*

Quite simply, it's just one question after another.

　Vizier Alcor leaned back and said with a sigh.
　The subject is missing, but I don't need to ask to know that his line is to Crono, Baron Crawford's son.
　You don't have to be Vizier Alcor to want to blurt out that he was kidnapped by a barbarian and that the barbarian was persuaded to offer him a peace offer.

''Why don't you just shove the barbarian's offer?
I don't like the idea of you walking up to me and shaking hands with me.

　Originally, Vizier Alcor was a woodworker.
　He was heavily used by Ramal V and achieved an impossible ascendancy, but now that he doesn't have the backing of an emperor, his position is not as solid as it could be.

''Wouldn't it be the same if I accepted the barbarian's offer?
That's where Count Hernat is making his 'rounds'.

　Since he doesn't try to stop that 'flashy' rooting, Vizier Alcor must be planning to go with the flow created by Count Ernat.
　However, I don't know what Count Ernat's true intentions are.

''Wouldn't it be a problem if the barbarian threat disappeared?
The Kingdom of Dorado will be our virtual enemy, and we will respond by building a fort in the Areos Mountains.

　It's not the new nobles of the southern frontier that will be troubled by the loss of the barbarian threat, but the old nobles of the empire, including Vizier Arcol.
　If the new nobles on the southern frontier started trading with the Dorado Kingdom, the card of restricting logistics would no longer be available.

''How is His Majesty the next Emperor?''
It's like you've been convinced you have power ever since that pro-conquest.

　'I think it's only a matter of time before they try to meddle in politics,' Fana added in her mind.

'I hope they understand the fear of power, too.
But I must warn you, though.

　I wonder if His Majesty was a great monarch in that one, Fana tried unsuccessfully to picture Ramal V's face.
　All she could manage to recall was the stench of alcohol and his breath and his frightened appearance at his dead brother.
　I don't know if it's a good idea to throw everything to a competent subordinate, but if you only look at the results, you can say that Ramal V ruled the empire peacefully.
　Ramal V knew what he was doing.
　He knew the horror of power and, incidentally, his own incompetence.
　Alfort, Fana's son, was different.
　Alfort doesn't know the horror of power or his own limitations.
　His son is in danger of being taken advantage of by someone's naiveté and might exclude Vizier Alcor.
　Wouldn't it have been better to let Princess Tilia take over the throne?　But it would be difficult to say whether Viceroy Alcor would be able to trust the daughter of the woman who caused the civil war.
　It seems that the old ways are losing their way, Fana said, looking at Vizier, his brow wrinkled in difficulty.



　The room was filled with smoke.
　It was being used differently than it was originally intended to be used today, arising from the burning of a sedative herb that had a calming effect.
　Suddenly, the smoke swirled around.
　The windows in the room are closed.
　If a person moved, the smoke might move, but it wouldn't move like it does now.
　Standing in the center of the smoke is Su, who has activated the Mark.
　The smoke swirled around Suu, creating a spindle-shaped, smokeless space.

"....I'm going to tell you the place. I will make my will known to you.
I see.

　Apparently, the imprinting technique had other uses besides increasing physical abilities.
　Lara was covered in flames and Lili was also flying, so it's not like it's a new thing now.
　Crono tightened his grip on the necklace and activated the imprint.
　His body creaks with a creak, and he imagines the smoke swirling around him as he endures the pain.
　The smoke flows gently at first, like a thread unraveling.
　After a while, it's completed, and unlike Suu, it's a twisted spindle in many places.

''My body still hurts as usual?''
"Omaha, nai.

　Hmm?　Crono nodded his head, but he quickly agreed.
　Since falling into this world, Crono trained his body.
　He is proud of his efforts until now, but his training method is fundamentally different from that of the Roux, who grow up exposed to the harsh natural environment.
　There is too much of a gap between Crono's original muscle strength and the muscle strength that is able to be demonstrated by the imprint, and this is probably putting a strain on the body.

''.........Can't you become stronger for fun?''
"I'm sorry, I can't.

　He who lives by the sword doesn't perish by the sword, but it's probably not a good idea to rely on useful power, Crono said, drawing his sword.

