*

　
　Rio was poking his cheekbones in the room given to the Ninth Kingsguard.
　The role of the Ninth Kingsguard is to guard the castle.
　Rio preferred a role that was moderately bored and moderately stimulating.
　If you were to wander around the castle and talk to Fana and Count Piske at random, they would judge you to be doing your job, and if you were a bystander, the bickering of the court nobles would be a fun pastime.
　Lover's quarrels are especially great.
　It is wonderful to see two people who were lovers until recently cursing each other without shame or offense.
　But lately, I've started to feel annoyed by the security work.
　It all started with the incident at Aldemiran Palace.
　Since then, lower class nobles have been climbing the castle.
　The problem is that some of them don't follow the proper procedures.
　Perhaps they think that if they don't get an audience with Alfort as soon as possible, other nobles will beat them to it.
　If you don't follow the proper procedures, you will have no choice but to turn them away, but it is only such a person who curses Rio in a bad way and shouts out that he is an Alcor vizier.
　However, if you leave them alone, they will think you are an Alfortist.

I'd prefer that they play faction games in a place that has nothing to do with me.

　I can't help but complain.
　The faction battle between the next Emperor Alfort and Prime Minister Alcor is not fun at all.
　If only he had given me an order back then, I could have cut Alfort's head off, Rio feels a little bitter about Crono.

''Bo........Rio-sama, please keep your mouth shut.
It's true.

　Rio's shoulders cowered as his second-in-command chided him.
　It's not funny that he's interfering in the meeting.
　I've heard that Alfort's pointing out that it worked, but given what he's trying to build and what it's all about, it's not very credible right now.
　Rio let out a sigh and crossed his legs.

'Was it a mausoleum?　I wonder what they would do with something like that in the Aldemiran Palace?
"I am told that you serve the Emperor and unite the will of the old and new nobles.
What was the word for these things?
I'm not a learned man.

　I wanted to tell him to stop lying, but Rio weighed himself.

''Uniting the will of the old and new nobles isn't something that can be done overnight.
....

　The deputy does not answer.
　He knows about the civil war thirty-one years ago.
　In that civil war, the nobles of the imperial brother faction were not able to become monolithic despite the crisis.
　Even the old nobles were like that among themselves.
　If the old aristocracy and the new aristocracy could unite their intentions just by building a mausoleum, then there would be no difficulty.

''I have an idea to get the new nobles on board, but would you listen?''
Just an FYI.
''We can free up the imperial positions monopolized by the old nobles to the new nobles. Or we can create a system where everyone is fairly valued.

　'They both mean something similar, though,' Rio added in his mind.

'And so I complied with the Marquis of Erakis' request,'
Oh, you mean the knighthood?

　Crono asked him to write a letter of recommendation because he wanted to give his subordinates a knighthood, and Rio wrote a letter of recommendation. Although, it wasn't just Rio, Leonhardt and Count Ernat had also written a letter of recommendation.
　Rio got to his feet and looked up at his deputy.

''I'm Crono's lover, you know. You can't do a lover's favor in a vacuum. Well, and also ... we've fought together.
Master Rio.

　The deputy's eyes welled up with emotion.
　I don't like women who make a pass at Crono, and I don't like my other mistresses either.
　But I do have sympathy for these women, and I also have feelings of near-fondness for the sub-humans I fought with.
　Well, the main reason is that there was no reason to say no.
　There was a knock on the door with a bang and Rio looked up.

''Enter!''
...Haha!

　When the adjutant allowed, the young knight opened the door and clenched his fists at heart level.
　With a snappy motion, the young knight stood in the center of the room and straightened his back.

'Count Burkmeier wishes His Highness Alfort to see you, sir!
So, have you gone through the proper channels?

　Huh?　And the young knight - I don't recognize him, so he must be newly inducted into the Ninth Kingsguard.

'Count Burkmeier, the southern frontier is...'

