Carrying a tattered sack on my back, I headed to the room of Princess Tilia.
　The brown half-elf, not Princess Tyria, would have been the one who served as last night's night owl.
　The half-elf called Leila is the oldest mistress, and it seems that Princess Tilia is aware of her for some reason.
　But Count Chiron says that Princess Tyria feels that the half-elf has cuckolded the Marquis of Erakis.
　So, if we say that Princess Tilia is only aware of the half-elf Leila, I can assure you that this is not the case.
　First of all, she is clearly hostile to Count Chiron.
　Recently, he is also wary of Fay Murifine.
　She often competes with Sue on the same level.
　She is unhappy about the Marquis of Erakis having an affair with his slave, Elena, but does not complain too much outwardly.
　Whatever the selection criteria are, the landlady, the cook of the Marquis' mansion, and the twin elves seem to be out of the realm of consciousness.
　The landlady, who is the cook, has breasts no less than Princess Tilia's, and the twin elves.......I don't know what it is, but they seem to be stupid, and because of their stupidity, they seem to be close to the Marquis of Erakis.

''Well I'm not sure what the criteria are.''

　Like animals living in a herd, a hierarchy exists, and Princess Tyria may be hostile to an opponent of higher rank than her.

'The twin elves are convinced, the landlady needs to be tried.

　Those breasts are inferior to those of Princess Tyria's, they need to be examined and if I was wrong, I need to change my perception.
　Eril stopped in front of the open door and gently peered into the room.
　A cone-shaped tent was pitched in the center of the room.

''What da?''
I'm not here for you.

　When Elil replied, Su swung his spear to check his condition.

''Ole, herb, take it.''
All right. I'll tell the Marquis of Erakis I'll be back by noon.

　Eril guessed it was around noon as Sue pointed straight up.
　She has divided into the Coma Forest and sells the medicinal herbs she collects for cash income.
　Why wouldn't the Marquis of Erakis touch Sue?　Eril looked at Sue.
　He had the body of a boy, but when he looked into her eyes, he noticed a slight undulation.
　And he's not wearing pants.
　What was the standard for the Marquis of Erakis to mess with?　Eryl tilts his head inwardly.

'I'm going to go. Good?
I don't mind.

　Sue carried a hand-made spear and went out the window.
　Elil went through the corridor, up the stairs, and sat down on the chair placed in front of Princess Tilia's room..........
　The chair was something that the Marquis of Erakis had ordered his servants to prepare for him.
　Most of Marquis Erakis' servants are ex-soldiers, most of whom were unable to continue as soldiers due to the invasion of the Holy Argo Kingdom that occurred last May.
　These women seem to feel indebted to the Marquis of Erakis in their own way, and they take their jobs quite seriously.
　Elil pulls out a paper, a board, a quill and ink from a tattered bag and prepares a report.
　
　Making a report is a laborious task.
　Princess Tyria is always playing around, so the content of what she writes makes her struggle.
　On sunny days, he's touring the stalls in the name of practicing swordsmanship and inspecting, and on rainy days, he's holed up in the Marquis' mansion, reading a lot.
　Wardenship of Princess Tyria is a quiet job that he deserves, Eril concludes as he writes his report.
　He's taught himself military knowledge, but he's not sure if it will translate to actual warfare.
　He has no expertise in organizational management, is unqualified as a general to lead an army, and even as a soldier, he has the disadvantage of being too specialized in magic to operate.
　I think that developing magic formulas and manufacturing magic items would yield results, but as a nobleman in name only, it's difficult for Eril to even transfer to his desired workplace.
　If you follow Vizier Alcor's orders, you will get your chance someday, Eril thought, resting his hand.
　No, he should obey Vizier Alcor's orders and sell his favor so that he can receive assistance from Marquis Erakis.

''We should take all the steps we can.

　You can't go wrong in thinking about how to behave, maybe.

*

　After being released from her imprisonment, Princess Tilia was in a depressed mood until she came to the Marquess of Erakis.
　After arriving at the Marquess of Erakis, she had been emotionally unstable, and the day after she served as a night owl, she was red-faced and writhing in agony.
　Princess Tilia's steps are light as she heads to the dining hall.
　So light that she couldn't remember what she looked like when she was feeling depressed.
　Eril entered the dining room in silence and waited to be served.
　Occasionally, she cooks some outlandish dishes, but for all that, the landlady's food is delicious.
　The landlady serves first Princess Tyria and then Eril.
　Today's menu is soup, bread, and whitefish meuniere.
　Fish and shellfish have been added to the menu since Count Caddo's domain was added to the territory.

