*

　What is Chrono for me?　Myra sometimes thinks about it.
　To be honest, Myra didn't like Crono.
　Four years ago, Crono had shown up at the Crawford mansion.
　He took Claude, who had sprained his leg, for a bizarre ride.
　Ault, his comrade in arms and colleague, had thanked him for saving Claude, and Myra thought it was okay to thank him, at least a little.
　He thanked her and gave her a few gold coins.
　Myra's idea of gratitude was such, but Ault seemed to be interested in Crono.
　Unlike Myra, Ort is the kind of man who focuses his efforts on acquiring knowledge while working as a mercenary, a profession that has no idea what tomorrow holds.
　A gem of a man who could have attained a good position if he had been dexterous in his manners, the reason why he stayed in the southern frontier was because it was a place where he could put his knowledge into practice.
　In fact, his knowledge had contributed so much to the development of the southern frontier that even Claude could not ignore his opinion.
　As it turned out, Ault's hunch was correct.
　Crono was a man from another world, and his possessions proved this to be true.
　However, except for the fact that he was Claude's benefactor and came from another world, Crono was a mediocre... no, he was a no-good person.
　He couldn't use swordsmanship or magic, he was a small, fat man, he had knowledge that may or may not be useful, but he couldn't speak the language of the empire, and he was a breadwinner who couldn't write.
　As an added bonus, Crono cried a lot. He cried when Claude put him on sword practice, cried in the middle of the night when he cried, and when I went to wake him up in the morning, he was wetting his pillow.
　He also had the incomprehensible quirk of sticking a wooden stick in the air in the middle of a field.
　The only thing I could appreciate was the part where he would eat whatever was served to him without saying what he liked or disliked.
　Claude, Myra, and Ault agreed that if they let him go, he'd be dead in a month.
　Claude and Ort agreed that it would be a bad aftertaste to throw him out with a lot of room to spare, even if it was during the pioneer period, and Myra had to raise Crono.
　And the once bad boy grew into a fine male after four years.
　That youthfulness was poison to Myra, who hadn't been a man for twenty years.
　Speaking of which........why was he sticking out a stick to the sky?　And Myra opened the door.
　When she entered the room, she was met with four pairs of eyes - Claude, Layla, Faye and Gaul.

'Was my son safe?'

　Yes, Myra replied shortly.
　Is it okay if I don't have to wear underwear?　I'm not going to tell you what Crono was muttering about.

'According to Master Crono, the barbarians' level of civilization is that of the Jomonjidai. It also appears that they kidnapped Master Crono because the man was gone for some reason.
What's a striped bass?

　It was Gaul who asked that question.
　Leila stood up quietly as Myra gave her a look.

''The Jomonjidai is a division of history, a time when humans lived in houses made of a combination of tree branches and hunted with weapons crafted from stone.
I can't imagine. How long ago was that?
Master Crono said it was 10,000 years ago.
So that's what you call an inferior civilization.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.
　You must have an idea since he has been boiled and kidnapped Chrono many times before.

''How about organizing a small, elite rescue team?''
Hey, these barbarians know the Areos mountains inside and out. Even in my prime, I couldn't be that reckless.

　Myra felt almost convinced that Master Claude and herself in their prime would be able to help Crono.
　But it's impossible for them to do it now.
　It's not because I'm old.
　The hatred that burned like a fierce fire back then, even when they were having an affair, is not there now.
　Claude's and Myra's strength was strength without having it.
　That's why he could surrender to the madness of the battlefield.
　But the straightforward days of clearing the virgin forest, tilling the earth, and growing crops had robbed Claude and Myra of their hatred and madness.
　How could they surrender themselves to hatred and madness when they had something to rely on, to be loved, and to protect from their lordships?

'Then I guess we'll have to mobilize all the forces on the southern frontier to rescue Crono.
There's no other way.

　Claude nodded at Gaul's suggestion.
　But.

'With all due respect, Master Crono has a plan to make the barbarians reverent.

　Myra uttered a falsehood.

'What scheme?'
I don't know, sir.

　Mobilizing our troops on the southern frontier would allow us to rescue Crono.
　But Crono said that there might be room for negotiation.
　If Crono wants to negotiate, I will only support him as a maid, as someone who has been his trainer.
　A silence descends.

I'm sorry, but I don't feel like making a bet right now. Myra, you can tell your son. If you want to keep the barbarians in line, you'll have to deal with them before we're ready.
Very well, sir.

　Since Gaul couldn't move the entire army on the southern frontier on his own, he would have to seek permission from the Imperial City.
　Assuming permission is granted immediately, the time given to Crono would be about two weeks.
　He could buy a little more time if Ault, who is in the imperial capital, lent his strength, but he wouldn't do anything that would put the next head of the family's life in danger.

''Then let's send a messenger to the imperial capital right away.

　Gaul got up and left the room.

'I'm sorry, Grand Master,'
I'm sorry, sir.

　Leila and Faye looked down with a sadness in their eyes.
　If Crono was asking for help, they could take the fight to the barbarians alone.

''Well, don't worry about it. I don't know why they wanted my son. I've had the opportunity to kidnap a man before.
Isn't it because Master Crono looked so weak?

　Myra replied, and Claude, Leila, and Faye nodded their heads in agreement.

*

　Returning to Sue's residence, Crono took off his armor.
　He took off his jacket stuffed with cloth to soften the impact and put his cloak over his underwear.


Thank you.

　Crono held the clay tablet around his neck.

What can I do for you anyway?
"I'll fetch you water.
Okay, okay. Get some water from the earthenware.
"Coco.

　Sue tapped the barrel she'd made by scraping the stump.
　Would that one, which was somewhat old, be sanitary?　It makes you think.

Where's the water?
"Omaha, son of a b*tc*.

　Are you trying to tell me that I can't do anything like a child?

'Well, this is what it's like at first,'
....

　Sue's lips twitched in frustration as she led Crono to a watering hole.
　The watering hole was located on the cliff that protected the back of the village.
　There was a large crack in the rock, and water flowed from it in a choppy stream.
　The Roux woman who was fetching water there backed away with a scowl on her face when she saw Krono.

She backed away with a scornful look on her face when she saw Crono. I'm going home.
Copy that. Copy that.