　The young knight didn't even listen, but he blurted out a reasoned one.
　Most of him didn't listen, but he wanted to say that Count Burkmeier is an aristocrat from a historic family, so he can't get rid of him indefinitely.

''........Are you an idiot?''
I don't know what you mean.

　Haha, Rio let out a grand sigh.

You can't let them into the castle without following the proper procedures, can you? You'll have to send them away because I've given you orders!
Ha!

　Rio shouted, and the young knight left the room with a snappy motion.

'Is that a thing?'
What is that thing?
Don't answer a question with a question. Is that thing stupid?　Or have you come to take a punt on me because you're going to get a corner if I say no?

　If it's the former, it's irredeemable; if it's the latter, it's petty.

Probably the former.
'I thought our group members were a bit more sane, though.
I'm still trying to educate that thing.

　Then the deputy clenched his fists.
　What can I say, it hurts.

'I think I'm going to die.'
If that's what it takes to kill you, then that's it.

　'If this were a battlefield, it would save me the trouble of educating you,' he seemed to say.

'I'm getting a headache. Can I leave it to you?
"Ha, Master Rio!

　The second-in-command gives a salute that is far more powerful than the young knight's.

''Wouldn't it be better if you were the Commander?''
Everyone has their minutes. In the meantime, as Master Rio's second-in-command, I will do my part to make him hate me.

　I don't think I'm more suited to be a Knight Commander," Rio said, cowering his shoulders.



Count Piske, are you free?
Does this look boring to you?
No, I don't see it at all. But why do people around me respond to questions with questions?

　In the office of the Twelfth Order of the Kingsguard, Count Piske was about to be buried in a pile of letters.
　The letters were probably sent by the nobles who were seeking an audience with Alfort via Count Piske.

'Do you enjoy playing faction?　Yeah, I don't need a response. I can guess by the look on your stricken face that you're not having fun.
... "I'm still in my element in this one.

　Count Piske propped his elbows on the desk and crossed his hands as if in prayer.

'That's an auspicious gesture, isn't it?
'It is far beyond my share to retain His Highness Alfort and wrestle the real power of the Empire back from Prime Minister Alkor.
That doesn't sound like a statement from a core Alfortist figure.

　Count Piske stared at him with bloodshot eyes, and Rio lightly cowered his shoulders.

''Was it His Highness Alfort's idea to build the mausoleum?''
I don't know. I don't care.

　Count Piske spat out in desperation, or whether he was trusted to the extent that people thought he wouldn't snitch on them.

'Do you think it is possible to repair the relationship between His Highness Alfort and Vizier Alcor?
There is no improvement no such fact.

　Ah, Rio nodded.
　Apparently, Count Piske is planning to pretend that the incident at the Aldemiran Palace 'didn't happen'.
　No, is he planning to pretend that the fact that 'Alfort and Vizier Alcor are not on good terms with each other' 'didn't happen'?
　That's too self-serving a theory.
　Will that be enough to convince Vizier Alcor?　Rio thinks, and realizes that the answer to that question has been given.
　Prime Minister Alcor is already convinced.
　Therefore, Count Piske can assert that 'there is no such fact'.

　Then.........why does Count Piske know that Vizier Alcor is convinced?

Count Piske, does Vizier Arcole have something on you?
You can't help but ask the question.

　Mm-hmm, Rio nodded repeatedly at the correctness of his guess.
　Count Piske was also connected to Vizier Alcor.
　Perhaps it was after Count Piske swore allegiance to Alfort at the Aldemiran Palace that he became part of the two factions.

''So does that mean that His Highness Alfort's dragging the meeting around and the construction of the mausoleum are factored in?
I don't know.

　Let Alfort experience success in the meeting, and let him experience failure in the construction of the mausoleum.
　If he experiences failure, Alfort may become a little more docile.
　The problem would be that it would give people the illusion that Alfort had power.

''........It's fine, though, because I'm not interested in faction fighting.
You fought the Queen of Tyria, and now what the hell are you talking about?
I was obeying your last will and testament, that's all. I think it's a big part of it that Princess Tyria personally... although I don't think she didn't hate me then as much as she does now... she didn't like me much.