''Is there anything in there that you don't like?''
...the landlady's cooking is excellent.
'You've got something to say to me. On the other hand,

　The landlady turned her attention to Princess Tilia and let out a conspicuous sigh.

''Mm, the landlady's cooking is so wild and fresh.
Of course. Thank you.

　The landlady bent her lips in a sullen manner.

'Landlady, I need you to bend over a bit.
?

　The landlady bends her knees, tilting her head curiously.
　Elil silently buries his face in the landlady's chest and closes his eyes.

''W-what's going on?''
...to make sure.

　Burying her face, Eryl lifts the landlady's chest.
　They're as heavy as bread dough.
　It's probably because it's hot in the cooking area.
　Her skin is slightly damp and smells a bit of sweat.

''I ... understand.''
I don't know what I'm getting at, but I'm in trouble when someone suddenly grabs me.

　Eril walked away from the landlady.

It's okay. I won't do it again.
Is the Lord Commander at an age where he misses his mother?

　The landlady patted Eril's head roughly and returned to the kitchen.
　Eril brought the meal to his mouth while stealing a glance at Princess Tilia.
　Princess Tilia described it as wild, but the landlady's food was somehow nostalgic.
　When Elil finished her meal, Princess Tilia stood up from her seat.

'....Princess Tilia.
What. I'm busy.
I need you to bend over a little.

　Princess Tyria turned her gaze on Eryl as if she were looking at something she didn't understand.

'Are you trying to cling to my breasts?'
This is very important.

　'Mu,' moaned Princess Tilia.

'But I refuse!
That's a shame.

　Eryll follows the wild-footed Princess Tyria, wondering if she should have cited the Marquis of Erakis.
　It's a pity that he didn't touch Princess Tilia's breasts, but I've been informed that the Marquis of Erakis is interested in women's breasts.
　I wonder if the Lady Knight Commander is old enough to miss her mother, the landlady said.
　The answer is obvious.

'.........Princess Tilia.
What?
'Princess Tyria's breasts are not motherly enough.'

　Princess Tilia stopped and turned around in a motion reminiscent of a giggling and creaking of hinges.

''Hey, what do you say ... wow, I'm a size bigger than you. Yeah, and I'm younger.
'I agree that Princess Tilia is younger than the landlady, but I judge the size to be the same. If the breasts degrade and lose their value with age, I don't see why the Marquis of Erakis would have the landlady as his mistress and still have her serve as his nightdress.

　Princess Tilia's mouth snapped up like a fish washed up on a hill.

'I judge that the Marquis of Erakis takes the landlady as his mistress because she has a value that will not be compromised by age. Namely, motherhood.
Your landlady doesn't have any kids, do she?
'It doesn't matter. Princess Tyria should change her mind.

　Princess Tilia's eyes widened in astonishment.

'What do you mean?'
"Princess Tyria's breasts have no value other than being large.

　Gun!　'Oh,' said Princess Tilia, looking up as if she had been struck with a blunt instrument.

'Bigger breasts are not always better, as the Marquis of Erakis' actions show.

　Princess Tilia looked devastated, and headed upstairs with an awkward step.

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

　Eril watched as Princess Tyria disappeared from view and returned the way he came from.
　When she entered the dining room, the landlady was clearing away the dishes.

''Are you hungry already?　You'll have to wait a minute. I'll make you something appropriate when I've put the dishes away.
I'm not feeling hungry. We need to talk.

　Eril sat down in a chair and waited for the landlady.

Sorry to keep you waiting.
I don't mind.

　The landlady moved her chair around and sat down next to Eryl.

''I have a question about the Marquis of Erakis.
But if I could answer some questions, I would.
'Why hasn't the Marquis of Erakis laid a hand on Sue?

　The landlady rolls her eyes as if she was caught off guard.

I don't understand.
'Then I will change my question. The Marquis of Erakis has not even touched Snow. Why is that?
That's because he doesn't know what a woman looks like.

