those rebels must be eating good food.


    John said enviously.

 165-Episode 18 "Decisive Battle, Back" Part 9

    *


    Early in the morning, Johnny digs in the ground with a pointed wooden stick.


    He digs and digs, and the hole is now as deep as his thighs.


    It was deeply satisfying to see the hole in the ground.


    I used to hate this kind of work, but now I don''t feel so bad about it.


    Now, however, it is not a bad feeling.


    Maybe it''s the satisfaction.


    I feel like I''m good at this kind of work.


    Come to think of it, Johnny''s family has been involved in pioneering and farming since his grandparents'' generation.


    It was in his blood.


    It was no surprise that he was suited to the steady work of farming.


    He smiles at the thought.


    I wouldn''t have been able to think like this in the past.


    I would have been repulsed.


    Ironic, I think.


    I''ve come to the point of no return, and I''ve come to accept the things I used to hate.


    I miss the days when I worked as a vigilante in the Barony of Ekron.


    I''m a different person now than I was then.


    But I don''t regret it.


    No, I should say that I am convinced.


    I chose to be the way I am now.


    It''s a little better than a life with no choice.


    Johnny tightened his grip on the wooden stick.


    At that moment, a gurgling sound could be heard.


    It was a grumbling sound.


    No wonder.


    Last night''s meal was crappy, and I haven''t eaten anything since I woke up today.


    Maybe it was because he hadn''t eaten breakfast, or maybe it was the lack of breakfast that made him feel lightheaded.


    But Johnny moves his hands.


    The soldiers around him are doing the same.


    If I rest my hands, they''ll be suspicious.


    Sometimes I forget that I''m not an Imperial soldier.


    I keep digging, digging, digging on the ground - and my stomach bug gurgles again.


    He rested his hand and tapped his stomach with the palm of his hand.


    ''I''m being quiet. Even your master is hungry.


    Your master is Johnny.


    He demands that his own stomach endure his own, so he demands that you endure it too.


    I think I''m being foolish.


    Perhaps your master will look at you like you''re a bug.


    To be honest, it''s hard to be looked at like that.


    I''m not that hard to hit.


    But even if my master is looking at me like that, I can''t stop him.


    This is an important - a ritual to build up tension.


    Tension is important.


    When the tension is high, you can move in a pessimistic situation.


    But if it''s low, you won''t be able to move in a less pessimistic situation.


    It''s important to raise it consciously.


    Especially--.


    ''Ouch, ouch.''


    ''d*mn, the burn is twitching and my leg is...''


    ''Good luck. You''ll be able to see a doctor when you get back to the Imperial City.


    ''''Really? Aren''t you going to be thrown out like those people who were injured in the construction of the mausoleum?


    An injured man passes in front of Johnny.


    Some have been burned.


    Some have no arms or legs.


    It''s like a bunch of ghosts.


    After all, it''s important to consciously raise the tension.


    Especially when you are in a situation like this - when you are in a situation where it is easy to feel down.


    I suddenly realize something.


    The wounded are bowing in front of a certain person.


    It''s a man in a white military uniform.


    Roy Akbens, the leader of the Fourth Kingsguard.


    Can you kill him from this distance?


    Gently reaching for the dagger...


    "Hey, what are you waiting for?


    "-Oh!


    John sat down to block the view.


    ''Oh, I hope you don''t startle me!


    You''d be hard pressed to find a way around that, wouldn''t you?


    Yeah, that''s true, but...


    John said, miffed, and Johnny interrupted him.


    So what are you looking at?


    I didn''t see anything.


    Bullshit. You were looking at Roy.


    Then don''t ask me about it.


    Well, I know how you feel. You look like a man who''s had a full meal.


    Tsk, John clicked his tongue uncomfortably.


    Apparently he thought it was convenient for him.


    It''s not good that people think he was trying to kill them.


    We should go with this trend.


    ''I''m jealous that you have a full belly.


    He''s a nobleman. They eat a lot of soup with meat in it.


    ....


    Johnny fell silent.


    He probably should have replied, "I''m jealous of the soup with meat, ssss," he said.


    But the words didn''t come out.


    Instead, a hazy feeling came up.


    ''I feel kind of miserable.


    Johnny muttered in a shaky voice.


    Soup with meat was not something to envy.


    He ate it at his parents'' house and at Baron Crawford''s mansion with a fair amount of frequency.


    He also knew of a good and cheap restaurant in the Imperial City.


    Even in the Areos Mountains, he could eat meat.


    Despite that, he still envied the soup with meat.


    And with all my heart.


    ''''It''s ... spicy.''''


    Johnny turned over and muttered to himself.


    Instantly, he was shaken back.


    It was so intense that he was forced to raise the tension.


    My vision blurred with tears.


    Why is he doing this - digging in the ground with a wooden stick, like a punishment?


    And on an empty stomach.


    It''s hard. It''s too hard.


    I want to go home.


    Why are you crying?


    I''m hungry.


    No choice.


    John raggedly scratched his head and took a stick-shaped object from his pocket.


    He grabbed both ends and folded them, then held one out to him.


    Johnny took it silently and stared at the stick sullenly.


    You want me to chew on a wooden stick to stave off hunger? ''It''s like a famine.''


    Dumbass, cell phone food.


    Is this the food?


    Yeah, it''s flour and salt mixed with water and baked.


    "Thank you.


    Johnny tried to bite at it, but he couldn''t.


    John grabbed his wrist.


    ''What?''��Is it possible that it''s gold?


    No. This one''s really hard. A beastman might break his teeth, but a human would.


    What''s the food?


    Johnny stared at his portable meal.


    ''So I''m going to break it into little pieces and put it in my mouth to soften it up and eat it.


    It''s like the bread we had for dinner.


    It''s not as good as it looks.


    John frowned.


    I don''t think it''s a good idea to give them that kind of thing.


    I have a feeling that he''s trying to give it to you because he''s having trouble getting rid of it.


    But food is food, even if it''s like this.


    Because it is made from wheat, you won''t get sick.


    It''s still a bit big.


    Johnny grabbed both ends and tried to break it, but he couldn''t quite break it because it was too short.


    He has no choice but to pull out the dagger, make a cut and break it in two.


    You can compare the two and take a bite of the slightly smaller one.


    "Is it good?


    That''s sweet.


    It smells like bread, but I''m not sure if it tastes good.


    ''Well, if you put it in your mouth, the saliva will soften it up and make it edible.


    Now I''m thirsty.


    I can''t take care of that much.


    John laughed and stared at the hole sullenly.


    ''You did a good job of digging it, then.


    Is that so?��Isn''t everyone like this?


    Johnny looked around.


    Around him, Imperial soldiers were digging in the ground with sticks.


    I don''t know how deep they are actually digging, but it looks like they are digging just as much.


    By the way, not a single one of them looked like they were about to cry.


    After all, the real soldiers are different.


    I was ashamed of myself for almost crying out of hunger.


    "I''m impressed that you dug so far with just a wooden stick. I''m impressed.


    No, I''m not much different from the others.


    No, no, seriously, you''re the one who digs the deepest.


    No, I''m embarrassed to be told that.


    Johnny scratched his head.


    He tried to be humble, but he didn''t feel bad about being praised.


    It really made him feel like he was digging the deepest.


    But I had a bad feeling.


    A bitterness spreads in my mouth and I naturally frown.


    ''What a face!''


    I have a bad feeling about this.


    Oh, come on, don''t be ridiculous.


    Nothing?


    Oh, I just have good news--and don''t frown on it.


    I don''t know that I''ve ever heard anyone say that to me and it wasn''t good news.


    My mentor would make me do outrageous things by telling me they were good and fun.


    One particularly memorable moment was when he told me he was going to make me lose my virginity.


    I followed him and found a line of blindfolded bandits lined up.


    It was a terrible experience.


    Why did I trust my master after all the pain I had suffered so much?


    It was obvious. It was because he was a complete and utter moron.


    There is no doubt that I''m still a stupidity.


    But unlike in the past, I learned to doubt.


    The bottom has been found.


    I think I''m a more sane person now.


    ''What kind of life are you living, farmer?


    I''m not a farmer now.


    Johnny was miffed and said back.


    ''Don''t give me that look,''


    He has this look on his face. So, what''s the good news?


    What, you''re interested in that?


    I''m not saying I''m not interested. I just have a bad feeling about it.


    Well, your hunch is not so good. You''ll be happy to hear that. The tools for digging a hole-- Not this again.


    You can''t help but frown.


    Johnny tightened his grip on the wooden stick.


    ''If you could have prepared it, I wish you would have prepared it from the beginning. Then you wouldn''t have had to do something like this punishment.


    I feel the same way.


    John made a reluctant face.


    What a cringe.


    I still have a bad feeling about this.


    If I''m honest, I don''t want to ask why--''


    ''Is there anything more?''


    I told you yesterday.��I heard they''re commandeering supplies in the Imperial City.


    ''Yeah, we talked about that too. What''s wrong with that?


    We''re gonna have to commandeer the tools to dig a hole.


    What about it?


    Yeah, so are you.


    When Johnny asked again, John let out a deep sigh.


    It was similar to his master''s reaction when he said something pompous.


    ''Did I just say something weird?''


    The thought of not having the tools to dig a hole without requisitioning it makes me pessimistic, usually.


    Well, that''s good to know.


    It''s like you''re somebody else''s problem.


    Hi, I''m not a stranger to this!��Parties!


    ''Oh, no, sorry, it was a figure of speech. But yeah, I know. When you''re your age, you don''t even think about it. You know your age when you talk to a young man.


    John said with a sigh.


    I was thrilled when he told me it was like someone else''s problem, but he seemed to agree with me.


    I shouldn''t. I have to be a little more careful.


    But how should I be careful?


    I thought about it, but I couldn''t find an answer.


    ''''Well it''s finally time for the real battle to begin.


    The truce ends this evening, you know.


    God, I hate it when my people kill each other.


    Yeah.


    John said disgustedly, and Johnny nodded.


    But we don''t feel like we''re related to each other.


    I have a stronger sense of being a person from the southern frontier than I do of being an imperialist.


    Of course, we were not educated that way.


    My parents and grandparents, strangely enough, given their historical background, did not speak of their dissatisfaction with the Empire.


    But once they found out about the historical background and the cold treatment they were receiving from the center, they were no better.


    A kind of hostility would develop.


    That feeling has lessened compared to a time, but it hasn''t gone away.


    "Couldn''t you have done better?


    That''s why it''s like this.


    Johnny muttered, and John spat.


    *


    Night - Tilia leans back in her chair and lets out a deep sigh.


    Gently the cup is placed on the table.


    A pungent smell irritates her nasal passages.


    It''s the smell of Myra''s special fragrant tea (original blend).


    I move my eyes slowly.


    Then Myra is standing next to me.


    When did she arrive?


    The question arises, but is it useless to think about it?


    ''Come in, ma''am.''


    Thank you.


    Tilia thanked him and picked up the cup.


    She supported it with both hands and exhaled with a huff.


    ''Thank you for the strategy meeting,''


    This isn''t something you should be worried about. It''s just a rework of the last mission.


    Tilia brought the cup to her mouth.


    The smell is harsh and it hurts her eyes.


    She hesitates a bit and sips the cup and drinks the incense tea.


    The incense tea passes through the esophagus and reaches the stomach.


    The effect was immediate.


    Heat slowly spreads from inside the body.


    The first time it was served to me, I was surprised, but once I got used to it, it wasn''t bad.


    Well, it takes a lot of courage to put my mouth on it.


    Quietly, I set the cup down and stare at the communication magic item on the table.


    ''If you need anything, Robert will report back to me.


    ''You may have heard this before--''


    What is it?


    You haven''t used any of those dangerous weeds, have you?


    Why would you do that?


    Myra tilted her head curiously.


    The gesture seemed strangely theatrical and unsettling.


    ''It''s a habitual taste, you know. ''Just in case.''


    We don''t use any grass that would interfere with the process.


    ''I see. But the word ''grass'' makes me subtly uneasy.


    If you want to use a different word, how about a leaf?


    That makes me even more nervous.


    The conversation was cut short.


    Tilia let out a small sigh and propped her cheekbones on the armrest for support.


    ''I''m tired.''


    I whispered to myself and pressed my mouth down in a hurry.


    I wonder if I''m loosening up.


    ''Ma''am, please make yourself comfortable in front of me.


    If a predator relaxes in front of a predator, it will die.


    ''I am sorry. The allegory is too broad for a lowly person to understand what you are saying, Mistress.


    That''s the kind of place you''re talking about.


    Hmph, Tilia sniffed and blinked.


    ''Wouldn''t it be better for you to get an early night''s rest today?''


    It''s only just getting darker.


    The sun has set, which means it is nighttime. I don''t think it''s a problem to rest. Besides, the price of oil has been rising recently.


    Myra turned over slightly and held her eyes.


    Tyria let her gaze wander.


    A white light illuminated the surroundings.


    It''s the light from a magic item for lighting.


    No oil was used.


    ''''Are you acting like you''re crying by any chance?


    Yo-yo, that''s right. By the way, "yo" is a word used to describe a crying voice.


    Could it be that you''re making fun of me?


    No, that was never my intention.


    What''s the point, then?


    I''m just teasing you. What''s up?


    You''re the worst!


    Tyria''s voice trailed off.


    ''I tried to describe the impoverishment of the early days of the frontier.


    Gulp, Tilia moaned.


    Weak to be told that she was living a hard life.


    I can''t think of any words to refute it.


    That''s probably why Myra is citing it, though.


    ''So, what will you do?''


    I''ll be awake for a bit longer.


    You said so last night. You were up late again last night, weren''t you?


    We had to have a plan, you know?


    Last night, he heard reports of a commandeering of supplies in the imperial capital and formulated a plan for the raid.


    He thought that the same method as last time would be dealt with, so he tried to come up with a new idea somehow.


    But the new idea didn''t spark, and the same strategy as before was used.


    Scatter stones on the streets to stop them, and fight them with smoke to block their view.


    If only I could come up with a good idea now--''


    ''''Madam, ideas don''t just come to you if you take the time to come up with them.


    I''m aware of that, though.


    I hope you know what you''re doing, sir.


    Myra said with a sigh.


    As far as she was concerned, Tilia didn''t understand.


    She is fixated on the possibility of coming up with a new idea.


    ''We are godless. We have no choice but to take advantage of what we have and adopt the most winnable plan.''


    Because I am an ungodly man.


    Tilia muttered.


    ''I know there''s no point in asking for something that isn''t there. But I''m worried that we''re really doing our best. I can''t face my men if I fail to leave room for them to try.


    It''s karma.


    Yeah, I know.


    Tilia nodded and suddenly her mouth relaxed.


    Totally disgusting.


    I thought I was being vigilant, but I''m revealing my feelings.


    Are you really so tired?


    Or is this the skill of an experienced maid?


    ''''Speaking of which, how''s the situation in the Imperial City?''''


    We''ve been commandeering supplies.


    It''s a stupid question.


    We''re in a situation where we can''t even get supplies.


    With a little thought, you should have realized that the situation is not favorable.


    Should we accept Myra''s advice and rest early?


    Just then--''''


    This is Robert. This is an emergency report.


    What?


    A voice rang out from the communication magic item and Tyria straightened her residence.


    ''''Baron Bowties has been killed.''''


    What did you say?


    "Baron Bowties has been murdered.


    When I asked him back, Robert replied in the same tone as before.


    ''Are you sure?''


    ''Yes, sir, we''ve seen it on multiple routes. He was beaten to death by wounded soldiers.


    Okay.


    Myra shook her head as Tyria turned her gaze to look at him.


    She thought she had sent her, but apparently that wasn''t the case.


    What in the world had happened?


    ''''Do you want to find out?''''


    Yeah, let me check.


    Tyria answered after a pause.


    I don''t expect it to be easy to find out, and it''s possible that it''s just a coincidence.


    But I don''t want to do nothing but get my foot in the door.


    ''''I''ll report the results of my investigation tomorrow night.''''


    Oh, come on.


    "Yes, sir. Then we are done with the transmission.


    Tyria sticks her cheekbones in the air and thinks about the plan for the attack.


    Will there be a supply run even though Baron Bowties has been killed?


    She thinks about that and shakes her head in a small way.


    It''s no use thinking about whether the supply will be made.


    The only thing to think about is what to do when the replenishment takes place.


    ''Okay,'' said Tyria as she sat up.


    ''Kane, Gaul, do you hear me?


    I''m listening.


    Yes, I''m here.


    When I called out to the magic item for communication, there was an immediate response.


    It''s natural because it''s not made to be able to talk to any other person.


    The conversation I just had was heard by everyone holding the device.


    ''''We''re changing our policy on the raid on the supply team.


    I take it that this is an unchanged operation?


    Yes.


    I answer Gaul''s question.


    ''How would you change it?''


    More discreetly.


    ''Doesn''t that defeat the purpose of the raid?


    Answering Kane''s question, Gaul interjected with a question.


    ''''Don''t get your priorities wrong. Our goal is to take back the throne from the false emperor Alfort.''''


    "Yes, sir.


    Gaul nodded honestly.


    ''I don''t have any other questions.''


    ....


    I ask, but they are silent.


    ''Then the temporary strategy meeting is over. Rest well, both of you.


    Copy that.


    "Yes, sir.


    Their voices echoed and Myra gently draped a thick cloth over the communication magic item.


    ''Then we won''t be able to hear you, will we?


    ''I can hear you, ma''am, please go to bed.


    But...


    I''m going to ask you to have a good night.


    All right. We don''t want you to get sick again, do we?


    Thank you for your understanding.


    I knew I wouldn''t be able to sleep until morning anyway, but Tilia fell asleep as soon as she got into bed.


    My brother!��Oh my God!


    Cecily jumped into her brother''s tent.


    The tent was set up at a distance from the North-South Highway that connects the Empire to the Free City State cluster.


    To be honest, I''d rather stay at the inn, but from the Empire''s point of view, Cecily and the others are rebels.


    Even lords who seem friendly cannot be trusted.


    My brother was at the table and seemed to be writing something.


    ''Brother!''


    What is it, Cecily?


    When I raised my voice again, my brother finally looked at me.


    There had been a bit of a gap in his mind for a while now, but that feeling was strengthened by our actions together.


    I respect his equestrian skills - but.


    ''''I received a report from the watchdog. I heard that a fast horse has rushed in from the Imperial Capital area.''''


    Which way are you headed?


    You mentioned the north.


    ''I see, Master Ralph is going to ask for help from the Duke of Palatium, isn''t he?


    ''''- - Oh!��Then we have to go after it!


    You wait.


    Cecily gasped and turned on her heel. Then her brother called out to her.


    ''Why?''


    ''Because my people aren''t bone-dark enough to end up with just a report.


    Cecily turned and shouted, and her brother let out a sigh.


    His cheeks burned.


    He felt as if he had been called bonkers.


    He repeated a deep breath to calm himself down.


    ''So you can catch Hayama, then?


    That''s not going to happen.


    My brother!


    Cecily shouted, but her brother had no idea where she was going.


    It''s been a long time since we left the Count of Caddo. My lady is in exhaustion mode. It''s not just the same for my men and your loved ones. In contrast, the other side is in high spirits.


    So what do we do now?


    So, what do we do now?


    My brother!


    Cecily shouted and stepped on the ground on the spot.


    I don''t understand how they can stay calm at a time like this.


    If the imperial army loses, they will be done for, too.


    ''''Do you think the Duke of Palatium will send out reinforcements?''''


    I''m sure they''d offer you reinforcements if you asked for help.


    After all these years of neutrality?


    It''s...


    Cecily clammed up.


    The Duke of Palatium didn''t respond to our request because he didn''t want to stand in the wind of the new nobility.


    However, he also kept his distance from Alfort.


    ''''Normally, I think it''s unlikely that Duke Palatium will send out reinforcements.


    I suppose it''s not so lucky for us?


    ''''No, it''s unfortunate for us. If he doesn''t move, Leonhard-dono won''t be able to move the imperial capital. No, no, I should say that we won''t be able to read Lord Leonhardt''s actions.


    Of course.


    Cecily nodded.


    Leonhardt is in the way of a separate force led by Princess Tilia to defeat the false emperor Alfort.


    It would be best if he remained neutral, but if he believed that and was ruined, he wouldn''t be able to see it.


    ''''Then what do we do?''''


    ''It was a fortuitous thing for us that Lord Ralph asked the Duke of Palatium for help.


    Then my brother straightened up.


    ''I''m going to write a letter to the Duke of Palatium now. Would you be willing to help me?


    What do you need help with?


    ''Just think of the text of the letter to be sent to the Duke of Palatium. The content could be something along the lines of a promise of honorable treatment if you cooperate with Princess Tilia.