　Crono passed the gaze of the Roux women, fetched water in an earthenware container, and returned to the Sioux residence.
　After a few repetitions of this, the barrel was full.

'Is there anything else to do?'
"Nye.

　Sue bundles the grass and hangs it inside the pit dwelling.

'Does Sue live alone?'
"I'm not a child, no. I'm alone, of course.

　I'm not sure, but apparently Sue is considered an adult in the tribal sense.

"I'm a woman, Natta. I'm going to accept the ceremony. It's natural to fight.
What ritual?
"This.

　A shining jet-black pattern ... an imprint emerged.
　The jet-black light ran along his spine and stretched out to tangle with his chest, shoulders, upper arms, and thighs.
　Whatever the principle, it penetrated the leather, despite the fact that it wasn't an intense light.

'The coming of age ritual means it hurts, doesn't it?'
"Time is not enough to die.

　Apparently, the imprinting technique involves the risk of death, but it's well worth the risk.
　At least for Crono.
　The reason is simple.
　Crono knows that he is an ordinary man.
　And he realizes that no matter how hard he tries, he can't reach the realm of geniuses and heroes...Tilia, Leonhardt, Rio, Faye, his foster father, and Myra.
　But with the Marking Technique, he might be able to step into the realm of geniuses and heroes.
　It's a shallow and despicable idea.
　He's abandoning his efforts to become strong and using a girl who is worried about her family's future to gain power.
　I'm sure she will regret herself if she goes to that extent to gain power.

"Eraser.

　The jet-black glow faded as Sue declared.
　Crono brought his face close to Sue's back and stroked it with his fingers.

''.........!''

　Bikun and Sue look up.

'I can't tell them apart at all.

　How could you know just by touching it, Crono laid down in a suitable place and watched Sue work.

'You said it was natural to fight... but why would you steal livestock?'
"No, I'm not stealing. "Fight. Cattle, horses, dead. You people are trouble. We're full.

　It's true that when cattle and horses are killed, it's a hindrance to plow the fields and carry the goods, but it's really only 'troubling' now that they've been successfully settled and compensated for the damage by the Empire.
　We can't rule out the possibility that they're even deliberately having their old cattle and horses killed to claim money.
　Crono greatly agrees with Dr. Wiseman's opinion that the reason for the barbarians' defeat is the difference between their troops and supply capacity.
　War is about numbers.
　I believe that quality is important, but in the end, the one with more troops, supplies and money that can be invested wins the war.
　The Roux have no chance to win.
　They may win in battle, but they will never win in war.

''I'm going to go out for a minute.

　Crono scratched his head and headed for the watering hole he had just left.
　At the watering hole, two women he had seen somewhere were fetching water.
　One of them had short hair.
　Her age would be about twenty years old.
　Her skin was as sallow as Su's, but when she looked into her eyes, she saw several thin streaks of scars running through it.
　The protection provided by the imprinting technique must not be perfect either.
　His body line was smart, muscular and his abdominal muscles were cracked.
　His eyes are more than sharp, and he's bush-eyed.
　The other one has long hair.
　His age is in his mid-twenties.
　He may look older than his actual age because his eyes are kind and calm, and he has an air of serenity about him.
　She has a fairly buxom body, and the leather belt that covers her breasts is a bit engulfed.

''What da?''
....

　The two of them didn't wear clay tablets, but since they were able to communicate, the spellcasting tool they borrowed from Sue seemed to work fine.

''Haven't we met anywhere?''
"I saw it. You've been kidnapped. Sue, you're half full. You're not strong enough.
"...I see...
'Oh, I've seen you around,'

　The short haired one was a red imprinted martial artist who had been beaten by Fay and Layla, and the long haired one was a green imprinted martial artist who had been attacked by Taiga and the beastmen.

''What da?''
I mean, I don't really want to... I just want to have a little chat.
"I don't care about you.
....

　The Green Marking Artist is silent, but he seems somehow interested in it.

''That's right, I'm weak. The only reason I can give orders to my subordinates is because I was able to graduate from military school.
...Gunn, Gacko?

　'It's biting,' said Crono, looking at the Midori engraver who tilted his head in wonder.

'Yes, the military school. When the nobles of the empire are old enough, they learn to fight at a school in the imperial capital.''
"I am a warrior. No.
Are you sure about that?

　Crono leaned forward and said to the red engraver.

'Oh, no, I'm not going to deny that fighting builds up a warrior, you know?　But wouldn't it be great if we could learn how to fight without spilling blood?
....

　The Red Marker doesn't answer.

'Even you guys learn knowledge from your parents, right?　Well, the knowledge you learn will become your flesh and blood through trial and error. Still, there's a big difference between knowing and not knowing.

　The more knowledge you gain, the more options you have.
　That's something I've learned since Crono became a lord.

''Kizoku?''
The most important person in the empire is the emperor, but the most important person in the empire gives you the land and the position of the land and the nobility. The most important person in the empire is the emperor, but from the most important person comes the land and the position of nobility. That land and position is passed from parents to their children and then to their children's children.

　As Crono explained as he drew a diagram on the ground, the Midori imprint artist leaned forward and the red imprint artist glanced at him while turning away his face.

''However, just because you're a nobleman doesn't mean you can do whatever you want.

　When Crono cowers his shoulders wide and shows him a playful smile, the Midori imprint artist chuckles.

'I have to think about many things for the people who live on my land. It's a good idea to cut down the forest to create fields, or to communicate with other people in the area to stimulate commerce.
"Hatake?　Shogyo?

　The Green Engraver wondered.......after all, apparently words not in the vocabulary are not interpreted like magic items in the Empire.......he tilted his head.

''A field is a place where we grow our own edible plants, and commerce is like an advanced version of bartering?
"Grow up?
'Yeah, we grow them. A lot of conditions come into play, so you don't always get the same harvest, but you get to eat relatively consistently.

　Commerce, you know, and just as Crono is about to open his mouth, Zudon!　The sound of an explosion rang out.
　The red engraver activated his imprint and stepped on the ground.
　Even if I say stomped down, it was powerful enough to plunge into the ground up to the ankles.
　If Crono were to be attacked by the red imprinted magician, he would die.

''..........Omae, spirit, denial sitire!
I'm not denying it.

　Crono replied as he tightened his anus, almost free with fear.

