*

　A bit of a let down, Crono said, twisting his head from side to side as he entered the diner.
　Elena's attack did more damage to Crono than he had expected.
　When I say more than expected, it was Elena's attack, which she hadn't trained well.
　The damage is enough to cause some discomfort in the neck.
　Crono took his seat.
　The seats of Rio and Tyria, and Eril, the self-proclaimed watcher of Tyria, are empty.
　As Crono was in a daze, the landlady approached him.
　The proprietress is wearing the same wide open chest maid's outfit as usual.
　Crono's eyes narrowed as the cleavage of her breasts dazzled.

''Earlier, I crossed paths with Mistress Elena in the corridor.......what did you do?''
Yeah, I'm done bathing.

　Then maybe I should have bathed in hot water too?　As Crono was thinking, the landlady gave him a dumbfounded look and placed the incense tea on the table.
　Crono enjoyed the fresh aroma and took a sip of the incense tea.
　Huh~, he let out a long sigh and put the cup on the table.
　Incense tea.........in short, herbal tea.
　In this world, at least in the Cepheus Empire, tea is herbal tea.
　Crono has never seen tea since he came to this world.
　Not only has he seen tea, he hasn't seen potatoes, corn, or pumpkins.
　He has tried to find them through the Pix Chamber of Commerce and Elaine's information network, but with no success.
　Crono began to think that potatoes and other crops may have originated on another continent or in an area far enough away that they were not distributed.
　The Cepheus Empire does not have the technology for distant seafaring.
　The plan has been frustrated from the first step.
　Building a ship that could sail a long distance and develop navigation technology..........was beyond Crono's imagination.
　'Columbus was amazing~' Crono let out a sigh.

'Answer my question.

　'Pocong,' the landlady patted Crono on the head.

'Ah, ah, Elena. No~ I've been in a bit of a rut lately.
Rut?　You were such an innocent little boy when we met, how did you turn out to be like this?
She taught me a lot.
'What?　Don't say anything inappropriate.

　The landlady crossed her arms and stared at Crono.

'Do you remember the landlady comforting you when you were depressed?
Yeah, I don't know if that's true.

　Crono pointed out, and the landlady awkwardly tore her gaze away from Crono.

'I also remember when we first met, you sat down and asked me to be your patron,'

How can you be such a sensible person when your landlady had so much to offer?
Did you bathe in the tub, by the way?
Not yet. I thought Elena had a little more in there.

　Blatant, Crono thought, but he decided to take the landlady's word for it.

'Does it smell that bad?'
Yeah, you know. Yeah, that's right, go wash up, for God's sake, in a dry state.

　The landlady blushed shyly and said.

'Mufu, do you want it?
What?　I'm not saying it's stupid. It's just a matter of etiquette. If you understand, go take a bath!

　Crono was driven away by the landlady and left the dining room.

*

　Crono made it to the third floor dressing room without rubbing up against anyone.
　The person in charge of the late shift today, or even last night, seemed to be diligent and Elena's clothes were put away.
　Crono took off his clothes and opened the bathroom door....and put the clothes he had taken off in the laundry basket.

''........Ahhh, paradise.''

　After washing up, Crono dipped into the tub up to his shoulders and looked up at the ceiling.
　He pulled his arm out of the tub and tried to make a power bump.
　It's quite hard and has little or no flab.
　Same goes for his belly.
　He was chubby when he came to this world, but Myra's training had shaved off the flab.

'How come I haven't gotten thicker with all the training I've been doing in swordsmanship?　If I could just get a little more muscle, I could fight in a different way.

　Crono was not blessed with a great physique or talent.
　He has spent less time training than the nobles of his generation.
　It's a crapshoot.
　Inevitably, in order to compensate for this, he has no choice but to fight in a way that is ridiculed as cowardly.

''Ahh, the imprinting technique is also useless for risking one's life.

　Crono looked up at the ceiling and grunted.
　After continuing to train steadily, Crono was able to fight with his imprinting technique activated.
　However, he could only fight with the imprinting technique activated for three minutes at the most.

'But it's better than nothing.

　Thanks to the "Marking Technique", the breadth of my fighting style has expanded.
　Compared to the time when I could only use the Cardinal Music, this is a dramatic improvement.
　Thanks to this, I don't have to put a burden on my subordinates.
　To tell the truth, I'd like to be able to fight while protecting my men.