    I understand. By the way, what do we do when the Duke of Palatium sends out reinforcements?


    I''ll have the neighboring lords buy us some time. What? I don''t need them to fight for me. We''ll buy ourselves a lot of time just by having them check our bags.


    Cecily began to think about the sentence with admiration.

 166-Episode 18 "Decisive Battle, Back" Part 10

    *


    The white light characteristic of magic items illuminates the tunnels and the men who work there.


    The five men are silently wielding a pickaxe.


    Of course, they don''t just wield the pickaxe.


    The men do more than just swing a pickaxe; they also remove the earth from the surface and reinforce the tunnels with lumber.


    This is how they are digging the tunnels.


    It''s hot," Robert muttered to himself and wiped the sweat off his hands.


    It was hot, humid, smelly, and stifling in the tunnels.


    He used a bellows to keep the air from going sour, but he wasn''t sure how effective it was.


    It would be much easier if I could use my divine magic - but I''m not sure.


    A parachute sound is heard and my men stop moving.


    It''s the sound of soil falling.


    More sounds are heard--.


    "O Mother God of Yellow Earth and Fertility.


    Robert touched the walls of the mine and prayed to God.


    He increased the strength of the mine with divine magic.


    The effect was immediate.


    The sound stopped and his men let out a breath of relief.


    ''I thought you were going to be buried alive.


    Don''t worry about that.


    Robert is a divine wizard of the Mother Goddess, the ochre and fertility controller.


    He can not only prevent the mine from collapsing, but he can also take his men with him if he''s buried alive.


    As long as they remain conscious, that is.


    But it''s not a good idea to let the tunnel collapse. I''ll reinforce it at shorter intervals.


    Well, no, no, I''ll go tell the guys out there.


    One of my men comes forward.


    He is a young man with an innocent face.


    In fact, he is the youngest of the five.


    ''''Yes. No, wait.


    Robert nodded and stopped the young man who was about to leave with the leftover dirt.


    He reached for his porch.


    It would be easy to contact the outside world with the magic item for communication - but.


    ''No, go.''


    ''''- - Oh!��I understand.


    Robert gave permission, and his men headed out with a mindlessly light step.


    Two or three minutes passed--


    ''Kindly,''


    Don''t say that. He''s the youngest. You have to take care of him, or he''ll fall down.


    Look out for us, too.


    Okay. Let''s take a pause until he comes back.


    "Heh, thank you very much.


    My men rested their hands.


    They sat there or leaned against a pickaxe and started talking.


    ''But then again, I wonder if tunnel tactics are really being used.


    I know it''s not your day job, but it''s too hard.


    ''I thought I could dig a little easier...''


    Can''t we just use the divine art of digging?


    Robert chuckled as one of his subordinates gave him an expectant look.


    ''''I don''t want the Imperial City''s Divine Majesty Magician to detect it, you know.


    Can a divine warrior go to such lengths?


    Of course.


    Robert nodded.


    But no one should be paying attention to him.


    About a week ago, the imperial army used a massive divine threat technique.


    If you are a divine Majesty Artist, you will turn your attention to that.


    However, things are not absolute.


    You should pay as much attention as possible.


    ''''After digging all the way to this point, is this method correct?''''


    I don''t know.


    Robert answered his subordinate''s question after a short pause.


    ''I don''t know, Captain Robert,''


    I don''t blame you.


    His subordinate says in a pathetic voice, and Robert returns it with a bit of miffedness.


    He studied agriculture in the Imperial City''s ''Yellow Earth Temple'' and has military experience.


    He has also been involved in the management of the territory as a family commander of the Baron Ekron family.


    But...


    I''ve never dug tunnels before.


    " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " "


    Robert muttered, and his men gasped.


    They looked around, looking around with their own eyes.


    Yeah, it''s okay, right?


    She''s going in the right direction. She''ll figure it out.


    ''I thought it was weird.


    The subordinate grunted.


    No wonder you think so.


    Every time there''s a problem, work is stopped and two tunnels have collapsed.


    This is the only place where it''s safe.


    If only someone with more experience had been there to help, the digging would have gone more smoothly," he said.


    It''s a rather large group, though.


    Don''t say that.


    I know.


    His men chuckled.


    The reason why no one has any experience digging tunnels on the southern frontier is because the Roux were in the Areos Mountains.


    It''s not easy, but we can''t survey resources in enemy territory.


    But we can''t search for resources in enemy territory any more.


    The Areos Mountains are treated as an autonomous region of the Roux, although they are no longer in enemy territory.


    They won''t kill you without question, but it''s not a place you can casually drop in on.


    Furthermore, the lords of the southern frontier, including Canaan, are too cautious.


    They plan to gradually increase their interactions and eventually conduct a joint resource survey.


    I don''t disagree with Robert.


    No, there are times when we feel that our methods are too circuitous.


    But we were at odds with each other.


    With that in mind, there''s no such thing as being too careful.


    "But it''s still barbaric--


    Roux.


    ''Times have changed, haven''t they, that we have to care about the Roux?


    Robert corrected him, and his men restated.


    ''When we were kids, we were disciplined that the bad boys would be kidnapped by the Roux.


    ""Oh,"


    When one of his men said this, the other faces raised their voices.


    It would be a reaction that only someone from the southern frontier could have.


    Robert remembers it too.


    ''And yet I never thought I''d see the day when I''d fall in love with you.


    Infatuation?


    He''s one of Lord Gaul''s men.


    Robert parroted, and his man said in a disgusted tone.


    ''Normally he''s a twat, but when it''s just the two of us, he spoils me, or he''s having a baby, or, well, you know. Totally, why do I have to listen to him talk about his love life?


    The last part of his tone was a blur.


    He was not happy, but his men seemed to be doing well.


    ''I can''t wait to get married too,''


    I thought they''d cackle at me when I became a soldier.


    Fool, he can see right through you.


    I don''t care who you are, as long as you like me.


    Everyone seems to have a surprisingly strong desire to get married.


    Speaking of surprising--


    There''s a lot of socializing going on here.


    No Captain Robert?


    "I have a certain amount of contact with Lord Gaul, but...


    Robert slurred his words.


    As someone who knows his suffering, I simply don''t envy him.


    Frankly, I can''t encourage my men to marry a Roux man, either.


    I want to help them as much as I can, but I can see the hardships they will face.


    ''It would have been better if the times were a little more peaceful.


    Well yes.


    A subordinate muttered and Robert agreed.


    Gaul is trying to use this battle to carve out a future for his children.


    Will it be the right thing to do?


    I don''t know.


    But I do hope that his determination will be rewarded.


    ''''We''ll have to work hard.


    Yes, because I''m sick and tired of hearing love stories again.


    Robert muttered, and his men gave a small smile.


    ''Report. There''s movement in the Imperial supply corps.''''


    A muffled voice echoed in the mine.


    It''s the voice of a subordinate who is monitoring the movements of the Imperial Guard.


    Robert pulls a communication magic item from his pouch and holds it close to his mouth.


    ''This is Robert. What are your movements?


    "The vast majority of them are dead bodies.


    A body?


    Yes, a wounded soldier who was brought in yesterday.


    A spiteful voice rang out.


    Robert felt the same way.


    Even though he was discharged many years ago, he was an Imperial soldier.


    I can''t say it, but I have my own thoughts about it.


    ''''Also, five cavalrymen have headed west.


    Okay.


    Robert responded briefly and coughed lightly.


    ''Report from Robert. Five cavalrymen, headed west. Captain Kane and Gaul, please respond.


    "This is Kane. You''re a cavalryman, you''re a nobleman.


    ''I can''t say for sure, but it''s very likely. I''d like to take him prisoner if possible.


    I''d like to say yes, but if you''re going to make me a prisoner of war, I''ll just let you walk by on your way out. We want to have a good distance between us so that we can''t escape easily, and there may not be only five scouts.


    I see, indeed.


    Robert gave a small nod.


    ''I mean, Lord Gaul will intercept you.


    ''Well, I suppose so. So, how''s Gaul''s husband?


    "I don''t care if we intercept them, but I don''t want my men to be uncomfortable.


    "Wherever possible...


    "Limit wear and tear is a priority.


    Princess Tilia interrupted Robert''s words.


    I freaked out.


    I didn''t expect her to interrupt the conversation.


    But come to think of it, Princess Tilia can hear the conversation too.


    It''s strange to think that she doesn''t barge in.


    ''''I recommend surrender, and if you still resist, I will kill you.''''


    That''s fine.


    "Thank you.


    Gaul speaks a word of thanks.


    ''....Robert.''


    Ha!


    When Tilia called his name, Robert reflexively straightened up.


    ''I''m sorry to interrupt you,''


    No, you''ve been very helpful.


    It was honest.


    The chain of command in the Southern Frontier Army is vague in places.


    The hierarchical relationship is still difficult to establish, but the horizontal relationship is difficult.


    ''''It would be nice to hear that. Then I''ll return to my role as a listener. I''m sorry to impose various roles on you, but I''m counting on you.


    ''Ha!��Leave it to me!


    Robert raised his voice.


    ''Then take care of both of you.


    I''m on it.


    Yeah, I''m on it.


    Kane responds lightly and Gaul replies in a low voice.


    Robert tucked the communication magic item into his pouch.


    *


    Gaul hides in the shadows of the grass and has the Imperial cavalry.


    No, let''s wait for them to come back, exactly.


    The imperial cavalry has already passed by Gaul and the others.


    I didn''t feel alive at that time.


    Just remembering it makes me break out in a nasty sweat.


    This is not a fight for me.


    I told myself that this was a battle to carve out a future, and I managed to endure it.


    But if the imperial cavalry approached me - I probably wouldn''t have been able to withstand it.


    I must have been in an emotional outburst and attacked them, spear in hand.


    I am acutely aware of my own inexperience - and by extension, my father''s greatness.


    My father has the two names of ''Iron Wall''.


    He was so called because he defeated the Holy Argo Kingdom''s army on numerous occasions.


    To be honest, I didn''t like my father''s two names.


    A knight - a nobleman is one who defeats his enemies.


    And yet, it is shameful to be skilled in surpassing your enemies.


    I''ve felt that way since I was fighting for my father, or even before that.


    How foolish I was.


    Gaul carried fifty lives on his back, horribly drained after waiting just a few hours.


    My father had twenty times as many lives, or perhaps hundreds or even thousands if you included the surrounding territory.


    He has carried countless lives on his back and has been fighting for decades.


    I can understand that feat now, and I can understand why it was so hard on me.


    Really, I hate it.


    I always find myself understanding what''s important to me later on.


    "...Captain Gaul.


    What?


    Gaul turned his gaze to his subordinate next to him.


    His face was smeared with mud, and only his eyes glowed.


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    Dropping his sword, the horseman dismounted from his horse and raised his hands.


    The three remaining men followed suit.


    They dropped their swords and got off their horses.


    I thought it was a trap, but apparently it wasn''t.


    "I''m going to hold you until we can be sure you are not carrying a concealed weapon. No offense.


    It''s inevitable. It''s what we do.


    As Gaul gave him a look, four groups of soldiers stepped up and tied up the cavalrymen.


    It''s a faltering motion.


    It would have taken longer if the opponents hadn''t been cooperative.


    ''Surprising?''


    Well, yeah.


    The cavalryman said mischievously, and Gaul replied, slightly miffed.


    We were able to take the four men prisoner without sacrificing anything.


    It was the best we could do.


    �� The captain is going to kill me.


    The captain told us to surrender if we were about to be killed.


    Do you have the right to blabber?


    He wants me to surrender. I''ve already told you that I can talk to you.


    The cavalryman lightly cowered his shoulders.


    What about this attitude after his companion was killed?


    I have a feeling that it would be better to cut them down.


    But he just declared that if you don''t resist, he''ll treat you as a prisoner of war.


    If I cut down with this, it would be a badge of honor.


    It''s a good thing that he''s speaking incessantly.


    I''m sure you''ll find some useful information.


    This time the shipment was for shovels and tools.


    Are you still a nobleman?


    You''re the third boy. Honestly, I just don''t want to be tortured to death with a bunch of bullshit.


    I see, Gaul almost nodded.


    If that''s the kind of situation, he would speak in a berating manner.


    I''ve cooperated with you, so I want two meals a day. You''ll be able to sunbathe and bathe in the hot water, even if it''s supervised.


    All right. I''ll do what I can.


    Please.


    Gaul let out a sigh and scanned his men.


    ''Groups three and four, take the prisoners away.


    Ha!


    The captains of the three and four groups straightened up and replied, and then the four cavalrymen - the prisoners - were taken away.


    Gaul looked away from the prisoners in dismay.


    He killed one of them, but he feels that he didn''t have to.


    ''Captain Gaul, well, I think we should report...''


    "-Oh!


    A subordinate called out to me and I came to myself.


    I was stunned by what was happening, but we were still on a mission.


    Besides, the real mission is the supply team.


    I take out my communication magic item and hold it close to my mouth.


    "This is Gaul. "This is Gaul, I have killed one of the scouts and taken four prisoners.


    It''s Tyria. Gaul, what happened?


    No damage.


    "Well, good job.


    I suppose I should be impressed, but I''m not impressed at all now.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    No damage was done to us, but it appears that we have been instructed to surrender.


    "...what do you mean?


    Princess Tilia answered after a short pause.


    Her confusion was palpable.


    ''''It''s Kane. You''re deliberately trying to overload the logistics by becoming a prisoner of war, aren''t you?''''


    "Oh, I see.


    Tilia said in a convincing tone.


    ''''What are you going to do, Princess?''''


    "It''s no fun to play along with the enemy. Got any more information?


    The supply party will be carrying shovels and tools.


    ....


    Princess Tilia fell silent.


    ''''Aside from the strengthening of the enemy''s camp, it hurts to be used to attack the imperial camp.''''


    "Please conclude.


    Caine rushes Princess Tyria.


    ''Attack in moderation and retreat.


    Do I need to be the judge of that?


    "Of course.


    Copy that. We will attack to avoid playing into the hands of the enemy.


    I''m counting on you.


    I''m on it.


    Kane undertakes a light tone.


    I wanted to tell him to take it a little more seriously, but Kane is Crono''s man.


    He had no authority to complain.


    Besides, Crono had allowed this kind of attitude to happen.


    There must be some thoughts that Gaul doesn''t understand.


    ''Gaul''s husband can go back to his base, man.


    Don''t be a fool. I''ll fight you.


    "If we take the prisoners, we''ll have 30 or 40 men, right?��It''s hard to hold them back with just a few men, and if they try too hard, they''ll surrender to you and ask you to take them prisoner.


    Okay.


    After thinking for a while, Gaul decided to accept Kane''s proposal.


    It''s true that the number of troops was reduced because of bringing in the prisoners, and we can''t stand in the way of Kane and the others.


    Moreover, our own objectives still lie ahead.


    ''You''ll be saved.''


    It''s nothing to thank.


    Gaul tucked the magic item for communication into his pouch.


    He laid the dead cavalryman down beside him and pulled out his spear.


    ''What do we do with the body?''


    Leave it. If there''s a body here, they''ll hurry it up. Team one, team two, we''re going back to the base!


    As Gaul started to walk away, his men followed somewhat later.

 167-Episode 18 "Decision Battle, Back" Part 11

    *


    At night - as Johnny was walking through the camp of the Imperial Army, a gurgling sound was heard.


    It''s the sound of a stomach bug buzzing.


    It''s time for tide, he said, moving his gaze only to check his surroundings.


    Hunger is unbearable, and I''m sick of digging holes.


    If he continues to work as a soldier in the Imperial Army, he''s going to be sick to his heart.


    Of course, that''s not the only reason.


    It reminds me of the conversation between Roy and Peter.


    No, it was probably the air that Peter had exuded.


    He seemed relaxed and alert.


    It was an air that reminded me of Claude.


    It felt like he was ready to go.


    The world is not sweet enough to be strong enough for that alone.


    I know this because I overcame the life-threatening training.


    But just one determination is enough to send a human being into hell.


    And then there''s the optimism.


    Anyway, don''t underestimate it.


    I have a feeling that Peter isn''t the only one who''s changing.


    It''s a bad trend.


    If the soldiers are careful, they can easily see through Johnny''s act.


    That''s why they decided to retreat.


    "....Mr. John, you''re not here.


    I blurted out as I looked around.


    I was going to ask you to share a portable meal at the end, but it wasn''t just today.


    You usually call out to me yourself - but you''re not the only one.


    Come to think of it, I wonder what position John is in.


    I''ve never seen him working.


    Oh, and he opens his eyes lightly.


    John walked into the tent, stretching himself absent-mindedly.


    Is it safe to barge in on him when he''s about to go to bed?


    Shouldn''t I just disappear without a word?


    Gulp~, the stomach bug rumbled again.


    If he returned to the southern frontier army''s base, he should be able to eat a full meal.


    No, he gave a small shake of his head.


    Master won''t let me eat.


    He must be telling me to endure until morning as if he was looking at me like I were an insect.


    After all, you should get a portable meal.


    If he collapsed on the way, he wouldn''t be able to see it.


    Johnny approached the tent that John had entered, keeping an eye on his surroundings.


    When he entered the tent, he found John holding a dagger to a soldier sleeping on a bed.


    It was a long, thin, assassination dagger.


    John glances at Johnny for a moment.


    He pulls the dagger out and wipes the blood off with the covers.


    Then he stood up slowly.


    ''What are you doing here?''


    I ask the question without thinking.


    I think I''m asking myself a stupid question.


    John killed a man.


    Assassinated.


    That''s all.


    So why am I asking such a stupid question?


    Maybe it''s because he was acting so normal.


    If he hadn''t seen the moment he held the dagger out, he wouldn''t have thought he had killed someone.


    In other words, he''s a superior dagger user.


    "Wait, there''s been a misunderstanding.


    Isn''t that a misunderstanding?


    ''Yeah, it''s a bit of a misunderstanding. A little discussion would have made it clear to an idiot.


    John opens his arms in a grandiose manner and approaches loosely.


    I get the ridiculous feeling that it really is a misunderstanding.


    It can''t be.


    Even if he''s not friendly or even killing, John keeps his grip on his dagger.


    You can''t trust someone who approaches you with a dagger clenched in their hand.


    ''Ah, this dagger. I''m sorry for scaring you.


    John tried to sheathe his dagger and staggered limply.


    The next moment, the pause was zero.


    A sudden acceleration from a state of weakness.


    John thrust out.


    The target is the gap in the ribs - the heart.


    But the dagger cut the sky.


    Why.


    It''s obvious.


    Because I dodged it.


    He jumped backwards and ducked.


    John didn''t change his expression when he avoided the first blow.


    He switched bodies and elbowed his way out of the way as if to say it was a factor.


    The target is again the heart.


    A hard blow to the chest can cause a person to pass out.


    Perhaps that''s what he''s aiming for.


    Johnny twisted his body and leapt backwards as he fell down.


    If he was inside the tent, he would have run into the cloth.


    But this was outside.


    No constraints.


    John kicked the earth.


    Terrible acceleration, but he has a counter-measure in hand.


    He throws a stone at it.


    A stone that has fallen under his feet.


    John crosses his arms and catches the stone.


    It slows down slightly, just slightly.


    Taking advantage of the opportunity, Johnny turned his back and ran away.


    His opponent was a higher-ranked dagger user.


    It was fortunate that he was able to survive three attacks.


    There was no way to win in a head-on fight.


    Johnny desperately moved his legs and headed outside - to the nearby forest.


    The escape route was confirmed.


    The Imperial Army''s camp is full of blind spots.


    If they moved through the blind spots, they could escape into the forest without being seen by anyone.


    Johnny escaped the camp and jumped into the forest without being seen.


    He ran through the forest and suddenly felt a shock to his shoulder.


    He falls to the ground unbearably.


    I touch my shoulder.


    The dagger doesn''t pierce me or break my bones.


    It seems that he was hit by a stone or something.


    ''''Hey, hey, why are you running away?''''


    John''s voice echoed.


    Johnny rolled onto his back and raised himself up.


    He continues to inch back.


    ''He slashed at me out of nowhere, so I got away.


    I''m sorry about that.


    And he threw a rock at me.


    ''I''m sorry about that too. There''s a misunderstanding.


    What kind of misunderstanding?


    He retreated with his limbs and something - a cord touched his fingertips.


    ''Well, it''s not a misunderstanding,''


    John said as he let out a sigh and sped up at once.


    Johnny pulled hard on the cord and turned himself around.


    Half a second later, an arrow was released.


    It was a trap the Imperial Army had set in the woods.


    The arrow flew in a straight line and pierced John.