'I can't really feel what a genie is, but I know that a lot of things keep me alive. But just because you've done it before doesn't mean you have to do it again in the future.

　The red imprint artist's expression grew grim, but Crono stepped in place. Honestly, I want to run away.

''Well not only do I have to accept everything as it is, I have to change.
"You shut up!

　The red imprint artist shouted as he stepped on the ground like a child.
　The imprint shone all the more strongly and a hot wind rushed into Crono.
　Oh, shit. I made him mad with the intention of convincing him, Crono regretted now.
　The red engraver reached out his hand, but his hand did not reach Crono.
　A spear thrown by someone had pierced the space between Crono and the red imprinted martial artist.

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

　The red imprinted martial artist came to himself, erased the imprint and knelt in place.
　The Midori imprinted martial artist also followed the red imprinted martial artist.



　The chief walked over leisurely and pulled out his spear.
　Apparently, the clan chief threw the spear at him.

'Sonono man haomaeno prey de hanai.
That's it, genie, deny it!

　Although his intonation is a little peculiar, the chief's words are relatively fluent.

I'm not going to be able to tell you what to do. It's the one who catches the prey and does no harm to us.

　The Chief stared at Crono, the edges of his mouth hanging up.

''Good Ina, Sue.''
"I live by the rules.

　Su emerges from the chief's shadow.
　He must have sensed the swordsman's mood and went to call for the Chief.
　The chief's skill is brilliant.
　It's because he listens to Su's wishes while not neglecting to put the nail in the coffin.

''Return........''
Okay.

　Back at the residence, Sue sat on the ground and began to polish off the medicinal herbs.
　It couldn't be my imagination that the sound of stones rubbing against each other sounded sullen.

''........Omaha, you idiot.''
I'll do better next time.

　Sue's lips twitched in frustration as Crono replied while lying down.

'Omae, good friends, I say. You're a liar. Lara, I'm angry.''
'The Red Marker is called Lara. And the other one?
"...Lili.

　For some reason, Su's mood was deteriorating at an accelerated rate.

''Lara, strong. You're dead.''
I'll try to get around a little better.

　I've pissed him off this time, but it's better than not getting him interested.

'Ooh, wacky.'
'You can't have a friendly relationship without being a little reckless for all the times we've killed each other.
....

　Sue rested her hands and looked at Crono.

I'll make the food.
....

　Crono fished out the memories of yesterday, took the nut powder from the earthenware bowl and poured the water over it.

'Is it a bit watery?'
"...you're a son of a b*tc*.

　Su grumbled and added the nut powder.

''Water, little sizuzu, come in.''
I see.

　Crono nodded, "So that's why you add a little water to adjust the hardness of the dough," he said.
　Carelessly, he threw the biscuit dough into the hearth.
　A short time later, the result was.

Mmm, you're getting burnt to a crisp.
"Omaha, son of a b*tc*.
Well, it's a good start.

　Crono chews on a burnt biscuit and pours it down with water.
　Sue does the same, pouring it down with water.

'Omae, Solebakari,'
Didn't I say it was the second time?

　Crono replied to Sue as he nibbled on the dried meat.

'It's only the second morning I hope you'll see a little more of it.
...minutes.

　After a silence, Sue nodded.

*

　The protagonists of survival comics and movies I read in the other world had a hard time finding food.
　That's because the protagonists of those stories have, by definition, no knowledge or experience of survival.
　Otherwise, it would be less interesting as a story, but I don't think there were more than two of them, and only one of them had the knowledge and experience of survival, Crono looked at Sue.
　Sue's hunting skills were superb.
　Even though his physical abilities were enhanced by the imprinting technique, he still threw his spear with tremendous force and killed the deer with a single shot.
　How is it that he doesn't have a bow and arrow?　But with the power of the imprinting technique, the spear would be enough.
　Su used the stone knife to slit the deer's throat to drain the blood out, and then with a familiar motion, he slit its belly and pulled out its internal organs.

''Omae, child domo.''
Yeah, you can't do anything as a kid.

　Crono didn't do anything.
　
　If only one of them had the knowledge and experience of survival, this was why, Crono agreed.
　It was going to take some time before Suu was able to carve up the meat.

''Are those the only Roux people?''

　As far as Crono could see, the total population of the Roux tribe is a little over a hundred people.
　Su was the youngest, and the oldest was in his mid-thirties.

''A long time ago, Mot, Ita.
How long ago?
"When the land was taken from them there were many Luu. Mountain dwellers. Many villages deer. Spring and summer are coming. We're stealing from each other.

　Apparently, the Roux tribe was also fighting among their own people.
　Even if it wasn't a war between villages, they were definitely exposed to a harsh competition for survival.
　Nevertheless, how is it that the Roux tribe, which lived deep in the mountains like this, was able to attack at the worst possible time for the empire?
　It seems that they had interactions with other tribes in the past, so maybe they had received information about the Empire's civil war via those tribes.
　Whether there is a mastermind or not, Crono's goal remains largely the same.
　It is to get the Roux to stop fighting.
　If they can't do that, then even if only some of them break away, they will create room for negotiation.
　It's shameful to say it's not for the sake of the Sioux, though, but to protect themselves.
　'You're trying to use it to protect yourself,' Crono said, staring at Sue's back.

'Can't we get a couple more of them?'
"Eat, drink, and be merry.
No, it's more of a sharing thing, and it might be a conversation starter.

　Sue stopped dismantling the deer.

No. I have a code.
I only take what I can eat, that's my rule.

　If you ask me, the Roux are all engravers.
　The number of animals that become the prey decreases drastically if such women hunt prey more than necessary.
　It is probably because of the convenient art of the imprinting art that the civilization of the Roux people is at the level of the Jomon Era.
　It may be said that the imprinting art took away the room for civilization to develop.

''It's ... hard.''

　Persuade him with words alone.
　For a moment, the word "pickup" passed through his mind, and Crono felt his confidence rapidly diminish.

'How am I supposed to pick up someone who doesn't like me?

　I felt like asking myself for an hour or so why I was so confident this morning.

'Omaha, meat, luck Bu.'
At least.

　Crono carried a lump of meat on his back and followed Su.

''Wouldn't it be easier if you used the Marking Technique?''
"It's a curse, it's a good thing.