''Place, keep.''
Yes, sir. Otherwise, we won't be able to use it in the field.

　If that's the case, we'll have to train steadily.
　Crono swung while maintaining the 'place' and soon realized the difficulty.
　When you swing, the "field" is disrupted.

"Place, maintain, think esugi.
"Maintaining a 'place' without being aware of it?

　

''Omae, no.''
It's tougher than a normal swing.

　Crono's imprint flickered erratically.
　Somehow with a bad feeling, Crono stopped the imprint.
　It shouldn't have been much of a workout, but his whole body was coated in sweat and he was shivering small.

'That's not very fuel efficient.'

　Crono wiped the sweat off the cloth and placed it on the back of the chair.

'Hey, ventilation.'

　The moment Crono opened the window, the wind rushed in from behind him, pushing the smoke from the room outside.

''.........''
Aren't you gonna say my name?

　I turned around and saw Rio standing near the door of the room.

'Rio, why?'
I was told that this is the Imperial City of Alfiruk and that you had almost died.

　Rio sat down on Crono's bed and crossed his legs gracefully.

...who are you?

　Grul and Sue pointed their spears at Rio and snarled.

'I'm Crono's mistress. What are you like that?
"I'm your wife!

　Wife?　And Rio's eyes narrowed sullenly.

'Well, that's fine. 'Well, that's fine, but I got to know Crono before you did, you know?　You could treat me with a little respect, couldn't you?
...minutes.

　Sue honestly lowered her spear.

''I love an obedient child.

　While saying that, Rio's eyes aren't smiling at all.
　No matter how I look at it, they are not the eyes of a human being who loves children.
　Perhaps Suu sensed Rio's danger with her animalistic instincts and pulled back.

''Would you mind leaving the room for a moment?
"Ooh, yeah.
Well, I love an honest child. It would be great if you could keep on loving them.

　Rio gave Sue an icy look as she walked out of the room.

'So, what do you want?'
Do you need a reason to see your girlfriend?

　Crono sat down in his chair and looked at Rio.

'Just kidding. I'm here to inform you that I'm the one who will be escorting you to the castle tomorrow.
I'll finally be able to get back into my own territory.

　Crono is staying at Crawford's mansion in the imperial capital for the sake of argumentation.
　To tell you the truth, I don't want to see Alfort.

''I'm happy to make achievements, but aren't you too reckless for being weak?
I'm trying to think of something to say.
Did you think it through when you messed with Faye?

　'Ugh,' said Crono, at a loss for words.

'I knew it, do you understand?'
He has no gaps in his behavior and his movements are more expressive. He was strong when we met before, but I'm sure he'll be even stronger.

　Rio crossed his legs gracefully and smiled to himself as he mocked himself.

'I thought you'd grown up too, but I'm relieved to see you haven't changed.
If it's so easy to grow up, you can't keep dying.
I'm sure.

　What fun, Rio laughed out loud.

'Back to my first question, I came here because I wanted to tell you something about the treatment of the barbarians.
What's going on?
'It's not something Crono needs to worry about. Thanks to Count Ernat's rooting around, I'm sure he'll be able to get you and Gaul to drink in most of your claims.

　Relieved, Crono patted his chest.

'What I'm worried about is whether you can stand the argument.
"...what are you talking about?
If I'm not going to fall for it, as long as the Chronosphere needs me, I'm not going to fall for it.

　Rising from the bed, Rio hugged Crono from behind.

'I'm willing to cut your highness' head off if that's what you want. I'm the type of person who will do everything for you.
Well that's a bit of a stretch.

　I'm happy for Rio's feelings, but it's even more frightening.
　It may be easy for Rio to kill Alfort.
　But if he did that, not only Rio, but also his family and his men would be punished.
　There was no way he could say that he wanted them to sacrifice everything to serve him.

'Sometimes I feel insecure. I don't feel like the happiness I have now will last.

　Rio rested his weight on Crono and whispered to him.

''Do you think ... Rio thinks there's a price to pay for happiness?''
'I think it's easier to understand and more reassuring that way. It's easier to understand and more comfortable, I think. I mean, it's just too good to be true, isn't it? I mean, it's so good to be able to go to a ball and have them not be surprised to find out my secret.