    It was supposed to.


    But the arrow slowed down in front of John.


    Impossible, his eyes widened.


    But I know of a phenomenon very similar to this.


    I saw it in the Imperial City.


    Crono''s subordinate - Snow used it.


    I don''t know what it is, but it''s a technique like the Marking Technique.


    Jon knocked off an arrow with a dagger.


    Dead.


    If he could avoid that one, he was out of options.


    John stepped out unceremoniously and jumped back.


    The great sword passed through the space where John had been until half a second ago.


    ''Lord Johnny, are you all right, that you are?'' (GAGU?)


    It''s new. Yeah, but...


    John couldn''t get the last word out.


    An arrow lodged under his foot.


    He turned around and saw an elven archer in a tree.


    It was either Aridid or Deneb, I guessed.


    ''''I surrender, that I do.'''' (Guru.......)


    Okay.


    Tyga snarled, and John let go of the dagger.


    ''Listen to me before you kill me,''


    What are we going to do? (Guru?)


    Tyga said as he looked at John.


    I have a feeling that it would be better to just kill him as is, but--


    I''ll just listen to what he has to say.


    Actually, I was infiltrated by the Imperial Guard on Lady Myra''s orders.


    Hmmm, Johnny groaned.


    It''s likely that there are collaborators and agents inside the Imperial City, so it''s likely.


    ''What did the Master say?''


    I need your support...


    No!


    Johnny exclaimed.


    ''''A master would never say such a thing.


    People like that don''t treat bandits as a resource or throw their disciples into the Areos Mountains.


    ''''Oh come on, what do you think you''re doing with Master Myra?��You''re an apprentice, right?


    What do you think you''re doing with Master?


    ''Oh, all right, all right. I''ll tell you the truth. I''m working under orders from Master Crono.


    Really?


    The cell phone food--


    "Stickleback bread, that is.


    Yes, the stick figure is the proof.


    "Excuse me, that it is. That''s called hard bread, that it is.


    Why are you lying to me?


    John blurted out at Tyga''s words.


    ''Why are you lying to me, too?


    All right. I''ll tell you the truth.


    That''s enough.


    I''m working under orders from Master Neige.


    Neige?


    Johnny tilted his head.


    I''ve heard that name somewhere--''''


    ''''You threw a dagger at Master Neige in the imperial capital, didn''t you?''''


    Oh, you mean that guy. It would be worse to break into the mansion without saying a word.


    Anyway, I''m Master Neige''s man.


    Okay.


    Do you believe me?


    I try not to think about things I''m not sure about.


    Johnny said proudly.


    ''Use your head a little bit,''


    Question. Why did you kill a soldier?


    I think they''re starting to get ready for it. I thought I''d scratch them up.


    One more question. Why did you try to kill me?


    He''s seen the scene, I don''t want to have to explain it to him, so I''m just gonna lay the blame on him.


    "You''re such an a**h*le!


    Johnny shouted.


    ''I''ve taken care of you, so you should at least be useful in your last days.


    I can''t even explain it, or what do you think people''s lives are worth?


    You''ve killed people, too.


    I don''t have my head screwed on, all right?


    Johnny scowled.


    ''Even if you have to kill people, you''ll have to use common sense.


    ''So what are you going to do with me?''


    You can go back to camp.


    "....Mister Johnny.


    I''m going back to the base. I don''t care.


    Thank you. Well, I''ll leave you to it.


    With a shuffling sound, John''s figure disappears.


    Politely, even the dagger is gone.


    In its place was a letter.


    A folded piece of paper.


    Johnny walked over quietly and took a magnet from the pouch and held it out.


    It didn''t seem to be planted with a needle or a thin blade.


    But that doesn''t mean we can''t be careful.


    The Roux make a blade substitute out of stone.


    They tuck the magnet into the pouch and agitate it with their hands.


    They don''t seem to have planted any poison in it.


    Of course, it''s possible that it''s a tasteless, odorless poison - but I''m not sure.


    I pick up the letter and stand up.


    ''We''re both saved.


    There is no need to thank me, that I can''t. Well then, I guess we are done for now.


    I''ll see you when you''re alive.


    Johnny bowed to them and walked away.


    He felt like he was going to get mad at his mentor - but, well, he could handle it.


    *


    So that''s why you''re back.


    That''s right.


    Master said with a sigh, and Johnny''s shoulders slumped.


    He thought he could handle it, but it was no good.


    He looks at Miss - Princess Tilia for help.


    Princess Tilia is sitting leaning back in her chair.


    She doesn''t seem to be in a good mood.


    It can''t be helped.


    She has disturbed her restful sleep by coming back late at night.


    ''Myra, that''s enough of the sermon.


    Yes, sir.


    Princess Tilia said in a billion words, and Myra easily pulled back.


    ''''Oh, oh, you''re punishing me?''''


    I wouldn''t do that.


    Princess Tilia sounded miffed, and Johnny patted his chest.


    He was in an even worse mood, but he avoided a spanking.


    ''If you''ve decided you can''t go any further, then I don''t blame you. It''s better than being tortured and spitting out information. By the way, what did the letter say?


    I haven''t read it yet.


    Johnny took the letter from his pouch and offered it to Princess Tilia.


    Then his master kidnapped him from the side.


    ''How dare you give your Mistress something that has not been checked for safety!


    I''m sorry, Momo.


    From now on, you be careful.


    Master said with a sigh and opened the letter.


    After a moment, he let out a deep sigh.


    ''What did it say?''


    Nonsense.


    That doesn''t make sense.


    He wrote vaguely about a period of civil war.


    Why would you do that?


    I suppose it''s to prove a point about a man named John.


    Tsk, the master frowned and clicked his tongue.


    An unusual appearance.


    He probably thought that he had exposed an appearance that was not typical for a maid.


    Master hung his head deeply towards Princess Tilia.


    ''''My apologies. ''''I have been outrageously rude in front of your wife.''''


    I don''t mind.


    Princess Tilia nodded hawkishly.


    ''Was there anything else written?''


    I said I''d back you up somewhat and ask for your help.


    What do you want me to do with that?


    Princess Tyria poked her cheekbones at the armrest for support.


    ''What am I supposed to do?''


    Get some food and get some rest today.


    Yes, sir!


    Johnny straightened his back and saluted.


    The Master let out a sigh and shoved the letter at Johnny.


    ''Please bury the letter in the hole before you take your meal.


    Is it poison?


    ''I don''t think you need to worry about that, but just in case. Don''t read what''s inside.


    Okay.


    Johnny turned on his heel and headed outside.


    He went outside--.


    ''When you ask me not to read--''


    You think I''ll want to see it?


    When I looked next to him, I saw my master peeking out the door.


    ''''Yo, there''s no way I''m reading this.


    ''I see. That''s a relief.


    The master closed the door and Johnny let out a breath of relief.


    Curiosity kills the cat.


    That''s what I mean.


    Johnny buried the letter as he had been told and enjoyed a decent meal.

 168 - Episode 18: The Decisive Battle, Back Part 6

    *


    Tilia propped her cheekbones on the armrest for support and listened to Johnny''s report.


    Although he gets to the point, the report is trite.


    It''s not surprising, since he''s not trained as a military man.


    If he wins this battle, it wouldn''t be a bad idea to raise him as a military man.


    Of course, that is if he wants to--''''


    ''''So big brother, I mean the imperial army is building a field position hidden in the thick fog. The priest of the mother goddess of fertility and fertility...


    Theon.


    Yes, Sion-san. Zion-san made the trenches with his divine power, so the rest is just to reinforce the trenches and make traps and obstacles.


    You''re doing well.


    Tilia muttered quietly.


    Now it was just a matter of whether Baroness Nam Corne''s power would be maintained until they finished building the field position.


    However, he was optimistic about this.


    She''s the best divine master magician in the Empire.


    She shouldn''t be able to create a thick fog for just two days.


    ''''You little vixen.


    What''s up?


    No, it''s nothing. I''m talking about this one.


    I''m glad that Baroness Nam Corneh is cooperating with us, but it''s not out of good intentions.


    She has their interests at heart.


    She''s with the surrounding lords.


    On top of that, she is trying to find out to the very last minute who will win - the Imperial Army or the Imperial Army.


    That''s why they are only cooperating for two days.


    If the Imperial Army is outnumbered, they are sure to return the favor immediately.


    There is no denying the possibility that they will come at us from behind.


    Rather, it is more likely.


    Not only with the Imperial Army, but also with the surrounding lords and princes, we have to think about what they will think.


    Utterly and utterly disgusting.


    Tilia''s frustration must have been palpable.


    I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.


    ''Oh, Miss?''


    Yeah, I''m sorry. That''s all for now.


    Yeah. Oh, I forgot. A gift from my brother.


    Johnny finished his report and placed the crate on the desk.


    Tilia sat in her chair and looked at the crate.


    She must have noticed her gaze.


    Myra, who was standing beside him, stepped out quietly.


    ''''Let me revise the contents just in case.


    Don''t worry about it, I''m not going to steal from you.


    ''I''m not worried about stealing it, but I''m afraid it might have been dropped and broken.


    No, no. Well, that''s not really what we do, is it?


    When Myra turned her gaze to look at him, Johnny turned away.


    He''s sweating even though it''s a chilly room temperature.


    It''s not the sweat of body temperature regulation.


    It''s the sticky sweat of mental sweating.


    ''Why are you sweating?''


    Why is that?��Wow, I don''t know.


    ...I see.


    Myra said as she let out a sigh and opened the wooden box.


    She took out a transparent sphere - a magic item for communication - from inside and stared at it.


    ''''It looks like you didn''t break it.


    Yeah, sure.


    So why are you sweating?


    I don''t know why. I don''t know why.


    Johnny replied to Myra''s words, his eyes moving busily.


    ''Stop now,''


    Yes, ma''am.


    Myra nodded quietly as Tilia called out to her.


    ''''Can I go now, too?''''


    Get some rest.


    Yes, sir.


    Johnny gave a crumbling salute and turned on his heel.


    He went straight to the door--.


    ''....Johnny.


    What is it, what is it?


    Tilia called out to him, and Johnny turned with a jerky motion.


    ''It''s like a rusty hinge.


    ''Good work, again, please.''


    Of course. I''m my brother''s prefect, and I''m going to be the best dagger wielder in the Empire.


    Johnny grinned.


    It''s a smile that I can''t believe he was sweating fat just now.


    But--


    ''My, don''t forget that you are my, my apprentice.


    Of course, of course. I''m Master''s apprentice.


    As Myra said to include, Johnny began to sweat fat again.


    ''You know how hard it was for me to raise you,''


    I mean, thanks a lot.


    Johnny is rattling and shaking.


    It must be mental, too.


    Between the two of them - or what kind of education was given to them?


    I''m curious, but I shouldn''t be stepping in here.


    I feel that way.


    Instead, I look around to tell them to stop any further.


    Then Myra lets out a small breath and closes her eyes.


    After a moment, she opens her eyes again.


    ''Get some rest.''


    So I''ll just be right here.


    Johnny smiled affectionately and walked out of the hut.


    Huffing, Tilia let out a breath and leaned back.


    And looked up at the heavens.


    The only thing that could be seen, though, were the beams and the ceiling--.


    ''''Thank you for your help.''''


    It''s not worth the effort, you know.


    After all, I just sat in a chair and listened to the report.


    Besides, I''m feeling better.


    That''s just the way it is--.


    I turn my gaze to Myra.


    ''What is it?''


    I was just wondering what you did to Johnny.


    I''m just giving you an education.


    That''s all it takes to do that?


    Tilia asked, remembering Johnny''s condition.


    ''Mental sweating, body shaking - he was scared like a small animal.


    ''He must have been weak of mind. Indeed, young men these days...''


    It doesn''t feel right when you say it.


    Despite her real age, she is a beautiful woman in appearance.


    I''m extremely flattered by the compliment.


    ''Yeah, well, yeah ...''


    Tilia shushed.


    It would have been nice if I could have come up with something witty to say, but I couldn''t think of anything.


    Even if it did come to mind, I don''t think the sarcastic kind would get through.


    Is this the age-old wisdom?


    No, I just have a thick skin.


    "I''m sure Johnny....


    It was still going on, Tilia thought as she straightened her residence.


    Somehow, she felt that she should.


    ''He must have seen the darkness within himself.


    ''I think he was obviously frightened of you?


    You''re kidding.


    I''m serious.


    ....


    Myra shushed her when Tilia retorted.


    ''It''s not unreasonable. Your wife is young.''


    It''s an age thing.


    Yes, it''s a matter of age.


    Okay.


    I can''t help but be assured of that.


    Tyria let out a small sigh and propped her cheekbones on the armrest for support.


    She turned her gaze to the crate.


    Then Myra held out a magic item for communication.


    ''''Here you go.''''


    I''m sorry.


    Tyria received the magic item for communication and squinted at it.


    No scratches, no cracks.


    After all, it seemed that Myra was the reason why Johnny was scratching a greasy sweat.


    ''''Now we''ll be able to work together, won''t we?


    The separate forces are hiding in a thousand people - divided into twenty groups.


    If it weren''t for the magic item for communication, they wouldn''t be able to work together properly.


    ''''It''s a great magic item.


    I thought you guys had all this on hand?


    It''s hard to keep up with the numbers.


    ...for sure.


    Tilia rolled the communication magic item in her hand.


    Magic items are basically expensive.


    Even more so if the use of the magic item for communication is special, like the magic item for communication.


    In that sense, Crono must have had the foresight to embrace Eril.


    Of course, I don''t think he envisioned the current situation - but.


    ''''At any rate, we can build a communications network with this.


    ....


    He muttered with a sigh, but Myra didn''t say anything.


    I wondered if there was something wrong.


    I was suspicious and looked at her face.


    Then I saw a look on her face as if she wanted to say something.


    What did he want to say?


    I was curious, but I hesitated to ask why.


    I''m sure he''s going to say something unstipulated.


    I had a hunch that he would.


    He must have noticed the gaze.


    Myra looks at me.


    Tilia hurriedly turned her face away.


    I suddenly felt a breeze.


    It was not a draft.


    Myra must be moving to the right and left behind her.


    Does she want me to ask her why so much?


    I let out a deep sigh and turn my gaze to Myra.


    ''''.........What.......what?''''


    Boy - I hope you don''t have to communicate with Master Crono.


    I thought about that, but I don''t have the numbers.


    Tilia responded with a sigh.


    It was about half a day''s distance from here to the imperial army''s field position.


    There aren''t enough communication magic items to extend the communication network that far.


    ''''And we need to protect our secrets.


    He didn''t want you to know that your wife was here.


    That''s what I''m talking about.


    There are only a few people who know that Tilia is here.


    Crono, Mino, Leila and the other officers - and the old knights in the entourage.


    So, let''s continue with Johnny as our scout and messenger.


    I''m sorry.


    No, I''m not the one who has to do the hard work.


    Have you no compassion?


    I''m sorry, but this is not a good time for Johnny.


    Myra said quickly.


    ''We had some terrible masters,''


    I''m a burglar apprentice. Besides....


    And?


    If you are soft to them, they will take advantage of you.


    Myra let out a sigh as Tilia parroted and muttered.


    ''Hmm, you''re disciplining yourself as a master.


    No, not at all.


    You really don''t have any compassion for him, do you?


    Perhaps Myra had raised Johnny to be dead.


    ''In fact, how strong is Johnny?''


    I think he''s one of the best dagger-wielders in the world, if you include the surrounding nations.


    Oh, that''s great.


    Tilia exclaimed in admiration.


    ''Well, as long as you don''t go with the figure...''


    Is it really that bad?


    Yes, just a little compliment can leave a gap.


    You need some mental discipline.


    Yes, that''s right.


    Myra let out a small sigh.


    ''By the way, who is your compassion for?''


    Master Crono?


    ....


    Myra said, as she should, and Tyria held her tongue.


    ''Who is your compassion for?''


    Master Chronosphere.


    I asked again, but the answer was the same.


    ''Consider your age,''


    I''m an elf, so I didn''t think it would be a problem.


    Myra said quickly.


    ''What is it about Crono that you''re in love with?''


    At the very least, you''ll be an imperial prince.


    You''re not in love with me!


    Tilia raised her voice, but Myra was nowhere to be seen.


    ''....My Lady.


    What?


    Don''t you think status and worthiness are also attractive to men?


    I don''t think so.


    ....


    When Tilia answered immediately, Myra looked as if she''d bitten down on a bitter worm.


    ''''Well, your wife is young. By the way, what was it about Crono-sama that attracted you to her, Mistress?''


    Where....


    Tyria muttered and asked herself where she felt the attraction.


    Naturally, the status doesn''t appeal to me.


    There is nothing wrong with being worthy, but it is different if you say you find it attractive.


    To begin with--.


    It''s like I was in love with you when I found out. What''s that face?


    No, no, it was nothing.


    Myra turned away, but Tyria didn''t miss the look on her face as she bit down on a bitter worm.


    ''If you have something to say, say it.''


    The sweet and sour lines made me bitter and gory.


    That''s it!


    You said if I had something to say, I should say it.


    Kuh, Tilia grunted.


    She wanted to say it back, but the words wouldn''t come out.


    Then--.


    ''''This is Kane, does anyone hear me?''''


    "-Oh!


    Suddenly, a voice rang out from the communication magic item.


    It was so sudden that I almost dropped it.


    I took a deep breath and carried the communication magic item to my mouth.


    ''It''s Tilia.''


    ''Oh, princess. It''s good to know someone who knows you.


    So, what''s going on?


    That''s why...


    Are you lost?


    "I''m not sure where we''ll be meeting.


    Embarrassed, Kane answered after a pause.


    It couldn''t be helped.


    He wasn''t familiar with the geography around the Imperial Capital.


    Rather, he should appreciate the fact that he was able to get here.


    ''''Alright. I''ll send someone to pick you up right away.''''


    Sorry.


    Don''t worry about it.


    Myra bowed reverently as Tyria gave her a look.


    *


    As Kane finished the communication, his old subordinate - Sabbu - pulled his horse up to him.


    With an eye patch and stubble, his appearance looks like a bandit.


    He has no front teeth, so when he smiles, he looks like a nice pause.


    He understands this and smiles with his teeth bared when interacting with people with whom he is not familiar.


    With this, most of them let down their guard.


    It''s Sabb''s way of dealing with people.


    ''How was your head?''


    Yeah, she said she''d be coming for me soon.


    That''s a good one.


    Sabb laughed, baring his teeth.


    ''Even you?''


    That''s it!


    Sabb nodded grandly.


    ''Master Crono''s place is, well, blessed. It''s going to take me a while to come to my senses. And how is your head?��Doesn''t life as a deputy slow you down?


    As you can see, I''m ready to fight at any time.


    That''s the head.


    Haha, Sabb laughed.


    The old subordinates laughed, the archers, the newcomers - Bruno and the others laughed.


    It still looks okay, Kane inwardly patted his chest.


    The surrounding lords had many people they could talk to.


    However, that doesn''t mean you can''t be on your guard.


    If you believe in them and they betray you, the fate of Kane and his team will be cut short.


    They needed to be constantly vigilant of their surroundings.


    The least we could do was to know that we could rest if we joined up.


    The situation, which could end at any moment, would wear out the body and mind by itself.


    But if there is an end, we can somehow stop.


    Of course, there is a limit to that--but there is a limit to that.


    We''re still going to be okay, Kane tells himself.


    It was still funny.


    That''s enough to make us believe we can afford it.


    As long as we can believe we can afford it, we can keep our heads above water.


    I suddenly remembered Elaine.


    What would she say?


    Would she snicker, or give me a dumbfounded look?


    Or would she agree with a straight face?


    It could be any of those things, and she could react in a way I didn''t expect.


    In short, I don''t know her well.


    It would be the same for her.


    People who didn''t know each other well were drawn to each other without understanding each other well.


    She laughs at the thought that if she could get back alive.


    It''s disgusting.


    You''ve dressed up to get out of here, but you''re leaving something to be desired.


    No, it''s also possible that you''re the only one who thinks so.


    I''ll be laughed at when I come back alive.


    But, well, that''s just the way it is.


    I''m an ordinary person.


    I can''t protect my sister and I''m trapped in her death.


    Even if I survive this battle, I will still be trapped in her death.


    What can I do?


    Nothing much can be done.


    But....


    I''m going to do my best to scrape by.


    Kane looked up at the sky and muttered softly.


    It made me feel a little better.


    ''Is something wrong?''


    No, I didn''t think it was a big deal, you know?


    That''s a bit too humble. If you don''t have a brain, then why are we here?


    It''s a bunch of guys.


    Kane chuckled back.


    Then there was a rustling sound.