　It's hard to determine if it's a rule or just Sue's rule, but I'm sure there is some basis for it.
　It was past noon when we returned to Sue's residence, and in the afternoon we started making dried meat.
　The meat was cut into pieces, salted liberally and dried in the shade for about two weeks, and then the dried meat was ready.
　It's easy to say, but actually doing it was a lot of work.
　Sue did the peeling, but after the meat was cut up, Crono had to work alone, so it took extra time.
　The sun was setting as we finished hanging the carved meat in the shade.

'I'm going to go outside for a bit,'

　As I walked out of Suu's residence and walked around at random, I met up with the red imprint artist.......Lara.
　Apparently, she was also carrying a large chunk of meat on her back, as if she was returning from a hunt.

'Retreat.'
Would you like to have a word with me?
"No.

　She raised her eyebrows in displeasure as Crono blocked Lara's path as she tried to bypass and advance.
　Lara's hand flashed and a stone knife was held at Crono's throat.
　Crono held up his hands as he felt cold sweat run down his spine.

'You don't have to stick a knife at me, do you?'
"I don't like you. I hate it. I hate my eyes. I need to see it.

　No, yes, I looked at her with a disgusting look. Because my breasts, my boobs, they're like this, squeaky, leather bands digging into them, Crono defended himself in his mind.

'I guess I'm interested in you too,'
.....

　When Crono tried to hold her hand, Lara backed away as if she were going ballistic.

'Ole, omaha, I'm not interested!

　Lara yells at him and walks past Crono's side with a footsteps that seem to be stepping through the ground.
　No, no, I don't want you to walk past me here, my plan!　And Crono followed Lara.

'How old is Lara?'
....
What's your favorite food?
....
The red engraving is beautiful.
"...rude, dirty Luna.

　Undaunted, Lara brandished her stone knife as Crono continued to speak to her.
　The women of the village turn to look at him to see what's going on.
　Crono speaks to them and Lara angrily waves the knife around.
　While repeating this, Crono arrived at Lara's dwelling at the edge of the settlement.

''The sunset is beautiful, isn't it?''
....

　Lara doesn't answer.
　She realizes that wielding a knife will only temporarily get rid of Crono, so she silently cuts the meat into pieces.

'There's my dad's territory at the foot of this mountain.
....
There's a big, scary field of wheat, and when the wind blows, the ears of wheat make a rumbling sound like a tidal wave.

　A year ago, Crono was thinking about ending his life as a commonplace lord or something, and Crono looked at the sunset.

''Wow!''

　Crono reflexively turned up to speak to Lara.
　Something passed in front of him.
　It was a tree branch that passed in front of Crono's eyes.
　When he looked in the opposite direction of the tree branch, he saw Sue glaring at Crono unhappily.

''Rice, make it.''

　Suu's lips twitched in a sultry manner, and she withdrew her hand from Crono's.
　The arm strength that hadn't been strengthened by the imprinting technique wasn't enough to move Crono on its own.

Bye.
"Uhhhh!

　Waving to Lara, Sue snorted grimly and tugged on Crono's arm with a giggle.
　Back at the residence, Sue let go of her hand and sat down with her back to Crono.
　Crono kneaded a small amount of nut powder with a small amount of water, though it was probably because he was trying to be friendly with Lara.
　It was easy to determine the cause of the problem if he was so blatant, but he couldn't tell if it was because Sue saw Crono as a man or if it was because she couldn't tolerate her prey interacting with others.
　I bake up biscuits for both of us and take the dried meat out of the earthenware bowl.

'Sue, it's ready,'
"...I'm not a part of it.

　I could have made it well, but Crono didn't force it, thinking that I could make it well.
　He finished his meal alone and laid down the cloak as a bed.
　The cloak given to him by his adoptive father is surprisingly useful.
　Well, I guess that's why my adoptive father loved the cloak, because it was useful.
　Perhaps it was because he woke up early, but sleep came promptly.
　A shallow sleep, vague as to whether he was dreaming or awake.
　When Crono noticed something moving and made Crono tense up, something ... Sue stopped moving, as if surprised.
　Sue laid down the fur next to Crono and lay down on it.

*.

　On the third day, just as the night was turning white as the day before, Crono was woken up by Sue.
　He went to the watering hole with an earthenware bowl and found Lara and Lili fetching water.

'Hey, good morning,'
....
"Oh, yeah.

　Lara ignores Crono as hard as she can, and Lili smiles awkwardly.

'It's another beautiful day, isn't it?'
"Good weather.

　Lara didn't answer, but Lili did.
　I'm having a hard time deciding if she's simply being social or if she has another agenda.

'What are you two going to do today?'
"You're half a man, I'm half a woman.
?

　When I turned around, not knowing what he was talking about, I saw Su glaring at Crono resentfully from the shadow of the pit dwelling.

''........Ki, I'd like to talk to you guys.

　With a vesicle, something hit the back of Crono's head and he fell to the ground.
　When I turned around, I saw Sue clutching a tree branch and glaring at Crono.

''Hmph.''

　Lara crossed her arms and smiled triumphantly.
　She didn't like the idea of Crono talking to her, but she didn't feel bad about Sue being so possessive.
　They could throw rocks at me, Crono said, and he concentrated on fetching water.
　Back at the residence, Sue turned her back on Crono and was brushing the grass.

'Why did you throw a tree branch at me?'
....

　Sue doesn't answer.

''If we don't get along with the Empire, the Roux tribe will be destroyed, right?
"You're no good at this, you're no good at that.
....

　Crono couldn't argue with him.
　There was no way he could talk back, since he was trying to cut down the Roux tribe while claiming to establish friendly relations.
　In the first place, the idea of trying to cut them down from within is hardly friendly in itself.
　Negotiating with them after taking away their options is not a fundamental solution.

"Omae, talk to me, Sinai,
Because...

　Crono certainly hasn't talked to Sue.
　Because he knows that the Lou tribe is on the brink of destruction and that Sue has no choice but to help for the future of the tribe.
　It is here that Crono realizes his mistake.
　Sue is worried about the future of the tribe, but she doesn't stop to think there.

''I..........................You're spouting lies.
"I'm no good to you.

　Suu rested her hands on polishing grass and her shoulders relaxed as if she had been struck down.

''..........Child Domo, live marenai. You can't fight, you have no power. We're going to die.
I'm sorry, but I don't think the Lu's have any fight left in them.