　When Crono returned to the dining room, Verna was clearing the dishes.
　Apparently, Tilia and the others didn't wait for Crono.

'Oh, you're quite late. All three of us have finished our breakfast.
I know that, I know that, but...

　Crono took his seat with some unexplained thoughts.
　The landlady smiles bitterly and sets the food and letter on the table.

'Letters?　From whom?
Miss Eryl gave me this for you. You can read it after dinner.

　Crono put Eryl's letter away and ate the landlady's food.
　The soup wasn't cold, it was solidly hot.

''Ahhh, the kindness of the landlady's kindness is wearing off.
What can you say, huh? I'm always giving you a hot meal.

　The landlady took a seat next to her and folded her hands.
　When Crono stole a glance at the landlady's face, she had a gentle smile on her face.

'Do you have something on my face?'
I feel like a mother.
Mom!

　The landlady made a barefaced noise.

'Sweet mother?'
He's way too big for my son.

　The landlady reached for Crono's head and stopped midway through.
　Perhaps she thought that if her hair fell off.

'Well, I haven't heard anything from Master Crono about his old ... family.
'I'm going to be a whiner,'

　Crono shredded the bread and stopped his hand.
　His parents would be worried about him.
　Maybe even my sister.......not just that sister, Crono threw the shredded bread into his mouth.

''Do you still have a crush on your former world?　Like, say, a woman.
'No way, I've never even been in a relationship. But, well, I guess I'd like to give my family a proper goodbye.

　'I know you can't,' said Crono, wiping his mouth with his napkin.

'Thanks for the meal.'
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Thanks for the help.

　The landlady stood up and leaned slightly forward to stack the plates.
　Crono also leaned forward to check the landlady's cleavage, but the landlady held her head down.

'Where are you looking, where?'
Of course, the landlady's chest... ouch!　Landlady, come on!

　Crono pleaded desperately, but the landlady's strength was not relaxed at all.

*

　Crono tucked Eryl's letter into his pocket and left the Marquis' mansion.
　The city of Hachel is just as lively as always.
　Ever since the port was completed, the commercial district has also become more lively.
　Crono is glaring at the fact that it's not just the port, but also the influence of the 'Sinner Trade Association'.
　The second shop of the Sinner Trade Association in Hachel mainly deals in clothing and decorative items.
　Clothes made by line work are still unbeatably cheap, even now that other merchants have reduced their prices.
　The display of products that Faye feels are new has also attracted a lot of attention.
　Not only that, she also changes her assortment drastically depending on the season and tries new things one after another.
　The second Sinner Trade Guild store has brought a breath of fresh air to the stagnant commercial district of Hachel.
　The Pics Chamber of Commerce is the company behind the Sinner Traders' Association and has been increasing its sales.
　However, the Pics Chamber of Commerce is not doing anything new.
　They are simply responding in good faith and not getting carried away by the booming economy.
　According to Crono's subordinates, that's a good thing.
　For what it's worth, there are many stores that discriminate against sub-humans.
　The Pix Chamber of Commerce doesn't sit on the sign of an established business, but is sincere and keeps the customers coming back.
　Once you leave the commercial district, you'll find yourself in an area lined with street vendors.
　If I had to describe my impression of this area in one word, it would be "chaos".
　Food related is decent, but everything else is just about everything.
　If you think there is a shop that deals in decent ornaments, there is a shop that tries to sell scrap jewelry with its mouth, and even a shop that deals in dubious energy pills.

"Mm, Crono.
...Tyria.

　Crono stopped in his tracks when his name was called.

'Tilia, we just had breakfast and you're buying and eating?'
I'm not hungry for dried fruit.

　Tilia's chest heaved as if she had no need to be ashamed.
　Her ample breasts pushed up her white military uniform.
　Tilia has spent quite a bit of money on buying and eating, but she has maintained her splendid proportions.

'My sun has gone down to earth,'
What's that sorry sound in your voice?

　Tilia packed up on Crono as if to say it was out of her mind.

'Because, Tilia, you enjoy your freedom too much. She doesn't learn, she doesn't work, and she has no intention of doing so. I don't think that's right for the princess of a country. By the way, in the world where I was from, people like Tilia now are called NEETs, and the existence of NEETs was a social problem.
If you ask me, I've been studying the life of a commoner. I've been training in swordsmanship, and I've been doing my best to deal with Crono.