    It was the sound of bushes on the side of the street shaking.


    Sabb and the others turned their gaze towards the direction of the sound.


    That should have been the right decision.


    Nevertheless, Kane was looking at the other side.


    I''m not sure why--I don''t understand it myself.


    If I had to put it that way, it''s intuition.


    Then his eyes met with a young man who looked like he''d seen somewhere before.


    "--!


    The young man gasped and reached for his waist.


    But faster than that, Kane was on his horse, sword drawn and released.


    The young man raised his hands in surrender as he pointed the cutting edge.


    That''s when Sabb''s group noticed something strange.


    ''Head?''


    Don''t let your guard down.


    Kane announced shortly, and Sabb and the others moved their horses to surround the young man.


    ''Surrender,''


    I know what I''m talking about. You''ll know.


    "Johnnysss. Missus sent me to get you.


    "Johnny?


    Kane tilted his head.


    Come to think of it, I think I was with Myra when she arrived.


    He looked familiar, but he couldn''t let his guard down.


    After all, it was three years ago.


    I can''t trust my own memories.


    "Do you have any proof?


    You''ll know it when you talk to your communication magic item.


    "...sabbatical.


    I understand.


    He muttered, keeping his eyes on the young man, and Sabb moved his horse forward.


    Kane brought his basket hand close to his mouth.


    ''Princess, can you hear me?''


    "''Yeah, I hear you.


    A muffled Tilia''s voice echoed after a slight pause.


    It was also overlapping.


    It was from Kane''s cage and the young man.


    ''A man claiming to be Johnny is here, and I''m pretty sure this is the one to pick him up?


    ''Yeah, definitely.''


    You know...


    Kane looked at Johnny and mentioned his facial features and clothing.


    ''''....Yeah, it fits. But why are you asking me that?''''


    Because he was sneaking up on me from behind.


    Kane replied in a disgusted mood.


    If he had come out of the front, or at least out of the bushes, he wouldn''t have been alarmed--.


    Huh, a sigh echoed from the communication magic item.


    He must have been dumbfounded.


    ''''Anyway, I''m waiting for you.''''


    ''Oh,'' Kane replied shortly and dropped his arms.


    ''We''ve got the back. This one''s coming for you.


    That''s a good one.


    Good.


    Sabb pats his chest and Johnny continues to pat his chest down.


    ''What, did you do something that could be misinterpreted?


    I wanted to stay in a good position.


    Kane asked, and Johnny said apologetically.


    ''I think it''s about time you sheathed your sword.


    Okay.....


    Kane sheathed his sword after a moment of hesitation.


    Can he trust the man who is creeping up behind him?


    Such thoughts dominated his chest.


    Johnny was just as wary, and he lowered his hand loosely.


    ''I didn''t feel alive.


    I''m sorry about that one.


    I tried to say an apology, but if the same thing happened, I would stab him in the throat again.


    ''Come on, this way.''


    Johnny turns on his heel and walks away.


    His hand is attached to the dagger at his waist.


    He suddenly remembered that his men were worn out.


    ''....Johnny.


    What''s up?


    Johnny turned and looked up at me.


    ''Can I give my men a break first?''


    ''''........Yeah. I''ll ask him.


    Johnny looked around and pulled a communication magic item from his pocket.


    *


    You''re ... late.


    They must be taking a long time to find their way around.


    Here you go, Myra said, setting the cup down on the table.


    Tilia took the cup and brought it to her mouth.


    She didn''t put her mouth on it right away, but enjoyed the aroma.


    Kehot and lightly choked.


    It was a pretty pungent scent.


    ''Is it original?''


    To keep your body cool, we use a ginger base.


    ''I''ve had ginger-based incense tea many times, but never to this extent.


    Tilia let go of the cup and stared intently at the liquid inside.


    It reminded her of the strange elven potion made by Arididid and Deneb.


    However, the smell was different--.


    ''''Come on, gulp.''''


    Do you drink?


    Of course.


    Apparently, you have to drink it.


    But motives aside, Myra is trustworthy.


    She wouldn''t heap poison.


    At will, Tyria drank the incense tea.


    A pungent sensation passed through her esophagus and reached her stomach.


    Instantly, her stomach was burning.


    Soon after, the heat travels through her body.


    It was hot. It was so hot that my whole body was sweating.


    Myra gently holds out a handkerchief.


    "Here you go.


    Mm, sorry about that.


    He takes a handkerchief and wipes the sweat off his face.


    ''What do you think?''


    It''s not as bad as it sounds.


    Maybe it''s the sweat I''ve been breaking, but I feel a little sunnier.


    ''''Will it sell?''''


    Are you going to sell it?


    Of course.


    When Tyria asked back, Myra answered with her heart.


    As usual, she''s brazen.


    Hmmm, I look down at the empty cup.


    The smell is lightly chokingly pungent, but I can honestly say it''s not bad.


    ''It''s hard to sell normally, isn''t it?''


    I knew it.


    Myra nodded with a divine look on her face.


    An idea suddenly occurred to her.


    ''Why not add value?''


    Added value?


    ''Yes. Best for when you have a cold, or maybe it''s good for the cold.


    Okay, great idea.


    I know.


    Tilia felt a deep sense of satisfaction.


    ''''Then may I use Princess Tilia''s name?''''


    ...my name.


    Tilia frowned.


    I don''t want to sell my name - I don''t want to sell it under the name of Tilia tea.


    I''m shocked when it doesn''t sell, and even more shocked when it does.


    It''s fine if it ends up being a boom, but if it continues to sell until the next generation of grandchildren.


    It''s scary just to think about it.


    Wouldn''t that be bad?


    ....


    No?


    When Tilia was silent, Myra looked into her face.


    Her eyes are serious.


    I can''t seem to get away with it as a joke.


    ''''Well that''s good.''''


    Thank you.


    Myra smiled a small smile.


    Looking at that smile, I have a feeling that it was all calculated.


    At that time when I was thinking of saying one of the sarcastic things--.


    ''''Miss, I''m back.''''


    Come in.


    A brainy voice sounded and Myra responded.


    The door opened and Kane came in, led by Johnny.


    Johnny stops near the door, but Kane continues to move closer.


    He stopped about two meters away and poked him on one knee.


    ''Kane, thank you for your help,''


    Yeah, that was really tough.


    Kane cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated manner.


    He must be really tired, since he even bothered to mention it.


    ''Does that mean you can''t move right away?


    I''m tired, including myself.


    Well if that''s what it is, then I guess I have no choice.


    I thought about it when the Imperials moved, but it would only wear my men down for nothing.


    We should give them a good rest and let them attack the supply party.


    ''Give yourself a few days'' rest. Myra, you have plenty of food to spare, don''t you?


    Of course.


    Now, let''s give Caine and the others the best of both worlds.


    He starts to say, and then he shuts up.


    Can I help you?


    Yes, I''m not sure I''d want a tired man to eat something worthwhile.


    Don''t worry, I''ll take care of that.


    All right, then.


    Yes, sir.


    Myra nodded quietly.


    ''That''s why. Get some rest. I''ll tell you more about our plans for the future.''


    Thank you. I''m at my wit''s end.


    Kane stood up and turned on his heel.

 169 - Episode 18: The Decisive Battle, Back Part 7

    *


    The day after the Imperial Army set up the camp - the sound of an explosion could be heard in the distance.


    It''s likely that the Imperial Army blew up the mercenaries who were closing in on the obstacle made of iron thorns with magic items.


    The main force of the Imperial Army is the volunteer soldiers.


    Not to say they were amateurs, but they had no white army fighting ability at all.


    Originally, the reason why the Imperial Army on the offensive side was fighting a defensive battle was to compensate for their white army fighting ability.


    Not only do they use magic items, they even use a strategy.


    They are struggling to not lose.


    In contrast, the Imperial Army is on the defensive.


    Of course, this also comes with a proviso that it should have been.


    The imperial army, which should be on the defensive side, is attacking.


    This is in spite of the fact that they can reduce the wear and tear on their troops by holing up their walls.


    The reason why this is not possible is because of the disruption in logistics.


    The cooperation of the neighboring lords and ladies cannot be expected either.


    According to the soldiers, it''s because of the emperor and his cronies.


    It reminds me of my home.


    It has a reputation as one of the most important breadbasket areas of the Empire, but in short, it''s the countryside.


    To be honest, I didn''t like my home town.


    I didn''t like the feeling of entrapment, as if the future was closed to me.


    But I had never been hungry until I trained there.


    Perhaps it was a feeling common to their generation.


    When he said that, his masters laughed at him.


    It must have been very strange for that master to laugh.


    After all, I am a fool, I think.


    However, even I know something.


    A person who cannot make his subordinates eat is not qualified to be in the top position.


    In that sense, we must be blessed.


    You can''t do that," he said, shaking his head and thrusting his stick into the ground.


    It''s just a stick with a diagonal slice at the tip.


    It is not possible to dig into the ground like a shovel or pickaxe.


    It just sticks into the ground just a little bit.


    But it repeats itself.


    I repeat, I repeat, I repeat--.


    He throws the dirt behind him, repeating it so repeatedly that he feels like he''s reaching a state of selflessness.


    I lean on the stick and let out a sigh.


    The sigh was louder than I thought it would be.


    I look around in a hurry.


    Around the perimeter, Imperial soldiers were digging the ground in a line.


    With wooden sticks, of course.


    Fortunately, or should I say, they only seemed to be interested in their own work.


    But still--''''


    "It''s insane to build a moat with this stuff--


    Hey.


    No, I''m not skipping work!��One, two, one, two!��Ahhh!��Digging holes is fun!


    Suddenly, he is called out and resumes his work.


    I was caught off guard.


    This is despite the fact that my mentor had warned me about it.


    Really, I think I''m a bad guy.


    A poof sound is heard.


    I turn around to see a bearded man holding his mouth.


    ''Sorry, sorry. I didn''t mean to startle you," he says, "I didn''t mean to scare you. We''re ready to eat and you''ve been quietly digging in the ground.


    I''m sorry to hear that. I''ve got a lot on my mind.


    The man gave me a bum look and I apologize.


    I feel like I don''t need to apologize, but politeness is important.


    My mentor taught me that politeness is important.


    ''''Then let''s go.''''


    Where are you going?


    ...you.


    The man let out a sigh of dismay.


    ''Didn''t I tell you the meal was ready?''


    Is it okay to eat while I work?


    I''m not surprised.


    The man let out another sigh.


    This is bad.


    After all, it was impossible for him to be a spy.


    A cold sweat ran down his face.


    Should I kill the man and escape?


    This is outside the camp.


    It won''t be hard to escape.


    You won''t be able to continue spying, but it''s better than being tortured and spilling information.


    I''m going to reach for the dagger at my waist and stop you.


    Killing it is the last thing I want to do - after assessing the situation to the last minute.


    The man stares at you and suddenly smiles.


    ''Don''t be so scared. Are you new to the military?


    Yeah.


    Well, I guess so.


    The man scratched his head as if to say he''d lost it.


    ''This is the situation. Everyone likes to have a veteran on hand, don''t they?


    Oh, yeah.


    The man crossed his arms and nodded repeatedly.


    Apparently, he agreed with me on his own.


    I followed him, patting my chest inwardly.


    ''''Let''s go then.''''


    Where is it?


    So, we''re eating.


    The man says disgustedly.


    It''s not much of a stretch. This is a fate. I''m going to teach you how to be a soldier.


    ''It''s okay!��I can do this on my own!


    Don''t be.


    No, I''m not being modest!��Not at all!��Not one bit of it!


    No, no, no, don''t be shy. You should just accept your seniors'' kindness.


    I''m fine. I''m fine.


    You know what?


    The man said with a sigh.


    The forcefulness of the previous moment seems to be a lie.


    ''What is it?''


    I can see why you''re so cautious. That''s what happens when you''re too stubborn.


    Then the man scoffed his chin.


    Ahead of him was a group of people charging into an obstacle.


    They were shot with machine gun bows and crossbows and blown away by magic items.


    Their appearance was nothing short of miserable.


    ''''I''m not a mercenary.


    Oh," the man let out a voice.


    Is he impressed?


    ''What?''


    Don''t be angry, don''t be angry. I''m just relieved that you seem to know more than you think you do.


    The man raised his hands in a theatrical gesture and leaned forward.


    ''So, what do you know about these guys?''


    For money, well, at least he''s a bum.


    You knew him well.


    If you''re a normal person, I can hear you.


    That''s not him.


    What''s the difference?


    It''s...


    The man punctuated his words and withdrew his body.


    ''I''ll teach you over dinner.''


    What--


    Just as I opened my mouth to complain, I heard a gurgling sound.


    A stomach bug buzzed.


    I turned over to look down, even if it wasn''t this time.


    ''Your stomach bugs are honest. We''re going to make a meal out of you, for food.


    Okay....


    I answer after a short pause.


    I was interested in what the man had to say, and I was hungry.


    It wouldn''t be a beehive to talk to him while he ate.


    ''Before we eat...''


    Oh, handshake.


    The man squeezed back the hand he held out.


    Then the man looked surprised.


    ''I forgot to tell you. I''m John.


    "I''m Johnny.


    Jonnyce?��That''s an odd name.


    Johnny, d*mn it.


    The man - John asked back, and Johnny was miffed and said back.


    ''Yeah, Johnny-na,''


    Yes, Johnny. It''s not Johnny''s.


    Bad, bad.


    John scratched his head.


    It couldn''t be his imagination that he didn''t seem to feel bad.


    John led me to the tent.


    It was a fairly large tent with a row of tables inside.


    The seats were noticeably empty, but there were a good number of people there.


    There are several groups of people there.


    So to speak, they are what you might call a bosom buddy group.


    When I sat at a table at the end of the table, I felt alienated.


    I can''t help it, considering my position.


    After all, he''s a spy.


    If I convey the information I collected to Miss--Princess Tilia, the Imperial Army will definitely be harmed.


    However, I haven''t done anything yet.


    It''s hard to be alienated from this stage.


    At the very least, I wish John was here.


    If only he were here, I wouldn''t have to think about this pathetic thing.


    But he''s not here.


    He told me to wait here and then he went away.


    I hope he comes back soon.


    I''m praying - and I''m praying.


    ''I''m sorry to keep you waiting,''


    You''ve been waiting too long.


    Don''t be angry.


    With that, John placed the tray in front of Johnny.


    There was food for two on the tray - cloudy white soup and bread.


    Apparently he had gone to get a meal.


    ''What''s up?''��You''re not going to eat it?


    Eat.


    John chuckled as Johnny took the soup and bread.


    He slides the tray down and takes a seat facing him.


    Johnny scooped up the soup with a spoon--.


    ''There''s no garnish.''


    Look closely.


    Well?


    Tilting my head, I looked at the spoon.


    Then I saw what looked like brown strands sinking into it.


    ''There''s meat in there, isn''t there?''


    It''s not called meat.


    Zuzu, sipping the soup.


    The soup was rather salty, or rather, it tasted only of salt.


    ''Wait.''


    What is it?


    Johnny looked up, sheltering his soup and bread.


    John laughed.


    What fun.


    ''Soup''s a bit of a stretch,''


    Why?


    Watch.


    John picked up the bread and tapped it lightly on the table.


    A cocking sound sounded and Johnny''s eyes widened.


    He had heard that they sometimes hardened the bread to keep it for days.


    But I didn''t expect it to go this far - I didn''t expect it to go this far.


    ''You''d be surprised, wouldn''t you?''


    It''s a surprise.


    So, yeah.


    John pulled out the dagger at his waist and struck the pan with the pommel head.


    There was a fairly loud sound.


    I looked around hurriedly and saw that the soldiers were looking at us.


    I thought it was bad, but they quickly turned their faces away as if they had lost interest.


    All the while, John was tapping the bread with his handle head.


    After a few slaps, the bread broke in two.


    He repeated the same thing again, dipping the shattered bread into the soup.


    ''Here''s the thing,''


    I see.


    The bread is hard, so you mean to soften it with salt soup.


    Johnny drew his dagger.


    Then--''


    ''Oh?��A dagger by Kanuchi? You have an expensive looking one.


    "-Oh!


    Johnny looked at John in surprise.


    ''I ain''t gonna steal it,''


    Of course.


    ''Having a dagger made by Kanuchi means...''


    John looked at me and snickered.


    ''Why are you snickering?''


    I thought you were rich, but I thought you didn''t sound rich.


    I''m sorry.


    Johnny frowned.


    ''Most likely you stole it, or picked it up. You look poor, you know.


    I got it right.


    I''m miffed and say it back.


    It''s true that my parents are not rich.


    But they''re not poor either.


    It''s an average family in the southern frontier--the Barony of Ekron.


    ''''Well, it''s a bit of a tall order for a new recruit.


    Gulp, Johnny grunted.


    It was a mouthful, but he was right.


    ''You were thinking about being as active as Leonhardt or something anyway.


    Well, yeah.


    It was a lie.


    Johnny had imagined himself as his brother - Crono''s subordinate.


    He was delighted with the fantasy of dashing into Crono''s pinch and defeating his enemies.


    He knows it''s a dream that won''t come true, but his desire to be useful hasn''t changed.


    Right now, I''m being of use to Crono.


    That makes me feel proud.


    But if I could talk to my past self, I would advise him to revise his fantasy downward.


    The gap between reality and delusion has enough power to break your heart.


    Well, my master would have broken my heart anyway - but I''m not sure.


    I remember.


    The days of my training in the Areos Mountains.


    The day I graduated as a bandit and a virgin.


    I shouldn''t think about it now, sass, and shake my head and break the bread with the pommel head of my dagger.


    Oh," John let out a voice.


    Ignoring him, he breaks the bread.


    ''You''re good at that,''


    Of course. I''m going to be the best dagger-wielder in the Empire.


    The dagger man?


    Johnny put the bread in the soup and looked up.


    Then John had a look on his face as if he''d bitten down on a bitter bug.


    ''Why do you look at me like that?''


    A dagger is just a backup backup weapon.


    What''s wrong with that? Dagger wielders are so cool.


    Isn''t it cool if you can beat a swordsman with a dagger?


    Looking good is justice.


    "And that''s why you''re so young.


    It''s okay. I''m a dagger man.


    Johnny sheathed his dagger and stirred the soup.


    It''s hard to see the ingredients except for the bread.


    I feel like crying when I remember my training days.


    ''Don''t look like you''re about to cry,''


    I''m not.


    ''You don''t have to look like that, your supply should arrive tomorrow.


    Are you refueling?


    Yeah, they may not know how long they''ll be able to ferry us back, but they''ll be better than this.


    I''ve heard good things about this.


    I don''t know much about the military, but I at least know that food is important.


    If you interfere with the supply, your soldiers are bound to starve and not be able to fight.


    But still--''''


    "I''ve heard it all before, but it''s just awful.


    Otherwise, they''d be caged up in the Imperial City.


    John chuckled and brought the spoon to his mouth.


    The hard bread was blistered with soup and turned to mush.


    It''s a matter of national security and all I can eat is this stuff. It''s a real mess.


    "-Oh!


    John spat, and Johnny looked around in a hurry.


    It''s not good to criticize the upper echelon when you''re at war.


    He thought, but the soldiers around him were unperturbed.


    Some were even smiling bitterly.


    ''''Don''t get so upset. I don''t want anyone to talk to the top for complaining a word or two.


    Why?


    If you complain and slack off, I have a problem with that, but if you''re doing a serious job, you keep your mouth shut.


    Is this a tacit understanding?


    No one likes a snitch. It''s horrible to imagine being isolated on a battlefield where you can''t survive without everyone working together. And also...


    Suddenly John leaned forward and Johnny freaked out.


    ''Between you and me...''


    What is it?


    There''s a report that someone in command is in touch with the Princess Tyria.


    Really?


    Johnny couldn''t help but ask back.


    Princess Tilia is at the base.


    And yet, how is she in contact with the enemy commander?


    If there are spies other than himself?


    It''s not impossible.


    Even we - the Southern Frontier Army - have been preparing to fight.


    Crono would have done at least that.


    Yeah, I heard that the guy who was taken prisoner had a letter for me.


    How does that lead to not tipping off?


    People don''t know who they can trust and they call the cops. It''s just a ridiculous thing to do, isn''t it?


    John just says what are you talking about?


    If you ask me, I''m not so sure.


    ''But then again, you''re well-informed.


    It''s...


    An explosion sounded and John scowled.


    ''''Well I don''t want to be like those guys.


    A mercenary.


    The only thing worse than not doing what you can do is dying.


    John let out a small sigh.


    ''You should be doing everything you can, too. Especially when it comes to gathering information.''


    Yeah, so?