　Sue's eyes widened in surprise as Crono said ruthlessly.

''You guys were satisfied with attacking the livestock, but for us, it's just a little bit of damage that's causing us a lot of trouble.
You're lying to me!

　Standing up, Sue shouted.
　'If we don't deny Crono's words, we'll be admitting that our fight is a farce.

'Well, I think my dad's generation fought hard. ─ Well, my father still thinks the Roux are a threat, and I think they are a force to be reckoned with, but they are not unbeatable. But they are not unbeatable.
...your...
''For now, I'll prepare ten thousand highly skilled soldiers. I have less than sixty men, and with just this, I could hunt down two Rou Clan Marked Artisans, so if we have a hundred to one troop gap, we can win an overwhelming victory, I'm sure.

　'That's about all I could think of right away, like setting fire to the Areos Mountains, or splitting the army in two and attacking it all morning and night.

It was self-preserving, but I think what I was trying to do was good for the Lou people in its own way. At the very least, it would have helped the Roux to have me on their side.
You ... are a terrible person.
'I suppose it's better than telling a lie. So what do we do now?

　Sue was at a loss for words. Crono offered two options: either they would be destroyed or only some of the Roux tribe would be saved.

''.........Lara, nasty guy.''
Yeah?

　Suu turned over and said in a sound that sounded like she was spitting blood.

''Lara, half a man, I say.''

　Sue clenched her fists.

"I don't want to die, Lara, I don't want to die.
Is that Sue's choice?

　Sue activated the engraving and dragged Crono down, then plunged the stone knife into his neck.

"Sioux, find a way to kill alive!　You think you're a good idea!
Do I think?

　The stone knife dug into his skin and Crono raised his hands in surrender.

'Whether you'll accept it or not, I think you could run away to the Kingdom of Dorado.
"We're going south, we're going places.

　I guess that means we've already tried it.

''Then I guess Sue will have to convince the Rouxes to do something about it.　And if Sue can convince me, I think I can cover for her too.
Really?
'I don't have the guts to lie to you in this situation. I could take you back to my estate, but you'd have to step up to me first.
"You are a terrible person.
'I feel sorry for Sue, and I feel sorry for the Lou people's situation. But I'm not going to put my life on the line for you guys.

　I really feel sorry for the Sioux and the Roux.
　But it is also true that he can't risk his life for the Sioux or the Roux.
　I can risk my life for the sake of my men and the people of my territory.
　Maybe at that time, I'll be frightened, regretful, and have to make up my mind while crying and screaming.

"I'll convince him.
Good luck.
Come on, man!

　As his cloak was pulled, Crono had no choice but to follow Su.
　Naturally, the first place Su headed to was the chieftain's place.

''Omae, wait!''
Can I go home?

　Crono asked, and Galle!　Sue snarled like a dog.

'Half a man, o'moriori, it suits you.'
I'm not a good luck charm.

　When Sue entered the chieftain's tent, Lara said mockingly, as if she was trying to find the right moment.

''Sue, what, Sitel?''

　Lili nods her head curiously.

'I'm negotiating with the Chief for the Roux.
"....you're not a good guy. Can't you just talk to me?

　Lara said a little frustrated.

''.....　.........!''
"Huh!　.........!''

　Suu and the chieftain's voice sounded from behind him.

''Half a man, what, Sitel?''
Like, "Let's stop fighting and get along with the Empire.

　Lara took out a stone knife out of nowhere and pointed its tip at Crono.

''Omae, what, cita?''
Nothing.

　Crono cowered his shoulders.

'Have I given you a bit of information?'
What?
The information that the Roux are no longer capable of resisting the Empire.

　Lara grabbed Crono's chest and gritted her teeth as if to endure her anger.
　Lili lowered her eyes sadly.

''Ore, we're fighting!　We'll win it all!
I know.

　The battalion led by Gaul was overwhelmed by the three Rouxes.
　But that's because Gaul formed a camp and tried to attack them from the front.
　In addition, Gaul's goal was to defeat the barbarians, while the Roux's goal was to take their livestock.
　The only thing I can say is that Gaul was spinning on a grand scale.

''I wonder if Lili noticed?''
"We're going to win everything. We'll win everything.

　Lili said in a devastated little voice sound, as if she had a chance to see the territory of the southern frontier.

'Didn't you notice Lara?'
......

　I don't know if she was aware of it, but Lara's hand relaxes from her hand.

''Anata, doussel?''
''I was going to use you guys to cut down the Roux tribe, but now they know. Well, I guess the rest of us can count on Sue to do her best?

　Crunchy and Lara moved her mouth like a fish washed ashore.

'Omaha, you're disgusting!　Scum!
'No, no, no, I was just hoping to make good use of it, it's not that I wasn't interested in it at all.

　That's the worst line I've ever heard, and Crono agrees with Lara's abuse in his mind.

''.........doushite?''
'Just a change of heart, eh?　Oh, no, I guess that's not true either. I'm not a good fighter to begin with.

　Crono replies as he collects his thoughts.

'I didn't feel comfortable killing them all just because they're barbarians, and I thought it would be best if we didn't have to fight them.

　Lara and Lili's eyes widened in surprise.


"You're crazy.

　Just as Crono was about to open his mouth to say, "I'll take that as a compliment," Sue jumped out of the tent.
　No, it wasn't an easy thing to jump out of, it was fired horizontally as if it was a shell.
　Sue was slammed from her back and fell to all fours like a beast, killing her momentum.
　Although it wasn't as hard as the cobbled and paved road, the ground that was trampled on was also reasonably hard.
　Painful wounds were carved on his back and thighs, and blood was soaked in.
　The Chief leisurely stepped out of the tent and took a glance at Crono, but he immediately lost interest and looked down at Suu.

''.........Chief, Ore, we, battle power, nai.''
"Dakara, do you wish to surrender?

　No," muttered Sue.

I have lost the power to fight, I have lost the power to raise my children, and I am not seeking your friendship. Your words of encouragement are not for your servitude.
.....
"We have been deprived of our land, and we have fought and gone into slavery.

　The chief's words have a point, Crono thinks.

"You don't have to understand, it's good to take the herb for a demonstration.

　The Chief turned his back on Su and went back to the tent.

''I........give up.