　Crono scratched his cheek, though the shock of seeing a minotaur or a lizardman was greater than the shock of seeing a hermaphrodite.

'And on top of that, it's a joke that they're from another world.
Did you know?
Oh, you're really from another world?

　Crono felt like sticking his tongue out.

''Don't look so grumpy, please. I was told by Lord Leonhardt once that the first emperor was a dark-haired man from another world.'
Tilia said to keep it a secret, though?
Of course, it will be insane.

　Crono nodded, "That's right, too.

'Well, I'm going home then.'
Would you like to have dinner with me?
I'll take you up on your offer.

*

　Orto was the chief of staff of the mercenary corps led by his adopted father and Myra's comrade in arms.
　It is difficult to describe his background and accomplishments, but if we limit ourselves to his appearance, one word will suffice.
　He is a butler.
　His white hair, hardened into an all-back haircut, gives him the appearance of a butler.
　The monocle on his right eye looks like a butler.
　The straight backbone is butler-like.
　The slit eyes, thin lips, and cold-heartedness are butler-like.
　Orto straightens his back and stands at a diagonal back of Crono.

''It's kind of chaotic, isn't it?''
Yeah?

　Crono looked around the dining room when Rio asked him about it.
　Leila, Faye, Snow, Sue, and the landlady (Shera) are there.
　Leila and the landlady are devoted to serving, though.

''I wanted to invite Taiga and the others as well, but the dining room is too small.
Are the beastmen in the barracks?
I'm staying at the inn Ault arranged for me. The innkeeper didn't like me, so I had to rent out the inn.
No honest innkeeper wants to rent a room to a sub-human.

　Looking over his shoulder, Ault threw out his chest lightly and said in a flat, emotionless voice.

'We're guests over here, okay?'
I suppose it's more frightening to have a reputation for not being a proper inn.
I understand the logic, but it's not very interesting.

　Crono propped his elbows on the table and nibbled on his sausage.
　He glanced at the landlady.

It's not a good idea to look at me like that, but my shop was never going to have a choice of customers. They couldn't afford it, so they used us like a tavern.
So that's where you're keeping Leila, a porter.

　Crono hung his head helplessly.

''Well I wasn't complaining at the time.
'It seems somewhat wrong to compare it to the barracks at that time.

　He even embezzled a soldier's salary, and Crono let out a deep sigh as he remembered his old boss.

''Maybe so, but that was natural for us back then... no, Crono-sama took incredible care of us then and now.

　Then Leila smiled sadly.

''Apparently, I'm not the only one who's feeling anxious, huh?

　Rio smiled wickedly.
　It was ironic, though, that Leila, a half-elf, and Rio, a nobleman of the Empire, had similar feelings for him.

''What about the fey?''
Wonderful?

　I looked at Faye and saw her mouth full of food and her cheeks puffed out like a hamster.

'I'll wait until you're done eating,'

　Mokyuu swallowed the food, Faye drank the incense tea and let out a small breath.

'Doesn't Faye feel anxious or anything?'
I feel it, sir. I'm afraid they're going to take away my armor and my horse and put me back in charge of cleaning the stables. And then, on my night duty to Master Crono.

　Goggle, Faye muttered something.

I've got a nervous breakdown, sir!

　Bang, bang!　I slammed the table.

'Well, I didn't mean to do anything so disgusting.

　Was that it, or did you not want to play in the bath?　Was it that embarrassing to play bubbly?　Did you not like the licking look he gave you?　And Crono broke out in a greasy sweat as he recalled his many lewd acts.

'A bring-in inn ... that's a bit curious.
'Really?　I don't have a good image of it.

　Dim lights, a bed that creaks when you sit down, a dingy bed and poorly dressed to disguise your identity....

Ha, ha!
Hey, what's going on?

　Crono exclaimed, and Rio's eyes widened in surprise as he said

'I've got a great idea,'
What's your idea?
'How about Rio acting in a dodgy inn, in shoddy clothes?

　Pocan~ Rio opened his mouth in dismay.

So you're just going to play hooky and guest?
'Exactly!　The master and his maid are hard to get rid of!　Or a female knight in captivity!　It's a dream come true!
You're one hell of a good actress.