　It's true ... Tyria stopped being self-centered at nighttime.
　She became a bit spoiled.
　However, Crono can't be reassured.
　He can't worry about when Tilia will regain her true nature.
　So I'm tying her up.

'Well, maybe it is.
For example, do you know the Chronosphere?　Since the removal of the toll tax, there's been an increase in the number of wagons going to Viscount Hamar's territory. The goods we're carrying are cheese.

　Tilia wound up shutting down Crono's objections.

'Oh, I heard they started planting clover in the fallow ground and the cows started to produce better milk?

　Tilia nodded in satisfaction.

''In other words, the excess cheese from the Marquis of Erakis' territory is being sold in Viscount Hamal's territory. This means that money and goods are starting to flow in, just as Crono wanted.''

　Tilia crossed her arms and walked in circles.

'But that's not all. That is to say, the peasants are now able to earn an income on better terms. In time, they should be able to buy from Viscount Hamal's territory, or the peasants should be able to take advantage of the stall system to set up shop in Hamal's territory.
Hmmm, wouldn't that drive up the price?
'It's got to come to a head at some point. There's a market for things, and there's a limit to how much money you can spend on food.

　'Oh,' exclaimed Crono in admiration.

'How's that, Crono!　I'm learning properly!

　Tyria put her hands on her hips, and this is as good as it gets!　I threw out my chest.
　He shook his chest.
　It's a wonder the buttons on my military uniform didn't fly off.

'So I hope you'll tolerate the buying and eating.
No, no, it's fine.

　Apparently, Tilia is learning a lot of things that she just hasn't had a chance to show off.
　Crono wants Tilia to regain her former glow, but I think Tilia is cute now too, if you can call it cute.



I'll go rub Master Crono's shoulder when I'm off duty. By myself, of course.
I'll come up with a different plan next time.
"Bite me.
Yeah, thanks.

　Crono took the souvenir from Sue and closed the door behind him.
　He leaned his back against the door and let out a long sigh.
　It was fun to say the least, but it was kind of a mentally exhausting time.

''Oh no, until I get dizzy!
Yeah, I'm kind of tired.

　As Crono stepped unsteadily downstairs, the waitress sounded surprised.
　He stepped outside and let out a loud sigh.

'I knew it, it's Crono-sama!
It's like we haven't seen each other in ages!

　Crono looked up and saw that Deneb and Alideed were about to dismount their horses.
　They ran up to Crono..........................and turned around on the way.

''We're going home with Crono-sama!
Like I want you to go home first!

　As Deneb and Arideed said out loud, the waiting light cavalry and archers began to advance.
　Immediately after appointing Kane as a deputy, the light cavalry and bow cavalry were divided into two squads to operate, but they were divided again into three squads because they were still worried about the security of the city streets.
　One of the reasons was that the twenty men who had been trained as archers and cavalry had reached the actual battle level.

''Crono-sama, let's have a little incense tea.
Like I want my pretty boys to buy me a drink.
Yeah, oh, sorry. Hey, not today, please.

　Aridid and Deneb looked at each other curiously and broke face.

'It's not a problem at all,'
Like it's enough to dabble until we get to the Marquess' house.

　Crono patted his chest in relief and began to walk slowly.

Deneb, Aridid, good job.
That word alone!
I'm like, "I want you to stroke my ear.
I need you to tell me enough is enough!

　When Crono stroked her ear, one of the twins made her eyes water.
　The older sister, Alideed, was ticklish, so it was the younger sister, Deneb, that Crono was stroking her ear.
　If you think about it, it's been two years since Deneb and Alideed have been together...a little over a year since they became fluffy.
　If you've been hanging out with the two of them this long, you have some idea which one is Deneb and which one is Alideed.
　Mostly, the good-natured Arideed speaks first, followed by the slightly more thoughtful Deneb.
　However, these days Deneb betrays Arideed frequently.

''I want to be petted too, and I want to be petted too!
Hooray.
'What a Texan....duh, but still, it's like I'm happy with myself!

　Alideed clenched his fists and gave him a subtle look.

'So, how do you two like the captaincy for the first time in a long time?
We can afford it. But if you think about it, those of us who served as archer centurions and were even knights...
''When I became a flat bow cavalryman, or a cavalry squad leader... when I was no longer attached to a position, I seriously doubted the possibility of reprisal appointments...''
You know some hard words, like retaliatory personnel.