　Eril tilted his head.
　Neither Sue nor Snow had a feminine physique, but they should be able to accept the Marquis of Erakis.
　In other words, would the Marquis of Erakis have some criteria, and if they met those conditions, they would recognize them as women?
　But Count Rio Chiron is a man.
　That means that as long as he meets the conditions, he could be considered a man and a woman.

''Well that's very helpful. I thank you.
'Does little Miss Eryl like Master Crono?'

　The landlady asks, and Eryll thinks about what she thinks of the Marquis of Erakis.
　The answer came immediately.

'I don't give a d*mn. I wish I could use the Marquis of Erakis as I think about the future. I'm gathering information for that purpose.''
What a piece of cake that is.
Of course, life is hard.

　Eril left his seat and left the dining room.
　He figured it would be easier to sell his favor if he knew what the Marquis of Erakis liked, but it didn't seem to be that easy.
　But there was a harvest.
　It seems that the Marquis of Erakis has no intention of messing with Sue or Snow, although he also messes with men.
　Perhaps Eryll isn't part of Marquis Erakis' preferences either.
　It should be unlikely that he would be attacked as soon as he approached.
　Eril walked up the stairs to the Marquis Erakis' office, which was located on the top floor of the Marquis' mansion.
　Upon entering his office, the Marquis of Erakis was staring at his papers.
　Looking around his office, he saw that it was decorated with plates, vases and other furniture.
　Other items such as large and small wooden boxes, clothes and shoes were piled up against the wall.

'What can I do for you?'
'Sue has a message for you. She's going out to the Gloomwood to pick up some herbs, but she'll be back by noon.
Thank you.

　As Eril delivered the message, the Marquis of Erakis began to stare at the papers again.

''I thought the Marquis of Erakis wasn't interested in the furnishings.
'Hmmm... it's like... when the port is completed, I'll look at the work of my subordinates who want to be artisans, and if I like it, I'll make a promise to fund it.

　It seems that the result of trying to keep a promise to the law is the current office.

''Marquis Erakis hasn't touched Sue or Snow. Why?''

　Eril picked up a nearby jar and asked for it.
　Slowly, the Marquis of Erakis looked up.

'I'm not sure Snow had any romantic feelings for me before I started messing with her.
....

　Eril recalls Snow's behavior.
　It is true that Snow seems to have a fondness for the Marquis of Erakis, but she does not seem to have any romantic feelings for him.

'I heard that Sue is the wife of Marquis Erakis.
'She's your wife, but I get the feeling that Sue doesn't understand what a wife is. And ignoring either of them seems to have a bad aftertaste.

　The Marquis of Erakis poked his cheekbones.

''I ... understand.''

　It seems that the condition for making a move is that the other party has romantic feelings for the Marquis of Erakis, and that the other party understands the situation he or she is in.
　At one point, he seems to be thinking about the other party as well, but he doesn't want to have a bad aftertaste.

''........I do not have romantic feelings for the Marquis of Erakis. If I get my hands on him, I'll have a very bad aftertaste.
Well, you don't have to tell me that.

　The Marquis of Erakis smiled bitterly as he nailed it down just in case.
　Elil put the jar back in place.

"I can make magic items. Can I get help if it's deemed profitable?
I'm trying to help you, though.

　The Marquis of Erakis gives a meaningful glance.

'....Marquis Erakis is concerned about being manipulated, I judge.
''Would you want me to return to the imperial capital after I've given you as much help as I can?

　If you take it at its word, the Marquis of Erakis does not seem to perceive the Empire as a virtual enemy.

''As I think about the future, I want to establish a cooperative relationship with the Marquis of Erakis. This is not a falsehood.
I want to believe it.

　The Marquis of Erakis is still poking his cheekbones.
　'What is the Marquis of Erakis wary of,' thought Eril.

''I have been ordered by Vizier Alcor to keep an eye on Princess Tyria and report back to her on a regular basis.
I know.

　Of course not, I suppose.

No other orders were given.
'What does Prime Minister Alkor have in mind?'

　The Marquis of Erakis said as he let out a sigh.

'I do not know. But I can guess.'

　Some of the moves that Prime Minister Alcor played after the end of the civil war were meaningful, some were meaningless, and some are still to be determined.

