*

　I thought I was giving you a lesson, but that might be an unearned predisposition.
　I didn't expect you to be so impatient and still be so defiant, Myra heads to Crono's office.
　Myra's footsteps are light.
　It's a pity that Cecily didn't get her way, but the thought of having one more thing to look forward to lightens her footsteps.

''Crono-sama!''
Ugh, Myra.

　When Myra entered the office, Crono looked disgusted.

'You said you liked him, but I thought your attitude was too much.
I think Myra was the same. Cecily came to protest.

　Hmm?　Myra wondered.
　It was hard to believe that Cecily, who had been so defiant, would protest.

'By the way, Cecily didn't say anything. She just stood in the corner of the office with her face bright red.
....

　She's an interesting girl to really practice silent protest.
　But it's not an amusing situation for Myra to have to deal with Crono's displeasure.
　She should honestly apologize here.

''I'm sorry,''
Myra. Please, I beg you.

　When Myra apologized honestly, Crono said pleadingly.

'I would like to serve Crono-sama as a perfect maid, but after all, I am a woman too.
No, I don't think most people would do what Myra did.
'I'm sorry to say, Master Crono, but I think you're having too many illusions about this creature called a woman.
I like to treasure my illusions.

　Crono said as he let out a sigh.
　Crono was young and he wanted to take care of how he wanted it to be.

'I'm sorry. It was a misleading statement. By all means, I would like Crono-sama to respond to me based on the fact that I am a female with an irredeemable side.

　Myra looked at Crono squarely in the eye and said nonchalantly.

'Myra, are you doing this on purpose?'
Mostly true, sir?

　Crono moaned with half-lidded eyes.

'Even if it's true, I want you to be chaste.
Do you mean that's for Master Crono only?
Well, sort of.

　My heart thumps and my chest heaves.

'You mean, Master Crono wants me all to himself?
Yeah, well, well, I mean, were you going to get some other guy?
No, I would never do that.

　Crono said dismissively, and Myra hurriedly denied it.
　I want to keep it to myself, and those words sounded fresh.
　I can't tell you how many men have ever told me they wanted to have it all to themselves.
　Claude didn't say he wanted to have it all to himself because he owned Myra, and there were many ad hoc relationships.

''Should I put a chastity belt on you?''
No, not that much.
'I'm sorry. I thought this would be a good opportunity to show my chastity.
'No, no, because you don't feel chaste when you wear a chastity belt. Rather, you're doing everything you can to show your trustworthiness and lack of chastity.

　Myra's shoulders slumped, and Crono plunged in.

'Then how is it that Master Crono imagines me writhing and writhing as he stares at the keys to his chastity belt?
'I don't know if it's old or new.....but get away from the chastity belt. End of that story!
....
You can't look so sulky.

　Myra writhed and pouted her lips, but Crono didn't take her up on it.



　After a late breakfast, Myra enjoyed her post-dinner incense tea.
　Myra put her cup down, "It's going to be a disaster when I get used to this state of affairs," she said.

'What did you do?'
What are you talking about?

　
　If Myra's memory was correct, Shera must be over thirty years old.
　And yet, isn't she trying too hard to wear a maid's outfit with a wide open chest?
　However, I can appreciate the fact that she is wearing a maid's outfit with a wide open chest.
　It could be said that she rightly understands her weapon.

'Look, it's Cecily, Cecily. You're staring at you with a scary look on your face.''
'We had a night out together and taught you a lesson in the bathroom?
That's what you're supposed to do.

　Suddenly curious, Myra looks over her shoulder at Cecily.
　I see, Cecily was staring at Myra with a bright red face.
　It's cute, more like a child on the verge of a tantrum than a scary face.

'I thought there was no need to worry about it.
My father was one of them, but I wonder if these people who have survived the upheaval have hair on their hearts.
That's not entirely true.

