*

　Oh, I'm sleepy, Crono closed his eyes and rubbed his eyelids.
　He was sleepy last night because he had been working on paperwork until midnight.
　I just stayed up a little late, Crono let out a sigh.
　Perhaps it was because he had been living a relatively regular life since he came to this world, but the day after staying up late was strangely difficult.
　There was no denying the possibility that the monotonous work was amplifying the sleepiness.

It's not so hard to sign a sheet or two, but when there's so much to sign. I mean, why don't you just make a seal!

　How did I not see this coming!　And Crono was in the mood to poke fun at his own idea.
　In the first place, the documents were not meant to be submitted anywhere.
　Who would complain just because Crono used a seal?

''Oh, but if it's not kanji, it's going to be horizontal. And then a family crest?　No, no, no, I don't want to base it on initials... well, just use kanji.

　When we're all settled, Crono slapped his cheek, "Let's go ask Goldie for help," he said.
　That's when he heard a tap on the door.
　A few moments later, Alyssa opened the door to her office.
　Alyssa, unlike Crono who was sleep-deprived, seemed to be on a normal course.

''Crono-sama, if you'll excuse me. I have brought you some incense tea and a list of names.''

　Alyssa placed the incense tea and a stack of papers on Crono's desk.

'A list?'
The sitter asked me to give you a list of the exiles.
You're so clever.

　When Crono was impressed, Alyssa gave a small smile.

'What's the fun in that?'
'Sometimes Master Crono looks like a child.
Such as?
'When you're admiring something, as you are now, or when you're eating, it's the same. Especially when they're eating, they look very happy.

　Alyssa thinks of me as a child, Crono had mixed feelings.
　Even with this, though, I've gained experience as a lord, and I've been through many deadlines as a soldier.
　Crono leaned back and looked over the roster.
　Alyssa smiles as she watches Crono cross her legs.
　She's like a mother watching over her child.

'I guess the reason there are so many Kiri ages is because you don't know your own age, right?
Not many people are educated.
I can't wait to build the school!
Isn't the school already built?
I'm working on it, but it's going to take a little longer.

　Crono groaned as he plopped down at his desk.
　Last month, Crono had told Kane that he was starting a school for his men, but it wasn't going as planned.

'Do you have a problem with the one you hired as a teacher?'
My bad judgment. Teaching them how to teach is harder than they thought. Well, I'll take care of that, but what I want to do is create a school for the territorial population.

　Crono leaned back and looked up at the ceiling.

'Master Crono, where's the incense tea?'
Yes, please.

　Alyssa poured the incense tea into the empty cup.
　Crono picked up the cup, drank half of the incense tea and exhaled.

'Well, there's no point in rushing things. Let's take care of one problem at a time.'

　Alyssa nodded quietly.
*

　The sound of hammering echoed through the garden of the Marquis' mansion today.
　After finishing the meal, Crono looked into the workshop, but Goldie was not there.

''If you're the Goldie Centurion, you're out to dinner.
What?

　When Crono looked towards the direction of the voice, he saw a dwarven woman sitting on a wooden box, her legs dangling.
　The dwarven woman........Paula was a chap who participated in the construction of the port of Count Caddo's territory in order for Crono to remember her face, and she was also a solid person who made Crono promise to invest in artisans who would benefit the territory.

''There's no need to sound so unexpected. Even a Goldie centurion would have a meal.
Yeah, but thanks, man.

　When it comes to Goldie, he has an image of being a hard worker.
　Crono is aware that he is the cause of this, though.

'If you need me, I'll ask you?
No, it's not.

　Crono mouthed the idea that Goldie was in charge of the workshop and that he was ordering her over his head.
　Then Paula smiled cynically, as if she had read Crono's thoughts.

'All I do is ask what I want and tell the Goldie Centurion. It's like a message board.'
Well, I want you to make this for Goldie.

　Crono handed Paula a piece of paper.
　The paper was an image of a seal that Crono had drawn in a couple of minutes while he was working.
　Paula tilts her head curiously, perhaps because Crono's drawing was too crude.

''The seal?''
That's close enough, but that's the one I'm going to stamp on the paperwork.

　'Ahhhhh,' said Paula, nodding as if she finally understood.

'I see, what is this pattern?'
It's a Chinese character that may or may not be used in the Far East, and I'd be happy if it was.

　'It wouldn't be a coincidence that a complex character like Chinese characters would occur by accident, but it wouldn't be surprising if they did, Crono thought.