　Suu roughly wiped away the tears that were about to spill out.

*

　Crono put his back to the tree, saying that the chief's words made sense.
　The reason why the Empire has not carried out a full-scale defeat since the period of upheaval is because of the strength of the Roux people.
　It is highly doubtful that the Empire would respond to the current Roux tribe's offer to build friendly relations with them.
　They are likely to invade the country just because their forces are down, or force them into servitude by forcing them to accept unfavorable conditions.
　I'm sure it's not impossible to get them into my territory, but if the chief doesn't believe me, I can't do anything about it," Crono said, looking at Suh, who was gathering herbs.
　It seems like it would be good to ignore the chief's orders, but Suu is seriously collecting herbs.

''Well... what is it?''
Mr. Crono, what is your progress?

　Myra whispered behind a tree.

'The idea of cutting it down from the inside is dead, easily exposed.
'The Master says he will cooperate with Captain Gaul's battalion to rescue Master Crono. In less than two weeks, the barbarians will be destroyed. Boy!

　Suddenly, Myra grabbed him by the shoulder and Crono tilted his head slightly. Before he had time to wonder what was going on, a spear was thrust into the tree Crono had been resting his back on.

'Socomadeda!　The Invader's Pawn!

　The chief's voice rings out and the Roux warriors descend to the ground.
　Each one of them shines their imprint and holds their weapons at the ready.

'Looks like they've been swimming in it.
After all, he's not as capable as he was in his prime.

　Is it the kind of thing that tends to happen in a series of RPGs where the main character's level drops because they weren't fighting?

'Myra, can you get away with it?'
I thought this would be a time to prepare for things rather than run.

　I see, said Crono, standing up.
　There are less than fifty warriors of the Roux tribe.
　If he hesitated here, the probability of Myra's death would increase by that amount.

''Well let me take care of this place.
It's the 'death frenzy' that the little man taught me about.
No, no, no, I don't plan on dying, not one bit!

　Activating the Celestial Shinraku, the jutsu scrolls at high speed, and the jet black sphere floats a short distance away from Crono's hand.

'Boy, boy, there is no need for you to risk your life.
How can I ever repay you if I don't have to?

　Crono laughed, almost crying.

'Well, then, promise me if you can safely return to the mansion, I would like you to tell me the origin of this strange dance of poking the heavens with a wooden stick.
Why would I put up a death flag if I said I wasn't going to die!

　Lili flies at the same time as Myra runs.

'Let her!'

　The jet black sphere went forward like an unleashed arrow, and Lili twisted her body to duck it.

''Sweet!''

　Crono manipulated the sphere, tracking Lili.
　The moment the jet black sphere touched Lili's hair, Crono clenched his fist.
　Boom!　And I could almost hear such a sound.
　

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

　Lili stays in the void, looking at her hair dancing in the wind.

''Omae, what, shita!''
Spatial transference. It's the only offensive magic I can use. I don't know what the imprinting technique is capable of, but no one can live with their head and heart erased.

　Crono replied to Sue, who shouted at a considerable distance.

''Areha, sore hododod number!
Normally, yes.

　I glanced behind me.
　Although Myra's figure is not visible, Crono activates the celestial cardinal divine music multiple times, a large amount of sorcery fills his vision, and he has a severe headache and vomiting sensation as if his arms were plunged into his brain, and incidentally, his nose is dripping blood.
　Magic cannot increase its power at the will of the magician.
　It is because it is designed in such a way that it does not place an excessive burden on the magician.
　Or if the magic formula itself can be changed, it may be possible to safely perform multiple activations of magic.

''Tentacles.......Kagura!

　Jet-black spheres emerge around Crono.
　The number of them easily exceeds twenty.
　Crono confronts the warriors of the Roux tribe.
　To be honest, Crono is stuck at this point.
　If the Roux warriors attacked all at once, Crono would be killed before he could take aim.
　But the Roux don't understand that.
　Because they don't know, they can't move from the spot, and because they don't know, they increase their anxiety and fear.
　The chieftain also seemed to have fear and anxiety about the multiple activations of magic.
　It would be easy to charge the warriors, but the Chief fears that the warriors will die.
　The standoff continues.
　Five minutes, or maybe enough, it was Suu who stepped through the thin ice.
　Sue held her spear and glared at Crono.

'Stop it, Sue. I don't want to kill you.''
"You're lying. You're hiding your power to fight.

　He really didn't want to kill Sue.
　However, Su didn't listen and rushed at Crono with his spear at the ready.
　Cursing something, "d*mn it," Crono manipulated the jet black sphere.
　The distance between them is more than ten meters.
　The jet-black sphere rushed at Su like a piranha and scraped through her body.
　It killed a person.
　In his first battle, defeating bandits, killing both enemies and allies in the battle against the Holy Argo Kingdom... he couldn't make the decision to kill the barbarian girl he had spent only a few days with.
　''Don!　And a shock pierced through his entire body.
　Sue's spear pierced through Crono's right shoulder.
　I don't know why, but Su might have hesitated as well as Crono.

''........Omae.''

　Crono makes the jet-black sphere disappear while enduring intense pain.
　The surrounding trees fall one by one.
　Suu and the warriors of the Roux tribe are safe.

''Doushite?''

　When asked why, Crono had no way to answer.
　Crono thought desperately as he was sweating fat from the intense pain.
　He stroked Sue's cheek and her hair.

''I don't know.''

　I remember my foster father's advice not to be stubborn at the wrong time.

'But I'm sure this is who I am.

　
　With the repercussions of the multiple activations of magic and the pain of being pierced in the shoulder by Sue, Crono's consciousness was easily darkened.

*

　The wind was whistling.
　When Crono vaguely regained consciousness, he found himself in a room covered in stone.
　Or should I say, a room made of huge chunks of rock.
　The word "stone room" flashed through Crono's mind, but he couldn't be sure if it was correct knowledge.
　Crono's upper body was naked and his arms were bound.
　The leather extending from both wrists was connected to two logs driven into Crono's sides, making it impossible for him to move.
　He looked up and saw the Chief looking down at Crono.

'Omaha, what are you thinking about?'

　Crono thinks.
　However, his thoughts were as scurrilous as if he was drunk from the effects of multiple activations of magic, but....


Are you trying to seduce me, Sue?

　The Chief's face twisted in disgust.