　
　Crono was impressed that Aridid and Deneb knew the term retaliatory personnel.

'Even with this, it's like we're learning!
''Lately, I've been thinking that serving the development of the territory under Crono-sama isn't a bad idea!

　I'll have to work on it, Crono smiled.



　When Crono went to his office in the Marquis' mansion, a stack of papers was placed on his desk.
　Crono let out a deep sigh and sat down in his chair.

''It's just a simple job of signing the papers.

　Crono uttered a self-deprecating gag and began to process the paperwork.
　Even though the paperwork was handled, Crono's role was limited to looking over reports and signing business licenses for the brothel and slave trade.
　The fact that Crono's work only requires permits and approvals is largely due to the help of the head of the office staff, the sitter.
　The sitter has a dull appearance, but he is the one who can flesh out Crono's ideas and translate them into administrative tasks.
　For example, when the brothel and the slave trade were changed to a permit system, the sitter took care of everything from how to publicize the switch to a permit system, to the format of the paperwork, to what procedures were used to accept applications and who would check them and turn them in to Crono.
　From Crono's point of view, the sitter is a competent person, but at his previous workplace..............................it seems that he was treated as one of the clerical staff under Tilia.
　It seems that the reason why the sitter served as the organizer is also because the sitter was the oldest.
　There was a knock on the door.
　As Crono continued to sign in silence, the door opened quietly.
　It was Alyssa who opened the door.
　'Excuse me,' Alyssa bowed and walked up to Crono.

'Crono-sama, the incense tea is in.
Alyssa, thanks.

　Crono took the incense tea from Alyssa and sipped it.

Oh, it's cold.
'Yes. Elven maids can do magic.

　Alyssa smiled softly.

'It's been getting warmer lately, thank goodness.
'I'll tell him Master Crono was grateful.

　Crono tipped his cup, "I like the noise, but I also like this kind of cozy silence," he said.
　Crono slowly drank the incense tea and set the cup down on the table.

'Crono-sama, would you like a refill?'
No, one is enough.

　'Yes,' said Alyssa, nodding quietly and walking out of the office.

'Well, let's get on with our work.'

　Feeling refreshed, Crono signs the permit.
　The merchant who reports trouble will return it for incomplete paperwork and demand improvement at that time.
　If the trouble continues, the business license will be revoked.
　Crono had intended to do so, but he had never revoked a business license before.
　It would be a great advantage for the brothel owners and slavers to be able to do business with the lord's approval.
　It was about a third of the way through the paperwork that the door was knocked on again, when Crono processed the paperwork.
　The door opened.
　Leila pauses as if hesitating to enter the room.
　Apparently, Leila is concerned about making a mess in her office.

'Never mind, come in.
Yes, Mr. Crono.

　Crono leaned his weight on the back and rubbed his eyelids.
　Leila stopped a little further away from the desk and saluted Crono.
　Maybe she was too far away.　I guess, but Leila doesn't want to make Crono uncomfortable with the smell of dust and sweat.
　The source of information is Leila herself.
　Well, Crono tells her that he doesn't care about it.

'We have returned after patrolling the streets.
Good night, Leila. How did you do?
''As per Crono-sama's instructions, I've interviewed him about the Mercenary Guild, and the majority of his opinions were favorable.
Well, that should be about it.

　Crono folded his hands behind his head.

'How's the newly-incorporated bow cavalry doing?
He seems pretty nervous, but I try to take frequent breaks, so I don't think it's a problem.
Be patient.
Yes, Mr. Crono.

　Leila replied without seeming overbearing.
　Lately, Leila seems to have a good amount of relaxation in her shoulders.
　It's probably thanks to the advice Rio is giving her.
　Rio has also softened the atmosphere with Rio.
　Surprisingly, country life might be more suited to Rio's nature.

''Leila, you'll have to write down what you hear in your report as well.
Yes, I understand.

　Leila saluted again and walked out of the office.

'Well, I've got to get on with it.

　Crono straightened up and began to process the paperwork.