'What else?'
I'll leave the materials and decorations up to you.
It's the last thing I want to do, so I'll make sure they know.
We'll miss you.
'We didn't have enough contacts to be missed, and it's Count Caddo's territory we're going to.

　Paula waved her hands from side to side as if in denial.

'So now we're masters of a kingdom. It's been a long, awfully long time.'

　Paula teamed up with her friends to set up a kiln. The investor is Crono.
　Incidentally, the two main points of the selection process were that Paula and her team made practical items and that they worked as a team.

'We made a lot of picture plates,'
That's what you paid for.
'We had merchants who bought the plates, but no merchants who invested in them, and

　Paula's lips quirked up in frustration.
　Apparently, Paula wanted to win the investment with picture plates rather than the utilitarian ceramics.

'Paula and the other maids in the Marquis' mansion love their plates.
Hi.

　Crono was about to say that washing the dishes was easier, too, but Paula's reaction was nowhere near as good, so he stopped.

'Well, I'm going to the poorhouse then,'
I'll tell him.

　Paula smiled bitterly.

*

　Crono slowed his pace in an area lined with stalls.
　The area is alive with activity.
　Elena says it's noisy and disgusting, but Crono likes the festive atmosphere.
　It's also a good place to hear the voice of the territory's residents in person.

''That's why........that's why. Do they love me?
"Mm, the Lord is loved. Push and push and push and push!

　Hmmm, a consultation for your troubles, Crono looked at one of the stalls.

''Meaning, Tilia!
Crono!　Hey, hey, what are you doing here, here!

　When Crono called her name, Tilia turned around in a hurry.
　

''Oh, the Marquis of Erakis. Are we meeting in an unexpected place?''
Priest, what are you doing?
It's life advice. Don't you see the sign?

　The priest replied with pride.
　It was true that the crude sign with a board hammered on a wooden stick said 'Life Advice'.
　Well, there was a small sign next to it that said 'Jet Black Temple, Marquis of Erakis Sub-Branch'.

''Heh, what was Tilia consulting on?''
Hmm, that's...

　Crono asked, and Tyria turned over shyly, squirming and sliding her thighs together.

'Mmm, this girl seems to be anxious to see if her Lord loves her.
But you promised not to tell anyone!
Is that right?

　The priestess didn't seem to be offended at all when Tilia yelled at her.

'Yes, as a matter of fact I do. Crono, do you love me?
I love you.

　Huh?　And Tilia looked as if a pigeon had been hit by a peashooter.

Oh, really?
I love Tilia in my own way.

　Tilia crossed her arms and tilted her head in wonder.

'Yeah, right.'

　Tilia doesn't seem to be full of it.

'So, will you be nicer next time?'

　Tilia is embarrassed and even her ears are red.
　Probably, 'next' must mean 'next nightlife'.

''I refuse.''
Nuh-uh!　Why?　You love me, don't you?

　When Crono refused, Tilia crowded Crono.

''....Tilia. Although I didn't say anything, I hear I have a sadistic streak.
'It's too late!　For the most part, you're....
Wait, Tilia.

　Crono controlled Tilia's hand as she tried to vent her frustration.

'I think there are three preferences for sadists. The first is the type that likes to be violent and the second is the type that enjoys the reaction of the other person.'

　Yeah?　Tilia tilted her head curiously.

'And the last thing you want to do is imagine how they're feeling.
What does it matter?
''Tilia has the most noble blood in the Cepheus Empire. I'm sure she was carefully raised as a princess. In addition, she is a beautiful woman with a great deal of talent. I'm sorry to disparage Tilia's efforts, but I don't think she had much trouble with her studies and swordplay.
Well, yeah, I guess so.

　Tilia nodded vaguely.

'Tilia, lend me your ear.'
Okay.

　Tilia turned her right ear to Crono.

'I'm sure Tilia...'

　Crono whispered in Tilia's ear.
　Tilia's cheeks turned vermilion.
　Not only her cheeks, but even her ears are red.

''Gyaaaaah!''
Wow!

　Tyria exclaimed and jumped back with tremendous speed.

'Oh, geez, you're so, so, so thoughtful!

　Tyria held one ear and shuddered with a wince.

'You, outcast!'
Thank you.
It's not a compliment!
Well, that's just the way it is.

　Crono sat down on the crate.

'What did you do with the money to open a stall?'
See, did you say fey or something?　Get that guy to make a donation.
Faye doesn't seem like a very religious person.

　But I guess that's just the way it goes, Crono thought.
　Faye is a user of the Divine Majesty Technique, and it's not surprising that she's grateful to the gods for lending her strength.
　Or rather, he's a terrible ingrate, borrowing only the power of a god and not being religious.