'The Roux are ... stuck. We can avert their impending destruction now, right now.
"So you're not proud to be here?　I told you, you didn't take our land, you didn't take our land!　You have stolen my land and forced me to live a life of birds and beasts!　You will never be able to walk together, will you?

　Crono felt a giddy despair at the chief's words.
　Even with the imminent destruction of the empire, the chief would not be reverent to the empire.
　But at the same time he sympathized with them.
　Even if he knew that reverence to reason is the only way to avoid destruction, his emotions would not allow him to do so, even if he weighed the advantages and disadvantages and found that the advantages were greater.
　A war where the drop-off point was set from the beginning.......subordinates died for such a thing, and without knowing it, Crono scrambled to save as many of his men as possible.
　Crono harbored a hatred for the next Emperor Alfort.
　That time........Count Ernat held Crono back.
　So that's what I mean.
　Unreasonableness is something that will come in like a cloud haze if you live, and you'll have to make a choice to let go of the present.
　Even if you are a party, you are required to have a cold perspective, as if you were a third party.
　That's why Crono has a hatred for the Chief.
　He wondered what you are doing when you have swallowed hatred for the sake of your subordinates and the people of your domain.

''If you're a chief, you should swallow your anger.

　Crono told the chief with a thought that made him vomit blood.
　

''If you can convince the Roux tribe, then everything will be settled in the end!　Sue said she wanted a future!　Even Lili understood the difference in power between the Roux and the Empire!
Shut up!

　The chief's reaction was caustic.
　A slap of power that caused his vision to halate, striking Crono in the cheek.
　Twice, three times, by the time the taste of blood filled his mouth, the Chief stopped hitting Crono.

''..........you understand. It's a shame that people of your own race can't take each other's food and kill each other's children.

　The chief shouted.

'I am now proud of my wife's hatred of me!

　There was no way they could understand each other.
　There was no way they could understand each other, Crono was clearly aware that his heart was about to break.
　It was too late.
　The Lou people hate the Empire.
　They believe that the Empire is the cause of all kinds of suffering and have relied on it to survive until now.

''I know you hate the Empire!　Still, we have to endure to keep more alive!

　It's impossible, I think.
　Even Crono couldn't suppress his hatred.
　Still, there are things you can say because you're not a part of it.

"You are trying to steal the future away from Sue.
Shut up!

　A slap so strong that it nearly cut off his consciousness caught Crono's cheek.
　The Chief was breathing wildly in his wobbly vision.

'I can handle it now, I can handle it on my own.
...the faithful virgin.

　As he said this, the chief crossed his arms as if he were thinking.
　How long had he been thinking about it?

It is not my intention to lead my clan to destruction. It is not my intention to lead our family to destruction, therefore...you must undergo the ordeal of death. You will not be allowed to live as long as you wish, but you will not see yourself as one of us.
Is that... a compromise?
"Souda.

　The Chief turned his back on Crono and walked out of the stone room.
　It was about an hour or so later that the Chief came back.
　The chief was accompanied by Sue.

''Koreoriori 'Trial of Death'.

　The chief unfolded the leather he held in his hand, rolled up into a tube.
　Housed inside it was something bone-like and stone-like with a sharp point.

''........What is the 'Trial of Death'?''
"One night to perform the Mark.
What's the survival rate?
"Nine out of ten will die in pain after one night of engraving.

　Crono glared at the chieftain, "Isn't that like telling him to die?

'Doucet, death. Naraba Gekero.''
"You mean, if I don't go through the 'death test,' you'll execute me?

　When Crono asked, the Chief smiled sadistically.


"You are never too good.

　The Chief clutched something bone-like and thrust the tip of it into Crono.
　The moment Crono thought it wouldn't hurt.

.....

　Intense pain hit Crono.
　His consciousness receded into the distance, but he couldn't pass out or scream because of the intense pain.

'Good Kinna-dake yell buga yi.'

　The Chief didn't crack a smile, as if to say it was comforting.

*

　I remember reading in a comic book that whipping is painful.
　It's also said that you can't lie down or sleep because of the intense pain.
　I've seen videos of flogging on video sites and the sight of the red-black lines running through each whip was so painful.
　Perhaps now Crono is the only Japanese who can sympathize with flogged sinners.

'Humph, ethaka resistant.'

　Crono repeated a shallow breath.
　From the Chief's words, I guess this isn't the end of the 'Trial of Death'.
　Crono repeated his shallow breathing.
　Just the slightest movement and a large breath of air can make Crono torment him with an intense pain that drives him insane.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this in the future.

You will be able to find out more about this. I will take care of you," he said. I forgive you for your pain.
....

　Leaving Suu behind, the Chief left the stone room.

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

　Sue didn't speak. There was no time to talk to Crono either.



　In order to endure the intense pain of The Trial of Death, Crono decided to think of something fun to do.
　He'd heard that maintaining positive emotions in humans boosted their immunity and resilience, but within an hour, he had fallen short.
　It was impossible to think of something fun in such an extreme situation.
　Instead, it was anger and hatred that dominated Crono's mind.
　First against the Roux, then the Chiefs, Lara and Lili, Sue... and then he hated his adoptive father, Myra, Tyga, Faye, Snow, and even Layla, who was supposed to be concerned for Crono's safety.
　I resented them all, hated them all.
　Why didn't they help me after what I'd done to them?
　Why didn't you come and save me after I cared for you?
　It's a recrimination.
　Crono didn't think it was a shameful idea.
　To Crono it was all about not helping, and everything that didn't help him was anger and hatred.
　Crono continued to spin the curse.
　It wasn't until the intense pain eased and he was able to sleep, albeit shallowly, that normal perception finally returned.
　Coasting to the point of a headache, Crono was tormented with regret.
　It was the regret of lashing out at Su, who was taking care of him worthily, and the regret of spinning a curse on people who should still be worried about him.
　As soon as he could no longer afford it, Crono was devastated by his own shallowness in spinning a curse on his mistresses as well.

''The ... sixth day.''
What's going on?

　It hurts, but I manage to speak calmly now.

''Trial of Death, half, six days, live kill. Seventh day, mark, erosion, beginning mar.

　Erosion?　And Crono stares at the engraving that should have been carved into his body.
　When I look into his eyes, I can't help but feel that there is a thin line running through it.