    Finally, he felt like he understood why John had said, ''That guy''s different.


    He must have appreciated the fact that Johnny had been gathering information.


    If that was the case, I could see why he had invited me to dinner.


    ''You mean to tell me it would help me gather information?''


    It''s all about the exchange of information.


    I''m okay with that.


    I see.


    John let out a breath of relief.


    A thought occurred to him.


    ''....maybe...''


    That''s what I''m talking about. These people here are here to gather information.


    John grinned.


    So, it looks like the supply is about to arrive from the Imperial Capital.


    I see.


    Hearing Johnny''s report, Tilia crossed her arms.


    She looked over at Myra, who stood beside her.


    ''I''m sure of it. We''ve received information from the Imperial City that confirms Johnny''s story as well.''''


    Then it''s settled. The Imperial Capital will be sending a supply team in the near future.


    But then Tilia looks to the other side.


    Kane, Gaul and Robert are standing across the table.


    Kane commands the cavalry, Gaul commands a death squad, and Robert commands the Southern Frontier Army.


    Here''s your chance.


    When will they not attack here and when will they attack?


    But Tyria and the others are the troops that are meant to capture the Imperial City.


    We don''t want to make our presence felt with too much fanfare.


    Shouldn''t we be cautious?


    When I was troubled, Myra raised her hand.


    ''What?''


    ''I understand your wife''s feelings, but I think we should attack this place.


    Why?


    ''''The mainstay of the Imperial Army is the volunteer army. If the Southern Frontier Army attacks the supply units, the Imperial Army will be exhausted and we can expect some relief from the pressure.''''


    It''s like a barrel man making money when the wind blows.


    "...Johnny.


    Wow, I know. I''ll shut up.


    Myra spoke in a gentle tone, and Johnny held his mouth with both hands.


    He was sweating fat.


    Perhaps it was psychogenic.


    ''If we can get him to use his trump card early on, we can fight with relatively little extra power left.


    I see.


    ...and...


    Tilia nodded and after a moment, Myra spoke up again.


    ''We should have her throw away her virginity as soon as possible.


    You''re a virgin.


    ''Of course, being a virgin means your first murder.


    I know!


    Tyria coughed out a hoarse, gurgling cough.


    She regained her composure and turned her attention to Kane, Gaul and Robert.


    ''How''s it going?''


    I don''t see a problem with my place. We''ve got a bunch of veterans and some real-world experience.


    We''re already prepared. However, we want to make sure we''re ready.


    Kane answered, followed by Gaul.


    Huh, Myra let out a voice.


    Then Gaul glared at Myra.


    ''What?''


    I think you''ve become quite reliable.


    I can''t just think about myself, you know?


    The mannerisms were almost ridiculous, but Gaul only smiled thinly.


    ''How about you, Robert?''


    I''d like to see you try out your communication magic item.


    ...I see.


    Tilia nodded after a slight pause.


    ''Alright, we will assault the Imperial supply force. However, Kane and Gaul''s troops will be the main force.


    Wait.


    What?


    Tilia turned her gaze to Kane.


    ''Me and Gaul''s squad combined is a little over a hundred men.


    I know. So don''t go after it too hard.


    There''s another problem.


    I know that too. We''re stranded.


    Oh, Kane nodded.


    If they wanted to do some damage, they''d have to strand the supply units.


    But it wouldn''t be wise to divide a force of only a hundred or so men.


    Moreover, if the roads were blocked in front and behind, the enemy would be desperate to resist.


    "Let''s throw stones along the road.


    A rock?


    Yeah, you''re right.


    Kane parroted and Tilia nodded.


    ''Oh, by the way, Master Crono said you were stranded by a stone during the parent conquest.


    That''s what I''m talking about.


    Honestly, I wish you hadn''t told me that you stole the Holy Argo Kingdom''s operation.


    But I''m sure you have a track record.


    It was then that Robert opened his mouth.


    ''''By using the Divine Authority Technique?''''


    That''s not necessary.


    Tilia responded with a wry smile.


    ''Robert is a divine master of the Mother Goddess, who is a yellow earth and fertility controller.


    With his help, you can easily scatter stones.


    But it would be negligence to spare yourself the trouble here.


    Besides, Robert had other work to do.


    ''Scattering stones on the roads will slow down the supply party. Plus, the smoke will block their view and prevent them from giving us any information about us.


    ....


    Kane crossed his arms thoughtfully.


    After a moment--''


    ''Not bad. But...


    ''So blocking your view with smoke won''t do you any good if the fight drags on.


    In the first place, the reason for attacking the supply trains is to starve the main body of the enemy and weaken its strength. With a little over a hundred men, it''s tough to fight and rob them of their supplies.


    Now, the magic item...


    I swallow the word "use it".


    We have magic items, but we should save them for when we attack the Imperial City.


    Is there a replacement?


    When I thought about it, something sparked in me.


    ''''How about using the Elf''s Strange Medicine?''''


    The elves'' elixir.


    Kane parroted and turned his gaze to Myra.


    The elves'' strange potion - its true nature is a liquid called alcohol, which is extracted from alcohol.


    ''''In that case, I''m ready.


    That''s fine.


    It can be used to heal, to fight, to drink.


    ''Three birds with one stone,'' Myra muttered quietly.


    ''Is everything all right?''


    No problem. We can make it if we have to.


    Can you make it?


    Yes, I have a stewardess to see to it that this happens.


    It''s good to be prepared.


    It''s just a way to earn a little extra money.


    Myra said quickly.


    I was curious if it was hers or the Barony of Crawford''s, but I should probably keep quiet.


    I can''t bear it if they want me to use Tilia''s name again.


    ''''If you''re going to use the Elf''s Strange Medicine, then you''re not going to rob us of our supplies?


    I don''t see why not.


    ''This is still a former farmer, you know. I don''t like the idea of wasting food.


    "I can''t sacrifice my men''s lives for something I don''t even know if I can take.


    Okay.


    Kane cowered his shoulders in an exaggerated gesture.


    ''Anyway, we''ve got a certain amount of ingredients now. All we need to do now is boil it down.


    Tilia turned her gaze to Johnny.


    ''....Johnny.


    What is it?


    Thank you. Now, you must continue to return to duty.


    Yes, sir.


    Johnny raised his voice and turned on his heel.


    *


    The next day - the Imperial Army''s supply convoy lined up and proceeded down the road.


    Gaul hides in the shade of the grass and looks at them.


    The distance is close.


    It''s a stone''s throw away.


    They are bathed in mud and camouflaged with grass, but it''s not surprising if they are noticed.


    No, it''s more likely that they will notice us.


    If that happens, we''re done.


    We are a small army.


    We don''t even have fifty men, and we''re further divided into four squads.


    There are four hundred men against us.


    We''ll be swallowed up and killed for nothing.


    They will die for nothing.


    I volunteered for the suicide squad.


    I''m willing to die for my family.


    But I also want to live to return to my family.


    Death is horrible.


    But it''s even more terrifying to die in vain.


    Dying with nothing and leaving nothing behind.


    What could be more horrible?


    I wouldn''t have felt this way when I was so desperate for my father''s approval.


    Please, go quickly, Gaul said, looking at the supply team as if in prayer.


    The supply team stops moving.


    I wonder if they''ve noticed.


    Gaul''s hand gripped the hilt of his spear with all his strength.


    Now he could take the first move.


    If we do so, we can at least kill the enemy.


    You can meet a meaningful death.


    It was a sweet temptation.


    Just then, I heard a cracking sound.


    I looked next to him and saw my subordinate looking at me.


    A look of determination.


    Perhaps I would have the same eyes.


    But the moment I saw those eyes, Gaul had regained his composure.


    I''m an idiot, Gaul bit his lip.


    Is this a fight for me?


    No, this is not a fight for me.


    This is a fight for my family.


    I joined the rebellion for my family.


    Yes, for my family.


    He decided to fight even if it meant trampling on other families.


    Gaul shook his head from side to side.


    Is it because of the astonishment?


    His men opened their eyes wide and nodded quietly.


    Gaul looked ahead.


    The enemy supply team remained in motion.


    That''s when he finally realized that he had reached the area where the lead team had scattered the stones.


    He exhaled loosely.


    That''s when--.


    "This is Kane. We''re going to launch an attack.


    A voice rang out from the communication magic item attached to the basket hand.


    ''''I''ll round up after I fire a moderate amount of arrows. I''ll contact you then, but--''''


    I know, I know. I don''t want to go into it too much.


    Don''t die?


    You too.


    Gaul quietly waits for the moment.


    His mood was much easier than it was earlier.


    But the tension has not faded.


    The passage of time seems to be slowing down.


    Suddenly, the smell of burning irritated my nostrils.


    When I looked at the rear of the enemy supply team, I saw smoke rising.


    ''''It''s Kane. We''re attacking.''''


    I''m sure.


    Immediately after Gaul answered, the horses disappeared.


    A short time later, more than ten horsemen passed in front of him.


    They put the magic item for communication close to their mouths.


    ''''This is Gaul. More than ten of the enemy have moved backward.


    Copy that.


    Second, third, fourth team, smoke.


    "''Got it!


    A voice rang out from the magic item for communication, and a fire rose in the grass along the street.


    The flames quickly grew and the vision turned white.


    ''Alright!��Get up!


    As Gaul stood up, his men stood up in unison.


    ''Prepare the elves'' elixir!


    He stood to protect his subordinate and gave the order.


    The subordinate looked flustered and inserted a cloth into the jar containing the Elf''s Strange Medicine.


    That''s when.


    The enemy broke through the smoke and came towards us.


    It was a soldier with a spear at the ready.


    He seemed to have noticed our location because we shouted so loudly.


    ''You guys keep working!


    Gaul jumped out and raised his spear.


    The enemy soldiers slowed down.


    Do they know each other?


    No, no, it can''t be.


    No, no, no, even if they were acquaintances, what are they going to do?


    Are you trying to warm up our friendship?


    That''s ridiculous.


    It''s not that kind of situation right now.


    There is no choice but to kill him.


    That''s the path I''ve chosen.


    "Whoa!


    Gaul yelled and swung his spear down.


    The enemy soldiers look up at the sky.


    But that''s it.


    In the next moment, the spear had struck the enemy soldier in the face.


    The spear dug into the middle of his face.


    It''s a disgusting feeling.


    The enemy soldier had stopped moving in a posture that kept him looking up at the sky.


    One second passed, two seconds passed, and the enemy soldier went out of shape.


    Captain!


    Throw it!


    A subordinate throws the jar at the enemy supply team.


    A cracking sound is heard, and the white smoke turns light-colored.


    ''Geez!


    Fire!


    "Enemy attack!��Enemy attack!


    A voice rang out from behind the smoke.


    ''Keep going!''


    Ha!


    Gaul shouted, and his men raised their voices and threw the bottles in a continuous manner.


    Each time they did so, flames dyed the smoke and there was a scream and a shout.

 170 - Episode 18: The Decisive Battle, Back Part 8

    *


    In the evening - as Tilia was sitting in her chair, there was a kotk sound.


    She huffed and looked in the direction of the sound.


    Then, a cup was placed on the table.


    A cup was on the table.


    There was steam in the air.


    It''s also steam with a pungent smell.


    It''s Myra''s special fragrant tea (original blend).


    I look up at Myra who was standing beside me before I knew it.


    After a moment, she smiled.


    It''s a gentle smile.


    If she didn''t know her true nature, she would be mistaken.


    But Tilia knows her true nature.


    She''s not just a kind woman.


    She''s a brazen, selfish woman.


    I wish she would hide her true nature anyway.


    That way, you''ll have less heartache.


    She must have an agenda other than selling products bearing Tilia''s name.


    You don''t have to have a hunch every time you get a cup of incense tea brewed.


    Nevertheless, the incense tea is innocent, and the fact that it warms you up and helps you.


    ''''........go ahead.''''


    Yeah, I''m sorry.


    Myra whispered, and Tilia reached for her cup.


    Her hand trembled slightly.


    It''s not from the cold.


    It''s mental.


    She frowns and brings the cup to her mouth.


    I take a drink of the incense tea and exhale in a small breath.


    I meant to, but the exhale was louder than I thought it would be.


    I set the cup on the table and let out another sigh.


    ''The raid was a success, and that there was no damage done here.


    I know that.


    Tilia propped her cheekbones on the armrest for support.


    She received a report via a magic item for communication.


    A useful tool.


    There are some limitations.


    But the ability to communicate without a message is great.


    If a communication network could be stretched across the country, the military system of the empire would change dramatically.


    He thinks about this and smiles.


    In the Marquis'' mansion, the merchants were using magic items for ultra-long distance communication.


    This is essentially - this is how Crono wants to use it.


    Using it for war.


    It seems like a betrayal, and it''s kind of disgusting.


    ''''........Madam?''''


    I''m sorry. I zoned out.


    I shouldn''t," he said with a small shake of his head.


    ''I thought you might like to get some rest.


    I don''t think so.


    ''I understand your desire to welcome Master Kane and Master Gaul, but...''


    Myra said as she exhaled a sigh, and then punctuated her words there.


    Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.


    And -.


    ''Isn''t it self-satisfaction?''


    Ugg.


    Tilia grunted at the one word that was released.


    I think I have an understandable personality.


    She also thought it would be self-satisfying to greet the two of them.


    But when it is pointed out to me like this without reservation, I respond.


    No, was that ''pause'' reserved?


    If so, I wanted you to be more reserved.


    That''s right. It''s self-satisfaction. Is that bad?


    ''I think that''s pretty good. Self-gratification is important.


    When I said openly, I got a surprising answer.


    Hoho, I couldn''t help but let out a voice.


    Then Myra made a slightly miffed expression.


    I don''t think she''s really miffed.


    It''s probably an act or a fusillade to make the performance stand out.


    ''''Why did you let your voice leak out?''''


    I thought you were going to deny it.


    "With all due respect...


    No.


    "I''m afraid I come to you as a compassionate woman.


    Myra continued to speak.


    Even though she didn''t allow him to speak.


    ''I don''t remember allowing you to speak,''


    "Your wife is not your employer.


    Myra said simply.


    ''Then how come you and your wife...''


    The man who will be your wife sooner or later, I thought it would be good to remember him.


    Now that''s not exactly a good time to remember.


    You''re kidding.


    I''m serious.


    ''I believe your wife is a man who doesn''t get hung up on little things.


    Myra gave a small smile as Tyria asked back.


    The conversation was not engaging.


    ''I''ll stick to the little things,''


    You''re not suggesting that the future Empress...


    I learned from Crono. Oh, man, I''ve been yammering on about my military school days...


    Myra says in a theatrical tone, and Tilia feels fed up.


    Of course, it''s Crono''s persistence that''s disgusting.


    He doesn''t talk about it much these days, but it''s not like he''s forgotten about it.


    It''s a good idea to be careful when you''re not careful.


    We have to keep our guard up.


    When you feel that you are in the wrong, they will come at you with their mouths wide open.


    "Do you think the person in charge should have an open mind?


    There was a time when I thought the same thing.


    Tilia looked up at the ceiling.


    ''Do you see anything?''


    I see the ceiling.


    ''Anyway,'' said Tilia, straightening her residence.


    ''I''m all about the little things.


    ''Then I''ll tell the little boy that his wife will be nitpicking about the details.


    Do what you want.


    Then, whenever you want, say after cleaning or eating.


    It''s an impression!


    Tyria raised her voice.


    If she did that after cleaning and eating, people would think she was harassing the servants.


    They''ll think you''re a shady woman.


    ''Since you told me to do what I wanted,''


    I didn''t say you had to go that far.


    ''Ma''am, those who stand above you are careful of their words. There aren''t always those who try to trap you with their words.


    God, how dare you!


    Tilia grunted.


    The people who would catch the words and try to trap her are right in front of her.


    ''Gugnu, remember,''


    He''s never had a good memory these days.


    Then Myra held her temples.


    ''If you want to get even, do it sooner rather than later. It''s hard to be accused of something you don''t remember.''


    Kuh, Tilia grunted again.


    I''m not going to win with my mouth.


    I''m not sure I can win the battle either.


    I mean, there''s no way to beat it.


    He picked up the cup and gulped it down.


    Myra let out a small breath as she set the cup down on the table to slam it down.


    ''What now?''


    No, it''s not that big of a deal.


    I''m curious.


    ''I''m relieved that the shaking in her hands seemed to have stopped.


    Gulp, he moaned again.


    Myra had noticed that Tilia''s hands were trembling.


    Perhaps the reason for that too--.


    ''All this on purpose or something?''


    Well, I''m not sure.


    Myra closed her eyes and tilted her head slightly.


    ''Utterly troublesome woman.''


    That''s quite a lovely way to put it.


    Myra opened her eyes and giggled.


    ''Is she pretty?''


    Yes, very much.


    I asked, and Myra gave a small smile.


    She''s still as kind as ever.


    So why does it feel like she''s laughing at me with her nose?


    It''s obvious.


    It''s because of the earlier exchange.


    ''You could have softened the mood without raising your horns.


    You''re kidding.


    I''m serious.


    I didn''t mean to put a corner on it, sir.


    Oh, yeah. You don''t think--


    ''I''m not a natural, I''m a convicted criminal. I teased your wife based on my beliefs.


    What beliefs do you have?


    I ask without thinking.


    It''s on the condition that you win this battle, but Tilia is the next empress.


    You must have a great deal of conviction since you''re making fun of yourself like that.


    ''''It''s...''''


    What''s that?


    You know, I think you need to keep your relationships sharp.


    It''s not a belief. It''s a character thing.


    "My nature is twisted.


    It''s rather distorted, isn''t it?


    ''I''ve had a hard time because of your wife''s parents.


    It was decades ago.


    Of course.


    Myra threw out her chest.


    As he said, it''s only natural.


    It''s so imposing that I''m almost convinced of it.


    ''What''s natural?''


    "I''m the boy''s teacher, too.


    You''re too stubborn for your own good.


    No, that''s just the nature of the boy.


    You''re not making any sense.


    A good teacher and student are an influence on each other.


    Only positive influence on each other.


    Tilia poked her cheekbones and scowled.


    ''Looks like you''re getting back on track.


    You did.


    Hmmm, he sniffs.


    It''s annoying to be dancing around, but it makes me feel a lot better.


    ''The commander should be in peace.


    ''I would if I could, but it''s a matter of life and death,''


    A small exhale.


    It was Tyria who decided to attack the supply team and thought up the plan.


    People die in their own operations.


    If it''s the enemy, that''s okay.


    My men will die too.


    That''s just as it should be.


    This is because it is difficult to reduce the number of casualties to zero, even in a victorious battle.


    If our strategy was successful and some people died, that''s still bearable.


    It''s a despicable idea, but I can console myself.


    But what if it didn''t work?


    I couldn''t sleep because of the anxiety.


    I hate it.


    "Preparedness is....


    Tyria muttered, and Myra tilted her head in wonder.


    ''I did, but not enough, apparently.


    Isn''t that obvious?


    Tilia''s eyes widened lightly.


    She hadn''t expected to be affirmed.


    Did she feel upset?


    Myra looked at me with a sideways glance.


    ''''As for the period of civil war........''''


    Mmm, Tilia nodded and straightened her residence.


    It seemed like it would be better if she did.


    ''There was a time when I thought your husband was a demon,''


    Well, they called me a slaughterer.


    It''s been a long time coming, sir.


    Myra chuckled.


    ''Not now?''


    ''Yes, we''ve known each other a long time. Your husband is.....


    So Myra cut off the words.


    ''He was surprisingly normal.


    But he''s a hero for saving the Empire.


    Tilia countered.


    ''I thought being normal and being a hero went hand in hand.


    I don''t think I''m going to have it both ways but...


    They are called heroes because of their accomplishments.


    I even think it''s the opposite of ordinary.


    ''If there''s anything extraordinary about the Master, it''s that he is extraordinary...''


    And if there is?


    You used to laugh at that a lot.


    Is that it?


    ''Yes, it''s important. Because I had a feeling that even in a desperate situation, when your husband was laughing, he could manage.


    That''s the way it is.


    That''s just the way it is.


    Myra nodded with a divine look on her face.


    If you take it to the extreme, it must mean that mood is important.


    Mood - what an unreliable word.


    I even wonder if we can rely on such things.


    However, our predecessors survived a critical situation with their moods.


    I feel like I''m the one who got through the crisis, and I want to follow their example.


    At one point I thought I could handle it, but when I look back on it...


    Stop!��I don''t want to hear it!


    Tyria interrupted Myra''s words and covered her ears.


    She''s trying to follow in the footsteps of her predecessors.


    So why do I interrupt him?


    Suddenly, Myra looked at the door.


