*

　Crono has been busy lately.
　I wonder if he's settled down to go check on the harbor, give the merchants permission to use the harbor, and so on.　But then he is working tirelessly in the city of Hachel and granting permission for the use of the port to representatives of the organization formed by the peddlers.
　The city of Hachel is bustling with activity.
　Prices of clothes and spices have fallen, and the consumption activity of the territory's residents has increased.
　There is no doubt that this is thanks to the port.
　After all, the use of the port is cheap enough to pay for the organization that the peddlers hurriedly created.
　
　However, the merchants' true intentions may have been forced to reduce the price because of the 'Sinner Trade Union', though.
　Even if there are a few complaints, the city of Hashel........Crono's territory is changing for the better.
　The elf twins were also happy that their clothes were cheaper.
　They didn't seem to understand much of the logic, so when I explained it to them, they rolled their eyes at the fact that it wasn't just about being able to eat fish.
　On the other hand, the stalls - especially those related to groceries - have not changed in amount at all.
　Since they don't benefit from the port, it can't be helped.
　With that in mind.

Well that's not very helpful.

　Tilia closed the book and put it back on the shelf.
　Tilia was reading a book about the Six Pillar God.
　It wasn't raining, but Tilia was reading in a room that Crono was opening up for officer education.
　Not to improve her education, but to become stronger.
　What suddenly passed through his mind was the battle with Count Rio Chiron.
　In that battle, Count Piske had taken him by surprise and defeated him.
　It's a bitter, too bitter memory.
　Not only did he lose, he was stepped on by his head.
　But I also think that even if I had continued to fight, I would not have been able to defeat Count Rio Chiron.
　You'll be able to see that you're not the only one who can get away with it.
　If I can summon the same kind of "divine weapon", I'll be able to bring the fight to an even match.
　That's what I thought, but I don't know how to summon the "divine artifacts".
　Even Tilia doesn't think she can learn it by reading a book.
　Even so, I was looking for a clue, but as I said, I didn't find any description that would give me a clue.
　
　If he recalled carefully, the former Marquis of Erakis owned numerous works of art.
　Most of them had been sold off by Crono with great fanfare, but these books in his collection were also probably purchased as if he were collecting art.
　Maybe it was because they were collected in that sense, or maybe it was because he and the former Marquis of Erakis didn't have the same taste, but the books that Tilia enjoyed... were... there.
　Very flimsy, a story about the world Crono was in.
　When I asked Crono how Momotaro must be teaching the importance of good and evil depending on his position and Mt. Tickle must be teaching the importance of the law, he gave me a subtle look.
　The door opens with a clatter, and

Geeeeeeeeeeeee!
Why do you keep talking about us when we're off duty?

　The twin elves turned away and ran away, and Tyria gave chase, for the moment.

What the hell?
And it's split in two on one, two, three!

　The aisle splits off to the left and right.
　Apparently, the twin elves chose to sacrifice one of them, but the other one survived.

''One, two, three!''
....

　Tilia silently follows them.
　The reason why I can continue to chase them even though the aisle is divided into two sides is simple and obvious.

'Why are we running in the same direction!　Left and left!　Deneb is left!
Arideed is the one who should have gone left!

　They both made their way down the aisle to the right.
　The twin elves flapped their limbs as Tyria grabbed them by their collars.
　It looked more like a child flailing about than resistance.
　After a while, the twin elves grew quiet, as if they had given up.

'Uhehe, Princess. What do you want?
Well, we just bought some clothes and we're feeling a little lonely.

　The twin elves smiled in obedience.

'I didn't have any particular business to attend to, but since you guys ran off, I just kind of went after you.
You're a bear!

　Apparently, bears have a habit of chasing people who are trying to escape.

"You?
No, heh, like a figure of speech?
Yeah, yeah, we worship her a lot.

　The twin elves said in a tone that lacked a shred of credibility.
　They had eyes that were plotting how to mend and escape.
　When Tyria let go of her hand, the twin elves patted their chests in relief.

''Well, we'll take it.''

　Tyria silently looked away from the twin elves, who smiled oddly at her, "Uhehehee.

''Well yes, come to think of it, you have the right person.