　Count Piske let out a sigh of dismay.
　Rio smiled bitterly as he said, ''You fought the Tyria Princess yourself, too.

''Are you judging things based on likes and dislikes?
It's my emotions that tip the scales in my favor.

　At that time, Vizier Alcor had the will of Ramal V in his hands, and Princess Tilia had the legitimacy to succeed to the throne.

''Therefore, could you give me an excuse to leave the imperial capital?
Why did you have to...

　Count Piske interrupts the dialogue midway through.
　Rio is aware that Count Piske is connected to Vizier Alcor.
　

''Why don't you go and give Crono's men a certificate to show that you've been conferred a knighthood?
...a subhuman with a knighthood.
I'm a good worker.

　Count Piske poked his cheek with a Buddha's face.

'I won't deny you that much. I just thought it would be uncomfortable to do something unprecedented.'
'I'm sure that's what the old knights were thinking, too.

　Rio crossed his arms and nodded repeatedly.

*

　I took off my armor and changed into my military uniform and left the castle.
　The white military uniforms that are the sign of a knight of the Kingsguard would be a bit more noticeable in the old city, but in the new city, it would be quite remarkable.
　It was freaky that I didn't use the carriage to get to my house in the second city block, and it was for the same reason that I visited the new city.
　It was out of curiosity that I headed towards the human wall.
　According to bits and pieces of information leaked by onlookers, a pickpocket has been captured by the guards and is in the middle of being assaulted.
　At this point, Rio lost interest.
　Even if the sound of the rather unfashionable blows echoed, even if the smell of blood mixed in the air, even if the soldiers giggled and said, "Hey, hey, don't punch me in the face too much, we have to interrogate you,

I'm going to have to... f*ck me I'm part of the Marquis of Erakis.

　The line regained his interest and Rio tapped the man at the tail end of the human wall on the shoulder.
　The man turns around uncomfortably and retreats with a guffawed look on his face.
　In a chain reaction, people give way to Rio and a path is born.
　Ahead of them, a dingy-dressed girl was being kicked by two soldiers.
　The girl was probably about fifteen years old.
　Her dark brown hair was short and her skin was dark and sallow.
　Her eyes were bush-eyed.......no pity at all.

I'm sorry to be in the middle of a serious business, but will you let me take that girl in?
...Río, Count Chiron.

　The two soldiers straightened up when I called out to them in a friendly manner.

'Oh, I'm not moving?'
Yeah, it's...

　The girl turns over and doesn't move.
　She pokes her head with her toe, but there is no reply.

'Well, that's fine. 'It's Midori and the god of flux.'

　When Rio knelt down and held out his hand, a green light enveloped the girl.
　It's the divine power art 'healing'.
　When the light subsided, the girl looked up with a small moan.

''Hey, I hear you're Crono's people?''
That's right. I'm part of the Marquis of Erakis.

　My eyes were swimming as hard as they could, so I could tell it was a lie, but it would be enough of an excuse.

'Oh, really?　I'm Crono's girlfriend. My girlfriend's people seemed to be getting beaten up, so I came to help.
That woman is a pickpocket named Verna!

　'I wish you'd read the air a little more,' said Rio, standing up and tightening his grip on the hilt of his sword.

'But he claims to be Crono's people, you know?　If it were true, wouldn't there be a problem?
So.....

　As the soldier tried to argue with him, Rio drew his sword in one go.
　The soldier was unable to react.
　Rio addressed the blade to the neck of the soldier and closed the distance between them.

'I don't like children who don't listen. If you're unhappy, I can find out if you guys were doing your job diligently?
Yes, sir.

　The soldier tore his gaze away from Rio to see if there was a dark spot behind him.

'Can you stand?'
Yeah.