　When the southern frontier was given to them as a territory, everyone must have felt uneasy.
　If Shelah thought her father was brazen, it was because Shelah's father was aware that he was being watched.

'How did Lady Shelah come to be Master Crono's mistress?
It's all about momentum, isn't it?
This was supposed to be a one-time thing, but you've gone off the deep end. I know.

　Myra's point seemed to be correct, and Shera's cheeks twitched.
　Myra drank her incense tea and set her cup down on the table.

'By the way, how do you decide on the order of the nightlife?'
Basically, it's a meeting. It's a meeting, basically, but there's also a conflict between work and physical condition, so we have to deal with that as needed. Well, Princess Tilia and Count Chiron are fighting for their turn in the ring.

　I see, Myra nodded.

*

　Right after Myra arrived at the parade ground, Princess Tilia was blown away by a blow from Count Rio Chiron.
　A blow........or should I call it an arrow?
　However, Count Rio Chiron's attack is not something as simple as a single arrow.
　
　A scream rises from the soldiers surrounding the two.
　That, of course, was also because Princess Tilia had been slammed headfirst into the hard ground.
　As it was, Princess Tilia fell two or three times...Zuzaar!　and sliding on the ground, trying to regain her stance.
　It was incredibly sturdy and persistent, but in the process of regaining her stance, Princess Tilia ran out of steam.
　Falling to the ground, Princess Tilia gritted her teeth as she fell to the ground.

''Gu-nuh-uh, again!
No, yeah, I think I'm going to have to settle for losing.

　Count Rio Chiron wiped the sweat on his forehead and stared at the bow in his hand as if he was puzzled.
　The bow in Count Rio Chiron's hand must be a divine weapon.
　
　It is an unfashionable weapon with destructive power more than a siege weapon although it is of a size that can be handled by an individual.
　The Tyria princess who is summoning vigorously while being attacked by that divine weapon could be said to be sturdier than the citadel.

''Did you think I would be happy to be conceded the victory!
'I was pretty serious about attacking you, though. Honestly, it's going to be a fight for your life from here on out.

　

''If Princess Tilia sticks to the game, I'll take the rights to the nightlife, though.
Do your best to win. I'll use this disappointment to push me to new heights.

　Rather than being proud of his victory, Count Rio Chiron looked troubled.

''Then I'll try next.

　Myra brushed past the soldiers and stood in front of Count Rio Chiron.

'I have no reason to fight, though?
Do I have one?
I'm saying there's no merit to it.
Do I have one?

　When Myra repeated, Count Rio Chiron let out a sigh of resignation and picked up the wooden sword that had fallen to the ground.

''All right,''
Thank you. You are a very good ... man.

　Are you sure it's a man?　Myra's eyes narrowed.
　After all this time, Count Rio Chiron's frame and gait seemed different from that of a normal man.
　I have to focus on the fight now, Myra put a lid on her curiosity and distanced herself from Count Rio Chiron.

''Then let's get started.''
Yeah.

　Myra nodded and touched her maid's clothes.
　She removed her hand, touched it again, probed the pockets, explored the pouch.
　Coming out of the pouch was a colorless scrap gemstone.

''I forgot my weapon, sir.
'Maybe the legendary assassin has slowed down?'

　When Myra let her gaze wander, Count Rio Chiron said in dismay and carried the wooden sword on his shoulder.
　Without missing the opportunity, Myra flicked the scrap gemstone in her hand with her finger.
　It's a technique called finger flicking.
　It's said that if you're a master, you can smash through a wooden board with the stone you flicked, but Myra's is only so powerful that it hurts a little when it hits.
　That's also at close range.
　The scrap gemstone Myra popped draws a parabolic line and heads towards Count Rio Chiron's chest.
　And the scrap gemstone emitted a flash of light.
　The light is so intense that it paints your vision white.
　The soldiers who saw the light directly screamed and knelt on the spot.
　The scrap jewelry is a magic item.
　The price is modest for a disposable type.
　Its main use is to dazzle.
　Count Rio Chiron remained standing in place, but he definitely looked directly at the flash of light.
　Myra does her best to close the gap between the two and tosses a throwing dagger for distraction.
　Myra got behind Count Rio Chiron and jumped back as fast as she could.
　The wooden sword of Count Rio Chiron passes by where Myra had been a moment, or even half a second ago.