    ''''It seems that ... Gaul-sama and Kane-sama are here.


    Okay.


    Thank God, he pats his chest and corrects his residence.


    Myra looks satisfied.


    As I said, she''s a tricky one.


    But you can count on it.


    How many more debts will I owe you before the battle is over?


    No, he shakes his head in a small way.


    What''s the use of thinking that far ahead?


    What we should do now - yes, we should laugh.


    Right after Tilia smiled, the door opened.


    Johnny moves his hand near the Imperial camp - the Imperial Army''s encampment - and he moves his hand near it.


    He digs in the ground with a wooden stick with the tip cut at an angle.


    Digging, digging, digging, digging, digging incessantly.


    He doesn''t think about anything else.


    Something extra--.


    superfluous.


    And then I remembered the waterwheel.


    Waterwheels are wonderful.


    Of course, I am not a craftsman, so I don''t know the details of the structure of the waterwheel.


    The waterwheel is turned by the flow of the river, and the millstone moves by this and that.


    I only have a vague understanding of such things.


    I should have studied more.


    I began to feel that way when I started helping my master with his work.


    If it was just me, I''m sure I wouldn''t have felt anything.


    But there were other people to help, besides myself.


    Looking at those people, you realize how inferior you are.


    It''s hard to realize how inferior I am.


    It''s painful to not be useful.


    Even more painful is the fact that my mentor, who is always so strict with me, doesn''t have anything to say to me.


    I really feel that I am a bad guy.


    I was a vigilante in a crooked way.


    I had the opportunity to learn about organizational management and whatnot.


    Miss - aside from Kanan, Squire Robert has military experience.


    If I asked him to teach me, he would have taught me a lot of things.


    Even the structure of a waterwheel had an opportunity to be studied.


    This would be easier than running a watermill.


    All you have to do is study the structure in the waterwheel house.


    It''s the same with fighting.


    I was in an environment where I could learn.


    And yet I didn''t do anything about it.


    Lazy.


    Water wheels are great.


    She''s a hard worker, unlike herself.


    And they don''t think outside the box.


    They don''t go off the rails.


    He does his job without complaining.


    Suddenly, my vision blurred.


    It was the tears.


    Johnny wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.


    ''''Well when I''m reborn I want to be a waterwheel.''''


    What are you talking about?


    "-Oh!


    I turned around in surprise to see John looking at me.


    He has a look on his face as if he''s seen something painful.


    ''What is it?''


    It''s time for dinner.


    Dinner?


    John said somewhat annoyed, and Johnny looked around.


    Before he knew it, the sun had gone down.


    It seemed as if the crew working on it had changed.


    He was also terribly hungry.


    "I''m hungry--


    Ow, ow, ow.


    Water. I need water.


    Ha, you need a quick fix.


    I mean, godd*mn it, how could you let this happen...


    Johnny''s words were interrupted by a voice tinted with pain.


    He looked behind John.


    Then a mercenary on a stretcher passed by.


    It took something like ten seconds for it to pass by.


    I''m not a doctor, so I don''t know what condition he''s in.


    ''''........Looks bad.


    Huh?��John raised his voice and looked behind him.


    No one was there, but he nodded a few times, as if he''d guessed.


    ''Well, you won''t make it,''


    Unless you have some kind of divine ability.


    I can''t let a divine master heal me, even if he''s there.


    John scowled.


    He was right.


    Using the Divine Majesty Technique, he could save even the dying.


    But there is a risk.


    Overuse it, and the magician is in danger.


    It should be used to reverse the war situation.


    There is no way it can be used for mercenaries gathered with money - vagrants.


    However, that was no different for John, a common soldier.


    The reason he frowned must have been partly out of frustration at his situation.


    I''m not going to be able to say a word about it. Let''s have dinner.


    Okay.


    Johnny nodded and got out of the moat.


    ''You''re being honest today,''


    I''m hungry.


    Oh, yeah.


    John scratched his head awkwardly.


    ''What''s going on?''


    See for yourself.


    John starts to walk away and Johnny hurriedly follows him.


    He looked around as he followed.


    The Imperial encampment was in a terrible state.


    There were wounded everywhere, as if it had become a battlefield.


    There were some who were quietly looking up at the sky--.


    ''''Ouch!��Ouch!


    ''Mom!��Mom!


    Oh, my arm, my arm, my arm...


    What is the matter with you?


    Some are screaming in extreme pain, others continue to mumble and mutter like they are broken.


    In terms of ratio, there are more people who are screaming than those who are screaming.


    It''s not unreasonable.


    They are amateurs - it''s natural for this to happen.


    John enters the same tent as yesterday.


    He stops in front of an empty seat.


    ''Wait here,''


    Okay.


    As Johnny took his seat, John turned on his heel and walked out of the tent.


    I look around.


    There are several people in the group, just like yesterday.


    The faces - I have a feeling that there are glimpses of familiar faces.


    However, I''m not sure if I really recognize them just because I feel like it.


    Anyway, it''s easier than yesterday, mentally.


    It is because I know that I am not alienated.


    In a daze--


    "Hey, I''m sorry to keep you waiting.


    I''m not waiting that long.


    John put the tray down in front of Johnny and took a seat facing him.


    ''Food, meh--!


    Johnny picked up the spoon and gasped.


    The soup was the same salt soup as yesterday.


    The bread is the same as yesterday.


    He scooped up the soup with the spoon, hoping for a sliver of hope.


    There were pieces of what looked like vegetables.


    What''s this all about?


    You see?


    That''s not enough to know!


    Quiet, you idiot.


    Okay....


    John said in a low voice, and Johnny took the salt soup to his mouth.


    Salty.


    It must taste like tears.


    ''What''s going on?''


    I heard the supply convoy was attacked by the enemy and 40 percent of the supplies were burned to the ground.


    No, no, no, no.


    Johnny hung a paragraph and remembered that he was supposed to attack the supply team there.


    Or rather, he was the one who had passed on the information.


    In other words, this was self-inflicted.


    It was still painful.


    Why do I have to go through this?


    It''s not good," he said, shaking his head a little.


    I''m going to have to blame myself no matter how I do.


    I''m going in circles.


    Johnny looked up and put down his spoon.


    He pulls out his dagger and smashes the bread with the handle head and puts it in the soup.


    ''How did this happen?''


    There are a few possibilities, but what''s certain is that the enemy is behind us, too.


    John drew his dagger and slapped the bread with the gun.


    He put the crushed bread into the soup and sheathed the dagger.


    ''Behind you?''


    What the hell are they doing upstairs?


    John said as he spat.


    I know how you feel.


    We''re working well ourselves.


    Nevertheless, things are getting worse.


    It''s natural to want to complain a bit or two.


    But he reminds me of my days as a vigilante and makes me feel bad.


    I was even dumber then than I am now.


    I was looking outside for the source of my sense of entrapment.


    Maybe if it wasn''t for the Imperial Army, I would have directed my anger at the Roux or the Lords.


    Even though the lords had been preparing for a bad harvest since peacetime and were searching for the state of the imperial capital.


    Even the Roux tribe - well, they weren''t a bad bunch if you went along with them.


    It was awful when they were training, Johnny licked his spoon.


    ''But still,'' said John, leaning forward.


    ''How are you doing?


    What?


    It stinks. It stinks. Some people are losing their appetite over this smell.


    Do you smell that?


    Johnny looked up and twitched his nose.


    If you ask me, I can smell a faint stench.


    This smell--''


    ''It smells like offal.''


    Don''t say it, it''s disgusting.


    John''s voice trailed off slightly.


    Immediately after, I hear an ugh.


    He looked around.


    Then there was a soldier holding his mouth.


    How delicate.


    Johnny brings a spoonful of softened bread to his mouth.


    ''Surprisingly, you''re going under the shura?


    My parents are farmers. So, yeah, well, I guess...


    Johnny minced no words.


    In fact, he was a farmer, and he was used to dismantling livestock.


    Besides, in the Areos Mountains, he had to dismantle the beasts he hunted himself.


    He couldn''t say that the smell of the offal was disgusting.


    If he didn''t dismantle them, he wouldn''t be able to eat them, and the Roux would take them away from him.


    In hindsight, I feel like that taught me a lot about boldness and knowledge of living things.


    I thought he was harassing me, but he''s a master.


    There is no waste in what he does.


    Aside from myself, I won''t deny the subtlety of the pestering soldier.


    Death is something to be feared, and life is precious.


    If you don''t take that for granted, you won''t be able to escape death.


    Is that so?


    John exhaled as if to say he was relieved.


    ''Would it matter if I had gone under the shura?''


    It''s not cool to have a guy who has more experience in the trenches than I do, you know?


    Is that enough?


    That''s about it.


    With that, John brought the soup to his mouth.


    ''Speaking of which, it''s quiet today, isn''t it?


    Yeah, I heard something about a truce until tomorrow evening.


    Why?


    "Sir Roy has negotiated with you.


    I''m glad you agreed to the deal.


    My brother - I feel like Crono has no advantage.


    Thinking about that, I realize something.


    ''''Ah, they''re trying to deplete our supplies over here, aren''t they?


    Of course you do.


    Oh, no, no, no, John stirred the soup with his spoon.


    ''The top brass can''t be relied upon, and the rebel commander is a smart guy.


    I''m going to be asked.


    Like I said, I don''t mind.


    Do you have any good news for me?


    Johnny brought the softened bread to his mouth.


    It was salty, but delicious.


    I wonder if his body craves salt.


    But if possible, I''d like to drink a filling soup.


    ''I should have brought some dried meat for this.


    ''I have.''


    Do you have one?


    You''re being too loud!


    So, what''s the story?


    Johnny leaned forward.


    ''The mercenaries have been wiped out.


    ...Are you sure?


    He asked back.


    I should have gotten 10,000, but I was wiped out while I was digging myself out of the ground.


    It''s tempting to ask back.


    "What''s the good news about that?


    Less food to be fought and less military cavalry to be fought.


    Is that it?


    Johnny scooped up a spoonful of soup.


    ''That''s spicy to say,''


    What do you got for me?


    He drinks the soup and lets out a sigh.


    ''''Oh, and I also heard something about Baron Bowties being a prisoner of war, or something about him commandeering supplies in the imperial capital.


    Where did you hear that?


    That''s because I know the soldiers and the survivors of the supply convoy.


    Yeah?


    It would be better to report this as well.


    ''''I don''t care about Baron Bowties, but are you commandeering him in the imperial capital?


    I know how you feel. d*mn, those rebels must be eating good food.


    John said enviously.

 171 - Episode 18: The Decisive Battle, Back Part 9

    *


    Early in the morning, Johnny digs in the ground with a pointed wooden stick.


    He digs and digs, and the hole is now as deep as his thighs.


    It was deeply satisfying to see the hole in the ground.


    I used to hate this kind of work, but now I don''t feel so bad about it.


    Now, however, it is not a bad feeling.


    Maybe it''s the satisfaction.


    I feel like I''m good at this kind of work.


    Come to think of it, Johnny''s family has been involved in pioneering and farming since his grandparents'' generation.


    It was in his blood.


    It was no surprise that he was suited to the steady work of farming.


    He smiles at the thought.


    I wouldn''t have been able to think like this in the past.


    I would have been repulsed.


    Ironic, I think.


    I''ve come to the point of no return, and I''ve come to accept the things I used to hate.


    I miss the days when I worked as a vigilante in the Barony of Ekron.


    I''m a different person now than I was then.


    But I don''t regret it.


    No, I should say that I am convinced.


    I chose to be the way I am now.


    It''s a little better than a life with no choice.


    Johnny tightened his grip on the wooden stick.


    At that moment, a gurgling sound could be heard.


    It was a grumbling stomach bug.


    No wonder.


    Last night''s meal was crappy, and I haven''t eaten anything since I woke up today.


    Maybe it was because he hadn''t eaten breakfast, or maybe it was the lack of breakfast that made him feel lightheaded.


    But Johnny moves his hands.


    The soldiers around him are doing the same.


    If I rest my hands, they''ll be suspicious.


    Sometimes I forget that I''m not an Imperial soldier.


    I keep digging, digging, digging on the ground - and my stomach bug gurgles again.


    He rested his hand and tapped his stomach with the palm of his hand.


    ''I''m being quiet. Even your master is hungry.


    Your master is Johnny.


    He demands that his own stomach endure his own, so he demands that you endure it too.


    I think I''m being foolish.


    Perhaps your master will look at you like you''re a bug.


    To be honest, it''s hard to be looked at like that.


    I''m not that hard to hit.


    But even if my master is looking at me like that, I can''t stop him.


    This is an important - a ritual to build up tension.


    Tension is important.


    When the tension is high, you can move in a pessimistic situation.


    But if it''s low, you won''t be able to move in a less pessimistic situation.


    It''s important to raise it consciously.


    Especially--.


    ''Ouch, ouch.''


    ''d*mn, the burn is twitching and my leg is...''


    ''Good luck. You''ll be able to see a doctor when you get back to the Imperial City.


    ''''Really? Aren''t you going to be thrown out like those people who were injured in the construction of the mausoleum?


    An injured man passes in front of Johnny.


    Some have been burned.


    Some have no arms or legs.


    It''s like a bunch of ghosts.


    After all, it''s important to consciously raise the tension.


    Especially when you are in a situation like this - when you are in a situation where it is easy to feel down.


    I suddenly realize something.


    The wounded are bowing in front of a certain person.


    It''s a man in a white military uniform.


    Roy Akbens, the leader of the Fourth Kingsguard.


    Can you kill him from this distance?


    Gently reaching for the dagger...


    "Hey, what are you waiting for?


    "-Oh!


    John sat down to block the view.


    ''Oh, I hope you don''t startle me!


    You''d be hard pressed to find a way around that, wouldn''t you?


    Yeah, that''s true, but...


    John said, miffed, and Johnny interrupted him.


    ''So what were you looking at?''


    I didn''t see anything.


    Bullshit. You were looking at Roy.


    Then don''t ask me about it.


    Well, I know how you feel. You look like a man who''s had a full meal.


    Tsk, John clicked his tongue uncomfortably.


    Apparently he thought it was convenient for him.


    It''s not good that people think he was trying to kill them.


    We should go with this trend.


    ''I''m jealous that you have a full belly.


    He''s a nobleman. They eat a lot of soup with meat in it.


    ....


    Johnny fell silent.


    He probably should have replied, "I''m jealous of the soup with meat, ssss," he said.


    But the words didn''t come out.


    Instead, a hazy feeling came up.


    ''I feel kind of miserable.


    Johnny muttered in a shaky voice.


    Soup with meat was not something to envy.


    He ate it at his parents'' house and at Baron Crawford''s mansion with a fair amount of frequency.


    He also knew of a good and cheap restaurant in the Imperial City.


    Even in the Areos Mountains, he could eat meat.


    Despite that, he still envied the soup with meat.


    And with all my heart.


    ''''It''s ... spicy.''''


    Johnny turned over and muttered to himself.


    Instantly, he was shaken back.


    It was so intense that he was forced to raise the tension.


    My vision blurred with tears.


    Why is he doing this - digging in the ground with a wooden stick, like a punishment?


    And on an empty stomach.


    It''s hard. It''s too hard.


    I want to go home.


    Why are you crying?


    I''m hungry.


    No choice.


    John raggedly scratched his head and took a stick-shaped object from his pocket.


    He grabbed both ends and folded them, then held one out to him.


    Johnny took it silently and stared at the stick sullenly.


    You want me to chew on a wooden stick to stave off hunger? ''It''s like a famine.''


    Dumbass, cell phone food.


    Is this the food?


    Yeah, it''s flour and salt mixed with water and baked.


    "Thank you.


    Johnny tried to bite at it, but he couldn''t.


    John grabbed his wrist.


    ''What?''��Is it possible that it''s gold?


    No. This one''s really hard. A beastman might break his teeth, but a human would.


    What''s the food?


    Johnny stared at the portable food.


    ''So I''m going to break it into little pieces and put it in my mouth to soften it up and eat it.


    It''s like the bread we had for dinner.


    It''s not as good as it looks.


    John frowned.


    I don''t think it''s a good idea to give them that kind of thing.


    I have a feeling that he''s trying to give it to you because he''s having trouble getting rid of it.


    But food is food, even if it''s like this.


    Because it is made from wheat, you won''t get sick.


    It''s still a bit big.


    Johnny grabbed both ends and tried to break it, but he couldn''t quite break it because it was too short.


    He has no choice but to pull out the dagger, make a cut and break it in two.


    You can compare the two and take a bite of the slightly smaller one.


    "Is it good?


    That''s sweet.


    It smells like bread, but I''m not sure if it tastes good.


    ''Well, if you put it in your mouth, the saliva will soften it up and make it edible.


    Now I''m thirsty.


    I can''t take care of that much.


    John laughed and stared at the hole sullenly.


    ''You did a good job of digging it, then.


    Is that so?��Isn''t everyone like this?


    Johnny looked around.


    Around him, Imperial soldiers were digging in the ground with sticks.


    I don''t know how deep they are actually digging, but it looks like they are digging just as much.


    By the way, not a single one of them looked like they were about to cry.


    After all, this is not the case with the real soldiers.


    I was ashamed of myself for almost crying out of hunger.


    "I''m impressed that you dug so far with just a wooden stick. I''m impressed.


    No, I''m not much different from the others.


    No, no, seriously, you''re the one who digs the deepest.


    No, I''m embarrassed to hear you say that.


    Johnny scratched his head.


    He tried to be humble, but he didn''t feel bad about being praised.


    It really made him feel like he was digging the deepest.


    But I had a bad feeling.


    A bitterness spreads in my mouth and I naturally frown.


    ''What a face!''


    I have a bad feeling about this.


    Oh, come on, don''t be ridiculous.


    Nothing?


    Oh, I just have good news--and don''t frown on it.


    I don''t know that I''ve ever heard anyone say that to me and it wasn''t good news.


    My mentor would make me do outrageous things by telling me they were good and fun.


    One particularly memorable moment was when he told me he was going to make me lose my virginity.


    I followed him and found a line of blindfolded bandits lined up.


    It was a terrible experience.


    Why did I trust my master after all the pain I had suffered so much?


    It was obvious. It was because he was a complete and utter moron.


    There is no doubt that I''m still a stupidity.


    But unlike in the past, I learned to doubt.


    The bottom has been found.


    I think I''m a more sane person now.


    ''What kind of life are you living, farmer?


    I''m not a farmer now.


    Johnny was miffed and said back.


    ''Don''t give me that look,''


    He has this look on his face. So, what''s the good news?


    What, you''re interested in that?


    I''m not saying I''m not interested. I just have a bad feeling about it.


    Well, your hunch is not so good. You''ll be happy to hear that. The tools for digging a hole-- Not this again.


    You can''t help but frown.


    Johnny tightened his grip on the wooden stick.


    ''If you could have prepared it, I wish you would have prepared it from the beginning. Then you wouldn''t have had to do something like this punishment.


    I feel the same way.


    John made a reluctant face.


    What a cringe.


    I still have a bad feeling about this.


    If I''m honest, I don''t want to ask why--''


    ''Is there anything more?''


    I told you yesterday.��I heard they''re commandeering supplies in the Imperial City.


    ''Yeah, we talked about that too. What''s wrong with that?


    We''re gonna have to commandeer the tools to dig a hole.


    What about it?


    Yeah, so are you.


    When Johnny asked again, John let out a deep sigh.


    It was similar to his master''s reaction when he said something pompous.


    ''Did I just say something weird?''


    The thought of not having the tools to dig a hole without requisitioning it makes me pessimistic, usually.


    Well, that''s good to know.


    It''s like you''re somebody else''s problem.


    Hi, I''m not a stranger to this!��Parties!


    ''Oh, no, sorry, it was a figure of speech. But yeah, I know. When you''re your age, you don''t even think about it. You know your age when you talk to a young man.


    John said with a sigh.


    I was thrilled when he told me it was like someone else''s problem, but he seemed to agree with me.


    I shouldn''t. I have to be a little more careful.


    But how should I be careful?


    I thought about it, but I couldn''t find an answer.


    ''''Well it''s finally time for the real battle to begin.


    The truce ends this evening, you know.


    God, I hate it when my people kill each other.


    Yeah.


    John said disgustedly, and Johnny nodded.


    But we don''t feel like we''re related to each other.


    I have a stronger sense of being a person from the southern frontier than I do of being an imperialist.


    Of course, we were not educated that way.


    My parents and grandparents, strangely enough, given their historical background, did not speak of their dissatisfaction with the Empire.


    But once they found out about the historical background and the cold treatment they were receiving from the center, they were no better.


    A kind of hostility would develop.


    That feeling has lessened compared to a time, but it hasn''t gone away.