　Rio said as he sheathed his sword, and Verna replied shortly.
　Her eyes were moving busily, so she must be planning to run away when she sees an opening.
　Rio tapped her on the shoulder as soon as Verna stood up.

'If you run away, I'll kill you, okay?'
I'm not running away!

　As Rio started to walk away, Verna followed with a little pause.
　They walked for a while.

How long do you want me to follow you?
It's Crono's house in the old town. I suppose it should properly be called Baron Crawford's other house, though.

　Rio stopped and looked at Verna.

''Well you're Crono's people, aren't you?''
Oh, oh!

　Verna was lazy and sweating like a waterfall.
　Well, it's no wonder, because once you meet Crono, you'll be caught in a lie with one shot.

You know what? What if. What if I'm lying to you?
Did you lie to me?
I said, "What if"!　What if I'm lying to you?

　'Hmmm,' growled Rio.

'Probably a terrible way to die, I think. To the point where you'll regret being born into this world. That is, if you're lying to me.
Well, don't worry about it.

　Verna gave a drawn-out smile.
　It's hell to go on, and hell to retreat.
　When she reached Crono's mansion in the Fourth Ward, she met up with Ault at the gate.

''Isn't that Count Chiron?''
It's been a while. What do you need today...?

　'Yes,' nodded Ault.

''It seems that Crono-sama's management of the territory is starting to take off, so I was gathering people together.
The Cronos will be ... pleased.
'I hope so, but I don't want to hurt Master Crono's pride.

　His voice and expression are cold-hearted itself, but he is probably worried about Crono in his own way.

''What business does Count Chiron have for you?''
I've got Crono's people with me.

　'Huh,' said Ault, looking at Verna and narrowing his eyes.

'Was it Verna?　Does Alt know about her?
'I am not aware of all of Master Crono's friendships.
That's a shame, because I have to go to the Marquess of Erakis on business. To tell the truth, I have to go to the Marquess of Erakis on business. This is a very serious request.
I understand. Until then, I'll let Ault here take charge of Lady Verna.

　Is this what they say about hitting it? Orto seemed to have figured everything out and bowed reverently.

''If I may say so instead, I would like you to serve as my escort when I send my servants to Crono-sama?
When the time is right, I'm willing.
Yeah, I don't mind that.

　Rio shook hands with Ault.

*

....
Good morning, Mister Rio.

　The next morning, when I went to the mansion's reception room, I found Viscount Brad Hammar waiting for me with a fresh smile on his face.
　Indeed, it was a refreshing smile.
　It was hard to believe that Rio had been waiting for nearly an hour before he was ready.

'What can I do for you?'
'Count Piske has asked me to deliver something to the Marquis of Erakis, along with Lord Rio.

　Rio crossed his arms and looked at Brad's face.
　Naturally, there was no need for the Knight Commander of the Kingsguard to travel to send out the deed to show that the Knight Commander of the Kingsguard was a warlord.

Is that all you got?
I think my sister has made a mistake.

　Failure?　Rio frowned.
　'We're neighbours, so let's get along,' he said, 'what would we fail to do just to say hello to each other?

''Since we're going to talk about something important, I think I should have gone out to talk to you. I'm sorry that I'm taking advantage of my position as Commander of the Kingsguard, though.''

　From the words, Brad must have asked Count Piske to go to the Marquess of Erakis.

''I don't mind. How long do you want to leave?
How about the day after tomorrow?

　'If it's just packing,' said Rio, crossing his arms, 'it won't take long.

'That's fine. Are you planning on taking anyone else with you?
I'm the only one.

　Since he was enjoying his encounter with Crono, Rio didn't intend to take his subordinates along with him, but when it came to escorting them, he felt uneasy about his strength.
　There's no point in worrying about it, Rio said, cowering his shoulders.



My lady, that's Hachel.
...phew.