''Can you see it?''
He doesn't see it.

　Once again, Count Rio Chiron turns to Myra as he takes his distance.

''Then why?''
'They got behind me once. I've trained myself to read the flow of air.

　There's no way you can follow Myra just by reading the air currents.

'Crono says that matter is made up of very small particles, and air is no exception. Air is no exception. That's why I read the movement of the grains that make up the air with my divine art.
"Let's see how far you can fight in that condition.

　As Myra loosely held up her dagger, Count Rio Chiron threw down his wooden sword and raised his hands in the air as if to say surrender.

''....I surrender. Yeah, this isn't an act.''
May I ask why?
I don't want Crono to hate me. I don't want to be disliked by Crono, although I'm sure you can win if you just show up. That's why.
I thought I could win if I didn't have to show off. Of course, I have no intention of fighting fair and square.

　With that, Myra put the dagger away.

'If you don't mind,'
'No thanks. At least I'll have Crono all to myself on the bed.

　Count Rio Chiron cowered his shoulders.

*

Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
....

　Myra brought the cup to her mouth as she plopped down on the table and looked across at Princess Tyria, who was scratching her hair.
　Princess Tilia's hair was shaggy even before she scratched it, and her white military uniform was stained with dirt.
　Sheera made a disgusted face as she entered the dining room dressed like that.

''Princess Tilia, is your neck okay?''
Hmm, that hurts a little bit.

　When Myra put her cup on the table and asked, Princess Tyria looked up and said, ''I'm sorry.
　Normally, she would be dead, but the Divine Majesty Technique is so great.

''Well I thought we would win today. Goooooooooooooo, I lost the right I won at the meeting.''

　Princess Tilia gave her an expectant look, but Myra pretended not to notice.
　But still, where have I seen her before?　And Myra tilted her head, noticing that the Tyria Princess looked very much like the mercenaries who had made a big slice of the bet.
　Well, I wouldn't dare to point it out.

''What did Princess Tilia like about Crono-sama, so what did she like about him?''
I'm just saying where.

　Princess Tyria looked up at the ceiling.

Where is it?

　He tilted his head as he twisted his upper body.

'Crono doesn't have much to offer, you know. He's weak, he's timid, he's misogynistic...

　Princess Tilia raised her willow eyebrows upside down at the misogyny part.

''Crono is not kind. Guguu, he doesn't say kind words to me, and wow, he doesn't recognize my efforts.''

　I'll tie you up and spoil you..., said Princess Tyria in a fading voice.
　'I see,' said Myra, turning her gaze away from Princess Tilia.

''Your upbringing was bad, wasn't it?
No, I'm not trained in that area, sir.

　Myra denied it, and Princess Tilia raised her eyebrows quizzically.

''Isn't that odd. You were a bit of an introvert when you came over here, weren't you?'
Didn't you grow up with all the tough experiences?

　'Mmmmmm,' snarled Princess Tilia.

'You're not growing up. You're ruined.'
No, from what I can tell, it's been an amazing growth spurt.
'Harsh experiences can be very dehumanizing, can't they?
I agree with you on that.

　Myra brought the cup to her mouth.
　The world would be more peaceful if harsh experiences honed humanity.
　'Mmmmmm,' said Princess Tilia, plopping down on the table.

'But I like it.'
....

　It's itchy. It's a line that makes my back itch.

'Since when did Princess Tyria show her fondness for Lady Crono?
After we lost in a military school exercise I thought we were friends with ... well, at the time, and ...