    "Couldn''t you have done better?


    That''s why it''s like this.


    Johnny muttered, and John spat.


    *


    Night - Tilia leans back in her chair and lets out a deep sigh.


    Gently the cup is placed on the table.


    A pungent smell irritates her nasal passages.


    It''s the smell of Myra''s special fragrant tea (the original blend).


    I slowly move my eyes.


    Then Myra is standing next to me.


    When did she arrive?


    The question arises, but is it useless to think about it?


    ''Come in, ma''am.''


    Thank you.


    Tilia thanked him and picked up the cup.


    She supported it with both hands and exhaled with a huff.


    ''Thank you for the strategy meeting,''


    This isn''t something you should be worried about. It''s just a rework of the last mission.


    Tilia brought the cup to her mouth.


    The smell is harsh and it hurts her eyes.


    She hesitates a bit and sips the cup and drinks the incense tea.


    The incense tea passes through the esophagus and reaches the stomach.


    The effect was immediate.


    Heat slowly spreads from inside the body.


    The first time it was served to me, I was surprised, but once I got used to it, it wasn''t bad.


    Well, it takes a lot of courage to put my mouth on it.


    Quietly, I set the cup down and stare at the communication magic item on the table.


    ''If you need anything, Robert will report back to me.


    ''I may have heard this before, but--''


    What is it?


    You haven''t used any of those dangerous weeds, have you?


    Why would you do that?


    Myra tilted her head curiously.


    The gesture seemed strangely theatrical and unsettling.


    ''It''s a habitual taste, you know. ''Just in case.''


    We don''t use any grass that would interfere with the process.


    ''I see. But the word ''grass'' makes me subtly uneasy.


    If you want to use a different word, how about a leaf?


    That makes me even more nervous.


    The conversation was cut short.


    Tilia let out a small sigh and propped her cheekbones on the armrest for support.


    ''I''m tired.''


    I whispered to myself and pressed my mouth down in a hurry.


    I wonder if I''m loosening up.


    ''Ma''am, please make yourself comfortable in front of me.


    If a predator relaxes in front of a predator, it will die.


    ''I am sorry. The allegory is too broad for a lowly person to understand what you are saying, Mistress.


    That''s the kind of place you''re talking about.


    Hmph, Tilia sniffed and blinked.


    ''Wouldn''t it be better for you to get an early night''s rest today?''


    It''s only just getting darker.


    The sun has set, which means it is nighttime. I don''t think it''s a problem to rest. Besides, the price of oil has been rising recently.


    Myra turned over slightly and held her eyes.


    Tyria let her gaze wander.


    A white light illuminated the surroundings.


    It''s the light from a magic item for lighting.


    No oil was used.


    ''''Are you acting like you''re crying by any chance?


    Yo-yo, that''s right. By the way, "yo" is a word used to describe a crying voice.


    Could it be that you''re making fun of me?


    No, that was never my intention.


    What''s the point, then?


    I''m just teasing you. What''s up?


    You''re the worst!


    Tilia shouted aloud.


    ''I tried to describe the impoverishment of the early days of the frontier.


    Gulp, Tilia moaned.


    Weak to be told that she was living a hard life.


    I can''t think of any words to refute it.


    That''s probably why Myra is citing it, though.


    ''So, what will you do?''


    I''ll be awake for a bit longer.


    You said so last night. You were up late again last night, weren''t you?


    We had to have a plan, you know?


    Last night, he heard reports of a commandeering of supplies in the imperial capital and formulated a plan for the raid.


    He thought that the same method as last time would be dealt with, so he tried to come up with a new idea somehow.


    But the new idea didn''t spark, and the same strategy as before was used.


    Scatter stones on the streets to stop them, and fight them with smoke to block their view.


    If only I could come up with a good idea now--''


    ''''Madam, ideas don''t just come to you if you take the time to come up with them.


    I''m aware of that, though.


    I hope you know what you''re doing, sir.


    Myra said with a sigh.


    As far as she was concerned, Tilia didn''t understand.


    She is fixated on the possibility of coming up with a new idea.


    ''We are godless. We have no choice but to take advantage of what we have and adopt the most winnable plan.''


    Because I am an ungodly man.


    Tilia muttered.


    ''I know there''s no point in asking for something that isn''t there. But I''m worried that we''re really doing our best. I can''t face my men if I fail to leave room for them to try.


    It''s karma.


    Yeah, I know.


    Tilia nodded and suddenly her mouth relaxed.


    Totally disgusting.


    I thought I was being vigilant, but I''m revealing my feelings.


    Are you really so tired?


    Or is this the skill of an experienced maid?


    ''''Speaking of which, how''s the situation in the Imperial City?''''


    We''ve been commandeering supplies.


    It''s a stupid question.


    We''re in a situation where we can''t even get supplies.


    With a little thought, you should have realized that the situation is not favorable.


    Should we accept Myra''s advice and rest early?


    Then--


    This is Robert. This is an emergency report.


    What?


    A voice rang out from the communication magic item and Tyria straightened her residence.


    ''''Baron Bowties has been killed.''''


    What did you say?


    "Baron Bowties has been murdered.


    When I asked him back, Robert replied in the same tone as before.


    ''Are you sure?''


    ''Yes, sir, we''ve seen it on multiple routes. He was beaten to death by wounded soldiers.


    Okay.


    Myra shook her head as Tyria turned her gaze to look at him.


    She thought she had sent her, but apparently that wasn''t the case.


    What in the world had happened?


    ''''Do you want to find out?''''


    Yeah, let me check.


    Tyria answered after a pause.


    I don''t expect it to be easy to find out, and it''s possible that it''s just a coincidence.


    But I don''t want to do nothing but get my foot in the door.


    ''''I''ll report the results of my investigation tomorrow night.''''


    Oh, come on.


    "Yes, sir. Then we are done with the transmission.


    Tyria sticks her cheekbones in the air and thinks about the plan for the attack.


    Will there be a supply run even though Baron Bowties has been killed?


    She thinks about that and shakes her head in a small way.


    It''s no use thinking about whether the supply will be made.


    The only thing to think about is what to do when the replenishment takes place.


    ''Okay,'' said Tyria as she sat up.


    ''Kane, Gaul, do you hear me?


    I''m listening.


    Yes, I''m here.


    When I called out to the magic item for communication, there was an immediate response.


    It''s natural because it''s not made to be able to talk to any other person.


    The conversation I just had was heard by everyone holding the device.


    ''''We''re changing our policy on the raid on the supply team.


    I take it that this is an unchanged operation?


    Yes.


    I answer Gaul''s question.


    ''How would you change it?''


    More discreetly.


    ''Doesn''t that defeat the purpose of the raid?


    Answering Kane''s question, Gaul interjected with a question.


    ''''Don''t get your priorities wrong. Our goal is to take back the throne from the false emperor Alfort.''''


    "Yes, sir.


    Gaul nodded honestly.


    ''I don''t have any other questions.''


    ....


    I ask, but they are silent.


    ''Then the temporary strategy meeting is over. Rest well, both of you.


    Copy that.


    "Yes, sir.


    Their voices echoed and Myra gently draped a thick cloth over the communication magic item.


    ''Then we won''t be able to hear you, will we?


    ''I can hear you, ma''am, please go to bed.


    But...


    I''m going to ask you to have a good night.


    All right. We don''t want you to get sick again, do we?


    Thank you for your understanding.


    I knew I wouldn''t be able to sleep until morning anyway, but Tilia fell asleep as soon as she got into bed.


    My brother!��Oh my God!


    Cecily jumped into her brother''s tent.


    The tent was set up at a distance from the North-South Highway that connects the Empire to the Free City State cluster.


    To be honest, I''d rather stay at the inn, but from the Empire''s point of view, Cecily and the others are rebels.


    Even lords who seem friendly cannot be trusted.


    My brother was sitting at the table and seemed to be writing something.


    ''Brother!''


    What is it, Cecily?


    When I raised my voice again, my brother finally looked at me.


    There had been a bit of a gap in his mind for a while now, but that feeling was strengthened by our actions together.


    I respect his equestrian skills - but.


    ''''I received a report from the watchdog. I heard that a fast horse has rushed in from the Imperial Capital area.''''


    Which way are you headed?


    You mentioned the north.


    ''I see, Master Ralph is going to ask for help from the Duke of Palatium, isn''t he?


    ''''- - Oh!��Then we have to go after it!


    You wait.


    Cecily gasped and turned on her heel. Then her brother called out to her.


    ''Why?''


    ''Because my people aren''t bone-dark enough to end up with just a report.


    Cecily turned and shouted, and her brother let out a sigh.


    His cheeks burned.


    He felt as if he had been called bonkers.


    He repeated a deep breath to calm himself down.


    ''So you can catch Hayama, then?


    That''s not going to happen.


    My brother!


    Cecily shouted, but her brother had no idea where she was going.


    It''s been a long time since we left the Count of Caddo. My lady is in exhaustion mode. It''s not just the same for my men and your loved ones. In contrast, the other side is in high spirits.


    So what do we do now?


    So, what do we do now?


    My brother!


    Cecily shouted and stepped on the ground on the spot.


    I don''t understand how they can stay calm at a time like this.


    If the imperial army loses, they will be done for, too.


    ''''Do you think the Duke of Palatium will send out reinforcements?''''


    I''m sure they''d offer you reinforcements if you asked for help.


    After all these years of neutrality?


    It''s...


    Cecily clammed up.


    The Duke of Palatium didn''t respond to our request because he didn''t want to stand in the wind of the new nobility.


    However, he also kept his distance from Alfort.


    ''''Normally, I think it''s unlikely that Duke Palatium will send out reinforcements.


    I suppose it''s not so lucky for us?


    ''''No, it''s unfortunate for us. If he doesn''t move, Leonhard-dono won''t be able to move the imperial capital. No, no, I should say that we won''t be able to read Lord Leonhardt''s actions.


    Of course.


    Cecily nodded.


    Leonhardt is in the way of a separate force led by Princess Tilia to defeat the false emperor Alfort.


    It would be best if he remained neutral, but if he believed that and was ruined, he wouldn''t be able to see it.


    ''''Then what do we do?''''


    ''It was a fortuitous thing for us that Lord Ralph asked the Duke of Palatium for help.


    Then my brother straightened up.


    ''I''m going to write a letter to the Duke of Palatium now. Would you be willing to help me?


    What do you need help with?


    ''Just think of the text of the letter to be sent to the Duke of Palatium. The content could be something along the lines of a promise of honorable treatment if you cooperate with Princess Tilia.


    I understand. By the way, what do we do when the Duke of Palatium sends out reinforcements?


    I''ll have the neighboring lords buy us some time. What? I don''t need them to fight for me. We''ll buy ourselves a lot of time just by having them check our bags.


    Cecily began to think about the sentence with admiration.

 172 - Episode 18: The Decisive Battle, Back Part 10

    *


    The white light characteristic of magic items illuminates the tunnels and the men who work there.


    The five men are silently wielding a pickaxe.


    Of course, they don''t just wield the pickaxe.


    The men do more than just swing a pickaxe; they also remove the earth from the surface and reinforce the tunnels with lumber.


    This is how they are digging the tunnels.


    It''s hot," Robert muttered to himself and wiped the sweat off his hands.


    It was hot, humid, smelly, and stifling in the tunnels.


    He used a bellows to keep the air from going sour, but he wasn''t sure how effective it was.


    It would be much easier if I could use my divine magic - but I''m not sure.


    A parachute sound is heard and my men stop moving.


    It''s the sound of soil falling.


    More sounds are heard--.


    "O Mother God of Yellow Earth and Fertility.


    Robert touched the walls of the mine and prayed to God.


    He increased the strength of the mine with divine magic.


    The effect was immediate.


    The sound stopped and his men let out a breath of relief.


    ''I thought you were going to be buried alive.


    Don''t worry about that.


    Robert is a divine wizard of the Mother Goddess, the ochre and fertility controller.


    He can not only prevent the mine from collapsing, but he can also take his men with him if he''s buried alive.


    As long as they remain conscious, that is.


    But it''s not a good idea to let the tunnel collapse. I''ll reinforce it at shorter intervals.


    Well, no, no, I''ll go tell the guys out there.


    One of my men comes forward.


    He is a young man with an innocent face.


    In fact, he is the youngest of the five.


    ''''Yes. No, wait.


    Robert nodded and stopped the young man who was about to leave with the leftover dirt.


    He reached for his porch.


    It would be easy to contact the outside world with the magic item for communication - but.


    ''No, go.''


    ''''- - Oh!��I understand.


    Robert gave permission, and his men headed out with a mindlessly light step.


    Two or three minutes passed--


    ''Kindly,''


    Don''t say that. He''s the youngest. You have to take care of him, or he''ll fall down.


    Look out for us, too.


    Okay. Let''s take a pause until he comes back.


    "Heh, thank you very much.


    My men rested their hands.


    They sat there or leaned against a pickaxe and started talking.


    ''But then again, I wonder if tunnel tactics are really being used.


    I know it''s not your day job, but it''s too hard.


    ''I thought I could dig a little easier...''


    Can''t we just use the divine art of digging?


    Robert chuckled as one of his subordinates gave him an expectant look.


    ''''I don''t want the Imperial City''s Divine Majesty Magician to detect it, you know.


    Can a divine warrior go to such lengths?


    Of course.


    Robert nodded.


    But no one should be paying attention to him.


    About a week ago, the imperial army used a massive divine threat technique.


    If you are a divine Majesty Artist, you will turn your attention to that.


    However, things are not absolute.


    You should pay as much attention as possible.


    ''''After digging all the way to this point, is this method correct?''''


    I don''t know.


    Robert answered his subordinate''s question after a short pause.


    ''I don''t know, Captain Robert,''


    I don''t blame you.


    His subordinate says in a pathetic voice, and Robert returns it with a bit of miffedness.


    He studied agriculture in the Imperial City''s ''Yellow Earth Temple'' and has military experience.


    He has also been involved in the management of the territory as a family commander of the Baron Ekron family.


    But...


    I''ve never dug tunnels before.


    " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " "


    Robert muttered, and his men gasped.


    They looked around, looking around with their own initiative.


    ''Duh, it''s all right, right?''


    She''s going in the right direction. She''ll figure it out.


    ''I thought it was weird.


    The subordinate grunted.


    No wonder you think so.


    Every time there''s a problem, work is stopped and two tunnels have collapsed.


    This is the only place where it''s safe.


    If only someone with more experience had been there to help, the digging would have gone more smoothly," he said.


    It''s a rather large group, though.


    Don''t say that.


    I know.


    His men chuckled.


    The reason why no one has any experience digging tunnels on the southern frontier is because the Roux were in the Areos Mountains.


    It''s not easy, but we can''t survey resources in enemy territory.


    But we can''t search for resources in enemy territory any more.


    The Areos Mountains are treated as an autonomous region of the Roux, although they are no longer in enemy territory.


    They won''t kill you without question, but it''s not a place you can casually drop in on.


    Furthermore, the lords of the southern frontier, including Canaan, are too cautious.


    They plan to gradually increase their interactions and eventually conduct a joint resource survey.


    I don''t disagree with Robert.


    No, there are times when we feel that our methods are too circuitous.


    But we were at odds with each other.


    With that in mind, there is no such thing as being too careful.


    "But it''s still barbaric--


    Roux.


    ''Times have changed, haven''t they, that we have to care about the Roux?


    Robert corrected him, and his men restated.


    ''When we were kids, we were disciplined that the bad boys would be kidnapped by the Roux.


    ""Oh,"


    When one of his men said this, the other faces raised their voices.


    It would be a reaction that only someone from the southern frontier could have.


    Robert remembers it too.


    ''And yet I never thought I''d see the day when I''d fall in love with you.


    Infatuation?


    He''s one of Lord Gaul''s men.


    Robert parroted, and his man said in a disgusted tone.


    ''Normally he''s a twat, but when it''s just the two of us, he spoils me, or he''s having a baby, or, well, you know. Totally, why do I have to listen to him talk about his love life?


    The last part of his tone was a blur.


    He was not happy, but his men seemed to be doing well.


    ''I can''t wait to get married too,''


    I thought they''d cackle at me when I became a soldier.


    Fool, he can see right through you.


    I don''t care who you are, as long as you like me.


    Everyone seems to have a surprisingly strong desire to get married.


    Speaking of surprising--


    There''s a lot of socializing going on here.


    No Captain Robert?


    "I have a certain amount of contact with Lord Gaul, but...


    Robert slurred his words.


    As someone who knows his suffering, I simply don''t envy him.


    Frankly, I can''t encourage my men to marry a Roux man, either.


    I want to help them as much as I can, but I can see the hardships they will face.


    ''It would have been better if the times were a little more peaceful.


    Well yes.


    A subordinate muttered and Robert agreed.


    Gaul is trying to use this battle to carve out a future for his children.


    Will it be the right thing to do?


    I don''t know.


    But I do hope that his determination will be rewarded.


    ''''We''ll have to work hard.


    Yes, because I''m sick and tired of hearing love stories again.


    Robert muttered, and his men gave a small smile.


    ''Report. There''s movement in the Imperial supply corps.''''


    A muffled voice echoed in the mine.


    It''s the voice of a subordinate who is monitoring the movements of the Imperial Guard.


    Robert pulls a communication magic item from his pouch and holds it close to his mouth.


    ''This is Robert. What are your movements?


    "The vast majority of them are dead bodies.


    A body?


    Yes, a wounded soldier who was brought in yesterday.


    A spiteful voice echoes.


    Robert feels the same way.


    Even though he was discharged from the army many years ago, he was an Imperial soldier.


    I can''t say it, but I have my own thoughts on the matter.


    ''''Also, five cavalrymen have headed west.''''


    Okay.


    Robert responded briefly and coughed lightly.


    ''Report from Robert. Five cavalrymen, headed west. Captain Kane and Gaul, please respond.


    "This is Kane. You''re a cavalryman, are you a nobleman?


    ''I can''t say for sure, but it''s very likely. I''d like to take him prisoner if possible.


    I''d like to say yes, but if you''re going to make me a prisoner of war, I''ll just let you walk by on your way out. We want to have a good distance between us so that we can''t escape easily, and there may not be only five scouts.


    I see, indeed.


    Robert gave a small nod.


    ''I mean, Lord Gaul will intercept you.


    ''Well, I suppose so. So, how''s Gaul''s husband?


    "I don''t care if we intercept them, but I don''t want my men to be uncomfortable.


    "Wherever possible...


    "Limit wear and tear is a priority.


    Princess Tilia interrupted Robert''s words.


    I freaked out.


    I didn''t expect her to interrupt the conversation.


    But come to think of it, Princess Tilia can hear the conversation too.


    It''s strange to think that she doesn''t barge in.


    ''''I recommend surrender, and if you still resist, I will kill you.''''


    That''s fine.


    "Thank you.


    Gaul speaks a word of thanks.


    ''....Robert.''


    Ha!


    When Tilia called his name, Robert reflexively straightened up.


    ''I''m sorry to interrupt you,''


    No, you''ve been very helpful.


    It was honest.


    The chain of command in the Southern Frontier Army is vague in places.


    The hierarchical relationship is still difficult to establish, but the horizontal relationship is difficult.


    ''''It would be nice to hear that. Then I''ll return to my role as a listener. I''m sorry to impose various roles on you, but I''m counting on you.


    ''Ha!��Leave it to me!


    Robert raised his voice.


    ''Then take care of both of you.


    I''m on it.


    Yeah, I''m on it.


    Kane replied lightly and Gaul replied in a low voice.


    Robert tucked the communication magic item into his pouch.


    *


    Gaul hides in the shadows of the grass and has the Imperial cavalry.


    No, let''s wait for them to come back, exactly.


    The imperial cavalry has already passed by Gaul and the others.


    I didn''t feel alive at that time.


    Just remembering it makes me break out in a nasty sweat.


    This is not a fight for me.


    I told myself that this was a battle to carve out a future, and I managed to endure it.


    But if the imperial cavalry approached me - I probably wouldn''t have been able to withstand it.


    I must have been in an emotional outburst and attacked them, spear in hand.


    I am acutely aware of my own inexperience - and by extension, my father''s greatness.


    My father has the two names of ''Iron Wall''.


    He was so called because he defeated the Holy Argo Kingdom''s army on numerous occasions.


    To be honest, I didn''t like my father''s two names.


    A knight - a nobleman is one who defeats his enemies.


    And yet, it is shameful to be skilled in surpassing your enemies.


    I''ve felt that way since the time I was fighting for my father, or even before that.


    How foolish I was!


    Gaul carried fifty lives on his back, horribly drained after waiting just a few hours.