　Rio let out a small sigh as he looked at Brad, who was lovingly stroking the horse's neck, beside him.
　It had been a little over ten days since they left the imperial capital of Alfirk.
　On the way, Verna had tried to escape many times, but other than that, the journey had been smooth without any major troubles.
　Since it was official business, it was also fortunate that they were able to use the military facilities.
　However, even the servants Ault had gathered were able to use the military facilities because Rio and Brad were the captains of the Kingsguard.
　
　Sins........well, they must be sins.
　Even if it was the result of being entrapped by someone, or stabbing a superior officer to defend himself, or covering for someone else.
　No workplace would employ a woman who was branded a criminal.
　Inevitably, they will fall into a world where they will not see the light of day.
　If you reach out to them there, they will try to repay you for your kindness.
　If they get a decent reputation at their new place of employment, they will be willing to risk their lives to complete their work.
　Rio smiled bitterly as she recalled their conversation.
　From time to time, the girls were uniformly silent and wistful.
　That's usually when the conversation turned to Crono.
　Crono has a bad reputation.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on.
　I'm sure you'll be able to see an unexpected side to someone else," Rio said with a small sigh once more.
　Brad is a horse lover.
　
　I even shuddered at the sight of her cleaning horse manure worthily with eyes like a maiden in love.
　Thinking back, I think Brad talked about horses all the time on the road.
　I'd listened to more than half of it and responded appropriately.
　The city was more crowded than I remembered it to be when I went inside after a brief formalities at the gates of Hachel's.
　The number of stalls had visibly increased, and the clothes the lords were wearing seemed to have become a little cleaner, mindlessly.
　As I let my horse advance, I heard a faint kern, kern sound.
　It gradually grew louder and louder, and even a sweet smell began to waft through the air.
　Passing through the gate of the Marquis' mansion, Rio dismounted from his horse halfway down the yard.
　After waiting for a while, the door of the Marquis' mansion opened.

'Rio, what's wrong?'
Delivery from the Imperial City to Crono.

　The carriage stopped and Verna jumped out at the same time.
　Rio grabbed Verna by the scruff of her neck and thrust her out to Crono.

'Well, can I do whatever I want?'
'They called themselves Crono's people, but you don't recognize them?　If you don't recognize him, I'll take care of him myself.

　Crono looked at Verna in confusion.

'No, it looks familiar.'
Hey!

　Verna has escaped from Rio's grasp and Dan!　And stomped the ground.

'Bah, a**h*le!　My life is at stake here, so just remember it!
What?
'Don't look so mysterious!　Look, I met you in the back alley.　See, see, I cried for you, didn't I?

　Verna pointed at herself and made a desperate appeal.


Yes, yes!
He tried to take my wallet from me when I was down!
I want my tears back!

　Verna's shoulders slumped emphatically as she gave up.

'Are you your people after all?'
I don't want to be a part of it, but I don't want to get rid of it.
All right. Honestly, I just thought it would be a good excuse myself, so I'll let Crono take care of the rest.

　Rio gently tapped Verna on the shoulder.

'.........Marquis Erakis.

　Brad dismounted from his horse and walked quietly over to Crono.

'Rio, who?'
It's Viscount Brad Hammar, Commander of the Fifth Kingsguard.

　Crono nodded and shook hands with Brad.

'Thank you for the horse the other day,'
'No, on my part I hope my sister didn't show any disrespect?

　Crono smiled briskly.
　That was the answer.

'So much for saying hello, we can't just leave these girls alone, can we?

　I looked over my shoulder and saw that the women were getting out of the carriage.

'They too?'
'The girls were entrusted to me by Ault. He said it would be hard to manage the estate.

　I see, Crono's eyes moistened with emotion.
　Apparently, Ault's worries were not unfounded.



　After being ushered into a room in the Marquis' mansion, Rio wished to bathe in hot water.
　Even though he was able to use the military facilities, considering his peculiarity.......and the absence of a second-in-command who could hide it well, he had to wipe himself in his room.
　Rio laid out a certificate on the desk in the office indicating that he had been conferred a peerage.
　There are eight of them, including the one that was invaded by the Holy Argo Kingdom last May.
　A single piece of parchment like this is enough to be treated as a knight.
　In the empire, a knight is a flimsy existence that can be established in writing.
　Crono carefully places the parchment in a box.
　He must have prepared it himself.
　It's a box that seems to take ten times as much work as the deed.