*

　Khan, Khan, and the sound of hammering echoed through the yard of the Marquis of Erakis' mansion today.
　In the usual place, the Faye is teaching her apprentice swordplay.
　What was different from the usual was that Fay's apprentice was wearing new clothes.
　Yeah, he must have bought them from the 'Sinner Trade Union', Tilia looked at Fay.

'Princess Tilia, what can I do for you?'
...actually.

　Tilia was a little unsure if she should consult with him.
　As far as Tilia knew, Fei was an extremely talented swordsman and a user of the Divine Majesty Technique.
　Although he is one step ahead of Leonhardt in swordsmanship and Count Rio Chiron in the Divine Majesty Technique.
　Hmmm, even Faye hasn't arrived at the 'summoning of the divine weapon', so there's no point in discussing it with those who haven't, right?
　No, I read the book in the hope that it would give me some clues, so why not just give up when it doesn't work?

''Actually, there's something I wanted to ask you. How can I reach the Divine Weapon Summoning Technique?
Mmm, that's a difficult question.

　As I expected, Faye raised her eyebrows in difficulty and snorted.

''.........First of all, we must sit down like this.
Yeah?

　Faye sits back and forms a fist on the hilt.
　It's a gesture as if he's clenching something, but there's nothing there.

''Divine weapon summoning, drawn sword!

　Darkness bursts forth and a jet-black sword is born to match the action of pulling out Fay's sword.
　The extremely finely crafted sword manifested itself for a moment - the blink of an eye before it was released from its sheath and swung away.
　Immediately the jet-black sword lost its presence and disappeared as if it were melting into the air.

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

　Tilia's eyes widened to the extreme in surprise.
　She had never dreamed that Faye was beyond her.

''I, when?''
"It was during a duel on the southern frontier that I discovered my true calling. My father's sword broke, and as I was spinning in circles, it fell to me like a stone.

　I have no idea.
　But if it's called a duel, it must have been serious.
　In the middle of a duel, the sword breaks.
　Yeah, it's a situation that could be called the worst.
　Perhaps the extreme circumstances pushed Faye to a higher level, Tilia concluded.

'I mean, it's concentration.

　In a situation of crisis, a human being can display a terrifying power.
　



　Tilia mimics Fei, sitting back and lightly clenching her fists.

''Divine weapon summoning, drawn sword!

　Tyria pulled out her imaginary sword, but the light did not explode.
　It felt like an icy wind blew through the pu~ruri.
　My cheeks were hot.
　I screamed as hard as I could.
　But nothing happened.
　This is embarrassing.
　It's incredibly embarrassing.
　When I glanced at the situation with a side glance, Fei's apprentice turned away awkwardly, and Fei had a somewhat dumbfounded expression on his face.
　
　Focus.
　Assume an extreme situation.
　Exhaling, Tyria thought of the extreme situation ... the fight with Count Rio Chiron.
　In front of you is Count Rio Chiron.
　
　No, no, I can't, I can't.
　I should be concentrating now.
　Oh, speaking of extreme situations that was days before Crono left for the southern frontier.
　That night, Tilia visited Crono's bedroom.
　Crono was in his room doing paperwork and Tilia was lounging in bed.
　Well, have some juice...........................or maybe they would have told her.
　As she was told, Tilia drank the juice.
　It was delicious, and since Crono had recommended it, she drank it in a fit of pique.
　And then Crono tied her up.
　He was already a guy who had no choice, and half resigned, half affectionate.......it was a disaster.
　What you drink has to come out.
　It's the law of nature.
　But what do you do when you want to get it out and you can't move?
　Defy the laws of nature and be patient.
　Tilia persevered.
　When she couldn't resist she asked.
　She asked and she didn't, so she got angry.
　I got angry and it didn't work, so I shut up.
　Extremes, those were the extremes.
　I tried to resist, but I couldn't.
　There was no way I could defy the laws of nature.

"Ugh!

　Tilia remembered the moment and bent her knees.

'What is the matter, sir?'
"....pot...
A jar, sir?

　Holding her head, Tilia grunted.

'Master, what do you mean by that?'
...adults have their own problems, sir.
Master, you shouldn't be fooling around just because you don't understand something.