'Princess Tyria could be considered a preparation for the next Emperor Alfort in the event of an outburst.
You stole the First Throne from Tyria yourself?
'If it's worth it, we'll use it. That's all I'm saying.

　The Marquis of Erakis leaned back and folded his hands on his stomach.

'....Pieces on the board. That's no fun.''
Use what's available. That's called politics.

　If we're talking about preparing for the next Emperor Alfort to go out of control, then Prime Minister Alcor needs to be on friendly terms with the Marquis of Erakis.
　At the very least, he would not visibly do anything that would harm the interests of the Marquis of Erakis.

Why would Eryl want to be friends with me?
"You are a fool to limit your options.

　'I see, I see,' muttered the Marquis of Erakis quietly.

'All right. I believe you.''
Thank you.

　Saying that, Eryll doesn't take the Marquis of Erakis's words to heart.
　The Marquis of Erakis shouldn't trust Eril either.

''A test ... well, a test. As a condition of my assistance, I need you to make a magic item for communication. Oh, and Eryll's got to come up with the cost of the materials.
I understand. I don't expect you to believe me with just words from the start.
Be patient. I don't set a date.

　With a small nod, Eryl left the office.

*

...Activate virtual personality and deploy the catalog of magic.

　In response to Eril's mutterings, a virtual personality is activated and a catalogue of jutsu formulas is deployed.

''Surgical Selection........Surgical Editing.''

　When you select a magic formula, the magic formula used to manufacture magic items for communication fills your vision.
　If you memorize a magic formula using drugs, you cannot edit it, but you can if you have a virtual personality.

'Edit magic formula, end of magic formula inventory deployment...............shift to a virtual personality dormant state'

　Finish editing the magic formula and move the virtual personality into a dormant state.

''The ... problem is...''

　Eril stared at the coins on his desk.
　Thanks to the Marquis Erakis mansion, I'm able to save on food and housing costs, but there's not much money left on hand.
　I glance at the bookcase.
　When I was addressed to the room, there wasn't a single book, but now there are fewer gaps.

'Knowledge is necessary, not a waste,'

　The Marquis of Erakis said he would not set a date, but Eril is not a child enough to take that into account.
　Elil fits the coins into a small bag.

''........I should have a right to it.

　When I walked out with a tattered sack on my back, I saw Princess Tilia wielding a wooden sword in the yard of the Marquis' residence.
　She has a devilish look on her face.
　No one called out to her, as if her life was in danger.

''Princess Tilia.''
What!

　Bun!　And brandishing her wooden sword, Princess Tyria glared at Eril.

'I'm busy!
I've come for my share.
Share?

　Princess Tilia leaps her shoulder eyebrows up in a grim manner.

''I helped her defeat the Banded Wolf.
"No!

　I'm a bit miffed, but I know by heart that this is the kind of woman Princess Tilia is.

'Of course, I wouldn't say for free. I have the knowledge.
Really? What do you know?
'Knowledge of Courtly Love. Love is all about tactics.
Uh-huh. So?

　Princess Tilia nodded with interest, as if she had an idea.

''Don't give everything in the beginning. Men get carried away when you give them everything.''
Well, when I've given you everything, what do I do?

　Princess Tilia awkwardly averted her gaze.

'You just have to make them realize that not everything is as it seems. Pretending to be sullen or cold-hearted is considered effective.
Okay.

　Princess Tilia nodded repeatedly and smiled sloppily.

''..........share.
Let's see.

　With that, Princess Tyria turned her back on Elil and walked away.
　She must be planning to go to the Marquis of Erakis.
　Since she had no choice, Eryll peeked into the dwarven workshop to see if there was anything that could be used as material for magic items.
　His impression of the workshop is miscellaneous.
　Although it is funded by the Marquis of Erakis, it doesn't seem to deal in any kind of glass or jewelry.

''What can I do for you?''
"I'm looking for materials for my magic item. Glass or jewelry would be ideal.

　The dwarf who spoke to me Goldie crossed her thick arms and snorted.

'I'm afraid we don't deal in glass or jewelry at the moment.
I understand.

　Merchants try to surround themselves with skilled craftsmen.
　This is not only for profit, but also for the aspect of monopolizing skills and knowledge.

'....go to the commercial district.
I think I get it.