*

　After finishing the paperwork, Crono took his wooden sword in hand and headed to a corner of the garden - the place where Faye and Tony always trained in swordplay.
　The sun was setting significantly and the dwarves working in the workshop and the workers in the paper workshop were beginning to prepare to leave.
　Good job, Crono said to the dwarves and workers as they rubbed by, and they arrived at their usual spot.
　There, Faye and Tony were discussing their wooden swords.
　No, Faye was giving them advice while letting Tony hammer away at it.
　It's not surprising, but Faye was handling Tony's attack without danger.
　Crono began to bare away from the two of them so as not to disturb them.
　Through trial and error, Crono had arrived at an anomalous fighting style that caught the enemy off guard and played tricks on him, but it was useless if the foundation was not solid.

''That's all for today, sir.

　When Crono was sweating profusely, Faye announced the end.
　Tony sat there without a voice.
　Keeping his body moving was more draining than he expected.

''Mm, Crono-sama is very motivated today, isn't he!　Shall we begin immediately?
I'll have to move around a bit more.
I understand, sir!

　Faye stood in front of Crono as they faced each other and began to swing in front of him.
　Crono swung his wooden sword to match Fay's movements.
　Faye's skill is far superior to Crono's.
　No matter how much effort........no, no matter how hard he tries, Crono will never reach the heights of Fay.
　Nevertheless, he continues to strive.
　Even if he was taking slow steps below the turtle, he couldn't stop.
　I don't want to go on a diet while being abused by Myra again.

''........Crono-sama.
Okay.

　Crono stopped pretending and wiped the sweat off his face.
　Then, he and Faye got some distance between them.
　Faye is not caught off guard.
　You can see it in his eyes.
　The chances of Crono getting one from Fay are slim.
　One in a thousand or one in ten thousand, there is such a difference in ability, but Faye will do her best.
　That makes Crono happy.
　When Crono activates the 'Mark', Faye exercises the Divine Majesty Technique to comply.
　A black light rises from Fay.
　Crono kicked the ground.
　He closed the distance in one fell swoop with the muscle strength strength strengthened by the 'imprinting technique' and fired a sideways blow.
　Faye countered Crono's attack with her wooden sword.
　It's a good idea to have a good time with your friends.
　It only lasted a few seconds before they were able to maintain their balance.
　Faye pushed him away.
　Crono leapt backwards from him and tried to get away from Fay.
　Faye chased after him as if she wasn't going to let him get away.
　Crono deployed his 'field' over a wide area and extended his shadow.
　The shadows extend from under Crono's feet, from under Faye's feet, and from the trees in the garden.
　Crono's swordsmanship skills are greatly inferior to Fay's.
　Even if you improve your physical abilities with the "Marking Technique", it would be meaningless if the fey used the "Divine Authority Technique".
　However, the power of the technique that applies the 'Marking Technique' the power of the 'Marking Technique' somehow manages to get through for a few seconds.

''I need your help!

　The next moment when Faye thrust the wooden sword into the ground, something swelled up and blew away the shadows.
　It was the first time Crono had ever seen 'divine power art'.
　The 'divine power jutsu' is an extremely versatile jutsu.
　It's a cheat jutsu that allows you to do many things with your senses, even if you don't understand the logic at all.
　I'm sure Fay will say that she was able to do that after trying many things.

I'm ready!
What's the matter with you?

　Faye fired a scooping blow and immediately swung her wooden sword down.
　It was a flowing series of attacks.
　Crono haphazardly rolled around on the ground, dodging Fay's attacks and throwing pebbles at him.
　Faye effortlessly flicked the pebbles away with her wooden sword.
　The pebble was flicked right upwards and bong!　And exploded.
　Faye looked straight up, her mouth open in dismay.

'Eat it!'
Nuh-uh!　It is foul!

　Crono threw every pebble he had at Fay.
　Explosions went off one by one and black flames covered Faye.

'It's gutsy!
What?

　Faye pierced through the black flames and fleshed out on Crono.

''It is Tenchu!
Guffaw!

　Faye's fist pierced Crono's pigeon tail.
　Crono stopped the 'imprint' as his body began to scream with a mitching noise.
　Crono coughed repeatedly and then looked up.

Mmmm, Crono-sama was good up to the halfway point today, up to the halfway point. It's a big deduction to be careless at the end. A point for the rest of the day!
'We tried our best again this time, but yeah, one after the other, they're going to come up with a plan to deal with it.
'Of course, sir!　As Crono-sama is growing, I am growing too!

　Faye threw out her chest as if she was proud of her victory.

''Now, next time, it's a purely swordsmanship match!
Yes?

　This time, Crono stood up with a creaking body, saying, "Let's have a swordfight and then a mock battle.