　No.
　I have to concentrate, otherwise I won't be able to Summon the Divine Weapon.
　If I want to get rid of the humiliation of having my head stepped on by the humiliation of losing the man I fell in love with to the man of all men, I must win in every way possible against Count Rio Chiron.
　Tilia stood up and sat down just like before.

''........Focus, Tilia.

　Once again, I have a vision of Count Rio Chiron.
　
　The landlady ... I should be a little better than her.
　Even if we were losing in size, I have tauter skin.
　
　You didn't get tied up at the time.
　Yeah, I tried.
　It was my first time, but I did my best.
　And he looked at me with a disappointed look on his face.
　And he was gentler than usual.
　Tilia sat down and hugged her knees.
　She looked like she was going to cry a little.
　It's a sad memory now that I was able to refrain from verbal abuse with my chest that day.

'I sat down on my knees, man.
Mmm, you've seen the darkness in my heart.
''The Divine Majesty Technique depends on talent. Those who can master the higher-ranking techniques can learn them, and those who can't can't learn them.

　Even as Faye and her apprentice boy stared in amazement, Viscount Eryl Sardomelik did not move his gaze from the book.

''I became available in the middle of a duel, yes?
That's the kind of talent he had.
Mmm, that's a cruel word.
Talent is such a thing. The haves and have-nots can sum up their accumulated efforts in one word: talent. You could call it a disconnection.

　Holding her knees, Tyria stared at Viscount Eryl Sardomelik.

''........talent?''

　Muttering, Tilia realized for the first time the horror of the word "talent".
　Until now, Tyria had never been frustrated.
　She was able to do most things if she tried hard enough.
　So it was more strange that there were people like Crono who couldn't do it even if they tried.
　Disconnection ... a true disconnection.
　Tilia and Crono couldn't sympathize with each other on the one point of can or can't.

No, this is a dangerous idea. Giving up when there's still room for effort is the thinking of a loser!
Princess Tyria, your master wants to see you.
I'll be there in a minute!

　Turning around, Tilia replied cheerfully to Alyssa, who had been coming for some time.

*

'I have to tell Tyria something.

　When he entered the office, Crono was awkwardly silent and then opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind.
　Why do I have to use a silent tone?　Tilia tilted her head.

'Actually ... there have been complaints.
Who's that?
The accountant it's from Elena.

　'That slave, or so I thought, I bought him to take charge of accounting,' said Tilia, crossing her arms.

''I've been reimbursing Tilia for the amount she's made Deneb and Alideed buy for her, under the guise of entertainment expenses, but don't make me go through the hassle of a procedure for not much money,''
You are a rude little slave. You should be chastised.

　Huh~, Crono let out a grand sigh.

'I'm short-handed in my territory. Well, it's gotten a little easier since I started making documents on the printmaking machine.
Surely that was a great invention.

　After all, if you make the original plate, you can print the same thing over and over again.
　It's easier than writing by hand, and there are fewer mistakes because the necessary items are engraved on the plate.

'That's why we're introducing an allowance system. This will be a one-time process.
I don't want to.
Why?

　Tyria glares at Crono, who gives her a strange look.

'Wouldn't you know if I didn't tell you?'
If you don't tell me, I won't know.

　Mu, mmmmm~, Tilia snorted.

'I'm ... well, I'm going to be your full-time wife, in a manner of speaking.
Oh, that's what it comes down to, isn't it?
Is that what you're saying?　You stole my innocence!

　Walking up to her, Tilia tapped the desk.

''Well I remember being raped by force?''
'Rest assured. I have memories of spending a night with Crono, too, when I was young and furious.

　Tilia covered her mouth.

'I've lost my right to the First Throne and I often wonder if I'll ever be able to stand when Crono despises me.
You're rather sensitive.
Sometimes I can't stand it when I hear about other women being arm-mugged or being nice to me.

　'Mm-hm,' Crono nodded, not seeming to understand at all.

'I think I'm contradicting myself, but because of the situation, I want to be on an equal footing with Crono. If I get an allowance from you, then we wouldn't be equals, would we?
'No allowance, but you don't mind having them take care of your food, clothing and shelter?
"It's a man's responsibility to provide for his wife.

　'Besides, you work as a wife,' Tilia muttered quietly.