'Kukku, if you tell him he'll be unhappy if he doesn't donate, he'll have one shot.
What are you doing to my men?

　Crono shouted to the priest, who smiled wickedly.

'It's the one who gets tricked, you know.
That's a crook's line!
You needn't be so angry. I understand. I'll give Faye her money back when I've made my money in this business.
Well, okay, then.

　Crono put the contraption away, feeling inseparable.

'But does this job make money?'
That's rude. How many times have you been accosted?

　The priest said he was out of his mind.

'Surprisingly in demand. What kind of counsel have you received?'
'How much is it, sis?' And talk to me.
It's not a consultation!
Marquis Erakis, the people who have approached me are trying to fill a void in their hearts by holding a woman. Filling the gaps in their hearts. Isn't that the job of a priest?
I suppose you have a point, but there's no street hustling on my estate.

　When Crono glared at him, the priestess playfully cowered her shoulders.

'Don't glare at me with such a scary face. Nothing happened like you imagined. What can I say, we can't come to terms on the price.
What I thought was going to happen was going to happen!
Don't push it. I told you we couldn't negotiate a price.

　The priest controlled Crono with his hand as he tried to stand up.

'I told him he could leave himself to it if he donated the temple to me. However!
There's a whole lot of rambling going on throughout, what's the rest of it?

　The priest nodded hawkishly as Crono urged him onward.

'Are you crazy?　And then they spit on the ground.

　The priestess covered her face with her hands and paragraphed.

'Isn't that too crazy or too much?　I was just casually hurt!

　The priest called out with tears in his eyes.

'No, if you ask me to build a temple for the first time, you know. There's usually a market price for things.''
'Quotes?　How much would you offer me?
What about lords breaking the law?
I didn't tell you to buy me!　I want to know what I'm worth as a woman!

　Well, if that was the case, Crono looked at the priestess.
　Priestess's breasts are smaller than Tilia's, but the degree of exposure is more than that of a landlady.
　The fact that she's not only exposing her breasts, but also her legs is particularly high point.

''I don't think it's too necessary~''
Isn't it necessary?　Don't you want me?

　The priest's eyes widened in surprise.

'To be frank, you're not lacking in women, are you?
Well, well, well, I've got big tits and I don't age well!

　The Priestess crossed her arms to emphasize her breasts and show Crono her worth as a woman.

'Even if the Priestess is immortal, I'm not immortal, and I'm not immortal.
If you wish, I can give you immortality. How do you like that?

　The priest gave Crono a meaningful look.

'I don't want it. There are going to be pitfalls with that sort of thing.'
I'm not greedy.

　The priest smiled sadly.

'Well, I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I can't give you immortality.
Hmm.

　Crono wondered if he could do something close to that, even if he couldn't get immortality, but he didn't say it.

'I guess I stayed a little too long,'
If I'm going to Dino's, I'm going with you.

　As Crono stood up, so did the priest.

*

　When Crono entered the Rescue and Poverty Institute with the priest, the Rescue and Poverty Institute was filled with the same silence as yesterday.
　It's an unnatural silence, considering that there are more than fifty users.
　That's the way it should be, Crono thought.
　The elves had fled from the Holy Argo Kingdom.
　They must be very tired and distrustful of humans.
　There was no way they could make a fuss under such circumstances.
　What about Sion-san?　And Crono looked around.
　The interior of the Relief and Rehabilitation Institute is partitioned with boards to protect privacy.
　It's about the size of a booth in a comic book store, but the outlook is poor.

'Crono-sama?'

　It was faster for Theon to find Crono.

'Mr. Theon, where's Dino?'
I think he's better than yesterday, but we shouldn't talk too long.

　Crono asked, and Sion replied apologetically.

I don't intend to stay long.
This way.

　Theon led Crono to Dino.
　Dino's bed was at the far end.
　As soon as Dino looked at Crono, he tried to raise himself up.

'No, stay where you are.'

　Crono sat down in a chair near the bed.

'How can I thank you for only meeting us once?
You don't have to be afraid to have an ulterior motive.
I see.

　A gloomy light dwells in Dino's eyes.

'I didn't mean to ask you to give me the girl,'
Yeah, right.

　Dino was clearly relieved.

'It doesn't mean I have to give you a man, you know.
Oh, yeah.

　When Crono reminded him, Dino looked clearly confused.
　Apparently, Crono had dug his grave.

'Marquis Erakis, what do you expect us to do?'
'The workforce?　I was just about to expand my paper shop business. I'll pay you a salary, of course.
'I think it's an excellent suggestion. But I need to discuss it with my colleagues for a moment.
Okay.

