*

　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.