''Well, what about the second idea: I'll put aside the money at Tilia's disposal, and we'll settle for the amount spent at the end of the month as entertainment expenses?
Rejected!

　'Ehhh,' said Crono unhappily.

''All right. I'll spend the money myself, so I don't mind following Crono's lead from there.
'No debt, okay?　And you're not allowed to sell any of the equipment in the Marquess' house.
I know.

　Leaving the office, Tilia was at a loss.
　If she could make money that easily, she would have no trouble.
　What was to be done?　And as I was pacing around the Marquess'

Well, don't, not again!
We're running out of luck today.

　Once again, the elven twins escaped, and Tyria caught them without a second thought.

I need to talk to you guys.
Yeah, well, we're not tipping Mr. Crono off.
Well, yeah, I didn't say that the accountant is giving me a hard time every time I'm off duty.

　This is your fault!　But it was also true that there was no one other than the twin elves with whom he could feel free to talk to.

'Let's go to my room.'
Oh, our days off are long gone.
I didn't do anything wrong.

　Tyria takes the twin elves to her room and throws them on the bed.
　Geez!　I made a froggy noise, but I ignored it and closed the door.

'Ooh~ It's more luxurious than Crono-sama's room,'
Wheeze, it smells so good.

　The twin elves sounded impressed on the bed.

'Really?　I don't think even a single piece of furniture is adequate.
I don't envy you.
I'm perfectly happy in my room.

　The twin elves pouted sulkily as they got off the bed.

"So, what do you want?
'I have to make money without selling my debts and the furnishings of the Marquis' mansion. Give me an idea.
When you're asked for it, and then you just pop an idea.
We didn't have to be soldiers.

　'Hey~,' the twin elves looked at each other and nodded.

''Useless. Yeah, do you want me to call that barbarian girl too?
'Oh, Suu goes to the Coma Forest to get herbs and make and sell medicine.
That's the thing. When you have a job in your hand, you can live anywhere.

　Tilia felt a slight dip.
　She hadn't expected the barbarian lass to have a better life than her.

''Well how about this kind of idea?　Make a square in the harbor of Count Caddo with string.
What's your heart?

　Tyria nodded at the elven twins' reaction.

'I will claim this is my land and lease the land to the merchants.
''The land in the Count of Caddo's estate belongs to Master Crono, so that's impossible.

　Crono felt like he could snap, but after all, it might be difficult to claim the land as his own.

''How about........killing the bandits?''
I can't!

　Tyria said, a bit modestly, and the twin elves leaned forward and exclaimed.

'And the Princess didn't get Kane last year!
'It's impossible for a princess like that to slay a bandit who's on the run from Kane!

　Tyria snorted at the twin elves' swordsmanship.
　She wanted to argue back, but the fact was that she couldn't catch Kane.

''I mean, you don't have to push yourself, Princess-sama.
We're making our way in life, and the Chronosphere is kind.

　The twin elves folded their hands together to support their heads and said cumbersomely.

'It's a matter of pride,'
Ugh, princesses are such a pain in the ass.
And what does it taste like to us?　It's a story I'm not even close to.

　Is this another disconnection?　And Tyria looked at the twin elves, who were not feeling motivated.
　

''Ahh, then, since it seems that there are bears or something in the settlement of Count Caddo's territory that are in trouble, what about exterminating them and selling their furs and meat and such?''
What's an "what"?
'I don't know. I just overheard my deputy blabbering on about it.

　One half of the twin elves said troublesomely.
　Hmmm, Tyria snorted.
　I don't know what's coming up, but as Crono's legitimate wife, I can't just overlook the fact that the people of my domain are in trouble, and if I can make some money.
　Even if the other party is an animal, if I gain experience in actual combat, I might be able to get a clue to 'Summon the Divine Weapon'.

''Let's adopt that idea. Let's go!
We can't.
It's past noon and I've got work tomorrow.

　Dar~ and such a sound could be heard at any moment, the twin elves are not motivated.

''Gugunu, even Momo Taro had three companions.
We're not selling our lives for dumplings.
Oh, that. You know, Momotaro's a rougher than a slaver.

　Apparently, the twin elves have no intention of working for Tyria.