'Crono has been issued a new military uniform.
'Speaking of which, you became a Knight Commander.

　As Rio put down the box of clothes, Crono opened the box, his eyes sparkling with anticipation, and quickly closed it.
　Opening the box once more, Crono takes the military uniform in his hand.
　It's black in color.
　The fabric is superior to the military uniform Crono had been wearing until now, and the detailed design is different, but the color was black from the front, from behind, and from the side.

''Hey, is this some kind of harassment?''
You don't want me to know.

　It's really troubling.
　You could give any number of reasons, like because Alfort decided to do it on his own, or because he's a new nobleman.

''Did Crono have a crush on the Kingsguard knights?''
Not really, but it's not.

　To say it was too much is an understatement.

''Just think of it as the color of the Goddess of 'Jet-Black and the Goddess of Chaos'. It's a good idea to think of it as the color of the "goddess of chaos", because that goddess protects a wide range of people, even prostitutes and subhumans.
I don't believe in the Six Pillars of God, you know?
That's the kind of lore that's called 'hands'.

　Although he is the commander of the 13th Konoe Order, he is dressed in a jet black military uniform.
　Regardless of their origins, if they are to be used heavily, they will be able to attract talented people.

"If you use those 'hands', you'll have to build a temple or make donations.
It's a necessary expense.

　Hmmm, Crono groans.
　Apparently, Crono doesn't want to make a donation to convince the rumor mill.

''Well I'll think about it,''

　Crono tucked his new military uniform in and closed the box.

Well, I guess it's over for me. What do you want to do?
How can I still see the sky high up in the sky?
It's so healthy.

　Crono, for what it's worth, returns the question with a question, too.
　'Well, it's certainly not healthy to do that in the daytime,' says Rio, dismissing his line of questioning in his mind.

'And Tilia,'
Yeah?

　When Crono looked towards his gaze, he saw Princess Tilia looking at Rio through the doorway.
　Boom!　And the door opened wildly.

'Count Rio Chiron, game on!　To beat you, I have endured the unbearable, endured the unbearable, and honed my swordsmanship and divine arts skills!

　Princess Tilia drew her sword and pointed the tip of it at Rio.

''Why do you think Princess Tilia hates me so much?
Maybe because I stepped on it?

　When I gave him a look, Crono replied with a straight face.

'I'm sorry, but I have no reason to fight.
"...You're the one who enjoys meeting up with Crono, but unfortunately, I'm the one who's going to be the night owl tonight.

　Princess Tilia puffed her chest out for no reason.

'Then I'll be fine tomorrow.
That's impossible.
Is it impossible?

　Rio stared at Crono as the Tilia princess confidently said.

'I guess it depends on if you can outsmart Tyria this evening?'

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's not a bad idea.

I'm sure it's not a bad idea to think of Princess Tyria biting her teeth while she's being robbed of her turn.
Hmmm, don't think of me as the same as I was before.

　We can't fight in the office, as expected, so we move to the training grounds.
　For some reason, it's the order with Princess Tilia at the front, then Rio, and Crono at the back of the line.

''What's wrong with Eril?''
I've been holed up in my room reading a book lately.

　Serving as an observer for Princess Tyria is like an excuse to get Eril out of the Konoe Guard, so there's no problem.
　

''Come on, let's play the game in an ordinary way!
I'm much better with a bow.

　Rio draws his sword and confronts Princess Tilia at a distance of ten meters.
　Princess Tilia stabbed, and Rio stood in an intangible.......natural way.
　It seems to have raised his arms somewhat, and Rio looked at Princess Tilia.
　A white light envelops Princess Tilia's body.
　The divine power art 'divine robes'.
　Presumably, it is also using 'activity'.
　Rio also activates the divine power technique 'Divine Clothing'.