　Rio held his temples as if he were trying to hold back a headache.

'Answer me?'
Well, I'll think about it.

　'You mean you'll consider it positively,' said Crono in a small gut-punch.

'I just said I'll think about it, okay?　Crono, are you listening to me?
"An ambiguous answer will be interpreted in a way that suits you.

　He heard Faye's pitying voice, but Crono pretended not to hear it.

*

　The next day, the Ninth Kinsman Guard came for Crono in a two-horse carriage.
　Rio, dressed in white military dress, was enthrallingly dignified.
　This was the second time the imperial carriage owned by the imperial family stopped in front of the Fourth District........Crawford's mansion, but the surroundings were filled with onlookers.

''Crono-sama, your majesty.''
Yes, sir.
Maybe even a costume for a horse.

　It felt like a mixture of non-praise, but Crono didn't go into it and got into the carriage with mixed feelings.
　Unlike last time, this time he didn't sacrifice anyone.
　Considering that, it would be nice to feel a little proud, but the feeling of not wanting to see Alfort was stronger.
　After the carriage arrived at Alfilk Castle, it was Rio who led Crono to the audience room.
　Maintaining a reasonable distance from Crono, Rio was knightly as he walked through the castle.

'This is a soliloquy, though. I'm not going to lie about the words I told you yesterday in your room.''
"...do you have any demons in Rio's family?

　d*mn it, Crono cursed in his chest.
　Unlike that time, he had someone he could rely on this time.
　Moreover, there's even a cause to regain the succession to the throne from the usurper Alfort to Tilia.
　As long as you are prepared to split the empire in two, you can avenge him.

''You, you don't look well.
I don't feel so good.

　Gaul said with concern as he joined them in front of the audience room.
　His stomach peristalsis and nausea crept in.

Can I open it?

　The door opened with a heavy thud before my mind was ready.
　The audience room was just as bleak as it was then.
　Even though it was summer, the audience room was even chilly, and Alfort was at the end of the carpet that stretched out in a straight line.
　He sat deep on his throne, just as he had done then, with a twitching smile on his face.
　Crono kept pace with Gaul and propped himself up on one knee at a reasonable distance from Alfort.

'Battalion Commander Gaul, report.
Ha.

　Prompted by Vizier Alcor, Gaul explained what happened this time.
　During the operation, Crono had been kidnapped by the Roux.
　However, this was Gaul's plan to persuade the Roux to join the operation.
　Crono was lied to, saying that he had accomplished his mission in spite of several accidents.

''Why didn't you take out the barbarians?''
'With all due respect, this is a transitional period in the reign of His Majesty King Ramal V and His Highness Prince Alfort. Now that our relations with the Holy Argo Kingdom have improved after many years of skirmishes, I thought it was time for us to make peace with the Roux to show His Highness Alfort's prestige.

　Gaul replied to Vizier Alcor's question with a knightly attitude.

''Hmm...''

　Prime Minister Alcor turned his gaze to the court nobles in the audience room.
　Thanks to Count Ernat's rooting, no one objected.

''Very well. Now that the Dorado Kingdom is experiencing unrest, it is to the Empire's great advantage to bring in barbarians who are skilled in fighting in the mountains. But we can't ignore the fact that the barbarians have had a long hostile relationship with the Empire.

　Crono almost clucked his tongue, wondering if autonomy would be difficult after all.

''Then, after we build a fort in the Areos Mountains, I'll keep an eye on both the barbarians and the Dorado Kingdom.

　The court nobles look around at Gaul's words.
　It's not a bad suggestion.
　At least Gaul was not supposed to be a new nobleman-leaning person.
　I wonder if this had already been rooted out, Vizier Alcor nodded without showing any sign of surprise.
　Is it a sign of caution not to give the Areos Mountains to Gaul as a territory?

''I will accept that proposal. In recognition of this time's achievement...''
With all due respect.

　Gaul looked at Alfort.
　Such anxiety swirled in Crono's chest, wondering if Gaul would betray him.

It was because he risked his life to work for us that the Roux tribe agreed to make peace.''
....

　Vizier Alcor does not answer.
　Perhaps Gaul's opinion was unexpected to him.
　However, he can't remain silent.