　The next day.

'Huh?　Why are we with the princess?
You feel like you've been at work today?

　The twin elves on either side of Tyria's wagon muttered now.

'Because Princess Tyria asked the Marquis of Erakis for help.

　Viscount Eryl Sardomelik, who was reading a book in a corner of the wagon, looked up and muttered to himself.

''You and the Marquis of Erakis think you're on good terms with Princess Tyria.
'What?　We only get along when we're off duty.
She was more than an acquaintance, less than a friend.

　Viscount Eryl Sardomelik squinted thoughtfully.

'Going out together on your days off is considered a sign of good friendship.
"I have been selected to be your bodyguard, that I have been chosen to protect you.

　The beastman held his greatsword and muttered in the back of his pack.

'For now, you've beaten Momotaro.

　Tyria muttered as she looked at the elven twins on horseback, Viscount Eryl Sardomelik and the beastly man with the great sword in the back of his pack.

''What can I do for you, that you can do for me?'' (GASP?)
I need to see your sword.

　Viscount Eil Sardomelik tucked the book into his Zuta bag and approached without waiting for the beastman's reply.

''I judge it to be the work of a canuthi.
"Who are you, that you are? (Gulp?)

　Viscount Eil Sardomelik's eyes narrowed sullenly and he let out a small sigh, as if he had no choice.

''Kanuchi is a family name. It's said that he was called by that name when he struck a sword for the first Emperor. At first they only made weapons, but in time they began to make magic items.

　Viscount Eryl Sardomelik muttered something and tapped his fingers on the scabbard with a conk. Then what looked like a blue-white glowing formula emerged around the great sword.

''A magic formula, that is?'' (GASP?)
"A magic formula carved into the sword itself by granting magic.

　When Viscount Eryl Sardomelik taps his sheath, the formula.......the magic formula disappears.
　No, maybe the magic formula was constantly unfolding, and Viscount Eryl Sardomelik had visualized it in some way.
　I wanted to ask what kind of principle it was, but Viscount Eryl Sardomelik resumed his reading in his original position.

''I am lonelier than Momo Taro.

　Tilia propped her elbows on the edge of the wagon and looked at the newly completed port.
　Nevertheless, the current Silva Port is in the middle of a building rush.
　I'm sure that the brick structures are warehouses, and the wood structures are either shops for the Chamber of Commerce or houses for the Chamber of Commerce to sleep in.
　It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to do with it.
　The wagons that Tilia and the others ride in rub against the battered wagons.
　My eyes follow the carriage, which is so full of cargo that I think the axle is going to snap off, and then I turn my attention back to the port.
　There are a lot of people working in the harbor.
　Minotaurs, lizardmen, and other sub-humans, of course.
　If you look hard enough, you can see that there are two kinds of sub-humans as well.
　There are two kinds of sub-humans: the relatively small, neatly dressed sub-humans and the dirty looking sub-humans.
　The former would be Crono's people and the latter would be the rest.

''Well if Crono sees them, he's going to frown.

　
　And yet, he owns two s*x slaves, so it's a good thing he's not saying or doing anything.
　In Crono's territory, slave trading is a permit system, and owners are not supposed to inflict harsh punishments on their slaves.
　The reasoning behind making slavery a permit system is to prevent trouble after the transaction, and the reasoning behind not giving harsh punishments is that if a slave gets injured or dies, it will reduce productivity and negatively affect the territory's economy.
　Even there, it hasn't led to a dramatic improvement in treatment.
　It's built into the structure of society, so this is all we can do to continue our efforts.
　Further north from the port, minotaurs were pulling out stumps and digging up the ground.
　There were probably about forty of them.
　All of them have magnificent physiques.

''You guys, what do you look like?'' (Bumo~)

　One of the minotaurs rested his hand and stared at Tyria as he said.
　He was a ship's eye, as if he had been in the army, and he was powerful to look at.
　Giving instructions to the Gentleman and stopping the wagon, Tilia stood up and stretched her chest.

''I heard that the beast was in trouble and I came to help. Of course, I've properly said no to Crono.'

　But,' said Tilia, crossing her arms.

'Well I don't think we'll be needed.
"Princess, these people are non-combatants.
He can't fight, because he's not trained in combat like you and me.

