*

　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.