　Blue. Princess Tilia's cheeks were vermillion in embarrassment, but Myra was almost in agony because she was so blue.

''I realized I had feelings for Crono when Leila became Crono's mistress. It was a tremendous shock.
....

　'My apprentice, you are a wonderful sleeper,' said Myra, clenching her fists under the table so that she would not be seen.

'Then the landlady, and then who's next?　Slaves or Deneb and Alideed?　Would Count Chiron come first?　Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
'Since Princess Tilia was the first heir to the throne, didn't Lady Crono weigh in?

　
　Just as Princess Tilia considered Crono to be her friend, the possibility that Crono also considered Princess Tilia to be her friend cannot be denied.

''But when I lost my claim to the throne and came to the Marquis of Erakis, Crono didn't pounce on me.
Doesn't that prove that Master Crono was a true human being?

　Princess Tyria stared at Myra, then turned her head away and stared at Myra again.

'Huh?'
Why do you look so strange?　Attacking someone you don't hate because you've lost your position is simply out of character.

　Princess Tyria's eyes widened in surprise and her shoulders slumped as if she was devastated.

'What, did I miss?'
They attacked Crono.

　A puffy, icy wind blew through Myra and Princess Tyria.

'At first I thought Crono was going to attack us,'
When Master Crono didn't attack you, you attacked him yourself?
That's right.

　Princess Tilia turned over, red to her ears.

''Don't........shut up. Say something.
I envy you, Princess Tyria.
"Don't lie to me!

　Princess Tilia stood up and bang, bang!　And tapped the table.
　Myra lifted her cup to keep the incense tea from spilling out.

'Regardless of how it happened, I thought it was wonderful that you were bound to the person you intended to be with because of your feelings of love. I've never had anything like that.
Oh, yeah?
Yes,

　As Myra said, Princess Tilia sat down in a chair quietly.
　Princess Tilia was tied to Crono without any subterfuge or bargaining.
　Considering the circumstances, Myra almost rolled over with laughter, but it wasn't a lie that she felt envious.

''It's embarrassing to hear you say that.

　Myra added in her mind that she didn't mean to admire Princess Tilia's ways, but...
　Myra felt envious of Princess Tilia, and while she had some sympathy for her, she couldn't approve of the way she lived her life too gracefully.
　Just thinking about a full bet without a look in sight is enough to make her gut break.
　At the very least, I want to spread the risk.

''Princess Tilia, we're ready to bathe in the hot water.
I'll be right there.

　Alyssa called out to her, and Princess Tilia stood up.

'We'll talk again,'
Yes, you can always reach out to me.

　I drank all the cooled fragrant tea and

Enjoying a nice, quiet tea party, eh?

　Coming to herself, Myra stood up.
　She was going to find out the order of the nightlife from Princess Tilia.
　When Myra turned around, Alyssa was standing near the doorway to the dining room.
　It was as if she was trying to block Myra's path.
　Alyssa slowly walked up to Myra and poured the incense tea into her empty cup.

''I'm ... sorry...''
The bathroom door is guarded by Verna and Cecily. And Princess Tyria prefers to bathe alone.

　Alyssa told her to sit down and Myra sat down quietly.
　It was a small and clever way to do it, but since she was given the information, not knowing didn't work.

''It can't be helped. We'll negotiate later.''
That would be very helpful.

　With that, Alyssa sat down to face Myra.

'Alyssa,'
Alyssa is fine.

　Myra poked her cheekbones and crossed her legs.
　It's a typical attitude for a maid, but this isn't the southern frontier, and Myra is on vacation right now.
　Besides, politeness is a liability when you show a willingness to talk through your stomach.

'Is Alyssa with Master Crono?'
'Your husband is a sensible man. I'm sorry if he doesn't want to do that to the other person. At least he has never tried to touch me.
So you don't want to?
'I have a daughter. It was never the pregnancy I wanted, but I love her.