    My father had twenty times as many lives, or perhaps hundreds or even thousands if you included the surrounding territory.


    He has carried countless lives on his back and has been fighting for decades.


    I can understand that feat now, and I can understand why it was so hard on me.


    Really, I hate it.


    I always find myself understanding what''s important to me later on.


    "...Captain Gaul.


    What?


    Gaul turned his gaze to his subordinate next to him.


    His face was smeared with mud, and only his eyes glowed.


    ''You''re not coming back, are you?''


    They lost their provisions in the last raid. They must be patrolling the farthest reaches of the city.


    Yeah, I''ll be--


    Get down.


    Gaul interrupted his subordinate''s words and lightly touched his subordinate''s head.


    He lay down on the ground as it was.


    The cavalry of the imperial army had returned.


    They gradually slowed down their speed.


    This is due to the stones scattered on the street.


    I''m holding the communication magic item close to my mouth.


    "I''m gonna make the first move. I''ll set up a perimeter. If you surrender to me, take me prisoner, and if I show any signs of resistance, kill me. I repeat, if you surrender, you are to be treated as a prisoner. If I show any signs of resistance, kill me.


    Copy that.


    A low, stifled voice replied.


    Just like last time, Gaul divided his squad into four groups.


    Eventually, the cavalry stops moving completely.


    ''''........Captain Gaul....


    Not yet. Not yet.


    The cavalry would have to dismount to clear the stones.


    If it were me, I would do so, but there is no chance of continuing on.


    I wondered if the density of the stones was okay.


    It should be fine.


    I checked it over and over again.


    But my anxiety was only growing.


    Should I attack or wait?


    There are only two options, but it''s hard to choose.


    It''s hard to choose when there are only two options, and it''s hard to choose.


    That''s the time.


    The cavalry have dismounted from their horses.


    But only one rider.


    The other four horsemen are on alert for their surroundings.


    "Gaul-ta--


    His men could not finish.


    This was because Gaul had already stood up and assumed a spear throwing stance.


    It must have been such a smooth move that he didn''t notice it.


    To be honest, even Gaul was surprised.


    He hadn''t expected to be able to move as smoothly as this, even for himself.


    With this, he should be able to fight more than evenly with Argena and Roy - the Commander of the Kingsguard.


    The body moves.


    The spear went in a straight line and pierced the cavalryman''s neck.


    One, two, three, four - ten seconds passed, and the horseman who was pierced through the neck fell out.


    No, I should say it was about to fall out.


    The spear supported him, and he stopped moving in a mid-legged position.


    Five more seconds passed, and the four horsemen are turning their horses around.


    ''''Group two, three pa--!


    Gaul couldn''t give the order until the end.


    The second and third groups were surprisingly quick to get behind the cavalry and form a spear line.


    It was a swift move that was no less than that of the Second Kingsguard Knights, to which he had once belonged.


    They must have realized that they had no chance of winning.


    The four horsemen have stopped moving completely.


    Gaul walked up to the four horsemen.


    Of course, they wouldn''t let their guard down.


    If they showed an opening, they would surely attack him.


    He stepped out onto the street and exposed himself.


    Did we get too close?


    No, we will be licked if we are weak.


    We must make them understand that we have an overwhelming advantage.


    He stretches his chest and looks at the cavalrymen.


    ''My name is Gaur!��Son of Count Taul Hernat, Commander of the Second Kingsguard!��I am joining this battle for the future of the Empire to defeat the false emperor Alfort!


    The four horsemen looked at each other as Gaul raised his voice.


    ''I advise you, gentlemen, to surrender!��Dismount and disarm!��If you surrender, we''ll treat you as a prisoner of war!��If you resist I''ll cut you down!


    Gaul drew his sword and thrust the cutting edge into the ground.


    ''In reply or--''


    Again, Gaul couldn''t finish.


    One of the four dropped his sword to the ground.


    His eyes widened in surprise.


    ''All right. I surrender.''


    Dropping his sword, the horseman dismounted from his horse and raised his hands.


    The three remaining men followed suit.


    They dropped their swords and got off their horses.


    I thought it was a trap, but apparently it wasn''t.


    "I''m going to hold you until we can be sure you are not carrying a concealed weapon. No offense.


    It''s inevitable. It''s what we do.


    As Gaul gave him a look, four groups of soldiers stepped up and tied up the cavalrymen.


    It''s a faltering motion.


    It would have taken longer if the opponents hadn''t been cooperative.


    ''Surprising?''


    Well, yeah.


    The cavalryman said mischievously, and Gaul replied, slightly miffed.


    We were able to take the four men prisoner without sacrificing anything.


    It was the best we could do.


    �� The captain is going to kill me.


    The captain told us to surrender if we were about to be killed.


    Do you have the right to blabber?


    I''m just saying, "Surrender. I''ve already told you that I can talk to you.


    The cavalryman lightly cowered his shoulders.


    What about this attitude after his companion was killed?


    I have a feeling that it would be better to cut them down.


    But he just declared that if you don''t resist, he''ll treat you as a prisoner of war.


    If I cut down with this, it would be a badge of honor.


    It''s a good thing that he''s speaking incessantly.


    I''m sure you''ll find some useful information.


    This time the shipment was for shovels and tools.


    Are you still a nobleman?


    You''re the third boy. Honestly, I just don''t want to be tortured to death with a bunch of bullshit.


    I see, Gaul almost nodded.


    If that''s the kind of situation, he would speak in a berating manner.


    I''ve cooperated with you, so I want two meals a day. You''ll be able to sunbathe and bathe in the hot water, even if it''s supervised.


    All right. I''ll do what I can.


    Please.


    Gaul let out a sigh and scanned his men.


    ''Groups three and four, take the prisoners away.


    Ha!


    The captains of the three and four groups straightened up and replied, and then the four cavalrymen - the prisoners - were taken away.


    Gaul looked away from the prisoners in dismay.


    He killed one of them, but he feels that he didn''t have to.


    ''Captain Gaul, well, I think we''d better report...''


    "-Oh!


    A subordinate called out to me and I came to myself.


    I was stunned by what was happening, but we were still on a mission.


    Besides, the real mission is the supply team.


    I take out my communication magic item and hold it close to my mouth.


    "This is Gaul. "This is Gaul, I have killed one of the scouts and taken four prisoners.


    It''s Tyria. Gaul, what happened?


    No damage.


    "Well, good job.


    I suppose I should be impressed, but I''m not impressed at all now.


    ''What''s wrong?''


    No damage was done to us, but it appears that we have been instructed to surrender.


    "...what do you mean?


    Princess Tilia answered after a short pause.


    Her confusion was palpable.


    ''''It''s Kane. You''re deliberately trying to overload the logistics by becoming a prisoner of war, aren''t you?''''


    "Oh, I see.


    Tilia said in a convincing tone.


    ''''What are you going to do, Princess?''''


    ''It''s no fun being in the enemy''s thoughts. Got any more information?


    The supply party will be carrying shovels and tools.


    ....


    Princess Tilia fell silent.


    ''''Aside from the strengthening of the enemy''s camp, it hurts to be used to attack the imperial camp.''''


    "Please conclude.


    Caine rushes Princess Tyria.


    ''Attack in moderation and retreat.


    Do I need to be the judge of that?


    "Of course.


    Copy that. We will attack to avoid playing into the hands of the enemy.


    I''m counting on you.


    I''m on it.


    Kane undertakes a light tone.


    I wanted to tell him to take it a little more seriously, but Kane is Crono''s man.


    He had no authority to complain.


    Besides, Crono had allowed this kind of attitude to happen.


    There must be some thoughts that Gaul doesn''t understand.


    ''Gaul''s husband can go back to his base, man.


    Don''t be a fool. I''ll fight you.


    "If we take the prisoners, we''ll have 30 or 40 men, right?��It''s hard to hold them back with just a few men, and if they try too hard, they''ll surrender to you and ask you to take them prisoner.


    Okay.


    After thinking for a while, Gaul decided to accept Kane''s proposal.


    It''s true that the number of troops was reduced because of bringing in the prisoners, and we can''t stand in the way of Kane and the others.


    Moreover, our own objectives still lie ahead.


    "It''ll help.


    It''s nothing to thank.


    Gaul tucked the magic item for communication into his pouch.


    He laid the dead cavalryman down beside him and pulled out his spear.


    ''What do we do with the body?''


    Leave it. If there''s a body here, they''ll hurry it up. Team one, team two, we''re going back to the base!


    As Gaul started to walk away, his men followed somewhat later.

 173 - Episode 18: The Decisive Battle, Backside, Part 11

    *


    At night - as Johnny was walking through the camp of the Imperial Army, a gurgling sound was heard.


    It''s the sound of a stomach bug buzzing.


    It''s time for tide, he said, moving his gaze only to check his surroundings.


    Hunger is unbearable, and I''m sick of digging holes.


    If he continues to work as a soldier in the Imperial Army, he''s going to be sick to his heart.


    Of course, that''s not the only reason.


    It reminds me of the conversation between Roy and Peter.


    No, it was probably the air that Peter had exuded.


    He seemed relaxed and alert.


    It was an air that reminded me of Claude.


    It felt like he was ready to go.


    The world is not sweet enough to be strong enough for that alone.


    I know this because I overcame the life-threatening training.


    But just one determination is enough to send a human being into hell.


    And then there''s the optimism.


    Anyway, don''t underestimate it.


    I have a feeling that Peter isn''t the only one who''s changing.


    It''s a bad trend.


    If the soldiers are careful, they can easily see through Johnny''s act.


    That''s why they decided to retreat.


    "....Mr. John, you''re not here.


    I blurted out as I looked around.


    I was going to ask you to share a portable meal at the end, but it wasn''t just today.


    You usually call out to me yourself - but you''re not the only one.


    Come to think of it, I wonder what position John is in.


    I''ve never seen him working.


    Oh, and he opens his eyes lightly.


    John walked into the tent, stretching himself absent-mindedly.


    Is it safe to barge in on him when he''s about to go to bed?


    Shouldn''t I just disappear without a word?


    Gulp~, the stomach bug rumbled again.


    If he returned to the southern frontier army''s base, he should be able to eat a full meal.


    No, he gave a small shake of his head.


    Master won''t let me eat.


    He must be asking me to endure until morning as if I were an insect.


    After all, you should get a portable meal.


    If he collapsed on the way, he wouldn''t be able to see it.


    Johnny approached the tent that John had entered, keeping an eye on his surroundings.


    When he entered the tent, he found John holding a dagger to a soldier sleeping on a bed.


    It was a long, thin, assassination dagger.


    John glances at Johnny for a moment.


    He pulls the dagger out and wipes the blood off with the covers.


    Then he stood up slowly.


    ''What are you doing here?''


    I ask the question without thinking.


    I think I''m asking myself a stupid question.


    John killed a man.


    Assassinated.


    That''s all.


    So why am I asking such a stupid question?


    Maybe it''s because he was acting so normal.


    If he hadn''t seen the moment he held the dagger out, he wouldn''t have thought he had killed someone.


    In other words, he''s a superior dagger user.


    "Wait, there''s been a misunderstanding.


    Isn''t that a misunderstanding?


    ''Yeah, it''s a bit of a misunderstanding. A little talk would have fooled me.


    John opens his arms in a grandiose manner and approaches loosely.


    I get the ridiculous feeling that it really is a misunderstanding.


    It can''t be.


    Even if he''s not friendly or even killing, John keeps his grip on his dagger.


    You can''t trust someone who approaches you with a dagger clenched in their hand.


    ''Ah, this dagger. I''m sorry for scaring you.


    John tried to sheathe his dagger and staggered limply.


    The next moment, the pause was zero.


    A sudden acceleration from a state of weakness.


    John thrust out.


    The target is the gap in the ribs - the heart.


    But the dagger cut the sky.


    Why.


    It''s obvious.


    Because he dodged it.


    He jumped backwards and ducked.


    John didn''t change his expression even though he was able to avoid the first blow.


    He switched bodies and unleashed an elbow strike as if to say it was factored in.


    The target is again the heart.


    A hard blow to the chest can cause a person to pass out.


    Perhaps that''s what he''s aiming for.


    Johnny twisted his body and leapt backwards as he fell down.


    If he was inside the tent, he would have run into the cloth.


    But this was outside.


    No constraints.


    John kicked the earth.


    Terrible acceleration, but he has a counter-measure in hand.


    He throws a stone at it.


    A stone that has fallen under his feet.


    John crosses his arms and catches the stone.


    It slows down slightly, just slightly.


    Taking advantage of the opportunity, Johnny turned his back and ran away.


    His opponent was a higher-ranked dagger user.


    It was fortunate that he was able to survive three attacks.


    There was no way to win in a head-on fight.


    Johnny desperately moved his legs and headed outside - to the nearby forest.


    The escape route was confirmed.


    The Imperial Army''s camp is full of blind spots.


    If they moved through the blind spots, they could escape into the forest without being seen by anyone.


    Johnny escaped the camp and jumped into the forest without being seen.


    He ran through the forest and suddenly felt a shock to his shoulder.


    He falls to the ground unbearably.


    I touch my shoulder.


    The dagger doesn''t pierce me or break my bones.


    It seems that he was hit by a stone or something.


    ''''Hey, hey, why are you running away?''''


    John''s voice echoed.


    Johnny rolled onto his back and raised himself up.


    He continues to inch back.


    ''He slashed at me out of nowhere, so I got away.


    I''m sorry about that.


    And he threw a rock at me.


    ''I''m sorry about that too. There''s a misunderstanding.


    What kind of misunderstanding?


    He retreated with his limbs and something - a cord touched his fingertips.


    ''Well, it''s not a misunderstanding,''


    John said as he let out a sigh and sped up at once.


    Johnny pulled hard on the cord and turned himself around.


    Half a second later, an arrow was released.


    It was a trap the Imperial Army had set in the woods.


    The arrow flew in a straight line and pierced John.


    It was supposed to.


    But the arrow slowed down in front of John.


    Impossible, his eyes widened.


    But I know of a phenomenon very similar to this.


    I saw it in the Imperial City.


    Crono''s subordinate - Snow used it.


    I don''t know what it is, but it''s a technique like the Marking Technique.


    Jon knocked off an arrow with a dagger.


    Dead.


    If he could avoid that one, he was out of options.


    John stepped out unceremoniously and jumped back.


    The great sword passed through the space where John had been until half a second ago.


    ''Lord Johnny, are you all right, that you are?'' (GAGU?)


    It''s new. Yeah, but...


    John couldn''t get the last word out.


    An arrow lodged under his foot.


    He turned around and saw an elven archer in a tree.


    It was either Aridid or Deneb, I guessed.


    ''''I surrender, that I do.'''' (Guru.......)


    Okay.


    Tyga snarled, and John let go of the dagger.


    ''Listen to me before you kill me,''


    What are we going to do? (Guru?)


    Tyga said as he looked at John.


    I feel like it would be better to just kill him as it is, but--''''


    ''''Just in case, I''ll just listen to what you have to say.


    Actually, I was infiltrated by the Imperial Guard on Lady Myra''s orders.


    Hmmm, Johnny groaned.


    It''s likely that there are collaborators and agents inside the Imperial City, so it''s likely.


    ''What did the Master say?''


    I need your support...


    No!


    Johnny exclaimed.


    ''''A master would never say such a thing.


    People like that don''t treat bandits as a resource or throw their disciples into the Areos Mountains.


    ''''Oh come on, what do you think you''re doing with Master Myra?��You''re an apprentice, right?


    What do you think you''re doing with Master?


    ''Oh, all right, all right. I''ll tell you the truth. I''m working under orders from Master Crono.


    Really?


    The cell phone food--


    "Stickleback bread, that is.


    Yes, the stick figure is the proof.


    "Excuse me, that it is. That is called hard bread, that it is.


    Why are you lying to me?


    John blurted out at Tyga''s words.


    ''Why are you lying to me, too?


    All right. I''ll tell you the truth.


    That''s enough.


    I''m working under orders from Master Neige.


    Neige?


    Johnny tilted his head.


    I''ve heard that name somewhere--''''


    ''''You threw a dagger at Master Neige in the imperial capital, didn''t you?''''


    Oh, you mean that guy. It would be worse to break into the mansion without saying a word.


    Anyway, I''m Master Neige''s man.


    Okay.


    Do you believe me?


    I try not to think about things I''m not sure about.


    Johnny said proudly.


    ''Use your head a little bit,''


    Question. Why did you kill a soldier?


    I think they''re starting to get ready for it. I thought I''d scratch them up.


    One more question. Why did you try to kill me?


    He''s seen the scene, I don''t want to have to explain it to him, so I''m just gonna lay the blame on him.


    "You''re such an a**h*le!


    Johnny shouted.


    ''I''ve taken care of you, so you should at least be useful in your last days.


    I can''t even explain it, or what do you think people''s lives are worth?


    You''ve killed people, too.


    I don''t have my head screwed on, all right?


    Johnny scowled.


    ''Even if you have to kill people, you''ll have to use common sense.


    ''So what are you going to do with me?''


    You can go back to camp.


    "....Mister Johnny.


    I''m going back to the base. I don''t care.


    Thank you. Well, I''ll leave you to it.


    With a shuffling sound, John''s figure disappears.


    Politely, even the dagger is gone.


    In its place was a letter.


    A folded piece of paper.


    Johnny walked over quietly and took a magnet from the pouch and held it out.


    It didn''t seem to be planted with a needle or a thin blade.


    But that doesn''t mean we can''t be careful.


    The Roux make a blade substitute out of stone.


    They tuck the magnet into the pouch and agitate it with their hands.


    They don''t seem to have planted any poison in it.


    Of course, it''s possible that it''s a tasteless, odorless poison - but I''m not sure.


    I pick up the letter and stand up.


    ''We''re both saved.


    There is no need to thank me, that I can''t. Well then, I guess we are done for now.


    I''ll see you when you''re alive.


    Johnny bowed to them and walked away.


    I feel like my mentor is going to be mad at me - but, well, we''ll figure it out.


    So that''s why you''re back.


    That''s right.


    Master said with a sigh, and Johnny''s shoulders slumped.


    He thought he could handle it, but it was no good.


    He looks at Miss - Princess Tilia for help.


    Princess Tilia is sitting leaning back in her chair.


    She doesn''t seem to be in a good mood.


    It can''t be helped.


    She has disturbed her restful sleep by coming back late at night.


    ''Myra, that''s enough of the sermon.


    Yes, sir.


    Princess Tilia said in a billion words, and Myra easily pulled back.


    ''''Oh, oh, you''re punishing me?''''


    I wouldn''t do that.


    Princess Tilia sounded miffed, and Johnny patted his chest.


    He was in an even worse mood, but he avoided a spanking.


    ''If you''ve decided you can''t go any further, then I don''t blame you. It''s better than being tortured and spitting out information. By the way, what did the letter say?


    I haven''t read it yet.


    Johnny took the letter from his pouch and offered it to Princess Tilia.


    Then his master kidnapped him from the side.


    ''How dare you give your Mistress something that has not been checked for safety!


    I''m sorry, Momo.


    From now on, you be careful.


    Master said with a sigh and opened the letter.


    After a while, he let out a deep sigh.


    ''What did it say?''


    Nonsense.


    That doesn''t make sense.


    He wrote vaguely about a period of civil war.


    Why would you do that?


    I suppose it''s to prove a point about a man named John.


    Tsk, the master frowned and clicked his tongue.


    An unusual appearance.


    He probably thought that he had exposed an appearance that was not typical for a maid.


    Master hung his head deeply towards Princess Tilia.


    ''''My apologies. ''''I have been outrageously rude in front of your wife.''''


    I don''t mind.


    Princess Tilia nodded hawkishly.


    ''Was there anything else written?''


    I said I''d back you up somewhat and ask for your help.


    What do you want me to do with that?


    Princess Tyria poked her cheekbones at the armrest for support.


    ''What am I supposed to do?''


    Get some food and get some rest today.


    Yes, sir!


    Johnny straightened his back and saluted.


    The Master let out a sigh and shoved the letter at Johnny.


    ''Please bury the letter in the hole before you take your meal.


    Is it poison?


    ''I don''t think you need to worry about that, but just in case. Don''t read what''s inside.


    Okay.


    Johnny turned on his heel and headed outside.


    He went outside--.


    ''When you ask me not to read--''


    You think I''ll want to see it?


    When I looked next to him, I saw my master peeking out the door.


    ''''Yo, there''s no way I''m reading this.


    ''I see. That''s a relief.


    The master closed the door and Johnny let out a breath of relief.


    Curiosity kills the cat.


    That''s what I mean.


    Johnny buried the letter as he had been told and enjoyed a decent meal.