'Drink Me'
Painkillers?
Poison. Poison.

　Sue placed the black pill on the ground.

''No, because one out of ten of them will survive, right?''
"Words, reason, are lost. You're alive. Man is speechless.

　Crono was horrified.
　The Chief had no intention of helping Crono.
　He didn't think he could endure such a thing, a pain so intense that it could erase his personality.

I'm not going to be able to get to know you. I'm sorry.
Hey! I'm not ready to die!　You don't have to live without what you want to do, or what you want to do.......!

　The engraving glowed with a jet black glow.
　The imprint grew thicker and thicker in the blink of an eye, robbing Crono of his calm thoughts.
　Is it similar to when the anesthesia wears off?
　When the anesthesia was working, you didn't feel any pain, but as soon as it wore off, the pain shot through your nerves, straight through your brain.
　The flesh of Crono's flesh was gouged out and the bones in his arms were broken, but he didn't care if it was gouged out and the bones in his arms were broken, he tore off the cord that held him in place and reached for the poison pill.
　The thought of not wanting to die had been blown away somewhere.
　He just figured that anything to escape this pain would be good for him.
　Crono grabbed the poison pill with his broken arm and chewed it up.
　I can die.
　Quickly, quickly, I want to die as soon as possible, even if it's just for a minute or a second.
　He suddenly met his eyes with Sue.
　For a moment, his calm thoughts returned.
　In that moment, what passed through Crono's mind was the images of the people he had met before.
　Crono spat out the shattered poison pill, stuck his fingers in the back of his throat and vomited.
　Crono slammed his head on the stone room floor in intense pain, so intense that he wanted to die himself.

'Omaha, poison, drink!

　Sue made the imprint shine and pressed the new poison, but this time Crono resisted.

''No, no, no!　I don't want to die!

　Crono shouted, dripping piss, as he drifted off.
　I wanted to live, no matter how feckless, no matter how dirty, I wanted to live.
　I didn't want to die.

'Leo, Horus!　I am!

　Crono shouted as he slammed his head on the stone room floor.

'Rizad!'

　The jet-black imprint shone strongly and Crono reflexively grabbed the necklace.

*

　The sky was abominably clear that day.
　Claude did not reprimand Myra, who had returned alive due to Crono's sacrifice.
　He just prepared to fight with terrifying finesse.
　In just eight days he had gathered half of the troops held by the southern frontier the new nobility.
　Gaul also rallied the imperial army on the southern frontier four thousand, more than half of the imperial army on the southern frontier knowing that it was an act of overriding authority.
　What colored Gaul's face was remorse.
　He had risked Crono's life by repeatedly fighting in vain to make his own achievements.
　Crono's men were terrifyingly quiet.
　It wasn't because they were frightened or anxious.
　They were prepared to die.
　With less than four thousand five hundred troops, they might be able to win, but it would be difficult to rescue them.

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

　Dressed in the equipment of his prime, Claude wore a chilling killing spirit.

''The barbarians, they're here!

　Who was the first to shout? The soldiers moved in unison to prepare for the barbarians.

I'm carrying Master Crono!

　It was four barbarians who made their way through the forest.
　Two of them were carrying Crono in something made of wood and leather.
　The remaining two - one was a woman with a long skirt of leather covering her lower body, and the other was the girl who was with Crono.
　The barbarian placed Crono at a distance from the army.

'Master Crono!'

　Leila was the first to run out, followed by Claude.
　Faye and Snow followed, and Myra ran up to Crono with caution.
　Crono was dirty.
　He smelled of sour sweat, his trousers were stained, and his forehead was cracked open and a stain of dead leaf-colored blood stained his face.

'Oh, whoa!'

　Claude held Crono in his arms and wailed.
　It was no longer the figure of the man who was called the Slaughterer (Slaughter).
　It was the figure of an old man, a father who had lost his only son.

"My son, my son, how dare you!

　As soon as Claude drew his sword, Layla, Faye, and Snow held their weapons at the same time.
　Silently, Myra drew her dagger and waited for the moment when Claude slashed at her.

'....Wait a minute...'

　Claude dropped his sword and turned at the voice he had heard behind him, a voice he thought he would never hear again.

'Live and let live?'

　Claude hugged Crono with tears in his eyes.

'Dad, can I stand up?'

　Crono stood up on Claude's shoulder and beckoned to the barbarians.
　The two barbarians who weren't carrying Crono responded to the beckoning were the two barbarians who weren't carrying Crono.

'Stow your weapons,'
Okay.

　At Crono's command, Leila lowered her bow. It was ready to be drawn down at any time, though.

'Chief, I promise,'
"Do you want me to rub your fingers on your chest?
Sure, we'll protect that one, but the other one.

　Reluctantly, the barbarian ... the woman who was called the chief stared at the soldier.

'Hear me!　The Descendants of the Invaders, Domo!

　The scene fell silent.

'We, the Luu, accept the word of our compatriot Crono and choose to walk together with the Empire.　I am defeated!　Reverence and servitude!　We're going to find a way to live together.

　Hmph, sniffing grimly, the Chief glared at Crono.

''Kore De Liinodaro?　"I am my people.
'I feel like we've been fighting for nothing, and we've got a lot of problems... but for now, the fight is over.

　The Chief turned on his heel and suddenly stopped.

''Suu, Crono no Geni Ke.''
....

　The girl called Sue silently walked over to Crono and stopped at a bit of a distance to see if he smelled it.

''What's your heart?''
I'm going to marry her. She will conceive a son, and will inherit the wisdom of the tribe. In the near future, the pure Narcissus will remain among us. When the time comes, you will be defeated.

　It's a far-reaching invasion plan.

You say wife, but your mistress.
I'm going to tell the first lady. She will be pregnant. You can have my daughter.
'Sarah said something awesome!

　Snorting happily, the Chief sniffed happily, and went back into the forest.

'This time, it's over.'

　Crono let out a sigh and just passed out.

''........Now they won't be able to lick the money off the Empire, right?
Yes, thanks to Mr. Crono.

　Myra smiled as she looked at Crono, who hung his head helplessly.
　Four years ago, the no-good man who had appeared before Myra had done what no one else had been able to do.
　Myra looked up at the sky.
　The sky was abominably clear, foreshadowing the arrival of a new era.