　The twin elves dismounted from their horses and waved their hands from side to side with a patter.

'Even though your arms are so thick that you could strangle a cow or a horse?
"If you're untrained, you'll reflexively cover your face, that is.
We had a lot of enemies like that during the retreat, didn't we?
'Yeah. In hindsight, maybe the guys in the Holy Argo Kingdom were on the edge of it.

　The beastman and the twin elves nodded with a divine look on their faces.

''Princess Tyria, we should have a plan.
It's a beast. Why don't you just hit them where they come from?

　Tyria can use divine magic, and even Viscount Eryl Sardomelik can use magic.
　The twin elves and beastmen are the fiercest fighters of all time.
　It's a shame that they didn't have the help of the Minotaur, but I don't think they're a face that can fall behind the beasts.

''That's why the Marquis of Erakis beat me in the exercise.
No, no, don't gouge the wound.

　Glaring at Viscount Eryl Sardomelik with Guillory, Tyria repeated a deep breath.

''........Well, well, you have a point. First, we need to gather information!''
Ew!
"All right, that I do.

　The twin elves looked cumbersome, the beastmen in their own right, and Viscount Eryl Sardomelik sat down on a nearby stump and began to read a book.

'You're not going?'
"...people have their advantages and disadvantages.

　How could this be the leader of the Kingsguard?　And Tyria looked at Viscount Eryl Sardomelik.
　There's nothing to talk about, Tyria said, watching the settlement.
　Just watch, really.
　Her knowledge of agriculture is scarce, and what is needed here is practical knowledge and a sense of applying it.
　After a while, the elven twins and the beastmen returned.
　However, the information obtained was nothing.
　At best, large shadows have been seen near the Coma Forest in the early morning and evening.

Have they raided their territory, or are they planning to use it as a new feeding ground? Yeah, thinking about it doesn't get us anywhere.
Do you want me to stop that hit-or-miss mentality?
I owe it to you for our lives. You need to think a little harder.

　After listening to the twin elves, Tyria moves to the edge of the Coma Forest.
　At the head of the pack, of course.
　The Coma Forest is dark even at noon.
　Because the branches of the trees blocked the sunlight like a canopy.
　That's not all.
　The dense, thriving vegetation absorbs the sound and is therefore dominated by a terrifying silence.
　A beastman a werewolf peeks out of the bushes with a bang.

''Were the minotaurs not the only ones engaged in settlement?

　As Tyria tilted her head, the werewolf slowly stood up.
　Big, Tyria looked up at the werewolf.
　It was probably a head taller than a lizardman or a minotaur.
　That's how tall it was in real life, since it was hunched over.
　The most striking thing about it is the length of its arms.
　The arms are so long that they almost touch the ground, and claws that look like knives are sprouting at the tips of them.

''Giiiiiiiiiii!''
...that's a banded wolf. It is depicted in an old natural history book. Since there have been no sightings of it, it was thought to be an imaginary monster.
Well, what are the weaknesses and how do you attack?

　Tyria drew her sword and held it in the middle.

'They thought I was an imaginary monster, I said.
You mean, you don't know.

　Instantly, the arm of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf) became hazy.
　His aim was Tilia.
　Tilia bent down and ducked a sideways blow and closed the distance at once.
　He thrust out a cutting edge, but the body hair of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf) is hard and does not pierce easily.
　Through the gap, the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf) opens his mouth to stick his fangs into Tilia.
　Gasp!　And the mouth of the barbarian sword wolf (Banded Wolf) closes in front of me.
　Tilia jumps back and ducks the blow that was released with a creeping wind noise.

''Apparently, the banded wolf seems to fight with its long arms buzzing around.
'I mean, I can't believe I'm going at it with that guy without using divine majesty.
Frankly, I thought the princess was going to die.

　Rude twin, said Tilia, dodging the barbarian sword wolf's (Banded Wolf) attack and closing the distance between them.

''God, bless my blade!

　Cut!

　The shining blade cut both sides of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf)'s body.
　Despite this, the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf) swung his arms around.
　The upper half of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf)'s upper body flips over and falls to the ground with a gut-wrenching sound.