　Feeling like he was missing something, Eril headed for the commercial district.
　Since the opening of the Port of Silva, the city of Hashel has become more vibrant with each passing day.
　Among them, the area lined with stalls is full of chaotic activity.
　

'I've sent word to the Marquis of Erakis.
"Minutes.

　Eril sat down on a nearby wooden box so as not to disturb Sue.

''What do you want?''
What are you two doing?

　When I looked up, I saw Snow standing in front of Sue's shop.

''Soko, retreat.''
I'm sorry.

　When Sue glared at her, Snow crouched down in front of the crate where Eril sat and chewed on the sausage in her hand.

'Half today ... not with Leila?'
Mom's busy. Ah!　Not only your mother, but Faye too. Well, you see, the wheat harvest is over and it's time to pay the taxes, right?　But Captain Kane has been all over the place.
I understand.

　Eril interrupted Snow's words.
　The tax collectors toured the rural villages in early July to estimate the harvest, then toured the villages again in August to collect a set percentage of the crops, and finally the merchants bought the collected crops and cashed them in.
　The reason why Kane, the cavalry captain, still patrols his territory is because the collection of the crops is taking so long.
　If you think about it, Kane, the cavalry captain, was working as the acting lord until the Marquis of Erakis returned in August.
　It's only natural that it would take longer than usual.
　Of course, the Marquis of Erakis would understand that, and he would also understand the need for an overseer like Kane to ensure that the tax collectors did not collect crops based on estimates.

'What is Eryl doing here?'
I'm looking for glass and gems to make a magic item. If I make the magic item, I can get help from the Marquis of Erakis.
Yeah,

　Snow finished his sausage.

Isn't glass and jewelry expensive?　I thought Ellil didn't have any money because he wasted so much money?
'It's not a waste of money. Knowledge is very important.

　Out of mind, I guess.

'I can lend you some money if you want?　Oh, don't worry about paying it back. I'll lend you the money with the intention of never coming back.

　Eril looked at Snow.

'Why?'
Hmm, I think money is important. Where I live, lending and borrowing money can be a life-and-death struggle. But I don't want to do that with my friends and I don't want to complain about it, so I lend money as if I will never get it back.
I'll just take my feelings.

　I didn't know what I was doing, but I felt like I shouldn't be borrowing money here.

'Yeah?　Well, I'll just give you an idea. Come on, come on, Sue, don't look at me like you're not involved, just come up with an idea.
....

　Sue reluctantly sat back down to face Eryl and Snow.

''.........''
....
"...talk...

　When Sue pouted, Snow scratched her head in embarrassment.

''Ehehe, how about helping out in the shop?''
It's not efficient.

　If you're making a little extra money, that's probably a good idea, but it's too inefficient to buy glass and jewelry.

'But I see no problem with the idea. We just need to find a store that's efficient and makes money.
'The most efficient places to make money are... no!　That kind of store is a definite no-no!

　Snow exclaimed, turning blue in the face.
　I had a vague idea that such a shop would be a whorehouse or similar establishment.

I'm going to hunt. I have a lot of prey.

　Sue looks at the people around her with predatory eyes.

''That's no good either.''
"Weak and evil.
That kind of logic doesn't work in Crono-sama's territory. If you get caught doing that, you'll get beaten up badly.

　Snow said, looking as if she was about to cry.

'I'll follow Princess Tyria's example and hunt animals in the Coma Forest.
I know where it is.
Are we gonna be okay?

　Snow is a worrier, Eryll thinks.
　Sue goes into the Coma Forest every day to gather herbs, and even Eryll and Snow can use magic.
　But it is also true that it cannot be dismissed as an unfounded fear.
　Aside from Suu, Eryll and Snow are amateurs in the forest.
　Snow is trained as a soldier, so he can manage it, but Eryll is not confident in his physical strength at all.
　Thinking about it calmly, it seems like a suicidal act that would pass for an adventure.

''........I need to reconsider once and for all.''

　The idea of making money by helping out isn't a bad one, but it's not efficient.
　Efficient work is unethical.
　In the first place, it's questionable whether you can make money efficiently in such a store.

'We can run such stores ourselves. If it's unspecified, then we can limit it.
Is that the problem?
Efficiency and ethics are in order.

　Liquor can be purchased cheaply through the landlady, and ingredients for cooking can be purchased cheaply from the stalls.