　Dino's expression was dull.
　It was bad enough to rush him, and Crono stood up.
　When Crono was sent off by Sion and walked out of the poorhouse, the priestess had a nasty smile on her face.

'If you've got something to say, I hope you do.
I got dumped.

　Crono ignored the priest and started to walk away.

'I'm sober and hurt!
Is there something else you want to tell me?
What does the Marquis of Erakis think Dino has in mind?

　The priest still has a nasty smile on his face.
　It's a smile that says he knows the answer.

'....Anxiety or fear.
Well, they're not wrong.

　The priest crossed his arms in a pompous manner.

'Dino is anxious to take the Lord's offer, you know.

　Crono tilted his head, not understanding what the priestess was trying to say.

''Dino is a unifier, so you've considered the advantages and disadvantages of taking advantage of your Lord's favor.

　The priest looked up to heaven as if to say he didn't understand.

What is given by favor is gone as soon as the favor is lost. I am not saying that you seem to be the kind of person who would return the favor. That's just the way I see it. It's just that there are other people who are there to begin with.
It's a compromise, I suppose.
"If we are to be accepted by the strangers, it's a rite of passage you need to show them you are useful to them.

　Considering Mino's family and Tony and the others, I feel like the priest is right.

'Are you convinced?'
To the extent that I think I lacked that perspective,
I haven't lived long enough.

　The priest turned his chest back and puffed out his nostrils in a proud manner.

'On the other hand, if you live long enough, even if you're an idiot, you'll be wiser?
Why do you say the opposite!　This is an honestly impressive place to be!

　The priest shoved at Crono.

'I had a feeling I'd better keep it fried.
We don't need it!
No, you need it. It's as important as where you take it, not here. If you miss this moment, you won't be able to get it.
No, no, no, I'm still going to be impressed with you.　You wouldn't be impressed if you missed this moment, would you?
'If you're a great priest, you'll get as many opportunities as you want. So I think we should get fried here.
Really?　But though I have lived a long life, I am not God himself. There is a limit to the number of times I can impress you. Therefore, be honestly impressed.
'Does that mean I don't have many opportunities to admire it?　Tsk, that's really useless.
It's really useless or hurtful!
Because the only thing I've lived long enough to learn is to plunge in.
"Deny everything I've done with my life of loneliness!　Find out what makes me tick before you deny everything.　Here, you have it.　I have a lot of good qualities, don't I?
The priest is very flippant, isn't he?
Long life... haha!
On the other hand, if you're not in a good groove, you'll live longer.
'Endless!　Will our conversations never end?
Yeah, it's over.
Huh?

　The Priestess looked around.
　It was an area lined with stalls ... a place where the priestess's shop was located.

'But maybe we don't need a priestess.
"I haven't been of any use to you, Lord Crono.
"I want them to think I'm useful.
Not at all, you two. You're going to be useful. Have some confidence.

　There, Tilia was consulting with White and Hiilo.
　Tilia's life advice seemed to be very popular and several customers were lined up behind White and Hairo.

''The shop is being taken over when I take my eyes off it!

　The priest's shrill cry rang out.

*

　Under the moonlight, the priest is drinking wine on a cloth on the ground.
　His white throat moves up and down.
　That's all it takes to make it feel strangely glamorous.
　Naturally, once the glass is empty, the throat stops moving.
　The glass leaves his lips.
　The wet lips are chillingly s*xy.
　Tickle my tongue out and lick my lips. Perhaps.
　It wouldn't have been much of a meaningful act for the priest, but Crono........

'Huh!　Good wine!
It's ruined.

　Crono muttered to the side as the priestess wiped her mouth.
　The glamour and coloration disappeared the moment the priestess exhaled.
　Now in front of Crono was a jolly drunkard.

''Would you like to join me for a drink, Lord?''
I don't drink as I have to work tomorrow. By the way, where's the wine from?
I'm in the basement.

　Crono let out a sigh.

'Can you get drunk, Priestess?'
You can get drunk. Well, you can't get drunk, and you can't get drunk if you're uptight.
You drink too much when you're drunk.

　The priest poured the wine into a glass.

'Come to think of it why did you say you didn't need immortality?
''Umm, well, for a lot of reasons, but I'm not positive enough to enjoy immortality...''

　I think I can handle the first hundred years or so, but Crono isn't sure he's going to enjoy the next hundred years.

'No?'
'Because the priest doesn't look like he's enjoying himself.