''It's just a beast, after all.''
Well, I want you to do something about that, too!
Hang in there, Princess!

　When I looked up, I saw that a barbarian sword wolf (banded wolf) was sticking its head out of the bushes.
　There were twenty or thirty of them.......a lot of them anyway.

''Oh, there's no shortage of them for them!

　Tilia exercised the divine power technique "divine robes" and "activity", a white glow enveloped her entire body.

''Virtual personality activated, jutsu inventory deployed, jutsu selection 'Thunderbolt Ranma', range change.......activated!

　A blue flash of lightning ran through the forest.
　The radiating lightning strikes made the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf) lurking within its range stand upright by some action and burst from within.
　Watching the banded wolves falling one after another, Viscount Eryl Sardomelik activated his next magic.

''Articulation choice, 'Bombastic Flame Dance', change range, power, and number of bullets.......Activate!

　Pillars of flame towered.
　Like a volcano erupting, the pillars of fire rose up one after another, overwhelming the already devastated pack of Banded Wolves.
　Some are blown away and others are burned to death.
　It was a sight that showed why Crono's second-in-command had called it a threat.

''Jutsu selection 'Flamebullet Rampage', range, power, number of bullets change.................Activate!

　Even more huge chunks of fire poured down.
　The moment the lump of flame touches the ground, it spreads like a liquid and is tied together as if to shake hands, becoming a carpet of flame.

''Jutsu-style selection 'Ice Dance (Ice Dance)', change range, power, number of bullets.........................Activate!

　Ice and snow were blowing and swallowing the flames.
　It's going to be a good field, said Tyria, staring at the corpses of barbarian sword wolves (banded wolves) scattered all over the place.



Hmmm, that wasn't much money.
"Ten gold pieces is a lot of money, Your Highness.

　Khan, Khan, the sound of hammering could be heard.
　In one corner of the Marquis' mansion, Tilia muttered as she remembered the amount of money she had earned, and the twin elves were quick to rush in.
　As it turned out, the corpse of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf) was sold for ten gold coins.
　They wanted to raise the price a bit more, but since they didn't know the monetary value of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf), they couldn't raise the price as long as they didn't know the monetary value of the Barbarian Sword Wolf (Banded Wolf).

''We've accomplished our goal, but I didn't think we could even get a clue to the 'Divine Weapon Summoning'
What are the three of you doing here?

　Umm, even if I talk to Crono about it, Tilia looked at Crono.
　No, even with this, Crono is still a strong man of the past.

''I'm trying to figure out how to get to the Divine Weapon Summoning technique 'Divine Weapon Summoning'.
...why?

　Tilia said, and Crono tilted his head in wonder.

'To beat Count Rio Chiron!　You must surpass him in every way to avoid the humiliation of having your head stomped on!
...You two don't get along very well, do you?

　You're the one who caused this!　And Tyria swallowed the words that had started to come up to her throat.

'It's frustrating, but Count Rio Chiron is a fearsome user of the Divine Majesty Art.
''Even with your new Divine Majesty Technique, you can't beat Rio, can you?
What?　What is it about me that makes me inferior to Count Rio Chiron?

　Glaring at him, Crono lightly raised his hands in the air.

'I take it back before, maybe I can beat Tyria now, too.

　Crono smiled provocatively, and all at once the blood came to my head.
　It's true that Crono is a strong man of all time, but he is a step or two inferior to Tilia in sword skills.

''Gugunu, aren't you getting on top of things now that you can use the Marking Technique?
Hmm, do you want to try it?
I'll take it!　Deneb, Aridid, be the judge!　One game!

　

'Crono-sama, if you want to stop it, I think it's now or never?
I don't want Master Crono to get hurt.

　While saying this, the twin elves handed the wooden sword to Crono.

''Well, I guess it's okay, right?''
'Hmmm, I'm going to remind you that you can't beat me with the Marking Technique.

　Tyria took the wooden sword from the twin elves and checked it for crafting, striking the cut end against the ground to see if it was crafted.

'Oh, I can use the imprinting technique?　Tyria can use the divine power technique too.
"No, no, no, get ready!

　Crono lazily distances himself from Tilia and holds his wooden sword at the lower level.
　The imprint ........ a jet black light appears on Crono's body.