I'm not going to be able to say that I'm the one who decides on the matter of retribution.

　Picun and Vizier Alkor's eyebrows jump up.
　This is also unexpected........or should I consider that it happened earlier than I expected?

"Yes, the Marquis of Erakis, who made great strides in the last battle, has shown his respect for the barbarians this time as well, to show his authority.

　Crono gritted his teeth so hard that they creaked.

''Therefore, I would like to appoint you as the commander of the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard.
....

　When Vizier Alcor's eyes narrowed, Alfort made a small motion.

''If Your Highness insists, I will establish the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard and appoint the Marquis of Erakis as its leader.

　Oh, and the court nobles groaned.
　But Crono didn't miss the thin smile Alfort had on his face.
　Do you think I gave you the honor or something?　Or do you think you've got a pawn in the future to fight Vizier Arkol?　And Crono was giddy that he was still being treated as a pawn on the board.
　He suddenly moved his gaze and his eyes met with Rio's.
　Command me, he said, a light that resembled madness in Rio's eyes.
　It was an irresistibly sweet temptation.
　But how could I, who had proclaimed the greatness that a chief should swallow his anger, be able to take advantage of the temptation?
　He should endure it now.
　Rising from his throne, Alfort walked up to Crono.
　With each step, and each step Alfort took closer, Crono had to desperately resist the urge to spring up.
　The closer Alfort got, the more successful the assassination would be.
　The moment his toes came into view, Crono's heart was beating so hard he thought the sound would leak out.
　With an awkward gesture, Alfort drew his floridly decorated sword.
　It was unmistakably a sword with a graceful warp.

''With the treasured sword handed down from the fathers, I appoint thee as the leader of the Thirteenth Order of the Kingsguard.

　The sword touches Crono's shoulder.
　It's like a sinner waiting to be beheaded, Crono thinks to himself, as if he were someone else.



　False oaths are uttered.
　No, I offer them.
　I'll give you my sword and my armor.
　But.

'My heart and my soul are dedicated to all those I love.

　I can't just give you this heart and soul, Crono glared at Alfort.
　Whatever he saw in Crono's eyes, Alfort backed away.

'Though the sky may fall, the earth may split open, and the sea may swallow us up my vow shall not be broken.

　Alfort returned his sword to its scabbard and wobbled back to his throne.

''Your audience with Your Highness is now concluded.

　As Vizier Alcor's declaration echoed in the audience room, Rio looked at Crono seductively.

''........Rio.
What's going on?

　Crono called out, and Rio's eyes sparkled with happiness.

'I'm still not in my element. Would you mind giving me a shoulder?'
I don't mind.

　Borrowing a shoulder from Rio, Crono stood up on shaky legs.
　As he left the audience room, the door closed with a heavy thud.

I'll carry you if you're not feeling well.
I'm sorry, but that's what I do.

　'Hmm,' said Gaul, looking at Crono and Rio in turn.

'There's a lot to talk about, but I guess we shouldn't talk about it here.
Shall we set up a proper venue?

　Gaul crossed his arms thoughtfully.

'Let's not. Prime Minister Alcor's decision is an expected event. Then we will simply act as originally planned.'

　It would have been good if the Areos Mountains could have been made an autonomous region for the Roux, but he was also thinking about what would happen if he couldn't do that.
　Well, even if Crono was in the position of Alcor Prime Minister, he wouldn't grant autonomy to the Roux tribe.
　At least not while he was not assessing the situation.
　It's not a matter that can be concluded today or tomorrow, and the Roux have no choice but to learn about the empire through exchange until a conclusion is reached.
　Well, if we say this is also 'as planned', it's as planned.

''........Hey.''

　He stared at his glove-like hands, then Crono looked up at Gaul.

'What?'
Handshake.

　Crono shook Gaul's hand, almost blowing up at his blunt manner.

''Well it seems like it's a bit late for that.
I didn't have time to shake your hand.

　Really?　Crono nodded his head.

'I hope to see you again.'
"Just make sure you don't go off on a rampage or get stabbed by a woman so you can see her again.

　Hey, you bastard," Crono said, squeezing Gaul's hand with all his strength.