''Begin!''

　As soon as Crono announced the start, Princess Tilia kicked the ground.
　Dust rose and instantly accelerated to top speed.
　Rio shifted his center of gravity and ducked the Tilia Princess's stab in the manner of falling down, and released a blade of wind.
　However, due to the fact that he was adding and subtracting, the wind blade was blocked by the white light that enveloped the Tilia princess's body and dissipated.
　If I can get a little more distance, I can summon the divine weapon, said Rio, thrusting his sword at the Tilia Princess, who finished releasing the stab and exposed her unprotected back.
　But Rio's sword cut through the sky.
　Princess Tilia kicked the ground and ducked Rio's attack by leaping forward.
　Is that why she had left some extra energy to leap?
　No, did she start to think about what to do next?　And while Rio is thinking, Princess Tilia reverses and closes her pause.
　The Divine Majesty Technique 'Divine Clothing', 'Activation'.......the landscape melts away.
　A super speed that makes it impossible for even myself to see the situation around me.
　You just can't see it.
　With his sense of hearing, smell, and touch, Rio is aware of everything but sight by the 'God who controls the flow of water' that he communicates with.
　He walks behind the Princess Tilia and thrusts his sword out again.
　But this was read, and the Tilia Princess flips with a flowing motion, geez!　Their swords bounced off each other with a deafening sound.
　Rio sinks his body to leap for distance and Princess Tilia steps out at the same time.
　For a moment, a moment really.
　Rio was taken aback.
　Without a doubt, Princess Tilia swung her fist down.
　Tsk!　And the fist of Princess Tilia snatched at Rio's military uniform.
　That's it.
　Rio jumps back and gets far enough away from Princess Tilia.

''........Didn't you get slowed down?''
Lines like that aren't meant to be said while looking at your fist in wonderment.

　Princess Tilia must have been sure that she had captured Rio.
　However, Princess Tilia's fist only snatched Rio's military uniform.
　So, Princess Tilia stared at her fist curiously.
　Apparently, the trickery hadn't been exposed.

''You're growing up, somewhat.
Hmm, of course.

　Princess Tyria puffed her chest out in pride.

''I'll make up for the bitterness I felt when I was kicked to the curb back then.
Isn't it a grudge for cuckolding Crono?

　Princess Tilia didn't answer and kicked the ground.
　In an instant, she closed the gap and unleashed a slash that would not let her even get a clue to counterattack.
　It's an attack that seems to show how much honing has been done since coming to the Marquis of Erakis.
　Although it's shameful that the root of it is the resentment of being kicked in the leg and cuckolded for a crush.
　Princess Tilia's attack is slowed down.
　I'm letting her attack this much.
　Even if you don't even notice the identity of the small tricks, you should still feel uncomfortable.
　As Rio leaps backwards in a big way, Princess Tilia stays where she is.

Grow!

　A thrust is released.
　A light extends from the sword just like Fei did that time.
　The Divine Majesty Technique 'Celebration Holy Blade' has this kind of use.
　But the blade of light cut through the sky.
　No, Princess Tilia's thrust did indeed pierce Rio.
　However, it was only an imaginary image that Rio had created with his Divine Majesty Technique.

''Wha, what........!
Don't be surprised.

　Rio sets up his bow and pulls the strings.
　In fact, there is no such thing as a bow.
　

''Divine artifacts........summoned!

　The arrows are unleashed.
　Green light rushes over the Princess Tilia.

''Gu, gu ... God!

　Princess Tilia deploys her divine Majesty Technique, Holy Shield, but it's all she can do not to be swept away by the rush of light.

''I'm sorry, but I'm not going to go easy on you!

　The second arrow is released.
The "Holy Shield" shatters and blows Emperor Tilia away.
　

''Gugununu, not once, not even twice.''
It's incredibly tough.

　Rio scoffed without reservation at the regretful, teeth-biting Princess Tilia.