'Often, I've gotten better at using the imprint, haven't I? I think I can take it in the 'field', at least with Tilia's sword.
Go!

　Tyria jumped out of the way as soon as the twin elves announced the start.
　In one fell swoop, she closed the distance and swung her wooden sword down from the top step.
　Along the way, she felt as if the wooden sword was being pushed back by something.

Little wishy-washy!

　Tilia didn't care and swung her wooden sword down.
　Crono's eyes widened in surprise as if he was confident in the 'place'.
　The wooden sword strikes Crono.
　Unfortunately, it's not the head, but the shoulder.
　Either by luck or by sheer strength, Crono slightly tilted her head to avoid defeat.

''Ouch!　'Place' through and through!
Hmmm, regret will not precede regret!

　Honestly, the winner was arrived at the point of putting the blow in.
　At least that's what Tilia judges.
　With Tilia's blow, Crono is no longer able to hold the wooden sword with both arms.
　However, Tilia doesn't hold back.
　She sets up a furious strike to take away Crono's strength.
　He thought he could win immediately, but Crono seems to be growing up, and it's hard to become an effective strike.

'What's the matter!　You weren't supposed to beat me!
.....

　Crono rolls haphazardly across the ground and ducks Tyria's attack.
　The movement itself has incredible speed, but unfortunately it is too wasteful.
　Crono runs around incessantly, and the jet black imprint begins to flicker.
　I'm not sure, but there seems to be a time limit on the imprinting technique as well.
　Crono rolls around on the ground and takes his distance from Tilia.
　His rough breathing shows Crono's limitations.
　Crono holds his wooden sword at the lower level as he did at the beginning, while Tilia holds her wooden sword at the upper level to intercept him.
　Crono kicked the ground.
　The ground explodes and accelerates like an unleashed arrow.
　However, the battle strategy that relied on the ability of the imprinting technique was easy to read.
　So easy that he could easily swing the wooden sword down as he moved.
　Tilia swung the wooden sword down without mercy.
　She feels the slightest resistance, but she puts her strength into the wooden sword as if she had repeated it many times.
　However, the wooden sword doesn't move.
　No, it slips off into space without Crono as if it were sliding.
　By the time I understood everything, it was too late.
　A shock occurred at my side.
　In a moment of confusion, Crono slammed the wooden sword into Tilia's side.

''........I'm at my limit.''

　Rolling on the ground with a flourish, Crono stopped moving.

'Now you're talking!
Oh, you got one.

　Crono stands up on shaky legs like a newborn fawn.
　He doesn't seem to have the will to fight, and the imprint is gone.

'It's not fair, Crono!
It's a plan. It's a plan.

　Grinning, Crono smiled.
　Crono was able to prevent the wooden sword in 'Place'.
　However, by not daring to prevent it, he made Tyria think that he hadn't mastered the imprinting technique.

''Then do it again!　We'll win next time!
No.

　Crono replied with a big smile on his face.

'I'm going to win and get away with it.'
Nuh-uh!

　Small, what a small man, Tyria was aghast.
　Maybe he was planning to win just one victory.

''Well what can I say, it doesn't mean much to me that we can win with this or that,''

　Crono returned the wooden sword to the twin elves and said languidly.

The truth is, we don't have this or that all the time. That's why we have to mobilize everything we have.

　Making the most of what there was, Tilia felt strangely satisfied.
　I believe that we can only reach the heights by making the most of what we have now.

*


I guess you could say it's a milestone.
'Is this all you think about?　This place ... isn't meant for this kind of thing.

　Tilia threw the wet cloth into the tub and glared at Crono.


We're staying in today, that we are.
Not that way!

　He lost.
　Crono defeated me.

'I will ... keep this victory alive, until I die.
Nuggaaah!

　Tilia rolled around on the bed with her head in her hands.
　Small, what a small man.
　But the fact is that this man has beaten her to it.

'I'm going to bed!'
I need to get some sleep too, but can you move a little closer to the side?

　She moves as she is told, and Tilia grits her teeth just in time.

'Tilia, you're scaring me, stop grinding your teeth.'

　Turning her back to Crono, Tilia stopped grinding her teeth.