　The next moment Crono pointed out, the priestess became expressionless.
　But the priestess quickly smiled and stoked the wine.

'Well, it's not much fun. The people I'm getting along with are dying faster than I am. It used to be ... good.

　The Priestess propped up her glass with both hands and muttered to herself.

'It seems like it's been a tough time for me, but I was most fulfilled when I was fighting as a priest-soldier.

　Wasn't it all bad?　And Crono looked at the priestess.
　Then the priest shook his head weakly, as if he could see through Crono's heart.

'I was once called a hero, but before I knew it, I couldn't see what I wanted to protect.

　It's probably because he's an ordinary person that Crono thinks that he's powerful enough to be called a hero.
　The priest hung his head without strength.
　Is it because he is holding back tears that he is trembling small?

''........Priestess.

　Crono called out, but the priestess remained downcast.
　'Priestess,' Crono called out again.

'I know you're checking me out with your glass, Priestess,'
"Tch, you should let your emotions get the better of you at times.
If you let your emotions get the better of you, you'll end up a priest.

　It's a mine woman, Crono said, moving away from the priestess a bit.
　And the priestess is not an anti-personnel or anti-tank mine, but a nuclear mine.

'Is there a man somewhere who will share my fate with me?
That fate is too heavy.

　Crono's shoulders slumped.

*

　The next day, Crono was in his office, working on some paperwork.

'Yeah, I'll get my work done,'

　Crono pressed the seal to an improvised stamp stand and stamped the document.
　The stamp stand was made of ink dripped onto a cloth placed on a small plate.

'The dwarven craftsmen do a good job~'

　Crono stared at the seal, enthralled.
　The material of the seal is wood.
　It has little decoration and looks like a chess piece.
　It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　It's a bit of a pleasure to be able to use my name.........................Hisamitsu Kurono in another world.

''Crono-sama, please excuse me.''

　There was a tap on the door and Alyssa entered the room.
　Crono had hoped that Alyssa would bring him some incense tea, but Alyssa was empty-handed.

'Crono-sama, Sion-sama is here.
What did I promise you?
We are here with one of Master Crono's guardian elves. Do you wish to decline?
No, I'm coming.

　Crono put the seal in the box and stood up.

'Where are Mr. Zion and the others?'
He's waiting for you in the parlor.
Alyssa's a smartass.

　Crono left his office.

*

　As Crono entered the parlor, Sion floated up from the sofa to get up.

'Oh, stay where you are,'

　Crono sat on the couch and stared at Dino.
　Thanks to the ample rest, Dino's complexion is better than yesterday.

'Have you decided how to behave?'
Yeah.

　Theon looks at Dino with concern.
　Looking at his expression, Theon doesn't seem to be positive about Dino and the others' decision.

''I heard from Sion-sama that they're clearing the Coma Forest,''
Yeah, so?

　Crono asked in a low voice, narrowing his eyes.
　It was an act to intimidate him.
　If this is how Dino is going to be pressured, he's not ready.

'I need your help in clearing the forest.
We have enough people to do the job. Pioneering is hard work. And I think the elves are inferior to the minotaurs and lizardmen in terms of efficiency.

　Dino clenched his fists as if to hold back his anger.

'If we're inferior in efficiency, we'll make up for it by working longer. If that's not enough, we'll hunt and earn our keep. I won't cause you any more trouble.''
'It would be a pain in the ass if a lot of people got sick or died from working long hours. 'Dino, I'm sure the conditions I offered you weren't so bad. What are you complaining about?
I have no complaints.

　Dino looked at Crono and said, looking at him.

'Why would you want to work in inferior conditions?'
We want to take our place in the world by ourselves. It's not just about enduring. We don't just want to give. We want something to be proud of for the next generation. We want the fact that we've won that something.

　Crono let out a sigh, wondering if this was another rite of passage.

'All right. I'll respect the decision of Dino and the others.'
...and thank you.

　Dino hung his head deeply.

'There's one more thing I need to ask of you.
Well, you tell me.

　Dino straightened his residence.

'There are about ten young elves. I would like to use these ten as soldiers.
'You can't hire a private army,'
I know. And I've heard about the system in this country.

　Crono chuckled, "You mean you're going to pull out after becoming a soldier in the Imperial Army?
　Crono wouldn't have been able to intervene in a soldier's personnel when he became a lord.
　Not now.
　Well, it's not that Crono has any influence in the Military Affairs Bureau, it's just that he has an idea of the people who might be able to do something about it.

'Well, well, nice to meet you then,'
Yeah.

　Crono shook hands with Dino.