　'I see,' said Myra, and she thought she knew who the father of Alyssa's daughter was.

''How did ... how did Alyssa come to be?''
I was ill and dismissed from the mansion, and when I was in need, Master Crono picked me up.
Some men are terrible, aren't they?

　Alyssa doesn't answer.
　Perhaps Alyssa got pregnant after being violated or tossed around by Crono's predecessor the former Marquis of Erakis.
　Myra wickedly guessed that the reason for her physical condition was also due to that.

''So you don't mean to?''
....

　After all, Alyssa doesn't answer.
　Because she's a mother, because she's been played by a terrible man, Alyssa tries to hide her femininity.

'I respect Alyssa's wishes, but I'd like you to respect my way of life as well?
As long as your life isn't a threat to others.

　Myra smiled at Alyssa's answer.

*

　After lunch, Myra let out a deep sigh.
　She had planned to ask for the order of the nightlife while chatting, but Myra's plan was off.
　After bathing in the hot water, Princess Tilia went to the city to play and did not return to the Marquis' residence.
　Are you a child, you!　And Myra wanted to rush in, but our Princess Tyria was not there.
　Myra discarded the choice to go looking for her without much trouble.
　She would be able to find her if she took a reasonable amount of time, but it didn't have to be Princess Tilia, even if it was in the evening to ask for her turn at night.
　Myra sat down in a chair in the guest room and rolled up the pages of a book.
　Suddenly curious, she looked over and saw Cecily and Verna standing near the door.
　Cecily and Verna were supposed to be Myra's caretakers, but for some reason, they were both armed.
　Cecily's armor was a metal-reinforced breastplate.
　A wide sword belt that covered her from waist to buttocks, with a single long sword and a dagger strapped to it.
　Verna does not carry a weapon.
　The only armor she has is her metal-reinforced cuirass and boots.
　Well, if you are hit as hard as you can, you will at least break a bone, and if you are stepped on where you fall, you could die.

Why are you armed?
I'm trying to protect myself from you!

　Myra asked, and Cecily shouted, her face turning red.
　'It looks like he's about to draw his sword and attack me.

'I'm, well, socializing,'
'Don't be so heartless!　This is a fight for your own safety!　The rise and fall of our nation will be in this one battle!
I didn't have anything to do with it.

　Compared to Cecily, Verna seems to be less motivated now.

''Or, it has something to do with it!　Friends, friends, we are friends!　We're friends, aren't we?
Well, we're friends, so we're all dressed up like this and we're all laughing at each other.

　Verna ruffled her hair and scowled.

'LOL?　I'm desperate!　How humiliated I was yesterday and to-day!
"Just think of it as a dog bite and give it up.
No dog would ever do that!
'If anything, the dog was Miss Cecily, wasn't it?　I thought he was really doggy.

　Myra pointed out, and Cecily opened and closed her mouth like a washed up fish.

'I understand what's going on, but isn't it enough to show that you don't want to do that kind of thing, even if you fight?
You say that like it's personal.
I know you're just trying to be friendly. You're not going to fight this thing, are you?　If you win, you won't get anything. I don't want to give up my stability.

　'Uggh,' moaned Cecily.

'Miss Cecily, would you please tell me the order of the nightlife?'
Why do I have to be the one to tell you this?
I'll teach you. I'll teach you.

　Verna said troublesomely, walking up to Myra.

'Isn't this a secret?'
'You can't keep it a secret when you're thinking about the next day. There's the matter of changing clothes, and when the head chef is the night owl, he has to stand in for you. So, I'm going to tell you.　First, tonight....

　Myra writes the order of the nightlife on a piece of paper that was placed on the desk.
　The idea of placing the paper on the desk in the guest room is probably unique to the Marquess of Erakis.

''Is today's nightgown my apprentice? I don't think she was in the parade hall?''
'He's guarding the streets, you know. He seems to be going a bit farther away these days. Has Captain Kane been guarding the neighborhood more often instead?