The three of us will deal with the Marquis of Erakis.
You know, I don't want my mom to hate me.
'We just wear thin clothes and serve drinks and food. I mean, entertaining.

　It felt like something was wrong, but Eryl dismissed it as a trivial matter.

'I've been looking for you!

　The owner of the voice was Princess Tyria.
　Princess Tyria looked down at Eril with what she said was a furious look.

''I did what you said, and you made me bare!　What's the 'effective way to pretend to be grumpy or cold-hearted'!
....
....
....

　Eril, Snow and Su looked at each other.

''As long as it's a bargain, Marquis Erakis will also set up.

　If they interrupted him from doing serious work and gave him a sullen demeanor or a cold attitude, even if he wasn't the Marquis of Erakis, he would be curt, and Eryl now understands the importance of timing.

''What's that move?''
I gave you knowledge, and I demand a price.

　Elil held out her hand, and Princess Tyria's cheeks twitched as she held out her hand.


It's a legitimate right.

　Princess Tyria crossed her arms and turned away from Eril.

'Alright. So what are you going to buy?
"Glass and jewels used to make magic items. You can help us by making a magic item for communication.

　Huh~, Princess Tilia let out a deep sigh and threw something at Eril.
　It was Su who grabbed it before it hit Elil.

''A stone?''
Scrap jewelry from a dubious street vendor.

　The stone Sue is holding in her hand it's colorless and transparent and as big as her thumbnail.

''A stone of this size cannot communicate over long distances.
I don't mind the short range.

　Eril was aghast.
　She was told to make a magic item for communication, but no distance was specified.

'You're too hard-headed to be a child, aren't you?
....

　I was a little miffed, but Eryl didn't say it back.

*

　Crono places the magic item for communication the scrap gemstone given to him by Princess Tyria on the desk in his office and looks at Eril.

'You can hear me correctly. As promised, I will assist you.
...thank you.

　Eril was relieved to hear those words.

'You said it was pertinent to the future, but what kind of help does Eril want?'
"I would like to work as a scholar. I will manufacture the magic items that the Marquis of Erakis desires.

　Suddenly, Eriel trailed off.
　Do I really want to work as a scholar?　The reason for this was because I had a question now.
　'I just decided that working as a knight was not the way to go, so I wanted to move to a department that studies magic and makes magic items, not that I felt I wanted to work as a scholar.

I'd like to explore a life outside of knightly pursuits. I will be contracted to manufacture magic items, and I will require money to match it.
I don't know what the market for magic items is right now.

　I know what the Marquis of Erakis means.
　Even the magic item for lighting costs ten gold coins.
　I suppose he is wondering how much is a fair price for his labor.

"Three gold pieces per month.
Is that even when you're not working?

　Ellil nodded.

Also, when I buy a book, I demand payment.

　I'll have to top that up.

Three gold pieces.

　The Marquis of Erakis poked his cheekbones and turned his gaze away from Eryl.

We provide food and shelter, can't that be a gold coin or something?

　I assumed that the Marquis of Erakis would bargain for it.
　That's why I said three gold coins, but I didn't expect him to bargain for two gold coins.
　However, it's great to be paid for the book.
　I'm even willing to make a big concession if I can get him to accept this condition.

'Two gold coins.'

　Eril holds up his forefinger and middle finger.

'One gold coin and ten silver coins in between.
....

　Elil turned over and looked at the Marquis of Erakis.

'If you promise to provide food, clothing and shelter and pay for my books, I'll take care of it for that amount.
'I feel like there's a condition added to it?'

　'Mmmm,' the Marquis of Erakis groaned deliberately.

'Alright,'
Thank you.

　What are you going to have them make, Eryll waits for Marquis Erakis' instructions on the spot.

''Well I need you to make me a magic item for communication.
Those instructions are too vague.

　'Right,' said Crono with a bitter smile.

'Well, if I were to make a magic item for communication, would you tell me what kind of thing I could make?
Yes, sir. I'll have it in tomorrow.

　Eril turned his back on the Marquis of Erakis and walked away.
　The moment he left the office, he wondered if he was just anxious about the days when he had more time on his hands.　The question passed.

''I'm sure that's just as well,''

　Muttering softly, Eryl left the office.