*

　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.