　Now, will my apprentice be willing to negotiate?　Myra thinks.
　I don't know if he's willing to negotiate.
　It will be difficult to wear your position as a shade, and it's going to be difficult to round up the tip of your tongue.

"I think we should make a sincere request here.
...Isn't he a master?
She's a woman before she's a master.

　Myra replied proudly.
　Dignity and pride are things you use when it's convenient for you.

* * * * * *.

　
　There were about thirty horses in the stables.
　If you include the ones that aren't here, there must be about fifty horses.
　There were no soldiers in sight.
　Just three children taking care of the horses.......no, there was one soldier in the stables.
　My apprentice ..................Leila.

'Instructor?'
It's been a long time, my apprentice.

　When Myra called out to her, Leila's eyes widened in surprise.
　However, it's a change that you won't be able to tell if you're not paying attention.
　Myra walked up to Leila.
　Verna had told her that she had started going away, but I see, I could smell the dust as I approached.
　Roughly, it would feel like she hadn't bathed in the water for two to three days.
　Myra looked at Leila.
　She wore a better air than when they met on the southern frontier.
　To put it simply, it would be confidence.
　She is sought after as a woman and recognized as a soldier.
　The fact that he is highly educated and has a practical command of the game is not irrelevant.

'I've started to look good. I had hoped to replace my maid way, but that may not be necessary.
No, it was the instructor. The clothes you gave me they come in handy sometimes.

　He said he wears it for a night out?　'I understand,' Myra replied in her mind.

''Why is the instructor in the Marquess of Erakis?
I have taken leave of absence to see Master Crono. I have heard, my apprentice you will be the fair-weather attendant this evening.

　Myra placed a gentle hand on both Leila's shoulders.

'Please take over. Of course, in exchange for the rights of Princess Tyria, which I won after a duel with Count Rio Chiron.''
....

　Leila was silent.
　You must be tired too.
　
　But, however, can you move the hearts of others with such flimsy words, words that even you can't believe?
　No, definitely not.
　Up until now, he has been instrumental in the development of Baron Crawford's territory.
　While Myra was working, acquaintances got married and started families one by one.
　On top of that, Claude hasn't even tried to touch Myra since she got married.

''Well it's about time for me to pursue my own happiness. To be honest, I do miss the nights when I sleep alone.

　Leila was silent.

*

　Two weeks went by in a flash, with a lot of time to spare.
　Drinking incense tea with Princess Tilia, talking with her apprentice Leila, chasing after the fleeing Deneb and Alideed... It was a lively and enjoyable vacation, if only for a moment as it passed.
　It had been a really fun vacation, Myra looked up at the Marquis' mansion.
　When she turned around, Johnny, who was more fearless than he was two weeks ago, was waiting in the carriage's groom's seat.
　Johnny has become more manly.
　It wasn't that his skills had improved.
　Surely, Johnny understood.
　As long as he wasn't blessed with talent, he had to expose himself to more horseshit than others.

''Well Master Crono, I'm sorry for the loss.
Myra, you're breathing so hard, it's scary.

　Crono said in a trembling voice as Myra hugged her.

''Crono-sama's words cut through my heart in a way I never thought possible.
Sorry.

　As Myra pulled away, Crono slowly held out his hand.

'.........Shake hands.

　'Yes,' Myra nodded and squeezed Crono's hand back.

'See you later.'
I hope to see you soon.

　No need to come back!　Cecily shouted at her, but she ignored her.
　As Myra climbed into the carriage, Johnny let the carriage go slowly.
　Myra ruminated on the events of the two weeks ... or, more accurately, the memories of the nightlife.
　Honestly, I'm quite embarrassed to remember acting like a lover.
　But the prelude.......kneeling on Crono in bed wasn't a bad idea.
　My apprentice seems to be living a fulfilled life, Myra nodded.